NPCThe same feelings return: impotence, submission, and weakness. You no longer belong to yourself, even though your mind has not yet fully left your body. You keep fighting whatever is stuck in your head, but it is a losing battle. As if from afar, you hear your voice: "I... I confess to collaborating with xenos..."
end of branch
NPCThe words fly from your lips but their meaning belongs to someone else. And you are aware of this, except there is nothing you can do about it. "I..." Your voice is dreadfully hoarse from all the screaming and torture. "I confess to collaborating with xenos..."
end of branch
Entry point 2 of 11
YrlietThere are only a couple of steps between you, but the path to Yrliet is blocked by an invisible wall, cold as if built of impenetrable ice. "Do not be ridiculous, Rogue Trader. What special bond could arise between heaven and earth? Between an ocean and a puddle? A star will never see the light of a puny firefly, no matter how hard it tries to reach the sky."
NPC"You are only allowed to speak when questioned. But since the Rogue Trader is so eager to make his/her voice heard, by all means do. The court is curious to know what you gleaned from this interrogation."
YOU"Is that all you've got? Xenos, I expected a better performance."
NPC"You... useless, arrogant, soon-to-be dead mon-keigh! The trial is almost complete, and when the judgement is pronounced, I will gut you, fill your bowels with flesh-eating worms, and drag you through the streets..."
Lord Inquisitor"Enough."
end of branch
YOU"I hope I succeeded in spoiling your little show, Marazhai."
NPC"All you had to do was submit, useless mon-keigh! Trust me, you will pay for your antics a hundred times over. You like jokes, do you? I will cut your filthy mouth wide open, from ear to—"
Lord Inquisitor"Enough."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Now I see that I have been blind. The xenos have been fighting one another all this time and I was their unwitting cat's paw."
NPC"Good mon-keigh."
Lord Inquisitor"Enough."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I am still struggling to make sense of what is going on here..."
NPC"You do not need to understand, mon-keigh. You have done what was required of you. Now muster your strength, we still have a fun—"
Lord Inquisitor"Enough."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"M-mercy?"
NPC"That's it? I expected more from you, mon-keigh."
Lord Inquisitor"Enough."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I... am nothing but a puppet in this charade. Everything that has taken place at this trial is a vicious lie!"
NPCYou try to push the words out of your throat but they become stuck in a suffocating lump, choking you. Heinrix notices your struggle and quickly changes the subject: "The Rogue Trader is obviously stunned by the realisation Theodora has been using him/her this entire time to impede me..."
Lord Inquisitor"Enough."continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 3 of 11
YrlietYrliet's thin lips purse for a moment after she hears your words. She stares into the distance, even more pensive and sorrowful than usual.
Theodora"A special bond? With this... person? I would personally cut open your scrawny Aeldari throat for that."
NPC"You are only allowed to speak when questioned. But since the Rogue Trader is so eager to make his/her voice heard, by all means do. The court is curious to know what you gleaned from this interrogation."continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 4 of 11
NPCYou try to recall anything at all but your thoughts keep swirling like a turbulent maelstrom in your head and searing pain grips your temples.
NPCHeinrix bends over you with a crooked smile. "Rogue Trader, are you all right? Or was your heretical association with xenos so disruptive that you lost your mind?" The mocking words do little to hide his irritation. The Interrogator is obviously displeased with the turn the conversation is taking.
Lord InquisitorThe Inquisitor leans forward slightly at the sight of your anguish. For a brief moment, the boredom in his eyes is gone.
Theodora"It was amusing but the joke has outstayed its welcome." Theodora shoots the Interrogator a nasty look. "It is painfully obvious this heretic is dancing to your tune. His/Her word against mine? You had lost before you even unsheathed your blade, Heinrix."
NPCHeinrix makes a disgruntled face, looking at you strangely. "Oh, you do not know, do you? Allow me to remind you, then, and the entire court as well." A data-slate appears in the Interrogator's hands, adorned with purity seals on both sides.
