"She's One of Ours, Sir."- Rogue Trader IC

[vampire2948]

Novia returns to her quarters on the ship, and tells Walter to bring her some tea, then starts to organise the people that she'll be leaving at the port.

They're to buy a small business to hide themselves in, and keep a record of all ships that come to and leave the port, and try to send this information to me where possible.
I leave behind ten of our soldiers with them to look after them, and have them all change their uniforms to something very different.

She also looks up the ships currently in port, to try to work out the following:
- Is it unusual for a cruiser or larger ships to dock?
- Are there any here presently?

[Askaris]

Novia:

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Cruisers and larger ships aren't uncommon in the port, being the last bastion of the Imperium before the Koronus Expanse; many rogue traders will pass through this port, and a fair few will own ships of significant stature.

At the moment, there are three cruisers docked here (Dawnrazor, Lark Descending, Aggressive Negotiations), along with a naval battleship (His Indomitable Will). None of these are in the name of Hadarak Fel.

Jakov:

Dray looks at you for a long moment, gazing over a glass of amber fluid, appearing to mull over your words. Finally, he speaks.

"Well, to get one thing clear, no, I didn't participate in any of the misfortunes that have beset you since meeting me. Think I made my reasons why clear in port. Can't really blame you for arriving at that conclusion though."

"However... Well, it's possible that I might've let something slip a few years back; too much rotgut loosens a man's tongue, and that... was a bad night. Bad thoughts drowned by worse booze. Someone might've got me talking, might've let out why I've been here all this time. No point them stealing the casket, because only members of your family could open it. Guess they just decided to bide their time, until someone turned up to do the job for them."

He drains his glass, his expression deadpan, staring into his own personal void.

"Remember seeing people glancing at me ever so often, like they were trying not to look. Thought I just looked worse than average for this hellhole. Never joined the dots, never thought they were watching me. Damn fool, I was."

[Red Cortez]

"You're a fool alright," Red huffed, rolling her eyes. "I can't decide whether you're lying or you really are that dense."

[Captain_Pants]

At Red's interruption, Jakov sits back on the sofa and gazes at Red for a few moments before speaking.
"Crewman Cortez, Mr. Dray is my personal guest. He has been through a terribly hard time, he is under a great deal of pressure, and I would be grateful if you might exercise a little tact in this matter and treat him with the courtesy he deserves. I will judge his stories for myself. All I require from you for now is that you remain vigilant. Thank you."

He turns back to dray and nods understandingly.

"Pay Madam Cortez no heed, Orbest. I appreciate your elaboration. You understand my concern, of course. The timing has been most unfortunate, certainly, but if I can trust you, my earlier offer still stands - You are entitled to take a position as a crewman aboard this ship. You may lend your hand wherever you will, provided you report to me at the beginning and end of every day. You will remain my guest until we next make port, and from there you may decide whether you wish to stay with us or leave for your own ends. Have no fear, though. Your wage will be yours to do what you wish with, regardless of what you may choose to do."

Jakov rises from the sofa with his glass of amasec and strides before Dray. Drawing himself up, he extends a hand.

"Are we agreed, Able Voidsman Dray? Will you serve aboard the good ship One of Ours under the honourable Zvarro name again, until such time as you may go your own way?"

[Askaris]

Novia:

Spoiler

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Make a +0 profit factor check to buy the cover business; commerce rolls, plus any other applicable bonuses (not seal nor etiquette, nor scale modifiers) apply. Base profit factor is 43.

Jakov:

Dray gazes at your extended hand, then shakes it.

"Yessir. If it's fine by you, I'd like to work with your guards; used to be a security officer back on your grandfather's ship."

He gets up to leave, then turns back.

"Thanks for trusting me, by the way."

[Captain_Pants]

Jakov nods at Dray's sentiment.

"Certainly. If you feel up to it, you may report to the armoury for outfitting and head down to the brig. We have a fair number of captives to keep under observation. Of course, you have no obligation today. We shall start your duties officially upon the morrow. As for the matter of trust, think nothing of it, old boy. Do not let me down, and we shall have no worries. Oh, and Voidsman Dray? If you should find yourself troubled at all, do not hesitate to come to me. Can't have your morale sink too low, what?"

As soon as Dray leaves, whenever that may be, Jakov addresses Red.

