In the Year of the Light of the Golden Throne 052.816.M41++
The Continuing Voyages of His Divine-Majesty's Ship, the Dawn Treader
Lord Captain's Log; The Countess Lucretia Von Krak, Commanding
In the Year of the Light of the Golden Throne 052.816.M41++
Location: The Port of Footfall
Course: Docked
Materium: Footfall is a ramshackle void-settlement of asteroids linked together with massive arches and causeways. The entire assembly looks a like giant three-dimensional cobweb – if the spider that made it was drunk and feasted upon a diet of asteroids and leftover space station components. Yet, the station was not a total loss, for there was the 25-kilometer tall stature of the Emperor of Mankind! I'm not about to suggest the God-Emperor over-compensates in any way, but who needs a 25-kilometer tall statue made in their honor?
Or perhaps it is the inhabitants themselves whom are lacking. This outpost, constructed by Parismus Dewain in 410.M41, is deep within Koronus Expanse and far removed from the nearest bastion of civilization in the Calixis Sector. After The Strangling of the Maw three years ago and the ensuing civil wars, the inhabitants surely must need to proclaim their yearning for the Light of the Golden Throne...or at least portray that sentiment to passers-by...
Comments: After receiving my just accolades from Tanthus Moross, Liege of Footfall, via his emissary, I gave the crew of the Dawn Treader a 12-hour liberty in the massive port. The last ten days of Warp have taken its toll on the crew – even my lustknabe have approached their erzwungene unterwerfung with only halfhearted cries of dismay.
But in reality, the liberty was cover for Octus' clandestine mission to meet his contact on Footfall in order to deliver the mysterious box entrusted in our care by Master Scrivener Journ. While there would be no means for the Master Scrivener to verify that we delivered the goods, Integrity is the most important quality of Leadership -- A Rogue Trader's word is her bond. At least that's what my Father told me immediately prior to being hustled to the interior of the slaver's vessel...
It would not do to have Brother Mordechai ask too many questions regarding the Tech-Priest's whereabouts. I fear not the gentle ministrations of the Inquisition for they have no jurisdiction over me, but there is no need to attract unwarranted attention. So we decided once more to distract the Missionary from our activities. This is getting to be an annoying habit. Perhaps the Representive of the Ecclesiarchy will meet with an unfortunate accident en-route to the Magoros System...
In addition to our modest intrigues, I instructed Orbest Dray to make inquiries regarding the Fell Hand's disposition, for the frigate was not in port as we made Warp-Fall at the void-settlement. We must quickly re-supply and give chase to Hadarak Fel. I chafe at the thought of giving the Rogue Trader even a 24 hour head-start!
In the meantime, I responded to the entreaties of the local Imperial Garrison commander, I've already forgotten his name...
The Commander had made a few annoying queries pursuant to the ship-battle at Port Wander almost two weeks ago. Apparently, news of our exploits have traveled far courtesy of the Adeptus Astra Telepathica. Following up on the altercation, the Garrison Commander disinterestedly took my rendition of the events for the official record over the Picto-Monitor connection.
However, I had other plans for the Commander. I invited the bureaucrat to dine with me aboard the Dawn Treader. My gracious offer surprised the bourgeois functionary, whom readily accepted.
Once we had supped on fine lebensmittel harvested from the planet, Lucien's Breath, I got down to business. The Commander had something I wanted – the authority to issue a Writ of Salvage for the HDMS Bounty. Although the commission of Garrison Commander carries with it a tidy (for wage-slaves...) salary, the true benefit of the position is pure, unadulterated graft.
And the Commander was no stranger to such considerations...the bureaucrat made a fine show of moral outrage at my subtle offer of mutual exchange, but I could sense his hunger for a share of the bounty, from the Bounty. I offered a pittance, a mere 1% share of the spoils. But that even that miniscule slice would yield more Thrones for the Commander than he had ever known...
Under the weight of such inducements, the Commander quickly relented to my request and agreed to expedite the paperwork process on my behalf. After concluding our business, the Commander made his own subtle offer (Well, about as subtle as an Orc Warboss in the grip of the WAAAGHH!) for a sordid indiscretion. Though it has been some time since I last indulged in a vigorous Debauch, the Garrison Commander was too-low born for my tastes. Instead, I offered the services of my lustknabe to provide a four-handed massage complete with a full-release of tension. The Commander politely declined and we parted ways for the evening.
By the time I return from the Magoros System, the Writ of Salvage should be completed and I will be well on my way to the next salvage – the second for my resurgent Dynasty!
I am Lord Captain of the Dawn Treader, The Countess Lucretia Von Krak
Den Stets-Siegreichen Imperium!