House of Dust and Ash - Aftermath
Timestamp: 5.055.998.M41
Location: Maiden of Golgenna in high orbit over Solomon, Markayn Marches, Calixis Sector
Situation: Back on the Maiden after a job well(?) done
Body: Haxtes has a few things to take care off:
1. Contact Marr - by astropath or vox - Haxtes and astropath (meet him and give report)
- Arrangements are made, we'll handle it in a separate thread.
2. Find out whom among the 31 new crew members that recruited themselves (classic infiltration technique). Haxtes will put his coin on one of them firing the ship too. Maxi does interviews. Haxtes will supervise in case there are infiltrators there.
- It comes together fairly easily; Haxtes is there one some occasions to look things over, but Maxi really doesn't need much help, he interwieves all of them in turn, then manages to present a very coherent picture (you're not sure how he connected the dots, but it does make sense) of what has happened:
- Nahun Grist, the Cygnan Martyr's First Officer, is the mastermind behind the plan, but had another man do the actual sabotage. The saboteur did it believing he was acting in the best interrest of the captain and the crew, giving them all a chance at a new start. Grist, on the other hand, has ulterior motives. He is almost certainly an agent of Marr's. You must decide if you wish to expose him and confirm his true nature through torture - or if you want him to live on, thinking his plan was a success.
- There is also another man of interrest, a sleeper agent of sorts. Maxi is not quite sure who he's working for, but his bet is not Matt. It might also be that this agent is under xenos influence - Maxi has picked up some unusual stimuli responses that simply aren't compatible with a sane human being. Maxi will have to take him in and have a medicae open him up to be sure.
- The rest of the Cygnan Crew, led by captain Elias Shadrack included, just used the opportuinity presented by the fire to escape Inquisition incerceration. They are now all brok and out of work - but at leat they aren't dead or imprioned. If you want to hire them as crew you will find that sky-ships have some things in common with void-ships. Skilled voidsmen are in short supply aboard I might mention (they're not quite voidsmen, but a lot better then nothing). Or you could dispose of them in another way.
3. Integrate our new security troops with the Maiden layout and security protocol. Maxi can do this.
- There really isn't much to it; Maxi is good at this stuff, the Maiden is starting to have a very decent core of naval armsmen.
4. Arm and equip security forces. Tech priests/leader of Necromundans.
- Azhmut provides the new armsen with the bet the armoury has to offer. That's mostly lasguns. Cheap and efficient. And as Guardsmen this is already their weapon of choice.
5. Send astropath messages to the Ordo Malleus and Mistress Xersa. Messinus and Choir when rested.
- Malleus confirms recipt of report. Octavia Nile is listed as a possible Malleus Maleficarum threath. Ouch! Xerza presumably receives your report (feel free to let me know what goes in it or not), the Scintilla terminus confirms reception, but she sends no personal coded recipt or return message. That's a bit odd. She's obnoxious and...well...but this isn't in character.
6. Have Messinus scan for team survivors on planet (you never know).
- Having spent some time in astropathic trance Mesinus must first rest a few days, as must the Choir. So maybe in a few days time.
7. Inform RT of what he needs to know about new trade routes and people he now know and have dealings with.
- OK. Nothing much to add really.
8. Entertain his guest and get more info on Elizaveta.
- Your dear Elizaveta remains with you on the Maiden. The Admiral's request. While he sorts things out with the fleet and the Inquisition and whatnot.
Thats Haxtes plans for the first few days I'm sure more will come as we go but that is a star t:)
Categories: Adventures, Adventure 2.1 - House of Dust and Ash, Chapter 2 - The Legacy
05/18/11 11:36:00 pm,
05/18/11 11:36:00 pm, 67 comments
Comment from: agenthaxtes
Nahun Grist, the Cygnan Martyr's First Officer: He will be under close watch by the maiden until he takes action against us or Haxtes needs info on Marr/disinformation to Marr ;)
The one under xeno influence we take down, Maxi and Haxtes will lead this just to be sure. Medics will take him apart for info on drugs and xeno influence and Haxtes will make him talk.
The rest of the crew we write into the books as able void crew. The former captain get training as a officer of the watch (shows initiative and elan to abandon your doomed enterprise and get your crew and yourself safe from the Inquisition).
Azhmut provides the new armsmen with the bet the armoury has to offer. That's mostly lasguns. Cheap and efficient. And as Guardsmen this is already their weapon of choice.
- We need to get hell-guns or heavy combat shotguns and carapace Armour. Haxtes needs the troops to last a bit longer and kill a bit more than our old security troops (we go through few security troops in a month on the Maiden).
