The Untread Path

by StormMagnet

For every age there is a time of trial. The rocks faced such fire before they were the strength beneath our feet. The plants braved vast winds before their roots could give us fire. As a sage of considerable years I have known only one such great ordeal Yet the hero it created was a champion of all time. But time has a way of changing things sometimes for the better often for worse

*Heads up ashlien and Errol got chopped into tiny pieces and i sewed the good bits i saw in both into one,
Hey oh everybody its 12 am Alaska time and ive been up since fucking 6 am yesterday kill me plz.

i do not own jak and daxter, naughty dog needs to be a good boy, drop the ip and play fetch with another franchise.

Kenchi is a mad lad and i say go read his 1 mill and counting fic called Better left unsaid, kenshi if you are somehow reading this i challenge you to a fight that i will lose. that will be all

For every age there is a time of trial. The rocks faced such fire before they were the strength beneath our feet. The plants braved vast winds before their roots could give us fire. As a sage of considerable years I have known only one such great ordeal. Yet the hero it created was a champion of all time. But time has a way of changing things. Much like a river it will fork off into new pathways. This tale is one such path.

The once blue and clear skies that rested above Sand over were slowly tainting into a shadow Veil of purple. Something had gone horribly wrong in a very short amount of time.

Bestial roars echoed throughout the land causing panic to rush through jaks body as he flipped every switch, twitched every dail and pulled every lever. Nothing was working on this hunk of precursor crap that they had spent the last two years fixing. And now it was going to be the death of them. With the main cause of said death being the other half of the damn thing that kept spewing out monsters like an encroaching flood.

Samos had done his best to erect an eco barrier as soon as the gaint precursor ring started sparking with dark eco but, as things stood, it wouldn't hold out for long. Keir had lost his wrench to one of the winged monsters at the start of the whole disaster. it had just flown in through the top before the barrier had completely closed. Keir beat it to death but the wrench was beyond repair afterward. He injured his wrist in the process too.

When they fired up the gate none of them thought some yack crap on this level would happen. Was there a chance for something to go wrong in the first place. yes but nothing like this. Maybe a failed firing or even a complete meltdown of the tech but not this. He would bet all the power cells it took to operate the damn thing that everyone present regretted bringing it down from the citadel.

Jak ran a shaky, cold sweat drenched hand through his moss blonde hair while trying to figure out what to do. They were down half a Keir, daxter wouldn't stop shaking and Samos was occupied with keeping the barrier up.

He went for another lever when a low and deep roar dragged his attention away from the console. In front of him stood the source of the sound. A few of the four legged beasts had clawed half their way into the barrier before being bisected.

' they were able to get in' the thought forced his heart to pound in his ears. It wasn't long before more of the monsters started doing the same. More and more bodies were stacking up both inside and out, like smoking out a wamp flies nest, before one finally broke through the top of the barrier and landed on the hood of the machine with its charred body still smoking.

Daxter shouted out in fear, " HIT THE DAMN THING JAK!" So he did. He hit the thing hard enough to break some of his bones. Hard enough everyone on the machine jostled a bit. Hard enough that the thought of ' daxter probably meant the beast and not the machine.' passed through his head. The result of such a hit sent them flying at speeds which dwarfed the new zoomer model, that keir had built earlier that year, off the ramp and toward the precursor ring. And much like said zoomer, the machine shook and vibrated from the velocity it reached as they shot through the other side of the rift gate. With the monster still on.

Things didn't get any better from there as the beast clawed away at the machine with its exposed muscle form; causing it to break apart. Beginning with the metal casings covering the engine. First some nuts and bolts before coming off in parts. One of the bigger pieces nailed Keir in the head, taking him out of the sitting area and hurtling into the fluid like barrier that surrounded them in a cylindrical fashion.

