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An Inquiring Mind The office of a reeve in District K-11 of Grevena hive isn't the most glamorous place on Corinthe, but it serves its purpose, one of which is receiving messages while the reeve is out.
Edric Neven would find a message on his personal cogitator when he returned to the office. While not noteworthy or abnormal on its own, the sender would spark interest. Arbitrator Leukala dan Hendrix had left a recording and it was not the best idea to let that sit and wait.
Her voice crackled over the vox, but it was clearly her. "Edric, a situation has come up which could use your attention. I've attached the coordinates to the location, and I request you attend immediately upon receiving this message."
All business, completely impersonal, at least until after a brief pause, in which her tone of voice warmed slightly. "I look forward to seeing you. Do not delay."
With that, the message ended, leaving the mentioned coordinates on display. A quick search would reveal the location to be a maintenance corridor at the edge of the district, and Edric, having worked with Leukala and the arbites before, would likely understand that it meant inter-jurisdictional work.
Whatever happened likely spilled over into the next district, and if that was the case, Leukala had no authority to investigate.
However, a private reeve like Edric could do just that, at least so long as he did not cause any waves. Delaying his arrival would do just that, so it would benefit him to hustle along to the scene of the crime...
A bit of Extra Muscle In areas of less regard in the lower hives, good help can be hard to find. In times of need, those that pass as the authorities frequently turn to hired guns who are often no better than the baronial enforcers. There are few who are as premium as an Ogryn monster gunter like Krugg Ironjaw, and it just so happened that he was in the right place at the right time to draw the attention of an arbites underling.
The young lad, little more than a runner for the law, found the Ogryn in one of the few recreational establishments capable of accommodating someone of his size. Though it was clear he hadn't originally intended to talk to the imposing abhuman, his prospects were drying up and he was forced to do so.
"A-ahem!" He cleared his throat and approached. "I am Nathanial Thorpe, servant of Arbitrator Leukala Hendrix, District K-11 Arbites Precinct, and I have need of your services, loyal servant."
He didn't immediately give Krugg an opportunity to respond, but held up a dataslate in both hands, head bowed, and offered it to the ogryn.
"You will be adequately compensated for your participation in an ongoing investigation. The details are uhm... on this dataslate," he paused for a moment, as if he worried the ogryn might not be able to use such a small device, much less read. "Y-you can just follow me if you prefer, but we need to hurry. The lady Arbitrator does not like to wait..."
With his piece said, it was up to Krugg to agree, and whatever he decided upon, the young lad was more than happy to lead him to the scene of the crime...
The Scene of the Crime Upon arriving at the scene, the two would find an arbites cordon set up, blocking off the local area from pedestrian traffic and securing the crime scene from any more tampering than would have already have occurred. There were a number of arbites troopers patrolling the area leading up to the maintenance corridor.
The most noteworthy thing, however, was the number of extremely well-equipped skitarii observing from within the cordon. Each wore the colors of Corinthe, but did not look like rank and file. These were high-end elites, the best-of-the-best.
Whatever had gone down here had drawn the attention of some rather interesting individuals, it would seem. Those types rarely came to a district like K-11, especially in the back ends like this. The place was filthy and run-down, the circular maintenance tunnel looked more like a sewage pipe than its intended purpose, and the area surrounding it was filled to the brim with shoddily constructed slum housing spread through the native architecture. Very little, if any, was up to code...
On the side of the arbites, Leukala was organizing their efforts, but for the time being, it seemed they were entirely focused on ensuring that nothing interfered, rather than actually investigating.
Edric's arrival would draw her attention and she would raise a hand to wave him over and get him through the security line. Krugg, whenever Nathanial managed to lead him to the scene, would be directed to her as well. If others were going to be joining them, they were certainly late.
Post by Krugg Ironjaw on May 15, 2024 10:47:21 GMT
The Ogryn glanced at the young man, and then at the dataslate, and then at his own large hands before shaking his head. "They do not make slates for someone like me, yes? Would not want to break all of the little buttons!" He threw his head back and chuckled. "But there is job, yes? Then I am your Ogryn!" He nodded and gestured to imply he would follow. "Come! We should not be keeping Lady Ar-bee-tray-tor waiting!"
Post by Nyla Diachenko on Jun 4, 2024 14:37:20 GMT
IS KILLING A CLONE STILL MURDER?
Nyla Diachenko, District K-11
The guard does not know about murder. Those youthful enough to be pushed into the rank-and-file only learn that what they are killing cannot be considered murder. Perhaps that's what makes guardsmen the greatest murderer? Taught from young that they kill, not murder? How the traumatic experiences engineer their mind to be the most sadistic, most calculating murderer out of all in a hive? No matter.
A strange assignment had arrived at the side of her platoon commander, which later then was brought to the small scout. An assignment like no other.
