“Outremer” mused Micky, “well at least I can put a name to this place. I guess my second question is can I get home?”.

“That is pretty much the second question all new arrivals ask, and the answer is maybe” responded Blaes.

“I’m sorry what do you mean maybe. That’s not that BLEEPING helpful mate.”

“Yes, I am aware” replied Blaes and I’m sorry I can’t give you a more concrete answer. The mechanics of ‘verse interaction are incredibly complicated and while Outremer does have more than the standard number of convergences compared to the ‘verse average there is no way of knowing exactly when and where the next convergence with your particular ‘verse will occur. If this is something you wish to pursue then I can put you in contact with a number of astrophysicists and spatial mages who may be able to help further, but I’m afraid that for the foreseeable future you are indeed stuck with us.”

Micky’s face was now pressed deeply into his palms. “Well isn’t that just BLEEPING wonderful.”

Blaes reached down into one of the desk drawers and withdrew a well-used ring binder.

“Since you are somewhat stuck with us perhaps I should explain a little about the TRC and what we do here. Since Outremer gets a greater than normal amount of transmigration and new arrivals the TRC was set up over 200 years ago by the Senate to help reduce the disruption caused by new arrivals. As such we are able to offer an incredibly generous support package.” With this, he slid a page over to Micky.

Micky slid his eyes down the page trying to pick out the relevant information. It seemed like he was being offered a lifeline and he couldn’t help but look for the hook hidden in it. On the face of it, the offer seemed amazing. In return for a signed oath swearing that he would pay the appropriate taxes of a Baer’s Landing citizen and abide by the laws of the town, he would receive support from the TRC for six months. This would include an initial stat consultation, help in attaining whatever Class he chose to pursue first, one week of temporary accommodation, and a transitional payment of 25 gold to help with his initial expenses and housing.

There was even an offer of sponsorship to the college of his choice should he become eligible within the six-month support period.

“Blaes mate, this seems like a lot. I have to ask, why are you offering me all this?”

Looking up from the ring binder Blaes responded “This is the standard offer for all new arrivals, and there are two primary reasons the Senate offers each transmigrator the deal. Firstly, as a new arrival to Outremer, your leveling speed and potential are somewhat greater than those citizens who are born here. You could be a great asset and as such, it is good public policy to ensure you think of us fondly. Secondly, in the past, there have been arrivals who caused a great deal of trouble. There were a number of troubling incidents. By securing your oath to both pay taxes on your earnings and to abide by our laws we insulate our citizens from a great deal of risk.”

Micky chuckled as he listened to Blaes, “so this is kind of a win-win for you guys then? You get to inspect the incoming talent, and you get to cover your BLEEPS in case the new guy is some kind of psycho?”

“Well, I wouldn’t put it quite so bluntly, but in essence yes. The TRC is always on the lookout for promising recruits and we pass on our recommendations to the various guilds, government services, and private enterprises.”

At this point, Micky interjected, “all for a reasonable finders fee paid to you guys right?”

“Nothing quite so underhand I assure you, interested parties pay a yearly subscription fee for access to our reports. To preserve individual privacy reports that are commercially available are redacted to remove any identifying information. For example, should an expedition require a scout they could browse the profiles and then arrange a meeting with any candidates, all of whom have the right to refuse.”

“That actually sounds very well thought out” replied Micky “consider my doubts managed. Honestly, I can’t see any reason to turn this offer down. Where do I sign?”

Blaes smiled and slid another sheet of paper over the desk to Micky. Before Micky could grab a pen Blaes interrupted, “now this is a binding contract recognized by the System, should either party not uphold their end of the agreement they will be marked as in breach by the System itself and individuals with classes relating to law enforcement or the legal profession will be able to see this information during most interactions. In addition, they will receive buffs and bonuses to their skills and stats while trying to apprehend said fugitives.”

“Honestly that shouldn’t be an issue mate, I’m not trying to cause any havoc here, all I want is to figure out what’s going on, and then maybe figure out what I’m going to do with myself” replied Micky, a weary tone entering his voice.

“And that is something the TRC is more than happy to help you with,” Blaes said, his voice becoming more gentle “I have helped a number of people in your situation. So I have an idea of how stressful this situation can be. Helping you raise your ‘Balance’ is one of our core objectives. Now that I’ve given you that caveat I see no reason we shouldn’t proceed with the signing.”

He passed Mickey a silver fountain pen from its well on his desk. Micky wasted no time in signing his name with a flourish. Blaes took the pen back then signed on behalf of the TRC.

“Most excellent, now we have completed our agreement we can move on. Are you feeling tired or hungry? We have an excellent cafe on sight and we have temporary accommodations for new arrivals in the South Wing.”

“I feel like I’ve spent more than half of today passed out, but I would love something to eat if that’s okay with you?”

“Of course, we shall seek and brief repast, and then we can continue with the orientation if you like?”

Micky’s stomach growled in seeming agreement “that sounds brilliant, lead the way.”

Blaes led Micky through another series of twisting corridors, before pushing through a set of brass saloon doors and passing into a wide-open hall. The smell of cinnamon hit Micky before he walked into the room, warm and comforting. The hall itself was high ceilinged with glass skylights bathing the room in the afternoon light. Tables were spread out across the space covered in dark red cloths which set off the dark wood of the chairs and walls. At the far end of the room was a set of glass counters filled with sandwiches and cakes alongside a huge number of things Micky couldn’t identify. Atop the counter was a copper contraption looking like a coffee maker and a steam distiller had made a series of amorous choices.

“Welcome to the cafeteria Micky, please take a seat anywhere you like and I shall return shortly. Would you prefer coffee, tea, or water?”

“I would just about kill for a flat white” exclaimed Micky.

Blaes chuckled “that shan’t be necessary in this instance, I will be back momentarily.”

Finding his way to an empty table Micky settled into the plush wooden chair and began to look around the room with renewed interest. The majority of the tables were occupied by humans but there were dozens of others eating meals among them. Some were familiar from fantasy novels and he saw a pair of mino- duine eating slices of what looked like pizza, but others were completely alien to him. One figure, in particular caught his eye, seated a few tables away they reminded him of nothing so much as an ambulatory ball of snakes. He couldn’t figure out if the snakes moved individually or as some kind of collective.

*ding* Skill Gained!

Examination: Novice (1)

Through careful examination of things, you are able to gain some basic information about their nature.

Name:

Magdelena

Race:

Kula węża

Level:

?

Hey, brilliant thought Micky I’ve gained a new skill. At that point, the sinuous heads turned to Micky as one and hissed sharply. Seeing this unfold Blaes hurried back to the table, interposing himself between the now furious ball of snakes and Mickey.

“My deepest apologies Magdalena, Micky is a brand new arrival and hasn’t yet picked up any social graces. I’m sure he meant no offense.”

Micky stumbled to his feet “ uh, I’m very sorry I was just looking around the room and this new skill popped up, I didn’t know it was going happen.”

Bobbing its multiple heads in acquiescence she looked back at Micky, “Then I sshall forgive the lapsse, thiss time.” She had a melodic voice that seemed to be coming from all the heads at once amplifying the sibilant nature of her speech.

“Thank you for being so gracious, I appreciate your kindness as always Magdelena.”

After speaking Blaes turned and placed the two plates of food upon the table before taking the seat opposite where Micky had been sat. “While I am glad to see you adjusting and gaining new skills Micky perhaps it would be better to experiment of pieces of furniture rather than other sentient souls.”