The monster next lashed out with it's barbed tail by impaling the dashboard with it. The displays were being ripped out of their sockets as it tried and failed to kill the samos' bird that had the balls to start pecking at its face and darting away. It would have been funny if the thing doing it wasnt so precursor damned terrifying. The next failed impalement broke a few of the dails. One of which nailed the bird, sending both of them into the barrier. Enraged at the lost of his life long friend samos the green eco sage tackled the beast into the barrier leaving only him and daxter left on their express ride to precursor knows where.

Soon after they both calmed down the safety bar daxter was hanging onto for dear life ended up taking hold of it as it to was dislodged and sent into the void spinning end over end. Eventually he was all that was left. The rest of the machine had fallen out from under him some time ago and now he was uncertain of the length of time he spent trying to avoid hitting the barrier. When he did eventually touch the barrier, he hoped that it would all just be a very bad dream.

When time came and he touched it finally he came to an abrupt halt high above a strange city. He looked down then around before a thought crossed his mind right before he plummeted to the packed streets below, ' I can see the eco silos from here, yes definitely a dream.' so using dream logic he wiped the sweat from his brow only to fall immediately after. The precursors had a damn good sense of hummor so long as it didnt involve you.

As he fell to the streets far below. Jak took notice of quite a few protruding objects in the way that he might make use of to break his fall. His mind raced as the first one came in close 'this is going to hurt. Yeah .. probably. definatly I'll just have to heal once I reach the bottom.'

Upon first impact a loud crack and bang of metal bending and rebounding rang out in unison.

He immediately began to heal his cracked ribs.' This is the worst pain i have ever-' his train of thought was cut off by the second pipe, this one was larger so no rebound but that caused his body to absorb the impact which broke more bones and set his pained scream silent.

.

'They hurt like being punched by a chief lurker only there were twelve of them and they were made of metal. With enven metallier clubs' if he was coherent he might have used more smarter words but currently all was pain. Deep and ringing.

Another hit and more broken bones.

It always hurts more when the freshly mended bones are rebroken. So he ground his teeth till they cracked and were healed, as his bones were fixed only to break again and again and again all the way down. His last thought before He blacked out upon the fifth impact was ' I really hate cities'

XxX

Upon returning to consciousness he found his arms bound together and anchored to the floor. ' Not the first time something like this happened' was his thought as he surveyed the room. He was placed in the center of a hexagonal desk formation with a group of fancy dressed strangers staring at him like some kind of oddity while talking amongst themselves. He tested the give of the chains finding very little. Knowing the futility of trying to break out without making a noise while in chains; he turned his focus to the others that occupied the room. The first to catch his attention was a weirdly dressed man with skin sinking into his face slightly. An indicator of age if there ever was one, the next was shorter but hooded, another with half his face covered in metal , and a woman with short red hair and wore a jacket that stopped at her waist exposing her stomach. He did a double take as her abs looked like they were made from rocks and for a moment no matter how brief he forgot he was chained up. She didnt though as she caught his slight movements and alerted the rest of the group to him being awake. Once they sat down he was momentarily blinded to the rest of the room. He shook his head to clear his thoughts or just to clear his vision more. He wasnt sure which one but once his vision was stable again he was able to just nearly make out the grey outlines of a hexagonal shape of tables; where each figure sat just beyond the light. They were talking strangely but after a few moments of concentrating he was able to understand them. It was the same dailect that the blue sage's village used. He never really liked how they spoke but was forced to learn it as it was one of the requirements the queer fellow know as the blue sage demanded of him.

Jak focused in on the one who was currently speaking, "This is a sign that the precursors are displeased with us. First a portal appears over the industrial district, now a foreigner is found with no identification of any kind what else could it be'' it was the hooded figure their voice was soft but stern making who laid beneath a mystery

Next was the gaunt man. His voice sounded like someone forced him to gargle gravel , "I disagree, this is clearly a gift they have sent to us. His eco concentration is far above what is normal not only in green but all across the eco spectrum. He most certainly must be a boon that came in our time of great need"

Jak recalled how the last time someone mentioned his eco ability, they tried to use him for their own benefit. Something about how malleable his powers were and needing a focal mastery.