Travel was an exclusive thing that was brought for the scout; a flight vehicle that would drop her to a step off point, only for her to then use a grav-train to further expedite the time it would take her to arrive at the location.
And arrive she did. The Corinthean Scout lugged a light pack over her shoulders and let a set of goggles to dangle from her neck as she arrived at the cordon of District K-11. Notably familiar with the presence of Arbites, she felt comfortable to approach them - Having to push and shove past a couple bystanders before arriving at the cordon.
"Hello - I'm looking for.." A moment of silence. One hand moves to the side compartment of her flak vest; which over the armour components had some webbing for the purpose of carrying magazines, smoke grenades, snacks.. and other miscellaneous items. She produced from said pouch compartment a small starch-yellow note that had been folded haphazardly, and from there it was unfolded and the name recited, "Investigator James Brennan.." Her voice sounding almost unsure. Another split second of awkward silence as she turns the note over and holds it so that the arbiter(s) she was conversing with could read the name.
Upon approaching the security cordon, the nearest guard, some arbites underling or flunky of some sort, moved a few steps to intercept. He seemed about ready to turn her back when she started mentioning she was there to meet someone. He was about to reply when he was cut off, yet again, so he sighed in frustration.
"That'd be me," another man remarked from nearby. He turned around and detached himself from a conversation he was having and raised a hand. Tall, lanky, and scruffy looking, the man did not inspire confidence at a firstr glance by any stretch. He did take a moment to cast his lho stick to the ground and stamped it out. "Let her through, I'm expecting her."
The guard begrudgingly does as requested and allows Nyla through. Brennan smiled pleasantly, though there was a hint of mischief to the lob-sided grin. "Glad you could make it. When I requested back up, I wasn't expecting them to send the guard, but i'll take what I can get, yo-hold that though."
He raised a hand above his head and waved it about, and placed the other along his mouth to direct his voice a little better. "Oi! Krugg, big guy, over here!"
Brennan waved frantically, trying to get the the Ogryn's attention. "Ignore those bootlickers and," he held a hand out to the nearby guard as if requesting he ignore that. "Not you, pal. -- Just, get over here!"
Krugg's escort looked up at the Ogryn and shrugged. "The arbitrator was going to brief you, but I suppose you are assigned to Investigator Brennan. You might as well check in with him, it'll take a bit of work off her back. I'll let her know."
With that, he scurried off to do his duty.
Krugg's arrival seemed to be a highlight for Investigator Brennan, who grinned even wider. "Pleasure to work with ya again, buddy. Most of the crew is already workin' hard, or off doing something else, so I'm happy to have you, since this is some big news."
"Anyway, follow me. I'm getting tired of waitin', so if anyone else shows up, they can sort themselves and catch up," he turned, stuffed his hands into his pockets, and started walking up towards the service tunnel. "This isn't exactly my jurisdiction right here, but 's far as I can tell, this didn't happen here, either. So, my suspicion is it may carry over into my turf."
"Oh, right, I don't know anythin' yet, so hold yer questions until we're briefed," he paused momentarily and looked to them, then back at the tunnel. "Also, I don't know what protocols anyone follows here, but ... best behavior, this is some heavy dreck."
As they pass through the mouth of the tunnel it is clear that it is a place of passage, as well as someone to throw refuse. A simple trail lines the center, but trash is heaped up all around, which isn't too surprising considering the place is mostly surrounded by slums.
There was only one skitarii guard at the entrance who let them pass without trouble, and beyond that, there was a woman standing part-way through who turned to face them and fixed her striking blue eyes on each of them in turn. As far as it appeared, she wore nothing but the robes of the local mechanicus, not even boots.
"Chief special investigator in-charge for Baron Johannes III, James Brennan -- and team -- reporting for assignment," he stated in a particularly clear and formal fashion, as if he was addressing his own baron, except perhaps even more reverently.
The woman's lips curled up in a sly smirk as he spoke. "Investigator Brennan..." she turned to the others, paused briefly, and then continued. "Krugg Ironjaw, and Nyla Diachenko, it appears. We are Archmagos Ksenia Vail, Fabricator-General of Corinthe, and we require your assistance."
She stepped to the side and gestured to a body lying in the trash near her feet. "Though we are aware of much of what happens upon our world, some things do escape our notice. We would like you to find out who murdered us."
It was a strange statement under any circumstances, but there was no doubt about it. The body lying in the refuse appeared identical to the woman standing before them, except she wore boots.
Krugg walked over and looked at the body, examining the face the clothing, and noting the boots. Stroking his slab of a chin, the abhuman turned to face the living woman and gave her the once over as well. "Hmmm" A thumb larger than a child's wrist jerked towards the living woman. "You are both similar... Is maybe twin? No... is too similar... Clones? Could be. Adep-Ade-" He grumbled, hating it when he stumbled over words. He took a deep inhale, allowing the moment to remind himself he was in the presence of very very important people, and losing his temper meant no job. And no job meant no gear. Or food. Or anything really.
