Discussion

"Allow me to first thank you for the timely intervention and aid that was rendered." Felix allowed himself a more cordial tone this time when addressing the man before him.

"We were ambushed by these bandits while en-route to Solitude. Based on the way they attacked us we doubt that this was merely an act of opportunity." A mix of maps and other documents were pushed towards Benjamin. They detailed the original locations that the bandits had attacked from. Unfortunately for this caravan it was clear at a glance that the positions chosen were to take advantage of the composition of this group, and this group alone. Had this raid been launched at any others that had its guards and vehicles organized slightly differently they would have been shredded to pieces.

Benjamin quietly stroked his beard while poring over the documents that had been put together on such short notice. He compared what he read from the documents and what had personally been experienced during the conflict. There remained the fact that the P.D.S. (Personal Defense Shield) that the bandits used was not a standard off the shelf unit that could be found in just about any modern store. They were a darker shade of blue and took several strikes to break the shield fibers. The darker color of blue a shield was the more powerful protection it afforded the user. The question becomes how bandits who were forced to use such low-quality rifles in this day and age were able to afford and source high end pieces of technology.

In the civilian market P.D.S. were by far and large an emergency last line of defense that would only protect you from one to two bullets and a single well placed melee strike. Most of the time you would be able to either break line of sight or complete evacuate the area of the conflict before any more protection was necessary. These light blue shields were so cheap and easy to manufacture that one could be purchased for the same price as a candy bar before the food shortage. They were so prolific that it was more uncommon to find someone without one.

But the situation for those that were more powerful and darker like the royal blue shields encountered here was completely different. Even going a single step up in terms of power greatly limited the places you could even find them. Only select specialty stores offered them and at nearly one hundred times the price.

There was also the distinct possibility that they were not a common production model. Custom P.D.S. were not entirely unheard of. However, the problem that arose with this line of thought is that the knowledge and actual technical know-how to pull off this level of performance was something that would be rarer and more unfathomable than if they had simply purchased them.

Unsettled by these thoughts, Benjamin couldn't help but to rub his temples at the conundrum that rested before him. Scant few possibilities remained as to even just the equipment of these fools, let alone how they were able to organize and obtain such detailed information about this caravan. Honestly, the only options left allowed for one motive as the driving factor behind this. Each and every aspect of what transpired reeked of conspiracy.

The only question now is what the kind of conspiracy we have on our hands. Hard to imagine that many would go out of their way for what amounted to only a medium sized caravan. The only people who have the resources and know-how for this would be a wealthy noble, the imperial government itself, or the worst-case scenario is that we are dealing with an underground organization. The only things that kept entering his train of thought were all going to amount to random speculation unless he gained some more very critical information. Namely what it was that they were transporting.

"As much as I would love to start listing off all of the potential culprits and play detective, I am missing the most pivotal part of this whole situation. Just what on earth could you possibly be transporting that made you this much of a priority target? This isn't the type of situation where you just had a real bad stroke of luck. This was clearly thought out, and no expense spared in the execution minus the completely inept assailants." He felt sorry for Felix unloading that barrage of questions without even taking the time to breath, but they needed to be reminded of just how unusual and concerning this situation was. Benjamin made sure that each word carried weight and urgency with it. They all needed answers, and needed them now. Taking a quick breath he continued.

"While this group has been dealt with, we have no idea if there are more on the way. At the absolute bare minimum, we need to get all personal and equipment back onto the transports and make tracks. The longer we stay here under these circumstances the greater the target on our backs becomes. I am saying this as someone who is a veteran of many battles." Finally satisfied with getting all of this off his chest he looked Felix dead in the eyes. No sudden movements nor any follow ups to the statements were made. This was merely a waiting period to see how Felix would react. Thankfully the wait for a response was not prolonged.

"I shall defer to your insight good sir. It is clear that you intend us no harm and are being transparent with your concern. We shall depart this place at once." Felix quickly motioned to a guard that was standing near the console to their right. With a quick nod the guard quickly went about directing the others to their positions. Their work was precise and without hesitation.

These men have clearly been trained well. They are decisive and swift with all their actions and communications. Nothing is left to the imagination and all of the commands are very simple to understand. This only served to grow the worry that had been at the back of Benjamin's mind. Whoever was targeting them, and now by extension himself, had done as much homework as they have would then surely have known about the caliber and quality of the guards present during the time of attack. Felix soon wrested him form any further preponderance by continuing where he had just left off.

"As for the question of our cargo..." Felix deftly took a sheet from an assistant also sitting at the table. He wasted no time in looking it over before nodding and crisply presenting it for inspection. Upon closer examination Benjamin couldn't help but feel as if this had been some kind of prank. Surely this could only be counted as God playing tricks on those involved. Felix then continued.

"It is exactly as you see. These are all relief goods for the city of Solitude."

Indeed, they could not be called anything other than relief. What was listed here was what was most desperately needed by the people of much of this country at this time. One would be forgiven for even calling these people saints for transporting these goods in this time of need.

"All of this..." Benjamin's voice became strained as he felt the blood rush to his head. Veins were no doubt now popping out and pulsing violently. Waves of disgust slowly crashed upon him.

"All of these wretched actions. All of this bloodshed..." He could no longer bear to look at the items and prices listed out across the pages. All he could do was to put them down while trying to remain calm.

"All of that treachery to simply attack those who were trying to distribute food to people who desperately are in need of it." By the end he was no longer speaking but spitting out the words. So repulsive were the actions that he bore witness to that he could not simply contain the anger within. While he had no issues with those currently present, the disgust and revulsion were simply that powerful. Felix looked shocked as the words left Benjamin's mouth. Trembling slightly at the sheer force with which the aura that was emitted Felix slowly took the time to wipe the sweat from his forehead. Regaining some of the composure that left him, Benjamin exhaled deeply and continued.

"I have a grasp on the situation at hand. In all honesty I doubt you will like what I have to say. But it needs to be said regardless." Taking a moment to comprise the thoughts racing through his mind he straightened his posture and scanned the room slowly and resumed speaking.

"We are more than likely dealing with a rogue Noble."