Evervigilant 27

<Vigilant_GM> IT IS THE 41ST MILLENNIUM...
<Vigilant_GM> Another morning at the extravagant lodgings begins with the service knock on your door. Food trollies are lined up outside, servants awaiting your response.
<Vigilant_GM> "Would Mister Pettibon and his retinue break their fast?" they call in with a second set of knocks.
<Shiv> +Can someone get that?+
* Nitrous goes to the door
* Nitrous opens the door
<Nitrous> "Hello."
<Vigilant_GM> "Good morning, sir."
<Vigilant_GM> The smell of the food begins to fill the room.
<Vigilant_GM> "May we come in?"
* Karpath stands from his seat on the couch and the smell of food enters the room.
<Nitrous> "Yes."
* Baird stands up from the seating area just inside. "I'm glad you're here. Mr. Smith, check them and the trolleys. As for you staff members, I need one of you to order a deep clean for the side room over there. Mr. Pettibon got carried away with some of his...entertainment."
* Shiv takes a shower in his private quarters.
* Velam rises, the book that had been covering his snoring face falling to the side. He turns to the smell, "at last! Recaff! Sweet succulent victuals!"
* Nitrous begins his insection
<Baird> "Allow Mr. Smith to do his checks first Thaddeus."
<Vigilant_GM> "Oh? Might I assess the needs of the cleaning detail?"
<Baird> "Of course." Baird guides the staff member to the side room.
<Velam> "Do you wish to starve a poor, old man? I need caffeine, you monster!"
* Nitrous finds a red envelope and pockets it
<Nitrous> "Safe enough."
<Baird> "Oh don't be dramatic Thaddeus, you'll have your recaf soon."
<Vigilant_GM> The hostel servant bows shortly, and walks to the makeshift interrogation room.
<Baird> "There you see." Baird gestures towards the cart. "All clear Thaddeus."
<Vigilant_GM> "Ah," his eyes dart around the room taking it all in. "I... I see. I will make the necessary arrangements, I assure you," he works up a smile before returning to his assistants.
<Baird> "Thank you sir, and your discretion is appreciated in this matter."
* Shiv readies his disguise and looks at the mirror. He let's out a sigh. "One day..." he says before leaving the room.
<Velam> "At last!" He immediately recovers one of the pots of recaff and keeps it for himself, granted he brings a cup with him. It's safe to say the whole pot is just for him though.
<Vigilant_GM> The trollies are rolled in, and the food is served. "Of course, sir," the servants replies assuringly. Pointing to Nitrous's pocket then, he adds, "compliments of Lady Surena."
<Vigilant_GM> With that, he ushers the other hostel staff out, and he takes is leave.
<Baird> "Have something for us then Mr. Smith?"
* Nitrous goes to baird and hands him the red letter.
<Nitrous> "Just this."
<Vigilant_GM> The letter is addressed "to Mr. Pettibon," in an almost regal calligraphy.
* Baird turns the letter over inspecting it before sliding his thumb underneath the edge of the envelope, breaking the seal, and opening it up.
* Shiv walks and gets a plate of food and says "Oh boy, I am starving."
* Nitrous gets some food.
* Tony Finally gets up and makes his way to grab some food. "Morning."
<Vigilant_GM> The removal of the letter releases the faint aroma of jasmines. Written by hand, it alerts the upstart businessman that the underground information brokers, black market fences, and guns for hire ought to be avoided in the coming weeks. She, based on the information gathered by her interrogator, intends to bring about a reckoning the Desoleum underground will forever remember for the
<Vigilant_GM> murder of her beloved advisor. She adds her thanks for the elimination of the miscreant, and requests that nothing remain of him in your choice of disposal.
<Velam> "Anything interesting Ulrik?" He asks from the table, half the pot of recaff is drained. Someone better tell him to slow down.
<Vigilant_GM> Asking you to keep this letter, she makes a promise to aid Mr. Pettibon and his fledgling enterprise when the time comes.