NPC(sequence)
NPC"The Rogue Trader uncovered the crimes of the Aeldari on the most important agri-world of the von Valancius protectorate, which feeds many Imperium colonies in the Expanse."
end of branch
NPC"But instead of purging the planet of the xenos menace, he/she allowed the inhumans to take refuge in the shadow of his/her power. They are corrupting Janusian society even as we speak, and who knows, perhaps another rebellion will not be long in coming."
end of branch
NPC"Except he/she did not stop at purging heresy from the planet: he/she let the xenos take charge of the entire colony! Millions of human lives have been tainted by xenocorruption. Not even the Warrant of Trade can justify such a crime against Humanity."
end of branch
NPC"The Rogue Trader has often been accompanied by a xenos companion. And though the Warrant of Trade does allow one to grant sanction to individual specimens, what is this if not a confirmation of the von Valancius family's loyalty to the enemies of Humanity?"
end of branch
NPC"Some reports note instances of close cooperation between the von Valancius protectorate and a crime syndicate involved in the Cold Trade, the Kasballica Mission. Sullying oneself by rubbing shoulders with such individuals... is unworthy of such an elevated servant of the Imperium."
end of branch
NPC"You need not worry, dear Lord Captain. It was not my intention to bring up unsupported claims." Heinrix produces a data-slate and skilfully manipulates the device until he locates the necessary information.
NPC(sequence)continues where this line first appears above
NPC"The Rogue Trader's ties to the Drukhari, a different subspecies of Aeldari, are just as obvious. Who else could help him/her divine the carefully prepared plans of the Drukhari if not other Drukhari? [Name] von Valancius always ended up in the location of the next Drukhari raid, knowing for certain where they were going to strike."
YOU"The only xenos plan I am aware of is the one where they play foul games with my head."
Lord Inquisitor"Indeed?" Xavier Calcazar shoots the Interrogator an amused look. "What do you think he/she is talking about?"
NPC"He/She is obviously trying to disrupt the trial. [Name], I suggest you watch your tongue and behave yourself. And perhaps, only perhaps, it will be enough to preserve your miserable life." The Interrogator shoots you a withering glare.
NPC"At this point, the tribunal probably wants to know what the true intentions of the von Valancius dynasty are. The Rogue Trader claims he/she has been waging war against the Drukhari this entire time. Except... was there really a war? Or was it another carefully staged performance?" Heinrix is looking at you closely, almost without blinking.
NPC"Allow me to explain what actually happened. [Name] von Valancius personally invited the Drukhari to his/her worlds and then used their strength and resources to sow chaos in the Expanse to gain leverage over his/her rivals. It is very convenient to play the victim while working with those who rob your neighbours blind and terrify the worlds that pay you tribute. How much did you profit from this, Rogue Trader? Did you think I would not uncover your pathetic conspiracy?"
YOU"A plot? What are you talking about? Ask Achilleas what happened. He is your agent, after all!"
NPC(sequence)
NPCDangerous sparks flare in Heinrix's eyes. "Achilleas has not contacted me for a long time. He vanished on your world, Rogue Trader. Have you killed my agent on yet another one of your whims? But it is your other transgressions that we are addressing at present."
end of branch
NPC"Rest assured, we will move on to the testimony of Achilleas Scalander as soon as we are done with you."
end of branch
NPC"[Name] von Valancius, speak truthfully before the court, before the Lord Inquisitor, and before the God-Emperor Himself. Do you admit to conspiring with Lady Theodora and one of the Drukhari Kabals?"
end of branch
YOU[Look directly at "Heinrix"] "This is all just a dreadful illusion. I will have no part in it!"
NPC(sequence)
NPCHeinrix's face contorts monstrously, his skin stretched to the limit across the bones of his skull, his voice ringing with fury. "Kae-morag... do not try to squeeze between the strands of the web, mon-keigh! Do what you were brought here for!"
end of branch
NPC"Rogue Trader." Heinrix addresses you through clenched teeth. "You are destroying your only chance to make yourself useful to the Inquisition and to me personally. Do not tempt fate and do not resist... the examination."
end of branch
YOU"Enough of this circus, Heinrix. I did not set up any attacks!"
