p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="61fee30202b36dc338cde967b1532862"The crackling of the burning wood resonated throughout the room as it was the only other source of light within Enciodes room, he sat there looking at his watch as he was waiting for a special guest to arrive. His eyes begin wandering around the room he has considered his office. Various pieces of art left behind by his father, his grandfather and all former heads of the Silverash family./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="ef82e63bd0ef6570e6a2e1773e065530"The other thing Encidoes can say that has stayed within this office across the generations was the original painting of the family insignia, from centuries if not longer past. It has been the one thread connecting the past, the present and likely the future of the family. It was there when he came into power and it will be there when he gives it up./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="a88b85b59667b50d9f56695fdabf24d2"He reached and grasped the drink on his desk, with a smooth motion he took a small sip of the drink as he felt the temperature of his body rise as it went through his system. Soon a knock came from his door./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="c6f010e4292b3419a4bba0b2d2405eea""Lord, Silverash, I brought the guest."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="07ae153cee1e85eaabce1a1fcd9b5fc5""Come in."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="d5c1ffffac3fc7e0220ee4b102ef455c"From the doorway was his uncle who doubled as his butler, along with his partner in crime. His upper chest wrapped like a mummy, the fireplace lighting his face as if the hero of a book came to save the day or the villain making his grand entrance./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="aaa9f3bec442e1e14dc88797a230ebc5""This is a mighty fine office you have here, I can feel the age of this room. Feel like I'm about to land on some great yet unfounded wisdom." Apollo said as he took a seat crossing his legs in the process./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="265a76ff2864d8a4180f06bca54c54d4"A comfortable silence landed on the two as the crackling of the fireplace filled the air. Encidoes pulls out his favorite hobby, from below his desk he pulls a glass box. A checkered board with various pieces on top was clear to Apollo, a chess board./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="99150677ec2c94e236e271cdeb61642d"Without exchanging words Encidoes and Apollo set up the chess board, Apollo grabbed the piece of pure black glass. It's shade of black so dark that not even the light of the fireplace reflected off it./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="f2bb3a774db6fa54ecf18c3fbc7e8a88""With everything finished and behind us, I think it's only fair that I say my thanks for this mission, Apollo." Encidoes said as he looked at the neutral state of the board./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="ae52937e5d3d9e70effcc99e7d95a596""It was nothing, but I will say I was hoping that with the stage being set for you that I could ask for a favor in return, some information." Apollo said as he thought of a move. "The falling object from the sky, what are they?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="e6278e687252c68cf104360c1242c635"Encidoes looked at Apollo, staring into his eyes. Apollo's eyes have a contradictory gaze to them, both of them having an empty look to them but Encidoes couldn't shake the idea that Apollo is more than he lets on./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="13bec335d09d194567971dbce67c0c87""I must apologize but I don't know what yo-"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="6032efcb2c27487f747d9415befccbea""Don't lie to me Enciodes, I wish to build a sense of trust between us. I was informed about the objects from the sky from one of the old saintesses." Apollo said as he turned his gaze not at Enciodes but the window behind them./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="7094192fcf96261c0abf95ee085fa214"Enciodes rested his hand on his chin, running all of the possible outcomes with Apollo. Some ending in tragedy, others in neutrality, however if things go well borderline perfectly then Enciodes could only imagine how well things could go./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="2cc6c4632ae077eb0016aa82c7b3696d"'Having someone like Apollo on my side could be used as another source of information, information that I likely wouldn't have access to due to my standing. Nobility has many perks but it comes with some downsides as well. Additionally his arts are rather interesting, the use of curses reminds me of the way some Sarkaz fights.' Enciodes thoughts to himself as he reaches a decision./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="53342ffb18925f48d69f2a249fa09bcd""I do wish to form a bond so I'll tell you what I know." Enciodes said as he looked out the window, his gaze taking in the various stars in the sky. "It happened a few months ago but randomly one night, many objects fell from the sky. At first I thought they were just shooting stars but it was very clear that wasn't the case. To make a long story short they were scattered across the nation. Gladly none of them landed in populated areas./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="4cf0df1aa01edcff66b29f954476bbd6""So it's fair to say that the other noble houses also have some of them?" Apollo asked as he leaned back in his seat./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="48904fe69dbc98baa44d0dc0b23e6e3e""That's right, while I may have said cubes. Not all of them came in the form of cubes, the one I have under my possession is more of a pyramid." Enciodes explained./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="6cdb0524e9ba0b8fb3b793b939849981"Apollo rose from his chair, and headed for the door. The light of the fireplace made Apollo look like a villain about to give a speech. "Then let's get to it, also good game."