Alay Penn

From Hellgatewiki.com

Nothing is known of this NPC other than that he is found in the first town (Covent Garden Station) and that he is associated with the Cabalists. His first few dialogues in the game run as follows:

You come to me now bearing Fawkes' Communiqué but not those who perished securing it. How unfortunate.

Fear not. I will dismiss this one oversight. Note that such leniency will not be recurrent, for there is knowledge to be found in all things, Servant. And knowledge of any kind is not to be squandered by negligence.

A part of the Cabal as you now are, it's a lesson you must soon learn. As for Fawkes... "Save me," he pleads. "I must speak with Arphaun. I have what we need."

Many men seek Lord Arphaun's wisdom, but if Arphaun seeks a man, his value must indeed be great. The First Seer will be glad to own such a prize.

However, I'm afraid I cannot trust Fawkes' retrieval to you, Servant. It is a matter best left to your betters. You'll instead journey to Leicester Square Station. I require items stored there. Secure them.

Most of the NPCs you meet early on in HGL have an attitude much like Penn's. They're important men and women, and you're just some lowly, anonymous character. They don't trust you, they don't give you much credit, and they order you around and send you on lowly missions. This will change as you level up and gain in factional points.