"She's One of Ours, Sir."- Rogue Trader IC

[Askaris]

For many in the Imperium of Man, life consists of hard labour, bad conditions, demands of total obedience and piety, and the only true respite being death. To aim higher is to have aspirations above your station, to query orders is to undermine the structure of the Emperor's most Holy Empire, and to deviate is to be heretical. This is the propaganda given to the masses, which, along with the Imperium's brutal retribution against dissidents, keeps them docile and fearful. In short, for the vast majority, life has no prospects or ambitions beyond mere survival.

You are not part of this oppressed majority. Via luck, skill, or sheer bloody minded determination, you have not merely survived the galaxy, but actively thrived. When the universe tried to push you down, you pushed back harder, and you now stand where others would have fallen long before. For you, unlike the masses, the future holds more than mere drudgery in a factory.

At this precise moment, it holds quite a lot more. A freshly appointed Rogue Trader, one of the Imperium's authorised and sanctioned privateers, has pulled into Port Wander, the final outpost before starships reach the edge of the Imperium, and the last bastion of civilisation before the Koronus Expanse. This Rogue Trader, going by the name of Captain Jakov Zvarro, has been scouring around for crew for his ship (known curiously as the One of Ours, Sir), in particular command crew; After an interview earlier in the week with the decidedly eccentric man himself, you have been given a high-ranking job aboard the vessel, with instructions to meet in a local tavern on the third day-shift of the following week. You expect to be reacquainting yourself with the Captain, along with meeting the rest of the command crew.

The Groxhide Saloon is somewhat upmarket by the standards of Port Wander; that is to say, the amasec is more expensive (and sometimes actually better quality) and duels and brawling tend to take place outside the tavern. As you approach through the dense crowds of the port, you can hear the sounds of voidsman's banter, animated haggling, and of course heavy drinking from inside. A wooden sign (an expensive touch, on board a void station) bearing a caricature of the reptilian Grox swings gently, buffeted by the air currents aboard the station.

You are all here for a variety of reasons; some of you seek glory in the void, some of you hunt for knowledge of the Imperium's long forgotten past; others of you are here to prove your worth to a seemingly uncaring universe, while yet others are simply here to make their fortune. Whatever it is you seek, once you cross the threshold of the tavern, a whole new chapter in your life will begin to unfold.

No matter what happens, it'll be one Hell of a show.




Quick lexicon for the unfamiliar;

Amasec: A type of Imperial alcohol. Quite popular.

Grox: T-Rex-like creatures used for meat.

[Captain_Pants]

Jakov Zvarro, fledgeling rogue trader, recent Lord Captain, ex-Lord General and lifelong respectable chap, sat at a table in the corner of the room. On his side of the table was one chair, occupied by him alone. Opposite him were five chairs, inexplicably empty. He stared at them with his great brow knitted, looking as though he was perplexed as to why these five chairs had been laid out well over two hours ago and were still empty.
Looking around the room, he bristles his magnificent moustache and drinks deeply from a large glass of some pungent and improbably expensive alcohol.
"I say. Do hurry along, chaps. That great void won't explore itself now, what?", he calls out to to the room in general and nobody in particular.

[PanNarrans]

A small, slim man walks into the Groxhide Saloon. He's dressed ostentatiously; a suit in shades of velvety black is offset by a bright yellow halfcape and close cropped electric blue hair. Most arrogantly of all, he wears a bolt pistol openly on his hip. For a physically unimpressive man, it's surely a gamble to put something so valuable on display, even if it does suggest significant combat ability.

Noticing Zvarro and the empty chairs, he nods before walking to the bar.
''Recaf, strongest you've got. Stronger for preference. Bring it over, I can't keep an important man waiting.''
This taken care of, he approaches Jakov.

''Lord-Captain Zvarro.''
He gives a slight bow.
''What's the custom aboard your ship, oh Captain, if I'm indeed now part of your crew? Should I curtsey, kowtow, genuflect? As a military man I assume you'd be accustomed to the eagle salute, but that seems a little pretentious to be coming from hivescum such as myself.''

[Captain_Pants]

Jakov leans forwards and puffs on a pipe a few times, squinting with scrutiny at the garishly dressed individual in front of him. After some evaluation, he speaks.

"Tristram Macharius, wasn't it? Yes, I remember the hair. A salute won't be required, chap. Not a man of the Guard anymore, so I've been told. No, all I ask is good, proper manners, what? Remember your 'Yes Sir' and 'Aye, Captain' and I believe we shall get along swimmingly! Take a seat, good fellow."

He leans back and puffs on the pipe a couple of times before speaking again.

"I would request no further mention of the hive-ganger history, dear chap. An unsavoury detail. No need to carry it any further, all in the past and soforth, what!

The last sentence carries the tone of a statement rather than a suggestion.

[Askaris]

Tristram:

The bartender, a thickset yet well-upholstered man with a impressively waxed moustache, looks as if he's about to pass comment on your choice of a non alcoholic beverage; Upon seeing the bolt pistol at your hip, along with the namedrop, he instead humbly replies, "It'll be with you soon, sir."

Jakov and Tristram:

After you exchange greetings, you notice that a woman has just entered the bar. She appears to be arguing animatedly with an attending servo-skull, rapid bursts of static flying from beneath her hood. From the grafted mechadendrite and the glowing-blue bionic eye, you're all but certain that she is a techpriest; however, the eccentric clothing throws you a little. The hooded Martian-red coat is unusually ornate and well cut, while in contrast, her shirt and shorts are plain and worn. The strange effect is topped off with a pair of long white boots, dusty from heavier use than they were likely ever intended for. She notices you both, waves cheerfully, then makes her way over.

"Evening Boss, sorry 'bout the delay; this little bugger-" She jabs a thumb at the servo skull, "-decided to start dive bombing people. Had to deal with a few arguments." She looks towards Tristram, and extends a hand.

"Akadia Ramirez, Explorator. And you are?"

[vampire2948]

Novia Ephrael sits to the left of the Captain, with her smart looking (due to an expensive suit) servitor.

Novia ignores the talking, and the bar, and is busily tapping a number of data slates and other glowing gadgets spilled over the table infront of her, aided by Walter.

"Add the fuel expenses... carry the i..." she mutters to herself, inbetween sips of tea from a very clean looking mug, covered in a picture of a servitor in a suit painting a picture of the image on the mug.. making it a little difficult to picture in one's head.

She continues ignoring everyone.

Walter is also muttering to himself, but not very audibly, while watching what Novia is doing - probably checking her maths.

[PanNarrans]

Tristram shakes Akadia's hand warmly, smiling.
''Tristram Macharius, humble voidmaster. I take it you'll be tending to the ship's guts? If you tune the engines, I'll try to make them sing for you.''

[Askaris]

Tristram:

She grins at you.

"Far as I can tell, the average plasma drive can hum pretty well as is. Still, lookin' forward to working with you."

As you speak, your recaf arrives in a large, artistically sculpted mug. Given the almost void-black colour of the liquid, you can assume someone took your request seriously. That, or you have a cup of pitch.

Jakov:

Akadia turns back to you.

"Anyway, hello again Boss, good to be seeing you."


Novia:

Walter leans over to refill your recursive mug. He's received a few dark looks from the landlord, but nothing has been said; you are, after all, filthy rich.

Looking at the data on your vast array of dataslates, the general state of the dynasty's accounts are tolerable; however, compared to other, longer established Rogue Traders, your considerable resources pale.

One way or another, something should be done about this.

You are vaguely aware that there are more people milling around the Captain than there were a few moments ago. They may warrant attention in the near future, but right now, you have other business to attend to.

[Captain_Pants]

Jakov smiles, or at least his moustache turns up at the corners, at the assembly of most of his recent crew. He stands and bows to the red-garbed woman and the well-dressed woman to his right.

"Miss Ramirez, a pleasure to meet you again. I do hope you've remembered to bring as much technical know-how as you promised, what? And Lady Ephrael, always an honour. Business as usual? Of course it is, of course. Good show, good show. Walter, pleased to have you in tow. Wonderful! Now, I hope you're all well and prepared to head out into the great beyond?"

He pauses and furrows his brow again.

"I say, are we missing somebody?"

[vampire2948]

"Always prepared, sir." Novia replies, without taking her eyes off the glowing data slates.

[emi-chan]

A woman enters. First, your eyes are drawn to her slightly wild hair. She wears a very bright expensive looking piece of fabric to keep it out of her eyes, but she has a second band of fabric across her forehead. There is a slight bump beneath it, in the exact centre. Although her garments are neat and clearly cared for they are patched and hold the symbols of her order.
She inclines her sash-covered head to the Captain as she walks, proudly, to the table. She waits behind the seat, and nods to other others in the room. "I am Astranna Keris, Navigator. I trust I am in the right place?" She looks about her and does not appear pleased.

Let the good times roll and let's get started! I has fluff and i'm not afraid to use it +:3

[Captain_Pants]

The captain looks at the strange woman who has just entered, and scans her apprasingly. He then stands and bows, although somewhat shallower than with the other two women. In fact, if observed carefully, one might see that he bows just enough to appear respectful, but not enough to take his eyes off her...

""Yes, M'lady, you are in the right place. Lord Captain Jakov Zvarro. We have met already, I believe, two weeks ago when I was recruiting. So long as you show social etiquette and recognition of authority, I believe we shall get along swimmingly, what?"

[emi-chan]

Keris notices his strained bow and smiles. "I'm sure I have much knowledge of all the flavour, variety and circumstance of social etiquette and as you say 'recognition of authority'," She speaks politely, but her smile is slipping. She takes a significant pause before adding [COLOR="green"]"Captain. And i trust that you will also act accordingly. It seems my - talents- make you uncomfortable. But have no worries, these sashes are for the protection of you all."

[PanNarrans]

Tristram inhales his concentrated recaf, then sips at it with every sign of enjoyment.

''No need to be so defensive, Miss Astrianna! We're all veterans of the void here, not likely to be disconcerted by the Navis Nobilite. I'm sure Captain Zvarro is only establishing the social niceties of his bridge, not disparaging the exalted explorers of the Empyrean.''

[emi-chan]

She smiles, draws herself a chair (which the gentlemen around the table neglected to do- but so what, she's not old-fashioned, she's got two guns in her bags and a 3rd eye that's nothing short of a weopon of mass destruction.) Nodding she says"Of course, but you understand that out here, you have to be careful when setting off into the void."

[Askaris]

Astrianna:

You can hear hushed mutterings from the saloon's patrons; you've apparently caused a mild stir. You hear a snatch to the effect of "-look at those frakking claws!", amongst the general sentiment of consternation.

Nothing too unusual there, then.

[emi-chan]

Astrianna just smiles and brushes a hair out of her face with
those frakking claws before setting them neatly on her lap. You notice that her strangely long fingers that do indeed look like claws passed worryingly close to the brightly coloured sash about her forehead, lingering a little. The claws are decorated, with inlaid gold tracery, beautiful and deadly.

[Captain_Pants]

"Certainly, my dear, you must be careful when setting out into the void. I am, however, a man of experience, and I have seen a great deal - Enough, I would wager, to make the safe assumption that you must be careful wherever you might set foot. I do hope you will not take umbrage to my specification when I say it is wise to tread carefully around the Navis Nobilite, or Psykers in general, what? I recognise your noble upbringing, and I shall always treat a lady with utmost respect, but I must say I've just seen too many of the psychic devils blast themselves into paste in the middle of battle."

He puffs on his pipe and takes a delicate sip from his glass of fine spirit.
"So, do tell me, fellows; how have your travels been thus far? No crippling disfigurements or disabilities have developed since last we spoke, I hope?"

[PanNarrans]

''Well. Though of course it's good to be back amongst the teeming throng of sacred humanity, I've developed acute land sickness, agorophobia and claustrophobia. Ports do that to me these days. When do we fly?''

[Red Cortez]

A woman standing over 6 foot in full armour, the helmet clutched in one hand, the other occupied with the finest ale, approached the group of mismatched crew. Overhearing the comment, she tilted her head and added her own thoughts

"Soon, one would hope,"

Her eyes swept the crowd, taking in their appearances before he gaze ultimately stopped on the captain.

"Apologies for my lateness, Captain Zvarro, I had... Things to attend to," A small smirk graced her lips at that before she continued. "I assume our present company to be fellow crew mates? Pleasure to make your acquaintance."

Inclining her head in a polite nod, though her pleasantries didn't seem to hold much sincerity, she nonetheless took a seat beside the only member of the crew seated, admiring the sharpness of her claw-like fingers.

[Captain_Pants]

The captain jumps to his feet at the introduction of the warlike woman, as though it were a reflex action. He bows again, and greets her.

"Ah, You must be Madam Cortez, of course! A pleasure, M'lady, a pleasure! Please, sit. Now... Macharius, Ephrael, Ramirez, Keris, Cortez... I believe this is all of us. No sense dallying any longer, what? I suppose you'd all like to know what the occasion is."

He pushes his chair back, and begins to pace along the floor behind it.

"Now, my good men- And women, of course, of course-, You have signed up to the crew of the good ship She's One of Ours, Sir. Now, I recognise some potential for mockery in the name, but she is a good ship and I will not have a one of you say a thing against her, what? I trust we are clear.
"You will be paid in proportion to the amount of goods we manage to procure in our travels. Of course, I have no doubt that you are all worthy, competent fellows and are the best at what you do. This is, of course, why I hired you, what?
"Now, a week ago, you were all instructed to meet me today. I must confess, I had little planned beyond assembling you fine chaps, and perhaps finding some odd jobs going around here. Thankfully, this is no longer necessary. Three days ago, I received word from a chap named Orbest Dray.
He was, or so he says, an officer aboard me own Grandfather's ship in his naval days.
He has, of course, mentioned a great deal else that is largely irrelevant to you fine fellows, but the real importance lies in his assurance that the matters he wishes to discuss will lead to great fortune and glory. I am an honourable man, as you will swiftly learn in your time serving under me, and I aim to meet this gentleman as per his request. He claims to have been waiting a long time for one of m'grandfather's relatives, so I shall not disappoint him. Of course, I trust you fellows will be ready in case anything should turn unpleasant, what?""

[PanNarrans]

Tristram downs his recaf. It must still be scalding, but he doesn't seem to notice.
''So we're to observe and bodyguard as you meet with a potential charterer? I imagine Miss Cortez will be helpful. I thought I was overdressed.''

[Captain_Pants]

Jakov chuckles.

"My good man, I would posit that the threat of danger is a greater reason still to ensure you look your best. Wouldn't dream of facing your enemies looking less than them, what?"

[PanNarrans]

''Well. If you do want us ready for combat, I imagine most of us have armour and weapons stashed away. I could be back here suited up in about fifteen minutes.''

[Captain_Pants]

"Dear chap, you are quite right. It would be a shame to lose you so soon, and to my own neglect no less. This fellow sounds as though he has been waiting years; another fifteen minutes would matter little, wouldn't you agree, what? Go about your business, man. Look sharp about it, though, what!"

[PanNarrans]

''Looking sharp is one of my specialties.''
Tristram rises, turns and heads towards the door in one smooth motion, nodding to the barman on his way out.
''Start a tab. I'm sure you'll recognise my face.''

[Askaris]

Red:

You notice the general atmosphere of the room is now quite tense; given the number of guns you're carrying, along with the full suit of patchwork power armour, this is hardly surprising. You can just see, in the corner of your eye, the barman glancing nervously at something below the counter. Probably a cheap shotgun. Nothing worth worrying over. Shame really. At least the ale's good.

You also notice that the techpriest is staring at your armour. Yes, it's power armour. So what?

Tristram:

The barman, seemingly a little shook up by the most recent arrival, takes a little while to reply.

"C-certainly sir. Same agai-" He says to the swinging doors.

Jakov:

Akadia takes her eyes briefly off Red's power armour, and looks back to you.
"Well, this coat's mesh lined, but I've got a suit of carapace somewhere... Shouldn't take too long to dig it out. Be back in... fifteen? Yeah, around that."

As she walks out, legs whirring, she turns to Red.
"Also, I'd really like to know where you got all that armour, emphasis on the plural. Ain't often you see so many suits of power armour on one person."

She smirks, then strolls through the doors, calling to the barman;
"Double of Sibellan amasec, no ice!"

The servo skull is still present, floating a little above head height. It chirps static gibberish to itself, but otherwise does nothing but loom.

[Captain_Pants]

Jakov seats himself as two-fifths of his new crew depart, and reclines while puffing away on his pipe. Between smoky breaths, he points at Astrianna and Red in turn and speaks.

"I can see you fellows came already prepared, what? Madam Cortez, you clearly have some experience which may come in handy in what I believe they call a worst-case scenario. Would you be so kind as to take the initiative in such affairs, should anything go awry? Madam Keris, I trust you will be... Considerate, shall we say, in the use of your gifts?"

There is a distinct note of waryness and apprehension in his address to Astrianna. He turns to the concentrating individual to his right, and addresses her for the first time since her entry.

"Novia, m'dear. Have you any information gathered about this 'Orbest' chap? I'd quite like to know precisely who we're dealing with. Of course, you may take whatever stance in this situation as you will. I doubt your tree of many secrets would yield much fruit if any harm befell you, eh, what!"

[emi-chan]

"Orbest? That name isn't known to me? And as to the stance I shall take- I am part of the crew of this ship now."

[Red Cortez]

"A story for another time indeed," Red smirks at Akadia, but not unkindly. Her eyes light up with self-pride at how unsettled those around are, enjoying the feeling of power.

"Aye, captain. I will happily take care of any... undesirable affairs, I too am part of the crew of this ship."

[Askaris]

Does anyone else have any equipment stashed away or other brief business to attend to before heading off to meet Dray?

EDIT: Things are moving on on Friday, geddinere.

[emi-chan]

"Pardon me, Captain, but I must leave you for a short while to gather my equipment. I shall be back shortly. Please leave a message for me if you decide to move on to the ship, and directions would be handy- I don't know where it is." With a flash of two of her eyes and a quick smile, Keris leaves.

[vampire2948]

"I don't recall anyone of that name. I should be able to find something in our ship's memorybanks on the name with some time." Novia replies.


So... do I roll a Knowledge (Obscure Names) check? Or similar?

[emi-chan]

Keris returns a short while later, she clutches a bag bulging with charts and stange navigation devices. "All set." She grins. "Still meditating over this Orbest character? What a puzzle."

[Askaris]

Novia:

The name Orbest Dray does appear in personnel manifests in the Naval database archives you've managed to obtain, in your research of the Zvarro line. However, that does not tell you enough. Make a Common Lore (underworld) check, to see if Dray is affiliated with any criminal groups, brave or foolhardy enough to attempt to con a rogue trader. Better safe than sorry.

Akadia comes back through the doors a short time afterwards, lugging a duffel bag over her shoulder. She briefly stops off at the bar, collects her drink, then walks over, dumping the bag with a grunt.
"Didn't want to strap the armour on outside; people tend to get ideas when you walk into a bar in full carapace plate," she says by way of explanation, loosening the drawstring and pulling out a visored helmet. "He hasn't tried doing flyby's on anyone, has he?" She continues, plopping her headgear askew on the servo skull as she continues pulling out equipment.

OOC: Sorry for the lateness of this, Friday was a bad evening.

[PanNarrans]

Clearly lacking the caution of Akadia, Tristram returns in full carapace armour, helmet up, with a bolt pistol and elegant power sword swinging at his hip.

He stops at the bar and pays for his recaf before joining the party. He walks with an easy, rolling gait despite the weight of the armour.

''Only honorable to settle my debt before strolling into danger.''

He quickly disassembles, checks and reassembles his bolt pistol. It's an uncommon design; a chunky revolver rather than the more normal magazine fed model. Only seven of the eight chambers are loaded, so he slides a bolt home.

Red Cortez and Jakov Zvarro:
To your experienced eye, he looks clumsy in the armour and sword. The preening popinjay probably practised walking in that getup in the mirror, but he doesn't look like a fighter.

[Captain_Pants]

Jakov drains the rest of his drink, pushes himself to his feet, and makes his way around the table.

"Very good, chaps! Let's be on our way, then. A wondrous career lies ahead of you now, my good fellows, what! Novia, do let us know if you procure any information about this chap before we get there. Otherwise, crew, forward march!"

With this, he strolls briskly through the bar door ahead of the rest of you. It seems he's all too eager for his first job.

[Askaris]

WE ARE ROLLING. On a related note, Vampire, could do with that roll soon; Novia's been having difficulty finding the relevant information (as might be expected, for the scummy underbelly of Port Wander are not known for their well organised personnel files), so it's taken a while to arrive.

Clad in armour plate and clinking with various items and weapons, your group cuts quite a striking swathe through the densely-packed humanity milling about the Court of the Dead. A few urchins look at your group with interest, hoping perhaps for a few coins (begged or filched, whichever's easier for yer, guv'ner); they rapidly lose interest upon seeing your highly-proficient weaponry, and outright run when Red comes around the corner. As you progress towards the meeting point, you find the crowds thinning, the roar of the haggling of thousands of merchants fading to a murmur. Here, while there is still much activity on the deckplates, there is an air of seclusion. Whether it's more than an air or not remains to be seen.

From the shadows, a tattered figure approaches, greyed hair unkempt and long, beard ratty, and clothes so worn you have difficulty discerning what the original material was, in between all the patches. Unlike every other vagrant who has glanced at the group, he walks straight towards you, a slight limp in his left leg. Before you can tell him to be on his way (or shoot him, depending on your preference), he produces a seal, bearing the crossed chainswords and Aquila of the Zvarro family.

"Captain Jakov Zvarro and party, I presume?"

[emi-chan]

Keris turns her attention to the ragged man, aware that her own clothes are worn (though diligently repaired from when she first received them from the academy.) She inclines her head and waits to hear more from the stranger, on her back her bag of scrolls grows heavy and she is impatient to move on.

[Captain_Pants]

"Indeed, sir, that is we. Captain Jakov Zvarro, attending as per your request."

He pauses to properly take in the raggedy gentleman before him and, after evaluating him for a few moments, looks a little hesitant.

"...Of course, pardon my saying so, Sir, but you look as though you have fallen upon particularly hard times. I trust you are Orbest Dray, Esquire?"

[Askaris]

The vagrant's shoulders slump, sighing with relief. He remains silent for a moment, then rips off a surprisingly crisp salute.

"Yessir. Orbest Dray, ex-deck officer of the Emperor's Testament, at your service. Apologies for the lack of dress uniform, but waiting a century for someone to turn up wreaks Hell on your savings." You can hear a hint of bitterness in his voice at this point, but he recovers himself quickly.

"Besides, in amongst this lot-", He gestures expansively at the assorted grime-encrusted traders, "-Gold braid'd look a bit conspicuous."

"Anyway, best get the reason for this meeting out the way quick; don't think anyone's been tailing me, but no sense wasting time. If some of the Rogue Traders 'round here heard about this... well, your career as one might end a bit quicker than you might've hoped, shall we say?"

He takes a moment to scrutinise the rest of the group.

"Then again, with the firepower you lot are carrying..."

[PanNarrans]

Tristram takes position four feet behind and to the left of the captain and observes, his face turned to Zvaro rather than Dray.

[emi-chan]

"Then again, with the firepower you lot are carrying..."

Keris smiles, she agrees with the Orbest. Together the group are powerful, skilled -even elite, and with a ship they can do many things. But already she is concerned that a member of the group might seek personal gain, rather than the good of them all during a crisis (which might be her fault if she navigates incorrectly) She nods to Orbest, wanting him to continue.

[vampire2948]

Rollin' to find more information about this Orbest Dray.

[roll0] 44 to beat.


Novia pokes the ships memory till it reveals to her what she wishes to know, assisted by Walter, and tea.

[Askaris]

Novia:

You can't find anything conclusive; you don't think he's a pawn of any of the major criminal gangs of Port Wander, but whether or not he's an independent trying to con you is another matter.

Dray begins to relate his story.

