Evervigilant 56

<Vigilant_GM> IT IS THE 41ST MILLENNIUM...
<Vigilant_GM> Gulken Spire is abuzz with the shocking fall of House Guljian, and the sudden re-emergence of Lord Endish. Rumours abound with brewed up theories on how the fallen, and to many quite probably dead, noble could reappear and get away with such an incredible coup.
<Vigilant_GM> Markus Guljian, the distant scion of the noble house, has had to accept the sharp terms of the vicotrious noble, who now stands as a dread plotter among his peers. Yet for all his ruthlessness, Lord Endish has proven a dutiful steward over the Guljian assets, and debts, and his reputation quickly strengthens as creditors swear by his ability and willingness to see pending matters
<Vigilant_GM> fully and fairly resolved.
<Vigilant_GM> It is amidst this very backdrop that Omar Endish, now able to fully exercise his skills as a negotiator and steward, that you receive word from Interrogator Kurst on the status of Oath-Captain Nils.
<Vigilant_GM> A note, hastily hand-written, tells of a trial. Little is known, but Nils has been charged with crimes of conspiracy against the ruling Consortium. A trial that, though technically announced, was only just so - a dedicated effort to maintain the evening's proceedings as difficult to find as possible.
<Vigilant_GM> Around you, the Guljian Estate begins to look more like a functioning house. Servants have been added to staff, some assisting Endish with the affairs of the House, others attending to your needs as you remain his guests.
<Baird> Once receiving word of Nils impending fate Baird sets off to find Endish.
<Vigilant_GM> You find the noble taking a break, observing the installation of a grand portrait commissioend, you suspect, many years ago.
* Baird steps over and stands alongside him, also facing the portrait. "Do you have a moment Omar?"
<Vigilant_GM> "Of course," he nods, turning to face Baird.
<Baird> "Any chance you've been invited to bear witness to a trial?"
<Vigilant_GM> "A trial? Are you in trouble?"
<Vigilant_GM> Endish waves away the servants in the chamber, sensing the need for privacy.
* Baird waves his hand dismissively after the servants are gone. "Not myself. Just an..asset. They were picked up by the Arbites and now they are going to try her for some convoluted reason. They claim she's a traitor but I'd be genuinely surprised if that was the case. But no I ask because given your position it might be something the Consortium invites you to. A power play by them most assuredly."
<Baird> "But I'd like more information so if by chance you had an invitation..."
<Vigilant_GM> "I see. When is the trial?" he asks, taking a seat.
* Baird follows suit, sitting on one of the nearby chairs. "This evening. Efforts seem to have been made to keep much of the proceedings secret and as difficult to find as possible."
<Vigilant_GM> "I've certainly paid enough in bribes to walk into whichever proceeding I wish, that I can assure you. But if the gravity of the charges against your acquaintance are as you say, she will need powerful representation."
<Baird> "Hmmm, any ideas? I can't obviously step in myself. She was an asset from before I rose to this noble position. That and I would have little sway in front of the Consortium."
<Vigilant_GM> "Endish. Is there a reason the orbital lanes you have passed on to me in payment are now frozen by the authorities?" a heavyset man in ornate clothes demands, barging in. Servants apologize for their inability to stop the noble from interrupting, only to be dismissed.
<Vigilant_GM> "Lord Abbot, I present you, Markus Guljian," Endish says rising to his feet.
<Vigilant_GM> The nobleman pauses suddenly, and bows his head. "My condolences, Lord Guljian. And apologies for interrupting."
* Baird rises once the man enters, swiftly cutting off his prior line of conversation.
<Baird> "No apologies required..and thank you."
<Vigilant_GM> "Lord Abbot, I assure you I will restore the orbital lanes. However, Lord Guljian and I have urgent matters to attend to," Endish says turning his head. Under his breath, he mutters. "I will ready transportation. Meet me outside."
<Vigilant_GM> The nobleman moves out of the way, averting Baird's eyes.
* Baird nods ever so slightly and heads outside.
* Baird tells everyone, excepting Almarax and Nitrous, to join him outside.
* Thesse changes into her confessor robes before joining Baird.
<Vigilant_GM> Two autocarriages idle outside, Lord Endish boards the second.
* Karpath joins Baird, only bringing medical equipment with him.
* Baird climbs into the autocarriage alongside Lord Endish.
* Tony Joins up with Baird while having a smoke, only then to throw it aside once near the Auto Carriages
* Thesse gets into another autocarriage.
