[OOC: Actually, just to clear up a misunderstanding - Thû doesn't wear his courtly finery or trophies unless specifically mentioned. On this voyage, no one has seen him in anything other than fully covered-up adventurer wear. Mask included, of course.]

Thû suppresses a smile at the Grey Man's obvious - to a professional - probe. Not that anyone could actually see his expressions beneath his mask, but discipline was like an oft-used blade - in need of constant upkeep, and easily ruined by a moment's neglect.

The master gamester makes his opening gambit. T'would be rude not to take it.

Reaching out with a gloved finger to tap at the strategium map of Nylea, he makes his reply.

"Given we can expect multiple mission sites and hence divided numbers, comprehensive vox coverage is an irreducible minimum. I trust we have sufficient gear for the away team? The ship should also remain in geostationary anchor over the mission area to provide continuous support - vox, augurs, reinforcements, extraction, relocation, etcetera."

His delivery is clipped, businesslike, peppered with purposeful jargon that would not be out of place in the joint command strategium of an Imperial Crusade. Turning to face Issane, he continues, dropping his already-soft voice to a burglar's murmur, meant for their ears only.

"More to the point, clear command structures must be established. To put it bluntly, the inherently anarchic nature of our band only necessitates strong leadership all the more. Officers must be appointed, given both authority and means to enforce their commands."

An impassive white mask turns to sweep the bridge with an inscrutable gaze.

"Select the most politically-reliable individuals - the most-known quantities with the strongest vested interests in the continued wellbeing of the House Savoy enterprise, not merely their own profit or agendas. That criterion leaves us with just two choices at present - Ser Teng, who depends on his ongoing place on this crew for protection, and is furthermore used to exercising command authority."

The mask turns to glance at the ex-Arbitrator, before returning to look straight at the Assassin.

"And yourself, strategos - as a bridge officer, you have a vested interest in the wellbeing of the ship as a whole, as well as obvious command experience, to boot."

<Mission#1 Briefing - Libertaé's Bridge> @Grall_Stonefist @Uriel1339 @bossaroo @Kalle @Draconion @Redthirst @ItsTime @High_Adept_Zeth @Vulpas @Maleth @Casavay @WanderingJester @BuriasDempsey

"Request denied," William outflat told Husam, "However you brought up an important point which I didn't talk about in detail, but now I will."

"My House always worked under the same old privateer rules. When it comes to looting, Captain has the first pick. However since I'm a man of my word, I will not usurp my position and take advantage of you. Like I said before, for each successful task and services rendered all of you will get a cut of whatever we acquire during our travels. Meaning that I won't tolerate lying or some of you simply "forgetting" to report seizing an item. Remember, if you steal an item you don't steal it from me, you steal it from everyone present because once the task is done and we are back in safe harbor, we'll gather all of the items we procured and sell them to the highest bidder. I'm taking fifty percent, the other half shared equally among the survivors which I find is quite a good deal because I'm spending my part on upgrading the ship, supplies and so on."

"Of course, if there is an item you wish that we managed to take for ourselves, I'm sure we can come to an arrangement but don't assume you're somehow entitled to it. For the most of you, I'm yet to see your skill and combat prowess in action. Until then, everything is possible," Rogue Trader finished speaking about this, hoping that this new set of information will also satisfy Thû's querry.

However then the talk about the nature of the artifact started. "Mhm, well this brings a fresh light on the matter. If it has the attributes you suggest it might possess, then its price just went up. Mister Thaes, you have the entirety of our trip back to discover if this Crown has any hidden feats that we might exploit. Also not only that but I want you to be in charge of the team I plan to send to the excavation site. Examine whatever you find there and see if it's of any worth."

"This brings me to another point Jim here also brought up. This supposed excavation site is quite far away from the main settlement, so once we land, I'll most likely lead the group in charge of the negotiations with these missionaries while another part of the team will head to the site and see what they can find. If these people have any problem with it, I don't care, we can conduct this investigation in secret. Because if it happens so that there is no fuel on this planet, we'll have to compensate with the artifacts." Of course, William didn't even mention the third option where there is both no fuel or artifacts present and this whole trip would end up being a complete disaster, but young Lord Savoy didn't seem to even consider such prospect.