"Like I said, I was an Officer on board the Emperor's Testament; You might have heard of her sir, given that it was your grandfather who captained her. Must've been just into my twenties at the time..." He trails off for a moment, then remembers his audience.

"Anyway, I'd been on board the ship for a few years, got to know some of her funny ways, one of them being the way in which the vent covers would rattle if something was about to go wrong; almost like she was trying to give us a warning before things went to Hell. Well, these vents started rattling, but seemed like the old girl wasn't quick enough; we hit one helluva warp storm, came out of nowhere, Navigator had no idea how we hit it, and I'm inclined to believe him; you don't get onto a Naval cruiser if you're going to frak up, frankly. Either way, we end up in the arse end of nowhere, so naturally, after dealing with a few mutinous curs and starting repairs, we tried to work out where the hell we were."

"Then things get strange. It's a week or so afterwards, and the Astropath approaches the Captain, wanting to talk to him in private about something that's been niggling him since we arrived. A few hours later, the captain gives an address to some of the senior officers, and then THEY start telling their subordinates. After going through a few layers of ship hierarchy, the news finally reaches my deck."

"The Astropath had been... hearing, I guess is the right word, this distress signal, very faint, coming from somewhere not too far away. At first he'd thought it was the rest of our fleet, but after listening to it over the week, he'd concluded it was far too old, hundreds, if not thousands, of years old, an 'echo in the warp' he called it. Unusual, certainly, but not too out of the ordinary. No, the strange bit was that the ship identified itself as The Righteous Path. The legendary treasure ship."

All of you have heard stories of The Righteous Path during your travels around the sector. A ship owned by the warlord Lorcanus Ryn, a pious yet avaricious man, filled with the looted treasures of the planet Krystillian after it was purged in the name of the Emperor. The story goes that the man marooned thousands of his crew and stripped out entire gun decks to create more room for treasure, and then took off into the warp, never to be seen again. The kind of story told in fairytales, and about as believable. Dray notices your expressions.

"Now, I can guess what you're thinking at this point, mostly because I thought the same at the time. I'm willing to trust that the Astropath knew what he was talking about, but whether or not this distress call was genuine, or just a bunch of pirates preying off an old voidsman's tale, I don't know."

"Why not?" Akadia asks, raising an eyebrow beneath the visor. "I mean, even if it might've been pirates, why didn't you go take a look?"

Dray glares at her. "Because we were on a naval ship girl, and we were SUPPOSED to be heading out to Tranch to drop off a few regiments of Guardsmen. We COULD have gone after a legendary treasure ship and gotten court-martialled as soon as we got back to port, or we could follow the orders we'd been entrusted with and do our damn duty." He exhales, seemingly to calm himself down, and continues.

"Now the Captain, he had two loyalties; one to the Navy, and the other to his family. Way he saw it, it was his duty to the Navy to deliver the troops, and his duty to his family to acquire that ship, if it was there. So he compromised. He got the Navigator to make a mnemolith, a kind of psychic map, of the area where the distress signal was emanating from. Then we plotted a course to Tranch, dropped off the troops and did what we had to while in orbit, then came back here. Still don't know why he picked me, but the old Captain told me to remain here with the map until a member of his family showed up. At the time, I thought it'd be a short wait, then a grand old adventure." He looks Jakov straight in the eye.

"I still don't know about the grand adventure, but I've been waiting here for the best part of a century. Your grandfather died during the greenskin incursion over Naduesh, and the Testament went down with him; everyone I knew got to go down in that blaze of glory, while I was here, waiting. All I have now is duty, and this-"

He pulls out a matte-black cylinder with a small reflective patch a quarter of the way down, reminiscent of a thumb scanner.

"The Captain put the mnemolith inside this thing; gene-locked casket. If anyone had tried to force it open, they would get a tube full of ash for their trouble. Only blood relatives to the Captain are able to open it." he hands the device over to Jakov.

"And now, I'm done. I've told you what I know, and what's in that tube; if you want to act on it, or just throw it away, that's your business. Frankly, I'm glad to be rid of the damned thing." You can hear the bitterness creep into his voice now, a century's worth of anger venting like a pinhole-leak in a hull.

If you want to ask Dray questions about The Righteous Path/himself, or open the casket, feel free.

[emi-chan]

"Well, if we can get that thing open- I would be happy to look at it." Keris reaches for the device."Do we know any of his relatives?"

[Captain_Pants]

As Astrianna reaches for the cylinder, the captain's voice interjects from behind her.
"Madame Keris, I believe Mr. Dray intends for the device to be handled by myself. I do not begrudge your eagerness- in fact, it is rather refreshing to see your good self possess such enthusiasm- but I am afraid I would like to study it myself, so as to avoid any unfortunate happenings. I do apologise, but Mr. Dray's comment about its contingencies has me a touch on edge. Not to worry, not to worry, your abilities will no doubt be required for what lies within, what?"

He moves around her and gingerly lifts the device from Dray's hand, holds it up to the light, and rotates it slowly between his index and middle fingers and thumb.

"Mr Dray, if I might be so bold," He muses, "Trust that I mean you no disrespect or ill will, and speak simply as a man with caution on his mind, but how may I be certain that you are telling the truth about who you are, what you have witnessed, your involvement with my family and, indeed, that this device is not leading my good ship and her crew to a gruesome fate of your own conception?"

[PanNarrans]

Tristram listens with one ear, but still studies the captain's reactions rather than trying to gauge the truth of the tale. Lost ship... pirates... treasure map! This ought to be fun.

As the Navigator oversteps her bounds, he suppresses a smirk.Well, that'll be a convenient distraction for whatever the rest of us try to get away with.

[Askaris]

Astrianna:

Dray raises an eyebrow.

"I'm still here, you know. In any case, given that my family are all from Scintilla, I haven't seem 'em since I signed onto the Testament."

Jakov:

Dray stares at you; you notice that his eyes are somewhat watery.

"I'm in the Naval manifests, I've shown you the seal your grandfather gave me, what more do you want? I've told you all I do know, and I've given you the damn tube I've been waiting a hundred bloody years to be rid of! If I was going to send you off into a bloody meat grinder now, I'd have gone and joined some other crew all those years ago, used that map for leverage, and be sitting on a pile of dishonest gold about now, instead of this craphole!"

"But I didn't. I WAITED. One HUNDRED years. Because that was my duty, and if there's one thing you get from Naval service, it's a sense of throne-damned DUTY!"

He breathes heavily, fighting back tears. You appear to have touched a nerve.

[Captain_Pants]

Jakov lowers the cylinder, and looks at the poor, broken man with sympathetic eyes.
"My good man, I meant no offence by it. I apologise most sincerely. My memories of m'grandfather are few and far between, it must be said, but I believe your loyalty tells me everything I need to know. You were an honest, loyal voidsman, Mr. Dray, and I daresay m'grandfather would be proud of your devotion to his last request."

He steps forward, and places a hand on Orbest's shoulder.

"You have gone above and beyond your call of duty, and it is plain to see that it has taken its toll on you. I believe I would owe it to Grandfather Zvarro to extend this offer: If you so wish, you are welcome to join my crew, serve under my command, and should the contents of this casket lead us to good fortune, you shall be compensated in full for your troubles. What say you, hmm?"

He smiles warmly, attempting to put across the impression that Dray's acceptance would please him greatly.

Charm check: 1d100=1 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3038677/)

[Askaris]

Jakov:

Well, I think that's a success, to say the least. :smalltongue:

Dray looks down, shoulders heaving. He wipes his eyes, and places his hand on your other shoulder.

"Thank you."

[Red Cortez]

Red watches the exchange and frowns slightly, hands never leaving the hilts of concealed weapons. Treasure sure is appealing, but something about this man seems off, surely no man could be that loyal? Regardless, she would keep a keen eye on him to ensure he would not cause any harm to the crew, or rather no harm to their search for riches.

"Mr Dray, in your time waiting, would I be right in my assumptions you have investigated The Righteous Path? We have all heard the tales, but surely if what you say is indeed true, you have more information about this legendary ship?"

[Askaris]

Red:

Dray answers, his voice somewhat subdued.

"Hard to make good guesses out of legends, but I did once do research about the planet it got it's treasure from. Krystillian, they called it, run by some heretical prophets calling themselves the Talisar. It was an old colony, which makes some people say it's full of archeotech; I remember someone else speaking of the population themselves being about as pure human as it was possible to get, and thus worth a fortune for the right buyer. Of course, the man who said that was a Magos Biologis, so he might just have been doing some wishful thinking."

Akadia seems to be paying close attention, now that archeotech has been mentioned.

[Captain_Pants]

Jakov strokes his beard pensively, then waves a hand dismissively.

"Well now, this is all very intriguing. A real adventure, what! I do so hope to make Grandfather Zvarro proud, and I'm sure he would be quite beside himself to know you are with us, Mr. Dray."

He straightens himself up, holds his head high and raises his voice to its most authoritative tone.

"Now, crew! We are to return to the ship and discuss events. Make any preparations you feel necessary, and then come to the bridge. Madam Cortez, my dear woman, would you be so kind as to escort Mr. Dray to his quarters? His bunk shall be located next door but one to yours. Mr. Dray, you are welcome to use the washroom and make your way to the galley. My ship is your home for the duration of your stay with us.
Madam Keris, I would be so very grateful if you would come directly to my cabin. Mr. Dray, please join us when you feel you are ready. We will be attending to the business of this most intriguing casket.
Madam Ephrael, I would like any information you can gather on the Righteous Path. Legend, myth, rumour, even the most implausible tales. There must be a nugget of truth amidst the dross, what? Have it ready by the time of our departure, if you please.
Madam Ramirez, Mr. Macharius, I hardly need tell you your duties. Make ready for flight, chaps!"

With that, he retains his most respectable posture and marches towards the docks at a brisk pace wearing a satisfied little smile.
Ah, he thinks to himself. To be a leader of men once more. On the honourable Zvarro name, I swear to do right by them, to lead them to greatness and glory. And by the Emperor, I will.

[PanNarrans]

Tristram turns sharply on his heel to follow, letting his steel toe click on the deck and his half-cape swish satisfyingly. As the group proceeds, he tries to strike up a conversation with Red Cortez.
''So, you use power armour? I can see the benefits in your profession, but I never could get along with it myself. Augmented movement or not, it dulls my reflexes.''

[Askaris]

Everyone, roll a perception check (roll under perception stat, please remember to say what the values of both the roll and your perception are.)

[emi-chan]

Glad to have been invited by the Captain to discuss the casket, it seemed he valued her opinion, and although she had been warned several times about striking upon adventures with vessels and not clearing it with the academy, Keris could not help but be reassured by the captian.

Perception 37: 45 [/url]

[PanNarrans]

Perception 41: [roll0]

[Captain_Pants]

per 31, rolled [roll0]

[Askaris]

Akadia, Perception 32; 52 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3065400/).

[vampire2948]

Perception 40 : [roll0]

[Askaris]

LIVE DAMN YOU, LIIIIIVE

Your journey back to the ship is uneventful; once again, the crowds give your group a wide berth. There's a brief hold up at customs, slightly longer than expected; you assume it's due to the processing necessary for your new acquaintance. However, soon you are walking along the boarding tunnel, the polycarbonate windows affording most of you your first glimpse at your new place of work, the One of Ours, Sir. While by no means a battlecruiser, you feel somewhat dwarfed by it's dimensions, approaching two kilometres long and several hundred metres across. As you board, you split up to deal with the various tasks needed to prepare the ship for flight, including working out where exactly it is you'll be going.

Astrianna and Jakov:

You meet within the Captain's quarters, in order to both get the casket open, and to work out what the mnemolith shows. Perhaps also to smooth things over, but to business first.

Red:

You lead Dray to his quarters, next to yours. The significance of putting the possibly suspect informant next to the quarters of the most heavily armed person on the ship (if not the entirety of Port Wander) is not lost on you.

Tristram:

You proceed to the bridge, taking your place in the pilot's pulpit. You settle in, taking in the myriad controls and displays arrayed before you. A voxcaster situated to your right crackles to life, as one of the displays lights up.

"Oi, Tristram, you there? Are the engine diagnostics coming up on screen?"

You are fairly certain you can hear music in the background.

Novia:

You return to your quarters, pondering the legend of the Righteous Path. More specifically, you're pondering who to ask to find more solid information on it. Perhaps the Navy, although it was a privately owned ship...

[PanNarrans]

Tristram flicks the 'caster onto transmit and leans in close.

''Miss Ramirez, I assume? Diagnostics aren't showing, she seems to be stuck on showing the passive external sensors on two thirds of the screens and our position on the rest. Give me a moment, I'll persuade her somehow.''

Awareness on the music and background noises (Perception 41): [roll0].

[vampire2948]

Novia decides to ponder her options in her quarters, while enjoying a cup of tea, as usual. She also brings up a list of items in demand at the port they are currently in the process of leaving on her dataslate and reads through them.

[emi-chan]

Astrianna had nodded as she went aboard 'She's one of ours, sir' and was glad to see that she was not to be dissapointed. On entering the Captain's quarters and beginning work on the casket however, she had not smiled once.
"Tricky little devil," she muttered, "But you will not get the better of me."
She twisted her head from side to side, as though looking at it from different angles would help her somehow.

Perception:37 Int:40
(i'd like to use some of my skills on it but it would seem i haven't done points, matt, please pm me on how i use them and i would be very greatful :) She'll probably use scholastic and forbidden lore and even try speaking to it in High gothic. Psynisence if all else fails- although i have no idea what that will do.

[emi-chan]

"Ah, it would seem Jakov is required, not my skills." keris looked away from the casket, expecting him to be by her side and ready to help. "Has anyone seen him?" When no one replied she looked around properly, then stood and went to look for him herself.

[Askaris]

Astrianna:

Belatedly, you recall two things; firstly, that the casket can only be opened via the Captain's DNA, thus making your efforts to open it somewhat redundant. Secondly, he's standing next to you, having been the one to summon you to his quarters in the first place.

You are not quite sure why you forgot this. The events of today feel like they happened months ago...

[PanNarrans]

After a few minutes fiddling with various controls, Tristram starts to feel like he has a handle on the layout. He flicks on the voxcaster again.

''Success, Akadia. Apologies, I'm not particularly experienced with ex-Navy hardware. Diagnostics on screen now.''

He rattles off a string of meaningless gibberish.

''...reading two zero, four points below maximum. All in all everything functional except for the gellar coolant flow speed, but I don't believe that'll be accurate after this long in drydock. Check the impellers before we do anything drastic.

''Incidentally, the helm is fantastic. Have you seen it yet? It's so ornate I'm worried things will start falling off when I touch it.''

[vampire2948]

Novia types out a message on here dataslate to be sent to the Captain.



++Incoming Transmission++
Authorizing: Code Approved
...Benedum 21T-777 Cipher Approved


++ Only the insane have strength enough to prosper ++


[B]+++Message Origin===Seneschal Novia Ephrael+++
+++Message Priority===Urgent+++
+++Message Destination===Captain Jakov Zvarro+++


Captain,

Am presently looking into this Righteous Path matter.

All the supplies for our voyage appear to be in order, aside from one inconsequential matter, who won't be recieving our custom again, nor anyone elses if my subordinates are capable of following their orders.

Is there anything you would have me do for you prior to our departure?


Ephrael,


[END ENCRYPTION]

[Askaris]

Tristram:

"You're telling me; someone really put effort into making this boat. First time I've seen a reactor decorated, unless we're counting warning signs."

She pauses, evidently mulling something over.

"...Impellers read fully charged, plasma core stability nominal, slight loss in atmospheric pressure, probably from our boarding, gravity holding in all decks... Looks clear to me. Only leaves 'convince Enginseer that I outrank him' on the checklist. Frakkin' fantastic." You hear a distinct exasperated tone in her voice.

You can still hear the music, but can't discern what it is. It has a rather noticeable beat.


Novia:

Port Wander is mostly self sufficient for foodstuffs, although this only applies for low grade gruel. People like yourself prefer a higher standard of cuisine, which normally would need to be imported. Acquiring new (and, importantly, delicious) flora and fauna for consumption on the station would be a source of cashflow. Likewise, the fighting pits kept as entertainment for the masses always need more vicious xenos beasts for their arenas, to prevent things from becoming stale. If you can set up trading routes and keep the mercenary hunters under control, this could well work out to be profitable.

In addition, being a space station, the port is always in need of fuel and machine parts; while it's denizens can often improvise, having the proper part to fix the air filters is preferable. However, this is an area wherein there are already established traders, who will unlikely want to relinquish there hold of the market.

Finally, if you can find a buyer, xenotech and archeotech are surefire ways to make a large quantity of thrones in a short period of time. However, with high reward comes high risks; the Inquisition may well become suspicious if you begin to make extensive forays into selling alien artifacts, and the AdMech may wish to take the archeotech straight out of your hands, seeing payment as unnecessary.

As for the Righteous Path, a few immediate options present themselves to you. Firstly, you could attempt to question Dray some more, although you don't hold out much on this yielding the results you need; the impression you recieved was of one glad to unburden themselves of information, not to withold it.

Secondly, you could petition the Navy for information; while not a naval ship, the Righteous Path was involved in a crusade into the Expanse, and as such would be subject to some naval scrutiny. You may also be able to get more information on the planet she was sent to, and thus uncover some more of the probable contents of the lost ship.

Thirdly, you could put out a shrouded call for information on the station's data network; high risk, granted, but if there is anyone on the station who might know exactly what happened to that ill-fated vessel, this would be the most expedient way to find them.

[PanNarrans]

''Good luck with that. I'm going to start looking at a chain of command myself.'' With that Tristram turns off the voxcaster, lovingly strokes the helm a last time and strides briskly across the bridge.

''You there! Deckhand! Name and position!''

[vampire2948]

Novia orders some of the lesser crewmen to make sure the refrigeration units for the food supplies are all functioning correctly, via comm.

She then sends a few last transmissions to her spy network in the port, under the highest encryption possible. []
This includes a shrouded call for information on the [I]Righteous Path.


Picking up her comm again, she calls for Walter to check that all her possessions are on board and ordered properly, then takes her ornate power sword and practices with it in her quarters.

[Askaris]

Tristram:

The crewman salutes.

"Jeremiah Cobb, Internal Comms Officer sir!"

[PanNarrans]

Tristram lets out a bark of laughter.
''Comms? Perfect. I need you to arrange matters so that everyone in training to helm this ship or with experience of helming this ship is gathered outside my quarters in...'' (he pauses to check a businesslike chronometer clipped to his halfcape) ''thirteen minutes. Once you've done that, get hold of a dataslate with a list of the small craft aboard this ship and their operational capabilities. You may need to appeal to Seneschal Ephrael for the information.

''I'll be in my quarters.''

[Captain_Pants]

Jakov emerges from a rather enjoyable war flashback. It is strange how, in the matter of a few seconds, it can feel like months have passed.

Disregarding the thought hurriedly, he notices Astrianna's vain attempts to open the casket. Smiling amusedly, he reaches out for it and carefully says, in a manner which might be the verbal equivalent of a man trying to ease the stub revolver from the grip of a trigger-happy hostage taker, "Madam Keris, I believe this is for me to open. I appreciate your eagerness, though. Truly, I do."

He takes the casket and, with great care and deliberation, gingerly attempts to open it.

[emi-chan]

Keris frowns but leans closer to inspect what the casket contains as soon as it opens. Kneeling beside the casket in her patched uniform she forgets her manners, "Stop acting like it's made of glass-believe me it's not- and if you don't mind I don't like people undervaluing my efforts to help. At least we know their if very little chance of anything being tampered with thankyouverymuch."

[Captain_Pants]

Jakov pauses in his efforts to open the casket, and looks at Astrianna with a deadpan expression. He carefully places it on his desk, and turns to face her with his hands behind his back. He draws himself up to full height, puffs out his chest, and bristles his captainly moustache.
"Navigator, I respectfully remind you to consider who you are addressing. I am your captain, not your subordinate. If you recall, Mr. Dray informed us that efforts to force open this device would render its contents useless. Perhaps I am the only man who can open it, but I am not prepared to manhandle it, whatever the case. Eagerness is a trait I can respect, if not admire, but impertinence is something I will not tolerate from any crewman of this ship.
If you require a moment to retreat to your cabin and reflect on what I have said, please do so. While you are there, perhaps you might gather your tact and recognition of the chain of command. Or, perhaps you would prefer to do that here and now, and we might proceed with the matter at hand."

[Askaris]

Jakov and Astrianna:

As you continue your altercation, the casket beeps gently, a blue LED oscillating rapidly near it's tip. After a few moments of industrious whirring, the top of the cylindrical casket irises open, ejecting a slim chunk of dark, marbled crystal.

Tristram:

As you turn to leave, the communication officer's control panel chimes. He's somewhat astonished to note that a message composed by your Seneschal has already arrived, detailing the list of the craft available to you. You feel slightly disturbed by this, but take the message onto a dataslate to peruse at your leisure.

+++Tristram,

Our shuttle bay currently holds:
6 Aquila Landers, armed with autocannons. "Drive me Closer, Fire with Fire, Enough Gun, In Sewer Ants, Weatherguage, Speak Softly".

6 Argus Lighters, no armament. "Suicidal Overconfidence, Exit stage left, Fistful o' Haid, [REDACTED] (For reasons of decorum), AT-CMOT, Awkward Turtle".

One gun cutter. "5 rounds rapid".

I hope this information is sufficient. What are you doing with the pilots?

Ephrael.+++

Thirteen minutes and seventeen seconds later, you find a gaggle of ten or so crewmen outside your door, with expressions ranging from outright curiosity to nervousness. one of them pipes up.

"Sir, you requested that we meet you here?"


Novia:

About 8 hours after sending your data request out, you receive a reply from a man named Journ, claiming to be a astrocartographer, with an interest in the histories of cleansed civilisations in the Expanse. He says he has a number of proscribed texts that detail the culture of Krystillian, the planet which the Righteous Path was said to have looted. The books themselves are not heretical, but with recent Ecclesiarcical purges, he would prefer them to be in safe keeping. To that end, he's willing to strike a deal with you; he'll lend you the documents for your perusal, copying that which you need, provided you drop them off with his contact on Footfall, the main waystation along the Koronus Passage.

Sunsear macrobatteries are sadly not currently available in Port Wander; there are several forgeworlds within the Calixis Sector that might yield them, but that will have to wait for another time. You hope that the current Mars Pattern's will do the job for now.

A list of transport ships is being compiled by your agents, including a number that are already in the hands of other factions, that would not be too difficult to "acquire". A comprehensive list will be sent to you soon, your subordinates assure you.

[PanNarrans]

''Ah, my pilots! I'm the new voidmaster, Tristram Macharius.'' He bows with a flourish, flicking out his halfcape to show off his bolt pistol and power sword to best effect. He's found these to be better symbols of authority than most; some things are true of hivescum, aristos and shiprats alike. ''If my reputation precedes me, it's because I failed to outpace it.

''Please, enter my quarters. I'm afraid I haven't been in there yet, so my things will be wherever the deckhands left them; make a space.''

Once the ten have filed in, coincidentally setting off early any traps that might have been laid for the new voidmaster, Tristram addresses them from the doorway of the now cramped room.

''I've asked you here so as not to clog up the bridge with our discussions, and because I need to look at the place anyway. I want to know everything about flying the One of Ours, Sir; her controls, qualities and capabilities, her temperament, moods and idiosyncracies.

''I also want to know who you are and what you can do; soon enough we will all be relying on one another. Sooner than that, I will be relying on the two of you with the most experience on the helm to take me through the controls in detail.

''One at a time, then; introduce yourselves.'' He looks expectantly at someone.

[vampire2948]

After reading the message from Journ, Novia commands her subordinates to contact Journ carefully, and quietly, and ask him where would be appropriate for her to go to pick up these documents.
She then orders two of the ship's guardsmen to prepare themselves for a short bodyguard assignment and wait at the port for her arrival from the ship.

Grabbing her dataslate, she types out a message to Jakov and to whomever is the current on-duty navigator.


