Evervigilant 24

<Vigilant_GM> A week into the acolyte cell's disactivation by Interrogator Kurst, the Roseburry Hostel once again rolls out its red carpet and fanfare with the arrival of a high-profile guest. This, in turn, has the effect of turning attention away from Mr. Pettibon and his entourage, if only to a degree.
<Vigilant_GM> It is said, and the movement of the hostel servants appears to confirm, that the entirety of the top-most floor will serve as this high-profile individual's lodgings.
<Velam> "Most perturbatory."
<Karpath> "Indeed." He says as he stands near Velam.
<Shiv> "This is the life." He yawns.
* Baird finishes up cleaning and reassembling his weapons and gear, making sure they are in top shape for when they are needed.
* Velam has already finished the two tomes of finance and has spent his time compiling the use of different styles of furniture and room architecture.
<Vigilant_GM> Following the preparations, a veritable troop of uniformed guard makes its way up the stairways.
* Baird strolls out of the side room re-equipped and sits down on one of the sofas. "So what's this I hear about some hoity toity guest renting out the entire top floor?"
<Tony> "You want to see what the deal is out there Mr Pettibon?"
<Shiv> "Sure, I got nothing else to do."
<Shiv> "Let's see what all this fuss is about." He straightens his collar of his suit.
<Karpath> "Not sure though who it could be, most likely some high noble with lots of money."
* Tony Walks out and waits for Shiv to move
<Baird> "Well let's go see shall we?"
* Karpath makes his way out of the room as well to check out who the new group that has taken the entire top floor.
* Shiv follows behind Tony.
* Nitrous get's up maoves with the boys
<Velam> "Shall you be requiring my services sir?" He asks his 'patron' as he strolls by.
* Baird stands and begins leaving the suite and heading towards the stairwell.
* Tony begins to go and have a look what is going on by the stairwell
* Baird waits at the stairwell entrance for the rest of the group.
<Shiv> "Up to you Bouregard. I think we can handle taking a look without getting into trouble."
<Velam> "Oh dear, whenever you get curious things never turn out right. I think I should at least provide my set of skills on sight. That is, should you need them sir." He gathes his tome and servo skulls and follows along.
* Shiv shrugs and heads to the stairwell to met up with Baird.
<Vigilant_GM> By the time you all gather, the last of the uniformed guards are making their way up, soon disappearing from sight.
* Karpath is able to catch enough glance of the uniforms that the guard is wearing. He is able to recognize the emblems that they wear, a slight chill runs down his spine.
<Baird> "Anyone happen to see who they were?"
<Shiv> "Nope, nothing I know of... Wait, should I know of them?"
<Karpath> "Looks like members of a Rouge trader fleet."
<Vigilant_GM> The halls fall silent, then, save for the soft echoes of a sweet-spoken woman, and that of a man, presumably walking in her company.
<Baird> "I wonder if it's the same one that is helping facilitate the trade of the artifacts."
<Karpath> "Specifically that of the Surena Dynasty."
<Tony> "Anything we should be worried about?"
<Velam> "If they are indeed Rogue Traders it is possible, but I would need more information, including the dynasty's name before I could give you more than a hunch." He answers quietly.
<Velam> "Surena...hmmm"
<Vigilant_GM> The distance and volume make it so you only pick up a few of the phrases. Mostly pleasantries, you figure. Talk of a voyage, and of hopes for a pending venture in the Hive. Then, for a brief moment, they come into view as they make their way upward. The woman is beautiful, with light skin and volumous hair, contrasting elegantly with her dark, scarlet-trimmed clothing. Beside her is
<Vigilant_GM> a mountain of a man, exotic weapons to his side, and a deep powerful voice.
<Shiv> "Artifacts? I want artifacts. They will make great pieces in my 'family's collection'."
<Baird> "Seems the man may not be in charge. Possibly a bodyguard or someone in charge of security for her. Or perhaps someone unaffiliated but lower in status."
<Baird> "Just based off of the deference in his voice."
<Shiv> "Suneray? Sue...Rena? I'm unfamiliar with the name."
<Velam> "If you'll excuse me, I have some research to quickly throw myself into." He bows to his 'patron' and coterie.