YOU[Submit to the illusion] "You have uncovered mine and Theodora's plan. That is exactly what happened."
NPCA wave of anxious whispering sweeps through the bridge.
Theodora"Your pathetic attempts to paint me as a heretic are like a blunted rapier: tedious and useless." Theodora's gaze is not directed at you — she is addressing Heinrix.
NPC"I do not think so. Another witness to your atrocities arrived alongside the Rogue Trader."
YrlietYrliet silently takes a graceful step forward. "If the court so desires, my speech will run like a river and wash away your doubts. I found a shard of my home in the Rogue Trader's chambers. An entire craftworld vanished among the stars, the only clue to its fate resting in the hands of this mon-keigh. That was when I began to suspect that he/she had something to do with the misfortune that had befallen my Crudarach."
Yrliet"Do not be deceived by his/her breed. There is a cunning predator lurking behind the fluttering of fragile butterfly wings. The mon-keigh before you is a bizarre amalgamation of qualities not usually inherent in his/her feeble species. He/She has mastered the mysteries of many of this world's cultures. The secrets of the universe and ancient artefacts, the fine art of war, the intricacies of deceit... All are embodied in a single mon-keigh, however hard it may be to believe."
Yrliet"However... the thread that bound our paths broke the moment I realised the mon-keigh's involvement in the disappearance of my home. To flee the Rogue Trader, I tracked down and eliminated his/her chief tracker who has pursued our kin in this part of the galaxy for many years. And thus earned clemency before this court."
NPC"So Achilleas did not simply vanish... You helped him disappear." Heinrix nods curtly. "I say he had only himself to blame. An agent who cannot recognise an impending threat is useless."
YOU"Yrliet, can you not see they are manipulating us? This is just a mendacious farce!"
YrlietYrliet's lithe body tenses when she hears her name come out of your mouth. A shadow of doubt flits across the otherworldly face, but Yrliet does not grace you with a look. She stubbornly stares into the hollow eyes of the Inquisitor languishing on your throne in apparent boredom.
NPC"You are only allowed to speak when questioned. But since the Rogue Trader is so eager to make his/her voice heard, by all means do. The court is curious to know what you gleaned from this interrogation."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Yrliet, you... killed Achilleas? But why?"
YOU"Yrliet, you should have spoken to me about this! I thought we had a special bond."
YOU"No, this is wrong... No court in the Imperium would ever admit the testimony of a xenos."
NPC"You are only allowed to speak when questioned. But since the Rogue Trader is so eager to make his/her voice heard, by all means do. The court is curious to know what you gleaned from this interrogation."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Say nothing]
NPCHeinrix nods with satisfaction, noticing your reaction — or rather, the lack of it.
NPC"The court has been presented with enough evidence, and I hope no one is harbouring any doubts as to the guilt of the von Valancius dynasty. But let us allow the Rogue Trader to say his/her final word. We are all curious to know what you have gleaned from this enquiry."
YOU"Is that all you've got? Xenos, I expected a better performance."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I hope I succeeded in spoiling your little show, Marazhai."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Now I see that I have been blind. The xenos have been fighting one another all this time and I was their unwitting cat's paw."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I am still struggling to make sense of what is going on here..."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"M-mercy?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I... am nothing but a puppet in this charade. Everything that has taken place at this trial is a vicious lie!"continues where this line first appears above
Achilleas ScalanderPale as death, Achilleas emerges from the shadows. His eyes are fixed on the Interrogator and are overflowing with almost manic submission. "Ahem... I want the court and everyone in attendance to know that everything Interrogator van Calox said is true. We did collaborate with the Drukhari. We were apprised of the upcoming raids and knew which colony had the sword hanging over it in critical moments."
