AbelardThe high-ranking officers beam with genuine happiness. Abelard, who presides over the gathering, looks tired and a little older. "Lord Captain, the ship's officers gladly welcome you back! The crew offers prayers of thanks to the Emperor for your safe return!"
Bridge(sequence)
UlfarThe crew stares in awe and terror at the giant towering over the crowd. Some make the sign of the Aquila on their chests, others collapse to their knees with a prayer to the God-Emperor on their lips. This wave of pious shock does not seem to discompose Ulfar in the slightest — he just chuckles into his beard and glances around curiously.
end of branch
MarazhaiMarazhai's presence alone is enough to elicit gasps of dismay and whispers from the crowd. The Drukhari ignores all mon-keigh reactions to his person and surveys the ship's bridge, examining every detail with ostentatiously cool interest. His markedly casual posture is belied by the subtle and unusual tension in his body.
end of branch
HeinrixHeinrix van Calox approaches you. He is not looking his best. It seems he has not slept in quite a while. "Lord Captain, allow me to express how glad I am that you have rejoined us, alive and unharmed."
HeinrixHe stops, then his facade of sangfroid cracks, and he gives you another look, this one full of turmoil. "I would... prefer... I will meet with you in person after the briefing. I have... questions."
end of branch
Jae"Shereen, light of my eyes! I am overjoyed to see you among us once more! Truly, the Exalted One is merciful for showing you the way back home. I hope all the ashmags who left us to languish without our Lord Captain have already become food for the warp daemons!"
JaeJae twirls a lock of hair around her finger and sends a fiery gaze your way, which she immediately hides beneath her lowered lashes. "I... do hope we will get a chance to have a conversation in private very soon. For now, however, I dare not steal any more of the Rogue Trader's precious time..."
end of branch
Cassia"The decks overflow with dazzling shades of yellow as the crew welcomes its lord/lady, and I join them in this greeting!"
CassiaCassia nervously brings her thin fingers to her lips and lowers her eyes. "I am... particularly gladdened by your return, Lord Captain. I hope that you can find a moment... once you have seen to your duties..."
end of branch
Kibellah"Domin'[Name], the flagship without you was like a body without a heart — its blood froze in its veins. We welcome your return and stand ready to serve."
KibellahKibellah devours you with her eyes, anxiety writ large on her usually impenetrable face. "As your shadow, I must personally make sure you are well, Domin. Wait for me in your quarters."
end of branch
Idira"Lord Captain, I'm so glad to see you! I nearly lost it when you up and disappeared on me. I was getting by on stimulants and recaf, I barely slept, all so I could keep listening to the whispers for any clue on how to find you. The only other time I felt so powerless was when Lady Theodora..." She stops. "Pardon me, Lord Captain, I'm talking nonsense."
end of branch
Idira"Lord Captain, I'm real glad to see you're fine and well! When you disappeared, I thought, that's it, I'd lost you just like I did Lady Theodora. Left without a Lord Captain again. I did everything I could to make myself useful in some small way, I listened to the whispers day and night trying to fish out something, anything about you."
end of branch
ArgentaSister Argenta greets you with burning eyes. "Welcome back, Rogue Trader! No trial could break the will of the Emperor's chosen or stop him/her from returning to those who have put their hopes in him/her!"
end of branch
PasqalPasqal offers you a respectful bow. "The return of the master/mistress of the temple is an event honoured by every spirit that dwells within the sacred systems and machines of this abode."
end of branch
EogunnEogunn raises his hands in a gesture of solemn greeting. "My neural implants are overloaded with relief at beholding you in good health, Rogue Trader! I never doubted that the strength of your spirit and mind would triumph over xenos treachery, and this is an incontrovertible fact."
