Evervigilant 55

<Vigilant_GM> IT IS THE 41ST MILLENNIUM...
<Vigilant_GM> Several days after the "Catastrophe at Serenity", as the reports have come to refer to the demise of the Guljians, it comes to your attention that the Consortium has begun the process of asset reclaimations.
<Vigilant_GM> However, the eyes and ears within the local Officio Administratum reveal that this process has been ordered to a freeze, under an obscure and rarely invoked item of the Lex Desoleum. One Lord Omar Endish has registered his claim as a primary creditor to the late Lord Guljian, and has been granted (no doubt through a string of bribery and extortion at every level) the status of Executor
<Vigilant_GM> of the Guljian Estate until a legal heir can be found, and he is able to settle all outstanding debts.
<Vigilant_GM> The confusion the entire affair has caused, however, sees the late Lord Guljian's other creditors to call in their own claims, and his partners and backers to move assets elsewhere. It is amidst all of this that a recovering Interrogator Kurst releases Valerius-Sigma from his service, and gives you news that Captain Nils is being held by the mid-hive Arbites Precinct.
<Vigilant_GM> "She understood the risks. She will no doubt seek the Emperor's Mercy before revealing her work. What must be, Baird, must be."
<Vigilant_GM> He takes a seat with a low grunt.
<Vigilant_GM> "It appears to me you have more important matters to settle with the Administratum and this... Endish."
<Baird> "I don't plan on letting assets fall by the wayside. She can still be of use to me. As can the former Valerius-Sigma. Let them know at they can join me. They are known here. Ihey can still perform the Emperor's holy work on Juno. I'll find a way to get Nils." Baird takes a drink of his glass of Cavessan Amber. "I'll settle them as well."
<Vigilant_GM> "Further disrupting matters with the Arbites seems unwise. And in any case it is an area where I am unable to assist. Tread carefully."
* Baird calls in Thesse and Tony, giving them the assignment to find out more about Nils incarceration and potentially freeing her from custody.
<Tony> "The Arbites huh? if we are deploying in that area, might not be a bad idea to have a good line of communication."
<Baird> "Take Mordecai with you. Just...all of you play nice."
<Vigilant_GM> "Wait," Kurst interjects.
* Baird takes another drink from his glass and waits for Kurst to continue.
<Vigilant_GM> "We do not yet know how far they have infiltrated. We do not know how far the corruption goes. If you are to risk these assets, and my own ability to reinfiltrate, I need to know why. Think, Thomas. How likely are they to give you any sort of access?"
<Baird> "Are we speaking about Valerius-Sigma. Or Nils, Kurst?"
<Vigilant_GM> Kurst adjusts his drip to up the dose of pain-management drugs into his line.
<Vigilant_GM> "About the Arbites. About Nils," he says, eyes fixed on the monitors.
<Baird> "Are you concerned that someone knew she worked for you, or that she make have been working for someone else the entire time?"
<Vigilant_GM> "Neither. Both. We know too little, and this expedition for the sake of scant information on a lost asset is simply not worth it."
<Vigilant_GM> "Leave us," Kurst says to the others in the room.
* Karpath nods and exits the room.
* Nitrous leaves the room
<Tony> "Alright then."
* Baird nods towards the Acolytes and takes a final pull from his glass and setting it on the table.
* Tony leaves the room
<Vigilant_GM> "May I?" Kurst asks, reaching for a glass of his own.
<Baird> "Of course." Baird gestures towards the glasses and bottle.
<Vigilant_GM> "The links that I enjoy with the Arbites were not of my own forging," Kurst says pouring himself a drink. "These were parting gifts from Mortem, before he left this place some half a century ago. The attack on my shuttle has..." Kurst pauses and takes a drink. "It has upset our Master. One can never know for certain, but it is likely these events will draw him here."
<Vigilant_GM> "Planetside," he adds, with some level of gravity.
* Baird pours himself another and takes a large gulp. "I see."
<Vigilant_GM> "Perhaps whatever unfolds from a formal Inquisitorial visit will see Nils saved. Perhaps it will be too late. Perhaps he won't care. But I urge you not to interfere. In his eyes, we are all expendable."
* Baird sighs heavily. "Well ultimately I need to deal with the Endish situation...and if I can get her out without damaging things I will. I gave her my word. So if I can free her without disrupting things I am going to do so. But...I won't risk it if there will be complications for his plans, on that you have my word."
* Baird takes another gulp from his glass.
<Vigilant_GM> Kurst nods, and finishes his drink.
<Baird> "Before you go."
<Vigilant_GM> "Nowhere far," Kurst adds.
* Baird cracks a slight smile and a chuckle. "True. I just wanted your take on Valerius-Sigma..or the former that is. I understand you wouldn't have used them unless they were capable. I'm just loathe to leave resources laying about. I'm wondering if they are still worth bringing."
<Vigilant_GM> "Perfectly capable, highly lethal. Yet utterly tainted on this planet, short of extensive reconstructive surgery. I cannot afford to pull in that sort of favor in the compromised position I am in."
