Rogue trader mk2 IC

[DrK]

The Trials of Captain Aventus Hearth


http://i.imgur.com/NU6lN.jpg

It had been a long two week trip through the aethyr from Footfall but now it was over. Lights dimmed as deep in the bowels of the ship the warp drive activated to drag the ship from one place of reality back into the more normal one. With a great quivering shudder the frigate tears itself a path back to reality, skeins of warp stuff clinging to the hull and strange denizens scratching at the hull a they melt away in real space As augers come online Geller fields and warp engines sloeky wind down....

The initial scans reveal planteray bodies nearby and the ECM officer reports intermittent vix chatter. Hopefully Lady Chorda is already awaiting your arrival to begin the mysterious summons you were given ?



Welcome to the IC
Get to know each other, find the inhabitants and establish contact l

[Donan]

The pleasent but slightly cloying smell of incense hung around the bridge, two braziers lightly burning to purify the air and keep the monsters of the Warp at bay. Between them sat an idolized figure of the God Emperor on the Golden Throne, reaching head and shoulders above normal human height and with His benovelent gaze falling on the bridge crew. Around Him, knelt in supplication and in receipt of His wisdom, were Imperial saints, including Saint Drusus himself.

Before the display knelt Captain Aventus Hearth, his head bowed to indicate his lesser stature to the annotied Saints. He was dressd in full armour for the exit of the Warp and the return to reality, golden power armour polished to perfection and with an ornate power sword strapped to his waist and a short, red cloak flowing from his shoulders. His head was bare, and his lips moved in quiet prayer. As the ship settled he crossed himself with the sign of the holy aquilia and stood, cloak flowing lightly as he strode towards the viewscreen and tapped the control to broadcast over the ship.

++Praise to the immortal God Emperor for delivering us safely. Heed the words of His priests and ensure you offer thanks in the chapels for His deliverance. Thought of the day. Carry the Emperor's will as your torch, with it destroy the shadows.++

He moves to his throne, settling into it and opening a private channel to any of the senior crew not present. "I seek your consuel and request your presence. Please report to the bridge.++ Nodding to his first officer, he considers the stars before them. "Any transmissions of note, Mr. Magnus?"

[Emperor Ing]

The smell of the incense and the idols of worship annoyed Alimon. He looked upon the statue and felt a tang of pity for the deluded Captain. Surely the God Emperor was too busy to micro-manage the safety and spiritual protection of one man on one ship in the furthest fringes of the galaxy light-years away from Terra. Even if he did, was he sure there weren't other, more important and worthy people who required protection out of the untold quadrillions of humans in the galaxy? These damn Emperor-botherers don't realize how although The Emperor might protect, the time spent in prayer could be better spent preparing against what ever danger lay ahead.

He would never voice these opinions out loud, though. He knew enough to go through the motions of spirituality just so those damn priests would leave him alone. After all, being born and raised on a drifting Space Hulk tends to put things in perspective. You can't rely on any ten-thousand-year-old figurehead any more than you can rely on yourself.

Please use the Emperor's Torch with some care. He emerges out from the shadows of the bridge, as though he was always there. Stepping forward in a long black greatcoat underneath a black bodyglove. Or you will reveal me to the enemy.

[Volthawk]

Vanthus sits in the middle of a rush of activity in the area of the ship allocated to his work, sipping from a cup of recaf and reading from a pile of parchments, as scribes and ledgers moved around the large room. Asides from the usual messes of parchment, they also often head over to a pair of large, clanking machine, feeding in information before scurrying off with the results. Occasionally, one of the more senior members would approach with the resulting information of note, adding it to the pile. This was not the usual level of activity, but upon hearing the reason for the journey Vanthus called for this more detailed look at their situation - after all, he knew of the way that Rogue Traders operated their little plays, and Chorda was a dangerous woman. He'd be damned if he let sloppy work by his people become a weakness for the Dynasty.

Upon hearing the summons over the vox, Vanthus finishes his cup, and takes an appraising look of the situation before grabbing one of the most senior ledgers - a promising young woman, with a good head for numbers - and explains what's left to do, mostly busywork by this point. After a few final instructions to some lower-ranking runners he heads to the bridge, those same crewmembers meeting him just before the bridge with the equipment he hadn't had on him in his workplace - it seemed like they were about to leave, so it made sense to be ready now rather than later.

After taking a few moments to make sure he was all in order, that nothing had blemished his mesh robes while he was busy and the like, he entered the bridge, finding the captain and introducing himself with a bow. "You called for me, Lord-Captain?"

[Genth]

The first officer stood, as is his place, on the right hand side of the throne, looming somewhat imposingly over the rest of the bridge. Arma Magnus cuts a militant look, an oversized naval coat worn over his carapace armor, one arm neatly removed to make way for the oversized, gunsteel-grey arm which has replaced his right one, angular plating accentuating its mechanical look, a large black cylinder of a gun attached to the forearm, small sections glowing a dim purple. Many of the crew wonder how on Holy Terra he manages to get the coat on over the oversized arm, but none are idiotic enough to ask. On-deck, the man keeps his helmet off, attached to his belt with a loop of golden thread. Emblazoned on the chest of the naval coat are a shimmering display of medals and honors - every single one earned by deeds within his Holy Majesty's Imperial Navy. The Commander stands cross-armed, sweeping his gaze across the bridge intermittently. When Aventus returns to his throne, Arma acknowledges him with a short bow of his head.

"When on deck, my Lord-Captain" he rumbles, voice lowered for a moment, "It would be wise to refer to me by Naval rank, since you saw fit to give me the title of Lord Commander. Ensures the crew are reminded, constantly of the chain of command." He gives a small, almost growling chuckle - less than that, a sort of short grunt that those familiar with him know to be the closest approximation to a laugh he usually does. "As for transmissions, Lord-Captain" Arma says, more loudly this time, "None that I did not expect. I am sure, however, the Lady-Captain shall contact us soon. I knew of her in the Navy, she detests inefficiency, and having us wait overlong would accomplish nothing." he glances down at the plinth to his right. "All sections report no ill effects from translation. The Emperor Protects, Lord-Captain"

[Simsimillia]

Warp travels were an intriguing thing. On the one hand, they were incredibly boring because there was little left to do for someone like Sam and could take incredibly long. On the other hand they were also interesting as so many things could go wrong.

Naturally, Sam wasn't the only one bored and found herself somewhere in the crew quarters sitting at a table, just in pants and a simple sports bra, showing off both her muscles and her tattoos. She was sweating from arm wrestling another crewman, called Grox. The man gave honour to his name as he was about as tall and strong, but also as dumb as the animal. Sam had defeated the previous three contestant with more or less ease but this one was a real tough one. Other crewmen surrounded them cheering for one or the other, placing last minute bets on the end result. From what Sam had gathered there was quite a bit of Throne, Lhos and cheap liquor at stake. As their duel went on the noise from their fellow shipmates grew louder and louder until finally, Grox strength wavered and Sam pushed his hand down onto the table.