Achilleas Scalander"We surrendered Vheabos VI to the depredations of the xenos on the Rogue Trader's orders so the Drukhari would not have any unnecessary suspicions about our continuing success. We let them attack the capital world for the same reason, hoping to cut off the Dracon's head... But we failed. The Dracon was too swift and too cunning."
NPCHeinrix raises his head triumphantly and looks around the bridge and at everyone present. "A servant of the Inquisition would not lie at a sacred tribunal hearing, would he?"
YOU"Achilleas, what have they done to you? Are you all right?"
Achilleas Scalander"No, I... Where am I? Rogue... Trader?.. The palace! We received the news about the Drukhari attack, everything... happened so quickly..."
NPC"Achilleas, you are looking a bit tired. And confused. If the Rogue Trader has threatened you in any way..."
NPC"I hope no one is harbouring any doubts as to the guilt of the von Valancius dynasty? But let us allow the Rogue Trader to say his/her final word. We are all curious to know what you have gleaned from this enquiry."
YOU"Is that all you've got? Xenos, I expected a better performance."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I hope I succeeded in spoiling your little show, Marazhai."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Now I see that I have been blind. The xenos have been fighting one another all this time and I was their unwitting cat's paw."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I am still struggling to make sense of what is going on here..."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"M-mercy?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I... am nothing but a puppet in this charade. Everything that has taken place at this trial is a vicious lie!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Achilleas, come to your senses! You are slandering both the Rogue Trader and yourself!"
YOU"I will personally execute you for betraying the Imperium, Achilleas!"
YOU[Say nothing]
NPCHeinrix nods with satisfaction, noticing your reaction — or rather, the lack of it.continues where this line first appears above
NPC"Are you really saying your war with the Drukhari was not a hoax? Then how did you and your foolish subjects know the coordinates of the enemy ships every time? How did you know their targets? Do you think your expert on all things xenos was shrewd enough to divine the carefully devised plan of the Kabal's finest? No, only other Drukhari could do that... and even then, only a few. This means you were in collusion with them."
NPC"Bull-headed stubbornness does not befit a man/woman of your pedigree, Rogue Trader. But since you have decided to deny everything, I will summon another witness. I am sure everyone will find it interesting to explore this sordid story from another angle."
YrlietYrliet silently takes a graceful step forward. "If the court so desires, my speech will run like a river and wash away your doubts. I found a shard of my home in the Rogue Trader's chambers. An entire craftworld vanished among the stars, the only clue to its fate resting in the hands of this mon-keigh. That was when I began to suspect that he/she had something to do with the misfortune that had befallen my Crudarach."continues where this line first appears above
Achilleas ScalanderPale as death, Achilleas emerges from the shadows. His eyes are fixed on the Interrogator and are overflowing with almost manic submission. "Ahem... I want the court and everyone in attendance to know that everything Interrogator van Calox said is true. We did collaborate with the Drukhari. We were apprised of the upcoming raids and knew which colony had the sword hanging over it in critical moments."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Submit to the illusion] "It was Lady Theodora! She made me sign a blood pact with the Drukhari!"
NPCA wave of anxious whispering sweeps through the bridge.continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Something... is wrong. According to the statutes of the Imperium, not even a Lord Inquisitor can unilaterally pass judgement on a Rogue Trader. I refuse to take part in this!"
Lord Inquisitor"How interesting!" Xavier Calcazar pensively rests his chin on his hand. "What will you say to this?"
NPC"You have no choice in the matter! You would do well to submit meekly under His steadfast gaze and not obstruct the proceedings!" The Interrogator grits his teeth viciously.
NPC"At this point, the tribunal probably wants to know what the true intentions of the von Valancius dynasty are. The Rogue Trader claims he/she has been waging war against the Drukhari this entire time. Except... was there really a war? Or was it another carefully staged performance?" Heinrix is looking at you closely, almost without blinking.continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Wait! The Inquisitor himself gave me his blessing to use xenos as I saw fit. Why, then, am I standing trial?"
YOU[Submit to the illusion] "Yes, I did cooperate with xenos. This I will not deny."
