Sardus shows the team his newly planned route through the access tunnels of the Hive, while the Inquisitior's was well planned Sardus' keeps the team from any dangerous ambush spots and provides a way to secure the rendezvous site much more safely.
Even Sethiro seems surprised but Sardus' expertise. "Well done." He comments upon review of the route.
Standing in the landing bay you are approached by a tall, regally dressed man with close cropped black hair and a ridiculous oversized handlebar mustache.
"Sethiro!" He declares, wrapping his jewel entrusted hands around the shorter Inquisitor and giving him a big hug. "And you brought friends!" He says, looking at the Deathwatch and opening his arms as if to hug them.
Sethiro looks back at you with an almost embarrassed look on his face. "Let me introduce Rogue Trader Christopher Polo." He says almost sheepishly. "He is our ride."
Sardus, I will do my best and rethink my gear, but i must confess that i struggle to resist the lure of combat. The beast inside is strong.
Othair spends the time with Luthar,for although Korbin has created a great suit of armour and the older parts used maintain a beast-like machine spirit to match his own, the frosty feel of Fenris is missing.
"Thankyou Wolf-brother, i feel you have helped the beast in me and the beast in my new armour to become one, we will fight as a pack rather than challenging for control."
On reaching the landing bay, Othair greets the trader " I am confused, you have the moustache of a warrior, but you dress like a peacock and smell like a flower bed. I look forward to seeing which is the real you by how you fly, fight and drink"
On reaching the landing bay, Othair greets the trader " I am confused, you have the moustache of a warrior, but you dress like a peacock and smell like a flower bed. I look forward to seeing which is the real you by how you fly, fight and drink"
The Rogue Trader gives Othair a hug of greeting that comes off awkward because of their size difference but the Trader is purely confident.
"I'm a lover, not a fighter." He informs the Astartes. "But I drink and I fly with the best of them!"
Apothecary Morgan finds the man to be odd for a human, but he let's it pass since this man was supposed to get them to where they needed to go.
"Is my team aboard?" Sethiro asks the Trader.
"Of course, all have arrived, men and materials both!" The Trader responds, sweeping an arm to a nearby shuttlecraft. "Shall we embark?"
Sethiro looks back at his Astartes escorts. "Are you ready?" He asks.
Apothecary Morgan gets ready with all of his gear and nods.
"I stand ready for the mission ahead."
Sardus stands ready and looks around. Korbin arrives last, armor looking pristine as usual, he comments.
If you looked any prettier the enemy might decide to take you instead. he says with a smile.
Korbin arriving last, after having spent some time preparing his armor and last minute rituals. He doesn't say much, though knows Sardus is joking.
With your looks you just might scare them off. he replies to the Raptor's deamenour.
Entering the shuttle craft you peer out of its large forward veiwscreen as the shuttle leaves the Battle Barge's launch bay and flies toward the waiting Rogue Trader ship.
Despite being over a kilometer long the Trader ship still falls under the shadow of the Battle Barge which dwarfs it many times over. The difference in the quality of maintenance is shockingly divergent as well, where the battle barges baroque minarets and giant cannons are cleaning formed and protrude from a seamless hull of meters thick adamantium armor the Trader is a bizarre patchwork of peaks and valleys of junky bits welded together and lacking any real symmetry. Though its engines are oversized and powerful looking the craft appears like it would shake apart the first time it entered Warp space.
"There she is! The Columbex! My love and joy! There is no ship faster or more agile in the universe!" Captain Polo states enthusiastically, twirling his oversized mustache with one finger as he flies with the other hand. He looks over his shoulder at the Deathwatch.
"What do you think?" He asks, beaming with pride.
Apothecary Morgan doesn't think much of the Columbex as it's shown to them, but he recognizes the same pride in Polo as other Storm Wardens have in their tanks, so he remained silent on his true feelings.
"I'm sure it will get us there in a timely manner."
Having spoken Apothecary Morgan gets ready to get onto said ship.
"I've seen prettier hulks, more stable looking too! But The Emperor protects, hopefully he will protect us in their too!"
