Iago frowns as the error codes come streaming out and grumbles. Get that fixed, but do it later. We don't have time to be mucking around with that now.
He nods curtly at the report from the moon. Useful. Pull up a full report. Get it directly to the Lord-Captain when you're done.
Commander McKie stands up straight behind the console and looks to Silas. Lord-Captain, seems like the Imperial Navy has already arrived.
Silas acknowledges Iago's pronouncement as to the presence of the Imperial Navy.
"Noted Number One."
Thereafter, Silas commands:
"Open hailing frequencies, if you would please."
"Damaris, this is Lord-Captain Silas Tyr of the Aeternus. House Tyr stands with you in your hour of need. The Emperor protects."
When we have time, I want better scans of that ice. Once we settle into this system and the Lord-Captain deals with the locals.
As Commander McKie finally has a chance to assess the system and an initial idea of the potential defenses, he steps back a moment to think of what he knows of Orks. Unpredictable. But perhaps not entirely so. They like a fight. This system might be able to provide more than one.
"Astropath, your certainty is noted. But I wish you to re-transmit Damaris' plea. It would not hurt our cause if there are other ships responding to Damaris' plight, especially since we face orks."
"Of course, Lord-Captain," Arannis consents with a nod of his hooded head. "I should perhaps tell you though that it could take at least an hour to do so. And for a wide-projection transmission such as the one that Lord Kapak sent out, I would estimate that it would mean hours rather than hour." With a slight bow of his head towards the Lord-Captain, the psyker starts to take his leave. [b]"I will need to concentrate without interruptions, so by your leave? I will join you once I am finished."
Since the threat of combat is not so imminent, Irena relaxes a little. though she knows little more of the world, nor of Orks, so remains silent.
The Aeternus sailed through space, getting closer to Damaris before opening vox channels and broadcasting. Choir-Master Arannis made some mental calculations and realised that what the Lord-Captain proposed was essentially impossible from the deck of the Aeternus.
With respect Commander... the Aegis seems to be the only vessel from the Imperial Navy one of the junior officers said.
Thereafter, Silas commands:
"Open hailing frequencies, if you would please."
"Damaris, this is Lord-Captain Silas Tyr of the Aeternus. House Tyr stands with you in your hour of need. The Emperor protects."
The ships in orbit around Damaris were passive. It was likely many were in fact on skeleton crew, with their crews enjoying the delights of pre-war Damaris. A brief pause was heard before a reply was voxed across; emanating from the massive lunar space station.
"Lord-Captain Silas Tyr of the starship Aeternus, this is the Bulwark. On behalf of Damaris, our home, let me say we are grateful for your assistance. I am transmitting entry vector codes to you now. Please enter orbit as per the codes and await co-ordinates to shuttle down to Damaris at your earliest convenience. You will be met with all the respect and honour your status and offer of assistance entitles you to. Once the co-ordinates are received, your shuttle will be welcomed at Sphinx's Landing Starport whenever you see fit to descend."
Now approaching Damaris' orbit, the officers in the bridge got a closer idea of the moon-station and the ships gathered around it. The Bulwark was a massive station built into a small moon in low orbit around the planet. A gigantic central spine, presumably the station’s reactor core and other essential systems, juts out; it is studded with thousands of spine–like sensor masts—each with a twinkling light on the end. Girders and scaffolding are attached to parts of the main body of the station, where ships are slowly being repaired and made ready for combat under the watchful augmetic eyes of the tech– priests of the Adeptus Mechanicus. Gargantuan defence cannons and macrobatteries stud the outer ring of the station.
At this distance, the other two warp capable vessels could be made out. One was a Cruiser class and the other a Frigate, judging by their size. Numerous fighter squadrons out on maneuvers could also be seen, as well as a handful Damaris system ships and defence monitors. At first glance, it was difficult for those unaware of the true scale of an Ork invasion to think that Damaris even needed additional help.
