Imperator Non Inridetur

[ArcturusV]

Quint frowned at the cleric slightly as he stepped forward. Eventually he shook his head, "Nay, I did not refer to you, noble soul," he told the Cleric from the ship, "But another who does not have the fortitude to bring themselves before the light of the Emperor."

[runestone]

Gaius tries to hide his embarrassment as bows and withdraws "My apologies, I must be even more marked by the journey than I had thought. I will not hinder your noble task further"

[Vexing]

Spoiler: At the Shrine

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"I'm sure he meant no offense, Sirrah. It is good that you've come, if the Emperor led you." Fully alert and awake, the jacket struggle in the background is observed and then immediately forgotten as she turns to Quint and Gaius anew. Something of interest! "I regret that I'm only an initiate, but I will assist your wayward soul in whatever manner I can." She flushes slightly, nodding. "I am the unworthy Anna Trager, and...you, Sir? You're in the robes of the Ecclesiarchy, so perhaps you could take my post whilst I assist your comrade? How is it that you two know each other?" Now that her curiosity has been aroused, it's apparent that she's starved for contact and absolutely bubbly with the thought of being of use.

Spoiler: Office of the Arbites

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"As you like it. You must be in with the new unit then," the reception officer responds as he instructs a cadet to fetch the Investigatory Head. "We'll get you set up right quick, no mistake. Where's your mates, hm? They pop off to get lazy, or just to get the lay of the Gate?"

The persons of interest in the offices mostly seem to be a few unlicensed merchants awaiting fines, a man who is clearly under the influence of obscura being tugged along to interrogation, and a viciously bruised duo of men in laborer's clothes. "Malcontents," the reception officer helpfully provides. Tiranthe's keen eyes spot a crudely stylized arrow, a charm(?) of some kind being held by one of the two men as his head is bowed in prayer. The other has a similar one, but tucked into the cuff of his sleeve, out of view...save yours.

Spoiler: Kestrel

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"What?! No!" The man waves his grubby, calloused hands about. "Swear I weren't, guv! I was jes' watchin' the gal, no 'arm innit. Innit?" He reaches back for his jacket before you've really managed to make headway, fumbling for the pockets. The commotion spills out a chrono, a few lho-sticks, and a fingerbone charm carved into a crude arrow-shape, which he scrambles to start picking up.

[ArcturusV]

"I had the honor of sharing a vessel with the Cleric, though we did not get too much time to know one another, what with the demands of travel and the dangers of the warp, as I'm sure you understand. He was far too busy tending to the flock and keeping almost all of us safe."

Quint nodded glumly, still not entirely over the 'trauma' that was warp travel, and so recently as well. He glanced over at his Cleric companion, hoping at the man would understand the usefulness of him manning this shrine for a bit. How people approached him might tell him quite a bit about the rumors of the holy Ecclessiarchy causing unrest within the stations. Or it might not. Either way, it did not hurt to try.

Quint reached for Anna's hands, clasping them together and holding them closer to his chest as he solemnly looked into the young novice's eyes, "No soul is unworthy who devotes themselves to the Emperor and his causes, and by the end of this day, as the philosopher Garreth Tam said. I can see the light of the Emperor inside you, you are most worthy for this task."

[runestone]

"It is good to meet you, Sister Trager. I am Gaius Eckman, a simple novice in the service of the Emperor, and it would be a great honor to tend the shrine in your absence, Sister"

He nods towards Quint "Alas, my travel companion may be to kind, I should have been able to do better, and I would be grateful to stay here and pray for forgiveness for this lapse, if you would go and help save this unfortunate soul"

"Before you leave, would you be kind enough to tell me about the faith of the people of these stations? Is it strong? Are they troubled?When you return, I would like to present myself before the local head of the Imperial Cult. Would you tell me who that is and where to find him?"

[LeSwordfish]

Feisty Felid

Spoiler

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Annie tried not to look too openly disdainful as she looked around the bar. It hardly seemed to be a hub for illegal activities, though you never knew. It might still be good.

She crossed to the bar and tapped a coin on it. "Bottle of that, aye. And I've been off-station for a while, so tell me what i've missed. Any good punch-ups?"

[Idares]

"As you like it. You must be in with the new unit then," the reception officer responds as he instructs a cadet to fetch the Investigatory Head. "We'll get you set up right quick, no mistake. Where's your mates, hm? They pop off to get lazy, or just to get the lay of the Gate?"

