Sea of Stars
+++Episode 1+++
OOC Thread
The Manticore's Sting was not a small ship, not at all; it measured a full two kilometres from stem to stern, and was home to over fifteen thousand souls. One could spend years exploring, and never see all of its corridors. The vast, cramped halls snaked their way throughout the ship, some dark, some well-lit, some unseen for decades. This ship was the last vessel of the Absalom dynasty, and its history was one of blood. Now, though, the ship was quiet, as it headed slowly towards Footfall. The passage back through the Maw had been harrowing, but thankfully uneventful: even at warp, the Sting was faster than most. But now they had arrived, back to Koronus, back where things had gone so wrong. Those of the crew who remembered hoped that this time would be different.
Footfall was a wretched hive of scum and villainy, the worst sort of stellar rat-warren imagineable. It was also the first port of call for everyone headed through the Maw to Koronus. That was true here, even if some would rather it not be, for the simple fact of the message. The astropaths had recieved it only a week ago, an invitation from another Rogue Trader: Lord Captain Kade Jonell, scion of one of the innumerable dynasties that sought to make their fortunes in the expanse. Captain Jonell had sent it with a fairly urgent priority code and, somewhat unusually, he had sent it specifically to them. One of the few people who both knew what the Manticore's Sting was, and didn't seem to mind.
"Captain Absalom," the message ran. "I've heard of your ship, and I've heard you're an honourable sort. I've something of a business proposition to make, but I'd prefer to make it in person. My ship, the Mailed Fist, will be putting in at Footfall for resupply in eight days time. We'll remain there for several days, and I do hope you'll give me the pleasure of your company during our stay."
That was all. It wasn't much, but it was an opportunity, and the choice of rendezvous was promising. Footfall was designated neutral ground for voidships. Nobody would be stupid enough to try an ambush there, of all places. There was the slight possibility that it was a trap, but there would be plenty of chances to scout the field beforehand. The Fist wasn't due for another day, Macharius' ship having made exceptional time.