Rogue Trader - To seek their stars (IC)

[Donan]

Settled into one of the many berths of Port Wander, Lord-Captain Alessaunder "Old Al" Rinbauk and his senior crew gaze down from their transport's bridge as hordes of serfs, workers and servitors toil below to resupply their ship and manage the mundane tasks that keep its lifeblood flowing.

Numerous messages blip on the communication systems, most of which are filtered away and ignored for being utterly worthless. A few appear a little more promising.

There's a formal dinner for the great and good to be hosted soon and everyone wants to be able to get away with referring to the good Captain as 'Old Al'.

Multiple small contracts are up for grabs and consideration.

Finally, the Telas merchant house are requesting an informal chat and a welcome to the port. So are several other trade guilds and houses of course, but this is the house who sold 'Old Al' his ship and still have a small stake in it.

[Glarx]

There were a great many things Old Al had to do when he arrived at Port, and sifting through mail seemed to be one of the more time-consuming of his tasks. He would have a messenger confirm his desire to attend this dinner party, and he'd send a vox to the Telas after a quick trip to the market place. The small contracts he'd delegate to Falk. Determining which contracts had merit, which were potentially lucrative in the long-term, that was more Norbert's realm of expertise. Alessaunder liked to speak to people. He left the numbers to those more capable.

There were a number of cybernetics he had inquired about last time he was on this station, in addition to a few specialized pieces of armour and weaponry. It wasn't necessarily likely any of them had been found, but Port Wander dragged in all manners of creature and scalliwag. It wasn't impossible that the majority of the things he was looking for had been found. Another thing he'd have to ask Falk to see to.

He would have to ask his messenger to inquire whether or not the dinner party would entertain his darling pet. It wouldn't do to surprise the host with a Kroot, but he didn't particularly care to leave Keal behind. She served as a useful deterrent. And if anyone decided to press their luck, well... she was a fierce combatant.

Vaythropp... Al shook his head. The boy had his heart (and that third eye of his) in the right place, and that meant something to the elderly trader, but there was still something about the lad that just didn't feel right. Whether Harlend decided to disembark or not was entirely up to the navigator. Al felt no need for urging the fellow one way or the other.

There were upgrades that the Sprightly Whipsnail could definitely benefit from, not least of which a change in name. Al mulled over whether he'd given enough time to the Council to determine a new name for the ship. Port Wander would have the proper magistrates to submit the paperwork to alter the ship's name.

While he was at that part of the Port, he could also inquire about whether there were any vessels for sale. There were a few he had some interest in, but they may have left the Port in the hands of some other competitor by now. Astropathic communication was ever so delayed at times, and that lag could lead to disastrous events. If he could help it, Old Al never submitted offers through astropaths. On the one hand, they could be intercepted. That lack of security (even with coded messages, ciphers, et cetera) put the old man on edge. Furthermore, if there were duplications in the Warp whispers, the dynasty could put in two different bids at wildly different times. It would put the books in disarray. And Al had no desire to do that to Falk.

Still, he had a full day ahead of him, and it was about time to get out of the bath. Draining the ornate tub and getting dressed, combing the wild mess of beard and the little tuft of hair on his scalp, Al prepared himself for the wilds of Port Wander. Putting a finger to the activation rune on his microbead, Old Al tuned in to Falk's line. "Norbert, if you have a moment, could I impose upon you for a few hours today? I've need of help in today's little excursion, and a few small tasks I'd care to ask you to perform."

[bluntpencil]

"You know how I hate these formal gatherings, milord," responds Old Al's accountant with his, to be fair, very formal and practised manner of speech. It was true, Norbert hated mixing with high society. It wasn't that he didn't fit in, but that the pointless excess infuriated his inner spendthrift that kept Old Al's ships running. That and he had offended a bishop or two (accidentally, of course).

"Therefore, one would assume that milord has more slightly more mundane tasks for his humble servant."

There was only the slightest hint of sarcasm - Norbert was obviously in a good mood, his tone of voice gave that away.

"I have been making inquiries as to how best to fill the holds for our next trip. There may be some promising leads, but I can make time for anything extra, if that is required..."

The tone was slightly "I know how to do my job, don't worry" and slightly "I hope I don't have to organise bribes for people to ignore your 'dog'".

