Dark Heresy: Shadows of Retribution [IC]

[Mtnoma]

--//Time: Present Day//--
--//Location: Hive Sibellus, Scintilla, Calixis Sector//--
--//Mission Status: Active//--

Your vision focuses as you gaze out the port windows of the Arvus Lighter you are strapped into, the clattering rumble of the vessal barely drowning out your hammering heartbeat. The thick industrial fog surrounding you suddenly parts and the looming form of Scintilla’s main hive comes into view.

Hive Scintilla is a looming behemoth of a city. Spanning nearly the entire continent and stacked dozens upon dozens of times upon itself, Hive Sibellus houses billions and billions of humans, crammed into their sections of the hive and constantly set upon by the millions of tonnes of smog and industrial waste the hive spews out at a constant pace.

As your vessal nears the landing pad you pass by the towering spires where the Hive’s noble class call their home, as you dip down the gleaming columns of the upper hive are quickly replaced with the mid-spire and the sprawling landscape of it’s hab-blocks and thousands upon thousands of manufactorums where the heart of the hive’s production lies.


====================

Earlier...

--//Time: 5 Hours Previously//--
--//Location: The Heart of Iron Low-Orbit Above Scintilla, Calixis Secto//--
--//Mission Status: Preparing to go Active//--

The flight aboard the Heart of Iron has been fairly pleasant, aside from the fact that you were confined to your room immediately upon entering the Inquisitional transport. For the past week you've had little contact with any members of the ship aside from servitors bringing you meals and light interviews with some of the Inquisitor's senior adepts.

Today something is different. You are escorted through the ship by Inquisitorial soldiers and led to an area of the ship that seems to have be a meeting room. The room is fairly large but sparsely decorated aside from the imposing black banners adorned with the Inquisitorial =I=. A large table takes up the center of the room, and there are enough chairs to fit a few dozen people, at the far end of the room stands a man garbed in long, flowing black robes. The man's face is obscured by a black metal mask that is featureless save for an Inquisitorial =I= that runs down the center of the mask.

The man gestures to the table, and when he speaks it is with a dark, grating voice "Take a seat, acquaint yourselves with each other. You will need to work together in the coming tasks"

[dupersudi]

A lanky man with slicked back hair and a condescending look takes a seat. "Well my fellows, we'd best get to it. I am Lucius Rex of Malfi, my contribution to the Inquisition are my connections and my talents for... diplomacy. Now, who's next?"

[Demon 997]

A solid looking man in a Arbites uniform enters the room, scanning it before smiling broadly and sitting down. I'm Eli Zharkov, an Arbitrator from Scintilla, Hive Sibellus. I figure my role is to help with rooting out whatever it is we're dealing with, as well as providing some firepower as needed. Once everyone's here, would you tell us what we need to know about our task, my lord?

Is my character still official a member of the Arbites, or does him being taken be the Inquistion and questioned change that? I'm fine with it either way, as I can seen advantages and disadvantages either way, but I think I'd vaguely prefer to still be a member, just on Long Term Special Assignment (Likely Fatal, 99% confidence)

[Jenerix525]

Next to sit down is a scrawny lad in noticeably patched clothes. He fiddles with a small medallion, staring at it as he talks. "I- uh- My name is Yitilius. Don't know me last. Everyone I know jus' calls me Scrap-Rat. Pretty sure I'm only here 'cause I'm immune to heretic magics. No-one's seen fit to tell me otherwise, anyhow."

[colossusclub]

Zaddian looked to the table, and those sitting at it. After Yitilius he too sat down, taking off his flak helmet but leaving his flak jacket on. "Zaddian... Gormant" he said, hesitating with the last name while looking towards the inquisitor. His compliance with this more force then choice. "Born in the Volg hive, on Fenksworld. For those of who don't know of it... pray you never do. I was a mercenary, so I guess I'm here for any fights that ensue."

It wasn't a matter of 'if' a fight ensues... it was going to happen, such is life on Volg (and he assumes, the rest of the galaxy).

[Caimheul]

A woman's voice is heard next as a full armoured Sister Hospitaller casually walks to the table and takes a seat. "Sister Eveline Grimm of the Order of Serenity," she introduces herself, her husky voice slightly muffled by the respirator. "Formerly served the God-Emperor on the world of Tranch, providing aide and comfort to those wounded during the troubles. I suppose such service is to continue with this group."

[Yrvin]

The sister is followed at the table by a tall and stocky man with a large very blode mustash.

"Alfonse Sjostedt. I have some excperience with hunting, both men and beasts. Other then that I have few things to offer besides advice on etiquette and good maners, but when the Inquisition calls, I'm not acustomed to questioning their judgment.

[evangaline]

Quickly after that a member of the order of the Adeptus Mechanicus gets softly pushed into the room. It is pretty obvious that we was facinated by the mask of the man that adressed him. Fully aware that this is nor the time, nor the place to drool over that helmet, he sits down.

With a monotone voice he swiftly gives a discription of himself: I am Jacobus Primerus Maximus, expert on demolitions. I used to spend my time hunting those disgusting tech heretics in the name of the Omnisiah, under Sollux. That was of course before I was given the... *He frowns* the opportunity to join the Inquisition.

[Demon 997]

Eli glances around the room, taking stock of his companions. Is that all of us then? Well met. My lord, would you brief us as to our mission?

Once we're briefed on the mission, and presuming no mission specific gear or cash is offered, Eli will ask about the possibility of borrowing some gear or a loan. If that'd make no sense in context, Eli keeps his mouth shut. It sounds like some additional gear could aid us in doing the God-Emperors work. Could we requisition some from your stores, or be granted funds to acquire some locally?

[Caimheul]

The Sister's hands are busy checking over the various medical devices festooning the forearms of her gauntlets. The equipment is overall in good repair, but gives the impression of having seen much use in the recent past. Her armour bears the marks of repairs, with a handful of pieces noticeably less worn than others, as if damaged pieces had been replaced over years of use, more years than this particular Sister is likely to have been in service.

[Mtnoma]

The masked man moves towards the table as the final members take their seats, he clears his throat before speaking in the same, dark and icy tone.
"Before I begin I should inform you that this mission's purpose it twofold. On one when you deploy on this mission have no doubt that you will be performing the sacred ministrations of the Holy Inquisition, and that your cause is just and proper... On the other hand understand that while some of your upbringings may have been more pious"

At this word his gaze seems to turn towards Sister Eveline.
"Than others..."
And at this his gaze seems to fall upon Lucius and Yitilius.

"Understand that as of the present you are all untested and your true natures deemed uncertain and in need of proving through righteous duty. With that in mind I welcome you to the Ordo Hereticus, you may address me as Interrogator Claudel. Your first mission will consist of insertion into Hive Sibellus, the primary hive of Scintilla, to link up with and reinforce a senior acolyte cell operating near the western mid-hive. Upon arrival you will be briefed by the leader of the Acolyte cell, one Alexi Markovha, who will brief you on your primary mission objectives. Any questions?"

[dupersudi]

While listening Lucius idly taps a beat on the table with his fingertips. "Yes in fact, I have several. Due to the method of the inquisition in recruiting me, I find myself woefully underequipped. Will I be allowed to rectify this using inquisitorial resources prior to the mission? And will you be assigning one of us as the leader of our cell, or should we simply decide amongst ourselves?" His first question has a slightly nasal, whiny inflection towards it. While the second question, especially the latter has an undertone of dark amusement.

[Demon 997]

"Understand that as of the present you are all untested and your true natures deemed uncertain and in need of proving through righteous duty. With that in mind I welcome you to the Ordo Hereticus, you may address me as Interrogator Claudel. Your first mission will consist of insertion into Hive Sibellus, the primary hive of Scintilla, to link up with and reinforce a senior acolyte cell operating near the western mid-hive. Upon arrival you will be briefed by the leader of the Acolyte cell, one Alexi Markovha, who will brief you on your primary mission objectives. Any questions?"

Eli straightens up fractionally, and looks in where he imagines the Interrogator Claudel's eyes should be. Yes Interrogator. Um... He stumbles verbally, then half mutters I guess I should treat this like an Arbites briefing until I learn how they do it.

Speaking clearly again: I do apologize if any of my questions violate your protocol or norms, but I suppose the best I can do is use my old training till I'm taught differently. To confirm, Acolyte Markovha will have full operational control over us? Who, if anyone, has the authority to countermand them? Can you provide us a brief outline of the mission, or will all mission details be done later?