Instead of orbiting in a defensive and mutually supporting formation, the various warships are separated into small squadrons. Each could be easily overwhelmed in an attack.
Your use of the augurs reveals that there are at least three different vox-nets in use for orbital communications and coordination, where a single vox-net would be much more useful for coordination of orbital
defences.
Before leaving, the master at arms took a moment to study the screen before him.
"Lord captain, the warships are all separated in small squadrons.
If there was an attack now, such a formation would easily become overwhelmed.
It is clear they are not working together, rather separate into groups.
I think they lack an overall leader, and if we are to make any significant headway here, we need to change that as soon as possible."
With respect Commander... the Aegis seems to be the only vessel from the Imperial Navy one of the junior officers said.
The First Officer narrows his eyes and shoots the junior officer a glance. I'm aware of that Ensign. They are a Navy vessel, and are present. So the Imperial Navy is here. Or did you think I meant the entire Imperial Navy. He turns to face the officer. Did you have something else to add? Do you know something about the Aegis perhaps?
He turns back to the console without waiting for a response.
Once the communications are finished, Iago nods to the Lord-Captain signaling he has an initial report:
As I mentioned earlier,a smirk as he looks towards the Ensign, the Imperial Navy is present. The Aegis commanded by Lord-Captain Sylvia Locke. Though the ships in the system have yet to be organized into a coordinated defense. There are also at least three different vox-nets. I'd have expected them to be further along in their preparation by now.
"So, not only are they separated in smaller formations that are vulnerable, they waste time and resources re-routing calls through different vox-nets?
The ultimate goal of space warfare is to prevent a landing on a planet by hostile forces.
As a former naval officer, let me predict that in the current state, that is an impossibility."
"Bulwark, thank you for your warm welcome and we look forward to meeting the defenders of Damaris in person. We will be down shortly. Aeternus, out."
Silas signal for the vox to shut off. Then Silas listens to the reports of Iago and Ludicus and he grows concerned by what he sees as a lack of coordination among the ships out there.
"What have they been doing?" he mutters.
"Master of Aetherics, a more detailed scan of the ships out there if you please. But keep it passive. We don't want to alert them of our curiosity. I want to know the identity of the cruiser and the frigate, since they are not imperial navy."
Commander McKie nods as the order is given and leans into the Master of Etherics' chair. Keep your eye open as we pass closer. I want a better view of those other two ships.
He straightens again and looks toward the Master of Whispers. Mr. Yosarni, what do you think? Not many outside the Navy travel in a Frigate, nevermind a Cruiser. Other Rogue Traders almost certainly. Any idea who else is working in this area?
"I would assume they are are others who responded to the distress call, and I expect that there will be many strong personalities clashing in the coming battle, better that one person takes command, while others advise."
Ludicus smiles a little at Irena's statement.
"My thoughts exactly, and if nobody has done it yet, it means nobody already here has the mettle to lead.
What they need is a new player to take the reins..."
Silas remains impassive but the others spoke the words that are already in his mind.
Silas clears his throat. "I am sure that this is just some misunderstanding that will be cleared up once we meet with the planetary governor."
"I want all to bear it mind that we are here to help the good people of Damaris."
It's possible that they have only just arrived. No reason to assume incompetence just yet. But you're absolutely right, there's obviously no one in charge yet, and that is an opportunity.
He taps the console over Mr. Caius' shoulder. There, focus in on that.
We'll need as much information as we can get. He frowns slightly and goes back to staring at the console.
Micro-Bead
The Aeternus slowly descended into orbit. In addition to the Aegis, a vessel of the Imperial Navy- the gathered officers were eventually able to see the names of the cruiser and frigate; the Ordained Destiny and the Starweaver, respectively.
Once securely in orbit around Damaris, Silas Tyr and his senior officers used the frigate's single, cramped shuttle to begin to descend to the surface. Without a true cargo bay or launch bay, the single shuttle was about the limit of what the frigate could manage; and had to be launched from a loading bay after thorough depressurisation.
