MercyMercy winces in pain at your words, his face no longer guarded by the lavish armour of his self-assurance. After tossing a weary look at Jae and receiving an affirmative nod from her, he sighs heavily: "It is true. She is a different person now."
YOU"You could have warned me."
Jae"I wasn't sure what I would do. But you helped." Jae's face is very close to yours. "Kiss me."
YOU"Now?"
Jae"Now."
YOU"Now?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Kiss Jae]
JaeJae's lips burn against yours and leave behind the taste of tart wine balanced with honey sweetness. She kisses you with the desperation of a woman who has found a sip of water moments before she dies of thirst.
YOU"You could have warned me."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"There's the Jae I remember, the one who first joined my retinue."
Jae"Breaking through the avalanche of the past that was covering my grave was not easy, shereen. But I have risen."
YOU"You could have warned me."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"There's the Jae I remember, the one who first joined my retinue."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Have you got the message, Mercy? Or do you still have objections?"
MercyClamping a new lho roll-up between his pearly-white teeth, Mercy coolly replies, "I am not an idiot. I am not going to argue with a Rogue Trader and a loaded autopistol."
YOU"I do believe we can consider this meeting closed."
Octaviana"Any objections...? Don't think so. Our trading is concluded. The circle will not obstruct Jae Heydari's claim." Turning away from the table, Octaviana privately winks at Jae and whispers, "What took you so long?"
end of branch
Vladaym Tocara the Liege"Most certainly. The circle approves Jae Heydari's claim. Our trading is concluded. The representative of the Mission on my station..." Vladaym emphasises these last two words, and Jae gives him a grateful nod. "...undertakes to ensure that the interests of Mistress Heydari will not be harmed."
end of branch
YOU"Have you got the message, Mercy? Or do you still have objections?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I do believe we can consider this meeting closed."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I don't think..."
JaeNot listening, Jae beckons you closer with a delicate gesture that brooks no argument.
JaeJae's lips burn against yours and leave behind the taste of tart wine balanced with honey sweetness. She kisses you with the desperation of a woman who has found a sip of water moments before she dies of thirst.continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Kiss Jae]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I don't think..."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"There's the Jae I remember, the one who first joined my retinue."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Have you got the message, Mercy? Or do you still have objections?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I do believe we can consider this meeting closed."continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 3 of 11
Jae"It would be foolish to pass up the mountain of money that would come with friendship with the von Valancius dynasty." Jae's polite words are not enough to gloss over the previous threat, and it seems they were not intended to do so.
NPCNow the Cold Traders are looking at you and only you. It would seem they are more afraid of you than Mercy.
Mercy"We are traders, not fighters — we prefer the language of deals over the language of battles. But that does not mean we can be intimidated. Our organisation operates in the shadows, and we are used to opposition from the powers that be. We keep our blades sheathed, but give us cause to show you how sharp they truly are, and you will sorely regret it. Such knowledge is enough to poison the mind."
YOU[Lower your voice] "Jae, if you want to get what is rightfully yours, now is the time to show your teeth."
JaeJae's reply is a whispered warning: "Only if I'm going to sink them into his throat. Otherwise, he'll pull my teeth and keep them as trophies. Trust me, Mercy is the vengeful sort."
YOU[Lower your voice] "Jae, if you want to get what is rightfully yours, now is the time to show your teeth."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Perhaps one of the senior traders wishes to say their piece? Or is he the only one who gets to speak around here?"
MercyMercy casts a genial look over the Cold Traders. "I am the most senior-ranking person here, Your Lordship/Ladyship. Didn't you explain this to your companion... Jae?" The smuggler's given name rolls off Mercy's tongue with easy familiarity. "And if you are so concerned with showing respect for seniority, you will be comforted to know that I have held my position far longer than you have yours."
Mercy"In the eyes of the Mission, we are tools, carefully selected and arranged. One may be employed for their craft and acquisition of profit, another for protection and bloodshed. I am used for dispute resolution and oversight. And for bloodshed... though only on rare occasions. As such, no other voice but mine will sound in your ears."