* Karpath gets into the second autocarriage.
* Tony joins the two in the second Autocarriage
<Velam> The team's savant climbs aboard in his new fancy robes, and his freshly mended and cleaned mesh cloak. "My word, this is the first time I've worn them, and they feel so comfortable. I could sleep in these. I wonder what they're made of, perhaps a tri-blend gossamer from Ilatrix, or perhaps that new quad-silk I keep hearing about." He keeps guessing to himself as he gets comfortable in the auto-carriage.
* Reclaimator_Almarax stays home to admire his new shiny maglev coils.
<Vigilant_GM> The vehicles mobilize, descending below the Apex towards Jurisprudence Hall, just behind the mid-hive Arbites Precinct. On arrival, Endish turns to Baird. "Remain close, and as obviously part of my entourage, and let me do the talking unless strictly necessary. Make sure your people know to do the same."
<Vigilant_GM> The driver opens the door, and Endish makes his exit.
<Baird> +Follow Endish's lead. We are with him. Do not speak or intervene unless absolutely necessary.+ Baird climbs out of the autocarriage and joins Endish.
* Karpath exits the second autocarriage and joins Baird.
* Thesse exits and joins Baird as well.
<Vigilant_GM> As Baird joins his stride towards the steps of the Hall, Endish asks "What is her name?"
<Baird> "Kaytian Nils."
* Tony follows up behind the group taking in the sights and keeping a eye out
<Vigilant_GM> He nods, reaching the top of the steps, where two enforcers man the entrance checkpoint.
<Vigilant_GM> "Lords Omar Endish, and Markus Guljian," he declares.
<Vigilant_GM> "What is your business down here, my Lords?"
<Vigilant_GM> "I am here to see my client."
<Vigilant_GM> The enforcers exchange a glance.
<Vigilant_GM> "Your client?"
<Vigilant_GM> "Kaytian Nils. I demand to see her at once, in preparation for trial."
<Vigilant_GM> "And the peo--"
<Vigilant_GM> "The people behind me are my team. They will await in the assigned chamber."
<Vigilant_GM> With a nod, the enforcers see Lord Endish through, doing a cursory check for weapons, before doing the same to the rest of you.
<Vigilant_GM> Endish finds a clark, and gathers the relevant trial documents.
<Vigilant_GM> "Right. They've moved the trial up, I won't have much time. Make your way to the Augustus Chamber."
<Baird> "Understood." Baird nods and beckons to the others.
* Karpath makes his way in.
<Vigilant_GM> As you enter the trial chamber, you find the trial will be scantly attended. Some of the people in attendance are identifiable as members of the Ecclesiarchy, others minor nobles, and others still likely prosecutors and Arbites adepts.
<Velam> Velam simply nods, gripping his dataslate tightly, and keeping his servoskulls very close. The two practically sit on his shoulders.
* Baird takes a seat across from the Ecclesiarchy and gestures for everyone else to join him.
* Karpath takes a seat near to Baird.
* Tony takes a seat observing the situation
<Vigilant_GM> In what seems like hardly enough time for Endish to have even introduced himself to Nils, the doors are closed, and the overseeing Magistrates enter; the Chief Magistrate takes his seat atop the highest of the seats on the raised dais, the Junior Magistrates seated lower, at either side of him.
<Vigilant_GM> An initiating rite opens the proceedings with a litanny of rules of session from the Lex Desoleum read by the Junior Magistrates. This alone takes some ten minutes, until at last the prisoner is led into the chamber. She is manacled, and her usually sturdy posture is replaced by a fatigued and slumped one. Her face is bruised, and along her chin, bandaged.
* Velam takes his seat right next to Baird, in case he needs anything.
<Vigilant_GM> Behind her, Lord Endish makes his introduction to the court, and is allowed to sit by Nils.
<Vigilant_GM> The prosecuting team mirrors this introduction, though you notice something is amiss. In hushed whispers, they appear to discuss the tardiness of an important member of their team.
<Vigilant_GM> This is confirmed when a Junior Magistrate directly voices this concern. "Prosecution. Where is Justicar Ehber?"
<Vigilant_GM> A few whispered phrases between them later, and one of the prosecutors rises to his feet. "Magistrate, we will be presenting the case against the traitor Nils."
<Vigilant_GM> "This court will take note. It was the Justicar who pressed for the trial to be moved to accomodate his duties elsewhere," the Chief Magistrate speaks.
