>>40667478
"Hmm, Interesting. Did you know Mr. Diaz has lots of dealing in my system? I am rather surprised though, he and I got off to a rather rocky start"

>>40667529
this. everything right now screams trap.

>>40667529
>(We're not talking to anyone. This is how we personally are taking this Roman Diaz thing)

>>40667699
Watch our backs and get on high alert. Find Freidrick and Hera and inform them of the new information and maybe see if Va-Sera is looking for a husband.

>>40667733
Alarmist.

>>40667478
Caution and more footwork for our people. This could be a scheme for him to get more access, to get even, or jut good will. Until we know we continue on.

>>40667756
This doesn't seem like a trap to you?

>>40667799
It might be, it might not be. More knowledge is necessary.

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>>40667693
>>40667756
You decide that, while you won't abandon your plans outright, you'll at least be watching your back from now on. You have an uneasy feeling as you sit down, Helena, Frederick, and Jacobim soon joining you as food begins to be brought out. Helena notices your mood change and frowns.
"Governor, are you well?" She asks, tilting her head. "I analyzed the food and it appears to be well cooked and all ingredients well below their lethal dosage amounts."
>Helena is worried about us again. Our response?

>>40668102
Roman Diaz helped set this up. You're aware of our storied past, yes? I'm worried this is a ploy on his part to some end.

>>40668102
"Roman Diaz came up again. Seems he's the reason I was invited in the first place. As I only trust him to make a profit, I'm just wary as to what he might have planned."

>>40668102
"We have a problem. Diaz invited me here, for some diabolical reason. Be on your guard around him."

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>>40668144
>>40668164
>>40668197
You decide to come clean and not beat around the bush. "Turns out, the only reason I've been invited to this party is because of Roman Diaz... I'm worried this is some kind of ploy." You say, starting to cut up your food and trying to look less worried.
"Diaz? Don't you have a trade deal with him?" Jacobim asks. "Why should we worry from him? He probably got us invited as a way of paying us back."
Helena shakes her head. "It is because you came later than myself, but I've been on Valencia since a short while after its founding and... the governor had a storied past with the man. He suspected Diaz of supplying guns and technology to the feral Orks on Valencia after the governor chose to take a trade deal with the mechanicus rather than himself. The governor even accused him of heresy and had Diaz interrogated by the inquisition, though they found no evidence." Helena explains.
"If this is a trap, why are we still here?" Frederick asks. "Rogue traders are a tricky sort. Their every move is some plan to benefit themselves. He must be gaining something by having us here, I suggest we leave at once. For all we know, he's planning an assassination."
"Run like a coward?" Jacobim says, shaking his head. "The Emperor protects the faithful and brave. Furthermore, if we leave now it will discredit the governor in the eyes of all the other nobles here."
"A mark on one's reputation is preferably to death in most cases." Frederick says back. "The Governor isn't a soldier, he's a politician. He's expected to lead and only lay down his life for the Emperor when absolutely necessary."
"Surely we could take some measures to better protect ourselves here. I could consult with the local tech priests about getting a force field for the governor." Helena says.
>Seems our aides are divided. Who's advice should we follow? Or do we have our own suggestion?

>>40668382
Helena's idea is a good one. Id rather leave, but something tells me it's political suicide.

>>40668382
Leaving would be a overreaction. We just need to be on guard

>>40668382
We could make a fall home to make sure everything's fine. Wish we had a way to identifie someone working for Diaz, so we'll just have to keep our eyes peeled for now.

>>40668382
Seeing about getting a personal force field seems like a wise idea. It's a sensible thing to get in general, even if we weren't suspecting a trap.
.>>40668574
That said, a call home would be a good idea if possible. I'm thinking that if Roman Diaz has ill intent, he means this party to be a distraction while he does something in Valencia.

