Omoi nods to the navigator. "In the near term refuge from my enemies and a share of the wealth that my boys fight for. In the far term..." he grins. "As rogue traders you have the authority to push beyond the realm of the emperor and lay claim to or colonize planets beyond his realm. I've always thought that governor Omoi had a nice ring to it. I've been amassing wealth towards that purpose and seeking a patron. We find such a world I get a big chair and a title I pay my tithes to the imperium as a good vassal should and I always remember my patrons amongst the Vorhees and see that they have crack at whatever surplus the planet produces beyond the tithes. I die a very old king surrounded by grandkids." He grins. "It's a lofty goal, but you asked."

A deep, hearty chuckle emanates from Lucius' lips. "That actually sounds like a grand way to live out ones life. And as for terms of service, I would say that refuge and a share in the wealth you bring in is more than fair. While I don't know off hand how much you pay your men, or how much you make on a regular basis with your work, I do think that working with us will be equally profitable for you simply in terms of hard currency.".

He takes a small sip of his drink and smiles slyly. "Now, where the dealmaker comes in is the perks. While you easily have access to goods to resupply and equip recruits, the Voorhes family can lay claim to even greater avenues of supply. Weapons, uniforms, ammunition, vehicles. All are in our grasp, and while it may take time to get it, it would be much easier than going through more.... illicit routes, and more reliable. Of course, your troops are going to have to be willing to fight tooth and nail under our banner, but the rewards are going to be much greater than that of what they could make as a trooper in the Guard. And while I am more than eager to have you under the banner, I do have a few questions. First, what was the original deal you made to gain access to this ship? Second, how many troops do you have under your banner, and third, where are they located? Are all your forces here, or others currently away? While I could look those facts up, I do rather wish to discuss these things with you so we may get more use to working together."

He lifts his glass, and gives cheers to Omoi. "But first, a toast to what may prove to be a historic arraignment. To governor-king Omoi."

In the background, Magos Hakkonen is once more having difficulty keeping his servo-skull in line. The mischievous machine, having pilfered the Magos' combi-tool from his belt, is hovering just out of Hakkonen's reach while leading him around the perimeter of the bridge. This goes on for several minutes until, reaching the limit of his patience, the techpriest unlimbers his hellgun and lets fly a half-power blast. The bolt of coherent light singes one side of the rebellious servitor and scorches a black mark on the ceiling over the command throne, but startles the servo-skull into dropping the combi-tool.

As every eye in the room turns toward him, Hakkonen returns their gazes with a look of profound irritation before muttering, "Sor-sorry."

Omoi raises his own glass. "To captain Lucius and his noble crew, may he wander the stars for as long as he wills."

He quickly answers your questions. "The deal was relatively straight forward. I agreed tot ake up the role of tenant playing for the space we occupied in food, medicine, and other common goods. I paid on a per head basis for the number of troops I had here. As part of the arrangement I was to defend the DI from any boarding parties not operating under imperial or Vorhees sanction. Further I was todl to have my men stay in the barracks area and absolutely not go poking aroudn the ship. Something that upset the cogboys amongst the company to no end. Hell I think it turned a few of them on all the mroe when the cold men cut up the ones that snuck off, i had to space some of the other ones before they got the message, damned scavengers.

I have close to eight thousand men and women under arms that call themselves thousand blades. Currently I oversee a little over half that, the remainder being broke into smaller independant detachements. The largest group away around two thousand assigned to the Margin campaign. I hear fromt hem so inrequently they might as well be their own company, but the gelt reaches my accounts on time for their services so that is all that matters. If we are to be leaving system I plan to recruit from around port wander to bring the fighting compliment as close to or over the fighting rating of the barracks of 6 thousands."

Hakkonen's comm bead crackles a bit before the DI's voice comes over it. "Interesting, you must have favored that servant very high indeed to put up with such miscalibrations from it's cog spirit."

Giving a broad smile at the numbers given to him by Omoi, Lucius allows the man to finish. "Well it seems like you have done very well for yourself. And since we are going to be here for a little while finishing repairs, you will have ample time to finish recruiting."

"As for the other groups that are serving out of ship currently, here is a dilemma. Do we call them back post-mission, or keep them in the area they are and have them hired out through the regular channels to keep up profits?". This question, while directing it to Omoi, seems more like he is asking all of the crew for their opinions. "Seeing as how nearly four thousand mercenaries are serving out of ship currently, that is more than we can hold, and if we recruit, their will room for none of them. My only concern with them staying behind is who will be running them? You, Omoi, or their own commanders with their own agendas when you leave?".

Putting his palm under his chin and rapping his fingers under his lip he seems to ponder for a moment. "They would be good to use for garrisoning planets later on. A governor does need a PDF, especially in a lawless place like the expanse. Who knows, maybe we could have a few planets colonized and garrisoned by these extra troops over time. A sub-sector would need it's own governor, with trusted planetary governors under him.... All loyal to the Voorhes clan though of course.". While obviously playing to Omoi's dreams of ruling, it seems that Lucius is honestly considering what he is saying.

"Are you a married man Mr. Omoi?".

Hakkonen turns away from the confab between Omoi and Lucius to address the ship, "My servi-vitor is indeed maladjusted-ted, but has never failed me-me in a pinch. I have known several priests of the-the Omnissiah who died due, directly or other-therwise, to servitors not performing their appoint-pointed tasks. I am prepared to tolerate-ate personality defects as long as function-tionality is not impaired."

The ship seems to accept this with almost a mechanical chuckle. "Then i think you are a wise priest, of course I would considering I am essentially a very large personality defect."

Back at the table Omoi provides his answer. "Either way has merit, as you say there will be the issue of space aboard the ship. I trust my group commanders to continue to behave in a mercenary fashion. Most already run their outfits with an eye towards making money and having steady work, that is the service I provide them. With the Vorhees networks open to me I should be able to continue that trend keeping even my far flung officers supplied with work."

"Now if there is a matter of hauling more troops I may have a solution for that. I have a lead on a troop transport out in the reach that might be reclaimed. I've kept the information to myself for many years now trying to decide how to best act on it, as I said earlier i'm not a ship captain and I know there's more to owning a ship then just digging it up and getting it spaceworthy. It might compliment your current capabilities quite nicely. I would be glad to share this info with my Vorhees lords should we reach an accord." He grins knowing he has just offered up a fine selling point for his services. "Additionally i did promise you information for not turning me in to the Arbites, I know why straights on the Divine have been so dire lately, I did some checking into it as part of good dilligence before moving in. It wasn't in my best interests to share the information then but it is now, doubly so if I'm to be an agent of the Vorhees."

(OOC:I'll take that commerce roll whenever your ready, sorry for the delay on posting.