and Maxis :) We keep moving forward

The drone starts scouting ahead while the rest of you follow. It's quite the little crowd: - You've still got eight guards left to you (one sporting an old injury from the skyship). - And the acolytes of course (Haxte, Maxi, Azhmut, Venus) - Mesiunus the astropath - Seven staff members - Admiral Malokov - Elizaveta, his fiance - His flag lieutenant - His personal adjutant, a navy captain - The adjutant's assitant, and ensign - Two midshipmen - Five naval armsmen - His valet

Question: You've bought a lot of crap, and some things not-so-crap. Obviously you can't drag around stuff like furniture etc., but what about more portable stuff? Charters of trade, the deed to the spire, that sort of thing? You're not very far form your quarters, but it a slight detour if you're really heading outside.

Venus go by our rooms I need too make a pick up or two

The trip is largely uneventful; Maxi and the team cleared the way and those Mourners that remained have finished their slaughter and moved on. So you arrive at the apartment and head inside (leaving a strong guard of course). Someone has hung a portrait of Parsifal on your wall.

Admiral Malokov: "If we can get outside I may be able to get a signal to the fleet. Then we can have shuttles with armsmen on the ground in no time. Clear out this wretched place."

Bring the small stuff, titles , deeds Haxtes bag ( Venus cares that) Haxtes takes a few granades and stuffs hes game board in the bag small odds and ends.

"Lets move out and see if we cant get a transmission off to the Admirals flag ship, If you can use him fell free to make use of my astropath admiral "

Before we take our leave of the room Haxtes stops, Blood of my blood it spoke and now mt only picture a half made painting of Haarlock locks like Pars....must be warp craft and we cant have that now can we...no we cant. Haxtes turns around draws hes power blade and carves the painting into little pieces making sure they are destroyed ( fire if needed) if it was a focus for Haarlock it is no more and if it was just a picture of Pars well then Haxtes will get him a brand new high tech photo. (OOC: Sorry about turning back time but as the story had not moved on hope its ok)

Not a problem; since it doesn't really change anything or impact any other player.

(Helpfully, respecting protocol and titles.) Maxi point out a route to the docks where the sky-ship 'Cygnan Martyr' still may be docked. "Sirs, the whole area are locked down with the perimeter voidshields active. By the docks and by the sky-ship we can establish secured ground landing area. And from there we can either break out or move out." (OOC: 'Sirs', may not be the correct titles. If not correct, please insert correct titles.)

Ah well did not expect it too have a good effect, thats why no bullets were wasted :)

Retracing your steps you leave the carnage of the now-deserted private quarters behind you, pass through the Garden of Lost Saints and some other lesser areas, before reaching the colonnade that is the Entrance Hall. Here you'll find corridors and portals leading to adjacent rooms and structures, places that used to house the Administratum and IG contingents, plus their stores. Now the place looks like a battlefield. There are dead guardsmen, dead mourners, destroyed servitors, and some civilians (not very many). No xenos though. And the fighting seems to be over. Since there are guardsmen, live ones, manning various points its safe to assume that they were the winning side. They track you, but they don't shoot you or try to stop you. Oh, and the great outer doors stand ajar. You can both see that glare and hear the crackle of an active void shield.

Then we take a short stop too get information from the guards, Informing them of the threat from below and setting in motion construction of fire points too keep the xeno at bay when they come. Our second priority is to get outside and see if we can contact our people in orbit and \ or make our way too the ship and see if we need too take out the shield too get out. If we need too take out the shield our first way if possible is lance fire from orbit too overload it. If we need too take out the generator then we need every guardsman and make a swift strike for it.

If you make contact with the IG you are quickly directed to their leader, Captain Drustos. He's in his dress uniform, only its torn and scorched and bloody (not his blood though). His service rifle is gilded and has a bloody long silvered bayonet attached, but otherwise looks quite functional. IG captain, making a snappy salute that reeks a bit of hive-born scum: "Sirs. Drustos, captain, commanding officer, Bravo company, Necromundan 13224th, at you service. As you can see we suppressed a Mourner attack and is now setting up a defensive perimeter in case those blasted xenos show up here. The main entrance is open, but I'd advice against going outside. There is a powerful void shield in place and defensive turrets are active - they keep shooting people who stick their noses out. Had a whole bunch of survivors go out there and get their brains blown out."

Pause. "Sirs."

