Evervigilant 53

<Vigilant_GM> IT IS THE 41ST MILLENNIUM...
<Vigilant_GM> +Flight planned filed and approved, Interrogator. Ready to depart on your go.+
<Baird> +Well done Gant.+ "Alright everyone load your gear and let's get this underway!"
<Vigilant_GM> The Aquila's internal mechanisms come to life, fuel mixtures being prepared and injected into the engine systems.
<Vigilant_GM> The engines rev unevenly as the turbines stabilize.
<Vigilant_GM> Lifting off, the shuttle finds its way to the regulated flight-patterns above the busy skies of Gyre.
<Vigilant_GM> +Moderate turbulance ahead+
* Baird grips his straps and braces against the movements of the shuttle.
<Velam> +Oh dear.+ Velam says over their comm channel.
<Vigilant_GM> Breaking through clouds, the aquila begins to shake and rock, fighting the wind flows outside, until Gant lifts the nose some 50 degrees and pushes the engines red-hot.
<Vigilant_GM> The cacophany inside the cabin makes it impossible to hear your own voice, or breathing. But the familiar noise wanes as the atmosphere thins with every kilometer of altitude, until the flight characteristics change altogether once in the void.
<Vigilant_GM> +Regulation velocity has us arriving at the target orbital in 10 minutes.+
<Vigilant_GM> From here, the spires of Desoleum are hardly visible at all, the poluted atmosphere distorting any incoming light.
<Vigilant_GM> A few minutes later, Gant calls your attention once more. +Entering holding pattern. The orbital will be to starboard.+
<Baird> +Good to hear Gant.+
<Vigilant_GM> Through the viewports to his right, you see Serenity. A primary hexagonal structure with four adjoining hab-sized sub structures, housing an array of defensive weaponry.
<Vigilant_GM> +On final approach. Emperor be with you.+
<Vigilant_GM> A sharp turn to the right, and the shuttle finds its approach vectors to the open maw of the lighter bay.
<Baird> +The Emperor protects.+
<Vigilant_GM> The center of gravity shifts as the Aquila is overtaken by the grav-fields of the station.
<Vigilant_GM> Once touching down, the bulkheads are closed behind you, and atmosphere is reflowed into the bay.
<Vigilant_GM> The maglocks fix the Aquila to the deck plating with a series of clicks, and Gant lights the cabin to signal the go-ahead.
* Reclaimator_Almarax picks up the box containing the Omnissiah's Mercy using one hand and his manipulator arm keeping the other hand free.
* Baird turns to Thesse and Almarax."I hope you two are ready. Remember, minimal weaponry for now. One or two a piece. We'll come back here and requip if necessary." Twisting his his head he addresses the rest of the group. "And all of you be ready for the fight of our lives in case this goes sideways. Me may need help at a moments notice."
<Thesse> "Understood." She takes the power maul from her locker.
* Reclaimator_Almarax fiddles with the comm leach and hands it off to Velam.
* Baird pulls on his nice coat, covering most of his holsters, and places his spear in a locker aboard the Aquila.
* Velam takes the comm leach and looks it over before nodding to the Tech-Priest.
<Baird> "Let's do this." Baird presses the open rune next to the ramp.
<Vigilant_GM> The hydraulics hiss, lowering the ramp.
<Vigilant_GM> A man whom you judge to stand some nine feet if it weren't for his perpetual hunched-over posture awaits just outside, his pale visage scanning the disembarking throne-agents.
<Vigilant_GM> His thin, fragile, frame suggests he has never known natural planetary gravity.
<Vigilant_GM> "Blessings and salutations," he says with a distrubing hissing on each silibant.
* Baird disembarks the shuttle with a purposeful stride expecting the other two to follow.
* Reclaimator_Almarax follows a respectful distance behind carrying the large coffer.
* Thesse follows after Baird and greets the man with "Greetings, Sir."
<Vigilant_GM> "I am Master Helmut," he says bowing his head, "and you are..?"
<Thesse> "I am Ambassador for my Master, 'The Reclaimator'. We are here on business to speak to Lord Guljian, Master Helmut."
<Vigilant_GM> He scowls at this reply.
<Vigilant_GM> "You are invited here by Lord Guljian, not a lowly underhive tradesman. There will be proper introductions, or you may take your leave, Ambassador."
* Baird turns towards Master Helmut and in a hard flat tone addresses him. "Reclaimator Daroshevik. The ambassador wasn't told any part of my name so she did not give it. That will suffice I think."
<Vigilant_GM> He bows his head to the arriving Reclaimator. "You and your retinue are welcome to disembark and follow me."
<Baird> "Thank you." Baird strides forward, following Helmut.
* Reclaimator_Almarax follows, maintaining his distance.
* Thesse follows along.
<Vigilant_GM> Helmut takes you up a winding ramp until you reach a checkpoint guarded by two armsmen, and an officer in the orange yellow-orange colors of House Guljian.
<Vigilant_GM> "Lord Guljian's guests," he explains, walking through.
<Vigilant_GM> As you pass, the guards fall in behind you, keeping a respectful distance.
<Vigilant_GM> When you are taken past another sealed checkpoint, the quality of air alone tells you where you are; the palace proper.
