Chương 47: Chapter 45: Making Introductions

POV: Nicole I look down at a small but ornate case inside which I have set the three Eldar Soulstones, two from the Star Dragon's vaults, and the one from the Xenos Librarium. The two smaller ovoid stones and one larger egg-shaped stone sit nicely in the box. In a second case, just as well made as the first, I secure a pair of relics that I believe will catch the Farseer's interest. I sense immediately when the Purest Shadow finishes its docking procedure with the Halo, linking with the station's network.

I politely ask the ship's Enginseer Prime, a Magos named Nexane Osook, for access to the ship's network. When my request is immediately denied I simply move to ask the ship itself directly for access which the machine spirit of the Purest Shadow is more than willing to give me. It is a little petty of me to do so but I don't regret it.

I'm not obfuscating my presence in their Vox and Noosphere network and the Purest Shadow possesses a potent machine spirit that takes the form of a massive pitch-black panther; its presence pales in comparison to the titanic dragon that is Argent.

"Don't worry. I'll help get you fixed up, Purest Shadow." I tell the manifestation as I gain access to the Purest Shadow's systems. I quickly catalog what I want, which is a list of all current issues with the vessel, and acquire a copy of the full ship's manifest which includes the records of the items in their vaults. I can't help but smile when I get a positive response to my main search criteria.

"It seems that I need to make a deal with Lord Striker too." I stand up and stretch inside the meditation chamber. The second memory I've focused on trying to consume is the second largest, even though I haven't fully completed the memory, has been a massive boon to my Psychic abilities. It's a little embarrassing how much better the original Nicole was as a Psyker compared to me. The amount of power, control, and finesse she had along with the breadth of her abilities is humbling.

It was the later lessons were where I kept fumbling, despite that my progress has been steady.

"Prerequisites Not Met: Psyber Limiter Systems: Delta, Epsilon,""Prerequisites Not Met: Psyber Enhancement Systems: Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Omega."

"Prerequisites Not Met: Psyber Control Systems: Chi, Psi."

"Prerequisite Criteria Met: Administrative Access has been granted to: Psyber Limiter Theta."

"Prerequisite Criteria Met: Administrative Access has been granted to: Psyber Limiter Eta."

"Prerequisite Criteria Met: Administrative Access has been granted to: Psyber Limiter Zeta."

"Prerequisite Criteria Met: Administrative Access has been granted to: Psyber control Systems: Phi." The repair ability: Reforge has improved dramatically. I've also learned some potent Psychic Wards. The ones Brother Astrovas imparted to me are potent but general use, the ones I've learned from the memory were designed and perfected by the original Nicole.

"Master Doll, I've completed my meditation and will be departing for the surface in short order." I inform Master Doll.

"Excellent, the Governor and his party are headed to greet the Lord Inquisitor. We shall meet them and make introductions on the surface. You are certain you do not wish for another team of automata to be dispatched to the Xenos vessel?" Doll inquires.

"Negative. It's not worth the resource expenditure. Losing one entire cohort of scout servitors to traps without recovering anything of value was enough. Drukhari are foul and sadistic but their mastery over poisons and venoms is considerable. I will use the fact that the vessel has been left 'untouched' in my negotiations." I reply as I make my way back to my quarters.

—------------------------------------------------------------ POV: Secretary Bethany Bethany walked around the round table setting down the good china and silverware at each placement.

"Bethany, we just were notified the VIPs are on their way. Should we prepare recaf or tea for the Inquisitor?" Millie asked nervously.

"What kind of tea are we preparing?" Bethany asked.

"We're using one of the newly synthesized black teas from the STC thingy!" Millie replied excitedly.

"Recaf, three sugars, and a dash of cream. The Lord Inquisitor hates black tea." Bethany replied casually.

"She does? Was that in the info packet? I didn't see that." Millie muttered as she set the wine glasses next to each plate. Bethany stiffened and froze for a millisecond.

"It wasn't in the recent packet. I managed to remember it from her last visit." She responded smoothly.