Haxtes shakes the captains hand and gives him a warm smile. "Right thank you captain I see that Necromunda is ready as always too stand tall against the filth that treatens us all-wery good. We need too set up a strong defence here and then we need too get my magos too the power generator. Now You and your lads will hold here toghter with the Admiral and hes arms men and a few of my guards and I will take a few off my shoters and go take out the generator-not a bad deal for you at all captain yes? What I need from you is auto cannon ammo lots of ammo. Other than that I can think of nothing other than the old maxim the emperor protects and necromunda fight allways Captain" If Haxtes can get ammo for the drone then he intends too take azmuth, venus and maxi armed too the teeth / we are going too blow shit up)and go take out the genartaor. servants and astropath stay here under the protection of my friend the admiral. Haxtes will look too him as a man of honnor too hold here untill we return ( and get reinformets as soon as the turrets and shildes are down)

Captain Drustos: "The power generator are down below Sir, in the lower sub-levels. Don't know exactly where. Haven't gotten any schematics. Never was important before now. Some form of geo-thermal I heard someone say...an Adept...Mayweather I think his name was...siphons energy from the magma below. Sounded a little excessive at the time, for a morgue I mean, but now it makes more sense. That shield is a powerful as any Necromundan defense grid. We also have very little in terms of guns and ammo. Just service rifles and whatever ammo we have on our persons. Honor guard duty see - that's why we're in the dress blacks, have sprayed the guns with gold and screwed on these ridiculous bayonets."

" Ah well Captain we will just have too make do with what we have then...you get working on the defences right now I dont know how far behind us the xeno are"

Haxtes first plan is too get help via astropath, holding our position if needed Venus and Haxtes can help boost hes signal and the Admiral can give him the right pass codes too make it work.

The captain will continue to hold this position, also for the benefit of any survivors that may find their way here. He also try to scrounge up some more guns and ammo, but there doesn't seem to be much of it around. The astropath boost is a fair idea. Too bad you don't have more psykers. That light-witch from the Auditorium would have been nice. It takes a little time to arrange before it works, but in the end your holding hands (I'm assuming a little out of the way for privacy). Messinus has gotten the correct encryption key from the admiral, so that part is good. The signal goes out, and you can feel Messinus struggling to break through the interference and make contact with the waiting minds above. Were he anything by an astropath this would not have worked - but he is. Blessed by the God-Emperor to transmit and receive singles across light-years of distance. This is a few hundred klicks, a void shield and some psychic interference. After a few minute he opens his eyes: "I have made contact with the fleet as ordered. They have denied any rescue attempt. The island has been quarantined. Inquisition's orders. No one may approach or depart the island. I am sorry. It seems we are doomed.

" I`l tell you when you are doomed Messinus untill that time we live and we are doing fuking fine is that cleare ?- if you are asked what the omens are for this venture you will say that a great imperial victory will be had here- even beter you will pretend too do a reading and Then you will say that for all too hear and you beter make a good show off it" "Venus, as soon as this show is done we go for the generator"

After the most fortunate reading of the tarot, and taking a last tour of the defenses, working out pass words and the like, wishing the defenders good luck and imploring them too hold fast the team set of lead by Azhmut and Venus\ exgundrone-now-scoutdrone. The master plan is not too go too the reactor but Haxtes does not speak of this until we are under way. The plan is get too the control room first and see if we can get access codes for the turrets and shields. (And as a bonus take over internal defense and give the Xenos a taste of servitor guns ) If that fails then we have no other options than taking out the power.

Azhmut has been running auspex scans since you first arrive and his diligence now pays of - he's fairly sure (in the 97%+ department) that he's worked out where the main control nexus is located. And with the info you got from Mayweather he's even plotted a likely route there. So off you go. Well away from the others, but still not very far you are hailed by a female voice. Elizaveta Krin comes a running. She doesn't ask to be included in your little group, she just lets herself in :) She has discarded her formal gown somewhere, going instead in a nondescript black mesh suit. Haxtes has one not entirely dissimilar. She has two laspistols in a shoulder rig. Very ornate, hand-grips of carved bone. To top it off she's grabbed a Mourner staff. "I told my dear I had to lie down for a litte while."

" Happy too have you here we follow Azhmut and venus scouts with drone just fall inn" Haxtes will keep a close eye on her, yes he thinks that a close eye is in order. Too All: " Lets head of and see what we can see, I wager a shiny throne that our Mr Mayweather is there hes just the sort of slime that strikes me as a man who knows were too hide" Haxtes gives a small laugh "unlike us that is "

Maxi is waiting, maul and assault-shotgun at the ready and Sweetness holsted.

Haxtes drops back next too miss Krin and whisper too her. " I don`t know a lot about close fighting, just what little my dear brother has told me and schooled me, I`m not a good student, prefer range, but I`m well versed inn the good life, you know wine, music, women and you seem awful good at fighting for someone that has lived the good life, perhaps a few words too explain just too put my troubled mind at rest"

Elizaveta: "I'm not a trained soldier, if that is what you mean. My father taught me how to shoot and the master-at-arms taught me some things, but I was only an indifferent student. It never seemed important. ...later I never had the opportunity. Not until I spent some time with the Eldar after my escape. They were both thankful - I think, hard to tell with xenos, didn't kill me at least - and a bit indecisive." Pause. "They had this very weird notion that they needed to talk about everything, at great length. They had leaders, but they seemed to have little power. So while I waited I did some training. Enough to get by I suppose." Smile. "But I do hit hard. Got a right good swing." She says, twirling the power staff around a bit.