It is strange to look down upon a planet studded with the lights of towns and road networks - you are used to dead or deserted worlds ripe for exploration. Still, Damaris is just a colony, and the lights are mostly clustered in one corner of it's main continent. Those of you learned in such matters realize that those wilderness are doomed to become strongholds for feral greenskin tribes as soon as a single Ork sets foot on the planet's surface. It is a sombering thought.
The view is obscured by fire and the shuttle shakes under the stress of re-entry. A minute later you're hurtling through sparse clouds towards a sizeable city overflowing it's walls as cities are wont to do in times of peace and prosperity - times that will soon be at an end. Still, at least it has walls. You hurtle over the capital towards a set of concrete circles carved out of it's northern district - within it's wall, you note, so provisioning in a siege will be easy so long as orbital superiority is maintained. You pilot obeys the chatter in his earpiece, touches down and opens the boarding ramp.
You step off your shuttle into the bright sun of midday on Damaris. The ticking of metal can be heard as the ship cools from its landing, and the smell of promethium and the fumes of ship fuel permeate the air. Scanning the area, you spot a ground car in the distance and a well dressed man in an adept’s robes waiting beside it. As you make eye contact with him, he smiles at you, and beckons to you to approach. As you close in on him, he makes the sign of the Aquila and greets you-
Greetings honoured worthies of our Imperium. On behalf of the honourable Belkan Kapak, Governor of the Imperial–allied world of Damaris, I welcome you to our home. My name is Jorun Alexander, aide to Governor Kapak. I have been sent here at his request to transport you and your esteemed entourage to the Imperial Governor’s Palace. I am also to place myself at your disposal as a liaison for the duration of your stay.
Jorun gestures to the vehicle and bids you enter.
A Council has been called with news of your arrival, and all the proper arrangements have been made for your accommodations in Damaris City until the matter at hand has been resolved.
Jorun pauses for a moment, then adds less formally, I would also like thank you for coming. On the behalf of myself... and my family. If there’s anything you need, or need to know about our planet, I can help as best I can.
With that said, after gathering any items and bags you may have brought with you, Jorun instructs the driver–servitor to take you into the city. The inside of the groundcar is luxuriously appointed, and the smooth ride starts to take you through the main part of the city, where Jorun points out items of interest. He also seems happy to entertain any questions you may have...
The groundcar itself is richly stocked with all manner of spirits and exotic sweetmeats.
Trien sat on his throne with his arms out in front of him feeling the tide of the warp wash over him. As they were nearing the end of their voyage he started to raise his arms above head high, the pilot noticed this and got ready on the warp engines. Trien then dropped his arms and gasped "Now!" and the pilot slammed the button to turn on the warp engines.
Apparently to normal people, there was an obvious sensation when you dropped out of warp into real space, as if reality had suddenly asserted itself once again. To him it was a much more obvious change. Being immersed so deeply in the warp, to him it felt as if his conciousness had been forcibly ripped out of his mind and then plunged back in.
He swayed for a few seconds, and then closed his eyes feeling the dizzyness wash over him. He heard the rest of his crew talking in the background, the mention of the metal moon piqued his interested, but he firmly shut his mouth before he could ask any questions. He hadn't given the crew time to get used to him yet, he had found out the hard way several times about what happened when the mutant tried to be too friendly too early.
He transferred the rest of the meat on his plate to the pouch he always carried on his right hand side. It was a tan unassuming leather pouch, which he used to make sure he always had some kind of meat on him. He used to try and survive outside the ship without eating, however he was once stranded out with another crew member for several days. He told his captain that the man had been shot on the way back...his mouth watering betrayed the true cause however.