Tirantine scowls as the arbite mentions the group. "The whereabouts of my men and I are none of your business Constable, it would do you and your fellows well to keep that in mind." He looks away and then notices the criminals, more importantly the brawler duo. "Malcontent? Why?"

He focuses on the little arrow trinket trying to discern its origin or purpose.

Spoiler

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Common Lore (Imperial Creed) vs 35
Forbidden Lore (Heresy) vs 35

[GoodDocJones]

"Allow me."

Every bit of that makes it clear Kestrel isn't asking permission. The rough, scarred hand reaches down and scoops up the charm. His eyes examine it before offering it to the man. "So you are watching the novice cleric. Why?"

[Vexing]

Spoiler: At the Shrine

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Perhaps thinking it too prideful to respond to Quint's praise, Anna instead addresses Gaius. "Our faith is strong, and our troubles are...small." She hesitates for a moment before shaking her head and continuing. "There is one other thing, Sir Gaius. I was reassigned here from the Mortuarium to await our newest Adept transfers. They're to look for this shrine; if they arrive before we haven't yet returned, beg of them to wait for us." She manages a tired smile. "Father Schaff guides our hands and steels our hearts. I could try to arrange an introduction, if you would be patient."

Finally, adjusting the tie of her robes, she offers a respectful bow to Quint. "Elder...what is your name, again? I would be more than happy to assist you. Ave Imperator!"

Spoiler: Frisky Felid

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The sullen-looking bartend sets a bottle of brownish looking liquid on the counter without making eye contact. "Small riot on Trifectus, refineries. Had a bust-up here with the 'Bites over congregating. Some boys are still in lock-up. Your friend drinking, or leaving?"

Spoiler: Office of the Arbites

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The air all but chills noticeably after Tiranthe's first words, and the Reception Officer's eyes narrow. "If you're the requested reinforcements, then I have every right to know where your squad is. Officer Tiranthe." As he opens his mouth to presumably add injury to insult, a one of the heavily plated doors behind him slides open. The recruit has returned, gesturing to Tiranthe. "Investigator Yosuun will see you now, Officer! Step right on through!"

Spoiler: Kestrel

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"You's not an 'Bite, so why's you askin'?", he snaps, snatching back his baubles. After a moment of scowling and fuming, he takes back his jacket as well. "I fancies 'er. An' what's yer grandfather doin' wiff 'er anyhow?"

[GoodDocJones]

"My grandfather is dead," Kestrel replied, unflinchingly, scowling, "And it's polite to let someone finish their work when they offer to help you." Sighing, he looked back to her. "She looks exhausted. What's wrong with her?"

[runestone]

"Certainly. I am sure the new adepts will be happy to have a moment in contemplation and prayer while they wait for your return. And I would be grateful if you would introduce me to father Schaff when your other duties are done. Ave imperator!"

[qechua]

Spoiler: Frisky Felid

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The moment Akadia had walked into this 'establishment', she'd been distracted by the people, convinced they were all looking at her. She heard Annie and the bar tender talking, but couldn't quite focus on it. The silence from the pair, however, got her attention. Turning to the bar, she scanned over the mass of unmarked bottles, none looking quite like the drinks she was used to.

Sorry, rough shipping in and haven't been dust-side for a while. Pointing at Annie's mysterious bottle, Akadia continued I'll have another of those.

[LeSwordfish]

Frisky Felid

Spoiler

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"Congregating?" Annie said sourly. "What, we can't even stand next to each other now?" She laughed at her own joke, and slapped Akadia on the back. "We'll have to drink together from the opposite ends of the bar, eh."

"These punch-ups, they always had the same few guys at the centre of them when I was here. Old... what's his name. Was whatsisface involved in this or did the slippery bugger escape?"

[ArcturusV]

Quint nodded, and offered his arm to the Novice, "Quint Ignace Murcatio," he introduced himself to Anna, with a slight bow of respect towards the would be future confessor. If Anna took up his arm, he'd start leading her away from the shrine, "It is in good hands with your brother Cleric, worry not."

"It is truly good to find so many blessed souls here. How did you find your calling to the Emperor's light?" Quint asked as he lead on deeper into the station, getting away from the Docking Ports, and heading towards an area of hab-blocks and flop houses for crew ratings and other low born on the station.

[Idares]

Spoiler: Office Arbites

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The air all but chills noticeably after Tiranthe's first words, and the Reception Officer's eyes narrow. "If you're the requested reinforcements, then I have every right to know where your squad is. Officer Tiranthe." As he opens his mouth to presumably add injury to insult, a one of the heavily plated doors behind him slides open. The recruit has returned, gesturing to Tiranthe. "Investigator Yosuun will see you now, Officer! Step right on through!"

