"It is a well-known fact that what's on the surface doesn't necessarily tell the full story of what lies beneath. It's difficult for me to describe this issue with quill and paper so you're going have to meet with me in person. It's an important and, dare I say, lucrative task that I need your assistance with and I doubt there is anyone else more suitable than yourself."

It had been just a day after his return to the capital when the letter arrived at George's door. The details were convoluted to say the least, but the Director's overall sentiment had been clear: Come at once, I have a job for you.

Why would he want me here on such short notice? George thought to himself. It must be something confidential, word tends to spread pretty fast around these parts. Hopefully it won't be anything to do with the recent rumours. George tried to relax as the minecart chugged its way across the lake. He watched as the pointed, spruce roofs of Sprake approached him, a light breeze brushing through the air. The wooden structures reflected upon the calm, steady waters. Sprake was a small, flat settlement, a few Kiloblocks south of Notaigton. Director Fisher was residing there temporarily and had been in close affiliation to the various mining operations in the region. For what purpose, George did not know. He'd only just got back from a trip to the Husk-infested deserts.

The minecart dropped him off duly and he made way toward the largest building in the village and entered through one of the two main doors. Fisher was sitting comfortably in front of a large two-block chest. The tall windows behind him let a mild grey light in. He gave a satisfactory smile upon his entry.

"Ah, George Smith. Glad you could make it on such short notice."

George forced a smile back. "Well you sounded a bit frantic in the letter," he looked around him at Fisher's tidy office. "Now tell me, what kind of project are you looking for my assistance with?"

"Well to the far east we found a new continent. Hardly a surprise, the explorers find new continents out there nearly all the time. We're looking for a group of people to find out if there is anything worthwhile over there… We already have a small colony in the works, so you'll find yourself feeling at home."

Of course. It made sense for him to want me to join this expedition. I've been exploring new areas of the world since I was a boy.

"Well your offer's tempting. But it seems like quite the task. I have a family you know…" He said, remembering the brief exchange he'd been able to cram in with Elin before leaving. The way she'd looked at him then had practically summarised all of her grievances with his departure.

"I assure you George, with this job you'll never have to work again. You can be at peace with your wife and kids for the rest of your life."

His tone sounded relaxed, though his promise caught George off-guard. Fisher was a wealthy man, but he wasn't renowned for his generosity. There had to be a catch. True, Fisher had always been a well-trusted colleague of his, though he certainly wasn't a friend as such. The two never really got along; different motives, different goals. He paused briefly, "I still don't know… You know my wife doesn't approve much of your… business."

Fisher looked him in the eyes, his tone was deadly serious. "I respectfully ask you to reconsider," he said, lifting up the lid of the chest to reveal the shining contents before him. The room was suddenly tinted with a tinge of gold. His eyes adjusted briefly before he could make out the contents before him. It was in that second that George knew for certain that he wasn't lying. This had to be important. He looked back up at the director, an earnest expression upon the man's face.

"I'll need a team."

Fisher's sincere expression brightened and he beamed revealing his shining dentures, "It's been taken care of."