Author's Notes: Hey everyone, sorry that it has been so long and I hope that this makes up for that, as always I only own my original creations.
After two months of observing the goings on and power structures of Tuclara Theobald decided that it was time to make contact with the inhabitants. As they did poses vox technology, though far weaker than the capacities which the Adventurer boasted, Theobald was able to make contact with the ruling council. At first they were incredulous and thought it was all some sort of joke, even going as far as to threaten Theobald with punishment. At last; however, he managed to persuade them that he truly was what he claimed to be and they agreed to meet with him and discuss matters related to trade. Wanting to show that he did not intend hostilities Theobald decided to take only a single shuttle down, though he made sure that it was a shuttle filled with his arms-men and that they were indeed well-armed.
The location which was given to piolet turned out to be the town square of the largest settlement, where the Council of Elders, as the local leaders called themselves, met. The sky was free of any inclement weather and the descent was without incident and Theobald was able to prepare himself for the meeting to come. The members of the Council needed him, as of this moment he was their only connection to the wider Imperium, the only means that they had to ship their goods and increase their profits exponentially. On the other hand, they may not want to join the wider Imperium. They only hold power over a single world, but in the current state of things they were biggest fish in a small pond and they would definitely not be liking paying the tithes which they would be required to pay from here on out. If they disliked the idea enough they might try to drive Theobald away and while his men had superior weaponry, the locals had the numbers.
If it came to that then Theobald would have only two options: Option One, level buildings with orbital bombardment or Option Two, leave the system and report the finding to the wider Imperium. He did not have the stomach to do the first and while the second would result in the world being brought into the Imperium it would be due to the efforts of others and would not gain Theobald anything. Therefore it was in everyone's best interest that these negations went well. He could not allow the members of the Council to bully him, even if he was getting used to talking to men of power as equals.
He had decided on trying to bring them around by emphasizing the benefits of joining the Imperium and had been rehearsing a speech to explain this. He would have to show them all the profits that they stood to make, profits which he would assure them would far exceed the tithes which they would have to pay. He would also assure them that the Adeptus Administratum would be more than happy to leave them in their positions of power, something he was fairly certain of. In his dealings with Adept Kydexus, whom he had enjoyed leaving behind on the ship for security reasons, Theobald got the impression that the Adeptus Administratum did not particularly care who ruled a world in the Imperium's name, only that tithes were payed and the world was managed to the satisfaction of the Administratum.
Determined to make an impressive entrance he was clad in the same attire which he had worn when he first received his Warrant of Trade, with the addition of the power sword which he had captured from the pirates. Rolf, attired in his new armor and bearing his new weapons. The remaining ten seats in the Arvus Lighter were taken up by the ten arms men who were acting as his honor guard. Nearby his ship's Aquila Lander descended with them. It would not be landing, as Theobald met with the leaders it would be circling overhead, its nose-mounted Heavy Bolter ready to open up if treachery was attempted. He truly hoped that it would not be necessary, but considering how badly they would be outnumbered he needed to be sure that he had an edge of some kind. His thoughts were interrupted by the voice of the piolet.
"We will be landing in twenty seconds my lord." Theobald nodded, even though the man could not see him and turned to give a reassuring look to Aloisio, the commander of the arms men, the man returned sour look.
The big hiver had argued against Theobald's plan to be the first off of the shuttle when the landed. Theobald believed that it necessary for optics, it showed respect for the Elders and that he trusted them. Aloisio had disagreed and had wanted his men to dis embark first to ensure that the area was safe before Theobald exited the safety of the shuttle. There had been a brief discussion, but Theobald had put his foot down and Aloisio had backed down a fact for which Theobald was grateful. As the Rouge Trader he had to show that he was in charge and he had learned from his time fighting the Orks that a leader could not be seen as weak by giving in to his subordinates every time they disagreed. Indeed, he wondered if that had not been Aloisio's goal all along, to test him to see if he would give in or stand up to the older man. Just then the shuttle landed with a thump. As the hatch lowered he rose, brushed mostly imaginary dust from his clothing and walked out to meet his hosts.
Both the area and the crowd who had gathered to meet him were larger than he had expected, but he supposed that it was to be expected, given that he was the first off-worlder to come to the world in hundreds, if not thousands of years. Waiting about ten feet from the shuttle were the Council of Elders, at least some of them, there were ten of them and Theobald knew that the full council numbered fifteen. Arrayed in a semicircle around them were some of the men which they employed to enforce their will and guard their assets. They did not have uniforms per se, instead they all had mostly the same style of civilian clothing: long-sleeved shirts and pants of heavy material, thick heavy boots and dusters which fell almost to their ankles. Additionally most of them also sported primitive flack armor. Their armaments consisted primarily of autoguns and autopistols, though many of them also sported large knives.