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>>40668480
>>40668654
"I agree with Helena on this. Leaving now would be political suicide." You say. "However, I have a feeling the party is merely a distraction. I suggest we have the astropaths send a message to Valencia asking if anything is going on." Helena nods, standing up. "Very well, I shall make it so." She says, quietly excusing herself from the table.
You continue eating, Helena returning an hour later, when Fausta stands up on her dais, vox caster in hand. "Honored guests... I have narrowed my selection of suitors down to two choices. I do not make these choices lightly but, but these two most stood out among the crowd. Once I call their names, they shall be escorted into a back room for a final test." She says. You could hear a pin drop in the room for how silent it suddenly became. "My first choice is Sir Gregory Formont of the Belfrash Sector." She says and you see a man in an outfit almost as over the top as what Fausta is wearing. "And my second... John Erlwise Shabit of Valencia."
As you hear your name called, two servants approach you. "Come with us sir." They say as the other guests give half hearted claps, obviously disappointed over not being chosen. You are lead out of the room, passing a frowning Va-Sera on the way. Your mind races with what the final test could be. Some intricate ritual? Maybe trial by combat? You still couldn't believe you were chosen. "In here." A servant says, gesturing to an innocent looking door. You go inside to find yourself... in an office, Sir Formont already seated in front of a desk. On the desk is a large scroll bound up tightly, with two autoquills next to it. You take your seat, Fausta entering soon after. "Ah there we go, my two finalists." She says with a grin, handing you and Sir Gregory an autoquill each before unrolling the scroll. "Before you is a contract, signing over all of your land, possessions, and business holdings to the Helvera family, namely me. Whoever signs it shall be my husband."

>>40668968
>Our reaction?

>>40668988
Inwardly "So that was his plan, clever trader."

Outwardly "When I made the promise it would be as us together as equals, I will not lose or throw away what the people I've worked with have helped me build. I am sorry Fausta I cannot and will not sign the contract. May you and Sir Gregory have a happy life together. Ave Imperator"

>>40668988
Goodbye. Bitch isn't getting our planet

>>40668968
>Swerve this Bit
Man what idiot would trade his own planet for crazy money

>>40668988
Politely refuse, not going to happen

>>40668968
It's probly a fake contract made to show that we would trust her with our planet but i still say no simply on principle

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>>40669050
>>40669060
>>40669143
>>40669146
Your eyes widen for a moment. "Clever trader..." You think before standing.
"When I made the promise to marry you, Fausta, it was as equals. I will not throw away all that I and my people have worked toward to build. I am sorry, but I cannot and will not sign the contract." You look over at your competitor. "May you and Sir Gregory have a happy life together. Ave Imperator." You state firmly, turning to leave.
"John, wait!" Fausta says, holding up a hand. "Think about what you're doing... if you want to still govern your planet, I'll let you... this is merely a formality, securing my family's wealth." She says, taking a step towards you. "Think of all the money and prestige you're throwing away by walking out that door... we're nobility John, this is how we do things. Surely you saw something like this coming. A family like mine doesn't get this rich for nothing... you can be a part of that."
She holds out the auto-quill towards you. "Please... sign the contract."
>Our reaction?

>>40669217
What's that Sir Gregory guy doing? Reading over the contract?

>>40669217
"Fausta, Roman Diaz is a trader who ahs visited my system many times. We have a very rocky relationship at best. How long before he whispers in your our your father's ear in order to eke every bit of profit out of Valencia while Rendering me powerless? I respect you and your family, but by the Holy Throne on Terra I am always and ever my own man. I will not sell the work of my and my people's hand for wealth. I am sorry, but no.

>>40669287
I support this one

>>40669217
Nahhhh I think the privilege and wealth of owning our own planet is better than becoming a glorified bitch to this family

>>40669287
>>40669217

This sounds good, supporting.

>>40669217
Man we don't want to sell our soul to a she-devil, or at least the prominent daughter of a noble family that would then have the power to screw us.

>>40669386
I'd rather marry the daughter of some planetary governor than give up our planet. That planet is the most important thing to us

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>>40669287
>>40669303
>>40669320
>>40669382
>>40669386
"Fausta, Roman Diaz is a trader who has visited my system many times. We have a very rocky relationship at best. How long before he whispers in your our your father's ear in order to eke every bit of profit out of Valencia while rendering me powerless? I respect you and your family, but by the Holy Throne on Terra I am always and ever my own man. I will not sell the work of me and my people's hand for wealth. I am sorry, but no." You say, turning away and walking out of the room. You smirk a bit as you hear Fausta let out a angered groan from behind the closed door. You walk back out into the dinner hall, Frederick, Helena, and Jacobim approaching you.
"What happened?" Asks Frederick.
"What was the test?" Asks Helena.
"Should I arrange a marriage?" Asks Jacobim.
>What is our response?

>>40669489
'She wished for me to sign away our planet for her hand. I should be clear what I picked' Or something I'm shit at dialog

>>40669489
She wanted me to sign over everything to her and her family, who are very very good friends of Mr Diaz. I said no. Not selling all that has been built so it can be stolen away by a rogue trader and his friends. So no wedding. Still I made quite a few contacts and met several people interested in investing in our home. So the trip was still rather productive.