<Vigilant_GM> The prosecutor bows his head, and takes a seat.
<Vigilant_GM> "Kaytian Nils, formerly Oath-Captain of the Santionary forces on the Purity Gate. You stand accused of conspiracy against the governing Consortium, of criminal obstruction of an investigation, and of heretical leanings. How do you plea?"
<Vigilant_GM> "Oath-Captain Nils maintains her innocence," Endish retorts, standing tall.
<Vigilant_GM> What follows is the introduction of witnesses; first on the stand is one Slate-Agent Germaine. He testifies that in dereliction of her duties, Nils consorted with the very forces she was sworn to defend against - the Red Walk gang, and other lesser elements of the underhive.
<Vigilant_GM> Germaine testifies that he, undercover, served at the Purity Gate. There, he witnessed the corruption of Nils, until she was turned into a puppet of the criminal underground. Going so far as to falsify reports of a fire that spread through the medicae ward at the Purity Gate.
<Vigilant_GM> Germaine claims that the fire was orchestrated to destroy evidence that would incriminate her, and the criminal elements to which she answered.
<Vigilant_GM> Further, Germaine testifies that after a period of low-activity in the underhive, he uncovered Nils' intention to utilize forces entrusted to her by Desoleum's ruling powers, in order to fight a gang-war on behalf of the Red Walk. The casualties, he maintains, were also covered up by Nils upon her return from this "dangerous, brutish, expedition".
<Vigilant_GM> While he testifies, you can hear some level of commotion outside. One of the adepts of the arbites leaves the chamber to see to matters outside.
<Vigilant_GM> Lord Endish rises when it is his turn to cross-examine the witness. He turns to you for a moment.
<Vigilant_GM> It is an acknowledgment of the severity of the crimes before Nils.
<Vigilant_GM> He begins by speaking of his exile. And of the sorts of information he held during this time. He does, however, very particularly leave out any details of his presence on Gantry, or of his connections there - a matter he appears to very much wish to remain unknown.
<Vigilant_GM> He lays out information concerning the Red Walk, and the sorts of operations which they were known to carry out. Highlighting in particular, the sorts of violence underhive, as Sanctionaries under Captain Nils fought with little resources to stem the underworld from reaching the Hive proper.
<Vigilant_GM> It is during his explanation, the the Arbites adept rejoins the chamber, and walks to whisper something in the prosecution's ear.
<Vigilant_GM> Shortly thereafter, a clark enters the chamber, and places a note on one of the Junior Magistrates' desks.
<Vigilant_GM> A short moment later, and Endish is stopped by the Chief Magistrate, who raises his hand in the air.
<Vigilant_GM> "In light of testimony provided, and external circumstances, this tribunal finds there to be insufficient evidence to proceed with trial. The accused, Kaytian Nils, is to be released with immediate effect, and all charges against her are formally dropped. This chamber is closed."
<Vigilant_GM> Before the Magistrate is done with his statement, the prosecution is already out the door, a rushed pace about them.
<Vigilant_GM> As soon as Nils has her manacles removed, Endish assists her up the steps towards you.
<Vigilant_GM> "I believe you know each other," Endish says.
<Vigilant_GM> For the first time, Nils notices you are here. Her tired eyes show a degree of gratitude you have never seen on her face.
<Vigilant_GM> "I don't know what happened, Interrogator... I-I had done just as you instructed. I was..." her eyes dart about as she tries to find the right words to continue.
* Baird holds up his hand.
<Vigilant_GM> By now, Endish is up the steps, standing by the door. He appears to be speaking to someone just outside the chamber.
<Baird> "Not here. It's alright. I told you that if something like this happened you'd still have a place with us. For now let's get you out of here." Baird motions for Karpath. "Help her to the auto carriage and see what she needs medically."
* Karpath nods and helps Nils.
<Vigilant_GM> As you exit the chamber, Endish makes sure to walk behind the group with Baird.
<Vigilant_GM> "I nearly took up the legal profession, there. But it appears my powers of persuasion are not to thank for this outcome. The prosecution's lead, one Justicar Ehber, appears to have commit suicide in his office, just next door. News must have spread fast, and now a fringe cult is up in arms about it just outside."
* Velam exits with the rest of the group, taking various notes in his dataslate. "All around much quicker than most proceedings." He says to himself in a low tone.
<Baird> Baird's eyebrows raise. "Fortuitous timing..but you help in this is still appreciated Omar."