[Glarx]

The old man gave a little laugh. "I won't drag you to the dinner party if you don't wish to be dragged, don't worry. I would like you to accompany me to the House Telas conversation, however. Your understanding of our finances would help in the discussions, whatever they may be. But more importantly, your skill at inquiring is precisely what I have need of. There is a list of things I'm interesting in obtaining, and while I could stomp about this station in search for it, you're significantly more skill at the process than I am. Would you accompany an elderly man in his search for a few baubles?"

[bluntpencil]

"Baubles? No.

Objects of value, however? Certainly."

As always, Falk is happy to help. He honestly seems to enjoy his job as a... whatever his job actually is. 'Accountant' was the official term, but wasn't, truthfully, close to the mark.

[Glarx]

"You don't consider power armour to be a bauble? A trinket? What about a bionic heart? A knickknack. Thunder hammers? Spare no thought, the things are curios at best." The smile was audible in Old Al's voice as he left the Lord-Captain's manor and entered the bridge proper.

"I'll draft the list and meet you on the docks, if that's amenable to you?"

[bluntpencil]

"I'll be there in... fourteen minutes, with the ship's manifest, milord."

Precise as usual, was Norbert. He was certainly big on timekeeping and the like, making sure he was never late.

Then again, he was never early either. That was inefficient.

[Glarx]

In his billowing overcoat, Old Al appeared rather large. Beneath the bristles, he was all smiles, and greeted Falk with a wave. He provided a list to the seneschal. "I'm certain you'll have better luck with this than I, and if that is the case, I would also appreciate your helping me with the negotiations. I'm unsure if anyone else will be joining us, but if they decide to journey down from the Whipsnail to find us in the markets, I'm sure you could work your magic for them as well, hmm?"

The list!
Best-quality Thunder Hammer, 2. -20 Total Modifier
Best-quality Forearm Powerblade, 2. -20 Total Modifier
Best-quality Heavy Power Armour, 1. -30 Total Modifier
Best-quality Auger Arrays, 1. -10 Total Modifier
Best-quality Cybernetic Senses (Sight), 1. -10 Total Modifier
Best-quality Cybernetic Senses (Touch), 1. -10 Total Modifier
Best-quality Cybernetic Senses (Smell), 1. -10 Total Modifier
Best-quality Cybernetic Senses (Audio), 1. -10 Total Modifier
Best-quality Cybernetic Senses (Taste), 1. -10 Total Modifier
Best-quality Baleful Eye, 1. -50 Total Modifier
Best-quality Respiratory System, 1. -10 Total Modifier
Best-quality Bionic Heart, 1. -10 Total Modifier
Best-quality Calculus Logi Upgrade, 1. -20 Total Modifier
Best-quality Locator Matrix, 1. -10 Total Modifier
Best-quality Memorance Implant, 1. -10 Total Modifier
Best-quality Mind Impulse Unit, 1. -10 Total Modifier
Best-quality Respiratory Filter Implant, 1. -10 Total Modifier
Best-quality Subskin Armour, 1. -20 Total Modifier
Best-quality Blackbone Bracing, 1. -20 Total Modifier
Best-quality Pain Ward, 1. -10 Total Modifier
Best-quality Vitae Supplement, 1. -10 Total Modifier
Best-quality Twitch-mask, 1. -20 Total Modifier
Best-quality Synthetic Muscle Graft, 1. -10 Total Modifier

[bluntpencil]

"Milord... this list is... extensive.

Am I correct in assuming that it is already prioritised?

Might I also make the admittedly inglorious suggestion that 'quantity has a quality all of its own'?

Several cheaper weapons, such as a dozen mid-range quality hellguns, and carapace armour for those using them, a decent salary for said soldiers, would be far more cost-effective than power armour and a thunder hammer, especially considering fuel considerations for the armour.

If appearing glorious is a concern, and appearances are important, I must admit, we could arrange for a banner detailing your family's escorts to be carried by such an... hmm... elite Rinbauk Honour Guard."

The accountant hasn't said 'no, this is ridiculous' yet, as he is willing to do this, but a positive suggestion of a different tone might be useful.

He does add, though,

"The cybernetics and the other surgeries, in such numbers, however, will likely prove impossible, though. Such surgeries, and the recovery period... well, the patient would be bed-ridden for months."

