Evervigilant 38

<Vigilant_GM> IT IS THE 41ST MILLENNIUM...
<Vigilant_GM> The Drunnels markets are, by now, entirely closed. Pilgrims, incensed by the rumors of heresy infesting the Oath Unspoken, have begun to pour in, torches, and improvised clubs in hand.
* Thesse activates the Brazier on her helmet.
<Thesse> "The true services of the Emperor dare not attack. However, finding a way out of this place is going to be... difficult."."
<Karpath> "I think we should leave."
<Karpath> "I know a way out of here that we can slip out through."
<Velam> "This pack of zealots bodes ill for us, my friends, best we leave soon."
<Baird> "Let's go then. Everyone try and not to attract attention."
* Karpath begins to lead the group with Baird at his side, trying to keep out of sight along the way.
<Vigilant_GM> While Sister Thesse emerges from the informant's hideout, brazier lit bright, Karpath and and Baird make their way past the zealots through the stalls, into a raised platform above the Drunnels where jesters' unicyvles and festive bells remain after the performers have run away. From this vantage point, they can see Sister Thesse and the rest of the acolytes following Tony through a
<Vigilant_GM> different path.
<Vigilant_GM> Quickly, however, the larger group begins to catch the attention of the zealots, who approach.
<Tony> "Sister.. take it away"
* Thesse starts chanting "O eternal Emperor, who alone watches us..."
<Vigilant_GM> "...Emperor who alone watches us..." the pilgrims join in.
* Velam follows the sister's example, following behind her, hands folded in humble respect.
* Nitrous follows along
* Thesse nods at Tony to continue leading the group while she chants "And rules the tides and storms, be compassionate to your servants!"
<Vigilant_GM> "And rules the tides and storms, be compassionate to your servants," the voices fill and echo across the vast chamber.
* Tony Plays along and helps lead them onward
* Thesse says aloud "Preserve us from the perils of the warp, that we may be a safeguard to the domain of men!"
<Vigilant_GM> "Preserve us from the perils of the Warp, that we may be a safeguard to the domain of men!" the passage resonates among the frightened zealots.
<Thesse> "Ave, Imperator!"
<Vigilant_GM> "Ave Imperator Dominus!"
<Vigilant_GM> "Lo! For the Heretic walks amongst us!", a vox-amplified voice echoes from the opposite side of the chamber. This begins to draw the crowd back, away from the acolytes.
<Vigilant_GM> "The Emperor's light will be brought, by fire and sword!"
<Vigilant_GM> "Trust not thine neighbors! Fear the Emperor! Do His will!"
<Vigilant_GM> The tall robed figure of Confessor Graves then becomes visible as he is surrounded by the pilgrims, who become ever-more agitated.
<Vigilant_GM> By now, the pilgrims' attention is entirely focused on the firebrand.
<Vigilant_GM> This being the case, the acolytes are able to come together as the screams of a man are heard across the chamber.
<Vigilant_GM> A tall cross-beam is ripped from a merchant's stand, its owner tied to it, as it is raised high and fixed to railings on the deck below.
<Vigilant_GM> "Obedience, or heresy! True sons of the Emperor know what must be done, know that the filth of heresy spreads lest His flock take action!"
<Vigilant_GM> The low glow of flame bounces along the surfaces near the Confessor and the mob.
<Vigilant_GM> Sister Thesse feels a sudden application of cold, firm pressure on the back of her head. Then, a low raspy voice with an accent that could well come from without the Sector demands, "This madness advances no further."
<Vigilant_GM> Standing behind the sister stands a tall man, above middle age in appearance, with unkept white hair. He wears a thick breastplate, and on his off-hand holds a live, unpinned grenade.
* Baird turns around and looks at the newcomer.
* Velam turning to identify the voice, the savant audibly and visibly gulps. "Emperor's mercy." He whispers in horror.
* Nitrous turns around
* Tony turns around to notice
<Tony> "Sister Watch out!"
* Karpath turns to see the man.
* Nitrous rolls out of the way of the grenade
<Vigilant_GM> Tony had yet to complete his sentence before the man fires off his weapon point-blank against Sister Thesse before leaping back, leaving the grenade behind.
