Rosenkrantz 17

Rosenkrantz 1:
	Rosenkrantz_GM	IT IS THE 41ST MILLENNIUM...
	Rosenkrantz_GM	An unknown, fast-approaching blip on aetherics has the fury interceptors breaking away from the missionary vessel, and widening their patrol radius. Inside the abandoned vessel, where the distress signal is still being transmitted, the boarding party has released captives who have informed of a voidpirate attack, resulting in the theft of 'relics'. Comms between the boarding party and the
	Rosenkrantz_GM	Consequence's bridge are very fickle, but Lord Chomun and his party have decided to carry on, in hopes to find and silence -if not use- the  vessel's distress signals emmitter.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	Titus: "Orders, Captain?"
	Lucrezia	looks at the displays, trying to get a good idea of the situation. "Get us between the pilgrim vessel and the incoming ship, let's show our broadside to them before trying for comms. Also, keep trying to reach the away party."
	Rosenkrantz_GM	"Etherics can't clean up the scans in the debris field. They appear to be purposefully remaining near debris as they close in," Titus informs, before relaying the order, "prepare broadside weapons!"
	Caerwyn_Beraht	"No ship bearing His flock will be brutalized by space ruffians," Caerwyn adds, a haughty smirk on his face. "Lucrezia, is there anything you'd have me do? Maybe the gun crews will have need of my ministrations as they wage righteous battle."
	Rosenkrantz_GM	The Consequence moves in, repelling the ice and rocks that would threaten her hull, with ease; closing the distance to position herself in a protective in-between in order to best defend the missionary vessel.
	Caerwyn_Beraht	struts towards the helmsmen station, gesticulating wildly in an attempt to "direct" them.
	Lucrezia	"I'd like you to remain on the bridge for now... At least until we try comms. After that, I might appreciate you sticking either near the gundecks or the medicae deck, in case this gets ugly."
	Caerwyn_Beraht	"We draw the line here, men," he says in a display of "authority". "Not one macrocanon shell will touch that hull. I would sooner have such reprobates fire upon Holy Terra herself!"
	Caerwyn_Beraht	Turning back, Caerwyn grins and nods. "Of course...Captain."
	Rosenkrantz_GM	"In comms range, Captain. Attempting to hail the vessel."
	Rosenkrantz_GM	Titus nods towards the Comms officer, and leans over to Lucrezia's Command Throne. "We are presently in contact with their bridge, Captain. They haven't said a word, but... we're transmitting."
	Caerwyn_Beraht	"May I speak with them, Lucrezia? If they are human, their minds can be made to see reason."
	Lucrezia	nods. "This is the captain of The Consequence speaking, who is in charge overe there?" She then leans towards Caerwyn. "You might in a bit..."
	Caerwyn_Beraht	puckers his face, nodding with visible disappointment.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	"A woman..?", the dry voice begins.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	"And... what an impressive vessel, if I might add," the tone nearing mockery.
	Caerwyn_Beraht	fumes, seething in place as he tries to hold his tongue.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	"What a noble thing for you to come and... aid the weak and unworthy," he chuckles.
	Caerwyn_Beraht	"Hold your tongue, you cur! Do you even know to whom you speak?!" He cries, his voice cracking during the outburst. "And you DARE call his pilgrims, the lifeblood of the living faith, weak? You'll die for the presumption!"
	Lucrezia	"Is this an issue? And unworthy now? Why's that? Surely you have better things to do than prey on pilgrim ve-" She blinks as Caerwyn takes over the conversation, surprised for a few moments before tapping his shoulder lightly.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	"Not an Imperial vessel, then," he appears to conclude.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	"Such lack of discipline makes you... a well off voidpirate? Well, let me tell you... we've harvested the damned thing for all that has value."
	Caerwyn_Beraht	grows stiff as the finger rap gently on his shoulder. He loses color in his face as the pirates continue their menacing spiel, realizing that maybe a little diplomacy would have been a better option.
	Lucrezia	"Someone get etherics on figuring out what these guys are packing..." She then focuses on the conversation with the incoming vessel. "So why come back, then?"
	Rosenkrantz_GM	"Why, to offer you the opportunity of your life, /captain/" he needlessly emphasizes.
	Lucrezia	"And what kind of offer is that?"
