My name is Victor, and I've built my career on reading people. In the old world, I used it to increase profits. In this one, it's more about keeping people safe.
"So what do we do?" The question hung in the air as Maria looked around the table at our gathering.
I leaned back in my chair, studying the faces around me. Walter looked thoughtful, Lily seemed cautiously optimistic, and Kai was absorbing everything like a sponge.
"We accept," I said simply. "With conditions."
Maria raised an eyebrow. "Go on."
"They need us more than we need them," I continued. "That gives us leverage to set terms that protect our interests. But first, we need to understand what we're actually dealing with."
"What do you mean?" Kai asked.
I stood and moved to the window. "Look at them. Really look. They've travelled what, hundreds of kilometres through territory that is crawling with dangerous creatures?"
Walter's cane tapped against the floor. "And they look remarkably well for people fleeing disaster."
"Exactly. Their equipment is in good condition, their animals are healthy, and I count at least a dozen fighters who move like they know what they're doing." I turned back to the group. "Either they're incredibly lucky, or they're a lot more capable than they're letting on."
"Is that necessarily a problem?" Lily asked.
"Not if they're honest about their intentions. But it means we need to be careful about the terms we set."
Maria nodded slowly. "What are you thinking?"
"Exclusive trading partnership, but with exit clauses. Housing and facilities for their operations, but in designated areas where we can monitor activity. Integration of their people into our work assignments and defence responsibilities." I met each person's eyes in turn. "And clear consequences for anyone who doesn't pull their weight."
Kai spoke up. "What about leadership of the trading operations? Someone needs to coordinate between our people and theirs."
Walter's weathered face creased into something that might have been a smile. "I believe young Kai here has shown great potential. Perhaps he'd be suitable for such a role."
The suggestion caught Kai off guard, but I could see him thinking through the implications. "I... I'd be willing to try, if you think I can handle it."
"You'll learn, and Walter will help you." Maria said. "Victor, are you comfortable with these arrangements from a security standpoint?"
"I'll keep an eye on things personally. My team will handle the day-to-day monitoring."
"Then let's make them an offer."
---
The negotiations took place in Maria's quarters an hour later, with Captain Thessa and two of her senior traders representing the River Pact. I positioned myself where I could observe their reactions while Maria led the discussion.
"We're prepared to offer an exclusive trading partnership," Maria began, "with housing and facilities for your operations."
Thessa's eyes sharpened with interest. "What kind of facilities?"
"A dedicated building for your trading operations. Storage space, meeting areas, whatever you need to coordinate your routes and resources on top of regular housing.
You will also be able to recruit people who are interested in joining your operations." Kai had suggested the idea, and it made sense. "In exchange, we want full access to your trading networks."
"Alright," Thessa agreed. "What about the people who stay here permanently?"
"They work like everyone else," I interjected. "Same expectations, same responsibilities. That includes helping with settlement defence if needed."
One of Thessa's companions, a lean man with calculating eyes, frowned. "Some of our people have specialised skills. Surely they'd be more valuable focusing on—"
"Everyone works," I repeated flatly. "We don't carry dead weight here. Don't worry though, we'll make sure to use their skills in the most suitable places."
Thessa waved off her companion's objection. "Understood. What about trading terms?"
Maria leaned forwards. "We can provide food, timber, stone, and metalwork. We're particularly interested in rare materials—astralite, unusual plants, spices, and crafted goods."
"Not weapons or tools?" the lean man asked.
"We handle our own weapons and tool production," I replied.
"Fair enough." Thessa nodded. "Duration of the agreement?"
"Renewable annually, with at least 4 months' notice for termination by either party," Kai said smoothly. "Gives both sides flexibility to adapt as circumstances change."
The negotiations continued for another 30 minutes, covering details about housing assignments, work rotations, and resource sharing. Throughout the discussion, I kept my attention split between the conversation and observing the River Pact's representatives.
Thessa commanded respect from her people—that much was obvious from their body language. When she spoke, they listened. When she made decisions, they accepted them without much argument.