"I've seen prettier hulks, more stable looking too! But The Emperor protects, hopefully he will protect us in their too!"
Polo doesn't respond in words but just roars in laughter as he steers the shuttle forward and into the docking bays of his Trader.
"I like your honesty!" He tells the Space Wolf as the shuttle comes to a rest and the hatches pop. "You must share a drink with me later in the Captain's Cabin."
Sardus is able to hide his feelings well. While he didn't thin much of the looks, his interest lied elsewhere. Flying and piloting had always been an interest of his and the claim of one of the fastest and most agile ships in the universe would have to be seen to be believed.
The looks matter little in my experience. I look forward to inspecting her closer and seeing her in action...Perhaps if it is the fastest you would allow me an opportunity to pilot her, I am always looking to push the boundaries of my skills and if your ship lives up to your claims, then it could be the opportunity of a lifetime.
Charm: Fe 50, Charm +10
2 DOS
"A drink, now we are talking! I like you, you are funny and must be brave to fly that thing. I look forward with interest at flying with you."
Luthar doesn't mind the Rogue Trader's attitude or his ship. He laughs at the exchange with Othair but remains quiet. As they approach the ship he opens himself up and feels the tides of the Warp, wading into them and searching for anything that stands out.
Psyniscience +20, Per 60 (80)
7 DOS
"Ah! I love you marines!" Polo says as you all disembark into his hanger bay.
The first thing you notice is that the several other spacecraft in the bay are expensive, well designed models as are the maintenance servitors that maintain them and the loading equipment. They seem out of place on this hunk of junk and are a far cry in quality from the shoddy, bulk lifter shuttlecraft you just arrived in.
"Such sights you will see aboard my ship!" He claims as he leads you to the heavy wide metallic shutters that serve as a gateway into his ship, currently closed. "I hope you don't judge me spoiled for what lies within!"
Luthar detects several powerful psychic forces aboard the vessel, in addition to sensing the presence of the ship's Navigator and Astropath.
A couple of them have the scent of strong, Imperial trained minds while one has the stench of darkness and Warp corruption.
Luthar opens himself and senses a few strong minds that stand out above the others, clearly Sanctioned Imperial Psykers. However, one reeks of corruption and darkness and Luthar instinctively sniffs the air, unable to hide that reflexive part of his muscle memory as a wolf.
Finally deciding to speak up after leaving the ship and viewing the spoils of being a Rogue Trader, unimpressed by such material and technological marvels, he does so with all the composure he can, careful not to give away what he knows or suspects.
Surely your wealth is not only in the toys, but also within your ranks and among your experienced crew. I trust we are free to explore and meet your crew while in transit. While anyone listening might be looking at the Rune Priest he subtle gives another message to his brothers through body language and ancient Deathwatch ciphers, only intelligible to his squad, and only if they're paying attention to him when he signals.
The message is as follows:
I sense a dark and corrupted psyker aboard this ship, should we investigate quietly or inquire directly?
Apothecary Morgan looks over and catching Luthar's message opens up a channel to the team.
"Let's not let the ship go to warp before doing a through inspection of the place. See who's who."
Luthar replies over the comms, making sure the Inquisitor is in the loop, as he is their charge and its their responsibility to escort him. While a small flash of distrust crosses his mind, he doesn't believe that this is an elaborte ruse...yet. He makes the split decision to decide to trust the Inquisitor and gauge his reaction from the information presented.
Inquisitor, can you feel that corrupted presence aboard? We must investigate before we head into the Warp. If this is a trap, what better place to spring it than here. I leave it to your discretion to investigate quietly or directly confront the Rogue Trader. Perhaps he too is unaware or there is a reasonable explanation for what I felt.
Depending on how the Inquisitors and his brothers wish to play, Luthar will attempt to locate the presence himself aboard the ship and when the first oppurtunity arises, will begin locating it and opening himself again to the warp to focus on the corrupted soul.
Psyniscience +20, Per 60 (80)
Luthar feels that all the Psi forces, including the dark one, are clustered together amidship.
"Of course, you can move about as you see fit." Answers Polo.