++Incoming Transmission++
Authorizing: Code Approved
...Benedum 21T-777 Cipher Approved


++
Paranoia is a very comforting state of mind. If you think they're out to get you, it means you think you matter ++

[BEGIN ENCRYPTION]
+++Message Origin===Seneschal Novia Ephrael+++
+++Message Priority===Urgent+++
+++Message Destination===Captain Jakov Zvarro, On-Duty Navigator+++


Captain Jakov, Navigator,

Righteous Path investigation has yielded some information. An Astrocartographer claims to have books relevant to our search, as they are on the topic of an alien culture that the Righteous Path is said to have visited and taken some of the possessions of. Apparently, these books are potentially sensitive in the Ordo Hereticus or Malleus sense, although not excessively so.

The Astrocartographer wishes for them to be taken to a waystation named Footfall along the Kronus Passage. This is, naturally, optional for us. But I will be looking into what supplies we can gain from the waystation - could be that fulfilling this errand isn't an inconvenience.

Navigator - Plot a course to this waystation. I want an estimated time of arrival if we were to leave at once.

I am leaving to aquire the books with a pair of bodyguards shortly.

Ephrael,


[END ENCRYPTION]




Then, while suiting up into her power armour, dictates a message for Walter to type out to her network of employees on the station.


++Incoming Transmission++
Authorizing: Code Approved
...Benedum 21T-777 Cipher Approved


++
You can never have too many enemies. The more you've got, the more likely they are to get in each other's way ++

[BEGIN ENCRYPTION]
+++Message Origin===Seneschal Novia Ephrael+++
+++Message Priority===Urgent+++
+++Message Destination===Deputy Seneschal Atellus Raltus+++

Raltus,

Search the port for ships currently docked. I want to know if any of them have visited a port named Footfall within the last couple of years, aswell as any information you can find on what's in demand, excess, the usual things - I don't have to spell it out for you.
Get me the information prior to my departure.

Also, get someone looking into an Astrocryptographer named 'Journ', currently at the station. I'd like to know everything there is to know about him, same deadline as above.

Any problems?


Ephrael,

[END ENCRYPTION]




Once this is done, she stows away her dataslate, grabs her power sword and hellpistol, and heads to meet her guards, tapping a few keys on her piano as she leaves.

Walter will record the pilots' conversation.

[emi-chan]

Astrianna Keris approaches the object with a kind of solemnity. She ignores the captain, but will attempt to be more polite in future. She is used to being one of the 'betters' rather than those serving, it has been a short while since the academy but already she forgets what it was like to be working below her teachers.

Two of her eyes inspect the object, and she feels her third tingling with anticipation but she mustn't remove her headscarf.


Perception 37, rolling for Psyniscience
39 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3194714/) but am using a fate point, so 29

[Askaris]

Astrianna:

You realise that the mnemolith crystal is in fact quite simple to read, for one such as yourself; you simply need to make physical contact with it, and it will present a vision of the stored location to you. Such a vision would need further study to acquire an exact location, but you are confident that you can crack it.

[emi-chan]

If no one else reaches out to take the crystal, Keris does so. She reaches out, almost tentatively, her mind buzzing with possibilities of what the crystal might contain. She blinks once, smiles, and takes the crystal. The easiest way to know is to seek, "Stop thinking and read the thing, Keris." she chides herself.

[Captain_Pants]

Jakov does not take Astrianna's dismissal lightly. As she steps past him and picks up the crystal, he swells and barks at her.
"Navigator, you will heed your captain when he addresses you! Unhand that object this instant, and stand front and centre! If you find orders too perplexing to follow, perhaps we might find a more amenable navigator instead. I do not care what you might make of me or murmur behind my back, so long as you fall into your role aboard my vessel and you follow my orders. Are we understood?"

[emi-chan]

Astrianna jumps, and puts the crystal down. She swallows and looks about her, at all the surly faces of the crew. "Choose your words carefully," she thought, "You do not want to anger the Captain on the first day of the voyage, what on earth will you do if we warp?" She stepped away from the desk, and nods politely.

"Yessir, I understand. Forgive me, my curiousity got the better of me and I do believe I can read what that crystal intends to tell us using my gifts. It is a little complicated- a puzzle if you will. But I believe I can solve it."

She bows her head, having said her piece, but would rather be an equal than a servant or employee. The word sounds loud as she thinks it.

[Captain_Pants]

Jakov smiles and stands more at ease.
"Acknowledged, my dear woman. Do understand that I am the captain of this vessel, and I have a reputation to keep and enforce. You will find me perfectly amiable, as long as you do your job and remember your courtesies, what? Now, work your talents and inform me when you are finished."
He turns to one of the idle deckhands and addresses him.
"Able Voidsman, see that Mr. Dray is escorted to my cabin immediately. I wish for him to be present during the reading."

[emi-chan]

"Yes, captain." she says, but wonders at how quickly his emotions turn like the sea. where did 'my dear woman' come from, a moment ago it was 'what what you're doing and address me properly.' She'd roll her eyes if he wasn't likely to be watching.

Astrianna reaches out more confidently now that she has permission. She does this while looking at the captain, concerned that one false move might earn her confinement or worse, she'll be left at the docks and have to find another crew.

[Askaris]

Astrianna:

As Jakov finishes speaking, you feel your vision slip out of focus and fade, to be replaced by a vast star-filled vista. Your view pans down, revealing a solar system, a dying star flickering at its heart. Three planets orbit it, one scorched by its sun, one a dead dustbowl, and one an icy graveyard for a long dead civilisation. Ringing the whole orrery is an asteroid belt, a slow procession of icy shards, like a circlet of jagged barbed wire fencing the system off from the curious.

The image stays with you for a few moments, the sight burning itself into your mind's eye. Abruptly, the vision ends, and you fall unconscious.

You awake some time later, with Jakov, Red Cortez and Orbest Dray peering over you. Just how long were you out?



Jakov:

As you finish talking, your Navigator appears to have some kind of seizure; after a few moments of staring into space, babbling about flickering stars and... chilly barbed wire fencing, she collapses to the floor, out for the count.

A few minutes later, Red and Dray turn up at your door; after a moment of looking at the tableau, Red asks;

"Okay, that's cool, what do you want me to do with the corpse?"


Continued in next post, wherein Tristram learns of the ships idiosyncrasies, and Novia continues to be the Spymaster.

[Captain_Pants]

Jakov watches as Astrianna collapses and waves a hand at Red and Dray.

"Take it back to its quarters. Not you, Madam Cortez. Deckhands, take her."

He seems rather distant all of a sudden. He carefully picks up the crystal, and rolls it gently in his hands.

"Mr. Dray, over here, if you would." When Orbest stands before him, he stares at him coldly. "Would you be so kind as to inform us precisely what just happened?"

[emi-chan]

"Wha? Hello." Keris sat up, but slumped back almost immediately, dizzy and thinking. "where can i find a dying star with three planets orbiting it?" She reaches for her maps. "Excuse me, could you hand me that one? Oh, and a spiky asteroid belt too."

Navigation 72 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3195055/)

[Askaris]

Tristram:

The pilots introduce themselves, and the most senior of them, a Lathe-born by the name of Alaric Mallear begins to explain the idiosyncrasies of your new charge.

"She's a fast and agile ship, helmsman, make no mistake; I've seen her outpace raider-class ships en route to her destination, which has been a blessing on many occasions. However, despite, or perhaps because of her naval heritage, she becomes difficult to control during combat, bucking as if she wishes to hightail it and run; she'll make your life difficult for you until you let her flee."

"Offensive armament takes the form of the twin Mars Pattern macrocannons attached along the dorsal ridge of the ship, capable of firing fore, port and starboard. Defensive armament consist of a number of Vulcan Mega-Bolter systems placed so as to provide full cover across the hull, along with three squads of Death's Head pattern assault servitors for boarding actions. All such systems have direct command links to the bridge itself, allowing for greater control during battle."

"Auger arrays operate at 150% of the baseline spec due to the ministrations of our Enginseers, as does the atmospheric processing. This vessel is also blessed with a warded hull working in conjunction with it's Gellar field, making our time in the Empyrean less harrowing. Finally, the ship possesses two mobile observation pods, referred to colloquially as 'the spider rooms'. The crew often race these pods along the ships spine, taking bets upon the outcome. The ship will list slightly to either port or starboard during these times, likely because her balancing systems are trying to compensate for moving objects outside their usual area of effect."

One of the others (Jacoby Santiago, you believe his name was) pipes up, a lopsided grin on his face. "That, or she's leaning toward the one she wants to win." Alaric gives him a look, then turns back to you, evidently intent on ignoring his subordinate.

"In any case, myself and Voidsman Joss will be happy to explain the controls to you. Do you require anything else of us?"

Pilot names and specialities:

Alaric Mallear, Helmsman.
Antoinette Joss, Helmswoman.
Jericus Strang, Munitions Officer for the macrocannon "Close Air Support".
Jacoby Santiago, Shuttle Pilot.
Wrax Tauron, Munitions Officer for the macrocannon "Friendly Fire".
Rhia Wollsey, Shuttle Pilot.
Magdela Cortez, Shuttle Bay Officer.
Constantine Cain, Shuttle Pilot with dogfighting experience.
Havelock Uriah, Sub-Quartermaster.
Lyra Jastilus, Shuttle Pilot with dogfighting experience.

Novia:

Raltus sends you two messages, one which you expected, and one which you didn't. The latter is not pleasant reading.

++Incoming Transmission++
Authorizing: Code Approved
...Benedum 21T-777 Cipher Approved


++
Blessed are the Small Minded, for they have no room for Doubt. ++

[BEGIN ENCRYPTION]
+++Message Origin===Sub-Quartermaster Atellus Raltus+++
+++Message Priority===Medium+++
+++Message Destination===Seneschal Novia Ephrael+++


My Lady,

Journ: registered astrocartographer for the Chambers of Gold cartography service, holds rank of Magnate Scrivener. Checks out as legit, as with all CoG personnel, noted for discretion. Unlikely to reveal information related to your enterprises willingly, as professional reputation staked upon it.

Footfall:

Artificial gravity failing frequently, new grav plating would be a surefire way to gain a foothold. Requires detour to an AdMech shipyard. May cause strife within existing factions. Intrigue runs deep, information might have a buyer.

Raltus,


[END ENCRYPTION]

++Incoming Transmission++
Authorizing: Code Approved
...Benedum 21T-777 Cipher Approved


++ Success is commemmorated; Failure merely remembered. ++

[BEGIN ENCRYPTION]
+++Message Origin===Sub-Quartermaster Atellus Raltusl+++
+++Message Priority===Urgent+++
+++Message Destination===Seneschal Novial Ephrael+++

My Lady,

We have been compromised. The encryption on your orders was cracked, and, in order to decode the ciphers, the agents tasked with your orders were traced; they were interrogated by an unknown hostile faction, one of them breaking under torture and telling them the codes. One of the survivors managed to get this message to me, and I dearly hope you are still preparing to depart, and not walking into a deathtrap as we speak.

I do not know the identity of these assailants, but I am confident that Journ himself is not affiliated with them; his message was sent several hours prior to the attack. If he were with your enemies, they wouldn't have needed to resort to such crude measures in order to find out your intentions. They will undoubtedly be waiting for you should you proceed with the transfer, but I see little alternative; he has the information that you require, and this hostile faction may well be inclined to take them for their own benefit, especially if they have caught wind of your captain's plans.

I hope that, if this message reaches you, you have more foresight than I and can see a way out of this mess.

Raltus,

[END ENCRYPTION]

Jakov:

Dray meets your gaze levelly.

"Sir, I am not a psyker. All I've known about that thing was that it was a psychic map which neither you nor I could read. This is just guesswork, I know, but I'd say that the 'map' it showed her overloaded her mind a bit."

His tone has a very slight tremor in it, but he keeps eye contact through your cold stare. Behind you, you can hear Astrianna awakening, to the evident relief of Dray.

Astrianna:

Navigation roll: In your half waking daze, you attempt to navigate through the dreamlike merge of reality and the void shown to you through the vision. This soon dispels itself as reality takes a firmer hold of your senses.

As you sit up, you get a distinct sense of familiarity with the star clusters around the solar system shown to you by the mnemolith. You're quite certain that you've seen them in your studies, if only you could remember...

Roll a Scholastic Lore: Astromancy test. Fate points can be used to add an additional degree of success, or to reroll. You have 3/4 fate points left.

[vampire2948]

Novia laughs to herself loudly, for at least twenty seconds.
Time to laugh later. Not now...

Meeting the guards, she informs them that there are unknown hostiles in the port who have taken some of her subordinates. They are to prepare one hundred of their comrades and bring them to this position. They are to find the bounty hunter, Red Cortez, too and tell her to meet me here, bring guns.

Talking into her comm:
"Walter. Bring the head-techpriestess the melta bomb in my room. She is to alter it such that it can be detonated remotely. Bring her some of that fine cocoa that we picked up at that delightful port three years ago too, the cinammon one. Take the device to one of the guardsmen and tell them to bring it to me once she's done."

"Oh, and Walter, prepare a cell and my torture equipment for me."

Terminating the communication, she pulls out her dataslate.

Removing the screensaver, the chess-piece symbol of House Ephrael, she opens the messaging application and types quickly:


http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff186/vampire2948/dataslate.png


And another message.


http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff186/vampire2948/dataslate2_01.png


Thirty guardsmen are sent to assist in their evacuation.

Now, to solve this... who could it be. The Bannockburns perhaps. Or someone affiliated with the Righteous Path... but not looking for it, as we are.


Novia searches the port's logs for anyone that looks like they could be from the Bannockburns family, or any ships that she remembers belonging to them.

Inquiry : [roll0] [64 to beat, plus any modifiers for check difficulty]

She then accesses the security camera feeds from the offices she imagines her subordinates were taken from, to see what she can find.

After gleaning what she can from that, assuming she finds any footage at all, she calls whomever it is appropriate to contact in the Adeptus Arbites of the station, and takes off her helmet so it is easier to talk normally.

"Greetings. I am Seneschal Novia Ephrael, of the Rogue Trader vessel 'She's One of Ours, Sir'. I would like to report a crime."

[Askaris]

Akadia:

Rolling against Tech use of 64 to make this meltabomb remote transmit: 56 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3195423/), Success!

Novia:

"Hold one moment ma'am, verifying your credentials."

Over the vox, you hear the sound of hurried conversation, lasting for a minute or so; shortly after the conversation ceases, a sound akin to a balloon being flicked emanates form the speaker as you are passed onto another line.

"This is Precept-Marshall Kyra Valkyran, and this had better be important."

[vampire2948]

Novia replies.
Greetings, Precept-Marshall. Thank you for answering my call. The issue is rather important - Many of my subordinates who were based in the port rather than my Rogue Trader's vessel the 'She's One of Ours, Sir' have been taken, interrogated, tortured and some have been killed. One managed to escape, and is presently coming to my ship after sending me a message informing me of these events. I have also recalled all my other employees to my ship. I also fear for the safety of an Astrocartorgapher named Journ, who was attempting to help me in a matter relating to my mission.

I'd like to know what you're going to do about this, Precept-Marshall. The mission of my Rogue Trader's vessel and her crew is sanctioned by the Administratum, you know. And I would much rather leave the matter to the proper authorities, than dirty my own soldier's hands, and causing any sort of disturbance amongst the mostly fine people of this port. I'm sure your capable organisation will be able to handle it?

Charm: [roll0] modifier is +10, and I have a +10% bonus due to talking to authority due to my etiquette skill. Also using one fate point.

She listens for a reply.

[emi-chan]

rolling scholastic lore, int 40 ....dun dun dunnnnnn 27 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3196351/) ^^ win?

[Askaris]

Novia:

Marshall Valkyran, despite her earlier terseness, appears sympathetic to your cause.

"I'll need proof of wrongdoing for the kidnappings and torture; however, if you believe that this Journ is under threat, the evidence can wait until after his safety has been guaranteed. Tell me the time and place where you were going to meet him, and there will be a squad of street judge enforcers present to provide support if any untoward hostilities break out."


You successfully boosted the Marshall's view of you from "disdainful" (-10 to social checks) to "affectionate" (+20 to social checks). You are now down to 2/3 fate points.

Fifteen minutes later, Akadia walks in with her servo skull in tow, meltabomb slung under one arm, the other clutching a steaming mug. There is a distinct smell of cinnamon in the air.

"Here you go, one remote controlled molten-slag bomb." She hefts it onto your desk, making you wince with the apparent lack of care being shown to high explosives. "You'll need to flick this switch here-", she continues airily, indicating a toggle switch attached to a bulky radio reciever, "-before it'll respond to the detonator, so, well, remember to do that, alright?" She rummages around in her coat pocket, pulling out a transmitter similar to the receiver rigged to the meltabomb. "on a similar note, here's the detonator, safety catch is here, trigger is here. And finally, how the frak did you know I liked cocoa?"

Astrianna:

That's a success alright!

You remember those stars; if you're right, and you're very sure you're right, the system that the Righteous Path is located in is somewhere to the galactic West of Winterscale's Realm, a cluster of solar systems under the rule of the Winterscale rogue trader dynasty. You'll need to acquire some starcharts of that area, but you're all but certain you know where to look.

You may feel a tingle of justified self-satisfaction.

[vampire2948]

To Akadia : "Well, Walter seems to have a knack for such things. Thank you for preparing the device so quickly."

"There are problems I must attend to in the port, excuse me."

Novia packs the melta-bomb in her pack, and activates her comm to talk to the woman from the Adeptus Arbites.

"I believe the condition of my subordinates, when they arrive, will be ample proof, Marshall. I will send a copy of the message the astrocartographer sent to me from my dataslate now. I was going to meet the man right now, when I received word of the troubles I have reported. I will bring some of my own bodyguards too. The location will be included in the dataslate transmission."

She sends the transmission, as described.

"My men will begin going there now, if it is convenient for you and your Enforcers, Marshall."

While saying this, Novia is already typing out a message to the Captain detailing what's happening on her dataslate.

http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/zz113/vampire3192/dataslate3_01.png


Addressing the guardsmen who have assembled near her:
"We will have support from the Arbites in this matter. Be alert, though I suspect our unknown enemy will not trouble us now. Pity, I wanted something to keep me occupied during our next trip through the immaterium. Equip yourselves with only light weaponry, no heavy machine guns or similar. I'd rather not have to answer to the Arbites about dead innocents."

[emi-chan]

"Gentlemen, if we are to follow the information this crystal gives to us, then I suggest we find the 'Righteous path'. I may need to acquire some new star charts, but I am sure I can lead us there." She blinks a little more, but her eyes take on a shine that is only present when someone knows they have succeeded in something.

[PanNarrans]

''Thank you Mister Mallear, that was most comprehensive. I'm interested to hear that the ship is skittish; I'd never have expected it with her captain and record.

''Now... Mister Cain and Miss Jastilus, please stay with me. Everyone else... before you go off-watch, please prepare a short report on the diurn's achievements and your plans for the next, and send it to my dataslate. For now you are excused to your duties.''

As his subordinates file out of his quarters, Tristram turns to the two he asked to remain.

''Constantine and Lyra, yes? I'm told we have a gun-cutter aboard. Take me to her. Oh... carry this between you.'' He nudges his voidchest with a steel toecap. ''Hold on, let me get rid of the useless junk in there...'' Entering the combination with his right hand, he flips the three catches with his left. The plasteel lid opens onto neatly rolled clothes in bright colours, which he throws out onto the floor. Revealed at the bottom of the chest are a shipboard emergency kit, a very heavy duty voidsuit, carapace armour and a grav-chute. He slams the lid shut and motions Cain and Jastilus towards the chest.

''Lead on!''

[Captain_Pants]

Jakov persists in staring at Dray, until finally deciding that the matter is inconsequential - If he is innocent, he is under our protection. If he is guilty, we have him captive.

Aware of the fact his Dataslate has been chiming all the while, he turns to the desk and picks it up.
Reading the first message, he grows incensed by the notion of enemies being so close already. His suspicion of Dray flares, but is quelled a little by the following message detailing Novia's plan.
Being a man of a certain age and rather set in his ways on the matter of technology, it does not occur to him to reply to the messages. Instead, he faces Dray again.
"Mr. Dray, you may take your leave. Once we are voidborne, it would please me if you would meet with me again. I feel we have much to discuss. You there, Voidsman. Would you be so kind as to escort him back to his cabin?"

Jakov then turns his attention to the matter of Astrianna.
"Madam Keris, you bring us good news. The sooner we can put our current trials behind us and be on our way, the better. If you can bring me information on where we might procure these star charts you require, I will see to it that they are obtained post-haste."

He walks to his vox-caster and broadcasts ship-wide...
"Attention, all hands. This is your captain speaking. We have our destination. As soon as some minor matters are seen to in port, we shall depart with great alacrity. Make ready for departure, men. The Emperor Protects."

And then directly to Tristram's cabin.
"Mr. Macharius. Captain Zvarro here. Once this Madam Ephrael has seen to this... Unpleasantness, I will require you to show us why I chose you over a number of other pilots. I trust you are quite prepared for, shall we say, a 'swift retreat'?"

[Askaris]

Astrianna:

The maps you require could be requisitioned from the Navy, for a certain cost; to acquire them quickly could well be expensive. Alternatively, asking around the port for experienced voidfarers of the Expanse may yield directions, at the cost of announcing your intentions to the entire port. Finally, an astrocartographer might be able to draw you up a map, although the chances of finding one who has charts of such an obscure system are slim.

Tristram:

As Cain and Jastilus heft your case, the captain's voice comes in over the intercom:

"Mr. Macharius. Captain Zvarro here. Once this Madam Ephrael has seen to this... Unpleasantness, I will require you to show us why I chose you over a number of other pilots. I trust you are quite prepared for, shall we say, a 'swift retreat'?"

Jakov:

As you finish giving your orders, a pair of crewmen enter, requesting the presence (and firearms) of Ms. Cortez, at the behest of Lady Ephrael. Red salutes you laconically and leaves, with an anticipatory smirk on her face.

Novia:

Roll a perception or awareness check. Redundant, see below.

"We're on our way. Valkyran out."

Rolling against perception 32: Roll(1d100)+0: 19,+0 Total:19, Success!
(Using Wizards roller as Invisiblecastle is down.)

Akadia peers at one of your many CCTV monitors, putting a gloved finger on it.

"Uh, Lady Ephrael? I think we have a problem."

On the screen, you can see a group of three people in crew jumpsuits striding purposefully towards the captain's cabin, unfolding concealed weapons. You'd guess they'll be at the door within a matter of ten seconds. Akadia, after a few false starts, hits the intercom.

"Boss, got three guys with guns coming to your door, and they ain't looking too friendly!"

With that, she runs out the door, shouting into her micro-bead for someone to get her bolter. The servo skull chirps at you, then flies after its mistress.

You have a choice; you could go back up the Captain, but this will take a while; he's some distance away from you, due to the size of the ship. In addition, if there are ambushers waiting for yourself and Journ to turn up, they may attempt to steal the information you seek, even with Arbites presence.

On the other hand, you could go on as planned, but it might put the captain at risk; do you trust him enough to not get himself killed?

Jakov and Astrianna:

You have two rounds to act before they reach your door. Act wisely.

[Captain_Pants]

As soon as the message is in, Jakov wastes not a second. He half-leaps at the door and seals it so as to prevent, or at the very least hinder, the intruders' entry, sprints back to his desk, up-ends it and hunkers down behind it. He gestures for Astrianna to do the same, and opens the channel on his Microbead to Novia.

"Madam Ephrael? Captain Zvarro. I have a need to prepare myself in the event of conflict. Command of the ship's crew is yours until such time as I state otherwise. You are a woman of cunning and ingenuity, and I trust you to make the soundest decision for us all. The Emperor Protects."

With this, Jakov peers from behind the desk and prepares to make a move for his personal armoury.