YOU[Lower your voice] "Jae, if you want to get what is rightfully yours, now is the time to show your teeth."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Perhaps one of the senior traders wishes to say their piece? Or is he the only one who gets to speak around here?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I am certain that Jae's management of Falco's assets will be more profitable for the Kasballica."
YOU"I advise against getting into a dispute with a Rogue Trader. The consequences for you will be very unpleasant."
YOU"You're awfully quiet, Vladaym."
Vladaym Tocara the LiegeHis spectacles glinting, the Liege drily retorts, "I appreciate Mistress Heydari's talents and Your Lordship/Ladyship's interest in her fate. But we are not a band of pirates, but an organisation with rules, and we abide by those rules."
MercySmiling smugly, Mercy addresses Jae silkily: "You remembered the rules once too. I trust that, with sage guidance, we can refresh your memory and revive your fidelity to our laws."
YOU[Lower your voice] "Jae, if you want to get what is rightfully yours, now is the time to show your teeth."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Perhaps one of the senior traders wishes to say their piece? Or is he the only one who gets to speak around here?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I am certain that Jae's management of Falco's assets will be more profitable for the Kasballica."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I advise against getting into a dispute with a Rogue Trader. The consequences for you will be very unpleasant."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You're awfully quiet, Vladaym."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Octaviana, now is the time to remember your fondness for Jae, if you do indeed have any."
OctavianaCasting her eyes down and pointedly not looking at Jae, Octaviana grimly states, "My power is power that was given to me by the organisation. Following the rules is my payment for that power."
MercySmiling smugly, Mercy addresses Jae silkily: "You remembered the rules once too. I trust that, with sage guidance, we can refresh your memory and revive your fidelity to our laws."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Jae, perhaps you have an argument to support your claim?"
JaeJae takes a deep breath and with compelling seriousness, says, "You did not stop Falco from robbing me. You did not stop him from killing my friends. Has the circle voted for my removal? Not as far as I know. Either you admit that you allowed Falco to break the rules, or you have to act like they still matter. According to the rules, Falco was out of line, and I punished him... on your behalf, let's say. So his Trade is my trophy and the circle's reward for my trouble."
MercyMercy's laughter, velvety and appealing, causes Jae's brow to furrow in torment. "You listened well, shereen. You found yourself accused, and so you cast an accusation in return — a logical move."
YOU[Draw your weapon] "This conversation will proceed much faster if we free up one seat at the table."
Jae"Don't." Jae quickly stops you with a gesture, which brings a self-satisfied smile to Mercy's lips. But the smile drops away at Jae's next words: "I'll do it myself."
NPCThe crashing sounds of doors being kicked in and screams fill the room. The sharp tang of burning fyceline hangs in the air. The Cold Traders freeze, giving the barrels pointed at them their full attention.
JaeAn old, familiar expression appears on Jae's face — the look of a satisfied predator. "Mercy, do you remember what you always scolded me for? 'You are too quick to deny the thought that you might deserve something, shereen' — that's what you said. Thank you for the lesson. This time I will not be humble. Falco's contracts are mine. Falco's crew is mine. Speak up if you disagree. The rest of you — at ease."
Mercy"Only short and bloody songs are born to the sound of weaponfire. You think you can force—" The whistle of the bullet that flies just past Mercy's ear makes him swallow the rest of his florid speech.
YOU"You could have warned me."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"There's the Jae I remember, the one who first joined my retinue."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Have you got the message, Mercy? Or do you still have objections?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I do believe we can consider this meeting closed."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Give Jae an encouraging smile] "You're not going to let them fleece you, are you? Do you have a backup plan?"
JaeJae responds with a brittle smile. "The ease with which you read my heart frightens me, shereen."
NPCThe crashing sounds of doors being kicked in and screams fill the room. The sharp tang of burning fyceline hangs in the air. The Cold Traders freeze, giving the barrels pointed at them their full attention.continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Perhaps you should listen to the circle, Jae."
JaeJae casts a look of despair at you and presses her lips tightly together.
Mercy"Mistress Heydari's wishes could be met... with some caveats. If, together with Falco's contracts, she assumes the burden of his obligations to me, I can stand as assurance for the circle that the organisation's interests will not be infringed upon. But I will naturally expect any connection that exists between Mistress Heydari and the Rogue Trader to be severed completely. Working with third parties we can accept, but what we cannot accept is any allegiance that originates between the sheets."
