New Ambitions 4

<Expanse_GM> IT IS THE 41ST MILLENNIUM...
<Expanse_GM> With the reports coming in of the destroyed raider, the picture is clear. Fires consume the hulk, and while there is a presence of remaining crew fighting to survive, it is only a matter of time before the inferno consumes all breathable air.
<Expanse_GM> "All lighters have returned to bays, Lord-Captain."
<Cato_Artaega> "Good, begin preparations for warp travel, the sooner we have the pilgrims dropped off the better."
<Expanse_GM> "Aye-aye."
<Expanse_GM> Warp-transition klaxons blare on every deck. The plasma engines begin to slowly power down as the navigator runs through her rituals.
<Expanse_GM> As the gellar field powers on, a surreal static electricity runs along every surface of the ship, and your own bodies.
<Expanse_GM> The arcane mechanisms of the warp engines open a quasi-controlled rift into the immaterium, just seconds after the view port shutters slam into place.
<Expanse_GM> With a sensation as though the vessel is suddenly lifted vertically, you know you have transitioned fully into hell itself, chilling distant whispers calling for your attention from every direction.
<Expanse_GM> In what is decidedly an unusual transition through the Maw, Leviathan's Gluttony is largely unassailable by the horrors just beyond her protective hull. Yet the vessel's navigator prime is assaulted incessantly by the unknowable entities which she alone can see through her gaze.
<Expanse_GM> Three exhausting days of travel later, and Leviathan's Gluttony makes its transition back to the relative safety of the material world.
<Expanse_GM> A huge, primal stellar mass shines more fiercely than any other star you have seen, it is blinding, even through the radiation shielding of the viewports.
<Expanse_GM> "Furibundus, Lord-Captain," First-Officer Harrow explains, "The eyes will settle in due time. Welcome to the Koronus Expanse."
* Cato_Artaega squints slightly. "Thank you as always, set course for Footfall."
<Expanse_GM> "Helm, get us there."
<Expanse_GM> The plasma engines fire up once again, pushing the ancient voidship further in-system.
* Cato_Artaega standing to leave. "Contact me if anything comes up. I'm retiring to my quarters."
<Expanse_GM> Telemetry projections show two focal points. Altar-Templum-Calixis-Ext-17, and the ornate tethered structures that make up Footfall.
<Expanse_GM> As your eyes struggle to adjust, the voidship closes in to the hundreds of stone structures, masses of buttressed temples and plasma-pitted fanes whose towers jut out at all angles into the void. Most are linked by enclosed stonework tunnels and arch-bridges as well as huge steel chains. And at its very center, a macro-statue of the God-Emperor larger than most voidships. Here, He
<Expanse_GM> stares into the void, looking out at all which is rightfully His to claim.
* Cenva_Benetek exhausted from her duty, she heads to her chamber to enjoy some blush.
<Tyruss> Once in realspace Tyruss sends a memo to the senior staff, reminding them to submit purchase requests well in advance.
<Expanse_GM> Anticipating the whims of their masters, the High Factotum's staff begin to coordinate with the Hold crews to prepare for the logistical operation ahead.
<Expanse_GM> "Vox range established, Lord-Captain. We have a hail from Lord Moross's court."
<Cato_Artaega> "Open channels."
* Rey_Lasky checks over the weapon system to make sure they are offline for docking.
<Expanse_GM> ++Emperor's blessings, Leviathan's Gluttony. Many an age has passed since Footfall was last visited by such an august vessel.++
<Cato_Artaega> "I and my crew are thankful for such a warm welcome. Please forward my regards to Lord Moross."
<Expanse_GM> ++Shall you be invoking your Right of Visitation, Lord Artaega?++
<Cato_Artaega> "Certainly, I look forward to taking part in such a old tradition."
<Expanse_GM> ++Preparations shall be made. What will the Artaega Dynasty's gift to Footfall be, my Lord?++
<Cato_Artaega> ++We have goods to fill your pantry and relics to adorn your halls.++
<Expanse_GM> ++A most generous offering, my Lord. We await your arrival.++
<Expanse_GM> Shortly thereafter, news of the Right of Visitation spreads, hails from every vessel keep the vox substations busier than ever with the inflow of communications. Pleas, offers, welcomes, grievances, bribes - all come in at once, straining the voidship's systems.
<Cato_Artaega> "Have the various communications transcribed and sent to my Seneschal's offices to be sorted and prioritised."
* Rey_Lasky takes a moment to head over to the ship scanners to identify ship that are also docked at footfall.
* Cenva_Benetek is setting up the table with her chilled blush.
<Cato_Artaega> "Hmm, good, we aren't looking for trouble here."
* Valarian_Stukov knocks on the Navigator's door
<Cenva_Benetek> "Come on, Valarian! I'm getting everything set up."
<Expanse_GM> Said the drunk slag.
<Rey_Lasky> "Well if I am not needed my Lord, I will be in my room."
<Valarian_Stukov> "Alrighty at the drinks Cenva."
