"Your studying of the xenos has a two fold application," I told her, adopting a professional air. Xenos archaeology was not my forte, but a basic understanding of the curriculum was required as an interrogator. Emmaline receiving a crash course in the subject would have happened one way or the other as my aide. Better to let her think it a unique item of study for the mission and not a boring task for her to learn because of the slim possibility she might need such knowledge someday. "Somehow the Igantius family is connected to Bahometus and this key-" 

I produced a box of blessed ceramite and opened it to reveal the strange artifact from Tallarn. It seemed dead and unsuitable for anything save a token set piece. Even if one were to lack a superstitious mind unlike the more learned of the Imperium, the fact this artifact was connected to a chaos sorcerer was disturbing, and enough to classify it as [i]daemonium artificium[/i]. I closed the box before anyone had to suffer looking at it any longer. 

"It is inevitable that he will try to separate us. Let him. It will give me a chance to look around relatively unmolested, and you to try and gather what information you can from him. I advise you not to go down any path you are uncomfortable with, but getting him to talk or brag on unique hobbies or items of his private collection would be a good start. Have him show you the tour of his home. Anything you find with a language you don't recognize, any item you have never seen before, any doors he wants to remain closed. When we reconvene for dinner or any other pertinent time, report to me." I said to her, speaking clearly and deliberately so it might sink in. I motioned for Lazarus to present his addition, pulling out the ruby that had been set in the tiara and the sapphire ring that displayed holy terra. "The jewelry we have from Hostas's venue is ours, or yours. I have had Lazarus install a small locator and communicator on the ring, beneath the precious stone. Turn the gilded signet to notify me of anything or to give me an inkling of your whereabouts. I, myself, blessed the ruby and placed it on the golden thread to wear as a necklace. Any residual corruption or chaotic influence should be nullified by its presence, if only marginally."

The woman gathered the jewelry in her hands and seemed a bit perturbed. I felt for her, as much of this now rode on her shoulders, if only for the moment. I wanted to say something more intimate, but that would be for if we lived. Lazarus turned back to the cogitator and patched into the Caledonia for the next phase in preparations. 

"You needn't worry, I'll be more at risk in all likelihood." I said to her, though I doubt it would help or seemed even believable. I [i]did[/i] intend to go places Julius Ignatius was not counting on. Placing the comm to my ear, I cleared my throat as Lazarus completed the link. Static blurted into my skull for a few moments before Urien's voice came through, cutting into the feed mid sentence. 

"-hatches to get underway!" 

"Urien, status on the shuttle?" 

"Kafk! Whvat?" He asked, having cursed surreptitiously. I sighed, wondering if they had even prepared to embark.

"The shuttle." 

"Yehs, ah will be theer in a few hours to pack yoo up." He said, blessedly confirming he was on schedule. Residual static buzzed and I turned the device to redirect the frequency. That was disturbing, this almost never happened unless something was wrong with the machine or there was something on the planet that misaligned the electromagnetic energy. Briefly I considered how Moldar had been so isolated for the last few thousand years, despite all of the trade and traffic to and from the planet. Perhaps there was something about the world that kept orbital traffic and ground communication to a minimum.

"I'll have to ask you to stay on planet when we arrive. I can't risk not having transport back until we've found something." 

"Ihll brig drinks!" 

"Bring a weapon." I ordered, and turned the comm offline. The door to the room kicked open, and Bolskar walked in with a handful of food in packed bags and balanced plates. He smiled like a hound dog, but thankfully held the drool. I approached him and pluched a sausage off a plate, biting into it. Still hot. "Put this down and get dressed. You're coming as my squire." 

"Squire?" He asked, his smile disappearing. 

"I'll prep you. Just get dressed." 
[hr] 
[i]Hours laters...[/i] 

Suitably refreshed, rested, and full bellied, the five-man team flew over the city towards the mountains in the distance. The noonday sun caused the white stone of Galinmarkke to gleam almost blindingly. I kept my head down and my mouth shut as we flew, drawing inward as the two barbarians spoke in their native tongue and Lazarus flew the aircraft with orders to remain in the vehicle until called. I did not want them to know we had a fifth person accompanying us, much less a former skitarii ranger. He even had his favored weapon with him. I just hoped I did not regret letting him bring it. 

I wore a smart suit, with dark polyester utility pants and a lightly tan button down flagrantly unbuttoned at the neck and collarbone to appear like the carefree dandy, with a fashionable long jacket and a study belt, both with pockets and small compartments filled with a repertoire of equipment to use in tight situations. On my jacket were varying medals, some of my own making and others forged reproductions. In my hands was my force staff, of a mere walking stick of an upper class Jovian elite. In five minutes, we would arrive.