The three men stood in the large room, sizing each other up. Though they were deep inside the ship, the large view screen was projecting the view from the Stem of the large vessel. It was heading towards the large orbital hanging above the planet. The ship had been a month in warp since it's last stop above a Forge World, though they hadn't seen each other before the servitors led them to this room. It was a large one. A briefing room for the officers in this section of the ship. A well appointed tea service was sitting against one wall, with a large table in the centre of the room and a podium to one side of the view screen.
The view screen flickered before showing information on the system they were approaching. It was an unusual planet. No polar ice caps, shallow oceans instead. The oceans gave way to mangrove swamps, then jungles. The equator ringed in mountains. There was one city on the planet, not quite a hive spire but well on it's way to being one. There wasn't anything special about the planet itself, it was just a good point for the Mechanicus and the Navy to anchor orbital bases. The Mechanicus in the vast amounts of mineral wealth in the system, the Navy using it as a mothball facility for it's sector reserves.
The door next to the view screen opened and a young officer walks in, "Good, you're all here. The briefing will start soon then you'll have time to study all the information before we dock with the orbital. While you wait for the briefing to start, help yourselves to Caff or anything else from the service and talk between yourselves." Having said his he nodded once then left through the door he entered.
Planet info
Pântano do Corvo (Death World [Jungle/Mangrove])
Gravity 1.25G
Climate Tropical
Landmass 68%
Water 32%
Satellites 3 Natural, 40 (8 Major, 32 Minor) Artificial
Jaspar helped himself to caffeine while he waited, it was bound to be better than the usual ration crap and he decided he may as well make the most of it while it lasted.
As he poured he made a point to never entirely turn his back on either the other 2 men or the doorway, an old habit, but a useful one at that. He didn't like ships. Too much metal. Some good solid stone would make him feel more comfortable. Jaspar was very much a "boonts on the ground" solider. Flying and void travel were necessary at times, but if there was another way he'd gladly take it.
Nefarian lowered himself into his seat with a little difficulty; a few of his mechanical parts had a tenency to get in the way. Once he had sat down, he properly looked at the other two. A soldier and a mystic, from the looks of them. He wasn't especially interested in them. He had been summoned for a job of some sort, and he would perform that job to the best of his abilities. He has dealt with guardsmen before and learnt that there was no such thing as a typical guardsman, so he reserved judgement on the man. As for the psyker... he had no interest in the powers of the warp. His calling was scientific. The chaotic nature of the warp made a mockery of science, so he did his best to ignore it. If the psyker proved useful, they would likely get along fine.
Janas stood silently and stoicly. He rarely spoke and usually only to his master of the moment when addressed. He found meditation to be of the most benefit when not working. He was here to prove himself once again, a recent injury on a mission had left him with far less control over his power than he used to have, and so he was limited to only the most basic skills his craft allowed. No matter though, he would build his control again and unlock his full potential once more.
"So. A Mechanicum adept, a psyker and a soldier. What's the betting we're being sent to the local carnival as a reward for our services to the Throne?" asked Jaspar sarcastically.
"About as likely as our host making a joke when he gets here" Nefarian replied with a shrug. He was looking over the information on the view screen. The planet they were heading for was classified as a death world, but none of the local threats that would warrant such a classification were listed. He examined the screen to see if he could bring up more information.
Nefarian quickly realised the view screen was a basic model and only showed data from another source, moving over to the podium he quickly found the controls and looked through the data available. He quickly found info on tithe rates for both the planet and system, how many ships were mothballed for the sector reserve, how many people lived on the 8 major orbitals. Even the name of the Ecclesiarch's favourite alter boy, Byron, yet he couldn't find any data on the planets hazards. The sole entry on the planets fauna and flora simply contained; [=I= Redacted=I=]. Not even date of when the data was redacted. After spending ten minutes at the podium he gave up and moved to sit back down.
After waiting and chatting for a while, the group turned when they heard the door open, the young officer, a lieutenant, standing in the hall seeming to have a one sided argument, "I can't give the briefing, I know nothing about their mission. ... Well how am I supposed to answer their questions about the mission? ... I don't even know anything about this Throne Damned backwaahhh!" At which point he stumbles into the room, seemingly pushed by someone in the hallway, a servitor following, the door shutting behind it.