You make your way without incident, passing through many a dusty and dark corridor and hall. Venus reports that the scout drone has picked up activity in the vicinity of the control room. Multiple heavily armed men, humans - and not mourners. You don't recognize them from the auction.

Just a little traing from the eldar, thats nice she must be a natural then :) "Maxi you go inn and ask them too stand down in the name of the law,and try and make them see that they need too hand over the control rom. If that fails then start shooting, I`l roll in and go for the right side you take out the senter Maxi. Elizaveta if you can shot too the left And dont hit the machines we will need them" " But give it your best shoot maxi, we dont need a fire fight now"

Maxi silently nods acceptance to Haxtes request. Maxi moves in at the other group for a initial parlay. (Before he reach clear shooting distance he shouts out a greeting.) "Master at Arms of the Rouge Trader vessel: Maiden of Golgenna coming in, please stand down for mutual identification and passing through."

There are at least twenty soldiers guarding the control room - all packing at least medium armour and service rifles of various sorts. One even has a melta-gun. There is definitively no way this group was present at the auction. One of the guards heads into the control room to relay the message while the rest remain where they are, watching. After a short while the guard returns. "The master wants to see you. Just make sure you keep your distance - and you hands away from your weapons. We don't want any monkey business." So I guess you head inside. There you see Tobias Belasco (or maybe it's his look-alike, had to tell) and several more people, tech-priests by the looks of them and their gear, and a couple of weird-looking xenos - weird in the sense that they look like a cross between big apes and avians, feathers and shit included. Tobias (lookalike?): "Mr. Guilliman. To what do I owe this pleasure?"

Haxtes smiles at him, marking every man, women and xeno`s position in the the room. If this is TB then he sees before him a man who has no fear of him and hes flock, a predator , whom is at peace with life and death. "Ah greetings too you and blessings upon your enterprise here, you owe the pleasure of this visit due too the fact that some mindless cretin has a shield and a few guns out side the doors. I have an appointment in orbit with a rather feisty young thing...mmm makes my mouth water just picturing the deed.... alas on too businesses... and the nasty old shield and the even nastier guns are controlled from this room. So I`m here too set my self and my servants free from this rock.....And pray why are you here?"

"Our reasons are much the same Rogue Trader. My men are also seeking to open a way out. But that old devil has made it difficult." He nods towards his tech-priests. "From what they tell me the systems are proving most difficult, possessed by cursed spirits. One wrong move and we risk destabilizing the geothermal core." He turns to one of the priests, who replies for him. "Then the magma chamber will loose containment and we'll see a major release of lava into the House. With predictably fatal results."

" I have a techie that can help out if you all need a hand" Send too Venus: " use drone find Mayweather, send maxi too pick him up alive" Too Azmuth: " See if you cant help them with the system"

Azhmut: "I am so looking forward to working with xenos and hereteks, the Machine God will be so pleased with me." Tobias: "Do I sense a degree of irony and sarcasm in your tech-priest? Very rare to find one with a sense of humor. Here is a comlink with my personal frequency; use it if you need to get in touch." Then you leave the control room, the drone zipping ahead. Do you have an idea where you might find Mayweather? According to Jeb he was quite frightened, so it makes sense he's holed up as far away from everything as possible. Venus: "It would appear that several security doors have already been opened. It makes movement much easier for us - and any other creatures that might be about. Caution might be in order." Maxi: "I have movement, eyeball contact, three o'clock, twenty meters. Single human." Venus: "I have nothing on auspex. He must be shielded." Magyar Marshrek (from down the corridor, his solid projectile hunting rifle cradled in his arms): "So there are more people about. I had thought you all fled? You haven't by any chance seen the alluring Octavia Nile skulking about. He has something that belongs to me - and I'm not talking about peaches."

"Greetings, yes there are some of the living about, not a lot seems dead is the fashion today, we have not seem Nile, we are looking for a adept a mr. Mayweather he is needed in the control room"

Magyar Marshrek: "I will trade you his location - he is alive and hiding - if you agree to supply me with information regarding Ms. Nile, should you come across any. Do we have an accord Mr. Guilliman?"

"We have an accord, always happy too help "

Magyar Marshrek: "Then you must go up and up and up. There is a secret chamber above the Auditorium dome. from there you can look not up into the sky, but down into it - it' very weird. It is very well hidden, but I will give you some directions." Marshrek recounts how to find the room and you set out.

