Head Offices of the Imperial Intelligence Agency

Riconus Xind'ell · July 3, 2007, 07:59 PM

Within a deep corner of the Sunset Parish, a simple and barely-marked stone building could be seen. Rarely was anyone ever seen entering it and only two men stood guard in front of the simple, wooden door which permitted entry. While they had the posture and discipline of an Imperial Legionnaire, the two guards were instead dressed in a simple black cloak, with their hoods covering their heads at all times. No armaments were visible, except for the longswords which hung from their waist, but their duty to protecting the establishment they stood by was quite vigilant. Only from an iron plaque on the door could one identify what the building stood for, which read as follows:

Quote:

CENTRAL COMMAND CENTRE
26TH AELYRIAN IMPERIAL LEGION
THE IMPERIAL SHIELDS OF AELYRIA PRIME

AREA RESTRICTED

If entry was granted, any visitor would find that the interior of the building was just as humble as it was from outside. Offices lined every wall, and only a wooden door similar to the one by the entrance separated them from the main lobby. That very lobby was just as sparsely occupied as one might imagine; an elderly gnome sat behind a worn out desk, with storage cabinets standing to either side of his person. Seeing how he had few visitors, any unfamiliar face would be approached by the gnome who, despite his incredible intelligence, displayed ghastly teeth as he smiled at you.

“Serale, Traveller. Those who come here have only two purposes: to work in one of the offices surrounding you… or to meet the man upstairs. Now, I don’t see you carrying a letter from the Ministry of War approving your employment here, so I imagine you want to take the door leading to the stairs behind me.”

The gnome sat back down, practically ignoring the newcomer after he or she was directed to an open doorframe where stairs lead up to a narrow hallway. At the end of that hallway, two more men dressed and equipped the same as the guardsmen outside stood in front of a more polished oak door, emblazoned with a golden plaque reading:

Quote:

KESTOR IMPERATIS RICONUS KALDRES XIND’ELL

DIRECTOR GENERAL OF THE IMPERIAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY

The Guards put up no resistance to any visitor that made it to the Kestor Imperatis’ front door, and upon announcing the visitor, they would be welcomed to an office tiled in marble and lit up by the suns’ light that pierced the multiple windows sprinkled across the entire room. A solid mahogany desk sat in front of two leather chairs for visiting personnel, and a larger leather chair rested behind the desk for the general to sit. Obviously, the brunt end of the budget to build the establishment was spent on an area where few would even enter; it was meant as a welcoming place for the select individuals Imperatis Xind’ell would have to do an impression on, in order to secure the stability of the Imperial Army’s most reclusive Legion.

But before anything could be seen or heard from within the walls of the Imperial Intelligence Agency’s isolated encampment, the two skilled guardsmen required a mighty strong reason to be allowed access.

Kella Greeran · July 5, 2007, 09:10 PM

4th Brightening in 2nd cycle of Kalendryas, Season of winter, Era XIII

Kella had rode in from Paxia the evening before. As she trudged into the compound she felt she would have bartered her firstborn for a true bed. Compared to the mat she'd been keeping company with all her traveling evenings, the barrack's beds were a luxurious treat.

Depressing to miss a cot, don't you think, Kella?

She had to agree with her mental commentary this time. It was a little sad, but then she had never had much luxury to be snobbish about anything.
However, she did have a grand imagination, so she could easily conceive of finer things: Chocolate, pillows, expensive riding boots, and clothes that fit well enough to make a priest kick a hole in a stain glass window.

Amidst these happy thoughts, Kella neared the cloaked sentinels.

"I like the uniforms, Sirs. Very mysterious and I imagine rather forgiving round the hips."

She gave a quick, lop sided smile and extended her orders that she'd dutifully saved from her graduation. They were in order save the back of one had a stain from a smear of jam.

Way to go, Kella. Jam. Why didn't you just wrap the papers around a chicken leg while you were at it? They might've appreciated the snack.

She coughed daintily into her hand hoping to keep the guards from giving the orders too much scrutiny.

"I was told I'm to report here for intelligence training."

Riconus Xind'ell · July 10, 2007, 08:27 PM

OOC: sorry it took so long to respond to this Kella. I lost the first copy of my reply, so it took a while to muster up a second one.

The two guardsmen looked at eachother in confusion as Kella commented on how forgiving their attire must be on the hips. Having a mysterious fashion sense wasn’t often remarked by a legionnaire; more often than not, someone seeking admittance into the IIA headquarters wanted as little to do with these men as possible, considering their hands were large enough to crush an orc’s skull. The oddity of Kella was only added to by the jam stain that appeared on her assignment orders, which was scarcely held by the forefinger and thumb of one guard as the other tried to read it from a distance.

