Rogue Trader - Port Wander

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Montresor
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Post by Montresor »

The representatives from the Alid-Yuril Consortium bow slightly as Garrius Amphael greets them. Factor Kerr smiles politely, though it seems to be an expression borne purely from habit, rather than intent. The men wait patiently while the Seneschal-Majoris introduces the senior staff to their new Lord-Captain.

[OOC - this exchange will take place after all introductions are made, feel free to adjust the timing of your posts as you like. Other members of the senior staff will politely salute, or bow as befits their station. No-one will say anything more significant than 'a pleasure' etc, although Sterr the Unborn will noteably not bow. When introduced to Garrius, he will rather abruptly stand forth and place both hands on the Rogue Trader's shoulders, muttering something in an unknown dialect, before stepping back]

Factor Kerr takes a step forward once Chan-Gauthier finishes her pleasantries. 'You do us much honour in arriving today; the tardiness of these ceremnies are only to be understood, in light of recent tragedies within your household'. Kerr pauses deliberately, breathing slowly through his nostrils before continuing. 'We have waited here on good faith for some months now, and listened to the reassurences of your seneschal often enough. If it so pleases you, we would like to proceed to somewhere on board your vessel to finalise arrangements we made with your uncle before his murder.

'My superiors express their condolences, of course. We should also like to express some apologies at not having revealed the details of the endeavour to your seneschal but, as I trust you can understand, events have dictated caution. Although the Consortium have considered offering this unique opportunity to another Rogue Trader, it has always been out preference to deal with a family of your history. We would prefer if the senior members of your staff were present for the final discussions.

'At your pleasure, Amphael,' Factor Kerr bows and recedes the step he took, 'we shall await your indulgence'.
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"Yes," I said, "for the love of God!" - Edgar Allan Poe, The Cask of Amontillado.

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Montresor
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Post by Montresor »

Malachi wrote: "Looks like I had to endure ceremony, after all," Malachi mutters to himself.

Once inside, he proceeds to the nearest intercom to alert the bridge of his arrival before making his way there, himself.
Malachi continues up the ramp, and into the ancient interior of the Invictus herself. Previously to his assignment to the frigate, the explorator's superiors discussed the vessel's history and significance at length. Malachi reflects on the structure of the vessel, etched and defined like a cathedral. Millenia ago, this vessel was commisioned by the Mechanicus itself, in the holy shipyards of Tidranicus Prime - a testament against sin and folly.

Once in the Invictus, Malachi finds it necessary to seek directions, via a wall-mounted Vox-system. Told that the lower-decks are inadviseably navigated by someone who has not been aboard the vessel before, he is instructed to wait for an escort.

The corridor in which Malachi finds himself is lit by wax candles, some melted into the walls, while others stand on braziers. The lights in this section have evidently fallen into disrepair. Hunched figures move somewhere far ahead, crossing a juncture and pulling crates behind them. The explorator is unable to get a better look before an arms-man arrives to take him to the bridge.

'Greetings,' the man says, his eyes darting over Malachi's augmented form with a mixture of veneration and revulsion. 'The path to the bridge from here is difficult. The Invictus only has a handful of major lift shafts, and we have a little walk until we reach one. Please, follow me'.

[Malachi will be led through a long access tunnel, from which numerous side tunnels and rooms shoot off. The ship seems relatively quiet down here, and many of the lights here flicker erratically. A few more times, Malachi spots hunched shadows moving down quiet halls. His escort sees them too, looking uneasy and muttering derisively 'lowers'. Minutes later, Malachi will reach a lift which takes him closer to a central part of the ship, bypassing dozens of floors. Once centrally located, another lift runs through the command section, to the summit, and to the bridge. Feel free to question the escort, or simply to do nothing as your are taken to the bridge]
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"Yes," I said, "for the love of God!" - Edgar Allan Poe, The Cask of Amontillado.

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Injerian Praetus II
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Post by Injerian Praetus II »

Garrius of the Rogue Trader house, Amphael. Navigator Praetus thought to himself. Looks nothing like his father, and I wonder what qualities he has inherited? Perhaps I have a Tabula Rasa, and this may give me new opportunities.