You reach the hidden chamber without incident. If the xenos are on the prowl they have not yet reached this part - and the Mourners, if any are left, are nowhere to be seen. The chamber is marvelous. From below you can look up at the dome overhead and see this magnificent and enormous painting of Calixis. Only it's not really a painting. It's a massive hololitich display seen though a perfectly polished crysteel lens. A hololitich display in which you are now standing. Stars and planets and nebulae are swirling about your feet - there is Scintilla, almost close enough to reach out and touch. Mayweather is here also, sitting cross-legged on the floor, starring down. Down into the Auditorium. Peering down upon the small figures down there, like a god watching his worshipers.

" Mr Mayweather, we need too talk together and we need to talk now" Haxtes walks over very carefully ready for foul play

Locutor Mayweather: "The xenos are out. I think someone let them out. Opened all the auxiliary accesses. Now they are all over the place. The Mourners are here, hiding. And we are here, trapped by the shield. We're all going to die you know." Down below Maxi can see small figures entering the Auditorium. They are packing heavy firepower. The few xenos that remain are quickly dealt with using strong lights to draw their attention and then - blam blam blam.

"Its the shield we need too talk about, some good people say that you helped hook them up to the thermal vents and now we are going too get that shield down and leave...so get up come on"

Mayweather: "What? Me? Hooking up the shields?" Near-hysterical laughter. "Why would I want to do that!? And even if I wanted to - I wouldn't know how. Tech-use was never my forte." Scared little shivers. "Whomever said that didn't know what he was talking about or he was lying." Whimpering sounds. "It was a trap. Laid long about by that damned Haarlock. Whatever we do we are doomed to die." Soft crying.

" You are coming with us, no use siting her and blubber away now is there, we are not dead until we stand in front of the throne and no Haarlock , living, dead or stroking hes cock in the warp will change that, so get the fuck up and help us get out or I`l send you screaming before the throne my self" Haxtes speaking semi out loud: " What is with everybody, all big shots, might power full men.... crying and dead this and dead that, oh doomed lets not forget doomed"

Maxi: "It's Tobias Belasco's crew. They are retrieving the Widow, or what's left of her anyway. It is probable that they also had a hand in letting the xenos out, since the retrieval would be impossible otherwise."

"Then everybody is happy and have what they came for so lets find a way out of here" lets move out

"The best thing is too find a nice quit way out, do it real quiet like so if eny one of you know of a nice way out do please fell free to speak out "

Venus: "I'm picking up heretek vox-chatter, same patterns as we had aboard the Martyr. I would warrant that it is Ms. Nile directing autonomous local systems. Meaning she's got one or more servitors under her control."

"Track her and keep us away from her and her servitors"

Venus: "I shall endeavor to do so. It would help if I knew our likely destination. Do we head by to the control room, the Guard position, or somewhere else?"

"We head for the controll room, check progress there and then we will see"

You return to the control room by another route, taking a little longer, but having no unpleasant encounters along the way (unless you count hearing some screams and faintly sensing things scurrying around in the semi-dark). The control room is much like you left it, except that the Tobias Belasco look-alike is screaming his bloody lungs out, and you catch the essence of it even before you enter the room: His people have secured the Widow. Only someone has damaged it - even had the audacity to remove the 'heartstone' that Greel so kindly provided (as far as Haxtes can tell that it what goes for a power source). And Tobias is not pleased. He's ranting and raving and threatening and being very unpleasant. The most interesting part of that bit is his references to 'the real Tobias'. He's not threatening to do his men bodily harm - he threatening with what 'the real Tobias' will do to all of them. Like a bigger brother would threaten the little ones with Father. You're not sure if 'the real Tobias' is a real person. Or if he's more than a bit looney... Once you're past the guards and inside the control room there is one additional things worth mentioning; the Widow reeks of the Warp. From the hole in her chest - bits and parts are showing - there is an invisible, but unwholesome radiance. Not strong and active, but more like a lingering corruption - Haxtes warrants that the heartstone is the real source of the Warp-scent. What you're getting is just the after-effects.

Haxtes intends to let the techies work and just observe and listen to the rantings.

Tobias calms down a bit when you enter. "Ah, Rogue Trader. I see you are back, and that you found your missing friend. Good for you. Me, I'm not so fortunate. The Widow is in my hands, but it seems some insane madman used a power sword to pry the heartstone out of her - thereby not only depriving it of power, but actually causing great, irreparable possibly, damage to the internal mechanisms. I wish I knew who did it." Locutor makes a little involuntary shudder. Tobias, looking predatory: "You have something to add? Something you saw perhaps?"

"I belive it was the thrones man who did the deed, after he went mental and started hiting everyone and there mother things whent down hill "

Locutor: "Yes, yes it was. I saw him pierce the Widow with his blessed power blade. It went in only with great effort. It was quite unnatural!" Tobias: "Figures. It had to be the Inquisition messing things up for honest citizens." There is no sign of respect in his voice - none at all. Only a hardened heretic speaks of the Ordos that way. Much louder, to his men: "The Inquisitor never left the Auditorium you fools. Get back there and find me the heartstone. You need not return without it!"