>>40669489
"She wanted me to turn over our hard earned work. She wanted to 'secure' her families wealth by taking what stake I had in Valencia to make me little more then a figure head. They could take away my right to rule at any time."

>>40669489
They say adversity is the test of character and power of the soul. I find I have a soul of my own and not anothers, the character part I leave to your judgment.

>>40669624
"Also on a more irreverent note apparently I'm quite the heart breaker."

>>40669489
"Let it never be said there was ever a more cunning son of a bitch than a rogue trader. As much as it pains me to give the compliment."

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>>40669570
>>40669544
>>40669536
>>40669624
>>40669672
>>40669708
"She wanted me to turn over our hard earned work. She wanted to 'secure' her families wealth by taking what stake I had in Valencia to make me little more then a figure head. They could take away my right to rule at any time." You say as you reach your table and sit down. "So I think it should be clear what I picked." You say, taking a sip of amasec. Soon after, a servant takes the stage. "Fausta Helvera has formally declared that she will be marrying Sir Gregory Formont. She and her husband-to-be have gone to begin planning the wedding. She would like to thank you all for coming and wish you a good night. Praise the Emperor."
You smirk. Fausta was probably too embarrassed to take the stage herself. You get up, starting to leave when Va-Sera approaches. "Hey, I heard what happened. I'm glad you stuck up for yourself." She says with a smile. "And hey, my system is fairly close to Krieg, and I know how you have your big partner ship with them... so if you're ever in the neighborhood, I would be honored to give you a tour of my planet. Though, being a deathworld, I don't think we can go too many places." She says with a laugh.
>Our response?

>>40669734
I would be honored. I imagine it'd be a hell of a time.

>>40669734
Sure thing back up bride

>>40669798
Pls don't say that I was joking

>>40669734
Do it. We need allies and a waifu.

>>40669734
Krieg sounds interesting, let's take the trip at some point.

>>40669734
"Oh I'm sure I could see some wonderful sights regardless. If its a deathworld and I'm a visitor do I have get one of those ridiculous hats and a giant game rifle that's hauled around by someone else? I hear that's the expectation at least for tourists."

>>40669958
It is a radiological wasteland that has massive factories. Not much to see.

>>40670005
You say that like its not interesting. On a serious note I think our governor would be more interested in the krieg regiments, and dining with the austere nobility discussing further agreements.

>>40670005
Given all the conflict Valencia is seeing and all the Krieg officers we are befriending, I wouldn't be surprised if our planet ends up that way. Seeing the worst of the worst and how they deal with things could help us prevent some awful thing from happening at home.

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>>40669766
>>40669798
>>40669814
>>40669905
You smile back, bowing. "I would be honored, Lady General Va-Sera." You say. "I bet it would be one hell of a time." With that, you exit the party, making your way back towards your ship. As you are on your way, you hear a beeping sound from Helena. "I just received a transmission from our astropaths..." She says, lines of text going across her cybernetic eye. "They say... Roman Diaz's ships have been over Zanterous One shortly after we left." She says, looking over to you with a worried face. "What could he be doing there?"
>Zanterous One is the first planet in the Zanterous system, the second being Valencia. It is uninhabitable, but Roman Diaz has stated in the past that he stores things there, though it seems strange that he would be there for almost an entire month. What do we make of this?

>>40669994
"Maybe get a pith hat like one of those praetorean gents."

>>40670085
Well shit he is either making a base to spy or attack us. That or he is just trying to freak us out. Either way I say we send in some probes or scouts to see what is going on down there.

>>40670085
Get Our ships to snoop around on it. Maybe put troops on the ground for threat assessment. After all the moon was hostile why not here?

>>40670085
I'm sure he wasn't banking everything on us getting hitched, more just getting us out of the picture. Alert and prepare planetary defences. Possibly he does something, nothing or he leaves before we get back. If he's still around just minding his business when we get back we'll have to give him a social call. I'd rather not provoke an incident in any case, that might be his goal too.

>>40670085
Another alternative is that we just flex our muscles and evict him from the planet. This would be more provocative and might result in a battle.

I still back my first plan.

>>40670085
Weird. Maybe he intends to claim the planet for himself?

For now let's ask him if he's in need of help, and thank him for setting us up with an invitation to Fausta Helvera's party.

>>40670239 Basically this.