	Caerwyn_Beraht	huddles behind Lucrezia, his brow creasing as he mulls over the conversation as he hears it.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	"The opportunity to negotiate your safe-passage out of this treacherous debris field, of course."
	Lucrezia	"Right... I'm listening. Could I also have the name of who I'm negotiating with?"
	Rosenkrantz_GM	On a holo-display, the scans summary is displayed for the Captain:
	Rosenkrantz_GM	++//DORSAL ARMAMENT: MACROCANNON BATTERY////PROW MOUNTED ARMAMENT: RAIDER TORPEDO TUBES++ONLINE... IN RANGE///++
	Caerwyn_Beraht	"Torpedoes!" gasps in Lucrezia's ear. "That can cause some serious collateral damage, maybe even endanger the ship!"
	Rosenkrantz_GM	++You don't know it yet, Captain, but you are surrounded, and outgunned.++
	Lucrezia	++"Looks like a pretty even match. And what was that about an offer?++
	Rosenkrantz_GM	++It's only business, you understand. But you have the singular opportunity to buy the opportunity to live, in exchange for what valuables you may have on board. So, tell me. What are the lives of your officers and crew worth to you?++
	Lucrezia	rolls her eyes. ++Oh, so it's like that... Let's see... I'd say... a couple billion Thrones..."
	Lucrezia	++"Last time I did the math, that's what a few volleys from this ship go for."++
	Lucrezia	++"Shame you didn't mean to properly negotiate. Feel free to try and surrender whenever you want."++
	Friedrich_Rosenkrantz	+Captain, Permission to approach the enemy vessel.+
	Lucrezia	"Alright, full combat alert. Ready all weapons."
	Rosenkrantz_GM	++You doom us to another exhausting scavenging operation... so be it.++
	Rosenkrantz_GM	"Captain, they have closed the comms channel."
	Caerwyn_Beraht	folds his arms, beaming. "If these fools have a shred of rationality left, they'd be quaking in their boots about now. Good job, Lucrezia."
	Lucrezia	+Permission denied, you are to return on board for refueling and rearming for intercept duty.+
	Friedrich_Rosenkrantz	+Aye.+
	Lucrezia	"Well, I didn't have much faith in this going well. You might want to get to the gundecks now... though... grab some armor and weapons on the way. Don't want you to face boarders unprepared."
	Friedrich_Rosenkrantz	+All Squadrons, Return to The Consequence to re-arm, get ready for a fight.+ He says into his headpiece, he turns to his crew. +I want us to be the first out, no goofing Diana.+
	Caerwyn_Beraht	nods, bowing deeply to his Lord-Captain. "I shall go, on angel's wings m'lady."
	Rosenkrantz_GM	Diana: "You waste your words, if you think I'd let any one of these wardogs boast about engaging the enemy first."
	Rosenkrantz_GM	++Squadrons returning to bay.++
	Friedrich_Rosenkrantz	banks the Fury and returns to the consequence at full speed
	Rosenkrantz_GM	The disciplined crew of the launch bays snap into action, prepping for the arrival of the attack craft, and the near-immediate urgency with which they will need to be made fit to punish the insolent voidpirates.
	Caerwyn_Beraht	gathers his weapons, his robes, and (most imporantly) his various canticle and prayer books. He will be an idol of faith and fury, steeling the hearts of his men as they labor in His glorious name.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	The terrible heat inside the Sunsear weapons systems make the robes on the priest a true test of his faith in the emperor. Sharing the horrid conditions of the ratings toiling in the infernal heat generated by the enormous las weapons, he becomes a symbol of His holy presence. Despite the conditions in which they labor, the true flame is in their hearts, as they chant praises to His Will,
	Rosenkrantz_GM	as dictated by their Captain, and put their backs into it.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	The arrival of the Attack Craft at the launch bay is instantly communicated to the bridge.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	Titus: "Captain, the flyboys are ready to receive and execute your orders."
	Friedrich_Rosenkrantz	+Let us show you what we can do Captain.+ he says Excitedly
	Lucrezia	"Good, good." +I want you to keep a perimeter, they might launch torpedos as they get in range. You'll be in interception duty. Worst, case, guncutters will be deployed in assistance.+
	Rosenkrantz_GM	"Scans picking up dual signatures from the torpedo bays, Captain. We'll need those flyboys out there immediately if we're to intercept."
