Ghost

Ghost- Part 1

Ghost

Lomax stormed down the gangway of his Aquila Lander closely followed by the hulking presence of Bracken, heavy white robes barely containing the bulky physic underneath. Tall and exotic Cloven a few steps behind then the cyborg Krull who's heavy boots vibrated the metal ramp as they proceeded down to the docking platform of Hive city Longstone, capital of the planet Ertonia.

"Your Lordship," A mature handsome female in the formal dress of an Arbiter magistrate bowed before Lomax, he continued past ignoring her face creased in rage.

Use to dealing with aristocracy she did not take it to heart, as Bracken past by her keen eye caught a glimpse of heavy silver ceramite armour under the robes, Not unusual for a noble's personnel protection to wear military grade gear. Straightening she turned to greet the rest of his party.

"Are they always so charming?" She asked the one called Cloven. (Personnel holographs were studied beforehand for names and details.)

"Your lucky he did not execute you here and now child, his Lordship is displeased."

The Magistrate brought her eyes up to Cloven's almond blue ones, she could not help but stare at the elongated ears and the angular features of her face. I mean how often do you interact with Xenos?

"I feel your fear Helena, but rest assured I pose no danger to you or your people"

Before Helena could open her mouth to ask any questions Cloven had already moved on to be replaced by the disfigured leering face of Krull.

"Don't worry about Bracken luv, he is still angry he is missing the Pythos campaign! Apparently it's all kicking off?"

Unsure what this abhorrent creature was talking about she simply nodded.

"Your boss should have listened and waited, he doesn't like his orders being ignored" The engineered human nodded his head at the marching figure of Lomax as he crossed the vast windswept docking platform used by the elite of Hive city Longstone.

Most guests who visit the highest spire in Longstone can spend many hours simply gazing from the dock marvelling at the view. For miles around the visitor can see blue oceans rich with life, forests of deep emerald green and farming fields, golden with ripe crops.

The planet Ertronia is a hidden gem of the Imperium; nestling on the outer reaches of the Elysia system it's a haven for the rich and powerful. Long forgotten by Terra and thought to be nothing more than a worthless death world.

The small amount of duties received satisfied the distant bureaucrats, as did the meagre reports of defence force capability saving Ertronia from supplying troops for the Imperial Guard. If they knew a few centuries past the struggling civilians discovered advanced terraforming machinery from the dark days of technology there would have been far more interest.

So when planetary governor Marcus Scion received a message from a minor diplomat that he was coming to Longstone seeking someone of great interest. He was quick to accept fearing refusal would draw the attention of imperial eyes to their perfect peaceful lives. The Governor did not know the reason this man was wanted, a man who served in his royal court no less, someone he remembered as a charismatic and persuading gentleman but if he tried to recall conversations or even the features of his face, his recollection became blurred!

Not daring to question the legitimacy of the authorisation seals he simply ordered Marshal Clements to deal with it as he went to lie down in a dark room to calm his nerves.

Clements had been given one hours notice to prepare for the arrival of Lomax and his request. He was rightly concerned, but after the initial fret he realised that this visitor would not be the first to exclaim that Ertronia did not resemble the holovids or detailed industrial data slates on the planet. But he would also not be the first to leave with pockets full of cred's and a vocational suite with East side views over the bay! The Marshal would make this as simple and painless as possible by apprehending the suspect, interrogate him to find out any dirty secrets then use those findings for his own personnel gain!

This was the first time it had gone wrong!

"Lord Lomax" Helena panted catching up just inside the entrance to Longstone's palatial district and oblivious to her superiors plans. "Please, there is no need to be angry, Marshal Clements has everything under control and you will find we have followed all the doctrine to the letter regarding restraint and capture of people of interest."

Stopping he spoke with contempt without meeting her eye, "Your Marshal" He spat the word out as if it were gristle found in his prime steak. "Has gone against my direct orders by engaging the target."

The Magistrate frowned shaking her head with its short brunette bob. "No, you are mistaken" She quickly brought up a data slate while Lomax glared at her his patience running thin. "There is no report here of any contacts" She mumbled running a finger down the lines of information of current Arbiter activity.

"I do not feel the shining light as I once did my Lord" Brackens deep foreboding voice came from the dark folds of his pristine white hood.

In comparison the musical voice of Cloven sung. "Nor I, it has been extinguished"

"No, I don't think so" Helena spoke uncertainly rechecking her data.

"I do" Lomax snapped, "I would also like to speak with Marcus about how Ertonia is much different to what we are led to believe!" Without waiting, he once more sped away followed closely by Bracken and Cloven while Krull followed slightly back as he looked all around as if expecting an attack!

Sighing the magistrate ran to catch up, pressing a blue glowing stud in her left ear; she opened a channel to her superior. Two beeps sounded as a connection was made, a pause then the Marshals flustered voice sounded.

"Is he here?"

"He is" She gasped unused to the physical exercise.

"Damn" There was background voices as the Marshal spoke; she could make out sounds of distress in the background. "Delay them, that's an order Magistrate." The connection went dead.

'How in the Emperors name am I going to do that?' She worried as the guests breached the fine palace doors.