Eogunn"Once you are restored to health, I beg you to meet me on the bridge — a disaster has struck: Nuncius has stopped speaking! Genetor Ferrenz volunteered to inspect my esteemed colleague, yet he now dares to assert that he is fully operational!"
end of branch
EogunnEogunn looks grim and anxious. "Rogue Trader, I must speak with you regarding Nuncius and the events in Commorragh. I... have much to explain. Find me when you are ready to listen."
end of branch
Eogunn"Once you are restored to health, I beg you to meet me on the bridge — a disaster has struck: Nuncius has stopped speaking! Genetor Ferrenz volunteered to inspect my esteemed colleague, yet he now dares to assert that he is fully operational!"
end of branch
Entry point 2 of 29
High Factotum Janris DanrokThe high-ranking officers beam with genuine happiness. Danrok steps forward and solemnly says, "Welcome to the bridge, Lord Captain. Like the rest of the crew, we are overjoyed by your return and thank the Emperor for it."
YOU"First off, how much do you know about my abduction?"
Vox Master Vigdis"Not much, Lord Captain. All contact with your party was lost shortly after the supposed pirates boarded the ship and abducted... your companion's kinspeople. We immediately sent shuttles with boarding parties to your aid, but... we didn't find anyone on the ship save for the crew, all of whom had either been butchered or driven insane."
Bridge(sequence)
HeinrixHeinrix's gaze is focused on Yrliet. His eyes burn with undisguised hatred... and a promise.
end of branch
YrlietYrliet's expression is inscrutable, but her eyes are fixed on you and you alone.
end of branch
High Factotum Janris Danrok"Since Your Lord/Ladyship's body was never recovered, we hoped against hope that you were still alive. Alas, even our most alert augur operators never spotted anything suspicious, and thus our ignominious failure put you in dire peril."
Bridge(sequence)
HeinrixHeinrix's gaze, tense and almost desperate, is focused on you. But he says nothing — for now, at least.
end of branch
Vox Master Vigdis"Dare we enquire what happened to Your Lord/Ladyship?"
YOU"Yrliet helped the Drukhari abduct me and take me to Commorragh."
BridgeHostile stares fix on Yrliet, and a spiteful whisper whips through the air: "Xenos scum!"
YOU"First off, how much do you know about my abduction?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Where has my ship been all this time?"
Abelard"In your absence, I had to temporarily assume stewardship of your protectorate. I chose Footfall as our base of operations, as gossip from across the Expanse finds its way there. My agents searched for any mention of Your Lord/Ladyship that could point us to the target of our rescue expedition. I am greatly relieved to relinquish my command and return it to you, Lord Captain."
High Factotum Janris Danrok"On behalf of the officers' council, I dare say that the esteemed Seneschal Werserian performed his duties with distinction and averted many tragedies that threatened your domain in these trying times." Danrok starts clapping, and the rest of the assembly joins in the applause. Abelard accepts the accolade with a faint smile of weary indifference.
Vox Master Vigdis"While you were absent, Lord Captain, we made every effort to find you. That resulted in a number of modifications to the ship that have significantly upgraded it. Thanks to a favourable deal secured by the esteemed High Factotum, the ship is now equipped with state-of-the-art augur systems and direction finders from Kiava Gamma."
YOU"First off, how much do you know about my abduction?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Where has my ship been all this time?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Enough empty talk. Your master/mistress is waiting for a proper celebration!"
High Factotum Janris Danrok"We begin at once, Your Lordship/Ladyship!"
Vox Master Vigdis"Glory to the Rogue Trader! Glory to House von Valancius!" Your subjects' triumphant roar sends a tremor through the bridge. It is as though the ship itself is greeting its long-lost owner.
High Factotum Janris DanrokThe Factotum smacks his lips awkwardly and adds in a quieter voice, "Lord Captain... The senior officers will report to you shortly. In your absence, we received a number of Astropathic messages and dispatches that demand your attention."
end of branch
YOU"That is quite enough fawning and fussing. I wish to return to my duties immediately."
High Factotum Janris DanrokDanrok throws up his hands. "But... but the crew is overcome with joy and gratitude to the God-Emperor... Nonetheless, your will is absolute!"
High Factotum Janris DanrokThe Factotum smacks his lips awkwardly and adds in a quieter voice, "Lord Captain... The senior officers will report to you shortly. In your absence, we received a number of Astropathic messages and dispatches that demand your attention."continues where this line first appears above
Vox Master Vigdis"The officers' council decided to take the ship to Footfall, where one can hear the gossip of the entire Expanse. Our agents tirelessly searched for information about Your Lord/Ladyship. Had we heard even a whisper of where you were imprisoned, we would have immediately launched a rescue expedition."