But there was something else, a quality in the way she held herself that suggested considerable personal capability and confidence.
Her sword was well-maintained but showed signs of regular use. Her hands bore the calluses of someone who worked with weapons frequently. Most telling, there was a subtle pressure in the air around her.
Realm of Man, probably, I thought. Very close to the Earth Realm.
That made her dangerous, but it also explained how the convoy had survived their journey. With leadership like that, they could handle the most common threats they'd encounter on the road while avoiding the truly dangerous ones.
"That settles it then," Maria concluded as the formal negotiations wrapped up. "Kai will serve as the primary liaison between our people and yours. We'll start with a 6 month trial period."
"Excellent." Thessa stood and extended her hand. "I believe this arrangement will benefit everyone involved."
As the River Pact representatives filed out, I caught Maria's eye. "I'll need to brief my team on new security protocols."
"Do what you need to do," she replied. "Just keep things quiet. No point in making our new partners feel unwelcome."
---
I found my team conducting their afternoon patrol sweep along the settlement's northern perimeter. Alex spotted my approach first, as usual—the man had situational awareness that bordered on supernatural.
"Victor," Tyler called out as I drew near. "How did the negotiations go?"
"We're taking them in. 20 permanent residents, trading partnership, the works." I replied. "Which means we've got new responsibilities."
Maya adjusted her bow that was on her shoulder. "What kind of responsibilities?"
"The kind that involves keeping our eyes open and our weapons sharp." I looked at each team member in turn. "These people have been on the road for months, displaced from multiple locations by the Obsidian Sect. They're survivors, which means they're tough. It also means they might have developed habits or attitudes that don't mesh well with our community."
Zoe shifted her grip on her curved sabre. "You think they're trouble?"
"Some of them will probably integrate fine. Others..." I shrugged. "Others will need guidance about how we do things here."
Nate spoke up. "Any specific assignments?"
"General vigilance for now. Watch for anything that seems off—disputes, resource conflicts, people who aren't pulling their weight or who think they're above the rules." I paused.
"The captain is particularly capable. I'll handle her personally, but the rest of you keep track of how the others settle in."
Alex gave his characteristic nod—the man's entire vocabulary seemed to consist of gestures and the occasional grunt. But I'd begun learning to read his expressions as we'd trained and worked together.
"They start moving in tomorrow," I continued. "Schedules stay mostly the same, just add monitoring to your regular duties. Bring any problems you can't handle to me directly."
---
The next morning arrived in the blink of an eye. From my position near the settlement's main gate, I watched the River Pact members begin the process of moving from their temporary camp to within our walls.
Most would be staying in tents until proper housing could be constructed. Thomas's crews would begin building as soon as the materials were ready.
My team had taken positions throughout the settlement, keeping track of how the integration process developed.
Tyler stood near the construction areas, Maya had positioned herself by the medical center, and Zoe was helping direct people. Alex, as always, had found a spot where he could observe everything without drawing attention.
Most of the people moving in seemed genuinely grateful for the opportunity to settle down, even temporarily.
But one figure stood out from the bustle of activity.
A young man, maybe 22 years old, wearing clothes that were far too fine for road travel. His outfit looked like it had been tailored specifically for him—expensive fabric, perfect fit, boots that showed minimal wear despite the months of travel.
I watched him direct two older traders towards a prime spot that had quick access to most of the settlements main areas. "Set up my tent there," he called out. "Make sure the entrance faces east, and don't forget to dig the drainage channels properly this time."
The traders exchanged glances but began unloading his belongings without comment.
"And get my sleeping arrangements sorted first," the young man continued. "I'll need water for washing and something to eat once you're finished."
One of the traders, a grey-haired woman with weathered hands, nodded quietly. "Of course, Damien."
For the next hour, Damien continued issuing orders to various River Pact members. Bring this, carry that, set up his personal area just so.
The other traders complied without obvious resentment—apparently this was simply how their group operated.
