FactotumJanris Danrok puts down the rifle and dabs his forehead with a silky handkercher, before shoving it under the tight band of the ammunition belt across his chest. His gilded frock coat is overlaid with a bullet-riddled and melted flak vest that barely fits around his voluminous waist. Behind him, a motley band of enforcers, armed clerks, and labourers greets you with enthusiastic shouts. A group of captives, silent and dejected, sits a short distance away.
Factotum(sequence)
FactotumYou see familiar faces among his escort. Lieutenant Avrilla Vent of the enforcers stands shoulder to shoulder with one of the leaders of Depot 4, an elderly woman whom everyone referred to as Old Nan.
end of branch
Factotum"I am delighted to see you in good health, Your Lordship/Ladyship! I am afraid my report on the inspection of the ship's storehouses will be slightly delayed due to extraordinary circumstances."
Factotum"The enforcers reported that you had been sighted in this compartment, and I humbly believed it was my duty to head for the freight line with this very modest army... Would you kindly move a little to the right, Your Lordship/Ladyship?"
FactotumThe Factotum blows the head off a heretic with a precise shot, then lowers his rifle. "Much obliged."
YOU"I take it the inspection did not go well?"
FactotumThe Factotum loosens the straps on his flak vest slightly and gives a satisfied groan. "It was going splendidly until we were rudely interrupted by the traitorous mutants. I am afraid I have temporarily had to requisition weapons and uniforms for myself and my militia. But do not worry: every spent bullet will be accounted for and added to the 'unplanned extermination of heretics' column in the ledger."
YOU"I take it the inspection did not go well?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I did not expect you to be so skilled with a rifle, Janris."
Factotum"I am flattered, Your Lordship/Ladyship! I can assure you that smiting heretics is no more difficult than shooting up serfs at my aunt's birthday party. In fact, fighting an armed opponent may even add a certain spice."
YOU"I take it the inspection did not go well?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I did not expect you to be so skilled with a rifle, Janris."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Emperor, hear my vow! I will continue to spill my blood, nor stop to heal my wounds, until the corruption that has befouled my ship is destroyed!"
FactotumDanrok and your loyal servants freeze in reverent silence. Seldom do they have the opportunity to witness the Rogue Trader swear a sacred vow to the God-Emperor.
YOU"I take it the inspection did not go well?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I did not expect you to be so skilled with a rifle, Janris."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Emperor, hear my vow! I will continue to spill my blood, nor stop to heal my wounds, until the corruption that has befouled my ship is destroyed!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"That is a fine piece of weaponry you are wielding — elegant and antique. I would love to take a closer look."
Factotum"You have a discerning eye, Your Lordship/Ladyship! Only a true aristocrat versed in the sophisticated art of hunting would appreciate the perfection that is this handsome toy! May I direct your attention to the filigree on the stock? Made by Master Gorenov himself! A superb weapon for—" He stops himself and suddenly goes pale. "How utterly boorish of me! Such a tactful intimation, and I have made a fool of myself... Please, accept this weapon as a gift!"
YOU"A worthy addition to my collection. You have my thanks."
Factotum(sequence)
Jae"You have yet to learn the art of subtly hinting at desirable gifts, shereen..."
end of branch
Factotum"Serve your new owner faithfully, my dear rifle! Please, Your Lordship/Ladyship, do not forget to apply the finest oils, or she might get right cranky." Janris dabs his eyes with one hand and snaps his fingers with the other, commanding the nearest servant to give him their weapon.
YOU"I take it the inspection did not go well?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I did not expect you to be so skilled with a rifle, Janris."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Emperor, hear my vow! I will continue to spill my blood, nor stop to heal my wounds, until the corruption that has befouled my ship is destroyed!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"That is a fine piece of weaponry you are wielding — elegant and antique. I would love to take a closer look."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Look at the Factotum's army] "I see that all of the crew's clans are working together to retake my vessel."
Factotum"You are indeed correct, Your Lordship/Ladyship. Serfs, enforcers, officers, Tech-Priests, and tunnel rats have all united in their fight against the rebellious scum. The only ones missing are the inferni. It seems they were the backbone of this mutiny... And they strangled all those who were not privy to their dastardly plan."
Factotum"The kindly inhabitants of Depot 4 are unpretentious but loyal people..." The Factotum nods casually toward the ragged labourers. "They have generously agreed to join my improvised posse to 'beat the mutinous scum bloody raw,' as they put it. A most honourable clan indeed. I shall order that they be assigned additional water and oxygen rations."