The members of the council were more elaborately dress. They wore suits of some form of silky material. While the suits were all black they all also sported large neckties of bright colors, mostly green and red. The men also had large gold chains across their lower stomachs attacked to some type of chronoes. Behind the armed men a large crowd of people watched the proceedings. Many of them were armed in a manner similar to the security men, though most of them did not sport body armor. The oldest of the council stepped forward. He was tall, though not as tall as Theobald and leaned on a cane of carved wood. He gave a short bow.
"Greetings. I am Samuel Jamison. On behalf of the Council of Elders and the people of Tuclara I extend you welcome." Theobald returned Jamison's bow.
"I thank you for your greeting. I am Theobald of House Traub." Back home some nobles spoke that way and he thought it made him sound more noble-like.
"On behalf of the Imperium of Man I look forward to a profitable relationship for all of those involved." This seemed to please the members of the council, mostly anyway. Theobald kept his speech on the optimistic side, stressing the positive aspects of union with the Imperium. He knew that it was very likely that the relationship would be far less pleasant. I also knew that it was going to happen and it would be for the best if they went in thinking that it was going to be a simple business arrangement. Hopefully it would all work out. Jamison seemed to pick up something of his mood for he spoke again.
"This is truly a momentous occasion. Perhaps it would be best if we were to continue this conversation in more appropriate settings." Theobald nodded in agreement.
The councilors' men fell in on both sides of them, with several out in front to clear a path through the crowd. Theobald fell in with the councilors, Rolf at his side and his arms men forming up on either side of them, some of the natives seemed uneasy around them, but they made no comment as they proceeded. It was getting rather hot and Theobald was pleased to learn that they did not have far to go before they reached the council meeting house. It was a four-storied building elaborately decorated within, with dark wood paneling, thick red carpets and curtains and numerous paintings hung on the walls. At last they came to the room on the top floor which was dominated by a large table illuminated by a massive gold and crystal chandelier. Seated at the table were the remaining members of the Council were waiting for them.
More greetings and words of welcome were exchanged and toasts offered they got down to the business of negotiating terms of the entry of Tuclara into the Imperium. Theobald was able to convince them that they could maintain power on the world as long a required tithes were met. They did not like the talk of tithes in the least, so Theobald went out of his way to try to expound on all the advantages of joining the Imperium. He was interrupted by one of the councilors, one which appeared to be the oldest man present.
"Your words are all well and good Sir. However; I for one would like to see some more concrete evidence of you and the Imperium's goodwill." Theobald was a little nervous, but determined to make the best of it. So he gave the man his full attention and asked the obvious question.
"You had something in particular perhaps?"
"Indeed I do," the man said; "We and the people who look to us for leadership have long suffered the deprivations of the various groups of raiders who have attacked our holdings, killed our people and caused us to abandon our efforts to develop various areas of the territory in which they hold sway. If the Imperium is as powerful as you claim that it is then prove it by aiding us in dealing with these raiders." Theobald looked at him and turned his gaze to take in all of the men seated at the table. It was not an unreasonable request, not dissimilar to what he had done Lakar. Such an action would not only ease the world's transition into the Imperium, but could also prove to be profitable for him as well.
"Very well," he said in what he hoped was a cunning voice; "I think that that could be arranged. There is, of course, the matter of the expenses which any such course would incur." The men all gave knowing looks. They might not be thrilled at the prospect, but they had expected that.
"You had something in mind perhaps?" Jamison asked.
"I am sure that we could come to some sort of arrangement." Theobald replied, drawing on the classes that he had received in preparation for receiving his Warrant of Trade.
"I believe that having the rights to some of the recourses obtained from the territories which the raiders occupy should cover the costs." The men looked at each other and seemed to come to an agreement and then turned their attention back to Theobald and the elder spoke again.
"I believe that we can come to an arrangement. Provided," he added in a firm tone of voice; "That you are indeed able to deal with these raiders." Theobald nodded.
"I will need a map of the areas in which they operate, preferably one which has the areas where we think that they operate marked."
"We can arrange that." There were a few more pleasantries and then Theobald withdrew.
