Arbites Strike Team (DH1) IC

[Kaptin Keen]

It's a long and complicated process of interviews and tests and background check-ups and more interviews. You get the feeling that getting into the Arbites is only slightly less difficult than getting into the Astartes.

Eventually, you are brought before the Judge. He is a man of massive stature - sure, he's wearing power armor, but still - old but still strong and vital, with a gaze of pure, tempered steel, and a voice to put the fear of the God-Emperor into the guilty, and the innocent alike.

He gives you your badges and seals, and that's the end of the ceremony. You have managed to secure a position on an Adeptus Arbites Strike Team. Specialists on each your field, you bring necessary skills in either investigation - or the confrontation that will assuredly follow. You will be given a ship, a mission, and the authority to see it through.

What this means is that, while you cannot necessarily rely on the cooperation of local authorities, you have unlimited warrant to do as you see necessary. If you shoot a planetary governor during an arrest, and he was guilty, no one will bad an eye lash. If he was innocent, you may find yourself investigating the worst backwaters of the Imperium for the rest of your lives - but you will not be tried, or punished (otherwise).

One the one hand, there are weeks of orientation, instruction, onboarding, basic training, outfitting - on the other, just 10 minutes after the end of the ceremony, your shuttle lifts off, taking you into orbit, where The Gavel, your new home, awaits, to take you to your first operation.

It's a simple one. The local request for aid reads:

FROM: Iron Fist Enforcement and Security Agency, Inc. (Private License and Contract Number: AS44562d3/Q39001)
TO: Officio Adeptus Arbites, Sector HQ, Presiding Judge Harlan Gallagher

Lord Judge,

I write you at great personal risk, without the knowledge of my superiors, and in direct disobedience of explicit orders.

The mining colony of United Bounty, Excavation XII, on the asteroid Weber (designation DD44112) in the Cravius system has been troubled by sedition and cultist activity for years. Recently, according to every official statistic, the problem has been reduced basically to nothing. Violent incidents and other suspicious activity has continued to rise, but arrests and convictions have plummeted.

Recently, a squad of loyal enforcers brought in two prisoners, and followed due process. We received orders from command to release the prisoners immediately, on account of false charges.

Something very wrong is going on, and we need someone from the outside - someone incorruptible - to sort it out.

Please send immediate assistance. I fear this whole outpost is at risk.

SIGNED: XXX

There is a note attached at the end, from the judge:

Go in guns blazing if you feel you must. Be warned that we have no confirmation here - one way or the other. Trust no one. Resolve the issue. Report back via Astropath when done.

Sure. Simple.

[DrK]

Trooper Plex

Aboard the Gavel Plex reads the mission briefing nodding a curt thanks to the rating who had been at the auspex array and received the message. Heading from the communications room he heads down the secondary command chamber and activities the ancient logis systems within and activates the holo display. Typing into the array he searches for details in the Adeptus adminstratum records on Cravius system asteroid DD44112.

Sitting on one of the chairs he pulls out a lho stick and lights it, savouring the taste and blowing a clean smoke ring that floats around the glow lamp dangling form the ceiling. As the rest of the team enters he nods a greeting. "Orders. Possible sedition and corruption on an Asteroid mining colony." Feeling a thrumming beneath his feet and a slight gravity pull he steadies himself on the console, "I guess the bridge crew have the co-ordinates then." Shivering he grimaces, "Emperor shield us from the perils of the Warp."

With the orders in hand he waits for the cogitator to display any pertinent information on Asteroid DD44112.

Spoiler: Lore

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Common Lore (Imperium) (1d100)[51] TN 34

[Novabomb]

Phil Vega
Source of information? Suspected extent, and nature of the corruption?

[LairdMaon]

"Blessings, comrades, blessings." Priest De'Lion stumbles in and half-lurches to a high backed chair. "Forgive me, I just can't seem to get my feet in the void of space."

[dojango]

When Penny boarded the Gavel and made her way to the ship's Mechanicus enclave, she found them unwelcoming, insufferably arrogant, and prone to treating the Arbites like delicate and annoying cargo. It reminded her so much of home! Through cajoling, whining, and occasionally crying, she managed to convince the chief Magos to assign her a luxurious 14.7 cubic meters of workspace/living quarters just abaft of vent-pump 17. Which was quite sweet of him... the smell of poorly recirc'd air was just like the air she grew up with! At any rate, when she heard that they had a new mission, she headed over to the briefing room. "Misuse of mining equipment is a very serious crime... that stuff's worth more than any of make in a million years... possibly two..." When the priest walks in, she smiles at him. "Don't step on the cracks between the deckplates, padre. That's where the grav fields overlap."

