[b][i]Mass Effect: Seraphim Post[/i][/b] Ashton grasped the implication that he'd be killed if he revealed anything about the operation, a prospect that caused him to tense, although the young man quickly relaxed when Flame went up to him and touched his shoulder. "It's okay," said the redhead, "It's usually how these things go." He then turned to Saris and said, "All right, it seems we're in. We just have to wait for the shuttle, correct?" A thin smile, "Now, let me and Ashton review our contracts in the little time we have before transport arrives." And Flame proceeded to do just that, while Ashton decided to multi-task, simulteanously searching for Saris Fen's publically available business info using another 'tab'. "Amazing," Ashton said to his benefactor, "Mr. Fen, you're probably one of the richest people in the Galaxy at this point in time. For you to show interest in this lawless region of space - somewhat benign interest at that... I think that such a line of thinking is laudable. As Flame said, I am in." A glance around their motley group; the boy had noticed that many were silent. Not just that, but knowing the pattern of such endaevors, it was clear that the adventures of this 'outfit' Mr. Fen was forming was going to follow a pattern similar to 'Archangel's'; initial success, a zenith as their enemies were thrown into disarray... Then a 'darkest hour' as their enemies regrouped and struck back. He reviewed the last of his independently-acquired finances; Ashton will have to expand this money into a 'nest egg' through various freelance security jobs - It seemed he had acquired Saris' implied permission for such. This nest egg would go to saving the group's asses out of the fire once the darkest hour struck. Looking at Elijah, Ashton briefly thought about the White Company, his group; they might play a role in his plans for the future. But, considering Eli's present silence, that may not be such a good idea after all; said silence might be a signal of skepticism or even enmity. [i]Take a deep breath, Ashton,[/i] he thought. [i]Take a deep breath.[/i] He would also have to buy a safehouse - using independent funds, not Saris' payments - as part of the contingency. It was quite clear that no matter how well-hidden or well-defended the current HQ was, it would be found eventually. Just like Archangel was eventually cornered. But how best to acquite said safehouse without stoking Saris' suspicions? Ashton blinked and thought, [i]I'll just be honest if confronted about it; it's technically not forbidden by the contract, and does not qualify as treason against the group, after all.[/i]. Continuing to wait for the shuttle, Ashton although thought that the safehouse needed to be able to fit five or so people, and have accomodations for Saris himself; should the darkest hour arrive, he planned to rescue his employer.