Rosenkrantz 15

	Rosenkrantz_GM	IT IS THE 41ST MILLENNIUM...
	Rosenkrantz_GM	With the help of Lady Lucrezia, and the Navy contacts of Baine and Friedrich, the Admiralty has approved a number of measures, and made a number of concessions to the Dynasty. But as the large presence of Naval personnel all around you underscores, it's come at a price. Pouring resources out of the Battlefleet isn't something the Admiralty is willing to do without ensuring the resources
	Rosenkrantz_GM	are put to good use. As a result, your new "comrades" from Koronus Patrol Group 112 now welcome you all to His service. Along a wide corridor, naval officers from junior to the most senior level line up to greet their new Captain. At the end, Lord Wilhelm stands next to Flag-Lieutenant Titus Achu, and 1st Lieutenant Joachim Pommel - the most senior officers of the Consequence.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	At the head of the procession is Lady-Captain Gillam, dressed in a perfectly pressed navy uniform with a small escort by her side. Directly behind her, Master Mort. In the same navy professionalism of his Captain, his uniform's neatness a reminder of his vast career in the Imperial Navy. Behind him, the large form of Lord Chomun, his impressive great-coat marking his station, a veteran
	Rosenkrantz_GM	squad of Household Guard escorting the Lord-Protector; in his hands, the Letter of Marque of the Lady-Captain.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	Behind them, the priests... Caerwyn Beraht and the rather disturbing figure of the old genetor whose name was simplified by Lord Wilhelm to simply "Josef". This final part of the procession is the least uniform of them all. Some dozen penitents with holy iconography tattooed, or burnt on their skin follow the young Priest - having been drawn to him in the time spent on Scintilla. Cherubs
	Rosenkrantz_GM	unnervingly hover above them, all loyal to their young master to the death -as the Emperor would will it. Josef, for his part is followed by a number of servitors and barely-human serfs; mortals so terribly mutated by their master, in order to best serve him in the particular tasks that they perform for him.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	Flag-Lieutenant Achu holds the command baton of the Consequence in his hand, ready to hand over command to the Lady-Captain, and take his place as her First Officer.
	Makh_Chomun	rolls his shoulders to work out the kinks from holding the massive item that is the Letter of Marque, though he'd never admit it was a pain in the ass to hold.
	Baine_Mort	pulls at the sides of his Naval uniform to straiten the bottoms of the top.
	Josef	stretching his two extra arms under his red priest hood, trying to hid them as well.
	Lucrezia	takes her time as she makes her way to the Rogue Trader and her predecesor. She looks at most, if not all of her soon to be officer corps. She has a small proud smile on her face. As she reaches the end of the corridor, she nods respectfully at the Flag-Lieutanant before taking the command baton. She then proceeds to salute Lord Wilhelm.
	Caerwyn_Beraht	holds his head high, putting on his most dignified show of Ecclesiarchal piety so that he might honor this most hallowed moment in the history of the Dynasty. His robe swishing around him, he marches forward imperiously with a big stupid grin on his face.
	Josef	notices a large stain on his sleeve and wonders if it is oil or blood.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	At the end of the corridor, Lord Wilhelm stands, in the naval tunic of the Aurorae, with a half-cape folded back in the House colors. He takes a step forward, and the Household guard forms up next to the Dynastic Head, as an aide hands him an black pin in the shape of a raven. "Lucrezia Isabelle Gillam. Do you understand the text of the Letter of Marque held in your name, and the freedoms
	Rosenkrantz_GM	and obligations  written therein?"
	Lucrezia	takes a military posture and nods. "Yes I do, milord."
	Rosenkrantz_GM	Wilhelm nods, and turns to Makh. "Lord Makh Chomun. Do you bear witness to, and swear yourself a protector of, the Holy Document which now empowers the Lady-Captain?"
	Makh_Chomun	"I stand witness and do so swear to protect with the utmost of my ability, the Lady-Captain and the Letter of Marque." He says with a low bow, the massive parchment roll up and sealed still seated firmly in his hands.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	Raising the Raven pin in front of him, Lord Wilhelm takes a step toward Lucrezia. "Then I adorn you with this, a token of your status, and a badge of your station, as a Free-Captain in service to the Dynasty. May your wisdom and tactfulness serve you and those under your service well," applying the pin as he says so. "The lives of all souls on board this ship now rest entirely in your
	Rosenkrantz_GM	hands. Yours is now the voice of the Emperor himself. Serve Him and the Dynsty well."
	Rosenkrantz_GM	With that, Wilhelm steps to one side. In front of you the wide heavy double-doors are opened by the techpriests of the dock-arm. For the first time, you see the interior of the Consequence. Your new home.