Following the gravel choker was the man with metal covering part of his face, " I could care less about who the precursors are or aren't pleased with. If he is a boon, which I doubt, he won't be enough, we are in need of power, not wishes or acts of goodwill. One man cannot halt an army." The man sighed in exhaustion before sounds of parchment and shuffling echoed through the room " Which is precisely why I had called the counsel in today. It took a few years and a none to small amount of lives but I finally have everything set up for the project. all that is left is the approval process." the metal man said

Whatever it was that they were reading must have been either hard to read or Keir levels of crazy and hard to believe. If he had to guess, going off the hushed tones becoming eerily silent, he would bet on the latter instead of the former. The silence was disturbed by the gaunt faced man who got up while grumbling to himself about his eyesight before turning on the lights, sitting back down and dawning glasses in order to reread the document again and then again for the third time. The silence returned to the room. The person who lit the room took his glasses off, rubbed his temples before exploding with fury that must have been building the entire time he read the document. As it caused the chair he sat on to hit the floor a few feet away from where he had been with a loud clang getting Jak to flich.

The man's face held righteous anger as he spoke, "This is an affront to all the precursors stand for! Have you lost your damn mind Praxis? Dark eco! Fucking precuror damned dark eco!" he spat. His face held unending hate for the man that forced him to read such a thing, " in all my years of study, worship and governance never have I been subjected to such lunacy. Not even the damned terrorists calling themselves the underground would resort to such a thing. And acting on this plan will do nothing but add fuel to the fire that they have started. I mean seriously who the hell would think of this." Having lost the majority of his explosive energy towards the end infavor of disbelief. The gaunt man took a breath in before finishing his condemnation ," Using dark eco goes against every taboo that exists. Just being near the stuff causes life to mutate and corrupt. I will Not support its use in any form. For any reason

For as long as I live. I vote Nay indefinitely.``

A grunt of annoyance came from behind jak. The only positions he hadn't been able to look at. The voice that followed was rough but smooth, " while I may not be the most moral person, count veagar; unlike you I was at the raid on the nest. I at least had the backbone to do my part unlike the aristocra. I for one am in favor of it. I vote aye."

The hooded one drew his attention next, " As opposed as I am to both of you and what you represent" a resigned sigh is heard before they continue" count veger's point contains truth. To violate the taboo that was set in place since the dawn of creation will bring not but ruin. I vote nay."

The woman spoke following a brief silence while directing her head at each person who had spoken previously, " taboo or not, like it or not, boon or not. We are short on time. The metal heads keep throwing their bodies at the walls of the city everyday and the mutated pests from the swamps are becoming a problem for the locals. Then we have these issues involving the metal head cultists attacking places of great importance such as the drill platform, the mountain research center and the lurker village. We need more manpower and better deterrents. On the one hand we scrap the project and hope for another opportunity to arise. On the other project dark warrior is approved and we gain information on how dark eco works and interacts with humans. Best case scenario involves an unmitigated success with the project allowing for supersoldiers to become the bulk of our defense and eventually our offense. Worst case we waste resources that aren't useful to us and have a target painted on the place to pull the terrorists off other projects and places." She let what she had to say sink in before giving her vote ," I vote aye in favor of the project. As the Baron said, we need results; being reserved does nothing but waste time."

The silence this time was long and tense. In contrast to the growing white noise that began filling jaks head. His thoughts were scrambled from what he had just heard and if the lights had been centered on him he is positive that they would have noticed.

He wasn't supposed to be here. His friends needed him. Daxter needed him. Keir was injured and there was still that monster that came through the rift gate with them. He pushed such thoughts aside. They wouldn't help. And he needed to focus on the now.

