Evervigilant 60

<Vigilant_GM> IT IS THE 41ST MILLENNIUM...
<Vigilant_GM> Though the Old Quarter's abandoned and oft dilapidated streets speak of an old glory now long forgotten by the ever-ambitious nobility of the Sector capital, the interests of a bygone era see a revival as the off-world designs of House Guljian find old claims suddenly filled with value as Blackhall Manse extends its influence into the former center of power on Juno.
<Vigilant_GM> Through the months-long process, the districts are acquired and cleared of the few unwanted denizens remaining in the otherwise abandoned plateau; despite centuries of neglect, the Brighten clan of Halbhyve Pass has kept tight control over the only ground-based access connecting the Juno hive proper to the Old Quarter. It is ultimately, however, these very gatekeepers who begin to
<Vigilant_GM> pose the greatest trouble as they sense a re-emergence of interest in the region.
<Vigilant_GM> Failed negotiations, and repeated slights turn into a flashpoint as the passage is cut off entirely, halting all reconstruction on the Aldryx Hab District, and stranding those loyal to Blackhall Manse.
<Vigilant_GM> "I don't think I've ever seen Nico so happy to see someone," Kaytian says to Baird, clipping on her helm-strap. "It was the right thing to do," she nods.
<Vigilant_GM> Already, the Manse armsmen gather outside, engines roaring as the convoy begins to gather outside the Blackhall grounds.
<Baird> "Whether or not it was the right thing to do remains to be seen Kaytian. He certainly does seem happy though."
* Karpath stands by in the Gun-cutter with Jace, now known as Kyle ready as back up.
* Karpath goes over a check up of the ships systems.
* Davos is currently operating the right bolter on the Gun-cutter.
<Velam> The savant is currently walking behind the CO of the mercenaries, taking notes and going over logistics and gear with the commander.
* Tony is now known as Clare
<Vigilant_GM> Likely immaterial for your operation today, Interrogator, but the Apex nobility already communicates about the unprovoked attack on your staff.
<Karpath> +Good to have you on board Zim, and same to you Clare.+
<Davos> +Let's hope all goes well.+
<Karpath> +Yep, especially since this will be the first test.+
* Baird loads into a repressor with some of the team and the signed on mercenaries. Thank you Mordecai, it is pleasing to hear that plans are already in motion.
<Davos> +If you crash make it spectacular.+
<Clare> "First day here and already high flying, my Brother really has a way of finding interesting folks."
* Velam loads himself into the other repressor, behind the interrogators. +I am sure it shall go off without a hitch. Or it'll be a spectacular light show, to give rival to the Emperor's Day celebrations in the high-spires.+
<Karpath> +I don't plan to crash her today.+
* Baird activates the vox-caster within the repressor and links with all units. ++House Guljian! Today we strike back at these criminals who have murdered civilians in the name of profit and pride! We shall show them the error of their hubris, their cowardice! Today! We exact vengeance against those who would reach above their station!++
* Karpath activates the cutters systems and preps for take off.
<Clare> "So are you both twins? Zim and Zim?"
<Vigilant_GM> Vox-chatter reveals the high spirits of the house mercenary squad officers and their men, banter punctuating their communications as units move in unison.
<Davos> "Nope."
<Vigilant_GM> Moving in full force, the house assets roll through Marktplatz. The newly-arrived locals begin to disperse, passing word on the need to remain sheltered in their habs as they sense the violence ahead.
* Karpath prepares to take off, "Well here goes nothing." He then smoothly takes off and flies out of the hanger.
<Davos> +This is where the fun begins.+
<Clare> "So what did these lot do to have do to have us come in cruising in this big ol girl of Zimmerman's."
<Davos> "Territory dispute."
<Vigilant_GM> As the convoy makes its way down the largely empty streets, the towering spire of the Lux Divinae church casts a long ominous shadow across the hab district, pointing accusatively at Halbhyve Pass.
<Velam> "Magnificent, isn't it?" He asks to really no one, indicating the Lux Divine. But the poor troopers sharing the vehicle with him are now assailed by many pointless, though interesting, details of the history of the church. Or at least what he could find in the local records and tomes.
<Clare> "Really? Shit, to have such a large bird be called in."
<Davos> "Boss says he want everything."