05/19/11 @ 16:49
Comment from: tancred
Nahun Grist: I thought as much, just wanted to be sure.
Grist's 'assistant':You might also want to take a look at Grist's little helper - he may have done it for the right reasons, but having a man aboard that will sabotage the ship because he thinks that's the next best thing after Him On Earth...
The xenos-influenced man: When you come for him he knows he's been exposed. You can see it in those oddly flat eyes of his. Doesn't try to make a move. Just go with your, meekly. He's dead not half an hour later. Just falls over, dead.
The autopsy is interesting. He's suffered massive brain damage - in fact a large potion of his brain is beset by necrosis. Maxi can't be sure, but he theorizes that the Slaught may have put some sort of implant inside his head. Hard to tell what level of control that gave them.
05/19/11 @ 20:39
Comment from: tancred
That's about 30 able void crew there, including one officer. That's quite a catch for you actually. Worth more than a company of security or any number of press-ganged ratings (not that you have any of those).
With regards to the armoury it could need some upgrading. What you need is more funds - and some contacts within either the Mechanicus or some serious tech-guild manufacturers. If you go ahead and actually do some trading this bit should take care of itself. More or less.
05/19/11 @ 20:48
Comment from: agenthaxtes
Burn the corps of the xeno agent. suffer not xeno and there minions to live and all that.
As for the assistant he disapers from hes room that night all hes mates are questioned and a search is conducted by Maxi and the security troopers. They find him later in the day dead. he must have crawled out into the pipe system and then slipped on some oil had a bad fall and broke hes back...must have taken him a few hours to bleed out alone in the dark.
Haxtes does not hold it against the others from Cygnan Martyr but he does insist that they get to know the ship before they start to roam around in the pipes. Its dangerous in them pipes.
05/19/11 @ 20:49
Comment from: agenthaxtes
Yes the crew are a good catch for us, happy with that sad about the chap that had a accident but I guess we all have to learn that its a rough old galaxy.
Jax has to get going on the trading part of the enterprise. After we are done here he needs to take a trip to the Marines with what ever they need and then set up his trading routes from here.
05/19/11 @ 20:53
Comment from: tancred
What a tragic death! But something good comes of it - the rest of the crew will try to avoid the utility spaces and conduits from now on. Protecting them from undue harm. The God-Emperor provides for all his flock!
05/19/11 @ 20:53
Comment from: agenthaxtes
Indeed he does a hard lesson for them but one that will let them live long aboard the Maiden. And life in the service of the throne is its own reward I have heard.
05/19/11 @ 20:55
Comment from: tancred
Elizaveta is proving to be interesting, if somewhat frustrating, company. You do have a certain cynicism in common, a tendency to expect the worst of people and the galaxy. It happens to be the truth of things of course, so its relaxing to just be with someone who understands.
You have your background and she has hers. Its not the same or anything. But you've faced some...challenges...and emerged a...different man.
So has she. Being the playting of her mad and perverted husband, the torture and the submission, and when even that wasn't enough he even killed her. And brought her back. Repeatedly.
Yes, it's the eyes. You have the eyes in common. When you look her in the eye you see...grey and still and cold and deep. For a moment, before she hides it with a smile. Same as you do.
She's not very forthcoming about her time with the eldar, but she did spend a while with them. The time you were with the Inquisition she spent with them. And its obvious they didn't keep her prisoner, but taught her...stuff. Such as fighting.
She doesn't have your level of training though. So you could take her - you think.
She's also not very forthcoming about what she's doing her at Solomon and with the Admiral. She says she's a gold-digging whore, and you can believe that to a degree...but why him, here, now? She won't tell.
Since Elizaveta has also been vague about when and how she left the eldar...you need to consider the possibility that she's been turned to xenos service. She does seem to have a decree of respect of eldar 'culture', which isn't a good sign (or so they taught you at the Haegum - the Veiled Hand had somewhat different ideas).
05/19/11 @ 22:07
Comment from: tancred
She does tell you about one thing though. She is now fairly sure how she died and came back - that is because of a piece of jewelry her late husband gave her. A bauble that was in fact a piece of arcane xenos tech called a 'halo device' (named so because they have been found only among the distant and dark reaches of the galactic halo).
It has changed her body. Making it able to do stuff...including regenerating even after death. Unfortunately it may also have affected her mind - she dreams strange and alien dreams some nights.
She fears for her immortal soul.
05/19/11 @ 22:11
Comment from: agenthaxtes
It is known that there are a lot of drugs that will make you think you died and then got resurrected... but it is also known that there are artifacts that do the same.. no need to fear for your soul unless you use a artifact for your own personal power, your late husbands actions damn him not you. You worry about living and let him on earth handle the immortal soul part of it.
