Rogue Trader - The Passage

[Andrea Chan-Gauthier]

Hearing the entry of someone onto the bridge, Andrea finally comes fully back to herself. She wipes her eyes on her sleaves surreptitiously before lifting her face to the room. Seeing Garrius striding onto the bridge, clean and well dressed, she quickly jumped to her feet.

"My Lord Captain." she said, by way of a greeting.

If there were any subtle signs of Garrius' own stress about his person, she couldn't see it through the few lingering tears in her eyes.

• Face so beautiful...

[Montresor]

Those whose tasks do not require their immediate attention pause to stare upon the parade-ground sight that is Lord-Captain Garrius Amphael. Some stare with astonishment, others with relief, and a few with thinly concealed contempt. The crisis had been so serious that few had had time to wonder at the Lord-Captain's absence, or to consider if he may have been in danger; now that he had announced his presence with such outward calm and command, his previous absence was all any of them could think about.

Korheer Vohn looks upon Garrius with wonder, falling to his knees and prostrating himself in his direction. He is silent, and refuses to look up, but Garrius can't help but notice the big man lieing in the middle of the deck some ten metres away.

Imperceptibly, Gulliame Du Preste enters the Bridge from the main entrance, having evidently left the Navigator's Well shortly after Praetus's arrival. 'Welcome, Lord-Captain,' Du Preste makes a polite bow to the dynastic head, 'we are gladdened to see that this storm had not taken you'.

[Malachi]

Through the haze of fatigue, Malachi croaks something only Enginseers carrying him can hear.

"Wake the others. Tell them to finish the repairs. We have earned our rest."

[Injerian Praetus II]

Navigator Praetus climbed to his feet, but soon collapsed against one of the walls of the Pit. Groaning with more shock than pain, he squares his shoulders back and strides to the chair. Sweat runs down his back and face, and once again his hands tremble. Gripping the arm rests as he seats himself, he does all he can to drown out the fear.

Why did he become a navigator if he is so afraid of the warp? Because it was all for the family, for the magisterial house.

Praetus rested the back of his head, and winced with the pain. He had injured his head when he was flung out of the seat. The noble asked himself the question again, although he knew that his future had seemed bright before his third eye matured and opened. Before he saw the immaterium for the first time.

There was worse, there always was. Which was why, despite his proud heritage and once-golden dreams, the seething crackle as the Gellar fields strained against the warp terrified him.

Praetus looked up at the Aquila above him. For a brief moment he heard it scream, although knew that was his imagination.

[Garrius Amphael]

Surveying the scene of carnage and mayhem in front of him, Garrius grew concerned. The bodies, the smell of burnt face, the rating throwing himself to the ground. These are all things that were not to be seen on the bridge of any vessel of the Imperium. Garrius could not help but wonder what had happened in his absence, and how much of a ship he had left to command.

The Rogue trader turned at the words of the old Navigator. "Concerns for my own personal well being are far from my mind right now Du Preste." He strode past the large groveling man, and headed for Zarkov.

"Lt Commander, report!" He casually looked around the bridge. The faces of his staff were concerning, and he could tell they had just been through some trial. No doubt many wondered where their captain was during this. But it was bad form for an officer and Lord to offer up excuses. No, what was important was that the Lord Captain acted in a way that restored some semblance of normality, return the crew to their natural state, and not further add to the stress of the situation. The wound upon his head was beginning to itch, and he desperately wanted to remove his cap and scratch, but he would not scare the crew. No, a good officer must lead by example...

[Injerian Praetus II]

Navigator Praetus tilted his head to listen to the speaking on the bridge. Recognising the voice of the Rogue Trader he sighed as he activated the navigation hologram. A triumphant thrill ran through him, washing away the pain in his head and the fear gnawing on his heart. The vessel was still in danger - which worried him, but he was, at least, vindicated.