The metal faced man stood and spoke catching jaks attention," then it comes down to me. Tradition has held, in times past, that the petitioner shall abstain for the sake of civility and stability of the council." the man paused, allowing for whatever tension had risen to stabilize before finishing " however after what happened the last time something concerning the metal head was brought to our attention." He stared daggers into count Veager. " Things have become dire enough for me to break that tradition. I vote aye. Breaking the deadlock at a 3:2 in favor of project DarkWarrior."

The animosity in the room oozed off each person around Jack and strangely enough the worst came from the hooded figure. Strangely it was familiar in a recent way but the sound of a wooden hammer striking something brought his attention back to the metal man who spoke " Now onto the fate of this foreigner here." Jak was still trying to wrap his mind around how the hell they were going to use dark eco in the first place as none gave any sign they could manipulate eco. Even the most basic abilities such as gathering and holding eco required latent talent. But there were exceptions like the lurkers who made special machines to harness blue eco. However the lurkers were isolationist and hostile to others. Or at least they were in his experience. Similar thoughts were interrupted when he registered the monks gaze. It held confusion. Then understanding. It shifted abruptly to blank apathy as the monk rose and stated plainly," I Abstain, matters of immigration, and the legality thereof hold no interest to the monks. Now i must take my leave. There is much that needs to be contemplated and discussed with my fellows" the soft spoken figure then withdrew while keeping their eyes locked with Jak before they left.

The one identified as count Veagar spoke following their departure," this is Not over Praxis not by a long shot, as for the outsider." he stared at jak what his face held was impossible to read. And all the staring was starting to get to him," it would be a waste to leave him in prison to rot and die. I put forth penal service in the Krimsom Guard. Or perhaps palace security. He is not a criminal after all the precursors sent him to us to use and last I checked we don't have any specific laws concerning events like this" He looked at the red-haired woman"Would that suffice, Errol?"

The woman identified as Errol responded with a , "First off its Captain Errol to you count Veagar, and secondly no it most certainly would not. Thirdly he is a criminal under immigration law. No one to vouch for him, and no identification. He just fell out of the sky, arriving in the city without passport or identification. Which, either the underground skulking about, is grounds to be labeled a spy. Finally, I don't know what you think we at the guard do,but being a part it isn't something just anyone can waltz into. It's a lifelong commitment that requires a lot of training both physically and mentally. Along with dedication, discipline, and most importantly communication," she gave Jak a pointed glare " The former hurdles we can fix but if the communication is either an impossibility or a refusal then it is not worth the effort in both resources and time." she paused a moment in faux contemplation before continuing "Though I agree that it would be a waste to simply leave him to rot while waiting for the project to bear fruit. Let's put him to some kind of use."

The man named Baron Praxis rose with what Jak would swear for the next couple of years as a smirk, " then it is agreed. In exchange for not being executed under suspicion of being a spy for the underground. He shall serve as a test subject in project DarkWarrior. During which Errol will be his caretaker and handler. Should he survive he will be granted full citizenship regardless of the result of the project" he looked Jak dead with his one eye. And once again he would swear the bastard was smirking," Congratulations kid you're not being killed on the spot. Welcome to Haven."

Veagar shouted and went back and forth with the others but none of it mattered to Jak. The metal bastard of a man just sentenced him to death. He had seen dark eco in action and what it did to those it didn't outright kill.

He wasn't going to end up like them. Gal and Maya were twisted corruption of the Sages they were supposed to be; he wasn't going to end up like them. Daxter was permanently altered to where he is no longer human. Instead now just an otsle. He wasn't going to end up like them. The white noise had reached a crescendo and the color of the world drained away. His breath stilled. The insanity of reality hiring him all at once. If he failed here he would never see his friends again. Two primary colors returned. Red and yellow. Red the color of strength and power. Yellow the color of heat and fire.

His eyes color changed sporting red and yellow instead of his normal blue in each iris. The eco within him surged into his arms. Red impowered yellow which felt like he was cooking his arms over one of keirs inventions. The searing pain from the melting metal didn't help to dissuade the thought. By the time the count took notice and drew his weapon it was already too late. The restraints had melted enough for him to beak out of them with little effort. And once the count fired several shots of yellow eco at him he was already moving.

