[u][b]Simon Barnaky - Ultra Luxe[/b][/u]

"You would have to take that up with the Boomers, who reside there and operate as the only human military component of the FZM thus far.", House replied. "I rule this territory, but I know better than to make promises on their behalf. You will have to coordinate it with them. I would be glad to equip you with an embassy in my territory. Terms will be drafted on paper and sent to your group momentarily."

"Very well", Barnaky replied, "If you would be so kind as to arrange an introduction, I believe we can convince them such cooperation would benefit them significantly."

House paused his speech to ponder Barnaky's final suggestion. "A rail line between our territories would surely bridge the gap between Midwest-and-west. I believe that such a gesture could be a stepping stone toward re-developing the high technology sector. I accept." 

"We already have rail lines into Legion territory in Colorado and New Mexico", Barnaky said, "I believe I can persuade Lucius to allow them to be extended into the FZM....once his assent is secured, then we can proceed." 

"Before I draw up an official document", House said, "is there anything else?"

"Yes", Barnaky said as he rose to his feet and walked over to the terminal, plugging a memory stick into a data port, "The contents concern some of your guests, the Cult." He then began to pace again. "Radio broadcasts, after action reports, technical evaluations of captured equipment, strategic analysis, even some film footage of what we've found in areas they operate in. About eight years ago, they seized Pittsburgh from a particularly ambitious Raider, who had managed to get at least one of the steelworks there functioning again. Six years ago, they butchered virtually a whole battalion of good Infantry in Cleveland...we were only able to pull about forty of them out alive. We've been at war ever since. These people are a threat to any sort of civilization....and a threat I intend to deal with. When you get time...I recommend you take a good look at that data and then we'll talk about it. I think you'll agree that you don't want them for neighbors."

Barnaky then stopped and looked at the picture again. 

"Also", he asked, "Can I take this thing out of the suite now?"


[u][b]Several Hours Later[/b][/u]

“I think all that has been said is all that needs to be said", Gladstone replied. "If I may Lord Barnaky, I shall bid you a fair day, and take my leave. I have many meetings to attend to.”

"Of course, High Elder", Barnaky replied, "Steel be with you."

Walking over to the door, Atticus paused, before turning, giving a small bow of respect to the Lord Paladin, and promptly exited the room. 

"[i]Kind of frosty[/i]", Barnaky thought, "[i]But then that was to be expected. In the end, they are family...even if they are not our friends.[/i]"


[u][b]Brother Martin - The Tops[/b][/u]

Calypso smiled at Martin, “Why do you across from me Love?” She slid into the seat next to Martin, “There,” she gently laid her hand on his thigh, “This is much better, don't you think?”

She stared deep into his eyes with a touch of innocence, “I find myself eager to hear your proposal regarding The Passage my dearest Martin.” She took a sip of scotch with her free hand while lightly rubbing his thigh, “I do hope that we are able to come to an agreement that favors us both. After all, we are neighboring nations."

"The Passage, yes", Martin replied, steeling himself against yet another attempt by Calypso to seduce him. "The Lord Paladin is not opposed..in principle..to your efforts to control commerce in the Upper Lakes, but he doesn't like the idea of paying tolls to pass under the Mackinac Bridge. He's quite adamant about that, i'm afraid, and once he makes up his mind on something, it's almost impossible to change it. I know there have been incidents recently, and I fear his reaction if your subordinates actually fire on one of the Order's vessels while trying to collect a toll. He wouldn't take that well at all."

"To that effect", Martin continued, "I have proposed a plan to the Lord Paladin that would defuse such tensions before something happens that everyone would regret. We have noted that your people are attempting to repair the Mackinac Bridge, but that is a daunting engineering task to say the least. What I am offering is this. We will assist you in repairing and maintaining the bridge....in return, we ask that you cease attempts to levy tolls on Order flagged vessels and allow them to transit the Passage without let or hindrance."    


[u][b]Mark Johnson - Aces Theatre[/b][/u]

"Throw in a ton of aircraft grade aluminum and you have yourself a deal", Renault said as he held his hand across the table. 

Johnson quickly ran the figures through his head. The gold wasn't a problem, The Veribird parts was steep...while they had expected that the "Angels of War" would likely want to be paid in aircraft parts and/or fuel, the amount they were asking for strained the budget he had been given, especially with the demand of a ton of aluminum. But it was still within limits. The Engineer-General's Office would no doubt complain about the effect on their Vertibird production line...but there were larger issues in play here, the briefing he had received from the Paladin-General's adjutant before he left Cheyenne for this mission made that clear, even though he had not been told why, exactly.

"Deal", Johnson said as he took Renault's hand and shook it. He then handed Renault another document. "Initial payment will be delivered in seventy-two hours, half down, the rest once your troops are deployed. This is the route we have arranged for you to reach the staging area." 

"Any questions?", Johnson concluded once the applause died down from the Rad-Pack's first set.