"I do not hold back my criticisms, rogue trader," Praetus said loudly. "My advice was that we exit the warp immediately. The odds of translating into realspace in the heart of the sun or meteor swarm is incredibly low. After all, if one has a field with small objects scattered about every ten metres, and one then throws a ball, what is the likelihood that one will strike an object? Instead, look at what happens - look at the damage, Amphael. I have been on several starships and witnessed less foolish decisions.

"My advice now, should you heed it, is you consider my words carefully; I could have saved us all this . . . .trouble."

[Garrius Amphael]

Turning, Garrius stared at the navigator as if he looked straight through him. Once Praetus had finished he continued to look on in silence for a long moment, allowing stillness to settle in. When he spoke, it followed a sharp intake of breath and his words were sharp.

"You would rather us risk spending millennia lost in the void, with no idea of our location, than be in a situation where you are of some actual use? Navigator Praetus, I value knowing where I am in this galaxy, and as long as we are in the warp, you are able to tell me where this blessed vessel is. Whilst your lack of trust for this crew and vessels ability to under go trials and tribulations is duly noted, I myself have no such doubts. Are you to tell me that my trust in you to play your part in such is miss placed?"

Turning and walking so he may look more directly upon the navigator in the pit, Garrius continued. "The Invictus Aeterna and its crew are of the finest standards and I do not doubt eithers ability to see us through these hard times. We are space farer's upon a vessel of the line, and such things are part and parcel with what we do. Would you keep a hunting dog that flees from the game? Or a Navigator who shies from his task? I ask myself this as we speak."

Garrius turned his back upon the Navigator dismissively. "You have spoken your mind Injerian, now let me speak mine. I will not allow this vessel to flee from each and every challenge she comes across. If you lack the... stomach for your task, make it known so that I may take actions to remedy the situation. "

[Andrea Chan-Gauthier]

Andrea listened to the Navigator and Lord-Captain spar. Part of her paid attention.

• The Lord-Captain has all the power here.
  
  Praetus is, as he did in the meeting with the clients, flaunting his position and untouchable nature. But that nature is only because he's valuable to the Lord-Captain. Too much out of line, and his value won't be enough.
  
  Mocking me in front of our clients at the negotiating table, while probably hurting the Amphael position, probably only really made MY job more difficult. The Lord-Captain wouldn't mind that so much. But questioning the his decisions in front of the entire bridge staff... oh my. That the new Navigator hasn't been shot dead where he stands is a sign of just how valuable he is. But I do hope for his sake that Praetus doesn't push Garrius farther.

But the rest of her focused its attention out the window. Watching the storm, though weaker outside than it had been, she searched for... yearned for... the face to appear again.

[Injerian Praetus II]

"It is one thing to flee from an enemy that one can easily faced; another thing entirely to stand against a foe where one's pride is no shield from harm or stupidity, rogue trader. Have you read the classics? Have you never heard of sailing ships that avoid a storm if they can? We could have avoided the storm as well as this calamity.

"I believe that had you been injured this day, you would be asking me how we could have avoided the storm."

[Montresor]

Gulliame Du Preste draws alongside the Lord-Captain. His head is bowed and, with his cowl concealing most of his face, only the barest impression of his skull-visage protrudes. As he talks, his thin lips move back and forth, exposing gleaming teeth and an avid tongue.

'As you recall, Lord-Captain,' he begins, 'I advised that our Senior Navigator's experience should always be listened to, but that I thought it wiser, considering all circumstamces, to brave the storm. We have survived. Granted, we do not have the . . . experience in surviving naval disasters in the Immaterium that Praetus has; but I believe we have avoided the greater disaster of being stranded in the uncertainty of the Halo Stars. You should feel proud, Lord-Captain'.

Whether Du Preste smiles, or his corpse-face is eternally fixed in a grin, is impossible to say.

[Lt. Commander Zarkov]

"Silence Du Preste. Your words hold no sway here."

Zarkov turned to the Captain.

