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[adwarf]

Trent looked at the man with slightly sad expression as he spoke, "You seem to misunderstand things Roim, I armed Xenos but that is not a crime, the laws of the Church have no problem with my actions as long as I did not treat them as equals. I treated them well, and you did not know them like I did, even if I ordered them to surrender they would not have gave up, and those militia I assembled where the remains of my Father's army that had disbanded after you took control, they sought vengeance against you and I tried to appease them without blood shed."

"Your accusations of breaking my vassalage to Averys is wrong, my vassalage is a special thing that is placed upon the second son of every Salyar generation. Once my family tried to rise up against Nova, we caused a war that lasted ten years and killed half the population of our two houses, in payment every since then the second son of Salyar is commited to the one person of House Nova who will make the strongest Matriarch, Averys was chosen for this and I was pledged to her. She would not know of this nor would anyone but the Adviser of Nova and my House which must bear this shame."

Trent smiled at Roim as he paused, these things were sad facts he tried to forget, but trying to forget had lead to far worse occurrences. Taking a breath he continued, "Why would I betray the one that I first fell in love with Roim? The actions I've taken were to try and ensure peace between House Nova and the Church, I vowed long ago that I would do anything to give Averys an Empire that would rival the Church itself in power, all I do is to accomplish this vow. Averys treasures House Nova, and that means I must do anything to protect it, that includes becoming a vassal to Church if I must do so, and I have for that is what must be done. If you read the edict I brought from the Church you will see it states me as a Lay Deacon, yes, but it also claims those lands to repay the damage House Nova's actions have caused."

"This claim of lands of course is solid if backed by my right to the lands that were once mine, you see this as a power grab, but it is a necessary action. Long ago I came to you asking for rights to land, you denied me that right, and now use that denial as an excuse to declare it a power grab? No that is complete lie, I did not do it for a power grab, I did it save House Nova, by claiming that land I planned to forge what this world needs. Manufactorums, Shipwrights, Colleges, Labs, and far more that would advance House Nova into space, and put us a step closer to saving Averys. I accepted the deal with Archon of my own will so that Averys would be saved from your stubbornness, you blame the Archon and the entire Church for what happened, but in truth when push came to shove you denied the one plan that would get Averys back. I accepted the Archon's plan because it was the way to save needless blood-shed and now you've ruined it, do you realize what you've done today? Your actions give more and more basis for House Nova to be wiped out." With that he fell silent, he would wait for a reply, or wait for his punishment. It did not matter to him, only that single goal remained for Trent, and the man who made that so stood before him yet he felt no anger, just sadness.

[Sheb]

So there were enough of them left to form a regiment. Well, Aerthius, I hope I won't hear you bragging about your hunting talents anytime soon. I'll have to interrogate a few, but that could clear you of one of the accusation.

You still encouraged them to fight to the death in a fight they had no chance to win. I have written proof of this. This is not the way of a leader Trent. Arming Xeno may not be against Canon Law, but it is against morality and common sense. We have millions of the buggers roaming around the land, and it is only through tight control that we managed to prevent rebellions. You are guilty of that one.

By your own admission, you broke your oath. "Just as on soul cannot serve two heavenly Lord, one body cannot serve to earthly ones." Bonds of vassalage are sacred Trent, you cannot just go around and make new one as you wish. How are you to be trusted if you cannot respect the most holy of oath?

There is my judgement Trent. I believe your actions where stupidity rather than malice. I am willing to give you another chance, but you'll have to earn my trust again. You are relieved of your duty as Head Researcher, and are banned from raising even a bodyguard again. You'll be sent to Castellum Fidelis, to be judged by Archon Luthias for those accusations outside my juridiction. And you'll have to decide which oath of fealty you'll break, and do penance for that breaking.

Then you might come back, and if you are indeed interested in helping Aeverys, we'll work together, rather than in opposition.

So said I, Roim Scaleskinner, Justice of the House of Nova.