Quickly regaining his balance and composure, the lieutenant moves and stands behind the podium, clearing his throat he begins to speak, "My superiors have seen fit to send me to conduct this briefing, please keep all questions to the end of the briefing and we'll get this done so you can prepare for your mission." Looking down at the podium, he adjusts several controls and brings up a list of addresses, "Ok, this seems to be the briefing... Um... It just seems to be a set of addresses.. Uh, this is the Administratum building, and that seems to be a hotel... Uhhh.... I don't know what these last two are.... I think that seems to be it... Oh, right, this servitor has some extra equipment for each of you. So um... Any questions?"
"Any idea why your superiors aren't giving us proper intel?" asked Nefarian as he wandered over to the servitor to check on his new equipment.
"What are we to accomplish at these locations? That is all that matters."
The psyker headed over to the servitor to recieve his extra equipment.
"I thought you said we wouldn't get a joke?" Jaspar replied. This was nothing new, he was well used to working on limited information, as were all guardsmem. But this was a whole new level.
"So, what do we do in this mission? What's our target?" he aimed at the lieutenant.
The lieutenant's eyes glazed over for a few seconds before answering, "Well I don't know why they aren't giving any more info, they won't tell me. As for what you are supposed to do, well that is simple. Investigate. One is where accommodation has been arranged, there is a contact in the Administratum that is supposed to help you, the other two are to be investigated. This equipment is just basics that are supposed to help you coordinate your actions. There is also an armoury on the Orbital we are going to dock at. I suggest you get anything else you think you might need there." Waiting a moment before continuing, "Oh, I suggest you go back to your rooms and gather your gear. We will be docking in 2 standard hours, where you will be transferring to it. You will then be shuttled down to only city on the entire planet." With that he quickly turns and leaves the room.
Extra Gear/OOC
Each of you get a Backpack, Chrono, and enough ammo to bring you up to three full mags/clips. There is also a Micro-bead for each of you who doesn't have one and upgrades for those that do, new encryption and frequencies. There is also a basic data-slate that is only good for reading what's loaded on it. In this case the addresses and a small note.
Note
You have each been chosen to take part in a set of special operations. If you successfully complete this first investigation you will be helping me with something much more important. Your contact in the Administratum is Castella Omfridus. The Hab unit key will be waiting for you at the spaceport, just ask if there is a package for Dariel at the customs office. Any other contacts or sources you may need you are expected to develop yourselves.
-Tarquinius Dionysius
Edit: Minor update
Two hours after the ship finally docked with the Orbital, the three were finally allowed to transfer across. A guide was provided by the Navy to take them around the station, including to the Q-Store so they could requisition any additional equipment they might need.
"Is this it?" Jaspar asked. "If we're going in blind we'll need more than this. Heavy weapons are out of the question from the sounds of things and frankly, going in this blind I'm not sure I'd like the extra weight, but I at least need a pistol, preferably an autopistol, silenced if possible." He thought for a moment and then added: "And a couple of grenades wouldn't go amiss either. Just in case, you understand."
(In work so no access to the roller sadly. :( )
Post edited to take into account GM's post below.
OOC: No one has said to be subtle and you'll have all your normal equipment, this is just a chance to pick up stuff that might be useful, the restrictions are just the Navy following a request while giving the middle finger to the requester. (Plus I don't like the odds of you somehow rolling a critical pass for attempting to get an autocannon or lascannon)
Cybernetic interface port (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4210132/) (69, failed)
Cybernetic auger array (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4210147/) (88, failed)
Recoil glove (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4210139/) (48, failed)
Nefarian pondered over the message for a moment. An investigation? That, to him, implied searching for clues and questioning people. He immediately began asking around for various cybernetic systems to aid him, but came up empty handed. He also realise that working for an inquisitor was likely to be dangerous, but his attempts to get a recoil glove for his hand cannon were equally unsuccessful. Eventually, he gave up on Q-Store. They just didn't have anything he wanted.