	Lucrezia	"Then deploy at once!"
	Rosenkrantz_GM	++Commander Rosenkrantz, your present state of readiness will have to do. Orders have come in from the bridge. Launch at once.++
	Lucrezia	+Show me what your lads can do, flyboy.+
	Friedrich_Rosenkrantz	+All Launch!+ he shouts already gunning his engine to take off " Jace you're on scanner duty, I don't want anything getting past us."
	Friedrich_Rosenkrantz	takes off, gunning to leave before anyone else.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	Jace: "Gladly."
	Caerwyn_Beraht	+The sunsears are roaring with righteous fire,+ Caerwyn pants over the vox. +It's a tad too hot though, Lucrezia. Mayhaps some form of air stifling might be a prudent expenditure!+ Caerwyn tries to chuckle, but only hacking coughs elicited by air filled with pollutants come through the vox channel.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	Titus: "The Confessor speaks truth, Captain. Broadside ready to fire."
	Lucrezia	+Hang in there, once they discharge, the array cooling process might help with that.+
	Lucrezia	"Are we in range...?"
	Rosenkrantz_GM	Titus replies with a single nod.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	"Locking onto target is proving difficult, but in range we are."
	Lucrezia	stands up and heads to the gunnery station. "Let me see if I can help with that..."
	Rosenkrantz_GM	Personnel stand at attention as soon as the Captain comes to their station.
	Friedrich_Rosenkrantz	+Set up a screen, If A single Torpedo gets by any of you I'll make you wash every ships twice a day for a month!+ He threatens.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	Jace: "Intersting..."
	Lucrezia	gives some pointers on targeting trajectories.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	Jace: "I don't see a warhead."
	Rosenkrantz_GM	Diana: "15 thrones says it's a boarding torpedo."
	Friedrich_Rosenkrantz	"Whatever it is, we are blasting it out of the sky."
	Rosenkrantz_GM	Diana: "Opening up that tin can to the void should be fun, Rosey," she chuckles.
	Friedrich_Rosenkrantz	"Emperors sake Daina, must you always be so gruesome?"
	Rosenkrantz_GM	Jace: "In range, Commander. Keep her steady and give them a warm welcome."
	Caerwyn_Beraht	to the beat psalms, chants, and unremitting praise of Him on Terra, Caerwyn drives the men forward in their arduous work. There is nary a displeased look in the crowd, for all present know that even the most menial of work is righteous, when done for the good of Mankind.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	In a mighty flash, the young priest is blinded as his senses are overwhelmed by the powerful glow of the firing sunsear batteries. It is to no surprise that the ratings often refer to these as the literal light of the Emperor bringing rightous punishment to His enemies.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	Titus: "Captain, if we are to deliver the true punishing potential of our weapons systems, we must part from the missionary vessel's side, and clear the debris field."
	Friedrich_Rosenkrantz	+Take them out.+
	Lucrezia	"And leave this vessel and some of our allies exposed?"
	Lucrezia	"Alright, full speed ahead... let's make this short and simple."
	Rosenkrantz_GM	Titus: "You heard the Captain, give us a better vantage point!"
	Rosenkrantz_GM	The Consequence fires up her engines, slowly departing from the side of the crippled pilgrim vessel.
	Friedrich_Rosenkrantz	Brilliant arcs of light illuminate the void as two squadrons worth of fighters open fire,the amount of firepower directed at the torpedoes leaves little chance for them to survive. They both explode in flashes of light
	Rosenkrantz_GM	The explosions launch metal and flame, and... as you close the distance, the freezing corpses of those whose mission was once to board the Consequence.
	Friedrich_Rosenkrantz	"Lovely, guess I owe you 15 thrones."
	Rosenkrantz_GM	Diana: "Why not ask your uncle to pay the debt for you, Rosey?" she mocks
	Friedrich_Rosenkrantz	"Very funny, focus on shooting."
	Rosenkrantz_GM	++Commander, we have several plasma torpedoes approaching your area of operations. They are headed straight for the pilgrim vessel++
	Rosenkrantz_GM	Jace: "Yep... tracking three of them."
	Friedrich_Rosenkrantz	"Range?"
	Rosenkrantz_GM	Jace: "Turn 98 degrees to starboard. We'll be in range in... 10 minutes."
	Rosenkrantz_GM	Jace: "Make that five... damn these things are fast."