* Karpath rolls out of the way of the blast.
* Baird tries to avoid the brunt of the blast but some shrapnel catches him in the side.
* Tony is blown back and knocked on his ass from being unprepared by the surprise
* Thesse is heavily injured and screams in righteous hatred.
* Velam is somehow able to deftly dive out of the range of the blast.
<Thesse> "PURGE THE HERETIC!"
* Nitrous fires a shot and he dodges
* Velam crawls into the nearest piece of cover from his prone position and pulls his weapon out, he decides to stay low.
* Tony Quick Draws his Hand Cannon and fires on the man who dropped a grenade at the party
* Baird moves quickly through the broken stalls and along the gantry ways maneuvering alongside the assailant. Raising his arm he drops the man with a well placed shock bolt from his arm mounted crossbow.
<Vigilant_GM> The firefight has turned the zealots into a frenzied mob. Stalls begin to burn as the bravest among the pilgrims run towards the sound of gunfire.
<Vigilant_GM> The pilgrims, however, are not the only ones whose attentions have been brought.
<Vigilant_GM> A series of stun grenades fill the Drunnels on nearly every every entrance as blast doors are shut by the automated servitorized systems.
<Karpath> "Well fuck, this is gonna be a shit show. We are stuck in here now."
<Velam> +What now?+
<Vigilant_GM> From the entrances that have not been sealed, formations of heavily armed and armored troops make their way in.
<Tony> "You know a play to lay low?"
<Vigilant_GM> Shots ring out loudly as shotguns are fired at range against the zealots.
<Baird> +Let's head back to the info brokers place. He had a way out of here, wether to another deck or just to a different room. Either way it's a place to lay low. If they question us we can say that the zealots attacked us. Let's go.+
<Vigilant_GM> Formations of armsmen show a demarkable degree of shield discipline as they advance to clash against the mob below as a single entity.
<Karpath> +Agreed.+
-Global- [LordLicorice] AXETOBERFEST! Circle
<Velam> +Quick thinking Baird, heading there now.+ Velam starts moving back towards the info broker's place.
<Nitrous> +Moving.+
* Tony leaps up follows the party
* Thesse moves along.
* Karpath start moving with the group.
<Tony> "There might be a path to sneak us past the firefighting"
<Velam> +Lead on then.+
* Tony leads them to a maintenance hub with raised scaffolding, where there is a drop ladder.
<Tony> "If I recall his place, this should lead just outside his place."
<Velam> "By the Emperor, Tony. Good show!" He pats him on the shoulder. "Let's hope your memory serves you correctly."
* Baird grunts as the man is heavier than he expected.
<Vigilant_GM> Tony leads the acolytes down the drop-ladder to the lower level where the zealots clash with armsmen. Blasts, cries, and the sounds of fire spreading through the merchant stalls fill the vast chamber, and mask the sounds of the acolyte escape down the ladder and into the alleyway from which the information broker was found.
<Vigilant_GM> ++FEAR NOTHING, CHILDREN OF THE EMPEROR! HIS RIGHTEOUS ZEAL GUIDE YOUR HAND!++
<Vigilant_GM> Confessor Graves agitates the zealots even now.
<Vigilant_GM> As you cross through the narrow alleyways, you spot torchlight around the corner, hurried steps approaching fast.
<Velam> "Emperor's Teeth." He mutters under his breath at the distant torch light.
* WarthogDriver_ is now known as Minoris
<Vigilant_GM> A shotgun blast precedes the dropping of the torch, a cry of pain following.
* Thesse turns off her Brazier.
* Tony whispers to the Acolytes "We need to move out of sight, over there."
<Baird> "Lead the way Tony."
* Velam follows Tony.
* Nitrous follows along
* Thesse follows behind Velam.
* Tony Tony leads them to a stand with many boxes. as he slides down to hide behind them
* Baird drops down into cover behind the makeshift merchant stall.
* Nitrous uses the cameleoline to the group as best as possible
* Velam makes himself as small as possible behind the stand.