[vampire2948]

Ephrael replies : "Yes sir. Be safe. Make sure you've an oxygen mask."


"Bridge - Patch me through to the compartment with the interlopers in it."

She pauses while they do this.

"To all crew near the captain's quarters. Vacate the area, now, or you may die. There are enemies in the section with the intent of killing our captain."

"Bridge - This communication is for your ears alone."

She pauses again.

"Begin shutting all air-tight doors out of that section once our crew pass them. If the interlopers should come near an open door, close it. Any crew trapped will have to find another way out - The captain's life is at stake.

Once all the doors are shut out of that section, reverse the air filters and replace the air with carbon dioxide. I predict they may try to break a door, hopefully without success, so be quick.

Order fifty on-duty soldiers to guard each exit. I want them alive, so put the air back after they have collapsed for one minute. Have them handcuffed, taken to the bridge, and check if any of them are psykers. Extra knockout drugs for any that are."

"Patch me through to the compartment again."

She pauses.

"Greetings, guests. I don't remember Captain Jakov Zvarro granting you permission to board this vessel, but surely it is merely a transmission error between dataslates. I shall have my techpriests check them.

There is no need to travel this unfamiliar ship alone. Put down your weapons, and I'll order a nice escort for you. Perhaps some tea.

Failure to do this will result in you being forced into void suits and attached to the outer hull during our next jaunt through the Immaterium... after the torture - that goes without saying, I'm sure.
You insult the Houses Zvarro and Ephrael, and a sanctioned Rogue Trader of the Imperium. I cannot think of anything more utterly idiotic, unless we count things of the scale of acts of desecration of Holy Terra."

"The Emperor does not protect ones such as yourselves."

Intimidate : [roll0] Fellowship of 59. +10% if this counts as a formal situation, +10% if I can add my +10% bonus talking to Imperials or High Authority.

"Cortez, once our guests have disarmed themselves. Kindly escort them to comfortable quarters. Make sure their every need is met." Novia's voice is filled with sarcasm and contempt.



To the Arbites, and the one-hundred guardsmen I have gathered.

"Arbites, we are moving now. My enemy has also attempted to attack the Rogue Trader Jakov Zvarro. I believe I will have more evidence for you before long."

"Men, you know your orders. Lets show these scum how the crew of the 'She's One of Ours, Sir' deal with their problems. It is our duty to humanity itself to deal with these... heretics who would stand in the way of our Emperor-Sanctioned Mission, and by his name, I will not tolerate them living beyond this day."

Charm - Inspire roll coming up in next post.

[vampire2948]

Charm - Inspire roll : [roll0] - Same +% as the previous roll, perhaps.

"Bridge, send some men to guard the ship's critical systems. Seal all doors around them once the men are through. We don't know how many more there are."

"Techpriestess Akadia. Once we have the heretics in captivity, search them for implants. I don't care if it's an auto-flosser, I want it deactivated - No need to waste the ship's anesthetic."

[PanNarrans]

''...Make ready for departure, men. The Emperor Protects."

As soon as Tristram hears the order, he bursts into a sprint. To the pilots following him he suddenly metamorphoses into a yellow flourish turning the next corner, leaving the dopplered words ''CATCH UP WITH ME'' behind him.

[emi-chan]

Keris, still a little disorientated from the crystal jaunt reaches for her handcannon and metal staff. Her talon-like fingers greet the symbols of her profession like old-friends but there are no smiles for them now, not at this time when fighting is nigh. "This isn't what i was built for." She sighs and checks that her handcannon is loaded and that her headscarf is still in place. "Ah well, there was bound to be fighting at some point. I'd merely hoped that it would be another battle of words with the captain." She stands and faces the door as one resigned to a task.

[Askaris]

Novia:

The guards don't appear to have been impressed by your speech, but it doesn't matter greatly; men and women connected to their homeship have been harmed, and revenge against the transgressors would be greatly satisfying. They move out purposely, marching out through the docking tube and causing some consternation amongst the customs officers. Someone's going to be in for quite a surprise.

Meanwhile, on the monitors, you can see the compromised section of the ship being rapidly vacated by the crew; two of the interlopers are quite clearly shaken by your threat-laden speech, although the one woman in the group appears completely unfazed. The evacuation of the crew will be completed shortly, making the reversal of the air filters imminent. The doors clang shut, and the helmsman chimes in over the shipwide intercom;

"Air filters reversing on Deck-17-Subsec-Alpha. CO2 levels rising."

Red comes on over the vox.
"And here was me thinking that this job might've been boring. On it."

Shortly afterwards, Akadia does likewise.
"...Acknowledged." There is an undertone of disgust in her voice.

Jakov and Astrianna:

Contained within the Captain's personal armoury are a suit of full carapace armour, a void suit, a chainsword, a power sword, and finally the Captain's suit of power armour. In addition, a shipboard emergency kit (complete with oxygen mask) is stashed nearby. The sealed door should give both of you enough time to suit up and equip.

http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s103/Askaris/jakovscabin-1.png

Green circle is Astrianna, navy blue circle is Jakov. Red crosshairs designate standard mooks. Blue crosshair indicates unfazed woman.

Toughness tests to resist suffocation:

Lady Ash: rolling against toughness 40: 17 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3202266/), Success!

Mook 1 (left): rolling against toughness 40: 46 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3202269/), Failure!

Mook 1 (left) takes one level of fatigue (-10 to everything.)

Mook 2 (Right): rolling against toughness 40: 44 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3202273/), Failure!

Mook 2 (Right) takes one level of fatigue (-10 to everything.)

Rolling for Focus Power at unfettered level, psy rating 6: rolling against 55+(6*5)= 85, psychic phenomena on doubles: 74 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3202290/), Success!

Novia:

The woman of the group conjures a translucent blade from thin air, wasting no time in jamming it into the door. The two gunmen appear to already be suffering from oxygen deprivation, but take up positions by the door.

Astrianna:

A translucent blade pierces the reinforced door, slowly carving it's way through the metal. You have a horrible, horrible feeling about this...

Roll a psyniscience check.

Jakov:

It would appear that there is some witchcraft going on outside your door; whether it is of Empyreal or Xenos origin is irrelevant. It happening on YOUR ship, and it is carving through the door to YOUR quarters.

Tristram:

As you appear on the bridge (after a rather impressive sprint), Alaric hustles you over to the pilot's pulpit with no little haste.

"Lesson's will need to be brief Helmsman. Normally I'd familiarise you in more relaxed conditions, but the Captain appears to want to test you under difficult circumstances. The ship will need to be made flight-ready ASAP, and you will need to be comfortable enough with the helm to get us out of here with some alacrity if and when the grox crap hits the fan." He smiles tightly. "No pressure, of course."

The ship needs preparing, and fast: roll a Pilot(spacecraft) check to do so with an unfamiliar control scheme.

[PanNarrans]

''I don't foresee any difficulties, Alaric, but do be sure to warn me before I foul it up. Let me see... it's fairly similar to the layout on the Perfection of Revenge, I believe.''
Tristram's hands begin to dance confidently over the controls. He stops briefly and asks ''Where's the coarse retrojet adjustment?'' When pointed in the right direction, continues moving quickly through his preparations.
''Where's a techpriest to do the necessaries?'' He runs a hand reassuringly along the wheel. ''Wouldn't want her to get offended.''
Pilot (Spacecraft) 57: [roll0]

[vampire2948]

"Captain - They are cutting through your door with some sort of psychic knife trick. Be ready. Assistance is on the way." Novia says through her comm to the captain.

"Bridge - I am leaving the vessel to deal with our problems in port. Contact me via comm if there are any developments." Novia also says through her comm, to the bridge.


Novia then leaves the vessel and heads after her soldiers with her personal bodyguards.

"Valkyran, it seems the enemy has psykers in their employ. One is currently redecorating the interior of my Rogue Trader's ship. I imagine you will want to inform your men to be careful." she tells the Marshall.

[Captain_Pants]

Upon seeing the psychic blade sawing its way through the plasteel door, Jakov roars with outrage.
"Psyker filth dare desecrate MY sweet vessel?! Weapons in human flesh! Too many times have I seen them destroy more friends than foe, and never shall I suffer to see those tides turn on my fellows! Madam Keris, on guard! Show these rogue devils what becomes a traitor to Mankind!"
He revs his heirloom chainsword fiercely, thinking of the enemies of the Zvarro name it had rent in twain in all its years, and levels his handcannon with the door.
"The blighters shall rue the day they thought to test the mettle of the noble House Zvarro! HAVE AT YOU, DEVILS! CLAIM YOUR REWARD; THE PURIFYING EMBRACE OF THE EMPEROR'S JUSTICE!"

Exceptional Leader is now active. Astrianna gains +10% to any test she may attempt in the next round.

[Askaris]

Jakov and Astrianna:

Quick thing, what items did you retrieve/share from the armoury?

[emi-chan]

rolling psyscience, per 37.
81 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3202770/)

"Buggery."

[Captain_Pants]

Mr. Pleasant GM Chap
Jakov retrieved his chainsword, power sword, light power armour, handcannon and oxygen mask.

Also he's taken the opportunity to don his Lord General's trenchcoat.

Emi:
Jakov has a spare set of carapace armour in his armoury; Astrianna has his permission to wear it at this moment for the sake of preserving her life.

He would like it back when this unpleasant business is over and dealt with.

[emi-chan]

Jakov:

Keris would thank you for the offer of armour if it is better than the 'best craftmanship xeno-mesh armour she currently wears with her robes...which i suspect it is- so yes please! She'll probably stick with the hand cannon and definately the staff (seeing as it is her mark of who and what she is from the academy- see, roleplaying here...even if it does get me killed!)

[Askaris]

Apologies for the delay, was moving back to university. Settled in now, let's roll.


Astrianna and Jakov:

The carapace provides better protection, but is heavier. I assume that Jakov has given you his oxygen mask, as his power armour has an oxygen supply, and he prides himself on gentlemanly conduct.

As you finish equipping yourselves, the door sags in its now-molten frame, then is kicked in with a metallic thump. You see a tall woman with a pale, expressionless face regard you impassively, while two bulkier men lurk in the shadowed corridor, laspistol barrels looming from the darkness. Time stretches out as you all draw weapons and prepare to act...

ROLL FOR INITIATIVE, POST YOUR ACTIONS! 1d10 + agility bonus (tens digit of agility stat), plus any of misc mods you may have (I don't think either of you do, but I might be wrong; check your sheets.)

Will post for Novia and Tristram later.

[Captain_Pants]

Initiative roll:
1d10+3=7 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3209444/)

As the pale-faced woman strides through the door, Jakov's face contorts with fury. Drawing himself to full height, he aims his handcannon at her and revs his chainsword with ferocity. Through the mouthpiece of his helm, his voice booms.

"Warp-damned devils. You have made four grievous errors since you set foot on this vessel. Your first was in the act of setting foot itself. The second was in ignoring my delegate's warnings - I should perhaps mention that you would have been treated courteously, had you submitted without a fight. Your third, you have just committed. You came face to face with Lord Captain Jakov Zvarro, appointed Rogue Trader, staunch man of Imperial values, and a Lord General of the Imperial Guard. I have led men through hell and back and stood before horrors you have only imagined in the dark of night, and if you, three blaggards with too little sense to heed a mortal warning, think you can threaten me while standing so few in numbers and so slight in strength, I am frankly astounded you found your way here with such limited intellect. You have insulted me, Sirs and Madam, and that is your fourth and greatest mistake. Jakov Zvarro, Lord Captain and Lord General, will brook no insult from the likes of you. Prepare yourselves for the Emperor's Justice."

Roll to intimidate: Untrained skill check, using Fellowship.
55 fellowship, halved and rounded up = 28.
1d100=16 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3209442/)

[emi-chan]

A little put off by great speeches at important moments by supposedly-important men, Keris says nothing. Instead she points her gun at her opponents and readies it. She is quiet but for a sharp click somewhere in her handcannon and the small rustle of fabric that comes from her headscarf.

intitative, agility is +3
sooo....

I am aware this doesn't work but for the sake of getting this game moving shall we say i get 5 on the roll and make it 8?

[Captain_Pants]

Emi:
Use Invisible Castle's dice roller and post the BBcode link. It'll do the job just fine. Also no you can't call Initiative 8! I only got 7! I AM THE CAPTAIN OF THIS VESSEL etc.

[Askaris]

I'll just roll initiative for you, I have your sheet:

Initiative:
Astrianna: Rolling 1d10+3=9 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3215734/).
Jakov: Rolled 7.
Mook 1: Rolling 1d10+3 = 10 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3217169/).
Mook 2: Rolling 1d10+3 = 8 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3217171/).
Lady Ash: Rolling 1d10+3 = 5 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3217178/).

INITIATIVE ORDER:
Mook 1
Astrianna
Mook 2
Jakov
Lady Ash

Toughness tests for everyone not with an oxygen mask:
Mook 1: Rolling under toughness 40-10 = 30: 6 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3217304/), Success!
(Takes no extra levels of fatigue this round, still at -10 to everything.)

Mook 2: Rolling under toughness 40-10 = 30:57 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3217308/), Failure!
(Takes an extra level of fatigue (now at 2 levels, unconscious at 4), still at -10 to everything.)

Lady Ash: Rolling under toughness 40: 6 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3217316/), Success!
(Takes no extra levels of fatigue, still in peak condition.)



Mook 1:

Half action to aim (+10 to BS), half action to fire.

Rolling against 35 -10 +10 = 35: 40 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3217382/), Failure!

Taking cover behind the doorframe, one of the men takes aim at Jakov and fires, the sharp crack of the laspistol echoing in the confined space. It misses it's mark by a foot, leaving a scorch mark on the panoramic viewport. Property damage as well! Confounded raiders!

Astrianna:

You spent the whole round aiming, thus giving you +20 to a single ballistic skill test next round. Also, we are in combat time now: I would suggest looking around page 234 or so.

Mook 2:

Half action aim (+10 to BS), half action to fire.

Rolling against BS 35 -10 +10 = 35: 45 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3217476/), Failure!

Gasping in the worsening atmosphere, the other man points his gun barrel at Jakov and opens fire. Once again the Emperor smiles upon you, the shot going wide due to his erratic breathing.

Jakov:

By the combined efforts of yourself and Novia, you have been granted the Fear(1) trait for this round!

Fear test for Mook 1:
Rolling against Willpower 35-10 = 25: 16 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3217514/), Success!
(Mook 1 keeps it together.)
Fear test for Mook 2:
Rolling against Willpower 35-10 = 25: 71 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3217519/), Failure!
(Mook 2 loses his cool spectacularly.)

Rolling on the Shock Table: 87 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3217522/) + 50 (from 5 degrees of failure) = 137. YOU JUST BROKE HIS MIND.

Strangely, Lady Ash is completely unaffected.

Through a combination of oxygen deprivation, the deteriorating state of affairs, and confronting a completely undaunted, magnificently armoured Lord General filled with the cold fury of the truly incensed, the gasping man loses what control he had left; his panting turns into a manic cackling, and he hurls himself on his astonished comrade.

Lady Ash:

Full action, Run.

Paying no heed to the scuffle going on behind her, the tall woman runs behind one of the support pillars, using the heavy durasteel as cover.

END OF ROUND 1, BEGIN ROUND 2, STATE YOUR ACTIONS!

Updated Map:

http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s103/Askaris/jakovscabin2.png

Only change to indentities is that purple represents the now insane mook 2. Light blue is Lady Ash, red is Mook 1, you are your own colours.

Oh, and the door's open. Wide open. Blown-off-its-bloody-hinges open.

Novia:

Your progress through the station is eventful; while the denizens of Port Wander are used to the agents of Rogue Traders around the station, seeing a company-strength contingent of flak-coated soldiers has left many a merchant gawping, making the sign of the Aquila across their chest in the hope of warding them against the wrath you clearly seek to unleash. Several Arbitrators have given you dirty looks, but the orders of their superior are holding them at bay for now.

As you approach your destination, your troops fan out, covering the greatest area of ground, scoping out places where they can stage a counter-ambush. In the square where you had arranged to meet Journ, you can see a number of Arbitrators, scowling at the general populace as they go about their business and try not to look too illegal about it. In the very centre, is a highly nervous looking man, clutching a stack of hefty tomes. You can only assume that this is Journ himself.

Will get a map up soon, but you're in an open "town" square, with a number of traders scattered around. There are buildings and walkways surrounding the area. What do you do?

Tristram:

Alaric is quite impressed by your aptitude. "Test passed with flying colours, helmsman. Good work."

A few moments later, the vox crackles to life again. You can hear rapid footsteps in the background.

"Ramirez here. Engines are still ready to go, and I've got the Enginseers guarding them in case there's any more of these bastards about. Tristram, everything okay on the bridge?"

[vampire2948]

As Novia walks through the port with her guards, she scans the faces of those watching - Her eyes hidden behind the visor of her helmet. Ancestral Seal and the symbols of Zvarro and Epharel clearly visible.

Perception Check as described below : [roll0]
Perception : 38

- Anyone who, straight after seeing me, begins talking into a communicator.
- Anyone who doesn't look scared, that isn't part of the Arbites or my own guard.
- Anyone bearing the marks of a Rogue Trader on their clothing or whatever.


When Novia reaches the town square, assuming there are a large number of people watching that aren't my own soldiers or the Arbites, Novia says, loudly :

"Lawful Citizens and travellers of this Port. I am Novia Epharel, of the House Ephrael, and Seneschal to the Rogue Trader Jakov Zvarro, brought to this port by his frigate.

As I'm sure you'll have deduced, I am currently solving a problem.
It seems that someone on this port had the testicular fortitude to attempt to trap and take me, my men, my captain and my ship.

I am sure that some among you listening work for whoever it is that foolishly attempted this. Information would be appreciated, and my appreciation in this case takes the form of as many thrones as you can carry. If you have information, come forward to myself of my soldiers."

Charm Check - [roll1]
Fellowship : 59
10% Bonus for Ancestral Seal, another 10% if addressing a crowd counts as formal.

To her soldiers:
"Men, cover the area. I don't want anyone getting in without us knowing about it. We are likely far too numerous for anyone to try anything. But be careful. The Emperor protects, but not from our own carelessness."

Novia puts a hand on her power sword's hilt, and strides toward Journ.

"So, we meet. Why are you here? We arranged to meet in your shop. Did the Arbites move you?"
She leans close and speaks softly:
"This trap had better not be your doing, Journ. I've not time to explain to you how unpleasant things will become for you if that is the case."

Intimidate Check - [roll2]
Same bonuses and Fellowship as my Charm Check above.


Novia draws her Hellpistol from a holster and checks the powerpack.

[vampire2948]

Decieve roll as requested:

[roll0]
Fellowship 59
Possible 20% bonus as described in original post.

[emi-chan]

Astrianna, after her careful aiming ;), sets off her hand cannon at the distinguished looking intruder.

She doesn't care for Novia's attempts at getting secrets from liars. Surely every man would claim to know something useful when a gun barrell was pointed at him. It's just one way to get very confused. Pointless.


page 234? i'll re-read the thread if that's what you mean.anywho...
40
i'm not sure about fighting....but my bs is 37 and ws 31 if that helps. i doubt i hit.



((and chris, i couldn't use invisible castle, it kept coming up with 'error'. believe me i tried...and ha! Higher initiative than you cap'n hee))

[PanNarrans]

''Bridge is prepped and ready to go, Miss Ramirez,'' Tristram replies.

Once Cain and Jastilus arrive panting behind him, Tristram points them to a spot on the deck to put down his chest. Rummaging inside, he begins clipping on carapace armour.

''The second to last bridge I worked, gentlemen,'' Tristram explains as he buckles up, ''was aboard the Wages of Sin. The captain had set a rather nasty genelocked boobytrap for anyone who fired the engines, and QUITE FORGOTTEN to deactivate it before he ordered me to take control.

''A terrible oversight, I'm sure. Pilot's reflexes saved me from messy trifurcation upon that particular occasion, but I do hate to make the same mistake twice.''

''Would you believe the honourable captain tried to pass it off as an intentional test of skill instead of a terrible mistake? It takes a special kind of authoritarian to lie to appear cruel rather than stupid.''

[Captain_Pants]

Jakov employs a Tactical Advance to behind the top left support pillar.

After moving to the safety of the support pillar, Jakov shouts out to the stonefaced Psyker.

"You have been given fair warning, cur! Your determination will see you killed, your corpse spaced, your name forgotten, and your passing unmourned. If you think you are brave, you are simply foolish. If you believe yourself fearless, I shall prove you wrong. If you believe for a second that you will emerge victorious, your time would be better spent praying that I am a merciful man. I assure you, you are shortly due to find out."

He looks straight at Astrianna, and issues her an order through his microbead.

"Madam Keris! Focus on the Psyker. The hired guns can wait. No measure is extreme enough in sealing this wretch's fate! Keep that in mind! Bring out that third eye if it comes to it, just give me fair warning!"

[Askaris]

Toughness tests for everyone not wearing a breath mask:

Mook 1: Rolling under toughness 40 - 10: 41 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3244757/), failure!
Now at 2 levels of fatigue, still at -10 to everything.

Mook 2: Rolling under toughness 40-10: 27 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3244759/), success!
No further effects, still at 2 levels of fatigue and and -10 to everything.

Lady Ash: Rolling under toughness 40: 37 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3244762/), success!
Lady Ash continues to be unaffected by the worsening atmosphere.

Mook's 1 and 2:

The gunmen continue wrestling at the door, one laughing maniacally as he lays into his comrade.

Astrianna:

As it so happens, that's a success: aiming for a full round effectively adds 20 to your ballistic skill stat, plus you're at close range (half of your weapon's range increment). However, Lady Ash is partly behind cover, so we'll say that if she's hit in the left arm or left leg, your bullet strikes true and you have perforated psyker. Otherwise, she gains the benefit of the cover she's hidden behind.

You rolled 40; reverse to 04 for hit location, the head: alas, she gets the benefit of the structural pillar.

Had your target not sprinted behind one of the heavy metal pillars supporting the room, your shot would have hit her dead between the eyes; instead, the handcannon bullet hammers into the durasteel, a rose of shredded metal erupting around the impact.

Jakov:

You move from behind your desk to the sturdier protection of a support pillar. You can FEEL the warp-damned filth lurking behind the opposite strut, plotting more witchcraft aboard your ship.

Lady Ash:

Apparently no worse for wear in the worsening atmosphere, the psyker sprints out from her hiding place, sliding behind the couch nearest the captain.

MAP UPDATE NOW
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s103/Askaris/jakovscabin3.png

END OF ROUND 2, POST YOUR ACTIONS!

Novia and Tristram, yours comes tomorrow.

[Askaris]

Novia:

You can see a few oddly unfazed individuals dotted around the plaza, watching your progress with feigned indifference. One of them appears to be talking quietly to himself; either he's mad, or, much more likely, he's wearing a wire. They all appear to be plainly dressed, although all of them are wearing long, flowing overcoats: presumably to hide weaponry and armour from casual inspection.

Journ starts at your aggressive tone. He hisses angrily at you.

"What do you take me for? My entire blasted business runs on confidentiality! These ruffians-" He jerks his head towards the crowd, where the ambushers are lurking, "-Forced me out of the shop at gunpoint! Never in my entire career have I had to deal with, well, this! Just what in the Emperor's name are you people up to?"

The atmosphere in the plaza is getting more and more tense; the civilians are hurrying on by, trying to avoid getting embroiled in the unfolding drama. One however, spurred on by your speech, is talking animatedly to one of your men. Midway through the speech, one of the men in overcoats notices her; time slows to a crawl as you see him pull out an autopistol, calmly holding down the trigger as the bullets tear into the woman's frame.

Time speeds up again, and suddenly a rush of information comes through to your senses; you hear through your headset the guard shout "Hadarak Fel, they're working for Hadarak F-", before the feed dissolves into static. You can hear the screaming of the citizens as they try and get out of the firing line, the shouts of the arbites as they try to retain some semblance of order, and finally, you see the glint of a scope in the rafters...