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="b033ad9dce87fa0f1022473faedcb959"Enciodes looked at the board and realized that the game was over, he had Apollo's king checkmated yet it didn't feel like he won. Encidoes felt as if he put more effort than he wanted, unfulfilled is what he felt./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="1c6f2faccf7ae8853adc071fb8c71587"After some time and a scenery change the trio of Enciodes, Apollo and the butler found themselves at the end of a hallway. Its light blue coloring was only interrupted by the various armed guards in all black or the scientist walking around in the stereotypical white lab coats./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="a6fae33dcdfe039bd66e26abef6c0aa0"Enciodes walked up to the door and punched and swiped a card into a card reader, its blinking red light turning to a static green as it gave a pleasant beep sound before the door opened. Bright light temporarily blinded Apollo before they quickly adjusted as the object in question stared him down./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="c9840ea053778107e234fac638db65fb"Various scientists were moving about, each of them having a variety of expressions. Some looked tired, others stressed while some seemed happy to be there. Each one doing their own small part in uncovering the mystery behind the object./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="f5559c295e8a60c1b5cc96bcca5fd719""So this is where we next meet."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="79bb90e872465093646b45046cf71192"At the tone of a familiar voice Apollo shifted his gaze to see a woman, head to toe in different shades of red to make up an appealing outfit for everyone to look at. An outfit while not scandialst in the slightest betrayed the position and reputation she has not with the scientist and guards within the facility but with the wider Kjerag population./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="36fbdb7d5ea73d81d54451f61abcae9b""I have to say Astrid, you do look good in a flannel. Never knew you had it in you to look good." Apollo said as if he was talking to a lifelong friend./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="a9357cb6701bfd5e11a066ce3d213b75"Encidoes and the nearby scientist could listen in shock at the words said. Although it's fair to consider Encidoes to be on the lesser end of believers of the faith, he was still someone raised in Kjerag and a member of the Silverash family. So his respect for his goddess and the saintess was still rooted in his core, the same could be said about the other scientist./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="e9954c368d5f89583ce58b6ca0ba55b9"Their thoughts raged from 'this can't end well' to 'I will put this heretic in his place'. It was easy to say the overall reach to this was terrible to say the least./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="7a7df224f6f29772cbff51dc9807ff4c""I'm hurt, I actually try to look good for my people in both an official and unofficial capacity. Plus I refuse to take such slander from someone who only has a pair of pants and bandages for clothes. Didn't even have the care to put a shirt on or shoes" Astrid said./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="7e7f8a6640edc40ed149ce5f5c44a8d3""I only just got to the hospital, so what did you expect? I'm not your boyfriend." Apollo said in return./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="1e70e42025633b306a13ab15092448a7""Something more than this." Astrid could feel the sense of disappointment rising within her, but she quickly pushed it away as she turned her eyes to Enciodes./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="d5e57b1afec9cb8f5036118f127ff5f2"Understanding what Astrid was planning to ask, he gave his answer. "I brought Apollo as a favor, without him the company would have had more troubles expanding both in and out the country. He's an ally now."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="29fe7a2f70e4a3f56f69fb3ccb1f2929"Astrid raised an eyebrow before turning her eyes at an Apollo who was standing not too far away from them, his attention fixed at the object in question, the reason he was brought here./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="b63ccb2b883a8fc90a8271f8acdafbc4"In the center of the large room was a triangular object, its surface akin to obsidian. Thin red lines arranged like multiple sheets of blueprints stacked on each other were etched onto its surface giving it this familiar yet alien aura./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="bcef2030e83dd4eeede63f8eb69d8914"Astrid raises her eyebrows higher at Apollo's reaction./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="471ecfabbd711f75625be64d0c13b97b""I see, so that's what happened." Apollo said as he made his way to the object, reaching out as he ran his hand along its surface./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="b183567f6724727527664c6f836304cb"There wasn't a single nick on it, cut to perfection. Even when he ran his finger across the top of the red engravings, it was as smooth as it could be./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="ec6b27d946ee684cc6d7a03e05a5e2fc""I assume with a reaction like that, you have an idea what this is?" Astrid asked as she walked her way to Apollo, using her unique path of feminine charm on Apollo. Even with the clothes she was wearing, her lean muscular frame was still apparent./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="5bd1ac613c1328a7f331d0e791c20e72"Apollo didn't say anything as he continued to look at the object, seemingly lost in thought./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="95b346f5f8c560085f637d8e9b66e871""Nah, I just like saying that so it looks like I know what I'm doing, trust me, it works well when done right. Fake it to you, make it y,know?" Apollo said as he turned around with his chest puffed out. "But I know where to start, do you have anything similar to this, more objects from the sky?