High Factotum Janris DanrokThe High Factotum bows respectfully before the throne, extending an ornate container toward you. "Your Lordship/Ladyship, I am pleased to report that the recent unrest upon Janus has been suppressed through the efforts of the Merovian Guardsmen. The world's aristocracy sends this gift as a token of their gratitude."
YOU"This is the first I have heard of this uprising, Janris. Is this an error, or have you been concealing something from me?"
Seberian"There is no cause for concern, my heir. The order to bring Janus to heel was issued by me, for that world required the Rogue Trader's firm hand."
High Factotum Janris DanrokJanris takes a tiny step backward, a motion almost imperceptible for a man of his girth. "As you can see, Your Lordship/Ladyship, the unpleasant situation has been resolved in full accordance with the dynasty's interests. I should like to take my leave. Matters of no less importance await my attention."
Seberian"Assuredly, Factotum Danrok. Your loyalty to the von Valancius line is beyond question. Go now, and perform your duties with your accustomed zeal."
YOU"High Factotum, I, the Lord Captain, do not permit you to take your leave."
High Factotum Janris DanrokDanrok gulps for air convulsively. "I obey Your Lordship/Ladyship and shall remain in place for as long as you will it."
YOU"High Factotum, I, the Lord Captain, do not permit you to take your leave."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Do not interfere, Seberian. I did not grant you permission to speak."
Seberian"A true Rogue Trader requires no one's permission." In the rasping, voice-modulated tones of Seberian's vox, a shadow of mockery can be heard. "Focus, heir of mine, and continue your inquest."
YOU"High Factotum, I, the Lord Captain, do not permit you to take your leave."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Do not interfere, Seberian. I did not grant you permission to speak."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I still wish to hear the details, Danrok."
High Factotum Janris Danrok"F-f-forgive me, Lord Captain! The order was issued by your ancestor in the dynasty's name! It never even oc-c-curred to me that you might be unaware!" Janris chokes on his words, barely mastering his own vocal cords. The Factotum's gaze darts from you to Seberian and back again, then fixes upon the floor.
YOU"Who is this Seberian that you should obey him?"
High Factotum Janris Danrok"Your illustrious ancestor, a member of the von Valancius dynasty, Conqueror of Janus, and a Rogue Trader..." The Factotum's eyes remain cast downward. "Former Rogue Trader."
Seberian"Do you see, my heir? I need not demand obedience from underlings. People follow my orders because that is the natural way of things. You, however, are a long way from that."
YOU"Who is this Seberian that you should obey him?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I am beginning to suspect a conspiracy. If that proves true, retribution awaits you."
High Factotum Janris DanrokDanrok's plump cheeks turn purple from the rush of blood. He wheezes, tugging at his coat collar. "Your Lordship/Ladyship... I was labouring solely for the good of the protectorate... I have substantial proof."
SeberianYour ancestor holds himself with a relaxed posture, gazing at you defiantly. "These threats will only cause your loyal servant to expire from apoplexy. They make no impression upon me, so spare yourself the effort."
YOU"Who is this Seberian that you should obey him?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I am beginning to suspect a conspiracy. If that proves true, retribution awaits you."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Let us dispense with sentiment. Factotum, what precisely occurred on the agri-world of Janus?"
High Factotum Janris Danrok"Approximately two standard cycles ago, the Astropaths received a plea for aid dispatched by the planet's noble houses. The aristocracy was rapidly losing control of its subjects, and a decision was required without delay. You were away from the flagship at the time, Lord Captain, and I could not reach you. Your ancestor assumed the burden of responsibility and authorised the dispatch of Zarkovian Guardsmen on a pacification mission."
Seberian"Succinctly put. I will note that it was only your short-sightedness that necessitated my intervention. Had you devoted more time to governing the protectorate rather than venturing abroad with obscure objectives, matters would have unfolded differently."
YOU"Who is this Seberian that you should obey him?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I am beginning to suspect a conspiracy. If that proves true, retribution awaits you."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Let us dispense with sentiment. Factotum, what precisely occurred on the agri-world of Janus?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Could you perhaps refrain from offering counsel, honoured ancestor?"
Seberian"My answer is no, and there are two reasons for it. First: you resist reasonable criticism, from which it follows that no one but me has ever pointed out your weaknesses to you. Second: this flagship belongs to the von Valancius dynasty, just as I do. Within its confines, I am entitled to do as I see fit."
YOU"Who is this Seberian that you should obey him?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I am beginning to suspect a conspiracy. If that proves true, retribution awaits you."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Let us dispense with sentiment. Factotum, what precisely occurred on the agri-world of Janus?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Could you perhaps refrain from offering counsel, honoured ancestor?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I command you, Seberian: be silent!"