As for the eldar part it is hard to tell, but i do find it a bit hard to believe that the eldar out of the blue, save her and then just to be nice and all give her a bit of crash aspect training for free. But then Haxtes is a untrusting bastard that dont believe in free rides.
05/19/11 @ 22:53
Comment from: tancred
Elizaveta: "I understand that it's hard for you to believe me, and that is your prerogative. There is a lot I don't understand either.
The eldar were actually pretty decent. So I saved one of them - that would just have earned me a relatively painless death at the hands of most humans. But instead they took me in, helped me heal. Inside. Let me find my sanity again. Or whats left of it anyway.
I do not want to repay their kindness with treachery - so I will speak as little of them as possible.
Oh I know they are not like us, nor do I think them altruistic or simple. They helped me for a reason, and they let me go for a reason. But you must accept that I don't know what their motivations may have been. I really don't.
One day they said the time had come, and they allowed me to leave.
And from that point I've had to fend for myself. The Admiral...just happened. A chance opportunity. The winds of fortune smiling to me for once."
05/19/11 @ 23:04
Comment from: agenthaxtes
"You see, the charter of the maiden allow for trade with the xeno. If by chance you are connected to the eldar that can be a good way to start trade and trade is the way to peaceful relations I have heard.
The Admiral seems like a good sort of man. I'm sure you will be happy with him. But if it doesn't work out my brother and I can find room for you here.
Some like to face the horrors of the galaxy alone, and that is fine and good, but having a safe haven is good too."
05/19/11 @ 23:13
Comment from: tancred
"Happy? I don't want happy. Happy is the little-killer, the onset of carelessness and predecessor to disaster. I want to live until I have no more life left in me. Then I want to die. Really die. Knowing my soul will not..."
Pause.
"I'd stay the hell away from the eldar if I were you. They are insidious and cunning. Devilishly so."
Smashing of fist into fine table. Table cracking. Her hand should have cracked first. She's as strong as Maxi, give or take. And tough. Interesting lore.
"They have this...fascination with the future. That much I can tell you. Never told ME anything of importance, though. Except this one thing:"
She apes being an eldar:
"Look for the cold-eyed man. Then one whose eyes is a mirror of thine own. He will be your salvation; if a thing like that is possible for such as you."
She sits down, pulls her hair a little.
"Shit. That is why they let me go. It was the right moment. For the fates to lead me to you. For some reason it was important to them that we meet! Damned xenos!"
05/19/11 @ 23:31
Comment from: tancred
She gets paranoid after that. Call the eldar bad things and claiming that they try to trap her. Her natural skepticism replaced by near-panic. She eventually goes to sulk in her room.
It's time to see Marr. A different route and different contacts, but it's still the Chancellery Court. Only a different location within the Court. They rooms here are similar to that last place you saw him. Wonder how many such locations he has? Only his female bodyguard is the same.
Marr: "I've had some news from the House - so pardon me for being somewhat surprised, but very pleased, to see you alive.
So what can you report?"
He adds:
"Please to to be thorough. I so love details. The more the better. And if it's really good I'll even give you some information in return."
05/20/11 @ 08:50
Comment from: HaxtesGrindingAway
" Inquisitor, it took some doing to make it out but don't worry, it was no hardship for me. I have made a detailed observations in writhing on who bid and got what.
(Haxtes puts it on the desk, it is accurate in all details. I wont repeat it from the blog if that is ok)
"I think you will find the level of detail in there good Inquisitor."
As for who likes who and who dislikes who, the xenos and his brother Inquisitor's well timed actions Haxtes gives a accurate description.
As for his man on the inside, Haxtes says nothing.
Haxtes mentions that there are some small matters that concern other cadres and that info on that will come from the cadres in question. He says its not Tancred's cadre but Haxtes believes that an Inquisitor has the right to handle his own house first.
05/20/11 @ 09:38
Comment from: HaxtesGrindingAway
The escape is given in detail, Tobis is named and what he escaped with is named.
After speaking for a hour or so Haxtes stops, takes a brief pause and asks:
"Do you have questions Inquisitor if so I'll be happy to answer them."
05/20/11 @ 09:44
Comment from: agenthaxtes
Haxtes gives hes report believing that a Inquisitor like Marr will tell him what he plans on telling him to keep his own plots going. Inquisitors are not know for bartering with the hired help :)
05/21/11 @ 16:54
Comment from: tancred
During the break tea and biscuits are served. And a chair is brought out for you to sit in.
After the questioning begins in earnest. He starts simple, then digs into details that you did not consciously remember. Faces half-glimpsed, names mentioned in a whispered conversation.
