Rosenkrantz 55

<Rosenkrantz_GM> IT IS THE 41ST MILLENNIUM...
<Rosenkrantz_GM> The party has successfully acquired the relic after a struggle that left the Lord-Protector critically wounded. Beaten and battered, yet victorious, a mysterious figure has shown up with promises of patronage in exchange for the Piety's Charge.
<Rosenkrantz_GM> Captain Friedrich's refusal, however, has created a very tense atmosphere between the two parties.
<Milosch> Standing before the Captain, Milosch sucks air through his bared teeth.
<Milosch> "If you will not hand over the relic," He says,
<Milosch> Augmetic eye glowing bright,
<Milosch> "Then I will seize it from your cold dead hands!"
<Milosch> The eye flashes, cracking a bright, hot, blinding beam of hellish red light through the dim of the cave -- at Friedrich.
* Baine_Mort tightens his grip on his heavy bolter as the tension increases.
<Milosch> As a shimmering light envelopes Captain Friedrich Rosenkrantz diffracting las-fire into the crowd, Milosch leaps back in surprise. The mercenaries who followed him in hastily open fire on the House Guard, charging forwards into open combat.
<Milosch> "Are you kidding me?!" shouts Milosch, throwing his cloak aside and drawing his sword. Suddenly, his body's outline seemingly vibrates, and his form bends and blurs, the air around him rippling. "Kill them! All of them! Don't let anyone get out of here alive!"
* Friedrich_Rosenkrantz Seeing the men around him fall in a hail of las fire turns his attention to Milosch. He hefts the Hammer and swings it in big swirling arcs. The strange man dips around two strikes but the third hits home... or so he thought. A brilliant light meets his blow and sends it away
<Milosch> Milosch's eyes are practically popping out of his skull as the thunder hammer passes over his head, electricity raising the hair on his head.
<Friedrich_Rosenkrantz> "How dare you."
<Friedrich_Rosenkrantz> "Those soldiers have served me for years, and you end them with such a cowardly attack?" he seethes at the man as he swings
* Baine_Mort opens fire on one of the taller enemies with the heavy bolter, his shots tear through the target.
<Rosenkrantz_GM> The remaining three of the tall hooded machine-men charge forward, against the Captain, Vivian, and Ziel.
* Vivian raised her brows slightly in surprise, taking only a step back as she took to producing her Chainsword from its scabbard. Upon the man attacking her, she'd take to parrying proper, just before she would rev the chainsword up and return the favor- swinging hard, only to miss. "Tch." A light click of disgust would sound, before she'd recompose for the next attack.
* Ziel swings at the hooded figure after getting hit by him. Ziel misses.
<Milosch> "None of this would be happening if you just showed a little gratitude, you inbred whelp!" Milosch swings his weapon, wisps of smoke trailing from its blade, but he does not connect.
* Friedrich_Rosenkrantz Leaps out of the way of an incoming round, thanking his lucky stars for the field
* Baine_Mort sees one more of the big machine-men creatures that is in combat with the captain and opens fire on it, 3 shots hit, several others miss, but two of the shot almost hit the captain who is barely able to not get hit, one other shot almost hits Milosch, but the machine-men steps in the way to take the shot and is killed.
* Ziel barely dodges after an attack from this creature.
<Friedrich_Rosenkrantz> "Watch your damn fire Mort!" he says picking himself up
<Baine_Mort> "Sorry about that captain, won't happen again." Mort says.
<Rosenkrantz_GM> With a stunning feedback screech, the horrifying metal construct attacks Ziel with such ferocity that the tech-priest loses consciousness!
* Ziel passes out.
<Milosch> Milosch whistles at a peculiar pitch, drawing the attention of the machine-men. "That one!" he says, pointing to Mort with two fingers. "Chop his fucking arms off!"
<Milosch> He makes another stab at the Captain.
<Friedrich_Rosenkrantz> "Your luck will run out eventually."
* Baine_Mort turns to see the one machine-men that took out Ziel, and opens fire on it. He is able to hit it with several shots which tear through it, destroying it and tear it to pieces. "Take that you metal fucker."