[Glarx]

A booming laugh from the trader. "Well, I did warn you I wished for a few hours of your time today. Anyhow, these aren't for any elite guards. I simply wish to see whether any of my private armament have been completed and sent here for sale or not. As for the rest... surely you understand, I'm an old man, things are failing all the time inside of me. There's only so much a rejuvenation treatment can repair before I'll keel over. Anyhow, if you'd rather not deal with it, fear not, my friend: there is no shame in telling me it's a waste of time."

[bluntpencil]

"The surgeries, in such numbers, could possibly be fatal, or leave you in hospital for several years.

Being your loyal servant, I'll have to leave them out. The weaponry? I'll see what I can do.

If you wish, I can find the best way to equip our guards. They're performing exceptionally well in the identification and monitoring of the crew. Ship-board crime has dropped by 73% since the policy was enacted."

It's obvious that the accountant is proud of his little pet project.

"I'd also like to make a request, milord.

We're currently well supplied for long-distance hauls, and we've almost perfected our rationing methods. However...

Our medical bays.... they're merely adequate.

With our current monitoring and identification system, the addition of properly staffed and equipped medical facilities could entirely eliminate the risks presented by infectious illnesses."

[Glarx]

"You're asking for a medicae deck? Certainly. In return, you search for the cybernetics. I say this for two reasons: the likelihood of that entire list being currently located on Port Wander is minuscule; the chances those who have them are willing to sell them to us minuscule; the probability that we will find a properly-trained apothecary who will perform these surgeries is minuscule. In short, at the most I would expect to find no more than five of the items I listed. But I will search for them, my boy, and I would appreciate your help in that regard. And, if we do find and secure a medicae deck, then it can be an out-patient procedure."

Old Al cleared his throat and looked at his chrono.

"If you desire to search for weaponry for the guards, I have no objections to it. I trust you will do nothing that would endanger the financial well-being of my Dynasty."

[bluntpencil]

"Of course. I must admit that the Cult of Sollex's arguments in favour of laser-based weaponry do have some weight, particularly with regards to logistics of resupply and such."

Being from the Lathes, Norbert is familiar with the Adeptus Mechanicus. The Cult of Sollex are a sect of the Machine Cult that absolutely love lasers, for some reason. Norbert merely likes laser weaponry because it means that the ship doesn't need to waste space and finance on ammunition.

"Now, milord, I don't mean to be rude, but this will take time, so I must beg your leave..."

[Glarx]

Scratching his head, Al gave a little shrug. "While I agree with you, at least inasmuch as I can agree with you on a matter which I am not an expert, I'm afraid the situation is such that we are unforgivably saddled with macrocannons on the Whipsnail at present. I do hope to some day replace them with proper laser macrobatteries, but until then, alas...!"

He nodded to Falk. "I had hoped to accompany you, and to have your aid in securing the items we're after."

Gratuitous Rolling and Shopping Montage time?

[bluntpencil]

"Of course, shall I pose as the miserly accountant, whilst you take the role of the excessively wealthy and eccentric Peer of the Imperium?"

Falk says this with a slight smile, but does worry that this will take forever.

[Glarx]

"You mean, shall we be ourselves?" he asked with a grin. "Come then, let us make haste."

[Doc Kraken]

To passersby, he appeared little more than a statue, seated at the exact center of the Whipsnail’s observation dome. Most of the crew that had intended to make use of the dome’s view hurried by, suddenly remembering urgent tasks, although a few clustered around the edges. The view of Port Wander was spectacular enough to endure the presence of the ship’s eerie navigator – as long as he kept his distance, at least.

For his part, Harlend didn’t mind. The activities of the crew did not concern him, not with the vast frontier of the Koronous Expanse open before him. He had not dreamed of setting foot among these uncharted stars, certainly not after the disaster on the Price of Dawn. Yet here he was, and soon they would embark into the unknown void, guided by his warp-eye…

The Navigator was distracted from his reverie by the sudden appearance of his personal servo-skull. The tiny piece of technology buzzed and hummed about his head, a monotone voice spitting from the built-in vox system.

“NOTIFICATION: LORD CAPTAIN ON THE BRIDGE. ACKNOWLEDGE.”

“Acknowledged.” Harlend replied. So the day’s business had begun. He had best begin to stir. Reaching for his microbead, he opened Old Al’s channel.