<Clare> "Hope he does not want the drinks for later then."
<Vigilant_GM> +Barricades heavily manned. They appear to be making demands through laud-hailer.+
<Vigilant_GM> The roaring of the engines makes this attempt at communication impossible inside the heavy armored vehicles, however.
* Karpath pilots the cutter up in the air high above the convoy, ready to move in at a moments notice.
<Baird> ++Lead to Cutter.++
<Karpath> ++We read you.++
<Baird> ++Do you have eyes on the barricade?++
<Karpath> ++Aye we do.++
<Baird> ++Take out the barricade. Extreme prejudice++
<Davos> "LOCK AND LOAD."
* Clare mans her post and readies for action
<Karpath> ++Copy that.++ +Gunners prepare to kill on sight.+ he the maneuvers for his attack run on the barricade.
<Clare> ++What's the Targets?++
<Karpath> +Target is the Barricade.+
<Clare> ++Copy++
* Velam looks over his trusty plasma pistol, also making sure his servo skulls stay close. "Ahhhhh here we go again."
* Karpath pilots in the cutter and begins opening fire with the two pilot operated Long-Barreled Auto Cannons on the barricade.
* Clare lines up the Heavy Bolter to fire at the troops behind the barricade spraying heavy bolter fire at them
* Davos fires a burst unto the barrier.
* Karpath then pulls out of the dive to come around and then make another pass.
<Vigilant_GM> The monstrous heavy fire that the Gun-Cutter is able to pour on target rattles the ground even for those sitting in heavy vehicles. Material debris and smoke puff out into the air in wide plumes, obstructing the devastation caused as the air support pulls back up.
<Davos> "I think we made our message loud and clear."
<Clare> "Oh yeah we did!"
* Clare looks excited and thrilled by the run
<Vigilant_GM> +Can confirm fire-effective pass. Rolli..+ the lead vehicle spotter's transmission is cut abruptly short as a thick stream of concentrated las energy pierces through the clouds and into the front-plate. Inside the Repressor the temperature rises dramatically as one of the treads struggles to roll, until coming to an abrupt stop.
<Vigilant_GM> ++Looks bad, my Lord. Fused the fucking links on the right tracks++ one of the foot squad leaders voxes in.
* Karpath seeing the shots come from the  other side of the barricade he begins moving in for another pass. ++We are moving in for another pass.++
<Vigilant_GM> By now, small-arms fire has begun to ring out on either side.
<Clare> "Ready for another Invasion, Zim?"
<Davos> "Indeed."
<Baird> ++Cutter we are taking fire from behind the barricade, hunt that las weapon.++ Baird switches channels to address the repressor crews. ++Lead vehicle disembark. Leave a crew to provide fire support using the turret weapons. Secondary Repressor advance under covering fire. Myself and the priest shall join you.++
<Vigilant_GM> ++Maneuvering into position.++
<Vigilant_GM> Under the cover of advancing infantry, the secondary repressor advances close, positioning itself abreast of the lead vehicle.
<Vigilant_GM> With both vehicles now saturating the streets ahead with heavy fire, the extraction takes place as the Gun-Cutter howls above, slowly maneuvering into a suitable angle of attack.
<Velam> +Welcome aboard, Lord Guljian.+ He greets Baird and Thesse as they climb aboard.
* Baird nods to Velam in greeting. "Hanging in there Tabarius? I know these situations aren't your forte."
<Velam> "Hah! I've had my fair share of battles, granted I was always watching them from a display." He answers back with a knowing smile.
<Vigilant_GM> It is during this controlled advance that flames begin to fill the streets, vox-chatter tracking the falling back of two squads having received the brunt of the crudely-made promethium-cannister launchers on the roofs of the buildings ahead. One such transmission appears to indicate the need for a VIP extraction, though this too is quickly lost in the commotion.
<Baird> ++Say again? Who needs extraction?!++
<Vigilant_GM> +Awaiting second pass before advancing further, my Lord+ the repressor's operator calls back.
<Vigilant_GM> ++Sir, it's Master Tanzi++ the reply comes, interrupted by heavy fire.
<Vigilant_GM> ++Heavy burns. Falling back, and requesting extraction.++
<Velam> "....Why was he up there?" Velam has a look of horror on his face.