* Vivian gave up a heavy huff, just before she took another swing as the metal figure tried to run away. As she swung, she'd land a hefty blow to his head, the chainsword revving loudly as its teeth dug in.
* Vivian immediately took out her hellpistol as the cretin before her took to running, before turning to aim at Milosch. Opening fire, it'd be to no avail. Refractor fields are a bitch.
* Milosch continues his desperate struggle in close combat with the Captain, swiping and stabbing at the Captain, narrowly missing more and more as sweat drips through the air.
* Baine_Mort pulls out his power sword and attempts to fight the machine-men he is in combat with but is unable to damage it.
<Rosenkrantz_GM> In response, the construct hits the Master of Ordnance in the head with its power staff, stunning Mort.
* Vivian despite her attacks being parried- her wits were certainly about. An eye for detail always open and watching.. Then she'd step back a bit, before a rather twisted, wide grin started to form. "...Lord-Captain. If you could be so kind. Rather than killing the man- May I suggest you try to apprehend him? It might be in our *bountiful interest* to take him in alive and let me *interrogate* him! Think about it- He was our
* Vivian benefactor to the gas.. Imagine what more he could hold!"
* Baine_Mort is taken back from the hit, he then takes his power sword and stabs the machine-men with all his might right through the chest screaming as his blade goes right through the machine, the damage is to great and he is able to kill the fourth and final one. Anger overwhelms him.
* Baine_Mort takes a second breathing heavily as he feels light headed still from the last hit, "Take that..... you fucker...."
<Rosenkrantz_GM> Seemingly out of nowhere, Vivian interrupts the combat between the Captain and Milosch by tackling the man to the ground. Milosch in turn tries to turn over on top of the Acquisitionist, only to receive an elbow to the jaw, keeping him pinned.
<Milosch> Like a snake, Milosch struggles -- to no avail.
* Baine_Mort pulls his sword out of the machine-men and goes over to help Vivian.
* Baine_Mort goes up to Milosch and attempts to kick him the head but misses and kicks Vivian in the face.
* Vivian took that kick like a champ, the pain only fueling her anger as she'd keep the bastard pinned.
<Rosenkrantz_GM> This prompts Milosch to attempt to break free once more, however, Vivian's hold on him is too strong.
<Milosch> In a panic, Milosch squirms, slipping his sword hand free of Vivian's grasp.
<Milosch> He extends the weapon out,
<Milosch> And stabs himself in the gut,
<Milosch> Deep enough to cut Vivian.
<Milosch> "You can't," he wheezes, as his abdomen crumples into dust, "You can't take me alive. I won't!..."
<Milosch> The skin of his neck and jaw blackens and fissures.
<Milosch> "Nothing you can do... will be worse than what he'll do to me!"
<Milosch> He turns limp, the skin sloughing off his skull as dirt and dust until his head rolls lose of his desiccated neck.
<Rosenkrantz_GM> Around you, Milosch's men have already broken and begun to flee.
* Vivian flinches, her jaw clenching tight as she collapsed onto the remaining ashes of the damned fool. Laying there, eyes wide open, she couldn't speak. Or move. Just pain. All she knew was pain.
<Rosenkrantz_GM> A medic of the House Guard rushes towards Vivian.
<Rosenkrantz_GM> "What heresy..." he says to himself, looking at her wounds.
<Baine_Mort> "You ok Vivian? Sorry about the kick to the face." As he looks at her and then at the body of Milosch.
<Friedrich_Rosenkrantz> "Regroup and tend to the wounded!"
* Friedrich_Rosenkrantz takes control of the situation, he orders for evacs and begins organizing the men
* Vivian couldn't respond. Pain.
<Rosenkrantz_GM> "My Lady, sit still," the medic reaches for a syringe.
<Baine_Mort> "I owe you a few drinks when we get back."
<Rosenkrantz_GM> He jabs the needle, and injects the syringe's contents, killing the pain almost instantly... and filling Vivian's senses with a warm, comfortable feeling.