"Tech-priest. They have many strange machines... Maybe clone is one yes?" His knowing look turned to a frown. "But... one thing is puzzle... Why does this one have boots... and this one does not? Is to mark which one is original or clone?" The frog puffed out its throat pouch, as if unsure. "No? You are thinking it is something else? Hmm... Is curious."
Having been second guessed by his amphibian friend, he turned his attention back to the very very dead corpse on the floor, more particularly to what killed them.
Last Edit: Jun 21, 2024 0:38:49 GMT by Krugg Ironjaw
Post by Nyla Diachenko on Jun 22, 2024 21:35:04 GMT
IS KILLING A CLONE STILL MURDER?
NYLA DIACHENKO
Nyla frowned in confusion as the Archmagos had the base knowledge of her name - What else did she know of? It did not matter. Anya shook her head slightly, dropping her pack beside the investigator and stepping forward sheepishly after the large ogryn figure had stepped away himself. She squatted down, using the stock on her lascarbine as a way to balance her nimble-self comfortably, frowning slightly as she went over the uncanny and identical appearance of the cadaver compared to that of the living archmagos, often shooting a glance up towards the Archmagos before looking back down towards the clone, then back up.
"The guard d-doesn't really deal in investigatin' bodies as much as we do.. making.. making them." She already cringed at her little comment, but kept her gaze stuck on the body - Inspecting any wounds or anomalies in the body's surface. A shot through the heart would be easily spotted - The insertion point of a needle? Not so.
At that moment Nyla seemed to narrow her eyes almost like a cat would, she could still hear outside auditory stimuli- but her mind, focused so in the details surrounding the body, would simply block them out. She wanted to show her worth, to prove she was more than just a runt in the scout. And this was exactly how'd she do it. Maybe this could even earn her a promotion? Maybe even get her a new selection of equipment at the quartermaster? Regardless, it demanded high focus - and Anya had that focus to offer to these people.
Post by Silas Schwarzer on Jun 25, 2024 1:23:55 GMT
"Attention, Imperial Citizens! You are in the presence of Sir Silas Schwarzer! The Green Knight! Scion of House Schwarzer, Inheritor of the Blade of Koto! Guardian of the Ancestral Grove! Winner of the 304th Tournament of Blades!---bzz"
The small servo skull floated on to the scene, a vox caster on its mouth announcing the presence of Silas. With a wave of his hand, the servo skull stopped and Silas bowed softly to the present. His green clothes, covered by a regal, yet simple in design brown cloak, were embroiled with minimal symbols of his House. But there was no mistaking it - he was the Knight Scion.
On his hips a blade and a bolt pistol rested. Outside the scene, the shadow of one or two men stood. Certainly the people of his personal House Guard.
"Hello. May i inquire to the nature of what is going on here?"
His voice was calm and polite, but commanding none the less. His eyes moved around, trying to match his gaze to each one of the present.
The house Schwarzer servo skull did its job. It pulled the attention of just about every living being in the area, especially those around the security cordon. The only ones who didn't seem to register the announcement were the handful of Adeptus Mechanicus adepts and their skitarii guards.
A duo of young men in service of the local arbites precinct eyed Silas nervously, doubly so as he started to approach the line. Someone big and important like a member of a baronial household was far more than they were used to dealing with. They exchanged nervous glances and hushed comments before one turned away and went about flipping through information on a dataslate. The remaining lad cleared his throat.
"Well, your excellency, er, lordship, sir," the guard stammered, clearly unaccustomed to addressing nobility. "There is an active investigation underway, but I -uh, we are not at liberty to discuss the details at this time."
Just as he finished speaking, the second guard tugged his sleeve and they turned to huddle up and discuss something. After viewing the dataslate for a few moments, they turned back to Silas.
"It seems that a missive was sent to house Schwarzer about the multi-jurisdictional investigation, but uh, we were expecting someone else," he suddenly held up his hands in a defensive fashion. "Not that you aren't allowed to take their place, by all means yo-"
The second guard slapped his arm with the back of his hand in frustration. "Stop rambling and just let him through."
"Oh, right! Uh, sir, lord Silas, sir, you're free to pass," he turned and gestured towards a maintenance tunnel nearby which led between district K-11, which was unclaimed by any baron due to being functionally useless, and a district held by baron Johannes III, a neighboring baron for house Schwarzer. "If you head up to the maintenance tunnel you should be able to meet with the investigation party."
With their job done and their piece said, they got out of the way so he could pass.
"An astute observation," Magos Vail replied. "We are merely one of many, as was this one, but neither of us can claim to be the first."
Not many ogryn would pick up on such a detail, but Krugg wasn't just an average ogryn. To realize that the two women were clones was a feat few of his peers could claim, but even other ogryn of his caliber may not have realized the oddity of only one having boots.