Suddenly the noise in the air was changed, filled with curses and groaning of those who lost and cheers, laughter and demands from those who placed the better bets. Triumphant, Sam punched her fist in the air and swiped her own reward from the table. She grinned and from some of the looks she got, she supposed that was more disturbing to some than when she looked grim. When she heard the cracking of the vox and the voice of the Lord-Captain announcing in his usual convoluted way that they had left Warp Space. Sam got up from the table and patted her shoulder, immediately Pest, the small hairless beast she called her own, jumped climbed up her back and settled himself on her shoulder. On her way out she reached for her personal com and confirmed her current employers request with a simple "Aye, aye Capt'n."

Sam went straight to the bridge, there was no need to arm and armour herself, not yet. If worst came to worst she still had her psychic powers. She was a living weapon after all.

"You called? What is it you need?"

[Henry the 57th]

Magos Arnem Cyrus stood deep within the bowls of the ship, deeply immersed in holy ritual. Around him were lesser tech priests guiding dozens of chanting servitors in an elaborate ceremonial dance around the vast bulk of the ship's Energistic Conversion Matrix. Servo-skulls loaded with dangling intense braziers floated in a slow, almost hypnotic pattern at the edges of the procession. The Magos himself stood before the precious archeotech, intoning prayers to the Omnissiah and the machine spirit of the ancient device. Slowly, reverently, he held both his hands aloft with a burst of binary. All at once, the Magi and their servitors stopped in their tracks and silence fell as they looked one and all up at Cyrus.

"Thus do we complete the Sacred Rite of Maintenance," Cyrus declared, his voice surprisingly free of mechanical buzz. "As revealed to us in the Sacred STC Fragment F3-525691, interpreted by Magos Aurelios."

"Praise be to the Omnissiah!" the crowd intoned.

Cyrus lowered his hands, the dual mechadendrites on his back rising up in sympathy. "May the blessings of the Omnissiah go with you as you return to your sacred duties."

"And with you," they replied, bringing the ritual to a formal close.

Approximately fifteen seconds later, the senior crewman's private channel opened up.

------

Magos Cyrus stepped calmly onto the bridge a few minutes later, not late by any means but clearly in no particular hurry. The dual mechadendrites on his back hung over his shoulders like favored pets, while his heavy footsteps announced his arrival to all. Despite his evident weight, what could be seen of the Magos beneath his very conservative red robes looked almost entirely human. He gave a quick nod to those already present, and a quick smile to the Rogue Trader.

"You summoned me, Lord-Captain?"

[DrK]

The augers flicker into life as the shock of warp transit fades away. The comms officer Lt Gaeta reporting quietly "My Lord Captain. Augers are picking up a class 3 star, 4 planetary bodies and and thick asteroid belt. The third planet is in agreement with what we should expect for the Lucin system.

We are picking up comms chatter and multiple signatures around the planet. Do you wish to broadcast our artival?". Around him the rest of the bridge crew run their checks to make sure all "standard conditions" are up to spec. Soon enough all sections check in.



You can do some sensor work?
Some lore checks on Chorda or Lucins Breath?
Anyone piloting the ship or will the crew be doing that?

[Genth]

For standard flight, Arma is content to leave it to the crew. If a battle occurs however, he will probably take the helm.

"We are not intruders, my Lord Captain, and the Lady did request our arrival. My recommendation is that we approach the planet as normal.. and send a message of friendship towards the Lady Chorda." Arma growls as he steps forwards to cast an eye over the various signals coming through, the chatter on the vox. In particular, he watches for anything that looks like Millitary Transmissions.

Scrutiny Roll, Target 53 [roll0]

[DrK]

Augers

At extreme range the detail are not apparent but the Lord Commander is able to scrutinse the limited returns to an impressive degree. Lucins Breath is busy with 3 detectable small habitats in orbital (probably small mining orbitals for material transfer) and 2 vessels - one of frigate size (probably a Firestorm class), the other a converted Carrack Class. Although you suspect from their positions they not be allied. Smaller signals suggest a small planetary exploration vessel and one small habitable orbital in the asteroid belt.

[Henry the 57th]

"Give me just a moment, if you please," says the Magos. "Let us listen to what they are saying before we do too much." He promptly begins work with the ship's communications array, looking to tap into as much of the information exchange as possible.

Tech-Use to eavesdrop on their communications: [roll0] vs. TN 94

He'll use the cogitator in his brain to filter out the most important-sounding bits.

[qechua]

Warp translation was a tricky time for most people, but for the warp sensitive individuals like the ship's collection of astropaths, it was an unpleasant time to say the least. Being a literal channel for warp energy, the transition had a jarring effect, and side effects were common as the gellar field fell away to real space. When she had been part of the choir under Quinnus, he had always insisited the psykers remain in the choir chambers, locked in from the outside in case one of them (or all of them) fell. Upon Anastasia's promotion, she had maintained this, viewing the practice with the pragmatic approach that having them already rounded up, locked away and gearless (save a single Psykana blade each) could save the ship if the gellar field failed too early, even if it did mean that they'd all die as no doubt the guards outside came in guns blazing.

Feeling the fields failure, she maintained watch over her choir, as they in turn watched her. About thirty seconds after transition, Karroleen, the youngest member of the choir at just 23, passed out in her chair, her head rolling forward but otherwise staying safe. Anastasia watched intently, her own head spinning slightly as her hand wrapped around the handle of her Psykana blade. It passed, however, and Karroleen awoke four very tense minutes later. Anastasia stood, signalling to the picter on the wall that the chamber was safe, in turn delivering a green light above the door and a heavy clunk as the locking mechanish was undone.

"I'm glad to see us all on the other side. Karroleen make sure you get plenty of rest today before your duties tomorrow. I will cover your watch for today. Davrus, Silvanto and Rhia, please make sure Karroleen gets checked over by medical before escorting her back to her quarters. Other than that, you are all free to go. Watch for the Emperor, and He will watch for you."

The astropaths nodded their heads before they went about their tasks. Anastasia followed a moment later in order to get something to drink. While Silvanto, Karroleen and Rhia all needed to remain in the chambers for their entire watch, having provisions delivered to them at regular intervals. Both Anastasia and Davrus, however, were powerful enough to not need the choir chamber to receive astropathic messages, although it did help take the strain off and often they would take their respective watches there anyway, the room large and peaceful despite the loud, cramped conditions around it. She took her Psykana, tucking it the sheath hung around her waist, then left the chambers, the armsman returning the harness holding both her ornate Stub Pistol and matching Mono Sword. She hung it over her short, hoodless red robes, then took her microbead and Garnt-wood sword cane. Placing the bead under her hair and over her right ear, she received the waiting message of her summons, and made her way to the bridge, stopping only to procure a small flask of water along the trek.

She arrived on the command deck after the remainder of the senior officers, just as the auger reports were given. Waiting until Magos Cyrus began his wire tap, she delivered her report.

"Apologies for my tardiness, Lord Captain, however we had to ensure the safety of one of the choir members. I'm pleased to report that they are all healthy after translation, with no signs of incursion on any member. Additionally, my mind is currently open to receive any messages, although I currently do not feel any incoming."

