[spoiler]Illustration by everyone's favorite Sheriff https://m.imgur.com/a/65URyVB [/spoiler] [Quote] "Religion brings about conflict, and conflict starts wars. But the art of war is a messy thing, and it is our job to foster it, keep it clean and well organized. A flawless weapon leaves only a beautiful nothingness, and our wares always leave only the beautiful behind." - Allister Kaurull, head of research and development for The Consortium[/quote] Rodana. Dry and arid. Shifting and alive. The very air of the world seemed to have a life of its own. A life that sought to uproot and blow away all that encountered. The rhythmic rumbling of the railroad was in competition against the whistling wind for which had dominance over one's ear. Slowly, however, the train slid to a halt near a wooden platform even as the wind raged on. The wind had won once again. === The train's doors opened with a bang and short steps were lowered for the passengers to exit by. Man by man the voyagers came out into the dry air. Adam Gold squinted in the bright light as he surveyed the land before him. It was a small town, quaint, but that was all he could really say for it. Several districts which he could catch glimpses of appeared run down or poor, but the main courthouse and shops seemed to be in the middle of a renovation. Reclaiming his suit case from the train, Gold headed into town. He had to cover his eyes and squint from the exposure to the cloudless sky. His boots thudded against the hard soil while he surveyed the whole main street. Not a very rich town, he thought, but he could do business here. Business was possible anywhere if one only tried hard enough. As Gold kept on, the rest of the Consortium affiliates went through town, checking to make double sure their presence would not be disturbed by any anti-progress rebels. Finding none, the majority of the Consortium guards wandered towards a bar for a drink, while others started to set up a camp. === The door to the mayor's office swung loudly on its hinges, admitting Adam into the room. Gold took off the hat that had helped shield him from the sun as he entered the presence of the leader. "Good afternoon, honorable mayor. A quaint little town you have here. Very peaceful." The mayor sat up in his chair as the representative of the Consortium spoke. "Yes, yes." He said. "Er, Thank you, sir. To what do I owe this visit?" Gold took a seat across from the mayor and set his suitcase on the floor. "Good evening." Began Gold. "We at the Consortium heard of your effort to rebuild after the last war's toll. We realize how grand a venture this is and that you may need help. Expert help." The mayor steepled his fingers and nodded for him to go on. "I believe we can come to a mutual arrangement that can aid your town and bless us with finance." Gold paused for a moment and took a few sheets of paper out of his case, laying them on the table. The papers showed photos of Guarded and Legionarry forces and a map of all know war theaters. The mayor looked them over briefly before looking back to Adam Gold. "Yes..?" He said. " As you must realize, the war shall come to your doorstep one day or another. As a leader I'm sure you must keep the well being of your citizenry in the forefront of your mind. " "I would be a lier if I said it wasn't." "I believe we can help you with this as well. With the Consortium's technology, you'd be able to effectively defend against a small to moderate sized invasion with just emplacements alone! Imagine a row of shiny, little turrets and machines lining your walls...keeping people safe. " The mayor looked out the window as if to imagine the prospect. "What about soldiers," he asked . "Man power?" [i] " Not included in the defense content. "[/i] "Of course it's not..." "We need the man power just as much. Maybe more ." Gold stood up and walked towards the door, suitcase in hand. He stopped at the door and turned around to address the mayor. "Pleasure doing business with you." He said politely. The mayor looked at him, a confused look clouding his face. "But," the mayor said. "We haven't agreed to cooperate with you yet." Adam Gold left the room, slowly closing the door as he went. "I know, but you will." [i]They always do[/i], thought the Consortium's representative.