As Tirantine is called away, he drops a last comment to the upset Arbite. "Enjoy Officer"

He makes his way to the Investigator's office.

[Vexing]

Spoiler: At the Shrine/Quint

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At least for the time being, Gaius, things pass on by slowly. Faithful come in, faithful pray, faithful bugger off to get to their respective tasks. For a less faithful man, it might be described in a blasphemous manner: boring.

"I'm glad that you think so, Sir Quint. I originally come from Port Suffering; have you ever been to Iocanthus?" She eagerly takes your arm and, even while following, seems to sweep you along with her. "It's a ghastly, horrid place. I was chosen to spread the Emperor's Light...and here I am, tending to the souls of the stations. Um, well, their bodies, mostly...where is the one in need?", she asks, rubbernecking shamelessly. It's almost like she's never been in this particular area of Weyland's Gate.

Spoiler: Frisky Felid

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"Stiff, coming right up." A full bottle is placed alongside Annie's, before the tender folds his arms and glances up shiftily towards the gunslinger. "Shav? Shav bought it in the refinery riot." He taps two fingers against his head. "Boom. Someone must've caught him clean with a pipe or a mace. They're gonna space him today, tomorrow. Or 'cyck him, who knows?"

Another customer enters, a dirty looking fellow in a patched cloak and cloth-wrapped hands. He makes a beeline for the reclusive table of his fellows, leans in long enough to snag a drink and nod his hellos to the rest before shuffling back out.

Spoiler: Office of the Arbites

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The Investigator's Office is rather spartan, as expected. Metal desk, a few file-docks, two chairs and a solitary glow-globe hanging by chains from the ceiling are the only articles in view. Yosuun seems to be an elderly sort, with salt-and-pepper hair tied in a loose knot and wrinkled skin. His dark eyes, however, are sharp, taking you in at a glance before gesturing towards the empty chair. "Officer Tiranthe. You're not in the recruitment unit." A gnarled finger taps a folder while the other orders his bushy mustache. "Name's not here. Speak up, Officer. What brings you to End-o'-Space, hm?"

Spoiler: Kestrel

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"'Ow should I know? Feth off!" Standing indignantly, he pulls on his ruined jacket and stalks off into the bustle of the station with occasional backward glances.

[GoodDocJones]

Kestrel draws himself up, watching the man carefully. He scowls, eyes narrowing as he watches him retreat. He has two options; Either follow him to ensure a thorough hunt, but leave his comrades exposed, or stay put and keep an eye on them, but lose the tail. A part of the assassin asks him if he can trust someone, but Kestrel knows the answer. Without further ado, he sets off though the crowd, doing his best to keep his eyes on the man, and making no effort to hide his presence.

[ArcturusV]

Quint looks around as he's walking, subtly drawing the two of them towards a quiet area of the Hab-Blocks, where the dregs were off working, ratings going about their tasks, and there was a measure of silence. He pulled Anna Trager down one particular side corridor of the hab blocks, where no one would see them, without stepping down into the alley itself and drawing the attention of the two.

Once there, he nodded, and lowered the hood of his robes, revealing fully the shocked white hair, the aged skin, and the unquestionable mark upon his neck of one who had been deemed worthy of power in the eyes of the God-Emperor.

"It was always me," he quoted to her, from some long, mostly forgotten play he had seen as a small child. "I need your help, and your guidance. But it's a harrowing task, fit only for the most faithful of the Emperor's servants, strong in spirit and will." He smiled grimly at it, "I do not use those words lightly, as one who has witnessed the greatness of the God-Emperor, and his golden throne. Are you that one who can stand with the Emperor's light against all odds? Are you up to what I am about to tell you?"

[LeSwordfish]

Frisky Felid

Spoiler

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"Scav?" Annie asked, faking sadness with greater zeal than skill. "Throne, thought that bugger couldn't be killed. Anyone know who got'im? Hope I see'em if it kicks off again." She took a swig of "stiff" and looked despondent.

"This **** can't all've been "congregating"?" She asked. "What else were it?"