[Donan]

Aventus simply inclined his head to Arma, an acknowledgement of the First Officer's suggestion. There was a reason the Navy was so praised for the effectiveness of its crews. "Very well Lord Commander. We wait. A summons of this nature is due a little patience." He stood again, restless in one place as the young Captain paced and then turned to face the gathering senior officers, nodding. His lips quirked slightly in amusement as he glanced to Alimon. "A different saying, for yourself, perhaps. I will have to consult the writings as to one that's suitable."

He clasps his hands before him, addressing the group. "As you know, Lady Chorda herself requested our presence. The Lord Comamnder recommended we heed that, and so, here we are. I'd like you all to hear and listen when she contacts us, to better understand our situation here.

This is the first test we'll face here, but not the last. we will see how we commit ourselves."

He gives Anastasia a cautious smile as she arrives. "Understandable, Choir Mistress. Though please ensure any of the choir you see at being at risk attend the chapels often. The Emperor Protects." In truth, the nearness of not one pysker, but two, troubled Aventus. Vital to the lifeblood of the Imperium, but dangerous. A Chaos incursion waiitng to happen.

As messges came in and the senior crew begin to respond he turned, nodding as he watched before speaking again. "Keep eyes on the other vessels in system, but broadcast a general greeting to the Lady Chorda, Lord Commander, yes. We will see how our host responds to our arrival."

[DrK]

The magos scans the ether tracking any comns that he can find. Nothing of note is really detectable although there is some traffic between the asteroids and the orbitals alerying them to your arrival. Most of the other chatter is heavily encrypted and will require time and effort to crack the cyphers.


If trying to break the encryption it'll be logic or security and a complex skill challenge.



As you cruise gently through the outer system there is a faint beeping from the runes on the comms panel and a cool female voice is broadcast over the vox. "Greetings to the Lucin system. This is Lucin 2 station. Please state your identity and reason for entering this system. This system has been split by the Chords and Winter scale dynasties from the Accords of Koronus."

[Genth]

The Lord Commander inclines his head towards Aventus, and activates his internal vox, broadcasting it through the ship and into the system on a wide channel, speaking at a slightly louder and more imposing tone than before. "This is Lord Commander Arma Magnus, of the Rogue Trader vessel Maior Quam Vobis est Mihi Lignum. We are here on personal business for his Most Pious Lord Captain Aventus Hearth. We give greeting to both noble dynasties Chorda and Winterscale, and warm greeting in particular to the Lady-Captain Aspyce Chorda, from a fellow veteran." The vox clicks off, and Arma turns to the group at large. "Enough, I hope, to alert the Lady Chorda, but others in the system will likely hear simple braggadocio," He nods his head towards Arnem. "Magus Cyrus, your help in reading the communications is most appreciated. Please keep us informed should you come across anything of note. As for you, Sam" He remarks, turning towards their pet psychopath "If you don't start using the Lord-Captains proper title, I'll start using yours. In front of the ratings and everything. When you're trying to con thrones out of them."

[Donan]

Aventus smiled, moving to head off a possible argurment. "Thank you, Lord Commander. But I'm quite content with Sam's ways. A habit I've learnt after avoiding a few unpleasent fates." He nodded lightly at the slightly unbalanced warrior. Arma might disapprove, he likely would, but normal rules didn't seem to stick to Sam. None of tha stopped her from almost rabidly effective at her job.

"Lord Commander, who best to receive her greetings, you or myself? I'm sure she'll be glad to speak to you again, but I suspect she'll expect a drect contact with myself."

[Genth]

A flicker of annoyance flashes across the Lord-Commander's features as Aventus countermands his authority, but the man is his Lord-Captain, and if he will suffer indiscipline in his presence, then it is his prerogative. On the other hand, he did genuinely like Sam, despite her indifference to the rules - she could kill, and could kill well. "As you wish, Lord-Captain." he growls in reply, returning to glaring out at the rest of the bridge.

"I knew of her, Lord Captain. I have not met the woman myself. I did study her in the Battlefleet. But my feelings are that she would expect protocol to be followed - I would answer first, and then graciously transfer to you. It does not do for the Lord Captain to be hovering over the vox like some spurned lover."

[Emperor Ing]

Alimon absentmindedly flipped a .49 caliber round in his hand as he leaned against the railing. The trick of maneuvering the weighty round was far more interesting than the conversation around him. No doubt the conversation will go to security soon enough, as neither he, and Sam, Alimon presumed, could be certain that the Lord-Captain was in high standing with the Chorda or Winterscales.

[Volthawk]

Vanthus chooses this moment to speak up. Magnus was doing an admirable job with getting Aventus to understand the duties and savoir faire required of his role, but this seemed like a time for someone of his own skills to chip in. "Indeed, Lord-Captain. You must remember that that you are soon to be dealing with another Rogue Trader like yourself, and an established one at their own home at that. You mustn't let your guard down or give an opportunity for them to strike, and even small missteps can be used against you." He pauses, looking at the others assembled. "And remember, we are all effectively representing you as chosen crew. Our actions will reflect on the dynasty as a whole."

[Simsimillia]

Sam rolled her eyes at the First Officers remark, but the Lord Captain in question didn't mind and she quickly stuck out her tongue at him. If her boss was ok with it she'd refer to him as Captain, or Capt'n or simply boss. Long titles and especially being uptight about their use every single time bored Sam and there were few things worse than being bored. Just as the rest of the conversation.

Sam payed just enough attention to get the gist of things and instead studied the Astropath lady. She and her colleagues seemed more...affected by warp travels than Sam herself, but perhaps that had more to do with the different psychic focus of an Astropath. She wasn't constantly communicating through the warp only drawing energy out in quick bursts to destroy her enemies.

She shifted her attention to Alimon who seemed about as attentive as herself and was tempted to reach out into the warp and give the bullet a little nudge to so it would fall to the ground. It would be highly inappropriate, which made it even more tempting but she ultimatively resisted.

[qechua]

Anastasia shifted her weight slightly, putting a small amount of lean into her cane. She was used to being the subject of awkward moments, but once again she found herself an onlooker to them as they continued to clash over minor things like 'who gets called what'. Regardless, she remained quiet, allowing herself a small smile as Davrus reported that Karroleen had been cleared by Medicae staff, and was safely back in her quarters.

[Donan]

Aventus nods, looking mostly to Arma and Vanthus as they address him, dipping his head with a light smile.

"Thank you, both of you. Indeed. Lady Chorda is a Rogue Trader, holder of a role conceived by the God Emperor himself, and worthy of all the respect of same.

But such respect must also include a concession that she is also a very dangerous woman. We will all need to step carefully."

Conceding the vox to Arna on his advice, he turns to others of the company, content of their Magos' efforts to study those around them. "Master Alimon, Miss Sam, Choir Mistress, do you have advice or thoughts for me on what is to come? And Choir Mistress, do you sense or perceive any danger from other sources?

I wish to meet our host with all of you present, who would you recommend to have the bridge in our absence, Lord Commander?"

