New Ambitions 2

<Expanse_GM> IT IS THE 41ST MILLENNIUM...
<Expanse_GM> After a number of hours spent negotiating with the merchants of Port Wander, Tyruss and his troop of menials, factotums, and negotiators draw up and execute contracts opening the holds of the Leviathan's Gluttony to a logistics operation filling the vessel full of provisions, and the purchases of the dynasty.
<Expanse_GM> By now, on board the vessel, Tyruss and Cato's quarters receive a knock from Miranda, The High Factotum's chief aide, who lets herself in.
<Expanse_GM> "My Lords," she says holding up a folded sheet of parchment, "a missive from the Arbites precinct."
<CatoArtaega> "Mhmm, what have they found?"
* Tyruss looks up from his dataslates and stacks of financial projections before extending his hand towards Miranda and the report.
<Tyruss> "Let's see it."
<Expanse_GM> Handing the missive to Tyruss, she summarizes, "They conclude they are unable to intercede."
* Tyruss raises his eyebrow as he unfolds the report and looks it over.
<Expanse_GM> The report, in more words than are needed, identifies the detained armsmen as having acted on orders of Lord-Captain Hadarak Fel; bearer of the Fel Warrant of Trade.
<Tyruss> "The news is less than ideal Lord Artaega. It seems the item your father left has attracted the attentions of another trader. One Hadarak Fel."
<CatoArtaega> "Well he blew his chance. If we are lucky he will deem is not worth his time or effort to pursue further now the item is secure. That said if we have the opportunity we might have to seek some recompense"
<Tyruss> "Hmmm, if memory serves my lord there is someone here on Port Wander that would undoubtedly have more information about Fel. Wrath Umboldt, bearer of the Umboldt Warrant of Trade. I could arrange a meeting if you'd like sir."
<CatoArtaega> "More information is always welcome, if he is willing to offer any is another matter."
<Tyruss> "I am sure he can be persuaded sir. Shall I see to it personally or would you like to meet him yourself?"
<CatoArtaega> "I'd like to meet him, would not like to appear disrespectful by sending someone in my place."
<Tyruss> "Of course sir. Also as a point of interest I'd have the bridge crew monitor the vessel, the Fell Hand. Hadarak's ship. Just in case he tries anything further we will have warning."
<CatoArtaega> "Good point. We don't want to be caught unawares again."
<Tyruss> "Indeed sir."
<Tyruss> "By your will sir I shall extend the invitation for a meeting with Umboldt. I shall let you know as soon as there is word."
* CatoArtaega adjusts his comm-bead +Bridge, ensure you keep an eye on the Vessel Fell Hand until further notice, contact me if it makes any movements.+
<Expanse_GM> A short while later, the reply comes. +Lord-Captain, the Fell Hand is docked opposite us, across the port.+
<CatoArtaega> "Thank you Tyruss dismissed..." +Continue Monitoring+
<Expanse_GM> +Monitoring vox frequencies.+
* Tyruss bows and heads inside his office to draft and send the meeting invitation to Umboldt.
<Expanse_GM> "What of the skull, my Lord?" Miranda asks.
* CatoArtaega takes a moment to look at the still wrapped skull that has been sitting on the table in front of him for the past hour before adjusting his comm-bead again to contact the navigator tower. +This is Artaega, I request Ms. Benetek's presence at my office, her earliest convenience.+
<Tyruss> Once finished with the missive, Caradoc Noctine is dispatched to make contact with Wrath Umboldt.
<Expanse_GM> The diplomat accepts his task gracefully, and makes his way to Umboldt.
<Expanse_GM> The Lord-Captain's message is passed along to the Navigator's Tower. Soon thereafter, the summons makes it to the Navigator.
<CatoArtaega> "Yes, I too am curious about its mysteries, its time to have it examined."
* Cenva_Benetek gets her usual belongings and makes her way towards Artaega's office.
<Expanse_GM> The gears turn, and time passes as Cenva makes her way to the Lord-Captain.
<Rey_Lasky> Mean while as the Captain goes about finding information, Rey spends this time reading the local news reports from Port Wander.
<Expanse_GM> At the bridge, the First-Officer calls on the Master of Ordnance. "Lasky, let me borrow your ears for a moment," he says summoning him over to the vox station.
<Rey_Lasky> Reading these articles makes him think of his early days when he was growing up on the port.