He had a terrible aim. And if Jak was feeling pituitary playful he would have insulted the man. He rolled out of the way letting the counts shots scorch the floor where he was. Some of the shrapnel must have pierced him but he ignored it as the sound from the guards coming in from behind took priority.

Jak dove to the side avoiding the guards that tried to dog pile him. However, this only aided him in ramming head first into the red headed woman knocking over. She pushed her legs into his chest as they fell trying to launch him into the wall but with his red eco enhanced strength it only ended up pulling her into it with him. This at least allowed him to get a good look at her face. Her eyes were scarlet. With tattoos in angular patterns placed around her eyes. Her hair came down to her chin in an inverted bob hair cut. and one of her earrings held a small precursor cylinder.

"Stupid precursor crap nothing good ever comes from getting involved with it" was the only thing he said before passing out.

xxx

Praxis just sat there and watched as his right cybernetic eye brought up eco surge warnings. Specifically those of red and yellow. Though he had felt it long before the system had gone off. Anyone that took part in the nest raid would be able to tell the boy had brought forth eco and freed himself. Much like the damned metal heads. Sadly it was only he, krew and Errol that took notice well in advance.

Errol, for her part, readied her tranquilizer and krew turned off his communication device not letting the boy see him. It wasn't a know factor that he was the fifth member of the council and they wanted to keep it that way.

When an opportunity presented itself in the form of the ego driven count firing melter shots at the boy.. With the opportunity that was given, Errol took her shot. What was fired was a high grade tranquilizer used to take down bipedal metal heads which went into effect shortly after injection but he was still able to move far longer than they had.

It was impressive to say the least. He'd give the boy that much credit. Though when all was said and done the boy was passed out face down and ass up on top of his captain of the guard. Thank the precursors he opted to have a camera and video recorder installed along with his optic. It wasn't the most dignified position to be in for her but made for great conversation that's for damn sure. Said captain only blew the loose hair in front of her face out of her eyes out with annoyance clearly written on it.

In any other circumstance nothing would be visible but since the threat was dealt with and the guards present were directly under her jurisdiction she had little reason to hide how she felt.

She rolled the unconscious boy over and cuffed him again though in vastly more restraints this time. He gave her a brief nod as she took the kid away to be processed. They would need to talk later in greater detail about the boys living situation.

Now that those two were gone it left two guards, Veagar and him alone in the council chamber. A situation that normally the count made damn sure never happened because of Praxis' well known hate for the aristocra's role in causing the nest raid to fail.

Veagar had been one of the many that refused to lend aid and even vouched for the move to weaken the militia on the eve of the raid in case things went south. Whether or not they did so on purpose mattered little. All that did, was the result.

And he was still very pissed at the result. Any time he looked in the mirror he was reminded of it. So he took the small victories he could when dealing with them. And since Veagar was still shouting obscenities, he was free game.

So he plastered a pleasant smile on his face that promised to mean anything but good news. He spoke, "Calm yourself, count and use what little microscopic thinking power your useless brain has left. You would want to disappoint the precursors anymore would you."

Veagar looked Incensed at his deliberate invocation of the precursors. It had been bait and the moron fell for like a yack cow being bearded off a cliff,'' first don't you dare use the name of the precursors in my presence when you plan on defiling their gift with dark eco! Secondly, I'm far and above more knowledgeable than everyone in this room combined. Finally don't you dare to make judgement on behalf of the precursors or I'll have your head." That last sentence he seethed through clenched teeth

Praxis's smile turned cruel. To him, Veagar had decided now was the time for a dick measuring contest so he obliged and then some. In a sickly sweet tone that had no business being anywhere near the man he said," you mean the 'gift' you just shot melter bullets at. Or were you just referring to yourself. Though you might want to get your head checked if you mixed up the terms of gift and curse." He shifted his tone into authoritative menace as he continued, " as for your knowledge count. I'd rerun those numbers. Johnson has two PhDs in applied physics and applied eco tactics. Herald has a master's in practical engineering. I personally hold two bachelors. And they are just the guards present. As Captain Errol Stated, not just anyone can join the guard. And regarding your judgement we both know you are guilty." He leaned in towards the end for emphasis.