	Lucrezia	gives one last salute and a quick nod before starting to walk into the ship.
	Baine_Mort	salutes to Wilhelm and follows Lucrezia
	Josef	still looking at the stain and says "Analysis complete, I have concluded this is oil."
	Caerwyn_Beraht	bows to his lord and master, solemn in his silence. He speeds up his step, dogging Lucrezia as she walks into the ship.
	Makh_Chomun	while following the procession, Makh bows before the Lord-Captain and gives him a friendly wink before continuing on into the bowels of The Consequence.
	Josef	looks up and pauses. He realizes what's going on and quickly follows the others.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	Titus picks up his pace, making sure to enter the ship with his new Captain, briefing her along the way on the status of the many systems of the ship, including the Aeronautica assets in its belly - he does warn that they are a hot-shot bunch, their officers being no different.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	The Junior officers fall in, too, and follow the procession inside.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	The Lord-Protector's attention is immediately drawn to the ship's rapid deployment abilities, with drop-pods and a sizable squadron of atmospheric-craft ready at a moment's notice to carry out Makh's will, and deploy his men.
	Makh_Chomun	Makh's eyes light up as the nearly drools over the new capabilities this ship can provide, he's always wanted to ride a drop-pod straight into the enemy. "Hoooooo, now this is quite something, Sist-, ahem, Captain."
	Lucrezia	chuckles softly to herself. "Good to hear you are happy with it, Lord Protector."
	Caerwyn_Beraht	"'Tis indeed a most impressive ship. I think the dynasty wil be thankful allowing us to practice our respective expertises without the oppressive oversight of some secular bureaucrat who can't be fussed to-" Caerwyn sighs deeply, trying to let all of those negative, unimperial feelings flow out of his breath.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	The familiarity of the Sunsear weaponry on the ship comes as a pleasant surprise to the Master of Ordnance, as he has become intimately familiar with all the ins and outs of such devastating weapons sysetems on board the Aurorae.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	The Interlocutian penitents on their part, nod in fanatical agreement with their master and spiritual guide.
	Baine_Mort	is some what drooling over the fact that this ship has the Sunsear's as well.
	Caerwyn_Beraht	twists his head to look at his entourage of scourged flesh and willing minds. He manages a warm smile, giving his approval to his ragged mass of humanity without betraying his...distaste...for the particulars of their zealotry.
	Josef	is thinking about the most optimal method of setting up a housing and sleeping unit for PortKAT-34324.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	The most obvious difference, is the way the ship is layed out. Not even on the upper decks is anything less than expressly necessary a component on this ship. No majestic displays of opulance and power are to be seen here. This is a navy vessel from bow to stern. From the cramped corridors due to the most efficient use of space, to the redundant systems obvious to the tech-priest, the sole
	Rosenkrantz_GM	purpose of this ship is that of military service. In many ways, it brings back memories to both Baine and Lucrezia; of their days of service in His navy.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	It's not long before you've settled in that the first of the transmissions comes through. The Patrol Group will make a jump to Port Wander, where it will gather with escort ships, and immediately travel through the Maw and begin their duties. First-Officer Titus reports all systems ready, and the Grandier scions report readiness from the Navigator's Tower.
	Makh_Chomun	"With your leave, Captain, I'll see that my boys and girls are settled in quite nicely, and have the Letter secured in your quarters."
	Lucrezia	"By all means, please do, Lord Protector. Once everyone is settled in, we'll be on our merry way."
	Makh_Chomun	He gives her a respectful nod before moving off with his escort to see to his duties.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	The Patrol Group reaches the outter edge of the System, with several of the Captains reporting gellar field functions as normal, and ready to make the jump.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	Achu: "Captain. The patrol is requesting a status report. On your command, we will make the jump."
	-->|	Mike (Mike@sux-7A43C419.hsd1.mi.comcast.net) has joined #rosenkrantz
	Josef	heads to his office in the Medicae Deck and checks in with the staff.
	Lucrezia	shifts in her command throne slightly before responding. "Tell them we are as ready as we'll ever be. And initiate jump procedures when ready."
	Baine_Mort	unpacks all of his stuff in his room from some momentos from his past, along with his stuff from the Aurorae, including his assortment of weapons.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	The alarm Klaxons go off with a deafening pulse.
	Caerwyn_Beraht	"I'll tend tot he flock, m'lady. If it is our intent to jump, I should I get the prayer-gangs cantillating post-haste. Excuse me." Caerwyn gives his Lady-Captain a wide, toothy grin before shuffling off to attend to his duties.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	Caerwyn's penitents begin fanatically muttering verses of supplication to the Emperor.
