"Now, if I may?"
"As Brother Quintus states, permission granted."
I examine the rogue trader's shelves and the various curious they contain.
Additionally I attempt another auspex reading for abnormalities. Perhaps the captain's concern of appearance versus reality is well-founded.
Tech-use 50,
"Captain Lan, once scans quell any ontological fears, a few more questions need answering. What is our ETA on Aurum? What is the nature of your relationship with the Holy Ordos? And have you experienced a kill-team teleporting aboard your ship before?"
"After you use your auspex, we need to contact our watch station."
The Orpheus Salient
The Horizon's Pride, The Study of Diaz Lan
291.817.M41
Hour 22, Ship's Time
After being granted permission, the rogue trader slowly folds an ocular augmetic over his left eye, just larger than an eyepatch, and proceeds to conduct his own scan of the Battle-brothers. The scan is cursory, but unhurried, and involves Lan turning his head from side to side while gazing at each of the Battle-brothers in turn with the elegant piece of archeotech. It is clear to all of the marines that he is accustomed to the presence of the Astartes, as he shows no unease in their midst whatsoever, and the fact that he is clearly familiar with the Deathwatch posits that he is no ordinary rogue trader serving the Achilus Crusade's war effort.
"If you must, but how can you deny our presence here with your own senses?" "We know where we are and you know we are here. You know what we are, which very few outside of The Inquisition and Adeptus Astartes know."
Satisfied that his scan reveals nothing untoward, he pulls back the augmetic overlay with its gleaming green eye and looks again on Brother Quintus, answering him amiably enough.
"Again, I apologize for this necessity, and there is certainly no disrespect intended, but I have not survived to this point in my profession by being incautious, honored Astartes."
"We know where we are and you know we are here. You know what we are, which very few outside of The Inquisition and Adeptus Astartes know."
"The question that prompted my precautions was just how you came to be present within my study during the midst of the The Horizon's Pride's transit through the Immaterium, Brother Quintus. My ship does not possess a teleportarium, and although I have heard tell of Astartes Librarians with the ability to replicate this wondrous device's powers, doing so while targeting a ship traversing the Warp seems a nigh impossible feat even for one of the eldest of their discipline."
He scratches the side of his bulbous nose thoughtfully, as if considering something.
"You are no doubt astute enough to realize what my familiarity with your Deathwatch heraldry reveals about my own role within the crusade, so I will not delay further in addressing this. I serve the Lan Dynasty, and although the bulk of our family's endeavors are dedicated to more conventional materiel support of the war effort, my elder brother, Kazandus, the scion of our line, saw in his wisdom to second myself and the Horizon's Pride to the diplomatic corp of the Achilus Crusade. As I have always been a friend to the Adeptus Astartes and the Inquisition, I soon became entrusted with the secret of the Ordo Xenos' militant arm, the Deathwatch, to discreetly assist in their operations within the Jericho Reach."
He furrows his brow exaggeratedly as he expounds on his next subject of concern.
"Now that introductions are concluded, and we have satisfied one another that we are not threats conjured by the Warp, I beg of you to satisfy my own curiosity---how did you come to be here?"
The Orpheus Salient
The Horizon's Pride, The Study of Diaz Lan
291.817.M41
Hour 22, Ship's Time
I examine the rogue trader's shelves and the various curious they contain.
Examining the several curios and mementos contained with the study, Brother Emeric finds the majority to be identifiable pieces of Segmentum Obscurus or Jericho sector objects of art with the remaining items holding cultural or religious significance from the various human civilizations in each region. A cursory glance through the doorway leading into the library reveals something else entirely. The first display case visible contains artifacts of a more Xenos-focused nature, including several ork tooth trophies, a stylized pendant that could only be wraithbone, and a digital laser manufactured by the enigmatic Jokaero.
Walls of tomes and further display cases line this larger room.
Additionally I attempt another auspex reading for abnormalities. Perhaps the captain's concern of appearance versus reality is well-founded.