Veager's look of indignation melted away into a placid one. He had slipped up. That much was clear. And his next statement would seal his fate for better or worse. The man inhaled, centering himself before responding in a stiff and slightly rushed tone" puting the previous statement on the precursors aside for now. I was being hyperbolic in regards to taking your head. And my regards to the guards as well I meant no disrespect. However on the grounds of shooting at the prisoner. He had broken out of the restraints and I feared for my life. You can not blame me for that.``

Seeing the Count regain some semblance of control, Praxis had to respond in kind. So instead of antagonizing the man further opened his pocket book and wrote the man a very very steep fine. One the should be sufficient enough to make him think twice about doing it again " for discharging a firearm in the council chambers and during a council session where tensions were high I could have your head. But seeing as you are remorseful you'll just receive a hefty fine." praxis tore off the recipient's part of the fine and handed it to the man.

Veagar read the paper with a slight smile on his face. That was until he saw a zero. Followed by another and another and another and another and another and another. He tried to interrupt and disrupt the large amount but was stopped by the KG placing a hand on each of his shoulders." Veagar your business in the palace is done you are no longer needed here. Make your leave or the guard will escort you out. With all the honors the aristocra deserve "

The count looked at his sides then to the bullshit slap in the face fine he received and decided to stop digging his own grave. He elected to leave with the escort.

XxX

Praxis watched the count leave and decided to wait in the room a bit longer to contemplate what he was going to do. His goals were met and he was able to hit the count where he couldn't fight back. But there was a gnawing pit in his stomach telling him he missed something and that was never a good sign. He sat down in his council chair and made sure everyone was gone, guards included. He leaned back in the chair and let a long exhausted sign leave him. Dealing with politics always made him tired but this day had been a drop ship ride of problems from the get go. He opened a drawer built into his desk and retried a large bottle of spirits. Poured himself and a soon to be guest a shot and waited. And waited until he decided to take a nap. Precursors know when the last time he was able to get one in.

He woke up to the sound of footsteps approaching the outside of the council chamber door. To which he already had his morph gun drawn and set on stun. He waited but it didn't open. A knock eventually did come from it. It was in a pattern he set up with Errol and her choice of guards.

Relaxing a bit he lowered the gun while allowing their entrance. It was indeed Errol and one of her main escorts. A rather enjoyable guard to be around named Lev. He was a hell of a cook and never disappointed when it involved meat. Though right now wasn't really the time to think of food as he had another guest to pour a shot for.

They took some of the chairs to position them so they were opposite of him. Sliding the Errol her shot Praxis said to the gaurd, " at ease. This is business, but not formally." To which Lev nodded and took off his helmet and mask. Lev was a northman with angular features and strong contours. But his face was covered in deep scars even before he joined the guard. And over the course of his service he earned a few more, one being a sickly color stretching across his face. He sat down in time with his commanding officer as he said, "zhank you, zis is a great offer. And I am being glad to accept." After which he picked up the shot ond downed it in one. He and Errol followed suit.

Now that the nerves were settled they could get down to discuss what to specifically do with their prisoner. Praxis brought up what was on all their minds, " I'm not the only one that notice the eco surge right before things went to hell back there right?"

Lev gave his response while giving a comfirmitory nod, " yez, zis worries me az well. Was like I were back in ze nest." He poured them all another shot and looked toward Errol for her opionion on the matter. Surprisingly she was the first to down the shot and immdately took lev's before doing it again. Praxis shook his head and said, "no need to rush things Errol; no one likes that night." She glarred at him before taking his glass and downing it in spite, " I know praxis. But being so close to an eco surge again and being told I'm the one now responsible for keeping him in check has got me more than stressed." she roughly set the shot glass down upon finishing the statement.