"Madam Cortez, remain with me, if you will. I have a few matters to see to, and then I would have you accompany me to the brig. We have prisoners to address."

He picks up his vox-caster, and contacts the mess officers.

"All mess officers on active duty, this is the Captain speaking. Note that all crew are on double rations tonight for their vigilance in fending off our earlier interlopers."

He then switches the frequency to match Novia's comm.

"Lady Ephrael, I believe it is time. As soon as your business has been conducted, I would request your presence at the brig."

[Red Cortez]

Red looked ruffled at the scolding but nodded and bowed her head briefly in respect. Slouching a little against the wall, she pouted and drummed her fingers against her bolter.

Returning to full height as the conversation drew to a close, she stepped aside to allow Dray to pass her. She held her tongue against any comment to the man. Something about him unsettled her but she couldn't place it, deciding instead to keep a close eye on his activities. Pushing the thought away, she sauntered forward to the Captain's side looking much happier at the prospect of 'attending' to the prisoners.

"Shall we head to the brig Cap?"

[vampire2948]

Replying to Jakov:
"Yes, my Lord. I am on my way now."

Novia leaves her room wearing her normal formal attire and powersword, followed by Walter carrying one of the ship's medical kits, and a chess board with set of pieces. She heads for the brig.

[Askaris]

Jakov:

As Dray leaves, your comm goes off. Akadia comes in, sounding a little strained.

"Prisoners are clear Boss, no wires on them. Not getting any EM chatter from the spirits of any cybernetics either. There's a few trace psy amp parts in the bo- in what's left of the body you sent up, but given the state of it, I doubt you'll need to worry yourself over that. Speaking of which, trying to identify whoever this was is going to be more or less impossible with what's left over. Can't even do dental records, the way the head's... well, exploded."

There is a pause.

"...Also, hate to be a bother, but could you give me a bit more warning before asking me to do an autopsy on a mangled corpse? Getting a body bag of assorted giblets dumped at your feet tends to throw you off balance a bit."

[vampire2948]

Profit Factor Check : Assuming I'm doing this right.
DC 43 +0:

(1d100)[89]

[Askaris]

Novia:

Spoiler

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Sadly, all business owners refuse to sell their shops within acceptable prices: for now, your troops must have another front.

Also, where are both the crate of books, and the contents within?

[vampire2948]

Spoiler

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The books are taken to an appropriate storage area close to my quarters.

[Captain_Pants]

As Jakov receives Akadia's transmission, he smiles contentedly and replies.

"Fantastic news, my dear woman. Capital job. Though my hands have been particularly full in the wake of the intrusion, I can only apologise for the lack of notice regarding the deceased's remains. You are free to stand down until such time as we are voidborne. Your hard work has not gone unnoticed."

After ceasing transmission, Jakov marches to the brig with Red in tow and, once arriving, greets Novia and the guards on duty.

"Lady Ephrael, a pleasure to see you again. I hope all is well now your trials in port have been resolved. Able Voidsmen, at ease. I trust the prisoners have been well-kept. Lady Ephrael, Madam Cortez and I are here to drill them on their options as our captives. Nobody is to enter or exit the brig unless I give the order, understood? Very good. As you were, men."

The doors to the brig slide open and Jakov steps in. Whenever Red and Novia may follow, the doors close behind them. Jakov surveys the captives and observes the state they are in and notes their reactions to the Lord Captain, Seneschal and bounty hunter. He strides forward with his hands behind his back, his chest puffed out, and his head held high as he booms his message to the prisoners.

"Gentlemen, I am Lord Captain Jakov Zvarro. These are my associates, Lady Novia Ephrael and the renowned bounty hunter Red Cortez, and you are our prisoners. I am already acquainted with two of you, and I understand Lady Ephrael is acquainted with the last. You are guilty of having made attempts on the lives of myself and my crew, gentlemen, and as a bearer of the Warrant of Trade, I can safely say any other man of my station would have you put to death immediately for such a crime. However, you have information I desire, and I am a man of reason and honour. I am willing to offer each of you the opportunity to come forward and confess to me any and all information regarding your employer or employers, your purpose aboard my vessel, and what your employer desires with my possessions. Those who do choose to share a satisfactory degree of information will be spared and granted a choice: You may be conscripted into the Imperial Guard and serve the good grace of The Emperor, or you may serve the greater interests of the Imperium via a life of toil on the agri-world Ntharis.
However, should you refuse to cooperate, I am afraid your fate is no longer in my hands. We require the information you hold, and if you will not share it freely, you shall be forced to do so at the hands of one of my companions. Regretfully, should this eventuality arise, your survival cannot be guaranteed."