”It says here that Legionnaire Greeran has been assigned to Intelligence.” said one guard to the other. He then turned his attention to Kella. ”Well Legionnaire, I would not advise commenting on the attire of the man upstairs- maybe then, he’ll ignore the fact that your breakfast is smeared all over your transfer orders.

You may pass.”

Who exactly this ‘man upstairs’ was remained a mystery for the time, but upon entry to the sparse interior of the building, an elderly gnome sitting behind a ragged desk pointed to a single staircase that laid in the back corner of the lobby. He said nothing to her nor even lifted his head off the desk… he only pointed upstairs. Once ascending to the top floor, another pair of guards looking similar to the ones outside opened the door to an elaborate office of marble and oak. Five other people waited in the room as well, saying nothing to eachother, and only sharing the fact that they waited for the ‘man upstairs’ to arrive. Not long after Kella arrived, another man came through the door, in the form of a tall Syl’rosyan male. His red overcoat was draped in the golden embroidery of an Imperial General, and upon his entry, those in attendance with Kella went into staunch attention.

The general passed by them all, saying nothing, before taking a seat at his desk and recommending that all his visitors do the same. After everyone had been seated, the general, or ‘man upstairs’, rose to his feat to explain the purpose of their meeting.

“My name is Kestor Imperatis Riconus Xind’ell, Commander of the 26th Legion and Director-General of the Imperial Intelligence Agency. Now, what I am about to tell you all shall not leave this room, and should you choose not to be interested in this project, you may voice your opinion now, and leave under the condition that this is never spoken of again. I imagine you are all wondering why you have been assigned to a unit that does not see any actual combat, but allow me to explain…

A short while ago, The Imperial Marshall and I agreed to crop up two hundred of the best soldiers in the Imperial Army, and place them into one elite unit under the Imperial Shields. Some of the soldiers would be veteran legionnaires, others might be experts in their specialties of war, and a select few have been selected from the Jade Legion has junior members. On the record, these soldiers would be placed in the 4th Cohort, 10th Covi of the 26th Legion. However, the unit will be unofficially dubbed the Black Bell Guard, and elite Special Forces unit assigned to tasks of vital importance to the Imperial Army. Sabotage, intelligence gathering, covert warfare, even assassination if need be; this is what you may expect as members of this unit. If you are successful, your career as a soldier will surge… if you fail, your Empire will deny you ever served in the army or that the Black Bell Guard even exists, for the sake of Her protection.

Now, before I continue, let it be known that this will be the only opportunity you will ever have in choosing your assignment. If you do not wish to take part in this venture, now would be the time to voice that opposition.”

The five other soldiers alongside Kella did not move, poised to join this new elite unit with the Imperial Shields. One by one, they each proclaimed “Sir, I accept my assignment, Sir.” Kella would be the last person to state either or favor or disapproval. What would she decide?

Kella Greeran · July 11, 2007, 07:13 AM

(OOC: I forgive you this time since the post was worth the wait

)

IC:

Kella was a teensy bit offended that her orders were handled like a dead vermin. They weren't going to turn feral and attack the men. When they made the comment about breakfast, Kella politely took her orders from the guard's fingertips.

"Afternoon tea sharing actually," she murmured.

With a quick thanks, Kella glided past the guards into the sparse office. So far, her new position did not strike her as very promising. If the Empire wouldn't ante up for a nice curtain or two, serious doubt was cast on the legitimacy of the whole operation.

But who was this "man upstairs"? Would he be just as dour and obsessed with pushups as every other military sort she'd come into contact with? Hopefully there was a little more panache in this sector.

The gnarled little gnome behind the desk didn't even bother to raise his head. Evidently the effort was just too much for him. Kella couldn't say she minded, there were too many go betweens in the military anyway. His bony little finger merely directed her up further stairs.

As she passed by him, Kella remarked,
"Concise and clear. It's appreciated."

Moving past the final set of august looking guards, Kella was ushered into an office resplendent with light. Her boots even clicked on real marble tile. The operation was immediately legitimate.

In the lull between the General's entry, Kella absorbed the room and more importantly the other inhabitants. What sort of men did the agency value? And where were all the exits in case she decided the agency was not her calling after all?

His entrance was hard to miss. The crimson clad Elf strode into the room, instructing those present to sit. Kella at least had the peace of mind to give a proper attention. It'd been a while since she had seen a creature like him that wavered between the regal and the fierce.
She did know one thing: the longer she spent among warrior types, the more she felt like a Dwarf, they were all towering head and shoulders above her.