After waiting an extra hour on the Orbital due to a unfortunate incident involving a certain Guardsman and Navy Security in the Q-Store, the Shuttle departed from the station. It was a fairly standard design used all over the Imperium for VIP transfers, capable of descending to a planet and reaching orbit again, it quickly passed through the upper atmosphere descending to the only city on the planet. The Spaceport had originally been built first, on a platform above the northern polar sea. The City of Corvo had grown up underneath the platform, creating the beginnings of a Hive City. The beginnings of construction could be seen on the far side of facility as the shuttle landed next to a passenger terminal, a small building usually only used by Administratum Officials.
After grabbing their luggage, the three soon found the office the note pointed them too, Looking at the other two, the Guardsman quickly decided he better do the talking and spoke to the man behind the counter. He quickly got the package and even managed to organise some transport, though he had to offer the Customers Officer some Lho-Sticks before he would be helpful.
The trip to the Hab-unit was short and they quickly moved their luggage inside. The unit taking up the entire top floor of the building it was in, having 6 bedrooms, though only one was a double with the rest being singles with double bunks and basic lockers. The main living area had a decent entertainment unit and enough couches to seat 8 around it with a large table and a well equipped though utilitarian Kitchen. All in all, not a cheap unit in such a space poor city.
While everyone was settling into the Unit, the intercom from the buildings door buzzed, Janas being closest to the intercom quickly answered it, "Who's there?"
"I'm looking for Dariel." Quickly came back, to which he replied, "I don't know a Dariel." Nefarian quickly pushed Janas out the way and and buzzed the door open telling the Intercom, "Dariel has stepped out but you can come up and wait for him." He then turned to the perplexed Pyromancer and said, "Dariel was the name we had to give to get the keys to this Hab. Who ever it is might know more about what's going on."
Not long after there was a knock at the door which Jasper quickly answered, letting a short and wiry member of the Priesthood inside. "Who are you?"
OOC
Mkoll, did some rolling for equip for you, You have an Autopistol W/2 Clips of ammo, A Frag Grenade (didn't realise how easy these are to get) and a Photon Flash. You critical failed rolling for a suppressor and you had to spend an hour chatting with Navy Security to convince them you weren't some kind of Criminal. You also used three Lho-Sticks to get the officials help.
And that would be Rarity's chance to introduce himself.
Orson stepped in, brushing the rain off his coat. Well, "rain" in large quotations. The condensation from the surrounding buildings was humid to almost choking, and the planet's gravity felt the Emperor's himself was testing both faith and lumbar support. His planet had a calmer 0.7 Terran Gravities. The planet itself was as oppressive as the people, a somewhat ominous omen, but one didn't prove his faith in the Emperor by sampling delicacies!
As the door closed behind him, he closed his eyes for a few seconds to allow himself time to adapt to the gloom; even the lower Hive on Sanctity IV was a much nicer view than this dingy little place; he corrected himself- No, the darkness here would soon be lifted with the Emperor's Light! The man in the bar said he knew some people who could use his Faith to help lift the darkness and test his own. Go see Dariel, he said.
Promptly, Orson looked up. "I'm sorry, which one of you are Dariel?" He let his bright green eyes wander over the three as he shook the water off his cloak; he hoped the greasy air wouldn't get the smell into the feathers. He had a look at those in the room.
One of them was wearing a deep red. Ah, a member of the Ommnissian cult. An accepted deviation, if wrong. Tall, as well. A few pieces of metal glinted in the dark, but there seemed to be eyes and hair- not a devout follower then. Perhaps he could be swayed to the true Faith? A pile of books that seems to stand over protectively... a devout reader? Intelligent, certainly.
Next to him, a large man. Bloodshot eyes and a birthmark. Lower born, likely. Drug addict? Lho sticks? Obscura? Something else? A ring of bone. Certainly lower-born, thought Orson. Ex gang member, judging by his build. Was he... was he wearing armour indoors? How uncultured of him! Could certainly use the Emperor's Light. Orson moved his cloak to hang on the wall hook.
He moved his already large eyes to the next member of the party, and his hand moved to the haft of his axe. The malign influence of the Dark Ones was within this one. His other hand made half the sign of the God Emperor, one wing and the head with the thumb, and under his breath he hissed "Witch...", before halting himself. For was not the Emperor himself blessed with a million such beings every three years?
