[b][i]Background Noise[/i][/b] [i]All around Tatakai, the newest arrivals had been quite busy. Fortifications had sprung up in unoccupied territories, placed strategically to prevent potential invasions and attacks. More soldiers and materiel were being ferried onto the planet from the three battlecruisers in Tatakaian orbit. Hawkwind was establishing quite a large presence on the planet, though it appeared that they were avoiding hostilities, and thus far had not done too much reaching out to new factions. Sidewinder was lucky enough to speak briefly with the Trayven, and unlucky enough to deal with Rubicon. For the mercenary, however, this was not the first time he’d been confronted by another large force, although he’d been much less prone to flat out assault Rubicon. Too costly... for now. Same with the Trayven. Burning bridges was a fool’s plan and Sidewinder was no fool. He refused hostile advance and hostile stance, but he made sure that he looked like a force to be trifled with. Enough soldiers and enough armor made a statement. Hawkwind was here to stay, and they were not going to be removed easily. Their true intentions, however, remained a mystery. Sidewinder was instructed to be vague, and he was quite good at falling orders.[/i] ~~~~~~ [b][i]Walking the Line[/i][/b] [i]Rachael had been in Dojoville for some time since her rather nasty experience, and she’d so far received a mixed welcome. She had to admit, even if it cost her some standing and some potential perks, it felt good to be honest with herself. Her act of kindness to herself in confronting her past and determining that perhaps it was best to move on, however, was overshadowed by the presence of Hawkwind. She knew very well what their purpose was. Rachael had sat through the meetings, she’d heard the discussions, and she was wary. The mercenaries were known for their ruthlessness and their general lack of concern for collateral damage, and they had gear to rival that of the Amoridian Armed Forces. Aside from the general threat that they posed from what she could see, she also feared what would happen should they discover her identity. As she walked down the streets of the Dojo, a chill ran down her spine as she tried not to imagine being put through something worse than what the Courier had done to her. She knew precisely what her former comrades did for interrogation, and she preferred not thinking about that. Luckily for her, she at least now had armor and a mask, something to hide her identity. She could blend in in the Dojo, but nonetheless, she made it a goal to avoid contact with the patrolling mercenaries. Practice had her well-accustomed to hiding in plain sight, but never before had she actually been so fearful of what could potentially happen.[/i] [spoiler]Both are open. Interact with patrolling Hawkwind soldiers, interact with Rachael, whatever’s good.[/spoiler]