<Baird> "Well shall we return to the room 'Mr. Pettibon'?"
* Karpath waits for a moment, "That was Banu Surena, the daughter of the Dynasty, she is the one who is now in charge of the Dynasty."
<Shiv> "We should. All this standing around is making me tired."
* Karpath nods and makes his way back to the room
* Baird nods and turns around heading back towards the suite.
* Shiv yawns and starts walking back to his suite.
<Tony> "Let me get you seat Sir."
* Tony returns into the suite
<Shiv> "And a drink while you are at it."
<Velam> If anyone goes looking for Velam, he will be locked in one of the rooms with his data-slate doing some dangerous research.
* Shiv heads to the balcony and enjoys a smoke.
* Tony joins with Shiv as he pulls out a lho-stick as he looks to Shiv
* Baird takes a seat in the main sitting room, pours himself a glass of amasec and kicks up his feet just waiting for something to go wrong as it always will.
<Tony> "You still using that stick?"
<Shiv> "I got plenty of sticks so I'm set for awhile."
* Karpath takes a seat on the couch, thinking over his thoughts in his head about the appearance of Banu Surena at the same hotel as they are in.
<Shiv> "We should get some stubs though. Thems the good stuff."
<Tony> "Yeah might not be a bad call"
<Velam> Later on, when he can gather everyone around in the privacy room, Velam would explain what he could pull up of the Surena Dynasty. "Nothing conclusive. Besides the usual petty criminal trade dealings, and their most deplorable acts during their war against the Anzaforr Dynasty. One such act forced them to cede a Dauntless-class Cruiser by the name of 'Hand of Juno' to the Mechanicum of the Askellian sector. A most terrible
<Velam> blow to their fleet, I'm sure. But I digress. As of now, nothing conclusive to suggest they have a hand in the artefact trade." He shrugs his shoulders. "Plenty of juicy details about the current head and the heir though." He winks.
* Tony lights his Stick as he takes in the view
<Karpath> "Indeed, still I wonder why she is here at this time."
* Baird takes in the information gained by Velam. "Well we should keep a watchful eye on any of their comings and goings just in case. Our downtime could prove invaluable."
<Shiv> "This 'vacation' is nice."
<Velam> "She could very well be here on business, or looking for such as it turns out. Well if you find anything let me know and I shall start building a dossier."
<Tony> "Not my ideal vacation, but it beats the week"
<Velam> "It's heaven, gentlemen, compared to our last 'trade deal.'
<Baird> "I should mention that I did hear they have some sort of business in the Hive."
<Baird> "Didn't want to casually mention that in the hallway and all that."
<Velam> "I see, well that could mean anything, my friend. But we should keep an eye and ear out if possible."
<Baird> "A 'pending venture' I believe she called it. I agree wholeheartedly Vellam."
<Shiv> "This means we have to do some actual work? Feck..."
<Baird> "It's just a little bit Shivvy. You'll live."\
* Nitrous turns to look at the doo
* Baird flings open the closet door pistol in hand
* Nitrous draws his laspistol
<Vigilant_GM> The room is as you left it.
<Nitrous> "I got a bad feeling."
<Baird> "Spread out and check the rooms. Smith you set up at the entrance to the suite. No one in or out."
<Nitrous> "Understood."
* Nitrous moves to entrance and guards it
* Tony pulls out his Suppressed Revolver
<Shiv> "I'll be in the bedroom."
<Velam> "Shall I retire to my room, then?"
<Tony> "Stay with me Mr Pettibon"
* Shiv dives under his bed.
* Baird begins searching the suite and the adjoining rooms for signs of an intruder.
<Karpath> "I shall as well then if Thaddeus is as well."
* Shiv says "Protect me." The words are muffled from under the bed sheets.
<Velam> "You should check it, but I should be fine by myself." He pats his servoskulls as he waits for Karpath toe clear their shared room.
* Tony Slowly moves to the baloney seeing if anything is off
* Karpath makes makes his way to his room to check it out their room.
* Karpath is unable to find anything in Velam's and his room.
* Nitrous points down at the bottom of door and whispers "Stranger maybe."