Vox Master Vigdis"While you were absent, Lord Captain, we made every effort to find you. That resulted in a number of modifications to the ship that have significantly upgraded it. Thanks to a favourable deal secured by the esteemed High Factotum, the ship is now equipped with state-of-the-art augur systems and direction finders from Kiava Gamma."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Enough empty talk. Your master/mistress is waiting for a proper celebration!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"That is quite enough fawning and fussing. I wish to return to my duties immediately."continues where this line first appears above
Master Helmsman RavorThe officers erupt into indignant shouts, promising death to any treacherous xenos that crosses their path. Ravor shakes his head. "Xenos have no souls and no conscience. They are dishonourable degenerates and traitors by their very nature."
YOU"First off, how much do you know about my abduction?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Where has my ship been all this time?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Enough empty talk. Your master/mistress is waiting for a proper celebration!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"That is quite enough fawning and fussing. I wish to return to my duties immediately."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Achilleas turned out to be a traitor. He helped the Drukhari abduct me and hide me in Commorragh."
Bridge(sequence)
Heinrix"Lies." The Interrogator's voice trembles with fury.
end of branch
Master Helmsman Ravor"Achilleas Scalander — a traitor? If that damned wretch is still alive, we'll hunt him down no matter what system he's hiding in! I don't know if that corrupt sellout is capable of feeling love for anything or anyone, but if he does, we'll find it and destroy it!"
YOU"First off, how much do you know about my abduction?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Where has my ship been all this time?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Enough empty talk. Your master/mistress is waiting for a proper celebration!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"That is quite enough fawning and fussing. I wish to return to my duties immediately."continues where this line first appears above
Achilleas the WrackThe outburst prompts a self-conscious half-shrug from Achilleas, who is huffing noisily behind you. At this moment, he must be glad his disfigured face is hidden behind the black mask.
YOU"First off, how much do you know about my abduction?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Where has my ship been all this time?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Enough empty talk. Your master/mistress is waiting for a proper celebration!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"That is quite enough fawning and fussing. I wish to return to my duties immediately."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I am glad you realise you are to blame for my capture. You have not earned the right to hear about my adventures."
High Factotum Janris Danrok"We fully accept our responsibility, Your Lord/Ladyship. Our negligence was unforgivable. Allow us to make amends through impeccable service and diligence."
YOU"First off, how much do you know about my abduction?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Where has my ship been all this time?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Enough empty talk. Your master/mistress is waiting for a proper celebration!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"That is quite enough fawning and fussing. I wish to return to my duties immediately."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Lie] "My loyal servants! The accursed xenos tried to take your leader from you! But their plan has failed! I am once again with you! Are you with me?"
Master Helmsman Ravor"Death to the enemies of House von Valancius! Show us the culprits, and we'll tear the heads off the lot of them then stack them next to your throne, Lord Captain!" The furious officers grab their weapons, as if eager to crush the foes who dared breach the sanctity of your person right here and now.
YOU"First off, how much do you know about my abduction?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Where has my ship been all this time?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Enough empty talk. Your master/mistress is waiting for a proper celebration!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"That is quite enough fawning and fussing. I wish to return to my duties immediately."continues where this line first appears above
Bridge(sequence)
Marazhai"This is so... touching." Marazhai's voice is laced with venom.
end of branch
YOU"It does not matter. The topic of my disappearance is closed."
Vox Master Vigdis"As you command, Lord Captain."
YOU"First off, how much do you know about my abduction?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Where has my ship been all this time?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Enough empty talk. Your master/mistress is waiting for a proper celebration!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"That is quite enough fawning and fussing. I wish to return to my duties immediately."continues where this line first appears above
Vox Master Vigdis"Not much, Lord Captain. In keeping with Master Scalander's plan, after Your Lord/Ladyship's party landed on the station, we went into vox-silence. We waited for quite some time, but the despised heretic Voigtvir's ship never showed. When we took the liberty of sending a messenger to the station with a report, he found only the bodies of unknown officers and other signs of bloodshed."