* Baird sighs heavily and tucks the letter into his jacket.
<Baird> "About what we'd expect Thaddeus. Smith, Roy, you two ready for your trip?"
<Nitrous> "Yup."
<Tony> "About as ready as I can be."
<Baird> "Alright well best get that handled quick as ya can. Good luck."
<Velam> "Alas." Is all he says before he digs in.
* Shiv says "Don't wretch my bike." as he stuffs his face.
<Tony> "Got the keys?"
* Shiv rolls his eyes and throws him the keys.
<Karpath> "See you two later."
* Tony Grabs the keys as he finishes up his food then gets up.
<Vigilant_GM> The urgency of the situation presents the opportunity to test the capabilities of the commandeered vehicle.
* Karpath takes some of the food and begins to eat.
<Vigilant_GM> Tony comes into his own, able to feel the raw power as the skimmer zooms past other traffic, pedestrians, and even the occasional sanctionary, utterly disinterested in attempting a pursuit of the veritable rocket violating the myriad transit codes.
<Vigilant_GM> In less than an hour's travel, the Nitrous and Tony pass the Arbites precinct bastion that marks the entry to the district chosen by Kurst for his safehouse.
* Baird grabs a cup and fills it with recaf while loading up a plate with meat and spuds.
<Tony> "Can you see a good place to tuck it away?"
* Nitrous looks for a good spot to hide the bike
* Tony follows Nitrous's Instructions as he guides it to a place to hide it.
<Vigilant_GM> A subtle alleyway closed off for construction provides the perfect place for its temporary storage.
<Nitrous> "Should be good for a while."
<Tony> "Yeah this will do nicely."
* Tony As he guides it in then turns it off and takes the keys with him
<Nitrous> "Now to the next part."
<Tony> "Hold up"
* Tony looking at the hobo limpless in the alley and unsure, he leaves him
<Tony> "Lets go"
* Nitrous follows along
* Tony Gestures a moment to sneak towards the Safehouse
<Vigilant_GM> Maintaining a low profile, the accolytes follow back-alleys and side streets.
* Nitrous sneaks along to the safe house
<Vigilant_GM> With the safe house in sight, Nitrous spots Oath-Captain Nils just outside of the structure.
<Nitrous> "Captain outside the house."
<Tony> "Wonder what the Captain is doing here?"
<Nitrous> "How do we approach?"
<Tony> "The question is what is she even doing?"
<Vigilant_GM> Her corrupted arm has been replaced with a well-crafted cybernetic. In fact, considering the state in which she was last you saw her, she looks well.
<Nitrous> "Contact her on comms?"
<Vigilant_GM> The light of the mid-hive lights up her features well, and for the first time you notice she is an attractive young woman, if plain.
* Tony he gestures to his ear which lacks a way to do that
<Tony> "Follow my lead, watch the rear for anyone else."
<Nitrous> "Understood."
* Tony just walks normally and towards the Captain.
* Nitrous follows along watching the rear
<Tony> "Excuse me Captain you got a moment?"
<Vigilant_GM> She looks up as you close in, a look of relief on her face as she recognizes you.
<Vigilant_GM> "Actually, I was hoping to speak with you inquisitor."
<Vigilant_GM> "He's no inquisitor," another voice interjects, sternly.
<Vigilant_GM> "What are you doing here, all of you?" Kurst adds from the open doorway.
<Nitrous> "MEssage."
<Vigilant_GM> "Shall I prepare the interrogation room, or will you give me an answer voluntarily?"
<Nitrous> "Voluntarily."
<Tony> "We need to talk to you, something has transpired and not here."
<Vigilant_GM> "Come in. All of you."
* Tony moves in without question
* Nitrous follows along
<Vigilant_GM> "Wait here," he gestures to Nils in the ante-chamber, leading you further into the compound.
<Vigilant_GM> "In here. Now," he points to an open door along the hallway.
