New Ambitions 1

<Expanse_GM> IT IS THE 41ST MILLENNIUM...
<Expanse_GM> The Leviathan's Gluttony, an ancient and treasured voidship from the golden era of imperial expansion, pushes on towards the trade hub of Port Wander. This vessel once saw the early colonization of the then-Calyx Expanse, the struggle of the Angevin Crusade, and the rise of the Calixis Sector, bringing glory to the bearers of the Artaega Warrant of Trade. As the dynasty grew in
<Expanse_GM> influence, power, and wealth, this ancient vessel was laid to rest in high orbit above the Hiveworld of Lo as a reminder of those glory days. After the disappearance of Darrius Artaega, both his heir and this vessel were thrust into the fore, stepping into the legacy of the family's past as Flagship and her Lord-Captain.
<Expanse_GM> Tyruss Wolfe, a man who in many ways than one was made for his position, stands on the bridge, ready to face fate. Ready to see the years of preparation and tutelage for the young Artaega scion come to fruition; for beyond Port Wander, an unforgiving expanse opens up to all possibility, limited only by the ambition, resourcefulness, and ruthlessness of those who reach it.
<Expanse_GM> Cenva Benetek, and those representatives and scions of House Benetek on board the vessel represent a long history of the alliance codified in the Artaega Warrant of Trade to the navigators of that stoic, and honored line.
<Expanse_GM> Valarian Stukov leads the priesthood of Mars, keeping the vessel's venerated systems running, bringing the ancient voidship to life, discovering her secrets.
<Expanse_GM> In the lower holds, Zog remains vigilant. An experiment of the voidship's masters, the Ogryn twistcatcher understands, as best he can, that he soon will undergo a transformation that will place him far above his abhuman comrades, to fulfill a higher purpose.
<Expanse_GM> Finally, it is to Rey Lasky, Master of Ordnance, that the report comes in. "Weapons powered down per approach procedures, sir. Las-foci are now inert." Life spent on board the vessels under the Artaega Warrant gives Master Lasky all the knowledge he requires to run the numbers in his head, the arithmetic of war: With cooling las-foci, how long will it take for them to be battle ready
<Expanse_GM> in case of ambush? Would, at this range, the batteries be able to effectively target the many defensive structures of Port Wander? What of the traffic around the port; could broadsides be brought to bear? These thoughts are interrupted with the firm voice of First-Officer Harrow.
<Expanse_GM> "Ordnance? Are we cleared to approach?"
* Rey checks over his console, "Aye, weapons are power down, we are clear."
<Expanse_GM> Standing to the command throne's right, the First Officer turns to Cato. "Ready to make contact, Lord-Captain."
<Cato_Artaega> "Open hailing frequencies and request docking clearance through standard channels"
<Expanse_GM> "Aetherics, open channels to the port, hail our intent to dock," Harrow passes along the command.
<Expanse_GM> The order is passed along the bridge once more, and the stations get to work. Runes light up on holo-displays, showing a flow of communications including hails from the various patrol vessels, docked or arriving voidships, and the harbormaster's own greeting in welcome, honoring your right to passage.
* Rey looks towards the forward view port to see Port Wander, "Ah, it is going to be good to be home, haven't see it in years."
<Expanse_GM> Everything seems to be in order, until the vox-master's attention is brought to one of the receiving consoles.
<Expanse_GM> A glance over the vox-master's shoulder brings First-Officer Harrow away from his position with a brief, "Sir," as he strides over.
<Expanse_GM> After a brief back-and-forth, First-Officer Harrow returns to Cato's side.
<Cato_Artaega> "What is the meaning of this encrypted message?"
<Expanse_GM> "The codification is in a specialized dynastic cipher, my Lord. He claims to be Lucius Gray, a commander in your late-father's personal bodyguard. He requests a meeting with you on an urgent matter."
* Tyruss perks up at the words 'encrypted message'. His head turns slightly towards the Lord Captain and the First-Officer.
<Cato_Artaega> "The message originated from the port yes?"
<Expanse_GM> "Aye."
<Cato_Artaega> "Tyruss, did you know this man or his name while in service to my father?"
* Tyruss approaches the bridge-throne. "Lord-Captain, if this man is indeed Lucius Gray he may well have the answers you seek in regards to your father's plight. I recommend sending a delegate to meet with him."
<Expanse_GM> The vessel now closes to one of Port Wander's docking arms, minor corrections made by the Master Helmsman to bring the Leviathan's Gluttony to a safe approach.
