Emergence of a Strange Presence

Nothing about what he was saying added up. If the man was a native to the planet they had just departed from, he would have known about Fiore. If he was from some random backwater that had the capacity to traverse the depths of space in a relatively fast period of time, well, he would have come into contact with the broadcast that had been dispersed throughout the entire galaxy, not to mention as a scavenger he would have interacted with more of civilization than he claimed to have, Leo knew enough members of the profession to have at least that much information on it. No, Jairec was most certainly lying, and it was such a ridiculously fantastical tale that he had to stifle a laugh. And the man's later guilt trip... well it was clear he had clammered up. Oh well, it was always easier to catch people off-guard, to wear down their defenses slowly but surely rather than a rapid fire response. And he, well, he had all the time in the world.

Leo stared at Jairec for a solid thirty seconds or so, before shaking his head. Vengeance, yes, he understood that. Honor, well, that was a different story. It was nothing more than a construct of society, a false installation of ideals and morals that was so easily twisted, corrupted, used to manipulate and control. Jairec's remark about a lack of compassion, though? Well, it wasn't necessarily wrong, at least when directed at a complete and utter stranger. Leo was far too accustomed to death to offer his mere condolences, at least not when he held no facade. Certainly, if he cared about somebody, but such a superfluous statement seemed meaningless, nothing more than another expected behavior that was empty and hollow. "Tch," he finally remarked. "Clearly, you don't trust us, and we don't trust you. Perfect, do you want a drink?"

Without waiting for a response he exited the cockpit, rummaging through a few cabinets before producing two glasses, three if Jairec were to answer in the affirmative. At first pulling out a pitch black bottle that was unlabeled, he was about to start pouring it before he gave it a double take, muttered something about nightshade, and replaced it with rum. Handing one off to Eris, they clinked their glasses together, her visage cracking a slight grin although it soon dissipated as she refocused on Jairec.

"So, scavenger, what would you do next if we just let you go? I can't imagine your line of work is... terribly lucrative, or am I mistaken?"

"Vanish back to whatever distant hovel beyond these worlds that gets the least attention. I've wasted enough time here; there's always something else out there for me to be busy indulging in and from what you tell me, enough going on to make my merry misadventures ignorable in the grand scheme of things. But suppose you don't release me there but deeper into wherever it is you plan on taking me? Then I imagine I'll have to find a new line of work; a steady hand with a weapon and a general knowledge of magic is enough, isn't it?"

He feigned his annoyance, sharpened his sneer, but then he began to smile.

"I suppose you want more from me, don't you? You're awfully generous if you're taking on a hired gun hot off of a raid like that; maybe I'm a good investment for your agency. But I suppose that was as good a resume as any. Let's say that I go on another few missions of yours; I am given somewhere to duck my head and rest and payment for my work. Work that I was coerced into... but I imagine you are offering me something better than my usual habits. I suppose I am being civilized now but... I take it you want something in return and it's not more bodies to pile."

He figured that if he was going to make a counter offer, this was as good a time as any to start.

"Are you really that curious about the satellite, the gun, the magic, the vitriol, and the violence? I don't know; perhaps I've stirred up two hornet's nests. If your questions will stop and the money will flow, why don't I humour you? Because I have the feeling your nagging isn't going to stop until whatever scraps I can be annoyed into coughing up will be coughed nice and fresh. I have my right to privacy but my principles are not especially iron clad; I just don't like dealing with nosy outsiders."

He leaned back, thumbing a few buttons on his rifle before sitting it as his side. Not his most ideal way to try and start contact with humanity, but it was a start.

"Let me go on a few missions; see the kind of money it makes versus scrounging up the graveyards of old starfaring glory."

On second thought, he should have just grabbed the bottle. Nothing, nothing, how could one be so terribly ignorant of the galaxy at large? Or perhaps... perhaps he was trying to conceal that he had only recently slipped into the modern era, but that didn't explain how he knew so much about modern technology, nor would it make any sense for him to have an advanced weapon in his possession, if that were the case. Whatever it was, then, had to be something that warranted remaining hidden even more, perhaps he had a horrible reputation and was fleeing from the authorities, although Leo found the concept a foolish one if that were the case. Yes, Jairec had no way of knowing, especially considering his previous threats, but neither himself nor Eris cared for those who enforced the law, laws themselves so inherently corrupt and biased that how they were coined noble and just in the first place was beyond him.

No matter, there was no better place to keep a close watch on a suspicious individual than inviting them into the ranks. Plus, the other alternative Jairec had proposed was plain silly, why would they waste time delivering a stranger to some point in what he could only assume would be in the Outer Regions, even farther than the colonies? Needless to say, Leo brushed over that particular anecdote of the man's speech entirely. "Ah, yes, I'm afraid we do like to prod a bit. There's simply nothing like a good story, and you seem to have an awfully bizarre one up your sleeve somewhere. As well, you can't give us a homeworld, a family, anything, how do we know that you don't intend on stirring up trouble? IMG will ask you for that, anyway, when you register, so you'd best get to concocting a better lie than what you've pieced together, because that simply won't do it," he said.

"As for employment itself, the Intergalactic Mercenary Guild isn't an agency, per se, or at least it's not as tight knit as what you're probably thinking. It's really just a way for mercenaries to not be screwed over by the plenitude of annoying-as-hell corporations around, it provides opportunities for working with like-minded individuals and ensures that our profession doesn't get eaten up by those who'd wish to see it disappear... but anyway. We can waive your entrance fee and get you somewhere to stay for a bit, but generally IMG is a bit more independent-minded than other organizations that provide similar services. Seems like your first job is already complete, though," he gestured toward the drives, "I do hope you'll be willing to offer at least one of those up, in the service of humanity." His last phrase was spoken with the slightest snide curl, draining the rest of his glass soon after.

"Take your choice. The drives are the same." he replied, sitting and reflecting on their words. Truthfully, he could think of a number of ways to escape if they made landfall but at the same time, that meant up giving up a vital opportunity that so far was the only one they had. Not him but the entire expedition force. "If that's settled, then all I can say is that you'll have to wait and see. You do have me surrounded after all. But as you're holding up your end of the bargain and offering me a new life, let me say this - whatever is on those drives? I'm confident there's more out there. Where exactly I'm still wondering but when I get my lead, I will personally let you know. In the meantime, I will hold my own however I must."

The IMG didn't sound as much like an organization in that sense as a pact of convenience; the implication being that they were not exactly popular in some parts of the cosmos. Something he'd have to take note of himself when he began his servitude for them on top of avoiding the suspicions towards his foreign, unusual personality. He supposed results spoke louder than words did however. For now, he slumped back against his seat.

"Let me know when we are there. We'll see one another in due time."