He mentally slapped himself, that thought had just earned himself another half an hour of punishment later on. The feeling of disgust slowly trickled through him, he was glad he wore his mask so he could hide his face from the world, he wondered what would happen if everyone else was revolted by him as he was by himself, he probably wouldn't be alive to think about it.
After sitting there and moping for a while, he watched as the ship drifted towards Damaris, and then heard the call to get to the shuttle.
He dragged himself out of his throne and headed towards the shuttle. Wandering through the ships corridors always cheered him up a bit however, he enjoyed exploring and trying to find any secret hidey holes. It was a bit undignified to try and squeeze into them however, he had unfortunately found out previously, but it gave him a sense of enjoyment to atleast know where they were.
He arrived at the shuttle with the rest of the crew, all piling into the slightly-too small seats and scooting down to the planet. The pilot was good and got them there in good time.
He was jostled through the introductions with everyone else, and he didn't keep from noticing that everyone he met seemed to look around him rather than at him.
After settling into the groundcar, he listened to Jorun and decided to ask a question,
"Jorun, does anyone in charge of the defence here have much experience with Orcs?"
While we have well trained, capable commanders; no one here can claim to be an expert on such Xenos. We are grateful to have had such esteemed Rogue Traders, as well as the promise of assistance from Lord-Captain Sylvia Locke of the Aegis, to assist us.
Locke has cautioned the Governor; warning us that our forces and the Bulwark alone won't be enough to fight off the invasion. Even with the additional void-ships now at our disposal, she is also pessimistic about our chances at preventing landfall by the Ork forces. The crux of the battle, she has been heard to say, will be at Damaris itself.
The way Jorun said "Damaris" and sweeped his hand to encompass the city made it clear that the planet's capital shared its namesake.
"That may be true, and if it comes to that, we will strike them back with the fury of the emperor.
However, coming down we observed that the ships gathered were not unified in formation.
I take it no overall leader has emerged?"
McKie blinks as the Navigator speaks and smirks in bemusement. I wouldn't have expected him to speak up so soon.
Iago seems relaxed in his seat and seems unsurprised by Jorun's response. He leans back in his seat and asks casually, Mr. Alexander...how long have the others been here?
Jorun seemed eager to provide information but looked a little uncomfortable at the topic.
Well... In theory Governor Kapak is the overall leader. But he is a peacetime ruler, truth be told. General Remi Dante is the military commander of our planetary defence force- the Damaris Highland Levy. He is deeply concerned about the way Governor Kapak is handling the defence and believes the Governor has not taken charge in this time of crisis. His second–in–command, Commander Reynolds, leads the Bulwark Station, and is his closest ally and friend. Dante has made no secret of his displeasure with the Governor, but I think he’s more concerned with the world’s defence than anything else right now. General Dante, Governor Kapak, Lord-Captain Locke and the two Rogue Traders Jeremiah Blitz and Lady Orleans sit upon our Defence Council. I am not personally permitted to attend such an important gathering but from what I hear, there are regular disputes and conflicts.
Locke is actually garrisoned here at Damaris; we are fortunate to have been granted such a privilege by the Imperial Navy, especially considering that Governor Kapak petitioned the Imperial Navy for additional ships but was denied by Battlefleet Calixis on the basis that they are preparing their ships for a major exercise. Jeremiah arrived a week ago and Lady Orleans a few days before that. Blitz is a newcomer to this planet but Lady Orleans has strong ties to the Governor- her crew and ship are regularly seen here, as she has ties to this world through trade.
Jorun sighed heavily.
I'm sorry you have landed to such a disarray of forces. We are grateful that you have come. However, as long as Lady Orleans, Captain Locke, and General Dante fail to get along nothing will get done. Hopefully, something can be done to rally them to the same cause. After all, we’re all in this together.
"Something like a focal point or...person?"
"Thank you for your warm welcome. I am Silas Tyr and these are my senior officers...."
Silas introduces the rest of the entourage to these factotum. Silas considers the information being drawn out by the inquiries being made.
