Jae"Two... Three... Five... Thank the Exalted One, those ashmags didn't have time to make off with anything yet!" Jae carefully inspects the containers emblazoned with markings from some unknown freight operator, then smiles and touches the comm-bead in her ear. "Give me two minutes, shereen — I'll send the coordinates to my loyal crew who will deliver my property somewhere safe."
YOU[Examine the cargo]
JaeYou get a good look at the contents of one container whose lid is slightly ajar. Under the yellowed plastic, you see numerous cases of odd shapes and sizes. Some of them are transparent, and in the dim light, you can barely make out the strange objects within.
NPCYou used to transport goods of a similar nature yourself. The container is packed with heretical works of xenos, enemies of Humanity whose creations nonetheless never fail to arouse enough interest to fetch a tremendous price on the black market.
Jae"And... done!" Jae removes her hand from her ear and turns to you. "We're good! Now how about we relocate to a more pleasant and private space to discuss the details of our deal, specifically, payment for your efforts?"
YOU"You could have told me from the start that you were up to your elbows in xenogoods. Do not try to be coy with someone who was once in the business himself/herself."
JaeJae takes a step back and gives you a slightly puzzled but enraptured look. "So, I guess that makes us colleagues, then, isn't that right, shereen?"
Vladaym's Agent"Stop right there, in the name of the Liege!" The gaunt, pale-skinned man in grimy clerical robes glances at you — and immediately falls to his knees obsequiously. "Your Excellency! Please forgive my vehemence, most noble [Name] — I never expected to encounter such eminent persons in this corner of Footfall!"
NPC(sequence)
Jae"Most noble Excellency?" Jae purses her lips slightly and shoots you a confused look.
end of branch
Vladaym's Agent"I am Vladaym Tocara's personal agent." The man hesitates, choosing his words carefully. "I came here to remove from criminal circulation a shipment, the distribution of which is banned in the lands of Footfall — horrendous xenoheresy that has been fraudulently delivered to a bastion of the holy Imperium." He looks at Jae. "I do not doubt for a moment, most noble [Name], that your presence here is merely a misunderstanding brought about by another's manipulations..."
YOU"What's in the containers, Jae? And don't even think about lying."
YOU"What, we're just going to leave your priceless cargo here unattended?"
Jae"Nothing to worry about — after all the ruckus we've caused here, I doubt anyone will go anywhere near the containers. I am, however, infinitely flattered by your concern for my — now our — property!"
YOU"You could have told me from the start that you were up to your elbows in xenogoods. Do not try to be coy with someone who was once in the business himself/herself."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What's in the containers, Jae? And don't even think about lying."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What, we're just going to leave your priceless cargo here unattended?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I hope your vaunted 'wisdom' is worth all this trouble."
JaeJae opens her mouth to reply when you hear the sound of many footsteps behind you.
Vladaym's Agent"Stop right there, in the name of the Liege!" The gaunt, pale-skinned man in grimy clerical robes glances at you — and immediately falls to his knees obsequiously. "Your Excellency! Please forgive my vehemence, most noble [Name] — I never expected to encounter such eminent persons in this corner of Footfall!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Let's go."
JaeJae opens her mouth to reply when you hear the sound of many footsteps behind you.continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I hope your vaunted 'wisdom' is worth all this trouble."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Let's go."continues where this line first appears above
NPCNo doubt about it — the container is full of xeno-artefacts, heretical creations of the enemies of Humanity. The very sight of these strange and unnatural objects fills you with a vague sense of unease, even without knowing exactly what these cases contain.
Jae"And... done!" Jae removes her hand from her ear and turns to you. "We're good! Now how about we relocate to a more pleasant and private space to discuss the details of our deal, specifically, payment for your efforts?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Wait]
Jae"And... done!" Jae removes her hand from her ear and turns to you. "We're good! Now how about we relocate to a more pleasant and private space to discuss the details of our deal, specifically, payment for your efforts?"continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 2 of 7
Jae"Has anyone ever told you you have an incredibly piercing gaze?" Jae's smile fades. "Well, shereen. This cargo is particularly valuable to me because it came from afar — from the Heathen Stars region. From distant trade partners of mine. Both the partners and the cargo are, shall we say, of a culture that is foreign to Humanity—"
Vladaym's Agent"Stop right there, in the name of the Liege!" The gaunt, pale-skinned man in grimy clerical robes glances at you — and immediately falls to his knees obsequiously. "Your Excellency! Please forgive my vehemence, most noble [Name] — I never expected to encounter such eminent persons in this corner of Footfall!"continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 3 of 7
JaeJae gives you a thin smile. "Lying? I hate lies. I'm all for clean deals, shereen. And I can assure you with utmost sincerity: my business secrets will not, in any way, shape, or form, cause harm to your reputation, your wallet, or your head."
