"Open a channel to the ships, ask them for intent and destinstion, and captain make us ready to manouver away if needed"

Vox: "To unidentified sprint trader: In the Name of the God-Emperor of Mankind. Stand down and identify or face the just and boundless wrath of the Adeptus Terra". Vox operator: "Signed Adeptus Astartes Strike Cruiser Ignorance is Bliss. Her transponder signal matches the one in our databanks Rogue Trader Sir."

"Send my Inqusitorial codes, then repeat our last transmision, then inform them that there is or was a dark eldar war ship here not long ago "

The other ships are about 10 light-minutes out, so there is a considerable communications lag.

Vox operator: "I have a reply from the cruiser Inquisitor Sir. For your eyes only." He steps away from the console. Haxtes isn't really in a condition to move much. So Jax goes over, punches the hard-copy rune and brings it over. It is a message from the cruiser all right. Asking for a situational update. Signed Inquisitor Soldevan. Reading between the lines you realize that you should reply - and include something that would not be known outside Soldevan's little band.

" Inquisitor soldevan, All Xeno`s are hunted down here, what you came for is in our posesion, glad you are not hunting me this time"

All the while the four ships are continuing to close, eventually flipping over to point their sterns towards you to decelerate. As the distance decreases communication becomes easier. And the four grey blips turn into one Astartes Strike Cruiser and three Imperial Navy Sword Class Frigates. Enough firepower to blow any eldar vessel out of the void. It feels somehow reassuring to see all those millions of tonnes of metal and death - knowing that they are on YOUR side. Soldevan is requesting an update on the situation ON ACREAGE. He is specifically asking for signs of alien infestation. He's glad to hear about the item, but that'snot really why he is here. He is hunting xenos, acting upon leads provided by his sources.

" Yes there are xeno there, we have lost contact, planing too go down there soon, if you want I`L give you a update from planet"

Up from one of his searches of sub-levels to report yet another lost crewman - this one garroted while his partner was focusing momentarily on lighting his Lho-stick - Jebediah limps closer. "Ask the bugger over for a fox-hunt," he remarks dryly as he flips the bloody ID-tag of the dead man towards Haxtes, clearly having overheard the last part. "He wants xenos? He can bloody well have ours - the pest got away again. And I thought I almost had him this time." Jeb snorts. "I'm taking a few of the newbloods for another run in an hour. Might as well see what they can do - and if they have just an ounce of a fighter in them, they'll be rearing for an opportunity to avenge their dead mates. Plus it'll give our own boys some R&R..." he pauses "... and unless the cog-boy fears for the life of the machinery down there, I'm bringing a flamer this time. See if I can cook myself some foreign cousine, eh?"

"Just get them dead, before the inquisitor gets here. Soldevan is old school. And Jeb - the heretics and xenos may not know, but they should sleep a lot less soundly with you roaming after them "

Catching that eldar proves almost impossible - but you're finally able to pinpoints its location within a certain area of the ship's utility spaces. Rather than waste more time and lives you douse the area with an unhealthy amount of burning promethium. A few hours later you dig the eldar out - not dead from asphyxiation, but more or less cocked alive inside his armour.

Soldevan arrives aboard the Maiden to hear your report, get the sword, check on the remnants of his team, all sorts of reasons. The main launch bay is out of commission, and there are no auxiliary bays large enough to take his Thunderhawk, and so he's forced to make an external docking. Soldevan comes aboard with a small retinue consisting of some of his personal Guardsmen, a few savants and servitors, plus a 10-strong squad of Deathwatch Marines led by Brother-Chaplain Ivanov and Chief Librarian Kaminsky. Who greets them?

(Soldevan is a inquisitor in good standing he dont need reasons too board a ship :)) Haxtes and Jax is there to welcome the Inquisitor aboard, no honor guard as there are not that many troops left on the Maiden. When Soldevan steps on too the maiden Haxtes has informed Jax too greet him with the following words: "Welcome Inquisitor Soldevan, Me, my crew and vessel is fully at the throne and your command" Haxtes to Soldevan: "Greetings Inquisitor, welcome on board the Maiden."

Jebediah suggests that Parsifal be among the small greeting-party. He looks every bit like a crusading warrior and servant of the inquisition with his angelic features and strong frame. As for Jeb himself, he knows enough about his own lack of social grace to realize that he doesn't exactly strike that kind an image, so he's content with taking a bit of rest in his quarters or in the training-rooms until he's needed.