FactotumDanrok glances at the wounded prisoners. "Yet, as you can see, our enemies also include those who swore an oath to you not so long ago — crew members who fell for the rebel propaganda. It is your choice whether to sentence them yourself, or to leave the execution to me after you have departed on your business."
YOU"I take it the inspection did not go well?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I did not expect you to be so skilled with a rifle, Janris."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Emperor, hear my vow! I will continue to spill my blood, nor stop to heal my wounds, until the corruption that has befouled my ship is destroyed!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"That is a fine piece of weaponry you are wielding — elegant and antique. I would love to take a closer look."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Look at the Factotum's army] "I see that all of the crew's clans are working together to retake my vessel."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Lieutenant Vent, what fortune led you to fight alongside the denizens of Depot 4?"
Avrilla Vent"That fortune was Mistress Sauerback, Lord Captain. She assigned me to keep an eye on the captain of Depot 4, with special powers. The captain had become compromised, so I eliminated him. I then opened a special package with instructions to follow in case of mutiny, formed a defence squad, and joined the battle."
Old NanThe old woman raises her shotgun. "And we're eager to serve. One must keep one's house in order, Your Lordship/Ladyship, and you gave us weapons for a reason! So, Stager came to us all quiet, and he brought some lads along with him. They started talking, telling us how oppressed and deprived we all were. They tried to incite rebellion, you see? And so, we blew their heads off."
Old Nan"It cost us, though. Our Rivet was made of heroic stuff: he pounced on Stager, screamed, roused the crowd to a fight. He didn't make it, of course, but at least we shot the doubters and our unwanted guests then and there."
YOU"I take it the inspection did not go well?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I did not expect you to be so skilled with a rifle, Janris."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Emperor, hear my vow! I will continue to spill my blood, nor stop to heal my wounds, until the corruption that has befouled my ship is destroyed!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"That is a fine piece of weaponry you are wielding — elegant and antique. I would love to take a closer look."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Look at the Factotum's army] "I see that all of the crew's clans are working together to retake my vessel."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Lieutenant Vent, what fortune led you to fight alongside the denizens of Depot 4?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How bad is the situation on the ship?"
Factotum"Quite bad, but it could have been far worse if it were not for Mistress Sauerback's paranoia and insufferable temper. As you well know, she has a nasty habit of expecting betrayal from everyone except Your Lordship/Ladyship. She had therefore taken care to draw up special protocols for all sorts of mutiny, and had stationed agents on every deck."
Factotum"When the riot began, these agents took out many of the seditious officers and mounted a defence. In addition, I have been informed of at least three cases in which the officers inciting the enforcers to mutiny were shot by Jocasta's personal aides. It looks like she had already been keeping an eye on her least reliable subordinates. I should give the Emperor a candle in gratitude for making her such a suspicious hag."
YOU"I take it the inspection did not go well?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I did not expect you to be so skilled with a rifle, Janris."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Emperor, hear my vow! I will continue to spill my blood, nor stop to heal my wounds, until the corruption that has befouled my ship is destroyed!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"That is a fine piece of weaponry you are wielding — elegant and antique. I would love to take a closer look."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Look at the Factotum's army] "I see that all of the crew's clans are working together to retake my vessel."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Lieutenant Vent, what fortune led you to fight alongside the denizens of Depot 4?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How bad is the situation on the ship?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What do you intend to do next?"
Factotum"Why, I intend to die for you, Your Lordship/Ladyship." Every member of the militia, from burly enforcer to puny clerk, nods in sombre agreement with the High Factotum. "But I must admit, we are quite exhausted from fighting our way here, and we are not really suited to being an assault squad."