<Vigilant_GM> He enters behind you, closing the door.
* Tony Continues on not saying anything
<Vigilant_GM> "Your deactivation remains in effect. Breaking this protocol will not be taken lightly," his eyes dart between the two Acolytes - a different iris coloration from the last time you saw him, you realize. Still, his eyes have lost none of their intensity.
<Nitrous> "Understood."
<Tony> "I understand sir, but something has happened."
<Vigilant_GM> You hear a cry of pain and desperation from down the hall.
* Tony As he begins to explain what exactly happened during their deactivation.
<Vigilant_GM> He hears you out as you tell the tale, at times interrupted by more of the calls for mercy, and cries of pain. At the end of it, he remains silent for a moment.
<Vigilant_GM> "I see," he finally says.
<Vigilant_GM> "The circumstances will require the cell to return here. Valerius-sigma will be reactivated, and a formal debrief will need to take place."
<Nitrous> "Okay."
<Vigilant_GM> "Perhaps it's as good a time as ever to notify you that the Oath-Captain has been found sound of body, mind, and soul, and made into an cell informant."
<Nitrous> "Excellent."
<Vigilant_GM> "Now," he pauses.
<Tony> "Shall we get the others here?"
<Vigilant_GM> "Let's find out what our informant has to say, and you can be off."
<Tony> "Understood."
<Vigilant_GM> On your way back down the hall, you pass by the interrogation chamber, where the screams continue.
<Vigilant_GM> As you enter the ante-chamber, Nils rises to her feet. "Inquisitor," she salutes.
<Vigilant_GM> "Interrogator," Kurst corrects impatiently. "Put your arm down."
<Vigilant_GM> "Yes, sir. My apologies."
<Vigilant_GM> "Why are you here?"
<Vigilant_GM> She reaches into her coat and produces a data-slate.
<Vigilant_GM> "I thought you would want to know about this, Inqu-- Interrogator."
<Vigilant_GM> "I don't know who else to go to," she places the data-slate down. Picts showing a number of bodies splayed on the ground in pools of blood.
<Vigilant_GM> "One of my patrolmen found the scene early this morning, just off the Gallowsway," she explains, "He thought it was just the aftermath of a gang fight. At first I thought the same. But the bodies didn't match any known gang."
<Vigilant_GM> "I see," Kurst examines the picts. "Go on, Oath-Captain."
<Vigilant_GM> "When I got there, something about it instantly reminded me of the... last time. Then, I found this," she holds up a plastek bag containing a small fragment of perfectly black material. So dark it seems to absorb, or obliterate, the light around it.
<Vigilant_GM> Kurst takes the evidence bag, and examines it.
<Vigilant_GM> "It's just like the necklace from Charnel House 17, isn't is?" she says.
<Vigilant_GM> it*
<Vigilant_GM> "Inhuman," Kurst growls under his breath.
<Vigilant_GM> "You two, go now. Bring the cell here, without delay."
<Tony> "Yes sir"
* Tony As he makes his way out
* Nitrous follows along
* Nitrous sneaks back to the bike.
<Tony> "Lets not take chances"
* Tony As him and Nitrous return to the bike
<Vigilant_GM> The better part of an hour later, and the skimmer pulls over into the curb at the base of the Hostel's stepped entrance.
<Vigilant_GM> "Sir, you can't bring vehicles into this area," one of the Hostel security personnel calls out.
<Tony> "Go and get the others Mr Smith, I will park this."
* Nitrous runs along to the room
<Tony> "Oh I am just dropping off a friend."
* Tony As he drives it away from the spot
* Nitrous get's to the room and knocks rapidly
<Vigilant_GM> "How uncivil..." he comments to himself
* Karpath hears the knocking and gets up from the couch and makes his way to the door and opens it to see Nitrous.
<Nitrous> "Business vacation is over."
<Nitrous> "The boss wants us back."
<Karpath> "I see."