High Factotum Janris Danrok"Since Your Lord/Ladyship's body was never recovered, we hoped against hope that you were still alive. Alas, even our most alert augur operators never spotted anything suspicious, and thus our ignominious failure put you in dire peril."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Where has my ship been all this time?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Enough empty talk. Your master/mistress is waiting for a proper celebration!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"That is quite enough fawning and fussing. I wish to return to my duties immediately."continues where this line first appears above
Bridge(sequence)continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 3 of 29
High Factotum Janris DanrokDanrok adjusts his jacket before addressing you. "Now then, Lord Captain... Shall we get to business? We have a number of items to go over."
Bridge(sequence)
High Factotum Janris Danrok"First and foremost, I have news about your subjects. In the time that you were gone, the servants of House von Valancius have toiled tirelessly in their service to you and for the benefit of the entire trade protectorate."
end of branch
High Factotum Janris Danrok"Your... devotees continue their work of spreading the word of the Great Beacon. There are more and more people in the von Valancius protectorate who have accepted the new faith as the one true belief. The followers of the old cult are either hunted down or forced into hiding."
end of branch
High Factotum Janris Danrok"Without a doubt, the return of the guardian of the Koronus Expanse will give new strength and faith to those who have stood under the blows of the enemies of Humanity in your absence! Rumours of the holy relic kept aboard your vessel are spreading to every system of the Expanse, inspiring and emboldening the weak and the forlorn."
end of branch
High Factotum Janris Danrok"Once word of your return reaches every von Valancius world... why, the masses will be ecstatic! Never before has the Expanse known a leader as merciful as you! The fanatics of the Creed may whisper about the heresies of the mind burgeoning under your rule, but your benevolence has forever captured the souls of millions of ordinary subjects."
end of branch
High Factotum Janris Danrok"The Expanse is in flames, Your Lord/Ladyship. Squadrons and smaller groups of despicable Drukhari raid our systems. The Cult of the Final Dawn has emerged in full force, wreaking havoc everywhere. We've heard rumours of the fall of Santiel's Pride, House Chorda's world... An outrageous sacrilege, given how abundant and inexpensive promethium is there!"
Vox Master Vigdis"Strife has broken out between House Winterscale and House Chorda. Chaos reigns everywhere. Only the esteemed Lord Inquisitor is trying to fight it, concentrating all available forces at Footfall to draw them into a fist that will smash the rampaging heretics and xenos vermin."
YOU"What kind of xenos are attacking the Expanse?"
High Factotum Janris Danrok"Drukhari, Your Lordship/Ladyship. Their squadrons, both large and small, are invading the Expanse, unleashing carnage on planets, taking captives by the thousands, and attacking ships. It is as if something has poked their nest, if you will, and now they are lashing out."
YOU"What kind of xenos are attacking the Expanse?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How fare the worlds of my dynasty?"
Vox Master Vigdis"The heretics' malicious acts make it difficult to maintain Astropathic contact with the colonies. The Cult of the Final Dawn strikes everywhere, and their sleeper agents are active on every planet. On Vheabos VI, a mutiny was crushed after a group of newly arrived prisoners succumbed to blasphemous propaganda. But other worlds stand firm against the onslaught of the enemies of Humanity and do not succumb to their pernicious influence."
YOU"What kind of xenos are attacking the Expanse?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How fare the worlds of my dynasty?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"So Xavier Calcazar is leading the defence?"
High Factotum Janris Danrok"Exactly. The esteemed Lord Inquisitor Calcazar has declared himself Warden of the Koronus Expanse and issued orders to requisition troops. He has made Footfall his base of operations, as it was the most logistically convenient point. From there, his fleet strikes throughout the Expanse, destroying the forces of the Cult of the Final Dawn and the abominable Drukhari. He may be all that currently stands in the way of the Expanse being reduced to ashes."
High Factotum Janris Danrok"When heretics laid siege to Eufrates II, the hallowed forge of the Cognisance Fleet, the Lord Inquisitor sent an enormous force. Now they and the Explorator squadrons recalled from the front lines stand together against the heretics in the battle for the sacred planet."
YOU"What kind of xenos are attacking the Expanse?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How fare the worlds of my dynasty?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"So Xavier Calcazar is leading the defence?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What is the source of the strife between Incendia and Calligos?"