Finally, are we expected to require any additional gear? I've certainly found in my time with the riot squads that things like combat webbing, rope and rappel harnesses, and other various sundries can come in just as useful as boltgun if used properly.

I think that covers most of what I want to know, barring follow up questions. Happy enough to move on once everyone else has their questions answered.

EDIT: Dupersidi posted while I was righting mine, so ignore the question about the gear if Claudel's answer to Lucius would essentially answer mine. If it's more specific to Lucius personally, then Eli will go ahead with the question.

[Jenerix525]

Yitilius stops fidgeting in order to focus on listening.
"Yeah, what if this Markovha bloke bites it? I mean, if... our contact dies before arrival? ... Sir."

[colossusclub]

Zaddian found himself having a bit of respect for the interrogator known as Claudal and nodded in agreement, though keeping a frown.

A test to prove ourselves, this interrogator has good sense. Hopefully the others will too Zaddian thought to himself.

Zaddian couldn't help but look over to Claudal at the others mention of re armament... Zaddian has had to fight for every scrap he has ever had, even his low grade gun is prized on Volg due to the added fire power it possesses. Was it true that he may acquire better weapons here? That said, he kept his mouth shut. No reason to voice an opinion now when I can just wait and see how Claudal reacts.

[Mtnoma]

Claudel turned to regard Lucius ""Part of your test will be to overcome your challenges with limited resources, the Inquisition is not a simple means to wealth... that being said speak with Adept Tyro in requisitions to see what we can spare for your mission. In terms of a leader I expect one will emerge during your trials, if not we may appoint one if your group returns upon the completion of your missions"

From there the blank visor turns to Eli.
"Yes, Acolyte Markovha will be in command of your group, and you will follow his orders as if they were the Inquisitor's own. No one should have authority over him, they will fill you in on the mission, suffice it to say your mission is to neutralize a dangerous substance by backing up the acolyte squad and following their orders... If-"
He turns to Yitilius as he says this
"Acolyte Markovha perishes during the mission you will follow the chain of command, Alexi will fill you in on said order. In the worst case scenario I'm sure we'll see whether a leader in your own group emerges and whether or not you are fit to serve in the Emperor's name"

[Caimheul]

"I am the instrument of the Emperor's Divine Will." the sister mutters distractedly, as she finishes inspecting her medical accoutrements and twists the ring on her left hand. "Interrogator, if it is not considered to presumptuous, may I inquire as the armament of the foes we shall be facing? I wish to ensure an adequate supply of the appropriate medical equipment for treating the wounds my allies may endure," she says flatly.

[evangaline]

The part-man part-machine looks at the man clad in black, while waiting patiently for him to finish answering questions. You stated that our goal is to 'Neutralize a dangerous substance'. After a short pause, in which he takes a quick look at his now-empty grenade belt, he asks: How much information do you have on that substance, and how much are you able to share with us?

[colossusclub]

Zaddian merely nodded, doing as he was told was half his job back as a mercenary. "What do you mean by a substance?" Zaddian asked Claudal, unsure what that even meant in this context.

[Mtnoma]

The black face mask swivels towards the Sister, "From our communications with the acolyte team expected resistance is low, hive thugs and gangers. No doubt they use whatever debased and scrounged up gear they could get their hands on, low maintenance autoguns and the like. Whatever standard Sororitas medicae equipment you have been provided with should be more than enough."

Apparently not noticing, or caring about who he may have just insulted with that remark Claudel turns to address the next questions.
"We have precious little information on the substance the acolytes on Sibellus are investigating, hence why they are on planet looking into the nature on it. While we have some information on the substance but we... I, believe it is dangerous to share much of the subjects nature with you"

Claudel's tone becomes icy, and the room itself seems to take on a chill to it (to everyone except Yitillius)
"Understand this. While the Inquisitor believes your skills can be of use to the Inquisition the fact remains that you are all-"
At this he sweeps his hand across to indicate you all.
"Either eccentric individuals, those with dubious backgrounds or generally untrustworthy individuals at the present. You are raw and untested. There exists no proof that once on planet you will simply abandon the Inquisition to seek out your own ambitions. The reason you are to link with a senior acolyte squad is to prove that you are worth our, my trust, and to prove you have the skills to thrive in the Inquisition, and not simply die at the wayside and lie unremembered by the annals of time"

Claudel pauses, then after a few moments of ringing silence says
"Suffice it to say the substance is dangerous and hazardous in nature, and the ground-side team believes that it is being peddled as a petty drug on the surface. As long as you keep your personal vices in check you should be in no harm of falling victim to it"

At this he gestures towards the main doors, you all feel a tingle down your spines and a sharp tang of ozone and the doors open with a grinding creak (Once again Yitillius feels nothing)
"Report to Adept Tyro if you wish, then report to Hanger 137-Gamma. Your shuttle for Hive Sibellus leaves in one hour."

With that Claudel walks out, his body lost in the swirl of his black cape...

[dupersudi]

Lucius ceases his tapping as Claudel leaves the room. "Yes lord." Once he leaves he turns towards his fellow acolytes. "Before we acquire what we can from this Tyro, we need to decide on who leads our cell. It almost goes without saying I think I am best suited. Between my connections and skill with people I highly doubt any one of you would be better suited." He eyes each of the acolytes, obviously measuring them. Once that's done a wry grin spreads across his face and he leans back in his chair, obviously confident.

[colossusclub]

Zaddian thinks nothing of the slight chill going down his spine, this was the first time he had ever been off of Volg (let alone a ship of any variety) so for all he knew someone messed with a thermostat somewhere.

Zaddian nods to the inquisitor as he leaves the room and, just before getting up to leave he notices Lucius speaking and listens. After Lucius was finished Zaddian couldn't help but make a chuckle at Lucius. "I'll be the first to say that I'm not good with talking to people... most on Volg aren't. Judging from the way you sit and talk; and your persistence on being..." Zaddian begins, then pausing to say sarcastically "... the leader. I don't think you should be any sort... let's not forget what the inquisitor said also, he doesn't trust any one of us yet... why should I..." and Zaddian points to himself as he says this, then points to Lucius saying "...trust you, when it comes to a combat scenario."

Zaddian sits back to catch his breath a bit before continuing. "I think the leader, of any given scenario, should be the one with the most expertise in the said scenario. That means you when it comes to connections and face..." Zaddian says, looking at Lucius, then finishes with "... and me, with fights."

Zaddian wasn't trying to pick a fight, but he was damned if he would follow someone into a fight if he had no reason to believe that the "leader" has ever even been in one.

[Caimheul]

"In regards to leadership, that is not a decision in our hands at present. If you will recall, the Interrogator stated quite plainly that this mission's secondary goal is to test us. Part of that trial is to determine which, if any, of us should have command which will be determined by our responses to combat. For now I believe our time is best spent procuring comm beads and any other equipment each of us deems necessary for the upcoming trial than politicking," the sister says rising from her seat. "Besides, petty power struggles are pointless when it is likely that some of our number will be before the Golden Throne shortly," she states dispassionately over her shoulder as she heads in the direction of Adept Tyro.

[evangaline]

The Tech-Adept snorts laudly. As long as your petty struggles for inter-group dominance do not come in the way of properly executing our missions, you may behave as childish as you wish. Just make sure the leadership does not deafen or blind you to your comrades. Jacobus glares at the back of the man clad in black. We, for some inexplicable reason, are a team after all. After stating his 'rather rude' opinion, he turns to head over to adept Tro.

Jacobus always was a simple, but pious, man. He may have had plans to leave the inquisition that so rudely took him away from his beloved post, but those seem pointless now. They were doomed to fail anyway. When he feels the chill going down his mechanically enhanced spine, he cannot prevent feeling genuinly concerned for his safety. Softly, he mumbles: The Omnisire is warning me. He made up his mind. I am going to ask for a krak grenade, and in the name of the Omnisire, I will enjoy using it!

[Demon 997]

Eli stands and begins to file out of the room, before stopping to face LuciusI agree with the good sister for the moment. The fires of combat will soon see who is up to the burden of leadership, and until then arguing about it is pointless. For all you know I'm a spineless coward, and Scrap-rat there is the greatest tactician since Macharius. Until we've seen combat together we just can't know. Until then, we can hash it out or defer to expertise.

His piece said, Eli makes his way out of the room, muttering a wish list under his breath. Commbeads first off, last thing we want is some noble getting lost once the shooting starts, then make sure everyone is actually armed, then see what they have that'll be useful for the depths of the hive...