<CatoArtaega> "Thank you for your time Cenva, I'd like you to examine that item we recovered from the Port" gesturing the the wrapped skull.
* Rey_Lasky looks up from reading the data slate, and places it down, "Sure what is it you need?" he says as he makes his way over to the first officer.
<Expanse_GM> "Clean that frequency up, and loop the hail," he calls to the station officers as he hands the earpiece to Rey.
<Cenva_Benetek> "Was this all that gunfire was for, Cato?"
* Rey_Lasky takes the earpiece and begins to listen in.
<CatoArtaega> "You may of heard of Hadarak Fel, seems whatever knowledge this skull hides he thinks it worth starting an incident over."
<Rey_Lasky> "Well, that is interesting, looks like the Fell Hand is about to leave. They are asking the port for clearance to depart. You may want to inform the Lord Captain about that."
<CatoArtaega> "My missing fathers personal guard stated it is some sort of map or chart."
* Cenva_Benetek picks up the wrapped skull to examine it.
<Expanse_GM> "Do so," First-Officer Harrow nods to Rey.
<Cenva_Benetek> "Like a Star Chart?"
<CatoArtaega> "He said navigators knew it to show the location of some artefact or treasure, although his personal knowledge like mine is extremely limited."
* Rey_Lasky flips one of the vox stations switches to change over the Captains channel.
<Rey_Lasky> +Lord Captain, this is Lasky, we have a update for you on the Fell Hand.+
<CatoArtaega> "One moment Cenva," stands and takes a few steps from the table +Go on+
<Rey_Lasky> +Looks like they will be departing soon, they just asked the Harbor Master for clearance to begin departing from the port.+
* Cenva_Benetek trembles a bit from holding this Skull imprinted with 'something'.
<CatoArtaega> +Understood track its direction and cross-reference them against known warp routes, if it starts maneuvering around the station towards us inform me immediately.+
* CatoArtaega also takes a moment to pass this information onto Tyruss in his office before returning to Cenva.
<CatoArtaega> "Sorry for the distraction, I'm going to need something more concrete than 'something'."
<CatoArtaega> "Could you choir potentially aid you in examining the object?"
<Rey_Lasky> +Understood, Lasky out.+ he the flip the switch back to the other channel to listen in again. "Harrow, lets track the Fell Hand's direction and cross-reference it with known warp routs, and let me know if they start heading around the port."
<Cenva_Benetek> "Cato, it's not a warp chart or even a map. The skull is imprints with something... hmmm like a location"
<Expanse_GM> "You heard him. Aetherics, focus on the Fell Hand. Track its movements," Harrow issues the order.
<CatoArtaega> "A real space location?"
<Rey_Lasky> "Also would keep an eye out for any unknown smaller ships that could be heading our way, just in case."
<Tyruss> +Do we need to be prepared to leave sir? If so I can recall Mr. Noctine before he makes contact.+
<Cenva_Benetek> "Yes, but where it is I do not know or what even the location has. We'd have to study it."
<CatoArtaega> +The ships movements are being tracked, with acquisitions and surgeries still ongoing we will continue as planned.+
<Tyruss> +Pardon, he's already made contact Lord Artaega. Mr. Umboldt is asking to come aboard and admire the ancient vessel and that he is happy to meet with you sir.+
<CatoArtaega> +I don't mind indulging him on a tour that can be arranged.+
<Tyruss> +Of course sir, where would you like to meet him? I will have Noctine set everything up.+
<CatoArtaega> "Hmm thank you for your insight Cenva, I have a meeting to attend further study will have to wait."
<Cenva_Benetek> "Lord Captain, it seems like you are busy. I will take the skull into my keep. With your permission of course."
<CatoArtaega> "That is allowable, for my peace of mind take one of my personal guard with you until it reaches the tower."
<CatoArtaega> +I shall meet him at whichever dock he is using to board.+
<Cenva_Benetek> "Of course, Cato."
<Tyruss> +I shall let you know, I will also have Noctine arrange refreshments to be provided for our guest and yourself during the tour.+
<CatoArtaega> +Perfect+
* Cenva_Benetek takes the skull and is escorted to her tower by one of the House guards.
<Tyruss> +I have directed Umboldt to the hatch the links with the upper deck sir. Servants shall provide an arrangement of vittles, libations and choice of narcotics Lord Artaega.+
<CatoArtaega> +I shall make my way now.+
<Expanse_GM> "She is traveling Rimward, Lord Harrow," the Aetherics station calls out.