Jakov falls silent and allows his words to sink in. After a minute of waiting, he speaks again.

"I trust I have made myself clear. Does any man wish to volunteer?"

[vampire2948]

When our Rogue Trader mentions survival not being guaranteed, Novia adjusts the strap of the medic's kit on her shoulder and stares at various places on the captives' bodies, smiling slightly.

[Askaris]

Jakov, Red and Novia:

One of the prisoners, who has been giving Jakov terrified glances during his speech, finally cracks.

"Okay, okay! I'll tell you everything I know!"

Suffice to say, his fellows do not appear to be entirely pleased with him, particularly the one sporting a black eye from the incident in the Captain's quarters.

[Captain_Pants]

As the terrified prisoner comes forward, Jakov nods at him approvingly and patches his comm to the ship's security frequency.

"I need two voidsmen to arm themselves and report to the brig, post-haste. You are to relieve two of the on-duty guards. You will be subjected to confirmation of identity by the men you will be relieving, myself and Lady Ephrael."

He then strolls to the door and issues orders to two of the guards posted outside the door.

"Men, kindly escort this gentleman to my quarters. See to it that he is cuffed and secured, but do not manhandle him. Offer him a drink- Nothing hard- and something to eat and see that he is comfortable. I shall interrogate him once we have attended to his comrades."

Whenever the relief might arrive, and if the identity check comes up positive, Jakov turns back to the two silent captives.

"Very well. Guards? Lady Ephrael, Madam Cortez and I shall be retiring to interrogation chamber 1. You, sir. The one who intruded upon my quarters. You will be accompanying us. Front and centre."

[emi-chan]

Keris, left to her own devices, wanders the ship and watches the crew members scuttle about. She ponders Lady Nov-Ephrael and the other crew member's attitude to her. 'It can't possibly be me,' she mutters. She strokes the fabric of her headband, likingthe feeling of fabric between her fingers- a bad habit, but one she simply hasn't been able to break. Anyone that notices nearby may become a little nervous, but her hand drops away and she continues to stride around.

Keris wants to hunt out Ephrael for the map, but given her tone of voice through the 'com, Keris decides to walk around for a bit longer, hoping to bump into her rather than hurrying to a conversation.



(OOC: coursework and new meds are taking up all my effort right now, i'm going to try to to post and get more involved in rt )

[Askaris]

Jakov:

"Thanks boss, think I might need it." There is a click as the connection is terminated.

Jakov, Red and Novia:

Your orders are carried out efficiently; the shaking man is escorted off to your quarters, the relieving guards check out as being legitimate crewmen, and finally the black-eyed prisoner is hauled into Interrogation Room 1, the sniper being left to stew. The prisoner appears to be trying to eyeball you with his good eye, a show of belligerence indicative of either extreme bravery or a distinct lack of intellect. Given the events of today, you are inclined to believe the latter.

Astrianna:

You heard the Captain call for Lady Ephrael to aid with the interrogation of the prisoners. You doubt that she'll be amenable to interruption until that unpleasant business is over, thus making acquiring that map awkward. You could always take the opportunity to familiarise yourself with the ship, or talk to the remaining, unoccupied command crew; Void Master Macharius is currently on the bridge, while Explorator Ramirez is presumably either in her quarters, or the enginarium.

Alternatively, you could familiarise yourself with the vessel, or return to the Navigator's quarters (specifically designed and located to allow the occupant to observe the stars), or any other of the myriad options available aboard a void ship. What do you do?

Tristram:

What is taking so long? The void is right there, looking ever so inviting, yet still it is within port that you must tarry. How bothersome.

Still, plenty to do in the meantime. But what to do?

[vampire2948]

"My Lord - I will begin with the second prisoner, if I may. I would prefer to work alone."

When Jakov approves this, she says to the guards with the sniper prisoner:

"Take him inside the second interrogation chamber. I have some orders to give, then I will join you. Leave his hands free, but I want his legs and chest restrained."

Walter enters also, and begins making a pot of tea, taking the medical kit and chess set with him.

