EnforcerSauerback barks at the enforcers gathered before you: "His Lordship/Her Ladyship the Rogue Trader wishes to handle the investigation personally."
Enforcer"Lord Captain, the three officers before you have been tasked with conducting the investigation. The first, Captain Klein, is a veteran with a record of quelled uprisings of mutant abominations in the colonies. Captain Jinevri is young, but she has already pre-empted several mutinies among the ship's rabble. Lastly, there is Captain Hrotko. His interrogation skills deserve credit, and he knows how to instil fear and respect firmly in the minds of the riffraff."
YOU"I cannot help but notice all the looks of awe. Is my presence going to distract you from your duties?"
Enforcer Hrotko"On the contrary, Your Lordship/Ladyship! Your presence inspires us!"
Enforcer JinevriCaptain Jinevri's cheeks redden. "Your Lordship/Ladyship, I hope you do not take this as insolence, but I am a great admirer of yours! I've read the fictionalised account of your deeds many times."
YOU"So, they write stories about me, do they?"
Enforcer Jinevri"Of course! I have it right here!" She offers you a worn tome with a somewhat embellished portrait of you on the cover.
YOU"So, they write stories about me, do they?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Leave your signature on the endsheet] "May it remind you of this meeting."
Enforcer JinevriJinevri accepts the tome gingerly, as if it were a relic touched by the Emperor Himself.
EnforcerSauerback's murderous glare silences Jinevri's frantic expressions of gratitude. "Does that take care of the pleasantries? Then let us return to the attempt on the Lord Captain's life."
YOU"I cannot help but notice all the looks of awe. Is my presence going to distract you from your duties?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What are your findings thus far?"
Enforcer"We have discovered a worker's corpse, mutilated and desiccated. We are still looking into the man's identity and position, but the chirurgeon's report has confirmed that, among all the blood that was pumped into your bathchamber, the blood carrying mutations was indeed his."
Enforcer"The workers from the nearby decks have all been checked for genetic aberration, but the mutations identified are all within the norm for labouring masses. They are being rounded up for interrogation as we speak."
YOU"I cannot help but notice all the looks of awe. Is my presence going to distract you from your duties?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What are your findings thus far?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Even taking into account the neighbouring decks only, that constitutes hundreds of people. How do you plan to question them all?"
Enforcer"Our interrogation techniques are broad and varied. However, nothing loosens the tongue like corporal punishment: beatings, mutilations, torture, public executions." Sauerback almost purrs as she lists ways of making people suffer. "When combined with psychological pressure, such methods work wonders."
YOU"It is inhumane. I order that you immediately cease using these barbaric methods."
Enforcer"Lord Captain, these methods may be brutal, but their effectiveness has been proven over centuries of practice. No criminal will confess if you ask them politely. But if you shatter their finger and courteously remind them how many unshattered bones they still have left in their body... That is a different conversation altogether. That is how the truth is born."
YOU"I have faith that my Master-at-Arms is capable of finding other methods of seeking out the truth."
EnforcerSauerback's glove creaks as she grips her maul. Her gaze remains cold and calm. "As you command, Lord Captain."
YOU"I cannot help but notice all the looks of awe. Is my presence going to distract you from your duties?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What are your findings thus far?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Even taking into account the neighbouring decks only, that constitutes hundreds of people. How do you plan to question them all?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Do you have any working theories?"
Enforcer Klein"The mutants are plotting." Klein spits in disgust. "They've been breeding like void rats, so they're getting cocky. Must have wanted to infect Your Lordship/Ladyship with their plague."
Enforcer Jinevri"It wasn't an attempt on the Lord Captain's life — it was a threat. The rabble are planning a revolt, so they're trying to terrorise us. 'Soon, you will drown in blood' — insurgents pride themselves on such metaphors."
Enforcer"Meanwhile, Captain Hrotko is convinced that it was the work of Voigtvir's surviving cultists. However, I believe this to be a warning rather than a threat. What we need to establish is who is trying to warn us, and of what."
YOU"I cannot help but notice all the looks of awe. Is my presence going to distract you from your duties?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What are your findings thus far?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Even taking into account the neighbouring decks only, that constitutes hundreds of people. How do you plan to question them all?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Do you have any working theories?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What do you propose we investigate first?"
Enforcer"The body. Once we have ascertained the dead man's identity, we'll be able to locate his associates and narrow down the number of suspects. Captain Klein is in charge of examining the corpse."