* CatoArtaega leaves shortly after Cenva making sure his clothing is unruffled from the engagement on the Port.
<Expanse_GM> +Lord-Captain, the Fell Hand is traveling to the Rimward edge of the system. She is headed for the Expanse.+
<CatoArtaega> +Noted+
<Expanse_GM> +Lord-Captain, Lord Tyruss, your guest has arrived.+
<Tyruss> +Thank you Caradoc. Ensure the servants provide them with whatever they require.+
<CatoArtaega> +I shall be there momentarily.+
<Expanse_GM> Alongside Caradoc, a squat old man with a heavy beard limps with the help of what appears to be a command baton, straight towards the connecting umbilical. He wears a beautifully trimmed uniform, common amongst the Imperial Navy some four centuries ago.
<Expanse_GM> About half way through the umbilical, he pauses to look out one of the narrow viewports at the Leviathan's Gluttony admiring her lines and construction, elements of a bygone era.
<Expanse_GM> Proceeding closer now, you see that his left leg is an unobscured, almost proud cybernetic replacement, gilded with fine metals despite its otherwise rugged construction.
<CatoArtaega> As Umboldt reaches the the ship Cato gives a small bow. "Greetings Lord Umboldt, you honour myself and my ship with your presence."
<Expanse_GM> Despite his short stature, he stands with a certain air of wisdom, and respect. His reputation as an instant mentor to younger Rogue Traders is somehow palpable upon first contact. "Lord-Captain, the honor is mine. Long have I wished to step into the Artaega flagship of old," he says with a short bow of the head.
<CatoArtaega> "I fear it may not be what it once was in its glory days but you are welcome to see whatever areas interest you."
<Expanse_GM> His hair, with aid of his beard, forms a voluminous white mane. He steps forward and extends his arm forward. "Would you assist an old voidfarer as we walk around your hallowed vessel?"
<CatoArtaega> "Of course my lord" Cato offers his arm. "and I must apologize for the ruckus I caused in your home."
<Expanse_GM> He shakes his head, "If only it were so rare as to cause alarm."
<Expanse_GM> Then, after a pause, he says with the tone of a disapproving father, "Hadarak acts without foresight."
<CatoArtaega> "I must admit I did not know what welcome I expected but I was surprised to learn I had peaked his interests so."
<CatoArtaega> "Shortly before your arrival his ship departed for the expanse, seems he is done with me for now."
<Expanse_GM> He pauses in place, looking up at Cato. "Truly?"
<Expanse_GM> "Then, your father did not speak of the Righteous Path ?"
<CatoArtaega> "My father did not speak of much."
<Expanse_GM> Continuing his pacing forward, "He was a reserved man, much respected. Perhaps he shielded you from a legend that has drawn explorers to dangerous misadventures."
<CatoArtaega> "Apologies that is overly curt of me, I should not be so disrespectful towards him."
<Expanse_GM> Umboldt chuckles. "I have no heirs, yet that relationship between father and son is all too familiar with the sons and daughters of the Expanse."
<CatoArtaega> "At least I know it is a shared frustration the universe over then. However it doesn't change that he left me in the dark."
<CatoArtaega> "If fate is a concept that exists however I might have an inkling of the Righteous Path you refer to."
<CatoArtaega> "A route to some great artefact or treasure held in the expanse."
<Expanse_GM> At length, Umboldt divulges the legend of the Righteous Path. Over two millennia ago, during the Angevin Crusade, a Grand Cruiser at the hands of a man of great ambition is said to have brought the Emperor's wrath to the world of Krystallian after it had fallen to the worship of heretical gods. Once the conquest was over, Krystallian was plundered of its incredible riches. Overcome
<Expanse_GM> by greed, Lorcanus Ryn, master of the Righetous Path, stripped his vessel of weapons, and 'redundant' systems to fill its holds to burst with the treasures he had found. When the vessel vanished into the warp, legends arose of its undoing, and generations of explorers have sought to find it, and its wealth.
<Expanse_GM> Leaning in, Umboldt adds with what approaches a whisper, "Your father was rumored to hold the most credible information regarding its resting place."
<CatoArtaega> The shine in Cato's eyes engrossed in the tale fades as he formulates a reply... "I fear I may have more enemies than Hadarak facing me ahead."