Factotum"I think Your Lordship/Ladyship should head for the enforcers' post. You will be safer there. Meanwhile, we will take a breather and smoke a few more dozen heretics out of their holes. God-Emperor willing, I will not have to die a glorious death with your name on my lips after all and will instead begin auditing the damage the ship has suffered, as well as the losses among the crew. It is a routine procedure — one in which I have become quite proficient."
end of branch
Factotum(sequence)
Factotum"Thanks to your order to put the enforcers on high alert, the traitors were unable to take them by surprise. I watched them take back the bays in full assault gear, sparing neither themselves nor their enemies. That was a wise decision indeed."
end of branch
Factotum"I should warn you that many of the rebels were carrying enforcers' equipment during the battle. Apparently, they took it from the soldiers assisting in the rescue efforts. Those traitors from the Infernus Guild stabbed them in the back. Be careful."
end of branch
FactotumJanris points courteously to a pile of relics, trophies, and chests overlaid with gold. "Following your instructions, we were able to evacuate some of your riches in time, as well as the sacred unguents and ammunition from the damaged compartments. Use whatever you like as you see fit. I can assure you that the rest will remain with me in perfect safety."
end of branch
YOU"What do you intend to do next?"continues where this line first appears above
Factotum(sequence)
Abelard"I must emphasise that it is a miracle that these commoners have joined us and not the rebellion. For the Emperor's sake, do not go arming every commoner on the ship after this, Lord Captain."
end of branch
YOU"How bad is the situation on the ship?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What do you intend to do next?"continues where this line first appears above
FactotumDanrok glances at the wounded prisoners. "Yet, as you can see, our enemies also include those who swore an oath to you not so long ago — crew members who fell for the rebel propaganda. It is your choice whether to sentence them yourself, or to leave the execution to me after you have departed on your business."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Lieutenant Vent, what fortune led you to fight alongside the denizens of Depot 4?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How bad is the situation on the ship?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What do you intend to do next?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I would never force you to part with something so dear to your heart."
FactotumJanris lets out a sigh of relief. "Rest assured, this rifle will serve House von Valancius well in my hands."
YOU"I take it the inspection did not go well?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I did not expect you to be so skilled with a rifle, Janris."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Emperor, hear my vow! I will continue to spill my blood, nor stop to heal my wounds, until the corruption that has befouled my ship is destroyed!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"That is a fine piece of weaponry you are wielding — elegant and antique. I would love to take a closer look."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Look at the Factotum's army] "I see that all of the crew's clans are working together to retake my vessel."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Lieutenant Vent, what fortune led you to fight alongside the denizens of Depot 4?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How bad is the situation on the ship?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What do you intend to do next?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I do not wear or wield hand-me-downs from my servants. Keep it."
FactotumJanris lets out a sigh of relief. "Rest assured, this rifle will serve House von Valancius well in my hands."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Look at the Factotum's army] "I see that all of the crew's clans are working together to retake my vessel."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Lieutenant Vent, what fortune led you to fight alongside the denizens of Depot 4?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How bad is the situation on the ship?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What do you intend to do next?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"That is a fine piece of weaponry you are wielding — elegant and antique. I would love to take a closer look."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Look at the Factotum's army] "I see that all of the crew's clans are working together to retake my vessel."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Lieutenant Vent, what fortune led you to fight alongside the denizens of Depot 4?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How bad is the situation on the ship?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What do you intend to do next?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Emperor, hear my vow! I will continue to spill my blood, nor stop to heal my wounds, until the corruption that has befouled my ship is destroyed!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"That is a fine piece of weaponry you are wielding — elegant and antique. I would love to take a closer look."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Look at the Factotum's army] "I see that all of the crew's clans are working together to retake my vessel."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Lieutenant Vent, what fortune led you to fight alongside the denizens of Depot 4?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How bad is the situation on the ship?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What do you intend to do next?"continues where this line first appears above
Factotum(sequence)
SolomorneSolomorne gives a nod of respect. "Meticulous adherence to procedure. It's a shame you don't serve in the Administratum — I imagine your department would be a true example of efficiency and order."
end of branch
YOU"I did not expect you to be so skilled with a rifle, Janris."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Emperor, hear my vow! I will continue to spill my blood, nor stop to heal my wounds, until the corruption that has befouled my ship is destroyed!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"That is a fine piece of weaponry you are wielding — elegant and antique. I would love to take a closer look."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Look at the Factotum's army] "I see that all of the crew's clans are working together to retake my vessel."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Lieutenant Vent, what fortune led you to fight alongside the denizens of Depot 4?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How bad is the situation on the ship?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What do you intend to do next?"continues where this line first appears above
Factotum(sequence)
UlfarUlfar makes a patronising gesture. "Not bad, coffer keeper. I wouldn't have thought there was such a taste for bloodshed in your heart. I approve of your vigour."
FactotumJanris swells with pride. "After being praised by the Angel of the Emperor himself, I simply must end no fewer than a dozen mutineers myself!"