Enforcer Klein"The body was discovered on a suspended platform not far from the room with the armillary sphere. Take a left once you're out of the mess hall, Your Lordship/Ladyship, and go along the balcony. The corpse is on the next platform after the one holding the Infernus Guild suspects. I'll show you around the scene once you're there."
YOU"I cannot help but notice all the looks of awe. Is my presence going to distract you from your duties?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What are your findings thus far?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Even taking into account the neighbouring decks only, that constitutes hundreds of people. How do you plan to question them all?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Do you have any working theories?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What do you propose we investigate first?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Infernus Guild suspects?"
Enforcer Klein"Yes, Your Lordship/Ladyship. They are undergoing interrogation like all the rest. The scum refused to comply, so they were isolated on a separate platform. The inferni are a rotten bunch, they must be involved in this!" The captain spits contemptuously.
YOU"I cannot help but notice all the looks of awe. Is my presence going to distract you from your duties?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What are your findings thus far?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Even taking into account the neighbouring decks only, that constitutes hundreds of people. How do you plan to question them all?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Do you have any working theories?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What do you propose we investigate first?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Infernus Guild suspects?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Then let us begin."
Enforcer"My people are at your disposal, Lord Captain."
end of branch
Enforcer"While we wait for Klein to report back, please enjoy the refreshments that have been prepared for you, Lord Captain."
end of branch
YOU"Then let us begin."continues where this line first appears above
Enforcer Klein"Yes, Your Lordship/Ladyship, I'm almost done with my report. As soon as it's ready, I'll deliver it to you."
YOU"I cannot help but notice all the looks of awe. Is my presence going to distract you from your duties?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What are your findings thus far?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Even taking into account the neighbouring decks only, that constitutes hundreds of people. How do you plan to question them all?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Do you have any working theories?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What do you propose we investigate first?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Infernus Guild suspects?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Then let us begin."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Infernus Guild suspects?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Then let us begin."continues where this line first appears above
Enforcer(sequence)
Heinrix"Interesting hypotheses, but I doubt it is that simple. Mistress Sauerback, grant me access to the investigative files. I have my own thoughts on what is going on here."
YOU"What do you propose we investigate first?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Infernus Guild suspects?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Then let us begin."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I gave you an order. Now do it!"
EnforcerSauerback's glove creaks as she grips her maul. Her gaze remains cold and calm. "As you command, Lord Captain."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Entirely true. In that case, carry on."
Enforcer"Thank you, Lord Captain."
YOU"I cannot help but notice all the looks of awe. Is my presence going to distract you from your duties?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What are your findings thus far?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Even taking into account the neighbouring decks only, that constitutes hundreds of people. How do you plan to question them all?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Do you have any working theories?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What do you propose we investigate first?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Infernus Guild suspects?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Then let us begin."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"A fine approach — I approve."
Enforcer"I am delighted to hear it, Lord Captain. It is always a pleasure to meet a connoisseur of the craft."
YOU"I cannot help but notice all the looks of awe. Is my presence going to distract you from your duties?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What are your findings thus far?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Even taking into account the neighbouring decks only, that constitutes hundreds of people. How do you plan to question them all?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Do you have any working theories?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What do you propose we investigate first?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Infernus Guild suspects?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Then let us begin."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"An unfortunate necessity. Let us return to other matters."
Enforcer"Indeed, Lord Captain, most unfortunate," says the Master-at-Arms, a bloodthirsty smirk stealing across her face.
YOU"I cannot help but notice all the looks of awe. Is my presence going to distract you from your duties?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What are your findings thus far?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Even taking into account the neighbouring decks only, that constitutes hundreds of people. How do you plan to question them all?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Do you have any working theories?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What do you propose we investigate first?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Infernus Guild suspects?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Then let us begin."continues where this line first appears above
Enforcer(sequence)
MarazhaiMarazhai drops his bored expression and tilts his head to the side, looking at Sauerback. "This one is intriguing, [Name]. Lend her to me to play with after you have dealt with your wounded pride. It seems we have some common ground to... explore."
end of branch
Solomorne"You did not answer the question of how you intend to organise this process. So far, this looks like a fire in an obscura den. Although I don't know what else one could expect from..." The Proctor's cold gaze sweeps over the room. "...amateurs."