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="ecfc5ae7ba12f21e0057b64b265f268b""We do, why so? You wish to have one yourself?" Astrid asked with a degree of seriousness in her voice./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="a0458d2fbed604323ebcb209c8c1d6e9""I'm glad you catch my drift, think of it as a collaborative effort between not just Karlan Co but rather the entirety of Kjerag and Rhodes Island. What do you think?" Apollo asked as he placed both his hands on his hips tilting them./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="8551793ff57220d0ed9e2fd738f5f16a"Astrid narrowed her eyes at Apollo. "While I understand Silverash trusts you, and I can respect the end goal of your plan. Wouldn't you agree that you are pushing luck? I've grown attached to you as a fighter but at the end of the day I must have my people's well being in mind. For all I know, whatever is inside the object can bring problems we can't handle." Astrid stood with her chest out, radiating authority belonging to someone of her status./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="3b880923d8b26186b8294ce8eee25a0d"Apollo released a sigh, since he can't argue with her. She brings up good points and he constrained to be an abyssal hunter, an organization he knows nothing about. All he knows is that they are related to the sea and that he has the traits of them. A rather sticky situation to be in. "That's true but also understand the strengths of Rhodes Island, along with our goals. We are trying to make the world a better place through our research, after all we are a pharmaceutical company."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="6e63c90717cd771fcf542755f0dbc298""Yet you have less than stable employees in that company, such as that vulpo, Lappland was her name." Astrid raised her eyebrow. "Rhodes Island may be a pharmaceutical company, but last time I checked they normally don't have a pseudo-standing military. You're people are abnormal in many ways, after all you're among them."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="8b6ed6ad770f1aad5d5b0bc7eecfee05"Apollo could only mentally rub his head, knowing that it would be difficult to convince Astrid./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="e4c3804f69dd3e0a86eb569a6b019b71""Then what can I do that would allow Rhodes Island the honor of studying this thing?" Apollo asked, dropping all sense of sophistication./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="9ed717aa5607574512d99a44dd855e03""We will lend a handful of our best minds to your company, shouldn't be too difficult with the partnership Karlan trade and Rhodes Island already has. We will require weekly updates from our people and if these terms aren't met without a justified reason, Karlan Trade will be in their right to retaliate using the necessary is another part of this deal but that is a private matter between the two of us./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="c6e503ba2facc79f261bf640cc980124""Deal" Apollo responded without a second to waste grabbing Astrid's hand, shaking it wildly yet firmly. "As for what potential items we found, we'll discuss the terms of those when we get there."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="381c6873b27445eae41e4ba6604c73e9"Astrid was a little put off by how quickly Apollo accepted the deal, but it was terms she deemed best for her so she can't complain./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="3672bfb7c6f647d2790950cdc88f2a11""Now as for that personal matter." Astrid said as she leaned closer to Apollo making sure the only ones who can hear her is Apollo. "I want a rematch, with you being serious."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="27a6f5ccb86a1b3b4fce626e94d2b6bd"Apollo could only let his neck hang at the request as he already said deal before he knew all the terms so he couldn't pull out, but he wouldn't anyway as the need for the object was greater./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="351c15f416ef2f7f8c62af065c00d072""Just give me a date and a time and I'll entertain you, " I said semi-loudly drawing the attention of nearby scientists and even Encidoes raised an eyebrow./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="f683a70d192b89df98382e9e39ee19f9""You're a prick, you know that?" Astrid said as she stomped on Apollo's naked foot./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="0c64402559977b400817796bedcb1e7d""I've been told."