As Blaes waked back to his desk Micky wrung his hands, anxious about what exactly Tanya may have written in her report. With the hesitation of a child summoned to the principals office he walked to the desk and sat opposite Blaes with a sigh.

Raising the report from the table Blaes looked towards Micky. “Most of this seems excellent, I understand you have unlocked your Class of choice and gained a number of auxiliary Abilities?”

  “Uh yeah” replied Micky, the positivity radiating from Blaes throwing him off somewhat. “I unlocked Bard last night and I picked up three Abilities from the Scholars Guild”.

  “Capital, then I assume your next step will be gaining some of your Class skills and beginning the leveling up process?”Asked Blaes.

  “I still don’t really know what I’m going to do here in Outremer. Tanya took me to Xenophon Inc., so that’s an option I guess.”

  “The delving company? That is somewhat unconventional” Blaes said after a slight pause before continuing. “Tanya failed to mention that in her report, although I suppose you did mention an interest in delving so I can perhaps see her reasoning. After seeing them do you still find the idea appealing?

  There was another long pause as Blaes’ question hung in the air between them. “The package they were offering seems very generous, and the training would be incredibly helpful. I’m not sure I want to spend my time fighting though. A friend kind of reminded me that fighting isn’t the only way to live here.”

  “That is indeed wise advice” smiled Blaes. “In that case what other options have you considered?”

  “I loved playing in the tavern last night, and it’s definitely an option, but I feel like there’s more out there. I want to learn more about this place.”

  A wide smile slowly grew across Blaes’ face. “A man after my own heart I see. Outremer is wide and Baer’s Landing is only the smallest fragment of it. I believe I might have something which may appeal to your disparate desires and skills.”

  “What did you have in mind mate?” Asked Micky, leaning forward in his seat with obvious curiosity.

Blaes withdrew a black leather-bound notebook from the hip pocket of his jacket. “A rather good friend of mine runs a salvaging firm. They specialize in investigating structures and objects that are brought through convergences from time to time.”

  “Isn’t that kind of similar to what Xenophon Inc. does? Finding and closing convergences right?” Micky asked, a little confused.

  “Ah I see where the confusion has come in. Algernon and his company inspect convergences after they have been closed and harvested by companies like Xenophon. There is less of a focus on combating threats, and more on what we can learn from other ‘verses. A great deal of what we know, both arcane and technological, has come from such investigations.”

Bam ba bam bam, bam ba ba bam bam. Micky lost the last part of the explanation from Blaes as the Indiana Jones theme tune played in soaring notes inside his head.

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“That sounds amazing Blaes mate” Micky exclaimed, “I’d get to travel and learn without having to fight all the time.”

  “There is still an element of risk involved. Despite the convergence being closed, the sites are never entirely safe.” Despite Blaes’ caution Micky was still vibrating in his seat with enthusiasm, his hangover forgotten entirely. “The renumeration is also less secure than a company like Xenophon could provide you. I believe Algernon pays his people a modest stipend, with a guaranteed percentage of profits from any discoveries.”

  “I mean money is nice” Micky laughed, “but it seems like you’re offering me a shot at being an adventuring archaeologist. That’s pretty much every boy’s dream back in my ‘verse. If this job came with a stetson and a whip I’d probably accept it on the spot!”

  “I’m unsure as to what a stetson is” Blaes said, his face a picture of confusion, “but I’m sure we can have Fredrickson locate a whip for you from storage if you require one.”

  Micky laughed before raising his hands in apology. “I’m kidding mate, sorry about that. A stetson is a hat from my ‘verse. A famous character from back home wears one and carries a whip while exploring ancient ruins and saving the day.”

  “Ah I see, young boys in my verse grow up upon rousing tales of Vanochera Matongo, who has rather similar adventures.”

  “That’s actually pretty cool, some stories are universal I guess.”

"I guess I only have one more question” asked Micky. “Why would a company like this be interested in me?”

  “I believe you have a combination of Class and Abilities which would suit their needs rather well. Your research Abilities will assist the scholars and engineers while the supporting nature of the Bard class will aid in both travel and otherwise dangerous situations.”

  “Yeah, I guess that makes sense, I hadn’t really thought about it in those terms. I’d love to give it a try then, whats the next step?”

  “You understand that I can’t promise you employment?” Blaes asked, caution again entering his voice.

  “Of course mate, I’m just stoked you’ve given me a shot at this.”

  “I will endeavor to arrange a meeting then. Algernon is based here in Baer’s Landing and they are currently in town to resupply. Would you be willing to return around 6pm this evening?

  “Yeah man, no problem. I can definitely manage that” said Micky, nearly tripping over himself in his eagerness to respond.

  “Good show, I’ll have a runner carry a message to Algernon’s office and have him meet us for dinner.”

  “Ah thanks Blaes mate, this is brilliant.”

  “No problem at all Micky, I am simply glad we could be of service. If you’ll excuse me, I have one more meeting before lunch.”

  “Oh before I go” Micky spoke up as he rose from his chair, “could you thank Tanya for me? It wasn’t all smooth sailing but she helped me so much with unlocking my class.”

  “Of course Micky, I will speak to her myself.”

Walking back through the plaza towards Ma Duke’s with a lighter heart and a clearer head, Micky found himself looking forward to both the dinner meeting today and to learning more about Outremer. Humming the Indiana Jones theme tune to himself as he walk, he reflected upon the whirlwind of the last couple of days.

*Ding* Congratulations. Balance has reached 10.

Looking to the future with hope.

Not bad at all he thought to himself.