The Compendium Arcana

Neotra: Reunion

Marshall stomped across the yard to the complex through the gate that was wide open. It was a military facility, that much Amadeus had been able to surmise from the massive cannon that was looming overhead. His eyes followed it from base to barrel and still, he couldn't quite wrap his mind around how large it was.

As the spinosaurus carried its rider inside, truck following behind, Marshall suddenly stopped. Amadeus jostled, barked in surprise and glanced around in confusion.

The sound of guns being drawn filled his ears.

All around the outer wall to the FOB they'd just entered were armored soldiers with rifles trained on him and his family, so he waited patiently while they put on their show.

At the end of the yard near the base of the cannon, a door opened up. Out of it came a middling man flanked by two imposing guards. Both of them carried weapons and were covered head to toe in either wolf or raven themed armor. They had a presence. Amadeus noted that.

"What's up!" Amadeus shouted. It echoed.

"Why are you here?" The middling man responded, slowly.

"Well, since there are people here, we're looking for a shield generator and if you have an extra we'd like to get it from you," Amadeus answered.

There was a moment's pause and then the man said, "I believe we might make that arrangement. But first, you lower your weapons and dismount from your... mount."

Amadeus snorted. "You first."

"Fair enough." The man said and made a gesture with his hand. With the discipline of a trained army, the unit of soldiers on the wall all returned to attention with guns at rest and Amadeus felt a modicum of respect within him. These folks were bastards and he knew they were up to no good, but at least they were well trained.

Amadeus grabbed his scythe and held it out, took a deep breath, and then hurled it into the woods beyond the wall. Several soldiers shouted as it flew overhead.

There was a moment of silence while Amadeus did little more than fall off of Marshall before the man said, "Nice throw."

"Thanks," Amadeus responded, dusting off his tabard. He put his hands up after that and approached the man and his guards cautiously. Once he was within a few yards he slowly began to lower his hand in offering.

The guards stepped forward, hands to their weapons, but the middling man pushed between them and smiled. "I've got this. I know you two will protect me if something happens." He said before gripping Amadeus' hand. "So, you want a shield generator?"

Amadeus said, "Usually we do introductions first, I'm Amadeus Wrel." "Ah, yes." The man said. "I am Felim. I am the organizer of the Solstice Intelligence Corporation out here."

"Pleasure," Amadeus said.

"So, Amadeus. Perhaps you and I could discuss a trade for this generator inside?" Felim offered.

Amadeus glanced back to the truck and paused. "Let me discuss this with my group first, make sure they know what's going on."

"Of course, take your time," Felim said with a curious grin.

Amadeus rolled his eyes as soon as he looked away and started back.

The truck doors pneumatic locks hissed as they flew open and Amadeus stepped inside, rocking the vehicle with his weight. "They want me to go inside to discuss a trade."

Hyax looked up from sharpening his swords. "You really think that's a good idea after everything you've gone through with these folks?" He said.

"No, of course not," Amadeus growled, closing his eyes and pinching his snout. "But what are we going to do, there are too many of them, we can't fight for this."