<Cato_Artaega> "We will be a while in port restocking I see no reason we cannot investigate this. Assign who you deem appropriate."
<Expanse_GM> "My Lord," Harrow intervenes.
<Cato_Artaega> "Yes?"
<Expanse_GM> "He claims he will meet no one but you regarding this matter. He will await you at the Court of the Dead markets."
<Cato_Artaega> "How cliche... well it will be a good excuse to see the sights of the port I suppose."
<Tyruss> "I know his face Lord-Captain. At the very least allow me to send someone to verify identity before exposing yourself to a potential trap."
<Cato_Artaega> "Agreed, we must take precautions, perhaps we should have Zog join us as well."
<Expanse_GM> Guide shuttles now form up at the prow of the vessel, assisting navigation into the delicate docking procedure.
<Tyruss> "For the meeting his presence could provide a certain...safety. I still recommend sending someone ahead of the main delegation. In case this is a trap lain by those who seek to capitalize on your father's disappearance."
<Expanse_GM> "Plasma engines to idle," Harrow calls out.
<Cato_Artaega> "Make it your top priority, ideally we will identify him before he has any reason to suspect our tardiness."
<Expanse_GM> With a final series of minor corrections the Master Helmsman brings the voidship against the dock arm, umbillicals extending to create sealed passageways to Wander.
<Expanse_GM> "Engine cooling procedures underway," calls the Helmsman.
* Tyruss bows to the Lord-Captain. "Of course sir." Turning on his heel Tyruss Wolfe strides from the bridge with Miranda, his Chief Aide, trailing directly behind him.
<Expanse_GM> "Docking crews to stations," Harrow calls again.
<Expanse_GM> "Welcome to Port Wander, Lord-Captain," Harrow says turning to Cato.
* Cato_Artaega chuckles "Thank you commander. You have the bridge."
<Expanse_GM> "My bridge, sir," he confirms with a salute.
* Cato_Artaega stands from his throne and and approaches one of the lower ranking communications officers. "Contact Sergeant Kukk have her assemble four of her squad outside my office along with Zog."
<Expanse_GM> "On your command, Lord-Captain."
* Cato_Artaega nods, turns and makes his way to his office.
* Tyruss assigns a staff member to move into Port Wander and verify the identity of Lucius Gray. That done he has Miranda gather the dataslates with acquisition requests and the menials that tow and carry the great chugging machines that assist in this task.
<Expanse_GM> The Court of the Dead is the largest of the open holds that make up the Gilt Processionals, standing at their heart. Along its sides sit cluster of stalls from which spiced food and drink can be bought, and amongst the thoroughfares the greatest of Rogue Traders may exchange crude jests and rumors with void-crazed pilgrims. In the center of the Court of the Dead one can find letter
<Expanse_GM> writers, watch displays of swordsmanship, pay to have one's limbs or organs replaced with prosthetics, and give coin for charts that claim to show passage to the untapped reaches of the Halo Stars. Above this swirling confusion of people, the faces of Rogue Traders stare down, etched into the metal of the ceiling and covered in precious gilt, each one the likeness of one who died
<Expanse_GM> seeking desire beyond the Great Warp storms.
<Tyruss> Briefly looking over dataslate Tyruss keys the inter-ship vox system, trying to connect to the Main Enginarium.
<Tyruss> +I think it best you join us on this excursion Enginseer Stukov. Your expertise could be useful in acquiring some of these items.+
<Valarian_Stukov> ++Khek... As you wish Mr Wolfe, I will be down shortly.++
* Cenva_Benetek decides to take a walk and exits out of the Navigator tower.
* Zog after receiving orders from Tyruss shows up at his office.
* Cato_Artaega contacts Tyruss requesting a diplomat to be assigned to his posse using the terminal in his office.
* Cato_Artaega then heads out into the lobby to await the arrival of his entourage.
* Valarian_Stukov Arrives first and sees the Lord Captain and nods to him
<Expanse_GM> A retinue is assembled, ready to escort the Lord-Captain, joined by Caradoc Noctine, one the most able negotiators in the subsector.
<Valarian_Stukov> "Lord Captain Artaega, you required, my aid in a matter?"
* Tyruss steps out into the lobby area to await the menials, as well as any coming along to stretch their legs or acquire personal items.
<Cato_Artaega> "No no, I believe Tyruss likely wishes you to accompany him."
<Tyruss> "Not the Lord-Captain, Stukov, you'll be coming with me. As for your wish Lord Cato I'm sending along my Head Diplomat, Mr. Noctine. Young, but a smooth talker. He should be able to assist you."