Rolling to hit with sniper rifle, BS 35 + 20 for having aimed for a round: 83 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3253304/), failure!

The shot goes wide, hitting one of the fleeing bystanders square in the chest; he collapses to the floor gasping in pain, both from the grievous wound and the trampling feet of the mob. Journ, panicking in the face of an impending firefight, drops the books on the ground and tries to make a break for it, before being mired in the crowd.

MAP SOON!

ROLL FOR INITIATIVE, POST YOUR ACTIONS!

Tristram:

"Good: keep your eyes open; I dunno if there's any more intruders than the ones the Captain's dealing with, but no sense taking chances."

Cain and Jastilus dutifully laugh at the anecdote, or at least pant in a vaguely amused way as they drop the heavy chest on the deck. Alaric looks askance at you.

"I assure you, there are no booby traps on this bridge that you will need to concern yourself over. Although, the way things are going, armour would be prudent."

You are now in command of the bridge; from here you can control most aspects of the ship, including viewing significant portions of the ship via CCTV, controlling atmospheric conditions, broadcasting over the intercom, unleashing the murderbots, ordering coffee, and many other things. With this in mind, and the situation at hand, what do you do?

[vampire2948]

Novia's Initiative : [roll0]

*rubs incense over whatever CPU is responsible for generating the seed for these random numbers*


http://assets.diylol.com/hfs/871/267/b71/resized/x-all-the-y-meme-generator-take-all-the-initiative-37d6a6.jpg

[Captain_Pants]

As Lady Ash forgoes the safety of the durasteel support, Jakov sees his opportunity.
Speaking into his vox-caster, he issues an order to the hallway in which Red Cortez and her guard entourage await.
"Guards, this is Captain Zvarro. Open the blast doors and restrain the two gentlemen in the hallway. They shouldn't give you much trouble. Standard prisoner-taking procedure, you all know the drill. Regarding their fates, you answer only to me. I want an in-out execution, men. Do me proud."

He raises his chainsword and makes a roundabout dash to the wall, and charges straight towards the daring Psyker. As he approaches at a full sprint, he brings the toothed weapon up to speed and swings with all the strength and momentum he carries.

Roll to attack, Thirty-something WS (Exact number TBC), +10 WS from the Charge, +10 for Best quality chainsword = 1d100=16 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3253456/)

Passed, roll for damage with a Best quality chainsword:
(1d10+2 for chainsword, +3 for Str bonus, +1 for Best Quality, +1 for power armour str bonus)
1d10+6=10 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3253478/)
Roll an extra d10 for chainsword's Tearing damage, discard the lowest d10 roll:
1d10=8 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3253495/)
Discard the first roll, final damage: 8+7=15

[PanNarrans]

Tristram tightens his greaves.

''Jastilus, please contact Captain Zvarro and Seneschal Novia's dataslates and inform them that we are prepared for launch. Alaric - is there any way to monitor the situation from here, or would we need Ephrael to access the pict-recorders?''

Buckling the last strap, he places the helmet on the deck next to the Captain's chair.

[emi-chan]

Keris' hand goes up to her head, just brushing the fabric of her headscarf, checking it's still in place. With her quarry undercover she'd have to run through all the fighting and risk getting hit, but to alert the ship's crew might alert 'her' as well and she'd be looking at the business end of a physic hissy fit when she got around the pillar.

"Great. Okay. Cover me!" She yells, running to duck behind a sofa, trying to inch her way closer to Lady Ash. her hand cannon is ready for anyone who steps in her way- or line of sight.

[Askaris]

Really, really sorry about the delay guys, will have a full update by tomorrow.

[Askaris]

Novia:

HAVE A MAPS
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s103/Askaris/theBESTpc-2.png

Key:
The Grey Circle Is Novia.
Green Circles are your troops.
Red Crosshairs are generic enemies.
The Orange Crosshair marks where you saw that scope glinting.
The Blue Circle is Journ.
The Yellow Square is the pile of books and assorted charts.
The Navy Circles are THE SPEHSS PO-LEECE.

NOT PICTURED; the 80 or so other troops you have lining the area, or the rioting crowd. Until the crowd clears (which will take several rounds), Agility bonuses are halved (thus reducing movement speed), and you may find shots being intercepted by unlucky bystanders. Post your actions when ready, then initiative for everyone else will be rolled and the whole thing will become mashed into some kind of coherent whole.

[vampire2948]

Novia gestures to the two guardsmen closest to her : "You two, take as much of this pile of books and dataslates as you can carry back to the ship. Be careful, of the books and yourselves. This is our primary objective."

She commands the two guardsmen closest to the building in which she saw the glint of the sniper scope. "You two, take that building that is between you. Be careful of traps, there is a sniper in there, and I want him dead. I don't care about how well the building survives your assault. But take care not to injure civilians if you can."

Novia looks at the buildings around the sniper-building, looking for wires or bridges suitable for movement between them, and looking at what they are made of with greater interest.

She says to the others "Men, there may be more than one sniper, and the location of the one I saw might simply be an illusion set up by this 'Fel', as that is what I would do. The rest of you, your orders are simple : Kill or capture as many of the enemy guardsmen as you can, confiscate their gear and tie them up.

I want ten of the men I assigned to the position port-northerly from my position to move toward me and assist the two clearing out the building mentioned earlier.
I also want Journ stopped, he should be heading toward your position."


"Fel..." Novia mutters to herself, thinking. Surely he must have known I would bring significant numbers with me. Does he want me to assume he is incompetent? What can his trump-card be?

Speaking on all frequencies:
"Fel! You are likely listening. So, I believe this is the appropriate moment to spout something like 'I will have revenge for this!', except that 40,000 years of our race's culture has stripped such phrases of all credibility and sincerity. - However, I am looking forward to my check-mate."


Novia aims her hellpistol at the the nearest red-dot to the post-easterly of her position and fires twice.


Best Quality Hellpistol, pen 7
Ballistic Skill : 42
To Hit : [roll0] Damage : [roll1]
To Hit : [roll2] Damage : [roll3]

Potential Righteous Fury Shots:

To Hit : [roll4] Damage : [roll5]
To Hit : [roll6] Damage : [roll7]
To Hit : [roll8] Damage : [roll9]
To Hit : [roll10] Damage : [roll11]


38 shots left in clip, minus any righteous fury shots.

[Askaris]

MEANWHILE!

http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s103/Askaris/jakovscabin4.png
Key:
Navy Circle is Jakov.
Dark Green Circle is Astrianna.
Red Circle is well, Red.
Red Crosshair is the sane mook.
Purple Crosshair is the insane mook.
Blue Crosshair is Lady Ash.
Light Green Circles are the guards.




A rush of air comes through the corridor, Red Cortez and the guards following close behind. The two grunts are easily restrained, leaving the reinforcements free to pour into the Captain's quarters.

Astrianna:

You don't have the speed to get all the way over to the sofa, but you can duck behind the cover of the support pillar.

Jakov:

Your charge takes the psyker by surprise, much to her regret; you open a vicious-looking wound across her chest, blood soaking the frayed edges of her stolen crew jumpsuit. She's still standing, but looking significantly less composed.

Lady Ash:

Using unfettered psy rating of 6;

Focus power test against Willpower 55 + 30 = 85: 86 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3314775/), Failure!

Chris, have I ever told you that you have ALL THE LUCK?

The psyker frowns in concentration, reaching out a grasping hand as if to mimic that which she wills the warp to do; to her great surprise, nothing happens.

Red:


Firstly, roll initiative (1d10 + the tens digit of your agility stat, the higher the better).

Secondly, choose your weapons; pick three of the following to have on your person:

Hellgun: Big ol' laser gun. Cuts through armour like butter.

Bolter: antipersonnel weapon, fires rocket propelled shells that explode after penetrating the target. Messy.

Bolt Pistol: A smaller, one handed bolter that lacks full auto capability and has less ammo capacity.

Mars-Pattern Meltagun: Fires a short range, concentrated blast of sun-like heat at the target. Tends to melt through bulkheads and ship walls, but leaves things very dead.

Autogun: Rugged, reliable and basic; if lasguns weren't the most reliable guns in 40k, this would be a future AK47.

Pump action shotgun: Shik-chik.

Plasma Gun: Powerful energy weapon packing a serious punch, with the downside of sometimes overheating.

Voss-Pattern Grenade launcher: 6 barrel ordnance lobber. Quite possibly the least suitable weapon for this, but hey, who am I to tell you how to play?

Some tall bint is scrapping with the captain, the Navigator's hiding behind a pillar, the two idiots outside have been captured, and your trigger finger is getting itchy from lack of use. Time to earn that paycheque.


Oh, finally, Novia and Jakov feel their dataslates go off as another message arrives. Given current events, you need not feel obliged to check them.

END OF ROUND 3, POST YOUR ACTIONS!

[Red Cortez]

Sauntering forwards, Red pulled herself to full height, raising the Bolter with a smirk. Oh she couldn't wait to unleash hell on this woman.

"How 'bout a strip tease doll? ...No? Shame. Stand back Cap, we're about to get dirty."

On her last word she pulled the trigger, her eyes never leaving the target.


Initiative: 9
(+10 to hit & +2 to weapon damage)

Full Auto:
- +20 to hit, fires 4 rounds
Ballistic Skill: 70
-20 shooting into melee
Effective Ballistic Skill: 50

1d100 → [3] = (3)

5 hits

1d10+7 → [8,7] = (15)
1d10+7 → [7,7] = (14)

1d10+7 → [6,7] = (13)
1d10+7 → [5,7] = (12)

1d10+7 → [5,7] = (12)
1d10+7 → [7,7] = (14)

1d10+7 → [2,7] = (9)
1d10+7 → [6,7] = (13)

1d10+7 → [7,7] = (14)
1d10+7 → [9,7] = (16)

[Askaris]

ELSEWHERE!:




Initiative for Ship Guards: 1d10+3: 4
Initiative for Adeptus Arbites: 1d10+3: 6
Initiative for Enemy Ambushers: 1d10+3: 12
Initiative for That Sniper: 1d10+3: 8

You still have all the initiative.

Novia:

Rolling for random cover in the form of bystanders: 1d10, 1-5 = clear, 6-10 = someone got in the way: 9, someone got in the way. ¬_¬

12 damage dealt, subtract 8 from the random cover, subtract 4 from the ambusher's toughness bonus = 0 damage.

Also, for future reference, you can't use two attack actions in one turn; annoying, I know, but them's the rules.

Your hellpistol strikes true, or at least would have if some panicking idiot hadn't stepped in front of the blossoming laser beam as you pulled the trigger; you blow a hole straight through the unfortunate man, the beam striking your foes armour. Despite burning a neat hole through his helmet, the ambusher seems unaffected.

Ambushers:

The ambushers act quickly, moving into cover and opening fire with a callous disregard for civilian casualties. The one nearest to Novia flicks the setting on his autopistol, depressing the trigger; a storm of slugs pour forth, adding to the thunderous racket going on all around you.


Novia:

Ambusher fires at you on full auto, needs to roll under BS 35 + 20 = 55: 51 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3316831/), success, with no extra degrees of success!

Coin flip to see if a bystander is hit: 2 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3316833/), yes they are, you gain an additional 8 armour points.

rolling damage of 1d10+3: 5 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3316836/).

Total damage reduction = 8+7+3-3 = 15, so you tank it.

A number of citizens fall bleeding to the ground, but you yourself are unscathed, a clear line between you and your assailant. Around you, the chaos continues.

Summary:

Ambusher that you shot moves behind cover, and shoots the Guard nearest to him, dealing 3 damage.
Ambusher In the top right next to the Arbite attemps to hit the arbitrator with a shock glove, but misses.
Ambusher nearest the top gate on the building shoots at the guard below, the high vantage point negating the miss chance, but misses.
Ambusher on the far right fires on full auto at the nearest guard, but also misses and hits a lot of civilians.
Ambushers on the top left fire at the nearest Guard and Arbite, the guard on full auto and the arbite on single shot. The guard takes 4 shots to the chest, cracking open the plates in his armoured coat. He's sent flying by the force of the bullets, crashing down three metres away. He appears alive, but out of the fight for now.
Ambusher on the bottom left opens up on full auto on the nearest Arbite, and misses spectacularly.
Ambushers at the bottom each open up on full auto on the nearest Guards, both missing spectacularly.


That Sniper:

The sniper takes another shot at Novia.

Half action to aim with accurate sniper rifle, +20 to hit, roll under 55: 82 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3316895/), failure!

The bullet misses, impacting the deck plates with a sonorous ring.

Arbites:

The arbitrators, ignoring the attacks made against them with typical aplomb, proceed to lay down some old fashioned law and order.


Arbite to the left of Novia moves in to attack the Ambusher with a shock maul, hitting him in the chest; the thick carapace plate under his coat protects him, however.
Arbite to the mid-top-left opens up with his shotgun in a semi auto burst against the Ambusher his colleague is engaging. He hits the ambusher 3 times, one in each leg and one in the body, dealing a total of 14 damage.
Arbite to the bottom left fires a semi auto burst at the Ambusher on the roof, negating miss chance due to firing at an elevated angle. One shot hits, dealing 4 damage.
Arbite to the top left charges the Ambusher who shot at him, dealing 3 damage.
The bottom right Arbite moves to backup one of the Guards.
Arbite to the mid bottom right opens up with a semi auto burst of fire to the nearest Ambusher, missing completely.
Arbite to the mid top right opens up with a semi auto burst of fire to the Ambusher that attacked Novia, also missing entirely.
Arbite to the top right disarms his foe, throwing the shock glove to the ground.


Guards:

Their relative lack of training leaves your men slow to react, but soon they begin to strike back at the foe. The two you assigned to carry the crate begin to make their way out.


The Two Guards pick up the crate as ordered, ducking under gunfire and lugging it between them towards the south exit.
Group of Guards to the bottom left all fire semi auto bursts at the Ambusher on the roof. They hit 5 times, dealing 8 damage. The Ambusher screams as the lasers scorch his skin, crashing to the floor with a crunch; he's out for the count.
Group of Guards to the bottom right fire semi auto bursts at the two Ambushers, dealing 2 damage to the top one, and 3 to the bottom one. One Guard pushes through the thinning crowd to get closer.
The Guards by the Sniper's roost clamber up to the roof, preparing to take the man at close range.
The Guards to the top right fire semi auto bursts at the nearest Ambushers to them, but fail to penetrate their armour.
The Guard to the top left fires a semi auto burst at the ambusher on the roof, dealing 7 damage.
The Guard to the mid top left fires a semi auto burst at the ambusher brawling with the Arbite, but fails to hit.


Due to the shots intercepted by fleeing citizens (and the panic this instilled within the crowd), the area is now clear, and the miss chance negated. ROUND 1 OVER, POST YOUR ACTIONS!

New map:
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s103/Askaris/theBESTpc2-2.png
Update to key: purple circle is the prone, very much out of it Guard. Purple crosshair is the singed, unconscious Ambusher.

ELSE-ELSEWHERE:

Red:

The Psyker looks round as you make your crass remark, a snarl of fury rapidly switching to horror as she sees both you and the weapon you hold. Her dismay is short lived as the bolts tear into her, the subsequent detonations blowing her arm into so many chunks (the hand sailing gaily through the wrecked door), pulping her organs and popping her skull like a ripe watermelon. The mangled body collapses twitching to the floor, blood pooling beneath it.

You're not a medical expert, but that looks like one dead psyker.

Tristram:

"Lady Ephrael certainly has more picts than we can access from here, but there is still the old CCTV network from the old girl's naval days; allow me." Alaric leans over you, flicking a number of switches you recognise as camera toggles, despite their odd placement.

"Naturally, we can't get a feed from inside the Captain's quarters, but we can view the access corridor; that should be sufficient for monitoring the situation. With Lady Ephrael aboard the station, we cannot rely on her... vigilance in this case."

A holographic screen appears in front of you, showing a large number of guards pouring into the corridor, headed by Ms. Red Cortez. She charges straight into the room, while the guards secure the two assailants who were, for some reason, brawling with one another on the floor. You hear the distinct howling blast of bolter fire, then see a guard tumble backwards as a severed hand hits him square in the face.

There is an astonished silence around you as the guard shakily picks himself up and kicks the gory projectile away. Finally, Constantine speaks.

"Well, she's efficient, I'll give her that."

[emi-chan]

"That puts rather a dent in whatever impression I thought I could make doesn't it. I'll just go look at the maps and twiddle my thumbs shall I?" Keris' words leave a slight sting, but she smiles pleasantly and is just relieved that she's still alive.
"Well, everyone accounted for? Where's that woman in black? Wasshername- Novia?"


Keris speaks into her 'com, "Novia? How's things?"

[vampire2948]

"Acceptable." Novia replies to the idiot Navigator on the comm.

She speaks to her soldiers:

"Troopers - Bring the sniper's body and gear to the ship. Along with a random selection of three other of Fel's men." she orders.

Command Check - Fellowship 59: +10%
[roll0]

Then talks to her assistants on the ship.
"Speak to me - What do we know about this Fel and which of the ships in port belong to him? Find the answers. Those who are key in the downfall of this individual and everything he loves will find themselves rather comfortable for the rest of their lives."

Command Check - Fellowship 59: +10%
[roll1]

Then she turns her gaze back to the battlefield, taking a count of the dead civilians.

[Captain_Pants]

After Red's grand entry and situational resolution, Jakov removes his helmet, lays his chainsword on the couch next to him, takes out his pipe and begins to fill it.

"Very well done, Madam Cortez. Very well done. Marvellous sense of timing. Madam Keris, I thank you also for your assistance. Your valiance has been noted."

He lights his pipe, takes a few puffs, draws himself up to full height and begins pacing the room.

"Now, we have much to do. First things first, restrain our two brawling interlopers and deliver them to Explorator Ramirez. I want them checked thoroughly for tracking devices and audio surveillance bugs. Once we're quite sure they're clear, take them to the brig and have them held under constant three-man guard until I order otherwise."

"Secondly, I want all able voidsmen to conduct a thorough sweep of the entire ship for undetected intruders. Air ducts, crawlspaces, leave no stone unturned, gentlemen. We cannot afford to assume these three were the only ones. Report back to me as soon as anything is found, or once the search is complete."

"Thirdly, send up a clean-up crew. See if you can find any information on our mysterious stoic psyker in Seneschal Lady Ephrael's absence. If not, it is no matter. We can wait for her return. Have her body delivered to Explorator Ramirez once she's done with our captives."

"Lastly, Madam Cortez, report to Mr. Dray's assigned cabin with a two-man attachment. Once the cleanup is complete, escort him here. I would like you to attend as well, if you would. Navigator Keris, remain with me. We have business to discuss regarding this mnemolith once I have contacted Lady Ephrael for a status report."


Command 1, deliver the prisoners to Akadia and then hold them in the brig: 55 fel +10 command +10 crew loyalty, DC75 = 1d100=38 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3331011/) - Success
Command 2, sweep the ship for additional interlopers: 55 fel +10 command +10 crew loyalty, DC75 = 1d100=31 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3331021/) - Success
Command 3, cleanup crew for the captain's quarters and information trawl on Lady Ash: 55 fel +10 command +10 crew loyalty, DC75 = 1d100=26 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3331098/) - Success
Command 4, attend to Dray and escort him once all previous orders are carried out: Given to a PC, no command check required.


After Jakov delivers his orders, he walks to the vox and contacts Novia.
"Lady Ephrael, this is Captain Zvarro. The intrusive psyker has been neutralised and her companions have been restrained. Report your status at the earliest opportunity. Over."

[Askaris]

Novia:

Sadly, due to not having command trained, both of those failed.

Your orders were delivered perfectly; sadly, you lapsed into High Gothic when giving them, leaving your less well bred underlings scratching their heads at your utterances.

Surveying the battleground, you take stock of the casualties; there are a few civilians who are quite evidently dead, but fewer than you had feared. However, the rest cannot be said to be in good shape, either trampled in the mad rush to the gates or trying to staunch the flow of blood from various wounds.

You also notice that Journ is still present, cowering by the building in front of you. The fight rages on around you.

Ambushers:

The Ambusher to the far right attempts to make a break for it, running straight into your own ambushers. Staring down 20 lasgun barrels makes him reconsider his life options, and he capitulates.
The Ambusher to the mid right, hiding behind cover, fires on full auto at the nearest Guard. The guard cries out as the bullets stitch across his torso, blowing his gun clear out of his hands. He looks quite distinctly haggard, but still standing.
The Ambusher to the top right engaged with the Arbite, having lost his weapon, chooses to disengage while he still can.
The Ambusher to the top right on the roof follows his comrade's example, leaping off the roof and running through the open gate; straight into another party of your ambushers.
The Ambusher to the top left, engaged with another Arbite jams his autopistol into the arbitrator's chest, pulling the trigger. However, the arbitrator jinks out the way, two shots glancing ineffectually off his chestplate.
The Ambusher to the top left on the roof decides to make a break for the gate, running straight into, you guessed it, another one of your ambush parties.
The Ambusher to the mid left, engaged with the Arbite fires his pistol at his assailant; the arbitrator is quicker than him though, grasping his arm and forcing the burst to skitter harmlessly across the ceiling.
The Ambushers to the bottom right fire bursts at the nearest Guards, clipping one in the nose and blinding him with the spurt of blood and gore, and dealing the other 6 damage.

You hear multiple reports coming in over your micro bead.
"Target apprehended Lady Eph-"
"Got one of the basta-"
"-Prisoner taken, please advise."

That Sniper:

The Sniper throws a shock-gloved punch at the nearest Guard's head, but the guard ducks out the way.

You see your men begin to take on the rooftop sniper. He seems too engaged with the first one to notice the other sneaking up beside him.

Arbites:

The Arbite to the top right nonchalantly swings up his shotgun, unloading a rapid succession of man stopper rounds into the retreating Ambusher's back, dealing 3 damage.
The Arbite to the far right moves to a better position, and takes a shot at the nearest Ambusher, aiming for the leg. Sadly, the shot goes wide, rattling against a corrugated iron wall.
The Arbite to the mid top right opens up with a semi auto burst of shotgun fire at the Ambusher, shredding his arm and causing him to drop his gun, the clatter of it hitting the deck only barely audible over his own roars of pain.
The Arbite to the mid bottom right opens up with a semi auto burst on the nearest Ambusher, dealing 8 damage.
The Arbite to the mid bottom left attempts to grapple the Ambusher he's engaged with, and succeeds!
The Arbite to the mid top left charges the Ambusher, assisting his comrade in wrestling the scum to the ground.
The Arbite to the bottom left walks over to the unconscious Ambusher, handcuffing him and standing guard.
The Arbite to the top left attempts to grapple with the Ambusher, and succeeds!


Guards:

The Guards carrying the crate move as quickly as they can to the nearest exit.
The Guards engaged with The Sniper team up to throw him off the roof; they succeed, hurling him down onto the deck, winded and gasping for breath.
The Guard to the mid left joins in the melee to wrestle the Ambusher to the floor.
Two guards to the far left move up to support the lone Arbite; one takes a potshot at the Ambusher, striking true despite the difficulty of the shot, dealing 3 damage to the scum's head.
The Guard to the top right charges in to assist the Arbite.
The Guards to the bottom left run to catch up with their comrades.
The Guard to the far right moves up, to get a better line of sight to the nearest Ambusher.
The Guard by the top gate moves to get a better shot, and fires at the nearest Ambusher, missing entirely.
The Guard to the top right fires a semi auto burst at the Ambusher, dealing 5 damage.
Finally, The Guards to the bottom right all open up with semi auto bursts on the Ambushers, dealing 7 damage to the top one, 10 to the bottom one.


Updated map:
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s103/Askaris/theBESTpc2-3.png
Key addition: purple halos = injured entities.

ROUND 2 OVER, POST YOUR ACTIONS!

[vampire2948]

Novia replies to her Rogue Trader:
"All is well in hand, my Lord, we will have quite a few prisoners to gain the clues we need to get revenge for this. We will have cleared up within a few minutes, and be returning to the She's One of Ours."