NPC(sequence)
Heinrix"Mistress Heydari, you didn't answer the Rogue Trader's question." Heinrix's voice sounds dull and almost bored. "I can assist you with that, if you wish."
JaeJae gives him a look. "I don't think that will be necessary. I was just about to get to the point."
end of branch
Jae"Why don't we leave it at that and—"
Vladaym's Agent"Stop right there, in the name of the Liege!" The gaunt, pale-skinned man in grimy clerical robes glances at you — and immediately falls to his knees obsequiously. "Your Excellency! Please forgive my vehemence, most noble [Name] — I never expected to encounter such eminent persons in this corner of Footfall!"continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 4 of 7
NPCNo doubt about it — the container is full of xeno-artefacts, heretical creations of the enemies of Humanity. The very sight of these strange and unnatural objects fills you with a vague sense of unease, even without knowing exactly what these cases contain.
Jae"And... done!" Jae removes her hand from her ear and turns to you. "We're good! Now how about we relocate to a more pleasant and private space to discuss the details of our deal, specifically, payment for your efforts?"continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 5 of 7
NPCIt's completely impossible to discern any details in this low light. And yet the mysterious silhouettes inside the box leave you with a vague sense of wrongness.
Jae"And... done!" Jae removes her hand from her ear and turns to you. "We're good! Now how about we relocate to a more pleasant and private space to discuss the details of our deal, specifically, payment for your efforts?"continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 6 of 7
NPCIt is too great a coincidence that the Liege's representative should arrive in the Shadow Quarters just after Jae has recovered her rightful spoils. It seems that the guards reported the problems with the shipment over the vox, and not to just anyone, but to the Liege's personal agent. Vladaym Tocara knew about the shipment from the start and planned to take it for himself, and get rid of Jae if he could. Behold — the grubby, underhanded struggle between Cold Traders. And had it not been for your impromptu deal struck in the bar, Vladaym might have succeeded.
YOU"Burn this heretic — she consorts with xenos!"
Jae"What? You... No, I won't go down so easily!"
Vladaym's Agent"The damned wench ran! A terrible shame, this is... Most noble [Name], I humbly beg your forgiveness for this unsightly scene! I hope that this episode won't affect any of your agreements with the Liege... whatever those may be!" He hesitates for a moment, then seems to catch his breath. "Please accept the cargo taken from the accursed heretic as compensation!"
YOU"It's a pleasure to have such generous friends. Do send my regards to the Liege."
Vladaym's AgentHe bows deeply. "He will be overjoyed to hear your words, no doubt. It is with a light heart that I part with you, my lord/lady."
end of branch
YOU"Does Vladaym really think that my friendship can be so cheaply bought?"
Vladaym's AgentHe looks away. "I am terribly sorry that my words have upset you — they were not meant as an insult. Please accept my deepest apologies. The cargo's fate is yours to decide — I will deliver your words to the Liege."
end of branch
YOU"You're offering a faithful servant of the Emperor a shipment of xenoheresy? Who do you think I am?"
Vladaym's AgentHe looks away. "I am terribly sorry that my words have upset you — they were not meant as an insult. Please accept my deepest apologies. The cargo's fate is yours to decide — I will deliver your words to the Liege."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What do you mean, 'gift'? The cargo is mine either way — I had no intention of parting with it."
Vladaym's Agent"Yes... most certainly. I will deliver your words to the Liege." He bows deeply.
end of branch
YOU"I'm confiscating this shipment, not accepting it. And I'll have words with the Liege yet — I would very much like to know what prompted him to appropriate prohibited xenoheresy."