[Idares]

Tirantine stands next to the open seat, hand placed resting on its back. He is unknown and taking a seat is for an acquittance. "Indeed Chief Investigator you are most perceptive. I have fallen under the service of the Adeptus Arbites for most of my adult years and have diligently. I have been called up to further more wide spread investigation. As it stands now my investigations and orders fall to the Administratum. I form part of a specialised group that will look into the inner workings of this Gas Giant and its parent station. I am sure you are aware of the short comings in production quotas. In short, I am here to follow up on that.

You are not aware of my team's arrival? Some of your men seem to.

I have come to you in hope of finding any insight into the local crime activities that might effect the running of the Administratum. Local gangs perhaps?"

The Duke remains standing.

Spoiler

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Tirantine is not being 100% honest, he is not here under the direct authority of the Administratum, but the Inquisition has authority over all that are under suspicion. So Ill make a Deceive roll in hope the TN isnt very high.
(1d100)[58] vs 38 +10 if it is a formal setting

Etiquette (+10 bonus on Charm, Deceive and Scrutiny Tests when dealing with high authority and in formal situations. )

EDIT: Hope its an ordinary check

[runestone]

At the shrine

Others might have found the work dull, but Gaius takes pleasure in the simple tasks of the shrine while he contemplates the situation. The novice had not seemed to pause when he presented himself as a wandering preacher who had had a vision, and he feels a sudden pang of guilt at the lie, but the cover might prove useful, and deceit would have to become a part this new life in the service of the most holy inquisition.

As he is cleaning ash from the incense holders, Gaius starts to sing in a surprisingly pleasant baritone that can be heard clearly outside the shrine:

Spoiler: With sincere apologies to William Blake

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And did those feet in ancient time.
Walk upon our decks unclean:
And was the holy light of He,
in our ships and fact'ries seen!

And did the countenance divine,
shine forth upon our clouded hills?
And was Holy Terra builded here,
among these dark forsaken mills?

Bring me my Bow of burning gold;
Bring me my Arrows of desire:
Bring me my Spear: O clouds unfold!
Bring me my Chariot of fire!

I will not cease from mental fight,
Nor shall my sword sleep in my hand:
Till we have built a Terra here,
and made a green and pleasant land

I was a common enough song, and he had often seen it used to motivate the masses to work for the glory of the Emperor, but there was no telling how it might be interpreted in the current environment of unrest, so the reactions of passersby might tell him something useful.

Spoiler

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Not sure if this is called for:

Performer (singer) vs. 39: (1d100)[78]
Awareness vs 40: (1d100)[64]

Edit: OK, so maybe it's not so pleasant after all

[Vexing]

Spoiler: At the Shrine/Quint

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Perhaps still unsettled by the station and your weeks of travel, your song isn't all that it necessarily could be. On the other hand, it doesn't take a sharp eye to spot disapproving looks being shot your way by passerby. By station workers, it seems, not newcomers. Perhaps there is a crisis of faith...

Anna's face is overcome with equal parts religious fervor and mind-numbing terror. Shaking slightly, she nods and makes a fidgety Aquila over her chest--for her comfort rather than yours, you're sure. "I live to serve the Emperor, and those in his light." Psykers are, after all, only one step away from living nightmares.

Spoiler: Frisky Felid

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"Eh. One of the hydro-labs had a kerfuffle and food's right crimped. But word is that there's been...weirdness going on." He gives the two of you a surreptitious nod before leaning in a touch closer. "Quill-pushers gone missing, they say. Plucked out of thin air! Confessors can't solve it, and the Coggers won't." He motions forward a little, fingers rasping across his palm in the universal sign for 'Pay the good little man, please'. "The God-Emperor's angry, and we're all paying for it."

Spoiler: Office of the Arbites

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"I'm aware of one team of reinforcements arriving, Officer Tiranthe. That's what they were asking about, I assume. What I was not aware of is that the Administratum saw fit to deploy a separate squad." His frown eventually dissipates, and with a sigh, he shunts the folder off to the side. "Oh well. Guess you'll be here for awhile, then. If the problem were gangs, it'd be easier to put down. We get a little smuggling in and around the Gate, but it's small. Hardly worth mentioning. The riots are getting worse, however...just how much have you been briefed on, Officer?"

Spoiler: Kestrel

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Glancing behind him, the man easily catches sight of you forging through the crowd. Obviously perturbed, he makes a beeline for one of the shuttle docks and flashes his cognomen for boarding--the bay is for the shuttle to platform Trifectus, leaving now. There's enough time to make it onboard yourself, if you're inclined; as he wedges himself into the doorway, you can see his suspicious glare make one last backwards check.