	Friedrich_Rosenkrantz	executes the turn, signaling for the patrol to follow
	Friedrich_Rosenkrantz	"Rook, how are we doing on fuel?"
	Rosenkrantz_GM	Rook: "Keep pushing her like this, and we'll have to return soon."
	Rosenkrantz_GM	Diana: "And then the pilgrims die, too."
	Rosenkrantz_GM	Jace: "We don't have a choice, we didn't have the time to refuel all the way."
	Friedrich_Rosenkrantz	"We will think of something, right now we have torpedoes to down."
	Friedrich_Rosenkrantz	+Open Fire!+
	Friedrich_Rosenkrantz	At his command more fire erupts, Easy as drill target practice the Torpedoes explode with flashes
	Rosenkrantz_GM	A minor malfunction in the retargeting systems throws off the concentration of an overseeing warrant officer. The result is a break in the rythm of labor of the ratings under him. When the attending servitors rush blindly in to correct the error, a panic breaks among the confused, and scared ratings.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	+Commander. Another salvo has been unleashed. Emperor be with you.+
	Friedrich_Rosenkrantz	+Fuel everyone?+
	Friedrich_Rosenkrantz	"Get a bead on those damned torpedoes."
	Rosenkrantz_GM	Rook: "Right, I'll give it to you straight, Friedrich. We intercept a single torpedo, and we make it back to the Consequence. We try to intercept them all, and we'll be adrift."
	Friedrich_Rosenkrantz	"How long off are they from the consequence?"
	Rosenkrantz_GM	Jace: "Trajectory seems to be targetting the Pilgrim, actually."
	Friedrich_Rosenkrantz	"How long do we have?'
	Rosenkrantz_GM	Jace: "We have the time to intercept them all, Commander."
	Rosenkrantz_GM	Rook: "But NOT the fuel, Jace."
	Rosenkrantz_GM	They exchange glares.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	Rook: "We have the fuel... but not to return to the Consequence after."
	Friedrich_Rosenkrantz	"Enough, how long before they strike the missionary?"
	Rosenkrantz_GM	Jace: "20 minutes."
	Friedrich_Rosenkrantz	"And are they more boarding? or plasma?"
	Rosenkrantz_GM	Jace: "I detect warheads."
	Friedrich_Rosenkrantz	+Lord Protector, Can you read me?+
	Josef	+This is Hesh GM - #32-603. We read you, Wing Commander.+
	Friedrich_Rosenkrantz	+You have 20 minutes to get the hell out of there, Torpedoes incoming.+
	Friedrich_Rosenkrantz	+Fall back to the consequence, rearm and refuel.+
	Rosenkrantz_GM	Rook: "Listening to reason, you hot head?"
	Rosenkrantz_GM	Jace: "I admit even I'm concerned."
	Friedrich_Rosenkrantz	"I can't risk being dead in the void with hostiles engaging the ship, we'd be useless and an easy target."
	Friedrich_Rosenkrantz	slams his hands into the console
	Friedrich_Rosenkrantz	"Any ideas anyone?"
	Rosenkrantz_GM	Jace: "Request bomber support, Commander. Have them hit the Torpedo tubes."
	Rosenkrantz_GM	Diana: "We could either escort them or the Gun cutters docked with the doomed pilgrim when we're refuelled"
	Friedrich_Rosenkrantz	nods and relays the order
	Friedrich_Rosenkrantz	"It's not much, but it's something."
	Rosenkrantz_GM	The attack wing forms up with the Rosenkrantz Scion's Fury.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	They race towards the Consequence, as the launch bay gets to work prepping for the bombers to deploy.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	The voidspace around the bay is very busy, with outgoing bombers, and the incoming Furies. Somehow, the experienced flyboys make it all work. The Furies are able to enter and get the refueling commenced, just at the last of the bombers exits for their assault of the torpedo tubes.