"Don't be concerned." Sethiro replies queitly over the Vox. "The Captain is a trusted ally and the minds you feel are some of my team. That dark force you sense is my prisoner, you will be introduced soon."
As Luthar focuses on the dark mind he realizes the psychic force is daemonic, not mortal. The Inquisitor has captured a Daemon, and a very strong one at that.
Polo opens the large shutters with the wave of a control wand and the level of wealth displayed on the corridor you enter is surprising.
The floors are marble and the walls and arched ceilings plated with gold. Expensive hololithic works of art on the walls turn this simple corridor into a gallery on par with those owned by Planetary Governors.
Just from this one glimpse as you enter it appears the Rogue Trader has wealth beyond that of any ship master you've ever heard of, so why is his ship such a hunk of junk? Or are appearances deceiving?
As the group travels down the ship's corridors they are met by a tall, thin individual in long robes and a dark hood.
"That Strange Visitor is here to see you." The person tells Sethiro.
"Very well, I'll go meet her." Sethiro replies, looking surprised. "Captain can you take the Deathwatch down to meet the rest of the team?" He asks of Polo.
"Oh course! Leave it to me!" The gregarious Captain replies.
After the Inquisitor departs the Captain leads you all down many corridors that sparkle with great wealth until you reach the midship and approach a large, armored shutter with a massive Ogryn standing guard.
The Ogryn is big with a stooped posture and biceps as thick as a marine's torso. His face has a dull look on it and his heavy lantern jaw has an under bite that reveals almost fang like teeth that protrude up his face.
He is clad in heavy Carapace Armor and wields a sturdily built, tommy gun looking, Ripper Gun.
"Nog!" The Captain calls. "How are you today? Let us in my good fellow!"
"Who is you?" The Ogryn asks suspiciously.
The Captain looks taken aback.
"Are you serious? I am Rogue Trader Christopher Polo, you know, the Captain of the ship you are in? Sethiro's good friend and ally?"
"I don'ts takes orders from Rouge Traitors, only the Inquid- Inquis-...The servants of the Good Emprah!" The Ogryn says defiantly.
"By the God Emperor!" Polo moans. "Just let us in to see the rest of Sethiro's team."
The Ogryn hefts his gun threateningly. "Yous not an offecal Inquestion man, you no give orders!"
Polo looks exasperated. "Ummm...would one of you Deathwatch care to convince Sethiro's servant here to let us in? You are an official part of the Inquisition are you not? Maybe he will listen to you."
Advancing towards the Ogryn, Othair flexs his fist and cracks his neck, pointedly retracting the claws and putting his flamer to one side. " Warrior Ogryn, you cross the wrong people. Fight me and i will break your face."
The Ogryn raises his gun and points it at Othair, moments away from unleashing a drums worth of ammunition if someone doesn't talk him down.
"Aaaaah! What are you doing Space Wolf?! Don't piss him off, he is on our side, he just forgot!" Polo says, jumping behind the marines and their heavy plate in case the bullets start flying.
"Whose is wrong people?" The Ogryn demands. "I shoot uns who try em breaka my face!"
" I heard you Ogryns were tough, but are you too cowardly to fight with your fists!"
Othair adopts a pugilist stance.
"Harrrrr, Me punch you goods metal man! Yous face be broke!" The Ogryn says, strapping the gun to his back and raising his watermelon sized fists.
Sardus swiftly moves between the two men with his hands raised shouts HAULT to the two men about to box. I am an official Inquisition man and I opened the doors he points to the shuttered doors opening urging the Ogyrn to listen and see for himself as he speaks slowly and sternly, as if talking to a child. Good Job, only official Inquisition man can open door, good soldiers follow orders, stand down. dropping his arms and standing toe to toe but not looking directly at him, but positioned enough that he would need to step aside to let him pass. Sardus needed him to know who the adult was.
Before he injected himself between Othair and the soon to be beaten Guard, he activated his Clavis on his vambrace, its arcane workings somehow authenticating the Keeper and directing the machine spritits to bend to its authority until they recognized the authenticaton protocols and identifited the Keeper as friend. Auto-defenses would stand down and most soldiers would be instantly aware of the authority just by sheer body language. However, to an Ogyran, it's simpler mind needed more direct and simpler communication and Sardus tried to buy time with direct command rather than his usual Charm.