* Valarian_Stukov walks in and takes a seat
<Cato_Artaega> "Feel free to join my entourage if you wish Rey, footfall is likely quite the sight."
<Cenva_Benetek> "I got some Blush from Port Wander."
<Cenva_Benetek> "And may *hick* not have finished a bottle after the... the jump!"
* Rey_Lasky thinks for a moment, "Yes Lord Captain. Let me grab some items and I will join you."
<Valarian_Stukov> "Just Blush, I managed to get this stuff imported from my home land."
* Valarian_Stukov as he lifts up a Fancy bottle of Rahzvod on the table
<Cenva_Benetek> "I requested more, but Mister High Fatoerum got me this."
* Cato_Artaega organises his entourage to gather in preparation to board footfall, consisting of the high factotum and his staff, Cato's personal guard, Zog and his master of ordinance.
<Cenva_Benetek> "Not...not that I am..." whispers "...complaining."
<Valarian_Stukov> "Maybe a shot of some Rahzvod should make you feel better yes?"
<Cenva_Benetek> "Rahzvod? Fancy!"
* Valarian_Stukov pours out two shots and rises his glass
* Cenva_Benetek rises her glass as well.
<Valarian_Stukov> "You heard of it then?"
* Tyruss is coordinating his staff to meet him aboard the station once the pleantries and ceremonies have finished.
* Cenva_Benetek clearly lying. "Yes."
<Tyruss> Once finished with his preparations and staff coordination Tyruss Wolfe gathers Zog from his reading lesson and heads to meet the Rogue Trader.
<Valarian_Stukov> "Huh, Must of mentioned it last time we spoke, Well Cheers."
<Cenva_Benetek> "Cheers! To the Dynasty!"
<Valarian_Stukov> "To The Dynasty."
* Cenva_Benetek takes a shot.
* Valarian_Stukov takes a shot soon after.
<Expanse_GM> Once the ritualistic docking is concluded, armsmen gather to provide escort for their Lord-Captain and his entourage.
<Expanse_GM> They stand at attention, officers in dress uniforms.
* Cato_Artaega takes his position within the formation of armsmen and takes in the sight for a moment before calling out "At ease!"
<Expanse_GM> The order sees the officers relax their posture, mirrored by their men.
<Cato_Artaega> "Now, lets put on a little show ladies and gentlemen."
<Expanse_GM> A few of the uniformed men allow themselves a chuckle.
<Cato_Artaega> "Move -3out."
* Cato_Artaega takes his entourage onto footfall.
* Rey_Lasky follows near the Lord Captain.
<Expanse_GM> The procession to the Liege's Court is flanked by hundreds of on-lookers, kept at acceptable distances by the troop of armsmen by mere show of force - with the occasional push, and shove.
* Tyruss follows slightly behind and to the left of the Rogue Trader, flanked by Zog.
<Cato_Artaega> "So Tyruss what do I need to know."
<Rey_Lasky> As he walks along, just over his shoulder floats his servo skull.
* Tyruss tilts his head ever so slightly. "What do you wish to know Lord Artaega?"
<Cato_Artaega> "If I am to hold court I'd like to know who the key figures in said court will be."
<Tyruss> "There are numerous factions my lord. Various criminal organizations will be represented, slavers, thugs for hire, the Kasballica Mission. There is also rumored to be a Death Cult and a soothsayer cult in residence."
<Cato_Artaega> "Sounds like a mess, I probably can't make it much worse then."
<Tyruss> "Beyond those there are fringe Imperial Cults that many would consider heretics, the Obsidian Emporial bidding house and of course any Rogue Traders that may be visiting."
<Tyruss> "Many factions all vying for advantage over the others, all  wanting a piece of the riches the Expanse provides."
<Cato_Artaega> "We should get along fine then."
<Expanse_GM> Ahead, at the Liege's Court, uniformed mercenaries stand guard before the pillared, ornate entrance to Footfall's political powerhouse.
<Expanse_GM> As your procession makes it through, Moross and his courtiers await, the hall's ancient alabaster throne left empty and waiting the visiting Rogue Trader.
 "Lord Artaega, we are honored by your visitation. My court is at your disposal," Moross says with an awkward bow; his upsettingly augmented body barely human.
 #Valarian_Stukov# brings to sway and be a little tippy from his 8th shot
<#Cenva_Benetek#18#> "Are...are you ok, Coggy?"
 #Valarian_Stukov# burps
<#Cenva_Benetek#18#> "Servants, water and food!"
<#Valarian_Stukov#18#> "I am fine Cen, tis only 8th shot."
<#Cato_Artaega#18#> "It is my honour to have the opportunity to serve in such a famous forum."
<#Cenva_Benetek#18#> "I'm hungry though." She puts her head on the table.
<#Expanse_GM#18#> "Please, make yourselves comfortable that we may begin introductions. Footfall is yours."
#Cato_Artaega# walks up and takes his place on the throne crossing one leg over the other. His armsmen and entourage dispersing appropriately around him. "Then let us begin."