Extremely Sorry for the time between updates but access to a computer has been minimal, however now I have time again i can press onwards and hopefully things will speed up now. Anyway Enjoy!
Eyes glared back from the surface of the polish glass mocking Jastilus, the bloodshot image taunting him that after a solid fifteen minutes of attempts to escape by smashing glass housing containing the extinguisher he remained inverted, suspended from the ceiling in the same fashion as a butcher's produce. Pressure built within his head as blood rushed and pooled throughout his face, his skin burnt a vibrant hue, heat radiated uncomfortably throughout his head, furthering his suffering. Patience was wearing thin, Jastilus consoled himself with promises of revenge upon his treacherous teachers once, if he worked out a way out of his current predicament, so far all he could claim to have achieved was a set of damaged knuckle from striking the glass repeatedly in vain, along with a bruised ego from allowing the Stormtroopers restrain him so easily.
Jastilus sighed as he raised his hand to his face, massaging the bridge of his nose as he once again took inventory of the situation, fastened to a rigid pipe that ran the length of the corridor by a heavy woven rope, the knots were expertly and undoing them was out of the question. Initially he attempted to break the glass in front of the extinguisher and using a shard of glass to slice through the rope, unfortunately the glass was stronger than he had anticipated, punches had yielded naught except severe pain. As for useful equipment in his possession, apart from the simple uniform and boots, everything else had been left in his quarters as instructed, frustration swelled within him, angrily wondering what there was that he could do in this situation with nothing to aid him. An earlier attempt to pull himself up towards the pipe had ended in failure, a lifetime of infrequent physical activity had not gifted Jastilus with the core strength that would solve the problem much quicker.
Within his frustrated mind a spark of creativity flashed, despite bemoaning overlooking the idea the glimmer of hope drew his mind toward escape. Excitedly Jastilus began unfastening the buckle on his belt, eager to waste no time with his newest idea, a soft click signaled the opening of the latch allowing him to swiftly remove the leather from the loops holding it in place at his waist. Jastilus's lips curled into a small grin as he began to twirl the weight of the buckle, spinning the makeshift anchor to build momentum before releasing his grip, sending the belt arcing upwards, metal impacted upon metal sending the belt falling back toward the floor, cursing under his breath Jastilus ground his teeth in frustration, he knew that this was his best shot to free himself, so once again he began to twirl the weight of the buckle preparing to launch it, luckily, his aim was truer the second time. The belt sailed over the pipe, end dangling precariously over the metalwork, making sure that his grip was firmly secure before attempting the second part of his escape attempt, he allowed his muscles to loosen as he inhaled deeply allowed his body to limber it's joints as he began to swing himself backwards lightly, seeking to increase momentum, the pendulum motion built up speed, air cooling Jastilus as it blasted past before at the end of an arc he snapped forwards, tensing of his abdomen as his outstretched hand shot towards the strap of his belt slung overhead. Fingers tightened around the dark leather, for the first time since his detainment, Jastilus's head felt clear, blood seeping back into his bloodstream, the colour of his face stabilizing back to it's fair hue, as sheer triumph coursed within.
Using the belt as an aide, Jastilus pulled himself up toward the body of the pipe work, managing to wrap his arms around the thick metal cylinder, wiggling his way around its surface before positioning himself upright, perched side seat upon it. With slack returned to the rope the previously impenetrable knot-work was workable, a short moment of pulling at the thick cable yielded the desired result, freedom.
Quietly Jastilus dropped to the cold steel floor, fluorescent lights flickered overhead, momentarily he paused before setting off towards the canteen at a pace, not quiet sure how he was going to get even when he arrived, nevertheless he sped forward. The immaculate grey corridors of the small vessel were quiet, oddly so, the small crew meant the ship never buzzed with activity but even so it was usually empty, even during meal times there were a handful of crew members working. Wondering if he had missed an event on the schedule he increased pace, boots thundering in the deserted halls, as he reached the junction.
Skidding as he swerved round the corner Jastilus struggled to retain balance, soles of his boots scuffing the floor as he went. The canteen doors where fast approaching, the lack of the usual ambient noise was eerie, Jastilus stopped a pace away from the doors, hesitating to enter, why am I stopping he thought? It wasn't my fault for being tied up, unless this is a test. Jastilus shook his head to clear the thought of it before pressing the illuminated rune to open the thick doors.
Jastilus stepped into the warm cafeteria, fists still clenched with frustration from his insulting incarceration, he surveyed the room, packed to capacity the hall was filled with people, most of the crew he recognized, alongside some he didn't were there, seated around the dining tables with food nowhere in sight, his fellow retinue members we're stood in a group near the center of the room. Stern expressions filled the room, it seemed that something was not right. Jastilus walked toward the group slowly, unsure of the situation before Solaria glanced in his direction and spoke hastily with a panicked expression.
"Quick, get over here we need to talk about.." Solaria stopped abruptly as the Inquisitor entered from the far door allowing silence to once again creep back into the room. Jastilus stumbled for an explanation, fearing he might well be the cause of the disturbance.