[Emperor Ing]

"Always have a plan to kill everyone you meet." Alimon thought to himself, though he was sure this would be taken in the absolute worst way possible. Clenching the round in one hand, he stood up. Do we know why the Winterscale Dynasty is here? He asked. A rather interesting unknown, and a potential risk. I recommend inquiry.

[Genth]

Magnus barely needs to think for this, the upper personnel of his crew (and he thinks of it as his crew) are well-established in his mind. "First Lieutenant Aster, Lord Captain. She is well-balanced and commands well." the Commander swiftly punches a few Holo-icons, summoning the First Lieutenant to the bridge. Aster is young for her rank, but a Schola graduate, so well-respected among the crew.

[qechua]

"I am unaware of Lady Chorda beyond our briefing notes, however, she is one of the few individuals in the area who can be considered an equal to you. I would presume that threats would not end well against her, although I would presume the encounter would only turn hostile if we want it to."

After a brief pause, Anastasia added

"I'm not sensing any major disturbance in the Ether, however we are still some distance away from any potential source. I see no reason to not proceed, and if I do detect an anomoly, I'll inform you immediately."

[DrK]

There is a pause as messages relay back between your ship and the orbitals on Lucin Prime. Eventually after what seems age a different voice chimes in over the box, a rich cultured voice. This is Lady Chorda.welcome Captain. Please make your way go Lucin Prime. My staff will send orbital insertion instructions. When you reach orbit please bring yourself and your senior crew aboard the station. The arboretum is in bloom and I have set my staff preparing a meal befitting those of our station. I hope to see later today.

The vox message ends (probably waiting for a reply) and a short beeping from the navigational cogitators confirm receipt of a system flight plan that keeps you wel clear of the asteroid stations.

Nav (stellar) or Scholastic (astromancy) can pick up oddities in system or flight plan



Plotting the course you realise it will take around 10 hours at your current velocity to reach orbit.

[Henry the 57th]

Magos Cyrus was barely paying attention to the conversation at hand, far more interested in the mysteries of the machine and what secrets they could reveal. Content to allow those more socially adroit than himself present the greetings, he turned his attention and his augmented mind towards picking out and decrypting the numerous signals flying through this system. Perhaps there was some advantage to be gained here.

I have no idea how long this ride is, but Cyrus will give decrypting his best shot.

[roll0] vs. 64, or 74 if I have an MIU machine to interface with. [roll1] hours.
[roll2] vs. 64/74 over [roll3] hours
[roll4] vs. 64/74 over [roll5] hours
[roll6] vs. 64/74 over [roll7] hours

Dunno if the journey is that long, but I'm sure you'll tell me.

[Simsimillia]

Sam scoffed slightly at the mentioning of Aster. It wasn't that she didn't recognize the woman competence or skill, the two young women just had a number of personal differences, most importantly was that she didn't like Pest and the little creature on her shoulder was a great judge of character, she found, at least from where she stood.

When the officer stepped onto the bridge, Sam said nothing however, though Pest briefly showed her his long and sharp teeth while glaring at her with his big black eyes. Calmingly Sam patted the creature's back and feeded it a small scrap of dried flesh she pulled somewhere out of the debths of her pockets.

When Chorda's word got back at them, Sam chuckled slightly. "Befitting those of our station", Sam echoed the words to no one in particular. "Oh this is frakkin' priceless! So how do you wanna handle this Lord Capt'n?", Sam asked her superior putting extra emphasis on his title. "Shall I polish my armour, tryin' to fit in, acting all posh and proper?"

She made an awkward curtsey to add to the mockery of her words. She would most likely stick out like a sore thumb, no matter what she tried.

[qechua]

Anastasia turned her head towards Sam, smiling as she responded to Sam's aimless comment

"No need to polish up, you can stay outside with the rest of the hired meat while we have an enjoyable meal with real company."

Truth be told, Anastasia didn't really didn't object to Sam, she found herself more comfortable around other Psykers. Between that, and an upbringing surrounded by all manner of criminal activity, Anastasia felt a fair sense of kinship with the Reaver. Her methods were slightly more brutal than most previous associates, granted, but she'd certainly seen the outcome before. It was only her lack of formal psychic training that bothered Anastasia, but she kept herself fairly close to Sam in combat, Anastasia knowing better than most what would need to be done, and how to go about doing it, if things went badly wrong.

She decided to go a bit further, her smile starting to open up into more of a grin.

"Either that, or if you really want to join the civilized folk, I'm sure I can find a suitably frilly dress for you. Something that really accentuates the cheek bones, you know, make you the belle of the ball."

[Simsimillia]

Sam grinned a the other Psyker, "I hope the dress is pink too and goes well with my shotgun."
Not that she needed a weapon to be dangerous, her mind alone was powerful enough but especially when leaving the ship she liked to have her chainsword and weapon by her side. The powers of the warp as destructive as they were could be a fickle thing and Sam liked to have something on her she could rely on a 100% of the time.

[Donan]

A short, to the point message, with Aventus and his crew eing hosted asguests and with indications ofa lot of effort being made for their benefit. He considered his options as he crossed to the vox to reply, nodding at Arma as he went and depressng the rune to reply.

"Thank you Lady Chorda, for the invitation. Me and my crew will be with you shortly and we look forward to the meeting and meal in question.

Emperor be with you, good tidings."

Signing off, he smiled wryly at Sam. "I'm sure our Choir Mistress can find you something suitable and not too confining. It is worth noting, our host is likely to only expect us to wear ceremonial weapons. Do you have anything in your arsenal that might fit that description, while still retaining a certain, edge?"

He pauses briefly, noting Alimon's thoughts. "It'll hopefully come up during the meal. Most likely, as they have a strong stake here, but as to why this location in particular.. yes, it's worth finding out. I suspect whatever business she wishes to dicuss is tied to Lucin's Breath, or something nearby.

In terms of danger, I don't suspect an obivous ambush. Powerful as she is, there's little to be gained by striking at us here. Making use of us as part of a larger plot however, that seems more likely. Magos, do you have any interesting finds?"

Aventus studies the hololith himself, considering their assigned route.

[Volthawk]

Vanthus nods at all that's been said so far, having been happy to let the back and forth flow until Aventus spoke. "If it is required, I have a small supply of easily-concealed pistols that we can use - nothing too powerful, just Clovis Twists and small silenced stubs, but potentially useful nonetheless. However, I agree in that I don't foresee any conflict of arms in the immediate future - that is, nothing pre-planned. It is still wise to be prepared, though." He grins at Sam. "I wouldn't worry, it's not that unheard of for those of high station to have...stranger people such as yourself in their retinues."

[Emperor Ing]

Alimon chuckled at the thought of Sam in a petticoat gown. He could imagine if she were willing to clean up a little, she actually would be quite the catch. As for Alimon himself, his uniform will have to suffice for the time being. All he needed to do was stand around and look imposing. Usually, visibly carrying a bolt pistol as a sidearm is enough to deter most troublemakers.

They will allow some security. He states simply. It wouldn't hurt to carry the hold-out autopistol he kept concealed for just this reason. I'm certain they will bring some as well. Unless there are debts that need to be collected, this is too much trouble to go to to off a rival.

