Patchwork Universe

liason · Posted: Tue Jul 20, 2004 3:11 pm Post subject: A Gentleman Visits

[Liason arrives on an Omnibus from Terminus]

Stepping off the omnibus, Liason looked around with considerable surprise. Never before had he seen so many people in one place. He looked around himself for interesting places to explore further...

Larkin Quickgrip · Strong Joined: 21 Jan 2004 Posts: 254 Location: The Slums

The entire population of the Slums somehow managed to completely ignore the omnibus. It was as if every single last occupant developed a moving blindspot as it left.

It wasn't long however before Liason himself was noticed and as he stood there he was accosted by a group of young children, the oldest being roughly twelve. Each one was dressed in various garments, the only constant being a deep red rag around the waist. At first glance they didn't appear to be armed, but on a second look Liason could see various knives and blades deeply sheathed amongst the odds and ends of clothing.

The tallest (the twelve year old) confidently stepped out from the small crowd to the front and looked the ambassador up and down before bluntly saying "Who the hell are you mister? All dressed up like dat."

liason · Posted: Tue Jul 20, 2004 9:58 pm Post subject:

"My name is Liason. I buy and sell things... if the price is right. What I buy varies a lot from day to day. What I sell is weapons."

Liason looked at the kid, his narrow eyes resting on the deep red rag.

A gang ?

He forced himself to spread his awareness wider, conscious that any moment might mean a swift mugging or an unwanted trip down a dark alley.

Liason pointed at the red rag, "Are you the leader ?"

Larkin Quickgrip · Strong Joined: 21 Jan 2004 Posts: 254 Location: The Slums

The lad nodded "Dats right mister Liason. I'm Jonny and we're the Red-rags." One of the smaller members of the gang at the back piped up and said "Liason? Dats a funny name mister." and this caused the rest of the gang to take the opportunity to make their opinions heard, with all of them speaking up at once, which created a mild and confused din.

It was a few seconds before Jonny managed to regain order again which he did by yelling at them at the top of his voice until he regained their attentions.

Turning back to the Liason he said "Sorry bout that mister, they can get outta hand sometimes." The gang didn't seem to be too threatening, more simply curious, however the ambassador made sure to keep on his guard in case this was all just an act.

The young leader then looked up at him and Liason noticed the way he and all of his gang seemed to have quite tanned skin, but were actually just covered with a thick lining of dirt. Jonnys brow wrinkled and he asked "So, what kinda weapons dyer sell then mister Liason, down ere in the Slums?"

liason · Posted: Wed Jul 21, 2004 1:43 pm Post subject:

"I have access to knives, swords, axes, crossbows and even guns. The folk in the Slums might not have much money, but exchanges can be made for things other than money."

Liason began to make his way North as he talked, motioning to Jonny to follow.

"I don't plan to be here long today, but I may be returning soon. I'm looking for some contacts. People who can supply me with the things I need."

liason · Posted: Wed Jul 21, 2004 1:47 pm Post subject:

"I have access to knives, swords, axes, crossbows and even guns. The folk in the Slums might not have much money, but exchanges can be made for things other than money."

Liason began to make his way North as he talked, motioning to Jonny to follow.

"I don't plan to be here long today, but I may be returning soon. I'm looking for some contacts. People who can supply me with the things I need."

Larkin Quickgrip · Strong Joined: 21 Jan 2004 Posts: 254 Location: The Slums

Jonny followed after the Liason, the rest of the red rags wandering behind him as he did so. The young gang leader grinned and said "Well we're the only contacts dat you'll ever need mister Liason. We know everyone don't we lads?" The rest of his gang nodded and made general noises of agreement.

"We can set you up with anythin dat you'll ever need and anythin we can't get you up with, aint worth havin." The lad then looked from side to side and said almost conspiratorially "An we can get you outside the city, without havin to pay the travellin tax." he then tapped the side of his nose and grinned.

A medium sized gang member with a large black-eye then spoke up saying "Its a good job we found you first aint it mister? Theres nothin but thieves an muggers in dis city."

liason · Posted: Thu Jul 22, 2004 10:21 am Post subject:

"Indeed - a fortunate meeting for both of us if all goes well."

The question of whether the Red Rags really knew anyone at all was hardly relevant. They would have time enough to get word to the people who needed to hear his message.

"I have a proposal to make. A business deal of sorts. I will list to you certain things which I am interested in obtaining. In exchange for these things I will provide a supply of various kinds of weapons. The exact rate of exchange will vary and will be a matter for discussion at the time, depending on requirements."

Liason paused. Better keep this simple.

"The things I need are: metal, wood, coal, bone and oil. Not today, you understand, but on my return. And obviously, in return for arranging matters here, you can expect a cut of the profits."

Larkin Quickgrip · Strong Joined: 21 Jan 2004 Posts: 254 Location: The Slums

Jonny blinked, he'd never expected anything like this. He was definately no businessman and he was starting to feel a little out of his depth, but he wasn't going to show this in front of the rest of his gang. However he had seen a few of the merchants at work around town and had a reasonable idea of how these things worked.