"Captain Lan, once scans quell any ontological fears, a few more questions need answering. What is our ETA on Aurum? What is the nature of your relationship with the Holy Ordos? And have you experienced a kill-team teleporting aboard your ship before?"
"I cannot say I have had the surprise of the Deathwatch appearing in such a mysterious manner aboard my vessel before, Brother Emeric, despite many missions in which I conveyed the Ordo Xeno's Kill-teams in less than favorable circumstances. To answer your question regarding our projected arrival at our destination, it will be less than seven days hence."
"I cannot reveal how we were sent here. It is something of Deathwatch only known to Deathwatch and the Inquisitor of Chamber. I will repeat what I said to the team earlier, We are here because we were meant to be and it is important to Deathwatch and The Imperium that we are."
I remain silent while Brother Quintus interacts with the rogue trader. The library, xeno-tech and bas-relief certainly merit further investigation.
The captain is right. The calculations necessary to pinpoint teleportation onto a ship moving through the warp are perhaps unfathomable. How did the Vault manage this? The implications of such ability are staggering.
The Orpheus Salient
The Horizon's Pride, The Study of Diaz Lan
291.817.M41
Hour 22, Ship's Time
"I cannot reveal how we were sent here. It is something of Deathwatch only known to Deathwatch and the Inquisitor of Chamber. I will repeat what I said to the team earlier, We are here because we were meant to be and it is important to Deathwatch and The Imperium that we are."
Diaz Lan nods.
"I understand your need for secrecy, Brother Quintus. I must confess, however, that I find it very perplexing that my diligent entreaties to the Golden Throne have been answered so serendipitously by your unexpected arrival."
He pauses deliberately, as if considering how to best speak his next words with all tact and diplomacy.
"You see, the Horizon's Pride is even now returning from Watch Station Erioch where my ship was in the process of repair and refitting relative to our last mission for the Ordos. During my time aboard the station I had petitioned my contacts within the Tower of Brass for Inquisitorial or Deathwatch assistance in a troubling matter particular to Aurum, my next destination. Regrettably, I was rebuffed at every turn despite my humble protestations. Finally, I consulted a Watch Captain whom I have had occasion to assist in the past, and he was able to provide me with some small measure of assistance in this matter, although, truth be told, much less than I had hoped."
He surveys the implacable expressions of the marines of Kill-team Umbra, clearly not trying to give offense.
"So, in essence, I am grateful that the almighty Imperium, and the revered Deathwatch saw fit to place you here, aboard my ship, by however you came to be here. It is, in a completely non-melodramatic sense, quite simply, the answer to my earnest prayers."
The Orpheus Salient
Aurum, The Shining Plains
300.817.M41
Hour 11 System Sidereal Time
The Wolf Scout sniffs the air, and his supernaturally acute senses catch the faintest whiff of something burning carried on the faint breeze from the stunted mountains in the distance. His eyes can even make out the faintest tendrils of smoke, several kilometers away, rising like thin grey fingers from just beyond the frowning brow of one of the further peaks.
Brother Bjorn begins his ascent through the rough country of the boulder-strewn foothills, careful to keep away from the main path winding snake-like through the grassy hillocks that the men of the Caele follow. His higher vantage and the growing cover provides some measure of relief to the Space Wolf, as he now has ample concealment, something that was in short supply in the expansive grasslands. Using this to his advantage, he begins to close the distance, covering kilometers and gaining on his quarry despite the difficult terrain.
"What is your mission, and what is it you request from us? Also, what assistance were you given? This will tell us what we need to do."
The Orpheus Salient
The Horizon's Pride, The Study of Diaz Lan
291.817.M41
Hour 22, Ship's Time
"What is your mission, and what is it you request from us? Also, what assistance were you given? This will tell us what we need to do."
The rogue trader nods in time with Brother Quintus' questions, but holds off on immediately answering them.
"In good time, Brother Quintus, my study is not furnished, *ahem*, for personages of your stature. Perhaps we could continue our conversation in one of the briefing rooms I have specifically appointed for my deliberations with the Adeptus Astartes?"