Just remain wary.

[Simsimillia]

"Well there's a piece or two in my collection of knives."

Anyone that knew Sam for just a few minutes wouldn't be surprised that the woman didn't just collect tattoos and kills, but also knives. In fact they were connected as each of those weapons she had taken from one of her victims. Only the important ones of course. As such there were some pieces in there that had only value to herself, but also some ornamented blades with gilded hilts, fit for someone of high rank.

"Also, you know of my talents. It's not that I need a weapon...I am one. I just feel better with something...more reliable at my side. I agree with Alimon though, I don't think we'll face trouble, for their sake."

[qechua]

"Very well, if we have nothing else to discuss, I would prefer to retire to the Astropathic chamber until we arrive. I'm presuming some of my skills will be needed at our meeting, so I'd like to remain as rested as possible until then."

[DrK]

Despite a quick look at the suggested routes nothing seems too oversuspicous with the suggested flight paths and soon the nimble looking frigate is cutting a path through the solar system. For 8 hour longs hours you cruise in through the orbital approach before beginning your braking maneuvres. The entire braking maneuvre done "well enough" if not especially sharply of smoothly as the 3 kilometre long vessel shudders and shakes with the creaking of the hull as the retothrusters burn hot to shed the ship's colossal velocity.

Soon enough you approach orbit above the ice covered world of Lucin's Breath. The world a shared resource between two of the greatest dynasties in the Expanse and also populated with the occasional independent miner that have to pay steep freight fees to ship their refined fuels from the surface up into the orbital docking station that hangs over the equator. THe station is clearly the hull of an ancient transport vessel with the hull modified with long docking rigs to support a couple of dozen halo barges that rise and fall constantly from the three rudimentary space ports on the planet beneath supplying a few massive fuel storage vessels that are docked near to the main station.

As you approach the modified transport station you can see the roofs of the aft castle where green glows brightly under armourglass domes. A thriving arboretum a highlight surely and likely the only greenery for a dozen light years. The orbital beeps and sends a constant stream of instructions to you before you enter a stable position some 50'000km from the station. A final note of ""You have permission to approach via personal flyer landing bay B. A delegation of Chorda guards will meet you there."



Is everyone going across in a small shuttle?
Is anyone doing clever flying or looking to scan anything?
You all going?

[Genth]

Arma chuckles slightly, and pats the massive plasma gun on his arm. "The advantage of course, of being called 'Great Weapon' is that you're rarely expected to be without it" he remarks to Aventus, starting already to relay orders to his people throughout the ship in preparation for arrival. "I would suggest taking the Nemesis, Lord-Captain, as a named, personalized vessel commands more respect than an anonymous flyer. Plus it's been some time since I've gotten the chance to pilot her" he says, a slight smirk on his lips.

**Eight Hours Later**

Arma strides onto the docking bay, in full naval uniform, still an overly large version to fit over his carapace armor. The gold piping on every edge of cloth gleams even in the uninspiring light of the bay. On the barrel of the great plasma weapon on his arm is affixed a wax seal, proclaiming an oath of peace - as long as his Lord-Captain is unattacked. He moves over towards the Nemesis, the Aquila in pride of place. The ship is well-maintained, and has a martial edge to it that few civilian ships possess, iron skulls lining the landing struts to give the impression of resting on a pile of bones, the wings of the ship decorated in long gold-shaded pipes to give it the impression of massive eagle wings. This is the Lord-Commander's baby, his own personal flyer. Despite some connections, he had not yet been able to replace or update the weapon systems, but she was finely balanced, and perfect for travelling in (millitant) style.

[Henry the 57th]

After several hours of fruitless labor over a communications console, Magos Cyrus gave up in disgust. He hated to admit it, but it seemed that the encryption being used in this system were too good for him to defeat - for now at any rate. Perhaps he would try again later, with greater supplications to the Omnissiah and more proper equipment, but that would have to wait. For now, it seemed more important to him that he not miss this personal greeting.

"If it pleases the Lord-Captain," he said, voice betraying no hint of his inner frustration. "Then I would request permission to attend this envoy. The Omnissiah's blessings or my expertise may be required."

He'll go, and if possible he'll do a generalized scan of the local space and the station in particular as they go in. Do I need to roll anything?

[Emperor Ing]

Wearing his own uniform, Alimon appeared no less than prim and proper. No reason to seem out-of-place, after all. Just hide in plain sight, and all should be well. At his waist hung a bolt pistol. Ideally, he hoped, he shouldn't have to use it but it seemed unlikely that it will be needed. On his other waist hung the scabbard for a power sword. Nothing too unusual. Though concealed somewhere in the pockets of his non-regulation uniform coat was a concealed pocket that carried a hold-out autopistol, just in case his primary weapons were confiscated, as he suspected might happen. Underneath all that, Alimon wore his holosuit, a particularly strange artifact of xenotech that seemed to change color to match what ever the user wore. Though his clothes were imperial regulation, he examined himself beforehand every which way he knew how to be certain that such an item surely wouldn't be recognizable, unless someone knew exactly what to look for. It'll be very useful if things turn ugly and an escape is required.

Lord-Captain. He nods as he arrives to the shuttle.

[qechua]

Arriving in the hanger bay, Anastasia had changed into a full length white robe, traditional Astropath gear befitting of her station as Choir Leader. Once more, she wore her matching pistol and sword, their combined harness fitting neatly under her robes and protruding only a red hostler and scabbard that appeared to simply float beside her. Just below the pistol sat a smaller, less ornate sheath, containing her own Psykana blade, the only weapon she would refuse to relinquish if challenged. She knew the risks all too well, and hoped that the company she would find herself in also understood.

As she walked, she leaned slightly on her cane. The last few hours meditating in the choir chamber had helped slow her tiring, but nonetheless she had still endured just over 18 hours of consciousness, some of which had included a warp transition. She was still fit for duty, but still welcomed passing the astropath shift over, and was already looking forward to a relaxing evening followed by a good nights sleep. She joined the group without word, waiting for the time to board.

[DrK]

The flyer flits through the void towards the station/converted transport with ease as Lord Commander Arma zips towards the upper level private hangar bay as indicated by the orbital control staff. The landing bay opens up in front of the Nemesis to allow it access to the hangar. As it opens you are treated to an immensely gaudy hangar bay with vaulted marble ceilings and great banners 20ft in width and fully 20m long dangling down from the ceiling each one detailing one of the world of the Chorda dynasty. A gold plated gun cutter is parked in ne corner of the hangar flanked by a pair of sleek looking lightning fury fighters.

