Dark Heresy -- Purge the Xenos

[InquisitorChris]

Given that the knife was intended for use in a kitchen, it is possible it is used to reenact certain events, for the 'benefit' of those whom ...'chew, yet do not swallow'. I trust I am using the local phraseology correctly?"

"That is correct."

"You are sure that it was used in a kitchen? We had ascertained that it was a blade for cutting and sawing, but no more than that."

The file is pretty thick and it would take some time to go through the whole thing. Flipping through it, though, you can see that it lists family history, criminal record (he has one, with two prison sentences served), known habits, and information on his history of residence, employment, and that of his pawnshop.

"Is there any reason to suspect that this criminal boss will attempt to interfere with our activity here?" She rests her hands in her lap as she thinks.

"He might. He is not close to his cousin as far as we know, but he does run stolen goods through the shop on occasion."

[helvorn]

Kara taps her hand against her thigh as she listens and thinks. Then she turns to Leveticus; "May I see the file?"

Leveticus will pass the dossier off to Kara. "By all means," he say politely.

Kara takes the file and begins to study it as Leveticus talks to their host. She is particularly interested in his criminal record, known associates and any traveling he may have done on or off planet.

[Jak Snide]

"What sort of manpower does this guy have?" Jim asked the provost. " Tharpe, I mean. He stupid enough to get hostile with the Adeptus Arbites?"

[gsteelwraith]

"You are sure that it was used in a kitchen? We had ascertained that it was a blade for cutting and sawing, but no more than that."

Leveticus will answer, "When I was first brought to the monastery to begin my Clerical training, I worked in the kitchens, and got very familiar with the implements. I also learned how to feed large numbers of people."

[InquisitorChris]

Kara takes the file and begins to study it as Leveticus talks to their host. She is particularly interested in his criminal record, known associates and any traveling he may have done on or off planet.

Spoiler for Kara:

Spoiler:

It will take some time to leaf through the whole thing, but you immediately see that he is 46 years old. He has been indited for petty theft (age 19), petty thefy again (age 21), rape (age 22, which got him a prison term of 8 years), assault and rape (age 32, with a prison term of 6 years) This last term weas cut short because he squealed on a fellow prisoner to the enforcers. He has not been indicted since his release, although the stolen goods occasion run through the shop are well known. He has never been off planet. He associates mostly with other low-level people in Tharpe's gang.

"What sort of manpower does this guy have?" Jim asked the provost. " Tharpe, I mean. He stupid enough to get hostile with the Adeptus Arbites?"

"He could muster up a small army if he wanted to. Equipment would be subpar though for the most part -- goods produced on Famine tend to be pretty shoddy. Unless he has lifted a sizeable stock from the PDF."

"Both Tharpe and Varius are smart men and know not to do something that would call the Arbites into the picture. In fact we are on relatively good terms with him -- as good as possible, considering."

Leveticus will answer, "When I was first brought to the monastery to begin my Clerical training, I worked in the kitchens, and got very familiar with the implements. I also learned how to feed large numbers of people."

He nods approvingly. "On Famine, we hold the profession of cook in the highest esteem." He makes the little gesture before his chest.

"Feeding the needy is a requirement of every church of our Saint."

[Jak Snide]

Jim nodded as he listened. The simple notion arbites being on good terms with major criminal elements would have given his instructors and aneurysm. He didn't find it particularly to his liking either but, unlike his superiors, he understood necessity. With a mere hundred men the Provost was doing all he could to do his duty here on Famine.

"How far can they be pushed? If you hauled in Sneed and some other vagrants how would things turn out? The man can't be dumb enough to attack the Arbites directly."

[InquisitorChris]

"How far can they be pushed? If you hauled in Sneed and some other vagrants how would things turn out? The man can't be dumb enough to attack the Arbites directly."

"I don't know. I imagine he would wait and see how things turned out."

"Assuming that he is not also involved in whatever is going on in some way."

[Jak Snide]

"Let's hope that ain't how it is. I reckon nobody here wants to try living through a last stand scenario. You got any snoops inside his operation?"

[InquisitorChris]

"Let's hope that ain't how it is. I reckon nobody here wants to try living through a last stand scenario. You got any snoops inside his operation?"

"Of course. Then again, he probably has snoops here."