“Greetings, my Lord Captain. I trust this new cycle finds you refreshed?”

[Glarx]

Old Al held up a finger to Falk and motioned to his ear. "But of course, Harlend. And yourself? Still off in the observation dome?"

[Doc Kraken]

Harlend smiled thinly. "It's quite a sight, my lord. I look forward to making further use of it in the future. It is...marvelously refreshing. Might I inquire as to our current schedule? Port Wander seems a most distracting place."

[Glarx]

"Falk and I are currently on our way to the markets. We have a meeting with the Telas House of Merchants, although I'm afraid they'll have to get back to me with the specifics. I've also dispatched a messenger to confirm my intention to attend a fancy dinner party later on, although again, I'll have to wait for confirmation on the specifics. I surmise we will be in Port Wander for some time, perhaps a week or two depending on the installation time on the medicae bay, should we be able to obtain such a module, so feel free to stretch your legs and enjoy shore leave. And if you'd care to accompany us to the markets, please feel free to. I didn't wish to rouse you unduly."

[Doc Kraken]

"Your courtesy is appreciated, my lord. I would enjoy an opportunity to visit the port; it's a place I've heard much of and I would regret missing the chance. Where shall I meet you?"

[Glarx]

"We've only just gotten off the Whipsnail, so we'll wait here for you to rendezvous with us. Perhaps Keal will care to join as well... I do hope the dinner guests won't be resistant to her joining tonight's dinner. Were I to show up entirely alone, why, what scandal!"

[bluntpencil]

"Make sure one of the armsmen has the bitch on a leash, milord, lest someone put her down by accident."

His calling the xeno a 'bitch' does not have an aggressive tone, it does sound like the accountant means that she is, in fact, a dog. It's as if he's gone to every effort to lie to himself until he has actually begun to believe it himself.

[Doc Kraken]

"Thank you. I'm sure they will be most amenable, my lord. I'll be along shortly. Do you wish for me to relay your invitation to your, ah...Keal?"

The Navigator stood in one smooth motion, waiting for a reply. His servo-skull matched his movements perfectly, hovering steadily at shoulder height.

[Glarx]

Old Al looked at the ground for a few moments. "My word, did I forget to do that? Yes, please, do let her know, Warp-guide, thank you. Funny how the mind wanders... ahem. As for the leash, I shouldn't think that will be necessary. If anyone harms her, I'll simply bring the wrath of an Imperial peer upon their heads. And since I had hoped to wait for our navigator to arrive, and I believe Keal is faster than he is, there shouldn't be any issue. But your concern for her safety is noted and thanked."

[ChaoticSky]

Appearently the Xeno was one step ahead of them, and not long after he finished speaking the two would become aware of a third set of foot steps, without quite being able to tell when it had joined theirs. But as soon as one of them turned back to look for the source of the noise, Keal would snap into view, her feathers puffing out.... she did everything but say 'boo!' in her attempt to startle the two humans. And laughed at the reaction she got, amused as ever, even if they had been expecting it and hadnt been really startled, though in her case the laugh sounded more like clucking.

Apparently in high spirits, the monochrome avian Xenos joined them without a word, or permission, wearing her armour, and with her rifle strapped across her back... and her favourite knife doubtlessly hidden somewhere on her person. Whistling softly as she followed them on towards the market... and as always almost gleefully enjoying the reactions of strangers to her presence.

Most humans couldnt have read the Kroot to save their life (literally in some cases), but Al had been around her long enough to tell that ironically, she actually mimed human behaviour a great deal. Such as dipping her beak down to mime a human grin with the shape, or raising it to frown.

She was grinning now... and there was a mischievous slant to her eyes.

[Glarx]

"You see? As I said, no problem at all. Very good then. Once we have Harlend with us, we can commence. Keal, do you have anything you're looking for in the markets?"

Shopping trip, people! Make your acquisitions! :smallbiggrin:

[Donan]

Port Wander stretches before the foursome, a rotting carcass of an once proud Imperial beast that doesn't quite know it's dead yet. Kael receives many a glance, but none wish to tangle with such powerful figures.

All the same, insults are sometimes called from the middle of crowds, and at one point a pair of young boys throw small stones at her before scuttling away as fast as possible.

The markets are busy and filled with all manner of things, the Rogue Trader and his retinue able to access the more exclusive areas with ease and find themselves facing a wide variety of useful merchandise.