She then clicks on her comm.
To Tristiam:
"Pilot Tristiam. We have no need to remain in the port, and it would be unwise to do so, you notify the port of our departure and take us out. Put us in orbit around the nearest gas giant and await further commands from myself or Lord Zvarro to either return to the port or enter the warp, the navigator should you with a route soon enough."

To the guards who brought the maps:
"Well done, men. Take the maps to wherever the Navigator Astrianna is and leave them with her. Tell her I want a course plotted and presented to the pilot and other appropriate crew as soon as sub-humanly possible."


Assuming all replies are to her satisfaction, Novia puts a hand on the hilt of her power sword and walks into the interrogation room.

"So, you won't talk? Unwise choice for one in your position. I am sure you'll come to regret it in a few minutes. But do you resist out of being too low to actually know anything that would satisfy the questions you imagine I'll ask, out of loyalty, or because you think you'll not be let off this ship regardless of what you say?"

She sits opposite the man, and pours two cups of tea into cups.

[Askaris]

Novia:

Over your micro-bead, the guards respond;

"Affirmative, m'lady. Should be done soon."

The bound sniper eyes you for a moment, then speaks, a long, drawn out drawl, reminiscent of the gunslingers of Gunmetal City.

"Don't know what questions you're going to ask, and ain't in the mood for speculation. Death's probable, but ain't like that's anything new. And loyalty? Ma'am, I'm a mercenary; got one loyalty, and that's to coin." He shrugs. "Truth is, I ain't said anything because my current employer's offered me a pretty penny, and all you've offered is threats. Care to raise your offer?"

[Captain_Pants]

(Retroactive response to Novia's request to interrogate the sniper alone) -

Spoiler

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Jakov mulls the question over for a moment, and then nods.
"Of course, my Lady. He has refused the honourable choice. His safety is forfeit."

Jakov makes his way to the interrogation chamber and seats himself opposite the prisoner. Without taking his eyes off him, he requests of Red speaks in a very sombre tone.

"Madam Cortez, if you would secure the door. You. I have given you the chance to make the right and honourable choice, and you have refused. I consider this to be an insult, Sir. Moreso than violating my ship and making an attempt on my life. I had a mind to give you a second chance, but your blind defiance has robbed me of any such kindness. As such, I'm going to offer you one last choice. We still require everything you know, and you will share it. I mean to allow you to choose the manner."

He stands up and walks behind the prisoner before placing his hands upon the captive's shoulders.

"You may take the swift option- that is, remain here with Madam Cortez and submit to her questioning- Or you may return to the brig and wait for Lady Ephrael to finish with your associate. The choice is entirely yours."

[emi-chan]

Keris' feet bring her to the bridge. She hunts out Void Master Macharius, nods to gain his attention, and greets him, 'Any news, Void master?'

[vampire2948]

"Well, I don't really need to raise on his offer, since I'll be the one effectively giving it to you if I allow you to go - You can just think of that as my offer already, in addition to your life - Which makes me ahead of your current employer by however much you value your life.

But, before that unpleasantness, how about a game of chess?"

She begins setting up the pieces without looking at them.

"And, to make it interesting - If you beat me, we will return you to Port Wander in the state you are now, with a pocketful of thrones as compensation. Prefer to be white or black?"

When she is done setting them up, she settles back to her chair and sips at her drink.

[Askaris]

Novia:

The man looks surprised, then considers.

"White. White goes first, right?"

Spoiler

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Regarding the game, you need to make an opposed logic check (basic skill, int based). Being a member of House Ephrael, you receive a +30 bonus on this check (your house insignia is not a knight for nothing).

Jakov and Red:

The prisoner's eyes go wide; he looks at Red for a moment, appears to be on the verge of trying his luck with Novia, then recalls her pointed gestures with the medkit, along with her earlier threats. With a tone of genuine fear as he is caught between a rock and a hard place, he whimpers, "Stay here, not the other one!"

Red:

Spoiler

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To do an interrogation, ask him a question and roll an interrogation check (willpower based). If you get more degrees of success than him (even if you fail the check, he can still fail harder), you get an answer; however, if you fail the test too hard, you may genuinely hurt him, and may even make him resistant to future "interviews".

[vampire2948]

Novia smiles to herself:
"Indeed it does."

And reminds him of the basic rules of chess, win conditions, and how each piece moves. Then waits for him to make his first move.