"Sir! Approximately .3 cycles ago we were set upon by the full fury of the storm with no warning from the navigators well. The conditions necessitated the immediate withdrawal of tech-priests from the Auger Array. After avoiding the initial maelstrom, the ship became embroiled in a strong warp current, pulling us into the storms heart. Du Preste was unresponsive regarding co-ordinates, his lack of co-operation cost many lives. It was only timely co-ordinates from Praetus, and the sacrifice of this enginseer," Zarkov motioned to the pile of ash in the servitor pit, "that allowed us to survive." He paused.

"Judging from the lack of power we experienced earlier, it is my belief that the Explorator managed to reroute all non essential power to the Geller fields, enabling us to punch through the storm. This may have had dire effects below decks, as this rating has witnessed."

A steely resolve entered Zarkov's eye.

"I must insist that Gulliame Du Preste be relieved of his duties for the time being, and placed in the brig, pending an investigation by myself and Brother Detronimus. I hereby charge him with dereliction of duty, wanton disregard for safety, and possible warp madness; leading to the deaths of crewmen and the endangerment of this vessel."

[Montresor]

Trying to steady his posture and appear stalwart, Du Preste involuntarily shrinks a little, his bony shoulders retreating inward. Yet, he is not entirely cowed.

'Lieutenant Commander,' his voice comes out raspy and, for once, without his customary calm and collection 'you forget that you are talking to a member of the Navis Nobilite - one chosen especially by Laurent Amphael. You are just a mercenary for hire, a failed Imperial officer, so crippled and disgraced by his previous posting the best he could get was a position commanding a system-ship. How dare you stand here and question my integrity!'

By the time Du Preste has finished, a bony finger is extended pointing straight at Zarkov. It holds for a moment and, almost as if the Navigator regrets his outburst, he shoots his arm back to his side.

[Injerian Praetus II]

Navigator Praetus speaks from the pit. "I endorse Lieutenant Commander Zarkov's accusation. Although he is not Navis Nobilite, I obviously am. Therefore I request that Du Preste answer to these charges. To be honest, I am curious as to how your words to the rogue trader affected his decision to leave us at the warp storm's mercy."

[Lt. Commander Zarkov]

Zarkov had to use all his willpower to stop himself surging forward and throttling Du Prestes wasted neck. Trying to keep his voice level, he retorted.

"The question of your integrity shall be answered in time, Du Preste. You, however, seem far more interested in making accusations to others. You have already paid veiled insult to Praetus on this bridge, before the Lord-Captain, and now you insult me? Our integrity is not in question, clearly you are trying to divert attention away from yourself. If you have nothing to fear, you will submit to being investigated. What do you have to fear, Du Preste?"

Zarkov smiled, a grim, humourless smile that betrayed only a little of the triumph in his soul. The man was clearly desperate, he thought to himself. If he was indeed tainted by the warp, his Navigator status would not save him. He savoured the thought like fine amasec. Innocence proves nothing.

[Montresor]

'I refuse'. Du Preste makes an effort to draw his shoulders back and stand to his full height. This only makes his bravado more tenuous, and more revolting. 'I have committed no wrong, and I will not submit to your inquisition'. The word hangs on Du Preste's lips, almost spat with bile. 'This is a farce, and the Lieutenant Commander has allowed his paranoia to cloud his judgement. Only the Lord-Captain holds a higher position in the Imperium than anyone on board this frigate, and it is only to him that I will answer questions'.

Almost unnoticed, Brother Clabo has drawn closer to the argument. The priest appraises Du Preste with suspicion. Every officer who can spare their attention has their eyes glued on the Navigator.

[Lt. Commander Zarkov]

"If he is your only superior, then you will also submit to his orders. And if he orders you to answer questions from a member of the Ecclesiarchy, or myself, or anyone else on this vessel, you will comply, or be punished regardless for insubordination. And questioned again, until the root of this vile incident is uncovered."

He turned once more to Garrius.

"Lord-Captain, I request also that a psyker be present at the interrogation. Sterr will have some experience in these matters. Your orders?"

[Garrius Amphael]

Whilst his staff bickered back and forth, Garrius subconsciously removed his cap and began stressfully rubbing his knotted brow. It was only a dull throbbing from the swollen gash on his head that reminded him of his wound. But he cared little now, for despite his best efforts to present calm to the ship, his primary staff were showing the rest of the crew that bickering and doubting ones orders was perfectly acceptable.