"As for the nature of other artifacts, I only know that they supposedly could be traced back to the old days of Imperium. How old is that exactly I have no idea, but you know how it goes. The older these things are, the more value they have," Rogue Trader replied to Olna's question with a nod, "So your guess is good as mine but we thankfully we have scientists onboard who can figure this stuff out."

"But we'll talk about it more once we land and see what's the situation below. Any more questions or are you ready for deployment?"

@High_Adept_Zeth

Nicolla didn't need more than ten minutes to complete Issane's request and his vox-link flared with new information. First thing was the original message sent to Dreadheaven, that dated back two years ago. It was just your usual request for any merchants having capable ships in the area, asking them to bring a certain amount of food rations, clean water and general supplies any similar frontier colony might look for. However what the assassin could figure out from comparing the numbers - especially since pretty much the same message came once again to Dreadheaven asking slightly higher amount of supplies (which was the message they were all basically replying to now) - that the settlement was between eight to ten thousand people, no more. Another piece of info was that the message was signed by someone called Abel.

As for the messages bouncing into space, there was definitely some chatter down there but most of it was concentrated around the main settlement, which was located right in the middle of nowhere, the desert surrounding it from all sides. If there was any water to be found, it had to be found underground. Most of it was vox mess however those things that went through spoke mostly about combat readiness being raised due to appearance of a ship at the edge of the system.

OOC still waiting to see if Boss gonna reply for that other part I promised I'll write down later on.

<Hangar> @WanderingJester

Getting to the hangar was no brainer for Stephan, but sadly for him picking the right ride was also easy since there was only one cargo shuttle being prepared for departure at the moment. "Libertaé's" crew was working around one completely plain piece of gray metal box, scoundrel spotting couple of more of the same down the line, seven in total, classic Aquilla lander type. Next to them, a bit further away was a quartet of Lightning pattern flyers but those were sadly unoccupied at the moment. There was also couple of Valkyries behind them, looking in a similar sad state.

However the only good-looking piece of aircraft was located further in the back, covered by the darkness of the hangar. Some kind of a strange pattern, it was difficult to figure out the details from this far away however it looked like it was highly-customized, golden wings were made to resemble those of an eagle while the front of it was looking like its beak. It was large enough to fit at least twenty people inside and by the number of gun and rocket hard points on its hull, this was looking more like a gunship of some kind than anything else.

[Earlier this week]
@BuriasDempsey
Pale was nothing short of impressed with the theatre that had been shown to her, and had been itching to meet the man who'd kept it in this state ever since first laying her eye on it. Most pirate ships basically only had a moderately clean slab and a bunch of monitors for her to work with - but this, this was rather refereshing.

And so, when they were standing beside each other, Raska watched her fellow sawbones organise his tools with a pleasant smile. "I'm used to working in dirty warehouses and filthy bunkrooms, so I'll probably not even think to ask. You've built yourself a good workspace here. Looking forward to working with you, seems like you got a solid handle on the job."

[Briefing]
The pirate barely paid attention to her new captain's explanation of his code - all this was nothing new to her, really. She'd expected as much, and was just glad he was being open about his rules. More often than not, new arrivals to a crew had to learn the ways of loot distribution the hard way. She stretched, trying to wring the fatigue from her bones unsuccessfully.

"Cadians are always ready", she nigh-yawned, but appended a question nonetheless. "I suppose Mr. Sawbones and I serve different teams, aye?"

Mission#1 Briefing - Libertaé's Bridge
@Grall_Stonefist | @Colapse | @bossaroo | @Kalle | @Draconion | @Redthirst | @ItsTime | @High_Adept_Zeth | @Vulpas | @Maleth | @Casavay | @BuriasDempsey

Husam laughed full-heartedly after William finished his explanations and such alike. "Forgive me, sire. But you already laid your claim on the Laurels, Crown, whichever of the name of the artifact you seek is preferred. Besides... Commonwealth is not my type. I do not need your food. There are plenty of beasts and mutineer mutants on-board I can feast on. I do not need your beds, for I can sleep anywhere. I do not need your money - except to pay back your quartermaster this time around. I do not need any of your hospitality, if it needs be. Except your ship to let me sail the seas of stars alongside oyu. Thus, simply imagine to keep my tithe and add it to your own pool of wealth. Instead, I shall keep what you allow me to - one item. Everything else... I will not play hauler. Get one of the others to do it. In the meanwhile, I keep their hides where they belong - on their bones and flesh."