He had originally planned to return to the Adventurer but the Council insisted that he stay dirt side. They provided him rooms in what they claimed was the finest hotel in the city. He was on the second floor in a very comfortable suite of rooms, indeed they were more comfortable than his quarters on the ship. Looking around he found it hard to imagine that he had been living in a one room hab block not so very long ago. He thought about those whom he had fought Orks with and wondering where they were at that moment, he hoped that they were doing well. His thoughts were interrupted by a knocking at his door.
He had not been expecting any guests and neither had Rolf. The nomad had been fascinated by all the new things which he had seen since leaving his homeworld, but this had not dulled his senses and he was immediately on the alert. He moved to place himself between Theobald and the door, shotgun in hand. He opened the door ready to bring the weapon up if needed. Standing there was a man, Theobald thought that he was one of the men working for the Council. He gave Rolf and the gun an amused look.
"May I come in?" Theobald nodded to Rolf and he stepped aside to let the man in. As he did so Theobald took in the man.
He was a short man, but stocky with a weather-beaten face. His hair and eyes were both brown, though the hair had been bleached by the sun. He wore a duster over a flack vest, long-sleeved shirt, heavy pants and scuffed boots and a wide-brimmed hat. At his belt were a pair of stub revolvers and the man moved in a manner which suggested that he was used to using them. He looked around the room with a sardonic grin.
"I see that they set you up in style." He said in a voice which was equally sardonic.
"May I help you?" Theobald asked the man. In response the man pulled a roll of parchment and handed it to Theobald.
"The map that you requested. The Council asked me to bring it along to you. They also asked me to accompany you on your expedition."
"Does the Council think that I need assistance?" Theobald asked. The man's grin grew even wider.
"I rather fancy, if I may be perfectly honest, that the Council wants me along to ensure that you do what you promised to do." Rolf sputtered in anger.
"They question the honor of my Chieftain?!" As he spoke he took a step towards the man. The man, for his part, took a step backwards but kept his smile.
"Now, now big fella, no need to get belligerent, just saying what I think they think.
"Besides," he said, in a tone which held absolutely no humility; "I know a thing or two about gun play. I also know a thing or two about tracking and you may find those skills of value."
"I don't have a choice do I?"
"I don't think so."
"Can I at least have your name?"
"Marcus, Marcus Longwood of the High Mesa Marshals."
"Well, Marshal Marcus Longwood of High Mesa, we leave at dawn."
Theobald and Longwood spent the evening going over the map that he had brought and it did not take long to locate where the raiders closes to High Mesa, the name of the settlement where the Council met, was located. As they could not be entirely sure of the exact location Theobald decided that this time they could not execute another lance strike like they had on Lakar. Instead they would have to go in and deal with the raiders the old fashion way. Theobald, Rolf and Longwood and a small number of arms men would search on the ground. Once the raiders were located Theobald would contact the Adventurer which would launch the Aquila and both Lighters filled with arms men to launch an attack from the air.
They rose before dawn and mounted the motorcycles which they had been provided by the Council. At first Theobald was nervous as he had not ridden one before and he was afraid, not only that he might fall and injure or kill himself, but also that he would embarrass himself in front of everyone. Fortunately for Theobald the tire of the bikes were wide and provided stability and the early part of the journey was in a straight line and he was able to get a handle on it. He noted that Rolf mastered it even faster and appeared to be enjoying himself immensely.
The area that they rode through eventually gave way to more arid terrain and the Theobald felt the temperature rose noticeably through the day. Despite this Theobald found himself enjoying it. All throughout his life he had never spent much time in places which were not either his home city, his ship or other confined spaces. Indeed, his time on Lakar had been the first time in such open terrain and he found it both frightening and exhilarating, though he had to keep the first part about him being frightened to himself as he did not want to appear weak.
The sun was directly above them when they came to a small creek and they stopped to rest, eat and refill their canteens. As they did so Longwood moved a little way away from the others and was looking around. Theobald had no idea what he was looking for and hoped that the man was as good as he claimed that he was. After a few minutes the man stopped and examined some of the vegetation which had grown up near the water. He rose up and waved the others over. As Theobald and the others approached he saw that the vegetation had been crushed. Longwood turned to look at Theobald and pointed.
"The tracks lead that way." Looking down Theobald could see that the vegetation had been crushed by wheeled vehicles, though he had no idea which direction the wheels had been going. Trusting Longwood he and the others mounted up and followed the marshal. He led them down a ravine for several miles when he called for another halt.
"I think that we are getting close. We should go the rest of the way on foot." They dismounted and, leaving one of the arms men behind to guard the vehicles, they continued on foot.