<Vigilant_GM> Around the corner, a frail figure emerges, hunched over and gripping at his side. Every step produces a painful grunt as he uses the wall to keep himself from falling to the deck dead.
* Thesse whispers into the comms +He might be one of the Confessor's priests.+
<Vigilant_GM> The man limps in the darkness, moving towards the merchant stand without noticing you.
<Baird> +Stay put. Wait for the zealot to pass, we can't risk drawing any attention.+
<Vigilant_GM> Soon, you hear him lean against the wooden side of your stand, his breathing heavy.
* Karpath remains quiet for the moment.
* Tony keeps quiet waiting for the Zealot to hopefully pass
<Vigilant_GM> "Sanctus Imperator. Praetoris nostris... homenem imperfectis..." the man begins a prayer through his labored breathing. Unable to keep himself upright, you hear him slide down to the deck.
* Velam tenses, his breath become tense and shallow.
<Vigilant_GM> In short time, you no longer hear his prayer, nor his breathing.
* Tony Whispers "I think we are good to move"
<Baird> +Eyes sharp everyone, let's go.+
<Vigilant_GM> Beyond the alleys, the crackdown continues, armsmen holding little back as they impose the Lord-Captain's order.
<Vigilant_GM> "Sister..." a whisper barely audible. As though delivered on an in-breath. It is the man dying on the ground.
<Velam> +The man from earlier is still alive, poor fellow.+
* Thesse crawls toward the dying man and whispers "Yes, my child."
<Vigilant_GM> The man expiring before Sister Thesse, she realizes upon kneeling to his side, is Father Nessiah. As his own prediction would have it, he faces his death on this ill-fortuned voyage.
* Nitrous withdraws the cloak back
<Thesse> "No, no, nononono. By the Emperor..."
<Vigilant_GM> He grips the Aquila on his chest firmly with a bloodied hand.
<Velam> "Oh no." Velam looks away with a sad look.
<Tony> "Do what you must I am keeping a eye out for anyone coming this way."
* Thesse makes the Aquila back at her master.
* Karpath get up slowly to go look over the man to check his wounds, unfortunately, there isn't much he can do.
* Nitrous takes overwatch
<Vigilant_GM> "The vessel... they seek to take it, sister..."
* Baird moves forward and lays a hand on the Sister's shoulder. "Give him his last rights. There will be a proper time to grieve once we are safe."
* Thesse says "Who, Father?"
<Vigilant_GM> He tries, but struggles to produce a word.
<Vigilant_GM> His robes are now drenched in blood.
* Thesse about to cry and say "There's...There's nothing we can do?"
* Karpath shakes his head in response to Thesse question.
<Vigilant_GM> "Assist... the penitent..." are the last words he is able to produce until the grip on his Aquila loosens, and his breath ceases altogether.
* Thesse starts praying "Most powerful and glorious Emperor, who commands the winds and eddies of the galaxy..."
<Thesse> "...we miserable men are adrift in peril, we cry unto thee for help, save us, or we will perish. We see how great and terrible thou art, we fear you and offer our awe, we fear naught but your wrath..."
<Thesse> "... and beg a chance to prove ourselves, so let us not die in the tumultuous of the warp." She closes Father's eyes.
<Velam> "Ave Imperator."
* Thesse stands up and makes the sign of the Aquila. She says to Karpath "Let's... Let's leave."
* Karpath nods, +Ready to move out.+
* Tony Looks to Baird and nods as he continues to lead the way
* Nitrous follows along
* Velam sighs and follows behind the group
<Vigilant_GM> Crossing the alleyway, you find yourselves inside the information broker's lair.
* Karpath begins looking for a way to get into the hatch that the broker used.
<Velam> "I have been thinking about what the Father was trying to tell you Thesse, perhaps even us. I do not think Lord-Captain Aristide is aware of what that zealous cretin is attmpting. I believe the Father wants us to assist the Lord-Captain in dealing with this uprising. It makes sense if you think about it, and if anything we could make a powerful ally in doing so. Well that is if we reveal we're helping." He rambles on for a
<Velam> little longer, going into the intracacies of helping the Captain, the boons and banes, etc. Velam is doing this to cope with the chaos currently rampaging through the hold.