The golden clad warrior crossed his arms as ever. "After all. The divine has given me all the tools I need to survive and need no more." He widened his arms to gesture with his hands to himself from top to bottom. "Oh that reminds me... In contrary to most here. I already did help with supplies. Surely your cooking staff will testify, if necessary. And your quartermaster as well as the Valkyrie." he gestured over to the warrior he briefly met in the armory. "For my combat skills. As long as the Divine deems it necessary, I shall be your blade. And if you are lucky, High Lord Savoy. You might even aid in the destruction of the dark star."

There once again was that half-bow the Vhospisian did as a sign of respect but without daring to show servitude. As soon as he was upright again, he removed himself from his original position and moved to the side of William. The metaphorical bell of war has rung, and as such it was his duty to protect the Divine's chosen in respect of void sailing. Such was the duty of a chosen warrior. Nobody mattered on his path to ascension but William Savoy.

Stephan Morris shuffled the cards in his hands even as he entered one of the primary hangers. The playing cards would shift to a single hand even as he cheerfully waved at some of the workers nearby, the ones that actually liked his games. Waving back, he whistled as he walked to the only lander being outfitted. The typical metal box had about as much manoeuvrability as a dead grox in the void or in atmosphere, maybe less depending on the grox in question.

Stephan hopped on, before doing a quick physical inspection of the vehicle as the machine spirit warms up to the new pilot. Making note of where the escape hatches were, as well as the more 'armoured' portions of the craft in case of a necessary 'improvised landing,' he quickly looked over the console and navigation system of the lander, then the diagnostic screen of the thrusters. Keeping everything outside of the scanning machine spirits off, as to not kill himself and the refuelling crew outside, the scoundrel ran down his mental list of pre flight checks.

Disappointed, but not surprised, Stephan closed down the console and allowed the machine spirits to rest once more, before hopping out once again. This would do for the mission, for sure, but he would need something less... boxy to get away if the grox crap hits the manufactorum ventilation system. The scoundrel rubbed his chin, trying to envision what exactly would something like that entail. The most common way he thought that could happen was if they ran into a particularly fanatic imperial naval task force or a chaos fleet.

Interestingly, the two scenario resembled each other more than either side would likely admit. Massive cruisers shooting at each other at distances that would boggle the mind while swarms of fighters, bombers and boarders fight everyone and everything in sight. Sure, a chaos fleet's ships tended to be more fragile than their Imperial counterparts, and have longer range generally, but it was basically the same. Of course one should disregard the rip in reality also when engaging chaos forces, and the void beasts of the warp the appeared trying to kill/eat you.

Alright, there were significant differences, at least in the way one might find themselves sent to the meet their makers.

Bottom line was that Stephan had no wished to be sent anywhere even as Bloody Helga's now sending him to Savoy's ship, and Savoy's sending him down to the planet below, and thus must comandeer a vessel with the ability to get him the hell out of dodge if (and let's face it, when) things all goes to the Eye. He wandered until a single vessel that didn't look like it would serve as target practice for enemy fighters caught his eye. Walking over casually, the scoundrel observed the griffin like vessel.

Looking around, the cards in his hand disappeared, replaced by his multi-key and a few lock picks of different kinds. If the coast was clear, Stephan would attempt to ascertain entry into the void cutter. If not, he would wander a bit away and observe the security around the vessel, trying to memorise their routine and position.

-Briefing-
Thaes was rather taken back by Lord Savoy's proclamation of himself leading the investigation team at the supposed excavation site, though he tried not to show it in his posture as he now pondered on what made Savoy make such a choice. "Other than knowing who I will be responsible for in our own errands, which as you said will be taken care of at planetfall, I believe everything is well understood Lord Savoy." Mr.Sawbones nodded before Raska spoke now. It does seem rather prudent that there is at least one medical professional in each team in case the negotiations became aggressive, it also meant he would be bereft of the only one he could have a decent conversation with. 'Sacrifices are to be made.' He thought to himself sarcastically as he turned to Raska. @Casavay "It makes sense logically as they are in equal danger as well. Either way, take care Ms. Raska, something tells me they will have the...trickier end of our venture here." He advises her before taking his leave to visit the armory, planning to take up stun grenades to round out his arsenal. Something that would not damage any artifacts if things come to a head. After which he would head to the hanger bay as everyone else would be.

