<strong>Aeryn Sunlight<br/>Point Respite town hall and military headquarters, outside</strong><br/><br/>"A lot to take in."  Was the scholar's only comment on the cocut's rundown of the situation.  "I'm sure we will meet again, probably work together.  I look forward to it."<br/><br/><strong>Point Respite town hall and military headquarters, inside</strong><br/><br/>Commandant Vin's initial tone was more than somewhat of a relief.  No claim to authority over the Society made cooperation, indeed, acquiescence to Vin's wishes much, much easier.<br/><br/>"This is your area of Command, Commandant.  The Society would never dream of questioning your command."<em>Directly.</em><br/><br/>Aeryn steepled her fingers before her face, listening intently as the mission was outlined.<br/><br/>"An artificial cave inhabited by a Spider too large for that locale?  Really.  Other than the occasional explorer, I wonder what it is eating?  My first thought is that the spider is somehow tethered in place as a guardian.  Your estimate of the likelihood of recovering artifacts may nonetheless be accurate, anything of value is doubtless deeper in the complex. If such things exist at all, of course."<br/><br/>She shrugged and continued.  "Observing, documenting,  and reporting is what I do."  She flashed a quick half-smile at Eshalu.  "We will restrain ourselves, taking down such an entity would take considerable preparation, of which my observations, well, our observations may be the start."<br/><br/>She spent no measurable time reflecting on the offer of payment.  "I accept, and I strongly advise my companionsto accept."  She tilted her head back slightly, studying the commandant through the upper band of her lenses.  "The exact details for any future assignments will of course be worked out on a case by case basis."<br/><br/><br/><br/><br/><br/><br/>