<Tony> "The problem with that, is we need to get to them first."
<Karpath> "Yea well I would prefer not to have a face to face with the captain, Just personal preference."
<Velam> "Well, yes, I understand our current circumstances come first. But now we have an important side-objective. It sounds like this zealous...idiot could make things very difficult for us if he succeeds."
<Vigilant_GM> Another set of hurried steps echo along the alleyway outside. Five or more people. They get louder as they descend to the entrance of the information broker's lair.
<Velam> +Five, no six people are heading this way. What should we do?+
<Nitrous> +Hide?+
<Karpath> +This hatch looks like a normal deckplate but I'm not sure how to open it though.+
<Velam> +So we can't use his little escape route then?+
<Karpath> +Not unless we find a way to open it and fast.+
* Velam Velam moves behind the counter and starts to scrutinize it, having his two servo-skull assist him. "There must be a secret switch or something." He mumbles to himself.
* Nitrous put's on his cloak
<Vigilant_GM> Without warning, a figure in the darkness rolls into the chamber. The darkness is pushed back with the brightness of a power field - a long blade that brings its wielder's power armor, censer, and robes into full view.
<Velam> "Douse that light!" The older man grumps, before looking around to see the idiot who is exposing them. And then his eyes bulge.
<Nitrous> "Oh..."
* Karpath turns and stubbles back, he draws out his bolter, aiming it at the figure.
* Baird draws his plasma pistol and preps a grenade.
* Velam fumbles with his own plasma pistol.
* Nitrous draws his rifle
<Baird> "Identify yourself and lower your blade!" Baird raises his pistol towards the figure.
<Minoris> "Well you all startled me, but what is a sister of the undying rose doing here."
<Minoris> "I'm assuming by her presence the rest of you do not actually mean me harm."
<Minoris> "So lower your weapons before you do something you won't live to regret"
* Tony Quick draws his Hand Cannon as he peaks down the hallway looking out for the other people heard
<Velam> "By Saint Valerius' robes. A Canoness. Lower your weapons, my fellows! She is an ally.
* Nitrous lowers his rifle
<Minoris> "I'm glad one of you have some sense"
* Karpath lowers his Boltgun.
<Thesse> "Mother, forgive us. We ran into some trouble."
* Baird holsters his plasma pistol and stows his grenade.
<Minoris> "Father bring your cattle in here and off the main pathway while I attempt to make sense of this mess"
* Minoris steps out of the doorway to make room
<Velam> "I am sorry, Cannoness, things are quite the mess out there as I'm sure you've seen."
<Nitrous> "Indeed."
* Tony lowers his hand cannon seeing the party ease themselves
<Minoris> "Yes, although I must admit my knowledge of the happenings on this ship is limited.
<Nitrous> "Confessor started a riot."
<Nitrous> "Wants the ship I think."
<Nitrous> "I'm not sure."
* Karpath rolls his eyes at Nitrous.
<Minoris> "Your ignorance was clear as soon as you spoke I'll be aware of that when you speak in the future"
<Velam> "We believe this man is trying to lead a coup taking advantage of the fear that currently grips the faithful. He is making a mockery of the word of the Emperor." Velam says.
* Nitrous nods quickly
<Minoris> "Simply so we are on the same page my goal here is simply to get these lords of the Emperor to the nearby chapel safe from the ongoing riots"
<Vigilant_GM> "You men, with me!! If there are any more skulls to crack, we will find them and be done with this!"
<Minoris> "I had heard rumors of heretical happenings onboard but had not yet had time to begin my own investigations"
<Vigilant_GM> Once again, the alleyways are busy. This time, with well-timed steps in unison.
<Karpath> "That doesn't sound good", he then turns to Velam, "any chance you found a way to open that hatch there?"
* Baird steps forward and holds up the rosette to the power armoured arrival. "We have already begun investigations sister. We will help you get those members to a safe haven and then we must continue our holy work."
