The tech-priest looks almost taken aback at Zoll. He cocks his head and says, "All variables must be accounted for. I do not ask for reinforcements, merely querying if they will be provided."
He nods, "I am used to, after all, being the only command element present in a mission. I had operated under far different circumstances before being transferred to serving under the Inquisition."
"In a similar vein to Ptah's query, are there are resources in-system or in neighbouring systems that could be called in should we encounter a majoris threat, or worse? It does pay to expect the worst and prepare accordingly."
"Also, a more short-term query. Will we have access to cover identities to conceal our Inquisition affiliation? Too overt a stance could tip our hand to heretics before we are best placed to dispense with them."
Interrogator Zoll continues his harsh glare at the techpriest, with am eye cast toward Julien as well. "Should a threat exist that warrants additional forces be requisitioned, it will be done at that time. There are a myriad of options available - we are the Inquisition after all. But at the moment it will be your team of eight."
Murzher smiles at Julien's latter question, keying a few notes into a dataslate. "Oh, of course alternate identification can be provided. What did you have in mind?"
"I assume that there has been no communication from the troops assigned to guard the mines as well?"
"Having identified our objective perhaps we should take a moment to review the skill set of those assembled."
Balthasar turns from the table to face his companions, and addresses them like a Preacher at the alter before his flock. "As for myself, I have been Schola trained in both standard armaments and melee combat. But my true talents lay in ousting villainy. By my faith in the God-Emperor, no treacherous flea can withstand to utter a lie in my presence. If there is darkness afoot I shall bring it forth into the Light."
Turning back to address Agent Murzher "Once we adjourn here, I will discreetly review Ecclesiarchy records for information on the local parish and if they submitted any communicate regarding potential upheaval or noted dissidents. If the local Priesthood remains, making contact could provide a valid starting point for our mission, and with the appropriate cover story a potential base of operations."
"Of course, Agent Muhrzer - what I meant was there was confirmed heretical, or at least seditious presence in the past.", Yelisaveta replies to the smaller man. "Means we're more likely to suspect the cause to be within, rather than outside influence."
Sending another smile at the psyker, Yelisaveta nods. "True, true." She lights another lho-stick, glancing at the ceiling as she exhales a trail of smoke. What would work... "Negotiators from a newly minted manifactorum on a neighbouring world. Would explain us arriving from out of nowhere without a delay - our voidship was unfortunately delayed. Would explain why we're here, and why we're asking questions about the mine, both overt and covert."
The rough accent slowly begins to disappear as Yelisaveta begins to walk around the room. "Explains the negotiator and a family representative,", she points to herself and Caius, "their two rather exotic bodyguards,, her hand points to Naltos and Zimm with a smile, "the two encyclopedic experts,", she points towards Ptah and Havelock, "and travelling the warp calls people to be prepared for anything, and lends one to steadfast prayer." Nodding at Balthasar and Julien, she turns to Murhzer. "Simple enough cover to maintain, makes us boring enough to not stand out if everything's seemingly normal." She shrugs. "And if it's all drysnja by the time we arrive - we have a good excuse to lie low and unaffiliated until we figure out exactly what's going on. Can this be arranged?"
Tilting her head at Balthasar, she raises a curious eyebrow. "To your question, I aim to get well with people. If that fails, to aim well at people."
"Perhaps we should save the meet 'n' greet for after this briefing? I would hate to take up our seniors' valuable time."
At the Arbiter's question, Murzher checks something on a dataslate. "That is correct Mr. Grimn, there has been no word from the team at the facility itself, the detachment of PDF stationed there, or the PDF recovery team dispatched to assist with any damage they may have sustained. Brother Lagerfeuer, the facility does list among it's personnel an Ecclesiastical presence, I can see if I can draw more details from the files. Lady Alekseevna, your proposal is a potentially sensible one, but I pose a question: would such negotiations not occur with the leaders of the Tadrian-Rex Consortium, who reside on Lo?"
Nalthos nodded in agreement with Caius... it was clear their superiors were not impressed with some of the questions. There were doubtless other questions that would be wise but he was happy with the maps.
"There are numerous reasons why a negotiator might end up at the mining facilities before going to Lo.
Idle curiosity of the idle rich, savvy business sense to inspect the holdings before negotiations, or simply having been blown of course somewhat due to warp errors.