He motions with his hand to a vox-hailer upon his desktop.
"I will summon my seneschal and we will adjourn there if this suits yours purposes?"
The Orpheus Salient
Aurum, The Shining Plains
300.817.M41
Hour 12 System Sidereal Time
Were it not for his hyper-acute sense of smell, Brother Bjorn likely would not have noticed the cunningly hidden guard post atop one of the larger boulders in the lee of the mountain until he had come within sight of it.
This would have been far too late.
Instead the faint, charred smells of an older cook-fire tickle his nostrils, mixed with the faint tang of human perspiration. Despite being upwind of him, the look-out post is impossible to miss for someone with the olfactory senses of a predatory animal, and he soon spots the two warriors of Haistand crouching atop a five meter tall spur of rock that provides a commanding view of the lowland trail.
The pair lay on their bellies, one keeping close watch on the road leading to the gap in the weathered peaks, while the other surveys the rocky uplands. Unfortunately for the Space Wolf, circumventing their lofty position to be sure he is not spotted will take a considerable amount of time, and require retracing his steps and finding another route through the broken terrain.
Xenos artifacts. Perhaps I should enter the study despite the rouge trader's warnings. I can widen this entry hatch with my servo-arm.
Did he say light cruiser? I shall wish to tour such a fine vessel. Undoubtedly it has received innumerable blessings from the Omnissiah.
The Orpheus Salient
The Horizon's Pride, War Room Black
291.817.M41
Hour 22, Ship's Time
Receiving no objection from the members of Kill-team Umbra with regard to adjourning, Lan summons his seneschal, a tall, middle-aged man with a balding pate and cadaverously thin build, named Veyoris Akioh. His vestments and trappings would lead one to believe that he is a devout adherent to the Imperial Creed, but he is neither introduced or confirmed to be an agent of the Ecclesiarchy.
Akioh, in fact, says very little, and does not seem to react with surprise to the Deathwatch presence. He merely acknowledges his master's request in a voice so quiet it borders on being demure, before leading the rogue trader and space marines on a convoluted walk through long corridors connected by several intervening void doors on the same deck. The interior decor of the Horizon's Pride is refined, but ancient, with lustrous wooden paneling lining the walls of the corridors and artwork rendered in the classical Imperial style. A repeated motif is the image of a rapier and a broken quill pen, the Lan family crest. Most agreeable to the Battle-brothers is the grand scale of the vaulted corridors, which are far more spacious than many voidships, allowing them to walk easily, two abreast, as they follow the rogue trader and his majordomo.
The chamber is unmarked, and it requires Lan himself to open the door, the rogue trader pulling a small transponder in the form of a stylized golden "I" from somewhere within his furs and allowing his eye to be read by an inset ocular-biometric reader.
Before Akioh can depart, Lan pulls him aside and says, "Allow me to speak with the Astartes for one bell, and then summon Brigadier Heth and escort him here yourself, his counsel will be required before long by our honored guests."
Stepping into the briefing room, Kill-team Umbra finds it appointed in very spartan fashion, something they are all quite comfortable with. It is dominated by a long, perfectly smooth table of rich, black marble with a control panel that indicates it also supports hololithic display functions. It is surrounded by twelve chairs, eight of them sized for the superhuman frames of armored Adeptus Astartes, while four others are of human scale. The room is otherwise conspicuously absent any further decoration or furnishings, and when the door closes behind Lan, there is a faint puff-hiss of a vacuum tight seal being engaged.
Diaz Lan gestures for the members of Kill-team Umbra to take their places according to whatever official hierarchy they require before taking his own command chair at one head of the coffin-shaped table.
"I have had this war-room specifically modified with the preferences of the Adeptus Astartes in mind, and its design and fittings are based upon their solicited recommendations. I pray that you find it adequate."
Once all are settled, he finally answers Brother Quintus' question.