* Baine_Mort looks over to Ziel, "I better go see if I can help Ziel at all." He then walks over, his hand on his head as it still is throbbing in pain.
* Friedrich_Rosenkrantz Examines the weapon in his hand, turning it over and over. "Was it worth it?" he says quietly to himself before returning to giving orders
<Rosenkrantz_GM> You leave the caverns, and the mountain ranges.
<Rosenkrantz_GM> Transports finally arriving to take you away to the medicae facilities of General Rilleb's Head Quarters.
<Rosenkrantz_GM> Wilhelm is there to greet you on your arrival. A stoic expression on his face. It is a time of mixed emotions as you have succeeded in securing the relic which will bring the Ecclesiarchy's support, and allow for the rebuilding of Foulstone. But it is a time of deep concern, as it has come with its own costs in the near-death of the Lord-Protector, and the injuries of Master Ziel, and even
<Rosenkrantz_GM> Lady Vivian.
<Rosenkrantz_GM> It is a small, but formal procession, the colors of the House in full display.
<Friedrich_Rosenkrantz> "How do I always manage to escape unharmed?" he asks his uncle, before embracing him
<Baine_Mort> "Dumb luck that's what."
<Rosenkrantz_GM> "However it is, make sure you keep it up."
<Vivian> "Beeeecauuuuse... You have DAMN FINE people.. Sacrificing themselves.. Haaa ha hahaha..."
<Rosenkrantz_GM> Wilhelm raises an eyebrow, and chuckles at the sight.
<Baine_Mort> "I second that." Mort says in response to Vivian.
<Friedrich_Rosenkrantz> "Glad to see the selfless loyalty." he mutters quietly
* Vivian suddenly gasps, her eyes widening. "WILHELM you should've seen it I TACKLED A MAN it was GLORIOUS"
<Rosenkrantz_GM> "We haven't heard from the Consequence, I should tell you. We believe Titus warped out of the system - almost certainly the wiser choice."
<Baine_Mort> "Yea, she did this entire jumping front flip over a dead machine and right onto the guy."
<Friedrich_Rosenkrantz> "I have no concerns for my vessel under his watch, it's practically his."
* Friedrich_Rosenkrantz reaches into a bag he carries at his side
<Friedrich_Rosenkrantz> "I brought you a gift Uncle."
<Rosenkrantz_GM> "I am sure we will have plenty of impressive accounts to tell the Remembrancers." Wilhelm replies with a laugh.
* Friedrich_Rosenkrantz produces the enormous skull of the warboss
* Vivian pauses.. slowly squinting. Then she realized there was a slight ache. A black eye. She'd stare at Baine. "..Wait.. did you kick me..?"
<Rosenkrantz_GM> "The damnable, larcenous creature, I take it?"
* Baine_Mort stares at her, "Yes I did, was trying to kick the other guy. Again sorry about that, I will get you a few drinks still."
<Friedrich_Rosenkrantz> "Finally dead, and I have retrieved the Relic." he nods back at a house guard carrying a ornate chest...well, as ornate as he could find on a time crunch
<Rosenkrantz_GM> "We will have your trophy set in full display on the Aurorae. A fine addition to the trophy collection that marks our Dynasty's history. As for the relic, you may present it to the Ecclesiarchy's representatives yourself. Whether you've intended for it or not, you have started to earn a reputation. 'The Pious', Bishop Mercer's people have started to use in reference to you," he chuckles.
<Friedrich_Rosenkrantz> "I don't think I'll ever grow into that name." he laughs along "But I'd be happy to as long as a nice bath and some rest awaits me after."
<Friedrich_Rosenkrantz> "Killing is tiring business."
* Vivian lays back in her seat, humming an old song she heard from somewhere. "I miss the rains down in Africaaa.."
* Friedrich_Rosenkrantz looks back at Vivian and smiles "Could someone just sedate her?"
<Friedrich_Rosenkrantz> "Like unconscious please."
<Rosenkrantz_GM> "Remain at the facilities here until you have recovered and our people are stabilized sufficiently to endure a flight back to the Aurorae. I will be meeting with the Commodore now to resolve a small matter. When I return, we will discuss the future of our involvement here, and our return to Foulstone."