[Jenerix525]

Being mentioned seems to shock Scrap-Rat; He seems to jump out of his seat.
"Looks like we're not just proving ourselves to the bosses. But sorry, what you see is what you get. And... I'm kinda new at this teamwork, so... just tell me if you need anything from me. Even the obvious stuff."
He moves towards the door, but hangs back to add an extra thought.
"No offence, but a blank slate means you're all suicidal, murderous nutters."

[Mtnoma]

Those who make their way towards the Heart of Iron's Requisitions Office find their way easily enough. The maze of hallways are marked with a variety of signs and the servitor's helpfully guide you back on path if you lose your way. Along the way you pass various other Inquisitorial navel soldiers, adepts and other lesser members, though some raise a hand in greeting or nod in your direction their interactions are brief.

Eventually you end up in front of a large metal door, stamped beside it in brass is a sign that says "Requisitions Office", the door seems unlocked however you can hear muffled voices on the other side. At least one of the voices sounds raised and agitated as if in the midst of an argument.

[dupersudi]

Lucius chuckles in response to the response he gets. "It seems you all excel at combat, I'm sure you'll have fun on the front lines." Shaking his head he leaves the room. Fething typical, I would get stuck with a bunch of combat obsessed grunts. Ah well, they won't last long, and I can force their replacements in line with my seniority after they bash their heads on every obstacle. Now to go get some better clothes.

Lucius walks through the doors without breaking his gait. "Good day. I was told I could request equipment here before my mission, who is in charge here? I would like to request clothing suitable for a lesser noble of Scintilla, and any accoutrements that would go along with them. And if you would happen to be able to provide me with information on the Scintillian nobilities manners and customs I would appreciate it, if you are not capable, would there be someone on the ship who could?" His voice is calm and unwavering, obviously used to having it's requests met.


I tend to use Italics to denote thoughts, so unless you're a psyker reading my mind(in which case GTFO), it's OOC knowledge.

Also, charm test if applicable to his "request"
[roll0] TN 48

[Demon 997]

Eli walks into the room and looks around. Waiting for a break in conversation, he asks Which of you is Adept Tyro? We were told by Interrogator Claudel to report to you for additional equipment. I believe our highest priority is commbeads to allow for tactical coordination.

[colossusclub]

Zaddian rolls his eyes to Lucius' comment and follows the group out of the room. Staying close, he notices the "yelling" from within the requisitions office and as the doors open he keeps quiet. Not wishing to barge in while others are in the middle of... their disagreement.

[Caimheul]

Sister Eveline enters the room, waiting in the corner. Her past experience with guard units has left her with an idea of how such facilities are typically run. She shakes her head and rolls her eyes at the puffed up noble's request. This is a combat operation, not a fancy dress ball she thinks to herself.

[Mtnoma]

The requisition room is a fairly small area at first glance. It is set up military style, meaning there is a small open area leading to a counter walled off by a metal grate, behind which are a series of long metal shelves holding a diverse array of gear.

Adept Tyro sits behind the metal counter. He is a middle aged man with a slightly balding head of grey hair and watery blue eyes, as you enter you see the man he is talking to. The other man is tall and has a muscular build, though his arm is in a sling. Surprisingly his skin is jet black and his eyes seem to be fiery red. He is in the middle of talking angrily to Tyro

"-as well as I do that something's going on down there. Just because Claudel won't tell us anything doesn't mean the other's haven't uncovered anything new!"
Tyro sighs.
"We've been over this before Brockell, Interrogator Claudel has every right to keep any information about the case to himself. Like if or not he is the Inquisitor's second, so if he decides to act like an arse that's his Emperor given right. In any case I have guests"

As he says this he gestures to the the group, and Brockell turns around in surprise, after a moment a note of realization crosses his face and he mutters "Ah, the new blood"
Glancing back at Tyro he nods before walking out of the room. Shaking his head Tyro turns back to you.
"I apologize for the inconvenience, what was it you asked for? Scintillian noble clothing of a lesser house? I'll see if anything fits the bill. You are our new recruits yes? Operating on access level alpha. If you need anything else speak with the skull and I'll cross-check if you have the appropriate clearance levels"

Tyro moves towards the shelves, at the same time a small servo-skull equipped with a vox-caster floats over to the group.

[evangaline]

Jacobus Primarus Maximus was, amongst other things, not a big fan of arguments. They were inefficient, and time consuming. For this reason he let the noble do his thing, while waiting patiently outside. He was of course listening in. Privacy is not a concern for members of the Order. Too much privacy is unhealthy, was what Jacobus thought. After hearing that Tyro was not intent on argue-ing with the members of his 'team', he went in. He immediately starts admiring the wonderful servo skul above him.

Ah Sir Tyro, it is an honour to finally meet you. I would like to prerequisite the explosives that you deem fit for our mission. As the demolitions expert I feel like a krak or frag grenade would solve most of our problems. There. That went well, I even started with flattery, just like my master taught me. Jacobus casually scratches what is left of his chin. I doubt I will ever get the hang of politics, it is so time consuming and inefficient.
Common lore tech: [roll0] and tech use: [roll1], target is 47 or lower. I am wondering how well this servo skull is doing, and if it is in need of repair.

[colossusclub]

Zaddian figured as much, information that was being kept from the group. Nothing new though, most employers he worked for did such that. After Jacobus finished with his request, Zaddian walked over to the Servoskull to make his. "An auto gun, with the appropriate magazines of ammunition for it. 3 magazines should do."


More of a passive awareness thing then anything else, though I am unsure if one is required in order to use a vox castor or not. Roll of: [roll0] with a target of 15.

[Caimheul]

Following the quartermaster's instructions, Eveline approaches the servo-skull and addresses it. "Begin Requisition order for Sister Hospitaller Eveline Grimm: One personal comm bead, encrypted preferred, One set combat webbing, adjustable, One set dark brown robes, Two Exterminator cartridges. Additionally requesting one of the following with at least three magazines worth of ammunition, listed in order of preference: One Mars Pattern Mark IV Command Laspistol, One Mars Pattern Mark III Short Lasgun, or One Armageddon Pattern Autogun. Alternately, One twelve round autopistol magazine Manstopper ammunition. End requisition order."

[Demon 997]

Following Evaline, Eli steps up to the servo-skull. 15 rounds of manstopper ammunition, and a silencer for my autogun, as well as a red dot scope. That order of preference, if not all is allowable. Actually, add another 30 rounds of manstopper as a final request, lowest priority of request. It can't hurt to ask, Eli thought, and if we're dealing with a well supplied gang it could make all the difference.

He turns to the the waiting Lucius: I'm sure you can talk your way out of most things, but take my advice, we're likely to be dealing with hive gang scum. Once the bullets start flying, and they will start flying, you'll want to be able to stay in touch with the rest of us.

[dupersudi]

Lucius chuckles. "Your interactions with Hive Gangs as an Arbites are far different than mine. If the Inquisition needed a strike force do you really think they would call upon this motley collection? Though I do not doubt everyone of us is at least mildly combat capable the Inquisition possesses Stormtroopers. Why would they rely on us instead? No I believe that our mission will require more than brute force. Your suggestion of a Microbead is a good one. But if bullets begin flying, do not expect me to hold the line. There are far better ways to die, surrounded by a multitude of women for instance and having your heart give out from a delightful combination of old age and arousal. Great Uncle Marius always was my favorite." He shakes his head sadly then steps up to the Servo-Skull. "One microbead I suppose, and a sizable quantity of Amasec, I feel the need to celebrate my dear uncle."

[Jenerix525]

Scrap-Rat slips into the room once the sound of argument calms. He counts something on his fingers while the others order.
Thinking he spots a chance to order, he moves closer to the skull "I'll take..." he glances at his fingers and sighs "Two six-round clips fer a Stead'older rifle, and three nine-rounds for a Phobos Stubber. Jus' borin' bullets."

[Caimheul]

The sister's head turns slowly, grey eyes steely gaze settling on Lucius. "Then I shall endeavour to place a bullet into your kneecap should we be called upon to serve in that manner. Should I recommend you be fitted with an explosive collar to ensure loyalty or is the knowledge that should you run, and more unlikely survive, that inqusitors tend to be rather unforgiving of betrayal, and their resources and influence are both quite extensive sufficient to remind you of your duty?"