As we have an adept of the machine cult in our midst, it would not be difficult to set up circumstance that would indicate an engine failure, without damaging the machine in reality of course, forcing a landing for emergency repairs."
It was not something Havelock liked to do, stepping in on someone else's plan, but he suspected that some interplay, and the ability work together like that might raise their estimation in the eyes of the senior agents.
"I concur with the negotiator team idea. We do need to make sure that our story is tight before we step onto the moon, of course, which we can discuss elsewhere."
Despite himself, Balthasar cracks smirk at Sevata's witty response. But as the others fall to take his lead in discussing their assets, he grows displeased.
"Discuss elsewhere? Perhaps I am remiss, but I assume the reason we have been called before these two agents is precisely to discuss the details of the mission and the manner in which we plan to see it carried out. I expect they will want to approve our plan to insure we don't embarrass our esteemed Lord.
"The negotiator team idea is interesting. Agent Murzher, is there a rival House that might be interested in circumventing the usual channels for such negotiation? Additionally, with regard to the mining operations, how are they restocked and resupplied? If the shipments of ore coming out have stopped, perhaps the shipment of supplies in is still expected?"
"Yes, discuss our capabilities and assets. Our seniors are well aware of this information, I have no doubt."
"If I may be so bold as to hazard a further guess, I'd say that they may wish to see what we can accomplish on our own merits, as it were."
Despite Interrogator Zoll's harsh judgment, Agent Murzher seems far more receptive to the continued discussion. "Brother Lagerfeuer, I am not sure I follow your meaning regarding a rival house on Lo - the mine is owned by House Tadrian through the Tadrian-Rex Consortium, so a rival house showing up uninvited would likely be viewed as an act of aggression. Were any such new relations to be cultivated, they would be done in the shadows of society planetside, not at a remote mining facility. As for supply deliveries, they are carried out on the return voyage by the cargo haulers that bring the ore - so lacking such a run, there is currently nothing going back."
After thinking on some of the other words for a few moments, he continues, "If the plan to pose as a delegate to negotiate on behalf of an offworld business partner seems to be your direction, I would be happy to have the requisite documentation and authorization codes pulled together. And Mr. Sholl, perhaps I misjudge, but your posture suggests you are holding back a thought. Is there something you'd like to ask?"
"Thank you Agent Murzher. Well as their resupply has been cutoff, their need for resources may be an angle we can exploit with this proposed cover."
"That is a solid point, Bal. Let their need blind them, at least enough to get us in the door."
Interrogator Zoll looks about your company, the previous scowl having faded into a look of reserved anticipation. "Well then, it would seem you all clearly understand your orders. I will leave you in the capable hands of Agent Murzher as you work out the details of your operation. Consult him should you have any further queries. Good day." And with a quick turn, he strides out the door of the chamber.
Murzher smiles at each of you. "I think you have a couple sound ideas from which to build your plan of action. The holo-table is loaded with the maps, as are these data-slates. I will be stepping just over there to continue to see to the arrangements regarding your transportation. The mistress of the ship is an accommodating woman, but protocol must be followed. Should you have any need of me, just come ask. Likewise, when you are ready, let me know." With a nod, he heads over to the cogitator bank where he begins speaking with a robed adept.
Cauis moved over to take a look at the maps on one of the data slates.
"Thank you, Agent Curator."
Julien strolls over to the table and picks up a dataslate at random to examine.
After thinking on some of the other words for a few moments, he continues, "If the plan to pose as a delegate to negotiate on behalf of an offworld business partner seems to be your direction, I would be happy to have the requisite documentation and authorization codes pulled together. And Mr. Sholl, perhaps I misjudge, but your posture suggests you are holding back a thought. Is there something you'd like to ask?"
"Sir. I was considering my position. Your time is more valuable than ours. I asked the pertinent question I had and you have provided the information for us to examine. I am holding back on frivolous questions, your insight would be beneficial to them but I am mindful of your time and importance of your other duties elsewhere. Sir."
Once their superiors have departed Naltos will speak regarding his skill set as he looks at the maps. "I was a member of the Imperial Guard from the hiveworld of Bront. The Brontian Longknives are known for their skill with bladed weapons though I can shoot my lasgun straight."