* Baine_Mort takes a ice pack from one of the medics and puts it to his head.
* Vivian happily and in a rather carefree, dopey motion, raises both her hands up to briefly wave to Friedrich, just before presenting the universal signs for 'you're number one'.
<Friedrich_Rosenkrantz> "Any word from the Elders? or my Father?"
<Rosenkrantz_GM> Wilhelm smiles. "There is, in fact, a matter which the Elders wanted to discuss. 'Heir-Apparent' does have something of a ring to it."
<Rosenkrantz_GM> He gives you a wink, and says no more, before nodding for his attendants to follow him out and towards his Cutter.
* Friedrich_Rosenkrantz Blinks a few times as he absorbs the news
* Baine_Mort looks to Friedrich as he still holds the ice pack to his head, "Captain, I was just thinking. What do you think the man meant when he said 'Nothing we can do... will be worse than what he'll do to me!?'"
<Friedrich_Rosenkrantz> "Well, whoever he works for is much scarier than the likes of us."
<Friedrich_Rosenkrantz> "People don't kill themselves like that without a good reason."
<Baine_Mort> "With what he had access to, I wouldn't think otherwise as well."
<Friedrich_Rosenkrantz> "we just made powerful enemies."
<Vivian> "Nothing you do.. will be worse than what he does to me.." She'd mumble, before drifting to sleep in her seat.
<Rosenkrantz_GM> "More frightening than the slayers of Orkz?" General Rilleb says, walking in. "The Ork hordes are in disarray. They now fight among themselves on all fronts. They have splintered into factions, distracting them from the invasion - if the Emperor is merciful, this will be sufficient for us to reorganize a defense... perhaps even see an opportunity for advances."
* Friedrich_Rosenkrantz nods to the General respectively "Glad we could be of service."
<Baine_Mort> "That is good news about the Orks, things might actually turn around for this world, but still. Who ever his boss was is not someone we will have to take lightly."
<Rosenkrantz_GM> "It is my understanding that you also found what you were looking for. My congratulations."
<Rosenkrantz_GM> "If you would care to come with me, I could show you the state of our defense, and of our forces. I would be honored to hear your recommendations, as seasoned Ork fighters."
<Friedrich_Rosenkrantz> "Serving the Emperor and Imperium is always our perogative, I'm glad we were able to complete our personal objective as well." he says with formality, almost running on autopilot
* Friedrich_Rosenkrantz looks longingly at a comfy chair before replying "It would be my pleasure."
<Rosenkrantz_GM> The hours pass, and indeed so do the days. You get your rest, and regular updates on the Lord-Protector's status. He is receiving the greatest possible care on the planet in an effort to stabilize him. His injuries were indeed horrifying.
<Rosenkrantz_GM> Master Ziel has come to, and indeed even Vivian's recovery is well underway.

<Rosenkrantz_GM> The hour at last comes. +Lord Friedrich. We have a scheduled flight of transports descending on your location. Medicae staff will be facilitating the Lord-Protector's transportation to the Aurorae.+
<Friedrich_Rosenkrantz> +Very well.+
<Rosenkrantz_GM> With everyone safely strapped in, you begin your ascent once more, and perhaps for the last time, towards the Praeliator Aurorae - and away from the surface of Fascen. The cold, barren landscape below disappears through he clouds as you press on further and further up.
<Rosenkrantz_GM> At last, some sense of normality. You are welcomed into the Aurorae, and accommodated as befits your station.
<Rosenkrantz_GM> It is one casual comment from a dynastic aide, however, which rattles this sense of comfort...
* Ziel returns into his chambers deep in the Engineerium to study the recovered weapons from the battle.
* Baine_Mort holds onto the staff he recovered from one of the machine-men, mainly as a trophy for his room, but also as a possible weapon he may use one day.
<Rosenkrantz_GM> "My Lord Friedrich. Salutations from the bridge, and an inquiry if you please," the young officer says with a bow.
<Friedrich_Rosenkrantz> "An inquiry? Do tell?"
