S-rank *RAWR*

Serilda looked up from the paperwork on her desk to see the man standing in her doorway. Though she had seen Shane around several times and read a number of his reports, the Field Marshal had yet to ever formally meet him. Things had been very busy for the Rune Knights since the attack on Era, especially for her, so she’d not had much time for pleasantries. “Captain Stern, thank you for coming. Have a seat. And please close the door behind you, as well.”

Putting her paperwork back in the drawer of her desk, she waited for him to sit down in one of the two armchairs before her. “I apologize that I have not made time to meet with you on less official terms, yet. As I’m sure you’re aware, my schedule has been a bit hectic. Unfortunately, even now I do not have much time for small talk. I have a very sensitive issue that needs to be looked into as soon as possible. It is not necessarily a difficult task, but it does require absolute discretion. General Ragnos specifically recommended you for the job. He speaks very highly of your work, in fact.”

Serilda stood and walked over to one of the filing cabinets at the side of her large office. A touch of magic from her finger unlocked the drawer containing her most confidential files. Pulling one out, she closed the drawer and locked it again before sitting back down. “Before I show this file to you, I need to emphasize the delicacy of what I'm asking for. What I’m about to have you look into is related to highly classified intelligence that General Ragnos himself has been gathering. I cannot stress enough that the contents of this file and the existence of this mission does not reach the ears of anyone else; not even the other generals or people working for the Magic Council.”

When she was sure that he understood the weight of the task he was being given, she handed him the file. Inside was information pertaining to a well known company that was known to supply magically enhanced items and weapons. “General Ragnos and I have been quietly investigating a group of individuals who shall, for now, remain nameless. Suffice it to say that we believe they are associated with this company in some form. The company itself has come up a number of times in our reports. Over the last few years, there has been a steady but dramatic increase in workplace casualties at their main warehouse where they create and test their magical artifacts. Innocent people are dying at this warehouse, and I want to know why. Additionally, we have reason to believe that not all of their products are being sold through legal means. This also needs to be investigated. Whatever you find, try to get as much proof as possible.”

“All the details you need to know are in this file. I trust your judgement as far as the best way to proceed, either through the use of a cover or flat out breaking into the place. The most important thing is that no one recognizes you as a Rune Knight or traces you back to us. When you are done, you are only to report either to myself or General Ragnos.” Serilda would sit with Shane for a few minutes to answer any other questions he may have before thanking him, wishing him luck, and dismissing him.