[h2][color=lightblue]Purrcival[/color][/h2][hr]

The morning was busier than usual. The Gathering Hall was a hub of activity- moreso than usual. With Prismata's Comet high in the sky, Astera had been turned into a multi-week festival ground- missions were still ongoing, but for the most part, people were taking it easy and viewing the comet during the day and night. Not for nothing, it was a breathtaking sight to say the least, Purrcival had enjoyed many a night carousing with his fellow felynes, enjoying the merry atmosphere and the lights and colors.

Today was shaking up to be a bit different. The atmosphere was different, there was buzzing about a big mission to investigate a nearby crash site. Probably nothing, but it was a chance for the Research Commission to get information on locations previously undiscovered by the Research Commission. That fact alone had most of Astera interested- not just the hunters, but the Tailraiders as well. 

Purrcival and a small group of his fellow Tailraiders were already making their way through the crowded Gathering Hall, the smaller felynes deftly weaving their way inbetween the legs of the human occupants, while the larger Purrcival made a small wake for himself in the crowd. The smallest one was carrying a clipboard with notes, while another two were carrying large packs above their heads.

"Tailraider support is going to be difficult to purrvide for this one," the smaller palico commented idly, her paws scratching something off on the clipboard, "We have no idea about the layout, the possible meownsters, nothing!"

Purrcival let out a low growl, it always felt like the Tailraiders were given the short end of the stick. At least the hunters had the ability to sign up for the missions they wanted to go on- if some hunter and their partners wanted to risk life and paw venturing into unknown lands, that was their purrogative. The Tailraiders didn't have that luxury though, like most of the support staff in the Research Commission, they were meant to make the lives of the hunters easier- even at cost to themselves. 

"How are we supposed to respond to SOS flares if we don't know what we're jumping into?" The smaller palico continued, as the group took a seat at a smaller table, closer towards the kitchen. Purrcival nodded as a small group of cooks dropped off palico sized portions of food for them. While not particularly cliquish, the kitchen palicos were always quick to get food out to their fellow felynes, so the Tailraiders never had to wait too long to be fed. 

"We should tell the Commission to postpone the mission until we've had a chance to send a scouting party to map the area." the clipboard wielding palico continued between bits of wyvern-sausage and jumbo sized fish.

[color=lightblue]"This mission [i]is[/i] the scouting party,"[/color] Purrcival reminded her, [color=lightblue]"Scouting parties always hold the most risk in that regard- that's probably why the reward is so high."[/color]

"Mrowr, if the mission is so risky why do we never get hazard pay?" one of the other palicos grumbled. "We're the ones stuck cleaning up the mess if things go wrong." 

[color=lightblue]"Its just business as usual,"[/color] Purrcival replied, waving a paw dismissively [color=lightblue]"That's what we signed up for anyway."[/color]

Purrcival wiped his mouth with a white paw as he finished his quick and hearty meal. [color=lightblue]"Anyway, we cant afford to pawddle too long. Get the gear and wingdrakes set, I'm going to go meet with Dr. Paeris"  [/color]

"Huh? Why are you meeting with the doc?" one of the palicos questioned him, his eyes narrowing suspiciously.

[color=lightblue]"The good doctor wants me to provide direct suppurrrt for this meowsion"[/color] Purrcival replied with a shrug as he got up from the table, stuffing a sausage into his pocket.

"What? How come you get the easy job?" the clipboard wielding palico complained. 

[color=lightblue]"Benefits of being the boss,"[/color] Purrcival replied with an easy wave as he exited the Gathering Hall. A quick trip to his quarters, to equip his weapons and armor, and Purrcival was on his way to see Dr. Paeris to prepare for the mission briefing.