"Wow! Wasn't that like years and years ago? That's amazing! Good thing you remembered. I should have figured you'd know. Your memory has always been good, that's why you handle most of his Lordship's records and transcribe for the important meetings. I wish I had one of those implants Lord Cornelius got that would help me remember things." Millie sighed as she placed the two bottles of the Lord Governor's favorite wines in the center of the table along with a wine opener.

"Those kinds of implants are extremely expensive, Millie. Also, to put it in they'd need to cut your hair." Bethany gently chastised.

"I know that! But a girl can dream. The pretty Princeps and the Archmagos have been making all kinds of fantastic things since they arrived." Millie spoke demurely rubbing the top of her head before she wrinkled her nose.

"Things have been quite hectic. Now come along we have work to do. Did you hear they're bringing a Xenos psyker to the meeting?" Bethany asked as she coaxed the other girl along.

"What!? It's one of those Eldar, right? My cousin is in the guard and I read his primer! They're supposed to be tall!" Millie said with a grin.

"I did hear about you dating the master of the Vox, Nelt though!"

"Tall, pointy ears, and very dangerous. No sneaking peeks," Bethany replied with an amused snort before she rolled her eyes at the younger girl.

"No more gossip. Shoo!" —--------------------------------------------------------- POV: Agatha Striker, Lord Inquisitor of the Ordo Hereticus. Agatha stood in her light power armour, decked out in full Inquisitorial regalia minus her helmet and wore her wide-brimmed hat. Flanked by her guardian squad of Tempestus Scions, her support team, with Anvial and the Deathwatch Team to her left. Magos Osook stood with the support team and suddenly flinched, "Our internal network has been compromised."

He informed Agatha just before the hangar doors started to grind open.

"What!?" She hissed into her vox.

"How? Who!?"

"The Princeps, the Purest Shadow let her in after I denied her access request." Osook admitted with a hint of wariness in his synthesized voice.

"On whose authority?" Agatha pressed.

"The ship's, she bypassed my restrictions by going directly to the machine spirit of the Purest Shadow. She did not attempt to hide her intrusion. Her inquiries while thorough were… polite." Osook admitted.

"You can do that?" Agatha asked incredulously.

"No. I cannot. I was aware it was possible however doing so exposes you to the Machine Spirit of the ship. Its presence is… considerable and should it take offense it is more than capable of extinguishing presences weaker than itself." Osook responded darkly.

"We'll look into it later." Agatha shook her head, another curious issue that could wait. She strode out into the station spotting the cadre of armed guards and the form of Lord Cornelius Aarark and his wife decked out in their best clothes along with the local Magos Zeta 9-Kane.

"Lord Striker, we are honored for you to grace our planet with your presence. I only wish it was under less strenuous circumstances." Aarark spoke as he performed a perfect bow.

"Cornelius, you are looking well. We have much to discuss" Agatha replied as she looked him up and down. Her last visit had the governor shaking in his boots. He seemed more confident and relaxed which was curious.

"Indeed! I have arranged a suitable environment for our discussions. If you and your retinue would please follow me, your Lordship. The Lord Rogue Trader, Lord Astartes, Archmagos, and Her Ladyship the Princeps await us planetside." As he rose from his bow Agatha noticed a hint of pity in his gaze. Agatha frowned and swept her gaze around. The governor's guards saluted and moved to the sides surrounding their group and escorting them forward.

They all sported new carapace armour and various weapons, it was still a step below what her Scions carried and matched patterns commonly produced and exported by the Argent Drake and the Drakios Factory vessel. She also noticed there were notably fewer of them than there had been the last time she visited.

"It seems like your planet has seen quite a few trials since I was here last, Cornelius." She commented as she walked forward. Cornelius looked over and much to her surprise cracked a small amused smile.

"Lord Inquisitor, you don't know the half of it," his eyes drifted to her left as he eyed the Eldar for a moment but after a derisive sniff, he simply gave the Deathwatch Astartes a respectful nod and continued on his way.