<Rosenkrantz_GM> "My Lord, as our standing orders have expired with your safe arrival, we would like word on when we might expect business to conclude, and for Lord Wilhelm to return?"
<Rosenkrantz_GM> "With all respect to his privacy, of course."
* Baine_Mort stands there next to Friedrich.
* Ziel begins studying the Dusk Blade.
<Baine_Mort> "Come to speak of him captain, the last time we saw our Lord was when he went to go see the Commodore."
<Friedrich_Rosenkrantz> "He will be returning shortly to discuss our next step." he says to the young officer confidently, but he is unsettled on how little information he has on his Uncle's whereabouts and plans
* Ziel writes notes of his data-stale on his discoveries of the Dusk Blade. He begins to catalogue the other recovered items.
<Rosenkrantz_GM> "Of course, my Lord. I will pass the word to remain in orbit until further orders."
<Friedrich_Rosenkrantz> "Wait."
<Rosenkrantz_GM> The officer turns, just as he is about to turn away at the passageways.
<Rosenkrantz_GM> "My Lord?"
* Friedrich_Rosenkrantz straightens up rather suddenly
<Friedrich_Rosenkrantz> "I want his last transmittion and his last known location immediately."
<Rosenkrantz_GM> "Well..." he fumbles through his dataslate.
<Friedrich_Rosenkrantz> "Is there any tracking devices on his cutter?' he asks, pressuring the young lad.
* Friedrich_Rosenkrantz A shiver crawls up Friedrich's spine
<Rosenkrantz_GM> "A logged departure from the Commodore's flagship, with a message expressing intent to return to the General. Stealth running activated for that trip, as has become standard protocol in a warzone, and I'm afraid that's all."
<Rosenkrantz_GM> "Three days ago," he finally looks up.
<Friedrich_Rosenkrantz> "I'm heading for the bridge, get me in contact with the Flagship."
* Baine_Mort looks to the officer and then to Friedrich and the follows.
<Rosenkrantz_GM> "As you command," he nods, making his way up.
* Friedrich_Rosenkrantz gathers his coat around him and stalks off to the Bridge.
<Baine_Mort> "This does not sound good does it."
<Rosenkrantz_GM> By the time you arrive, Commodore Grantt is already being hailed.
<Rosenkrantz_GM> The glow-rune on the Command Throne lights up.
* Friedrich_Rosenkrantz takes a seat out of habit
<Friedrich_Rosenkrantz> "Open communications."
<Rosenkrantz_GM> "Admiral Rosenkrantz, how may I be of--" the Commodore stops short, as his holodisplay stabilizes, revealing Friedrich's form.
<Rosenkrantz_GM> "Ah, my apologies."
<Friedrich_Rosenkrantz> "Has my Uncle arrived aboard your ship in the last several days?"
<Rosenkrantz_GM> "Why, yes. We had a scheduled meeting some three days ago. He was to relay information intended to normalize the stream of intelligence between the Navy and the General."
<Friedrich_Rosenkrantz> "And where may he be now?"
<Rosenkrantz_GM> He looks at you for a moment. His expression changing several times.
* Baine_Mort watch the Commodore's face and then looks to Friedrich, its just a feeling but he doesn't like what the Commodore might have to say.
<Rosenkrantz_GM> "Ferrick! I want the report of the derelict shuttle brought up on my display. Now!" he calls to someone off-screen.
<Rosenkrantz_GM> His eyes appear to scan information in front of him.
* Friedrich_Rosenkrantz grips tightly on the edge of the Captian's Throne, refusing to look away from the Commodore
<Rosenkrantz_GM> "Non-standard Imperial identifiers..."
<Rosenkrantz_GM> "I can't be certain," he finally looks up.
<Friedrich_Rosenkrantz> "Please relay any information you have." he says
<Rosenkrantz_GM> "But a salvage team reported the presence of a derelict shuttle just yesterday. A low-priority find, or so it was marked," he glares at someone to his right.
<Friedrich_Rosenkrantz> "Any crew or cargo?"
<Rosenkrantz_GM> He doesn't respond. Instead, a stream of information is sent, awaiting your approval.