[Jak Snide]

Jim frowned. Accepting your situation was one thing, but the provost seemed entirely too accustomed to have untrustworthy men under his command.

"Well, what're the chances that word of our arrival and identities will be reaching this guy? If he's mixed up in all this heresy then everything's going to take a turn for the worse real quick."

[InquisitorChris]

"Well, what're the chances that word of our arrival and identities will be reaching this guy? If he's mixed up in all this heresy then everything's going to take a turn for the worse real quick."

"Assuming you didn't speak to anybody else, the only people who know you are here are myself, your liaison here" (he nods at her) "and the men who were assigned to meet you. All of whom, I can vouch, can be trusted."

He gets up and goes to refill his brandy.

[Jak Snide]

Jim nodded, both satisfied and relieved.

"Well, might be worth seeing what your snoops can pull in about Sneed. I reckon we're going to need to snatch him at some point, unless we go about playing at being interested buyers of rare and damned trinkets."

[helvorn]

Jim nodded, both satisfied and relieved.

"Well, might be worth seeing what your snoops can pull in about Sneed. I reckon we're going to need to snatch him at some point, unless we go about playing at being interested buyers of rare and damned trinkets."

Kara looks up from the files. "He's a nasty little thug as they go with a taste for rape I see." She says this last with disdain and then continues with a fierce look on her face and a harsh tone to her voice; "On Dusk rapists had their manhood cut off and fed to them before being given unto the night as an offering." Obviously she had a personal dislike for those of his sort.

"Still, he is a petty thug at that. The file is quite complete," she bows to their host, "and I would like to study it in more length at a later date. Still, I suggest that if we are indeed to pose as pilgrims we should arrange quarters in the city and then make our visit to the Saint. At the same time perhaps we could quietly meet the local bishop and view the artifacts in question. Then perhaps we might visit this Sneed under cover of touring the cityside."

[gsteelwraith]

Kara looks up from the files. "He's a nasty little thug as they go with a taste for rape I see." She says this last with disdain and then continues with a fierce look on her face and a harsh tone to her voice; "On Dusk rapists had their manhood cut off and fed to them before being given unto the night as an offering." Obviously she had a personal dislike for those of his sort.

"Still, he is a petty thug at that. The file is quite complete," she bows to their host, "and I would like to study it in more length at a later date. Still, I suggest that if we are indeed to pose as pilgrims we should arrange quarters in the city and then make our visit to the Saint. At the same time perhaps we could quietly meet the local bishop and view the artifacts in question. Then perhaps we might visit this Sneed under cover of touring the cityside."

Leveticus will nod and say, "Sounds like a good idea, it would look odd if we did otherwise."

[helvorn]

Kara looks up from the files. "He's a nasty little thug as they go with a taste for rape I see." She says this last with disdain and then continues with a fierce look on her face and a harsh tone to her voice; "On Dusk rapists had their manhood cut off and fed to them before being given unto the night as an offering." Obviously she had a personal dislike for those of his sort.

"Still, he is a petty thug at that. The file is quite complete," she bows to their host, "and I would like to study it in more length at a later date. Still, I suggest that if we are indeed to pose as pilgrims we should arrange quarters in the city and then make our visit to the Saint. At the same time perhaps we could quietly meet the local bishop and view the artifacts in question. Then perhaps we might visit this Sneed under cover of touring the cityside."

Leveticus will nod and say, "Sounds like a good idea, it would look odd if we did otherwise."

Kara grins with a shade of madness behind her eyes. There is a hint something in her voice that could be gallows humor or utter seriousness; "To which idea do you refer priest; unmanning the rapist or maintaining our cover. I would prefer the former if not for our oaths of service."

[InquisitorChris]

"We are at your service," he says.

"What would you like us to do?"

[gsteelwraith]

Kara grins with a shade of madness behind her eyes. There is a hint something in her voice that could be gallows humor or utter seriousness; "To which idea do you refer priest; unmanning the rapist or maintaining our cover. I would prefer the former if not for our oaths of service."

"Alas, so many choices, so little time, but I'm afraid we must settle for the latter. It would look odd if we started gelding rapists."

[helvorn]

Kara nods. By this time she is merely wet rather than soaked. "Into the Emperor's hands then..."

She pulls out a comb and begins to tease her hair into a semblance of order. "So what is the plan Prime? Do we lodge here or in town?"