Good Idea, Parsifal can stand there and look pious, cant hurt really

Haxtes, as senior Inquisitional representative aboard (save one interrogator in artificial coma down in the medicae-bay) has to be there. Jax instructs a servitor to take him. The gun servitor hovers obediently after him. Parsifal changes out of his bloody chirurgeon outfit and joins him. Soldvan's magnificent suit of armour has been repaired. With the Marines flanking him he looks every bit the Inquisitor portrayed by the Officio Publicus (the entity in charge of official Imperial propaganda). "Greetings Haxtes, it is good to be aboard. If there is somewhere private we can go? Kaminsky and myself need an update on the situation. Ivanov will see to the physical and moral security of the vessel while we are aboard - including access to the ship's systems for my servants. I trust that is agreeable?"

"Inquisitor, it is most agreeable. We can go to the top lounge it gives a magnificent view and is most private, this way please." Haxtes turns to Parsifal: "Parsifal, please inform Jeb and the tech priests that Inquisitor Soldevan and Deathwatch Astartes has security and is to be given full access of all systems." Haxtes leads the guests to the top lounge.

Soldevan is politely impressed by the observation deck - he has probably seen much bigger, but the Maiden's lounge is actually quite nice (after it was refurnished following the unfortunate 'incident'). He takes a seat. He does not partake in anything. Kaminsky remains standing, gazing into the void with blind eyes. "The short version first if you please. Once the enemy has been defeated you can go over it in more detail with my savants - if it is necessary. What happened aboard the Twilight? Where is Trempan. What about his objective? And what do you know of the situation on the planet?!"

" My team and Trempans team meet aboard the hulk, fighting of dark eldar, we joined forces and made our way too the black-ship. We found the lost Inquisitor, sword and all. The dark eldar attacked and some of us battled them wile your team was bringing the body up, Forden and a adamantine case is gone. Forden blow up the bulk head and left killing Lady D, Castilas and Molochan. Trempan is in a coma in the med bay. We were not that many left at the time and we did not go after Forden, we secured the body and the relic, that was my call. After returning here your rouge trader ship came towards us, they were under attack by Dark eldar and destroyed them self when the ship was lost. We took care of the dark eldar that boarded us, and I bi live the Maidens lances hit the eldar a few times and took out the mimick field, they then cut and run. As for the planet, there are signs of xeno activity but not on a scale that merits a response like this, but things may have changed. We have one man on the ground Maxi, he had orders too join us up here and not to make a move on hes own. But we have heard nothing from him. That can be a problem, Maxi is not a team player and a glory hound, you remember Maxi dont you the abrites your boys rough up. well, That is for Tancreds cadre too sort out in house. There is a lot more details to be told, I`l make a comprehensive report when this is over"

Soldevan: "Forden at traitor to the Emperor? He was Trempan's man of course, but I must say he had me fooled too. That does not happen very often. Did he work with the eldar raiders or on for another agency? The Inquisition shall have to look into this... A case you say? Any idea what was inside it? The sword is quite priceless. Its power, antiquity and purity makes it invaluable in the hands of the Maelleus Daemonhunters. At any rate, we must attend the situation on the planet. The Ordo Xenos has been tracking the Slaught threat to this sub-sector for quite some time now, and my agents recently had something of a breakthrough with regards to their infiltration of Acreage. That was also Trempan's main objective - the hulk and the sword was a very unexpected event. I fear that this city - Orlankan - might be the site of a major incursion. Fortunately we are here now and we are most ideally equipped to deal with it. The Ignorance will move into low orbit and conduct a full-scale strike drop on the city. It will give us more data to work with. The naval escort will provide top cover in case any slaught vessels are present - we know little of their naval capabilities, except that they utilize voidship in a manner similar to other starfaring xenos.

" I`m not sure about Forden, he may have been killed by the eldar and replaced with one of there infiltrators or he sold out I`m not sure. As for the case we have no idea but it is clear that the eldar was after the case and nothing else."

Kaminsky: "I can feel their presence more clearly - they have revealed their presence and are feasting upon the city. The Emperor has revealed this to me - there is no doubt. We should move quickly so that we come across the terminator and strike them before their slither away from our righteous fury." Soldevan: "Very well, see to it. Remember that our aim is to secure sample, gather intelligence. If the city is heavily infested we will burn it from orbit. Haxtes, we will need vox channels and encryption to reach you man on the ground. He might provide us with additional intelligence."