Landing lights and a hangar serf with a pair of paddles indicates where you should land and Arma is able to drop the Nemsis down easily. As the doors hiss open there is a fanfare blasted out over the vox in the hangar and you can see two dozen impressive looking red armoured carapace and cloaked guards entering each clutching an ornate looking power halberd of some kind with a gun barrel strapped to the haft. With the cloaks, the horse tailed helmets and ornate armour and glaives they look similar to the fabled Adeptus Custodes that many have heard of but very few have ever seen. A colossal arrogance if you have ever seen. As the guardsmen form a double line of honour between your cutter and the door more servants in very neat serving robes enter laying down a thick red carpet, another 4 waiting in the background with crystalline goblets of fine looking liquor of no doubt exotic and expensive vintage.
After the vox reaches a crescendo the door opens once more and the great Lady Aspyce Chorda enters, her garb somewhere between pirate and noble lady...

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/7a/a6/27/7aa627caed64e2d544348dee2d066971.jpg

She walks half way down the carpet before waiting patiently for you....

[Simsimillia]

"My my...what a fancy little welcoming and such nice little tinmen", Sam muttered as she saw the was happening in the hangar. While they had joked about it, Sam was not wearing a pink frilled dress or even a dress. After a little more contemplation she had come to the conclusion that there was little use in trying to be someone she was not. Still she didn't appear as battle ready as some of the others. She did have enough decency to shower and dress in something fresh, but didn't see the need to "fancy up" as she called it and wearing black combat boots, an orange pilots jumpsuit, with the upper part casually hanging down from her waist, combined with a simple cropped black top and a leather jacket. She wasn't heavily armed. A heavy handcannon was resting in a holster on her thigh, while the masterfully crafted chainsword she had once lifted off the hands of a pirate captain hung from her hip.

She'd wait her turn and leave the ship as one of the last.

[Donan]

Dressed in ceremonial armour and with his red cloak flowing behind him (short enough to not impede his movement), Aventus strode down the carpet as it was laid, offering Anastasia his arm as partly a formal display, and partly as aid for the weary Astropath. The fact she walked with a cane demostrated the reason for support, but there was sure to be a rumour or two arising. In moderation, that was no bad thing.

He bowed his head as he approached their host, bending to lightly take her hand in greeting and kiss the back of her palm. "Lady Chorda. You do me a great honour. As a scion of the Hearth family, I offer thanks for the invitiation and the welcome. Please, allow me to introduce my senior crew and good friends." He indicates the party with him, moving in formal incantation of rank.

"My First Officer, Lord Commander Arma Magnus. Enginseer Prime and Magos Arnem Cyrus of the Adeptus Mechanius. Seneschal Vanthus Quinta. Choir Mistress Anastasia di la Kadis I. And last, but certainly not least, my aides. Mistress Sam and Master Alimon Swall."

Aides was technically true. It sounded better then professional killers, after all.

[qechua]

Anastasia walked down the carpet, taking the hand of aid when it was offered. Most of the time, the cane was for show, both an excuse to appear as a stereo typically weak astropath (despite her rank), and as a way to bring an auxiliary weapon into a situation. In this case, however, her prop provided much needed support, and a more stable form than her own as aid was very much welcome. She also noted that the gesture had the effect of demonstrating a sense of unity between senior members of the crew.

As introductions passed, Anastasia bowed her head in respect. In a meeting between Lords, Ladies and Rogue Traders, the best policy was to remain silent until asked to speak.

[Emperor Ing]

Alimon nods in respect when addressed to Lady Chorda. Milady. He remarks.

[Henry the 57th]

Cyrus walked down the boarding ramp in full cerimonial carapace armor, the gleaming silvery archeotech suit engraved with countless homilies to the Emperor-Omnissiah. He hung to the rear of the group, nodding politely at the lady's greeting but maintaining the proper air of mystery for a Magos in new company. The others were welcome to take the lead for the moment.

[Volthawk]

Vanthus strides behind the Lord-Captain, his mesh robes replaced with the fine clothing from his days of nobility, and his few auxilary items like his whisper boots are replaced with more mundane (but much more innate) versions. Close to his chest, rather hard to miss but not displayed as prominently as usual, a rosarius, the sign of his esteem with the Ministorum, sits. He bears no obvious weaponry, instead having a few of his covert pistols about his body. He walked and acted with an air of confidence, more at home with the ways of the rich and powerful than some of the rest, but still showed the due respect, giving one of his characteristic low, flamboyant and exaggerated bows when his name is called by Aventus. He also casually looks over the guards and other staff present. An impressive setup with rather obvious undertones and subtle threats attached. Lady Chorda really does know the art of her trade well. They'd all do well to be vigilant, as even though the possibility of an armed conflict appeared even smaller than before, the possibility of less obvious threats increased.

[Genth]

Arma strode down the landing pad and across the floor on Aventus' right side, his impressive bulk, along with the oversized equipment strapped to his arm, making for a suitably imposing show. His gaze scruitinizes the 'Custodes-style' guards, a brief look of contempt allowed to touch his features - perhaps purposefully, before he, along with his Lord-Captain stop before their host. His bow is, predictably, millitant in style, the gun-arm slamming to his chest with a very audible thump and a short, economical bow. "Lady-Captain Chorda. I am honored." he growls. When he rises again, he places his arms behind his back, legs slightly apart, 'at ease' but by no means casual. His eyes continue to dart from place to place, watching for any hint of trouble.

[DrK]

Lady Chorda greets you all, her face smirking as the "aides" Mistress Sam and Master Alimon Swall are introduced. With the dark rumours floating around about House Chorda you'd guess she probably recognises both of them as assassins or bodyguards of sorts. The lack of adeptus robes, scrolls and quills clearly marking them as "not" scribes.

She smiles at the Lord Captain as he greets her and kisses her hand. When she speaks her voice is rich and melodious hinting that despite her appearance she is far older than her 4 odd years that she looks. "Lord Captain Hearth. Thank you for making the long journey to Lucin's Breath. It is good to meet another holder of a Warrant. Especially one as illustrious as yours. The Chorda Dynasty is more recent, although we are flourishing." She smiles slightly at that and the guards around her all smirk as well.


The servants come forward with their trays of wine that is clearly expensive costing more thrones for a single glass than most hivers would earn in a month if not more. After the introductions Lady Chorda invites you up to enjoy some food. The guards fall in around you all in a mixture of guarding your and escorting you as the Lady speaks with the Lord Captain and the astropath. "Captain Hearth, its a funny situation here, may the Emperor smile on us if its not. I had not imagined that I would be sharing a world with my biggest rival in the expanse. But Caligos and I sat down and worked through the numbers. THere is enough promethium on that frozen rock below us that we cannot ship enough materials here to lift it from the planet. We share it and reap the profits whilst playing games and seeking an advantage that is illusory at best..." her ideal chit chat continues as you head up s short flight of stairs and through a large airlock and into the dome that you had seen as you had approached.

The light blazes down from the struts of the armourglass dome and you can see the ice blue world spinning beneath you and the shimmering metallic glints of the refinery shuttles lifting up and don from the planet. The surface of the planet is cool icy white with riven slashes of deep dark blue where the heaviest promethium deposits lie. Around the gardens are a selection of displays of various Imperial Vessels, each one part of the Chorda fleet with a short summary of each on a brass plaque. Waiting amidst the finery are 3 of Lady Chorda's fellows. A cloaked navigator with her hood covering the third eye who is introduced as Lady Xanastiasia (and noticeably no Navis house is given), a hulking brute of a man with a cybernetic left arm and glowing red cybernetic eye in place of his right eye who is named Commander Thorn and finally a young and attractive man in a fine "near navy" uniform who is named as "Master of Coins" Janus Thellion. All three smile and move to greet you.