Praetus placed his hands by his side and holding his head up straight, trying to maintain a dignified pose. In the Imperial Navy it was considered a dishonour to keep your officer's cap on whilst greeting the captain or commander. However, among the Navigator class it was a necessity to have something covering the forehead; the third eye was as much an ill-omen as dangerous to be seen.

So he nodded politely at Garrius Amphael as he approached. "Your line, I hear, is most deserving of the Warrant of Trade, Garrius. I know of your family, and House Praetus approves of your intent to expand the Emperor's domain and wealth." He finished his comment with a slight bow, and the symbol of the Aquila.
"Oh of course," the Navigator said with faint mocking in his voice, "you have probably heard of House Praetus. We have a palace on Holy Terra. Like all powerful groups, we also have our enemies. Do you honestly think someone like you matters?" - A dissolute noble.
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Lt. Commander Zarkov
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Post by Lt. Commander Zarkov »

Zarkov waited for his moment to address the Lord-Captain.

He stepped forward, saluting. "It is my honour, sir, to present you with this." He bowed, holding out his hands. The scepter was clearly ancient, and its once lustrous gold finish had tarnished to a dull matte brown. The name of Amphael, inscribed centuries ago, was just barely readable on the staff. "It is mere ceremony of course, but the commander of the Invictus has always been in possession of the staff of Calligos." He looked up at Garrius. "When Laurent was taken into the Emperor's graces, it ignominiously passed to me. Now it returns to its rightful place; to the hands of an Amphael."

He saluted again, and stepped back. "That is all the ceremony required, Captain."

[ooc]It is all the ceremony Zarkov believes is necessary, however Andrea and others may have different ideas.[/ooc]
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Andrea Chan-Gauthier
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Post by Andrea Chan-Gauthier »

Andrea stares for a moment, completely surprised, but luckily the Lord-Captain's face was still looking at his First Mate.

He could have at least cleaned the thing up a bit. This is almost embarassing. You'd think a military man could spit and polish the family scepter before he shined his boots another time.

You old and worn out
Scepter of the Amphael clan;
You are as we are.
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Post by Drak-Kung »

A formal bow, then, "My Lord Trader Amphael. In the Emperor's name, I swear, heart and soul, honor to serve"
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Garrius Amphael
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Post by Garrius Amphael »

Garrius nodded politely to Andrea and made his way through the various introductions, nodding to civilians and saluting men of military like positions. Afterwards he was approached by Praetus
"Your line, I hear, is most deserving of the Warrant of Trade, Garrius. I know of your family, and House Praetus approves of your intent to expand the Emperor's domain and wealth."


Garrius nodded slightly. "Thank you for the kind words Praetus. Let it be known that I am honoured to have one of your line amongst my staff. It shall be with pride that the Praetus name adorns our the records of the Amphaels when we spread the Emperors word beyond his borders."

Noting his new first mate step forwards, Garrius returned the salute before receiving the staff.

"And I shall carry it with honour and pride. Lt Commander, is it not amazing how you can literally feel the age and pedigree of this item." Garrius inspected it up and down. "It wears its age like a fine coat. Such a prestigious item shall never be far from hand and I shall not let anyone take to it with polish, for fear of washing away the centuries of history this thing bares."

Turning to Drak Kung, Garrius nodded politely to the words of servitude before turning to Factor Kerr.

"You wish us to continue this conversation elsewhere? Very well. Let us take this inside. Staff, let us proceed to the dining hall. Lt Commander, see to it that the officers get the men stowed aboard the ship, and have all crew report to their stations. Senechal, Lead the way...."

[ooc] Garrius will go to the Senior Staff dining hall and continue the meeting there[/ooc]
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Lt. Commander Zarkov
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Post by Lt. Commander Zarkov »

Garrius Amphael wrote: Noting his new first mate step forwards, Garrius returned the salute before receiving the staff.