"We are hailing him every 10 min, I`l have Venus send the codes too your ship "

Soldevan returns to the Astartes ship along with Librarian Kaminsky. The Chaplain and his squad remain on board - to make sure nothing unwanted happens. The quintet of Imperial ships have now arrived above Acreage - the strike cruiser drops low to deliver its cargo of death to the surface while the Navy frigates hang back to provide support and prevent any enemy ships from interfering. The Maiden is somewhere in between, in a medium-altitude orbit that gives her a good view, without being in harms way. You've yet to get contact with Maxi on the ground, but you finally get a break in the form of contact with the remaining shuttle. The pilot informs you that he was ordered to bail out with the payment when things started to go to hell in Orlankan - he was supposed to go to Emperor's Island, but there were xenos there too. And when he tried to go back to Orlankan he got nothing but static on the vox and was nearly shot down by some weird greenish beams. So he headed out to sea and set down on a small island, not wanting to risk the Rogue Trader's treasure (good man). He still has fuel to make the run into orbit - he didn't want to do that before since he couldn't raise the Maiden.

Too Shuttle: " Good job, now get up here and refuel "

The shuttle crew no doubt appreciates the praise from their 'Inquisitor'. So while the drop-pods and Thunderhawks and whatnot of the Astartes come crashing down from above, a lone vessel lifts off and ascends into the heavens, where it is greeted by the Maiden and directed into the dorsal auxiliary bay. Since the Astartes are tied into the ship's systems there is no way to avoid them knowing (not that you were planning anything of the sort). They have a 5-man battle squad ready with flamers and melta guns - in case there is some xenos infestation aboard. Fortunately there is not. The pilot, the co-pilot and the tech-adept are all alive and well. And the shuttle is filled with all manner of goodies; for once Maxi has done something worthwhile - he has continued collecting payment for the guns! Figures - the man is anally pedantic when it comes to laws and rules...seems it also applies to commerce contracts. You get a more detailed report from the ground, but most of it you already know or suspect. The crew is also a little apprehensive about how they will be received; they are probably fearful that their little solo flight might be perceived as desertion. The pilot tries to pass it off as concern for the cargo...but Haxtes gets a sense that an element of fear may have been involved... He was SUPPOSED to go to Emperor's Island to warn them, then return...but ended up hiding somewhere else entirely...so either the pilot is a man of integrity and cunning both, or he's a cowardly bastard. Whatever he is he HAS managed to deliver the payment - perhaps that is enough...

The Pilot is not the problem. There was supposed too be a excuse for a agent on board the shuttle...there is no agent aboard. We have dead crew and more wounded agents because of that idiot and hes anti- teamwork attitude. Too Pilot: " Dont worry about your actions boys, you did the right thing. When the agent abandoned you. you saved the shuttle and cargo- we will handle the fighting, you handle the flying - go rest up, we may need the shuttle before long"

The shuttle crew goes to grab some rest and food. The treasure is unloaded - its probably more than enough to cover the agreed-upon sum. It all depends on how you dispose of the valuables - to the right fence...eh, broker...some of the items could net you a nice bonus. Ivanov to Haxtes: "Soldevan reports the strike force has landed and made contact with the enemy. It is the slaught. A major incursion that threatens to engulf the entire city. Vox communications are difficult due to xeno-tech interference, but Chief Librarian Kaminsky is relaying psychically through Epistolary Bukarin aboard the Ignorance. The Inquisitor requests that Inquisitor Tancred's representative carry the Holy Light of Terra to Emperor's Island - as the only Imperial Enclave on Acreage it is imperative that it does not fall to the enemy."

Too soldevan: "Tancred cadre hears and obeys" Too Shuttle crew and venus:" Meet in bay immediately " As soon as they are ready we drop too the island

OOC: There are always multiple ways of seeing things; that's all...besides, those that aspire to the lofty rank of Explicator must deal with all manner of people and situations - including acolytes that have too much imitative, too little, or who are borderline heretical. The joys of command :-P IC: So what it the reply for the Inquisitor?

By the time the shuttle has been turned around (meaning made ready for lunch) the crew is back and ready. They have had time for a quick rest and some food. Now it is back into the breech once more! Who is coming with Haxtes? You don't HAVE to bring Venus - the drone can perform its duties without direct supervision (albeit less ably). Basically just float behind Haxtes, protect him from any enemies and keep feeding him fluids - it actually looks pretty intimidating!