"My mission, in its simplest terms, is to win the hearts and minds of the native people of Aurum, through whatever means possible, for the sake of the Crusade's war effort. I have been given this task by the Lord-Militant himself. However, that is not why I have recently endeavored to solicit further assistance from the Deathwatch. No, that would stem from the recent murder of an Imperial agent, a prominent member of the Imperium's garrison in the capital of Haistand---Sister Hospitaller Rachayel of the Adeptus Sororitas."
The Orpheus Salient
Aurum, The Shining Plains
300.817.M41
Hour 12 System Sidereal Time
Nestling the silenced and dampered Stalker pattern bolt pistol to his cheek, Brother Bjorn Ensam-Vargr takes careful aim at a nodule of rock several hundred meters distance away from the southeast corner of the rocky promontory the Caele's warriors use as a guardpost. Squinting from the dying light of the descending sun, he offers a word of propitiation to the Totem of the Sun Wolf, and feathers the trigger lightly.
The Orpheus Salient
The Horizon's Pride, War Room Black
291.817.M41
Hour 22, Ship's Time
The Orpheus Salient
Aurum, The Shining Plains
300.817.M41
Hour 12 System Sidereal Time
Brother Bjorn hits the mark, dead center, dislodging a tumble of broken stone and loose scree, that rattles down the outcropping with a satisfying amount of noise.
Peering toward the watchpost, he allows himself a grim grin, as the two warriors creep forward, conferring anxiously. Something about their manner unsettles him, however. He has seen the Caele's warriors in battle against other tribes, watched them face down fearsome reptillian predators on the veldt, and this nervous hesitation is not normal.
His grin fades as quickly as it came. This is troubling.
He watches the men stealthily slip down from their perch, moving warily along the steep hillside before crossing the rough path leading to Grensvayl like shadows.
His path clear, he begins his ascent once again, but cannot help but look back at the two warrriors as they approach the site of his diversion.
Having none themselves, it is hard sometimes for the Astartes to recognize it in others.
These men are afraid of what might be lurking, hidden in the shadows of the mountains.
I say nothing for now, but file it away for later.
Eli waits for Brother Vex to choose a seat before taking the chair beside him. Seeing that his brothers have chosen to remain silent, he reluctantly voices the obvious question.
"Such matters are usually the purview of the Holy Ordos, why would you ask for Astartes rather than an Inquisitor?"
The Orpheus Salient
The Horizon's Pride, War Room Black
291.817.M41
Hour 22, Ship's Time
Seeing his brother Dark Angel appears to be preoccupied, the normally reserved Brother Syne speaks up, asking the question that all of his fellow Astartes must be wondering.
"Such matters are usually the purview of the Holy Ordos, why would you ask for Astartes rather than an Inquisitor?"
Diaz Lan actually points at Brother Syne with his index finger, smiling with the good-natured expression one usually associates with a teacher commending an especially bright student. Realizing he has forgotten himself and the decorum usually ascribed to interactions with space marines, he pulls his hand back to his lap after the awkward faux pas.
"Yes, precisely! Surely this matter would be better investigated by the Holy Ordos---so I believed, as well, Brother Syne. As I mentioned to Brother Quintus, however, my entreaties for Inquisitorial aid were met with silence at the Tower of Brass. Despite my persistence, despite the gravity of the matter, silence then led to stalling, which soon became polite refusal from lesser Ordos functionaries. For all my patience and respect for the Holy Ordos, I will not be diverted by the insincere prattling of lowly acolytes. After several attempts at contact with the upper hierarchy of the Tower, I finally received direct word via encrypted cipher from Inquisitor Adrielle Quist herself. It was a tersely worded, unequivocal refusal to commit Inquisitorial assets at this time."
Rather than wait for the next, most obvious question to be posed, he answers it.
"I am not a foolish man, and only foolish men trifle with the dictates of the Holy Ordos. Although disappointed and confused, I considered the matter closed. I only broach the subject with you now because of your serendipitous arrival, an arrival that coincides with a message I recently received, a message from one of the Deathwatch, who has been placed on detached duty in my service on Aurum. I had originally petitioned for his service when I first came to be charged with bringing Aurum into the Imperium's fold, and he has served in this capacity admirably, maintaining a reconnaissance presence unknown to world's natives or the Imperial garrison he has been tasked with watching over."