You feel drawn into an almost hypnotic state of mind. It's not psychic, for the female blank is still in the room and you can feel the void emanating from her.
Hours pass. Tobias Belasco is revisited. The affair with the picts of him not matching makes as little sense now as they did then. Mr. Mayweather's fate is revealed. Marr seems pleased there are no loose ends.
Haarlocks will and the madness surrounding it get the most attention.
You probably reveal more than you had intended, but Marr doesn't probe too deeply into your personal affairs. He accepts that the money and what you purchased with is gone. He doesn't bitch about your gift to the destitute children.
05/22/11 @ 09:29
Comment from: tancred
When the session is finally over a meal of grilled meats is served. With some decent ale.
"Your information will no doubt prove valuable. I am glad you made it back. Given that the devastation out there was much greater than expected...your information is all the much more valuable.
Speaking of Globus. You'll find that he is your new master. The Tricorn and it's great lords have decided it is time for the Haegum to have a true Inquisitor in residence. For too long has Xerza acted as the proxy of an man who will never return. Enter Globus Varaak."
05/22/11 @ 09:36
Comment from: tancred
Seeing as Haxtes doesn't have much to say he continues: "It is too bad that Xerza is not suited to become and Inquisitor herself...but Tancred's Interrogators never are, are they? I'm not sure what will become of her...I doubt there are any other Inquisitors that will have her. Perhaps she'll even be stripped of her rank.
A summons will soon come - for the Maiden and it's crew to return to Scintilla. So if you intend to do something harebrained now would be a good time. I'd recommend against it though - remember that you serve a greater purpose. Once Globus gets over the fact that you're not all dead you can certainly find a way to establish a working relationship. He's quite the nice fellow as long as you stay on his good side.
You need to be going now. I've a full schedule and this talk has lasted longer than expected."
05/22/11 @ 19:06
Comment from: Haxtes G
"Thank you Inquisitor I will be on my way then."
Haxtes leaves and gets back to the Maiden.
He orders our astropath to stand down and not answer any messages that are directed at the Maiden. He is to give the message to Haxtes and don't speak of it to others. No message will be sent from the maiden unless Haxtes sends it. Haxtes makes sure Messinus understands and knows the consequences if this instructions are not followed.
Haxtes then tells Jax to make the ship ready for warp as soon as is humanly possible.
05/22/11 @ 19:54
Comment from: agenthaxtes
After that Haxtes asks Venus and Maxi to join him in the lounge.
When they get there Haxtes informs them.
"Inquisitor Marr told me that Tancred is declared dead and that hes operation is given to Globus Varaak. I had a sense that something was...wrong when I sent a msg to mistress though the Choir. I have ordered our choir to go silent for now, we will take our leave of this planet as soon as the Maiden is ready. We will go back home with a different transponder on our ship and find out what is what. Until then speak of this to no one. Is that clear?"
"We will find out if this is a political game or not and get some input from mistress"
05/23/11 @ 00:07
Comment from: tancred
Messinus understand. He's had no messages over the past few days. He'll notify you if anything comes in - and he'll delay sending a receipt until you've heard the message and decided what to do.
The Maiden is currently in a holding pattern in high orbit, waiting for a slot to become available at one of the commercial yards. You're warp-capable and all that, but it's still only the emergency repairs you made to get her. Jax doesn't recommend (speaking as ship's master, he's not trying to second-guess you) taking the ship anywhere until she's been properly fixed.
But if she must go then 2-3 days are required.
05/23/11 @ 10:57
Comment from: agenthaxtes
"Keep us here until we are fit to travel, you let me know the second we enter that blissed state Jax, you are ship master after all"
05/23/11 @ 11:03
Comment from: tancred
Venus agrees (not that her agreement is required): "Do you have any ideas as to what the general situation might be? If it is political in nature, does it include the removal of some key personnel, to be replaced with ones more loyal to the new management?
It's only logical. It's what I do when I take over a system - lock out the old administrators and give myself unlimited access."
05/23/11 @ 11:04
Comment from: agenthaxtes
" No I dont Venus and yes it is logical. That is we I have blacked out our choir until we can get there and see for our self"
05/23/11 @ 11:05
Comment from: tancred
Once Haxtes has time to receive him the Purser (not a named character) informs him that Elizaveta left while he was gone.
Messinus notifies Haxtes that he has three messages:
- One from the Haegum requesting the return of the Maiden and all associated agents to Scintilla at the best possible speed (meaning ASAP).
- One from the surface. In ship-code, indicating that two of Rogue Trader Guilliman's servants are ready to return to the ship after their shopping trip has been concluded.