"The duties I had been assigned did not require the allocation of additional equipment," the magos turned to look down at her fallen comrade. "This one had been meeting with the high monarch and his council earlier in the cycle, but had not reported back. Such a meeting, at minimum, required boots."
"Which brings us to the reason you are here," she continued. The question could have addressed them all, but seemed particularly directed at Nyla. "We are not easily slain, thus whomever accomplished this feat is either equally dangerous, or possessed sufficient numbers to overwhelm us."
Nyla's investigation of the deceased revealed a number of small, superficial wounds along their limbs, but concentrated across their arms, like defensive wounds. None had been serious by any means, and would have been easily tended to by a medicae and healed in short order. There appeared to be a single, larger wound to the center of her torso where she had been stabbed or impaled upon a sharp, jagged blade.
"We expect this investigation to be somewhat perilous, especially if the attacker or attackers are still involved. You need not engage them, merely locate them and discover their identity," the magos' lips curled up in a sly, but faint, smile. "We will handle the rest. But be prepared. They will assuredly wish to remain hidden from our notice and clearly have no reservations about killing."
Investigator Brennan lit up a fresh lho stick and took a deep breath. "Any leads to begin with? Enemies, rivals, anything of the sort to look into? And why here, what were they doing in this dump?"
"We do not have any leads, but we can tell you this. There are many that do not approve of our meddling in their affairs and with what they consider to be theirs, but there are few among them who would be foolish enough to strike out against us."
"As for their presence here? That eludes us. They were to report back after the scheduled meeting, but did not. They should never have been in this district."
Brennan muttered to himself for a moment and then spoke up after a drag on his smoke. "So, they dumped the body."
"It is a certainty."
He grinned. "Which means someone will have seen them do it. We have a place to start. It's not glamorous, but shaking down the locals is a specialty of mine."
He tossed the lho stick to the ground and stamped it out under his boot. "It is time to get started. We'll let you know if we have any questions, magos Vail. Your killer will be found."
"I believe that they will," she stuffed a hand into her robe and pulled out a small device. "If you find them, or discover that you are in over your heads, press that button. We will ensure your safety."
"The same cannot be said for anyone else..."
Brennan turned to Krugg and Nyla while he pocketed the device. "Well, we have our orders. I'll check in with the arbites quick and let them know what to look for over here. They have a local investigator that can handle it. We'll start on the other side."
Post by Krugg Ironjaw on Jun 29, 2024 23:45:22 GMT
The ogryn scratched his chin with a massive ham-hock hand. To him, having clones seemed... well... wasteful. Stretching out who you are multiple times? It sounded like when you had to pad out your rations with filler. Eventually you had more filler than rations, and that was never good! "Hm. True, is tricky. But I could be killing something like this, If i was inclined, yes?" He nodded sagely, and exchanged a look with Frogge, the three-eyed amphibian seemingly refusing to comment at this time. The Grandiose entrance of the noble went entirely unnoticed, or ignored, by the Ogryn, who nodded along to what the Magos was saying, before shrugging to himself. "I can try, yes? But If they are being trying to Kill me... Fair is fair."
He turned to Brennan and shrugged "In this I am working for you, yes? So you tell me to go? I will go. Just because I speak big words does not mean I need to all the time. Sometimes is nice to do simple thing. But if you point me in direction of people, I can always use Ogryn charm! I have been told I have Im-penny-tray-bul will!" He beamed a grin at the man. It was at this moment Frogge bulged out its throat sac, alerting the Ogryn to the presence of the others. "Aha! I am Krugg, yes? Krugg Ironjaw. If we are working together, be sure and be hiding behind me when fighting starts!" The ogryn burst into peals of laughter before continuing "I make very good shield. Can protect many little ones."
The Frogge half-croaked again, and the Ogryn turned back to the Magos... or the clone of the Magos... Magi? He decided not to think too hard about it, rec-robes were red-robes after all. "Krugg will be proving himself to Mechani- Mechanimech- to Vail and her people, yes? Will be good for both sides in long run! Haha!"
Post by Silas Schwarzer on Jun 30, 2024 5:15:06 GMT
The tall knight only nodded to the guards, giving them a calm smile before heading up the maintenance tunnels. His household guards stood outside, still connected to his vox bead in case he need to call them of course. Getting to the scene itself, he only managed to get the tail end of the conversation, standing quietly with both hands behind his back as he stood at ease. Only when what was said was over, he coughed to signal his presence "And the Emperor thanks you for that, Mr. Ironjaw. Protecting people is a valiant Endeavour in His service."
He turned, then, to Brennan.
"Sir Silas Schwarzer of House Scharwarzer and all that. I take it you are Investigator Brennan? You have been mentioned in the missive sent to my household."
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