After a few minutes of small talk one of the ever present servants at a sign from the Lady Captain rings a bell and Lady Aspyce turns to you all. "I am sure that you wonder why I requested your presence, well this is why..." at a press of a control a hololith springs to life and spinning solar system with a glowing star at its heart and 4 planets springs up around you. "Chorda Tertiary, or," and she sneers, "Chroda's folly named after one of my ancestors." She points at the largest of the planets. "It is a dry dusty world but is rich in mineral rights and currently settled by 170'000 so colonists. However, I have not heard from them for over 5 years now and more importantly the last transport I sent there did not return costing me greatly in a valuable vessel. THus, I seek assistance. Particularly as the bulk of my fleet is already commited. I short I would seek an alliance. One that can stand the test of time and help shape the Expanse. But more importantly one that would bring us a profit. I would request that we sign a compact. If you can investigate the silence of my colony I will cede half of the world to you and much like Lucin here we can share ownership of the world?"

[Simsimillia]

Pleasentries, small talk and more pleasentries with a short interruption of high quality liquor. The luxury of the drink did not go by unnoticed by Sam, but she still would've preferred a more mundane brew but more of it.

Still, all the talk was pretty boring to Sam, she should've brought Pest. Instead she passed the time by observing the players present. She wasn't really impressed by the guards, to her they were simply guys and gals with fancy armour and gear any resemblance to the legendary Custodes completly lost on her. She'd actually been more impressed if the guards had been naked. Now that would've been something. Especially since some of them seemed to look quite handsome. Not really surprising though when one considered that Lady Chorda herself was still quite a hottie, especially considering her age and Sam found a certain allure in the melodic voice...if only there would be more interesting things coming out of her mouth. She started wondering how she would sound when she screamed...either from pain or pleasure...or even both.

Eventually something interesting came out of the cultivated womans mouth. A small colony, lost contact for years and a missing ship...now that sounded like work with a lot of unknown variables. Intriguing. Plus half a planet as payment didn't sound too bad in her ears...not that she'd know what to do with half a planet, but she wasn't the daughter of some fancy Rogue Trader Dynastie.

[Donan]

"You do me credit by reaching out to me on this matter, Lady Chorda." Aventus noted, using his response to consider possible options. No contact with the colony and a lost ship led to an increased chance it was no more and in her place, he certainly wouldn't want to risk thrwing anymore resources at it.

Better to have another do so. Worst case scenario, all it cost her was a small annoyance and the removal of a potential rival. The prize was a tempting one, but he was wary of how she'd define 'half the planet'. She'd certainly know far more of its makeup and deposits and could easily ensure the Hearth dynasty had no claim to anything of real productively.

"I worry greatly for the fate of the colonists and their souls. This far into the darkness, lost contact of this degree.. mm. I think we can both agree it doesn't bode well. I'm tempted to agree to this matter, Lady Chorda, but my own holdings and resources are meagre compared to your own.

Wll you permit me time to pray, to seek the guidance of Him on Terra before giving you a solid answer? But as I said, I am predisposed to do this, given what is at stake. And f the colony isfound tobe safe, I would be most glad to futher ensure their safety at your side."

It would also buy time to consider al the possible angles and options involved.

[Emperor Ing]

Alimon was pretty sure the red armored troopers were simply meant to be ostentatious. The symbolism wasn't lost on him, as their silohette and towering helmets evoked the image of the so-called Custodes he has seen on Imperial artwork and propaganda. For their sake, he hoped the troopers and the Custodes didn't actually use those helmets for battle. Nothing signified an important priority target quite like gaudy ornamentation. Nothing said "shoot me here please" quite like unnecessarily, pointlessly tall helmets. Surely the added weight makes rotating the head tougher than it should be...? They very well might be elite soldiers, but more likely than not they're honor guards who probably wouldn't understand which barrel the las bolt shoots out from on a Galaxy pattern Lasgun. Must be an easy job though, just stand there and look pretty.

How long they would last if a ship their ship ever became adrift in the Warp would be...an amusing research project.

He liked to think that Lady Chorda would survive, and behind this ostentatious display is someone who knew what she was doing. It would be a mistake to underestimate her.

Thus his paranoid sense detected yet another opportunity for a trap. It made him uneasy, but this whole thing made him uneasy. He wonders if the fate of the lost transport can be corroborated.

Alimon sipped some wine. The taste was absolutely repulsive, but it dragged his mind out from the dark places of paranoia.

[qechua]

As the wine arrives, Anastasia gently replaces Aventus' hand with a glass, being careful not to make it look like a sleight. Taking a sip, the wine explodes in subtle flavours and rich aromas, and dances across her nose and tongue before completing it's journey through her mouth. She smiles as the offer is made, half a planet on some level being worth more than the whole thing. She remains sipping, nodding and smiling, before waiting for a break.

"Pardon my interruption, but planets don't just get cut off, they get taken, blockaded, or worse. Footfall is full of stories of wannabe treasure hunters, travelling to such worlds, only to have their names added to the list of the forgotten. If we do this, and I'm very much stressing the if here, we'd need any information you have, and any backup you could provide, starting with one very important question. I'd presume you've already tried to re-establish contact, and if this world is as valuable as you say, you'd have tried fairly hard, so how do you see us succeeding where your vessels have already failed? I do not doubt their competence, I simply wonder if we are seen as better equipped than them, or simply more disposable."

[Henry the 57th]

When the wine arrived, Cyrus took a single glass in one hand and swirled it around while he listened to the lady and his fellows talking. With a delicacy unusual amongst Magi he sipped at it politely, casually analyzing its chemical contents as it dripped down his throat. While that was going on, he wracked his memory and databanks for any information on this system, but sadly found little that was immediately relevant to the situation at hand. That being the case and perceiving the Lord-Captain's play as a stall for time, he opted to continue his respectful silence. Still, he didn't like the proposal he was hearing. It sounded suspiciously like a means of sending a potential rival off to exile, or an ignominious death.

[DrK]

The young navigator answers Anastasia's question in clipped and cultured High Gothic. "We have quested, our own Astropath has tried to send a missive but nothing has come back. We have monitored as much as possible and some 11 months ago heard a strange psychic echo, but not something that we can describe further. "

Last Chorda makes a subtle motion and the Navis quietens in an obedient manner. "Of course Lord Hearth you can mull over the offer and my Seneschal can provide a draft treaty. It is quite fair I assure you.
As to why you... Well. To be honest. You are no threat to me, and I need my own more experienced fleet vessels in other places. I could send a small transport but that would cost me more of their time. If you find my colony present then I shall once more receive half of something rather than all or nothing, and, you will be allied with me rather than against me in case one day your houses rises to prominence one more." She pauses to see any response to her brutal honesty as a large scroll is handed to Vanthus.