- One from Admiral Malokov. He'll be arriving aboard the Maiden in half an hour. Messinus relates that the transmitting astropath bled through some emotional currents from the sender (presumably the Admiral in person) - he seemed very happy
05/23/11 @ 11:09
Comment from: agenthaxtes
-acknowledge the message to Haegum ( now we can go after our full repairs)
- send a shuttle down for them.
-Meet the happy Admiral
05/23/11 @ 11:12
Comment from: tancred
Messinus sends a reply to the Haegum, notifying them that the Maiden is scheduled for critical repairs and will not be spaceworthy for quite some time. Unfortunately.
The shuttle goes down to pick them up. You probably have a feeling that it might be Jeb and Parsifal - you'll get that verified in 4-6 hours (once they are back onboard).
The Admiral arrives. All smiles. He hands to a card of carved bone and gold leaf. It's a wedding invitation. R-T Guilliman and companion (plus escort of course).
05/23/11 @ 11:17
Comment from: agenthaxtes
Haxtes shakes the Admirals hand and congratulates him and invite him to the lounge for a celebratory Amasec or two.
05/23/11 @ 11:19
Comment from: tancred
It's always nice with some amasec. The observatory lounge provides by far the best view, the officer's mess is another option, while the Captain's lounge is yet another possibility.
The Admiral is also trying to repay his dept of gratitude to you - by offering you a slot in the Navy docks. If you decide to say yes you'll have to take on a privateering commission as well - only Navy and affiliated vessels (such as official Adeptus ships - and privateers) are allowed to use these facilities. And you'll have to pay of course - otherwise the Admiral risks heresy charges the next time the Office of Auditing comes calling. The rates will be favorable.
05/23/11 @ 20:53
Comment from: agenthaxtes
Amasec tastes good in all rooms.
Hates keeps the drinks flowing. And accepts a privateering commission - Haxtes has always liked the idea of a pirate's life.
05/23/11 @ 22:13
Comment from: tancred
It's not piracy if it's legal. The only down side is that you could well be called upon to serve the Imperium during times of war - and there is ALWAYS war :-P
So, are you going to send the Maiden into dock and have her repaired? Once they start the work it will take at least two months before she can go anywhere - more if you want to do any refits.
Oh, and you need to find funds to pay for the work. And you must do it now, since it's illegal for the to being work without you having some form of security.
05/24/11 @ 13:04
Comment from: agenthaxtes
Well then just forget the whole thing, if we cant be pirates then we wont bother at all :)
On a serious note two months way to long. Jax is back on the 2-3 days plan.
Regrets are sendt of to the admiral.( Cant use dock but will at later date, Cant attend happy wedding but sends a good gift. This means that we go in 2-3 days when the ship is if not ready by human standard good to go by ork standard.
05/24/11 @ 14:39
Comment from: kuhnrat
Maxi approach Haxtes at an available moment.
Delivering some diminutive reports to him about debriefing of the guards and suspected heresy.
"Explicator, I've not been debriefed or given confession for the last missions. Our self imposed silence worries me as well, as does your news about our Inquisitor's status. I will give you my personal report if asked - in lack of (y)our beloved interrogator Xerza."
....
"Your report about our Interrogator's status feels unsound to me. Transfer of seal or heir does not change gently - and often with corruptions near as you yourself witnessed in our last mission."
....
"SEAL AND HEIR OF AN INQUISITOR!!!? Changing without process, procedures, tradition and authority of law!!! I will watch my tongue and feelings and not display heresy at hand. But to protect us from corruption from within we are obliged to follow administrative protocols of the Holy Inquisition, whatever they may be." Maxi shows contempt.
"SOD IT, there have been Judges, Cardinals and R-T's, reported lost for centuries and small millenniums - just to appear back again as if the eons has not passed. We report to the Haegum and ask for confirmations of Tancred's status from our nearest Superior. You're mine, I can't question you."
05/24/11 @ 19:59
Comment from: agenthaxtes
Haxtes looks at Maxi to see if he is possessed or something (they don't see eye to eye that often).
"So you agree that this may be a move to loot our master's holdings and hand said holdings and us over to that Likable Fat Fuck Globus (from now on in code: LFFG). We are for once of one mind it seems. I find that disturbing but lets not dwell on that now. I will contact the admiral and ask him to report the Maiden as gone from port. We will use a fake transponder until we get to warp then we will change transponder and go in undercover, contact our team and get some info from the Mistress. We will assume that Marr will and has informed LFFG of our movements and actions therefore the vial of shadows and secrets over us"
Haxtes pauses and smiles a cold smile that match hes eyes.
"Agreed Dante?"