Diaz Lan begins to tap hidden keys on his chair causing hololithic read-outs and three-dimensional depictions of Aurum to spring into life over the surface of the jet black table.
"My astropath has recently translated an encrypted transmission from this Deathwatch marine that indicates there may be a greater threat to the Imperium at work than the murder of Sister Rachayel. Given the enormity of that crime alone, I felt it was in the best interest of the Deathwatch and the Ordos it serves to be aware that something far more sinister may be afoot on Aurum."
"We would like to speak among us privately. We will tell you what we decide then."
The Orpheus Salient
The Horizon's Pride, War Room Black
291.817.M41
Hour 22, Ship's Time
Diaz Lan does not seem taken aback in the least at Brother Quintus' request for Kill-team Umbra. He rises from his chair nods respectfully to the battle-brothers, and exits the war room.
A silence settles over the room.
Heavy in thought, I am the first to speak.
"Brother Emeric, could you please scan the room to insure there are no listening devices or prying eyes."
I take the time to organize my thoughts, and consider what my next words will be.
The Orpheus Salient
Aurum, The Shining Plains
300.817.M41
Hour 14 System Sidereal Time
Brother Bjorn circumvents the warrior's watch-post. Once aware of their presence, he easily skirts the next two that he encounters as he climbs steadily higher into the mountains. He observes several more at a distance through his scope as he travels, always two warriors, always camped in high vantage points. He finds it interesting and peculiar that there as many watching the other, lesser traveled passes leading away from Grensvayl as there are the ones leading to the village from without.
As the inky smoke hanging over the peaks grows darker still, his wolf senses begin to detect the unmistakable smell of unrefined promethium blowing to him from further upwind. He watches as several of the warriors he has followed from Haistand relieve a few of their brethren at the isolated guard posts, coming from the direction of where Grensvayl is purported to be located.
Although the continuing ascent from his lofty perch is a precarious one, Brother Bjorn believes he can climb the remaining distance to the summit of one of the nearby peaks to look down upon the entrance to the isolated valley on the other side where Grensvayl sits, and where the smoke seems to be originating. It is unfortunately his only option at this point, as the guardposts this close to the pass are clustered closely together. He has counted at least thirty of the Caele's men, and his risk of discovery will be that much greater if he approaches by a more direct route.
"Brother Emeric, could you please scan the room to insure there are no listening devices or prying eyes."
"You do not trust this rogue trader, Brother Vex? He has offered us hospitality and welcome in spite of our unexpected and most unconventional arrival, is there something you have sensed that suggests he is duplicitous?"
Brother Decius asks his question respectfully of the Librarian, truly concerned that he has missed some subtle cue of their host.
"I am siding with caution. Trust that I have my reasons."
I wait for Emeric to give his verdict if it is safe for us to speak further.
"I agree with Brother Vex, we have no reason to trust or distrust him. We will wait for Brother Emeric's conclusion."
I visually scan the room looking for any tell-tale signs of listening devices. Knowing that a rogue trader is privy to tremendous resources I also take an auspex reading, honing in on any anomalous electro-magnetic activity or miniature broadcasting in the immediate area.
I hold up a gauntlet to stop further discussion.
"Scanning..."
Additionally I take note of any data ports with which I might commune.
The Orpheus Salient
The Horizon's Pride, War Room Black
291.817.M41
Hour 22, Ship's Time
Free from the contradictory nature of the Omega Vault, Brother Emeric finds that his auspex and sensoria arrays are again operating at peak efficiency.
A thorough survey of the chamber entirely confirms what the rogue trader, Diaz Lan, has intimated. This ship's war room is specifically outfitted and configured with the utmost measures to ensure privacy and security of those within it. The cogitational systems integrated into the table are free of any unexpected devices or broadcast signals, on any spectrum, and the walls, floor, and ceiling are all cunningly configured with baffles and sonic dampening emitters to further preserve the sanctity of whatever transpires within.