High Factotum Janris Danrok"When the esteemed Lord Inquisitor called upon the Rogue Traders to join his forces, Her Ladyship Incendia Chorda heeded the summons, while His Lordship Calligos Winterscale... ignored it. Rumour has it that his refusal was... defiant in manner, and served as a pretext for Lady Chorda to declare war on House Winterscale."
High Factotum Janris Danrok"Winterscale's ships are being hunted and his worlds occupied under the pretence of compelling them to submit to the Imperial Creed. Surprisingly, for all his love of fighting, Winterscale is in no hurry to defend his domain. According to intercepted Astropathic messages, he and his retinue are currently on Quetza Temer hunting down a xenos fleet — Aeldari, by all appearances."
YOU"What kind of xenos are attacking the Expanse?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How fare the worlds of my dynasty?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"So Xavier Calcazar is leading the defence?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What is the source of the strife between Incendia and Calligos?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Is there anything else I should know?"
High Factotum Janris Danrok"Lord Captain, during your absence, your retinue has seen certain changes. The esteemed Master Anthar will no longer be able to accompany you. According to a message from the Adeptus Arbites, he has been discharged and is currently an overseer on Vheabos VI. However, Prefect Vultur has informed me that you have the authority to challenge that decision and have Master Anthar reinstated."
YOU"Solomorne has been discharged? But why?"
High Factotum Janris Danrok"The Adeptus Arbites tasked him with a mission of some sort that, as far as I know, ended in failure, leading to Master Anthar being deemed unworthy of his rank and unfit to serve you."
High Factotum Janris Danrok"I would like to note that his cyber-mastiff is still on board. Due to the damage the dog sustained on Thassera, Master Anthar left it in the care of your Tech-Priests. I heard there was an implant malfunction. The servants of the Omnissiah have patched up the creature, but they have also warned that a final synchronisation of its implants with those of Master Anthar is required before the cyber-mastiff can be considered fully repaired."
YOU"Solomorne has been discharged? But why?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Solomorne will rejoin my retinue. I will collect him in person."
High Factotum Janris Danrok"Then I will send a request to have Master Anthar reinstated, and notify the overseers on Vheabos VI of your impending arrival."
High Factotum Janris Danrok"I have good news to share as well: the Heartless is fully repaired! Its hull has been considerably reinforced, and, after a complete cycle of tech-litanies, the fighter craft in its hangar now eagerly await the chance to show their worth in battle!"
High Factotum Janris DanrokThe Factotum lowers his head in thought. "There have been other minor developments... If you so wish, I will gladly bring you up to speed on the bridge. I would not want them to take any time away from this occasion."
YOU"What kind of xenos are attacking the Expanse?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How fare the worlds of my dynasty?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"So Xavier Calcazar is leading the defence?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What is the source of the strife between Incendia and Calligos?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Is there anything else I should know?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Thank you for the report."
Bridge(sequence)
Abelard"Lord Captain..." Abelard bows his head. "Allow me to make a request. A personal one."
Abelard"While you were away, the Choirmaster received an Astropathic message from Dargonus. It concerns... my family. The Werserians have been accused of treason against House von Valancius."
YOU"What? How is that possible?"
Abelard"I cannot comprehend it." The Seneschal shakes his head helplessly. "The Werserians have served the Rogue Trader dynasty loyally for generations... This is hard to admit, but the news has come as a crushing blow."
Abelard"The accusations were levelled by, or on behalf of, the Drivestems. The governing house. Under normal circumstances, the investigation would not have required your involvement, and my entire family would have been... But being of noble stock, the Werserians are entitled under an ancient custom to petition for a Rogue Trader's personal protection once in a generation. Your personal protection, Lord Captain." Abelard raises his gaze to you. "Do not deny us that honour, I implore you."
YOU"Abelard... what if your family is guilty?"
Abelard"Then the traitors will accept their due punishment. I have never relied on my position as an immunity guarantee, and I will not even try to sway your decision... as long as it is fair and balanced."
YOU"Abelard... what if your family is guilty?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Tell the Choirmaster to send a message to Dargonus saying I will personally take part in the investigation."