	Friedrich_Rosenkrantz	+Bridge, Permission to engage the vessel, we could strike for the torpedo tubes and further secure the missionary's safety.+
	Rosenkrantz_GM	Titus: +What are you suggesting, Wing Commander?+
	Friedrich_Rosenkrantz	+I'm suggesting you allow me to bring the bombers and bomb the hell out of that ship, we don't have the fuel capacity to stop every torpedo.+
	Rosenkrantz_GM	Titus: +Etherics is calculating heavy losses, given the conditions out on that field, and known turret defenses.+
	Friedrich_Rosenkrantz	+Something needs to be done, or that missionary vessel is going down.+
	Rosenkrantz_GM	Titus: +Very well. Cripple that vessel.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	+
	Friedrich_Rosenkrantz	+Mount up, we are going in+
	Friedrich_Rosenkrantz	+Give me the best approach, I want as few casualties as possible, this is the real things. You all know what to do and how to do it, so be safe and complete the mission.+
	Rosenkrantz_GM	Jace: "We should use the debris field as cover against their turrets until we're close enough to mass into firing formations."
	Friedrich_Rosenkrantz	+What kind of resistance are we looking at Titus?+
	Rosenkrantz_GM	Titus: +Heavy Defensive Turret systems.+
	Friedrich_Rosenkrantz	+Can the consequence give us fire support?+
	Rosenkrantz_GM	Titus: +Nearly at optimal firing arc, commander. Soon we will have our weapons locked on target.+
	Friedrich_Rosenkrantz	+Launch the guns cutters, attempt to bring down those torpedoes.+
	Rosenkrantz_GM	+Commander, we... can't guarantee the effectiveness of such a defense.+
	Friedrich_Rosenkrantz	+Shall I just allow the missionary vessel to be blown apart while standing idley by?+
	Rosenkrantz_GM	+Regrouping Cutters.+
	Rosenkrantz_GM	+Commander, Cutters are returning to the Consequence.+
	Friedrich_Rosenkrantz	+Are they fit to intercept before returning to the Consequence?+
	Rosenkrantz_GM	+I'm afraid it's a matter of conflicting orders, Commander.+
	Friedrich_Rosenkrantz	+Whose orders?+
	Rosenkrantz_GM	+Lord Chomun, sir.+
	Friedrich_Rosenkrantz	+Lord Chomun, I require the use of those gun cutters.+ he says, anger rising
	Makh_Chomun	+What the hell are you thinking!? You imbecile, these craft aren't fit for such a task! Denied. If the pilgrim's ship is sunk, so be it, but I will not have you waste the Dynasty's resources on such a foolish endeavour.+
	Friedrich_Rosenkrantz	+Very well...+ he says coldly. ending the transmitting
	Friedrich_Rosenkrantz	+All bombers return to landing bays.+
	Rosenkrantz_GM	+Sir, are we not to attack the enemy vessel?+
	Friedrich_Rosenkrantz	+Indeed.+
	Rosenkrantz_GM	+Sir, please repeat your orders loudly and clearly.+
	Friedrich_Rosenkrantz	+All bombers return to landing bay, we are no longer engaging the enemy vessel until direct orders from the captain.+
	Rosenkrantz_GM	+Understood, commander. Returning to launch bays.+
	Friedrich_Rosenkrantz	"We are going home."

Rosenkrantz 2:
	Rosenkrantz_GM	While the atmospherics have locally come online, the gravplates under your feet are weak, and often completely unable to keep you locked on the floor as you make your way through the ship. Household guard shine their torches, revealing the ornate walls, with murals and sculptures in relief, all in worship of St. Cognatius, and a heroic missionary by his side.
	Makh_Chomun	"Bollocks!" Makh grunts as he almost loses his footing on one of the malfunction grav-plates. "Ohhhhhhh, this ship is going to drive me crazy if I can't walk in normal gravity."
	Josef	"Indeed, Lord Chomun. This is quite infuriating,"
	Baine_Mort	makes his way with easy through the ship having no problem with the changing of the gravity.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	You soon find yourself inside a Provender chamber filled with candles, incense, rosaries...
	Makh_Chomun	"Must be nice..." he mutters to himself, before getting slapped in the face by the massive pelt of fur that adorns his dress-coat. Damnable grav-plates.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	In one corner of the room, a small altar is oddly barren, however. The damage visible to the surface suggests that looting is the reason for the missing item.
	Makh_Chomun	simply shakes his head. "A good thing Caerwyn didn't come along, he'd have a fit."
	Baine_Mort	"Must of been something really valuable for pirates to loot."
	Josef	"Well, relics. Most likely of Ecclesiarchy origin from the fact that we are on a Missionary Vessel."
	Baine_Mort	nods to Josef.