He gulps, and nods to himself, before sweeping into a low bow. "My name is Orson of House Shylocke and His Majestic Highness, the God-Emperor of Mankind." He stood to his straightest, still smaller than the rest, and younger. "May I ask which of you is Dariel? I've been told he is going through a tough time and will require the guidance of the God-Emperor."
"We speak for Dariel, for the time being. May I ask who told you to find him, and what help they said you could provide?" asked Nefarian, deciding that revealing the truth about them too early was an unnecessary risk.
"I was told nothing more than I would be given a quest that would test my Faith, and my job was to protect the Faith of others. I would be told more when I arrived."
Orson cast his mind back. "As for the fellow... I don't know, I got drunk in the Lower Hive a few weeks ago and the next morning, I got an invitation with this address and a ticket on a cargo ship." Orson beamed widely, moving aside from Witch and putting his case down.
"If you speak for Dariel, then I suppose I help you, in whatever it is you're doing..." He leans in. "Umm... what are you doing?"
The story sounded infuriatingly familiar. "Unfortunately we can't tell you much, since we weren't told much. We were recruited for a some kind of investigation. All we were told was to come here using the alias Dariel and investigate. We weren't told what to investigate, we were just given a list of addresses. I was rather hoping you would know more."
"I suppose then we investigate the list of addresses. The God-Emperor will show us the rest." He looks around. "Shall we go and knock on doors?"
Janas watched the mans hand flicked to his weapon. A typical response that he was more than used to. He ignored it and remained silent. There was nothing for him to say, no special information that he could impart in this situation, and nothing that needed to be lit on fire. He would prove his worth and his loyalty when the time came, other peoples beliefs be damned.
Jaspar eyed the newcomer suspiciously. They hadn't been told to expect someone to meet them here, but then again, they hadn't been told much of anything. He smiled slightly to himself as he saw the man's reaction to his appearance and wondered which of the usual assumptions had been made about him.
The newcomer made Jaspar uneasy. He had faith in the Emperor, as did the psyker presumably, and the tech adept had his own faith, but to so blindly assume that the Emperor would "guide their path" was so far from Jaspar's experience it was difficult to know how to react. He'd been raised on a shrineworld, but even there the level of piety the priest was showing was reserved for special occasions.
"Right, we have three addresses, not counting this hotel. One of them is apparently a contact in the administratum that is supposed to help us, and the other two are locations to be investigated. Unless anyone has one already, I suggest we find a map of the city to help us navigate, before checking out the contact. It's hard to investigate something if we don't know what to look for."
"We could also do with knowing what kind of area we're going into. None of us are exactly going to blend in if it's an upper class estate, we need to be prepared for that." replied Jaspar.
Nefarian turned towards the entertainment unit set up in the main area, "Maybe we can get some of that info here." Sitting at the desk next to the unit, he boots it up as the others sit on the lounges facing the unit. The unit boots up quickly and displays two options, Log On and Entertainment. Choosing log on, Nefarian watches it come up with two user options, Tarquinius Dionysius and guest. Curious he clicks on Tarquinius Dionysius. A panel in the desk opens and a hand print scanner raises out of it while on screen the unit demands an audio sample and password. Nefarian then clicks on the X in the upper corner and then chooses guest, "That seems mildly paranoid." "Could be whoever bought us here." Suggested Janas. "We aren't likely to find out soon." Jasper said as he checked the addresses on his data-slate, "These other two addresses still need to be checked and we still need that map."
Nefarian quickly found a map of the city, downloading it to everyones data-slates before bringing up a search option. He quickly found the addresses, "This one is a small drinking establishment near the sea docks, and this other one appears to be a warehouse about half way between the docks and the Spaceport. Though I can't find any more info about the Warehouse, the drinking establishment is called Crovos Nidum. " Both Jasper and Orson piping up with, "Crow's Nest?" Before Orson Continued with, "What is it with this planet and Crows?" At the blank looks he continued, "Pântano do Corvo Translates as Marsh Crow."
"Maybe this planets "crows" are the reason it's a death world?" added Janas to Orson's surprise. "Death World? What do you mean, Death World?" Orson Asked.