Mamzel Strahn had observed the briefing and the ensuing debate with keen interest, but humble silence. The former tech-priestess, present fugitive, had never been much of an impassioned speaker, preferring instead to lend her knowledge when it was prompted and prudent. On this occasion, however, she found herself at a loss for how she could provide any information to her new master. On the other hand, her heart fluttered at the prospect of the venerable technologies being kept below, down there, somewhere. Even so, it was for Lord Savoy to allocate her resources where they could be expended to the best use, but she hoped that she would be allowed to inspect their findings, regardless of assignment.

The machine doll damsel flinched at the extroverted displays of their golden-armored companion, but aside from him, there were other colorful personalities that she knew she would have to pay close attention to. The optics of her mechandendrites scanned the room from side to side, lingering on some of the speakers, some of the listeners. Mamzel Strahn wondered how these individual pieces would fit to form one mechanism.

Upon the conclusion of the briefing, she found herself walking the corridors of the ship down to the armory and then the hangar, taking with her krak grenades on the way. She was not one to enjoy violence, but she hoped to be able to pierce any obstacles in their path.

OOC:

Hah, and I wondered why Thû was so overdressed! Thank you for clarification
=====================


<Briefing - Libertaé's Bridge >

Listening to the briefing's end, Issane observed the reactions of his fellow crewmen, paying special attention to the golden clad warrior, wondering when William's patience will give out in the face of Husam's temper. Taking William's last question as a prompt, he turned around, leaving and preparing for deployment.

<Post-Briefing - to the hangar/in transit>

Manipulating the lithocast projection that floated above his cogitator gauntlet - a miniature version of the strategium's projection, Issane added the new information just sent from Master of the Vox. All of this information seemed inconsequential, almost trivial at the moment, but at one point, pieces will come together into a single whole, and composing it, is a Vanus's job.

@Draconion

Keeping a stoic expression, Issane took in the information given to him by Thû. However, not having the benefits of an actual mask, he suppressed the elation at having finally a latch onto the stranger's train of thoughts. Knowing your enemy is half the battle.

At Thû's question about degree of supporting logistic's throughout the mission, Issane simply nodded as the masked man pointed across the lithocast projection of Nylea.

At the proposal, Issane involuntarily rubbed his lips together, considering masked man's words. The level of insight given by Thû's questions and proposals, told Issane that this individual is not only intelligent and an apt handyman, but also experienced with complex operations which only prompted more question's in Assassin's mind.

After all, comprehensive answers always ask more question then they have a tendency of answering.

"Mr. Thû," Issane spoke imbuing the stranger's name with additional 'o''s, in a attempt to correctly vocalize the word, " The inherently anarchic nature of the command structure will give way for prominent individuals to size operational command at the ebb and flow of given events, losing it in the same manner. Granted, it is still anarchic but also incredibly flexible to a situation, weeding out the incapable. After all, we are all operating under the premise that we are individuals able to operate on our own."

"This is a good test, a good opportunity to take individual's measurement."

Recalling the Enforcer as one of Thû's candidates, Issane could not help but agree at the insight-fullness of the stranger. From what he knew of Nikolas Teng, the man is perfect for the job, in equal measure decisive as is he open to suggestion. William after all is not perfect, and at the moment Issane remembered Lord Navigator's words at having to keep William safe, even from Rogue Trader's own mistakes.

"My preferences as to the way of how we should do things, does not factor into this. " responded the Assassin, keeping his thoughts painfully vague on the matter. Painfully so, because in all of this tip-toe conversation, he felt this to be the point of possible cooperation, a consensus where he and the masked operative could function, see eye-to-eye, so to speak.

"However, I do agree that we should keep eye on things, considering our operational history and the amount of untested hands present. To that end I propose that we should split, each in one team, informing the other of the mission stability and progress on their end, giving them command-level insight, if not authority into the mission as a whole."
This not only gave Issane a better insight into the mission as a whole, but also had the added benefit of putting as much distance between him and the stranger, the Assassin being able to operate alone.