[Kaptin Keen]

Trooper Plex

Aboard the Gavel Plex reads the mission briefing nodding a curt thanks to the rating who had been at the auspex array and received the message. Heading from the communications room he heads down the secondary command chamber and activities the ancient logis systems within and activates the holo display. Typing into the array he searches for details in the Adeptus adminstratum records on Cravius system asteroid DD44112.

Sitting on one of the chairs he pulls out a lho stick and lights it, savouring the taste and blowing a clean smoke ring that floats around the glow lamp dangling form the ceiling. As the rest of the team enters he nods a greeting. "Orders. Possible sedition and corruption on an Asteroid mining colony." Feeling a thrumming beneath his feet and a slight gravity pull he steadies himself on the console, "I guess the bridge crew have the co-ordinates then." Shivering he grimaces, "Emperor shield us from the perils of the Warp."

With the orders in hand he waits for the cogitator to display any pertinent information on Asteroid DD44112.

Spoiler: Lore

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Common Lore (Imperium) [roll0] TN 34

The cogitator hums and clicks for a while, then spits out a nice, pristine slate of data, detailing anything revealed in the latest census. Population 132.935, primary exports metal alloys, rare earths, promethium additives, and 'volatiles'. There's a list of active corporations too - the colony is owned by Cerberus Mining Corporation, but Cerberus employs others for a variety of things: Iron Fist for security, HAPPY/HEALTHY/WHOLESOME for catering, recycling and life support, Your Crap, Our Hands for cleaning and sanitation, and so on.

Spoiler: OOC

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Let me know if there's anything specific you're interested in, that I haven't covered.

Phil Vega
Source of information? Suspected extent, and nature of the corruption?

Source of information: Unknown, anonymous
Suspected extent: Asteroid Weber is 3,8% above the sector average for number of seditious or heretical indicents per 10.000 capita. High enough for concern, but not outright alarm. Inquisition has visited Weber twice in the past decade, and found few, disorganised and underfunded cells - which have been eradicated.
Nature of corruption: Desperation leads men astray, but there have been found no rogue psykers or signs of sorcery, which serves to limit the potential damage. Let the mind be a fortress, it gates closed and barred against the enemy.

[LairdMaon]

"I'll try to keep that in mind, priestess. And perhaps you will describe what these cracks you speak of look like?" The priest looks over the missive and his face turns grave, "I don't believe we should go in 'guns blazing' as we are told we can. That's a powerful risk of killing the victims. What do we know about the victims at this time?"

[Kaptin Keen]

After some deliberation, the cogitator spits out piles of information about past victims.

The crimes go back decades, but according to the reports, stopped recently. However, certain patterns emerge to dedicated scrutiny:

There is a particular place - Shaft 51 - which is never mentioned. However, at least half the incidents take place close to it. Any concerted effort on the behalf of investigators would have revealed this, so it seems it might be a deliberate omission.

The remaining incidents show another pattern: It seems, so long as the the incident didn't happen close to Shaft 51, there's a clear overrepresentation of management personnel being hit.

The majority of 'incidents' are particularly horrid murders.

Spoiler: Investigation

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Someone might roll a succesfully to investigate (any applicable skill is fine) at -30 to get ... the fine print.

Remember you have Fate to spend.

[DrK]

Trooper Plex

Plex studies the reports over the next few weeks as the Gavel plunges into the outer system before transiting to warp. As previously the shift to warp left Plex pale, sweating and vomiting. Even though he knew the Red Robes Priests of the MEchanicus swore on their cogs that the geller field was impenetrable he couldn't hepl but feel watched, shadows scurrying at the edge of his vision and scratching of things in the ducts... He breathed a sigh of relief and paused at the Shrine to the God Emperor when they transited back to real space leaving a prayer wafer amidst the hundreds of others left by the thankful crew.

With only a few days left before they reached their destination he focused his efforts on the pattern of killings around Shaft 51 and the nature of the victims

Spoiler: Skills

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Scrutiny (1d100)[87] TN 28
Logic (untrained) (1d100)[83] TN 17

Without much in the way of luck he also spent time on the firing range cleaning and practicing with his pistol and the heavy arbites shotgun getting the hang of both. Looking at the likley way things would go he requistioned some of the black coloured Arbite Carapace to keep him safe before submitting a request for other minor materials to one of the countless robed Adminstratum clerks that thronged the ship. Having to complete the requisition requests in triplicate wasn't the most enjoyable but it passed the time.