[adwarf]

"If that is your judgement so be it Fool King, I just ask you one thing before we part ways. Where is the repentance for your crimes? With that Trent looked at Roim, his eyes showed that he would no longer reply to the Fool King, but even then he expected an answer from the man.

[Sheb]

Where are my crimes?

[adwarf]

What Roim said made Trent smile, "Ignorance is bliss as they say, you two have more in common then I thought, forget what I've asked Fool King. Instead I have a request, could you return my sword and pistol to me, they were both gifts from people special to me and I'd like to have them before we part ways. Just know this Roim I don't seek revenge against you nor will I ever seek it, keep in mind it can eat at a person and make them into something they weren't, I am a prime example of that. I've let it consume me to long to return to the person I was once, may we meet again on better terms." With that Trent looked away into the distance, he could see a lone mountain in the distance, yet he seemed to be looking beyond that, into the sky perhaps.

[Sheb]

((Man, I've been reading about the Investiture Controversy and the Indulgences. I find it really ironic that in this universe, it's a Refomer that ask for land to pay for sins. :p Anyway, I was wondering if we could have those kinds of shenanigan here. The problem is basically that we don't have a rich background, so any party in the conflicts could claim tradition or Church doctrine on his side. So I've got a proposal: unless stated otherwise by the GM, traditions, doctrine, policies and law are assumed to be transposition of 11th century medieval equivalent. Agreement?))


"They'll be sent with you to Castellum Fidelis, Luthias will hand them back to you if he judges it wise."

After sending Trent back to his quarters, Roim started writing a letter that would travel to Castellum Fidelis along with Trent.

Spoiler: Letter (click to show/hide)

Your Highness,

Over the last few weeks, one of your vassal has caused untold trouble on Novan land. The man, Trent of Saylar, raised a posse of Xenos and turned himself on the countryside, using his Deaconhood as an excuse to throw people out of their home, seize their possessions and force them to join his militia, all because of his greed for land and status.

He refused all appeal to reason, sending his men and beasts to die rather than concede defeat.

Such actions are totally inadmissible coming from a man of the Church. I hope you'll give him an appropriate punishment and keep your vassals from wrecking havoc in the future. I'd hate to have to ask the Inquisition to come on Si'kar and deal with such matter themselves.

Yours faithful,

Roim Scaleskinner


P.S. It turns out that this man was also our Head Researcher. He of course has been removed from his position, and given his actions, I must consider all his past engagement to be void. If you still require the service of our scientists, pray send me a letter with the various projects they'll be working on.

[Ardas]

((Investiture controversy suits me. its pretty much a power strugggle between the termporal and spiritual rulers over the land and people. But you should remember one thing: you are not as  powerful as HRE Emperor. Besides, its adwarf's idea with landgrab, not mien.))

[Sheb]

((Yup, the mine difference is that the Pope didn't have an off-world army backing him. But anyway, power is defined in game, not set in the lore. If I can get away with claiming power over the bishops, I'm as powerfula s the HRE. If you manage to slap me in the face, Im' not.

As for the landgrab being adwarf's idea rather than yours, Roim has no way to know it, and even if he knew it, he'd act as if he didn't, for it's much better to embarass you.))

[Ardas]

Sol Sons...
Imposing men they were, their custom-crafted armor showing off craftsmanship and power unmatched since the collapse of empire. Only finest of terran craftsmen were able to forge such weapons and armour, and it showed the pedigree of these soldiers.
their heavy electromagnetic guns would pierce any armor and cause damage inomparable with that of a laser or bolter.
And even though they were mercenaries, their loyalty and blood could not be more true. terran blood flowed in their veins and they respected their employers with hard and efficnet professionalism.

They would form a vanguard of Luthias' assault. Blood of Terra would cleanse Si'kar and make it a world fit for mankind.
Hire Sol Sons. They will form the vanguard of the advance on xenos.
Crusade is declared.
Recruit milita for the remainder of the money. They are to serve as auxilaries to the heavier units.
Morning Star is to provide direct aerial support in form of bombing and command centre for Luthias. Aurora is to remain in orbit and provide satellite mapping and comm support.