[InquisitorChris]

Jim nodded, both satisfied and relieved.

"Well, might be worth seeing what your snoops can pull in about Sneed. I reckon we're going to need to snatch him at some point, unless we go about playing at being interested buyers of rare and damned trinkets."

"You can speak to the arbitrators who have had him under surveillance if you want."

[gsteelwraith]

Kara nods. By this time she is merely wet rather than soaked. "Into the Emperor's hands then..."

She pulls out a comb and begins to tease her hair into a semblance of order. "So what is the plan Prime? Do we lodge here or in town?"

"It would appear odd if we quartered at the Arbites building, I should think."

[helvorn]

Kara finished brushing her hair and carefully put the omb away. "Let us find lodging for the night while we study the file that the noble arbites have put together. Then we should pay homage to the shrine of the Saint in keeping with our cover which can be combined with a look at the artifacts and a private interview with the priests. We should also talk to the officers who keep Sneed under observation although we might split up to do so."

[Jak Snide]

"Sounds good to me." In truth Jim wouldn't have minded hauling Sneed in and subjecting him to a proper interrogation, but that would have to wait. He'd get his just reward in the end.

[gsteelwraith]

Kara finished brushing her hair and carefully put the omb away. "Let us find lodging for the night while we study the file that the noble arbites have put together. Then we should pay homage to the shrine of the Saint in keeping with our cover which can be combined with a look at the artifacts and a private interview with the priests. We should also talk to the officers who keep Sneed under observation although we might split up to do so."

Leveticus nodded his head, and said, "Agreed on both counts. As one of my old instructors used to say, 'Tempes Fugit, will you?"

[ChristianC]

Chani nodded and shifted in her seat, the long travel making her all the more eager to stretch her legs and do some proper training with her blade.

"We shall most likely find shelter in the temple."

[InquisitorChris]

So, what are you gonna do?

[helvorn]

Kara looks to Leveticus; "Going to the church would be in keeping with our cover. We could talk to the priests and view the artifacts under the cover of the visit. Whether we stay in the church or in the town matters little although staying in the town will make it easier to gather information as we will be amongst the common people. Either way we should have a means of communicating securely with the Arbites and perhaps a letter from the headquarters here to the bishop to establish our bona fides."

She glances about and addresses the inspector; "Can we arrange to talk to the arbites who have been monitoring Sneed's shop?"

[InquisitorChris]

She glances about and addresses the inspector; "Can we arrange to talk to the arbites who have been monitoring Sneed's shop?"

"Of course. Just give the word."

[helvorn]

Kara replies; "Bird. According the ancient wisdom the bird is indeed the word."

She shakes her head and blinks her eyes for a moment; "Ahhh, that was a catechism we learned in training and is probably confusing; could we talk to this operative?"

<ooc> after seeing the "Family Guy' episode with "Surf'n Bird' figuring prominently the straight line was just too hard to resist. </ooc>

[InquisitorChris]

(I would like a list, such as from the Prime, of what you are going to do so that I can move you out of this briefing into the city.)

[Jak Snide]

(From what Kara said, and Leveticus approved, I this is what we're going to do.

1) Obtain lodgings, study documents overnight.
2) Go to the Ecclesiarchy, keep up appearances as pilgrims and investigate the heretical items.
3) Meet with the aribtes observing Sneed, either collectively or split up so we can handle both that and 2) at the same time.

If we are to split then Jim would volunteer to meet with the arbites and discuss Mr Sneed.)

[ChristianC]

(Chani would most likely be suitable to follow Jim in order to research Mr Sneed, mostly because I doubt her brand of the holy faith is going to be very welcome in the sanctified halls of the Ecclesiarchy.)

Chani gave a slight laugh, almost a giggle, at Kara's reply, a slight look of mirth on her face before she once more became the pleasant, but few-worded, warrior-woman.

"I believe I can aid in finding proper lodgings for ourselves, if we are not to stay with the holy Ecclesiarchy, although I believe my skills might be best suited in more practical manners."

[helvorn]

Chani gave a slight laugh, almost a giggle, at Kara's reply, a slight look of mirth on her face before she once more became the pleasant, but few-worded, warrior-woman.