<Velam> "I'll stay here then, sir. Please alert me if our master requires my assistance."
* Tony closes the baloney doors and sweeps Shiv's Room for anything left behind
<Karpath> "Will do." he then makes his way out into the main hall.
<Tony> "If you see anything let us know."
* Baird advances towards the entrance of the suite weapons in hand. Forming up on the side of the door he looks at Nitrous. Baird whispers quietly as he settles his hand on the door handle. "Ready Smith?"
<Tony> "Room is Clear, it's safe to come out Mr Pettibon"
* Nitrous switches to the shoygun "Always."
* Baird pulls open the door, allowing Nitrous to sweep the area with his shotgun.
<Vigilant_GM> A small, bald man of advanced age, holding an oversize dataslate is so startled by this, that he drops his spectacles to the floor. A deep, gaspy cry is followed by a pitiful string of apologies.
<Vigilant_GM> "Don't shoot, sirs! Don't shoot! I-I apologize if I have startled you gentlemen!"
<Nitrous> "No apparant Threat."
* Nitrous lowers his shotgun
<Baird> +It's an old man outside.+ "Identify yourself old man."
* Shiv slips out from under the bed and goes to see the old man.
<Vigilant_GM> He leans against the wall for a moment, the hand holding the dataslate awkardly coming up to his chest as he "calms" his heart.
* Tony follows behind him
<Vigilant_GM> "A m-moment... sir," his breathing slowly coming down to a more normal rate.
* Karpath makes his way out to the main area near the entrance.
<Baird> Pistol still in hand Baird moves into the hallway standing between the man and any potential escape to the stairwell, should it be attempted.
<Vigilant_GM> He reaches down, in futilty, in an attempt to retrieve his spectacles off the floor.
<Vigilant_GM> "Apologies, sirs, apologies," he says between grunts as he at last gives up on the endeavor.
<Vigilant_GM> "I would ask you forgive me, sirs, for the intrusive nature of my visit," he begins thumbing through his dataslate.
<Baird> "You still have yet to introduce yourself."
* Baird adopts a very flat no nonsense tone.
<Shiv> "What's going on here?"
<Vigilant_GM> "My name is Gallis, sir. But that is of little consequence. I am here on behalf of my patron - Lady Banu Surena."
<Nitrous> "Okay."
* Velam pokes his head out from the door to his room. "Is it safe to come out?" He asks in raised voice.
<Baird> "To do what exactly?"
<Baird> +Yes Thaddeus it is.+
<Velam> +Oh you're no fun.+ He makes his way to where the rest of the party and their guest is, servoskulls rotating around him like cherubs.
<Vigilant_GM> "I have inquired of the Lodge about you, if you will forgive the intrusion, and would like to extend Lady Surena's regards to..." his face distorts in several ways as he struggles to make out the words on his screen. "Mister... Mister Penntagram. Pennitent. Ah... that is, that is Bennington," his eyes meet yours in hopes of some confirmation.
<Vigilant_GM> "Old eyes, sirs. Apologies."
<Velam> "You mean Mr. Pettibon, sir."
<Vigilant_GM> "Ah, yes. Quite right. Mr. Pettibon."
* Baird holsters his pistol but maintains his position.
* Nitrous holsters his shotgun
* Tony holsters his pistol also but stays close to Mr Pettibon
* Shiv visibly annoyed and says "Come on, spill it out."
<Vigilant_GM> "Ah. New money, I see. Perhaps I was incorrect to draw the conclusions I did. Please forgive the intrusion, and have a good day," he pushes his spectacles along with his foot as begins to make his way in the direction of the stairs.
* Baird continues to block the path to the stairs.
<Vigilant_GM> "If you will excuse me, sir,"
* Baird looks towards 'Mr. Pettibon'. "Sir?"
<Shiv> "Wait, wait, wait. You break into my suite, and insult me by referring to me as I'm some sort of low born."
* Velam with some huffing and stooping, the savant stops the older man so he pick his spectacles up and hands them to the older gentleman. "Sir, you are going to crush your spectacles if you keep that up."
<Vigilant_GM> Ignoring Shiv altogether, the old man receives his spectacles with a smile. "Most kind, sir. Most kind."
