Enforcer Jinevri"You are obstructing the investigation, esteemed Tech-Priest! I require the information stored by this machine spirit. If you refuse to cooperate..."
Tech-Priest Androveta-Phi"Petition rejected. A malady has befallen the machine spirit of the honoured master cogitator Iota-IIIB. Unauthorised anguish will worsen its condition and impede treatment. I will not stand for such acts of brutality against the great elder!"
Enforcer Jinevri"I'll show you brutality, you blasted cog..."
YOU"What is going on here?"
Enforcer Jinevri"The greatly esteemed Tech-Priest Androveta-Phi does not seem to realise the importance of investigative action and refuses to grant anyone access to the master cogitator."
Tech-Priest Androveta-PhiAndroveta-Phi's mechadendrites creak as they bow before you. "Exalted ruler of the vessel, I mean not to harm, but to protect — I merely care for the machine spirit's health. It has fallen ill of late, and now its temper is worse than ever. If the laywoman starts torturing it now, the venerable spirit may take offence and leave us forever, taking the logs of the laypeople's toils with it. This must be prevented!"
YOU"What is going on here?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Jinevri, why do you seek access to the malfunctioning cogitator?"
Enforcer Jinevri"The work logs are on it. They might contain important information that will lead us to our suspect."
Tech-Priest Androveta-PhiAndroveta-Phi's vox explodes in a furious binharic roar: "This laywoman does not even know what she intended to enquire of the blessed elder! Blasphemous disrespect!"
YOU"What is going on here?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Jinevri, why do you seek access to the malfunctioning cogitator?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have faith that the two of you can come to an agreement."
CogitatorThe menacing crack of Jinevri's knuckles and the venomous hiss of Androveta-Phi's vox suggest that such faith is misplaced.
YOU"What is going on here?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Jinevri, why do you seek access to the malfunctioning cogitator?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have faith that the two of you can come to an agreement."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"We need to investigate this cogitator in order to obtain information about a certain pipewarden."
Tech-Priest Androveta-Phi"Ruler of the vessel, why do you insist on interrogating an elderly soul when it is in such a miserable state? You are making a mockery of the Omnissiah's tenets and the privileges of the Priesthood of Mars!"
YOU"Pasqal, talk some sense into her."
Pasqal"As Enginseer Prime of this vessel, I hereby lift the ban on interaction with the machine spirit that has been afflicted by a tech-ailment of unknown category. I grant this layman/laywoman right of access to the master cogitator Iota-IIIB under my careful supervision for the purposes of procuring knowledge and establishing truth."
Tech-Priest Androveta-PhiAndroveta-Phi's vox squeals piteously as she bows. "The identity of the Enginseer Prime is confirmed. Privileges granted. I petition for the well-being of the machine spirit to be given utmost priority."
CogitatorAt your approach, the lumens on the master cogitator's bulky hull light up peevishly, and the cooling filters breathe an exasperated sigh. The machine spirit appears to be in a rotten mood.
YOU[Courteously introduce yourself by inputting your data to show respect for the machine spirit]
CogitatorAfter an unnecessarily long verification process, the cogitator recognises the possibility that you may indeed be the ship's Lord Captain. A string of Techna-Lingua on the vid-screen tells you that you may now input your request.
YOU[Humbly ask for the data on the toils of the ship's workers]
CogitatorBeside itself with anger, the cogitator sprays you with sparks. As its vid-screen dims and flickers, you hear a spiteful whirr and find yourself staring at an incomprehensible mess of symbols. Apparently, the spirit refuses to comply on account of some "Blocker A403."
Tech-Priest Androveta-Phi"Oh, the spirit is truly unwell! Why else would Blocker A403 prevent it from sharing such data, especially after a log-ritual of greeting?"
YOU"Pasqal, take the necessary measures."
PasqalA long binharic vox-prayer makes the master cogitator drowsy. At last, the elder's vid-screen fades to blissful black, and, after releasing the casing from its screws, the mechadendrites expose its interior of vein-like wires. After anointing the machine with unguents while reciting binharic datapsalms, the casing panel is put back in place.
Cogitator(sequence)
Pasqal"O Deus Mechanicus, bestow an impulse of miraculous transformation upon the Noospheric spirit of this machine — and may it rise again from its sacred datadream!"
end of branch
YOU[Treat the cogitator's boards with thermal unction, let it slumber for a while, then awaken it once more]
Cogitator(sequence)continues where this line first appears above
CogitatorThe unction, as well as the short breather, have done wonders for the old spirit's disposition. Mollified, it wipes the data-blocker from the vid-screen and agrees to indulge your enquiries.
YOU[Enquire about the cause of the old cogitator's ailment]
YOU"One of the inferni said he had his pass to the maintenance room taken away by an enforcer."