<Expanse_GM> A veritable troop of lowly minions arrive, hauling the esoteric instruments used by the High Factotum, their bodies shaped by the monotonous, and strenuous labor they perform for ship and Dynasty.
<Valarian_Stukov> "I see, well it is a pleasure in any regard Lord Captain."
* Rey makes his way off the bridge and heads to his room to check over his things.
<Cato_Artaega> "As always Stukov. The rest of you may wish to relax a short while as we are awaiting intel before we depart."
<Valarian_Stukov> "If I had a glass of Rahzvod, I would, but that can wait for later."
<Expanse_GM> +Lord-Captain. We have a transmission from Master Tyruss's staff on the port. Patching him through.+ Harrow's voice fades.
* Cato_Artaega turns away from the group. +Whats the situation?+
<Expanse_GM> +My Lord, the man you have asked me to identify is nowhere to be seen. I can take my investigation further by making inquiries around the market, though that is sure to raise suspicions.+
<Cato_Artaega> +Unfortunate, continue to monitor the market but do not act to raise suspicion.+
<Expanse_GM> +As you command, my Lord.+
<Cato_Artaega> "Seems I will simply need to make a shopping trip through the Market and see who shows up Tyruss."
<Tyruss> "We can always merge the groups Lord Cato. I just worry that it may bore you endlessly sir."
<Cato_Artaega> "No need, I shall simply browse at my own pace. I imagine Lucius will show himself if he wishes to make himself known."
<Valarian_Stukov> "Be wary of these cheveks Lord Captain."
<Tyruss> "At least take Zog and the armsmen with you Lord Cato."
<Cato_Artaega> "Of course." states Cato, before leaning in to Caradoc and whispering "Whats a Chevek?"
* Rey decides to take a walk to the market of Port Wander to find some good Amasec for the crew.
<Expanse_GM> +My Lord. My Lord, I see him. The last of the Artaega Household Guard, I wager. Shall I approach?+
<Cato_Artaega> +No need we are making our way to the market now.+
<Cato_Artaega> "Let us be off."
<Expanse_GM> +Awaiting your arrival, my Lord.+
* Cato_Artaega heads out, hands clasped behind his back.
<Tyruss> "My group shall follow until necessary sir. Once your business is concluded I ask that you bring Zog to me. I have an idea on making him more effective sir."
<Expanse_GM> The Lord-Captain's retinue follows along.
* Rey on his way out he request one of the Armsman to join him.
* Zog follows along.
<Valarian_Stukov> "So what was it you seek, that requires my attention Mr Wolfie?"
<Cenva_Benetek> +Wolfe, I hear you are going to market, today. And I was wondering... if I could accompany you?+
<Cato_Artaega> "Nina how has Zog's bodyguard training been going?"
<Expanse_GM> Happy to spend time away from the ship, the armsman grabs his gear and leaves with the Master of Ordnance.
<Tyruss> +Of course Cenva, meet us at the airlock.+
<Expanse_GM> "He has a natural inclination to protect. We have honed this instinct successfully to allow it to identify you as his first priority."
<Cenva_Benetek> +Lovely! I will see you soon.+ She heads towards the airlock a bit early to wait.
<Expanse_GM> "That said," Nina pauses, "complex training is difficult. Clumsy as a beast."
<Cato_Artaega> "No surprises then. Good to hear."
<Tyruss> As he walks he answers the Enginseer Prime. "It's just Wolfe, Valarian, or even better Tyrus. We have known each other long enough to use first names. And I have an idea to make the Ogryn more effective: Cerebral Implants. Your expertise will be useful in this."
<Expanse_GM> Travelling through the umbilicals, you enter Port Wander proper. The station is enormous, and full of life and activity. It is the beating heart of trade connecting the Calixis Sector, and the unknown beyonds of the Koronus Expanse. It is loud, often crowded, full of various smells and vibrations, and most importantly of all, it is absolutely brimming with commercial activity.
<Valarian_Stukov> "Possible to acquire, thou would render the Ogryn out of commission for a time, I can see what I can do, I must ask however."
* Rey makes his way out of the ship with the armsman in tow and makes their way to the market.
Cato_Artaega> "I believe you should join me and my retinue back on the ship were we can discuss things more privately."
<Expanse_GM> "Not yet, my Lord. There is something your father asked me to keep for him. That is, for you, which I must retrieve. You see, my Lord, your father asked me to stay behind. In the days before his departure, the Lord-Captain was worried, was not himself. He asked me to stay behind, to make contact with the Dynasty should something happen to him."
