Prologue: The Commission

[Carthrat]

Arkian shrugs. "As they say, sometimes, it only takes one.."

[Ebiris]

"You're right," Rowan nods, "And that's why we must remain ever vigilant. Better to have defined rules than to simply pretend no problem exists. That was the old Moon Kingdom's mistake."

[Carthrat]

Arkian nods. "Well spoken," he says. "I, for one, believe that the key to our survival is a good relationship with Earth."

[Ebiris]

Blinking, "That wasn't really my point, but you are right. The old Moon Kingdom was so disconnected with Earth it allowed Metallia and her servants to prey on people's fears and insecurities before they struck out and destroyed the Silver Millenium. I can't imagine anyone would want to see history repeat itself."

[Carthrat]

Arkian nods. "The people on Earth are basically friendly, if a little tense," he says. "Have you ever travelled there?"

[Ebiris]

"I've holidayed in Asia and Europe when I was younger," Rowan nods, smiling as she thinks back on those two vacations. "It's nice to see the disparate cultures down there compared to the big melting pot we have up here."

[Carthrat]

"There's such a sense of resilience about the people there, too," replies Arkian. "Like they've seen the worst, and now nothing will ever scare them again."

[Ebiris]

"I wouldn't really know about that," Rowan shrugs apologetically, "It was over ten years ago when I last went... I just think that people are people, wherever you go."

[thepanda]

Attired in slacks, a white dress shirt, and red tie with small birds flying across it, Chris approaches the guards across the plaza. Ever fold and wrinkle has been thoroughly ironed out, and yet he still gives the impression of having been slept it.

“Christopher Dunham,” the dark-haired young man says, furnishing his documentation. “I’m here on appointment.”

[Halbarad]

The guard at the gate nods to Christopher, glancing at the letter he bears. "Just a moment while I check my list," he says, doing so.

The paperwork appears to be in order, and shortly Chris finds himself walking along through the palace hallways behind the guard. Most of what you pass seems to be offices and laboratories (although mostly the former), and the halls are busy with people going about their business this morning. Most of them ignore you, but one rather attractive woman with flame-red hair, bound in a set of three pigtails, stops to give you a look as you pass.

Aside from that, the trip is uneventful, and Christopher is soon in the waiting room with the other three arrivals. "There are snacks on the cart there for you if you're hungry," the guard says, giving the computer expert a curt nod. "You'll be taken to see the Queen as soon as the last member of your party arrives."

With that, he turns on his heel, leaving you with the three already in the room - presumably your companions for the mission ahead.

[thepanda]

“Heya folks. How goes it?” Chris says, making a beeline to the snacks. Brushing two long, antennae-like bangs from his eyes, he tucks the purple dyed protrusions behind his ear. That they pop right back out seems to be of little consequence.

Ah, free food. The choicest food ever made!

[Ebiris]

"Hello," Rowan doesn't rise this time as she greets the new arrival. "You are...?"

[Jon]

"Hello," Michael says to the newcomer, extending his left hand. "I'm Michael Watson, student of archeology and getting myself into trouble."

[Halbarad]

The food is excellent, if not exactly filling. It's quite a varied selection of hors d'ouevres, and the drinks range from tea to a few popular sodas to water and fruit juice.

[thepanda]

“Christopher Dunham,” he says, popping open a juice can. He shakes the proffered hand vigorously. “But people just call me Chris.” He takes the time to study each of the room’s occupants, his eyes finally settling on Michael’s right hand.

“Guy, what’s up with that?” he asks, curious.