<Vigilant_GM> Another line of heavy energy sprays inaccurately down the street, vaporizing several infantrymen, while missing the repressors.
* Clare her smile fades, as she realizes who that is.
<Baird> "He's doing his duty, leading the men from the front." ++Maximillian, draw up an escort detail for Tanzi.++ ++Cutter once you've taken care of that las weapon I need an extraction for Tanzi.++
<Sister_Thesse> "Bloody Criminals! They will pay with what they have done."
<Vigilant_GM> ++Rendezvous with squad underway++ Servus confirms.
* Clare her eyes focused she adjusts her wrath at the Las Cannon
* Davos focus fires on the rooftop
* Karpath opens fire with the cutters auto cannons and they make there second pass.
<Karpath> He then pulls up and out to come back around.
<Vigilant_GM> The repressors open a passage through the flames with their heavy water cannons, and the mercenaries pour in with built-up bloodlust.
<Karpath> ++Copy that we will come around and make for a hot pick up.++
* Sister_Thesse gets on the long range vox and says "PUNISH THESE SINNERS FOR THEY HAVE BROUGHT THE WRATH OF THE EMPEROR. PURGE THE DIRTY CRIMINALS! BURN THESE DELINQUENTS!"
<Vigilant_GM> As the smoke and debris clear along the building sides and rooftop, little remains. The face of the building suffers partial collapse where once the heavy weapon was mounted, the roof itself caving into the up-most floor.
* Clare gets herself off the Heavy Bolter Turret and heads to the ramp
<Clare> ++I am going to get my Brother++
<Davos> "I'll provide cover."
<Vigilant_GM> ++Lord Guljian, we are in position. Permieter set up and ready for extraction.++
<Karpath> With some luck and skill, Karpath pilots the craft down and lands as close as possible to make a hot extraction for Tony. As he lands he relays to Clare. +Go get Tanzi, Zim Provide Covering Firing.+
<Clare> ++Already there Zimmer Boy!++
* Clare opens the ramp
<Vigilant_GM> Captain Servus and two of his men carry Tony's body inside.
<Vigilant_GM> "We need to leave, now. They are flanking our advance like fucking rats..."
* Clare her expression is grim at the sight then refocuses for a moment
<Davos> +Go Go GO!!!+
<Clare> ++Zim Go! he is in!++
* Clare closes the ramp behind them
* Karpath once they are inside he the begins lift off.
<Clare> "Oh Emperor! what happened!?"
* Clare moves close to Tony to get a good look
* Karpath seeing the waring pop up he pulls up fast and makes for a quick exit.
* Davos rushed over and tries to provide mediacl aid to Tony.
<Karpath> ++Two Contacts incoming, 10Km and closing.++
* Clare looks to Davos
<Clare> "Help my Brother! I will get them off us."
<Vigilant_GM> "Burned, along with eight of my men... air-burst promethium canisters," Servus informs Clare, adding "Nasty business..."
<Davos> "I'm trying."
<Tony> "Clare... I am so..rry.."
<Davos> "........"
* Tony coughs out blood his eyes weak
<Davos> "Last words mam."
* Tony his arms weak he passes Davos a small locket as his arm drops and he struggles to stay awake
* Davos grabs the locket and holds his hands despite the pain.
<Tony> "Give... th..is to.. Cla..re.. Plea.se.."
* Davos nods quickly
<Tony> "Emperor... Pro..tec.."
* Karpath decides the best option is to out-maneuver the incoming fighter. +EVERYONE STRAP IN NOW. This is going the rough.+
* Davos rushes Tony to some chairs and straps in.
<Davos> "This is going to be a bumpy ride."
* Clare straps herself in the Heavy Bolter and readies herself
* Davos rushes to the Bolter and prepares for combat.
<Vigilant_GM> As the infantry reaches the garrisoned buildings, storming the entryways while the repressors roll into position, the gun-cutter maneuvers low, just above the heavy vehicles. Its engines blow exhaust hard against the building surfaces and the infantrymen's gear as it maneuvers through the streets, often mere feet away from the sides of the hab structures. Hot in pursuit, bursts of
<Vigilant_GM> heavy solid projectile fire slam against the rock-crete and glass of the buildings, followed by the interceptors painted in the red-white of the Brighten clan.