AbelardAbelard breathes a sigh of relief and seems to grow an inch or two taller. "It will be done, Lord Captain!"
end of branch
YOU"I'm sorry, Abelard. I refuse to offer House Werserian my protection."
AbelardThe Seneschal wobbles slightly on unsteady legs, as though he is about to fall. He keeps his balance after all and says with dry lips, barely audibly, "I serve House von Valancius."
end of branch
YOU"Tell the Choirmaster to send a message to Dargonus saying I will personally take part in the investigation."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I'm sorry, Abelard. I refuse to offer House Werserian my protection."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Hmm... Your family have shown their true colours at last."
Abelard"Lord Captain!" the Seneschal almost shouts, his voice filled with genuine anger. "Allow me to lay out the matter in full before levelling accusations!"
Abelard"The accusations were levelled by, or on behalf of, the Drivestems. The governing house. Under normal circumstances, the investigation would not have required your involvement, and my entire family would have been... But being of noble stock, the Werserians are entitled under an ancient custom to petition for a Rogue Trader's personal protection once in a generation. Your personal protection, Lord Captain." Abelard raises his gaze to you. "Do not deny us that honour, I implore you."continues where this line first appears above
High Factotum Janris Danrok"I have good news to share as well: all preparations for the deployment of the Heartless have been completed! The ship is fully operational and ready to perform the duty you set out for it."
High Factotum Janris DanrokThe Factotum lowers his head in thought. "There have been other minor developments... If you so wish, I will gladly bring you up to speed on the bridge. I would not want them to take any time away from this occasion."continues where this line first appears above
High Factotum Janris DanrokThe Factotum lowers his head in thought. "There have been other minor developments... If you so wish, I will gladly bring you up to speed on the bridge. I would not want them to take any time away from this occasion."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Discharged? That is his problem. I have no time to deal with it."
High Factotum Janris Danrok"I understand perfectly, Your Lordship/Ladyship! What good is a blundering companion? But, on the other hand, accepting Master Anthar back into your retinue would strengthen your alliance with the Arbites." Janris clears his throat. "To the best of my knowledge, the Marshal values his former Proctor a great deal. Besides, if Master Anthar really were guilty, he would have been executed. It would appear that some sensitive matter is involved here, in the same vein as the cases brought before you at the Palace of Justice. If you show your concern and sympathy, the Arbites will trust you as they did before."
YOU"I have had enough of lawmen. Send the cur to the Marshal. And from now on, I do not want to hear from any Arbitrators coming to me with their problems."
High Factotum Janris Danrok"As Your Lordship/Ladyship wills."
High Factotum Janris Danrok"I have good news to share as well: the Heartless is fully repaired! Its hull has been considerably reinforced, and, after a complete cycle of tech-litanies, the fighter craft in its hangar now eagerly await the chance to show their worth in battle!"continues where this line first appears above
High Factotum Janris Danrok"I have good news to share as well: all preparations for the deployment of the Heartless have been completed! The ship is fully operational and ready to perform the duty you set out for it."continues where this line first appears above
High Factotum Janris DanrokThe Factotum lowers his head in thought. "There have been other minor developments... If you so wish, I will gladly bring you up to speed on the bridge. I would not want them to take any time away from this occasion."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You are right. Solomorne may prove useful to me yet. I should retrieve him."
High Factotum Janris Danrok"Then I will send a request to have Master Anthar reinstated, and notify the overseers on Vheabos VI of your impending arrival."