"Inquisitor I, I'm sorry I was, It wasn't my fault.." As he struggled to start an explanation the Inquisitor shot a glance towards Charus and Weylend sat beside the rest of security detail.
"I Know." The Inquisitor spoke simply, voice containing no hint of emotion negative or otherwise, unnerved by the entire situation Jastilus fought with every fiber of his body resist asking what was going on, but something within him told him to keep his mouth sealed.
"Briefing Center now, I want all senior personnel attending immediately, the rest of the crew are to stand by for orders."
Frak, warp damned frak, I knew this was going to get worse Jastilus lamented, internally kicking himself for his idiotic decision to investigate those warehouses, that decision seemed to have brought him nothing but worse situations. He looked up to see Solaria hoping to catch his attention, indicating with a nod that they needed to move. Double timing to catch her step Jastilus began to investigate what's going on.
"I take it this is isn't about a luxury vacation, or early retirement?" he asked dryly, recent events had drained his good spirits.
"It's about our mission, it's probably best the Inquisitor explains it more, but I'm worried, it's not often he seems so, serious." Solaria's usually sanguine voice could barely conceal the worry, as they entered the briefing center Jastilus took note of the holo-displays of various planets, the electronic blue glow cast long shadows across the walls and gave everyone's skin an unnatural tinge, recognizing his own world among them did little to calm Jastilus's nerves. Whatever was going on seemed focused on this sub-sector, in the middle of the room was a large holo-table that sat inactive, squat body waiting to display all manner of tactical information, the group spread out around the table, members of the retinue perching on the stools fixed around it, while members of the crew, Engineers, the Quartermaster, and Senior deck hands as well as the security detail remained standing, everyone was quiet, hesitant to start chattering in the tense atmosphere of the dimly lit ops center.
The tension increased as the door slid open, the Inquisitors bulky armour blocking most of the light resulting in the ominous silhouette that approached the table, Jastilus pondered that he hadn't ever seen Inquisitor out of armour, while he didn't appear an overly paranoid man Jastilus wondered is he ever took it off, as Kasteel took position at the head of the large table, silence of the room somehow increasing as he took place. The Holo-table flickered into life, electronic hiss softly filling the room as the Display of a Hive world floated above, green light shining brightly within the darkened room, the planet had one Hive city located on the coast of the northern continent, spires rose far above the ocean surrounding much of the city. Jastilus immediately recognized the world as Hermenia Secondus, his House frequently traded with Guild from the world, a liberal attitude to official policies had brought it wealth, which it was eager to make use of.
"Most of you know our mission, however some of you do not, I will do my best to keep this brief, but I think it's for the best we go over this. The fate of an Imperial world depends on it, if we fail we may well lose more than just the world and it's several hundred million inhabitants." Kasteel voice was grave, his eyes scanned over his assembled acolytes as he spoke, gauging their reactions before he continued.
"We arrived here, on Mercrus Prime following leads on Xeno-tech trading, passing Imperial vessels were suspicious of the Nobles houses, Guilds, Trade Unions and such, so the Ordos Xenos wanted it Investigated. However I understand that limited trading can benefit the Imperium, the Tau empire on the eastern fridge occasionally trades with border worlds with little consequence, My initial plan was to confirm whether the Tech being bought posed a danger, and when I found out some frak-head from a backwater planet got spooked out by some irrelevant crop harvester, or fancy auspex we would leave to find the actual threat. However, however it seems there are rumours, dark rumours circulating amongst the merchant crews about strange happening on Hermenia Secondus. Illicit Xeno-Tech trading, disappearances, gang turmoil, the list goes on." The Inquisitor paused, eyes fixing with Jastilus's, steely eyes questioning the resolve of the noble, looking for understanding of the situation.
"As it stands, we have followed the trail here, the trail now points towards the planet of Hermenia Secondus. What I first suspectedwas a minor infraction could pose a significant threat. We will leave immediately, it will take several days warp travel to reach our destination, I want everyone prepared for the worst, while we have received no calls for aid, or distress signals I'm not taking any chances, my sources have indicated a major threat active in the area, and I plan on listening to their warnings"
The voice of Sgt. Nixios interjected with a hint of contempt at the Inquisitors words, surprising Jastilus as up until now, their brief interaction had painted Nixios as a highly professional career soldier.
"My lord, your sources are, how can I put this respectfully..."
"Sgt. I have the up most faith in the Emperor's Tarot, which has corroborated my sources warning, there is a grave threat in the area. My sources are beyond reproach from anyone but myself, this is not an open subject." The inquisitor's voice came cold, anger laced his speech but years of practice meant he covered it with poise.
"Of course my lord." Sgt. Nixios's face remained a stone carving, barely even displaying any hint of anger at the verbal dismissal just received.
"Does anyone else care to interject? No? Good, start getting your personal equipment stowed and prepare for warp travel at eighteen hundred, dismissed."
With that the crew filtered out of the room, returning to their duties, and to inform their subordinates of the news. The mission was just beginning.