<Vigilant_GM> The hastily, and imperfectly, gathered information Endish gathered materializes as the doors are opened. Adjacent to the Hall, on the Arbites Precinct, a crowd gathers around a large burning pyre at the steps of its entrance.
<Vigilant_GM> Around it, stand four curious creatures. They dress in largely tattered robes, their exposed flesh scarred with littanies of purity and redemption. Wound rightly around their arms are chains, these holding in place pages of holy scripture. They are armed with strange blades, and yet for reasons you cannot comprehend, the Arbites stand back and watch as they stand vigil around the
<Vigilant_GM> pyre.
<Vigilant_GM> The smell of burning material, you realize, includes hints of burning flesh.
<Velam> "Penitents...why are they only appearing now?" Velam says curiously. Just loud enough that his compatriots can hear him.
<Baird> Baird's eyes widen with realization. "We're leaving. Now. Everyone in the autocarriages."
<Vigilant_GM> Endish nods, and waves his drivers into action.
* Karpath helps Nils in the Auto carriage and gets in himself.
* Tony nods and makes his way hastily to the Autocarriages
* Thesse enters the autocarriage.
* Velam hops in without another word.
<Vigilant_GM> "Back to the spire. Quickly," he knocks on the panel separating the drivers from the passenger compartment.
<Vigilant_GM> The autocarriages rush as instructed, breaking more than one transit law along the way.
<Vigilant_GM> Upon arrival to the Estate, Interrogator Kurst awaits by the courtyard.
* Baird sighs heavily and exits the vehicle.
<Vigilant_GM> Endish exits the stopped vehicle and immediately demands of one of his guards to identify this unsolicited visitor.
<Baird> "It's alright Omar. I know him."
<Vigilant_GM> "I see."
<Velam> "Oh dear." Velam comments as he exits the vehicle and follows behind Baird.
* Karpath exits the vehicle, helping Nils out after he exits.
<Vigilant_GM> Kurst watches you come up the steps.
* Tony exits to see the Kurst himself as he just stares then looks back to the others
<Vigilant_GM> "I suppose you know he's here."
<Tony> "This can't be good."
<Baird> "I did notice. Does he want a word or this just a friendly update?"
<Vigilant_GM> "You shouldn't have been there."
<Baird> "But I was."
<Vigilant_GM> "Exposed assets get discarded. You took a stupid risk."
<Vigilant_GM> "Gentlemen, what is it we are talking about?" Endish asks, reaching the top of the steps.
<Baird> "A risk yes. A stupid one...I disagree. I maintain the position I'm in."
<Thesse> "It's best not to ask, Lord Endish."
<Vigilant_GM> "Then perhaps we can take this conversation inside?"
* Baird turns to Endish. "If we could have a private place to talk. I apologize for the inconvenience Omar."
<Vigilant_GM> "Of course," he says, opening the doors and leading you in.
<Tony> "Karpath might want to get everything ready sooner for our leave, this does not bode well."
<Vigilant_GM> Once inside, Endish makes his study available, leaving the Throne Agents to discuss matters.
<Karpath> "Yea, hope they are ready." he says back to Tony.
<Velam> The savant finds the nearest decanter and pours drinks for anyone who wishes one.
<Baird> "Everyone make sure everything is prepared for departure and get an update from Omar on when the ship will depart."
<Baird> "And make sure Nils is well enough for travel Karpath."
* Karpath nods and take Nils to the infirmary.
* Velam shrugs, finishing his drink faster than usual before taking stock of what books and material still need packing.
<Tony> "I will inform the other two, if you need me."
* Baird nods.
* Thesse decides to tag along with Tony and says "I'll come with. I have to prep a few things as well."
* Tony as he head out the study to inform Nitrious and Almarax
<Vigilant_GM> "Clutter is sloppy. You will need to depart, and stay away from Desoleum for some time," Kurst finally says.
<Baird> "That's the plan. This was the last thing on the list aside from a few pre-prepared Astropathic Communiques to be sent when we depart."
<Vigilant_GM> "I don't know if your interference cost him. But I am sure he will tell you if that is the case. He knows where you have been staying," Kurst looks around the room. "and will pay you a visit; a formality he feels necessary before you lay root on Juno."
* Karpath checks over and then patches up Nils to make her travel ready. "Looks like you will be ok, just take it easy for a bit, Now I need to get the ships ready for us to leave." he says to Nils.
<Baird> "I understand, I had expected a...touching of base..before Juno."
