Chester Von Sebastion stands fully armed and in full regalia in airlock to the number 3 lighter bay awaiting the arrival of the Pastor and their party. The holds have been tided up with temporary quarters installed into Holds #1 and #2. #3 was set up for personal belongings while #4 was being loaded with a secondary cargo of wax destined to be turned into votive candles. It meant that the pilgrims were a bit cramped for space and would probably be a bit grumpy as a result, but with the transit to Tichel expected to last a handful of days at most it would be bearable.

The light over the lighter bay hatch of the airlock flashes green as the pressure equalizes. Chester attempts to straiten his formal carnodon pelt cloak one last time. “Are we all ready?”

A chorus of confirmation comes back from Shipmaster Hopkins and the side party of minor officers behind him. The Erwin Siegmar's chaplain was present as well but Navigator Murirn and Enginseer Primus Rubin had been left out by mutual unspoken consent and a desire not to antagonize their most important passenger by rubbing their face into sanctioned exceptions or opposing dogma. A happy Pastor meant a happy flock and a happy flock meant fewer problems for the Bosun to deal with.

Chester hit the rune and the airlock slid open. The lighter pilot had already lowered the boarding ramp and people were beginning to step onto the deck of the Erwin Siegmar and look around at the servitors and hanger clan-crew bustling about.

“Shipmaster?”

“Old guy the tall pointy hat. Not many marks of ranks, being a 'lowly' Pastor, but he does have a pair of attendants slash body guards.”

“I spot three. The two sharp-eyed young men looking over everything plus the Hospitaller healer-in-training at the back of the party with the red sash.”

“I'll proceed with the greetings then?”

“At your discretion Shipmaster.”

Chester steps aside and lets Shipmaster Hopkins lead the side party forward to perform the welcoming ceremonies. Chester follows along behind as they cross the deck waiting to play his part and wondering what sort of Pastor he was about to meet. The side party and the Pastor's party shook down into the appropriate formations in short order, aides and junior officers in neat, watchfull ranks behind and to the sides of their superiors.

“Permission to come aboard Shipmaster?”

Chester schooled his expression to remain neutral as the Pastor's rough baritone carried across the deck. It carried a Oasis accent and thus the promise more strife due to that branch of the Ecclesiarchy's distrust of House Von Sebastian. The Pastor's familiarity with the ritual greeting ceremony indicated that he had traveled aboard ship before and thus would be quicker to spot irregularities.

“Permission granted Pastor. Welcome aboard the Erwin Siegmar.”

One of the Pastor's eyebrows rose fractionally at Shipmaster Hopkins officiating instead of Chester. Seeing this, and taking his cue from the flow of the ritual greeting, Chester steps forward and offer his hand.

“Chester Von Sebastion, Commanding. Welcome aboard Pastor...?”

“Pastor Heimal Ducharn.”

“Welcome aboard, welcome aboard. Shipmaster Hopkins runs this fine ship for me as my Flag Shipmaster.”

Ducharn nodded fractionally in understanding and took Chester's hand to shake. The Pastor's hand was translucent and dotted with liver spots, bereft of calluses or ink stains, and backed by wiry muscle and firm conviction.

“Odd to see a Flagship without a flotilla Commander.”

“it is a tad unusual I must admit Pastor Ducharn. We've not been assigned one yet, though I do expect one before being assigned closer to the Obatta front, inevitable I think given the Erwin Siegmar's capabilities, so I made the arrangements ahead of time. For now we've scarcely needed one. Between the Riptide and Tichel Space Defense Forces plus the Navy's patrols I expect no troubles. God-Emperor willing and by the skill of my Navigator the warp transit will be as smooth.”