Of course the General had an excessively long name, Kella observed. You weren't important in Telath unless a quarter of the populous couldn't pronounce your name.
Kella's wry thoughts were put on hold, as she was swept up by the description of the agency and its purposes. Kestor spoke of tactics built on the power of patience and cunning, not established by the mindless banging of a sword. It was a siren song for Kella.

When the General prompted a reply, Kella's expression was mostly serene, but an impish relish sparked in her eyes.

"You had me at the name, Black Bell, Sir."

Riconus Xind'ell · July 11, 2007, 05:19 PM

OOC: lol, good to hear

Riconus nodded confidently as all members within the room agreed to accept the challenge. It wasn’t too large of a surprise for him, though- he was already briefed to understand that those sitting in front of him were more than willing to accept such a dangerous proposition; however, his fear was simply that the glory that came with such an elite unit would be compromised by one of the individual’s pursuit of prestige. It had to be made out clearly that there would be no tolerance for using the Black Bell Guard as a tool to acquire acceptance.

“I’m glad to hear that you all accept what your Empire has asked of you. Let it be known though, that the only people that know of your membership, or in fact are even aware that the Black Bell Guard even exists, are those sitting in this room. On all documentation, you will be listed as a “Quartermaster” with the 4th Cohort, 10th Covus. You may never inform anyone of your actually occupation, the missions you partake in, or even that you met any high-ranking official regarding your role in the Imperial Legions, including myself.

There will be 200 soldiers in the Black Bell Guard, but the only ones you will ever know about are here now. You six individuals will be just one of several different cells scattered all over Alleria, unaware of what any other cell is doing at any given time. You may be informed that another cell is working on the same operation as you, but where they are or what their objective is will likely never be specified… the person standing next to you in the market square might be a Black Bell Guardsmen, but we have ensured that you would never know it.

I sincerely apologize for such secrecy, but it is done for the security of your unit and your Empire. On the positive side, however, you will have the most advanced equipment and most forgiving budget in the Imperial Army. Savvy?”

Riconus turned from the unit for a moment and picked up a small brown envelope. An unspecified piece of parchment was inserted before the Syl’rosyan turned to the middle-aged human sitting farthest to the right, and handed him the envelope.

“The man carrying your package is Laandrak Frostblood, a seasoned Daekin of the 9th Manjet Legion of Taralon and veteran of the Narim War. He shall lead this cell for the entirety of its existence- if he is eliminated in the field, all operatives are to return to Alleria Prime and follow directions that will be provided for you should such an event occur. In the envelope I just presented to Daekin Frostblood, are orders for the armoury here in the military district to assign you your new armour and weaponry, so I suggest you make your way there now… and say nothing in your journey, for we cannot afford to let anyone overhear how you’re receiving the best equipment in the city when you’re supposed to be simple quartermasters.

In the event that I do not see any of you again, and in all reality, that may very well be the case, let me at least wish you all the best of luck in your endeavours. May the gods watch over you all.”[/i][/color]

The Daekin rose to his feet first, offering a crisp salute, and made for the exit of the building while the others in the room did the same. Following the general’s instructions, they said nothing to eachother as they walked back outside and onward to the Armoury.

OOC2: Kella, please post here.

Kella Greeran · July 12, 2007, 09:02 PM

So they were to be part of a great web where neither knew the other. It was both exciting and disconcerting that they would move under such a heavy cloak. But Kella was no stranger to secrets and disguise. Much of her life had been modeled around the perfection of a farce, but maybe this time the performance would have some real consequence. More than a meal or a handful of crowns.

It did sound a little lonely, though. Kella couldn't shake that idea.

Strange that a girl who came to the military looking for structure and order should be drawn to the thing that had very little of either.

She realized quietly that while the idea of something was comforting, her spirit still twisted and bucked in her, ever drawn to something just a shade beyond what was expected.
It had been hard these past few months to smother the gypsy lifestyle that thrummed in her blood, to stay in one barracks and repeat the same pantomime everyday.
Perhaps Kella could only move from one show to the next. Perhaps that's how she wanted it.

On the plus side, at least now she could do it in style.

Kella gave the departing officer his proper salute, before falling in line with the others. Her mind had shifted to shallower things, and her thoughts bordered on a giddy girlish-ness as she contemplated a new set of clothes.

OOC: Will do!

Sheng Kaldres · July 21, 2007, 12:47 PM

Timestamp: First cycle of Kalendryas, Winter in the First Era of the Regency of Milo L'Evienne

There was a need for Sheng to meet up with Riconus and thus Sheng made his way to the Imperial Intelligence Agency. The last time they met, it did not ended……according to what they had planned. In fact, the reason why Riconus was in the Imperial Intelligence Agency happened during the time that they last met. And both of them moved on.