* Baird nods. "Then my earlier request holds. If you would relay my offer to them. They can still be of use."
<Vigilant_GM> "Very well. I will have the mind-wipe sessions cancelled, and transfer the assets."
<Baird> "Appreciated. Now if you will excuse me I have a nobleman to straighten out." Baird finishes off his drink and rises from the table.
<Vigilant_GM> Karpath navigates the throughways of the hive, taking the cell further and further up towards the Apex spires. As below, so above, and a shining, monolothic cousin of the Purity Gate stands, controlling all who enter the Apex. It is here that you are stopped, as all other traffic, to demonstrate legitimate business in the Apex.
* Reclaimator_Almarax has quit (Quit: Leaving)
<Vigilant_GM> A single look from the overseeing officer, and he approaches with a terse comment, "Off-worlder. This oughta be good..." he says waving over his comrade. "Who are you transporting, and why are you here?"
<Karpath> "I am transporting the heir to the Guljians family, Markus Guljians, and we are on our way to see Omar Endish."
<Vigilant_GM> "Right. I'm going to have you bring the vehicle to a stop right up ahead, and await further instruction."
* Karpath nods and does as instructed.
* Baird calls from the back of the vehicle. "What's the hold up! Why are we being stopped!
<Vigilant_GM> Two Arbites with cyber-mastiffs in tow approach the vehicle from either side.
<Vigilant_GM> "Driver, power down the vehicle!
* Karpath powers down the vehicle.
* Baird turns to Thesse. "Handle this."
<Vigilant_GM> "Driver and copilot, exit the vehicle. Slowly. Declare any weapons as you exit with your hands in the air."
<Vigilant_GM> "Now!"
* Thesse lowers down the window and yells "What's the meaning of this? Why have we stopped? Lord Guiljian has pressing matters to attend to!"
<Vigilant_GM> They both draw side-arms.
<Vigilant_GM> "At this time, you will do as commanded!"
<Baird> "Do it."
<Nitrous> "I am leaving the vehicle and am armed with two rifles and a pistol."
* Nitrous leaves the vehicle slowly with his arms up.
<Karpath> "I am also leaving the vehicle, I am armed with pistol and shock maul." He then slowly exit the vehicle.
* Karpath puts his hands up as he exits the vehicle.
<Vigilant_GM> Two others emerge, holding position behind the vehicle. The original two officers advance, cyber-mastiffs by their sides, weapons aimed at Karpath and Nitrous.
<Vigilant_GM> "On your knees, hands behind your head, interlocking your feet. Now."
* Nitrous follows instructions.
* Karpath does as asked.
<Vigilant_GM> "No, sir. Heavily armed. Detaining them now," one speaks into a commbead.
<Vigilant_GM> Heavy duty manacles are applied to the Throne-Agents, and their weapons are seized as they are made to sit by a curbside up ahead.
<Vigilant_GM> "Passengers! One by one, you will do the same! Slowly exit the vehicle, hands raised, and declare weapons!"
<Thesse> "There’s no need to be so... 'extreme' in these measures, officers. We have the proper identification to prove our claims."
<Vigilant_GM> "Exit the vehicle, and produce identification! Then you can begin to explain the firepower you have decided to bring to the Apex!"
* Baird directs everyone to exit and for Thesse to offload the box containing the Oathcog and present it to the Arbites Officers. Baird exits the vehicle after everyone else.
* Thesse exits the vehicle slowly and puts her hands up "I have a maul on my left hip."
<Vigilant_GM> She is approached by an officer and disarmed.
<Vigilant_GM> "Steady. Don't do anything stupid."
<Thesse> "The oath cog is in the truck of the auto carriage. Please, allow me to get it."
<Vigilant_GM> "Do so. No sudden movements."
* Thesse walks to the truck with her hands ups then slowly opens the truck.
* Thesse opens the damn box.
* Tony puts his holster with his pistol on the side and takes it off as he exits with his hands out
<Tony> "Only a Pistol inside the vehicle Officer, I have unequipped it I want no trouble."
<Vigilant_GM> The officer takes a step forward and looks into the box.
<Vigilant_GM> He nods over a comrade, who approaches, and does the same.
<Vigilant_GM> "Which one of you is Guljian?"
* Baird turns towards the officers. "Markus Guljian."
<Baird> "I'd like to know why we were stopped. Or is it that the Arbites do Endish's bidding now? Is this all an elaborate attempt to stop me from claiming my inheritance?"
<Vigilant_GM> "To the contrary," he reaches into his coat as his comrades holster their weapons and release Karpath and Nitrous from their manacles.
<Vigilant_GM> He produces a key.
<Vigilant_GM> "Lord Endish is awaiting you. Welcome home, Lord Guljian."
<Vigilant_GM> "Hawthorne, Makaer. Escort Lord Guiljian to the Estate."
<Baird> "Your assistance is appreciated officer." Baird nods towards the officer directing the others.
* Baird takes the key and makes his way back towards the autocarriage.
