Daemus was pleased with the proficiency of his newest team of field agents, even though it never shown in his demeanor.  It was always a gamble bringing together individuals from such different walks of life and different skillsets and forcing them into a situation where they must work in tandem with only a limited amount of exposure beforehand.  More often than not, he had no choice but to send his previous agents in solo or paired missions to prevent them from tripping over one another and jeopardizing the mission, which ultimately limited their effectiveness particularly on more elaborate and essential assignments.  This group in particular was very promising in those regards; something that he is sure will be vital in the upcoming months.<em>It is good to be working with professionals.</em>He mused to himself.<br/><br/>Once everybody had arrived and got settled in for the briefing, the Cursor Legate delved straight to business.  “My contacts at the dockyard inform me that there has been some unusual activity within the smuggling trade as of late. Normally this would be a job for the Civic Legion to sort out, but I have reason to believe that one of the more ambitious High Lords may have his hands involved with this business. Should local authorities become involved, it is likely that any evidence, circumstantial or otherwise, linking the High Lord to whatever activities may be going on will disappear as it always tends to do."<br/><br/>"As you all are aware, Wintersend is only two months away and this year is likely to keep us busier than it had in the past. The political tides have only grown more turbulent and it is only a matter of time before an earnest attempt is made to overthrow Sextus. Given how busy Alera Imperia becomes during that week of festivities that brings nearly every Aleran citizen to the capital, it is the ideal breeding ground for treacherous acts. It is for this reason that I want you all to check the warehouses near the city’s southern docks for anything that may be amiss. If this activity is one of the High Lords making preparations to take action against the First Lord, I want to know about it so we can be on our toes for what awaits us in Wintersend. Be on your guards and keep a low profile; the smuggling business makes that place dangerous enough as is. Anybody working under the direct employ of the upper echelons of nobility is bound to be skilled and ruthless when it comes to maintaining their anonymity."<br/><br/>"Are there any questions before I dismiss you to your duties?”