<Cato_Artaega> "I see. If it is of particular import I can assign an escort to you as you bring it to the ship."
<Expanse_GM> "He had acquired the skull, my Lord. Something the Navigators understood to mean the location of a rare and hidden treasure of some sort. Once deciphered, however, he insisted on keeping it here, with me. Thought it too dangerous to take with him. I can show your men to it."
<Cato_Artaega> "Nina, vox for the other half of the squad and have them join us."
<Expanse_GM> She nods, taking a few steps away to give her commands.
<Cato_Artaega> "I imagine a station like this has many ears. I suggest you do not divulge too much more here."
<Expanse_GM> He nods. "I will retrieve it now."
<Expanse_GM> As the rest of the bodyguard arrive he leads them to a market stall nearby. A friendly face greets him, and exchange a few words, and good-byes.
<Expanse_GM> The merchant produces a wrapped item from a high-security safebox, and hands it to Lucius.
<Expanse_GM> When he returns, holding the wrapped round item, he holds it out for Cato.
<Cato_Artaega> "Nina stow this in your backpack I have no wish to examine it here."
<Cato_Artaega> "Be extremely careful when handling it."
<Expanse_GM> A bird, black as the void, swoops down and grabs the stone skull in its talons, flapping to gain altitude.
<Cato_Artaega> "Bring that bird down. Attempt to avoid the package."
<Expanse_GM> From seemingly nowhere, the Enginseer Prime charges through, swatting at the bird, dropping both it and the skull.
* Valarian_Stukov seeing the little small bird makes a dash and attempt to stop the bird, trying to grapple a hold of it
<Expanse_GM> Three different men emerge form the crowd firing in the air to create a panic, and at the retinue to keep them pinned. Amidst the chaos, one of them bolts straight for the stone, snatching it from the floorplating.
* Cenva_Benetek draws her pistol after hearing the gunfire and moves towards something to hide between.
* Rey hearing the shots looks at the Armsman and then looks back towards the sounds of the gun fire, he then pulls out his special Las pistol and begins sprinting toward the sounds.
<Rey> The armsman with Rey follows suit keeping up with him as well.
* Zog wacks the nearest target.
<Valarian_Stukov> "So Uncivilized, Thank you Zog."
* Valarian_Stukov takes the skull from the assailant
* Tyruss draws his pistol and fires at one of the assailants.
* Valarian_Stukov then stabs the guy on the floor with his chainsword
<Expanse_GM> Yet another shotgun blast is directed at Valarian, yet Zog's massive body shields him from the blast.
<Expanse_GM> ++CEASE FIRE IMMEDIATELY, BY ORDER OF THE ADEPTUS ARBITES WANDER PRECINCT!!++
<Expanse_GM> The calls are loud, and authoritative. Yet the arbites presence is minimal. A single squad of four men coming up behind Lasky and his armsman companion.
<Expanse_GM> One of your assailants drops a smoke grenade, and begins to bolt.
<Expanse_GM> The same is repeated again, as they begin to retreat.
* Cenva_Benetek tries to fire suppressive burst at the fleeing assailant.
<Expanse_GM> The men begin to disperse, utilizing the smoke and the crowd to flee from the authorities.
* Rey seeing the people trying to run and not know what is going on he charges into the nearest assailant and draws his shock maul and hits him dead on sending the figure into being stunned.
<Cato_Artaega> "Squad subdue that attacker!" yells Cato pointing out one of the remaining hostiles.
* Zog grabs the nearest enemy.
<Expanse_GM> Repeating the Lord-Captain's orders, Nina leads a charge to capture the fleeing men.
<Valarian_Stukov> "Lord Captain, I believe this belongs to you"
<Expanse_GM> As quick as they arrived, the remaining men flee, dispersing entirely.
<Tyruss> Seeing the Arbites on scene and armsmen working to subdue the assailants Tyruss holsters his pistol and moves to check on his calculation machines, hoping they didn't take a stray round.
<Cato_Artaega> "Thank you very much" Takes the skull from Valarian.
* Valarian_Stukov holsters his Chainsword
<Expanse_GM> Lucius wrestles with the last of them, beating him repeatedly with a set of brass knuckles, until the Arbite enforcers move close, and fire a shock round from an anti-riot weapon.
<Expanse_GM> ++ENOUGH++
<Expanse_GM> The squad leader powers down his laud-hailer, and strides over to Cato.
<Cato_Artaega> "Greetings Officers apologies for the disturbance caused. It seems somebody on the station wasn't keen on my presence, we have a few of them subdued."
