The trip from Omega-56 to Rostock was short and simple. Stoat was able to pass through all the checks and barriers uncontested, and his access to areas such as the hangar bays appeared intact. He made his way quickly towards the bays holding the AP-200039 gunships. As he entered, he was approached by the chief engineer.
"Ah, guildmaster. We've been expecting you. Your new bottlenose is ready to fly, and an escort group awaits your launch. Head for bay seven, level four, sir. Safe flight." He turned and headed back the way he'd come.
"Thanks, Chief!" Stoat called, as he headed for the lifts. A short trip downwards got him to level 4, and he headed for his bay. There, in number seven, was the Bottlenose. Stoat approached the access doors, and pressed his palm onto the reader. Lights flashed as the power systems engaged, and a low hum rumbled through him. He pulled his hand off the pad, and the doors slid open. As Stoat looked up, he saw a figure stepping out towards him.
"Damoclass! What the bloody hell are you doing on my ship?"
Damian Damoclass stepped slowly off the gunship, smiling slightly. As he approached, he spread his palms to show himself as no threat. Stoat took a step or two backwards, regardless.
"Hello Stoat. You got my message I see. I'm glad you decided to comply. I have some very important matters I wish to discuss with you, and only with you. In private. So I will be taggling along to Leeds if you don't mind. And if you do mind, I'll still tag along."
Stoat raised an eye at the threat, but didn't comment upon it.
"You've got matters you want to discuss, have you? Why should I care one little bit what you want to discuss? Besides, DeVirgo has already 'discussed' more than enough for my tastes. I'm very well aware what's expected of me, so the last thing I need is you 'tagging along' trying to fill my head with more of your Core gobbledigook. I get the idea already. Getting hunted by the Wilde tends to enlighten you somewhat!"
Damoclass nodded as Stoat spoke
"You seem to misunderstand. I know that you and old man DeVirgo are no longer buddy buddy. And I feel ever so bad for your current situation. That's why I asked my... delivery man to contact you without old DeVirgo knowing. Make no mistake. I am on your side. And I'd like to... help you."
"Help me? Now that's something I've not heard someone say for a good few weeks. You want to help me. Great, sounds good. Offering to take my place as the next ambassador to the Wilde are you? I kind of doubt that. So, help me how?"
"Well, your little encounter with the Wilde made me very interested in you. You seem to be undergoing some changes, I have read all the data. As you know, we of the Core are very interested in nomad and nomad related technology. DeVirgo wants to send you to your grave for his own selfish purposes. I, however, would hate to waste such a magnificant physique. Let's be honest; how often does a man get a chance to have a Wilde infested at his side? I'm willing to help you escape from DeVirgo's clutches. But in return, you will work for me. As I have plans of my own. I'm sure we can find some way to let you keep control over yourself. I too, have some projects going with facinating results thus far."
"Okay, I'll hear you out. Get back on board. We've got to depart, before DeVirgo knows you're coming along."
Damoclass smiled obsequiously as be bowed to wave Stoat past.
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