Varius stood toward the back of the command deck, jacked into the ship's many systems through his electro-grafts. He scanned each system's performance, one by one, taking special care to observe the warp drive as they dropped out of the Empyrean. It still amazed him, the might and glory of this vessel - a holy relic of the Omnissiah.
As the Aeternus descended two Damaris, Varius found himself starring out the view ports, observing every detail of the moon-base. Buildings, devices, weapons, all borne out of the moon's ferrus core - a most glorious tribute. His mind desired to know more of the creation I hope I have time to spend there, once this affair with the xenos is done...
------------------------
Varius moved to his quarters on the way to the loading dock where their shuttle was being prepared. He acquired his arms and armor as well as a variety of tools. Unsure whether they would return to the Aeternus before the engagement, Varius took several power packs for his hellgun, his meltagun, and his power axe. Offering the Omnissiah's blessings over his armaments, that they might serve him honorably in battle, Varius thought of the conflict ahead. He picked up his latest project, a servo-skull, off his desk, and giving it its final blessing, launched it into the air. Pleasingly, the creation moved on its own accord, and begin to orbit around Varius as he moved about his quarters, chattering the many details it picked up with its in-built auspex. Patching through data-orders to his staff of enginseers, Varius left his chamber and moved determinedly to the shuttle.
------------------------
Looking about the groundcar, his mind went to evaluating the whispers and calls of the engine - the subtle grind of its pistons, the sounds of the water pumps. It was a fine example of craftsmanship, sent no doubt to impress the Captain and council of the Aeternus. Returning to the conversation occurring between men, he was surprised by the vocal nature of the navigator Trien. Like himself Trien was an anomaly - a unique creature born with gifts of the Warp. His kind were essential to the success of the Mechanicus' greatest creations - the holy space vessels. Thus, unlike others who looked down upon Trien for his ...unique... nature and needs, Varius had only respect and interest in Trien. Every device needs fuel, and given Trien's gifts, his form needed more energy than the normal human. No matter.
The electronic voice of Enginseer Prime Varius Kavro cracks across the groundcar, its strong treble echoing through the vehicle. After his first words, the sound level adjusts to appropriate for so small a vessel. "Adjutant Alexander, thank you for your welcome and appreciation. Understand that there will be casualties in the coming conflict, and while an accurate prediction of numbers cannot be executed without first developing a clear defense strategy, know that it will be many. Yet with such sacrifice, your planet will continue to live. Thatis, IF all the components serve their purpose. Tell me, where can I find a manufactorum temple of the Blessed Omnissiah, for I have need to speak with my brethren prior to the impending conflict? Likewise, are their markets where we can acquire necessary provisions, or can we provide you with lists of that which we need for you to procure for us while we attend to the defense of your planet?" The near monotone voice clicks to silent, its electronic words echoing through the groundcar.
"How long before we can meet the other captains, it seems there is much to do to co-ordinate the defence of the planet. How long do we have before the Ork's arrive?"
After bringing the particulars of astral telepathy and its limitations to Silas' attention, as well as informing him that re-transmitting the distress call would be more feasible from Damaris itself, it was only to be expected that Arannis would be asked to accompany them to the planet, if for no other reason than to attempt the transmission. Excusing himself for a few minutes in order to get ready for the descent, it did not take long for the psyker to put on his flak armor and retrieve his stub automatic pistol. Strapping sword and pistol to his belt, he put on his coat and pulled up his hood and quickly joined the rest of the senior officers in time for the shuttle's short trip to the planet's surface.
Noting the reception and how welcome they were when their feet touched the ground, he could not help but think that either Damaris' ruling body was really nice or really scared of the impending Ork attack. Regardless, he let some of the others speak first before addressing the man who introduced himself as Governor Kapak's aide.