	Josef	starts organizing Mussolini's toys and along with setting up the food dispenser and bed.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	The ship's Ecclesiastical personnel in the Temple Shrine greet their new leader, extatically making preparations for the ritual to be performed by the spiritual guide they've heard so much about.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	In order to channel the Emperor's blessed powers to their master, the penitents self-flagellate as they walk behind Caerwyn, still muttering their holy verses.
	Mike	quickly marches into the command room in his usual leg destroying March, he greets the lord-captain with a quick, sharp salute "The squadrons are in proper order my lord...M'lady." he says. it's evedent by the large oil stains and bright red eyes he has been working fervently.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	From the Bridge, the gellar field's flickering protective membrane is visibly forming around the figure of Saint Interlocutus, and spreads to engulf the rest of the ship.
	Baine_Mort	sets up weapon racks in his room and begins to place his weapons on them.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	Titus: "Comms! Report stable Gellar Field status to the Patrol. All systems, Commence Warp transition."
	Rosenkrantz_GM	One by one, the ships of Patrol Group 112 flash out of the material realm, with the Consequence soon to follow.
	Josef	checks his monitors for any reports and takes a seat. Mussolini hops upon his master's desk. Josef pets the feline until it takes a nap.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	With a violent jolt, the immaterium swallows the ship whole, and the transition into the hellish warp is complete.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	The journey itself is largely uneventful, as far as these go, with only reports of 'visitations' among the crew - dead comrades or family being seen wandering about the ship.
	Caerwyn_Beraht	Meditating silently with his flock, Caerwyn tries to channel his fear and uncertaintly in apathy, creating a place of placidity amid the rolling tides of the wapr.
	Fredrich_Rosenkrantz	spends the time catching some much needed shut eye, and continuing his drills and near hourly inspection of his personal craft, to his comrades dismay
	Makh_Chomun	During the journey most of Makh's attentions are directed towards training and integrating the different military forces aboard the vessel into one cohesive fighting force.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	A recurring nightmare visits the young priest: his father returning every night-cycle to scold and disown him for venturing into the forbidden for the sake of his own selfish curiosity.
	Lucrezia	spends most of the trip meeting with her officers and getting to know them better.
	Baine_Mort	spends most of his time finishing up the work on his room and wandering around the ship.
	Baine_Mort	makes his ways to Josef's office.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	The second jump comes just a single day-cycle after arriving in the vecinity of Port Wander. The clockwork-like pace of the Navy being rather different to the way in which the Aurorae's travels tend to go. The course is plotted to a small Navy outpost in the Expanse, where the patrol proper is to commence. It is this jump, however, that takes its toll on the crew. When the ship finally
	Rosenkrantz_GM	does return to the materium, a feel of deep exhaustion overwhelmes you all, despite the relatively short trip.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	Moreover...
	Rosenkrantz_GM	Titus: "There is no sign of the Patrol, Captain."
	Baine_Mort	knocks on Josef's door.
	Josef	uses the security camera outside the door to check who it is.
	Josef	clicks the button to open the door. Josef says "Yes, Master of Ordnance Mort? Did we have an appointment?"
	Lucrezia	"What...? But we jumped right after them... get me the navigators, find out where we are. And have Augurs get me a picture of our immediate surroundings."
	Rosenkrantz_GM	The Etherics station is frantic with personnel searching their systems, and supervising officers running from console to console.
	Baine_Mort	"No, just stopping by" Baine says as he enters the room. "Just been wandering the ship so I came here."
	Fredrich_Rosenkrantz	makes his rounds of the flight bay, never breaking his bone shattering March, much to the entertainment of the pilots assembled around him
	Rosenkrantz_GM	++Navigation reporting an imprecise exit. Stand-by for details.++
	Josef	"Okay, Master of Ordnance."
	Josef	goes back to looking at the report.s
	Rosenkrantz_GM	++No imprecision in location, Lady-Captain. It is an imprecision in time.++
	Baine_Mort	"So this is your new office then?" Baine starts to wander around the room.
	Fredrich_Rosenkrantz	+Lord Choman, I believe it would be beneficial to the preparedness of the crew if we ran loading and unloading drills with your arms men sir.+ he says, mustering as manly of a voice as he can
	Josef	"Indeed."
	Lucrezia	sighs and sinks into her seat. "Okay... when are we, then...?"
	Makh_Chomun	+Young Fredrich, please try to explain in a little more detail as to what you mean. I'm kind of occupied at the moment so the simplest explanation would go a long way for me.+
	Rosenkrantz_GM	++Our relative transition time was measured at two weeks. Our current measurements, however, indicate a travel time of three months. The Grandier navigator is classifying this as a minor imprecision.++
	Makh_Chomun	Makh exasperation is apparent over the comm-link as he's still getting used to organizing and commanding such a force. Not necessarily bigger than the Armsmen he was in charge of before, but much more complicated.