"Enough! I will hear no more of your bickering. Zarkov, Lt Commander Zarkov, your concerns are noted, and I shall consider the prospect of an investigation once we are free of the storm. Until such a time comes, I need all of the navigator staff available. Prepare a full report for me but otherwise stand down and desist in your efforts to bring a witch hunt down on Du Prestes head. Thats an order.

Du Preste. Your defensive stance is understandable but I must insist that you cease your argument with the Lt Commander and lay down any grudge you may bare. He is my right hand man and as such his voice is to be considered an extension of my own. You may also present me with a report against the elligations made against you."

With this Garrius slowly turned towards Praetus. "And finally you, Lord Navigator. I will not stand for any of my staff questioning my orders, ESPECIALLY in front of members of the crew. I remind you that you are taken aboard this vessel to act as navigator and work in an advisory role. I must impress upon you, that should you ever even think of questioning my orders again, the wraith that I shall bring down upon you shall equal and eclipse the terror you have for the warp since the destruction of The Scream of the Aquilla. NEVER QUESTION AN ORDER FROM ME AGAIN!!!"

Taking deep breaths to calm himself, Garrius turned to the rest of his staff.

"I will not stand for bickering amongst my senior staff. If you have a complaint to be made against a fellow staff member I will have it addressed to me, in private. Insubordination spreads like a yeast infection and I will now allow my crew to be subjected to your childish fighting. Zarkov, return to the pilots position until the next pilot starts his shift. Du Preste, you look like you need rest, I must insist that you return to your quarters immediately. Praetus, I trust you don't need anymore orders, you know your role well enough.

Also, why do I have a rating groveling on my bridge? Zarkov, you said something of this man seeing something below?"

[Lt. Commander Zarkov]

Zarkov fumed. It was the fiendish Du Preste who had begun the bickering. The captain had no idea of the potential threat lurking among them. He should have bided his time, but the insolent Navigator had done enough whispering. Besides, Du Preste's desperate outburst as good as proved his guilt, in Zarkov's eye. Still, protocol dictated.

"Yes, Sir. I would have waited to bring it to your attention later had the situation not been so dire..."

He turned to the prostrate rating.

"Perhaps you had best explain to the Lord-Captain the events on the lower decks yourself." He turned back to Garrius "It appears that we indeed have a Wych in our midst."

At this, Zarkov returned his gaze to the vaulted glass and his hands to the wheel. His hands twitched with barely contained rage.

[Montresor]

The bulk of Vohn shakes a little at the rage of the Great Amphael against his crew. When summoned to speak, the bear of a man may as well have been a mouse. He cannot bring his eyes to meet those of the Rogue Trader. Garrius has a dim memory from his youth of his uncle being regarded in the same way by some of the more superstitious or downtrodden of the poor and the family's serfs.

'My Lord-Captain . . . ' Vohn's deep voice quavers like a child's, 'horror of horrors! A group of the ratings stormed into the bilge-decks, chased by a platoon of armsmen. They were just sailors, my Lord-Captain . . . but one of them . . . she . . . could burn men with a glance. And the messenger boys . . . she burned them too. We couldn't stop them, but we had them cornered in sub-level 12. She's mad, my Lord-Captain, killing and killing, and she kept getting stronger . . .'

[Injerian Praetus II]

Garrius Amphael likely could not see Navigator Praetus smirk, nor could he hear the noble laugh softly. "As you said, Amphael," the navigator said loudly, not concealing his disdain, "you took me aboard this ship on an advisory role. The navis nobilite do that; we state what is the best course, and note where and when the ship is in danger. I suggest you accept my advice, rogue trader."

Realising that he had likely gone too far, navigator Praetus did not say any more. It was likely that his fear of the storm and the fresh memories of a disaster had pressured him into speaking arrogantly.

Although, it would have been asking too much for him to now apologise.