<Velam> +Ah, sorry the Cannoness appearing...God-Emperor a Cannoness. Ahem I have found a small digital scanner under the counter. I'm going to attempt to get it to open the secret way out.+
<Velam> +Yes Karpath. As I said.+
<Thesse> "Who's Karpath?"
<Nitrous> "Pilot."
<Thesse> "Oh..."
* Karpath sighs.
<Minoris> "Ahhh well this is getting more interesting isn't it, for now I will defer to your troops greater knowledge"
<Minoris> "Father you and your people saw nothing"
<Vigilant_GM> "Yes, Mother-Canoness... we understand."
* Baird nods and turns the the other acolytes. "Any luck on the hatch?"
<Tony> "Working on it"
<Vigilant_GM> The priest turns to his companions, and attempts to calm them down as the realization that the Inquisition is involved dawns on them.
<Velam> With that the savant goes back to examining the digital scanner, then he starts to work on getting it to open the secret elevator.
<Minoris> "At ease the Emperor protects"
<Vigilant_GM> With a loud metallic crack, the deckplate shifts several inches below.
<Velam> The savant cracks a smile at Baird in answer.
* Karpath patches up Sister Thesse and then goes to help Velam with the hatch.
<Velam> "I think so, my friend.
<Baird> "Excellent work Logen."
<Minoris> "Would you like me to lead the way?"
<Nitrous> "Please."
<Velam> "Indeed, Raolin, glad to be of help."
<Thesse> "Yes, Mother. Guide us."
<Baird> "That would work best Canoness, I'll follow up behind you then we can bring the members you're escorting and the other Acolytes can bring up the rear."
<Vigilant_GM> An impossibly bright flash assaults your eyes as your ears hear naught but a single high-pitched beep.
<Velam> Velam is suddenly deaf, but thanks to the photo-visors can still see.
<Vigilant_GM> In an instant, several man-sized shields pour into the room, forming a wall as the priest and his companions are through to the floor and dragged behind the shieldwall.
* Karpath is able to be unaffected by the flash as sees the group of man pour into the room.
<Vigilant_GM> Bright floodlights in the center of the shields are turned on in alternating, nauseating patterns as the calls begin, "On the deck! Now, or we will shoot!"
<Baird> +Change of plans everyone.+ "We are members of the Inquisition caught in the riots." Baird holds the Rosette high and clear to be seen by the armsmen. "We need escort clear of the rioting and an audience with the Lord Captain."
<Vigilant_GM> The strobe lights are shut down, though the shields remain raised.
<Minoris> "You also need to release the servents of the Emperor you just restrained!"
* Baird cocks his head towards the other Acolytes. "Sheathe and stow your weapons everyone."
<Vigilant_GM> "Remain... in the chamber! Go find Commander Hessiial."
<Vigilant_GM> One of the Armsmen leaves.
<Baird> "Understood."
* Nitrous leans against the wall in some sort of relief
<Vigilant_GM> An awkward faceoff begins as the grunts of the beaten priest and his company are heard somewhere behind the shield wall.
* Tony stows his Hand Cannon and sighs but with a thought of pressure on his mind
<Vigilant_GM> Shortly thereafter, two sets of footsteps approach.
<Vigilant_GM> A man wearing a liveried uniform, and carapace armor denoting his rank enters the chamber, naval sabre in hand.
* Velam rubs his hands nervously, after holstering his plasma pistol. His two servoskulls chase each other, running circles around his shins. "Behave you two." He says down to them.
<Vigilant_GM> He breathes in heavily as he steps forward.
* Minoris cocks her head inquisitivly
<Vigilant_GM> "I don't know what the feck sparked this. I don't know what your role in this is. But... it's a damn good break from all the ferrying around the Sector."
<Vigilant_GM> He steps forward.
<Vigilant_GM> Now, just before the Canoness, he looks her armor up and down.
<Minoris> "Yes?"
<Vigilant_GM> "Convincing gear, at least. But you think the Lord-Captain has time for... this?" he looks around the room.
<Vigilant_GM> It is then that he takes note of Karpath.
<Minoris> "You will do well to spare me the mockery."
<Vigilant_GM> "I know you," he says pointing with his sabre. "Never forget a face."