Vladaym's Agent"Yes... most certainly. I will deliver your words to the Liege." He bows deeply.continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You are absolutely right. I have nothing to do with this shipment or the woman standing next to it."
Jae"What? You... No, I won't go down so easily!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Jae Heydari, the owner of this cargo, is presently under my protection — under a Rogue Trader's protection. Tell your master that he should think twice before crossing her from now on."
Jae"And don't forget to tell him that I'm not mad. But I will be collecting the debt, sometime."
JaeJae watches him hurry away, then looks at you. "I wish I could see Vladaym's face when he finds out he almost stepped on the toes of one of the most powerful people in the Expanse."
Jae"Listen, [Name]. I'm genuinely sorry about this... confusion. Vladaym and I have had our difficulties, but I never thought he'd want to clean me out and do away with me in some dark corner... at least, not so soon. If you hadn't agreed to our deal, shereen, my gang and I would already be floating in orbit around one of Footfall's asteroids."
YOU"Tell me about your 'business' on Footfall — the truth of it, and don't leave anything out."
Jae"All right, then... This isn't my first year in the Expanse. It's not my first year in business either. I've sat at the negotiating table with all sorts — not just loot hunters or smugglers either, but with xenos, ones intelligent enough to believe that mutual benefit was a better outcome of our meeting than mutual destruction. I know what the Ecclesiarchy has to say about that. But, speaking from the bottom of my heart — I know where the line is between an ordinary deal and a betrayal of Humanity. And I never cross it."
YOU"A principled rogue who can think on her feet and is not afraid of inhumans. I like you more and more, Jae Heydari."
Jae"There are no chance encounters when you are loved by the Exalted One. I like you more and more too, shereen." Jae winks and flashes you a captivating smile.
YOU"Tell me about your 'business' on Footfall — the truth of it, and don't leave anything out."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"A Rogue Trader could use someone with your talents and connections, Jae. I would like to see you in my retinue."
Jae"Exalted One bless you and your entire dynasty! I wouldn't say no to marking the occasion properly — it's not every day you embark on a brilliant new business partnership!"
NPC(sequence)
Kibellah"Domin'[Name], if it is indeed your wish to let this heretic into your retinue, then allow me to carve a vow of service into her tongue. Let the pain prevent her from uttering words of deceit and remind her of obedience."
Jae"Don't even think about it, you crazed kaskha, unless you want me to add a few extra bits of lead to the metal adornments on that sulky mug of yours."
end of branch
AbelardAbelard gives you a look of reproach. "You sully the von Valancius name by inviting people like her into your retinue, Lord Captain. The decision is yours, but do not be surprised if unsavoury rumours start to spread on Footfall."
end of branch
ArgentaArgenta regards Jae. "It is a strange circle you are forming around yourself, Rogue Trader..."
Jae"Sister Argenta..." Jae gives her an almost lecherous once-over. "I've heard all about your deeds on Footfall, but I never would have guessed there was an angelic beauty behind all the idle gossip!"
end of branch
SolomorneSolomorne folds his arms, his posture implacable and oppressive. "Joining the Rogue Trader's retinue is a rare chance for someone like you to leave her shameful activities behind and start serving the Imperium. Do not squander this opportunity to become an honourable person, peddler."
JaeJae graces him with a furious smile. "Why, of course, I will do everything in my power to do what the Exalted One has blessed me to do best — increase the Rogue Trader's wealth! Would that not please Him, you think?"
end of branch
EogunnEogunn gazes benevolently upon the Cold Trader. "Well, an agile intellect paired with impulsivity, rapid neural reactions, and untainted judgement constitutes a somewhat rare assembly of phenotypic characteristics. Her yearning toward the comprehension of... unorthodox technologies is furthermore indicative of an extraordinary perspective."
JaeJae flashes the Tech-Priest a saccharine smile. "I'll take that as a compliment, venerable Master! I'd be delighted if you ever chose to expand my perspective regarding our mutual interests."
end of branch
Jae"And while we're at it... shereen, when were you going to reveal your true identity to me?" Jae cocks her head to one side curiously. "I am infinitely flattered by your attention, but if I had known I was talking to a Rogue Trader, not an envoy of one, I would've shown some decorum..."
YOU"I wanted to talk like normal people do. For a man/woman of my status, it's a rare treat."