"I believe I can aid in finding proper lodgings for ourselves, if we are not to stay with the holy Ecclesiarchy, although I believe my skills might be best suited in more practical manners."

Kara glances over and smiles briefly at Chani; "I defer to those that are more comfortable in these warrens of humanity. My experience is more focused on the woods and swamps of my homeworld." She turns back to their guide at the door; "Perhaps our escort might be assigned as our liaison. She is familar with our group and the case it seems."

[InquisitorChris]

(I call on Thee, Prime! Make a decision! :) )

[gsteelwraith]

1) Obtain lodgings, study documents overnight.
2) Go to the Ecclesiarchy, keep up appearances as pilgrims and investigate the heretical items.
3) Meet with the aribtes observing Sneed, either collectively or split up so we can handle both that and 2) at the same time.

OOC: This is exactly what Leveticus had in mind. Mea culpa for my lack of posts. Between work and other commitments, the last five days have been cram-pack busy for me. Being in retail weeks don't end.

"Seeking shelter at the church would be perfectly in keeping with our cover. I would also advise that if the group is to split off to accomplish objectives, nobody goes alone. Jim, Chani and our new laison should probably follow up on the leads in regards with Mr. Sneed."

[InquisitorChris]

I will now send you on your merry way if you have no further questions or requests.

The Arbites issue you all with closed-frequency microbeads with which you can communicate with each other or with the Arbites HQ. They can also set you up under your assumed names in a hotel located not far away.

In any case, you are now standing outside the HQ. I assume you ate in the HQ so you don't have to take a detour to a restaurant. The rain is still coming down.

[helvorn]

<ooc> Kara will still try to acquire a light flak coat and a pair more overcharge packs for her compact las pistol. Also a rain slicker with a hood or a long duster to keep off the rain would be helpful. She'd like to have some one with some fashion sense, perhaps their initial guide go over all of the party's clothes and cull and replace whatever might identify them as offworlders from a distance. They'll still act and sound like off worlders but at least they'll have a chance of fitting in until they open their mouths. Also they should change/acquire local currency if they don't use standard Thrones. Maps and/or a guidebook of the city would be helpful to understand the different districts. It would also be helpful to have a briefing sheet on the different gangs, political organizations and authority figures. I would imagine that the Arbites would keep such summaries or records for their own use. </ooc>

Kara glances up at the rain; "Well enough is enough; I was glad to be out in the natural environment but I'm for a dry place, a proper fire and a strong drink. We need to review our data and make plans in private while we establish our cover. We are better stalking this prey from the shadows for now."

[InquisitorChris]

<ooc> Kara will still try to acquire a light flak coat and a pair more overcharge packs for her compact las pistol. Also a rain slicker with a hood or a long duster to keep off the rain would be helpful. She'd like to have some one with some fashion sense, perhaps their initial guide go over all of the party's clothes and cull and replace whatever might identify them as offworlders from a distance. They'll still act and sound like off worlders but at least they'll have a chance of fitting in until they open their mouths. Also they should change/acquire local currency if they don't use standard Thrones. Maps and/or a guidebook of the city would be helpful to understand the different districts. It would also be helpful to have a briefing sheet on the different gangs, political organizations and authority figures. I would imagine that the Arbites would keep such summaries or records for their own use. </ooc>

Kara glances up at the rain; "Well enough is enough; I was glad to be out in the natural environment but I'm for a dry place, a proper fire and a strong drink. We need to review our data and make plans in private while we establish our cover. We are better stalking this prey from the shadows for now."

(You have no problems acquiring those items, and they exchange your money. There are already maps in the slate Sholmes gave you.)

[ChristianC]

Chani expressed some discomfort at the idea of losing her uniform. She had taken the covering of her tattoos, but as it was suggested they hide by covering who they were, she raised her first objection...

But, eventually, she caved in and agreed to wear something less... frilly, but her sword she would not leave behind, no matter what she was told. At most, she would agree to cover it with some cloth.

[InquisitorChris]

(No more Pirate Chani??!? :) )

You can carry the sword. It will stand out a bit but there's nothing illegal about it.

[helvorn]

(You have no problems acquiring those items, and they exchange your money. There are already maps in the slate Sholmes gave you.)

<ooc> Do you want an update to the character sheet? Kara will also lose the axe and staff as they don't see mparticularly low profile or useful here. </ooc>