* Karpath remains quiet
<Vigilant_GM> He sheathes his sabre. His men take this as an order, and also lower their weapons.
* Minoris mutters "How cliche"
<Vigilant_GM> "Those out there your lot? Starting trouble for the Lord-Captain?"
<Minoris> "I have no business with the confessor, I am simply a passenger on this vessel."
<Vigilant_GM> "And a guest of the Lord-Captain if you're to be believed. Go on, show me."
<Minoris> "It seems however that my role is likely to change"
<Minoris> "I believe you mean this?"
* Minoris holds up a peice of parchment
<Vigilant_GM> "Worthless..." he turns to his men. "You said Inquisition. Not 'venerated passengers'."
<Minoris> "The High Gothic isn't beyond you I hope."
<Minoris> "Ah you have me confused then these are not my accociates"
* Minoris steps back and gestures to the other people in the room
<Velam> "Raolin."
<Vigilant_GM> He turns back, eyes narrowed.
<Baird> "The Canoness is the venerated passenger. The rest of us are The Inquisition."
* Baird once more hold the badge high enough to be seen.
<Vigilant_GM> He looks it over closely.
<Vigilant_GM> "Your Master?"
<Baird> "We are instruments of his will. That should suffice for now."
* Tony Sighs and pulls out his badge as well show
<Vigilant_GM> "I can't prove you're not just another Surena operative. But know that when I can, you will wish I killed you here."
<Minoris> "Surena?"
<Velam> "Their rival in the Rogue Trader business, Cannoness."
<Baird> "If we are this would be much simpler for all parties involved. Including us. We are here for a reason and I will reiterate. We need a meeting with the Lord Captain."
<Vigilant_GM> "Right. Keep your hands away from your weapons, and follow closely."
<Baird> "Of course. Let's go everyone."
* Karpath follows behind Baird.
* Nitrous follows along
* Velam follows along, trying his hardest not to pick the Cannoness' brain. A Cannoness! The only thing to make today more perfect would be an Astartes!
* Thesse follows as well.
* Minoris klunks along
* Tony pulls out a lho-stick pulls out his lighter and lights it as he follows behind the party
<Vigilant_GM> Commander Hessiial takes the acolytes away from the midships compartments, up several levels where the Anzaforr dynasty's penitent spirit becomes visible in every hallway, in every chamber, and at last... in the Basilica Unspoken - a vertiable Imperial Cathedral built by the Rogue Trader, and an edifice to the Lord-Captain's own piety.
<Vigilant_GM> Here, the priest and his companions request to be left in safety.
<Vigilant_GM> Hessiial, disinterested in their fate, allows this.
<Minoris> "May the Emperors will guide you"
<Vigilant_GM> "Thank you, Mother-Canoness... for everything."
* Karpath eyes the room they are in, the room hasn't changed much since his time on the ship, before his change of jobs.
<Vigilant_GM> A short trip from the Basilica, and the passenger compartments open up before you. Here, wealth and power, rather than piety, are in full display. From every detail, every precious metal finish, every piece of artwork along the walls and statues of Anzaforr bearers of the Warrant of Trade past.
* Velam stares in awe and wonder, taking hundreds of mental notes and images for later recording.
<Vigilant_GM> "If you are whom you claim, the Lord-Captain will want you to stay in one of the staterooms. This one is yours," he nods for uniformed aides to open two gilded double-doors which open into what can only be described as a garden chamber. The verdant flora stands in a central circular platform, with a path that can be traversed through it. Around this platform, several doors open up to
<Vigilant_GM> separate rooms.
<Baird> "It is appreciated."
<Vigilant_GM> The Commander gives a terse nod.
<Thesse> "By the Emperor... Look at this place."
<Velam> "I had always wondered about the splendour and wealth of Rogue Traders. Words don't do it justice."
<Vigilant_GM> The vast antechamber has refreshments readily brought in from a small service door the staff uses to enter and exit discretely, without disrupting the Lord-Captain's guests.
<Tony> "I don't even think a simple noble can afford all this."