EnforcerSauerback furiously jerks up her chin. "Our methods may not be up to the highest standards of the Adeptus Arbites, but they will get us the results we need — I swear it on my honour as Master-at-Arms!"
end of branch
YOU"Do you have any working theories?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What do you propose we investigate first?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Infernus Guild suspects?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Then let us begin."continues where this line first appears above
Enforcer(sequence)
YrlietYrliet frowns as she surveys the deck. "So much noise and empty violence. I am surprised you are able to find anything in this pandemonium of your own making."
end of branch
Eogunn"Yes, Nuncius, that is a decent hypothesis." Eogunn nods with an intent look. "I suppose a thorough examination of the autopsied body and determining the dead man's family ties would help to narrow down the suspects and avoid entropy multiplication. Rudimentary checks may not be enough."
end of branch
YOU"Even taking into account the neighbouring decks only, that constitutes hundreds of people. How do you plan to question them all?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Do you have any working theories?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What do you propose we investigate first?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Infernus Guild suspects?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Then let us begin."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Correct the inaccuracies in the tome] "Oh, this simply will not do..."
Enforcer JinevriHalf an hour later, you hand Jinevri her tome back, which now contains numerous comments written between the lines. She accepts it reverently.
EnforcerSauerback's murderous glare silences Jinevri's frantic expressions of gratitude. "Does that take care of the pleasantries? Then let us return to the attempt on the Lord Captain's life."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I am flattered. Now, let us get back to business."
Enforcer"Yes, Lord Captain. If you have any questions, I am ready to answer them."
YOU"I cannot help but notice all the looks of awe. Is my presence going to distract you from your duties?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What are your findings thus far?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Even taking into account the neighbouring decks only, that constitutes hundreds of people. How do you plan to question them all?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Do you have any working theories?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What do you propose we investigate first?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Infernus Guild suspects?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Then let us begin."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Leave your signature on the endsheet] "May it remind you of this meeting."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Correct the inaccuracies in the tome] "Oh, this simply will not do..."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I am flattered. Now, let us get back to business."continues where this line first appears above
Enforcer(sequence)
Pasqal"According to my data repository, the term 'fictionalised' is typically applied to texts whose knowledge dissemination potential is negative."
end of branch
Jae"Ah, shereen! Perhaps I'll travel with you and they'll write about me as well? I want a novel! About the adventures of the fearless Jae Heydari, who skilfully bestows a bullet's kiss on any ashmag who stands in her way!" Jae toys with a lock of hair, a wistful expression on her face.
end of branch
Ulfar"What need have you for these soulless scribblings? The written word is false, only the living spoken word carries the truth! Sing verses about the glorious feats of your aett-vater! Sometimes you find yourself singing a good song in the long night of Helwinter — and suddenly you feel heat in your chest, as if the Sun Wolf has emerged again on the sacred hunt..."
end of branch
YOU"What are your findings thus far?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Even taking into account the neighbouring decks only, that constitutes hundreds of people. How do you plan to question them all?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Do you have any working theories?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What do you propose we investigate first?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Infernus Guild suspects?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Then let us begin."continues where this line first appears above
Enforcer(sequence)
EnforcerYou notice the enforcers exchange a few astounded glances and throw their shoulders back — apparently, they are not used to standing so close to figures as renowned as you.
end of branch
EnforcerYou see fear and respect in the enforcers' eyes — after all, not only must they prove themselves to the Rogue Trader today, but also to a true master of investigation.
end of branch
EnforcerThe enforcers are looking at you with a unique respect that seasoned voidsmen show only to other seasoned voidsmen. To them, you are a Rogue Trader, but you are also one of their own.
end of branch
AbelardAfter carefully assessing the officers' bearing and their uniforms, Abelard nods with satisfaction. "Their drilling is good, their service records are excellent. Let's see how they perform in the field."
end of branch
Entry point 10 of 10
EnforcerSauerback barks at the officers gathered before you: "His Lordship/Her Ladyship the Rogue Trader has seen fit to honour us with his/her presence in order to monitor the course of the investigation."
Enforcer"You are expected to perform your duties immaculately and report your every step to me. Should any of your actions bring shame to the enforcers, you will answer to me personally."
Enforcer"Lord Captain, the three officers before you have been tasked with conducting the investigation. The first, Captain Klein, is a veteran with a record of quelled uprisings of mutant abominations in the colonies. Captain Jinevri is young, but she has already pre-empted several mutinies among the ship's rabble. Lastly, there is Captain Hrotko. His interrogation skills deserve credit, and he knows how to instil fear and respect firmly in the minds of the riffraff."continues where this line first appears above