"Mr. Alexander," he says softly, a little bow of his head accompanying the greeting and introduction, "my name is Arannis Crane. I am an Astropath and the Aeternus' Choir-master." Allowing a few seconds for the information to sink in, as well as looking at Jorun for any reaction regarding his psyker nature, he continues. "Lord-Captain Tyr has asked me to attempt to re-transmit your message, so that we give other nearby vessels the chance to receive it and respond to it. I assume you have both an Astropathic Relay and a capable choir of Astropaths in order to have sent it in the first place. Could I perhaps meet with them?"
He pauses for a moment. "If, of course, they are in shape to see me after such a tiring transmission," he adds, an indirect way to let his Lord-Captain know what such things entail.
Jorun took everybody's introductions to heart and explained that when the Defence Council began, he would need their respective titles and honorifics (if any) in order to properly introduce them. To those taking the time away from the conversation to gaze out of the windows of the groundcar, Damaris itself was quite a picturesque city as they drove through the streets. Its architecture indicated prosperity and quality of life through the different buildings, roads and visible infrastructure. The planet's inhabitants seemed to be in good health and although there was a nervous energy in the air, it was accompanied by a palpable determination.
"Something like a focal point or...person?"
Jorun flushed a little.
Forgive me, it is not my place to put such expectations in place nor hint towards them. Your esteemed sir's and madam's will no doubt draw their own conclusions at the Defence Council.
Tell me, where can I find a manufactorum temple of the Blessed Omnissiah, for I have need to speak with my brethren prior to the impending conflict? Likewise, are their markets where we can acquire necessary provisions, or can we provide you with lists of that which we need for you to procure for us while we attend to the defense of your planet?
We have a Forge of the Adeptus Mechanicus, manned by our Tech-Priest Hadron Shard. We call it Shard's forge. He is an ancient Tech-Priest who lives on the outskirts of Damaris City. He and his forge provide much of Damaris City’s technology and manufacturing base. He has hundreds of Skitarii Tech–guard in order to defend the location; and for good reason. If the Forge were to fall, the very walls of Damaris would lose power to laser emplacements and other vital systems.
We are a mere colony and most military supplies are being requisitioned by our defence forces. However, we are also a trading hub. Navis Yosarni is welcome to liaison with me to discuss acquisition.
"How long before we can meet the other captains, it seems there is much to do to co-ordinate the defence of the planet. How long do we have before the Ork's arrive?"
Our best estimates put them at least one or two standard Imperial weeks away. Locke might have a more precise ETA.
"Lord-Captain Tyr has asked me to attempt to re-transmit your message, so that we give other nearby vessels the chance to receive it and respond to it. I assume you have both an Astropathic Relay and a capable choir of Astropaths in order to have sent it in the first place. Could I perhaps meet with them?"
He pauses for a moment. "If, of course, they are in shape to see me after such a tiring transmission," he adds, an indirect way to let his Lord-Captain know what such things entail.
Of course; the resident Astropath, Kevil Stasys has served the House of Kapak for many decades. I would urge you to attend to such matters after the Defence Council, however. Kevil is extremely proficient at projecting his mind across space and I daresay your presence here suggests he has things well handled in that regard.
"Jorun, you work with Governor Kapak closely, yes? What's he like?"
"Have you requested additional arms and armour for your troops in preparations for the war to come?
Sometimes, other governor can be stingy with manpower, but quite free with resources.
What I mean is essentially, can we expect any convoys to be making their way here?
If so, they may come under attack by early bird raiders.
I am no expert on Orks, but they are not know I think for their patience."
Kavro looks at Navis for a moment and is about to reply, then pauses. Ah yes, his role as information broker and deceiver is not one to be revealed, thus his cover as quartermaster... Looking to the Governor's assistant, Varius' mechanical voice once again sounds in the groundcar, "As the Forge plays so vital a role, both as power source and production center, the defenses of it will undoubtedly need to be improved. I will speak to Adept Shard directly in short order. As for my formal title, I am Explorator-Venatus Varius Kavro, Enginseer Prime of the frigate Aeternus, Specimen 196-A of Batch LW49-X13-J6, Adept of the Cult Mechanicus, Forge Priest of Mars, Blessed Servant of the Omnissiah."