To all the guardsmen under her command she says:
"All prisoners to be returned to the ship stripped of their gear, which will be taken by us.
All ambushing parties are to converge on my position and finish this little fight. Take prisoners where possible."

Command Check:
[roll0] Fellowship 59, required roll : 29.

Novia spends the time in which she is talking staring directly at Journ.


EDIT : Frakkin' Command checks. I use a fate point to reroll. One fate point remaining.

[vampire2948]

Command check reroll:

[roll0] Need 29 or below.

[Captain_Pants]

Jakov receives his reply from Novia and smiles at the news. Taking up the vox again, he sends back a response.

""Marvellous news. Have them report to Madam Ramirez for examination and deliver them to the brig. Inform me once this has been seen to. I will be drilling them on their options aboard our ship. You need not attend if you have other matters to see to, but I believe our efforts would be aided all the more by your presence."

A couple of seconds of silence follow before the channel opens again.

""Oh, and would you be so kind as to bring any 'specialised equipment' you might possess? I would very much like to give them a chance to surrender their knowledge freely before we resort to the barbaric act of extraction, and I am optimistic that the mere sight of such implements may suffice."

[emi-chan]

Keris doesn't like the idea of enemies, even unarmed and escorted enemies roaming around the ship. The tools of her trade rely on her eye, and that can't be taken from her.
'Sir,' she clears her throat, 'I' take it we'll be needing maps of Winterscale's Realm if we wish to proceed. Allow me to return to my cabin and I'll see what I can do. I'll just 'com Novia and see what she can do. If that doesn't prove fruitful, I'll try another tactic.'

Keris contacts Novia through her 'com.
'Novia? If we wish to continue I'm going to need your help in procuring maps of Winterscale's realm. I'd be greatful if you'd have a search around (discretely) at Port. Journ might have some information, but doesn't have what i'd call a sunny disposition. Or you could try the Navy, I'm not certain that my name is influential enough to make them to give up their maps, but you never know.'

[vampire2948]

Novia ignores the navigator, being busy fighting and such.

[Askaris]

Novia:

Yeah, that ends the combat pretty efficiently. Also, command check passed!

You hear the sound of many trampling boots, as do your assailants. They turn to the gates, to see the eighty men you held in reserve charging in. Unsurprisingly, they surrender. The arbitrators choose not to take any chances, brutally beating them to the floor and restraining them.

In the commotion, you see the two guards who hurled the enemy sniper off his perch jump down onto of the prone marksman; you can hear a couple of ribs snap. One of the guards waves the scoped rifle at you, indicating that whatever state the sniper is now in, his weapon is fully intact.

You briefly ponder Astrianna's words; you've had little luck so far with simply asking the station's general population for information (as evidenced by this incident), and Journ himself, cowering in the shadow of a ramshackle trader's stall, doesn't look to be in any fit state to draw you up a map. However, asking the Navy for the maps is a very viable option; having done your research into the origins of the One of Ours, Sir, you know that being associated with such a ship will swing negotiations in your favour.

Your thoughts are interrupted by one of the Arbitrators.
"Some of your men have apprehended a number of perpetrators. I require them all to be handed over to Imperial custody, to be charged with ten counts of assaulting an agent of Imperial justice."

If you wish to keep your prisoners, make a charm check and a believable blag; your ancestral seal bonus applies, but, being a street arbitrator, this does not count as a formal situation, nor an encounter with high authority.

Also, the ship's history gives you a +20 when dealing with the Navy, and a -20 when dealing with pirates.

Jakov:

Your orders are acknowledged in rapid succession, the prisoners being hauled off by the guards, and the clean up crew arriving soon afterwards. Jaded after witnessing many shipboard accidents in their time, they don't even bat an eyelid at the mangled corpse of the psyker, cleaning up the blood and skull fragments with remarkable efficiency. The corpse is stuffed into a body bag, and, with a brief bow to you, the cleaners take their leave, their silence at odds with the curiously cheerful squeaking of the cleaning trolley. Something odd with those fellows, but that's a matter for later.

[vampire2948]

Turning on her helmet speakers, Novia says:
"Of course, Arbiter. I will have my men deliver them to the Arbites' office and cells at once. Thank you for your assistance in this matter, I am in your debt to you and your comrades." she inclines her helmeted head respectfully.

[roll0] Decieve Check, DC 69 [59 + Ancestral Seal [10]]
This must succeed. So I use my only remaining fate point to boost it by 10 to 79.

Turning them off again, Novia sub-vocalises through her com-bead on her guardsmens' channel.
"Well done, all of you. I want five of the captured taken to the Arbites offices immediately. The sniper is to be wrapped in one of your uniforms and taken back to the ship quietly as if he were one of our wounded, then locked up - Call for a medic to patch him up, also.
Any captured gear is to be placed in a spare part of the armoury.

Double rations to all of you tonight."


She sighs to herself, and swaps her com frequency to match that of the Navigator's. Speaking clearly and loudly.
"Navigator. Firstly, you will refer to me not as 'Novia', but as 'Ephrael', or a suitably respectful honorific. Understand? New crew members who have not earned my respect do not have the right to refer to me in such informal terms, especially not crew members like you."
Her voice softens slightly.
"Regarding the maps, the port is likely still dangerous - as my recent trip has proved to us - and, impure as those of your... sort... are, it would be detrimental to the crew if you were to have your small mind replaced by a sniper's bullet.

Fortunately, we need not look far. I have a cartographer at my feet. I will aquire the maps we need."


Then, Ephrael steps heavily across the rockcrete seperating her boots from the astrocartographer on the ground.

"Journ." she says, after turning on her helmet speakers again.
"As I still cannot rule out the possibility that you are somehow partially to blame for all of this..." she indicates the surroundings with her free hand, the other pointing her hellpistol vaguely, but close enough to cause discomfort, in Journ's direction.
"You will assist me with one further task, and this will satisfy me that you are not a problem I need to deal with, and end our association. My Lord Rogue Trader requires some maps of Winterscale's Realm - And you will provide me with copies of anything you believe could be relevant to our journey. I will compensate you for your trouble, and the She's One of Ours will be on it's way through the Immaterium.

Do this, now. If you require clarification as to precisely what maps we need, I will put you in contact with the ship's navigator.

Understand?"

Novia glares at him through her visor, enjoying the rare pleasure of a height advantage over someone she is talking to.

[roll1] Indimidate DC 39 [0.5*59 + Ancestral Seal, I doubt talking to someone on the floor counts as formal.]


Assuming he answers to her satisfaction, she extends a power-armoured hand to help him up, and assigns four unhurt guardsmen to see him safely back to his dwelling or workplace to retrieve the maps.


"And now... this."

She slides her dataslate out and opens any unread messages, while putting her hellpistol in its holster.

[Red Cortez]

"Aye Cap," Red nodded with a staunch salute.

Signalling to two of guards beside her, they left. Her hands still itched for violence and she had hope they would find more enemies to... neutralise.

Arriving outside the cabin, flanked by the guards, she knocked heavily on the door with her gun before calling out in a voice that left no room for argument.

"Dray, Captain wants to speak to you,"

[Askaris]

Novia:

The Arbitrator accepts your thanks with a curt nod, failing to notice your men escorting the sniper away, wrapped in one of your guards flak coats. Hopefully, you'll be long gone from the port before they realise they're one prisoner short.

Journ, still shellshocked from the recent battle, acquiesces easily; your masterful blend of threats and promises leave him unable to object. The hellpistol helped too.

"Uh, yes, certainly, crystal clear Lady Ephrael. The maps will be with you as soon as I can get back to the guildhall..."

At this point, four of your guards tactfully begin to steer him away, guiding him towards his offices, politely asking him for directions.

Finally, your dataslate contains a message from Void Master Macharius, indicating that the ship is ready for launch. Capital.

All things considered, things have gone quite remarkably well.

Red:

Dray is sitting on the edge of his bed; as you enter, he looks resigned, but stands.

"Lead on."

The journey back to the Captain's cabin is uneventful, save for the search parties clustering around any place that might give shelter to a skulking stowaway, techpriests frantically checking their machinery for signs of tampering, the two gunnery officers shouting at each other over a mistake in the inventory (something about one counting one of the others macrocannon shells), and a brief encounter with the disturbingly jaded janitors, wheeling the corpse of the psyker you recently dispatched to an unsuspecting Explorator.

Scratch that. It was pretty damn eventful.

Jakov and Astrianna:

The search operation is in full swing as the doors hiss open, revealing Ms. Cortez, Dray following close behind. He looks weary, like a man beyond caring for his fate.

"You wanted to speak to me, Captain?"

[Captain_Pants]

Jakov is sitting at his desk as Dray and Red enter, but rises to meet them.

"Mr. Dray. Please, sit." He gestures at one of the sofas. "Would you care for a drink? I have a fine aged amasec, if you desire. Madam Cortez, if you would be so kind as to watch the door. We can't have any undesired comings and goings like last time." A tactful nod indicates the intended message - Keep an eye on Dray.

If Dray responds yes, Jakov pours him a glass and hands it to him. In any case, Jakov pours a small glass for himself, seats himself on the sofa opposite him and sips at his drink.

"Mr. Dray, I understand you have been through a terribly burdensome ordeal these past years, many as they are. I apologise most sincerely for the strain I placed on you when you first boarded. But, with deepest regret, recent events necessitate that I ask; Did you have anything to do with this? I need to know, Orbest. Two hired thugs and a warp-damned psyker just invaded my ship, threatened the lives of my crew, and made an attempt on my own life. There may be more. Lady Ephrael, a respectable woman of noble birth, was just ambushed in port. Do not take offence, Orbest. I am not asking if you set up my assassination, though I certainly wish to know if you did. I am simply asking if your being here or actions in port are in any way linked to what happened."

He puts his glass aside, having only taken one sip, and looks deep into Dray's eyes, waiting for his answer.

[vampire2948]

Novia returns to her quarters on the ship, and tells Walter to bring her some tea, then starts to organise the people that she'll be leaving at the port.

They're to buy a small business to hide themselves in, and keep a record of all ships that come to and leave the port, and try to send this information to me where possible.
I leave behind ten of our soldiers with them to look after them, and have them all change their uniforms to something very different.

She also looks up the ships currently in port, to try to work out the following:
- Is it unusual for a cruiser or larger ships to dock?
- Are there any here presently?

[Askaris]

Novia:

Cruisers and larger ships aren't uncommon in the port, being the last bastion of the Imperium before the Koronus Expanse; many rogue traders will pass through this port, and a fair few will own ships of significant stature.

At the moment, there are three cruisers docked here (Dawnrazor, Lark Descending, Aggressive Negotiations), along with a naval battleship (His Indomitable Will). None of these are in the name of Hadarak Fel.

Jakov:

Dray looks at you for a long moment, gazing over a glass of amber fluid, appearing to mull over your words. Finally, he speaks.

"Well, to get one thing clear, no, I didn't participate in any of the misfortunes that have beset you since meeting me. Think I made my reasons why clear in port. Can't really blame you for arriving at that conclusion though."

"However... Well, it's possible that I might've let something slip a few years back; too much rotgut loosens a man's tongue, and that... was a bad night. Bad thoughts drowned by worse booze. Someone might've got me talking, might've let out why I've been here all this time. No point them stealing the casket, because only members of your family could open it. Guess they just decided to bide their time, until someone turned up to do the job for them."

He drains his glass, his expression deadpan, staring into his own personal void.

"Remember seeing people glancing at me ever so often, like they were trying not to look. Thought I just looked worse than average for this hellhole. Never joined the dots, never thought they were watching me. Damn fool, I was."

[Red Cortez]

"You're a fool alright," Red huffed, rolling her eyes. "I can't decide whether you're lying or you really are that dense."

[Captain_Pants]

At Red's interruption, Jakov sits back on the sofa and gazes at Red for a few moments before speaking.
"Crewman Cortez, Mr. Dray is my personal guest. He has been through a terribly hard time, he is under a great deal of pressure, and I would be grateful if you might exercise a little tact in this matter and treat him with the courtesy he deserves. I will judge his stories for myself. All I require from you for now is that you remain vigilant. Thank you."

He turns back to dray and nods understandingly.

"Pay Madam Cortez no heed, Orbest. I appreciate your elaboration. You understand my concern, of course. The timing has been most unfortunate, certainly, but if I can trust you, my earlier offer still stands - You are entitled to take a position as a crewman aboard this ship. You may lend your hand wherever you will, provided you report to me at the beginning and end of every day. You will remain my guest until we next make port, and from there you may decide whether you wish to stay with us or leave for your own ends. Have no fear, though. Your wage will be yours to do what you wish with, regardless of what you may choose to do."

Jakov rises from the sofa with his glass of amasec and strides before Dray. Drawing himself up, he extends a hand.

"Are we agreed, Able Voidsman Dray? Will you serve aboard the good ship One of Ours under the honourable Zvarro name again, until such time as you may go your own way?"

[Askaris]

Novia:

Make a +0 profit factor check to buy the cover business; commerce rolls, plus any other applicable bonuses (not seal nor etiquette, nor scale modifiers) apply. Base profit factor is 43.

Jakov:

Dray gazes at your extended hand, then shakes it.

"Yessir. If it's fine by you, I'd like to work with your guards; used to be a security officer back on your grandfather's ship."

He gets up to leave, then turns back.

"Thanks for trusting me, by the way."

[Captain_Pants]

Jakov nods at Dray's sentiment.

"Certainly. If you feel up to it, you may report to the armoury for outfitting and head down to the brig. We have a fair number of captives to keep under observation. Of course, you have no obligation today. We shall start your duties officially upon the morrow. As for the matter of trust, think nothing of it, old boy. Do not let me down, and we shall have no worries. Oh, and Voidsman Dray? If you should find yourself troubled at all, do not hesitate to come to me. Can't have your morale sink too low, what?"

As soon as Dray leaves, whenever that may be, Jakov addresses Red.

"Madam Cortez, remain with me, if you will. I have a few matters to see to, and then I would have you accompany me to the brig. We have prisoners to address."

He picks up his vox-caster, and contacts the mess officers.

"All mess officers on active duty, this is the Captain speaking. Note that all crew are on double rations tonight for their vigilance in fending off our earlier interlopers."

He then switches the frequency to match Novia's comm.

"Lady Ephrael, I believe it is time. As soon as your business has been conducted, I would request your presence at the brig."

[Red Cortez]

Red looked ruffled at the scolding but nodded and bowed her head briefly in respect. Slouching a little against the wall, she pouted and drummed her fingers against her bolter.

Returning to full height as the conversation drew to a close, she stepped aside to allow Dray to pass her. She held her tongue against any comment to the man. Something about him unsettled her but she couldn't place it, deciding instead to keep a close eye on his activities. Pushing the thought away, she sauntered forward to the Captain's side looking much happier at the prospect of 'attending' to the prisoners.

"Shall we head to the brig Cap?"

[vampire2948]

Replying to Jakov:
"Yes, my Lord. I am on my way now."

Novia leaves her room wearing her normal formal attire and powersword, followed by Walter carrying one of the ship's medical kits, and a chess board with set of pieces. She heads for the brig.

[Askaris]

Jakov:

As Dray leaves, your comm goes off. Akadia comes in, sounding a little strained.

"Prisoners are clear Boss, no wires on them. Not getting any EM chatter from the spirits of any cybernetics either. There's a few trace psy amp parts in the bo- in what's left of the body you sent up, but given the state of it, I doubt you'll need to worry yourself over that. Speaking of which, trying to identify whoever this was is going to be more or less impossible with what's left over. Can't even do dental records, the way the head's... well, exploded."

There is a pause.

"...Also, hate to be a bother, but could you give me a bit more warning before asking me to do an autopsy on a mangled corpse? Getting a body bag of assorted giblets dumped at your feet tends to throw you off balance a bit."

[vampire2948]

Profit Factor Check : Assuming I'm doing this right.
DC 43 +0:

[roll0]

[Askaris]

Novia:

Sadly, all business owners refuse to sell their shops within acceptable prices: for now, your troops must have another front.

Also, where are both the crate of books, and the contents within?

[vampire2948]

The books are taken to an appropriate storage area close to my quarters.

[Captain_Pants]

As Jakov receives Akadia's transmission, he smiles contentedly and replies.

"Fantastic news, my dear woman. Capital job. Though my hands have been particularly full in the wake of the intrusion, I can only apologise for the lack of notice regarding the deceased's remains. You are free to stand down until such time as we are voidborne. Your hard work has not gone unnoticed."

After ceasing transmission, Jakov marches to the brig with Red in tow and, once arriving, greets Novia and the guards on duty.

"Lady Ephrael, a pleasure to see you again. I hope all is well now your trials in port have been resolved. Able Voidsmen, at ease. I trust the prisoners have been well-kept. Lady Ephrael, Madam Cortez and I are here to drill them on their options as our captives. Nobody is to enter or exit the brig unless I give the order, understood? Very good. As you were, men."

The doors to the brig slide open and Jakov steps in. Whenever Red and Novia may follow, the doors close behind them. Jakov surveys the captives and observes the state they are in and notes their reactions to the Lord Captain, Seneschal and bounty hunter. He strides forward with his hands behind his back, his chest puffed out, and his head held high as he booms his message to the prisoners.

"Gentlemen, I am Lord Captain Jakov Zvarro. These are my associates, Lady Novia Ephrael and the renowned bounty hunter Red Cortez, and you are our prisoners. I am already acquainted with two of you, and I understand Lady Ephrael is acquainted with the last. You are guilty of having made attempts on the lives of myself and my crew, gentlemen, and as a bearer of the Warrant of Trade, I can safely say any other man of my station would have you put to death immediately for such a crime. However, you have information I desire, and I am a man of reason and honour. I am willing to offer each of you the opportunity to come forward and confess to me any and all information regarding your employer or employers, your purpose aboard my vessel, and what your employer desires with my possessions. Those who do choose to share a satisfactory degree of information will be spared and granted a choice: You may be conscripted into the Imperial Guard and serve the good grace of The Emperor, or you may serve the greater interests of the Imperium via a life of toil on the agri-world Ntharis.
However, should you refuse to cooperate, I am afraid your fate is no longer in my hands. We require the information you hold, and if you will not share it freely, you shall be forced to do so at the hands of one of my companions. Regretfully, should this eventuality arise, your survival cannot be guaranteed."

Jakov falls silent and allows his words to sink in. After a minute of waiting, he speaks again.

"I trust I have made myself clear. Does any man wish to volunteer?"

[vampire2948]

When our Rogue Trader mentions survival not being guaranteed, Novia adjusts the strap of the medic's kit on her shoulder and stares at various places on the captives' bodies, smiling slightly.

[Askaris]

Jakov, Red and Novia:

One of the prisoners, who has been giving Jakov terrified glances during his speech, finally cracks.

"Okay, okay! I'll tell you everything I know!"

Suffice to say, his fellows do not appear to be entirely pleased with him, particularly the one sporting a black eye from the incident in the Captain's quarters.

[Captain_Pants]

As the terrified prisoner comes forward, Jakov nods at him approvingly and patches his comm to the ship's security frequency.

"I need two voidsmen to arm themselves and report to the brig, post-haste. You are to relieve two of the on-duty guards. You will be subjected to confirmation of identity by the men you will be relieving, myself and Lady Ephrael."

He then strolls to the door and issues orders to two of the guards posted outside the door.

"Men, kindly escort this gentleman to my quarters. See to it that he is cuffed and secured, but do not manhandle him. Offer him a drink- Nothing hard- and something to eat and see that he is comfortable. I shall interrogate him once we have attended to his comrades."

Whenever the relief might arrive, and if the identity check comes up positive, Jakov turns back to the two silent captives.

"Very well. Guards? Lady Ephrael, Madam Cortez and I shall be retiring to interrogation chamber 1. You, sir. The one who intruded upon my quarters. You will be accompanying us. Front and centre."

[emi-chan]

Keris, left to her own devices, wanders the ship and watches the crew members scuttle about. She ponders Lady Nov-Ephrael and the other crew member's attitude to her. 'It can't possibly be me,' she mutters. She strokes the fabric of her headband, likingthe feeling of fabric between her fingers- a bad habit, but one she simply hasn't been able to break. Anyone that notices nearby may become a little nervous, but her hand drops away and she continues to stride around.

Keris wants to hunt out Ephrael for the map, but given her tone of voice through the 'com, Keris decides to walk around for a bit longer, hoping to bump into her rather than hurrying to a conversation.



(OOC: coursework and new meds are taking up all my effort right now, i'm going to try to to post and get more involved in rt )

[Askaris]

Jakov:

"Thanks boss, think I might need it." There is a click as the connection is terminated.

Jakov, Red and Novia:

Your orders are carried out efficiently; the shaking man is escorted off to your quarters, the relieving guards check out as being legitimate crewmen, and finally the black-eyed prisoner is hauled into Interrogation Room 1, the sniper being left to stew. The prisoner appears to be trying to eyeball you with his good eye, a show of belligerence indicative of either extreme bravery or a distinct lack of intellect. Given the events of today, you are inclined to believe the latter.

Astrianna:

You heard the Captain call for Lady Ephrael to aid with the interrogation of the prisoners. You doubt that she'll be amenable to interruption until that unpleasant business is over, thus making acquiring that map awkward. You could always take the opportunity to familiarise yourself with the ship, or talk to the remaining, unoccupied command crew; Void Master Macharius is currently on the bridge, while Explorator Ramirez is presumably either in her quarters, or the enginarium.

Alternatively, you could familiarise yourself with the vessel, or return to the Navigator's quarters (specifically designed and located to allow the occupant to observe the stars), or any other of the myriad options available aboard a void ship. What do you do?

Tristram:

What is taking so long? The void is right there, looking ever so inviting, yet still it is within port that you must tarry. How bothersome.

Still, plenty to do in the meantime. But what to do?

[vampire2948]

"My Lord - I will begin with the second prisoner, if I may. I would prefer to work alone."

When Jakov approves this, she says to the guards with the sniper prisoner:

"Take him inside the second interrogation chamber. I have some orders to give, then I will join you. Leave his hands free, but I want his legs and chest restrained."

Walter enters also, and begins making a pot of tea, taking the medical kit and chess set with him.

She then clicks on her comm.
To Tristiam:
"Pilot Tristiam. We have no need to remain in the port, and it would be unwise to do so, you notify the port of our departure and take us out. Put us in orbit around the nearest gas giant and await further commands from myself or Lord Zvarro to either return to the port or enter the warp, the navigator should you with a route soon enough."

To the guards who brought the maps:
"Well done, men. Take the maps to wherever the Navigator Astrianna is and leave them with her. Tell her I want a course plotted and presented to the pilot and other appropriate crew as soon as sub-humanly possible."


Assuming all replies are to her satisfaction, Novia puts a hand on the hilt of her power sword and walks into the interrogation room.

"So, you won't talk? Unwise choice for one in your position. I am sure you'll come to regret it in a few minutes. But do you resist out of being too low to actually know anything that would satisfy the questions you imagine I'll ask, out of loyalty, or because you think you'll not be let off this ship regardless of what you say?"

She sits opposite the man, and pours two cups of tea into cups.

[Askaris]

Novia:

Over your micro-bead, the guards respond;

"Affirmative, m'lady. Should be done soon."

The bound sniper eyes you for a moment, then speaks, a long, drawn out drawl, reminiscent of the gunslingers of Gunmetal City.

"Don't know what questions you're going to ask, and ain't in the mood for speculation. Death's probable, but ain't like that's anything new. And loyalty? Ma'am, I'm a mercenary; got one loyalty, and that's to coin." He shrugs. "Truth is, I ain't said anything because my current employer's offered me a pretty penny, and all you've offered is threats. Care to raise your offer?"

[Captain_Pants]

(Retroactive response to Novia's request to interrogate the sniper alone) -
Jakov mulls the question over for a moment, and then nods.
"Of course, my Lady. He has refused the honourable choice. His safety is forfeit."