<Shiv> "I'm annoyed and a bit frustrated at this predicament."
<Baird> "I believe my employer was speaking to you Mr. Gallis. It would be very rude to ignore him."
* Baird drops his hand back towards his holster. Close enough to convey the point.
* Shiv murmurs aloud "My Father would never endure this disrespectful."
* Tony Walks back into the suite out of view and voxes Baird
<Vigilant_GM> "A damnable thing when life forces us to hold such company. My conmiserations," Gallis continues to address Velam.
<Tony> ++ He is clean, just a stuck up auto quill pusher.++
<Velam> "It is our lot in life, Mr. Gallis. But if you would be so kind as to ease my own burdens, could I perhaps ingratiate myself towards you to answer my own master's inquiries?"
* Karpath watches from the entrance to the room, he eyes over the old man, but says nothing.
<Vigilant_GM> "I am afraid your master has proven to be highly incompatible for the purposes which have brought me here, sir."
<Baird> "Don't make swift judgements sir. You did wake him up. No one is quite pleasant after that."
* Velam shows his hands in a shrug, without shrugging his shoulders. As if to show he understands the man's reluctance to interact with Mr. Pettibon.
<Vigilant_GM> "If you could do me the kindness of asking your hounds here to allow me to continue my work for Lady Surena."
* Shiv looks at Baird with a confused look.
<Baird> "It might just be faster if you were to explain yourself Mr. Gallis."
* Tony Comes back after a bit of time passes and joins back at Mr Pettibon's side
<Vigilant_GM> "I can explain that my interaction with the creature standing by the doorframe prove that my coming here was a waste of time, sir. That is the extent of it."
<Karpath> "May I ask Mr. Gallis what would be Lady Surena's interests in Mr. Pettibon as I know she is a graceful hostess and I have had dealing with other Rogue Trader in the past along with my employer and his Father."
<Vigilant_GM> "Indeed my Lady Surena is. A point which will be known to all persons of... interest presently staying at this Hostel. Though I am unable to extend you an invitation, I am certain you will hear all about it. Now, if you will excuse me, I have invitations to deliver."
<Karpath> "I also know that she is a generous woman of great taste and I believe should could be interested in what my employer would have to offer."
<Vigilant_GM> "Doubtful in the extreme, sir."
<Vigilant_GM> "Gallis! We haven't all day, man! Quit your blathering, and resume your work. Lady Surena is eager to vet the musicians," the large man who arrived with the Rogue Trader calls from one end of the hallway.
<Vigilant_GM> The look he gives the man acts as a non-verbal call for help. The large man paces over to you without hesitation.
<Shiv> "8Sighs* We... I might have overacted a bit. Let the man be, Vestian."
<Vigilant_GM> He eyes all of you, Shiv in particular gets a double-take.
<Baird> "Yes sir." Baird moves aside and allows the man to move towards the stairwell.
<Vigilant_GM> "Giving poor old Gallis trouble, are we? And what for, you rat-faced loon?"
<Shiv> "I'm tired. Just. Leave."
<Tony> "Come on Sir, we get you something to drink."
<Vigilant_GM> "What is this man's name?"
<Vigilant_GM> "He is one... William H. Pettibon, my Lord," Gallis replies, adjusting his spectacles. "Some sort of... of tradesman."
<Vigilant_GM> "Pettibon," the hulking man replies.
* Shiv walks away to Tony and says "I don't need this."
<Velam> "A master merchant sirs, he is most emotional when his sleep has been interrupted. I do apologise for his uncouthness." He makes a slight bow.
* Nitrous follows suit
<Vigilant_GM> "Note his name and room, Gallis. Continue with your work; Banu wants no delays."
<Vigilant_GM> "A stupid man, your master. Certainly no tradesman of honor to disrespect an emmissary a Rogue Trader Dynasty. It is my hope the security along his tradelanes is as tight as it is in his hostel room. Good day."
<Vigilant_GM> By now, the old man has already reached the stairway. The larger man trailing behind.
<Karpath> "I must say sounds like she is having one of those gatherings I have heard about." he says to Baird.
* Velam gives another bow in their direction before allowing Baird to shut the door.