"The Briefing, and I use the term loosely, we were given on the way here had info on the planet being shown. It is listed as a Death World but we still don't know why."Nefarian explained as he quickly searched for more info on the planet. What he found, nobody liked. "Giant Snakes?" asked Janas in Shock.
"Giant Snakes that could swallow a Leman Russ." Added Jaspar
"Well now we know why the city is out here at sea... And lets hope we don't have to go to the mainland" Orson said before adding, "What can you find about Dariel. And this Tarquinius?"
"I can't find anything on this Tarquinius Dionysius... And Dariel returns too many hits by itself." Nefarian thought for a moment before adding their current location to the search terms. "Hmm... That helped... He seems to be a business man... Owns several buildings in this city including this one. Maybe we should check these out if we have time?" He asked as he downloaded the info to everyone's data-slates.
Going back to the first search he added, "The owner of the bar seems to be a man called... Django Reynolds. Where should we start, the bar, the contact or the warehouse?"
"Giant Snakes?" Janas asked again.
"Yes, giant snakes. Stop saying that" said Nefarian, rolling his eyes. "I personally think we should Look at the warehouse first. The bar and the contact will involve us asking questions, and right now we don't know what to ask. If we can find out what is store in the warehouse, it will help direct our inquiries."
'Why did it have to be snakes?' thought Janas. It wasn't that they frightened him, they were just a bloody pest. They were tails with faces! How did nobody find that weird?
"If we go to the warehouse and we run afoul of security, we may find ourselves in a tighter spot than we wish to be in. Are we sure we can get in undetected?"
"No, but we're going to have to check it out at some point and I don't see any great value in waiting. I'd rather go there first than start asking questions in a bar that might draw attention to us without gaining anything because we don't know what to ask. The same goes for the informant; if the rest of this mission is any indication, he wont know about us or our goals and will be expecting us to ask questions."
OOC: Got one for warehouse, one for not warehouse, where do you lot want to check out first?
"In a bar we can at least pretend we're just looking for a drink. We have no such pretense at the warehouse yet, as such the bar is the better option."
"We cannot pretend to look for a drink and accidentially ask some very specific questions while doing so. The warehouse is the best option. Warehouses get raided all the time by local gangs. We are better trained and armed. Problems may arise, ensue and be overcome. In a bar they may simply vaporize first and not bother with questions."
OOC: Jayne, you don't know you are working for an inquisitor. They are rare in this sector and most people don't know they exist.
"People ask questions in a bar all the time. Besides which, we don't know what questions we're supposed to be asking yet, or what to look for in a warehouse. A pub has plenty of idle talk which may produce valuable information. If something sounds interesting, or unusual, we can find out more about that in said bar." replied Jaspar.
"I might give us useful information, but it could just as easily give us a ton of red herrings that will simply waste time. I think a warehouse is less likely to send us down an irrelevant path. Also I didn't actually say we should break in, just look at it. If we can watch a delivery or pickup, we might be able to ascertain the purpose of the warehouse. Who knows, they might have an exterior computer panel I can hack to find more information." Nefarian paused for a moment. "I will admit that one reason I do not wish to go to the bar is that it would require... mingling. I am not the most skilled socialite ever. Perhaps I should perform some early reconnaissance on the warehouse - nothing risky, just observing - while you ask questions at the bar."
"Yes, because hacking is so much more difficult to detect than a couple of people enjoying a drink and trying to find out about the town they've just arrived in"retorted Jaspar, with a level of sarcasm that even the most inhumane tech priests would have detected.
An implant near Nefarian's left ear started beeping, before being shut off by a thought. "Sorry, sarcasm detector," he explained offhandedly. "I am aware that hacking isn't that discreet, but I wouldn't do it if I thought I might get caught. Mostly I just want to see the place to try and figure out what they store, as I said. Hacking is just a potential side benefit."
He turned to Orson. "You've been quiet. Any suggestions?"
After discussing the matter for another hour, they all agreed to go to the bar, there the techpriest would still be able to use a dataslate that he found next to the media unit to do more research on the warehouse, maybe even trying to get remote access to the warehouse if possible, while being in a place the others could get info. It also meant that if someone did notice his snooping, Neferian would have backup, and not get caught by himself.