High Factotum Janris Danrok"I have good news to share as well: the Heartless is fully repaired! Its hull has been considerably reinforced, and, after a complete cycle of tech-litanies, the fighter craft in its hangar now eagerly await the chance to show their worth in battle!"continues where this line first appears above
High Factotum Janris Danrok"I have good news to share as well: all preparations for the deployment of the Heartless have been completed! The ship is fully operational and ready to perform the duty you set out for it."continues where this line first appears above
High Factotum Janris DanrokThe Factotum lowers his head in thought. "There have been other minor developments... If you so wish, I will gladly bring you up to speed on the bridge. I would not want them to take any time away from this occasion."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Solomorne will rejoin my retinue. I will collect him in person."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Discharged? That is his problem. I have no time to deal with it."continues where this line first appears above
High Factotum Janris Danrok"I have good news to share as well: the Heartless is fully repaired! Its hull has been considerably reinforced, and, after a complete cycle of tech-litanies, the fighter craft in its hangar now eagerly await the chance to show their worth in battle!"continues where this line first appears above
High Factotum Janris Danrok"I have good news to share as well: all preparations for the deployment of the Heartless have been completed! The ship is fully operational and ready to perform the duty you set out for it."continues where this line first appears above
High Factotum Janris DanrokThe Factotum lowers his head in thought. "There have been other minor developments... If you so wish, I will gladly bring you up to speed on the bridge. I would not want them to take any time away from this occasion."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Thank you for the report."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Is there anything else I should know?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Thank you for the report."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What is the source of the strife between Incendia and Calligos?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Is there anything else I should know?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Thank you for the report."continues where this line first appears above
Bridge(sequence)
Vox Master Vigdis"What is more, regrettable events have taken place in your dynasty's capital..." Vigdis hesitates. "House Werserian has been found guilty of organising revolts and plotting a conspiracy against Your Lord/Ladyship. Governor Drivestem has ordered the Werserians to be executed. Order has been fully restored on the planet."
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Abelard"Lord Captain..." The Seneschal weighs his words carefully. "I hate to say that while you were away, Dargonus saw a series of revolts among its rabble. Charges of orchestrating those revolts, undermining the capital's economy, and... conspiring against you were brought against my family members."
Abelard"Governor Drivestem had the perpetrators executed. Every last one of them." Abelard's voice is raspy. He is struggling to speak. "I assure you those events happened without my knowledge and came as a genuine shock to me. Dargonus has been fully restored to order now, which is all that matters."
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YOU"So Xavier Calcazar is leading the defence?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What is the source of the strife between Incendia and Calligos?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Is there anything else I should know?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Thank you for the report."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How fare the worlds of my dynasty?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"So Xavier Calcazar is leading the defence?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What is the source of the strife between Incendia and Calligos?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Is there anything else I should know?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Thank you for the report."continues where this line first appears above
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Bridge(sequence)
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Yrliet"Dare I hope that you will lend me a shoulder to lean on again, elantach? Will you come with me to the distant stars of Quetza... Temer?" In her agitation, the Aeldari is struggling with human language. "To save my kin from the wrath of your mighty rival?"
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Marazhai"Hmm... My kin are not so blindly suicidal. Desperation is the more likely cause. In the wake of our most intriguing adventure in the Spire of the Reaving Tempest, many Kabal members must have lost everything and fled Commorragh before their old enemies caught up with them. How very... interesting and promising."
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Master Helmsman Ravor"We pursued it, but the accursed xenos were too fast. They took cover in an asteroid belt and activated a cloaking field. We swept the asteroids, of course, but those vile creatures doubtlessly used our short delay to laugh at us and then slip even farther away. Such was our inglorious defeat, Your Lord/Ladyship."
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Vox Master Vigdis"The officers' council humbly requests that you accept a full report of the events that took place in your absence."
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YrlietYrliet is about to object but reconsiders at the last moment, making do with only a loud sigh and a nod. "A right I would not dare take away from you, elantach. I only ask that you... make your decision soon. As much as I would like to lift that burden from your shoulders, the lives of my kin depend on you again."
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Yrliet"Then I will not presume to distract you any longer. The distant stars of Quet... za... Temer... await us." In her agitation, the Aeldari is struggling with human language. She falls silent, absorbed in her thoughts.
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Yrliet"Not for the sake of my kin, elantach. I... am asking you to do this for me. Perhaps you... perhaps we might convince your star rival to stop the meaningless bloodshed."
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Bridge"I see." Yrliet's words are scalding cold. "Let me know if you change your mind... mon-keigh."
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Yrliet"An Aeldari fleet? Elantach, I no longer believe in coincidences. Your pale-faced servant speaks of the same world that appeared to Muaran in his visions. The world where my kin fell into peril. Help me reach them!"