05/24/11 @ 20:11
Comment from: kuhnrat
"Yes we agree. What I disagree is the process. In my experience you can't move precinct sideways by lone command. You have to move it by tribunal. Inq Marr if, IF, he is sponsoring Inq LLFG possessions of our Tancred's property at least two other Inquisitors of Inq Marr's status must preside and pass a majority verdict. I do not know anything about the movements of process of a Inquisitorial tribunal. But if it exist it sure functions by the Holy written word of our exalted Emperor. Nothing is simple and cadres are not handed easily. If nothing else, our Holy Empire of Man is founded on the principle of due process!"
05/24/11 @ 20:25
Comment from: agenthaxtes
Haxtes closes hes eyes and gives silent thanks that Maxi and Haxtes actually don't agree but that their interests go in the same direction, Haxtes now has a newborn belief in the universe, it ca'nt be that cruel and now he knows. After that Zen moment Haxtes returns to the world of men.
Haxtes gives a second to think on due process, he understands this as Abrites dragging you out into the street and shooting you in the head. But Maxi knows more about the law and Haxtes does not want to get into due process so he leaves it as one of a million mysteries he will never understand. (Haxtes still sleep at night, not knowing these things, but if a note on Imperial law is posted on the blog it will be read:))
"I still think we agree in principal on a course of action. Take the Maiden on full alert - can't hurt to be ready if they move against us."
05/24/11 @ 20:34
Comment from: kuhnrat
"As you command, I'll inform Jax, don't worry. No details only new station report."
05/24/11 @ 20:53
Comment from: agenthaxtes
"That sounds good, I'll go and take care of a loose end in the crew."
It's time Grist tells all about Inquisitor Marr.
That and Haxtes feels the need to spill blood, and Mr Grist is the lucky winner.
Yes, it's time to take the offensive. Mistress does not like it if we get ass fucked by others, she does the honors or they are not done.
05/24/11 @ 21:02
Comment from: tancred
A note on admirals and stuff: Malokov takes his leave, but urges you to reconsider. Your ship is in no fit state, and this is as good an opportunity to fix it as any other (and Elizaveta and the admiral would so like for you to attend the wedding). If you must be somewhere he's sure that he can help you arrange transportation - either as a passenger on a military vessel going somewhere, or introduce you to a commercial captain that will take you where you need to be. He knows it won't be the same - a captain going without his ship and all that, but he urges you to think it through.
A note on money and security: Remember that the Haegum is hidden behind a largish commercial venture(s). And it has owning interests in the Maiden. So that's your security right there. Moreover, i LFFG is really in charge...can you really stop yourself from using HIS money?
05/25/11 @ 11:19
A note on admirals and stuff: Yes we can stay here and yes we can book passage on a ore freighter. But we can't keep changing our mind and running around in little circles like wet hens. If we leave the Maiden here we may lose our last big asset and transportation.
A note on money and security: We are under deep cover using Haegum as security is not my idea of deep cover. But we will give the RT a paper that is dated when Tancred was alive absolving him of all debt due to the damage done to Maiden in service to the throne + a iou note for fuel and catering and accommodation.
As for LFFG, we don't want to give him a foot inside, do we?
05/25/11 @ 11:37
Comment from: tancred
Then it is decided (didn't mean to indicate that you'd use the Haegum for economic security, but the commercial enterprises the Haegum is hidden behind - you know, the ones who have already helped the Maiden economically).
The interrogation of Grist, while satisfying in its own way, reveals very little. He's not an Inquisition operative. He doesn't know that he's working for the Inquisition and he certainly never heard of any 'Marr' (though he starts confusing Marr and his own mother near the end).
He was definitively Marr's contact aboard the Martyr, but he was a 'blind' agent, unaware of the true nature of his master.
He had a contingency order though; if able to infiltrate the crew of the Maiden of Golgenna he was to do so. Once aboard he was to go into 'sleeper mode', only to awaken if contacted by his hidden master (using a prearranged code).
05/25/11 @ 12:13
Comment from: kuhnrat
Maxi Reports to R-T Jax:
"I've have to ask for tighter security aboard the maiden.
Recent events and conclusions of the planet expedition recommend partial quarantine aboard the Maiden. By your authority I will seal off half the VIP guest quarters as quarantine area. I will use Lt. Rabalias (Orlankan regiment) boys as quarantine guards. The landing bay area are also off-limit with any activity by my acknowledge. Any traffic necessarily for ship repair will be coordinated with Venus."
(Leaves after any comments from Jax. If Jax denies, Maxi shows sigil.)