Locutor, in a rather low voice: "I do not think that will help you much. When the door closed the Inquisitor fought his way through the xenos' ranks and into the dark pit from whence they came. But then there was a thermal explosion that he could not have survived. There is no point." Tobias, in Locutor's face: "You think? Or you know? Sounds like you saw it all? Then you best go with the lads and show them, won't you? It's not like I care about the Inquisitor - I just want the stone. And it will have survived the explosion. It would have survived ANY explosion. So you be a good boy and go fetch it for me. Yes?"

Tobias to 'Jax Guilliman': "With your permission of course." Azhmut, to all of you: "They had best hurry - or the stone will be put to the test. The magma flow is exceeding the capacity of the system. The shields are drawing too much power for the system to handle. Soon it will violently overload - we'll be trapped under the shield even as the magma chamber below explodes."

The Widow seems, to Haxtes at least, to open her eyes with great effort, and speak faintly, in a voice Haxtes is sure only he can hear: "Please Sir. Please...set me free. I have been bound for too long. Suffered too much. I did what he said I must, but now I beg you - let me go."

To Tobias: " Fell free too send your chaps down there if you must" To Azhmut: " Well then work harder and get that infernal shield down"

Tobias' assault team leaves again, time dragging a wailing Locutor Mayweather with them. Once they are gone Tobias confides in Haxtes: "I'm doing you a bit of a favor really. I bet you that useless piece of human waste is some sort of Throne agent. Got a nose for sniffing 'em out."

"Now that is a fine ability to have my friend most useful in this day and age, my charter gives me protection up to a point." Haxtes grins and continues "But that point may never be reached as dead men dont tell tall tales. I dont need that widow of your to tell that mr Mayweather prospects are grim indeed"

Haxtes remembers that if he wants Tobias to trust him, then letting a agent of the throne go and not making sure that he cant talk, dont seem were heretical so....voe onto mr.Mayweather. "If you dont mind I dont like to leave lose ends, I`l send my man here to bring it back so that I may deal with the spying bastard my self"

Tobias: "If it pleases Sir, then of course." He then turn to speak with his underlings in another language - clearly a human tongue, but one too far removed from Gothic for you to understand. Too bad Vern isn't here.

Yes Haxtes misses Vern and Jarra and the others. Now there are agents to get into trouble with...but you play with the cards the warp, øh um...throne deal you and try to come out ahead :) When Maxi returns with Mayweather Haxtes looks at him and says: "Tobias here says you are a rat. Well I don't know, its hard to say. But you do have the look of a rat bastard on you,and I can't afford to make a mistake with you so..." Haxtes gives one bolt in the head (remembering the old and wise song)

It IS a very wise song! There Will Be Death spits a single hyper-velocity armour-piercing high-explosive mass-reactive bolt at Locutor Mayweather. The range is really too short for the bolt to reach its maximum speed and penetrating power, but it's more than sufficient to punch straight through an unarmoured human skull. It would have gone straight out the back were it not for the mass-reactive fuse - once well inside the target's body it triggers the explosive charge. The poor Adept's head turns into a show of blood, brains and bone fragments. He's not going to rat on anyone anymore.

"Respectfully R-T, Don't waste precious ammo needlessly. The less you have the more opponents I need to end for you." Maxi, carefully (mindful of possible body-traps) frisk the late Mr. Mayweather for anything useful or other suspicious items.

"Ah thank you Maximilian I will be more mind full of the ammo in the future. The next rat we come over You will beat to death....yes you must be keept in shape most forgetfull of me"

Tobias: "Well, there you have a good man. Mindful of his master's need. You should take good care of him - good help is damned hard to find!" To Maxi: He's go a pass-word encrypted dataslate, a compact laspistol, some chewing gum, and one of those iron "haloed sun" medallions the Mourners use. Its' got some blood on it. relatively fresh. He must have taken it from a fallen Mourner.

Tobias motions for a little quality time with Jax Guilliman, directing him over to one corner of the control room, and speaking in low tones. Tobias: "It's stupid of me, I know, but I've become somewhat fond of you during our brief time together. I think you might be a good man to know in the future. So I'd rather see you survive than die. If you want you can come with me when we leave - but unfortunately I don't have room for all your servants." He thinks for a moment. "By all means take your bodyguard, but no more than that." Before you can answer: "But a man like you probably has his own exit plan, so maybe throwing yourself at my mercy isn't your thing? If so you're welcome to at use our exit...it's the least I can do. But after that you're on your own."

" I thank you and I will use the second option, I have a fine way of this rock for me and all my servants..its the shield and exit here thats a bit of a buggering.. If your plan fails you I have room for you and yours of planet "

Tobias: "How gracious of you! But no, Tobias has his own means of egress. We'll be tidying a few things and then we'll leave. Once we're through you're free to follow us. Which leaves you some time to gather your people. Let's say...half an hour...no more. I'll have some of my people show you the way if you just name rendezvous point. Make it on the main level - we'll be going underground, so no need to make the route longer than absolutely needed."