<Vigilant_GM> A loud howling of engines rattles the windows, then. The origin of the sounds seemingly circling the building.
<Vigilant_GM> "Like clockwork," Kurst says, making for the door.
* Baird heads outside. "Speak of him and he shall appear."
<Vigilant_GM> "A terrifying thought."
<Vigilant_GM> By the time you reach the first floor, the entrance is already wide open. Endish making his way towards the hall from the opposite side of the manse.
<Vigilant_GM> Mortem enters just behind a small contingent of purge-troopers, several attendants closely behind.
<Vigilant_GM> Endish stops mid-stride, and remains still - silent.
<Baird> "It would be best to return to your room Omar."
<Vigilant_GM> "She was to be condemned," Mortem says, seemingly to Lord Endish; though you know better, as his voice carries throughout the hall.
<Vigilant_GM> Endish takes a short bow, and disappears into an adjacent room.
<Baird> "She can still serve."
<Vigilant_GM> "Every word the Justicar was ready to present against her at trial was to be used against the vermin in that blighted precinct," he snaps, locking his eyes with Baird's.
<Vigilant_GM> "You forced my hand," he says, taking a few steps forward.
* Baird raises his eyebrows. "The one that committed suicide? We had nothing to do with that."
<Vigilant_GM> "No, but I did."
<Baird> "The intent was to get her out of this. Legally. Without compromising my cover."
<Baird> "If you wished her dead, the trial could've proceeded and she would've died regardless."
<Vigilant_GM> "My intervention, and your presence, would have compromised your entire cell. I believed you to understand the need for cutting assets loose when necessary. Admittedly, an assumption I appear to have made in error."
<Baird> Kurst mentioned your potential involvement. I was prepared to cut our losses if things escalated."
<Vigilant_GM> "My involvment is an escalation far beyond your means, or understanding."
<Vigilant_GM> "Do you know, Baird, why I am a shadow?"
<Vigilant_GM> Kurst takes a step back.
* Baird glances at Kurst before returning his gaze. "I have some inclination, but undoubtedly not the full reason."
<Vigilant_GM> "The Ordo Hereticus has made dreadful mistakes in this sector. Mistakes for which we, for which I, must atone. Setting collaborators ablaze, and forcing the suicide of a high-level official send the message I intend. But they are methods which exacerbate the mistakes of the past."
* Baird stands quietly, listening.
<Vigilant_GM> "Come. Bring your priestess with you," he says, turning to an adjacent chamber where his aides have huddled into.
<Baird> "As you wish." +Sister Thesse your presence is required.+
* Baird turns and follows Mortem into the chamber.
<Thesse> +Understood. I will be there shortly.+
<Vigilant_GM> "Valon Cordius, Saint of Askellon. Do you know what killed him?"
<Baird> "I do not."
<Vigilant_GM> "Love. He allowed himself a commodity you and I cannot afford. He martyred himself, in vain, for the life of a Canonness several days dead."
<Vigilant_GM> "Sister Thesse, come in," he says looking at the doorway.
* Thesse enters the chamber and bows at the Inquisitor.
<Vigilant_GM> "We were just discussing matters of the Creed."
* Thesse her eyes light up a bit.
<Vigilant_GM> "Saint Cordius was, above all, a protector. A deeply dedicated one, as you well know. As Confessor to this cell, you too are expected to protect its members. You are their defense against the encroaching darkness, the guide to their souls' purity."
<Thesse> "It is my duty will protect their souls and guide them according to the Ever-dying Master's teachings."
<Vigilant_GM> He nods to his attendants, who open a sealed man-sized stasis container. "This is the Shield of Saint Cordius. You are to wield this relic, and with it, protect this cell, body and soul. From it, you will draw inspiration. With it, you will defend from assailing slaves to the ruinous powers, and the corrupt."
* Thesse is in complete awe at the Saintly Relic.
<Thesse> "Words cannot do justice to what I am seeing. I will bear the honor and the burden, mi Lord."
<Vigilant_GM> "I task you with maintaining eternal vigilance over it, over the cell, and of its Interrogator. Let their meek mortal whims not be their undoing. Remind them of their greater calling."
* Thesse bows down and says "I will not disappoint the Ever-dying Master nor you."
<Vigilant_GM> "Sillica's Warden. The name of the vessel awaiting you in orbit, Thomas. It departs for Juno in eight hours. Harden your heart, remain steadfast. We will soon meet again."
<Baird> "Understood Inquisitor."