-------------
Luthias has already boarded 'Morning star', his onboard quarters looking similar to his office in Castellum Fidelis; books, dark wood and marble, with sizeable window looking out of the starboard. In the adjacent room, a well soteck personal armory already containe the custom aromr and the power sword, ready to be used on the ground.

As Luthias was sat at his desk, staring into the military data on the screen, a servant with as message entered.

Hmm.... Roim, Roim, Roim, what am I to do with you....
Bring Trent onboard Morning Star. He will work in the lab onboard. But first bring him over here, I need to talk with him.
"Yes, Your Excellency."

Spoiler: Reply to Roim (click to show/hide)

Dear Son in Faith,

Thank you for the swift administration of jusitce and handing over the guilty man to me.
I will deal with him according to Church Law

His Excellency Luthias Hartwig, Archon if Si'kar and Archdiocese of Soma System

[Sheb]

((You didn't answer about our scientists.))

-Interrogate the Xenos to know where they were recruited, what did Trent promise them. Show them the letter proving that Trent recently joined the very same Church that is nuking their homeland and that he was willing to fight... to the last drop of their blood. Generally try to convince them Trent deserve to die.
-If that doesn't get them speaking, apply a liberal dose of torture.
-Inquire with my contact in the Triumvirate what it'd cost to mount and extraction mission on Vengeance using the current chaos to save Aeverys. Give them what they ask for.

[adwarf]

Trent was brought before the Archon in the same attire he had when he had been captured by Roim, though needless to say some aspects of the cloth had been changed to slightly brighter colors during his short freedom before being brought onto the ship. He smiled at the Archon as he was brought in to see him and quickly spoke up, "It's good to see you Archon, for a bit there I thought I might lose my head, what is it you need of me on this fine day?"

[Ardas]

Archon raised a brow when he heard Trent's tone when he spoke.

"I have no idea what you have planned, boy, but you would to do well to remember that I'm not your uncle, ready to bust you out of trouble whenever you fail. I've given you an opportunity to do something, useful research and a way to rescue Aeverys, and you go off to war with Roim.

But there is a way for you to fix this. You will stay onboard this ship and work from a lab here. Although Roim seemed intent on cutting you off from Nova, I suspect Aeverys won't uphold this decision. Besides, I've had some arrangements with Azthor, so you are still authorized to work as a scientist, but in Church capacity instead. Contact Azthor to get access to Nova databases on my behalf and begin work on VASIMIR blueprints. Ah, one more thing before I let you go.. to work. You are under my custody for overstepping the prerogatives of a deacon. You are bound to this ship and may not leave it for as long as I deem fit. The only exit in this circumstances for you is out of an airlock while we are in orbit. You remain a deacon however"

Archon begun tapping his fingers on his desk.
Anything you want to add before you begin your work?"
 

[Sheb]

((Well played Ardas. Didn't see that one coming until it was too late. Punishing Trent by making him perform forced labor for you is a really nice move.
Are you going to answer my question about the scientist or not?))

[Ardas]

((nope. my agreement on research was with azthor, not trent. You just changed your scienice minister, but technically arrangements for access to scientists were not. Ask Azthor if you want to know what I'm working on, coz i'm not telling you ))

[Sheb]

((Except Azthor got no authority on the science team, Trent did. And since he's been removed, I'll be forced to take over his role.  ))

Spoiler: Letter to the Archon (click to show/hide)

Your Lordship,

I am most grateful for the swift display of justice you gave us. No doubt the strictest of Inquisitor would not have demanded an harsher judgment.
However, one part of my letter was left without an answer, probably due to some clerical negligence.  Deprived of your guidance, I've assumed the function of director of the Novan Academy of Science and Arts, as per my duties of Second, until the Matriarch is in position to make a more suitable appointment.
Given that whatever deal made by that traitor cannot be considered valid, I have transmitted new orders to the Academy's staff. You'll find a copy of those included in the annex.

May the Pancretor give you as much compassion as you've given us,

Roim Scaleskinner

Have House scientists research Industrialisation and Flak Armor. (Do I need to pay for this?)