[dupersudi]

Lucius' wistful smile vanishes in an instant, a look of rage and contempt replaces it. "My LOYALTY, is unquestioned." He hisses at the Sister. "Cancel my order." He barks at the servo skull. "Tyro, if you find suitable clothing have them sent to the hanger please." His business done, he leaves and heads straight for the hanger where he avoids any contact with the cell.



I forgot we were going straight to hanger afterwards. Fixeded

[colossusclub]

Zaddian moved out of Lucius' way. Zaddian rolls his eyes giving a sigh and turns to the others. "Due to my past line of work, I have a microbead already. Just so you all know" Zaddian said to the others, after noticing many of them purchasing comm and micro beads. He patiently waited for his order to process / get rejected.

[Caimheul]

"Only your loyalty to yourself, as you have willfully expressed reluctance to serve in battle should we be called upon to do so. We do not know what task lies before us, but if my presence is any indication, than violence is likely to be included. Voicing such reluctance to serve on the eve of battle is cowardly, and self serving sins, typically punishible by death," the sororitas retorts to Lucius's retreating form.

[Mtnoma]

The servo-skull is in fairly good repair, aside from a few scratches and dents in the skull it's working parts and the vox in-bedded in it seem to be up to the Omnisiah's standards


The servitor dutifully beeps after each acolyte places their requests. A few moments after Lucius storms out the vox in the skull crackles before Tyro's voice comes through.
"Dear me, two arguments in one day. I do hope you'll all get on each other's good side before you go planet-side, in my experience if the team falls apart so does the mission and usually your state of living"

After a few minutes Tyro walks back to the counter, followed by an industrial servitor. As the adept speaks the servitor dutifully places each item on the table.
"Here we are, I apologize as the armoury is slightly understocked on items of alpha clearance and lower, but here is what I have.
For Acolyte Maximus, I regret to inform you that all we have remaining in the explosive lockers is a single frag grenade. If you wish for more you may want to inquire with Enginseer Loan once you make contact with Acolyte Team Lucifer on the ground, as he requisitioned the majority of our ordinance.

Next for Acolyte Gormant, one Mordian-pattern Autogun, standard construction, along with three magazines worth of ammunition

For Acolyte Grimm, I'm afraid the majority of your weapons, as well as the combat webbing and exterminators are above clearance level alpha. However I do have one Mars Pattern Mark III Lasgun, as well as three charge packs available. Also for you are one set of dark brown robes, weaved from cotton and burlap, and one personal comm bead, standard encryption.

Acolyte Zharkov, one mars pattern silencer. Unfortunately we have no more red-dot sights at the moment...

Next is Acolyte, ah... "Scrap-Rat". Two clips for a lever-gun and three... ah, 'nine rounds' for a phobos-pattern stubber

Please inform Acolyte Rex that while I was unable to procure any suitable noble clothing I was able to procure a microbead for him as well as... one flask of amasec... I'm not quite sure what it's doing in the armoury... regardless..."

Once these are on the counter Tyro takes a small, metal ammo box from the servitor and places it on the table.
"In terms of ammo for your team, since you are the final group being sortied from the Heart of Iron, I am bequeathing you with whatever extra ammo stores we have left in the armoury. Inside this box you will find twenty man-stopper rounds, twenty dumdum bullets, one hot-shot charge pack and a half dozen inferno shells. I apologize that this may not fit your quota but it is all we have to spare for the moment. I pray your journey is safe and that you make the Emperor proud with your work"

[Caimheul]

As Eveline looks at the lasgun, her grey eyes go slightly out of focus and her right hand gently touches the grip of the pistol she wears at her hip. "I ..." she begins, voice cracking, before pausing to clear her throat. "I thank you for finding what you could for us," she says slightly quieter than normal, a sad inflection in her tone. She begins gathering up her requisitioned gear, inspecting it as she does so. The comm-bead is placed in her ear, and the robe is donned to at least slightly obscure her distinctive armour. She gingerly picks up the lasgun, doing a full field inspection, ensure the connection ports of the charge packs and lasgun are free of corrosion, and the muzzle is free from fouling. Satisfied, she stores the charge packs about her person and carries the lasgun unloaded for now. "It may be a good idea to save at least a few of the inferno shells for purifying any unclean articles we come across, unless we should happen to come into possession of another source of fire."

[evangaline]

Jacobus nods at adept Tyro. Those that may have known him for a long time could perhaps have noticed that his not was eager, perhaps a little too eager. He collects the frag grenade and starts observing it for a couple of seconds, before tucking it away in his growing stash of explosives. The Inquisition's effort will be furthered with this grenade. I thank you Adept Tyro, for allowing fresh adepts like us to draw out such wonderful amounts of useful equipment from it. Yup, that should be enough flattery. Both of us know that he does not make the choices, but this is what my master told me. Make them feel in charge or like a boss.

He turns to Eveline Grim, the sister. I respect your judgement, M'lady, and I feel like you really made the terms on which we are going to surrender rather clear. He is of course referencing to the fact that there will be no surrender, and that fleeing equals death. But you cannot expect the same level of dedication from some civilian that was drafted into the war effort. In my experience, those nobles expect to die peacefully and out of old age. This guy is going to die facing the most horrible stuff the archenemies of mankind have to offer, while resisting temptation to betray all that is holy. We should only assume that this made him rather annoyed. How about we limit the doubting of his loyalty until after he has gotten bloodied? They say that the heat of battle shows what metal he truely posseses. Sheesh, politics. He did not like his teammates trying to kill each other at all. He needed them in order to survive. After this short he starts checking out all the equipment on the table.

*he takes a single fire round and the frag grenade*

After this he takes the servo skull that was going with us, that we could use to contact him, and he is going to make it as good as new. He will do this inside the ship.

[Mtnoma]

As Jacobus collects the servo-skull it lets out a short, distressed blurt of white noise. Tyro raises his eyebrows in surprise.
"Ah... acolyte Maximus, I would prefer if you leave me helpers with me if that's alright..."

========== ==========

The Hanger

As Lucius walks into the Hanger 137-Gamma the first thing he realizes is how empty the hanger is. The room is large enough to house at least a dozen vessels, however only one Mars-class Aquilla Lander sits in the hanger. A half dozen servitors swarm around the vessel connecting hoses, checking pressures and making last minute repairs and upkeeps.

Aside from the servitors there is only one other person in the hanger, a young woman with strikingly green-black hair dressed in a standard flight suit sits at the foot of the hangers stairs, currently attempting to light a lho-stick.

She succeeds as Lucius enters the bay, and looks up as he approaches. Lho-stick dangling from her mouth she looks stands up and looks at the Malfian with a mix of bemusement and annoyance.
"You the acolyte team? Gak it they told me I'd have a full hour off till you gakkers showed up!"

[Demon 997]

Eli scoops up the ammo crate and turns to the rest of the Acolytes. Unless there is anything else, shall we proceed to the hanger bay? We can divide up ammo on the shuttle to the surface.

He turns to go, then pauses. Sister Grimm, might I have a word? While I agree that Lucius's comments were unacceptable, it seems worthwhile to maintain team cohesion. I'm sure that soon enough we'll either have a bond forged in combat, or be dead, but until then we might as well remain polite. Also, it seems worth checking about what things we should burn. Our superiors may desire evidence. That said, Eli heads for the shuttle bay, pausing only to look with some amusement at the Tech Priests attempt to make off with the servo skull.

[Caimheul]

"True, it is possible evidence may be needed, but flame is the proscribed manner of cleansing should that be necessary. And you both misunderstand my comments. Should our mission call for withdrawal, or we find ourselves outmatched and do not have orders precluding regrouping, we should do so. Surrender to such horrors as we expect will be far worse for us than death. If we are called upon to hold the line, we should endeavour to follow the example of some former..." the sister trails off as he eyes get a faraway look, right hand again gently resting on her pistol. "friends... of mine and comport ourselves with honour. They were naught but farmers, apprentices, and shopkeepers, with a handful of weeks training onboard ship, thrown into hell. Mutants swarmed their landing zone, horrors they had only heard of in scary sermons of the terrors of chaos from their village priest. They fought, and held the landing zone for the waves of reinforcements. Over sixty percent casualties in less than two hours, but they held. Everyone here was selected for a reason by the Inquisition or our respective organizations, we weren't randomly selected to fulfill a tithe. To express that he does not intend to fight alongside us as we face the same horrors he does, is more harmful to any sort of cohesion. Should he stay in combat simply to prove me wrong, then my comments had the desired effect. I shall be in the chapel to pray for us all until closer to our scheduled departure," Eveline snaps before departing in a swirl of her newly acquired robe to the chapel nearest the hanger, eyes shimmering with slightly more moisture than usual, the unloaded lasgun slung over her shoulder in a military carry.