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="b732cb45ef299c7ec5f2abee91d91f46"Apollo could give a sly remark as he tried to keep the pain from Astrid's leather shoes as known to only him, it really hurts./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="17bd5cb391d985501d69a656efc6809f"_/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="a9744b6e2252ac0bfd006a9ce24c6942"As you can tell, I'm not dead yet. Sorry for being late... again. College and some personal stuff really threw me in for a loop. So here's this chapter. As few of you know I have an test revision of the story out there. Think of it like a visual novel with a different route, another side of things or a different set of events./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="ef82e63bd0ef6570e6a2e1773e065530"The other thing Encidoes can say that has stayed within this office across the generations was the original painting of the family insignia, from centuries if not longer past. It has been the one thread connecting the past, the present and likely the future of the family. It was there when he came into power and it will be there when he gives it up./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="a88b85b59667b50d9f56695fdabf24d2"He reached and grasped the drink on his desk, with a smooth motion he took a small sip of the drink as he felt the temperature of his body rise as it went through his system. Soon a knock came from his door./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="c6f010e4292b3419a4bba0b2d2405eea""Lord, Silverash, I brought the guest."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="07ae153cee1e85eaabce1a1fcd9b5fc5""Come in."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="d5c1ffffac3fc7e0220ee4b102ef455c"From the doorway was his uncle who doubled as his butler, along with his partner in crime. His upper chest wrapped like a mummy, the fireplace lighting his face as if the hero of a book came to save the day or the villain making his grand entrance./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="aaa9f3bec442e1e14dc88797a230ebc5""This is a mighty fine office you have here, I can feel the age of this room. Feel like I'm about to land on some great yet unfounded wisdom." Apollo said as he took a seat crossing his legs in the process./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="265a76ff2864d8a4180f06bca54c54d4"A comfortable silence landed on the two as the crackling of the fireplace filled the air. Encidoes pulls out his favorite hobby, from below his desk he pulls a glass box. A checkered board with various pieces on top was clear to Apollo, a chess board./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="99150677ec2c94e236e271cdeb61642d"Without exchanging words Encidoes and Apollo set up the chess board, Apollo grabbed the piece of pure black glass. It's shade of black so dark that not even the light of the fireplace reflected off it./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="f2bb3a774db6fa54ecf18c3fbc7e8a88""With everything finished and behind us, I think it's only fair that I say my thanks for this mission, Apollo." Encidoes said as he looked at the neutral state of the board./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="ae52937e5d3d9e70effcc99e7d95a596""It was nothing, but I will say I was hoping that with the stage being set for you that I could ask for a favor in return, some information." Apollo said as he thought of a move. "The falling object from the sky, what are they?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="e6278e687252c68cf104360c1242c635"Encidoes looked at Apollo, staring into his eyes. Apollo's eyes have a contradictory gaze to them, both of them having an empty look to them but Encidoes couldn't shake the idea that Apollo is more than he lets on./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="13bec335d09d194567971dbce67c0c87""I must apologize but I don't know what yo-"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="6032efcb2c27487f747d9415befccbea""Don't lie to me Enciodes, I wish to build a sense of trust between us. I was informed about the objects from the sky from one of the old saintesses." Apollo said as he turned his gaze not at Enciodes but the window behind them./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="7094192fcf96261c0abf95ee085fa214"Enciodes rested his hand on his chin, running all of the possible outcomes with Apollo. Some ending in tragedy, others in neutrality, however if things go well borderline perfectly then Enciodes could only imagine how well things could go./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="2cc6c4632ae077eb0016aa82c7b3696d"'Having someone like Apollo on my side could be used as another source of information, information that I likely wouldn't have access to due to my standing. Nobility has many perks but it comes with some downsides as well. Additionally his arts are rather interesting, the use of curses reminds me of the way some Sarkaz fights.' Enciodes thoughts to himself as he reaches a decision./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="53342ffb18925f48d69f2a249fa09bcd""I do wish to form a bond so I'll tell you what I know." Enciodes said as he looked out the window, his gaze taking in the various stars in the sky. "It happened a few months ago but randomly one night, many objects fell from the sky. At first I thought they were just shooting stars but it was very clear that wasn't the case. To make a long story short they were scattered across the nation. Gladly none of them landed in populated areas./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="4cf0df1aa01edcff66b29f954476bbd6""So it's fair to say that the other noble houses also have some of them?" Apollo asked as he leaned back in his seat./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="48904fe69dbc98baa44d0dc0b23e6e3e""That's right, while I may have said cubes. Not all of them came in the form of cubes, the one I have under my possession is more of a pyramid." Enciodes explained./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="6cdb0524e9ba0b8fb3b793b939849981"Apollo rose from his chair, and headed for the door. The light of the fireplace made Apollo look like a villain about to give a speech. "Then let's get to it, also good game."