	Makh_Chomun	"What an astute observation." Makh looks back to his troops, "spread out!"
	Rosenkrantz_GM	(whoever passed) You see for a brief moment, a low red glow travel from one side of the room, on the furthest end of the provender chamger, to the other.
	Josef	"There's something in this room. Stay Alert."
	Baine_Mort	"Yea, I saw it too, some sort of red glowing thing."
	Josef	[Techna-lingua] "Identity yourself."
	Josef	transmits a series of commands in Techna-lingua.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	From the end of the Provender chamber, bursts of lasfire strike the Lord Protector, as soon as the genetor attempts to communicate.
	Makh_Chomun	Grunts in surprise as a couple of lasbolts hit him on the torso portion of his carapace. "You'll pay for that! OH YOU'LL PAY FOR THAT, OH YEAHHHHHHHH!"
	Makh_Chomun	flexes his power-fist equipped hand as he prepares to run head long into battle, instincts overriding the more logical approach. Fight or flight, he chooses to fight.
	Baine_Mort	pulls out his shotgun, aiming it toward where the lasbolts came from.
	Josef	pulls out his Power Axe, Eviscerator, and his Chain Axe like a deranged mechanical spider.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	Household Guard train their torches on the end of the chamber, making your enemy visible to you. A group of voidpirates, no doubt. Their voidsuits worn and scarred, they wield lasguns, which they train on your party.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	They fire once more, training their aim towards the Lord Protector.
	Makh_Chomun	As more lasbolts rain upon Makh, he charges, like an animal, a savage of primordial times. As he nears his quarry he slams his power-fist through one of pirates who dared to fire upon them. It's like punching through gelatin, and with a sickening crunch his fist appears on the other side of the pirate's chest. With a sick grin, Makh twists his arm to inflict more damage, before kicking the...
	Makh_Chomun	...corpse off of his weapon.
	Baine_Mort	opens fire on one of the voidpirates with his shotgun, causing some damage.
	Josef	dodges one of the shots fired from the void pirate.
	Josef	advances toward the right of the third pirate about 4 meters away.
	Makh_Chomun	As Makh deftly turns to finish off the third voidpirate, his footing slips a tad due to another malfunctioning gravplate. "Damnation!" He snarls.
	Baine_Mort	pulls out his bolt pistol and opens fire on the other voidpirate, hitting him with one of his shots.
	Josef	laughs like a manic as he rips the Pirate into pieces. Josef screams +DIE! DIE! UNHOLY FILTH+
	Makh_Chomun	Recovering quickly, Makh side-steps to the right and back-hands the voidpirate in his face-plate with his power-fist. The blow is strong enough, from this strength alone, to shatter the face-plate before then rending the man head into a bloody pulp.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	The servitors, then begin transmitting information to their master of a single vital signature on the other side of the closed hatch the voidpirates appeared to have been guarding.
	Josef	slowly stops laughing and composes himself.
	Josef	+Lord Chomun, the scanners have picked up something behind the hatch.+
	Makh_Chomun	Takes a couple of deep breaths before closing his eyes to calm himself for a moment. He then indicates for the House Guard to move up and investigate while also securing the room.
	Baine_Mort	moves up to the hatch, pulling out his shot gun and aiming it at the hatch.
	Josef	takes a quick look at the void pirates' uniform, noticing the poor, old brown void suits with a Grey Canine Skull insignia.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	In one motion, the hatch is opened up, and guard pour in, weapons ready to fire.
	Baine_Mort	follows the guards in.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	On the other side, a single robed figure appears busy at work. Too busy to even notice your entry.
	Josef	[Techna-lingua] "Identify yourself."
	Baine_Mort	has his shotgun pointed at the robed figure.
	Josef	[Techna-lingua] "I am Hesh GM - #32-603 "Josef", Chief Chymist. The Consequence."
	Makh_Chomun	walks through the portal, on the tail of his comrades. He notices the busy figure and makes his way forward.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	In a single brief burst of binary, Josef is made aware that the priest is, and has been, trying to route power from wherever he could find it to the emergency beacon for the past two weeks.
	Josef	"Greetings, Brother."
	Rosenkrantz_GM	[Techna-lingua] "They have killed her, brother. Can you feel it? She is dying in this horrid debris field."
	Josef	[Techna-lingua] "A terrible situation brought by these unredeemable savages."