Jae"That is so... human, Your Lordship/Ladyship. I guess people at the top have a lot more in common with regular folk than some might think."
end of branch
YOU"You were hardly forthcoming yourself — neither of us have been completely honest."
Jae"Guilty as charged!" Jae raises her hands in joking capitulation. "You're right on that one, so I guess I'm in no position to criticise."
end of branch
YOU"I wish we could forget decorum entirely in each other's presence..."
Jae"What a scandalous proposal!" Jae lowers her eyes in feigned abashment, then immediately shoots you a sultry look. "Scandalous and tantalising."
end of branch
YOU"When I do something and why is solely my decision to make, and I'm not going to explain my reasons to anyone."
Jae"Absolutely, shereen. I didn't mean to ruffle your feathers."
end of branch
Jae"Either way, I'm entirely willing to join your retinue. From now on, my knowledge and experience are entirely at your disposal!"
Jae"Oh, and one more thing... If you're interested in a rather lucrative offer, one that can give the von Valancius protectorate a leg up... I'd say now isn't the time to be thinking about such things, but once we get back to your ship... perhaps you could spare me a minute, shereen?"
end of branch
YOU"If you want us to stay partners — no more secrets or half-truths."
Jae"I swear on the goodness of the Exalted One!" Jae makes the sign of the Aquila with an unexpectedly solemn expression.
NPC(sequence)continues where this line first appears above
Jae"Either way, I'm entirely willing to join your retinue. From now on, my knowledge and experience are entirely at your disposal!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I'll be merciful and give you a choice, heretic. You can atone for your deplorable crimes against the Imperium through your service to House von Valancius, or you can die where you stand."
JaeJae shrugs. "Every business relationship has its quirks — if you want to call the shots, I don't mind. I'll gladly serve for the good of the Imperium as long as it keeps my head on my shoulders."
NPC(sequence)continues where this line first appears above
Jae"Either way, I'm entirely willing to join your retinue. From now on, my knowledge and experience are entirely at your disposal!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I'll take what we agreed to. But I never want to see you again."
JaeShe shakes her head in disappointment. "That's too bad... Too bad. Well then, I thank you for your help. My people will deliver the promised reward to your ship. If you happen to reconsider, you'll find me at the same spot. Goodbye, shereen."
end of branch
YOU[Execute Jae] "Jae Heydari, for betraying the Imperium, I, [Name] von Valancius, hereby sentence you to death."
end of branch
YOU"I see nothing wrong with making profit where it does no harm to oneself or the Imperium."
JaeJae gives you a pearly smile. "We think alike, shereen. Well then, does this mean I can hope for our partnership to continue?"
YOU"Tell me about your 'business' on Footfall — the truth of it, and don't leave anything out."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"A Rogue Trader could use someone with your talents and connections, Jae. I would like to see you in my retinue."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"If you want us to stay partners — no more secrets or half-truths."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I'll be merciful and give you a choice, heretic. You can atone for your deplorable crimes against the Imperium through your service to House von Valancius, or you can die where you stand."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I'll take what we agreed to. But I never want to see you again."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Execute Jae] "Jae Heydari, for betraying the Imperium, I, [Name] von Valancius, hereby sentence you to death."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Lines have a tendency to blur — usually unbeknownst to the person walking closest to them."
Jae"Oh, I know what you're talking about. I know a few guys who couldn't keep their hands to themselves and ended up losing them. I wouldn't be so good at what I do if I didn't know how to assess risk. Besides... the Emperor protects, shereen. It really is true. I've seen it myself time and time again."
YOU"Tell me about your 'business' on Footfall — the truth of it, and don't leave anything out."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"A Rogue Trader could use someone with your talents and connections, Jae. I would like to see you in my retinue."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"If you want us to stay partners — no more secrets or half-truths."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I'll be merciful and give you a choice, heretic. You can atone for your deplorable crimes against the Imperium through your service to House von Valancius, or you can die where you stand."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I'll take what we agreed to. But I never want to see you again."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Execute Jae] "Jae Heydari, for betraying the Imperium, I, [Name] von Valancius, hereby sentence you to death."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Your words are full of heresy. And you... you are simply repulsive."
Jae"Well, what can I say, shereen? This isn't the first time someone's said that about me. Don't think it'll be the last time either. But it doesn't matter what we think of each other — what matters is... can we come to an agreement?"