Falk soon hears from the merchant house, the requested meeting place being a high class noble club and the time in several hours.

I'd do more, but it's time I head to sleep, I'm afraid. There'll be more in the morning, have no fear!

And feel free to work on your shopping efforts. :smallwink:

[Glarx]

Mr. Pencil, I'm sorry for this, but I assure you this is only for the sake of efficiency. If you are extremely displeased with my taking this action, please let me know so that I can strike them from the record and never commit this act again.

I do not meant to insult you, infringe upon your personal abilities, or anything of the sort thereafter. I merely wish to get the uninteresting out of the way so that we can continue on with things of importance.

Furthermore, we're one power away from being able to use a medicae deck, so we can either test for a better-quality version of something we already have and decrease the power drain on that particular item, try and get rid of something, or simply unpower certain things until war time. I'm not partial to any particular course of action in this regard.

Again, if this is an issue, I beseech you to let me know! I cannot make changes if I am unaware that there is a problem.

Thank you.

These are Inquiry checks, made with Inquiry+Intellect 71 from Falk, and +10 from Exceptional Leader. They have been modified by the table on page 111 of the Core Rulebook, as Port Wander has 100,000+ citizens.

Best-quality Thunder Hammer, 2. [roll0] v. 71
Best-quality Forearm Powerblade, 2. [roll1] v. 71
Best-quality Heavy Power Armour, 1. [roll2] v. 61
Best-quality Auger Arrays, 1. [roll3] v. 81
Best-quality Cybernetic Senses (Sight), 1. [roll4] v. 81
Best-quality Cybernetic Senses (Touch), 1. [roll5] v. 81
Best-quality Cybernetic Senses (Smell), 1. [roll6] v. 81
Best-quality Cybernetic Senses (Audio), 1. [roll7] v. 81
Best-quality Cybernetic Senses (Taste), 1. [roll8] v. 81
Best-quality Baleful Eye, 1. [roll9] v. 51
Best-quality Respiratory System, 1. [roll10] v. 81
Best-quality Bionic Heart, 1. [roll11] v. 81
Best-quality Calculus Logi Upgrade, 1. [roll12] v. 71
Best-quality Locator Matrix, 1. [roll13] v. 81
Best-quality Memorance Implant, 1.[roll14] v. 81
Best-quality Mind Impulse Unit, 1. [roll15] v. 81
Best-quality Respiratory Filter Implant, 1. [roll16] v. 81
Best-quality Subskin Armour, 1. [roll17] v. 71
Best-quality Blackbone Bracing, 1. [roll18] v. 71
Best-quality Pain Ward, 1. [roll19] v. 81
Best-quality Vitae Supplement, 1. [roll20] v. 81
Best-quality Twitch-mask, 1. [roll21] v. 71
Best-quality Synthetic Muscle Graft, 1. [roll22] v. 81

[ChaoticSky]

Keal seemed to consider the question for a long moment, and then answered in a airy tone "Kebab." Meat on a stick, goes to show how gloriously low maintenance some xenos can be, in some ways anyway....

Truth be told, she was quite content with her current possessions, for a moment, though she certainly wouldnt have protested a bag full of thrones, she seemed oddly leery of gifts unless she did something to earn them.

[bluntpencil]

"Well, milord..." began the accountant "...now that we've done what dealings that we could... I do have your appointments sorted out. Not that that falls under my job description, but I wouldn't trust anyone else to do it with my unique sense of style, mm?"

[Glarx]

Al laughed and ruffled Falk's hair. "I don't know how I functioned without you, Norbert. Let's see... the meeting with House Telas first, then the fancy dinner, isn't that right? Or have I forgotten something?"

[Doc Kraken]

Acquisition checks modified by the ever-resourceful Glarx:

[roll0] vs. 68 for a Good-quality Inferno Pistol.
[roll1] vs. 52 for a Good-quality Navis Prima.
[roll2] vs. 48 for a Best-quality Mesh Cowl.
[roll3] vs. 62 for a truly disgusting amount of Best-quality Amasec.

[Doc Kraken]

"Perhaps a toast to your continued good fortune first, Lord Captain?" Harlend appeared at his elbow, weighed down by several new possessions. His servo-skull, a small glass clenched in one tiny mechadendrite, hovers expectantly as the Navigator holds forth a bottle. "There's an old voidfarer saying about celebrating when one can, I don't know if you're familiar with it? It's one I choose to live by."

