It is the early morning in Rinkester, and smoke hangs in the air of the Industrial District. All the factories have already been running for a few hours churning our metallic constructions and weapons. In ten minutes, Lady Marion Vilarri has scheduled a meeting in her office at her primary factory. She is awaiting the attendance of five individuals from around Rinkester to aid her in a recent factory mishap, though she has kept it private what that mishap was. What have those five individuals been doing in the time leading up to this meeting and as they arrive at her factory?

How many times are you going to do this?

"As many times as it takes to get actual answers."

Fin felt a shift in his mind, like a resentful presence rolling over in its bed. The man stood just inside the front entrance to the factory building. He'd done this twice before already, flashing his badge to the man at the door, then being shuffled off to speak to some representative or foreman. In past sessions, he'd interviewed several employees regarding the incident, but they all seemed off in one way or another. Sometimes the stories didn't line up, sometimes they'd freeze before a certain detail before veering off in their story, and a few outright refused to say anything more without consulting with someone higher up first. It was frustrating, no doubt, but it had to be done. At least this time he was meeting with the queen bee herself.

I don't like this place...the shadows aren't right.

"I thought that was your thing, wasn't it?"

In this way, no. I play my part just as my counter does, but this place...it forces to one side over the other. Do you even know what time it is?

"It's mid-morning, about an hour or so past dawn."

How can you tell? There are some places here that have never known the sun.

Fin let this last bit slide to the side of his mind. He felt as though there was more to it than a simple observation of windows and daylight. Dwelling on such esoteric thoughts often led him into useless tangents on philosophy and existential pedantry. The officer wore a heavy overcoat that concealed a protective mail coat, a nightstick and buckler common among the police force, and a wicked hammer he kept hidden from most in case of emergencies. He patted a small notebook within a coat pocket, and made a mental note to ask for some ink when the first person came to shuffle him along to the meeting.

Amiz Hushler was sent by the odious Mr. Thib from King's Court to document what is the mishap in the factory. He is a Leonin with a well combed mane kept in check with several silver hair rings. He wears a white shirt, charcoal tailored vest, sensible trousers, and leather boots. He has a large belt over his vest that has a leather pouch and 2 sheathed dagger. There is also a jagged white marking under his left eye. By his side is his well worn satchel.

Before leaving for the factory Amiz was carefully organizing his blank journal, inkpen, inkwell, and making sure he wears his badge of office showing he is a scribe from King's Court. Inwardly he groans as Mr. Thib his boss lectures him as if he is new to the job. Glad to finally leave Amiz briskly walks to the factory. Upon arrival he takes note of people here and keeps his hands folded in front. He greets the others as they come "Well met I am Amiz Hushler from King's court"

Once Lady Marion arrives Amiz will offer her a bow.

The officer nods to the great Leonine figure and lifts the lapel of his overcoat, "Officer Finlan Delrous, Rinkester Police. Are you here regarding 'The Incident', then?

"Yes I am here to document what exactly has happened and possible causes." says Amiz

The halls of Lady Marion Vilarri's other factories have been abuzz with rumors and panic ever since the first incident. Xavier and his crew were fortunate enough to work elsewhere, but they had heard plenty of gossip about what happened at the factory in question. The crew on duty had disregarded safety protocols. A competitor blew it up in an act of sabotage. Foreign agents had done it in an attempt to draw Galstrum into conflict. 

As Xavier arrives outside the office to find two others already waiting, the last one weighs on his mind heavily. He had nothing to do with his incident, and out of his entire crew he was singled out. Did they suspect him because he was foreign? Old anxieties were rising within him. 

He nods to the other two outside the office, hanging back with his hands clasped behind him. "My name's Xavier...I just work here."

The three gathered at the factory are led in by a staff member, though clearly not a worker as their clothes are pristine. You're all taken up the stairs and across the building to door labeled "Lady Vilarri." Your guide opens the door with a slight bow to the three of you and gestures for you to enter.  You step into the office which is well lit with a well crafted desk at the far side. There is a coat hanger, some artwork, and no windows on this incredibly clean room. At the desk is a human woman dressed for business and currently writing away. She sees the three of you and sets down her writing implement, gesturing to some chairs off to the side of the room that you can pull over. "Welcome. Thank you for answering my summons. I'm Lady Vilarri, care to introduce yourselves?"

Amiz bows to Lady Vilaari and says "I am the court scribe Amiz Hushler from King's Court. I am at service Lady Vilaari" He resist the urge to start documenting everything and patiently waits for more information.

Unsure of the customs, he follows the lead of the leonin, hastily bowing. "Xavier Jamstaer, I uh, work in one of your factories."

Fin flips out a side of the large duster that hung over his guard armor, bearing a patch of the local police, "Fin Delrous, officer and investigator. I've come to follow up on questions from the past few days regarding the...incident that left at least one dead and several wounded."

Lady Vilarri nods, "Good to meet all of you, to business. I am about to tell the three of you some information that is confidential, if it gets back to me that this information has been spread by any of you, I'll put money on your heads." She pauses and sizes up this group before continuing, reading off of a paper in front of her. "With that out of the way, there was a break-in in one of my factories. The reports from my workers are inconsistent at best, but a number of cannisters from in the factory were used to blow a hole in the wall. That's not the only structural damage though, two doors and a window were broken. Aside from the injuries and casualties sustained, the remains of one worker have not been identified or reported at all. The two greatest losses were the blueprints and prototype of a pioneering firearm. What I would ask of you is this: investigate the factory and locate the culprit. Secure from them the blueprints and prototype firearm, which you will return to me. I would also like information on who it is I am dealing with for the future. For this, I will reward you one thousand gold pieces."

She looks hesitant for a moment, before continuing, "Additionally, the missing individual is the head scientist of that factory. If you learn of his fate I would like to be notified. If he is alive and you can return him to me I will add another five-hundred gold to your reward. That is all, any questions?"

"That is an amazing reward. What is the name of the head scientist and can you describe their appearance Lady Vilarri?" asks Amiz as he takes his journal out and inkpen ready to take notes.

Fin was about to pocket his small notebook at the clear warning. When he reaches to his pocket, however, something prevents the book from entering. After a few shifts and nudges, he glances down and abandons the small effort when a black void stares back at him from his pocket. Fine... he sighs in his head. He flips the booklet open once more and begins scribbling some notes. "Is there anyone you know of who would've been nearby when the incident happened? A security guard, a foreman lingering after work, or a cleaning crew?"

Xavier rocks back and forth on his heels, content to let the professionals ask their questions. The information was troubling to him, and he couldn't help but feel worry for the other people on his crew. "I hope the other factories are safe...There's no reason to expect another attack like this one is there?"