Haxtes names a meeting point and then sets of to gather up hes companions and the guards men if they want a ride out of this fine hell hole

So I'm assuming that Haxtes gathers together the survivors of his original entourage, the Admiral and his boys and girls, and extends an invitation to the Necromundan Guardsmen to accompany them?

Yes a bit short my last post had too run out... but that sums it up nicely...if we meet any other dignitary's they can tag along, we will get a good price for there salvation at a later date :)

Tobias: "Then I'll take my leave. I'll make sure to get in touch with you once we're done with this sorry island. The Maiden of Golgenna, that was the ship, right? No need to answer. I'm just blabbering. One of my many faults." With that Tobias and his people leave. Elizaveta approaches Haxtes and tells him that 'she doesn't trust him very much'. Not Jax/Haxtes of course, but Tobias.

Haxtes looks at the door way that Tobias walked out of a smile of good bye on hes face, cold knowing in eyes. Speaking softly too him self he says " I`m sure that they hear you Tobias when you speak names to your self" Bowing hes head to Elizaveta but keeping hes eyes on the doorway Haxtes speaks. " My dear be like me I dont even trust my self, But you can trust me when I say I have both my eyes on Him and Maxis too. He is a back stabber and a betrayer but for now hes our ticket out so we play nice...for now. Lets gather up our flock and get out of this infernal place" Too All:" move out we dont have a lot of time "

Tobias, heretic though he may be, holds to his word. Three of his men are waiting for your at the prearranged rendezvous point. You've got quite the little following. In addition to your own party and those of the Admiral you have the Necromunands and the remnants of several of the attendees' parties. Once they hear you've a way out the people hiding out with the guardsmen near the entrance are not hard to ask. They've no other options! (other groups have wandered of to seek their own fortunes - but between the various defensive systems, made Mourners and xenos on the prowl...you don't think too many will make it out alive) Cardinal Yvenna, the religious leader of the Markayn Marches is one survivor that it might be especially useful to keep alive. But there are other, less important figures, as well. The Cygnan Martyr could hold all of them, but not in opulence. Some might prefer taking another skyship though...but without and Admiral on board, make that an Admiral AND a Cardinal...the Navy will not think twice about enforcing the Inquisition quarantine against THEM. But you have a chance. So you head down into the bowels of the House, away from the posh columns and mosaics and paintings and statues, and into basalt rock tunnels filled with rusting and rotting techno-arcana You are on the alert in case of xenos attacks...but you've not the time to move too slowly. So you make the best of it - put the dignitaries in the center and sweep forward with good men up front. Except for meeting Mr. Magyar Marshrek, the attendee that ran afoul with Octavia Nile, you see nothing but dead xenos. Tobias' men has been through here already and visited heretic justice on the enemies of man. "The bitch got away, I might as well follow you people. You look like you've men with an exit plan." And on you go...

After a while (could it be another hour...so hard to tell down in the dark) you come to a place where the rock seems newly hewn and void of any technological bits. Going through this tunnel you come to a small natural cavern. It's badly lit, but you can see Tobias over by a big crawler of the type use to build tunnels. You can smell the acidic waters of the ocean nearby. Tobias: "Seal the tunnel!" There is a muffled explosion and tons of rock close the tunnel behind you. "We'll be going our separate ways now. There is a pathway that will take you out not too far from Deadtown. From there you can reach the skyships. I'll get in touch once we're clear of this."

To Tobias :"Good luck too you and your then, I look forward too our next meeting" "Too others" Lets get moving fast, no hanging back I whant to get clare of this rock this century"

Without much further ado you proceed along the path. It's dark and the footing is treacherous, but you make it through. Deadtown, a little settlement jammed into the cliffs above the harsh acidic surf below, is not far. There are some people about, some of which give you a couple of long looks but deftly get out of the way of your large and obviously well-armed party. You can't see the House from here. Not directly. But you can see the glare from the void shield and smell the ozone created as the air interacts with the field effect. Breath masks are recommended when approaching very powerful void shields (but you're not going near it, so no problem). You now have to decide if you want to trek down to the sky-ship moorings (its not all that far, a couple of klicks) or have the ship pick you up here. Or if you want to send a message ahead to get them to get the engines running or some such.

Haxtes msg them and asks the captain to get ready but not start engines until the tickets out (admiral and cardinal) are on board. Then we haul ass and get to the ship

There are those that would seek their fortunes elsewhere, heading for other sky-ships and whatnot (it's not common knowledge that the place is under Inquisition lockdown). But your group, with the Admiral and the Cardinal, get aboard the Cygnan Martyr just about the time when the magma chamber beneath the House erupts, filling the space underneath the void shield with fiery lava, before the shield violently fails and lava starts spewing forth (you're not in any danger from that though, lava on a volcanic island, nothing new there). It's quite the sight.