<Velam> "Well, that's unfortunate." The savant grumps from the couch.
<Shiv> "So Father wants to see me? *Sigh* I really loved this hotel."
* Karpath goes to gather up his things.
* Nitrous quickly packs up
* Shiv gets his equipment and the bag filled with 'gear'.
* Velam gathers his meager collection of things and waits in the living room for them to depart. "We just need transport for the whole party now."
<Baird> "Alright everyone grab your gear, 'Mr. Pettibon' go down to the autocarriage. Thaddeus and Smith accompany him. Myself and Katarnw ill doa final sweep and make sure we don't forget anything."
<Nitrous> "Aye."
<Velam> "Oh! We should probably give the rogue trader a proper goodbye, before we disappear. Shouldn't we?"
* Karpath nodes and begins a final sweep of the area.
<Shiv> "I'm all set." He heads to the auto carriage.
* Nitrous follows along
<Baird> "Shit, you're right Thaddeus. Katarn you handle the sweep I'll go extend the goodbye."
<Velam> "I'll accompany you, Ulrik." The savant follows Baird up to the Rogue Trader's.
* Karpath goes through each of the rooms checking for anything that they could of left, after that he then makes his way out of the room and ends down to the Auto Carriage.
<Baird> "I'm making this fast Thaddeus. I'm not sure you can keep up. I'll meet you all down at the parking area."
* Velam deigns to go down to the vehicle instead, Baird making a good point.
* Baird leaves the room quickly after strapping on all his gear moving quickly up the stairs towards the Rogue Traders Suite.
<Vigilant_GM> The scarred Surena guard recognizes Baird instantly. "Not a good idea rushing up here with all that strapped on you."
<Baird> "I apologize for the appearance of things, Mr. Pettibon's father is recalling us for the moment and we are in a bit of a hurry. I wanted to speak with your Lady quickly if she is available."
<Vigilant_GM> "Not alone, you won't. I'm sure you understand."
<Baird> "Completely understandable, especially given all of this." Baird gestures towards all of his weapons.
<Vigilant_GM> He and another of the Surena guardsmen escort Baird up to the suite proper.
<Vigilant_GM> An attendant reacts to the guard's nod, and he walks in to announce Baird's arrival to the Rogue Trader.
<Vigilant_GM> Moments later, you are allowed in, guards escorting.
<Vigilant_GM> "Assassination attempts usually have an element of subtlety," she teases by way of introduction as you walk in.
* Baird chuckles slightly at the quip. "I apologize for intrusiveness of my presence. I merely wanted to extend 'Mr. Pettibon's' goodbyes as his father is recalling us and were told to be quick about it. Which is to explain why I look prepared for a skirmish with the gangers mam. I would be distressed if I left something behind and all that." Baird silently hopes she'll take the meaning and not forget about the equipment.
<Vigilant_GM> "I thank you for informing me," she nods, approaching.
<Vigilant_GM> A servant approaches, then, holding an ornate box.
<Vigilant_GM> She reaches for it and hands it to you. "I am glad your man was returned to you. Perhaps Mr. Pettibon will care to celebrate with this," a smile forms on her face.
* Baird raises and eyebrow after accepting the box, opening the lid to inspect the contents.
<Vigilant_GM> An exquisitely-made bottle sits within, a ribbon winding elegantly around it secures it to the box. The label identifies it as Theosophist's Philtre, a rare and hardy intoxicant from the Calixis Sector.
<Baird> "I'm sure he would be very happy to celebrate with this Milady. You are too kind."
* Baird slides the box closed and bows low as befitting her station.
<Vigilant_GM> "My men will see you out. May your endeavors prove fruitful."
* Baird straightens. "Thank you and yours as well Milady."
<Vigilant_GM> Shortly afterwards, the accolytes return to the reality of their station, arriving at the safehouse.
<Vigilant_GM> Nils remains there, reading through evidence on her data-slate. Interrogator Kurst is nowhever to be seen. When you enter, the Oath-Captain rises to her feet, and salutes.