He is confident that their discussion will not be monitored or recorded. The private quarters of a senior Inquisitor would be comparable in regard to security.
Looking along the length of the table on his side, he finds that there is standard template docking shunt. There are similar data ports on each other edge of the table as well.
"Battle-Brothers, security confirmed. Commence data-communion."
Nod in thanks to Brother Emeric.
"Lets start with the obvious. We interfere on Aurum; then we are going head to head with the Inquisition."
I let this sink in, and wait to see what dialogue comes to bare.
"Lets start with the obvious. We interfere on Aurum; then we are going head to head with the Inquisition."
"Acknowledged. Rumination: not is all is as it seems on Erioch. There is a shroud hanging over our interactions with the Ordos. Corollary: the Inquisition shall not keep us from serving the Emperor."
After a brief pause, "Data query: who or what exactly brought us to this ship?"
"I have said this before, but I will repeat it. The Omega Vault wants us here, and thus Aurum. If the Ordo questions us, we tell the truth of the Omega Vault.
I have a query for you, Brother Vex. Does this have anything to do with when you probed the one who the Ordo already probed?
There is a long silence, as I consider best how to respond to The Ultramarine's question. I expected this line of questioning from Inquisitor Quist and the Inquisition. Not my own Battle Brothers...
"Quantifiably my answer is no. I do not have enough empirical evidence to support such a claim."
I take a deep breathe.
"Being a Librarian, we rarely work with such absolutes. Our is a science of Divination, Prophecy, Cryptography, and History. Looking for the missing pieces of a puzzle. Looking for strands of web and see where they cross, and try to correlate a pattern. With that being said. It is an affirmative. Everything regarding our prior mission on Tantalus is shrouded in deception."
"I saw how they treated us with disrespect. I am loyal to Deathwatch, but I think we know what we must do. Unless any of our brothers disagree, we should go on this mission. What say you all. If we all agree, the next step will be to pick the mission leader."
I look at each battle brother, and wait for their answer.
I am surprised by Brother Quintus's action, but say nothing. I would figure he would inquire more of what I found regarding Roge Halis, or leave things more open to more debate. It makes me wonder what he knows and is concealing?
Perhaps it was he who was confronted by the Inquisition?
I look around to my battle brothers and see lack of cohesion and rash judgements. So I must speak up...
"Your decisiveness is admirable Brother Quintus but we do not even know the mission parameters. If it is to seek revenge for the death of the Sister then I would state no we should not go. But is we are to find her killer and bring him/her/it to justice then I would be happy to say yes.
If it is to bring this world under the Emperors dominion then that is not a mission we should partake in as that is not our place.
I believe that we should gather more information from our host before we make any decisions as to accepting him as our mission lead."
Eli nods as he listens to the words of his Battle Brothers before offering his own terse assessment.
"The Vault has sent us to Aurum. Our duty there is ours to discover, not for others to dictate."
Brother Synergies pauses for a moment before continuing,letting his brothers absorb his words.
"We would hear the man out, I sense the Sister's death is but the inciting incident. Of what, I do not know."
Accessing cogitator to correlate relevant data.
Retrieving...
The rogue trader contacted the Deathwatch independent of the Ordos. 'I recently received, a message from one of the Deathwatch, who has been placed on detached duty in my service on Aurum...'
I contribute my own revelations.
"Brother Astartes, additional information for consideration: the ore-hauler Shoulder of Stepatikos transported xeno-tech originating on planet Aurum and the Ordos may have tried to sequester this information. My own investigation of this matter were also pursued by Brother Chaplain Titus Strom of the Deathwatch."
"Speculation: Brother Chaplain Strome of the Deathwatch may be Rogue Trader Lan's contact on Erioch. Has anyone been contacted by Strome or know of his activities?"