NPC"Cooperation is a double-edged sword. Sometimes you use your partner and sometimes your partner uses you. Which is what happened to the Rogue Trader. Lady Theodora used him/her to undermine the standing of the Imperium in the Expanse."
NPCThe tribunal remains silent, although those present cast anxious glances at your predecessor.
NPC"At this point, the tribunal probably wants to know what the true intentions of the von Valancius dynasty are. The Rogue Trader claims he/she has been waging war against the Drukhari this entire time. Except... was there really a war? Or was it another carefully staged performance?" Heinrix is looking at you closely, almost without blinking.continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Submit to the illusion] "Before the court and the God-Emperor Himself, I plead guilty to all charges."
NPC"As you can see, this is a confession straight from the horse's mouth. What other evidence can the court possibly seek?"
NPCThe tribunal remains silent, although those present cast anxious glances at your predecessor.continues where this line first appears above
NPCThe Interrogator gives the data-slate a sour look and puts it away. "There was not much evidence to collect, but the mere fact the Rogue Trader inevitably ended up in the right place when the Drukhari attacked his/her worlds and merchant vessels, even sometimes late, is the best proof that he/she was collaborating with other xenos. Who else could provide detailed information about the Kabal's future movements and raiding targets?"
YOU"The only xenos plan I am aware of is the one where they play foul games with my head."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Something... is wrong. According to the statutes of the Imperium, not even a Lord Inquisitor can unilaterally pass judgement on a Rogue Trader. I refuse to take part in this!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Wait! The Inquisitor himself gave me his blessing to use xenos as I saw fit. Why, then, am I standing trial?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Submit to the illusion] "Yes, I did cooperate with xenos. This I will not deny."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Submit to the illusion] "Before the court and the God-Emperor Himself, I plead guilty to all charges."continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 5 of 11
NPCThe words erupt from your throat and your head fills with fog again. A sharp pain, like a needle prick, pierces your left temple.
Lord Inquisitor"This much is true. I certainly did." Xavier Calcazar looks at Heinrix with amusement.
NPC"The previous... arrangements... no longer apply to you, Rogue Trader." Heinrix clenches his fists so hard the knuckles turn white. "I advise you to cooperate with the court unless you want to end up on the scaffold at the earliest opportunity."
NPCThe tribunal remains silent, although those present cast anxious glances at your predecessor.continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 6 of 11
YrlietYrliet is standing at a distance, with her slender arms crossed over her chest. Her gaze is resolute and aimed straight at Inquisitor Calcazar. Even if your words have reached her ears, she does not show it.
NPC"You are only allowed to speak when questioned. But since the Rogue Trader is so eager to make his/her voice heard, by all means do. The court is curious to know what you gleaned from this interrogation."continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 7 of 11
NPC...Or at least, that is what you wanted to say. However, the alien will makes you say something else entirely: "It was originally Lady Theodora's plan. She... her servants... always let me know where the next Drukhari attack would take place."
Theodora"Your pathetic attempts to paint me as a heretic are like a blunted rapier: tedious and useless." Theodora's gaze is not directed at you — she is addressing Heinrix.continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 8 of 11
Achilleas Scalander"What are you talking about, Rogue Trader? I distinctly remember each of your orders. I remember the Drukhari too. I spent enough time with these xenos to never forget..." Achilleas's voice rises to a feverish pitch and breaks off.
NPC"Achilleas, you are looking a bit tired. And confused. If the Rogue Trader has threatened you in any way..."continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 9 of 11
Achilleas Scalander"What are you talking about, Rogue Trader? I was carrying out your orders in full accordance with your instructions. And I served the Imperium just the way you wanted to. Was an alliance with the Drukhari not part of your plans?" Achilleas's voice rises to a feverish pitch and breaks off.
NPC"Achilleas, you are looking a bit tired. And confused. If the Rogue Trader has threatened you in any way..."continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 10 of 11
Lord InquisitorThe Inquisitor's harsh and cruel laughter echoes across the corpse-filled bridge. "It looks like your plaything is refusing to dance to your tune. It is pathetic, Heinrix. Should I have expected anything better from you?"