[colossusclub]

Zaddian carefully grabs the autogun and the 3 magazines, and inspected the gun. To any other person this was just a regular mordian pattern autogun, but to Zaddian this was something else. "Larger clip, good maintenance... I've heard of these, but never did I think I would ever see one up close." Zaddian said, almost enthralled in just how much more fire power this would deliver to his enemies. "Thank you." was all Zaddian said to the servo skull before finishing his armament. The gun was nicely loaded, and ready for use, so he took it's accompanying harness and slung it over his shoulder. He grabbed at the 3 magazines of ammunition and, when realizing his pockets were already full with ammunition, looked back to the servo skull. "I'm going to need a back pack, preferably a standard one. Sorry for the trouble."

Once armed and ready Zaddian turned to the remaining acolytes. "Honestly I don't understand why any of you talk of death. I wasn't born into Volg, and survived to the age I am in that hell just to wind up dead somewhere else. I don't plan on dying, so why psyche myself out by talking about it. Zaddian said while waiting for his second order.

[evangaline]

At this moment Jacobus Primerus Maximus came to a realisation, He did not have permission to let this wonderful piece of machinery travel with him. He could either sneak away with it, play aggressive, or ask nicely. Offensive action has a very low percentage of succes here, stealth succes is abysmal, asking nicely is utterly pointless. After a short glance around the room Jacobus realises that asking nicely provides the best odds for succes.

What did his master say again... Temporarely taking someone you find very interesting or attractive on an activity was called 'a date', and he really wanted to hammer out some of those dents. Eh, Respected Adept Tyro, I would like to request to go on 'a date' with this beautiful piece of machinery. She will of course get hammered... He realises that he should really test the Servo skull before he returns it, using the implants in his body would be very efficient. before I put myself in her, to test if she is still working correctely. I will of course return this wonderful piece of machinery to you before we depart.

... Did I say something wrong? Jacobus did not expect this reaction at all, he did exactely as his master had taught him and stuff did not go moderately ok. How very strange.

If he gets the servo skull, he will try and make it look better. If he does not, which is incredibly likely, he will join the others in the hangar while muttering I do not get it, what did I do wrong? to himself

[dupersudi]

"You may have some time yet, I believe my compatriots will be a little longer." Lucius bows slightly. "I am Lucius Rex, am I to assume you are our pilot miss...?"

Make her think I'm nice MAGIC CHARM POWERS ACTIVATE

[roll0] TN 48
MAGIC CHARM POWERS HAVE FAILED ME

[Mtnoma]

The Armoury

Adept Tyro's look of confusion simply grows in intensity. It remains the same a creates an awkward silence as the servitor trundles back towards the requisition shelves and returns with a small burlap backpack. Without a word Tyro places the bag on the table and then slowly turns to look back at Maximus before muttering a single.
"....no"

========== ==========

The Hanger

The woman turns to look at Lucius, one eyebrow raised in mock surprise.
"Ms? What kind of gak is that? The name's Cyline, and you're damn right I'm your pilot, at least for this mission."
Cyline takes a drag on her lho and takes one step up the stairs.
"So what's your shtick? You some kind of high collar blue-blood or something?"

[dupersudi]

Lucius grins slightly. "Well Cyline, last time I checked my blood came out red, and I've always been more fond of comfort over form when it comes to my clothing. As far as schticks go, I'm usually quite good and talking, but the joining the inquisition doesn't seem to agree with that so far. Maybe that will change when I get back to civilization. So, what's your schtick then? Tough female pilot?"

[evangaline]

After arrival in the hangar, Jacobus will start observing the engines of the ship he is supposed to travel with. He is going to go and ask, this time without silly shenannigans, to the pilot if it is okay if he inspects (and possibly improves) the engines. As it will take a while to get there, I will not interrupt the current conversation.

Once the entire squad has gathered Jacobus will adress the issue of the flaming shotgun shells. Fellow acolytes, I would like to request ownership over the flaming shotgun shells, as I am presumably the only one with a shotgun. Feel free to prove me wrong.

[Demon 997]

Eli takes his time getting to the hanger, assuming that Lucius could use some time to cool off. Once there's a break in his conversation with the shuttle pilot, Eli will hand Lucius his stuff. The skull didn't cancel your order. Here's a bead and some amasec. Taking out his own bottle, Eli toasts. To the holy Inquisition?

Turning to the pilot, Have they told you which bit of the hive you're to take us down to? Any other bits of gossip. I'm Eli Zharkov, by the way.

Once the rest of the team has assembled, Eli will dive into the ammo discussion. Makes sense to me Jacobus, unless anyone else has a shotgun. I think I'm the only one with a fire selector, so I'd definitely be able to get specialized rounds on a target the fastest. That make sense to you?

[Caimheul]

As Sister Eveline enters the chapel, she removes her pistol from its holster, and unloads it. She approaches one of the prayer stations, placing both of her unloaded weapons, loaded magazines, and both of her grenades reverently upon the table present for this reason. She knees, making the sign of the aquilla and begins to pray. "Emperor, with these weapons I will bring your justice to foul heretics, wytches, and other abominations in your eyes. Please grant myself, and the acolytes that I shall accompany your divine protection. Let us not be found wanting if we are to be tested this day. And please watch over those I left behind on Tranch," she prays quietly, before briefly meditating, making sure to arrive at the hanger a few minutes before the scheduled departure.

[Mtnoma]

Hanger

Cyline smirks as Lucius finishes speaking.
"Sounds about right, if you lot survive this maybe you'll learn a bit more to that. Aside from that if you like talking go find Brekker or spend some time with Alexi when you hit the ground. Gakker like to run his mouth about as much as he actually does work"

As Jacobus walks in and asks about the Aquilla Cyline seems to take his question in stride and simply shrugs and nods her head in the direction of the ship.
"Knock yourself out techie, just don't tamper with the Lander unless you want to keep the ground team waiting for a couple more hours as we re-run diagnostics"

She takes another drag on her lho-stick and looks past Lucius as Eli and Jacobus enter the hanger. As Eli hands Lucius his gear she raises an eyebrow and her smirk grows a bit.
"Sure you weren't lying to me bout being royalty 'Mr. Rex'? You've even got a pet arbite running around grabbin your gak"
She nods in Eli's direction.
"Everything to your liking Mr. Protector of the Peace sir? You the kind to get along with our esteemed hard-ass Claudel or was the stick up his ass too long for even an arbite?"
Cyline might be speaking bluntly but the look in her eyes is more mischievous than spiteful.

========== ==========

Chapel

The chapel Eveline finds is one of the Heart of Iron's main temple area's. Dozen's of candles line each wall and beyond the three prayer stations stands a large effigy of the God-Emperor, resplendent in his ancient glory and seated in front of a large brass aquilla.
As Eveline finishes speaking a deeper voice speaks from behind her.
"Our thoughts light the Darkness that others may cross space.
We are one with the Emperor, our souls are joined in his will.
Praise the Emperor whose sacrifice is life as ours is death.
Hail his name the Master of Humanity."

From a fair distance behind Eveline the jet-black skinned man who was arguing with Tyro makes the sign of the Aquilla, struggling slightly as he fights the arm in the sling to do so. He glances reproachfully at the Sister.
"I apologize sister. I did not mean to intrude on your prayers, I simply wished to pray for the safety of the friends I cannot join on Sibellus at the moment..."

[dupersudi]

"That would be telling Cyline, I just said my blood comes out red. And if wasn't the case I don't think the Inquisition would take me." Turning towards Eli and taking the flask Lucius nods. "The Holy Ordos and the God-Emperor!" He takes good sized swig and pauses a moment before swallowing. He then looks at the flask. "Interesting aftertaste." His eyes widen slightly. "And a good sized kick. Better keep this away from our pilot." He grins mischievously as he puts it away.

[Caimheul]

Eveline begins to gather her ammunition and weapons, refraining from loading her weapons just yet. "No offence taken. Concern for one's friends is an admirable trait, and I have been in a similar situation all too often given my calling. Sister Hospitaller Eveline Grimm of the Order of Serenity," she introduces herself, extending the hand that will allow the stranger to shake it using his uninjured arm. "I understand the need for secrecy but is there any small bit of information you might be able to share with me regarding the present situation on Sibellus? We are to be briefed by an acolyte named Alexi Markovha, but I would prefer to have at least some information should circumstances arise that preclude us from making contact right away," she elaborates slightly.