"So much has happened that I cannot do the full story justice. I could hardly believe some of it and I was there to witness it!" The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. When they finally got planetside guarding the platform and entrance were two full rows, one of blue armoured Astartes, the other an intermix of power armoured guards in Drakios house colors and Skitarii.

"I hope you don't mind, Inquisitor. I elected to host a modest gathering to commemorate your arrival before we settle down for the debriefing." Cornelius explained as he led them inside. Past the rows of guards was the main hall which while not filled had a surprising number of people mingling about.

"I believe some introductions are in order," Cornelius said, his voice jovial as he led the Inquisitor into the hall. Making his way towards the closest figure of note, passing small groups of nobles that all quieted down and bowed.

"May I Introduce Lord Admiral Rogue Trader Arken 'Dragontooth' Drakios, head of the Drakios Dynasty, Captain of the Argent Drake." Cornelius spoke clearly and with a flourish. Lord Drakios was dressed finely without riding the line into ostentatious. His garments were precisely tailored and with discreet and tasteful finery.

"Lord Inquisitor," Drakios said with a polite bow before extending a hand for her to shake.

"Allow me to introduce some of my staff," the Rogue Trader's body language was relaxed and confident, a rarity for anyone in her presence. The next individual towered over most present, bedecked in a magnificent suit of Terminator armour, a pattern that Agatha didn't recognize, however, the Crux Terminatus was prominently displayed.

"This is Captain Bolaar of the Star Dragon's Ninth Company." The Governor introduced.

"Inquisitor," Bolaar spoke, inclining his head, though his gaze immediately went to the Xenos, eyeing the Eldar critically before he moved to acknowledge the Deathwatch team.

"Brothers, well met." Sundvek let out a low whistle and Eradicus looked Bolaar up and down before muttering something that sounded like "Saturnine Armour?" while looking interested. Silvanus prudently stepped forward and saluted, "Captain Bolaar. I am Deathwatch Sergeant Silvanus of the Ultramarines.

With me is our Apothecary Malcolm Scalprum Carpis of the Black Templars, our Techmarine Eradicus Azazel Rostar of the Dark Angels, Veteran Morlith Ixion of the Marines Malevolent, and Veteran Sundvek Beasthowl of the Space Wolves." The Deathwatch Astartes aside from Scalprum respectfully removed their helmets.

"Vlka Fenryka" A high-pitched female voice corrected Silvanus.

"Space Wolves is a mistranslation; it's more accurate to call their legion the Warriors of Fenris." The petite figure was wearing a fine mechanicus robe with platinum highlights instead of gold. She was wielding one of the slimmest and well-made Omnissian Axes Agatha had ever seen. Standing next to her was the looming figure of the Archmagos along with a cadre of other Magi.

"Ah! Let me Introduce Akellonon Doll, Archmagos Fabricator of the Great Lathes, head of the Levelist Faction. We also have Magos Xor of the Venitorii, Magos Biologist Gertrude Frigora, Exploritor Logis TH-102, Magos Technicus Altair, Magos Mech-Lord Zephyr XIII, all of the Levelist faction. Last but certainly not least is Lady Nicole Cavalerio, Matriarch of House Cavalerio, Princeps of Legio Tempestus." Cornelius quickly interjected. Nicole pulled back her hood and Agatha found herself staring down at a… child?

"Aye… The wee lass is correct. Not that many know us by that name." Sundvek admitted with a wry chuckle. He gave Nicole a curious but approving look.

"We're here under orders to… escort the Inquisitor's Guest." Silvanus gestured to the Eldar.

"A pleasure. I am Farseer Anvial Veilwalker. I am here on behalf of the Ynnari. Which of you do I need to speak with regarding the Drukhari vessel?" Anvial inquired with a smug, confident smile. Agatha was taken aback when everyone looked towards Nicole.

"That would be me, honorable Farseer," Nicole said with a bright smile and mischievous twinkle in her eye.

"I anticipate our negotiations will be quite fruitful." Agatha looked over and noticed that for the first time since she'd met the insufferable Eldar, Anvial had a slightly sour expression on his face as he squinted at Nicole.