Int Check - (1d100)[16] - DC (43*0.5) int + 30 bonus = 52

"Take your time over your moves." she says, pouring herself some more tea.

[Captain_Pants]

Jakov removes his hands from the fearful man's shoulders and sighs.

"So be it."

He walks to the door, but before opening it he touches Red on the shoulder and says, with his back to the prisoner but loud enough for him to hear, "His survival is preferable, but not paramount. Report your findings and the prisoner's ultimate condition to me when he has told you as much as he can. Work well, Madam Cortez."

The door slides open, and Jakov strides through the ship's passages with a stony expression, leaving behind whatever unpleasantness may happen thereafter. He arrives as his cabin and salutes the door guards, enters, and approaches his guest.

"Sir, I will make no pretence about my opinion of you. I believe you to be a damned coward with such poor judgement as to attack a Rogue Trader in the sanctity of his own vessel with a force of three men. Regardless, I appreciate that, for whichever reason, you took the sensible option and submitting willingly to my questioning. Should either of your companions survive their interrogations, they will attest that my approach is far more preferable. We shall start with the simpler questions. Answer for me these three: What is your name? What is the name of your employer? Did my guards follow my instructions and provide for you the ordered amenities?"

[PanNarrans]

"[COLOR="Silver"]"Pilot Tristram. We have no need to remain in the port, and it would be unwise to do so, you notify the port of our departure and take us out."

Tristram grins as the Novia's order crackles from the comm. ''Right away, Seneschal Ephrael.''

''Voidsmen. Our moment has arrived,'' he says, reaching for the vox handset.

''Port Wander Authorities, Port Wander Authorities, this is Rogue Trader vessel She's One of Ours Sir, She's One of Our's Sir. We will departing immediately. Please advise small shipping of our planned maneuver. We are not equipped with chemical maneuvering rocketry, and will be engaging plasma drives from the outset. Please acknowledge.''

His hand jabs sharply at the frequency control.

''Miss Ramirez! Seneschal Ephrael has given us the order to launch. Let's see how this warbird flies.'

''All crew, all crew. This is your new pilot, Tristram Macharius speaking. we are launching immediately; make ready for the void. Release all connections with the port. The Emperor protects.'''

Tristram turns to his assembled subordinates.
''Watch me closely; stay my hand if I'm making a mistake. I don't know this ship, and she may surprise me.''

With that he steps smartly to the ornate wheel and lets his hands scurry over the controls. As he works through the sequence, he moves in staccato bursts as he presses buttons, flip switches and adjusts dials, briefly awaits a diagnostic response or updates his mental model of the ship's workings, and formulates the next required action in the light of his findings. His arms resemble nothing more than the segmented mouthparts of the krill in a vat of hivefeed, moving in frenetic bursts in between lulls in the artificial current.

Preliminaries dealt with, he finally focuses on the levers that control the retrojets.

''To the void!'' He pulls one down a fraction of a millimetre, expecting the hot plasma breath of the ship to push them slowly away from port.

Spoiler

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Rolling Pilot (Spacecraft) against an Agility of 57: (d100)[100]

Edit: holy ****. LUCKILY it turns out I didn't actually need to roll. For the best, I think we can all agree.

[Captain_Pants]

Jakov starts as the ship begins moving. He excuses himself from his captive and walks to the vox-caster before asking briskly, "This is Lord Captain Zvarro. Who authorised our departure?"

[PanNarrans]

"Seneschal Ephrael ordered our departure, Lord Captain. I am instructed to take the ship into orbit around the nearest gas giant and then await further orders."

Tristram glances over his shoulder as Keris reaches the bridge.
"Greetings once again, Navigator. We're finally underway; I believe the Seneschal will want you to plot a course soon."

He eagerly awaits a response from the ships engines.

Posting from my phone; will add formatting later.

[Captain_Pants]

Jakov sighs with relief. At least the order came from a trusted member of his crew. "Thank you, Voidmaster Macharius. Godspeed. The Emperor Protects."

Jakov puts down the vox-caster and switches his personal comm to contact Novia.

"Lady Ephrael, as my most trusted delegate, I have no issue with you issuing sound courses of action in my stead. I would, of course, prefer that you inform me if the urgency prevents you awaiting approval. Regardless, a wise move. As you were, my Lady."

When the signal closes, he assumes his authoritative stance and turns his attention back to the captive.

"Do continue, Sir."