I had no interest in interfering with their internal dynamics. If they were content to serve as his personal attendants, that was their choice.
But then Eric approached the group with a work assignment roster.
"Morning," Eric said with his usual friendly tone. "I'm Eric, I handle the logistics around here, and that includes coordinating the general workers. We've got assignments for everyone who's going to be staying here."
Damien barely glanced at the offered paper. "I'm sure you do. John here can handle whatever menial tasks you need done." He gestured dismissively at one of the traders who'd been setting up his tent. "I'll be focusing on more important matters."
Eric's expression remained polite but firm. "Actually, the arrangement is that everyone contributes. No exceptions."
"I think there's been a misunderstanding," Damien replied, his tone implying Eric was being unreasonable. "My father has significant connections in the trading networks. I'll be coordinating higher-level business relationships, not hauling lumber or digging ditches."
"Right now, we need lumber hauled and ditches dug," Eric said patiently. "The high-level coordination is a lower priority."
Damien's face began to redden. "This is absurd. Get this man some water—he's clearly not thinking straight." He snapped his fingers at a nearby person who was passing by with a basket of vegetables.
Sarah, the vet, stopped and stared at him in confusion. "What?"
"Water, and maybe something to eat. This fellow seems to be having difficulty understanding me."
That was my cue.
I approached the group with deliberate casualness, noting how Eric's shoulders relaxed slightly when he saw me coming.
"Is there a problem here?" I asked.
Damien turned towards me, not so subtly taking in my weapons and general demeanour. "Just explaining to your work coordinator that I'll be handling more strategic responsibilities. This woman can bring us refreshments while we sort out the details."
"I see." I looked at Sarah, who was still holding her basket and looking annoyed. "Thanks for your patience. You can continue with whatever you were doing."
She nodded and continued on her way, but not before shooting Damien a dirty look.
"Now then," I said, turning back to Damien. "I'm Victor. I handle security and discipline for this settlement. That means I'm responsible for making sure everyone understands how we operate here."
"Security?" Damien's tone had changed, he was reassessing my importance. "Excellent. You'll understand the need for proper resource allocation and chain of command."
"I understand the need for everyone to contribute equally," I replied. "Which means when Eric gives you a work assignment, you do it."
"Look, I think there's been a misunderstanding about my role here. My father's trading connections are worth—"
"I don't care what they're worth," I interrupted. "This is a community where people work for the overall situation. That generally includes setting up your own tent, carrying your own supplies, and more importantly doing whatever work assignments you're given."
The silence stretched for several seconds, with the other River Pact members watching carefully. This was clearly a test of how serious our settlement was about its stated rules.
"This is completely unreasonable," Damien finally said. "When Captain Thessa hears about this treatment—"
"Captain Thessa agreed that all permanent residents would work according to our assignments," I replied. "If you have a problem with that arrangement, you're welcome to continue travelling with the rest of the convoy when they leave."
Damien's face went through several expressions before settling on grudging acceptance. "Fine. But I expect my skills to be properly utilised once this initial hazing period is over."
"We'll see how well you do with the basics first," I said. "Eric, what's his assignment?"
"Lumber hauling with Thomas's crew," Eric replied, consulting his list.
I watched Damien's expression sour further. "Very well. But this is hardly an efficient use of my capabilities."
"Neither is having other people set up your tent while you stand there supervising," I pointed out.
As Damien stalked away, muttering under his breath, I caught Eric's eye.
"That one's going to be a recurring issue, isn't he?" He said.
"Probably. But he'll learn, or he'll find somewhere else to be difficult."
The rest of the morning passed without major incident. The River Pact members continued setting up their temporary accommodations, and most seemed to adapt well to our settlement's rhythms.
Even Damien, after some initial complaints about the physical demands of lumber hauling, settled into the work.
But I made a mental note to keep watching him. People like Damien usually didn't change their attitudes just because they'd been confronted once.
They adapted their behaviour to avoid immediate consequences while looking for opportunities to reassert their preferred way of doing things.