"Don't bother," a voice called as another Astartes stepped forward.

"Unless she deactivated her suppressors you won't read a thing Farseer." Astrovas called out smugly.

"This is Astrovas my Librarian and behind Nicole is the Ancient and Venerable Baldos." Bolaar said politely, drawing their attention to a hulking figure off to the side of the room scrutinizing the Deathwatch. Baldos raised one of his metal arms and growled,"You. What'd you do?" pointing at Morlith.

"Baldos?" Bolaar asked, wanting an explanation.

"His chapter doesn't like to volunteer marines to the Deathwatch like the other four. So. What did he do?" Baldos asked bluntly. Morlith seemed to sag slightly. It was Sundvek who laughed loudly and spoke up.

"Ahaha! The ancient called you out, Morlith! Venerable One, get this! He got sent to the Deathwatch for 'Having the personality of a Lamenter or a Salamander' hahaha!"

"I hardly see the issue with treating individuals with respect and courtesy they are due." Morlith hissed, crossing his arms.

"See!" Sundvek howled laughing openly as he slapped Morlith affectionately on the shoulder.

"I see." Baldos rumbled with amusement. The Archmagos turned to Agatha.

"Lord Inquisitor, your retinue is welcome to attend the initial discussions, and we will do our best to answer your questions. However, I warn you now that some of the information is highly classified, and those without the required clearance levels will need to excuse themselves. Otherwise, they will be subject to a Volitor implant or Psychic memory removal." Agatha felt her eyebrows raise at the serious tone used by the Archmagos.

"I see, is there anything else?"

"Before we begin, please present your rosette for identification confirmation," the Archmagos added politely.

"Given the nature of the previous infiltrator, we must be certain of your identity before we discuss sensitive matters." Agatha reached down and produced the bone-white skull embossed rosette. —-------------------------------------------------------------- POV: Nicole Agatha extends her Rosette and looks surprised when instead of Master Doll taking it I reach out and take the exquisite device. After just a few moments of examination, I let out a surprised "Oh my! This rosette is an absolute masterpiece!"

I smile and politely probe the Machine Spirit inside checking carefully for any signs of tampering. I find none, the Machine Spirit scrutinizes my presence heavily but ultimately allows me to perform the verification. The device easily and happily confirms Agatha's identity. The difference between her rosette and the one from the imposter is so striking It's hard to even compare the two rosettes.

"The Rosette confirms her identity." I say giving Master Doll a nod as I go to return it to the Lord Inquisitor who is looking at me with a mix of surprise and confusion.

"Lord Inquisitor, I believe it best I return this to you. We have thoroughly cleansed it of any lingering corruption. My condolences on the loss of the Inquisitor." I pull out Radic's rosette and present it to her. Agatha plucks it gently from my hand and stares at it for a long moment before she sighs. A few emotions flicker as micro-expressions before she nods.

"Thank you." Passing the Rosette to the Magos in her retinue who has been staring at me with a wary expression while speaking with Doll over the Noosphere.

"Now, from the information we have exchanged, time is something we cannot afford to waste. I would prefer to start the debriefing immediately." Agatha says politely but firmly.

"Of course!" Cornelius says smoothly, "If you would all follow me, as the Archmagos said your retinue is welcome to come and observe from the sidelines or stay and partake in the refreshments here, however, the table has only been prepared for so many." Cornelius says as he leads our groups to the secure chamber with a round table. The seats are marked and the governor is more than happy to slump into his chair and start to open a bottle of wine.

I sit with Master Doll and the Mechanicus contingent to my right, opposite the governor and close to the Eldar and the Inquisitor. The Deathwatch are content to loom behind him much like Baldos, Silverwalker, and Delta-A3 do for me and the two sisters do for Lael who sits on my left. One of the girls brings the Inquisitor a cup of recaf, which she sips from with a pleased expression before her gaze hardens. She then leans forward, puts her elbows on the table, and interlaces her fingers.

"Let us begin."