Seberian"My answer is no, and there are two reasons for it. First: you resist reasonable criticism, from which it follows that no one but me has ever pointed out your weaknesses to you. Second: this flagship belongs to the von Valancius dynasty, just as I do. Within its confines, I am entitled to do as I see fit."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"The picture is clear. Now the cause of these events must be uncovered."
High Factotum Janris DanrokThe Factotum rises from his knees with noticeable shortness of breath and inclines his now even-paler face. "Glad to be of service, Your Lordship/Ladyship."
Seberian"So, this servant will suffer no punishment for his grave transgression? With such a careless approach to authority, it is astonishing that you still retain mastery over this dynasty, my heir."
YOU"High Factotum, I, the Lord Captain, do not permit you to take your leave."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Do not interfere, Seberian. I did not grant you permission to speak."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I still wish to hear the details, Danrok."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"On your knees, you negligent worm! You will recount every detail to me, or else you will lose your head."
High Factotum Janris Danrok"F-f-forgive me, Lord Captain! The order was issued by your ancestor in the dynasty's name! It never even oc-c-curred to me that you might be unaware!" Janris chokes on his words, barely mastering his own vocal cords. The Factotum's gaze darts from you to Seberian and back again, then fixes upon the floor.continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Enough, Seberian! Your hostility has overstepped the mark. Explain yourself!"
High Factotum Janris Danrok"Lord Captain, I have recalled several other matters requiring my atten—" Danrok, who had stirred, wisely falls still upon meeting your gaze. For a few seconds, a heavy silence reigns, broken only by the low hiss of Seberian's augmetic lungs.
Seberian"And so, we arrive at the first sensible question." With servo-motors humming steadily, Seberian positions himself opposite the throne, staring defiantly into your face. "You are unfit to rule this dynasty. You are weak. You occupy yourself with everything save your direct responsibilities, and the unrest on Janus is proof of that. I paid a great price to bring that world into the protectorate, and I could not stand idly by and watch it be ruined. There have been far too many unacceptable failures, my heir."
YOU"And what, precisely, was this great price you speak of?"
Seberian"That world was populated by the most feral of the Aeldari subspecies. They called themselves the Exodites, and they had the audacity to attack me the very moment I set foot upon the planet's surface and proclaimed it the property of Humanity. Decades were spent exterminating them to the last, purging the new holdings of all xenos filth. Thus, I earned the title Conqueror of Janus."
YOU"And what, precisely, was this great price you speak of?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Who granted you the authority to command the 32nd Merov Regiment without informing me?"
Seberian"I myself did." From beneath the vox-grille, a corner of Seberian's torn mouth becomes visible as it stretches into a smile. "Five centuries ago, the regiment swore its oath of fealty to me in its entirety, and such an oath, my heir, cannot be undone."
YOU"And what, precisely, was this great price you speak of?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Who granted you the authority to command the 32nd Merov Regiment without informing me?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have done much to strengthen these holdings. Your reproaches are without foundation."
Seberian"I admit, I do observe some successes, yet they are insufficient." Seberian clenches his augmetic fist with a grating crunch. "The very first enemy to arise, one such as Diodas af Irramon, shall grind all your achievements to dust with a mere wave of their hand."
YOU"And what, precisely, was this great price you speak of?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Who granted you the authority to command the 32nd Merov Regiment without informing me?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have done much to strengthen these holdings. Your reproaches are without foundation."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What nonsense! It is obvious the protectorate would have crumbled had I not assumed command."
Seberian"I admit, I do observe some successes, yet they are insufficient." Seberian clenches his augmetic fist with a grating crunch. "The very first enemy to arise, one such as Diodas af Irramon, shall grind all your achievements to dust with a mere wave of their hand."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I am the Lord Captain, and accusations of weakness will not alter that fact. I ask you to curb your misplaced anger."
Seberian"Juvenna's progeny in all its glory." Seberian's iron hand involuntarily grasps the empty air at his hip, as if searching for a missing hilt. "Boasting, verbal poison, and barren intrigue in place of deeds. Deplorable. My word is this: prove yourself worthy of my name, or I shall deem the Warrant unlawfully usurped five centuries ago and take it back for myself."
YOU"I have heard your terms. Time shall be the judge between us."
Seberian"Do you pretend that my reproaches do not concern you, [Name]? A feeble stance. This conversation becomes meaningless, as you stubbornly refuse to see the true state of affairs and instead indulge merely your own illusions. Very well, let us return to this discussion later, in a more suitable setting."
High Factotum Janris DanrokThe High Factotum, who has been silently observing the altercation from the sidelines, looks anxiously from you to Seberian's retreating back, then bows hurriedly and departs.
end of branch
YOU"I have no intention of currying favour with you, Seberian."