Jakov makes his way to the interrogation chamber and seats himself opposite the prisoner. Without taking his eyes off him, he requests of Red speaks in a very sombre tone.

"Madam Cortez, if you would secure the door. You. I have given you the chance to make the right and honourable choice, and you have refused. I consider this to be an insult, Sir. Moreso than violating my ship and making an attempt on my life. I had a mind to give you a second chance, but your blind defiance has robbed me of any such kindness. As such, I'm going to offer you one last choice. We still require everything you know, and you will share it. I mean to allow you to choose the manner."

He stands up and walks behind the prisoner before placing his hands upon the captive's shoulders.

"You may take the swift option- that is, remain here with Madam Cortez and submit to her questioning- Or you may return to the brig and wait for Lady Ephrael to finish with your associate. The choice is entirely yours."

[emi-chan]

Keris' feet bring her to the bridge. She hunts out Void Master Macharius, nods to gain his attention, and greets him, 'Any news, Void master?'

[vampire2948]

"Well, I don't really need to raise on his offer, since I'll be the one effectively giving it to you if I allow you to go - You can just think of that as my offer already, in addition to your life - Which makes me ahead of your current employer by however much you value your life.

But, before that unpleasantness, how about a game of chess?"

She begins setting up the pieces without looking at them.

"And, to make it interesting - If you beat me, we will return you to Port Wander in the state you are now, with a pocketful of thrones as compensation. Prefer to be white or black?"

When she is done setting them up, she settles back to her chair and sips at her drink.

[Askaris]

Novia:

The man looks surprised, then considers.

"White. White goes first, right?"

Regarding the game, you need to make an opposed logic check (basic skill, int based). Being a member of House Ephrael, you receive a +30 bonus on this check (your house insignia is not a knight for nothing).

Jakov and Red:

The prisoner's eyes go wide; he looks at Red for a moment, appears to be on the verge of trying his luck with Novia, then recalls her pointed gestures with the medkit, along with her earlier threats. With a tone of genuine fear as he is caught between a rock and a hard place, he whimpers, "Stay here, not the other one!"

Red:

To do an interrogation, ask him a question and roll an interrogation check (willpower based). If you get more degrees of success than him (even if you fail the check, he can still fail harder), you get an answer; however, if you fail the test too hard, you may genuinely hurt him, and may even make him resistant to future "interviews".

[vampire2948]

Novia smiles to herself:
"Indeed it does."

And reminds him of the basic rules of chess, win conditions, and how each piece moves. Then waits for him to make his first move.

Int Check - [roll0] - DC (43*0.5) int + 30 bonus = 52

"Take your time over your moves." she says, pouring herself some more tea.

[Captain_Pants]

Jakov removes his hands from the fearful man's shoulders and sighs.

"So be it."

He walks to the door, but before opening it he touches Red on the shoulder and says, with his back to the prisoner but loud enough for him to hear, "His survival is preferable, but not paramount. Report your findings and the prisoner's ultimate condition to me when he has told you as much as he can. Work well, Madam Cortez."

The door slides open, and Jakov strides through the ship's passages with a stony expression, leaving behind whatever unpleasantness may happen thereafter. He arrives as his cabin and salutes the door guards, enters, and approaches his guest.

"Sir, I will make no pretence about my opinion of you. I believe you to be a damned coward with such poor judgement as to attack a Rogue Trader in the sanctity of his own vessel with a force of three men. Regardless, I appreciate that, for whichever reason, you took the sensible option and submitting willingly to my questioning. Should either of your companions survive their interrogations, they will attest that my approach is far more preferable. We shall start with the simpler questions. Answer for me these three: What is your name? What is the name of your employer? Did my guards follow my instructions and provide for you the ordered amenities?"

[PanNarrans]

""[COLOR="Silver"]Pilot Tristram. We have no need to remain in the port, and it would be unwise to do so, you notify the port of our departure and take us out."

Tristram grins as the Novia's order crackles from the comm. ''Right away, Seneschal Ephrael.''

''Voidsmen. Our moment has arrived,'' he says, reaching for the vox handset.

''Port Wander Authorities, Port Wander Authorities, this is Rogue Trader vessel She's One of Ours Sir, She's One of Our's Sir. We will departing immediately. Please advise small shipping of our planned maneuver. We are not equipped with chemical maneuvering rocketry, and will be engaging plasma drives from the outset. Please acknowledge.''

His hand jabs sharply at the frequency control.

''Miss Ramirez! Seneschal Ephrael has given us the order to launch. Let's see how this warbird flies.'

''All crew, all crew. This is your new pilot, Tristram Macharius speaking. we are launching immediately; make ready for the void. Release all connections with the port. The Emperor protects.'''

Tristram turns to his assembled subordinates.
''Watch me closely; stay my hand if I'm making a mistake. I don't know this ship, and she may surprise me.''

With that he steps smartly to the ornate wheel and lets his hands scurry over the controls. As he works through the sequence, he moves in staccato bursts as he presses buttons, flip switches and adjusts dials, briefly awaits a diagnostic response or updates his mental model of the ship's workings, and formulates the next required action in the light of his findings. His arms resemble nothing more than the segmented mouthparts of the krill in a vat of hivefeed, moving in frenetic bursts in between lulls in the artificial current.

Preliminaries dealt with, he finally focuses on the levers that control the retrojets.

''To the void!'' He pulls one down a fraction of a millimetre, expecting the hot plasma breath of the ship to push them slowly away from port.

Rolling Pilot (Spacecraft) against an Agility of 57: [roll0]

Edit: holy ****. LUCKILY it turns out I didn't actually need to roll. For the best, I think we can all agree.

[Captain_Pants]

Jakov starts as the ship begins moving. He excuses himself from his captive and walks to the vox-caster before asking briskly, "This is Lord Captain Zvarro. Who authorised our departure?"

[PanNarrans]

"Seneschal Ephrael ordered our departure, Lord Captain. I am instructed to take the ship into orbit around the nearest gas giant and then await further orders."

Tristram glances over his shoulder as Keris reaches the bridge.
"Greetings once again, Navigator. We're finally underway; I believe the Seneschal will want you to plot a course soon."

He eagerly awaits a response from the ships engines.

Posting from my phone; will add formatting later.

[Captain_Pants]

Jakov sighs with relief. At least the order came from a trusted member of his crew. "Thank you, Voidmaster Macharius. Godspeed. The Emperor Protects."

Jakov puts down the vox-caster and switches his personal comm to contact Novia.

"Lady Ephrael, as my most trusted delegate, I have no issue with you issuing sound courses of action in my stead. I would, of course, prefer that you inform me if the urgency prevents you awaiting approval. Regardless, a wise move. As you were, my Lady."

When the signal closes, he assumes his authoritative stance and turns his attention back to the captive.

"Do continue, Sir."

[vampire2948]

Novia subvocalizes a reply to Jakov.

"Yes, sir. My apologies - You were occupied. I will inform you in future."

[Askaris]

Jakov:

The prisoner stutters out a response.

"Refreshments w-were fine sir, everything was fine. My name's Solomon, Solomon G-Garvel. I was employed by that psyker, called herself Lady Ash. All she t-told us was that we had to retrieve an item from your ship, that's all!"

Novia:

Logic test, against logic stat of 35/2 = 17: 87 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3351011/), horrible failure!

You won that opposed test pretty well, overall.

The sniper makes his moves, inexpert and fumbling. You parry his tactics effortlessly, the white soldiers falling before your black legion. Suffice to say, the sniper does not appear pleased by the prospect of his impending loss.

Tristram:

To satisfy my inner sadistic GM, if you DID need to roll to undock, you would have put the ship into reverse, slammed into the port and breached whole swathes of habitated areas, killing thousands, wrecking the ship, and probably firing off all the macrocannons into the port for good measure.

Thankfully, you didn't need to roll.

The port authorities, after the expected confusion over the ship's name, reply.

"'She's One of Ours, Sir' is cleared for departure, plasma launch approved; may His divine light shine upon you in the darkened void."

Akadia comes in over the vox.

"Engines are all in the green Tristram, don't gun the throttle too much; she seems pretty eager to fly, if the plasma core readout's anything to go by."

As you pull the retrojet dial, a great tongue of ionic fire lances out from the drive nacelles, narrowly missing an Aquila Lander meandering by. Over the frantic protests over the vox from docking control and the sudden pandemonium on the bridge, you can clearly hear Akadia shouting;

"DIAL IT DOWN, FOR THE OMNISSIAH'S SAKE, DIAL IT DOWN!"

Thankfully, your pilots reflexes (as honed on the Wages of Sin) come to your aid once more, trimming down the thrust to something more acceptable before something important gets damaged. The She's One of Ours, Sir coasts out of the dock, the starry void unfolding before your eyes as the launch rails fall away. The crimson sun of the solar system rolls into view, casting the bridge in unearthly twilight hues. In the face of such cosmic beauty, all your other concerns fall away; the complaints of the dock controllers a faint murmur at the edge of hearing, the data readouts of the deckhands a background irritation. The vastness of the cosmos always would rekindle the agoraphobia induced by leaving hive Sibellus, but for you, it would always be more exhilarating that terrifying. For you, it is moments like this that give you the reason to keep on living.

As you emerge from your reverie and adjust the heading, aiming for the nearest of the system's gas giants, the vox crackles again.

"Well, that certainly makes my top ten list of eventful launches. Hey, least we know she's good for getaways now, right?"

Feel free to put on appropriate ship launch music.

[Captain_Pants]

Jakov strokes his beard pensively and paces up and down the cabin. As he makes a third pass by "Garvel", he stops and speaks again without turning to look at him. His tone is firm, but it is at a perfectly calm and level volume. It is not his wish to harangue the man into an emotional breakdown; Rather, he only wishes to urge him to dredge the depths of his mind for any information he can recall.

"I see. Mr. Garvel, are you quite certain that this... "Lady Ash" gave away no other information? Did she perhaps let slip any other details, or otherwise reveal some titbit of information that might provide for us a lead? Who she really was, her employer, what they wanted with... Whatever it is they wanted? I do not hesitate to remind you, Solomon, that you are receiving your life in exchange for this information. It is in your best interests to make it worth it."



Appropriate ship launch music provided:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MaWU2Jbk4eg

[Red Cortez]

"Aye," Red nods, a smirk gracing her features.

At the captain's exit, her smirk grows wider. "Just you and I now. Time for a little... chat. It's very simple. I'll ask you a question and you will answer. If you choose to withhold information I will be forced to extract it from you by any means necessary, are we understood?"

Without waiting for an answer, Red saunters forwards and stands before the prisoner.

"Name. Employer. Purpose of this folly?"

1d100 → [87] = (87) ...massive failure.

Fate point... More failure 1d100 → [54] = (54)

[Askaris]

Red:

Rolling against willpower 35: 43 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3352760/), failure!

He has one degree of failure, you have two. For now, he keeps quiet, but takes a level of fatigue after an hour of interrogation. You may try again, if you wish to spend more time on him.

[Red Cortez]

After a good few punches to the face, Red returned to questioning.

"Let's try this again shall we? What is your name, what is the name of your employer and what was the purpose of this?"

Take two! 1d100 → [32] = (32)

[Askaris]

Red:

Rolling against willpower 35-10 = 25: 86 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3352789/), failure!

You have one degree of success, he has six degrees of failure. After 2 more hours of punching him, you win!

The prisoner, spitting teeth, finally yields.

"Okay, fine, fine, I'll tell you! My name's Havelock Varnius, my employer was called Lady Ash until you killed her, and we were here to steal a map or something from your captain. Happy, you crazy bint?"

[Red Cortez]

Bitches don't know bout my fists.

"I'm pleased you've finally loosened your tongue but test my patience and I'll cut it off. Now, who was she working for?"

[Askaris]

Red:

Varnias spits out some more blood.

"Never said. Hell, never even spoke; just typed it all out on dataslates. Remember asking her if she was just the middle man, got no response."

[Red Cortez]

"And what of the 'map or something' - what did you want with it?"

[vampire2948]

Novia's eyes study the board for half a minute after the sniper's last move, then she looks at him, saying:

"I win in three moves."

She then takes one of her knights, and illegally moves it and knocks the sniper's king off the table to clatter against the plating of the floor, letting the sound end before speaking.

"But, of course, I make the rules here..."

Putting a hand on the table, she sweeps the chess board onto the floor along with all the chess pieces, sending them rolling and skittering around the room.

"Which means, of course, that your future is entirely up to me. Should I shatter you like I just did to our game? Remove all possibility of a future worth living, like your potential victory and hope when we started playing?"

She motions that Walter should clear away the tea things without turning her eyes away from the sniper.

"So, you have just one way out, scum, the way that my Lord Rogue Trader Jakov Zvarro mentioned. Answer my questions truthfully, and you will be allowed to live, perhaps even be happy again. Answer them quickly, and you will achieve this without loss of fingers, limbs, senses, or blood. Answer them fully, and you may even earn some thanks."

She points to a guard and then sweeps her hand quickly to point to the discarded handcuffs on the table, indicating that he should be restrained, tightly.

"Let us start with things I can easily verify. Tell me of your employer, how you came to Port Wander, and exactly what you were offered to offend my Lord Rogue Trader and I with your presence."

With her other hand, she motions that the other guard should bring her the medi-kit, which the sniper will notice has had the word 'Medi' crossed out and replaced with an unknown word in Trader's Cant.

"I'm listening."



Intimidate, untrained, at the sniper.
Fellowship
DC : 0.5*59 + 10 [Imperial Target] = 39
[roll0]

[emi-chan]

'Thank you, Voidmaster,' Keris grins and flecks a speck of dust from her robes, 'I shall gather my things and await the map.' She bows and moves towards her quarters.

[Askaris]

Jakov:

Solomon wracks his brain.

"She mentioned s-something about you having a map somewhere, but that was it. Didn't tell us much at all, except that the pay would be good."

Red:

"Hell if I know. All I knew was the money was good, and that the lady weren't interested in answering questions. You're a damn merc, you know how it is!"

Novia:

I think that's a critical success, don't you?

The snipers composure cracks like a shattered pane. He begins babbling, trying desperately to give you the information that you seek.

"G-Guy who hired me, called himself Hadarak Fel! Never met me in person! Contracted out the whole merc company in Port Wander, said it was to help in retrieving somethin' or other! We found your agents in the port, had 'em interrogated; told us you wanted some books, Fel told us to get 'em. He sent some of his own guys with us, pair of cogboys; we got the books, techpriests scanned 'em and sent the copies to him, did somethin' or other to the box of books, didn't see what. We were using the books as bait, Fel wanted you captured for leverage over whatever the Hell it was he wanted; we didn't expect you to waltz into the damn port with a frakkin' battallion!"

Astrianna:

You arrive at the Navigators quarters, a spire customarily flung out from the main body of the ship. The lift door irises open, revealing a domed observatory wrought from adamantium and polycarbonate panels, with understated yet obviously expensive furnishing. Evidently, the last Navigator was a creature of refined taste.

You notice a large, flat package has been left on your desk; opening it reveals the maps you had been looking for. Despite her quite inappropriate attitude towards you, Lady Ephrael appears to be someone who gets things done.

Looking at the maps, you spot the system from your vision in no time; it is the Magaros System, glossed over by many enterprising Rogue Traders due to its lack of habitable, overtly loot-able or otherwise exploitable planets. Now, how to get there...

Make a Navigation (Warp) test, to begin charting out the route and get an idea of the time it will take to get to Magoros.

[Captain_Pants]

Jakov hears the man out, and once he finishes speaking, he maintains eye contact with him for several seconds. Then, he turns away and sighs.

"It is not your fault that you were not privy to your employer's greater machinations. Still, I am disappointed, Solomon. I had rather hoped you would have more useful information to offer."

He paces back and forth for a few moments before seating himself opposite Garvel.

"Well, I suppose this interrogation is at an end, if you have nothing else to offer. That, of course, leaves your fate in my hands."

He takes out his pipe again, fills it, strikes a match and lights the tobacco. He pensively puffs, observing the expression on Garvel's face.

"I wonder, Solomon. I have every reason to consign your body to the void for your actions and those of your comrades. Why did you believe that I would be true to my word and allow you not only to live, but to choose your fate hereafter?"

He takes a few more puffs, leans back in his seat and crosses his legs.

"I am a man of honour, and a man of my word. Have no fear, Mr. Garvel. I do not intend to go back on our agreement. Now, in the spirit of progression, answer me this. Which will you be choosing: A career in the Guard, or productive labour on Ntharis? And, incidentally, satisfy my curiosity, would you; Why did you come forwards so readily, when your comrades did not?"

[vampire2948]

As soon as the sniper finishes talking, she picks up her medic kit and walks from the room, saying:

"You will become part of the Imperial Guard. Penal Legion, I imagine. But it is up to my Lord Rogue Trader.

Guards, take him to the brig, then you are dismissed."

She calls up the men who brought the books to the ship.

"Men. I need you to take the books from where you stored them to the Techpriestess Ramirez"

Then switches the frequency to Ramirez.

"Explorator. We have recieved a collection of books that have been tampered with somehow by the techpriests serving a Rogue Trader opposed to us. I need you to check them carefully for anything you think that they might have done to them. They are on their way to you now. Do this as soon as you can, the books are essential to our Rogue Trader's future decisions."


She then makes one further call to the bridge.

"Communications crewman. Put me through to whoever in the port is in charge of docking."

[Red Cortez]

Red nods once and directs her attention towards her comm to contact the Captain.

"Got all I can from the scum. Not particularly bright this 'Havelock Varnius'. After a map apparently and worked under Ash before I disposed of her. It's likely this operation goes further than the idiots we aprehended. Ash reported to someone but as to who that someone is, I don't know..." Red pauses before speaking again, "Permission to 'dispose' of him?"

[Captain_Pants]

Jakov receives Red's transmission, and his expression hardens at her request. Certainly, he would prefer to give these men a chance to redeem themselves by serving the Imperium for the rest of their days... But, alas, they were given the chance, and they did not take it.

"Permission granted. Call for the clean-up crew once your business is complete. Your time is your own until further notice. Over and out."

Jakov looks at Solomon with a sympathetic expression.

"I am deeply sorry, Solomon. Your companion has not survived his interrogation."

[Red Cortez]

"Cheers Cap, will do!"

Red turns to Varnius with a cheery grin.

"Let's get to it then!"

Pinning him against the wall of the interrogation room, she stamped a foot on each of his to debilitate him, the bones shattering under the force, before moving on to the rest of the bones in his body, whistling as she went about her business.

Eventually, growing bored, she raised a fist and punched him in the face, allowing the now headless body to fall to the floor and calling for the clean up crew, leaving with a spring in her step.

JUST WHISTLE WHILE YOU WORK

[emi-chan]

Keris surveys her quarters with pleasure, 'Not too shabby,' she smirks, running a finger along the edge of a chair. 'Now then to work.'


Forbidden lore, +10 warp (+4)
<a href="http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3359222/">1d100=80</a>

Keris unrolls the map, squinting at it. You can almost see the eyelid of her third eye twitch, her fingers gripping her desk. 'Onwards then, as our dear captain might say. Onwards.'

[vampire2948]

Ephrael calls Keris as she walks to her quarters from the Interrogation Room.

"Navigator - We will need to stop at Port Footfall at some point. Would it be easier to go there before our current destination, or afterwards?"


-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Once back in her quarters, she tells Walter to prepare some tea, and settles herself down infront of her many monitors showing live video from all over the ship.
She stares at each of them to see if anything interesting is occuring. Especially at what Keris is doing.

Then she makes a move in one of her saved chess games versus the computer, and backs up her dataslate.


While we waits for the Port Docking crew to return her request to talk, she flicks through various files on her computer regarding changes to protocol aboard the ship.

[emi-chan]

Let's try this again:
1d100=34 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3361906/)
rolling to learn more from the map and try to make this as smooth a journey as possible. If i dont need this roll, please disregard....but navigation warp (+10), int 40 (+4)

[PanNarrans]

Tristram grins sheepishly at his flight crew. ''Ah, it looks like that 'm' stands for 'mega-', not 'milli-'. I certainly won't be making that mistake again.''
He picks up the voxcaster.

''Apologies, Akadia - rookie mistake. I'd tell you what it was, but you'll have more fun if you hear the gossip first.''

After some restrained and careful maneuvering through the shipping lanes surrounding Port Wander, Tristram visibly relaxes. His hands begin to move fluently, instead of in juddering stop-start bursts, as his brain catches up with his instinctive speed of movement. He begins to dispense with economy of motion, sweeping his arms gracefully and drumming his fingers on the wheel.

He begins to get looks from his subordinates.

''This ridiculous dancing between controls isn't showboating, I'm afraid. It helps me commit things to memory, make them instinctive.

''Now, Pilot Alaric.''He draws a slide rule and dividers from a hidden pocket. ''Be so kind as to take the helm while I look over our route. WHO is plotting this ridiculous course-'' -with this he spins round and pierces his stellar navigator with a glare like a drive exhaust -''and WHY have we not slingshotted around these asteroids just... here on the charts, for a saving of-'' -he fiddles with the rule for a few intense seconds - ''at least two hours?''

Now, the lesson I should have learned is that I should never roll if I don't have to. Looks like I'm an addict.

Navigation, Stellar test against Int 41: [roll0]

I'd better be right, because then we get to do a gravitational slingshot, which is awesome.

[emi-chan]

Her mind thrown from calculation as her 'com plays Ephrael's message, Keris jumps slightly. She straighten up over her desk and casts and casts an imperious glance around her room.'No one saw that...no? good.'
She reaches for her com, 'Yes, I'll plot several courses and decide then. Thank you.' Her 'thanks' sounds a little snippy- almost as though she doesn't like being told how to do her job...but had forgotten all about Port Footfall.

[Askaris]

Jakov:

"Well, to be frank sir, because you scare the frak outta me. Also, if it's all the same to you, Ntharis sounds good; this mercenary business doesn't seem to be working out too well."

Upon being told that the other intruder has met his demise, he mutters a brief prayer to the Emperor, but says no more.

Novia:

Akadia responds over the vox.

"On it. Any idea what I'm looking for?"

Looking at your myriad monitors, you see little of explicit interest; you do note that the Navigator is studying the maps, to your mild satisfaction. Ms. Cortez is laying into the prisoner with little regard for correct interrogation procedure, but subtlety is hardly her strong point. Your gaze hovers briefly over the strangely ritualistic disposal of the late psyker's corpse by the cleanup crew; their cubbyhole is crammed to bursting with somewhat morbid Imperial iconography, and they appear to be performing some kind of reverent dissection of the corpse, carefully dropping each major organ into the recycling chute. Curiouser and curiouser.

Rolling tech use: (int 44) + (tech use +10) + (utility mechadendrite +10) + (servo skull assistance +10 +1 degree of success) = 74: 67 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3362732/), success!

You also notice the Explorator methodically scanning her cabin with an auspex; after a minute of searching, she looks directly at your button camera. The servo skull zooms towards you, the last image you receive being its mechanical mandibles carefully removing the camera from the wall.

A few minutes later, the vox chimes again.

"Port Wander docking authority to frigate She's One of Ours, Sir, just what the Hell do you think you're doing?!"

Red:

As you pass jauntily by, you can't help but notice that everyone's giving you odd looks. What's their probl- Oh, wait, you're covered in blood. That explains it. Might want to wipe that off.

Astrianna:

I AM AN EJIT, I'm supposed to roll the travel time estimate in secret; ah well, I'll do the secret roll, and we'll keep that roll for your next navigate(warp) test.

After some pondering, you estimate that it will take between one and two weeks to reach footfall, then a further three to four to reach the obscure Magoros system, provided the currents of the warp are favourable.

Tristram:

"I'll take your word for it. Ramirez out."

Hell with it, you succeed!

The stellar-navigator looks embarrassed, and mutters something to the effect of having forgotten about them. He rapidly begins jotting down a new course, this one taking advantage of a nearby asteroid. Alaric turns back to you from the pilot's pulpit.