<Shiv> "Well, I think I blew that."
<Shiv> "No fancy party for us to go to."
<Baird> "Seems that way. We have to do the sociable thing and crash it." Baird turns and moves back into the suite making sure he's the last to go inside before securing the door.
<Nitrous> "Seems so."
<Baird> "Well as I was telling Katarn, Mr. Pettibon. Sociable thing would be to crash it."
<Shiv> "Crashing a party. Oh, how err what's the word? 'Uncouth' and fun."
* Velam chuckles mischievously.
* Karpath thinks for a moment on this.
* Karpath motions everyone to go to the closet in Shivs room.
* Karpath makes his way inside and waits for everyone to gather.
<Shiv> "Slip in unnoticed, make a few connections, and make father happy! And continued funds drop on my lap."
* Baird follows the motion and moves inside the 'conference room'.
* Nitrous follows along
* Shiv makes his way to the closet.
<Tony> "I will keep watch outside this time sir."
* Velam waits just inside the closet.
* Tony as he sits down and puts on his Micro-bead
<Karpath> +So here is the problem with trying to crash the party, security will be really tight, also the local Arbites precinct will have been bought off for the entirety of her stay here.+
<Velam> "Rogue Traders. Pah." It seems Velam has had a run-in or two.
<Baird> "Certainly looks like party crashing is out then. Arbite attention is certainly not 'laying low'."
<Tony> +What about the roof?+
<Shiv> "You think some of them Arbites would recognize us from before?"
<Karpath> +They may have the roof covered as well but who knows.+
<Baird> "It's entirely possible. And I personally don't feel like explaining to Kurst why we felt it was ok to blow our cover for the purposes of crashing a party."
<Tony> +The Baloney goes up, could be worth a shot.+
<Tony> +But other then that, this party could mean less Arbites on the streets?+
<Shiv> +You think that lady is selling shit at her party?+
<Shiv> +You know like drugs, 'artifacts', and oh... more 'artifacts'."
<Karpath> +Not sure if she would be selling illegal stuff but maybe she could be smuggling it.+
<Tony> +That would cause a lot of attention, but it might be a good chance for somethings to slip though the cracks.++
<Baird> "Well how about it Karpath? Do they make a habit of running auctions in hotels?"
<Karpath> +It wouldn't be unthinkable to be honest, but would be risky on their part as well.+
<Tony> ++ Hold up someone by the door. ++
<Shiv> "Or it could be a distraction for smuggling shit in or out."
* Karpath goes quite.
* Tony goes up to the door quietly
<Baird> +You checking it?+
<Velam> +Don't be rude if you answer it.+
<Tony> +I got it+
* Tony Opens the door with his hand in his coat
<Vigilant_GM> Across the hall, two of the uniformed guards that arrived in the morning stand facing Tony.
<Tony> "Can I help you? Mr Pettibon is away right now."
<Vigilant_GM> They say nothing in reply.
<Karpath> +Everything alright?+
<Tony> +Mr Vestian, you are needed at the door.+
<Baird> +On my way.+ Baird exits the closet and moves to the door of the suite.
* Nitrous follows along
* Karpath shuffles out of the closet but only goes as far as the entrance from Shiv's room to the hallway.
<Vigilant_GM> The men remain in position.
* Baird moves past Tony and steps into the hallway looking at the guards.
<Baird> "What's your business outside of my employers suite?"
<Vigilant_GM> One shifts his gaze to Baird, the other remains looking at the doorway.
<Baird> "Either answer or remove yourself..or you will be removed."
<Baird> "This is your only warning."
<Vigilant_GM> "Doom yourself if you must," one replies. The other simply blinks.
<Tony> "I will be right back."
<Vigilant_GM> The one on the right brings up his wrist to his face.
<Baird> "Look I've a job to do. This isn't about 'dooming ourselves'. Just explain your presence and maybe I don't have resort to unnecessary violence."
<Vigilant_GM> "No, sir. Limited to verbal contact."
<Vigilant_GM> He lowers his wrist.
* Tony moves inside to the closet to join with the other briefly.
* Tony closes the closet door
<Tony> "Okay so the bugs here work, now there are guards outside."