	Rosenkrantz_GM	[Techna-lingua] "The machine spirit suffers."
	Rosenkrantz_GM	He then rises.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	And instantly, the distress beacon comes offline.
	Baine_Mort	begins to lower his weapon.
	Josef	+Lord Chomun, my fellow brother has been keeping the beacon alive.+
	Rosenkrantz_GM	The torchlights reveal his frail figure. A techpriest ready to die with his ship, if it meant keeping that beacon alive for longer.
	Josef	[Techna-lingua] "Her final rites will be performed to ease her suffering."
	Makh_Chomun	"He's to be commended, especially for lasting so long. What information can he give us, Josef?"
	Josef	[Techna-lingua] "My Lord Protector need any information to help cleanse the void of the brutes."
	Rosenkrantz_GM	[Techna-lingua] "They raided. Took all they could. The heirophants of St. Cognatious were deprived of their precious relics, and our brothers and I lost the vessel to their attacks."
	Rosenkrantz_GM	[Techna-lingua] "They parted for that place of villainy... Footfall."
	Josef	"Lord Chomun, He says the pirates attacked and looted the vessel and headed to 'Footfall'."
	Baine_Mort	"Anything else?"
	Josef	"He's Dying."
	Makh_Chomun	"He? As in the Red-Robe?"
	Josef	"Indeed, Lord Chomun. Along with this vessel."
	Baine_Mort	stands there thinking for a moment before it hits him, "This sounds like the work of the Relic Traders."
	Makh_Chomun	"Is there no way to save both or either? And is there anything he thinks we should salvage if neither can happen?
	Baine_Mort	"And I know exactly were they operate out of in Footfall."
	Josef	"He's starving, Lord Chomun. As for the ship, it's needs to be towed."
	Makh_Chomun	"Sergeant." He motions to one of the House Guard. "Have this Tech-Priest escorted back under guard to the transport bay. Get him secured aboard one of the guncutters with some food and water."
	Rosenkrantz_GM	"Sir," he nods, putting away his weapon, and helping the techpriest along.
	Makh_Chomun	"Do you Mr. Mort? That'll come in quite handy soon enough."
	Baine_Mort	"Yes it will."
	Makh_Chomun	"Josef, find us a route to what's left of this ship's comm arrays."
	Josef	uses his MIU to connect to the terminal and tries to find the comm array.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	The datastream flooding in informs the techpriest that the emergency beacom being used by the survivor was actually one belonging to an escape pod that was never launched. Only three decks above you, and at a comparable distance from the damaged engine compartments, you will be able to reach the launch arrays.
	Josef	"Three decks above us, Lord Chomun."
	Makh_Chomun	"Lead on. Josef."
	Josef	disconnects from the console and leads the group towards to Comm Arrays.
	Baine_Mort	follows Josef
	Makh_Chomun	follows along in the middle of the gaggle of House Guard
	Rosenkrantz_GM	You arrive at the launch array, and immediately take note of the glowing green of the emergency comms array.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	Almost immediately, the machine spirit prompts Josef to approach... a faint, yet important transmission.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	<Friedrich_Rosenkrantz> +Lord Protector, Can you read me?+
	Josef	"Lord Chomun, it's a message from Wing Commander Friedrich's Fury ."
	Makh_Chomun	"And?"
	Josef	"He asking whether or not we get getting his transmission."
	Makh_Chomun	"You are, get him to get to the chase, and to contact the the Consequence afterwards.
	Josef	+This is Hesh GM - #32-603. We read you, Wing Commander.+
	Rosenkrantz_GM	<Friedrich_Rosenkrantz> +You have 20 minutes to get the hell out of there, Torpedoes incoming.+
	Josef	"Lord Chomun, torpedoes are headed towards this vessel in 20 minutes."
	Makh_Chomun	"....What?"
	Baine_Mort	"Time to abandon ship it seems."
	Josef	"We must leave, NOW!"
	Makh_Chomun	"House Guard! Fallback! Vox ahead and get everyone loaded up and ready to exfiltrate now! On the double, we need to leave this place yesterday."
	Rosenkrantz_GM	"Yes, my Lord! Guard, FALL BACK!"
	Makh_Chomun	starts jogging towards the portal he just came through. "MOVE IT YOU LOUTS, MOVE IT!"