"Would you prefer to do the honours, Mr Macharius?"

[vampire2948]

Novia replies to the vox from the Port.

"This is Seneschal Novia Ephrael of the She's One of Ours, Sir. Apologies for that.. our new pilot appears to be having some problems familiarizing himself with the vessel. He has it under control now - Was there any damage on your end?"


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

While on the vox, Novia taps out an order on her datapad to the ten guardsmen most deserving of praise after the skirmish in the port, telling them that their efforts had been noticed, and that they would be watched carefully in future and could be likely candidates the next time promotions are considered.

[Askaris]

Novia:

"Docking bay control room window's scorched, which is going to take hours to clean; next time you launch from here, get your crew straight, y'hear?"

"Anyway, unless you've got another reason for calling, I'll be signing off."


6 Guards of some distinction:
Jemedar and Uriah Ferrus, brother/sister who brought the sniper in.
"Crisis" Nihilius, Jestilla Wolfe, Thaddius Mir, and Serghar Callidon, who successfully set fire to one of the ambushers with concentrated las-fire.

[vampire2948]

"There is one other thing - I need to know if you've any ships docked, or have ever had any ships docked, owned by a Rogue Trader named Fel." she voxes.

[Askaris]

Novia:

The man sighs, then you hear the sound of rapidly turning pages. After a few moments, he speaks.

"Last time we saw anyone called Fel here was nigh on twenty years ago; he was departing for the Expanse on business, so he's probably not going to be back here for a few more years."

[vampire2948]

"...and what was the name of his ship?" Novia asks impatiently.

[Askaris]

Novia:

"The Fell Hand. And if you haven't got any more questions, I'm out."

[vampire2948]

Novia hangs up the vox and sighs...

...then voxes the Captain,

"Captain. All our business is concluded in the port. I have discovered that my prisoner knew nothing useful, and he will be joining the Imperial Guard.

When we are on our way to our destination in the warp, I have another matter to discuss with you fairly urgently.

Is there anything else you would like done, my lord?"

[Captain_Pants]

With messages coming in from all directions, Jakov excuses himself from Solomon momentarily to converse briefly with Novia. Walking over to the window, he looks out upon the void and silently appreciates the view.

"Lady Ephrael. I am sorry to hear your interrogation was not entirely fruitful, but I am sure he will serve well in the Guard. It seems none of our prisoners knew much of import. My subject has been most compliant, though he knows no more than the others, and has elected deportation to Ntharis. On that note, I have instructions. Inform Navigator Keris that we will require a detour via the agri-world. Like all good Imperial worlds, there must be a Guard recruitment station nearby, if not on-world. That gives us the means to see off both our captives. Conversely, we need not worry about Madam Cortez' prisoner. He requires significantly less attention.
"As for your important business, I look forwards to it. I shall send for you as soon as I have attended to my guest. Do not hesitate to inform me if you have further questions or suggestions. The opinions of my crew are of utmost importance to me, what? The Emperor Protects. Over and out."

Turning back to Solomon, he ponders in silence for a few moments and strokes his beard thoughtfully. When he speaks, his voice booms in an oddly cheerful manner.

"Very good, Mr. Garvel. I must say, you have been most compliant, what? You will be subjected to no further interrogation or aggression unless you give us due cause, though you will be held in the brig until we arrive at Ntharis. Doubtlessly, we'll speak again before we part ways for good, Sir, what ho!"

Jakov flicks on his microbead and radios the guards outside the door.

"Guards, this is your Lord Captain. My business with Mr. Garvel is complete; Please enter and escort the prisoner to the brig. He is to remain unharmed for the remainder of our voyage, understood? Ensure that he and his companion are properly restrained. We cannot afford any conflict between them in transit."

[vampire2948]

Novia talks on the Navigator's comm-frequency.

"The Captain requires that you put the planet Ntharis somewhere on our route, as soon as it is appropriate, Navigator. Ephrael out."

[Askaris]

Jakov:

The guards hustle Garvel quickly out of the door, leaving you to your thoughts.

Astrianna:

The detour to Ntharis changes the itinerary of the voyage somewhat. Quite why the Captain desires to visit some bumpkin agri world is a mystery to you, but needs must.

New Itinerary:
Here to Footfall: 1-2 weeks
Footfall to Ntharis: 1-2 weeks
Ntharis to Magoros: 2-3 weeks

Novia:

Don't mind me, Just rolling for the hell of it. (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3382189/)

A few minutes after you terminate the conversation with the dock controller, Akadia comes in over the vox.

"Lady Ephrael, I've scanned this box five times over, and I'm not finding a single frakking thing odd about it. It's a crate full of books, no more than that."

Make an awareness test. (half perception, unless trained.)

Also, as far as I can tell, the difference between awareness and perception tests is that perception is for actively searching for things (say, looking for the correct markings on a tomb that indicate how to open it), while awareness is a reactionary spot-like test (like seeing something out of the corner of your eye).

[vampire2948]

Awareness Check : [roll0] - DC 19. Untrained.

[Askaris]

Novia:

Nicely done!

Out of the corner of your eye, you see a shadow appear on the wall depicted by one of your screens. It disappears as you turn around; checking the screen, you realise it's the one placed inside the storage room where the crates had been.

[vampire2948]

To Akadia, via comm:
"Akadia - I saw something moving in that room with my cameras. Something much have escaped from the box. I will arrange for backup, seal the section, now."


Novia then voxes the guardsmen and orders a squad of them to the storage area, and tells them what she saw - and another X squads to keep watch on the exits from that section. [Where X is the number of sections.]
She also voxes the Astropaths aboard the ship and asks if it is possible for them to sense minds. If so, she requests that one of them goes to the storage area and assists in the search.

She then voxes the captain:

"Seems Fel has another suprise for us, my Lord. Something came aboard in the box of books and escaped before the Techpriest checked it. We are solving the problem now."

[Askaris]

Novia:

"Gotcha. Doors sealing in section Alpha-Alpha-One-Two, guards requested to man exits."

The ship's astropath (a gentleman by the name of Malak) picks up. Despite his friendly tone, his voice carries unsettling harmonics that set your teeth on edge.

"Certainly. If you would be so good as to inform me as to the section of interest, I can be there in a jiffy."

Five minutes later, the guards enter the room, astropath in tow. As the guards begin turning the room upside down in their search for the mysterious entity, the psyker closes his eyes and frowns; you presume that he is concentrating hard on his warp sorcery.

Fettered psy rating of 3, rolling under total willpower of 60 to use Mind Scan: 30 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3382221/), success!

Malak opens his eyes, still frowning. He picks up his micro-bead.

"No intruders that I can sense in a half kilometre radius, m'lady."

One of the guards starts as he pulls away another crate, revealing a small air vent, it's covered neatly removed and leant against the wall.

[vampire2948]

"Thank you, Malak. Seems it must be mechanical to fit in such a small place. Please return to your usual duties."

She voxes Akadia:

Explorator - This is your area of expertise. How do we catch a small thing that is probably a machine that has crawled inside our ship's vents? Can we seal the shafts that the vent is connected to?

[Askaris]

Novia:

Akadia pauses for a few moments before replying, evidently thinking hard.

"If it's a servo skull of some sort, it'll probably have an antigrav motor; at that rate, it's probably long gone from Alpha Alpha One Two by now. We'd need to shut off most the vents in the ship to catch it, which isn't exactly good for everyone's health. However, antigrav efflux should show up on auspex readouts; I'll get some enginseers to sweep the ship, see if we can find the damn thing."

[vampire2948]

To Akadia:
"How bad for everyone's health? If it were only for a short while. Have your enginseers begin now."

[vampire2948]

To Akadia:
"How bad for everyone's health? If it were only for a short while. Have your enginseers begin now."

[Askaris]

Novia:

"It'd be tolerable for at the very maximum one hour; searching the old girl's gonna take at least five. Plus, we don't even know if the frakker's still in the vents; we could be shutting off our air supply for nothing."

[vampire2948]

Akadia:

"Do we have more auspexes than enginseers? How long does it take to learn to use one to the extent required for this search?"

[vampire2948]

Akadia:

"Do we have more auspexes than enginseers? How long does it take to learn to use one to the extent required for this search?"

[Askaris]

Novia:


"Ephrael, I'm an Explorator, not a Quartermaster. I've only been on board for twelve hours, how should I know how many auspexes we have? All I know is a few enginseers have their own sets, and that's it."

[vampire2948]

Akadia:

"Then, I need you to tell me exactly what a servo skull could be capable of. How intelligent can they be? What sort of interface would it need to access our data-stacks or similar?"

[Askaris]

Novia:

Given that you are the quartermaster, you estimate the ship to possess perhaps twenty auspex sets, not including admech support.

There's a delay before Akadia replies.

"Sorry, was voxing the enginseers. Servo skull capabilities? Depends on who's been writing the code. If this one snuck aboard with the crate, it's probably not being piloted; therefore, this one's got a clever spirit in it. Probably has some evasion and stealth algorithms, probably some slicing capacity too. Interfacing, standard jacks would do it; but what'd be the point? It couldn't send the data anywhere from here."

Forbidden lore (Archeotech): rolling against int 44: 4 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3382283/), success!

"...Unless it could slice into the ships comm array, in which case it could broadcast any data it finds to anyone in a ten to the seven metre radius."

There is a pause, then the sound of rapidly whirring servos and running feet.

"Enginseer vox numbers on your dataslate, tell them what you need done, going to the comm array!"

[vampire2948]

To the Enginseers:
"Enginseers - The ship has been infiltrated by what we believe is a servo skull, and it has reached the vents. You are needed to operate auspexes and look for traces of anti-grav devices. Hopefully you can work out a likely maximum distance it could have travelled so far from the storage area Akadia was most recently in. It escaped minutes ago."

To Akadia:
"Can we detect slicing? Maybe if I ordered a halt to all non-essential use of the ship's computer systems?"

[Captain_Pants]

After Garvel is escorted from the room, Jakov stands before the window backing his desk and stares into the void. He slips off his olive green coat, heavy with imperial ornamentation, and goes about unbuckling his armour. Once removed, he changes into his dress uniform, buckles on his bolt revolver holster and power sword before securing the power armour and chainsword within their reinforced display cases.
After changing, he seats himself at his desk and withdraws a small stack of paper and a pen. He pens two letters, folds and envelopes them, addresses them, seals them with Guardsman Green wax and places them in the inside pocket of his trenchcoat. He stares vacantly ahead of himself for a few minutes smiling wistfully, and stands. He slips his coat back on and leaves the room.

He wanders the halls on the way to the bridge before receiving Lady Ephrael's message.
"Seems Fel has another suprise for us, my Lord. Something came aboard in the box of books and escaped before the Techpriest checked it. We are solving the problem now."

He shakes his head and voxes a reply.
"Thank you, My Lady. Inform me as soon as you have an identity. I am on my way to the bridge to give the orders to warp. Who- or what-ever it might be, any attempt to communicate with its master should be effectively useless in that time, what? External signals of all kinds are temperamental buggers in transit, I've been told. Very good! Godspeed to yourself and all hands assisting you, Lady."

He continues to stroll to the bridge, whistling an upbeat military march as he does so to keep pace. When he arrives at the bridge, he marches in drawn to full height with his coat sweeping behind him.
"Good day to you, dear ladies and gentlemen! I do believe some of us have not been properly acquainted. I am Lord Captain Zvarro, and you will be serving under me. Follow my orders as and when I give them, and we shall get along swimmingly. Know that I shall never ask anything unreasonable of any one of you: I require only that you do your duty to your Captain and your Empire. Thorough execution of orders will not go unnoticed, insubordination will not go unpunished, and if any man requires my ear, he need only ask. You are my crew, and I am your Captain. As you have duties to me, I have duties to you. I trust we will have no conflict among the ranks; The Emperor knows we have enough outside to concern ourselves with."

He strides over to Voidmaster Macharius' side and looks out the bridge window.

"Voidmaster Macharius, I believe it is time, what ho! Make ready for warp travel; As soon as I have Navigator Keris forward the route to you, you may warp at will. I am eager to see your prowess with mine own eyes, Sir!"

He flicks on his microbead and makes good on his promise, radioing Astrianna.

"Madam Keris, kindly forward the charts of our route to Voidmaster Macharius. We will be leaving post-haste. Do you have the estimated travel time?"

[Askaris]

Jakov:

The helmsman sitting in the pilot's pulpit speaks up as you give your orders.

"Pardon me Captain, but the Navigator can only chart the precise route through the Empyrean once we are sailing through it. We'll just be doing the steering on her directions. Also, a pleasure to finally meet you in person; Alaric Mallear, at your service."

He turns to Tristram.

"Would you care to take the wheel again and do the honours, Mr Macharius?"

[PanNarrans]

Tristram's eyes flash as the order is given, and he stretches his fingers like a noble house musician before taking the helm.
''Very well, Lord Captain.'' He picks up the voxcaster and dials for Akadia.
''Miss Ramirez, we'll be entering the Empyrean soon. Power up the Gellar field.''
He ends the transmission with a click and whirls to face his subordinates.

''Now. Let us pray.

''O Eternal Emperor,
Who alone watches over us,
And rules the tides and storms,
Be compassionate to your servants,
Preserve us from the perils of the Warp,
That we may be a safeguard to the Domains of Men.''

[vampire2948]

Novia listens in to the conversations on the bridge.

Privately, she starts feeling very nervous about their imminent departure of normal reality.
She crosses her quarters to her piano, and starts playing If I should forget thee, O Terra to try and distract herself, while Walter makes some strong tea.

[Captain_Pants]

Jakov turns to Mr. Alaric Mallear and smiles (Or rather, turns up the corners of his moustache) at him.

"Ah, thank you, Mr. Mallear. Likewise, Sir. You'll have to forgive my ignorance, I'm rather unaccustomed to voidborne procedure. Spent many long years marching men across battlefields, you know. I rather left this business to the navy until now, what?" He chuckles lightly at his little joke. "Not to worry, my man, not to worry. Every journey starts somewhere, I say!"

He turns back to Tristram and claps him on the shoulder. "I do apologise, Voidmaster. Still, plenty of opportunities to prove yourself lie ahead, my good man! Plenty indeed. As it happens, Sir, how are you finding the old girl?"

[Askaris]

Tristram:

An unfamiliar, synthesised voice greets you.

"###EXPLORATOR RAMIREZ-??? ENGAGED IN MATTERS OF SHIPBOARD SECURITY, ENGINSEER DARIUS-044 WILL PERFORM THE RITES OF VOYAGE.###"



"###OMNISSIAH, OF INFINITE KNOWLEDGE AND UNASSAILABLE POWER###"
"###LEND US THE STRENGTH AND WISDOM###"
"###TO TAKE OUR LIVING MACHINES###"
"###INTO THE WARP###"
"###DEUS EX MECHANICUM###"

As the techpriest speaks the final words, shutters slam down over all the viewports on the bridge. There is a rising hum, becoming louder and louder, morphing into a howling scream of electrical crackling-

-Then silence.

"###WARP TRANSITION SUCCESSFUL; AS WE SERVE THE MACHINE SPIRIT, SO WE PRAY IT WILL SERVE US.###"

Astrianna:

Unlike the rest of the ship, your cabin lacks the heavy warp-screening shutters needed by lesser mortals. You don't need such crude measures to protect yourself from the Empyrean. As you look around with your third eye, you feel a strange sensation of elation; however alien and twisted the warp is, these transitions always feel like greeting an old friend. You gaze out upon the writhing voidscape, and begin to chart out its ever mercurial currents in your mind.

Right, we got a whole lotta rolls, a few of which I'm making in secret (and thus not saying a thing about).

Firstly, you need to roll a +10 awareness check, in order to find the Astronomican, the huge psychic beacon projected by the Emperor as a reference point for all Navigators to base their calculations on. The results of this will give you a +10 to all Navigation (Warp) tests for every degree of success you get, or a -10 for every degree of failure. If you fail particularly badly, it may be necessary to drop out of warp to realign.

Secondly, you need to make a Navigation (Warp) test in order to steer the ship towards it's destination; as stated above, this will be modified by how well Astrianna can see the Astronomican, along with an inherent +30 from your Navis Prima. How well you succeed will determine how quickly you get to your destination, success making it faster, failure making it slower. However, if you fail the roll and get a 9 on either digit, the ship will be thrown off course.

For now, that's all that you need to roll; later on during the voyage, there will be more rolls that you will need to make. Remember, if you do fail either of these rolls, you can use fate points to reroll them (reroll being final, as usual).



Novia:

Akadia answers you, sounding slightly out of breath.

"If it can slice, it can bypass that order and make it look essential; trust me on this one, that's the whole essence of slicing. Best option we have is to keep an eye on our datastacks and the comm array, try and catch it in the act."

[emi-chan]

Keris takes her place at her desk with a regal motion, flipping her robes around her. She cracks her knuckles, rolls up her sleeves and opens the map, bending over it until her nose almost touches it.


Rollin' rollin' rollin'
Awareness +5, per 37: 91 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3388574/) ...fail

Navigation (warp), int 40: 43 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3388577/)

[emi-chan]

Keris gazes a little more intently at the map, almost as if she's burning a fate point....

rerollin' rerollin' rerollin'
Awareness +5, per 37: 97 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3388579/)
...I'm blind apparently.


Keris thinks there's something definitely not right, so she tries her calculations again...

98 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3388582/)

Now she's just confused.

[Askaris]

Astrianna:

All around your observation tower, a dense red mist roils and swirls, obscuring any hope of seeing the Astronomican. Shadowy figures cavort within; you can see the mists part ever so slightly, slowly revealing one of the silhouettes;

http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s103/Askaris/Eldar_Diving_by_Gannadene.jpg
Kudos to Gannadene (http://gannadene.deviantart.com/) for his worryingly accurate depiction of the warp.

Ah, daemonic pranksters covering your windows. Wonderful. Now how to get them to leave?

Tip: look at both your navigator disciplines.

[emi-chan]

Keris' eye open wide. For a moment, she sits completely still...then a violent fluttering begins. She trembles, rocking in her chair, her hands clasping each other and the knuckles on her clawed hands become pale. 'What do I do?'

Forbidden lore, navigators, warp +10 (int)
INT 40 (+4),

Common lore, navis nobilite (int)


44; 57 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3397439/)
respectively

[Askaris]

Astrianna:

Success on forbidden lore: Warp!

You realise that these mocking monstrosities can be banished quite easily; all it needs is the correct use of your warp eye...

Use the "Held in my gaze" power. If you like, you may spend a fate point to automatically succeed at this.

[emi-chan]

Quite suddenly, Astrianna stops, turns her head towards something unseen- and smiles.

TOTALLY SPENDING THAT FATE POINT!

[Captain_Pants]

Meanwhile, on the bridge...

"...And so it took us weeks to scrape the blighter off the ceiling! I say, Most eventful start to a marching drill I've seen, what!"

[Askaris]

Astrianna:

As you channel your power through your third eye, the daemon begins to look unsettled, unsure of what to make of the bright light emanating from your forehead. With a final push of psychic energy, a lance-like beam of light manifests, carving it's way through the red mist like a knife through butter. The daemon howls in agony, then disappears into the warp at great speed.

With that out of the way, the routes you had charted out are now clear. With a sense of anticipation, you inform the bridge of your first bearing, and begin the long process of guiding the ship through the Empyrean.

Novia:

You notice that there is a message logged on your dataslate, from prior to entering the warp.

++Incoming Transmission++
Authorizing: Code Approved
...Benedum 21T-777 Cipher Approved


++ Only the insane have strength enough to prosper ++


+++Message Origin===Magnate Scrivener Journ+++
+++Message Priority===Low+++
+++Message Destination===Seneschal Novia Ephrael+++

Lady Ephrael,

I am writing to politely remind you of our prior deal regarding the fate of the books. While I understand that you are a busy woman, rest assured that delivering them to my associate on footfall would be a well paid venture.

Journ,


[END ENCRYPTION]

END OF ACT 1! You all gain XP (as listed below), and regenerate all fate points. You'll be in warp transit for two weeks; there will be events during transit, but if you have any plans for your characters in the meantime, talk to me over IM and we can roleplay a scenario.

XP Gained!:

[B]Section completed! - 50XP each
Lady Ash dead! - 150xp each
Dodging a bullet - 50xp each, for not opening the casket in the middle of a public place. Seriously, why did the writers of this adventure think that was in any way plausible?
We're all thespians here - 100xp each for good roleplay.

Blasted redemptionists... - 150xp to Jakov, Astrianna and Red, for showing your unwelcome visitors the airlock.
You and who's army? - 150xp to Novia Ephrael, for marching an army through a port without getting arrested, and getting the information wanted, no matter what.
Ve have vays of making you talk - 50xp to Jakov, Novia and Red for a well executed interrogation. Novia has an additional 25xp bonus, for an exceptionally frightening intimidate check.

No Kill Like Overkill - 100xp to Red Cortez, for terminating a rogue psyker in the most expedient way possible.
Who the Devil do you think I am? - 100xp to Jakov Zvarro, for driving a man insane with an intimidate check.
Chessmaster - 150xp to Novia Ephrael, for consistently being one.
What was that? - 100xp to Tristram Macharius, for his... novel approach to leaving port.
Oh Emperor what am I doing - 50xp to Astrianna Keris, for a quite hilarious stream of fumbles.
Modern Lord General - 50xp to Jakov Zvarro, for particularly good roleplay of a slightly eccentric rogue trader, even creating a family tree.
A pilot's life for me - 50xp to Tristram Macharius, for particularly good roleplay of a highly flamboyant voidmaster, and avoiding his usual tendencies toward playing magnificent bastards.
A bomb N.E. - 50xp to Akadia Ramirez, for quickly rigging up a remote control meltabomb. Be careful with that thing.
I TOOK COMPUTER SCIENCE III - 100 xp to Akadia Ramirez, for rapid recall of just how much damage a hacking servo skull can do.

Totals:

Jakov: 700xp
Novia: 725xp
Red: 650xp
Tristram: 500xp
Astrianna: 550xp
Akadia: 500xp

You are all still rank 1, and can only normally purchase abilities from the rank 1 list. If you want abilities that aren't on the rank 1 list, talk to me.

[vampire2948]

Still in her room, Novia sends the following to Jakov and Akadia with her dataslate:

Jakov

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff186/vampire2948/dataslate5Jakov.png


Akadia

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff186/vampire2948/dataslate4Akadia.png



Then calls Walter to her.

"Walter - I wish to meet whoever heads our group of Astropaths, in my meeting chamber as soon as is convenient." she says, omitting the 'for me' on the end of this sentence that her tone implies.
"I also want you to make the following appointments - Tomorrow, I will meet with whoever is in charge of food distribution to the lower class Imperials in the ship, who are most numerous and serve the Emperor and our Rogue Trader through the lowest tasks.
Next, I will meet with one of the lesser Techpriests, as I need some of my dataslates altered.

You will do this now, then prepare some tea for myself and an appropriate beverage for the Astropath.

Once our meeting is concluded. I require that you begin looking through and analyzing the books we aquired from the Port. Make a list for me on what they are and their topics."


Novia dresses in attire better suited for an off-duty soldier, and takes an unusual path to her usual meeting chamber, while tapping away at her dataslate. She chooses a path that takes her closer to the living areas of the lower crew members...

Disguise DC 59 - [roll0]

...and tries to gauge the general mood of the crew on these levels...

Inquiry DC 59 - [roll1] +1 Degree of Success due to Seeker of Lore

(( Novia will use neither her Heirloom Seal nor her Etiquette for these ))

...while acting as if she were a mere soldier, rather than the Seneschal and noble.

Decieve DC 59 - [roll2]


What impression does she get?

[vampire2948]

Novia does not fail checks.

Rerolling Disguise and Inquiry. Two fate points used, one remaining.

Disguise - DC 59 - [roll0]

Inquiry - DC 59 - [roll1] +1 degree of success, Seeker of Lore