Spoiler: Requisition request

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Multikey
Magnacles
Clip harness and spool wire
Repirator
Stun grenades

[dojango]

Penny took a copy of the station's report down to her quarters, along with a map of the station and some colored string. There was something hidden here, she could feel it...

Spoiler

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(1d100)[51] v. 21 Logic -30

[Novabomb]

Phil Vega considers the list of incidents. The others would consider the more mundane angles, he looks for any patterns that might correspond to occult activity. He takes a particular interest in the middle management murders, and the particular methods of execution, and location.

Spoiler: OOC

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Scholastic Lore [Occult] (1d100)[34] (44)
Forbidden Lore [Psykers] (1d100)[88] (44)

[Kaptin Keen]

Penny took a copy of the station's report down to her quarters, along with a map of the station and some colored string. There was something hidden here, she could feel it...

Spoiler

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[roll0] v. 21 Logic -30

Spoiler: That roll =)

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Well look at you, right on the money - well done, that's exactly what I was looking for.

Still, none of you spent Fate. It refreshes constantly - never save it.

It is Penny who spots it.

It's not easy - there is a lot of data to go through. Decades of reports and arrests, hundreds of incidents, victims and suspects. But if you keep everything straight in your head, then you can see it. One name. One man, one signature that repeats over and over. You can follow this man's career as he rises through the ranks, from a lowly scribe somewhere deep in the colony Administratum - to recently being promoted Colony Overseer, the closest to a governor a tiny mining colony ever gets.

That name is Anton Vordekamp. Colony Overseer Anton Vordekamp.

There's nothing in the evidence to suggest he's responsible for the killings. But he's certainly the one who has diverted attention away from Shaft 51, and he has signed off on a lot of documents denying access to information, closing investigations, and so on.

[dojango]

A few hours, four pots of recaf later. Penny shouts excitedly, "I've got it! Yes! Take that, maintenance log three!" There is no response. Which is not surprising, since she's alone in her quarters with only a partially-assembled servitor for company. Eventually, making sure her theory is sound, she reports back to the other Arbites. "Ya see here? The boss of the colony's been trying to keep things quiet. But any clerk worth his dataslate is gonna try and cover his exhaust port... and sure enough, lookit these reports. 'Closed per policy'. 'Closed per current directive'. 'Closed per SOP'. Someone's been telling them to close these investigations out, and they don't want to take the blame for it... who's been setting the policy, yeah? If we look at the meeting minutes for the past seventeen operation councils..." she goes on for some time, pointing out all the inconsistencies in the paperwork.

[Kaptin Keen]

It is two weeks of warp travel. It's not bad, as warp travel goes. Sure, shadows on the walls seem menacing, the light seems off somehow, there are strange sounds when awake, and weird nightmares when asleep - but all in all, this is a peaceful trip through the warp. Perhaps quiet before the storm.

On arrival, sensors reach out across the system, mapping planets and asteroids, establishing contact with outposts, Imperial traffic control, and so on. Your navigator plots a course for Weber, and engages main plasma engines. It'll be another couple of days to get there.

The system has seven inhabited colonies. Weber, obviously, isn't the primary one. That dubious honor goes to Coal, a scalding hot planet close to the sun, but just barely inside what might be considered the 'habitable zone'.

Spoiler: OOC

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In case you're interested:

Three planets show habitation, but only one - Coal - has a breathable atmosphere. The remaining 4 habitations are 3 asteroids and one space station.

The space station is a combined trade and transit hub, and Imperial outpost. It has a tiny complement of minor Imperial vessels - frigates, corvettes, system ships.

Weber is a large asteroid. It has a small spaceport, large topside facilities, and endless warrens of subterranean tunnels and chambers. It is a composite affair: What is mined here is metal and rare compounds - but the asteroid is riddled with pockets of volatile gasses. These are also mine ... but carefully.

[boj0]

Jarn was mostly keeping to himself during the trip, ship travel never sat well with him, not that he would voice that concern. When it is announced that they are approaching their destination he will meet up with the rest of the team to go over the briefing.
Between his distance from the squad the slicked back hair and groomed mustache that marks him as spending far too much time as a pleasure world liason, and his habit of lazily sipping recaf while leaning against walls, he easily comes across as unlikable.

[DrK]

Trooper Plex

Plex looks over the data as the excited Penny explains her find. Plex claps her on the back, "Impressive work Penny. Emperor be praised. I had missed that connection. But..." he pauses, a hand resting on the gun at "What do we do with that information?" Glancing around the room he looks to the rest of the team for their opinion. "It looks like the Mine Governer is involved, the law is probably compromised as well. Shall we investigate the shaft?"