He filled up his and Levs glass and made sure Errol wasnt able to get them, " and that is the reason we are here tonight discussing it." to that him and lev downed theirs " and you're not the only one looking after the boy." he pointed to lev himself and the slightly red faced Errol, " we are." she and lev rose their eyes at that. " we will be rotating so he can acclimate to haven faster. Lev will be his actaul room mate and your going to be his supervisor. I will be checking in on his progress and mentoring him in combat and slowly work him around to our cause."

Errol openly barked a laugh at that, " ha you kidding me how the hell do you think he will side with us." her smile disappeared " you saw how he reacted to the news of dark eco experimentation. It wasnt confusion and it wasnt outrage like veagar nor was it condemnation like seam. It was violnet and intentional. Meaning he knows enough to realise how fucked he is." Errol eyed the bottle but seemed to be relaxed enough to avoid the impulse.

Praxis conceded the point, " indeed he did. Which is why he won't be the first one we experiment on. We have time to spare. At the moment he needs to get involved with the guard as an asset. Intigration and brotherhood and all that shit." Understanding bloomed on Levs face but it wasnt pleasant to see him catch on so quickly. He tapped his glass on the desk indicating he needed another one.

Downing the freshly poured drink lev nodded before getting up in a rage chucking the empty glass against the wall shattering it " You fucked in head Praxis!" Errols eyes widdened at her guards actions while praxis looked nonplussed by it. She looked between the two of them trying to find what she was missing. Lev shoved his considerable weight off the desk distrubing the booze. While he shouted in his native tongue. They always were the most colorful when it came to such things.

He waited for Lev to cool down and for Errol to sober up a bit thanks to Lev's outburst. Though she still seeimed confused. When lev finally calmed down enough he sat down and elaborated what praxis had implied for his captain, " He means to make ze boy into a battle brother of mine."

Errol didnt look pleased, " You understand what you are doing right Praxis. Having a northman make a brotherhood bond with someone isnt to be taken lightly. Once this happens There is no breaking it. Youll be putting peace with the north and specifically Zerkov in danger. It could start a fucking war."

He nodded firmly ,``I am fully aware of it Errol, and you Lev im sorry but there is no other way. The metal heads are a threat to us all and we need that boy on our side. Having him be your battle brother is the only way to ensure that happnes"

Lev was still upset but accepted the apology, " zank you Baron, and I am fully aware of ze situation. What upsets me so is zat zere is no other way. Ze boy was fully committed to escape. And will do so again and again if given ze opportunity. if he falls into ze hands undergournds, zings go from bad to worse fathers zan ze flute flute biord on slope. Just be fully aware baron, Once zis happens both his and mine lives are linked. Any Enemy zat is his is mine and vise verza."

Praxis nodded solemnly at the declaration. He was on board but not pleased and neither was his captain. He handed the bottle of alcohol to Lev as a gift and appoligy, " when he wakes up he will be hungry. And judging from the clothes he wore I'd bet he is from the countryside. Cook up some yack cow on a spit. Something all of us will eat together." Lev accepted the bottle and nodded.

"And what do i get out of this?" his captain asked. Not saying a word he withdrew two season tickets for the races that were starting up soon. The look on her face was worth the effort of tracking them down. He knew his guards and their interests what good general wouldnt.

The rest of the night they stayed to brainstorm how to make the transition as smooth as possible for the boy. Not because of sympathy nor out of curtisy. It was a tactic. One he thought perverse when studying psychology but after all these years here he was using two methods to acquire power he himself would have despised him for not but three years prior. He chuckled internally at a statement daimos had made all those years ago.

You go into that nest. Win or lose, a different man will come out.

Oh how right the former king was.