Enforcer Jinevri"Our villain?" Jinevri frowns. "But how did they get past the guard post? My men swear that no one approached the cogitator."
YOU[Enquire about the cause of the old cogitator's ailment]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"One of the inferni said he had his pass to the maintenance room taken away by an enforcer."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"There is a secret lift nearby leading to my chambers. I saw Lady Theodora use it. Could the culprit also have known of its existence?"
Enforcer JinevriJinevri thinks for a moment, but soon shakes her head. "We will look into it, but I think it unlikely that the culprit could have had access to it. The lift's machine spirits probably obey only the Lord Captain and the most trusted members of their retinue, and no one else."
YOU[Enquire about the cause of the old cogitator's ailment]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"One of the inferni said he had his pass to the maintenance room taken away by an enforcer."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"There is a secret lift nearby leading to my chambers. I saw Lady Theodora use it. Could the culprit also have known of its existence?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Request information about the number SP-246-01]
CogitatorAfter mulling over your question for a while, the spirit recalls that the number is assigned to a senior pipewarden by the name of Orto. This Orto and his partner spent the last watch servicing valve 27-B, which supplies water to the Rogue Trader's chambers. After finishing up the maintenance, only Orto's partner reported in.
Enforcer Jinevri"That's the same valve that was used to pump the blood into the bathchamber. That must be where they killed Orto before dragging his corpse onto the deck."
YOU[Enquire about the cause of the old cogitator's ailment]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"One of the inferni said he had his pass to the maintenance room taken away by an enforcer."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"There is a secret lift nearby leading to my chambers. I saw Lady Theodora use it. Could the culprit also have known of its existence?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Request information about the number SP-246-01]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Request information about the pipewarden's partner]
CogitatorAt first, the cogitator feigns ignorance out of spite, pretending not to recognise your request, but, after four more attempts, the spirit takes pity on you. Orto's partner was senior pipewarden Gwedon, number SP-268-55. Gwedon has not reported for duty since the incident.
Enforcer Jinevri"We have our suspect. It looks like Gwedon killed his fellow worker and put on this entire bloody spectacle. Hrotko is the one responsible for arresting the rabble, so he'll be our best candidate for shedding some light on this Gwedon character."
Tech-Priest Androveta-Phi"The honoured machine spirit is tired! It cannot bear any more of this torture! I see that you got what you came for, so I would ask that you let the elderly have their rest!"
Cogitator(sequence)
Pasqal"Activating the deep hibernation protocol." Pasqal's mechadendrite disconnects from the master cogitator's dataport in a respectful motion. The trill of binharic prayers lulls the elderly spirit's fading lumens. "May the Omnissiah bless this machine with healing slumber, that the sacred unity of its anode and cathode may be purified and shine once more."
end of branch
YOU[Request information about the pipewarden's partner]continues where this line first appears above
Cogitator(sequence)
Abelard"Lady Theodora paid great attention to security measures. Only her inner circle knew about the lift, and the security systems would have made short work of anyone who tried to gain unauthorised access."
Idira"It's too bad that wasn't enough to save her when it mattered most..."
end of branch
YOU[Request information about the number SP-246-01]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Request information about the pipewarden's partner]continues where this line first appears above
Cogitator(sequence)
Heinrix"We should find out if the shift change took place without incident. If the culprit truly is an enforcer or is pretending to be one, he could have orchestrated a gap between the guard shifts."
end of branch
YOU"There is a secret lift nearby leading to my chambers. I saw Lady Theodora use it. Could the culprit also have known of its existence?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Request information about the number SP-246-01]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Request information about the pipewarden's partner]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Androveta-Phi, you will persuade the machine spirit to cooperate. If you do not, I shall do the persuading myself."
CogitatorAfter a heated exchange of tech-commands, the Tech-Priest manages to appease the spirit with cryptoprotocols of praise and to convince the elderly machine that the sacred blocker has erred. Clearly irritated, the cogitator noisily chews the air with its cooling fans, but is nonetheless ready to hear your requests.
YOU[Enquire about the cause of the old cogitator's ailment]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"One of the inferni said he had his pass to the maintenance room taken away by an enforcer."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"There is a secret lift nearby leading to my chambers. I saw Lady Theodora use it. Could the culprit also have known of its existence?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Request information about the number SP-246-01]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Request information about the pipewarden's partner]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Grab the cogitator's braid of cables and give it a good pull]
CogitatorThe elderly machine wheezes hysterically, showering you with sparks. Androveta-Phi clutches her chest. Eventually, with a plaintive flicker of its lumens, the cogitator wipes the data-blocker from the vid-screen.