"And I shall carry it with honour and pride. Lt Commander, is it not amazing how you can literally feel the age and pedigree of this item." Garrius inspected it up and down. "It wears its age like a fine coat. Such a prestigious item shall never be far from hand and I shall not let anyone take to it with polish, for fear of washing away the centuries of history this thing bares."

"You wish us to continue this conversation elsewhere? Very well. Let us take this inside. Staff, let us proceed to the dining hall. Lt Commander, see to it that the officers get the men stowed aboard the ship, and have all crew report to their stations."
Zarkov smiled at Garrius' words. "Aye, Sir." Zarkov turned to his officers, voice moderated. "The captain has spoken, this parade is over. See that you get your crews to their stations quickly and cleanly, it would not do to have confusion now. I shall personally oversee the gunnery crew before retiring to the dining hall." He addressed the Helmsman. "Tyor, make sure there is no trouble at your end. You have the bridge until the Lord-Captain's return." The helmsman nodded curtly. "Sir."

Zarkov liked Tyor. Well, perhaps "like" was not the right word. He was a brutal man, and quick to anger, but Zarkov had seen him in battle enough times to know he was reliable. The Lieutenant Commander strode towards the gunnery crew, artificial limb clunking on the metal of the docking bay. Soon he would be back where he belonged; off this glorified hab-station and into the void. Zarkov smiled. The gunnery crew was already assembling. He had trained his officers well.

[ooc]Zarkov will ensure his men get to their posts in an orderly fashion, not because he distrusts them, but because he is a stickler for protocol. As a result he will walk in to the meeting in the dining hall slightly late, missing the first few exchanges.[/ooc]
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Andrea Chan-Gauthier
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Post by Andrea Chan-Gauthier »

Garrius Amphael wrote:"It wears its age like a fine coat. Such a prestigious item shall never be far from hand and I shall not let anyone take to it with polish, for fear of washing away the centuries of history this thing bares."
Oh, I see. It's SACRED dirt.
Garrius Amphael wrote:"Senechal, Lead the way...."
"Of course, Lord-Captain." Andrea turns to the visiting merchants, and gestures grandly towards the ship. "Gentlemen, if you'll be so kind as to follow me, we'll get somewhere a bit more comfortable." With that, she turns towards the main entry port to the Invictus Aeterna, and leads everyone to the Officer's Dining Hall.

[ooc] - She'll take a direct route, but will avoid any shortcuts through less reputible areas of the ship. [/ooc]
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Post by Drak-Kung »

"My humblest apologies, but there is a suspicious person my men have under observation. I need to ensure there's no hidden threat to to the vessel or House Amphael behind his presence. I will, with my Lord's permission, look into this and rejoin you as expediently as possible, with a full report."

/ooc--once permission is given, walk off briskly to see to the matter....if my presence is requested, assume position half-step behind and to right of Garrius, using array to check for anything unpleasant---ambush, assassin, daemon, would-be mutineer, etc.
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Garrius Amphael
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Post by Garrius Amphael »

Garrius paused at the Arch Militants comment. He made a quick look around the amassed crowd.

"But of course. Do what you must, and have a report written and to me at the earliest possibility. Now if you'll excuse us, we have much negotiations to under take. I trust you and your men shall not embarrass myself or the ship."

Garrius followed the rest of the delegation into the ship
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Post by Andrea Chan-Gauthier »

Stopping at the door, Andrea turns to Drak-kung (who would be using the same door to enter the ship).

"Master-at-Arms, please remind your men that we have not yet seen our new Explorator. Be a dear and have them keep an eye out for him, wouldn't you?" She patts him on the shoulder, smiling. Then turns and resumes her journey to the Officer's Dining Hall.
Revere the Emperor; Honour the name of Amphael, holders of the Sacred Warrant of Trade.

Blessed be the Imperium of Man; blessed be the Sacred Writ.
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Montresor
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Post by Montresor »

The formalities of the parade over, the assembled crew of the Invictus begin to redeploy to their stations within the interior of the ancient vessel. The first to enter the frigate are the senior staff, who march up the immense rampway which leads to a central bay entrance – an open arch which looms three-storeys high.