<Baird> "Good to see you Nils! You're doing much better I see."
<Vigilant_GM> "Yes, sir. Thank you," she nods gratefully.
<Baird> "Ah, no need for the 'sir' and all that. We're working together after all!"
* Karpath is somewhat suprized to see Nils here but after the good word Baird had put in for her it all made sense why she was there.
<Vigilant_GM> "Please! Please, I can't!" a man cries out from down the hall. The lights in the room flicker, then, as terrible groaning screams of pain follow.
* Nitrous stashes away the long las for later purposes
<Velam> "Greetings Oath-Captain." Velam greets her as he comes in, his servo skulls flitting around him, one of which does a full circuit around Nils in greeting before rejoining the orbit around Velam.
* Shiv pushes past everyone to get his equipment from storage.
<Vigilant_GM> "I am afraid the circumstances bring grim reminders of the last... episode," she comments looking over at the table where the evidence bag lays.
<Vigilant_GM> "Repeat that!" you hear Kurst demand in another room.
<Vigilant_GM> A few moments later, a muffled blast ends the commotion altogether.
<Baird> Baird's eyes flick over to the bag. "I'm going to guess that's partially why we were called back in, aside from everything we brought o the Interrogators attention."
<Vigilant_GM> "I'm afraid so," she says, putting down the data-slate to show the picts of the crime scene.
<Vigilant_GM> "We discovered it this morning."
* Tony walks up to Velam
* Baird begins tapping through the picts. "Fething hell."
<Tony> "Velam you still got the book?"
* Velam drops his kit bag, mostly a tome bag honestly, and examines the evidence and dataslate.
<Velam> "Yes, yes one moment. Let me absorb this."
<Vigilant_GM> Kurst emerges, sleeves rolled up, forearms dripping water. You notice the ends of the rolled up sleeves are stained with blood fresh and dry, both.
<Vigilant_GM> He dries off with a small towel as he approaches.
<Velam> "Dear Emperor, how frightening." He says after a minute, he straightens and then delves into his bag, retrieving the tome, now double wrapped with another cloth, and tied crossways with a thin chain that ends with a small charm of the Imperial aquila.
<Vigilant_GM> "What's this?" Kurst inquires, looking at the wrapped tome.
<Velam> "Interrogator Kurst." The savant nods to the man. "I'm afraid you need to have a look at this, preferably privately." His eyes dart to everyone else in the room before he then indicates the wrapped tome in his hands.
<Vigilant_GM> Understanding the meaning behind Velam's words, his eyes pierce the savant.
<Vigilant_GM> "Have you studied this?"
<Velam> The savant grips the tome tightly, and sweat sheens on his face. "Some." He whispers.
* Tony Pulls out a Sliver Charm from his pocket, and places it on the table for all to see
<Tony> "I almost forgot about this."
<Vigilant_GM> "Cantacles of Saint Hiermonedes: 'For the descent into corruption is an unforgiving slope; damnation an irreversible curse; curiosity the renegade's poison.' These are not risks to be taken lightly, Mr. Harti."
<Velam> "No, Interrogator. But I know the risks. Knowledge is power, and it must be guarded well. It is why I have not delved deep into it." He offers it to the Interrogator. "I will of course turn it over for you to do with it what you wish."
<Velam> "I would suggest it be sent to...him." Those in the cell know who Velam is referring to.
<Vigilant_GM> "This accursed tome, you acquired from the vile witch?" he asks Tony, holding it up.
<Tony> "Yes, I grabbed it if the off chance it holding some information about them."
<Tony> "As well as this little Charm."
<Vigilant_GM> "Did you study its contents?" Kurst demands, brushing aside the charm. "Did anyone else?" he asks looking at all of you.
<Velam> "I don't think Tony did, and I can confirm no one else looked within."