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="b033ad9dce87fa0f1022473faedcb959"Enciodes looked at the board and realized that the game was over, he had Apollo's king checkmated yet it didn't feel like he won. Encidoes felt as if he put more effort than he wanted, unfulfilled is what he felt./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="1c6f2faccf7ae8853adc071fb8c71587"After some time and a scenery change the trio of Enciodes, Apollo and the butler found themselves at the end of a hallway. Its light blue coloring was only interrupted by the various armed guards in all black or the scientist walking around in the stereotypical white lab coats./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="a6fae33dcdfe039bd66e26abef6c0aa0"Enciodes walked up to the door and punched and swiped a card into a card reader, its blinking red light turning to a static green as it gave a pleasant beep sound before the door opened. Bright light temporarily blinded Apollo before they quickly adjusted as the object in question stared him down./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="c9840ea053778107e234fac638db65fb"Various scientists were moving about, each of them having a variety of expressions. Some looked tired, others stressed while some seemed happy to be there. Each one doing their own small part in uncovering the mystery behind the object./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="f5559c295e8a60c1b5cc96bcca5fd719""So this is where we next meet."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="79bb90e872465093646b45046cf71192"At the tone of a familiar voice Apollo shifted his gaze to see a woman, head to toe in different shades of red to make up an appealing outfit for everyone to look at. An outfit while not scandialst in the slightest betrayed the position and reputation she has not with the scientist and guards within the facility but with the wider Kjerag population./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="36fbdb7d5ea73d81d54451f61abcae9b""I have to say Astrid, you do look good in a flannel. Never knew you had it in you to look good." Apollo said as if he was talking to a lifelong friend./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="a9357cb6701bfd5e11a066ce3d213b75"Encidoes and the nearby scientist could listen in shock at the words said. Although it's fair to consider Encidoes to be on the lesser end of believers of the faith, he was still someone raised in Kjerag and a member of the Silverash family. So his respect for his goddess and the saintess was still rooted in his core, the same could be said about the other scientist./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="e9954c368d5f89583ce58b6ca0ba55b9"Their thoughts raged from 'this can't end well' to 'I will put this heretic in his place'. It was easy to say the overall reach to this was terrible to say the least./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="7a7df224f6f29772cbff51dc9807ff4c""I'm hurt, I actually try to look good for my people in both an official and unofficial capacity. Plus I refuse to take such slander from someone who only has a pair of pants and bandages for clothes. Didn't even have the care to put a shirt on or shoes" Astrid said./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="7e7f8a6640edc40ed149ce5f5c44a8d3""I only just got to the hospital, so what did you expect? I'm not your boyfriend." Apollo said in return./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="1e70e42025633b306a13ab15092448a7""Something more than this." Astrid could feel the sense of disappointment rising within her, but she quickly pushed it away as she turned her eyes to Enciodes./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="d5e57b1afec9cb8f5036118f127ff5f2"Understanding what Astrid was planning to ask, he gave his answer. "I brought Apollo as a favor, without him the company would have had more troubles expanding both in and out the country. He's an ally now."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="29fe7a2f70e4a3f56f69fb3ccb1f2929"Astrid raised an eyebrow before turning her eyes at an Apollo who was standing not too far away from them, his attention fixed at the object in question, the reason he was brought here./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="b63ccb2b883a8fc90a8271f8acdafbc4"In the center of the large room was a triangular object, its surface akin to obsidian. Thin red lines arranged like multiple sheets of blueprints stacked on each other were etched onto its surface giving it this familiar yet alien aura./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="bcef2030e83dd4eeede63f8eb69d8914"Astrid raises her eyebrows higher at Apollo's reaction./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="471ecfabbd711f75625be64d0c13b97b""I see, so that's what happened." Apollo said as he made his way to the object, reaching out as he ran his hand along its surface./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="b183567f6724727527664c6f836304cb"There wasn't a single nick on it, cut to perfection. Even when he ran his finger across the top of the red engravings, it was as smooth as it could be./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="ec6b27d946ee684cc6d7a03e05a5e2fc""I assume with a reaction like that, you have an idea what this is?" Astrid asked as she walked her way to Apollo, using her unique path of feminine charm on Apollo. Even with the clothes she was wearing, her lean muscular frame was still apparent./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="5bd1ac613c1328a7f331d0e791c20e72"Apollo didn't say anything as he continued to look at the object, seemingly lost in thought./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="95b346f5f8c560085f637d8e9b66e871""Nah, I just like saying that so it looks like I know what I'm doing, trust me, it works well when done right. Fake it to you, make it y,know?" Apollo said as he turned around with his chest puffed out. "But I know where to start, do you have anything similar to this, more objects from the sky?