Armsmen solemnly stand on duty in alcoves, while a detachment walks ahead of the Rogue Trader and his staff. The carven hall through which they pass glows with dim light, augmented in sections with candelabras whose smoky trails snake to the ceiling. The struggling ventilators of the ship barely manage to stir this smoky mass, high above in the darkness.

The hall eventually meets a wide deck, almost a hundred metres across, from which numerous smaller halls and staircases radiate. Scores of crew go to and fro in the central chamber - designed as a central access point - stopping only to stare at the face of their new lord and captain. Emblazoned into the floor of the chamber is the symbol of the Amphaels – a green orb shadowed by the Aquila.

The delegation is led to the central command elevator, a room large enough to accommodate fifty of their number. From here they are taken dozens of floors towards the summit of the vessel and, eventually, into the officer’s dining area. Finally, they come to a large room, backed with a stained-glass window depicting the construction of the Invictus; a long dining table of finest wood, surrounded by high-backed grox-leather chairs is the central feature. Pennants flap from the walls. Upon the table a long line of cold meats, fruit, and refreshments are available.

Garrius Amphael takes his place at the head of the table, his back to the mural, while officers and senior staff seat themselves according to their value. Seats are reserved beside Garrius for the Seneschal-Majoris, and the Senior Navigator. The men from Alid-Yuril seat themselves in the middle of the table and begin immediately to unpack their data slates and scrolls. Olyx’s hand whirrs into action, rapidly unrolling parchment, while his quill fingers flood with ink and begin to set down every word that is said.

Factor Kerr begins.

‘Forgive my abruptness, Lord-Captain, but we have waited some time to discuss this proposition with you. Let me be as brief as possible in my summation, and I shall supply you with answers to any questions you may have.

‘Your late uncle, Laurent Amphael, began this process when he made it known that he had intentions of journeying into the uncharted regions of the Koronus Expanse – a thing which we understand no Amphael has done…at least not since your ancestor Autarn died in the attempt. Our organisation became aware of the Amphael intentions to tap the wealth of the Expanse, and we approached Laurent with this offer.’ Factor Kerr pauses to quickly glance at those around him, before continuing. ‘We have for some time been interested in expanding our own trade with the Imperial Guard, and this seemed an opportunity too good for us to pass upon.

‘There exists on the borders of Winterscales’s Realm, near the Warp Shoals, a planet of unique prospect. The world was discovered three centuries ago by a now extinct line of Rogue Traders, although this was done almost by accident. Subsequent attempts to locate it have met with failure; therefore, we are confident that no rival factions are established there.

‘The planet,’ Kerr stops, as if he feels he is getting ahead of himself, ‘Albinus, is a Death World, incapable of supporting prolonged human habitation. The atmosphere, though breathable, is corrosive, and proves fatal to those who remain exposed to it for more than a few days. The planet, if Lord-Captain Albinus’s records are to be believed, is teeming with life, and is covered in vast tracts of hazardous jungle and black-duned deserts. The oceans are noted as being entirely unsafe, though we have no way of knowing why.

‘As unappealing as this may sound, Albinus is also home to a form of plant life which frequently emits spores. When Lord-Captain Albinus and his men studied these, they became aware that a chemical could be extracted from these spores which could be further refined into an analgesic superior to anything available in Calixis. It is our opinion that the Imperial Guard in this sector will be only too enthusiastic to establish a contract for the exploitation of this resource.

‘To this end, we are willing to split our profits with the Amphael Dynasty, as well as supply you with all the necessary equipment and technical staff to establish a small harvesting colony on Albinus. Furthermore, we will provide all the information we have on Albinus, and the most likely means of locating it’. Kerr stops deliberately, clearly waiting for everyone's reactions.