Haxtes turns from the view port and address the dignitary`s and puts on hes best RT look of concern. " gentlemen and lady's now has the time come for you all to make use of the fine communication equipment on this ship, there has been made a mistake and it seems that even after the eruption on the island, some branches of the service still holds this part of the world in quarantine, now we all know that there is no need to quarantine fine upstanding and loyal citizens like us gathered here, but they still need to be told before they take some rash and for our part permanent action"

Admiral Malokov to Haxtes: "If I may suggest something: They will send in fighters - they are more accurate than lance strikes and it avoids upsetting the weather patterns of Solomon more then they already are... It will be my boys that will be sent to shoot us out of the sky, and I know my boys. They would not want to down their old man if it can be helped. So if we angle it this way: Their admiral is on board this vessel, which is under the command of a Rogue Trader - Warrant of Trade and all - escorting none other than the Cardinal out of harms way. The Inquisition will force us down somewhere, but it avoids us being shot out of the sky."

"Yes Admiral that sounds like a good plan, and then we will demand free passages, you see my Warrant of Trade it gives me free access and it is old so old in fact that it is given by the high lords them self and if it is to be limited it has to be done by them not a servant, so I`l let the inquisitor drag me true courts on Terra and that shod be done en a millennium or two at best. the comm is your my dear Admiral" Haxtes arranges for drinks and light food to be served to hes guests no need to save the good stuff....just in case the big I dont cooperate or the admiral is not as loved as he seem to think he is :)

Ah, the finer points of Imperial law and tradition. The Inquisition, said to be all-powerful, against a Warrant of Trade, issued by the High Lords of Terra, empowering its owner to go where he will and make a profit while doing it. Which is in the right? The Warrant doesn't allow law-breaking, it just makes it so that few laws do apply. A Rogue Trader can't get away with murder and the like of course, but he can pretty much move about unimpeded and do whatever he pleases. when you're empowered to trade with xenos...there are few limits left, no? (...well he could get away with murder too, but that would be for reasons other than his Warrant - the guns at his back maybe, or the Thrones in his pocket...) And the Admiral and the Navy...they too are at the command of the Inquisition, are they not? But how far is it worth to push them...is the Inquisition really served the best by forcing them to shoot the Martyr out of the sky when there are seemingly only reasons NOT to? It could be done...but perhaps the Inquisition isn't all-powerful, and must use its power where it makes the greatest difference? Then then there is a the Cardinal...she's of sound mind, on her own planet...the holiest of all the billions in this sub-sector. Her traveling companions cannot be corrupt, now can they? Another reason for the Inquisition not to shoot. Who know, she might even be a trusted and valuable ally to them...who knows what her successor would be like? Ah, the finer points of Imperial law and tradition... In the end you are forced down - it's only a sky-ship, so you must land, sooner or later. Forced to land with the Inquisition waiting for you. In the middle of the square of the Divine Emperor, with the grand cathedral of Solomon before you, and some thousand clerics awaiting the arrival of their beloved Cardinal. The examination is cursory at best. A very junior Inquisitor and a few dozen servants more or less nodding you through, without any real attempts at anything. They will have to settle for questioning the Admiral (and in this case that's just questioning, not questioning under extreme torture). That, and having a look at the Cygnan Martyr and her crew...the sky-ship and its crew are not under anyone's protection. Could be a problem given what happened on board... Suddenly someone shouts: "Fire. Fire. Fire." Foul black smoke bellows forth from one of the Martyr's overworked and battle-damaged engines.

(the ship is hovering just above the flag-stone of the great square before the cathedral - you've disembarked already, so there is little danger to you)

The finer points of law, its the trade mark of a great civilization that we have finer points of law ( And a happy cardinal with a billion citizens who think that she is the best thing since birthdays and the empire was invented). Haxtes does not intend to help put out a fire its for the best that it burns, the Malleus will be thankful for that, that leaves just the crew and well the big I has too get something and or someone so better them than us. Haxtes joins the cardinal in the cathedral to give thanks to him on earth for our life and success (and to get away in case the ship explodes). If there is ever a time to get down on both knees it is now, hopefully the cardinal has a few blessing for her rescuer. ( looks good too in the most junior Inquisitor's rapport). Just to lay it on thick: If Haxtes has credit left on the Inquisition account he donates it all to the cardinal for the betterment and proper education for the desuetude children of this world. After that Haxtes invites the admiral and hes fine woman to dine with him on the maiden after hes interview with the big I. come to think of it Haxtes invites Elizaveta to wait for her husband to be Haxtes`s guest on the maiden where the nasty inquisitors cant get her.