After talk, Maxi orders 4 of Rabalias boy at VIP guest quarters guarding, 10 guards the corridors leading from bay to quarters and the rest prepares at the bay against boarders and enforcing lock down. Maxi oversees all preparations, especially the bay area.
05/25/11 @ 12:19
Comment from: tancred
Haxtes is sought out by Jax not long after he's done with Grist.
"Brother. The lander has contacted the Maiden. Your man Jebediah was on the horn, I have a transcript here:
http://twilightpeaks.net/blogs/index.php/DH/2011/04/05/house-of-dust-and-ash-3#c3179
Tight beam. Came in patched through ground control, via an orbital. Standard Maiden encryption - thankfully that is quite good. Chance of interception is virtually nil. Chance of message being flagged by keywords is also nil given the encryption. Unless someone has our protocols of course, or invests a lot of time with decryption.
Fortunately I was on the bridge myself, given the call to general quarters, so the only ones to see it is the comms officer - and myself. The officer is confined to quarters. I am here.
This is clearly an Inquisition matter - nothing I have any right to call judgment on. What are your orders?"
05/25/11 @ 12:21
Comment from: agenthaxtes
Haxtes looks at the transcripts and gives a smirk.
"Let the officer go once we clear dock. He is doing his job. Can't blame him for that. As for the ship take her out as soon as you can - and tell our lander pilot to return here now, with or without the passengers."
05/25/11 @ 12:40
Comment from: agenthaxtes
Haegum for economic security, but the commercial enterprises the Haegum is hidden behind - a most excellent idea we use that to transfer money to the Maiden to pay for the damage done to her in the service. And if this is loot Tancred times we may well join in the fun:)
We can then fix maiden later and too be just and all the ship was hurt bad in the service of Tancred.
05/25/11 @ 13:16
Comment from: agenthaxtes
If Tancred is not dead then we give the money back and if LFFG thinks he can loot the Tancreds holdings and use the money for small boys and pie than the bill from the money lenders may well give him a hearth Attack and solve the problem.- Haxtes can play at Inquisition politics too :)
05/25/11 @ 13:21
Comment from: tancred
Eventually the lander docks with the Maiden. Jeb and Parsifal are escorted to the quarantine area under guard, examined by a trained medicae, and then debriefed by Maxilimian Elazar Dante.
05/25/11 @ 13:53
Comment from: agenthaxtes
Haxtes takes the brief from Jeb and Pars and sends it to Marr using the late Mr. Grist's set of activation codes.
After that he goes to Jeb and Pars.
"Gentlemen your most excellent report has been sent to Marr. I have every confidence that a Inquisitor of his vast intellect will take all appropriate measures to contain and destroy any xenos threat, so that is, as they say, that."
Haxtes takes a slight pause before continuing.
"As for your stay here it is for mainly two reasons:
1. As Maxi said Xeno containment and in Pars' case an encounter with things from beyond, Ordo Malleus needs to check him for influence of the warp. But you are a sterling fellow Pars so I don't see a problem there.
2. It seems there are political games a foot at home and our respective Inquisitors may be on opposite sides. I will endeavor to confirm that it is not so, but until I do I can't have you lose on the ship. I'm sure you understand. You will be given every comfort here but if you attempt to leave your rooms or get a msg out I will take it as a attack on Inquisitor Tancred's Holdings and take permanent action to prevent it. Well that's it, sad turn of events, but I guess that can't be helped. For what its worth I'm impressed that you made it out alive."
05/25/11 @ 14:29
Comment from: delvy
Parsifal looks square at Haxtes and speaks loudly and clearly. It is probably the most raised you have heard him when not reciting some article of faith or litany.
"With respect, no Sir."
"I should by all means be contained until such a point as the Ordo Maleus can check me, if you consider that necessary and I will bow to those wishes on that basis but you will not involve us in this politics. We have a holy task allotted to us and you will not place the restriction you have just discussed on both of is on the basis of politics. Jebidiah shall be free to move about the ship, Sir, or you will be interfering with his orders and you will be setting our teams against each other Sir more than they already were by yours being extracted together and leaving us in the building to die. You shall take his oath that he will not make effort to damage Inquisitor Tancred's holdings and that he will not communicate with our Inquisitor without clearing it with you first Sir, but you should not imprison him, Sir, or you are a part of that politics and the Throne will not take kindly to such in time."
05/25/11 @ 15:04
Comment from: agent jebediah
Jebediah can't help but smirk, and bows his head in thanks to Parsifal, before turning to Haxtes.
"And I shall be glad give my word in that regard."
05/25/11 @ 15:09
Comment from: tancred
Maxi: "For the record, what 'building' were you left to die in? Is it the House of Dust and Ash?"