<Clare> ++Thoses Grox shit eating, money grabbing asswholes will pay for this!++
<Vigilant_GM> ++Get out!++
<Vigilant_GM> An explosion engulfs the first floor of the West-most building.
<Davos> ++FOR MASTER TANZI++
<Clare> ++Zimmerman swerve us around!++
<Velam> "Hmmmmmmmmm, this is going differently than expected." Velam comments nervously as he absorbs all of the information coming over the comms channel.
<Karpath> ++Get Ready.++
<Davos> +Indeed!+
<Vigilant_GM> The gun-cutter pulls a high-G maneuver, then, climbing sharply in a vertival pattern high above the hab tops, in an attempt to loop behind the pursuing interceptors.
<Vigilant_GM> The lead interceptor is unable to stay on Karpath's tail, and is forced to climb up to avoid collision with a building. The second, having lost track of the lead interceptor, find itself in front of the now descending gun-cutter.
<Karpath> +FIRE+
<Clare> ++FOR MY BROTHER!++
* Clare fires her Hevay Bolter Turret at one of the Interceptors with righteous fury
* Davos fires his heavy bolter into the interceptor
* Karpath fires the autocannons at the interceptor.
<Vigilant_GM> The interceptor pilot goes into an evasive upward spin, mitigating the strikes against it. The volume of fire, however, is sufficient to rend entire plates of its hull, filling the air first with dark-smokey fluid, and then flame as one of its engines comes alight.
<Vigilant_GM> In this condition, the spin becomes uncontrolled, and the interceptor flies over the edge of the plateau, only to disappear into a dive well below its heights.
<Davos> +Good shot!+
<Karpath> +Scratch one, fighter.+
<Vigilant_GM> A burst of fire from the lead interceptor strikes the gun-cutter on its rear.
<Karpath> "Shit, well he wants a fight then." +Get ready to take out another.+
<Davos> +Copy.+
<Vigilant_GM> ++Lord Guljian, West building first and second floors cleared. Making progress on final two floors. Heavy resistance on East building encountered.++
<Baird> ++We will move forward and assist.++
* Baird turns to the crew of the Repressor. "Move into range to support the infantry moving against the East building."
<Karpath> +Damn who ever is piloting that ship is good.+
<Velam> "Ahhhhhhhhhh, the call to battle."
<Vigilant_GM> The repressor's operator punches it forward, tracks rolling through a gate. Now, just a few meters from the face of the building, the vehicle speeds up yet again, collapsing a sizeable portion of the wall before pulling back again. +New entrypoint for infantry arranged, sir.+
<Baird> ++Infantry entrypoint made. Advance!++ Baird turns to Velam, Thesse and the mercenaries in the Repressor. +That goes for us too. For House Guljian!+
<Velam> "I feel bad for the poor souls who have to face me." He chuckles to himself as he piles out behind the mercenaries.
<Vigilant_GM> Infantry stacks up against the new opening, and hurl several grenades inside as the repressor's occupants climb out.
<Sister_Thesse> "They will suffer for the pain they have caused us."
<Vigilant_GM> Seemingly without cause, the lead interceptor's engines go silent, the aerial vehicle going into a lethal stall into a hab structure nearby.
<Vigilant_GM> "Ready to breach!"
<Vigilant_GM> The bangs go off within, concussive and loud.
* Baird draws two of his pistols and nods to the men. ++We take vengeance for those that have died! Breach!!++
<Velam> The low thrum of the plasma pistol feels comfortable in Velam's hands.
<Karpath> "What the world just happend? You see that!" he says to Jace.
<Vigilant_GM> Mercenaries pour into the improvised entry, immediately firing at targets on either side.
<Vigilant_GM> "The Emperor protects..?" Jace answers back.
* Karpath checks his scopes.
<Davos> +I'll take what the emperor gives.+
<Clare> +Are we clear Zim?+
<Karpath> +Something happened, looks like the.... something, im not sure but it looks like we are clear, going to return to base.+ He looks to Jace, "Looks like we have a unexpected Ally possible."
<Karpath> ++This is cutter to ground, we are returning to base with the VIP.++
<Clare> +Okay good, keep us steady I am going to check on Brother.+
* Clare hops off the Heavy Bolter and makes her way to check on Tony
* Davos get's out of the bolter and checks on Tony.
