Taros Campaign - Conspiracy on Taros: Unknown to Auditor Prime Dree, he was starting to scratch the surface of events which had been developing over the past two decades on Taros. The arrival of his delegation had, to the casual observer, been gracefully received. In fact, his presence had caused widespread concern throughout the ruling elite of Taros.The Tau had a long-time interest in the planet of Taros. As their Empire had expanded, systems had been systematically scouted for possible colonisation. Many worlds had been identified, and one such planet was Taros. It had a breathable atmosphere, and although it was a harsh desert planet (the Tau themselves better adapted to hot climates than cold), it had some water and was capable of sustaining life. Best of all was its abundant mineral wealth. It was noted as a good prospect for future expansion and swift colonisation, but there was one major drawback. Taros was the Imperium’s world, and that meant capturing it would be difficult. Since first contact with the Imperium at Devlan, when a scout ship had been destroyed, the Tau had learned that the Imperium would not easily give up worlds claimed in the Emperor’s name. Any military attack would bring a swift response. Capturing Taros would involve a major war, and the Ethereals on T'au did not believe the gains outweighed the risks. For now there were other, easier, targets. Any initial plans for a quick invasion were shelved, but Taros was not forgotten.Instead of calling upon the Fire Caste to capture Taros, the Ethereal council first turned to the Water Caste. Diplomatic moves might bring results if the Water Caste played a quiet, patient game. The Imperium’s worlds usually refused all contact with aliens, and the Water Caste had learnt that many Planetary Governors could not be seen being in negotiations with xenos, for fear of their own rulers finding out. However, deals and small trading could be negotiated if everything was kept secret. Merchant guildmasters and the leaders of trading cartels were rich, greedy men, and a chance to trade with the dynamic Tau Empire offered them riches they could not find anywhere else on the Eastern Fringe.A delegation of the most experienced and cunning Water Caste diplomats was sent to Taros to seek a meeting with its rulers. This team included human representatives from other worlds already working with the Tau. Armed with assurances that the Tau Empire had no ambitions to continually expand in this area of space, and that Taros was completely safe from attack, the diplomats offered small trading contracts. In return for very small amounts of manganese ore, the Tau could offer water purification and recycling technology, as well as hydroponics equipment for growing food and luxury goods. These items could make the harsh life on Taros that much easier for its social elite.At first, the Planetary Governor baulked at the Water Caste’s approaches. He knew full well that trading with aliens was strictly forbidden, but Taros was just one planet in a million, and small amounts of ore would not be missed. Governor Aulis talked to the mine owners and the merchants, and in turn saw a chance to make extra money and amass wealth. The Imperium’s quotas had not been changed in generations. The mining operations were working efficiently. The Administratum was content .Who would know or care if some extra manganese or vanadium ore was blasted out and sold to these Tau? Other human worlds had grown rich doing it, the alien delegates had brought proof with them, and, in the long run, good relations might help keep Tau expansionism at bay.Negotiations were completed some twenty years ago, and the Tau got their first foot in the door on Taros. The agreement started out very small, no more than one shipment of manganese and vanadium a year, but gradually, as the Planetary Governor and his mine owners got away with it, the amounts being shipped increased. The tithes set by the Administratum were still being met, but the mines began to find extra new lodes to exploit. Over the next ten years, the Tau gained more and more say in the mining operations, and several Earth Caste delegations visited to offer aid and advice. The Tau had paid for the ore in technology and luxury goods such as precious stones from Tash'varr and exotic fruits from Au'taal. The high society of Taros began to grow wealthy on the illicit trade. For almost two decades the Administratum’s bureaucrats remained ignorant, whilst the Tau’s influence grew.The unexpected arrival of the Adeptus Munitorum delegation caused much concern in the inner circle of Taros’ ruling elite. Those mine owners who were profiting from the deal became very nervous. Governor Aulis urged calm. He argued that they could bluff it out, claim ignorance, like, cover-up, anything. He believed the delegation would do its duty, the increased tithes could still be met, and nothing need ever be found out. Act too hastily and the conspiracy would be uncovered and they would all be arrested. However, the Planetary Governor did not reckon on the thoroughness of Auditor-Prime Dree.Soon, cracks in the cover-up and lies were being found and suspicions aroused. As Dree dug deeper, concern grew. For the conspirators, the situation was becoming desperate. Some mine owners even advocated assassinating the entire delegation and blaming the Tau. The Planetary Governor forbade the action. If the delegation were harmed, it would only be worse for them all in the long term. Maybe he could find some way of discrediting Auditor Dree’s report. Lord Aulis continued to try and bluff it out until the delegation left. Unknown to him, events far away and beyond his control in the Denab system would reveal all…