<CatoArtaega> "Thank you for imparting such knowledge upon me my Lord."
<Expanse_GM> Umboldt reaches over with his other hand and gives Cato a light tap on the forearm.
<Expanse_GM> "Enemies, and allies. You are your father's son, and Emperor willing, there are those who will understand and honor this fact."
<CatoArtaega> "I shall endeavour to bring as much honour to my own as his carries."
<Expanse_GM> "I must apologize. My old bones grow tired, and I must rest. One of these days I will venture out again, but until then you will always have a friend here, in Port Wander."
<CatoArtaega> "I value that more than you know. You are welcome on the vessel whenever our paths cross."
<Expanse_GM> "Could I trouble your staff for something to drink?"
<CatoArtaega> "Of course and a comfortable seat if it pleases you."
<Expanse_GM> He nods.
* CatoArtaega leads Umboldt to the lobby and helps him to a seat before taking one opposite him.
<Expanse_GM> Refreshments are brought out, and Umboldt enjoys his time in the comforts of the ancient voidship, and in the company of Cato. As time passes, Umboldt grows tired, and leaves for Port Wander.
* Rey_Lasky continues to uses the vox station to listen in to the Fell Hand as it leave the Port and make its way out the the Expanse, although there is little vox traffic, he does learn via one set of exchange that they plan to make one stop before heading to Footfall.
<Expanse_GM> Days pass, the holds are filled, and Tyruss examines what Cenva has brought to him, narrowing down the location to Winterscale's Realm.
<Expanse_GM> At the end of the week, the Leviathan's Gluttony departs from Port Wander, and makes its entry through into the Maw.
<Expanse_GM> After two days of travel, Cenva makes the decision to make a planned stop.
<Expanse_GM> You reach the Battleground, a rough half-way point of the Passage. A vast stretch of void, this region of space is names for the sea of gutted space hulks, twisted wrecks, and ancient debris it contains. Remnants of a long forgotten war, the Battleground marks a common rest point for ships traveling into the Expanse.
<Expanse_GM> As the bridge begins gathering information of its surroundings, a small stream of information manifests in a blinking rune across the holo-displays.
<Expanse_GM> "What are we looking at, Aetherics?" Harrow calls to the bridge station.
<Expanse_GM> "Faint signal, sir. A beacon."
<Expanse_GM> After some fine-tuning, the answer comes.
<Expanse_GM> "Salvation beacon, Lord-Captain. Penitent Traveller, a pilgrim vessel."
<Expanse_GM> "She appears to be within the debris field to starboard, sir."
<CatoArtaega> "We best investigate, however check the signal for spoofing and boost auspex to look for other signals its likely the Fell Hand was here."
<Expanse_GM> The readings scan the voidship's surroundings as the distance is closed in on the pilgrim vessel.
<Expanse_GM> "All clear ahead, sir."
<Tyruss> "I disagree. You most likely dismissed it off hand, but that glitch near the pilgrim ship, my gut tells me it's a ship."
<Expanse_GM> Harrow turns to Tyruss, examining the seneschal for a brief moment.
<Tyruss> "Most likely doing it's best to remain undetected and ambush anyone who investigates the salvation beacon."
<Expanse_GM> He nods, "Aetherics, focus on that signature."
<Expanse_GM> Tyruss taking an active role, the bridge's augury systems hone in, slowly filling the holo displays with new information.
<Expanse_GM> "Object found. Approximately seven megatons of mass, just under 2 kilometers long."
<Tyruss> "A raider most likely."
<Expanse_GM> "Orders, Lord-Captain?"
<Tyruss> "If the ratios are anything to go by."
<CatoArtaega> "Try and discern if the life support is working on the pilgrim vessel."
<Tyruss> "It appears the life sustainer is functioning on the pilgrim vessel Lord Artaega."
<Expanse_GM> At once, the holo-displays light up. "Multiple plasma drive signatures, Lord-Captain! Two vessels on intercept course!"
<CatoArtaega> "Battle Stations, begin warp preparations!"
<Expanse_GM> "Battlestations!" Harrow barks as warning klaxons blare on every deck.
<Expanse_GM> "Aetherics on high alert! Ordnance, get those weapons warmed up!"
<Rey_Lasky> +All Men, Power up the Weapons now.+
<Expanse_GM> One by one the battery captains report back to the Ordnance brige station signaling the preparation of the weapons.