>>40670085
We definitely should have planetary defenses raised. Decide on a course of action once we get back and can make an assessment

>>40670239
>>40670314
>>40670330
You ponder the situation. "Raise planetary defenses, but take no further action until we return. It could be nothing, but I have a bad feeling it isn't." You say as you climb aboard your family's space ship with Jacobim, Helena, and Frederick. You order for the ship to begin take off procedure and head straight back towards Valencia while you head up to your quarters to get some well needed rest.
>1d100+10 for how long our warp trip lasts

Rolled 17 + 10 (1d100 + 10)

>>40670440

Rolled 59 + 10 (1d100 + 10)

>>40670440
HRRRGGGG

>>40670466
Is low good or bad for this? Normally higher is better but I forgot how we did the warp time the last thread.

>>40670440
1d100 + 10

Rolled 95 + 10 (1d100 + 10)

>>40670440

>>40670504
thank god I suck
>>40670504

>>40670507
damn son

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>>40670466
>>40670491
>>40670507
>Rolls average to 67, a success
Just like your trip here, your trip back to Valencia is a short one, taking only 3 days. As you translate into the system, you spot Roman Diaz's ships parked over Zanterous 1... and you notice something else. Zanterous 1's usually yellowish atmosphere is looking more blue. Your ships start heading towards Valencia as you stare out the window at your rival's small fleet. Helena approaches you.
"Sir, should I have the communications officer hail Roman Diaz or do you wish to wait until you are back planet side?"
>Do we contact Roman Diaz now or from the safety of our palace?

>>40670589
Now.

>>40670589
Contact him now.

>>40670589
now

>>40670589
No time like the present

>>40670589
Contact now.
Say thanks for the party, even if we hate each other's guts can't ever be at fault for being polite.

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>>40670682
>>40670704
>>40670790
>>40670818
>>40670652
"Contact him now." You say, Helena nodding before saying something in binary cant to a nearby tech priest. A short few moments later and a holo pict of Roman Diaz appears on the table before you. "Ah Governor, back from your trip I see? I do so hope you enjoyed Fausta's company." He says with his ever present smug smile. "What can I do for you today?"

>>40670950
It was an interesting and productive trip. It was fruitful even if marriage wasn't in the cards. May I ask what is happening to the planet your ship is over?

>>40670950
I found her company....
distracting. It was a profitable trip though; new trade partners and what have you. I couldn't help but notice that the first planet is looking a little blue *make sad face*

>>40670950
"Eventful, though I'm sure that when I left that plant was a bit more yellow than blue"

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>>40670999
>>40671111
>>40671190
"I found Fausta's company to be... distracting. However, it was a profitable trip, made a few trade partners and what not. Can't help but notice the first planet in our system looking a little blue." You say, leaning forward. "What are you doing there Diaz?" You ask, raising an eyebrow.
Diaz laughs. "You are way too paranoid governor." He says, shaking his head. "I'm terraforming the place. You see governor, I like you. You interest me. So I've decided to make the home base of my dynasty right next door to you. We'll be neighbors." He says. "You don't mind do you? I mean, it's not like the planet was yours, nor where you going to do anything with it any time soon, correct?"
>Moving into another governor's system is highly unorthodox. What od we say back?

>>40671264

"That won't be necessary, Diaz. Thank you for your interest. Please remove your ships from the system."

Fuck this guy.

>>40671264
Pray tell how are you terraforming it so quickly? Of course I wouldn't mind you moving in, for a price.

>>40671264
"Well Diaz, I can't say I wasn't expecting anything, but this seems rather strange. I trust that you have the proper paperwork from the administratum handy, as even your world have to pay a tithe'

>>40671264
Alright, but I'm curious as to how you're terraforming how quickly.

>>40671264
He wants Valencia as bad as Va-Sera wants a wedding.

"I appreciate your quest for companionship Diaz, but your move is.... highly unorthodox. I fear our trade relation may become strained undersuch bold advances.

opwilldeliver.jpg

>>40671264
Hmm, there could be benefits to having an allied rogue trader as a next door neighbor.

Ask if he has colonists lined up, and if he'd like any aid we can reasonably provide (for a reasonable fee, of course) Of course this implies we'll have much closer ties in the future; increased trading and mutual defense.

If everyone else is opposed to this, I think we'd have to take it up with the administratum, and they don't really have control over rogue traders. I think.