	Fredrich_Rosenkrantz	is taken aback by the misunderstanding, his cheeks redden as he stutters out + I...I mean loading on and off the ships for when we deploy ground forces sir...I mean my lord.+ he says quickly
	Baine_Mort	continues to walk around Josef's office. He eventually walks over to Josef's cat. "Seems you cat is doing well."
	Josef	"The Felis silvestris catus? He's unit PortKAT-34324."
	Rosenkrantz_GM	The feline hisses at the Master of Ordnance, arching its back and raising its tail.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	The First-Officer repeats under his breath, "Minor imprecision..."
	Baine_Mort	"Well I have used up enough of your time Doc, I shall be leaving you to your work." Baine then makes his way out of Josef office.
	Makh_Chomun	pauses in his work for a moment before guffawing out loud, though not over the link to spare the young Ace further embarrassment. "I appreciate your input and enthusiasm, young Fredrich, but that's already something incorporated into the drilling of the Armsmen and House Guard."
	Lucrezia	"So we are either moderately early or moderately late... that's reasuring... Alright, let me know when we get some returns on our scans."
	Josef	says "Queer behavior from the Master of Ordnance. Right, Mussolini?" after Mort has left the room.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	The cat jumps atop a console and purs in... apparent agreement.
	Josef	starts petting the feline.
	Baine_Mort	stops in his place at the word Queer and walk back into the room, "What the fuck did you just say?!"
	Rosenkrantz_GM	First Officer Achu presses his earpiece close, and nods.
	Josef	"I was talking to the unit PortKAT-34324."
	Rosenkrantz_GM	"Vox is picking up a transmission. We are being hailed."
	Lucrezia	"Alright, let's see who it is."
	Caerwyn_Beraht done with...whatever he was doing, saunters into the bridge. He quietly observes the unfolding ruckus.
	Baine_Mort	stares Josef down for a moment, before turning and walking out, he then makes his way to the elevator.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	++Observation post 3401. We have identified your vessel as the Consequence, Patrol Group Koronus 112. Please confirm.++
	Lucrezia	++"This is Lady Captain Gillam of the Consequence speaking, we are receiving you loud and clear. Could you be so kind as to  tell us the date, Observation post 3401?"++
	Fredrich_Rosenkrantz	stands awkwardly in silence before replying +Is that...a positive or a negative m'Lord?+ he says, clearing his throat several times throughout the transmission.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	++We had a feeling you'd ask that, Captain. Patrol 112 departed two weeks ago. We do, however, have immediate need of assistance.++
	Lucrezia	++"What can we do for you?"++
	Makh_Chomun	+To put it bluntly, that's a no, but don't sweat it, lad. Just worry more about your space and air wings.+
	Fredrich_Rosenkrantz	nods to himself, not even replying, and continues his March. he pulls down his cap to his his cherry face
	Makh_Chomun	"Ahhhhh youth." He says more to himself than to his subordinates who are working around him.
	Makh_Chomun	Some time later he dumps the rest of his workload on his subordinates and decides to the pay the bridge a visit. It's not been too long since their exit from the immaterium, Makh figures he should at least report to the bridge for a debrief...not at all to escape his workload.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	++The Reliant, a defense monitor, has been infested with a terrible ship-borne disease. In their desperation, they have lost all their good sense, and are in transit to the observation post, refusing to acknowledge isolation orders.++
	Fredrich_Rosenkrantz	finishes marching around his post, rewriting the same notes as the last four inspecions into his "officers" book, and makes haste to inform the lady captain for the third time that day everything is running smoothly
	Rosenkrantz_GM	First-Officer Achu's eyes widen. "Captain Gillam... if they attempt to dock, the Navy will lose the observation post."
	Lucrezia	++"Any idea on what this disease is? We have a... medical expert on board, perhaps he can assist?" But for now we can certainly head for an intercept."++
	Rosenkrantz_GM	++We can communicate symptoms, if that's of use.++
	Baine_Mort	uses the elevator to make his way to the bridge.
	Fredrich_Rosenkrantz	+M'lady!+ he starts with a sharp salute +Everything is running smoothly with the squadrons ma'am, I mean m'Lady!+
	Lucrezia	then tries reaching Fredrich through comms. +Well, flyboy, we may have a job for your boys soon. Report to the bridge at your convenience.+ She then returns to focusing on communicating with the observation post. ++That would be very appreciated.++
	Baine_Mort	walks on to the bridge.