They all met at the door of the Hab unit they were in when Neferian held up some keys, "Do any of you know how to drive a groundcar? I found these in a draw of the Media Unit."
"I have some experience with them, assuming it isn't too different from what I was trained to drive." Jaspar responded
"And who exactly trained you to drive a groundcar?" Orson remarked, Jaspar just smiled as he led them to lift, "I wonder where it is parked."
Inside the lift, a small swipe card slot set next to the buttons seemed like a good as place as any to try the keyring attached to the key. Jaspar slid the card down the sensor, causing the doors to close and the lift to descend quickly down the 5 floors and into the basement of the building. When the doors opened they found themselves inside a large carpark, one end had ramps going out the back of the building, while another had a series of heavy security shutters. About two dozen cars, vans and other vehicles set out in neat rows between the two ends. "So Nef, which car is it?" Jaspar quickly asked the techpreist. "The tag has the vehicle as number G-38B-6, which if I'm right, is the black sedan near the ramps." he replied, heading to the car he pointed out. Getting in, Jaspar quickly got accustomed to the layout of the controls. It was pretty standard. He quickly started the car and as the others got settled. Neferian got out the new 'Slate and was quickly absorbed in it as they all headed to the docks.
The bar was a fairly large one, though it was pretty deserted when they all entered, Neferian still absorbed in the dataslate didn't notice that. They quickly found a table that was empty and sat down. An old man soon came over, "I don't normally do table service. It's just been so quiet I can. What can I get you?" After listening to ever ones order he replied, "Not from around here are you boys? What brings you to The Marsh?"
OOC
Neferian has found some info about about the warehouse on the drive to the bar (hours drive for those that care). The Dataslate he has "Found", is more of a full tablet touch-screen PC with full wireless capabilities and well above what is typically available on such a backwater world. And the Owner is going to want it back, don't lose it.
Neferian's findings
The Warehouse has official been abandoned for the better part of a decade though utilities have been back on for the last 2 years. He has also found a basic layout of the warehouse when it was last officially in use, it's a fire evac plan. There is also several security feeds from around the warehouse but he hasn't tried accessing them yet. (-30 to your rolls to access. Each feed requires a separate test, 4 in total. Subterfuge can be used to try and hide your access)
Don't forget that you still don't know you are in the service of an Inquisitor.
"What gave us away?" chuckled Jaspar. "We're new in town, new to the system really. So where do you go to find out what's going on and what there is in town?"
"Well there's noticeboards and pict screens" replied the barman.
"True, there are. But they only tell you what's on and where, but you get a much better feel for an area from idle chit chat, and there's nowhere better for that than pubs."
"That's true normally, but this place is normally full of Marsh Wranglers. Though they haven't been coming in as much. Been told the reason is the Tithes have been raised and they can't get enough people. All I know is when they are in town, I get rushed off my feet. They should be back in a day or two actually." thinking a moment he continues, "I've heard there is some kind of blood sport that has become popular in the last couple years. I don't hear much about that though, most of the Marsh Wranglers see enough fighting out there to go to entertainment based on it. I can tell you where several good love dens are though if you want."
"Must be quite a tithe increase to make such a difference in custom levels" Jaspar noted. "wonder what could've caused that."
"Still, a small matter overall. There's probably a thousand and more reasons behind it. The blood sport you mentioned sounds interesting though. the last few worlds I've had the joy of visiting have been so dull they don't even allow dice or cards. Unless you know exactly where and how to look." he added as he took a drink.
Nefarian decided that it might be a little too risky to attempt to hack the warehouse security feed without consulting the others first, and he did not wish to talk about it in public. After he had convinced himself that he wasn't getting anything more about warehouse at this time, he decided to do some research on their administratum contact. Knowing what exactly his job was might help guide them.
Janas sat in silence. He felt out of place here. Psykers didn't interact with the mundanes. They were rarely welcome. As such they didn't really cultivate much in the way of people skills.
"If we need to force information out of someone, come to me. Beyond that my skills are limited."
"Well like I said, I don't know anything about it, though I do know of a club up near the port that has dice and cards. Run by an old shipmate of mine. He might now something about the fighting now I think about it. I can put you in touch with him if you like." The old man offered, "I'm Django Reynolds by the bye."