YOU[Enquire about the cause of the old cogitator's ailment]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"One of the inferni said he had his pass to the maintenance room taken away by an enforcer."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"There is a secret lift nearby leading to my chambers. I saw Lady Theodora use it. Could the culprit also have known of its existence?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Request information about the number SP-246-01]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Request information about the pipewarden's partner]continues where this line first appears above
Cogitator(sequence)
PasqalPasqal's synthesised voice is as harsh as the screech of metal on ceramite. "Predicting sensory mutilation of the machine spirit! Prescribing hourly prayers of good functioning upon the conclusion of this procedure!"
end of branch
Cogitator(sequence)
Pasqal"Observing a critical distortion of the sacred code. Initiating the sacrament of hibernation and anointing of the holy machine's data-cards."
end of branch
YOU[Sternly request the logs detailing the toils of the ship's workers]
CogitatorBeside itself with anger, the cogitator sprays you with sparks. As its vid-screen dims and flickers, you hear a spiteful whirr and find yourself staring at an incomprehensible mess of symbols. Apparently, the spirit refuses to comply on account of some "Blocker A403."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Proudly present your Lord Captain's privileges and access levels to the machine]
CogitatorAfter an unnecessarily long verification process, the cogitator recognises the possibility that you may indeed be the ship's Lord Captain. A string of Techna-Lingua on the vid-screen tells you that you may now input your request.continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Unceremoniously demand access to the catalogue containing the necessary data]
CogitatorThe elderly spirit bombards you with abusive Techna-Lingua, refusing to interact with a nonentity. An identification request flashes furiously on the vid-screen.
YOU[Courteously introduce yourself by inputting your data to show respect for the machine spirit]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Proudly present your Lord Captain's privileges and access levels to the machine]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Unceremoniously demand access to the catalogue containing the necessary data]continues where this line first appears above
Cogitator(sequence)
Pasqal"In the name of upholding the blessed axiomatics, I am initiating the accompanying tech-service." Pasqal's mechadendrites writhe like snakes in a sacred dance. One of them reverentially docks with the cogitator's dataport. "O calculating machine spirit, blessed in omniscience, luminous in the darkness of ignorance! May the regalia be revealed, may the prayers of access be said, may these restrictive circuits be removed." The cogitator lets out a serene sigh of dust from its ventilation grate.
end of branch
YOU"You have my word that I will treat the machine spirit with due respect. You may observe the interrogation."
Tech-Priest Androveta-PhiAndroveta-Phi lets out a screeching sigh. "Access privileges granted. I reserve the prerogative to interrupt the interrogation the moment I detect the slightest threat to the machine spirit."
CogitatorAt your approach, the lumens on the master cogitator's bulky hull light up peevishly, and the cooling filters breathe an exasperated sigh. The machine spirit appears to be in a rotten mood.continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Because I am the Lord Captain, and this is my ship, my cogitator, and my business!"
Enforcer JinevriJinevri gives you a look of respect. With an audible stress on every word, she says, "Mistress Androveta-Phi, step away from the machine. That is an order."
Tech-Priest Androveta-PhiWith a forlorn binharic trill, Androveta-Phi withdraws from the cogitator.
CogitatorAt your approach, the lumens on the master cogitator's bulky hull light up peevishly, and the cooling filters breathe an exasperated sigh. The machine spirit appears to be in a rotten mood.continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Point your weapon at the cogitator] "I will count to three."
Tech-Priest Androveta-PhiThe Tech-Priest's vox hisses defiantly, "You would not commit a Category Four blasphemy! The Omnissiah protects!"
YOU"One."
Tech-Priest Androveta-PhiThe Tech-Priest glances anxiously back and forth between your weapon and the cogitator.
YOU"One."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Two."
Tech-Priest Androveta-PhiAndroveta-Phi moves to shield the machine with her body, but freezes when she sees Jinevri grasp the handle of her pistol.
YOU"One."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Two."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Three."
Tech-Priest Androveta-Phi"Stop! Access privileges granted. But I'm begging you to be gentle with the elderly spirit!"
Cogitator(sequence)
PasqalA brief binharic hymn praising the Omnissiah erupts from Pasqal's vox like a sigh of relief.
end of branch
CogitatorAt your approach, the lumens on the master cogitator's bulky hull light up peevishly, and the cooling filters breathe an exasperated sigh. The machine spirit appears to be in a rotten mood.continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Three."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Two."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Three."continues where this line first appears above
Cogitator(sequence)
PasqalPasqal's mechadendrites freeze and the optical augment focuses on you, trying to verify the authenticity of your threat.
end of branch
YOU"I am not comfortable with the enforcers' harsh interrogation methods. You will cease the use of violence — that is an order."
Enforcer JinevriSurprised, Jinevri breaks off from glaring at the Tech-Priest. "But, Your Lordship/Ladyship, the tracts on interrogation and truth extraction clearly state that torture and intimidation are the most important elements of the process!"