	Baine_Mort	begins making his way back with the house guard back to the hanger.
	Josef	starts sprinting behind Chomun.
	Baine_Mort	starts to fall behind everyone
	Makh_Chomun	During the mad dash, Makh's training and instincts kick in to MAXIMUM OVERDRIVE. It's as if the God-Emperor is watching over him as he flawlessly navigates the corridors at speed, his entourage in tow.
	Josef	heads ahead of the group several times, but keep taking wrong turns in panic.
	Baine_Mort	With the help of Chomun, Baine is able to start keeping pace with the rest of the group.
	Makh_Chomun	Then Mort falls behind, snagged by some debris. Makh, with the assistance of his agility of his strength backpedals and leaps to the man, and with a deftness of a prior-cage-fighter wrenches the man out of his snag and launches him forward before stomping back into the lead.
	Josef	accidentally U-turns in the wrong direction. He passes the group in the opposite direction. Josef adjusts his heading and falls behind the rest of the group.
	Makh_Chomun	Not even Josef is spared the embarrassment of falling behind. He trips up on several grave-plates and almost slams himself into a wall and falls unconscious. Makh of course won't leave anyone behind he can help it, and deftly 180's to assist the poor Magos Biologis. With a similarity to Mort he hefts the Tech-Priest up and sprints with all the speed he can muster to regain the lead, he...
	Makh_Chomun	...deposits the metal man behind him while in full run, hoping he won't screw up again.
	Makh_Chomun	At last, the hangar bay comes into sight. Such a sweet sight to behold, and he would admire it more, if not for the pressing matter at hand. He thunders up his the ramp of his guncutter and buckles into his crash-harness. +Pilot as soon as we're loaded gun it. This goes for all the guncutters.+
	Rosenkrantz_GM	+Understood, Lord Protector.+
	Rosenkrantz_GM	The engines of one, then another of the gun-cutters roar into life. The rest follow suit after receiving the order.
	Baine_Mort	jumps into the gun cutter and buckles into his crash-harness, "Thanks for the help Chomun, I owe you a drink after this.
	Baine_Mort	"
	Josef	"This was an experience I do not wish to repeat again."
	Makh_Chomun	"Hah! More than a drink, my dear Mr. Mort." He jookes.
	Baine_Mort	"If I really had fallen behind, I would had to have find the nearest airlock then."
	Makh_Chomun	"Wouldn't expect you'd survive that, but it'd be a helluva ride."
	Rosenkrantz_GM	+Strap in, my Lord. We are leaving.+
	Makh_Chomun	+Already ahead of you. Get a move on, Pilot.+
	Rosenkrantz_GM	The Gun cutter squadron makes its way out of the bay doors, and tries to distance itself as quickly as it can from the doomed vessel.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	Pilot: +My Lord, the Consequence has left it's position, and is quickly moving away from us.+
	Rosenkrantz_GM	+My Lord... we are receiving orders to... intercept the incoming torpedoes.+
	Makh_Chomun	+Emperor above, what is she thinking?+
	Makh_Chomun	+Give me your honest assessment pilot, and the opinions of your fellows of doing this.+
	Rosenkrantz_GM	Pilot: +If you are asking me to speak freely, my Lord, we are neither trained nor equipped for interception.+
	Makh_Chomun	+Then as befits my rank, I'm belaying that order. Piss off to whoever thought to order this. I'll not risk my men and women for this derelict. Not even I'm this crazy. If anyone challenges my orders direct them to me Pilot. Spread the order, we're heading back to the Consequence with our guests.+
	Rosenkrantz_GM	+As you command, my Lord.+
	Makh_Chomun	+Get me Lucrezia, Pilot.+
	Makh_Chomun	+....Ahem, The Captain, I meant.+
	Rosenkrantz_GM	+Relaying comms to the bridge, my Lord.+
	Baine_Mort	"Well this was exciting."
	Rosenkrantz_GM	+Lord Chomun, this is First-Officer Titus.+
	Makh_Chomun	+Titus? Where is the Lady-Captain?+
	Rosenkrantz_GM	+She is overseeing the targetting of the batteries. The bridge is mine, Lord Chomun. Is there support I may provide?+
	Makh_Chomun	+Right. I wanted a sitrep if you can provide it. Meanwhile, I am having the guncutters fall back to the ship with guests from the crippled vessel.