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HeinrixHeinrix gestures to you. "While the officers were preparing this briefing, I had some time to find out what had happened in our absence. I discovered that the Astropathic Choir received a message addressed to me... which I'd like to discuss at the earliest opportunity. Let me know when you have time to do that."
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HeinrixHeinrix falls silent, but then cannot help casting another dismayed glance at you. "Although... it can wait. I... would like to... I'll visit you in person after the briefing. I have... questions."
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Idira"Lord Captain, I wanted to thank you for not leaving me with that sick Haemonculus. And I'm sorry if I said a bunch of things I shouldn't have said. I was... pretty out of it. You just don't know what it's like to finally be alone with your own thoughts. It wasn't easy to give that up and believe it was just another trap set by a xenos."
Idira"Well, thanks to you, things are back to the way they've always been — the door's cracked open again, and my dear old whisperers are back to torture me, the rascals." She chuckles bitterly. "You know, I didn't come here just to get all teary-eyed and grateful on you. It's something important, something about my whispers. See, I've been having some interesting visions... And I feel like how we deal with those visions is going to decide my fate. I know it sounds dramatic, but I'm being dead serious."
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Idira"I actually came to talk about something important. It's about my whispers, in fact." Idira bites her lip and looks at you with hope. "I've been having some interesting visions... And I feel like how we deal with those visions is going to decide my fate. I know it sounds dramatic, but I'm being dead serious. When you have a moment, call me over on the bridge, all right?"
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Idira"I actually came to talk about something important. It's about my whispers, in fact." Idira bites her lip and looks at you with hope. "I've been having some interesting visions... And I feel like how we deal with those visions is going to decide my fate. I know it sounds dramatic, but I'm being dead serious. When you have a moment, call me over on the bridge, all right?"
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Argenta"The enemies of Humanity are showering us with blows, capitalising on our indecision." Argenta jerks her head up, her eyes aflame. "I hasten to remind every one of them that their crimes have not escaped the eyes of the righteous — and there will be retribution for each of those crimes!"
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Ulfar"If the Expanse is under siege, then I know where to look for my pack: in the thick of battle. When we arrive at Footfall, I want to talk to Calcazar and find out to what battlefront he has sent my brothers."
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Abelard"I humbly ask that you accept my report on the events that took place in your absence."
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Vox Master Vigdis"We discovered a world that is home to a long-abandoned colony founded centuries ago by one of your predecessors. A ship was sent there, carrying several thousand colonists who were to restore the derelict settlement. After the ship entered its system of destination, contact was lost with it, and its fate remains unknown. Perhaps you might like to investigate the disappearance of that vessel personally."
Vox Master Vigdis"In addition to that, Your Lordship/Ladyship, pirates have presented a serious problem for your domain. For centuries, a group of bandits headed by a ship called the Elusive Contempt has been raiding cargo vessels on their way from the protectorate's most plentiful extractia. Their ability to deftly escape pursuit by patrols has allowed them to operate with complete impunity. The pirates' flagship has been spotted in a nearby system. Your ship, Lord Captain, is sufficiently powerful to finally chase down those brazen scoundrels and bring them to justice."
Bridge"The Astropathic Choir has received a series of alarming messages concerning the Narmer IV System, where a dangerous space anomaly has supposedly manifested itself. Its nature is unknown but the fabric of space within the system is reported to be... curved and unstable. It is said that any ship entering the region disappears without trace. I believe we ought to be prudent and steer clear of that system."
BridgeThe Factotum hesitates, as if unsure that what he has to say is worthy of your attention. "There is something else, Lord Captain. The ship's Astropaths have caught echoes of alarming messages. Unidentified ships abandoned by their crews have been spotted in several systems of the Expanse. It may only be a rumour, but those who encountered them have gone missing... That is all, Your Lordship/Ladyship."
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Yrliet"An Aeldari fleet? That means... there are many more Crudarach survivors than I dared hope." A secondary vox-channel transmits Yrliet's voice, laden with desperation. "Elantach, I... I must go to this planet. To find them. To try to save them..."
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YrlietYrliet breathes out almost inaudibly and her shoulders relax. "And I am grateful to you, elantach."
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Yrliet"I hope your answer changes soon. I will await it more eagerly than I waited to be freed from the Dark City."