Appropriate legalese skill checks can be used to assess it.

[DrK]

Another hour or so passes with small talk and compliments on the station or this and that but soon everyone can feel the slight tension so you take your leave. lady Chorda wishing you a good day and that you'll consider her offer.
"I'm remaining at Lucin's Breath for 72 more hours then I must leave on other business. Don't make me regret this invitation." The words with a slight edge to them reind you of the many rumours if the steel beneath the silk and the rumour that says many of her family rivals are in cryo stasis in a secret vault hung like museum trophies where she likes to meditate upon the nature of the dynasty.

It's another hour or so before pre flight checks are complete and you blast off aboard the nemesis en route back to your ship.

[Emperor Ing]

Once the group is safe into the void of space, in so much as the void of space can be considered "safe," Alimon decides now would be the best time to speak. Vigilance and suspicion is nothing short of wise, my lord. He begins. However We have more to lose through refusal on her offer than acceptance. If she seeks to betray us, we will merely hasten her time-table, whereas if her motives are genuine, or genuine enough, we will appear to have snubbed her. If we accept, and she seeks to betray us, this is an eventuality we can prepare for. If her motives are genuine, we stand to only profit from this venture, plus are given an excellent opportunity to extract what we can before Lady Chorda "divides" it.

Furthermore, I would posit that if she did intend to betray us, the cost would far exceed what she hoped to gain by crushing a smaller, more nimble rival. Something a successful Rogue Trader like her would surely understand. He points a finger into the air as he makes his point.

[Genth]

Aboard the Nemesis, Arma relaxes his silent-but-terrifying posture, setting the Aquila to an easy, if slightly longer path back to the ship, and walks into the passenger compartment, much more plush and well-made than the usual spartan settings, the Lord-Commander's personal ship affording a few luxuries for the crew. "My recommendation is to take the Lady-Captain up on her offer, sir. While I think it unlikely that a personage of the Imperial Navy would betray an Emperor-blessed vessel such as ourselves, troubling things have happened. Nevertheless, if there are loyal colonists in danger, then it is our duty to protect them. If they are no longer loyal, it is our duty to bring the Emperor's Justice to them." he pauses for a moment, flicking a shard of gold paint from his plasma gun. "Either way, this seems like a good opportunity to spread your Dynasty's good name across the stars, my Lord."

[Henry the 57th]

"I must respectfully urge caution, my lord." Magos Cyrus says, mechadendrites rolled behind his shoulders like coiled serpents. "Rogue Traders are not well-known as tolerant of competitors. It is a commonplace practice amongst my order to dispose of potential political rivals by arranging for them to be stationed in Explorator fleets that take them far from the centers of power for years or decades at a time. To me, this feels like the setup for something similar. An established Rogue Trader disposing of potential competition by sending them off on a wild gorax chase into uncharted territory... or perhaps worse things. If the lady knew of some danger that has befallen the colony, it would be in her interests to steer us into it, the hope that a potential rival and an external threat to her domain would wipe each other out."

[Genth]

"Giving up the sordid internal politics of the Mechanicum, are we Magos?" Arma cuts in, his voice now slightly peeved. "There is a difference between urging caution, and urging paranoia. Or worse, cowardice!" the man growls, crossing his arms across his chest and fixing the cogboy with slightly narrowed eyes. "Moreover, are we a threat to her? Forgive me my bluntness, and please, correct me if I am mistaken, Lord Vanthus" he argues, nodding towards the seneschal, "But pouncing on a new Rogue Trader and immediately, and intentionally sending them to their doom, when that Rogue Trader was in no competition with her, had no real threat towards her, and had been graciously invited to her complex under the auspices of hospitality.. to intentionally send us to our demise would mark her out as untrustworthy, rapacious, and not worth bothering with. People understand business betrayals, as disgusting as such treachery is, but this would be a massive reaction for no real benefit!"

[Emperor Ing]

Luring your enemies into a false sense of security is a known and respected means of assassination. Alimon pointed out.

However I do agree that this is unlikely a trap, or a wild gorax chase. What ever a "gorax" is but he understands the sentiment. Even so, a wild something chase requires an unattainable objective. While the situation will unquestionably become more complex once they reach colonial space, it's scope is well within their abilities. It is my opinion that Lady Chorda as well as yourself have more to gain through cooperation than opposition.

[Henry the 57th]

"Sending a Rogue Trader off to vanish in the depths of unexplored space is about as routine and inconspicuous as you can get when disposing of such auspicious individuals," Cyrus points out, unfazed by accusations of cowardice. "It happens all the time. I am merely saying that one doesn't promise half a planet for a simple investigation unless one is either very confident that there's half a planet's worth of danger waiting somewhere nearby or as a part of some other ploy. Too much reward, too little apparent work. Offered to a total stranger. Very suspicious. Take up her compact if you wish, my lord, but do tread carefully."

[qechua]

"I find myself in agreement with Alimon" Anastasia spoke, her head leaned back against the passing behind her. "If Lady Chorda wanted us dead, she would have done it on the station. With luck, she could have claimed our ship as well. There is no doubt that this is dangerous, but I believe the potential benefits far outweigh those dangers."

[DrK]

After discussion the Lord Captain declares the new destination of Chorda's folly and the frigate leaves orbit smoothly, plasma drives flaring red against the blue frozen promethium waste below. It will be a day or so at full thrust to reach the edges of the system before the gravitational eddies subside enough to make the transit to warp safe, or at least as safe is transitting to a daemon filled aether could be!

Its 8 hours into the flight when there is a beeping on the bridge from the passive warning auger station. The young Flight Officer looking up in concern as he shouts at the first officer. "Commander. Augers are picking up a faint auger shadow. It has been trailing us for a while Commander. Looks like it was concealed in the asteroid belt."

[Genth]

Arma Magnus, having the bridge for the watch, strides forwards, leaning down to his plinth and checking the readouts himself. His lips pull back from white teeth in a grimace, and he presses a few icons on the holographic display, opening a channel to the Mechanicum quarters.

"MAGOS CYRUS!" the Lord Commander bellows - he always seems to do this on the ship's comms, some relic of Naval training where you couldn't trust the ratings to respond unless you tried to burst their eardrums. "REPORT TO THE BRIDGE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. YOUR EXPERTISE IS REQUIRED!".

He turns back to the Flight Officer. "Keep a lock on it, Ensign. But do not alter our course. No need to let them know we've seen them."

[Henry the 57th]

Cyrus begins immediately researching this system they are to investigate, communing with teh ship's machine spirits in an attempt to dredge up as much information as he possibly can. The Magos still doesn't trust this offer, and in any event wishes to be prepared for whatever may be coming. The Omnissiah rewards forethought.

Common Lore Koronus Expanse: [roll0] vs. 64

Astromancy (if applicable): [roll]1d100]/roll] vs. 64

Edit: Rolled Astromancy OOC, result is 22.

The Magos, when called, proceeds without delay to the bridge. His heavy footsteps resound throughout the confined space as his mechadendrites sway slowly behind his head.

"Reporting as ordered. What is the crisis?