Nodding, Yelisaveta taps her lips in consideration. Hmm..., she furrows her brows, only for the analyst to chip in with a counterpoint quicker than she can. "Why, yes. Good point." Nodding, she summarises. "So the cover story is - we're part of a potential business partner, eager to open relations with House Tadrian, with particular interest in the average ore. Being business-savvy, we're looking to inspect the mine, before going to Lo. We'll need to convince whoever's in charge, but the lie should work for itself after that." A smile appears on her face. "As we say on Volg, aim high when you piss."
Her eyes accompany Zoll warily as he leaves the room, before turning back at Muhrzer, picking up a dataslate herself, before giving a glance at Naltus. The mutant has a vocabulary., she notes, the dataslate taking her attention once more.
Ptah picks up one of the data slates and his mechadendrite quickly swoops down from his shoulder, interfacing with the dataslate and loading the data directly to his subneural cogitators. As the data downloads he says, "If we are to play the part of an business group, I suppose I could take the role of their technical inspector, making sure that all facilities are up to full operational capacity. It could allow me access to parts of the facility that would be otherwise barred, especially if Mechanicum elements are present. A well placed word of the holy Cant goes a long way with my brothers and sisters far from the sacred forge worlds."
As Julien peers at the dataslate in his hands, he adds to the conversation between just the acolytes.
Though picters and vox-catchers surely wait ready nearby.
"The warp. The occult. The underworld - both mundane and cultish. My family were merchants and I learned something of that trade. Before I was hauled to Holy Terra, tested, and found not wanting - just yet. Oh, and I earned the rank of 'Golden Aeon'. It has a nice ring to it, but boils down to being luckier than most and the lightest manipulations of foe's bodies and memories. I can pass and make someone forget me or make them squeeze their trigger in a spasm. Those sort of things."
Julien puts down his dataslate, takes out his pack, and seizes a lho-stick, all in one flowing, well-practiced motion. He then points the rest of the half-full pack towards the others.
"I would rather pretend to be a bland administrative or commercia drone than show off my sanctioning brand. But I'm game for either. Lho?"
Bal?... Thinks an incredulous Balthasar at Julien's informality.
"While I consider myself blessed with command of the spoken word, I have little experience with deceitful covers. Perhaps my attendance is to insure the Ecclesiarchy's blessing on the new partnership. Who should we claim to be representing? For our story to hold weight we will require a more detailed back story."
Those reviewing either the dataslates or the holo-table find maps of the mining facility, detailing both it's extensive subterranean mine structure and it's surface facilities. The few above-ground structures are situated in a deep gorge, more than half a kilometer below the edge of the cliff walls of the massive ravine. Nestled on a plateau one hundred meters above the gorge floor, the space is dominated by the landing pad, a pair of warehouses, an external hangar, and a communications tower the crawls up the side of the gorge wall. Atop the gorge sit the four PDF weapons emplacements, with two on either side of the split. Just within the cliff wall lies a second hangar, behind which sit the Consortium offices and the processing facility for pre-departure ore refinement. Further in and down are the residential Habs, complete with amenities to keep the work crews entertained. The mines are accessed via a series of lifts sent into a central shaft, though further out secondary shafts offer similar support to the outwardly spreading facility.
"My name is Caius Grimn, and I am the sole remaining member of the House of Grimn. As you may have guessed from my uniform, I am indeed a member in good standing of the Adeptus Arbites. I am a seasoned investigator and was the reigning Shock Maul champion in my previous unit for the last 2 years I participated, until I was forced to step down from service for a while. After a time I was eventually reinstated and reassigned to work in the Inquisitor's glorious retinue."
Nalthos examined the maps. "If we use this deception we would have to use the landing pad or the hangar for departures. I suspect merchants arriving to make deals would be expected to arrive via the landing pad. It will be watched. The hangar is in the cliff wall."
"Note the four PDF weapon emplacements, no details here on their current load out. At a minimum I would anticipate at least heavy stubbers but I'd find autocannons more likely. A heavy stubber would make little impact on a flyer even a support craft. This approach would lead us into their fields of fire. I do not expect business as usual, this might lead us into a killzone."
Julien draws a brass lighter and puts its flame to the lho stick. He draws as he listens to the others speak.