<Vigilant_GM> "Unnecessary, aye," he seems to agree in earnest.
<Tony> "Might be an idea Shiv, to go out for tonight, until the party is over."
<Baird> "Yeah so I'd prefer if we could move on to the crux of the issue. I'd really prefer to head back inside and enjoy my amasec."
<Shiv> "*Sigh* Might as well make our own fun."
<Nitrous> "Time to walk."
<Vigilant_GM> A young couple, rather well-dressed, walk between Baird and the guards, on their way to the stairs.
<Vigilant_GM> "Enjoy," he replies. Unaware of the conversation, the passing young man thanks the guard mid-stride.
<Shiv> "Smarty pants, we know they have this place bugged. Maybe we can give them some 'drama' to listen to."
* Baird sighs heavily. "I'd be lax in my duties if I went back in without an explanation for my employer. I'm sure you understand."
<Shiv> "I call it 'Scolding of William H Pettibon by his father's most trusted adviser'. What ya say, smarty pants?"
<Vigilant_GM> "I do. He upset important people. Important people who want no trouble from insolent cretins while they have their lavish-and expensive- celebration."
<Baird> "Ahhh so you're here to ensure we don't 'gate-crash'."
<Vigilant_GM> He nods.
* Baird chuckles. "Carry on!" Baird adopts a mocking tone coupling it with an overexaggerated salute and turns on his heel and heads back inside.
<Velam> "Do you really wish to cement your facade as a brat, Mr. Pettibon?" He asks in a hushed tone in the secured closet.
<Shiv> "Why not? they already believe it?"
* Baird closes and secures the door sitting down on the sofa facing the door. +They are here to make sure we don't 'gate crash'. That's all.+
<Shiv> "If they believe I will behave under the trusted advisor. Maybe, you know. Relax a bit?"
* Baird takes a drink from his glass of amasec, grimacing slightly as it has warmed to room temperature.
<Velam> "Very well." Velam opens the door to the closet and steps out, and in a loud tone he starts to chide the younger man about his lessons of decorum. "Master you may be, your father is above both of us, and he would be ashamed at how terribly you have represented this trading family. To the point that you have annoyed a great rogue trader dynasty!"
<Tony> "Well if we are just taking it easy, I am going out for a lho-stick."
<Tony> "I need a short break."
* Karpath breathes a sigh of some relief and makes his way to the main room, he grabs a drink and then takes a seat on the couch with Baird.
<Shiv> "Look, I'm SORRY!". He murmurs "I got scared and confused."
<Tony> "See you two in an hour, Mr Pettibon is in a mood again."
* Tony Goes outside the Hotel and have a lho-stick.
<Shiv> "And... And...How was I suppose to know that man was important? You know I'm not familiar with any of this. I... I... tried to fix it, but..."
* Nitrous takes a seat
<Velam> "You must pull from the teachings and pride that is your family's noble trade. You are not some tramp from the gutters, sir. You are of the Pettibon house. Show some pride instead of fear, sir." He sighs. "In everything, do not be sorry, do better."
<Velam> "And you would do well to respect your elders."
<Karpath> "I think your father would be very unhappy with you when he does find out."
* Shiv sounds like he is about to cry and says "I'll try better and I'm sorry."
* Nitrous grunts
* Tony Slowly makes his way into a Alley way continuing to smoke, as he attempts to slip into the shadows.
<Velam> "Remember my addage, young master. Don't be sorry, be better."
* Karpath takes a sip of his Drink.
<Shiv> "I, I understand. I will do better for the sake of my father and our lineage. Maybe we can get something from this trip and show I can at least learn from my mistake."
<Baird> After finishing his drink Baird rises from the sofa and refills the glass with more amasec, this time adding ice to ensure the beverage stays at a preferable temperature.
<Velam> "Very good master, now if you will excuse me, I have some minor work to do."
<Velam> With that Velam moves back to what he was doing earlier; admiring the styles of the suite.
<Shiv> "Thank you, Bouregard. Maybe we can do something to save this trip of ours."
<Karpath> "Would have been great to have makes some new ties with Lady Surena for our trade."
<Shiv> "Yea, I don't think the Lady Surena will forgive my behavior against her advisor."