* Karpath levels out the cutter and makes for home.
<Baird> ++Understood. Just standby for a possible re-assist.++
<Karpath> ++Copy that will be ready once the VIP is at home and safe.++
* Davos get's a stretcher prepped for Tony.
<Clare> "Captain how is he been?"
<Karpath> +How's Tanzi doing?+
<Davos> +Critical condition.+
<Davos> +I expect he'll be with the emperor soon.+
<Karpath> "Shit." He then contacts the house medical staff. ++Home, get medics ready asap, we have wounded coming in.++
<Velam> The savant moves left with the mercenaries and into cover.
<Clare> "Don't say that, not now..."
<Vigilant_GM> ++Medicae staff on stand-by.++
<Karpath> +Zim, tell me what you got, what does his injuries look like?+
<Davos> "Claire your brother told me to give you this," and hold out a pendant for Clare.
<Vigilant_GM> The mercenaries pour in, firing effectively against the clansmen while finding cover around Velam.
<Vigilant_GM> Equally determined to defend their ground, the first group of clansmen returns fire.
<Velam> "Ahhhh exciting, isn't this?" Like a scholar at the library, the savant has been stuck-in one too many times.
* Clare clasps to the pendant and looks to it clearly shocked and sad at the sudden events
<Davos> +He has severe burns.+
* Davos begins to try and further stabilze Tony.
<Velam> He ducks back into cover as rounds spank off his surroundings.
* Karpath begins walking Davos through helping to stabilize Tony.
<Karpath> +Check for internal injury as well.+
<Davos> +Doing what I can.+
<Clare> "Is there anything I can do?"
<Karpath> +Once we land I will be down to help, I'm not losing him as I lost the the others.+
<Davos> "Pray."
<Davos> "And prep the stretcher."
* Clare clasps on to the Locket tight and sinks her head in a pray
* Davos prepares the stretcher for Tony.
* Karpath moves the cutter in and lands in the court yard of the house, once on the ground he hands off controls to Jace to have the ship power down into stand by and hits the button to lower the ramp. He then runs out of the cockpit and makes his way to the cargo bay to help with Tony.
* Sister_Thesse charges in screaming "FOR THE EMPEROR". She mauls one of the clansmen with a Thunder Hammer.
* Karpath with a few moment he is down the stairs and into the cargo bay and begins checking over Tony, he pulls out his Diagnostor and check him over and they ready to move him out for the medical team.
* Karpath with a few moment he is down the stairs and into the cargo bay and begins checking over Tony, he pulls out his Diagnostor and check him over and they ready to move him out for the medical team.
* Clare is now known as Tony
<Vigilant_GM> The shock of Baird and Thesse's assault is such that the Brigthen squad leader is unable to keep his men together. Rather than follow orders, their focus is on fleeing further into the building.
* Tony a weak hand tries to faintly grab at Karpath
<Karpath> "Save your strength Tanzi, you are home and medics are on the way."
<Tony> "Kar..ah..Cl..are.. whe.. Cl...Ahhhh.."
* Karpath looks to Clare, and gestures her over.
* Tony is now known as Clare
<Velam> The savant yelps as he dodges furhter down into cover, narrowly eating more enemy fire. "It's getting a bit hot in hereeeee."
* Baird ducks and rolls into cover as a shot comes his way.
* Clare Looks back up as she walks up to Tony
* Karpath looks over the readings, they are bad and the look in his face show it. ++Where are those medics? I need them here now.++
* Davos looks at the diagnostor data read out and frowns.
* Clare is now known as Tony
<Karpath> "Come on lets get him inside."
<Davos> "Help him on to the stretcher.
* Karpath works with Davos to get Tony on the stretcher.
* Tony has his hand hold onto Clare's
<Tony> "I.. am...So..rry..So...so..ahh."
* Davos goes to the med bay and preps for surgery.
* Karpath moves Tony with the help of Davos to the house Med bay.
* Tony his hand slips slowly from clares hand
<Karpath> "Stay with us, Tanzi."
<Vigilant_GM> Medicae staff pour from within Blackhall to assist.
* Tony his Consciousness slips as his life sign drops
* Tony is Dead
* Tony is now known as Clare
* Davos no longer feels discomfort from being in Tony's prescence.