"Yosarni, advice the shuttle pilot to bring back the servants from the ship."
"Jorun, you work with Governor Kapak closely, yes? What's he like?"
Governor Kapak is a popular ruler with an good reputation with the Administratum and the Nobility. He is an adept administrator but has no real experience in war-time. He is wise enough to be keenly aware of this failing though, and defers military command to General Dante and the Defence Council.
*****
Jorun is weighing his words very carefully and is clearly leaving a lot unsaid. It would take considerable pressure, manipulation or charm to get him to open up further on this subject.
*****
The ground-car was at this point passing through an industrial sector. Jorun pointed out of the window at a particularly large cluster of factories as he continued to showcase Damaris in between questions.
The heart of our metal-refining industry. Damaris is renowned within the Expanse and the Segmentum for our metals and our mining industry is the main source of our wealth and trading opportunities. We also boast a strong agricultural economy, along with some specialised ship-building expertise courtesy of the Bulwark. Although we can't produce warp capable vessels, our system ships follow ancient designs and are lauded as reliable and effective. Damaris' main exports are ores, foodstuffs, livestock, and ship components while our main imports are luxuries, vehicles, and durable goods.
"Have you requested additional arms and armour for your troops in preparations for the war to come?
Sometimes, other governor can be stingy with manpower, but quite free with resources.
What I mean is essentially, can we expect any convoys to be making their way here?
If so, they may come under attack by early bird raiders.
I am no expert on Orks, but they are not know I think for their patience."
We have sent calls for help across all channels. No one else is coming and everyone that has pledged to be here has already arrived. The Calixis segmentum rarely goes out of its way to assist colonies in the Koronus Expanse. Once the Ork fleet is in place, I believe it is fair to say we will essentially be blockaded.
Silas senses an uneasiness in Jorun's measured response.
"Master Jorun, we are allies in this. House Tyr and Damaris together. All that we seek is the means to win the coming trial."
Silas takes one of the bottle of spirits and opens it and starts passing drinks to his companions.
"But enough of this seriousness, hahaha. Let's raise a toast to our new friend, Master Jorun."
Silas nods to his companions to get them to urge Jorun to drink.
Edit:
Iago carefully watches Jorun as he speaks, weighing his responses to the questions of the others.
Interesting, perhaps there is something we can use here.
At first, Iago lets the conversation go where the crew takes it, content that they'll uncover whatever need be found. But when Silas starts handing out drinks, he sees an opportunity to perhaps finally catch Jorun with his guard down.
He leans forward, Mr. Alexander, while we still have a few questions, rest assured that the Lord-Captain is already aware of the situation you have here on Damaris. We have had...allies on this planet for quite some time. House Tyr is quite ancient and they like to make sure they know everything they can about powerful, and prosperous, planets. McKie speaks with his gruff, no nonsense attitude, making it clear that he has little tolerance for politics or subterfuge.
He sits back in his chair, hoping to put Jorun more at ease. So feel free to speak frankly with us. There is little we don't already know. And we never betray our friends.
As the others talk with the Governor's aide in an attempt to glean as much information from the man as they can, Arannis remains silent, instead deciding to try another way, a way only he among them is capable of attempting. Gently he nudges at Jorun's mind, allowing the others' questions to perhaps distract him and divert his attention to either answering them or avoiding them. This is not the first time he has sought to see into another's thoughts, but it is one of those times when finesse is preferable to brute force. Although that makes the attempt all the more difficult, it has the benefit of leaving the other man oblivious to the psyker's probing of his mind, something that is of no little importance given the circumstances.
Irena watches quietly, though pays attention to everything said.