Charm i guess? [roll0] TN 16
If he's a former guardsman, +10 from Peer I believe... Otherwise, unless there is some other +10 modifier I don't know about, blech.

[colossusclub]

Zaddian picks up the bag, looks at Jacabus in a bit of shock and then leaves shaking his head thinking Never gonna understand those techies.. While on the move he places three clips of the stubber rounds in his backpack, while placing the three autogun mags into his coat pockets. After several minutes of dealing with "some business", Zaddian finally arrives at the hanger and walks up to the three present, and the pilot. "So we're still waiting on Rat and the sister?" Zaddian asks, looking to Eli, Jacabos and Lucius. He turns to the pilot and gives a nod. "You don't see a cutie like that on Volg" Zaddian thinks to himself.

[Roll in Off Topic for passive charm, forgot I was editing this post when making the roll]

[Demon 997]

Eli smiles at Lucius slightly as he takes a swig from his own hip flask. Good, with any luck that's mollified him a little. That should get us through first contact, and by then a team should form. And if nothing else, he's got a bead now, so we'll be able to get some intel if he walks off into an ambush.

Bridling slightly at the pilots remark, Eli turns to her.I'm no man's pet, least of all the notabilities. The Arbites teach us to look after our comrades though, in the hope that they'll look after us in turn. As to the Interrogator, he seems like a... hard man. Good at his job though, unless I miss my mark.

[Mtnoma]

Hanger

Cyline shrugs at Lucius' comment about the amasec.
"Eh, it's all the same to me your royal gakkness. I know where the bar is on this ship"
She lets out a low whistle as Eli speaks about Claudel
"Huh, didn't know they build Arbites so soft, least they teach good morals and gak.

Cyline take the lho-stick from her mouth and knocks off the accumulated ash.
"You don't need to be such so gakking neutral bout the Interrogator though. Claudel's an ass, he's a talented ass and a gakking scary ass, but if he was any more of an ass the pole up there would be made of solid adamantium"

A few moments later Zaddian walks in and Cyline glances up as the Volgite enters the hanger. She seems to size him up for a moment before glancing back to Lucius.
"Huh, so a techie, an arbite and a guardsman so far. Guess I can see why you think ya don't fit in wit-"

Whatever else she was going to say is cut off by a loud crash and Cyline spins around, glaring at Jacobus she storms off towards him.
"Dammit techie! I said don't touch the gakking ship! What the gak are you even drawing on it?!"

========== ==========

Chapel

Brekker takes Eveline's proffered hand and offers a firm handshake.
"Brekker Tarn, former PDF sergeant of the Nocturnus 134th. Pleased to make your acquaintance Sister Grimm.

He listens to Eveline's quesiton before nodding
"I understand Sister, and while I know Claudel has stressed that you are to learn as little information as possible I will provide whatever information I can. Though I fear that there is little information I can offer on your mission.
In terms of your mission objectives I have little more information than what Claudel has told me. I know that team Lucifer was sent to investigate a new narcotic that seemed to have been rapidly spreading throughout Hive Sibellus, and I know that the narcotic was called Initrum. That was all the information that we were given before Lucifer departed, since then we have I have had no contact with Lucifer team. The only person who has is Interrogator Claudel...

He pauses, as if trying to think of what else to say.
"Aside from that I'm afraid I'm not sure what else to say. Lucifer Team are good people, and they are talented acolytes. You will be in good hands with them, and I pray that my injuries-"
He says gesturing to his arm.
"-heal quickly so that I may join you on this mission"

[Caimheul]

Sister Eveline furrows her brow. "No word on the effect of Initrum upon users, nor how it is administered? While I appreciate the need for secrecy, there are vastly different safety precautions that should be observed depending on if the drug is smoked, injected, absorbed through the skin, ingested, or inhaled. Regardless, I'm sure I will find out soon enough should we make contact with the others of your team. It has been a pleasure meeting you, but I have an appointment with a dropship. Should I return, I look forward to swapping war stories over a bottle of amsec or whatever rotgut can be scrounged up," she says with a warm smile as she goes to depart.

[Jenerix525]

Scrap-Rat finally arrives at the hangar, helmet clumsily thrown over his head.
"Sorry if I've held you up. Left some gear in me room. We all ready to go out in a blaze of glory?"

[evangaline]

Now... focus. With hands shaking with regigious fervor Jacobus connected his left hand to the Landers Mainframe while chanting the Rite Of Activation.

*Code 7, Authorisation level Blue*
*Acolyte JPM, Member of 0th rank Adeptus Mechanicus*

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
****Running Internal Diagnostics****
*Scanning system for potential risks....
*Intensifying scan levels on engine exhoust 2...
*No potential risks found.

Jacobus looked at his data slate. How strange, the machine spirit is not communicating properly to him. This must be solved. I should re-run the scans, and focus on that engine. It feels off.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
****Running Internal Diagnostics****
*Scanning system for potential risks....
*Intensifying scan levels on engine exhoust 2...
*No potential risks found.

Again.
The system must be off. Jacobus walks over to the second engine exhoust, and starts observing it. With a very soft and monotone he starts reciting the Incantation Of Reparation (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lu3VTngm1F0), as he draws the base scematics of the control system used to run scanns on the lander.

Okay. The system is not detecting what is wrong, while it is clear that something is wrong. He removes the covering plates that hide and protect most of the engine. After a brief observation he figured out that there is a very small cable that seems broken, and like any good tech priest he first took a good look at the context. The engine exhoust actually looked ok, and he started feeling like he might have been wrong. I guess this Machine Spirit is asking me to connect this cable...?

With his hands he reconnects the cables to each other. The moment these cables touch each other, Jacobus is blown backwards by a very powerful shock. He could feel the machine spirit laughing at him and after a quick sprint to the machinery, he realises that the exhoust is not damaged at all. Enfuriated by the Machine Spirit's childish behavious Jacobus nearly screamed: That NASTY collection of cogs!

Nearly.
He was trained well after all.

With fury in his pace, he started walking back to the group of acolytes. While Jacobus is still consumed with dissapointment about his actions and the actions of the Holy Machine, some lady starts shouting at him. How annoying. Calm down. No issues have been found. The machine is all right. The running of diagnostics should be more effective.

[colossusclub]

Zaddian paused at the mention of being a guardsmen and blinked as Cyline turned away. I... guess that's a compliment? Zaddian thought to himself. He didn't realize that he actually had the qualifications to be a guardsmen, but without the pesky 'mightier then thou' attitude that usually got imperial guardsmen killed.

He turned to Yitilius and gave him a strange look at what he said. "Stay behind me, and you won't 'go out' at all." said, then continued after a brief pause with "So then it's the sister we're waiting for now. Anything we should discuss before we depart?"

[dupersudi]

Lucius sloshes his flask around before slipping it into one of his pockets. "I still think we should decide on a leader now. But I suppose I can settle for you guys just letting me do the talking, unless one you have connections to the people we are talking to, like say the Tech-Priest to other Tech-Priests. I simply feel I'm better suited for it. Oh and make sure no one got anything with a symbol of the Inquisition on it, that's just a bad idea short of a Rosette."

[evangaline]

Zaddian's question was completely valid, and Jacobus realised that this question should have been asked when they met. I guess we all keep learning. As he scratches what is left of his chin, jacobus starts eying his fellow party members up and down. How about we agree not to kill each other, unless 'said other' joins with the forces of Chaos or Xenos. Allow me te reformulate that sentence, unless 'said other' can be considered a heretic, we will not open fire on him/her.

Jacobus did not like the idea of not being able to trust his fellow comrads, but it could not be helped. As long as these people did not touch his wonderful Machines he would be very happy. That should be a rule! I would also like to request all of you to leave the operating of machinery to me as much as possible. The Embodyments of the Omnisire prefer to be handled carefully, by their loyal servants.

[colossusclub]

Zaddian nodded to Jacabus with his first "suggestion" (couldn't think of a better word :(). Then, after some thought, realized that might be taken as a "I don't want to answer that" kind of reaction. "Agreed" Zaddian quickly added. Not that he would trust any one of them any quicker, this was all still new to him. He, once again, nodded and said "Agreed" at Jacabus' request. "It would be for the better, I only have a minimal idea of what I am doing with machines... you know, besides using and reloading a gun".