"Ruminate, Brothers. I agree that none shall detain our righteous cause but let us not become unwary pawns of this rogue trader."
"Brother, have you been able to reconcile the current time state with that prior to our entry into the Vault? Strome was present for that event, so significant time displacement would be required for him to act as Diaz Lan's contact."
Eli exchanges a covert look with Brother Vex before continuing.
"For the future perhaps we should leave Chaplain Strome out of our discussions until we have something to discuss."
"I am not saying we should follow him blindly, but what I am saying is that the Omega Vault has sent us here, therefore our mission is here. This is not necessarily the mission the trader wants us on. By all means, let us gather as much information as possible, so that we do not go in with blinders on, but with our senses alert, and our weapons ready."
My expression is hidden within the shadows of my robes.
"Regardless of who acquired said information. We can investigate further, and question the Honorable Rogue Trader Lan at length, and look at any data slates, and communications at length."
"While I deal with variables and inconsistencies. You my Brothers can not afford such luxury and require strict guidelines to render aid."
"This is my argument for your behalf. One, Rogue Trader Lan, an ally in high standing with the Death Watch has asked for our aid. Death Watch Brothers are already on the planet and there is no harm is seeing if sworn Battle Brothers require aid or assistance. There are confirmed reports of Xeno's tech coming from Aurum and our first mandate as Death Watch is the seeking out and elimination of any Xeno's taint. Finally the loss of Sister Raychal requires investigation. While it is better suited for other's to investigate such matters. In the end we are the Emperor's Avenging Angels of Death and if others fail in there duty to serve. Be assured we will not!"
I stop myself from touching the locket that is under my armor. But I feel it press against my chest with a burdening weight.
Back on Solace... I remember, her name was Rachael...Rachael.
"As for myself it is enough that an artifact of my Chapter was depicted in the Omega Vault, and we are now destined for Aurum. For the sake of honoring my Chapter, and those Brothers who gave us the Honor of entering the Omega Vault. I believe should investigate and see if the Artifact is indeed on Aurum."
"Brother, have you been able to reconcile the current time state with that prior to our entry into the Vault? Strome was present for that event, so significant time displacement would be required for him to act as Diaz Lan's contact... For the future perhaps we should leave Chaplain Strome out of our discussions until we have something to discuss."
"As to the timing of our entry into the Vault, some two weeks have passed according to the ship's chronometers. But Brother Apothecary I meant no disrespect. Brother Strome is of high repute and I would take reassurance if he were in communication with the rogue trader." With a slight nod, "I acquiesce and drop the matter."
"As for myself it is enough that an artifact of my Chapter was depicted in the Omega Vault, and we are now destined for Aurum. For the sake of honoring my Chapter, and those Brothers who gave us the Honor of entering the Omega Vault. I believe should investigate and see if the Artifact is indeed on Aurum.""As usual, Brother Librarian, I find no flaw with your logic. I second your proposed course of action."
Brother Hrothgar, again showing his relative youth when compared to the other Battle-Brothers, snorts derisively at the thought of allowing the Inquisition's secret intrigues to interfere with rendering aid to the rogue trader, or more importantly one of their own.
"Although I may not agree with the needlessly roundabout way that the Dark Angel came to his decision to render aid, I agree it must be given. It is our duty. There are but a few Space Wolves seconded in the Reach, and I suspect I may have an inkling that one of my own chapter serves the rogue trader upon this 'golden' world. Admittedly, I have garnered these rumors from the Fellhand while he was deep in his cups, but his words are usually true in such matters---when he can hold his drink, that is."
"Whatever our other duties on Aurum may be, we should offer our aid, if only for the sake of what the Vault's portents have shown us thus far. It is no accident that we are here. Are we at least in agreement on this?"
The Iron Snake remains largely silent through the discussion, perhaps out of respect for the more senior members of Kill-team Umbra.
"While it is true I am but a petitioner to the august phratry assembled here, I believe our path and duty coincide with this undertaking as well. Regardless of my own choice, I will respectfully honor whatever decision is ultimately made."