<Post-Briefing, Hangar deck>
@BuriasDempsey

Standing next to the boarding ramp of the designated vehicle, Issane fiddled with a data-slate, exloading and correcting a lot of information from his Cogitator Gauntlet. If Mr. Nossus is to be in-charge of the archeological dig-site, he will also have to factor in the administrative portion of it. For the sake of avoiding any potential conflict with usually fussy Mr. Brains, Issane wrote onto the data-slate, for Genetor's benefit, the prefered way of inputting information in the most efficient and House Savoy's logistical arm-synchronized manner.

Upon meeting, he would present the data-slate to the tall Techpriest, in Issane's usual clipped and concise manner.

@High_Adept_Zeth

The mask gives no indication of Thû's emotional response to Issane's reply, if any. The serene visage regards the Vanus operator for perhaps a heartbeat longer than is comfortable, before the soft baritone makes itself heard once again.

"I agree in essence, strategos. However, if I may, appoint Ser Teng as the other team lead. Keep me in reserve as an...insurance policy, if you will. I can remain in concealment as observer and strategic reserve, ready to intervene at crucial moments to turn the tide."

Behind the mask, a feral grin splits the obsidian skin of Thû's face.

"Let us say I am best employed so the enemy never sees me coming."

<Briefing - Final Thoughts>

"I approve your commitment Husam al Din and my words are not meant as an accusation," Will said, this time with a bit more compassion, "Think about it this way. Yes, you can sleep anywhere, but a good nights sleep in a fine bed will make you more rested in the morning and thus more capable to slay the servants of the Dark Star. I was informed of your rodent hunting adventure but the same thing applies. Yes, you can eat rats but having a number of proper meals per day will not only make you fed but will also give you necessary stamina to keep your body in top shape and ready for combat at any moment."

"Now, if you have all these options available, wouldn't it be a sin against your Divine to shun them. One day you will fight to destroy the Dark Star and what if you are found wanting just because you didn't use everything at your disposal? Because you didn't give it your best? Think about this and we can talk more after the deployment ends. In the end, all of you will do what you think is best, I just hope that you will make the correct decision."

With that said, Rogue Trader turned around and listened to the others speaking, but since most of the stuff was now wrapped up, he rose up from his seat and gestured for everyone to follow. "Let's go to the hangar and prepare for departure. Everything else we need to do, we'll adjust on the run."


<Hangar - Loading up>

Stephan had a little bit of time to check out Savoy's cutter as the rest of the party began entering the hangars and heading over to the cargo shuttle that will take them below to the planet of Nylea. From little that he could see, the flyer was indeed a piece of art, golden with blue trimming, with gilded wings and loads of firepower - he could spot various heavy bolters, autocannons, missile racks stocked in a bunch of nearby crates that were supposed to be fixed on the vessel - there was even some kind of an arcane piece of tech below its beak the scoundrel couldn't even begin to guess what it did.

But just like expected, the thing was guarded by two House Savoy's retainers that weren't the biggest problem. That honor went to the panel right next to its side entrance which Stephan could see, even from the distance, admitted no keys that he had. It was in fact, genelocked.

"Stop fooling around and lets go," he heard Rogue Trader, who just entered the hangar alongside the remaining members of the crew, waving him over. "Time's waisting and I want to be done with this crap as soon as possible."

In any event, once everyone was present and accounted for, cargo ship was launched from "Libertaé's" bay and with every bit of speed it possessed, it headed straight for the main settlement on the planet below.


<Landing on Nylea> @Draconion @Redthirst @High_Adept_Zeth @Kalle @Grall_Stonefist @Casavay @Uriel1339 @Vulpas @ItsTime @bossaroo @BuriasDempsey @WanderingJester @Maleth

Trip through the atmosphere proved to be quite uneventful, since the settlement below had absolutely no anti-aircraft batteries there was no need for extra maneuvers, nor did they had any sort of air support. It was clear skies all the way and once the ship breached the atmosphere and began its descent, whoever wished to look through the small window hatches could see a giant desert, stretching in all directions. As the altitude went lower, they could finally see the outlines of the settlement ahead.