YOU[Lower your voice] "Jae, if you want to get what is rightfully yours, now is the time to show your teeth."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Perhaps one of the senior traders wishes to say their piece? Or is he the only one who gets to speak around here?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I am certain that Jae's management of Falco's assets will be more profitable for the Kasballica."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I advise against getting into a dispute with a Rogue Trader. The consequences for you will be very unpleasant."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You're awfully quiet, Vladaym."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Octaviana, now is the time to remember your fondness for Jae, if you do indeed have any."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Jae, perhaps you have an argument to support your claim?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Draw your weapon] "This conversation will proceed much faster if we free up one seat at the table."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Give Jae an encouraging smile] "You're not going to let them fleece you, are you? Do you have a backup plan?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Perhaps you should listen to the circle, Jae."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Throw up your hands]
JaeAfter hanging her head and saying nothing for a long time, as though thinking things over, Jae declares in a hollow voice, "All right. I accept your terms."
Mercy"I rejoice to see the pearls of wisdom I have sown grow into trees of sound decisions. Shereen, I expect you to be ready to appear before me at any time to receive instructions. I offer my particular thanks to the Rogue Trader — it's not every day that the Emperor grants the chance to observe a truly wise master/mistress of destinies who knows that the pinnacle of all Humanity's graces is the making of friends, not the making of enemies."
Jae"Whatever you say... shereen." Jae looks askance at you, her eyes icy with hurt. She blinks and tears wash the sorrow from her gaze. Her eyes are once more filled with polite courtesy... like a beautiful shell containing a dead and rotten mollusc.
end of branch
YOU"This is pointless. We are leaving."
Mercy"You may be leaving, Your Lordship/Ladyship, but Mistress Heydari will remain here until the circle's meeting is concluded."
YOU[Lower your voice] "Jae, if you want to get what is rightfully yours, now is the time to show your teeth."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Perhaps one of the senior traders wishes to say their piece? Or is he the only one who gets to speak around here?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I am certain that Jae's management of Falco's assets will be more profitable for the Kasballica."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I advise against getting into a dispute with a Rogue Trader. The consequences for you will be very unpleasant."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You're awfully quiet, Vladaym."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Octaviana, now is the time to remember your fondness for Jae, if you do indeed have any."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Jae, perhaps you have an argument to support your claim?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Draw your weapon] "This conversation will proceed much faster if we free up one seat at the table."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Give Jae an encouraging smile] "You're not going to let them fleece you, are you? Do you have a backup plan?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Perhaps you should listen to the circle, Jae."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Throw up your hands]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"This is pointless. We are leaving."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Throw up your hands]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"This is pointless. We are leaving."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Octaviana, now is the time to remember your fondness for Jae, if you do indeed have any."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Jae, perhaps you have an argument to support your claim?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Draw your weapon] "This conversation will proceed much faster if we free up one seat at the table."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Give Jae an encouraging smile] "You're not going to let them fleece you, are you? Do you have a backup plan?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Perhaps you should listen to the circle, Jae."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Throw up your hands]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"This is pointless. We are leaving."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I am certain that Jae's management of Falco's assets will be more profitable for the Kasballica."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I advise against getting into a dispute with a Rogue Trader. The consequences for you will be very unpleasant."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You're awfully quiet, Vladaym."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Octaviana, now is the time to remember your fondness for Jae, if you do indeed have any."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Jae, perhaps you have an argument to support your claim?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Draw your weapon] "This conversation will proceed much faster if we free up one seat at the table."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Give Jae an encouraging smile] "You're not going to let them fleece you, are you? Do you have a backup plan?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Perhaps you should listen to the circle, Jae."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Throw up your hands]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"This is pointless. We are leaving."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Perhaps one of the senior traders wishes to say their piece? Or is he the only one who gets to speak around here?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I am certain that Jae's management of Falco's assets will be more profitable for the Kasballica."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I advise against getting into a dispute with a Rogue Trader. The consequences for you will be very unpleasant."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You're awfully quiet, Vladaym."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Octaviana, now is the time to remember your fondness for Jae, if you do indeed have any."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Jae, perhaps you have an argument to support your claim?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Draw your weapon] "This conversation will proceed much faster if we free up one seat at the table."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Give Jae an encouraging smile] "You're not going to let them fleece you, are you? Do you have a backup plan?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Perhaps you should listen to the circle, Jae."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Throw up your hands]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"This is pointless. We are leaving."continues where this line first appears above
NPCThe Cold Traders maintain their cool composure. This is hardly the first time these hardened criminals have been threatened.