"An exceptional pilot surely could avoid the worst of such firepower but even then it would be risky. Perhaps we could land outside of range and cite malfunction if questioned. More suspicion upon us but less risk of autocannons tearing us from the sky."
"I think it's a matter of appearances." offers Caius "They're likely going to detect us on their Auspex when we approach, and anyone on official business would just dock at the docking station instead of land away from the place, even if there was a mechancial issue. The administratum does love it's rules."
"If we land away from the complex, we immediately heap suspicion on ourselves, regardless of any story we might spin. I would suggest that we just land at the docks like bored Administratum. Ths mine has likely seen many such men and women, and will likely see more."
"Affirmative. We have no reason to suspect outright hostility. Data presented does not suggest aggression."
Ptah looks at the assembled group, "I am Ptah 7-Kappa, Enginseer and Explorator-Adept of the Adeptus Mechanicus. It seems as if we are to be working together, and the result of a favorable first impression was approximately 37.982% more likely with an indroduction."
"Fair points on the suspicion, Cai and Ptah. Oh yes, names. For those of you who do not know, I am Julien Lambert, formerly of Sinophia Magna, capital of Sinophia."
"You know what? It may well be less risky to approach as any trade delegation would. Then we infiltrate and slowly draw the noose around heretic necks."
Redesignating variable alpha as Caius Grimn, variable beta as Julien Lambert. Variables gamma through eta remain unaccounted for.
"I support infiltration as a trade delegation. The Lex Divina of Mur-Phy states that the only certainty of uncertainty is it's destructive potential."
"I likewise concur. We should be prepared for hostility, but provided those in charge have maintained some semblance of sanity, the proposed cover should allow us to approach unimpeded. If we are met immediately with violence, then at least we know that the facility has truly revolted."
"As for the manner of Roles, who among us is best suited to play the lead negotiator?"
"I believe that there are others likely better suited to the task." offers Caius.
"I know enough about misdirection and the ways of commerce to act as a plausible advisor but not for the forefront role."
"I'll be the negotiator.", Yelisaveta adds a moment later with a stern voice, pausing to glance if anyone objects. "I've actually been a part of negotiations in the past. And I've seen them go bloody, too."
Zimm had continued to listen to the blather and planning, until finally it seemed that a consensus had been reached...mostly. When the Commissar left, she picked up a dataslate and slaved it to her own, copying the data.
Then standing next to Yelisaveta, she shrugged, "None of that is what I do..." she says simply, looking aside to the Noble, "Yeh, so I'm to be yer bodyguard or somesuch? That's fine, I'm really here for when it goes bloody...." Her voice reveals how much she anticipates such an eventuality.
Havelock had faded back into the background after his initial input, and now quietly contemplated the mission ahead.
He hoped his silence might allow him to remain overlooked, as he didn't feel he had anything more to add at the time.
Plus, silent consent was sometimes all that was necessary.
"Good. Thank you Yeliseveta. We now have the foundations of our first plan in service to the Imperium. Now for phase two, we need to collect information for our cover and review the information available on our destination. Should we retire for private recollection and reconvene to share our findings?"
"Phase two gets my vote."
"I would suit best in the role of bodyguard." Nalthos added but gave no counterpoints to the concerns raised against his observations.
"It sounds like we have something of a plan coming together."
With the initial structure of your operation laid out, you each take leave of the chamber and return to your personal quarters to prepare yourself. You had known of the other operatives in the briefing, though I'd only personally interacted with a couple of them. 'A strange mix,' you think to yourself as you be in the process of packing. 'Who among them will you be able to trust? Who could be a liability?' Like yourself, they had each been selected by the Inquisitor to be a part of his retinue and to serve alongside you on this mission. You felt you had to trust his judgment, but some of them...
A few hours later, you find yourselves reassembled in the The Maiden's Quest's primary hangar, each with your personal kit slung over your shoulder or in bags at your feet. Several craft are tucked into large alcoves, while one has been drawn forth from its bay and is undergoing preparation by several crew members and servitors. A medium duty transport and cargo vessel, the ship is perhaps 40 meters tip to tail, with wide, stocky wings, along with two engines are mounted on either side.