As soon as Jebediah gets a whiff of some surface action, and possibly just the teeniest hint of plunder.. eh... "requisitioning of Imperial property", he readily kicks together a small band of ratings and offers to follow Haxtes down on the planet. Making sure Parsifal is among the people readying himself, he approaches Haxtes and nudges him off to the side to speak with him. "Parsifal is from down there, mate. Chances are he'll be of some help in negotiation across the compound, but we best make sure he doesn't go on some righteous rampage... without backup at least. As for me? Give me some place to dig in, and some guys to kick around, and I'll set up a defense that'll rival old man Dorn's works on holy Terra, sure as sure..."

Then Haxtes goes with the drone as suport, haxtes will stay cloaked and do move fire and the drone will draw atention. (- Tech priests I belive Haxtes sums up Tancreds cadre on the maiden)

"How can I say no to a pretty face like yours Jeb? :)"

Jeb mutters something about not asking, not telling, and hurries off to prepare.

With the treasure out of the shuttle there is room enough for all of you. The ride down is a little on the bumpy side - the angle of approach isn't ideal, but you gotta work with what you've got - and a few rating who aren't used to that kind of treatment decide to throw up. Fortunately gravity grabs most of it and you're spared from being vomit-showered. Emperor's Island has been the site of some sort of battle - there is visible battle damage and fires are raging in several sections. other than that it looks quiet now. The pilot (who seems to have taken on a paranoid streak) spins the shuttle around and used the main drives to scorch the landing pad before setting down. In the back you wonder what the hell is going on - but once the ramp drops and you see the mass of scorched worms...good man that pilot!

Ordering two men out at a jog to secure the area immediately outside the ramp, Jebediah strides down the ramp, the promethium-tank of the flamer he carries sloshing with each step. Once he's certain that there isn't a swarm of wriggling things heading in the general direction of the shuttle nods and gathers the ragtag band of inquisitorial henchmen and ratings, ready to set out.

The fight for Emperor's Island is a tough one. You encounter several more of Soldevan's 'Slaught' - horrific masses of wormlike things armed with foul xenotech that can turn a man into a rotting carcass in moments. There are also some of their biomechanical constructs - the same strange floating masses of fleshy and forbidden technology encountered in Orlankan by Maxi and Rabilias' men. A tough fight indeed. But not all the inhabitants of Emperor's Island are dead, and when you come to offer resistance they step forth to throw their assailants back into the black sea. The Imperial Enclave is recovered, albeit at great cost. Then as you strand triumphant over the burning corpse of a Slaught Overseer within the shattered shell of the command section you witness another abomination - a great black shape rises from the deaths. A xenos vessel of a design so alien that the mind is pained by its very presence. As it turns its guns to bear on you a bolt of lighting strikes from the heavens - the God-Emperor smiting His enemies. Through the remaining demi-lance aboard the Maiden... In Orlankan the situation is not so good. The enemy is about in numbers. Slaught Infiltrators and Overseers. Numerous Slaught Constructs, including voidships rising from the murky swamps surrounding the city. They have planned long for this and do not intend to leave any man alive. The Deathwatch cannot hope to retake the city as easily as they did the Cathedral. They might yet hold the enemy at bay, but the cost will be high. With their primary mission completed - reconnaissance - they are ordered to withdraw. The Angels of Death are most merciful - whatever Imperial Citizens are alive within their zone of control that can make it aboard a Thunderhawk is offered a chance at a second life. Then, under the cover of the guns of the Ignorance is Bliss the strike force leaves Orlankan to its fate. Above the frigates of the Navy are busy fending of the dark shapes of Slaught voidships. Not defeating them, just keeping them at bay while the Marines pull out. Navy fighter squadrons are in air and space, providing cover and intercepting enemy small-craft. A battle like none ever witnessed on this world. As the Imperial force breaks orbit the Slaught breaks of pursuit - to return to feast upon the City of Orlankan. Only to learn that the Empire does not abandon its own to the mercies of aliens. Within the bowels of the Cathedral a single Marine remains - his flesh a mass of sickly rot and corruption. A victim of slaught firepower. He lies on top of massive metal case, like the corpse of a hero arrayed on a bier. When he is certain that the enemy is near, when he can hear them slithering inside His holy temple - he pushes the trigger strapped to his remaining hand. Beneath him the might nova warhead, forged on Holy Mars, awakes... The flash from the explosion can be seen even beyond the horizon - out at Emperor's Island it is like a second sun rising above Orlankan. Then thunder follows, strong enough to drive men to their knees, ears bleeding. Then great waves, like a tsunami, strikes Emperor's Island - some of the weaker parts are broken apart and swallowed by the waters, but the bulk of the station remains - cleansed of filthy and corruption. Victory!

(a slight tribute to Space Marines and the newly released Deathwatch game)