How very convenient that fire. How very convenient indeed. All the physical evidence gone. Especially the way the fire spread along ruptured fuel lines and turned the Martyr into a blazing inferno. Didn't quite explode though, just crashed into the flagstones when the contra-grav units finally failed. But by that time Haxtes was long gone, busy receiving blessings and whatnot. Good thing that it didn't happen when you were aboard! I mean the old lady took a lot of punishment and there was never any sign of fire. If you were a paranoid man you'd be tempted to think someone set that fire on purpose. Good you're not paranoid.

Maxi approaches Haxtes at an available moment. "R-T, sir. I need moment of your time for status report and orders." Maxi waits for Haxtes acknowledge before he continue to speak and recounting Haxtes retinue still present. (I lost count but I guess Venus, Azhmut and Messinus are still living among most our guards and the "new recruits".) "Do you need me at your presence or do you want me to oversee Messinus safty? If permitted I also want to pray my obedience to the Holy God-Emperor." (Whispering) "Most respectfully R-T, The "finer points of law" is whoever presides at it's reading. Be careful, we are not in Imperial jurisdiction down here. Make a call for a Navy- tribunal or a Judge if you need to buy time."

Whispers too maxi: We will be safe in the cathedral, after a quick prayer get on the vox and get shuttles for us to go to orbit" Too maxi normal voice: " Fell free to pray"

Maxi takes leave to pray towards the lights from Holy Terra. 'Glorify the Immortal Emperor - For His All-seeing Vision' and 'Exalt the Immortal Emperor - For His Strict Guidance' are the two short praying Maxi gives. Afterwards Maxi seeks an acolyte of the Ecclesiarchy for use of the Cathedrals communication apparatus.

Given the strain Messinus was under in the House it's probably best not to use him right now. So the vox it is. After a lot of talking MAxi is able to get access to a comm center. But contacting the Maiden isn't that easy. She's up there somewhere in high orbit, one little metal box among thousands...a tech-priest may be required. As thanks for the generous help - and the multi-million donation - the Cardinal makes sure you're all well cared for. All your people are taken inside and given food and shelter while you wait for transportation to be arranged.

Does Haxtes have a plan for calling upon Marr? It could take days before you're all back on the Maiden, so right now is one option. Or you could wait until everyone is safely aboard and THEN think about visiting.

My orders are that Marr`s hand is not to be seen, and Haxtes knows that by now half the planet knows of our escape and run with "Finer Points of law". Someone may even be watching us so Haxtes will wait until we are safe on the maiden and then he will make contact and let Marr say when and where.

Maxi calls for assistance from Azhmuts to signal The maiden.

With Azhmut's aid Maxi is able to patch through a signal to the Maiden without jeopardizing security protocols. Shuttles will be arranged as soon as it is possible. So now Maxi has a new task - liaison with the Ecclesiarchy staff to ensure that things run smoothly. Part of this includes taking an inventory of people and equipment. So as to now how much orbital lift capacity is needed. That's when Maxi realizes there are quite a few people in your party that shouldn't be there. These are Cygnan Martyr crew, thirty-one all told. Now how did they end up here? Didn't the Inquisition take them? Well, clearly not.

A few days pass with Haxtes doing very little except enjoy his room and the quiet. He's even able to relax a little bit and sleep without too many nightmares. And the tearing wounds the Crow Father gave you aboard the Martyr finally show signs of healing...they stop hurting much and the slow seep of blood stops. There is only some colorless liquid oozing from the deeper cuts.

Right spot for a bit of healing the old wounds from warp spawn- a cathedral and getting the prayers of a cardinal is just what the doctor ordered. (The prayers of the desuetude children must be what tips the scale) The nightmares are a occupational hazard, cant go round the old galaxy and murder \ torture men\women\children with out the odd nightmare- that would make you a psycho :) and Haxtes is cold hearted, not psycho- he will brutally murder any one who clams otherwise .)

Several days go by and then shuttles start picking up the Maiden's crew. There are quite a few more people than when you came. A whole lot more in fact. That has to be a good sign for future away parties, right? Finally you are back on the Maiden, safe and sound and all that!

Haxtes has a few points to take care off. 1. Contact Marr- by astropath or vox- Haxtes and astropath(meet him and give rapport) 2.Find out whom among the 31 new crew members that recruit them self( classic infiltration technique) Haxtes will put coin that one of them fired the ship too. -maxi do interviews\Haxtes will supervise in case there are infiltrators there. 3. Integrate our new security troops with the maiden layout and security protocol.- Maxi can do this 4. Arm and equip security forces- tech priests\ leader of Necromundans. 5: Send astropath msg to maleus and mistress -Messinus when rested. 6.Have Messinus scan for team survivors on planet ( you never know) 7. Inform RT of what he needs to know about new trade routes and people he now know and have dealings with. 8.Entertain hes guest and get more info on Elizaveta. Thats Haxtes plans for the first few days I`m sure more wil come as we go but that is a start:)