Coming around the ship, apparently performing a cursory inspection, you spot Agent Murzher. Noticing your assembled company, he smiles and approaches. "Glad to see you are all ready for departure. Captain Zartenova has lent the use of one of her Taurus class transports. It is a sturdy, capable craft with a lengthy range and sufficient, if spartan, quarters that will accommodate your team and present the concept of a merchant seeking business. After some consideration, I have had the authentication coded as belonging to Clan Othriad of Laskin. The planet suffered from terrible storms following a rage of volcanic activity ten years back. This caused political, social, and economic upheaval, and the planet is still finding its new balance. As such, it would not be unexpected for such a merchant house to be seeking new opportunities. And, their current state of unrest and edge meets the dynamic of Lady Alekseevna's general disposition."
Gesturing back at the Taurus, he continues. "While The Maiden's Quest is currently on the outskirts of the Drusus Marches, it will be easier on your craft to piggyback for a few days upon Rex Orpheus, a giant cargo transport moving across the subsector. Your presence on that vessel will corroborate your identities as well, should efforts be made to backcheck them. If their details are all correct, we will be passing within 2000 km of them shortly, allowing you to ferry first to them, then in three days toward Kadenar. With this transport will come a pilot, as well as servitors to support him in the execution of his duties as your chauffeur. Any last questions before you set out?"a
When Caius reunites with the group, he is wearing nondescript dark gray street clothing and has his hair slicked back with a seriously large amount of gel. a pack of lho sticks in the upper pocket of his shirt, and a look best described as 'I will snap your spine in half'.
A massive stub revolver hung from his hip, and he carried a large duffelbag.
Nalthos stands at attention with a strap over his shoulder clipped to an unusual lasgun with two charge packs and a bayonet. Holstered at his waste is a solid projectile pistol and a large knife. A second smaller knife is strapped to his thigh. He's wearing guardsman quality flak armour but it has no regimental markings and seems like munitorum surplus... it of course has a ubiquitous aquila on it's surface. A scarf around his neck conceals the explosive collar... he wonders who amongst his compatriots would be given the detonator...
Julien walks with his steady pace into the hanger, once again a lit lho between his fingers and still wearing the heavy robes from earlier.
However, an observant watcher might spot that the robe seems a little bulkier now and not just from the dull brown pack on Julien's back. His pockets are fuller and the revolver holster visible on his belt is also quite noticeable.
He walks over to join his colleagues, a nod of recognition, as he has raised his lho to his lips.
*******************
"Agent Curator. Clan Othriad of Laskin it is. Is the pilot cleared to know much of the mission brief, or any? What is their name?"
As your company gathers silently and expectantly, the agent curator perks up at Julian's question. "Ah, yes. Helmsman first class Pagee Fram. Having seen the downfall of others of her kind, the mistress of this vessel has seen fit to have all of her senior officers, as well as anyone with vital duties, to undergo mental conditioning to make them rather resistant to outside probing and manipulation. The helmsman will only consciously acknowledge you under your cover identities. Should you need further of him, instruct him that the situation has become a bungled mess, and he will be able to support and what manner he has available."[b]
Stepping back, he takes stock of you before suddenly remembering a bag at his hip. From it he produces a stack of small dataslates, each with a couple items taped to it. [B]"The compact data slates contain the map file s as currently logged with the Administratum. These smaller units have limited capacity, but should be able to kept on your person relatively unnoticed. I've also included identification to corroborate your cover story. Now, onward you go."
Boarding the craft, you find your way through the hold then into the central passenger berth past the cabins. The cabins themselves are little more than cells, four in total, each with three stacked bunks and a similar set of three large cabinets stacked adjacent. The central passenger berth contains basic amenities needed for extended travel, including cooking facilities, a cogitator on a desk in the corner, a large table where twelve could gather, and a small rec space. Beyond, there is a door leading into the cockpit which stands ajar, and a tawny-skinned man can be seen working at the console. At the sound of your entrance, he turns back, "Greetings all. Lady Othriad, I trust you and your companions are ready for the jump to the Rex Orpheus then on to your final destination."
"Let me know when we arrive." commands Caius before disappearing into one of the rooms. Inside, he puts his duffel at the foot of the bed and then lays out on the bunk.
Ptah stows his gear in one of the lockers and takes a seat in the central room. It would take some time to reroute his subneural cogitators to his cover identity, Enginseer Macharius, mumbling psalmic equations all the while.