Branching Out was a virtual representation of one of Basim Ibn Ishaq's genetic memories.
Description[]
Basim returned to the Hidden Ones' new Harbiyah bureau to debrief from having killed the Order of the Ancients member "Al-Ghul", Mas'ood Al-Ya'qoob.
Dialogue[]
Basim reached the bureau in Harbiyah and entered. Inside the main room, he saw Fuladh Al Haami and Roshan waiting for him. Fuladh welcomed Basim with an outstretched arm.
- Fuladh: Alhamdulillah. (Praise be to God.)
Basim clasped Fuladh's arm and shook both his hands, then placed his right hand over his heart and nodded in respect.
- Basim: Alhamdulillah. (Praise be to God.)
Basim looked over Fuladh's shoulder at Roshan. Fuladh pivoted to track Basim's gaze, and Roshan merely inclined her head in acknowledgement at the two men. Fuladh turned back to Basim.
- Fuladh: I am glad you are safe.
Basim produced a blood-stained feather from his back pocket and presented it to Fuladh while Abu Jafar Muhammad sidled up to the two and put his right hand over his heart in greeting.
Abu Jafar greeting Basim
- Abu Jafar Muhammad: Alhamdulillah. (Praise be to God.) A first of many achievements to come, Basim.
He took a piece of paper from his back pocket and handed it to Basim, who tucked it away.
- Roshan: We should only hope. There is still much work to do.
Roshan leaned over a map of the city. Fuladh motioned Basim over to the table with a nod of his head and the student followed, lowering the hood on his robes. Roshan waved her hand over the map.
- Roshan: While our focus was on Al-Ghul, Fuladh quietly scouted the city for where we could erect more Bureaus.
Fuladh pointed at a map section.
Fuladh and Roshan informing Basim of the three sites for new bureaus
- Fuladh: I have found dwellings in three districts that are most unassuming. Tabid and Rebekah have arrived from Alamut and set off to Al-Abbasiyah and Karkh. I will make my way to Sharqiyah shortly.
- Roshan: And I will join Rebekah in Karkh, where corruption is as common as the arid air.
Basim nodded at his Mentors' decisions.
- Roshan: See Abu Jafar about some things he's been working on, then come find us.
The trio looked back at Abu Jafar in his workshop. Roshan and Fuladh took their leave while Basim went to Abu Jafar's desk.
Abu Jafar showing Basim new equipment
- Abu Jafar Muhammad: Have a look, Basim. I may have something that is of interest to you.
Basim looked at Abu Jafar's wares, which included torches, a blowpipe, smoke bombs, traps, noise darts, and throwing knives. He made a decision, selected an item, and grinned humorously.
- Basim: Resourceful as always. My thanks, Ahmad.
Abu Jafar grew momentarily angry then laughed.
- Abu Jafar Muhammad: It's Abu Jaf— Ah, you jest.
- Basim: Every now and again. Araka Lahiqan (See you later), Abu Jafar. Keep well.
- Abu Jafar Muhammad: And you, Basim.
Outcome[]
The Hidden Ones established bureaus in other parts of the city, each led by a Rafiq: Tabid in Abbasiyah, Rebekah in Karkh, and Fuladh in Sharqiyah. Roshan departed for Karkh while Basim spoke to Abu Jafar about expanding his inventory.
Gallery[]