[LeSwordfish]

Frisky Felid
Annie paid for her drink thoughtfully. "I thought the hydro-labs were always kind of ****. What'd've crunched'em even worse?"

"Dissapearances. Anyone we'd know?"

[qechua]

Spoiler: Frisky Felid

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Sorry, won't solve it? Akadia asked, pulling coins out of her robes and depositing them in the barman's palm. Between that and the increased violence, you think the 'coggers' are losing control out here?

[runestone]

In the shrine

Disappointed in the quality of his voice after the many days of breathing recycled air on the ship, Gaius stops singing when the first hymn is done and sets out to tidy up the shrine. For now, he decides to wait for the return of Quint and Sister Anna -- or the arrival of the new adepts.

[ArcturusV]

Faithful, and Fearful, Quint nodded as he saw her immediately make the sign of the Aquilla and cling to the Emperor as all good throne fearing citizens should. "I've been to Holy Terra, seen the Emperor in all of his majesty, as he judged the weight of my soul to resist the darkness that threatens mankind. He brought down his blessings, giving me the strength to endure, turning my hair from it's dark shade, to the pure white you see now, washed clean by the Emperor's light, forever marking me as belonging to the Golden Throne, and to be used in his service."

"... and now his service brings me to this system," Quint gripped his staff, more symbol of office than actual weapon, at least in his mind. He stared gravely at Anna Trager, Novice of the Imperial Cult, "On a quest with his most holy Inquisition." He let that word hang in the air, knowing if anything could scare a rightful servant of the Throne more than "psyker" it was "inquisition". Granted he had no proof, other than no one was balls out stupid enough, without being clearly mouth frothing insane, to mention the Inquisition openly, or claim to be a part of it if they were not.

"And you are in a position to be most helpful to the Inquisition, Anna Trager. Are you a faithful servant of the Throne? You are called to duty, cleave to the Emperor, and do your best in the minor, but important roll we call you to."

[Vexing]

Spoiler: Quint

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"Throne, yes! I am faithful!" Voice high and squeaky with emotion, Anna checks over each shoulder in (what she thinks is, at any rate) a stealthy manner. "I knew you would come, I just knew it. You're the Emperor's Left Hand, so you had to!" Overcome with righteous excitement more than fear, her demeanor seems fairly bizarre for having been told that Quint worked for the Imperial bogeyman. "The Throne is angry, and the dead walk, and now you're here. You can solve it--and I will help you any way that I can!"

Spoiler: Frisky Felid

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"Dunno if they're 'losing' anything, but they got the power to grow more food and find any living thing on the station. Doors with eyes, you know, the spirits tally you. So what other reason could they have for not finding the damn quillsies?" Finally registering Annie's question, he looks a little nervous, mouth tamping down into a thin line. "No clue. Sorry. I got serving to get back to, y'see?" He gestures to the few groups sitting around; you can't see that they need any more drinks, but the bartend seems convinced. Or afraid.

[ArcturusV]

Quint reached up, after the momentary delay the strange reaction brought him, resting his hand almost fatherly like upon Anna's head, nodding solemnly at the young, excitable novice.

"Knowledge is power, guard it well" he quoted, using a bit of lore to help focus Anna on the here and now. "You've done well in recognizing the gravity of the situation. Now... tell me what you know, leave out no detail. And then?" He smiled faintly, his eyes focused entirely on Anna as his hand drifted down to rest on her shoulder, "then we shall see how you may best serve the Throne in this trying hour."

[GoodDocJones]

Spoiler: Kestrel

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Glancing behind him, the man easily catches sight of you forging through the crowd. Obviously perturbed, he makes a beeline for one of the shuttle docks and flashes his cognomen for boarding--the bay is for the shuttle to platform Trifectus, leaving now. There's enough time to make it onboard yourself, if you're inclined; as he wedges himself into the doorway, you can see his suspicious glare make one last backwards check.

Kestrel hardly moved, watching him board with a strange smile. He seems blissfully ignorant of any suspicion as the man looks back, instead waving goodbye to him with a wide smile, as if he's an old friend. As the ship departs, he turns, and begins making his way towards where the scent of his other companion's is. Though, hopefully, it won't be as dull as the shrine.

[LeSwordfish]

Frisky Felid

Spoiler

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Annie shrugged, and waved the bartender away. "Seems I've missed a lot here."

She turned to Akadia, away from the table of reclusive types, and waited for the bartender to leave. "Don't look at'em, but what's your read on those bastards over there? Quiet-like."