* Clare on her knees beside him just cries onto him
* Davos put's a hand onto Clare's shoulders.
<Karpath> "Shit. No No No NOOO." Tries to do what he can to get him back. "Come on, don't die on me."
<Vigilant_GM> The mercenaries continue to pour fire in slowly making gains.
* Velam returns fire with his plasma pistol, but the shot goes very wide. "Agh, dust in my eyes." He cries out.
* Davos wait's a few moments for Karpath's attempts and looks solemnly at Tony.
<Karpath> After several failed attempts, he come to the realization that nothing more can be done... he look to Clare, the sadness she is feeling is like a virus. he then looks back to Tony and says a small pray, "My the Emperor watch over you. For only in death does our duty end and yours has come to a end."
<Davos> "Ave Imperator."
* Baird continues to fire bolt rounds at the Brighten Clansmen.
<Karpath> "Medics please make a note of time and cause of death, Third degree burns, destroyed and fused internal organs."
* Davos looks to Clare and states, "I am truly sorry."
<Clare> "Why... why must our time be once again short..."
* Sister_Thesse charges the nearby enemy, but gets parried and counter attacked.
<Vigilant_GM> Nonetheless, the Sister's mere presence is enough to cause yet another squad to begin falling back.
* Karpath has the medics cover up Tony. He looks to Clare and Davos, "I really don't know, these things happen and I wish we could of saved him." he looks back at where Tony's body lays. "But lets not let his sacrifice die in vain. I must return to the Cutter, if you are able to you may join me to return back to the front lines."
<Vigilant_GM> Seizing this opportunity, the mercenaries push forward, gunning down the broken Brighten clansmen.
* Clare after awhile she looks to her pendent and opens it as she looks at it.
* Davos follows in Karpath's footsteps.
<Velam> The savant fire another bolt of plasma, actually nailing one of the enemy, but not getting a kill out of it.
<Vigilant_GM> The extent of the damage is too much to bear, and the final squad remaining in place calls out for quarter, dropping their weapons one by one.
* Karpath makes his way to the cutter with Davos in tow. +Kyle have the cutter ready for take off.+
* Clare closes it shut as she wears it around her neck and walks to the Cutter
<Clare> "Zimmerman take us to the shitheads that did this, they will pay..."
<Karpath> +Servus I need you and your two men back on the cutter.+ He looks back to see Clare walk up to join them. "Gladly Miss Murphy."
* Clare takes out her Carnodon and loads it with Malleolus Intent
<Clare> "Lets go.."
<Vigilant_GM> Servus does not reply.
* Baird fires into the squad of Clansmen who are beginning to break and run, felling three of them.
<Vigilant_GM> In fact, vox communications appear to be silent across the Manse.
* Davos draws his laspistol.
<Karpath> "Thats not good." ++Servus come in do you read?+
<Davos> "I got a bad feeling about this."
* Davos whispers to Clare, "Those shitheads may have come to us."
<Baird> ++Round up those that surrender! Gather them in front of the buildings! Cut down any who attempt to resist or flee!"++
<Clare> "All the better.."
* Clare hops onto the Cutter
* Davos finds cover in the Gun-cutter.
* Karpath makes his way up the cutter. "Kyle you up there?"
<Vigilant_GM> +My Lord, the first floor is secured. They have nowhere to go.+
* Davos casts Telekine Dome
* Karpath draws his bolt pistols.
<Karpath> +Kyle do you read.+
<Vigilant_GM> The Guljian mercenaries round up the prisoners on the first floor.
<Davos> Loudly yells, "KYLE!"
<Karpath> "Move with caution." he then has his pistol at the ready as he moves up the stairs.
<Karpath> "Move with cation." he then has his pistol at the ready as he moves up the stairs.
* Karpath he begins looking around as he makes his way to the cockpit with the other two in tow.
<Velam> "Can't say I'd want to go up there, hmmmmm."
* Karpath hears some voice but its not one of his crew and slowly makes his way up to the cockpit keeping quiet.
<Vigilant_GM> The cockpit is apparently empty. However, shadows from further within are visible.
* Karpath turns around and gestured back the other direction.
* Clare quietly opens the door clearly seeing the Zim's on edeg
* Karpath begins moving slowly back the other way.
