Storyline quest "Victory in Peril" cannot be completed

Time: 08/25/13, 1:30 PM PST (also 3-4 other times during the last 24 hours)
Frequency: always
World name: Balmung
Character name: Falshire Arran
NPC name: Ghimthota
Monster name: n/a
Class/Level: Marauder 17
Party or solo: solo
In-game time: don't know
Area and coordinates: Moraby Drydocks
Steps:
1. initiate dialogue with NPC Ghimthota
2. confirm that i wish to enter the instance for "Victory in Peril"
3. character is frozen in place for several minutes
4. error appears in chat log stating "A system error occurred during event movement"

Connection Specs
- Type of internet connection/provider: cable internet/Comcast
- Modem maker/model number: don't know

PC Specs
-=-=-=-=- System Information -=-=-=-=-
Intel i5 2.6ghz cpu
4gb ram
Intel HD 4000 gpu
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

As I understand it, this quest line must be completed to get airship access and get off the starting island for Marauders, so this is very frustrating.