Walled city right in the middle of nowhere was the easiest description. Buildings where mostly right out of the Imperial handybook, looking as stocky and ugly as they come, the usual stuff on pretty much every world mankind visited. There were only two buildings that looked somewhat different, first one was a cathedral, looking like as plain as possible, with metal instead of golden towers and simple stone arcs. The second building was where the landing platform was located and it looked like a knockoff of a Governor's palace, only infinitely smaller and belonging to a poor Governor indeed. William saw all of this and grunted, squeezing the leather grip of his pistol. "If these people have any gold, they hid it like true professionals."

Eventually the cargo ship landed and the loading door opened, pretty much the first thing which hit everyone was hellish heat - whoever carried full armor was about to have a bad time. First case being Savoy himself, the young noble starting to sweat as he hurried outside to be the first to exit the ship, forcing Bogi the Ogryn to a run so he could catch up.

Second thing which greeted them was slightly better.

A company of soldiers, all wearing light clothing and scarfs around their heads to protect them from heat, was standing at the ready, flanking a trio of robed elderly males, all three of them wearing an Aquilla around their necks. "Void Father be praised, our prayers have been answered!" one of them, with slightly better looking robes and longer grey hair spoke, falling on his knees in front of William and the rest of the crowd. "We have prayed for deliverance and at first, when our arrays spotted your ship, we thought more of the foul xenos arrived to seal our fate. But then we saw - it was the famed "Libertaé"! Lords of the House Savoy were the ones who helped our grandfathers come on this sacred world in the first place and now they come again, to help us defend it in the name of the Void Father!"

Will was a bit startled with this turn of events, but he quickly regained his bearings. "Of course priest, the Void Father answered your calls! We have come to save Nylea and safeguard its holy sites and artifacts! The cursed aliens will suffer our wrath, they will not be able to hide for long! Just...point us in the right direction and we'll take it from here!"

"Yes, of course!" the priest answered and got back up on his feet, although not in time to spot Savoy's grinning face. "Lancer Zola, come here and inform Master Savoy what is happening at once!"

One of the soldiers present approached, armed with a lasrifle and a curved sword on his hip he didn't look like much, but the standards were apparently low on this world. "It is the damned Greenskins, scourge of everything that is right! They have taken our primary water plant and set up a base there, who knows what they are going to do with it. Worst of all, if we don't get it back we won't make it till the next month. I tell you, these damned creatures got..." the man was about to say something else but Will raised his hand and interrupted him.

"Yes, yes, I'm sure you are in quite of a perdicament, but don't worry, we'll handle it from here. Talk to these warriors, tell them what they need to know, the golden one is in charge," he pointed at the half of the group where Husam, Olna, Jim, Stephan, Oscar, Piotr and couple of his dregs were standing, leaving the soldier a bit confused as his eyes darted on the newcomers, looking like he's guessing what they'll do.

"My good priest...whatever your name is, it doesn't matter for we are all equal in His eyes," Rogue Trader continued nonschalantly, gesturing for Raska, Strahn and Thu to follow as he hugged the elder and started walking towards the entrance to the building on the far side of the landing pad. "You must bring me up to speed on what is happening on Nylea, how are you doing, that sort of stuff." Priest looked back at the cargo ship and the rest of the crew and was about to say something, but once again Will was faster. "Ah, don't worry about them. They know what their tasks are and Void Father willing, they will do it with great faith!"

Those remaining were Thaes, Issane, Helana and Teng. Around that time their vox flared with new info, the exact location of the dig site confirmed by lady Boneville who was the acting officer aboard the ship now that William was on the ground. It was 60 miles northeast from the city and since nobody was using the cargo shuttle, if they knew how to fly it they might as well take it and get there in no time. Or try to find some kind of a vehicle in the city below.

OOC these are 3 groups, I'll write it here as well for more clarification:

Ork problem-solvers: @Uriel1339 @WanderingJester @Grall_Stonefist @Vulpas @bossaroo @ItsTime

Digsite archeologists: @BuriasDempsey @Maleth @High_Adept_Zeth @Redthirst

Rogue Trader's helpers: @Draconion @Casavay @Kalle