After hearing the instructions and giving his name, Sheng made his way to Riconus’ office. Entering the office, Sheng would offer rare smile.

“Serale. How’re you doing?”

Riconus Xind'ell · July 24, 2007, 07:36 PM

It was almost odd to actually see Sheng smile for once, but it was certainly enough for the gesture to be returned by Riconus. He saw no need to salute his housemate, as they both knew eachother well enough to bypass all that military protocol garbage. Only a strong shake of the hand was what Riconus asked for, before he requested his comrade to be seated. One bottle of wine from Medonia and another bottle of cognac from Candaceburg were withdrawn from underneath the Syl’rosyan’s desk, and a simple tavern mug was presented to Sheng should he care to indulge himself.

When Sheng asked him how he was doing, a sigh peaked from in between Riconus’ lips, before he explained himself.

”Well, instead of attempting to restore the peace on the Western Front, where I’ve spent nearly my entire military career, I’m sitting here, on the opposite end of the Empire. I’m so far away from my estate in Syl’rosya, that I need a teleporter to transmit my missives back home, for sending them by normal courier takes cycles.

… However, I suppose that is a good thing sometimes, for I’ve learned recently that my wife, who has been without my company ever since I was reassigned, has gone missing… I fear that in my absence, she’s run off with another man... such is our sacrifice to the Empire, eh old boy?”

Riconus fell out of his words before he began to ramble about his depression, quickly leaning back in his chair before asking Sheng the same question.

”Forgive me, Sheng, I speak too much. How goes your new surroundings? Life is better for you I hope? And is there anything I might be able to do for you?”

Sheng Kaldres · July 28, 2007, 11:56 AM

Taking the drink from Riconus’ hands, Sheng listened to Riconus situation and how he was faring. It seemed that life had its share of surprise for Riconus and perhaps, he was worse for it. But Riconus was a strong man and Sheng sensed that he would come out stronger.

“I guess that we must do what we can for the Empire.” Sheng said and raised his glass to say with some forced humor, “A toast to the Empire!”

After the toast, Sheng continued after taking a drink. “Well, I guess that I fared a bit better than you. I had seen the Imperial Marshal and we had a small talk. Now, I’m the Inspector Imperatis of the Imperial Army. My area of responsibility is far and wide. One of them is to help rebuild the Imperial Army in Paxia and Narim. One of my responsibilities bring here too.”

“Still remember Arkahn Th'alashar? Well, I have now confirmation that he was poisoned. And of course, the main suspects are the two of us. I have no doubt that you are innocent of that charge as I am. So what do we do?” And before Riconus could answer, Sheng answered his own question. “We find out the culprits and prove our innocence.”

“However, this will not be easy as this might be done with contacts in the Imperial government. Here is where you expertise is required. Are you with me?” And again, Sheng smiled, confident of Riconus’ answer

Alexis Sapientia · July 30, 2007, 04:09 AM

Timestamp: 15 Kalendryas, Winter in the First Era of the Regency of Milo L'Evienne

The riders came from Alleria Prime, their commander having decided that messages of this nature best be sent by land instead of by sea. Heavily armed, they brought with them more than just mere news, but new orders--and new procedures.

Renowned for their ability to remain shrouded in the skies, seen only when departing and when arriving, the small beings had tiny scrolls fastened to their talons rather unceremoniously.

They were Imperial War Hawks, the official couriers of the Imperial Legions, branded with emblems identifying their official nature. Renowned for their ability to remain shrouded in the skies, seen only when departing and when arriving,
they were as secretive in nature as they were sleek. A pannier of each accompanied the riders. On reaching their destination, their leader, a senior officer in the Legions of Provost rank, would brook no argument, seeking only an immediate audience with the senior officer present.

Presenting a packet sealed with red wax, it would contain a laboriously handwritten tome, a series of seemingly gibberish written on it, followed by an imposing scroll of no little significance.

Once unrolled and decoded accordingly, its message would be made disturbingly clear.

Secrets :

The Provost's sole words would be to seek an immediate verbal reply to carry back to Prime, posthaste.

Ooc: you may reply in this thread!

Ralston Sarwick · July 30, 2007, 01:06 PM

25th Brightening of Kalendryas, Winter, Era XIV (pf)

Ralston was glad to be back in Prime. It still felt like home to him, regardless of how long had had actually lived here. Thinking for a moment, it had only been since the end of summer when he moved here. But this city was the first place he had ever settled and because of that, it was home.