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="ecfc5ae7ba12f21e0057b64b265f268b""We do, why so? You wish to have one yourself?" Astrid asked with a degree of seriousness in her voice./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="a0458d2fbed604323ebcb209c8c1d6e9""I'm glad you catch my drift, think of it as a collaborative effort between not just Karlan Co but rather the entirety of Kjerag and Rhodes Island. What do you think?" Apollo asked as he placed both his hands on his hips tilting them./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="8551793ff57220d0ed9e2fd738f5f16a"Astrid narrowed her eyes at Apollo. "While I understand Silverash trusts you, and I can respect the end goal of your plan. Wouldn't you agree that you are pushing luck? I've grown attached to you as a fighter but at the end of the day I must have my people's well being in mind. For all I know, whatever is inside the object can bring problems we can't handle." Astrid stood with her chest out, radiating authority belonging to someone of her status./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="3b880923d8b26186b8294ce8eee25a0d"Apollo released a sigh, since he can't argue with her. She brings up good points and he constrained to be an abyssal hunter, an organization he knows nothing about. All he knows is that they are related to the sea and that he has the traits of them. A rather sticky situation to be in. "That's true but also understand the strengths of Rhodes Island, along with our goals. We are trying to make the world a better place through our research, after all we are a pharmaceutical company."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="6e63c90717cd771fcf542755f0dbc298""Yet you have less than stable employees in that company, such as that vulpo, Lappland was her name." Astrid raised her eyebrow. "Rhodes Island may be a pharmaceutical company, but last time I checked they normally don't have a pseudo-standing military. You're people are abnormal in many ways, after all you're among them."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="8b6ed6ad770f1aad5d5b0bc7eecfee05"Apollo could only mentally rub his head, knowing that it would be difficult to convince Astrid./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="e4c3804f69dd3e0a86eb569a6b019b71""Then what can I do that would allow Rhodes Island the honor of studying this thing?" Apollo asked, dropping all sense of sophistication./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="9ed717aa5607574512d99a44dd855e03""We will lend a handful of our best minds to your company, shouldn't be too difficult with the partnership Karlan trade and Rhodes Island already has. We will require weekly updates from our people and if these terms aren't met without a justified reason, Karlan Trade will be in their right to retaliate using the necessary is another part of this deal but that is a private matter between the two of us./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="c6e503ba2facc79f261bf640cc980124""Deal" Apollo responded without a second to waste grabbing Astrid's hand, shaking it wildly yet firmly. "As for what potential items we found, we'll discuss the terms of those when we get there."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="381c6873b27445eae41e4ba6604c73e9"Astrid was a little put off by how quickly Apollo accepted the deal, but it was terms she deemed best for her so she can't complain./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="3672bfb7c6f647d2790950cdc88f2a11""Now as for that personal matter." Astrid said as she leaned closer to Apollo making sure the only ones who can hear her is Apollo. "I want a rematch, with you being serious."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="27a6f5ccb86a1b3b4fce626e94d2b6bd"Apollo could only let his neck hang at the request as he already said deal before he knew all the terms so he couldn't pull out, but he wouldn't anyway as the need for the object was greater./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="351c15f416ef2f7f8c62af065c00d072""Just give me a date and a time and I'll entertain you, " I said semi-loudly drawing the attention of nearby scientists and even Encidoes raised an eyebrow./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="f683a70d192b89df98382e9e39ee19f9""You're a prick, you know that?" Astrid said as she stomped on Apollo's naked foot./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="0c64402559977b400817796bedcb1e7d""I've been told."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="b732cb45ef299c7ec5f2abee91d91f46"Apollo could give a sly remark as he tried to keep the pain from Astrid's leather shoes as known to only him, it really hurts./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="17bd5cb391d985501d69a656efc6809f"_/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="a9744b6e2252ac0bfd006a9ce24c6942"As you can tell, I'm not dead yet. Sorry for being late... again. College and some personal stuff really threw me in for a loop. So here's this chapter. As few of you know I have an test revision of the story out there. Think of it like a visual novel with a different route, another side of things or a different set of events./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" /p