The return to realspace is often described by the more poetic of Rogue Traders as an explosion, but that was far more literal than normal as the Cobra Kai returned to realspace from its last mission. The assault by the Hrud had left the ship in shambles, and only the frantic efforts of Shazzy Law had kept the vessel intact for the return. Its warp engines were a complete write-off, and the vessel would need a full refit. Fortunately their hold was flush with the rewards reaped from the salvage of Genevieve Almace’s returns, and the flash-frozen Hrud corpses would be a valuable prize to the more -discerning type of heretical collector. Still, the Tau contingent stayed behind with the flagship to ensure repairs were done in an efficient manner.

Although their acquisition for a new Warp Drive was successful, the rest of the Syndicate was not prepared to lay idle. Jian Vang, dedicated to recovering the full relics of Saint Cognatius informed the Syndicate that the next best option was Ikeran, and the crashed cruiser of Jollus Marquette. Though he knew from Almace this was not the recommended next option, he didn’t want to risk it being skipped. Fortunately this was an easy sell as both Jequin Hos and Zacharya Caine had heard legends of the great treasure that was reportedly on board, and were eager to investigate it. Astropath Eckhart was also aware that Almace had recommended seeking out Nadine Aleynikov’s tomb next, but he was busy with forming a new Hossian regiment with Jenna Vasquez, and could not attend the investigations personally.

The negotiations for the journey went smoothly, perhaps because the Ironmine Syndicate had already recovered two of the Disciples, and their name was quickly spreading due to their well-published successes. The Syndicate was even approached by several black market groups attempting to negotiate for their own cut in exchange for their own Navigators. They eventually stuck with the Imperium, for though they’re oppressive and taking far too many Thrones out of this, they are highly reliable. Case in point, the group transitioned into Ikeran without issue, and the search began for Marquette.