* Karpath gets up after his manacles are taken off and walks back and gets into the driver side of the vehicle.
* Thesse takes a short bow "Thank you for your assistance, Officers." She ends back to the autocarriage.
* Tony seeing the situation dying down, he heads back into the Auto Carriage
* Nitrous get's back into the autocarriage.
* Karpath waits for everyone to get in.
<Vigilant_GM> Two roaring Arbites bikes pull up, ready to provide escort to the Gulken Spire, named after House Guljian's ancestral dynasty, a mark of a proud lineage claimed by the late Roland Guljian, lasting thousands of years.
* Karpath powers up the Auto Carriage.
* Karpath drives the Auto Carriage forward following the escort.
<Vigilant_GM> Soon, the vehicles ascend the spire, the wealth of the Apex nobility visible on every stretch of the road. At last, the grand Guljian Estate is revealed along the winding turns, Guards armed with long spears standing outside.
<Vigilant_GM> They allow the vehicles into the beautifully-gardened courtyard. Here, the escorting bikes leave the autocarriage behind, returning to their posts.
<Vigilant_GM> Guards stand at attention, all the way up the steps leading to the closed doors to the Manse itself.
* Karpath stops the autocarrige near the steps.
<Baird> Once the vehicle rolls to a stop Baird once more directs the rest to disembark and climbs out of the autocarriage.
* Nitrous follows instructions.
<Baird> "Thesse, bring the Oathcog." After everyone is gathered Baird ascends the steps with the others in tow.
* Thesse gets the box out of the truck.
<Vigilant_GM> At the very top of the steps, two guards stand firm on either side of the entrance. Seeing you approach, the close the distance, and stand in place with their spears crossed.
<Vigilant_GM> Upon seeing the Oath Cog, however, they stand to either side and snap a salute with their weapons.
* Baird nods and continues striding onwards.
* Karpath exits the vehicle and follows Baird
<Vigilant_GM> A single keyhole hangs just below a head-high handle on the doors.
* Thesse follows along.
* Tony continues to follow and watch at a rare display he never had seen before
* Baird inserts the key handed over by the Arbites and turns it.
<Vigilant_GM> The whirring of mechanisms sees the doors slowly grunt open.
<Vigilant_GM> Within, a sweet smell of fresh greenery, flowers, and incense fills the remarkably clear atmosphere.
<Vigilant_GM> Archways gilded in precious metals, and furniture made of trees long-extinct on Desoleum show the wealth and refinement of the house.
<Vigilant_GM> "The prodigal son," a voice calls, echoing through the vast hall.
* Baird turns in the direction of the voice.
<Vigilant_GM> Emerging down a flight of steps, aiding himself with an ornate cane, is Lord Endish.
<Vigilant_GM> "You interrupt my remembrancer; I was having my portrait taken," he says reaching the base of the steps and waving you forward.
<Baird> "Lord Endish. I'll admit I was concerned when I heard you were named Executor. I am glad to see that my concerns were unfounded."
<Vigilant_GM> "If not me, then any of the vultures Roland had biting at his ankles. His situation was dire even before his... unfortunate demise. Come, make yourselves comfortable."
* Baird nods and follows Endish.
<Vigilant_GM> He walks you over to an adjacent room. A lounge with inviting furniture and decanters from across the Sector, and beyond.
<Vigilant_GM> "I'm afraid, however, that despite my maneuverings to our common advantage will not be enough to retain all that the late Lord Guljian had. His partners have all fled elsewhere. Creditors and loan masters call upon the Estate daily for their shares or debts in this endeavor or that... administering this will take months."
<Vigilant_GM> "Few have been convinced to remain steadfast, and dare I saw, loyal. But confidence in this house and its ability to grow assets is at an all-time low," he says taking a seat, and inviting you to do the same.
<Baird> "Well for starters what is remaining?" Baird takes a seat opposite Endish.
<Vigilant_GM> "Debts, mostly. Roland oft lended money. If matters hold with the Chartist Captains, then trade rights and the tariffs they acrue. There is a stake in the local banking houses, though these assets remain frozen until this matter of administering the Estate and resolving debts is completed."
<Vigilant_GM> "Then, of course, are the actual liquid assets such as this Estate, Serenity, and the toys and collections that could be sold in the right market."
<Vigilant_GM> As servants enter the room, they serve freshly baked refreshments.
<Vigilant_GM> "Staff have largely remained, having little option to move elsewhere, though I have largely replaced or retrained security personnel."
<Vigilant_GM> "in fewer words, I don't rightly know what will remain at the end of this process. The Consortium await any misstep to leap upon and begin the reclamation process. With a legitimate heir found, however," he nods to Baird while taking a bite of the pastry and washing it down with some liquor, "they have no choice but to allow me the time I will need."
<Baird> "Well as you know I will be relocating off world. So do what you must with the planetary properties and stakes, consider them yours. I am afraid I will need a portion of the liquid assets facilitate the relocation however."
<Vigilant_GM> "I will do what I can to release them from the current stand-still. What will you require?"