[Demon 997]

Eli walks over and joins the circle discussing roles and logistics. He turns to Lucius I assume I would handle any dealing with the Arbites? Presuming we were dealing above the board so to speak. I agree on keeping insignia or other identifying features covered. In fact... Turning to face the tech priest: Meaning no disrespect, but do you have robes you could wear so that you would less clearly appear to be a servant of the machine god? Such folk are are rare in the underhive, and could raise question. Looking slightly taken aback at Jacobus next statement, Eli continues. I suppose I had taken that we wouldn't murder each other as a given. Do know that I won't hesitate to bring the Emperor's Justice if need be though.

Now, it's just the sister and the second noble now isn't it? The hunter one?

[Mtnoma]

Chapel

Brekker furrow's his brow as Eveline speaks, then nods in agreement.
"I understand your frustration sister. The Interrogator, Emperor guide his soul, has been frustratingly vague on any of the mission's details with the senior acolyte's as well as yourself. I find it hard to believe that Lucifer Squad has been active on the planet for so long and have not discovered more on Initrum and details on why it is a heretical nature. I confessed my anger to Adept Tyro earlier, but he said we should rely on the Inquisitor and that keeping details in the shadows is an integral part of our work.

I confess that I have agreed with and gone with this reasoning in previous times, but it always rankles me. Why should we keep information from our peers? Surely the Emperor has vouched for their integrity, if he did not the God-Emperor would never have allowed such filth to desecrate his glorious organization"

The annoyance in Brekker's tone is clear, and he seems to notice that as he bows his head and moves aside for Sister Eveline
"But I speak with much rage in my heart, it does me a disservice to speak in such a way of the Interrogator. Walk with the Emperor Sister, I pray that you will find the path devoid of corruption and that you bring the Emperor's vengeance down upon those who turn from his gaze. I look forward to sharing our war stories, and we will drink to the fallen and the brave"
With that he turns back to the altar and continues to pray where Eveline left off.

========== ==========

Hanger

Cyline spends a few minutes fretting over the engines, then returns with an annoyed look before gesturing back to the Aquilla Lander.
"Well on the bright side techie didn't seem to fry anything important, and the servitors tell me that by the time we're set to ship out the machine-spirit will have calmed itself"

As the collected acolytes talk about the roles of leadership and affinities Cyline doesn't seem to take a great deal of interest, simply fishing out another lho-stick as they talk. As she lights it she turns back to the group with a look of interest.
"You keep saying 'the sister not here' or 'we're waiting for the sister'. What are you talking about? One of you guys got a sibling or something on the team?"
The smallest look of apprehension flickers across her eyes.
"Y-you don't mean an actual sister right? Like a member of the Adeptus Sororitas?"

[Demon 997]

Smiling broadly, Eli turns to Cyline, with what might be the trace of a wicked gleam in his eyes. Perhaps. If you looked closely. Indeed we do. A noble Sister of Battle, eager to cleanse the stains from the Emperors realm with fire and chainsword! I have no doubt that she'll soon be insisting that you drop us into only the hottest of LZs. Turning to the rest of the group, Eli winks.


Figure I might as well mess with the pilot over the "pet Arbite" remark. Rolling for deceive if Mtnoma thinks that's necessary.
1d100]
Derp. I'll roll in OOC

[Caimheul]

About this time is when Sister Eveline, armour still covered by her recently obtained dark brown robe makes an appearance. "Has a member of the Orders Militant been added to our ranks while I was at the chapel, or are you attempting to mislead this woman as to my status within the Adepta Sororitas?" she inquires of the arbite dryly. "Sister Hospitaler Eveline Grimm of the Order of Serenity, and, assuming from Eli's comments that you are a pilot, rest assured that any requests for a 'hot LZ' would be to extract wounded," the Sororitas addresses the pilot matter of factly.

[colossusclub]

Zaddian notices Eveline and says to the full group, after Eveline reassured(?) the pilot, "That leaves Alphonse, wonder what he's up to".

[Mtnoma]

At the arbites comment Cyline shoots Eli a scowl.
"Hot LZ's aint a problem for me, and neither are Sororitas, they aren't fanatical zealots, they're protectors of all that's gakking holy and pure in the-"

She stops short and goes wide eyed as Eveline enters the hanger. Cyline's mouth drops open and the lho-stich tumbles from her fingers, though she doesn't seem to notice. A few beats pass before she recovers, though she goes slightly pink.
"Ah! H-honored to have you with us Sister. Emperor guide our souls to the path of the righteous"

After a brief pause Cyline coughs and turns to one of the servitor's. Consulting the machine's inbuilt datapad before turning to the rest of the group.
Shuttle's prepped and ready for launch. We're still a bit early but if you're ready to get this gak rolling strap in and we'll head for Sibellus asap"

At her words the ramp of the Aquilla lowers and the it's interior becomes visible to the acolytes. Unlike a normal Aquilla standard hard metal seats this Lander seems to have been refurbished with dark leather seats that look quite comfy. For some reason there is also a servitor standing in the middle of the passenger compartment. It seems like a standard issue servitor but it carries a small brass tray with a few tiny bottles of amasec, some plastek wrapped crackers and two small boxes of lho-sticks.

[Caimheul]

"Thank you. The waiting can wear on the nerves," Eveline says as she goes to board the lander, grabbing a couple of the bottles of amasec for potential use as an anesthetic or antiseptic. Before strapping in, she finally loads her lasgun and auto pistol before securing them and dons her armoured respirator.

[Demon 997]

Eli turns to Cyline with a broad smile. Sorry about earlier, no offense meant whatsoever, just yanking your chain a little about the lap dog remark. We all good? Are those all for us, or is someone important coming? How long is the flight?

With that said, Eli finds himself a seat and follows Evaline's lead, loading weapons and checking armor before strapping in.

[dupersudi]

Lucius' boarding is much less professional than Eli's. He snags a Lho stick and lights it before pocketing two of the Amasec bottles and collapsing into one of the seats. "Now if only they reclined, that would be simply delightful. Servitor, do you possess the capability to play music or answer questions?"

[evangaline]

The tech priest slowly walks into the shuttle, while observing it intensively. As he sits down on a leather chair he feels pleasantly surprised. These chairs were nice, soft and made the parts of his body that were still made out of flesh enjoy sitting down. He starts looking at the servitor once he sits down and buckles up.

[Jenerix525]

"Of course. I'm always ready to crash and burn."
Scrap-Rat grabbed at the crackers before dropping into a chair.
"Oh, these are nice. Real cosy."

[Caimheul]

Eveline looks over the other acolytes as she begins to do up her harness. "Any of you prone to airsickness?" she inquires.

[Mtnoma]

Cyline nods after Eveline speaks, stamping out the lho she dropped on the ground.
"Of course sister, maam. I'll have us prepped and on route as soon as I can!"

As Eli passes Cyline she smirks and tilts her head slightly.
"Didn't think I rattled you so easy arbie. We're good enough for now, you lot just have to gakking prove your skills now. The grub is for you, little welcoming gift from Tyro and Brockker, since Emperor knows Claudel wouldn't give ya anything"

At Lucius' question the servitor turns it's chromed, augmented head and blurts out a quick response.
"Negative. This unit is not equipped with olfactory confections or similar apparatus's"

As the acolytes enter the crew compartment Cyline slides past them into the crew compartment. A few moments after the PC's have sat down and strapped the Aquilla rumbles and Cyline's voice crackles over the vox.
"Hey all, welcome to your shuttle for the day. Hopefully we'll be in Hive Sibellus in under four hours, so strap in, relax and gakking enjoy whatever confections don't shatter if they fall off the gakking servitor."
Shortly after the entire craft gently lurches and sends a flutter through those acolytes who are not used to space flight.

The flight down to the surface is relatively smooth, the stars whip past the view ports and the grey, clouded orb of Scintilla gradually grows larger and larger as the shuttle approaches. A few hours later as the shuttle breaches the atmosphere the shuttle begins to shudder and shake and your vision blurs momentarily as the craft fights against the friction of the planet to maintain control. Your vision focuses as you gaze out the port windows of the Arvus Lighter you are strapped into, the clattering rumble of the vessal barely drowning out your hammering heartbeat. The thick industrial fog surrounding you suddenly parts and the looming form of Scintilla’s main hive comes into view.