	Makh_Chomun	finally arrives at the bridge, resplendent in his great-coat with it's fur-trimming and heavy cloak colored a deep blue with white trim.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	++Growths on the skin. Bulbous, and dark. Men in wandering towards well-light areas, and then collapsing into comas...++
	Fredrich_Rosenkrantz	makes for the bridge at a speed that seems torturous with his usual step
	Fredrich_Rosenkrantz	quickly enters the room and fires off a sharp salute "Anything you need captain!"
	Makh_Chomun	Given the busier status of the bridge, and what seems like a crisis, Makh deigns to stay in the background until called upon.
	Lucrezia	++"Thank you, Observation Post, please give coordinates when able."++ She then sighs slightly. "Mister Achu, emergency high officers meeting, 20 minutes."
	Baine_Mort	"Hello Chomun, you are looking spiffy today."
	Caerwyn_Beraht	Upon hearing the list of symptoms, Caerwyn begins scratching at his bare chin. Hmmmm...
	Makh_Chomun	"Have to look the part, Mr. Mort." He gives the man a sharp, toothy grin.
	Fredrich_Rosenkrantz	remains saluting, sweating under the strain of his tight stance, waiting for a reply
	Caerwyn_Beraht	"Crystalshard pox," he says with a triumphant thrust of his finger. "Clouds of the abominable substance stay frozen in the void. Nearly undetectable. It sounds like our compatriots are symptomatic. Latter stage, no doubt. If their faith in the Emperor is strong, they can still be saved methinks."
	Rosenkrantz_GM	Lt Downfield: "I've heard of this before... an old comrade of mine, running escort duty for a convoy coming in from the Koronus Expanse. Said they had to scuttle one of the ships when they realized it was infested..." she whispers to Chomun.
	Lucrezia	"Right, my apologies, mister Fredrich. We might get ourselves in an engagement soon, are your crews ready for deployment?"
	Josef	"Thank you Confessor. You repeated my answer to your question earlier at 90% accurately."
	Makh_Chomun	"That bad, huh? Seems a waste, is it too dangerous to cleanse the ship?"
	Rosenkrantz_GM	Titus: "Captain, shall we plot an interception course while the scholars define the nature of the ailment?"
	Fredrich_Rosenkrantz	" Top of the line M'lady." he says calmly, a fierce pride in his eyes
	Lucrezia	stands up. "Alright, since it looks like we are all here, we might want to take this to the conference room. And yes, set an intercept course."
	Caerwyn_Beraht	turns the genetor, fuming. "I already KNEW about crystalshard pox. Do you think I had to go to you for information? My education was no doubt more expensive than the entirety of your life expenses upon whatever forge-planet the Dynasty dug you out of."
	Josef	"When the induction process is complete, the victim releases a clear slime-like fluid. The 'Slime' protects the spores and when it comes in contact in the void The Spores are preserved within the slime. The frozen slime becomes more common in the Koronus Expanse and are nearly undetectable."
	Rosenkrantz_GM	"Plot a course for interception! Master Mort, prepare weapons systems. Lieutenant Rosenkrantz, call the flyboys to battlestations!", the First Officer commands.
	Josef	"Confessor, I am sure the education you received meets the minimum standards to perform your duties."
	Fredrich_Rosenkrantz	is gone in a flash, dashing towards the ship bay with little regard for formality
	Josef	"The slime shards must be purged with cleansing fire or chemical. A single spore is very infectious and dangerous. Enough to destroy an entire ship."
	Makh_Chomun	crooks an eyebrow at Lucrezia.
	Caerwyn_Beraht	"Genetor, I'm sure your assesment of my education is riddled with the bias of your impiety." Folding his arms, Caerwyn manages a smug grin. The boy looks like a bratty noble scion, standing there and pretending to be superior.
	Lucrezia	"So much for closed doors... right... get the ship ready for combat. Josef, Caerwyn, as my foremost medicae experts... what do you sugest?"
	Baine_Mort	"Understood." Banie then moves over to his station and gets on his com's and has all the weapons ready for battle.
	Caerwyn_Beraht	raises his hand to say something, but nothing comes out of the yawning chasm of his mouth. He nervously casts his eyes about, before stutting out an answer...
	Fredrich_Rosenkrantz	quickly calls all hands to battle stations, his order is followed by a collective groan as the group are expecting the ninth drill that day, but as soon as the word gets out that the drill is for real, the bay is alive with activity
	Josef	"From my mentors, I hear it is very painful experience for the victims, but amusing to observe."