They continued on for about a mile or so, moving up and out of the ravine on the other side back onto the flatlands. Behind them was a rock formation which hid them from the water where they had stopped. There was more water here and there were a number of small trees and bushes. Some ways off, Theobald estimated around seven hundred yards, was a small cluster of buildings. Taking out his magnoculars Theobald was able to take a closer look and see that parked around the buildings were a number of ground vehicles, including many bikes similar to the ones Theobald and the others were using. He motioned them to take cover and then turned to Longwood as he handed the man the magnoculars.
"That them?"
"Aye, look there," he handed the magnoculars back and pointed to a spot. Looking himself Theobald saw a man walking from one building to another; "Know him. Don't know his real name, but everyone calls him Death's Head Daniel."
"Charming." Theobald said in a dry tone of voice. Longwood snorted and gave his sardonic chuckle.
"Well, regardless, he's the head honcho here."
"Good." Theobald said as he active his vox caster.
"This is Lord Traub to Eagle Leader. Home in on my position and strike."
"Acknowledged my lord. Eagle striking."
"Find cover and then open fire." Theobald told the others. They hastily followed his orders and open fire. He did not think that they hit much, if anything, but that was not their main concern. Their main concern was to get the enemy's attention and wait for the air support, they did not have to wait long.
Soon there was the rumbling of engines and soon the craft flashed into view. First came the Aquila, its Heavy Bolter tearing in the raiders who had spilled out of the buildings to fire on Theobald and his men. It then turned its attention to the buildings themselves. These were mostly made of wood and were torn to splinters. After it made three passes the Arvus Lighters came in for hard landings in front of the remains of the buildings. The raiders had by now scattered and the thrusters forced them farther apart and even knocked some to the ground. The rear hatches were already open and immediately jumped out and Aloisio soon had them formed up into a perimeter around the craft and had pouring las fire into the raiders. The raiders, for their part, were overwhelmed and the survivors were soon dropping their weapons and raising their hands in surrender. Seeing this Theobald activated his vox again.
"Cease fire! Cease fire!" He and those with him rose from where they had taken shelter and moved to what remained of the buildings. Aloisio had had his men round up the raiders who had surrendered and had them sitting on the ground. Theobald was not surprised to see that "Death's Head" was not among them. He motioned to one of the arms men who had been with him, the man nodded and moved to carry out the order had been given. Theobald then moved to address the prisoners.
"I am Theobald Traub and I have allied myself with the Council of Elders. The time of raiders is over." He pointed to one of raiders at random and the man was pulled to his feet and brought before Theobald.
"I am releasing you. Go and tell the others of your kind what I have said. Tell them that if they surrender I will beseech the Council to be merciful, if they refuse I shall hunt them down and do to them what I did to you today. Make sure that they know that." He signaled to the arms man who walked a motorcycle over. The man looked at him one more time and then rode off. Theobald watched him go, smiling as he thought of the tracking device which Magos Minucci had given him and which he had had the arms man attach to the bike. If things did not go well, then at least he would know where at least some of the raiders were located.
He made his way back to High Mesa to report his success. Afterwards returned to the lodgings provided for him when he was told over the vox that an urgent message for him. At the urging of Chief Astropath Carilli Theobald took one of the Arvus Lighters and returned to the Adventurer. Once he was aboard he made his way to where the astropaths were quartered, though sequestered might be a better to describe it. Carilli was waiting for him as he approached and bowed.
"Greetings Lord Traub I am pleased that you were able to return so swiftly."
"You said that it was urgent." Theobald told him.
"Indeed my lord, the left hand of the Emperor summons you."
"What?"
"The eyes and executioners of the Emperor. They who move in the shadows. A debt is owed to them and now they collect." Theobald had a horrible thought occur to him.
"It is Inquisitor Vola isn't it?"
"Indeed it is my lord and he summons you."
"Summons me where?' Theobald asked, becoming slightly exasperated.
"He summons you a world deep within the Imperium. A world poisoned yet teeming with life. A world of tall towers and dark pits and rising above it all a word."
"What word?"
"A name. A name to encompass it all. Necromunda."
Author's Notes: Hey everyone I hope you liked it. I did say his luck would change and I hope that you can see that it did, if you know anything about Necromunda you can guess the fun he is in for. With the game coming out and having read a number of stories about it I wanted to give it a try. Till then please pray for those effected by the fires in California, many are still missing. Those suffering in Africa from the Ebola outbreak and the American pastor held in China and all who need prayer. Bye and may Jesus bless you.