Security Test +30 if necessary, AG 60 (90) or on INT 50 (80). Not sure how this would test and/or if necessary, never used the clavis before.
FE 50, Command +20, (70)
Reacting to Sardus' orders, Othair adopts a defensive stance, waiting to see how the Ogryn reacts.
Morgan waits to see what will happen between the Space Wolf and Ogyrn.
Reacting to Sardus' security protocols the great door begins to grind open. The Ogryn looks at Sardus carefully.
"Yous talk like a Inquestion man." The Ogryn acknowledges as he steps aside.
As the Deathwatch passes the Ogryn points at Othair. "Hey wolf-stink metal man. Yous brave like Ogryn, keep tiny Inquestion Lord safe fer me, eh?" He says, presumably referring to Sethiro.
Sardus is glad to have resolved the issue without violence and takes pride in the advantages his position and work have earned him over the years. While usually more charmful in his approach to situations, the need for demanding respect grows as you rise, especially when dealing with civilians.
What is your name soldier? he asks, looking at the Ogryn, just keeping a mental note for future encounters.
As the team enters the center Sardus looks around to measure their surroundings and level of resources at their disposal. He looks over staff and tries to identify who is responsible and makes decisions. While he hoped the cooperation would be beneficial, the main focus and task of his squad could not be compromised or bogged down with extra weight.
I must quickly assess their planning of this stage to assure we can begin without hindrance or disadvantage. he thinks to himself, awaiting for someone inside to greet them and let them know more about the "guest" and other plans in the works.
Korbin seemed rather uninterested in the confrontation and took comfort in the fact that the end results would have been the same, no matter the obstacle or size in this case. Satisfied with the resolution, he notices just long enough to give concern to the pause in movement, the interruption of his own thoughts on the task at hand. Finally able to continue, he resume his silent steps and enters the facility, paying attention to the equipment and gathering an idea of what they could possibly be doing and less concerned with what they say they are. His usual distrust of others and constant questioning didn't make him the most polite, but he was always well informed, even if he never shared his thoughts like a true Raven.
If there is one thing that has been impressed upon Korbin, it is the value of teamwork and sharing ideas that enable them to work more efficiently, and so he has found himself sharing more with this brothers in the Deathwatch than among his own Raven company. The fluctuating seed of command shifting and placing the burden of command among others puts people in different roles, forcing the squad to become better. The option of command having been presented to Korbin, he knew it to be too soon, but realized the benefits such a task could have on repairing and making up for past mistakes.
Enough distraction, what is going on here...he reminds himself, regaining focus and evaluating what lies before him with full attention.
" I will, my muscle headed lump and maybe when we come back we will practice fight."
As the team moves through the doors and past the Ogyrn, one would think a wolf might take offense being called stink, but he let it slide, more surprised by this Ogryns wit and humor. As he passes he reminds the big fellow that Wolves always travel in packs.growling and bearing fangs, but not in an aggressive manner, just enough to make himself known and unforgettable to the guard.
Once inside he's careful to remain sensitive to the tides of the warp and monitor what he can while observing those inside.
"Nog." The Ogryn tells Sardus simply, seeming unsure of what else he should say, if anything, before giving the departing Othair's comment a fangy grin.
The Ogryn bristles at Luthar's implied threat, reacting surprisingly like an animal himself, but makes no moves.
You enter a long hall that exits into a hub of doorways that seem to lead to other halls. A lean but muscularly man with long black hair, blue eyes and a short, scruffy beard sits among a pile of dozens of weapons of all shapes and sizes, mostly guns, while he disassembles a large bore autogun and cleans it. He wears a dark red mesh armor bodyglove and a large brown trench coat.
"Sorry for the mess Polo, didn't have enough room in my quarters to tune up everyone's weapons." He says to the Captain.
"Not an issue, may I introduce you to the Death Watch?" Polo inquires.
"Of course." The man says, taking a break, leaning back and lighting a lho stick.
Captain Polo rattles off your names and titles respectfully then introduces the gun man.