<Tony> "I only gave it to Velam here." Tony says sternly
<Velam> "The only risk that was taken was my own."
<Vigilant_GM> Kurst takes a moment to look at each and every one of you, searching for the truth written on your faces.
<Vigilant_GM> Finally, he says, "You are being reactivated."
<Vigilant_GM> "Your actions have elevated Cell Valerius-Sigma. As Proven Acolytes, Inquisitor Mortem is ready to allow you greater access to resources, and even greater independence."
<Vigilant_GM> A level of hesitation seems present at the last part of his sentence.
<Baird> "Pass along our thanks Interrogator. We won't disappoint him."
* Karpath nodes, "Understood Interrogator."
<Nitrous> "Yup."
* Baird stares hard at Shiv as he says this.
<Velam> "Yes, yes of course." He gently sets the wrapped tome on the table.
* Shiv gets his flamer and looks Baird "What?"
<Vigilant_GM> "The greater threat you have connected, Savant, will be analysed and cross-referenced with existing intelligence. In the meantime, it is imperative that you investigate Oath-Captain Nils's case. Another flareup from the cult of filth you uncovered must not be allowed," he says, then pauses.
* Baird sighs heavily.
<Vigilant_GM> "This comes directly from the Inquisitor."
<Baird> "Understood Interrogator. We'll resupply, reequip and get down to it immediately."
<Vigilant_GM> "You have the previous knowledge, and now... the resources. I will leave you to your preparations. I have my own work to resume."
<Baird> "Of course Interrogator."
<Nitrous> "Indeed."
<Velam> "Ah...very well, Interrogator. Please give my best to the Inquisitor. I will leave a full dossier of my findings on your desk tomorrow morning."
<Vigilant_GM> With this, he places new identifying tags down on the counter, and takes his leave.
* Karpath grabs his new identifying tag.
* Nitrous follows suit
* Shiv takes a new tag as well.
* Baird steps forward and grabs his tag, inspecting it before putting it on.
* Tony picks up the tag and gives it a look over
* Velam picks his tag up, his servoskulls scanning it briefly before he pockets it away in his robes.
<Baird> "Nils, we need a cover that will give us autonomy in our investigation without giving ourselves away. Suggestions?"
<Vigilant_GM> "Your faces are known to the Purity Gate sanctionaries," she begins.
<Vigilant_GM> "I could alter records and provide the necessary backing to your Consortium ruse."
<Vigilant_GM> "If it hadn't been for the contradicting information, I would never have questioned Special Concerns Officers in our jurisdiction."
<Baird> "I think that will be best."
<Vigilant_GM> She hands you a pocket notepad.
<Vigilant_GM> "Record here your identities. I will make sure these are entered into our database."
<Nitrous> "Jack Doe."
<Karpath> "Darrell Edwards."
<Baird> "We'll have myself and Karpath be the SCO Officers. Nitrous will be muscle, Velam will be intelligence, Shiv can be an exterminator and then Tony will be a consulting detective on the case given he already has the PI cover." Baird records all of this on the notepad including the aliases next to each persons name. Raolin Daroshevik, Darrell Edwards, Jack Doe, Logen Nyne, Itkit, and Tony Murphy.
<Vigilant_GM> She reads it over, and pockets it.
<Vigilant_GM> "Don't forget to acquire corresponding oath-cogs."
<Baird> "Of course. Thank you for your help Nils."
<Vigilant_GM> "Call upon me at the Purity Gate. I will await your arrival."
<Velam> "Thank you, Oath-Captain."
<Baird> "We will, and Nils, glad you're ok."
<Vigilant_GM> "Glad to be of service, Inqui-" she stops before making the mistake in full. "I'm just glad to be of service."
* Tony looks over the Evidence provided by the Oath Captain.
<Vigilant_GM> The acolyte cell spends the next several hours making its preparations, utilizing the resources made available by their Inquisitor, and their own skills in the forgery of adequate oath cogs, representing their false identities.