Machine Story

Silent Negotiation

After some much needed rest, everyone gathered together to discuss their next plan of action. The atmosphere of trust had been reestablished and they could now move forward with confidence. Mya stated that their next move should be to rescue the queen. Niall agreed but realized that they had no idea where Councilor Shen was keeping her.

Mya revealed that Queen Samiya was most likely being kept in a dungeon that she knew the location of. Shaan jumped in excited and asked, “Well what are we waiting for? Let’s go break her out!” However, the security in the prison they were headed to was armed with some of the toughest guards in Corrinth. It also contained a very complex locking mechanism. She stated that only a high calibre thief could break such a lock.

“If only we knew a crafty thief, we could break them out.” After Roop spoke, that triggered something in David’s mind. “We do know someone! But we have no idea how to locate her!” He panicked but Roop remained calm and an idea came, “I might have just the idea to track this person.” And everyone closed in to listen to his plan.

Atana began walking through the bazaar, all covered up like a shady traveler and browsing at the variety of candy that the marketplace had to offer. She was enamoured by the multitude of colour and sugary goodness at each booth. She felt like she was living her dream life. The only problem was she didn’t have enough money to purchase what she wanted.

She began to strategize the best way for her to obtain all the sugary goodness but suddenly, a small object rolled near her feet. Atana picked up the item with her fingers and determined that she had a piece of candy.

Her eyes began to light up and she was filled with excitement. She then looked a little further where she found the first candy and saw another piece, followed by another, and another. She followed the trail of candy and picked up each one as she made her way. One by one, her collection was increasing.

Atana had been following the trail and so focused on the candy, that she was oblivious to her surroundings. She didn’t notice that she was no longer at the bazaar, but instead in the secluded alley way. By the time she picked up the last candy, and realized where she was, it was too late, she had been tied up and thrown into a bag.

After struggling for what seemed to be hours in a potato sack, Atana was brought out into daylight. She was released from her restraints and she immediately turned around to see who her captives were. She was a little shocked to find that the people who abducted her were the familiar faces from back in the desert.

“Hey Roop, did you seriously kidnap her by putting her in that potato bag?” David asked curiously. “Well yeah, you all said we need a thief for our mission so I got her!” While Roop was quite proud of what he did, everyone else covered their faces in disbelief. “Dude, you could have just asked her!” Shaan exclaimed but Roop believed his plan was more efficient.

Atana was watching them discuss until she had enough, “Hey what is the meaning of all this? Why did you stuff me in a potato sack? I didn’t do anything wrong!” Mya jumped in immediately to explain the situation. She told Atana that they needed to rescue the queen from a high security prison. They required her set of skills in order to break through.

After hearing Mya share, Atana responded, “Sounds like you are in quite the predicament. I would love to help but I really didn’t appreciate getting nabbed here. That is no way to treat a girl! So I won’t help you all unless you find a way to sweeten the deal!”

Everyone glared at Roop, “What? How was I supposed to know she wouldn’t like being brought here in a potato bag?” There was no use staying mad at Roop so everyone began brainstorming ideas of how to convince Atana to help them. They didn’t have much to offer her, they were low on money, food and other supplies.It seemed they were all out of options, but Anaya slowly stepped up and walked towards Atana.

Mya, David, Roop, Shaan, and Niall all stared at her intently, as Anaya pulled a few items out of her pockets to show Atana. This lasted for about a minute before Anaya pulled away from Atana. She then rushed up to Mya and everyone, “Ok I’m in! Let’s go, everyone!”

As Atana skipped with glee, everyone else stood dumbfounded. Anaya began to follow Atana but Mya stopped her. Mya wanted to know what she did to Atana to change her mind.

She reached into her pocket and pulled out a handful of candy that had never been seen before. When they all saw the candy they knew Atana would help them in exchange for all those sweets. As they allowed Anaya to continue on her way, everyone learned from that point on to let Anaya be their negotiator.