	Caerwyn_Beraht	"A-a-assuming there is nobody of profound importance to the Imperial cause aboard that ship, it would be best...i-i-it w-would be best to..." Caerwyn swallows, tugging at his collar. "I think purgation might be the most prudent course of action."
	Josef	"I thank the Confessor for repeating my previous solution."
	Lucrezia	frowns slightly. "Well... that was not what I hoped but if it is what you believe is best, then so be it. Caerwyn, do please prepare some prayer services. We might need them after we are done here."
	Makh_Chomun	"Leftenant," he says to Downfield, "have the Armsmen to their positions and on stand-by. House-Guard are in reserve. I'm sure we won't be needed but all the same."
	Lucrezia	Caerwyn, do please prepare some prayer services. We might need them after we are done here."
	Caerwyn_Beraht	"Of course, Lucrezia. We can try and save who we can, but if the infection hath progressed this far...there is aught we can do." Solemnly clasping his hands, Caerwyn mutters a swift prayer.
	Josef	"What are your orders, Lord-Captain Lucrezia?"
	Baine_Mort	checks over his console, "Captain, weapon systems are coming online and will be ready soon."
	Rosenkrantz_GM	Vox, then, reports: "Captain, we are hailed by the target vessel."
	Lucrezia	"I suggest you make your way to the medicae deck, genetor. I have a feeling they won't simply let us do what we must."
	Lucrezia	"Redirect them to my personal vox channel. Least I can do is talk with them..."
	Josef	"Understood." Josef heads back to his office.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	A rough, dry voice addresses Lucrezia: +Captain Amauld Erringer of the Reliant... so they have sent you?+
	Lucrezia	+"Unfortunately so, Captain. This is Captain Lucrezia Isabelle Gillam of The Consequence."+
	Lucrezia	makes her way to the conference room, wanting the utmost discretion.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	+Captain, I have 19,000 souls on board this vessel. I have isolated infected to sealed segments of the ship... the observation post will not heed my plea. But it is not the illness that will kill us, only few of the infected have perished. It appears to be nonlethal.+
	Rosenkrantz_GM	+We... are starving+ he adds.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	+1,200 deaths, all to starvation. THEY are killing us.+
	Lucrezia	+"Nonlethal? I have two medicae experts who say otherwise, Captain. Please halt your advance towards the post while I discuss this new information with my officers."+
	Lucrezia	then calls up Caerwyn and Josef to the conference room.
	Josef	Halfway on his path to his Office, Josef makes a full 180 degree turn in the opposite direction.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	+I am afraid no such expertise is available to me... spooked crew opened the medicae block to the void when the infection first began to spread. The medicae personnel is gone.+
	Caerwyn_Beraht	rushes straight to the conference room, the call of his mistress hurrying his feet. Barging in, her dips into a bow. "You needed me?"
	Josef	He makes his way back to the Bridge, confusing nearby onlookers.
	Lucrezia	+A moment, Captain, again, I ask for just a bit more patience.+
	Lucrezia	has a rather sad expression on her face as she looks up at Josef and Caerwyn. "I spoke to their captain. He's telling me that the disease is apparently nonlethal."
	Lucrezia	"I need your advise."
	Josef	"Hello, Lord-Captain."
	Josef	"On an effective method of purging the ship?"
	Josef	"I recommend a chemical spray., but fire is a classical way of dealing with the unclean."
	Lucrezia	"They are also claiming that what's actually killing them is starvation... Where do you two stand on this new information? I myself have an option in mind but I really wish that I don't have to do it."
	Lucrezia	"Josef... if using the medicae supplies... what's the most painless and tasteless... poison can you make...?"
	Lucrezia	"And on what quantities?"
	Josef	"Hmm... an investigation of the ship is needed."
	Caerwyn_Beraht	"Lucrezia! We should not wantonly destroy the Emperor's flock if the possiblility of their salvation looms. We should, at the very least, scout the vessel. See if the captain speaks the truth."
	Josef	"Someone to confirm or debunk the Captain's claim."
	Lucrezia	"Again, this is a final option and I really do not wish to do it. But if the worst case ocurs, I'll rest easier knowing I made their passing somewhat more comfortable."
	Lucrezia	"As for an investigation, most I am willing to sanction is using servitors."
	Josef	"Although, the spores do not actively kill the host. It keeps the victim alive until it reaches it's final stage of evolution."
	Caerwyn_Beraht	"Insidious, it is. Much like all of the threats currently menacing our noble species."
	Lucrezia	then tries to contact the observation post. +"Observation Post, this is the Consequence... we may have an idea of what's afflicting your ship and we would like some input from whoevers in charge."+
	Rosenkrantz_GM	+This is Commander Baileck of Observation Post 3401+
	Josef	uses the comms to contact the Engineer and requests a small team of Servo-Skulls equipped with Diagnostors and readied as requested by Lucrezia.