<Rosenkrantz_GM> ++++IMPERIAL///NONSTANDARD SHUTTLE IDENTIFIERS//// SOULS: NONE //// LOCATION...+++++
<Rosenkrantz_GM> A stream of gridpoints points to its last known drift location.
<Friedrich_Rosenkrantz> "Prepare a search team and craft." he calls out to a nearby officer
<Rosenkrantz_GM> The order is carried down the chain of command.
<Friedrich_Rosenkrantz> "I want a message sent out to all know assets in the area asking for information about the Admirals whereabouts."
<Friedrich_Rosenkrantz> "Find him."
<Rosenkrantz_GM> "If there is any assistance we may render, do not hesitate to requisition it from us," Commodore Grantt adds.
<Friedrich_Rosenkrantz> "My thanks Commodore, Emperor be with you. We will be in contact."
<Rosenkrantz_GM> With a nod, the comms channel is closed.
<Rosenkrantz_GM> "Away team ready to deploy!"
<Friedrich_Rosenkrantz> "Prepare my gear."
<Baine_Mort> "Captain, shall I join you as well?"
<Rosenkrantz_GM> Lieutenant Downfield of the House Guard intercepts Friedrich.
<Rosenkrantz_GM> "My Lord, I cannot let you board."
<Friedrich_Rosenkrantz> "My Uncle." is what he manages
<Rosenkrantz_GM> "Were Lord Chomun conscious he would tell you this himself. You know this."
* Friedrich_Rosenkrantz stares her down for a moment, before relaxing
<Rosenkrantz_GM> She sighs, and hesitates for a moment. "There must always be a Rosenkrantz in command of the Aurorae."
<Friedrich_Rosenkrantz> "Launch them."
<Rosenkrantz_GM> She nods to the comms station who relay the order, and put up on display the feed from the search team.
<Rosenkrantz_GM> Along a thin ring of mostly debris the coordinates are followed.
<Rosenkrantz_GM> Scanners looking at all frequencies taking in as much information as possible.
<Rosenkrantz_GM> At last, a feint outline is brought up.
<Rosenkrantz_GM> A lone, dead cold, drifting shuttle...
<Rosenkrantz_GM> Wilhelm's Cutter.
* Friedrich_Rosenkrantz remains silent, bfore turning to look at Downfield
<Rosenkrantz_GM> ++SEARCH TEAM APPROACHING. AIRLOCKS DECOMPRESSING.++
<Rosenkrantz_GM> They slowly approach.
* Friedrich_Rosenkrantz prepares himself for the worst
<Rosenkrantz_GM> Several men in sealed voidsuits then emerge, launching themselves towards the Cutter. The pict feed is brought up to the holodisplay.
<Rosenkrantz_GM> The airlock on the Cutter appears to have been forced open. Its engines damaged with unnerving precision.
* Baine_Mort watches the live feed as he continues to stand near Friedrich.
<Rosenkrantz_GM> The interior is dark, so the glowtorches on the suits come to life.
<Rosenkrantz_GM> The team enters...
<Rosenkrantz_GM> a frozen dead body floats about.
<Rosenkrantz_GM> Colors of the House Guard.
<Rosenkrantz_GM> There is blood on the floor and the walls.
<Rosenkrantz_GM> The pilots appear to have left the cockpit, and by the wounds on their bodies, come to the cabin to fight. To the death.
<Rosenkrantz_GM> All but one of the bodies bear the colors and sigils of the Dynasty.
<Rosenkrantz_GM> As the foreign corpse is examined, thought return to you...
<Rosenkrantz_GM> of the Consequence.
<Rosenkrantz_GM> Of the mutiny.
<Rosenkrantz_GM> Of the symbol the mutineer leadership donned on their equipment... the damnable mercenaries that crippled the voidship.
<Rosenkrantz_GM> For here, on this corpse's voidsuit,
<Rosenkrantz_GM> the very same sigil is displayed.
<Rosenkrantz_GM> All is cleared, and there is no sign of Wilhelm.
<Rosenkrantz_GM> ...for better, or worse.