"Jaspar and these are my friends, Nefarian, Janas and Orson. And you're willing to put in a word for us?" Jaspar asked slightly surprised.
"For a Guardsman of the 57th Overlanders? I would." At Jaspar's look of shock Django continued. "I worked security on the Transport that took you to Boros. You have my condolences too. I here Decimated doesn't even begin to cover what happen to your Regiment. Such waste."
"Yes it was." Replied Jaspar with a haunted look.
"I'll go make the call. Your drinks are free while you're in here." Django added as he walked away from the table.
Orson looked at Jaspar, "You don't look like any guardsman I've ever seen."
"How many have you seen?" Responded Jaspar with a touch of sarcasm which Orson ignored, "57th Overlanders... They are from the Shrine World of Shadow aren't they?"
"Indeed they are."
Orson looked Jaspar over as he re-evaluated the man. At that pointed Nefarian piped up, "I have some info you guys might be interested in. I'll tell you later. For now I'm going to try and find out more about our Administratum Contact."
After a few hours of chatting with the locals and several rounds of drinks, Django came back over to the group. "I couldn't reach my Shipmate, seems he isn't at the club today. He should be in tomorrow so take this note and tell him Django Reynolds sent you. His name is Garrit Perry. Tell him pilots might get all the girls, but Ground Pounders get all the real women." he said with a wink before heading back off. "So," Said Janas, "What do we do now?"
OOC
Most of the locals were talking about the Tithe increases and none knew much about the sport. All they knew was it was happening. Some also mentioned that there were rumours of a new settlement on the southern half of the continent. No one really gives it much credit as it is supposed to be really close to the mountains, which is a were the snakes seem to be most commonly found. The last rumour is that two new, competing love dens have opened in the city. You even have the locations of both thanks of a patron that has visited both.
Nefarian, you already have his name but there isn't much else to find. He is Castella Omfridus, head of supply and logistics for the planets Administratum holdings and also works closely with the Arbites.[/spoilers]
"Well, we have another name and contact we can make use of, and the techie seems to have some information for us too. So, I suggest we head back to where we started, evaluate what we know, get some sleep and see what can be found out about Mr Perry and his establishment." replied Jaspar.
The drive back to the hab unit was uneventful as Nefarian recounted all he had found to group. As he was telling the others about what he had found, he started looking up info on the new contact and his club. There wasn't much on the public infonet and Navy and Administratum records normally required direct access to the network. The local enforcers had raided the place a couple times claiming that the man was a black marketeer, but they never found any proof and merely seemed to raise the Clubs popularity every time they did. The club didn't open until the evening.
Back at the Hab unit, everyone chatted for a bit before going to their room and bed, with Orson finding a bed for himself. Though Nefarian stayed up later then everyone else while exploring the Entertainment Unit and the Dataslate he had found.
Orson woke up just before dawn, getting dressed and moving out to the common area. As he stepped out of his room he was instantly on guard as he noticed the blue glow in the room. He relaxed when he realised it was Nefarian at the Entertainment unit, though he wasn't sure if he was still up, or just up early, "Have you slept at all Nefarian?"
"Yes."
"Find anything interesting in the unit."
" No, it is very heavily encrypted and there are lots of security measures in place. Whoever owns this place is very well connected. I haven't seen security measures like this since...."
"Since...?"
Looking embarassed Nefarian continued, "I am not allowed to tell you. I've already said too much."
"Ok... Well I am going up to the roof to pray. I'll be back down in an hour."
Orson returned and hour later, finding Nefarian still at the unit. He shrugged before moving into the Kitchen, "Anyone else up yet?"
"I am" Jaspar announced as he came out of his room. "Though I suspect Janas will be asleep for sometime and I for one, do not feel like trying to wake a Pyromancer. I LIKE my hair."
Orson laughed before replying, "Probably smart. In the mean time, we can make breakfast, best save some for Janas."
"Probably a good idea."
"I think we should go see the Administratum contact before lunch, that will give us a chance to see what he might know and then after lunch we can check out the club, what do you both think?" asked Nefarian.
"That sounds best. Though I've still no idea what we're supposed to be finding out from him. At a guess, it's related to this blood sport the pub landlord mentioned." Jaspar replied.