YOU"You will have to find another way. Do I make myself clear?"
Enforcer Jinevri"Yes, Your Lordship/Ladyship. I will inform Mistress Sauerback now and issue the necessary orders."
YOU"What is going on here?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Jinevri, why do you seek access to the malfunctioning cogitator?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have faith that the two of you can come to an agreement."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"We need to investigate this cogitator in order to obtain information about a certain pipewarden."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I am not comfortable with the enforcers' harsh interrogation methods. You will cease the use of violence — that is an order."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I must see to other matters."
CogitatorJinevri and Androveta-Phi offer you a mannerly bow before immediately resuming their tempestuous argument.
end of branch
YOU"Entirely true. In that case, carry on."
Enforcer Jinevri"As you command, Your Lordship/Ladyship!"
YOU"What is going on here?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Jinevri, why do you seek access to the malfunctioning cogitator?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have faith that the two of you can come to an agreement."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"We need to investigate this cogitator in order to obtain information about a certain pipewarden."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I am not comfortable with the enforcers' harsh interrogation methods. You will cease the use of violence — that is an order."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I must see to other matters."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I must see to other matters."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"We need to investigate this cogitator in order to obtain information about a certain pipewarden."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I am not comfortable with the enforcers' harsh interrogation methods. You will cease the use of violence — that is an order."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I must see to other matters."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have faith that the two of you can come to an agreement."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"We need to investigate this cogitator in order to obtain information about a certain pipewarden."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I am not comfortable with the enforcers' harsh interrogation methods. You will cease the use of violence — that is an order."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I must see to other matters."continues where this line first appears above
Cogitator(sequence)
Pasqal"This statement is true. The incident catalogue on this vessel contains no less than twelve instances of grievous loss of data due to disrespect shown to the machine spirit by unauthorised units."
end of branch
YOU"Jinevri, why do you seek access to the malfunctioning cogitator?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have faith that the two of you can come to an agreement."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"We need to investigate this cogitator in order to obtain information about a certain pipewarden."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I am not comfortable with the enforcers' harsh interrogation methods. You will cease the use of violence — that is an order."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I must see to other matters."continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 2 of 10
CogitatorThe enforcer and the Tech-Priest halt their bickering while in your presence. Clearly, this armistice will not last.
YOU"What is going on here?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Jinevri, why do you seek access to the malfunctioning cogitator?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have faith that the two of you can come to an agreement."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"We need to investigate this cogitator in order to obtain information about a certain pipewarden."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I am not comfortable with the enforcers' harsh interrogation methods. You will cease the use of violence — that is an order."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I must see to other matters."continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 3 of 10
Cogitator(sequence)
Pasqal(no text)
end of branch
Entry point 4 of 10
Cogitator(sequence)
Pasqal(no text)
end of branch
Entry point 5 of 10
Cogitator(no text)
end of branch
Entry point 6 of 10
CogitatorYou manage to find the right string of tech-commands. With a grunt, the cogitator starts whining on about its woes. Just as today's watch began, someone disturbed its datadream, used some trickery to rob it of its data, then befuddled its elderly mind and instructed it to deny access to anyone else.
YOU[Enquire about the cause of the old cogitator's ailment]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"One of the inferni said he had his pass to the maintenance room taken away by an enforcer."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"There is a secret lift nearby leading to my chambers. I saw Lady Theodora use it. Could the culprit also have known of its existence?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Request information about the number SP-246-01]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Request information about the pipewarden's partner]continues where this line first appears above
Cogitator(sequence)
Pasqal"Registering a Category Three act of sacrilege resulting in a Category Epsilon Quadro transgressive scenario. Requesting the inclusion of the offender in the registry of wanted entities for the purpose of expiative disposal."
end of branch
Entry point 7 of 10
Pasqal(no text)
end of branch
Entry point 8 of 10
Cogitator(no text)
end of branch
Entry point 9 of 10
CogitatorYour question upsets the spirit terribly — the honoured cogitator is so incensed and erratic in its expression that you cannot comprehend what it is trying to say. Your tech-commands only exacerbate its anger.
YOU[Enquire about the cause of the old cogitator's ailment]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"One of the inferni said he had his pass to the maintenance room taken away by an enforcer."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"There is a secret lift nearby leading to my chambers. I saw Lady Theodora use it. Could the culprit also have known of its existence?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Request information about the number SP-246-01]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Request information about the pipewarden's partner]continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 10 of 10
Cogitator(no text)
Tech-Priest Androveta-Phi"Oh, the spirit is truly unwell! Why else would Blocker A403 prevent it from sharing such data, especially after a log-ritual of greeting?"continues where this line first appears above