* Cenva_Benetek puts away her pistol.
<Zog> "What do with little one?"
<Cato_Artaega> "Just hold onto him for now Zog. Don't let him go but don't crush him."
<Zog> "Okay."
* Rey puts away his shock maul and holds down the one figure until he can be cuffed, he looks up to the the captain and the rest of the crew and waves at them.
<Expanse_GM> "Arbitrator-Sergeant Targos. Instruct your men to cease their hostilities immediately."
<Cato_Artaega> +Squad if you haven't caught him yet break off and return+
<Cato_Artaega> +Else bring him with you.+
<Expanse_GM> +He's on his way, Captain.+
<Tyruss> Tyruss steps towards the house scion and the arbites sergeant."Lord-Captain, if possible we should have some of the armsmen take one of them aboard our vessel for questioning."
<Expanse_GM> "You will do no such thing. Identify yourselves at once."
<Tyruss> "This is the bearer of the Artaega Warrant of Trade sergeant. You will show the proper respect."
<Expanse_GM> "Artaega..." he sighs, motioning for his men to stand down. "Right. The Star-Galleon that's just arrived, then."
* Cato_Artaega with a slight smile "I assure you we did not expect such a welcome either officer. We are simply here to resupply and acquire a few goods."
<Cato_Artaega> "With that in mind we would like to find out why we received said warm welcome and would like the opportunity to question some of these goons."
* Valarian_Stukov noting the Arbites have ceased their hostility, he heads to those that pursued some of the assailants
<Expanse_GM> "I am compelled to assume your innocence, Lord Artaega. And, should you request it, to offer my assistance in this matter. I will, however, require custody of these miscreants."
<Zog> "Want me to cuff this guy?"
<Cato_Artaega> "Would us taking them and you assigning a liaison to sit in on interrogations be sufficient?"
<Valarian_Stukov> "Right whom among you needs a bit of quick medical attention."
<Cato_Artaega> "We will likely be here for a few days, enough time for you to get any relevant information out of them."
* Baird is now known as Tyruss
<Expanse_GM> "Lord Artaega, my full cooperation is mandated by law. As is the precinct's sole authority over these matters. The Magistrate will be informed of the committing of a capital offense against a Rogue Trader."
<Cato_Artaega> "If that's how it must be we will send our own liaison to observe the questioning."
<Expanse_GM> "Such a precedent exists, providing that such a man is your legal representative."
<Cato_Artaega> "That can be arranged."
<Cato_Artaega> "Tyruss' make the necessary arrangements and men hand over the prisoners."
<Expanse_GM> He nods, "I will continue to gather evidence here. Your representative may find us where we stand."
<Cato_Artaega> "Zog I need you to give your friend over to the nice men."
<Zog> "Okay."
* Zog hands the man over to the arbite.
<Expanse_GM> "Your cooperation is appreciated, Lord Artaega. And, if I may, I offer my condolences. Your father was a well-respected man."
* Tyruss bows to Cato. "Of course Lord Cato." He beckons to Miranda to have Malakai meet the precinct officers here and introduce himself, make sure he brings identification."
<Expanse_GM> Miranda takes her leave, decidedly unwilling to let Malkai's summoning go on misunderstood, to handle the matter herself.
<Cato_Artaega> "It is appreciated, I shall be taking my leave for the time being, please pass on any information you gather to my representative."
<Expanse_GM> "He shall be your eyes and ears," he nods before turning to his men to give further directives.
* Cato_Artaega passes the skull to Nina. "Now as I was saying, stow this please, Lucius how do you fare?"
<Valarian_Stukov> "He should be fine Lord Captain, just a bit of shrapnel from the shotgun shells, nothing I can't easily remove, I would suggest some bionics for the foreseeable future Mr Grey."
<Expanse_GM> "Nothing that can prevent me from serving you, sir, if you will take me," Lucius replies.
<Expanse_GM> "Bionics?" he turns to Stukov, "I wouldn't presume to weigh down the dynasty's resources on a worn warrior's body like mine."
<Cato_Artaega> "We can see what will be arranged with regards to cybernetics but you are welcome aboard, we have more to discuss I'm sure."
<Valarian_Stukov> "If you will permit me Lord Captain, I can study the skull if you require."
<Valarian_Stukov> "Otherwise I am going to return to my duties."
<Cato_Artaega> "Your services my be required we will have to see."
* Cato_Artaega returns to the ship with his escort plus Lucius leaving Zog so he can go under the knife.