YOU"Tell me about your 'business' on Footfall — the truth of it, and don't leave anything out."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"A Rogue Trader could use someone with your talents and connections, Jae. I would like to see you in my retinue."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"If you want us to stay partners — no more secrets or half-truths."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I'll be merciful and give you a choice, heretic. You can atone for your deplorable crimes against the Imperium through your service to House von Valancius, or you can die where you stand."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I'll take what we agreed to. But I never want to see you again."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Execute Jae] "Jae Heydari, for betraying the Imperium, I, [Name] von Valancius, hereby sentence you to death."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"A Rogue Trader could use someone with your talents and connections, Jae. I would like to see you in my retinue."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"If you want us to stay partners — no more secrets or half-truths."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I'll be merciful and give you a choice, heretic. You can atone for your deplorable crimes against the Imperium through your service to House von Valancius, or you can die where you stand."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I'll take what we agreed to. But I never want to see you again."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Execute Jae] "Jae Heydari, for betraying the Imperium, I, [Name] von Valancius, hereby sentence you to death."continues where this line first appears above
Jae"And... yes, my shipment contains xeno-artefacts, possession of which is a death sentence for any commoner... But you, shereen, do not strike me as a commoner. If I had told you directly, you would have become, shall we say, complicit. But since those illicit words did not escape my lips, you would merely be agreeing to help an unfortunate soul — me — to recapture a few containers. My sincerest wish was to protect you from any unnecessary trouble, shereen. I swear by the Exalted One! And I do hope that this, ah, misunderstanding will not affect our future cooperation...?"
YOU"Tell me about your 'business' on Footfall — the truth of it, and don't leave anything out."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"A Rogue Trader could use someone with your talents and connections, Jae. I would like to see you in my retinue."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"If you want us to stay partners — no more secrets or half-truths."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I'll be merciful and give you a choice, heretic. You can atone for your deplorable crimes against the Imperium through your service to House von Valancius, or you can die where you stand."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I'll take what we agreed to. But I never want to see you again."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Execute Jae] "Jae Heydari, for betraying the Imperium, I, [Name] von Valancius, hereby sentence you to death."continues where this line first appears above
NPC(sequence)
Pasqal"This statement is true, with the exception that you yourself are an uneducated laywoman and a thief who ought to stay away from the technological perversities of non-humans. I am now requesting your preventive disposal."
Jae"Uneducated? Me? I've held things in my hands that you, cog for brains, can only dream of in your oil-soaked data-fantasies. Stop hiding behind piety and law — you're simply defending your clique's monopoly on anything and everything of interest and monetary value."
Eogunn"A detailed catalogue of these 'things' would greatly serve the cause of knowledge, Mistress Heydari. My colleague, as always, is far too hasty in his judgements."
end of branch
YOU"This cargo belongs to the von Valancius dynasty. Is Lord Tocara trying to encroach upon the property of a Rogue Trader?"
Vladaym's Agent"No, no! Your Lordship/Ladyship, I beg you to forgive this wretched serf! A terrible misunderstanding... a thousand apologies... I won't disturb you further..."
JaeJae watches him hurry away, then looks at you. "I wish I could see Vladaym's face when he finds out he almost stepped on the toes of one of the most powerful people in the Expanse."continues where this line first appears above
NPC(sequence)
Jae"Vladaym! That son of a grox! That void jackal! He was in on this from the start!" Jae hisses through her teeth and reaches for the pistol at her hip, but she suddenly turns to you with a wary expression on her face. "You didn't believe a word that ashmag said, did you, shereen?"
end of branch
Entry point 7 of 7
NPCThis is too convenient. You sense someone has been set up here. But who was the target? And who set the trap?
YOU"Burn this heretic — she consorts with xenos!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You are absolutely right. I have nothing to do with this shipment or the woman standing next to it."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Jae Heydari, the owner of this cargo, is presently under my protection — under a Rogue Trader's protection. Tell your master that he should think twice before crossing her from now on."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"This cargo belongs to the von Valancius dynasty. Is Lord Tocara trying to encroach upon the property of a Rogue Trader?"continues where this line first appears above
NPC(sequence)continues where this line first appears above