* Tony As he looks at the sights
<Minoris> "If only such wealth was used simply for fulfilling the Emperors Will and smiting his enemies."
<Vigilant_GM> The scent of incense leaves the air with a sweet floral aroma as a soft hymn is played into the stateroom.
<Vigilant_GM> The doors are closed behind you as the commander leaves to give word to the Lord-Captain.
* Nitrous finds a chair and sits
* Velam indulges himself and requests a drink. Nothing alcoholic, but perhaps something bubbly.
<Vigilant_GM> Decanters of aged Amasec, off-sector liqeurs, and even products of ship-fermentation are laid about the antechambers lounge area.
* Karpath looks around the room taking in the scents and furnishing, "Hmmm, much nicer then what I use to have." he says to himself.
* Minoris turns to Thesse "Indulge me sister, how did you find yourself with such a group"
* Baird finds seating and pours himself a glass of the best amasec available.
* Tony takes a seat "Hey Logen, mind grabbing me a strong one, I think I will need it."
<Vigilant_GM> Glasses made of the crystaline pearlescent material found on Desoleum are stacked for the consumption of the drinks.
* Karpath makes his way over to where Baird is and grabs a seat and pours himself a drink.
<Thesse> "Well, the one in the hat asked me to talk to him and his group in a dark alleyway."
* Nitrous get's up pours a himself a drink and sits back down
<Velam> "I suppose I could." He collects a drink for Tony, using one of the decanters to pour out a half-glass before bringing it to Tony. He sips on his own beverage after taking a seat next to him.
<Baird> "A room Sister Thesse."
<Baird> "It was a matter of secrecy. Wording it the way you are makes it sound criminal."
<Vigilant_GM> A low, polite knock comes from the service door.
<Nitrous> "Yo."
<Thesse> "Oh Yea, that was after. The gentlemen wanted to speak to me in a quiet room."
<Tony> takes the glass, and sips at it
<Minoris> "I pray that your innocence does not lead you astray sister."
<Vigilant_GM> As it opens, a servant emerges. "Lord-Captain's compliments, sirs, Mother-Canoness, Sister," he nods to each.
<Tony> "Thanks"
* Nitrous nods
<Velam> "You're welcome Tony." He looks to the servent. "Thank you."
<Thesse> "What do you mean, Mother-Canoness?"
<Vigilant_GM> "You will be received in the Banquet Hall. Dinner is in two hours. If there is anything I can do to assist you in preparation, you need only knock on the service door."
* Karpath takes a sip of his drink.
<Minoris> "Ignore me sister."
<Baird> "It is appreciated." Baird nods to the servant.
<Thesse> "Yes...? Yes, Mother."
<Vigilant_GM> With a short bow, the servant disappears behind the discreet door once more.
<Karpath> "Oh boy this is gonna be interesting."
<Thesse> "So we had a talk about their investigation with Father Lazaru... and it's difficult to talk about the Father at the moment..."
<Nitrous> "Yup."
* Nitrous goes to washes himself in one of the rooms and cleans his armor and weapons
<Velam> "Raolin, I suggest we get everyone cleaned up, at the very least. Perhaps a change of clothing. We will not want to offend the master of this vessel."
<Tony> "The amount of times I get in these tense situations, I don't know what is worse the this or that time in the hive.."
<Minoris> "If there anything any of you feel you should share with me before this dinner?"
* Tony As he takes a sip
* Baird makes use of the facilities to shower and clean his clothing and gear. "We need to set our story straight before meeting the Lord Captain. We've told him part of the truth already but discretion is key."
<Thesse> "Do you require any help Mother-Canoness with your armor?"
<Velam> "Indeed." In the meantime he gets himself cleaned up.
<Minoris> "No thank you sister, it has not seen combat recently"
* Karpath sighs "Yea probably best we change out of our current clothing."
* Thesse bows "I understand, Mother." She goes to clean herself up.
<Baird> +Setup the jammer before we do.+
<Tony> +On it+
* Karpath takes another sip of his drink.
* Karpath then takes one last sip of his drink and goes to clean up.