NPCThe Interrogator glares at you angrily. "All you had to do was remain obedient, worthless mon-keigh! The trial is almost complete, and once the sentence is announced, I will deal with you properly!"
end of branch
Entry point 11 of 11
NPC"...And here comes our principal witness, the Rogue Trader himself/herself." Heinrix gives you a cold look. "If the presented evidence was not enough to convince you, his/her testimony will conclude this confusing case, full of oath-breaking, lies, and heresy."
Theodora"You dragged this boy/girl into this trial and now expect someone will lend an ear to a lowly heretic's testimony? I thought better of you, Interrogator van Calox. I was so very wrong." Lady Theodora's voice sounds even harsher and angrier than you remember.
Lord InquisitorThe Lord Inquisitor makes a vaguely dismissive gesture. "Enough. Let him/her speak. The sooner this business is concluded, the better."
NPC"Then let us continue. Shielded by the powers of the Warrant of Trade granted by the Imperium, Theodora von Valancius more than once allowed herself to openly collaborate with xenos." You have never seen such a contemptuous grimace on the Interrogator's face. "She plunged her entire protectorate into apostasy and heresy, including the current Rogue Trader, and went out of her way to prevent the Inquisition and me personally from maintaining order inside the Expanse."
NPC"Does the Rogue Trader admit to fraternising with the xenos, serving them as a puppet, and rejecting the God-Emperor's blessed light for the sake of his/her heretical desires and base profit?"
YOU"The xenos is gone... Why is the Lord Inquisitor here? And Theodora's reanimated corpse too... Didn't she die? Everything is wrong here!"
Theodora"Died, you say? But who are you talking to if I did? Get one simple truth into your empty head: your role in these events is negligible. You shall think me the Emperor on the Golden Throne if I so choose and think me dead if it strikes my fancy, but this is not what matters right now. Just looking in your direction makes me sick. Why must I speak to the filth?" The last words are obviously meant for the court, not you.
NPCHeinrix bends over you with a crooked smile. "Rogue Trader, are you all right? Or was your heretical association with xenos so disruptive that you lost your mind?" The mocking words do little to hide his irritation. The Interrogator is obviously displeased with the turn the conversation is taking.continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Lady Theodora... You died. Why are you here?"
Theodora"Died, you say? But who are you talking to if I did? Get one simple truth into your empty head: your role in these events is negligible. You shall think me the Emperor on the Golden Throne if I so choose and think me dead if it strikes my fancy, but this is not what matters right now. Just looking in your direction makes me sick. Why must I speak to the filth?" The last words are obviously meant for the court, not you.continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Wait, something is wrong... Why are you all here? Where is Marazhai? What... what happened?"
YOU"Heinrix? But... you're dead!"
NPCThe words fly from your lips but their meaning belongs to someone else. "I..." Your hoarse voice is barely heard. "I plead guilty..."
Theodora"It was amusing but the joke has outstayed its welcome." Theodora shoots the Interrogator a nasty look. "It is painfully obvious this heretic is dancing to your tune. His/Her word against mine? You had lost before you even unsheathed your blade, Heinrix."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I... I don't know..."
NPCThe words fly from your lips but their meaning belongs to someone else. "I..." Your hoarse voice is barely heard. "I plead guilty..."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Submit to the illusion] "I do."
Theodora"It was amusing but the joke has outstayed its welcome." Theodora shoots the Interrogator a nasty look. "It is painfully obvious this heretic is dancing to your tune. His/Her word against mine? You had lost before you even unsheathed your blade, Heinrix."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Submit to the illusion] "I swear by the Emperor, every word is the absolute truth!"
Theodora"It was amusing but the joke has outstayed its welcome." Theodora shoots the Interrogator a nasty look. "It is painfully obvious this heretic is dancing to your tune. His/Her word against mine? You had lost before you even unsheathed your blade, Heinrix."continues where this line first appears above