	Lucrezia	+"Commander, my two lead experts in medicae inform me that it's Crystalshard Pox. It spreads through spores, highly contagious and parasytic. Doesn't kill it's host until later stages of infection... We are sending some servo skulls and such to investigate further and see what we can do but in case the situation is unsalvageable, how would you like this to be handled?"+
	Rosenkrantz_GM	[Techna-lingua] +What of the delivery system, brother?+
	Josef	[Techna-lingua] +Awaiting, the Lord-Captain's decision on the issue.+
	Lucrezia	"Josef, I was think we could deploy them on the void by having one of our cutters do a flyby from a decent distance. Think that's doable?"
	Lucrezia	*thinking
	Rosenkrantz_GM	Commander Baileck: +Captain, the specifics of this are not important. The Navy cannot lose this outpost, and they have not altered course. If it's another case of Crystalshard, the possibility of a cloud being dragged along with the vessel renders even the vecinity of the vessel a hazzard. We did, in fact, detect massive ejections of atmosphere already. No-doubt the shards were ejected
	Rosenkrantz_GM	with it.+
	Rosenkrantz_GM	+You must intercept a tall costs.+
	Rosenkrantz_GM	+Crew... expendable+
	Lucrezia	+And the vessel itself?+
	Rosenkrantz_GM	+Infinitely less valuable than this outpost, Captain. You are the intercepting vessel. The decision is yours.+
	Lucrezia	"Cheeky cunt..." +Thank you for the input, Commander, Consequence out.+
	Caerwyn_Beraht	"So?" Caerwyn asks with a tap on her shoulder.
	Josef	[Techna-lingua] +My brother, halt orders on the servo-skull refitting.  A new factor has been introduced in this matter.+
	Lucrezia	"Alright, Outpost says we must intercept and that the crew is expendable. How can we take care of them quick and as painless as possible?"
	Lucrezia	then hails the ship. +"Captain, I need you to halt your advance or we will be forced to intercept and enage. We are still considering delivery of our own supplies."+
	Josef	"Saving them from the plague is better than any pain we may inflict."
	Lucrezia	"Doesn't mean I have carte blanche to deal as much pain as I want."
	Lucrezia	"So please give me an answer that fits to the ends I am presenting."
	Rosenkrantz_GM	+Captain, you are tasked with the same responsibilities over the souls onboard your ship as I. You know I cannot alter course.+
	Rosenkrantz_GM	+You have medical experts. Surely, they can tend to those who have not yet been infected. Thousands of lives could be saved... I beg of you...+
	Lucrezia	+And you also have responsabilities to the rest of the Navy, captain. Endangering more souls than your ship contains, specially when I can offer an alternative, does not improve your situation.+
	Caerwyn_Beraht	"Presuming we take the...er, perilous chymistry route, we'll need to plant feet aboard that ship. Someobody to deliver the poison to their air filtra-" Caerwyn's eyes glisten ever so slightly as the lump in his throat chokes him of his words. "...I cannot conscious the wholesale slaughter of faithful men. Sorry for my w-w-weaknesss."
	Josef	"The mind must be as strong as steel, Confessor. It is the only way we may do our duties to him."
	Lucrezia	"Not exactly weakness, Caerwyn. Just means you deserve a simpler and more innocent life than most of us."
	Josef	"Innocence proves nothing."
	Rosenkrantz_GM	+Don't you see, Captain? You are the answer to our prayers. You have the ability to save the innocents here. The Emperor has placed you here at the opportune time to intervene and preserve his faithful servants.+
	Lucrezia	"Not the right time, Genetor. Caerwyn, you may resume your preparations for prayer if you wish."
	Caerwyn_Beraht	vacilliates, sweat dripping down his face as he toys with the idea of retreating from this terrible predicament. But no, he thinks. He must stay. For the sake of those men aboard.
	Lucrezia	+And so I will. But I will not risk more lives because you are being stubborn. Now please stop, I beg you.+
	Lucrezia	"Josef... think you can outfit some of your servo skulls to... tinker with their oxygen supply?"
	Josef	"Possible."
	Lucrezia	"Very well, have some of the probes outfited with that capability. We will have them get on board with some of the diagnostor ones along with some of our food..."
	Lucrezia	+Bridge, what's the ETA on intercept?+
	Josef	"If the servo-skulls is able to temper the oxygen supply, they might react by increasing speed to the outpost and/or firing at us and the output as well."
	Lucrezia	"Okay, do you have a subtler option, then?"
	Josef	"Aside from Death?"