In spite of himself, Jorun relaxed a little, even while technically on duty. At the insistence of the amicable Silas Tyr and his knowledgeable companions who obviously already had a presence on the planet, the man drank some spirits and his posture relaxed. Although there was not enough time left in the ground car to really get into the conversation, he did seem to speak his mind after some more small talk and subtle coercion.
Its just that... well... General Dante and Governor Kapak are both worthy men. I am subservient to them both. In times of peace, Governor Kapak had much more influence than the General; but the preparation for war has unveiled a distinct... lack of competence on the Governor's part and it shows. He is also become very stressed and taken to imbibing a far greater daily dose of Obscura than he would normally take. To top it all off... i'm hearing whispers that there are calls within the military for Dante to stage a coup; to replace the Governor. Dante is certainly a popular and charismatic General but... it has the smell of treason about it, to me. My loyalties are divided and... I fear for my family if I were to back the wrong horse...
You have essentially been able to maintain the link long enough to plunder the man's mind. Ultimately, he is just an aide; a very well placed aide to the Governor, no less- but he does not have highest level security clearance. Nevertheless, you are able to note many passwords and minute details that might come into play later.
You note that Jorun is quite worried that knowledge of the refusal of the Imperial Navy to send a fleet to assist Damaris has spread through the populace. His own wife and two sons have heard these rumours and his wife is putting pressure on him to use his links to incoming Rogue Traders to secure passage away from Damaris, should the defence appear doomed to fail.
He is a man torn between his two masters; believing that although General Dante might make the better leader even in peacetime, Governor Kapak is a fine nobleman and the rightful leader.
Ah... we have arrived Jorun said. He seemed a little wistful as he stared at the half empty bottle of spirits in his hand and at the merry company he had spent the journey with.
Situated within the centre of the city, the governor’s palace is a magnificent construction. With its massive colonnades of white marble and bronze-domed towers, the palace stands out from the other, more functional buildings around it. The interior of the structure is extraordinarily appointed. Rich burgundy carpeting lines the floors and compliments the subtle crème colours used for the walls. Each hallway is decorated in the typically baroque Imperial style common to many core Imperial Worlds. Others are adorned with pictures and murals depicting various events from both the Imperium and, presumably, the planet. Every few metres, you spy alcoves holding bronze busts of famous Imperial heroes and Saints—their deeds described in flickering hololithic projections under their pedestals.
Eventually, you are brought before a set of carved wooden doors flanked by two palace guards. As you get closer to the doors, you can easily hear the sounds of yelling from behind the closed doors. The guards pass surreptitious looks amongst themselves as the argument inside increases in pitch.
Jorun briefly speaks with one of the guards in hushed tones and then turns to your troupe, seemingly embarrassed about the apparent situation and blushing slightly.
I was told the Defence Council was in recess until your arrival. I must apologise for this insult, but it seems that the Council has decided to convene without your presence. Please excuse me; this is a terrible breach of protocol...
Despite the clear argument raging inside, Jorun is clearly ready to open the doors and lead you in to the Defence Council.
Trien stood outside the chamber next to the nervous looking Jorun. Being near raging arguments wasn't something new to him, he did however try to avoid entering mid-argument whenever possible. This didn't look to be one of those times so instead he took a deep breath and got ready to enter the fray.
Once satisfied with what he has learned, Arannis severs the link to Jorun's mind as gently as he initiated it. Pondering what he has found out for a few moments, he proceeds to employ the most basic of telepathic techniques and speaks directly into the Lord-Captain's mind first and then the Master of Whispers', the psyker's telepathic "voice" akin to a soft whisper, albeit one that seems to possess an echoing quality. It is perhaps a somewhat disturbing sensation to those not used to such communication, although not an unpleasant one.
"IF we go in now, we will inevitably become the focus of everyone's attention.
Such a position is dangerous, but can ultimately be played for strength..."
"Fortune favors the bold. Lead on, Master Jorun."
For Arranis and Navis