Valley of the Skulls

"I have you two and my servants here; that should be enough. Seum, your and arbite talk to your brothers in arms, if you need a lead. Most of the problem is in the lowest levels of the hives, every few people travel down there anymore the levels above it are infested with hive gangers and scum, its hard enough keeping your head there let alone in the levels below them. My recommendation don't draw attention to your selves, keep your heads down, eyes and ears open." he turns and moves throught the door way.

"Gonna head to the nearest gunsmith, care to come along Seum?" Alaric says as he attempts to hail down a taxi.

Seum blinks at Alaric with some surprise.

"I'm uh...gonna get my leg reattached. I'm afraid if I wait too long I'll be shoppin for a prosthetic. Care to help a fella out and delay the spending a short bit?"

Seum scans the streets.

"I've no clue if the local forces will have medical care of the kind I need at their HQ, but if we head there first we can possibly get some info and directions for the best of both..."

"Damn, you do need some medical attention, don't you." Alaric ponders a bit.

"Well, lets get you to that base. We'll see if they want to re-attach it, or go cybernetic."

Alaric whistles loudly, attempting to wave down a cab.

A retro style checker cab pulls off the roadways in front of you, the doors swinging upward with a hiss. You climb in trying in vain to avoid the various stains; some still wet. A dank odor fills the cab as the doors close a run down servitor piloting the cab awaits for directions. "To the Arbitor Headquarters" Seum barks out with disgust "A quickly before i catch some warpborne diease from this filth."

Three ganger shootouts and 1 near crash that would have left you in some form of incinerator later the cab pulls up in front of the Arbitor HQ, a few new bullet scars and ruined front fender to show for the trip. The doors open and a small sign reads have a nice day please insert credit chip here 56 thrones.


A large gothic style fortress standards before you. 15' concret walls topped with barbed wire and dotted with heavy stubbers encircle the compound. Guards patrol every section of the walls. Large metal blast gates stand closed the only appearent entrance into the Arbite grounds. The HQ building itself stands 4 stories tall with ornate stainglass windows depicting the emperors victories. Sinper teams can be seen watching over the grounds below from the high roofs.

Seum pounds 3 assertive knocks on the gates.

He leans to Alaric, "I half expect a little green guy to pop out of a hole in the gate."

More loudly, "Arbitrator Seum Terre, investigator under High Inquisitor Jermaine."

One of the Gate doors opens enough for a large man in black carapace armor armed with a stun baton to step thru, behind him there are another set of closed doors and 2 more men armed with lasguns.

"I am Arbitor Regulator Castus" He introduces himself in deep synthic voice. "If you will supply your ID papers and accompany me to our holding room while we verify your credentials." He turns leading you thru a side door in the post of the premiter wall. You are lead to a large and very comfortable room,"I am sorry for the wait but I am sure you understand, Seum. I will send a medic in to examine your wounds while you wait. If you need anything else, please let the guards at the door know. You are not to leave this room until I return."

A few minutes later a Medic arrives and begins to examine your wounds. "Well, You are alive" he says with noticable disbelife. "A week in the med tanks should have you back to full health. You should thank the emperor, and if you have already I would do it again solider. I will arrange for the treatment, once you are cleared have them escort you down to the medical wing."

"I don't like being detained like this."

Alaric idly picks at a thread in the couch.

"We are under video surveillance of course. I wonder if they think one of us has cracked after the incident onsite."

Alaric glances around, seeing if he can spot the recording device.

"Dont give them a reason to detain you further Alaric. As soon as my credentials are known I'll get my leg made right and make it known you speak for me while I'm under. It will not be a wasted trip."

Seum sits down with a bit of pain but seems otherwise at ease once he's settled.

Alaric moves to a position which appears the least video surveiled and scowls.

A few minutes later Castus returns with your papers. "Sorry for the delay Seum, but everything has checked out. otherthen medical attention what can we do for you and your friend?"

Alaric glances over at Seum then returns his gaze to Castus "Do you have any leads on the cult that has been growning here?"

"So that is why you are hear... I know little my duties are restricted to the headquarters. Most of what we know are rumors, undead walking the lowest levels. We have sent a few small groups to investigate; none have reported back to my knowledge. My guess is some street gang has taken up residence down there add a little smoke and mirrors and some creative makeup and everyone stays out. I can set up a meeting with Venria our head intell officer, if anyone knows anything for certian it is her."

"I think that would be an excellent idea. I don't like going in with my eyes closed, so to speak."

Alaric nods thoughtfully.

"Also, do you have anything available for requisition for such missions?"

"I am not sure what you are looking for, but I can direct you to the appropriate shops if you let me know what you are looking for?"

"Castus, Alaric is one of my most trusted companions. Once
placed in stasis tank please accept his word as my own and give him access to Arbitrator resources that you're company is comfortable with. I know some areas may be off limits to him, but a week to be under is quite a long time for me to not be aiding in our investigation.
I will proceed to the med-care. Keep an open eye Alaric, I doubt Jermaine would have us chasing down rag-tag gangs, but who knows."

seum leans into Alaric for a cordial but opportunistic embrace of friendship, speaking lowly: "be cautious, no fuckin way it's some gang. We have no idea how far reaching this cult is yet, and not even the men in this building should be exempt. Oh, and no one touches my sword."

Seum nods to Castus, making haste to the medical unit.

"Take care now." Alaric parts with Seum, wishing him the best.

"I will check on you periodically. Perhaps things will move along faster than expected."

Alaric turns back to Castus "I am in need of ammunition, weapons attachments, perhaps a new sidearm if there is something nice..."

"Also, please advise me when I can meet with your intelligence officer, Venria."

"I can arrange the meeting whenever you wish, but i would advise waiting for Seum to be present, she will not spare much time so you may only get one meeting. As for the supplies there is a well stocked shop not far from here the Smoking Barrel they have a large selection of fire arms and some general supplies as well. I will have cadet Carrington drive you, let me know when you are ready and he will be waiting in the motor pool."

Approximately 6 days later, Seum wakes up. You are in a small room dressed in a typical hospital gown. There is a locker in one corner, and nightstand beside your bed. A small machine monitors your vitals, and you have a small IV in your left hand. You remember little about your time in the tank.

"Suck me sideways," as he takes a long stretch and surveys the room. Seum proceeds to dress and re-equip his arms, placing shells in his shotgun and strapping his sword to his back.

"Hope Alaric is still alive."

He walks out the door to find his companion or the nearest Arbitrator.

You find alaric in a large common room attempting to avoid all security cameras; he doesnt seem to realize the guilie suit just doesnt blend as well as it should.

Alaric looks up suspiciously before recognizing Seum.

"Patched you back together just fine, didn't they? Legs alright?"

"I'm a bit groggy, but otherwise good to go. Have you learned anything while I was under? Did you purchase any equipment?"

"I thought it best if you were able to hear firsthand any information we can get from their intelligence officer, as well as accompany me to the gunsmith for any gear you may need. I wasn't sure what you would want, if anything."

"We can have the meeting with Venria, their intelligence officer, immediatelly."

"Let us find castus and proceed to vanria's department. I'd rather keep moving than sit still anyhow."