OOC: Or you could, yknow, join the mission. If you want. If you don't that's fine, but you won't get much experience or interaction with your character 'just hanging out.'
As for your other question, you can come up with solo assignments to send your character on, but proper missions are organized and directed by Veteran-tier players. Which, at this point, is just me and Brikman, but I think it's about time we started thinking about promotions.
OOC: Yeah, but it seems to be in full swing, and it's always difficult to jump in on a storyline that's so far in.
IC:
Trouble was coming. Stephen knew it. When you were summoned by Vanda Darkflame herself, it could not be good. He wondered what it was about. Maybe his research project was being pulled. Perhaps he had done something against the Paradox's Code, or even worse, the Nexus Force.
He pushed through the doors of the conference room apprehensively. To his surprise, Vanda Darkflame herself was seated at the end of the long table, smiling mysteriously. Her legs were crossed and she held Stephen with a powerful gaze. Her eyes flashed with purple, and dark flames seemed to roar behind her composed expression.
"Stephen Gray," she said, standing. "It's a pleasure to meet you."
Stephen crossed the room to shake her hand. "And you, madame," he said.
"Have a seat, Mr. Gray," the Paradox leader said, gesturing to a chair. Stephen waited until she sat down to sit himself. "I've heard much about you, Mr. Gray," she began. "You're research on Maelstrom control is . . . intriguing. You have a powerful mind, and go about things in an unorthodox manner. In many ways, you are a great asset to the Paradox, just as all of our agents are.
"I have a mission for you, Mr. Gray, one that will test your abilities, force you to make difficult decisions. It will make you a better Paradox operative. Do you think you can handle a challenging assignment?"
"I believe so."
"No, Mr. Gray. In the Paradox, we don't believe." Vanda grimaced. "In the Paradox, we do. We are unafraid, strong, willing to use whatever means necessary to win the battle. To become a leader in the Paradox, a warrior must be hardened enough not only to weather to power of the Maelstrom, but to delve into it, experience its greatest power, and survive. Now . . . I'll ask again. Are you ready?"
"Yes, m'lady!" Stephen barked.
Vanda grinned. "That's what I like to hear. Now listen closely. You are aware that not far from here is the Dragon's Cave, an extreme well of Maelstrom power. It has corrupted the dragons to the core, and will do the same to any who would dare stay for too long. Anyone, that is, except a Paradox soldier. I need you to investigate what caused the cave to become corrupted. Take whatever equipment you require. Good luck."
And with that, Vanda Darkflame rose from her seat and left. Stephen stared at her seat, surprised at the briefness of his meeting with the head of Paradox.