	Rosenkrantz_GM	+Attack Craft within effective range. Another quarter hour for weapons systems to reach effective firing arcs+
	Josef	"We get them to crease their advance and open fire."
	Lucrezia	"Damnit Genetor!" She stands up and slams her fist angrily onto the table. "Stop being a damned smartass and offer actual ideas or get the fuck out."
	Josef	"A swift death is better than slowly suffering from the plague."
	Josef	"Without a proper analysis of the ship and it's staff, I have no other options to offer."
	Friedrich_Rosenkrantz	+Ready for anything M'lady.+
	Lucrezia	"Out, both of you."
	Caerwyn_Beraht	"Lucrezia...!" Caerwyn stares at her for a moment, eyes pleading. "Can I at least talk to them?"
	Makh_Chomun	All the while Makh has stood towards the front of the bridge, looking out the forward observation port, hands clasped behind his back. He looks to be in deep thought.
	Josef	makes the sign of the Omnissiah and says "The Omnissiah is with us and your decision."
	Rosenkrantz_GM	Lt Downfield: "This is... grim. Very grim, boss."
	Josef	walks out the room and grabs the Confessor along the way.
	Lucrezia	+Mister Mort, prepare all batteries. I'm on my way to the firing control station.+ She then looks at Caerwyn, clearly shaken as he's lead out. "May he on Terra forgive me..."
	Caerwyn_Beraht	struggles and squirms fitfully as he is dragged out of the conference room like a disobedient canid.
	Baine_Mort	+Understood Captain.+
	Caerwyn_Beraht	"How dare you touch me without my permission?! UNHAND ME THIS INSTANT!"
	Lucrezia	takes some time before making her way to the fire control station, looking a lot more tense and serious than usual.
	Josef	"In a moment, Confessor."
	Josef	releases Caerwyn after leaving the conference room.
	Makh_Chomun	turns towards the commotion coming from the entrance to the conference room.
	Josef	reveals his other set of arms. Josef makes a sign of the Omnissiah. The other pairs lights a candle and holds a incense holder.
	Lucrezia	waits until the ship is in range, watching the closest monitor. "Have they stopped yet?"
	Baine_Mort	gets on the coms for the weapons teams, +All crews prepare all batteries, I repeat, Prepare all batteries.+
	Rosenkrantz_GM	First-Officer Achu slowly shakes his head, as he looks over to a report console.
	Josef	says in Techna-lingua a series of prayers to the machine spirit of the other ship and asking it forgiveness for the damage we are about to cause.
	Lucrezia	+Captain Amauld, are you still there?+
	Rosenkrantz_GM	Readiness Klaxons confirm the Hands to Stations command of the Sunsear weapons systems.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	+I am here... and I see your weapons systems have come online.+
	Friedrich_Rosenkrantz	+Will we be needing the squadrons M'lady?+ he asks gruffly over the comms
	Baine_Mort	"Seems we are going to scuttle that ship." Baine says to Chomun.
	Makh_Chomun	"If what's said is true, there's no helping it. Though, that Captain won't go down without a fight." He murmurs to Mort.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	First-Officer Achu: "Emergency escape pod systems have come online in target vessel."
	Lucrezia	+Indeed they have... I just wanted to inform you that I'm doing my duty with a heavy heart and an as soft a hand as I can manage. And I hope that my shots are accurate and quick. I ask for your forgiveness and that of Him on Terra.+ She then takes a deep breath while keeping the comm channel open. She proceeds to look at Mort. "Fire away, don't stop until there's nothing left. May He
	Lucrezia	forgive us."
	Rosenkrantz_GM	+May he do so, Captain. For we will not. Reliant out.+
	Baine_Mort	"Yes Captain." +All Batteries, open fire now.+
	Lucrezia	walks away. "Get us away as soon as possible."
	Lucrezia	"First Officer Titus, you have the bridge. See us to the station and I won't be receiving visits until we get there."
	Rosenkrantz_GM	Catastrophic damage leaves the ship a drifting, smouldering wreck. Uncontrolled fires burn in some compartments,
	Rosenkrantz_GM	others are open to space, and the rest are choked with the dead and dying. The ship becomes an empty tomb, populated only by the dead. If any still live within its bowels, their only hope is to escape the vessel before they slowly suffocate or freeze.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	Titus: "Aye-aye Captain."
	Baine_Mort	"Welp, that's over, glad to see these guns put to good uses today."
	Rosenkrantz_GM	++This is Commander Baileck. Our scans confirm the destruction of the target vessel. Congratulations, Captain. You've done well.++
	Rosenkrantz_GM	Titus: "The Captain has retired to her quarters, commander. I will pass on your words."