Seberian"Do you pretend that my reproaches do not concern you, [Name]? A feeble stance. This conversation becomes meaningless, as you stubbornly refuse to see the true state of affairs and instead indulge merely your own illusions. Very well, let us return to this discussion later, in a more suitable setting."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Have you lost your mind? I am weary of listening to your elderly ravings about glories long past!"
Seberian"Do you pretend that my reproaches do not concern you, [Name]? A feeble stance. This conversation becomes meaningless, as you stubbornly refuse to see the true state of affairs and instead indulge merely your own illusions. Very well, let us return to this discussion later, in a more suitable setting."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Do not speak words you may come to regret."
Seberian"Once again I hear empty, misplaced threats. Do not disgrace yourself, [Name]. Public quarrels make you a laughing stock in the eyes of your subjects. I shall allow you to save face, so let us return to this discussion later, in a more suitable setting."
High Factotum Janris DanrokThe High Factotum, who has been silently observing the altercation from the sidelines, looks anxiously from you to Seberian's retreating back, then bows hurriedly and departs.continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Hold your tongue and leave, or I shall have the enforcers throw you out in disgrace."
Seberian"Once again I hear empty, misplaced threats. Do not disgrace yourself, [Name]. Public quarrels make you a laughing stock in the eyes of your subjects. I shall allow you to save face, so let us return to this discussion later, in a more suitable setting."
High Factotum Janris DanrokThe High Factotum, who has been silently observing the altercation from the sidelines, looks anxiously from you to Seberian's retreating back, then bows hurriedly and departs.continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Is that so? Then I demand a duel, here and now."
Seberian"Once again I hear empty, misplaced threats. Do not disgrace yourself, [Name]. Public quarrels make you a laughing stock in the eyes of your subjects. I shall allow you to save face, so let us return to this discussion later, in a more suitable setting."
High Factotum Janris DanrokThe High Factotum, who has been silently observing the altercation from the sidelines, looks anxiously from you to Seberian's retreating back, then bows hurriedly and departs.continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Smile sardonically] "Since you are so clever, perhaps you would share your wisdom and set me upon the true path."
Seberian"Juvenna's progeny in all its glory." Seberian's iron hand involuntarily grasps the empty air at his hip, as if searching for a missing hilt. "Boasting, verbal poison, and barren intrigue in place of deeds. Deplorable. My word is this: prove yourself worthy of my name, or I shall deem the Warrant unlawfully usurped five centuries ago and take it back for myself."
YOU"I have heard your terms. Time shall be the judge between us."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have no intention of currying favour with you, Seberian."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Have you lost your mind? I am weary of listening to your elderly ravings about glories long past!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Do not speak words you may come to regret."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Hold your tongue and leave, or I shall have the enforcers throw you out in disgrace."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Is that so? Then I demand a duel, here and now."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Behold: a fossil of rust and corpse starch, here to lecture me on good sense!"
Seberian"Juvenna's progeny in all its glory." Seberian's iron hand involuntarily grasps the empty air at his hip, as if searching for a missing hilt. "Boasting, verbal poison, and barren intrigue in place of deeds. Deplorable. My word is this: prove yourself worthy of my name, or I shall deem the Warrant unlawfully usurped five centuries ago and take it back for myself."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What nonsense! It is obvious the protectorate would have crumbled had I not assumed command."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I am the Lord Captain, and accusations of weakness will not alter that fact. I ask you to curb your misplaced anger."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Smile sardonically] "Since you are so clever, perhaps you would share your wisdom and set me upon the true path."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Behold: a fossil of rust and corpse starch, here to lecture me on good sense!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have done much to strengthen these holdings. Your reproaches are without foundation."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What nonsense! It is obvious the protectorate would have crumbled had I not assumed command."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I am the Lord Captain, and accusations of weakness will not alter that fact. I ask you to curb your misplaced anger."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Smile sardonically] "Since you are so clever, perhaps you would share your wisdom and set me upon the true path."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Behold: a fossil of rust and corpse starch, here to lecture me on good sense!"continues where this line first appears above
Seberian"Through your efforts, Janus has become a plaything in the hands of a glutted aristocrat who sees in it only a source of her own enrichment. This promises it nothing but decline and desolation, and I alone know how to prevent such a fate."
YOU"And what, precisely, was this great price you speak of?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Who granted you the authority to command the 32nd Merov Regiment without informing me?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have done much to strengthen these holdings. Your reproaches are without foundation."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What nonsense! It is obvious the protectorate would have crumbled had I not assumed command."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I am the Lord Captain, and accusations of weakness will not alter that fact. I ask you to curb your misplaced anger."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Smile sardonically] "Since you are so clever, perhaps you would share your wisdom and set me upon the true path."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Behold: a fossil of rust and corpse starch, here to lecture me on good sense!"continues where this line first appears above
Seberian"And in this present age, arrogant xenos once again roam Janus, regarding it as their domain. This is the result of your indulgence. I find the fact utterly abhorrent, and I intend to rectify it."