"This is Roland King, once a mercenary and bounty killer, now a loyal member of Sethiro's Warband."
"Deathwatch Veterans? Really? That's pretty hardcore for a simple mission like this, it gives me a bad feeling." King says, sitting forward a bit and taking a long drag. "How about you guys? What do you think?" He asks the Deathwatch members. "Do Astartes get bad feelings?"
Luthar's senses detect the Imperial Psykers minds in the rooms nearby, as well as the Daemon mind down one hall.
"There is nothing we fear Roland, so we don't really get bad feelings. We are born to fight, so any chance to try our hands at fighting is a good thing. After all you can't forge a saga without challenges. "
"There is nothing we fear Roland, so we don't really get bad feelings. We are born to fight, so any chance to try our hands at fighting is a good thing. After all you can't forge a saga without challenges. "
"I see, it must be a nice life never fearing what might come next." Roland says in all honesty.
"I for one, have a bad feeling about this."
Feelings yes...Good or bad...no.Luthar replies and then continues. Feelings are the threads to our humanity, which has been lost in some more than others. Our feelings do not dictate our actions though, our training, upbringing, and our father's guidance lead us fearlessly towards any outcome...We have together and individually overcome obstacles that would shatter nearly anyone's feelings and insanity...Does that answer your question? he ask, smiling and looking at his brothers he looks down the hall towards the Daemon and then ask another question.
What is your feelings on the dark guest down the hall?
Korbin doesn't reply to the questioning, these strangers had not earned the trust or gained the respect necessary for them to be included in their plans. Discussing feelings was futile. Korbin had long ago pushed aside emotion for logic and his faith was unshakable. The fearless Raven payed little attention to the question and kept focused on their new friends and their surroundings.
Bored with the idle chat, Korbin looks for a system to access and begins to catch himself up with whatever is available on the local cogitators.
They will most likely be a disadvantage to our current mission, I need to manage their roles if possible... he thinks to himself,but I need to know more than they are willing to tell... delving deeper into the system, even if not allowed, searching for any info he can of his new "friends."
Possible tests:
INT (65) + Tech-Use +20, Talented (+10)
Atleast 7 DOS, more: (+10 Electro Graft or +10 MIU, +10 EQ Bionic Arm)
Security (INT 65)
6 DOS
Korbin attempts to access what he can with his MIU while drawing as little attention to himself as possible. The crew themselves were of interest, but also the Daemon down the hall was more pressing, he looked for files on both and attempted to leave a backdoor in case his current attempts were noticed or scrutinized. Also the nature of the ship loomed in the back of his mind, the outward appearane and inside didn't really match up and that was a mystery that puzzled Korbin and would later be addressed if possible.
Sardus looks to establish some rapport with the men, realizing that they may be working together and their fates intertwined. While he had not included them in his original plan, he didn't yet have the information needed to include them in his route and squad formation.
Feelings can affect you in many ways. They can slow you down or speed you up. Mastering your emotions is a lifetime endeavor, or for those with the right upbringing and genetic design, a way of life since birth. We follow orders and logic, while not allowing our feelings to get in the way...Of course we have feelings, but we are not afforded the privilege or freedom to indulge in them or let them guide us.
Noticing Korbin trying to work on a nearby system, Sardus draws their attention and turns the tables on their new hosts:
I did not include additional support in my mission strategy, if you all plan to contribute, I need to know who you are and what you bring to the mission...No room for babysitting or hand holding during our escort. The protection of the Inquisitor is our main task and your survival isn't. If I feel you are going to slow us down, you will not be accompanying my squad. he finishes, setting the tone for dealing with them, keeping up his authoritative manner in the presence of these new "allies."
While Sardus would normally have a different approach, his leadership in this mission could define him if mistakes are made. While he welcomes additional help and allies, he can't afford to have them ruin his well laid plans...He did not trust them, so for now he wouldn't share more of their mission, but he was smart enough to know they knew things he didn't, and until Korbin, Luthar, or the Inquisitor could provide more answers, he rolled the dice and hoped someone might take up the initiative and prove themselves useful now.