[Present at this meeting at this point are - Garrius, Andrea, Praetus, Sterr, Mordia, and half a dozen Armsmen, and a few scribes. Other officers will arrive as the duties of redeploying men make themselves available]
Last edited by Montresor on Fri Dec 18, 2009 1:35 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Montresor
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Post by Montresor »

Drak-Kung departs from the senior staff and heads to where his men alerted him to the presence of a stranger. Sergeant Markus and three other Armsmen stand watch over a man in a simple blue uniform, trimmed with gold-piping. As you draw closer, he half stands to attention and locks his hands in the symbol of the Aquila.

He looks to be middle-aged, and has grey-streaked, peppery-black hair. He looks strong and you gather he is or probably was a soldier, although his uniform bears no markings or insignia whatsoever.

'Greetings. You must be the Master-at-Arms?' His voice is soft and disarming, and his compusure is evidently relaxed and at ease. By his side, he carries a simple las-pistol and gold-handled knife.

'Forgive my intrusion,' he continues, 'but I have come here to see the Rogue Trader. I take it by the sudden dissolution of this assembly that the last man to arrive was he? I expected him to be older - did you?'

The man smiles, and then shakes his head and smirks, as if making a point of drawing attention to the fact that he is being too informal. 'My name is Procurator Felton. My employers often change, but my goals rarely do. I'm here to offer the Amphaels a business opportunity on behalf of my clients. It is imperative I am given this chance before those Alid-Yuril agents finish their negotiations. If you would be so kind as to escort me to your Captain...'
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"Yes," I said, "for the love of God!" - Edgar Allan Poe, The Cask of Amontillado.

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Injerian Praetus II
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Post by Injerian Praetus II »

Navigator Praetus seated himself to Garrius' right. He quickly surveyed the room with a detached expression, and then leaned back into his chair as though uninterested. The practiced bored look masked his intense curiousity; Factor Kerr's words were deeply interesting, and a part of him he thought dead - ripped from him and torn following the Scream of Aquila incident - was resonating with the mention of the Death World.

Albinus

He could not care less about its worth to the Imperial Guard, or the respect it would earn Garrius of Amphael for finding it. His mind and heart leapt at the idea of being the Navigator that found it, and of exploring a dangerous world. He had witnessed his noble peers descend into hives and brave the horrors there, but none had set foot on a death world. Jaded and bitter following the loss of his previous ship, Praetus wanted nothing more than to experience something novel and reignite his passions to explore the galaxy.

After all, that is really what made him what he was today; House Praetus with its Novator tyrant, had thought he had no choice - that he was genetically engineered to become a navigator. But the will, well that was something else.

Navigator Praetus leaned over towards the rogue trader. "Amphael," he said with a calm voice. "I can find this world for you."
"Oh of course," the Navigator said with faint mocking in his voice, "you have probably heard of House Praetus. We have a palace on Holy Terra. Like all powerful groups, we also have our enemies. Do you honestly think someone like you matters?" - A dissolute noble.
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Post by Drak-Kung »

Drak-Kung, rather than vox-cast interrupt the negotiations, has senior armsman intercede to the Seneschal.

"Begging yer pardon, Lady Seneschal, but the Chief has run into someone who wishes to speak with you, claims to be here to negotiate with House Amphael. Do you wish for him to be brought, or to talk to the Chief directly?"

Meanwhile, Drak-Kung waits...array working, eyes never lingering overlong any one place, one hand always near a gun.
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Andrea Chan-Gauthier
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Post by Andrea Chan-Gauthier »

Andrea made a face. In a grown-up, the emotion conveyed by this expression would be labelled 'consternation'. In Andrea's case, it was more along the lines of a 'pouty' face. But, with the bulky cyber eyes and cyber ears, most people wouldn't really be able to tell what kind of face she was making.

She leans over to Garrius and whispers into his ear. "My Lord-Captain, I beg your permission to step away from the table for a few moments. Our Security Chief's visitor claims to have some bearing upon these negotiations. And, I'm getting the distinct impression that these men are lying to us about something. So, I'd like to speak to this visitor. Perhaps he's something more than just a distraction from a rival faction."
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Injerian Praetus II
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Post by Injerian Praetus II »

Navigator Praetus turned to look at Andrea and raised an eyebrow. He then placed both hands on the table and turned to regard Factor Kerr, suddenly curious as to what was happening. There was a distinct lack of etiquette here. Whispering into the of a principle party was often not highly regarded, so Praetus again looked at Andrea.