Mercy"We are traders, not fighters — we prefer the language of deals over the language of battles. But that does not mean we can be intimidated. Our organisation operates in the shadows, and we are used to opposition from the powers that be. We keep our blades sheathed, but give us cause to show you how sharp they truly are, and you will sorely regret it. Such knowledge is enough to poison the mind."continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 4 of 11
NPCDespite Mercy's strange sangfroid, it is clear to you that this is a man unaccustomed to enduring such indignities, and equally unaccustomed to forgiving those who have wronged him.
YOU"You still see Jae as the girl who needed your protection. Forget that girl, she is a different person now."
YOU"The smug bastard finally shuts up. Why is everyone so terrified of you? I can't see it."
Mercy"Well do I know this victory dance. In matters of the heart, defeating one's opponent is not enough — one must humiliate him in front of his beloved. Jae, are you suitably impressed? Enough to fuel tonight's passions?"
YOU"You still see Jae as the girl who needed your protection. Forget that girl, she is a different person now."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"The smug bastard finally shuts up. Why is everyone so terrified of you? I can't see it."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Strike Mercy] "Disappear from Jae's life."
MercyHis expression unchanging, Mercy says nothing as his eyes bore into yours.
YOU"You still see Jae as the girl who needed your protection. Forget that girl, she is a different person now."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"The smug bastard finally shuts up. Why is everyone so terrified of you? I can't see it."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Strike Mercy] "Disappear from Jae's life."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Strike him again] "I did not hear your answer. Disappear from Jae's life."
MercyBlood streams from his broken nose. "I would not dare to refuse Your Lordship/Ladyship. I suspect you have many more equally compelling arguments up your sleeve."
YOU"You still see Jae as the girl who needed your protection. Forget that girl, she is a different person now."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"The smug bastard finally shuts up. Why is everyone so terrified of you? I can't see it."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Strike Mercy] "Disappear from Jae's life."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Strike him again] "I did not hear your answer. Disappear from Jae's life."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Leave Mercy with a bloody wound] "A memento for you."
MercyBlood pours over the Cold Trader's face. It is sure to leave a hideous scar. Clenching his teeth, Mercy grits out: "I'll remember this meeting, Your Lordship/Ladyship. I promise you that."
YOU"You still see Jae as the girl who needed your protection. Forget that girl, she is a different person now."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"The smug bastard finally shuts up. Why is everyone so terrified of you? I can't see it."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Strike Mercy] "Disappear from Jae's life."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Strike him again] "I did not hear your answer. Disappear from Jae's life."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Leave Mercy with a bloody wound] "A memento for you."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Kill Mercy] "It would be a mistake to let you live."
Mercy"That's true." Mercy's last words fly from his lips, which are twisted into an impudent smirk. The sheen of his aristocratic hauteur remains undulled right to the very end, when he crashes lifelessly to the floor.
JaeStaring sadly at the body, Jae says, "Thank you, Eust. And goodbye."
YOU"You could have warned me."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"There's the Jae I remember, the one who first joined my retinue."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Have you got the message, Mercy? Or do you still have objections?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I do believe we can consider this meeting closed."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Jae, this one needs to die. See to it."
JaeAfter a few moments of silence, Jae grimly shakes her head. "He gave so much to me. He trained me, he took care of me, he was even kind to me. I'd be the worst kind of scumbag if I repaid him with a bullet in the heart. Just stay out of my way, Mercy. I don't want to kill you."
Mercy"It's a bit late to start worrying about that now, shereen." The anguish that has permeated Mercy's voice is black and inescapable, tracing scars left by grief and resentment on his face.