* Baird dons one of the sets of clothing available, choosing one of the less gaudy, darker, cooler colored sets. Preferably one that won't look to out of place with hat and duster.
* Tony goes to shower and grabs a fresh per of clothes that are not damaged, and dons a Nice Blue shirt, black trousers, with brown shoes
<Baird> Once the jammer is setup Baird lays out the story and makes sure all the acolytes are on the same page.
* Velam dons some simple robes provided, while his own get laundered, but he does not leave any of his equipment. The robes are a dour blue with some silve trim.
<Vigilant_GM> At last, the hour is marked by a tall, beautifully crafted grandfather clock in the antechamber, opposite the garden.
* Karpath has a nicer pair of clothing on now as they are ready for the dinner with the lord captain.
* Nitrous put's on a uniform and laspistol
* Minoris makes no particular effort to change for the dinner.
* Karpath leaves his armor and most of his weapons behind besides his bolt pistol and shock maul.
* Baird buckles on his chest piece and straps on his pistols.
<Vigilant_GM> At the end of the luxury passenger quarters, the Banquet Hall's vast double-doors with the Anzaforr Dynasty crest make finding it an easy task.
<Velam> "Magnificent."
<Tony> +Go on ahead of me I will have the Jammers set up+
<Vigilant_GM> As you approach the hall, a gilded servitor acknowledges your presence and pushes open the great double-doors. Within, a chandelier of gold-plated skulls supporting electro-candles casts a glittering luminescence across the massive chamber. Works of art, including paintings, tapestries, and sculptures atop pedestals line the walls. The centerpiece of the room is the banquet table,
<Vigilant_GM> carved from the finest Illandrian oak, each of the table legs ends in an elaborately carved lion's foot.
<Vigilant_GM> Already, numerous dishes and decanters cover the table top. The table appears to seat at least fifty guests, but currently only a few are present, with an additional place setting for each of you. At the far end of the table, a man in stately garb stands. He gestures to the table, greeting you.
* Baird returns the greeting and walks to the place set for him at the table but hasn't sat yet.
* Nitrous follows baird's trail
* Thesse follows beside Baird.
* Minoris nods in acknowledgement and walks to the area set aside for our group, but obviously does not take a seat."
* Karpath makes his way to the table and takes a seat, for the moment trying to somewhat avoiding eye contact for the moment.
<Vigilant_GM> As you approach, the man seated by the captain rises and bows.
<Vigilant_GM> The other guest, clearly not human, simply nods.
* Velam finds his seat next to Baird and takes it. Making sure to command his servoskulls to be on their best behaviour and stay behind his head.
<Velam> "My word, an eldar....in the flesh. Emperor save me."
<Velam> He says this quietly so only his compatriots can hear.
<Nitrous> "Yup."
* Thesse takes a sit at the table cautiously. She is uncomfortable in the presence of Xenos.
* Tony finds a seat next Nitrous and waits for the go ahead to be seated
<Tony> "Now that is a uniform I have not seen in awhile."
<Vigilant_GM> "I am glad you could join us," the Lord-Captain says with a pleasant grin. "What would you like to drink?"
<Vigilant_GM> He motions for a highly augmented servant to come forward and take your orders.
<Minoris> "I appreciate the generosity but hope you will understand if I abstain."
<Velam> The savant nods politely, he orders a Mordian Mule, on the rocks.
<Velam> He also notes to use Sacra if they have it instead of Pelodka.
* Baird orders a fine vintage of amasec.
* Karpath order a drink.
* Tony orders a Devilberry Liqueur
<Vigilant_GM> "Of course, Mother-Canoness. Perhaps the food will be to your liking. Please, Arthur, explain the courses."
<Minoris> "You misunderstand, I have simply been fasting for my pilgrimage I was not expecting to attend such a dinner."
* Thesse orders a glass of water.
<Vigilant_GM> The highly augmetic servant begins to explain a number of delicacies from accross the sector that will be made available to you, including the finest Novabella ingredients, and even Calixian-imported meats.
<Vigilant_GM> "I understand, Mother-Canoness, of course. If there is anything I can provide to make this a pleasant sitting, you need only ask."