<Vigilant_GM> A waiting room ahead of you has several nobles attended to by servants. They drink and smoke as exotic blade-dancers move their bodies to the beat of a strange yet entrancing off-world music.
<Vigilant_GM> "Lord Dorian," Helmut calls. "Our guests have arrived."
<Vigilant_GM> The familiar face of the younger Guljian  turns in your direction, a grin forming on his face.
<Vigilant_GM> "Come, join us."
<Baird> "I appreciate the offer Lord Dorian, but I prefer to save pleasure for after business."
<Vigilant_GM> "Lord Guljian is not yet ready to see you. Please, indulge me."
<Vigilant_GM> "Dorian, perhaps our gue--" Helmut is cut off by a glare from the young noble.
* Baird raises an eyebrow ever so slightly at the interchange but then nobs to the noble. "Very well Lord Dorian." Before stepping forward Baird turns to his two companions. "Stay out of trouble and out of the way."
<Vigilant_GM> Dorian Guljian pours a drink into an empty glass from an ornate decanter, "It is an honor," he says with a nod. Or was it a nob?
* Reclaimator_Almarax finds a comfortable piece of empty space to stand in a reasonable distance from the group, presumably where he currently is standing.
* Thesse takes a seat as well staying as close to the group as she can.
* Baird accepts the glass from the apex noble and takes a drink, making an appreicative noise, enjoying the excellent quality of the liquor. "The honor is mine Lord Dorian. I must also compliment you on your choice of drink. I wouldn't mind making off with a bottle or two after the deal is done."
<Vigilant_GM> "Nonsense," he says, turning to wave down a serf.
<Vigilant_GM> "Prepare a cask of the Cavessan Amber for our guest. Have it sent to his transport at once."
<Vigilant_GM> "Yes, my Lord."
<Vigilant_GM> "A simple token of our appreciation. The archeotech trade is a matter which greatly interests me. Even if I have some work to do convincing my kin," he says taking a sip.
<Baird> "Very generous of you Lord Dorian. I offer my thanks." Baird inclines his head in thanks, suiting his words.
* Baird takes another drink. "Your kin weren't receptive to this kind of deal?"
<Vigilant_GM> "This kind of trade," he corrects, raising his glass.
<Vigilant_GM> "Few are the reputable scholars in the sector who could identify archeotech. And even fewer the entrepreneurs who would make the effort to find it across the sector."
<Vigilant_GM> "Therein, however, lies the profit, I tell them."
* Baird raises his glass in response. "I agree wholeheartedly."
<Vigilant_GM> "The forge-priest with you. He is to be relied upon?"
<Baird> "The best I've found. Plus he hasn't anymore ties to the Cult, so he is more open minded than most. Suits my work quite well."
<Vigilant_GM> "A strange breed, that priesthood. Always keeping to their secrets," he comments. "If I may, what was it that severed his ties, and saw him turn to your employ?"
<Baird> "To my understanding it was the pursuit of archeotech. Not for collection and containment but for study and attempted replication. The priesthood doesn't take kindly to anyone, even one of their own, trying to discern the secrets of past technology."
<Vigilant_GM> "Yes, quite a peculiar cult."
<Baird> "Agreed." Baird takes another drink from the glass.
* Thesse whispers to Almarax "I believe our honored guest has arrived."
<Vigilant_GM> Dorian turns his head to one side, suddenly.
<Vigilant_GM> "I see."
<Vigilant_GM> "It appears Lord Guljian is ready to see you," he says turning back to Baird.
* Baird nods. "Excellent news. I am eager to begin."
<Baird> "Will you be attending the meeting Lord Dorian?" Baird waves over his two companions.
<Vigilant_GM> Dorian takes one last gulp, emptying his glass, and plants it firmly on the table before rising.
<Vigilant_GM> "Naturally," he nods. "Come, I will make the introductions. Helmut has no grace for this sort of thing."
* Reclaimator_Almarax moves to join the group taking his earlier position behind Baird.
<Baird> "Based on the greeting at the shuttle I am unsurprised." Baird also takes one last gulp of his drink and sets the empty glass down on the table as well before following Lord Dorian.
* Thesse gets up and follows Almarax.
<Vigilant_GM> Dorian takes you to the main hall. "Lord Guljian", you realize, is the ridiculously draped bundle of steel and flesh flanked by two household guards in crimson and orange. Behind him, a massive abhuman stands, glaring at the strangers as they approach.
<Vigilant_GM> "Reclaimator Daroshevik. I present my Lord father, Roland Guljian," Dorian says with a bow of his own.
<Vigilant_GM> "My Lord, I present Daroshevik, and his retinue of archeotech experts."
<Baird> "It is an honor Lord Roland Guljian." Baird bows slightly lower than Lord Dorian while gesturing for his two companions to do the same.
* Thesse bows following Baird's example.
* Reclaimator_Almarax moves the box off to the side using his manipulator arm to open up space allowing him to bow.
<Vigilant_GM> ++What have you brought for me, Reclaimator?++ Guljian 'speaks' through speakers placed on two pillars to either side of him.