YOU"You still see Jae as the girl who needed your protection. Forget that girl, she is a different person now."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"The smug bastard finally shuts up. Why is everyone so terrified of you? I can't see it."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Strike Mercy] "Disappear from Jae's life."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Strike him again] "I did not hear your answer. Disappear from Jae's life."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Leave Mercy with a bloody wound] "A memento for you."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Kill Mercy] "It would be a mistake to let you live."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Jae, this one needs to die. See to it."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Live. But do not ever let me see your face again."
Mercy"And a long life to you, Your Lordship/Ladyship."
YOU"You could have warned me."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"There's the Jae I remember, the one who first joined my retinue."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Have you got the message, Mercy? Or do you still have objections?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I do believe we can consider this meeting closed."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Live. But do not ever let me see your face again."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Kill Mercy] "It would be a mistake to let you live."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Jae, this one needs to die. See to it."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Live. But do not ever let me see your face again."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Leave Mercy with a bloody wound] "A memento for you."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Kill Mercy] "It would be a mistake to let you live."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Jae, this one needs to die. See to it."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Live. But do not ever let me see your face again."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Strike him again] "I did not hear your answer. Disappear from Jae's life."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Leave Mercy with a bloody wound] "A memento for you."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Kill Mercy] "It would be a mistake to let you live."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Jae, this one needs to die. See to it."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Live. But do not ever let me see your face again."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Strike Mercy] "Disappear from Jae's life."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Strike him again] "I did not hear your answer. Disappear from Jae's life."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Leave Mercy with a bloody wound] "A memento for you."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Kill Mercy] "It would be a mistake to let you live."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Jae, this one needs to die. See to it."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Live. But do not ever let me see your face again."continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 5 of 11
NPCA strange calm comes over Mercy. Faced with facts he cannot change, it seems he has simply decided not to trouble himself with any feelings on the matter.
YOU"You still see Jae as the girl who needed your protection. Forget that girl, she is a different person now."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"The smug bastard finally shuts up. Why is everyone so terrified of you? I can't see it."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Strike Mercy] "Disappear from Jae's life."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Strike him again] "I did not hear your answer. Disappear from Jae's life."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Leave Mercy with a bloody wound] "A memento for you."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Kill Mercy] "It would be a mistake to let you live."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Jae, this one needs to die. See to it."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Live. But do not ever let me see your face again."continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 6 of 11
NPCThe world stops for several moments.
YOU"You could have warned me."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"There's the Jae I remember, the one who first joined my retinue."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Have you got the message, Mercy? Or do you still have objections?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I do believe we can consider this meeting closed."continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 7 of 11
MercyYou discern an interesting mix of emotions in Mercy's eyes as he looks at Jae: irritation, warmth, interest... even resentment. For him, she is something more than simply an opponent in a business negotiation.
Mercy"But what vox will pick up your voice in the void? What friends will repeat Jae Heydari's words spoken here? The Rogue Trader? No — what friends in the organisation? You have none... though you once did." Mercy's gaze on Jae is patronising and strangely sympathetic.
YOU[Lower your voice] "Jae, if you want to get what is rightfully yours, now is the time to show your teeth."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Perhaps one of the senior traders wishes to say their piece? Or is he the only one who gets to speak around here?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I am certain that Jae's management of Falco's assets will be more profitable for the Kasballica."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I advise against getting into a dispute with a Rogue Trader. The consequences for you will be very unpleasant."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You're awfully quiet, Vladaym."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Octaviana, now is the time to remember your fondness for Jae, if you do indeed have any."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Jae, perhaps you have an argument to support your claim?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Draw your weapon] "This conversation will proceed much faster if we free up one seat at the table."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Give Jae an encouraging smile] "You're not going to let them fleece you, are you? Do you have a backup plan?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Perhaps you should listen to the circle, Jae."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Throw up your hands]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"This is pointless. We are leaving."continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 8 of 11
MercyMercy's words drip with vitriol: "Too much has transpired today for it to simply be forgotten."