YOU"And what, precisely, was this great price you speak of?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Who granted you the authority to command the 32nd Merov Regiment without informing me?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have done much to strengthen these holdings. Your reproaches are without foundation."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What nonsense! It is obvious the protectorate would have crumbled had I not assumed command."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I am the Lord Captain, and accusations of weakness will not alter that fact. I ask you to curb your misplaced anger."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Smile sardonically] "Since you are so clever, perhaps you would share your wisdom and set me upon the true path."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Behold: a fossil of rust and corpse starch, here to lecture me on good sense!"continues where this line first appears above
Seberian"When I departed on my final expedition, I left Janus a prosperous world, where governance was conducted honourably and the authority of the protectorate was beyond question. Now, you have plunged it into decline and anarchy. I find the fact utterly abhorrent, and I intend to rectify it."
YOU"And what, precisely, was this great price you speak of?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Who granted you the authority to command the 32nd Merov Regiment without informing me?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have done much to strengthen these holdings. Your reproaches are without foundation."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What nonsense! It is obvious the protectorate would have crumbled had I not assumed command."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I am the Lord Captain, and accusations of weakness will not alter that fact. I ask you to curb your misplaced anger."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Smile sardonically] "Since you are so clever, perhaps you would share your wisdom and set me upon the true path."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Behold: a fossil of rust and corpse starch, here to lecture me on good sense!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Who granted you the authority to command the 32nd Merov Regiment without informing me?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have done much to strengthen these holdings. Your reproaches are without foundation."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What nonsense! It is obvious the protectorate would have crumbled had I not assumed command."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I am the Lord Captain, and accusations of weakness will not alter that fact. I ask you to curb your misplaced anger."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Smile sardonically] "Since you are so clever, perhaps you would share your wisdom and set me upon the true path."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Behold: a fossil of rust and corpse starch, here to lecture me on good sense!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I command you, Seberian: be silent!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"The picture is clear. Now the cause of these events must be uncovered."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Could you perhaps refrain from offering counsel, honoured ancestor?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I command you, Seberian: be silent!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"The picture is clear. Now the cause of these events must be uncovered."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Let us dispense with sentiment. Factotum, what precisely occurred on the agri-world of Janus?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Could you perhaps refrain from offering counsel, honoured ancestor?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I command you, Seberian: be silent!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"The picture is clear. Now the cause of these events must be uncovered."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I am beginning to suspect a conspiracy. If that proves true, retribution awaits you."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Let us dispense with sentiment. Factotum, what precisely occurred on the agri-world of Janus?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Could you perhaps refrain from offering counsel, honoured ancestor?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I command you, Seberian: be silent!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"The picture is clear. Now the cause of these events must be uncovered."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"On your knees, you negligent worm! You will recount every detail to me, or else you will lose your head."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Enough, Seberian! Your hostility has overstepped the mark. Explain yourself!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I still wish to hear the details, Danrok."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"On your knees, you negligent worm! You will recount every detail to me, or else you will lose your head."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Enough, Seberian! Your hostility has overstepped the mark. Explain yourself!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Do not interfere, Seberian. I did not grant you permission to speak."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I still wish to hear the details, Danrok."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"On your knees, you negligent worm! You will recount every detail to me, or else you will lose your head."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Enough, Seberian! Your hostility has overstepped the mark. Explain yourself!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Marvellous, High Factotum — particularly the fact that I am learning of the mutiny only after it has already been suppressed."
Seberian"There is no cause for concern, my heir. The order to bring Janus to heel was issued by me, for that world required the Rogue Trader's firm hand."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Charming... You will tell me at once what happened on Janus and who dispatched troops there."
Seberian"It does not befit one to lose face in the presence of servants, my heir. The order to bring Janus to heel was issued by me, for that world required the Rogue Trader's firm hand."
High Factotum Janris DanrokJanris takes a tiny step backward, a motion almost imperceptible for a man of his girth. "As you can see, Your Lordship/Ladyship, the unpleasant situation has been resolved in full accordance with the dynasty's interests. I should like to take my leave. Matters of no less importance await my attention."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I grant you one minute of life. Explain where this 'gift' came from and what happened with Janus. Your time begins now."
Seberian"It does not befit one to lose face in the presence of servants, my heir. The order to bring Janus to heel was issued by me, for that world required the Rogue Trader's firm hand."continues where this line first appears above