<Baird> "I'll let you judge that with your on eyes Lord Guljian." Baird gestures for Almarax to step forward. "Show the item to Lord Guljian."
* Reclaimator_Almarax steps forward so he is slightly in front of Baird, holding the box with his arm and one hand he uses his free hand to open the lid and move the cloth aside to reveal the hammer.
<Vigilant_GM> The choir's presence is extinguished, Interrogator.
<Vigilant_GM> ++Bring it closer, and tell me of its origin.++
<Baird> Thank you for the update Mordecai.
* Reclaimator_Almarax approachs the mechanical mass. "Of course lord. It was discovered on the fringes of the sector in an ancient battleground, it lacks and markings linking it to the astartes so I suspect it predates the great crusade, although being any more exact is difficult."
<Vigilant_GM> A low, disturbing mechanical grunt is followed by Guljian moving a few feet closer.
<Vigilant_GM> ++Its power field remains active?++
<Reclaimator_Almarax> "If I may my lord?"
<Vigilant_GM> ++Proceed.++
* Reclaimator_Almarax carefully places the box onto the ground and removes using both hands lifts the hammer horizontally out, with a slight manipulation the powerfield activtates. "A device of this nature and quality being found without links to the Astartes... truely the highlight of my career..."
<Vigilant_GM> ++Helmut. Approach the reclaimator's relic. Examine for yourself.++
<Vigilant_GM> The lanky nobleman approaches, his eyes fixed to the hammer.
* Reclaimator_Almarax deactivates the powerfield once more, bows to Roland and then turns to holding the hammer firmly.
<Vigilant_GM> "Is this weapon representative of the sort and quality of the archeo devices you are able to provide?" Master Helmut asks.
<Baird> "Just the tip of the iceberg Lord Guljian."
<Vigilant_GM> ++I am not easily impressed, Reclaimator.++
<Vigilant_GM> ++But here I see a true opportunity.++
<Baird> "I am pleased to hear that Lord Guljian. This will be very lucrative for us both."
<Vigilant_GM> ++Juno remains a ripe market. Perhaps your ambassador can attest to its potential.++
<Baird> "So I have been told, it is why I had them seek you out."
<Vigilant_GM> ++I intend to expand my ventures there, an auction house dedicated to the best the cold trade has to offer. Your archeotech is sure to sell most lucratively. How much of your collection is in system?++
* Baird ponders a moment. "Roughly a third, once we finalize this I can send for the rest."
<Vigilant_GM> ++I alone am exclusive patron to several chartist lanes. Should these artefacts need to be transported from elsewhere, that too can be arranged.++
<Baird> "For a fee of course." Baird cracks a slight grin. "But it would be good to have someone I trust transport my collection. So I am happy to discuss this addition to the arrangement."
<Vigilant_GM> ++What are your terms?++
<Vigilant_GM> They are asking we open the aquila to load a drum of... something.
<Baird> "Well it will be my teams that recover the items, transport would be on your side as well as facilitation on planet and into the auction houses..." Baird pauses a moment as if doing mental math. "Let's call it a sixty/forty split. Given the risk and all."
<Baird> That should be the liquor they've offered Mordecai, but have everyone prepare for the worst in case they try something.
<Vigilant_GM> ++If what you say here is true, and you can keep a steady supply, then I believe we have the beginnings of a venture. Dorian, call the factotum. Inform him we are to draft a contract.++
<Vigilant_GM> "By your leave, my Lord," Dorian bows.
<Baird> "You have a factotum on station?"
<Vigilant_GM> "Naturally," Dorian replies. "I would not have called you up here to waste any of your time."
<Baird> "Excellent, I have one aboard my shuttle I'd like to have join us as well. I brought him in preparation of this going well and it seems that was well worth it." Baird cracks another slight smile.
<Vigilant_GM> ++That will not be a problem. Please, let him in.++
<Vigilant_GM> At that, Dorian bows once more and takes his leave.
* Baird turns to Thesse. "Retrieve the savant."
* Thesse gets up, bows, and says "Yes, my master. Right away." She makes her leave for the shuttle.
<Baird> Mordecai I'm sending Thesse to the Aquila to retrieve the savant. Tell her to gear up once she's there.
<Vigilant_GM> I shall do so.
* Thesse walks back to the shuttle.
<Baird> Discreetly.
* Thesse walks up the ramp into the vehicle and approaches Velam.
<Vigilant_GM> Mordecai intercepts her.
<Vigilant_GM> "Sister, how very glad I am to see you."
* Velam looks over as Thesse makes it back, noting how quickly the psyker intercepts her.
<Vigilant_GM> "Please know that I act on the Interrogator's orders."
<Thesse> "Understood. What am I to do?"
<Thesse> FINE JUST... JUST GET OUT OF MY MIND!
<Vigilant_GM> "If you could just assist me with some of the cargo back here."
<Vigilant_GM> You shall have to endure me yet, sister.
<Thesse> INTERALLY SCREAMING
* Thesse in a sickly voice "I can help with that."
* Thesse gets her equipment and goes further into the Aquilla to change.
<Vigilant_GM> The cask is secured, making it a very tight fit in or out of the shuttle.