YOU"You still see Jae as the girl who needed your protection. Forget that girl, she is a different person now."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"The smug bastard finally shuts up. Why is everyone so terrified of you? I can't see it."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Strike Mercy] "Disappear from Jae's life."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Strike him again] "I did not hear your answer. Disappear from Jae's life."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Leave Mercy with a bloody wound] "A memento for you."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Kill Mercy] "It would be a mistake to let you live."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Jae, this one needs to die. See to it."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Live. But do not ever let me see your face again."continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 9 of 11
Jae"Falco was sloppy, and he paid too much attention to..." Jae shoots Mercy a sardonic smile. "...side projects. My network of contacts is larger, and my patron is more powerful..." Another venomous smile. "I guarantee that revenue will increase by at least a third."
NPCThe Cold Traders' eyes dart to each other. You can tell by their faces that Jae's words have hit their mark. But an imperious and slightly irritated gesture from Mercy brings the silent flurry of conversation to an end.
Mercy"Money can't buy a new head to replace one that's full of bullets. You're asking us to set a dangerous precedent. You are putting a bejewelled grenade in our hands... shereen." You do not fail to notice the way Jae's shoulders shudder at Mercy's last word.
YOU[Lower your voice] "Jae, if you want to get what is rightfully yours, now is the time to show your teeth."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Perhaps one of the senior traders wishes to say their piece? Or is he the only one who gets to speak around here?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I am certain that Jae's management of Falco's assets will be more profitable for the Kasballica."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I advise against getting into a dispute with a Rogue Trader. The consequences for you will be very unpleasant."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You're awfully quiet, Vladaym."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Octaviana, now is the time to remember your fondness for Jae, if you do indeed have any."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Jae, perhaps you have an argument to support your claim?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Draw your weapon] "This conversation will proceed much faster if we free up one seat at the table."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Give Jae an encouraging smile] "You're not going to let them fleece you, are you? Do you have a backup plan?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Perhaps you should listen to the circle, Jae."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Throw up your hands]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"This is pointless. We are leaving."continues where this line first appears above
NPCThe Cold Traders stare at Mercy, their faces giving nothing away. It seems they have ears for only one voice now.
Mercy"Money can't buy a new head to replace one that's full of bullets. You're asking us to set a dangerous precedent. You are putting a bejewelled grenade in our hands... shereen." You do not fail to notice the way Jae's shoulders shudder at Mercy's last word.continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 10 of 11
NPCThe world stops for several moments, but out of the corner of your eye you can see Mercy's face twist into a pained grimace.
YOU"You could have warned me."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"There's the Jae I remember, the one who first joined my retinue."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Have you got the message, Mercy? Or do you still have objections?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I do believe we can consider this meeting closed."continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 11 of 11
NPCTense faces turn toward you, the faces of people who are hard-nosed, hard-fisted, and hard-hearted. The Cold Traders maintain a deferential silence, which is broken only by the hiss of the smouldering lho roll-up being smoked with relish by a dark-haired, aristocratic-looking man in a sumptuous coat.
OctavianaOctaviana, who is seated next to the regal-looking stranger, quietly but in a commanding voice, declares: "The seats have been claimed. Now we discuss the Trade." Her words sound weight, the opening of a ritual litany.
NPCJae, her face frozen into a battle mask, glares at the dark-haired stranger, who responds with a subtle, patronising smile.
YOU[Survey the people in attendance]
NPCThe peddlers of the Cold Trade sit in meek silence. When the dark-haired man's gaze casually falls on them, their heads drop lower. Jae, with her chin raised, seems to be the only refutation of this man's absolute superiority, but her strained expression makes it clear that she is not unaffected by his presence either.
NPCThe stranger exudes aristocratic hauteur. He takes drags of the fragrant lho with visible gusto, his fingers idly playing with a button on his jacket and from time to time smiling enigmatically at his own thoughts.
YOU[Survey the people in attendance]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Greetings, merchants of the Cold Trade."
Mercy"Greetings to the blessed Rogue Trader. The nature of our profession obliges us travelling merchants to be hospitable hosts." The charismatic smile exudes deferential amity.
Jae"Quiet vox to you all, chegnars. Quiet vox to you, Master Mercy." Jae receives polite nods in response. The Cold Traders' faces that are turned toward her reveal a mixture of support, compassion, and wariness, as if in proximity to an infected relation.