"Miss Chan-Gauthier," he said with a mocking smile. "There must be a good reason to interrupt an important meeting? Can it not wait until later?"
"Oh of course," the Navigator said with faint mocking in his voice, "you have probably heard of House Praetus. We have a palace on Holy Terra. Like all powerful groups, we also have our enemies. Do you honestly think someone like you matters?" - A dissolute noble.
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Post by Garrius Amphael »

Garrius cut in before the Seneschal could speak.

"There has been a problem with the exchange of some of my equipment being transferred to the ship. She merely interrupted as we have a narrow window of opportunity to make right this error and prevent even further delays. So please, if you will excuse her temporarily. Miss Chan-Gauthier, see to this problem." Garrius stated dismissively before staring pointedly at the Seneschal until she had left the room.

Turning back to address the gathered guests. "Please forgive such bad manners. I always find that those raised completely as civilians are unreliable in such departments. Factor Kerr, it would be a lie to say your proposition has not aroused my interest. Please do continue, I would like to be as informed as possible before making such a large decision, as I am sure you all understand" Garrius allowed a slight smile to his lips.
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Montresor
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Post by Montresor »

‘I understand, Lord Amphael’. Factor Kerr waits patiently until the Seneschal-Majoris has left the room. Service staff, wearing simple neat white uniforms emblazoned with the Amphael crest enter the room and pour drinks for all those seated.

Verentese places his hand over the top of his empty glass before it is filled, wordlessly refusing a drink. He returns to watching the proceedings.

‘Your uncle seemed something of a visionary,’ Kerr begins. ‘We may praise his foresight in pursuing our proposal as far as he was able.

Albinus, as I have said, lies somewhere close to the Warp Shoals. The logs of other Rogue Traders who have tried to relocate the planet indicate that the most likely region of its location is plagued with frequent immaterial tempests. This may explain why the planet has never been found again, though we believe that charts for this section of space are unreliable.

Factor Kerr motions to Olyx, who pauses in his writing to place a small metal box upon the table. He presses a button and, emitted from the centre, a holographic display is projected in the air. A member of the service staff shuts off the lights in the room. Only the glow of flickering candles, and the softly crackling display provide illumination. The image rotates, representing a small part of the Koronus Expanse, where scores of stars sputter in the darkness.

Kerr indicates one bluely glowing orb. ‘This is Prethian, a bloated sun, surrounded by barren, inhospitable planets. The entire system is awash with radiation. One of these planets contains the crumbling remnants of an ancient xenos culture. Who they were is neither important or possible to ascertain. It seems likely that their civilisation collapsed more than seventy millennia ago.

‘The planet holds a mere outpost. Importantly, within this outpost is an ancient chart of the stars. If this chart was to be cross-referenced with some of Lord-Captain Albinus’s records, we believe that Navigator Praetus would be able to narrow down the location of Albinus. You will have to visit this chart for yourself. You must understand, we cannot make our information available unless we are certain you will enter into a bargain with us. Likewise, precisely which planet holds the outpost, we will not reveal until you have reached Prethian.

‘Naturally, representatives from our Consortium will be accompanying your expedition’. Kerr whispers to Olyx, who turns the display off. The lights come back on in the room, and it is apparent that Sterr had been staring intently at the displayed image. He reclines slowly and appears locked in thought.

‘We have equipment, supplies, and staff to lend you for this endeavour. Naturally, we would prefer representatives of the Consortium to be in charge of the actual harvesting operations, though we expect you would also like some direct control. Do you have any specific questions? Or perhaps we should break to enjoy this meal while you consider your options’.
"For the love of God, Montresor!"
"Yes," I said, "for the love of God!" - Edgar Allan Poe, The Cask of Amontillado.

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