05/25/11 @ 15:15
Comment from: agenthaxtes
"It says a lot about your good character and strength of spirit, I do believe you are a faithful servant of the Throne first and the Inquisitor a clear second, but I can't know that for sure. I admire your naivité, but politics are a part of life in the service and it's Globus that have tried to move in on Tancred, and I'd be a fool to trust two agents who have gone out of there way to take a separate path on this mission.
As for leaving you, what do you think we are - a social club? You two deserted us. Jeb on a rear guard that took him of our rear and right to suck up to the Inquisitor and you ran to the side of your friend - a loyal act to him but not to our orders at the time. That you got good intel from it is good, but we had a mission and I expect agents that work under my orders to obey.
No matter. The job is done and you live to fight another day - praised be the Throne.
Words are easy. I judge by deeds. So my orders stand and I'll answer for them before my Inquisitor Tancred and if needed the Throne."
05/25/11 @ 15:17
Comment from: agent jebediah
Jeb raises an eyebrow.
"Suck up to what inquisitor? Herrod? I told you I'd hold the rear - he had the men to do it. I enlisted his men. There's not really any more to that, and if you think there is, you're dreaming."
He shakes his head, frowning.
"You even gave me the go ahead for that rearguard move - Maxi and half of the people present can bear witness to that. Call me a deserter again and we *will* have words."
05/25/11 @ 15:22
Comment from: delvy
"Actually, Sir I went dropped myself off the balcony to get you. The closest we had to orders that I was aware of were to recover the team from the House and, given the press at the door, I had to do what I might to recover you. I was acting under what I understood to be your orders throughout."
"Perhaps providing me with a vox-thing should be considered so I do not make such a mistake again."
05/25/11 @ 15:23
Comment from: agenthaxtes
" We can have what ever you like little man, you both stay here until this move on your masters part is concluded.
If that is your idea of following orders then we are from different galaxies"
Haxtes think the sensible part of the a conversation over so he leaves the room.
05/25/11 @ 15:26
Comment from: tancred
Maxi: "Jebediah. There a multiple statements from accompanying personnel supporting the accusations of the Explicator. If you were brought before a Judge I am certain that he would find your to be guilty of both desertion and treason.
Parsifal. There are also clear indications that you abandoned your post to seek glory elsewhere. There are again multiple statements.
Phrased in layman's terms: You are not very trustworthy."
05/25/11 @ 15:26
Comment from: delvy
Parsifal turns to Maxi and keeps his tone polite, "Then those indications are incorrect. I would you suggest you examine their origin."
05/25/11 @ 15:29
Comment from: agent jebediah
The veins on Jeb's neck bulge out as he stares at Maxi. Then he sneers and stalks away to the far end of the room.
05/25/11 @ 15:30
Comment from: delvy
Watching Jeb step away Parsifal speaks lowly "It will pass Brother, the truth will be seen in his light. It reveals all in the end."
And Parsifal drops down to his knees, looking up at Maxi to say, "Go now, You have served your master. I will pray for your souls now."
05/25/11 @ 15:37
Comment from: agenthaxtes
OOC: I`m a fan of Pars, Proper man of principal and Faith. keep up the good work.
05/25/11 @ 15:39
Comment from: agenthaxtes
Haxtes returns to the room later that evening and hands Parsifal a prayer book marked with the Maleus and the throne on the front cover.
" This was given to me when the ordo Maleus cleared me after my first warp spawn, It is said that the words within strengthens the soul and gives comfort when confronted by the warp"
Haxtes leaves
05/25/11 @ 15:48
Comment from: delvy
"Thank you Sir. I appreciate it. I shall pray that the Throne cleanse you of the stain of your sins, as it shall do all of us. In the meantime I shall meditate on the tome."
05/25/11 @ 15:52
Comment from: agent jebediah
After a couple of hours of sulking, Jeb asks for some liquor, so he at least can get shitfaced while waiting in his imposed house arrest.
05/25/11 @ 17:28
Comment from: tancred
There is liquor. Lots of it. And food. Even fresh food. Or as fresh as it gets on a starship. You under watch, but you're not in the brig.
Not long after the ship's engines light up and she starts to haul away from Solomon, bound eventually for Scintilla, a trip that will take weeks.
05/25/11 @ 20:53
Comment from: delvy
Within hours almost Parsifal seems to fall into a very controlled routine. He begins cleansing, ritualised and prayer filled, followed by sets of kata to practice sword strikes, movements and manouveres. All are completed with honed grace and precision from many long periods spent in cramped spaces, like a monastic cell. Sleep and food intake is limited also, to control the inputs to his body as he scourges the horrors from his mortal flesh.
05/25/11 @ 21:54