He just returned from Paxia only a few brightenings past. Even though the mission was simple, he was glad to say that he had at least something under his belt. He had carried out the first half of his orders he received upon graduation from basic training. The escort duty was nothing glamorous or anything to get much recognition from anybody, but that was not why he was here, anyway. Ralston was here to serve and protect his Empire and upon reaching the building he was told to report to, a new sensation of pride welled up to his chest.

Laying eyes on the guards in black, Ralston's mind started racing in every direction, trying to get a hold of what exactly he would be doing here. His orders said 'Special Ops' training on them, but he knew that could mean anything. Ideas of sneaking and attacking in stealth ran across his mind while flashes or unique weapons only known to a select few roared passed. He closed his eyes a moment and shook the random thoughts away. Ralston approached the door.

The guards outside the Headquarters of the 26th stopped him. Ralston already had his ID and his orders out to present to them. He handed them over and waited for access to get inside. Upon gaining approval, he slipped inside and made sure the doors were shut behind him. Ralston saw the gnome and figured out that he needed to proceed up the stairs to meet whoever was to give him further instructions.

Moving through the door which the second set of guards more easily let him pass, Ralston came into a sunlit room with marble floors. The desk before him looked strong and professional- an accurate representation of the entire room. In case the guards did not introduce him, Ralston would announce upon being recognized, "Sir, Senior Legionnaire Ralston Sarwick reports as ordered." He saluted and stood at attention until addressed or told to do otherwise.

Riconus Xind'ell · August 6, 2007, 06:06 PM

Alexis

Under heavy escort, a single War Hawk – the one carrying the letter – was permitted entry into the general’s office. At the time, he was just rearranging his desk after meeting with members of his legion for certain specialized training they would be receiving in order to serve under his command. Certainly, things in the 26th Legion would be changing, but as it were, it would not be before meeting with other members of the Imperial War Council.

The missive was received by Riconus’ hand, not saying a word in the exchange, and reading it by himself, his back turned to his audience as it was decoded by the office window. A few minutes went by before Riconus turned around and took a seat on his desk. A moment or two passed before he lifted his head, to look straight into the eyes of an elderly gnome who was present in the room; obviously, as some sort of advisor to the Kestor Imperatis. Without a word or even a nod, he returned his eyes back to his desk, waiting for the gnome to gain the attention of the War Hawk, and issue his reply.

”You may inform your principle, that Imperatis Xind’ell will be present for the meeting, as ordered.”

With the verbal reply issued, Riconus’ men quickly escorted the War Hawk to his comrades outside.

Ralston

OOC: sorry for the late reply dude, just been a little busy

When Ralston entered the offices of the Kestor Imperatis, four other men were already present, sitting in chairs that were prepared for their arrival. None of the individuals were exchanging words with eachother, only staring blankly at the walls until the meeting continued. Another person, a small female katta, entered shortly after Ralston, and quickly took her seat as well, following the example of the others in the room and saying nothing. After what seemed like an eternity, the doors were opened by two guards who stood at full attention, while a tall Syl’rosyan entered the room wearing the gold trimmings on his red overcoat of an Imperial General. As the guards did, the others in the room rose to attention as well, but they were all quickly instructed to return to their seats by the Syl’rosyan elf. After organizing some things on his desk, he rested his posterior on the front of his desk, and began his speech.

”My name is Kestor Imperatis Riconus Xind’ell, Commander of the 26th Legion and Director-General of the Imperial Intelligence Agency. What I am about to tell you obviously cannot leave this room, and should you choose to decline the offer I am about to give, you are under strict orders never to speak a word of this conversation, understand?

Alongside the highest-ranking members of the Imperial Armed Forces, 200 of the best and brightest soldiers in the Allerian Empire have been recruited into a single unit called the Black Bell Guard. Its missions will include everything from security details for high-risk items and individuals, intelligence gathering and victim recovery, and – should it be required – you will also be assigned to target elimination and neutralization. You will be placed on a fast track for promotions, given far superior equipment than regular Legionnaires, and receive a budget for your operations that the regular army could only dream of.

That said, this organization is being established under total secrecy, and established to complete tasks that the Empire would never openly admit to executing. If you are killed or captured in your operations, the Imperial Legions will deny any affiliation to you… but, as I mentioned before, if you succeed, the rewards will be endless. This is the last decision you will be able to make completely on your own accord for a while, so consider it carefully: will you accept membership into the Black Bell Guard, or no?”

The responses from the individuals were precise, even if a few were delayed by the thought of the dangers involved with the job. After every individual answered with ”Sir, I accept, Sir.” it was finally left for Raltson to choose:

Would he accept or decline?