<Vigilant_GM> "Yes, my lord," you can hear Jace say once the cockpit canopy is open.
<Vigilant_GM> He steps in, suddenly startled by Clare.
<Vigilant_GM> "It's best you leave," he says, strapping himself into the pilot's seat.
* Karpath turns around and walks back in to the Cockpit. "What are you doing Miles?" he then points his bolt pistol out at him.
<Vigilant_GM> "His duty," a low voice growls chillingly from behind Karpath.
* Karpath turns around.
<Davos> "Sir?"
* Karpath lowers his pistol reconizing the figure, "Yes my lord." He then gestures everyone to leave.
<Vigilant_GM> "Wait," the Inquisitor says, taking a step back.
* Karpath stops in his place.
* Clare looks more confused by what is even going on
* Davos pauses.
<Vigilant_GM> "You will come with us. Take me to him," he pauses to look at Clare.
* Davos whispers to Clare, "Comply with this man."
<Vigilant_GM> "As for her, it is too late. She will remain on board."
<Davos> "Yes my lord."
* Clare lowers her Pistol and look to the man
<Clare> "You speak of my Brother?"
<Karpath> "As you wish." he bows and goes back to the cockpit and takes his seat.
<Vigilant_GM> "A regrettable loss," Mortem says offhand, yet somehow without the sentimatility such a phrase might enlist.
* Davos get's to the right bolter and straps in.
* Karpath preps the ship for take off.
<Davos> "Get to the bolter Clare, things will be explained later."
* Clare holsters her pistol and looks at the man
* Karpath raises the ramp and then pilots the Cutter to where Baird is located.
* Karpath check the vox to see if its working.
<Karpath> ++Cutter to Ground, we are on our way back now.++
<Baird> ++Acknowledged.++
<Vigilant_GM> The lull in the fighting sees the local Brighten commander agree to speak terms. The meeting happens on the now-neutral second floor of the East building where across a wide table, the two parties are seated and have their dialogue.
<Clare> "I thought it was odd he went to Desoleum then suddenly ended up here. but a damned explanation, would be appreciated right fucking now."
<Davos> "I apologize my lord she is new."
<Vigilant_GM> "See to it she understands the gravity of the situation."
<Davos> "Yes my lord."
* Davos pulls Clare aside and quietly explains who this man is.
<Vigilant_GM> As the negotiations take place, the gun-cutter's engines can be heard when it makes a landing between the two Halbhyve buildings.
* Davos particularly put's emphasis on showing respect to the Inquisitor.
* Karpath pilots the cutter in for it landing.
<Vigilant_GM> Without delay, your patron and Master exits the gun-cutter as soon as touch down occurs, walking past mercenaries, onlookers, and Brighten prisoners alike into the building.
* Davos follows in his footsteps.
* Clare follows behind mostly putting things together
<Vigilant_GM> "Where is he?" the Inquisitor asks of a mercenary who instinctively knows to utter the words "second floor" to the passing man.
* Karpath looks to Jace, "Sorry about that earlier, didn't realize he was actually here." he then makes his way to follow the Inquisitor.
<Vigilant_GM> Jace shakes his head. "Nothing to apologize for."
<Vigilant_GM> As the negotiations come to their conclusion, the reality of their situation becoming dreadfully clear, Mortem enters the conference room -armed- putting both parties at ill ease.
<Vigilant_GM> "Conclude your business here. There are matters of import to discuss," he says directly to Baird, ignoring the men now gripping their weapons and bringing them to level on him.
<Baird> "It is finished. Everyone lower your weapons." Baird stands.
<Vigilant_GM> Bewildered, and confused, the men on both sides do as they're told.
<Vigilant_GM> "What do they know?" Mortem asks, looking at the men across the table for the first time.
<Baird> "Nothing. They will leave now that our business is concluded." Baird looks pointedly at the Brighten Commander.
<Vigilant_GM> Two nods of the head in quick succession from the defeated Brigthen captain are immediately followed by the quick exit of he and his men, to their escort below.
* Velam finishes making his notes of the meeting. Doing his best to keep a calm demeanour. The surprise entrance of their employer far ahead of the time-table Velam had constructed.
<Vigilant_GM> "It is good to see you, be ready to mark down my words," Mortem says to Velam as he takes a seat.