[Glarx]

The elderly trader's eyes sparkled as he saw the bottle. "Throne's bones, now that's a treat. The third moon of Caffarexic only exports a few dozen bottles of their amasec every Terran year. I'd be a fool to pass that up! Caffarexic Red -- are you familiar with their history? It must have been... oh, a while ago. The first seeds of the plant they distill into it, those were -- according to apocryphal stories and the likes -- aged in the Warp, sent backwards by a thousand years. Supposedly unlocked all sorts of bizarre flavors. Whatever their secret may be, it's certainly a delightful drink. And to think, you've gotten some! Well boys, it's clear: we are a lucky bunch. I have no doubt the Whipsnail is destined for great things."

[bluntpencil]

"Milord, I would advise saving at least a single bottle.

The value of such luxury items appreciates over time, especially if it is not kept in stasis.

If one was to keep said item in your family for... six generations, perhaps... it could be sold, and the profits could likely finance the purchase of a space-worthy vessel... which could, in turn, make more profit."

It was always about efficiency with him, it was, so he tried to make the suggestion more palatable.

"Furthermore, if one was to compose a positive review of said amasec, possibly under a pen-name, which would require drinking a bottle, it could enhance its future value even more."

[Glarx]

"Well now, I doubt you could age these lovely bottles any more to increase their prestige. This is the finest quality amasec we're likely to encounter, at least until we discover some strange and distant world that's got some strange capacity to ferment ambrosia or some such. Anyhow, they aren't my bottles, so I can't say what we'll use them for. But it seems Harlend intends to share, at least enough for a toast, and I'm perfectly willing to accept such a gift."

[Doc Kraken]

Harlend gave the accountant a cool smile. "Unless the crew finds out I've got these, I daresay we'll have enough Red to last quite some time. Surely future generations will not begrudge us enough for a toast?"

Reaching into his pocket, the Navigator procured another pair of glasses, pouring a generous measure into each one before offering them to his colleagues. After a moment's consideration, he poured a little more into the cap and passed it to the kroot before making his own drink. Resting the bottle on a nearby crate, he lifted his glass toward the ceiling.

"To good fortune and new worlds, gentlemen."

[bluntpencil]

"Well then, hmm..."

Norbert raises his round glass, swirling the fine brandy a little, seemingly taking mental notes,

"To good fortune."

He takes a modest sip when the others do, savouring the taste, then sets the glass down on the crate, retrieving a datapad, punching in a quick note, speaking aloud as he does so.

"A positively unique flavour reminiscent of distilled Quaddis wines, with a subtle..."

[Glarx]

"Subtle tastes of vanilla and caramel. The tongue delights as each sip slips effortlessly down the throat, warming each and every millimeter. A glorious accomplishment, a true masterpiece." Old Al consumed his alcohol slowly, but did so in a single gulp regardless.

"To good fortune and better odds. Thank you for the drink, Harlend. You're a credit to your house."

Taking out a handkerchief and clearing out the inside of the glass, he offered it back to Harlend. "Now then, shall we see to the Telas?"

[Doc Kraken]

Harlend raised an eyebrow. "I always do enjoy meeting new people; they sold you the Whipsnail, did they not? Someone in that House knows their voidships."

[Glarx]

"You like meeting new folk?" Al asked, avuncular curiosity in his deep voice. "Well then, please do come along. I'll lead the way, I think I still remember the route... yes, let's see..."

He began towards the Telas Merchant House's usual meeting spot, presuming he knew where that was.

[Donan]

The meeting place is tucked away in what appears to be a dusty exterior and doesn't stand out from the rest of Footfall. Several checks and scans later though, and the party's passed through some fairly hefty security to stand in a grand hall, a faintly fussy butler hurrying towards them. "Captain! A pleasure to have you with us. May I offer you and your guests some refreshment? Sir Renner is most pleased to meet you, at your leisure."

[Glarx]

Al held out a hand. "Nothing for me, thank you, although my retinue may desire otherwise. And please, call me Al. I would enjoy meeting with Sir Renner whenever he's ready to receive us. I hope we haven't called upon him at an inopportune moment?"