"Yeah sure we can do that, but we're gunna need something first. We don't wanna have to go through all the trouble of settin up somethin like this and then be stuck with nothin if you never come back. If you know what I mean."

He bit his lip and thought to what else he had heard said around the Slums. "An we want nothin less than twenty pursent of any deals made."

liason · Posted: Thu Jul 22, 2004 2:37 pm Post subject:

"The percentage is something you'll have to negotiate with whomever your contacts are. I will bring supplies of weapons and trade them directly for whatever resources you have made available. No money involved. Both the Red Rags and myself will have right of veto over any given trade - if it seems good to both of us it goes ahead."

They continued in the same direction through the streets. Liason was from time to time aware that his appearance was attracting attention. He hoped he would be able to finish this conversation.

"Between you and me, though, you should be able to make a very decent cut without difficulty. What will cause you the most trouble is that other groups may want to take over from you. It will be up to you to protect your interests inthis respect."

Liason was looking all the time for the wall of mist to the North, but the architecture of the Slums did not allow him to make it out as yet, even though his height meant he could see over most of the people.

"As to what you set up before my return, that is up to you. It's a trade-off between risk and reward. Something I'm sure you are well familiar with in this city. The only thing which is essential is that you provide me with some way to contact you on my return."

Larkin Quickgrip · Strong Joined: 21 Jan 2004 Posts: 254 Location: The Slums

"Oh dats easy mister Liason." the rags nodded in general "We've gotta hide-out. Its the fourth house on Phillips Lane. Its got one of these," Jonny tapped his red cloth "hangin outside it onna pole."

"As to the deal, if you'll excuse me one second." Jonny turned around and the entire gang suddenly gathered in into a small huddle and Liason picked up that the group was actually discussing exactly what they should do.

After about a minute Jonny turned around and said "We have decided dat you have got yourself a deal mister Liason." Jonny spat on his hand and held it out. "We'll sort out the contacts for you and you'll sort out the trade an stuff when you get back."

By now the footsteps of the ambassador and the slum children had taken them quite far from the origional drop off by the omnibus and the streets and the alleyways had suddenly opened out revealing a large gatehouse with some half dozen guards kitted out in heavy chainmail and long halberds. Each one had a very nasty grimace plastered across his face.

Jonny caught the ambassador staring and said "Dats the main gate mister Liason. You'll need one hell of a lot of money if you want to get through there." Jonny looked around and said "The travellin tax was set up years an years ago, before anyone round here can remember, back when the Heights were first shut off from the Slums." His brow wrinkled "Didn't you see it when you came in?"

Through one of the few holes in the gatehouse, which allowed a guard to view the outside, Liason could see the mist which began almost the instant the gatehouse stopped.

liason · Posted: Fri Jul 23, 2004 8:42 am Post subject:

Liason took Jonny's hand and shook it firmly. Due to their difference in height, he had to stoop somewhat to achieve this, but it was the thought that counted.

"It might be better that you leave now. It would be better if the guards on the gate didn't associate you with me. Whilst I appreciate your offer to get me through the gate without charge, that probably isn't worth the risk. And besides," Liason spoke these last words quietly and almost to himself, "I'll have to deal with this gate before my return journey anyway."

To begin with he would have to simply watch the gate for a while. Hopefully he would be able to arrange with the guards to pass through, but if that failed he might have to force an exit. Better to have a plan in mind in advance.

Larkin Quickgrip · Strong Joined: 21 Jan 2004 Posts: 254 Location: The Slums

Jonny nodded "Dats fair mister Liason. We'll see you around." and with a quick wave of his hand Jonny turned around and walked back down the alley that he had come from, closely followed by his gang.

Liason found himself alone now except for the occasional person who wandered past. It was then that the ambassador reminded himself that not all the occupants of the Slums were like the Rags and so put himself doubley on guard now that he was alone.

liason · Posted: Fri Jul 23, 2004 10:04 am Post subject:

First step was to ready his gun - for all that he was hoping not to need it. Out came the rounds he had loaded in case the guardian girl at Terminus proved hostile. In went some rather more mundane ammunition.

Returning the pistol to its holster, Liason approached one of the guards on the gate.

"Excuse me sir ! I realise you're busy with your guard duties at present, but could you answer a quick question regarding trade ?"

Liason moved closer to the man and lowered his voice slightly, "If a traveller were to pass through this gate, he would of course have to pay the travelling tax. But if one wanted to pass a trade route through this gate, what regulations might apply ?"

Liason then continued, half as though talking to himself, "There are a number of routes I might take. I would want to select whichever might represent the best deal."

The Ambassador then watched the guard for his reaction. This was the trouble with unfamiliar cultures - one mistake and you were in a fight, but you never knew it until the enemy struck the first blow.

liason · Posted: Fri Jul 23, 2004 1:19 pm Post subject:

"Thankyou, that would be very helpful."

Liason looked at the other two. None of them seemed likely to negotiate constructively.

"There is one other matter, whilst I have your attention. I am travelling North and so I would like to pay for passage through the gate. Unfortunately I don't seem to be carrying any money. Could I pass through on credit until my return ?"

He knew the answer already, of course, but felt it was only reasonable to give the fellow a chance to be accommodating.

"If not, what would you recommend ?"