He glances around, considering the options between the full carapace or a more subtle mesh vest underneath the trench coat. "Do we go in subtle or hard with the investigation? But keep away from Vordekamp until we have additional evidence?"

[LairdMaon]

Priest Dan De'Lion

"I am very impressed, Sister Penny. Vordekamp sounds like quite the character. Would it be wise to speak to him as we begin our investigation? Could be worth it for getting a feel for his immediate environment " He turns to regard Patrol Officer Plex, "I think we can take for granted that this will come to armed conflict. I'm wondering if I can gain your assistance in requisitioning more appropriate gear."

[Novabomb]

Phil Vega enjoyed the ship voyage, it was like a slice of home.
I think that depends on the welcoming party. If we get a clerk, subtle. If we get an ambush, hard. And if no one shows up, we head straight for the shaft before the governor notices we are here.

[Kaptin Keen]

Eventually, the tiny traffic tower at Weber spaceport hails you:

This is Weber control calling ship on approach. Please state your identity and reason for visiting.

[dojango]

"One final thought before we say hello... we could always claim to be a Mechanicus inspection team takin' a look at the mining equipment, makin' sure inspection protocols are carried out. Very subtle. I know that the bossman frowns on subtlety... blah blah, you are the fist of the emperor, Pensacola, not some two-bit throne agents skulking around, so you need to go in straight-backed and proud, blah blah... but on the other hand, he's not here, is he?" she says, making a chattering hand speak in a deep voice, like that of the judge.

[boj0]

"A subtle approach is often prudent, however I can't say I'd make a good Mechanicus agent; and a bluff that easily seen through will immediately put the suspects on the defensive and send guilty parties hiding. If we are to scatter roaches, I'd prefer to do it from the start and put the screws to those left in the light, at least until we find out who is actually guilty."

[Janwin]

Having finally finished her repairs and maintenance work on the Cyber-mastiff technically dubbed "Rho-Epsilon-Xeta-314", or "Rex", Fenria finally joins the others on the bridge of the small Arbites vessel with the robotic hound at her side.

Dressed in the red robes of the Adeptus Mechanicus which cover her flack jacket, she probably could pass for a tech adept. The shotgun and the presence of the others, however, would be unusual.

"I must agree; you would make a poor agent of the Cult of Mars. We may not have the opportunity for subtlety in this investigation; it is unlikely that these colonies have many visitors, let alone visitors wishing to snoop around. Thus, it may be most prudent to simply begin our investigation by looking exactly where it seems people do not want people to look."

[Kaptin Keen]

Inbound ship. Please respond, or our fully automated defence turrets will assume you have hostile intentions, and open fire.

The voice of the traffic tower Controller - previously bored - now has taken on a slight edge.

[dojango]

"Fine, fine. I always like meetin' new people, let's say hello to these chaps." She flips on the comm channel. "Hey there! This is special Arbite task force ship The Gavel! Since firing on an Arbite ship is treason, I'm pretty sure that threatening to fire on an Arbites ship is, ya know, light treason! So cool yer jets and set up a dockin' bay and an official reception for us, wouldya?"

[LairdMaon]

Priest Dan De'Lion

The priest busies himself cleaning up the amasec he'd been drinking from the wall where it sprayed.
From his nose.

[Novabomb]

Phil Vega frowns at the disparagement of the judge but keeps his mouth shut.

Once the decision has been made, and the com off.

Perhaps a more serious tone would be appropriate if we are providing true credentials. It would not do to have faith in the Arbites diminished.

[DrK]

Trooper Plex

The trooper grins slightly at the casual tone on the response. "Aye, thrones sake, that'll scare them." He nods and sends their ships code and identity to the Weber Space Defence control.

"Aye, I agree with you Fenria. We should arrive as the fist of the Empire. We are Arbites, upholders of Imperial Law. They can assist us or face the Emperor's justice.

[Kaptin Keen]

Hey - you only had to say it.

Arbites Task Force ship, The Gavel, please proceed to docking bay 2. Refuel and refit services are available at nominal fees. Be sure to visit the Arcade on level 4 of the colony, for all your shopping needs.

I have notified station management and security of your arrival.

Once proper identification is supplied, the tower acts pretty much as any privately run traffic control would.

[LairdMaon]

Priest Dan De'Lion

"Trooper Plex, do you think you'd be willing to help me out with requisitions? I'd rather not be the weak link due to the equipment I carry."

[boj0]

"I figured a man of your vocation would declare we need naught but faith and will; however I'm partial to dispensing justice with 10 gauge shells. "