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>>40671347
>>40671390
>>40671399
"Well, this is... unorthodox to say the least Diaz." You say, raising an eyebrow. "How are you terraforming this place so quickly?" You ask, Diaz chuckling. "A skilled trader never reveals all of his secrets, governor. Needless to say though, I'm only converting the atmosphere. I still need to transplant greenery and such to make this place fully hospitable. Maybe I'll take it from your planet. Well, I have much to do. Good bye governor." He says, ending the call before you can get a word in edge wise.You frown, but there was nothing you could do. An hour later and your ship is in orbit around Valencia and you are heading back down to the surface in a shuttle, ready to get back to governing.
>Month 29
>Months until Railway is finished: 3
It felt good when you walked into the office on your next day. Parties are fine but you prefer working and getting involved. It seems while you were gone, hunting parties of civilians have started to get past the check point in Valencia Quattor in order to kill heretics, xenos, and the mutants that reside down there. These parties are usually affluent youngsters or particularily fervent church goers, and most often lose much of their numbers before retreating back to the surface, where the check point guards arrest them.
>What should we do about these parties? We could encourage them to keep the heretic population down or we could try and prevent them to have less civilian deaths.

>>40671575
>We could encourage them to keep the heretic population down or we could try and prevent them to have less civilian deaths.
Praise their spirit but tell them to leave these matters to the Guard

>>40671575
If they want to go down, they have to enlist, men and women. Also being sending raiding and scouting parties down. Not to far, but far enough that we aren't surprised if they try to breach.

>>40671575
Don't encourage them but don't arrest them either. The ones who make it back are the one who are good enough too. But have the survivors checked for taint on return.

>>40671575
Tell the to join the Guard if they want to fight. Or form some sort of neighborhood watch to keep an eye out for heretic activity near the border. Just something to keep them busy and make them feel like they are helping.

also before we forget, we should set up a sports competitions between the cities

>>40671575

I want to file a complaint to the Administratum. Diaz does not have the proper licensure as a Rogue Trader and we are formally requesting to govern the system as a whole.

>>40671575
Make it into an annual city tradition

>>40671575
A new campaign for guard enlistment: lives are the emperor's currency; use them well. Point out the high casualty rates and that pepper training leads to proper heretic killing

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>>40671604
>>40671612
>>40671614
>>40671624
>>40671698
You decide to use this as an opportunity to boost recruitment, and begin making speeches, saying that while fighting the heretic is important, so is spending one's life wisely and that with proper training and equipment, one can kill more of the foul wretches of the under hive.
>1d100 for effectiveness of recruitment drive.

Rolled 78 (1d100)

>>40671812
doin this

Rolled 9 (1d100)

>>40671812

Rolling

>>40671812
Dice+d 100

We could use a few companies of special tactical units. The under hive would be the perfect place to raise such a force....

Rolled 62 (1d100)

>>40671812

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>>40671842
>>40671853
>>40671879
>Rolls average to 49.6, a partial success with a consequence
While your speeches do rile the religious types into guard recruitment, those of the wealthy upper class either ignore the warning, or begin raiding in greater frequency in open defiance of your orders. While this might keep the underhive population down, there is risk in people going to face the forces of chaos directly.
Now that we have some free time to govern once more, what shall we set our priority as for the first half of the month?

>>40672003
It seems not even the Emprah can cure human stupidity.
Well let's focus on moar railways/transpo

>>40672003
Better more prosperous farms for better food for our workers. Emperor knows a citizen with a full belly is a happy citizen

>>40672003
Focus on the needs of our farmers

>>40672003
Roman is onto something. We should boost security in case of an assault.

>>40672003
Will the railroad be fortified? Maybe occasional forts along the tracks to keep orks and donuts from touching or stuff

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>>40672056
>>40672077
You decide to funnel funding into Valencia Tertia's farming industry, remembering the complaints they had brought up earlier. While their farming equipment had been updated, it always helps to give more money to hire more workers and such.
You receive reports of some troubling news. Apparently raiders and bandits have been attacking the rail way construction crews, stealing equipment where they can. While the recruitment drive did lead to the creation of a 16th regiment of PDF, most of your regiments are stationed defending the various exits of Valencia Quattor. Pulling away soldiers could risk heretic attacks on the upper hive, but leaving the rail ways undefended could lead to completion of the rails taking longer. More disturbing, a few of the raiding parties were confirmed to be left over feral Ork tribes. Letting them raid could lead to them looting some technology.

>>40672196
Clearly we need to hunt down these raiders, we'll have to risk leaving the hive more lightly defended.

>>40672196
Temporarily seal off a few exits to free up some regiments to hunt the raiders.

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>>40672278
>>40672365
You order for some of the exits to be sealed off and to pull some guard regiments off to protect the railway... which we will find out about next thread.
>(Calling it a night here guys. I wanna thank everyone for coming out. Next thread will be Friday or Sunday around 7 pm. Hope to see you there)

>>40672398
Thanks for running!

>>40672398
Danke.
While Faustina would have been an interesting wife I'm proud we chose our integrity over her