Mercy"The circle will hear Jae Amira Fathreen Tameri ash Efreet." Mercy pronounces all your companion's names with deliberate meticulousness, never taking his laughing eyes off her.
Jae"I am laying claim to Falco's business. His territory and his crew. He tried to take mine and he lost, so now I will take his. And I want the circle to endorse my claim." Jae continues the staring match with Mercy, aiming every word at him like a bullet between his eyes.
Mercy"Is that so?" Frowning, Mercy exchanges a look with the other Cold Traders. As though reading some kind of answer in their glassy eyes, he shakes his head. "Can the circle agree to that? After all, Falco's sentence was not handed down by us, but by you alone. Does that mean that now you speak for us and instead of us? A dangerous proposition."
YOU[Lower your voice] "Jae, if you want to get what is rightfully yours, now is the time to show your teeth."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Perhaps one of the senior traders wishes to say their piece? Or is he the only one who gets to speak around here?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I am certain that Jae's management of Falco's assets will be more profitable for the Kasballica."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I advise against getting into a dispute with a Rogue Trader. The consequences for you will be very unpleasant."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You're awfully quiet, Vladaym."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Octaviana, now is the time to remember your fondness for Jae, if you do indeed have any."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Jae, perhaps you have an argument to support your claim?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Draw your weapon] "This conversation will proceed much faster if we free up one seat at the table."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Give Jae an encouraging smile] "You're not going to let them fleece you, are you? Do you have a backup plan?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Perhaps you should listen to the circle, Jae."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Throw up your hands]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"This is pointless. We are leaving."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"The prize thugs of the Expanse are here already, I see."
Mercy"And greetings to you too, Your Lordship/Ladyship. We are delighted to welcome a guest of your stature... even one uninvited and so discourteous. But then. he who never remembers an insult, never takes up the burden of retribution." The dark-haired man smiles at you with cold civility and, it seems, even slightly condescension.
JaeJae's voice is low and threatening: "Choose your words carefully, Mercy. People with greater prudence than you have died for a slip of the tongue in the Rogue Trader's presence."
Mercy"The circle will hear Jae Amira Fathreen Tameri ash Efreet." Mercy pronounces all your companion's names with deliberate meticulousness, never taking his laughing eyes off her.continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have come to inform you all of how you will be doing business henceforth. I advise you to listen well."
MercyThe dark-haired man responds with a sanguine smile. "You have been misinformed, Your Lordship/Ladyship — you have come here as an honoured guest, may jubilation fill our hearts that such a lofty personage is honouring us with his/her regard."
JaeJae's voice is low and threatening: "Choose your words carefully, Mercy. People with greater prudence than you have died for a slip of the tongue in the Rogue Trader's presence."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Nod at Jae]
Jae"Quiet vox to you all, chegnars. Rogue Trader [Name] von Valancius has come to our meeting to ensure that his/her interests will not be harmed."
Mercy"Greetings, Your Lordship/Ladyship. I am Mercy, the organiser of this gathering of upstanding and enterprising men and women. The jubilation that was engendered in my soul at the news of your visit was not overshadowed even by the host of questions it raised — primarily, about how your interests came to lie in such close proximity to ours that I was granted the honour of seeing you at a meeting of the Mission's highest circle. Questions arise and are resolved, and the wise should not darken their hearts with them." He gives you a radiant smile.
Mercy"The circle will hear Jae Amira Fathreen Tameri ash Efreet." Mercy pronounces all your companion's names with deliberate meticulousness, never taking his laughing eyes off her.continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Greetings, merchants of the Cold Trade."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"The prize thugs of the Expanse are here already, I see."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have come to inform you all of how you will be doing business henceforth. I advise you to listen well."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Nod at Jae]continues where this line first appears above
Vladaym Tocara the LiegeVladaym, tossing a sidelong look at the regal-looking stranger, in the dry and solemn intonation of a priest, declares, "The seats have been claimed. Now we discuss the Trade."
NPCJae, her face frozen into a battle mask, glares at the dark-haired stranger, who responds with a subtle, patronising smile.continues where this line first appears above