Hive Scintilla is a looming behemoth of a city. Spanning nearly the entire continent and stacked dozens upon dozens of times upon itself, Hive Sibellus houses billions and billions of humans, crammed into their sections of the hive and constantly set upon by the millions of tonnes of smog and industrial waste the hive spews out at a constant pace.

As your vessal nears the landing pad you pass by the towering spires where the Hive’s noble class call their home, as you dip down the gleaming columns of the upper hive are quickly replaced with the mid-spire and the sprawling landscape of it’s hab-blocks and thousands upon thousands of manufactorums where the heart of the hive’s production lies. The ride smooths out as the Aquilla Lander begins it's landing approach, as it does the vox crackles once again and Cyline's voice comes through, from her tone it sounds like she's attempting to mock the sing-song tone of most civilian shuttle attendants.
"Alright lads and ladies, welcome to the gak filled paradise of Hive Sibellus. That gakking servitor we brought along should have a dataslate with the updated location of Acolyte Markohv and the other senior acolyte's. Since our Interrogator decided not to fill you in on our gakking schedule I figured I'd let you know what we've got on the timetable. After I return to the Heart of Iron we're schedualed to travel to Fenksworld and rendezvous with the Inquisitor. After that we'll be returning to Scintilla to check up on your progress....
So until then, stay safe, have some gakking fun with the others and try to smite the enemies of the Emperor while you're at it"

At this a series of metallic bangs resonate through the cabin and the landing ramp descends. Filling the cabin with the scent of burning promethium and stale oil, servitors and mechanics rush about prepping and running maintenance on the myriad of other vessels filling the hanger. In the distance the vast doors of the spaceport lead to Hive Scintilla, and the area where you will first prove your loyalty and skills to the Inquisition, and by extension the God-Emperor of Mankind...

[colossusclub]

Many thoughts passed through Zaddian's mind as they descended onto the surface of hive Scintilla. Were all planets like this?, Was I just returning to another Volg?. As the doors opened, the landing complete, Zaddian rose from his seat. His back pack draped over his shoulders as his flak jacket waved a bit. Smelling the new, yet similar scent of gas in the air Zaddian gave a sigh and shrugged. "At least it's not Volg."

[dupersudi]

Lucius frowns at the Servitor. "A pity." As they disembark he takes the Dataslate and attempts to pull up the location of the other cell. "Well, first things first, let us go and see what our job is. And no broadcasting our organization, the other group is not to be referred to as anything more specific than the other group, and no talking about our bosses period. Hives have ears everywhere. And we have no idea who is friend or foe, so we should not trust anyone, or pick a fight with anyone, without feeling them out first okay?"

[evangaline]

The man clad in the red robes of the Adeptus Mechanicus smells the air. SMNNNFFF.... Wonderful. This beautiful scent of the myrad of manifuactoria of this world, it made Jacobus reminicent of the past. With an unseen smile he agrees to Lucius, Thrust nobody, speak to nobody. Roger. Dear Omnisire, he didn't even have to talk to people. This day could hardly get any better!

After a quick inspecion of his weaponry Jacobus disembarks the craft, giving it a quick pat on the still hot engines. You did well, oh beautiful one.

[Demon 997]

Eli nods curtly to the pilot, then heads for the tray. He grabs a bottle, opens it, and takes a sip. Swishing it around, he sighs in appreciation. Enjoy it after the mission... He then settles into a seat, checks all of his gear, twists his chrono for 3 hours, and immediately falls asleep.

As the shuttle comes into land, Eli wakes, up reflexively checks the chrono on his wrist, then looks around.

Disembarking, he turns to Zaddian. This is better. I've never been to Volg, but Volg is supposed to be the worst. A word of advice? Comparing something to Volg is a good way to get knifes drawn in a friendly bar fight here.

Walking over to Lucius, Eli says Agreed on all counts. If I may have the slate? Rat and I are the locals after all. He starts to turn away, then says Actually, that brings to mind cover identities. Here's my thoughts. We go in three groups, essentially pretending to be ourselves. I'm an arbite, with Scrap-Rat as my prisoner. You're a noble trying to find religion and following Sister Evaline. Volg boy there is a cheap gun the Tech Priest hired. That sound good to you?


Not rolling for anything unless needed. My plan is to get Lucius support first, then pitch the plan to the group, but we don't need to RP that if people all agree OOC. I figure this set up gives us a decent mix of skill sets, while also not putting the Sister and the Tech Priest in one group. If we want every group to be properly shooty, then switch Zaddian and Evaline.

[Caimheul]

Sister Eveline settles into her seat as the shuttle takes off, catching some shut eye while she can. A lesson learned both from serving as a battlefield surgeon and he guardsmen she befriended: sleep when you can, especially in a secure perimeter.

She stretches in her armour as she stands, before ensuring the safety is on her lasgun and slinging it over her shoulder. She sneers slightly underneath her gasmask at the thought of being paired up with the noble. "Or one of us could read the damn dataslate rather than fight over it and see if cover identities have been provided or are even necessary yet. But yeah, if we need to make up our own, splitting up into smaller groups will probably attract less attention. Groups of three might be safer though, and I'd at least recommend you pass off Scrap-Rat as an informant, else you'll have to disarm and slap cuffs on him. Need to set our microbead frequencies before we disembark regardless."

[Demon 997]

Agreed. Sister Evaline, please take the dataslate and brief the rest of us. Once you're done we can finalize team suggestions. I agree in principal with your assessment for two groups of three. Myself, you, and Scrap Rat as informant as primary strike team. And Rat can switch roles in 30 seconds of relatively privacy, or a pulled blow from me in public. Lucius, Zaddian, and Tech Priest Jacobus as specialist support and evacuation team. That makes sense?


I just figured out Eli's primary character trait. Read if you're interested, but it's heavy OOC. But fun for us all to play off of.


Eli was a good man. Then the Inquisition took him. Now he's a sociopath on demand. Right now his button is fully pushed, and he will say literally anything to make the team work as a team. After an operation or two, he'll calm down a little.


This gives me a larger character arc. Right now Eli isn't fighting indoctrination at all. A few missions from now he'll start. Him trying to break free for the climax, and that having him be promoted or executed sounds like fun to me.

[Mtnoma]

Lucius manages to pull up the location on the dataslate fairly easily. Though Malfian and unfamiliar with the layout of Hive Sibellus the hive shares enough similarities with his home world. After a few moments he is able to discern that the meeting spot is located somewhere in the Hive's underhive, it is not deep within the undercity, instead closer to the divide between the mid-hive and underhive.
From what Lucius can determine the area they are to meet the acolytes is in a defunct manufactorum district.

[dupersudi]

Lucius hands the data slate to Eli. "Have a look, pretty sure I can find my way around a hive with this good of a map. A defunct Manufactorum area in the Underhive. As for cover identities and splitting up, I do not really agree. We are operating on a world most of us are unfamiliar with. We do not know who our targets are and thus whom to avoid and the areas they dwell. We seem to need to go to the Underhive, so unless it is vastly different from Malfi an Arbites operating alone is likely to be noticed if not shot dead on the street, and a lovely lady such as our dear sister is likely to be noticed for even darker reasons. Instead, how about the Tech-Priest leads looking spooky and strange as Tech-Priests are wont, and the rest of us play a group of people having some fun with amasec. Pop into a side alley, splash a little on our collars, dishevel our clothes and hair and we have a somewhat functional disguise for now. And it keeps us together and makes anyone looking to interfere underestimate us. Of course if I had gotten noble clothing I could have just been a rich boy slumming it, but we work with what the God Emperor gives us."

[Demon 997]

Eli looks at Lucius with something that someone might be able to mistake for respect. First clever thing I've heard you say all day. We might just be able to work together. Eli offer Lucius his hand, in a gesture common on Sibellus.

[Caimheul]

Sister Eveline scoffs, especially at the obvious attempt at flattery. "Implying we are under the influence of a drug known for reducing reaction times and awareness is asking to be accosted by lowlifes. Besides if there are no bars in that area, or at least ones that outsiders would know about, what excuse do you have for that group going to a defunct Manufactorum? And your story doesn't give a reason for a tech-priest to be following along. An Ad-mech party going to determine the feasibility of recovering materials or equipment is more believable IF anyone even bothers to asks what we are doing as we travel. If we don't call attention to ourselves, most people are likely to ignore us, and those looking for us will likely spot us in any case. Either way, I'm not about to smell like a distillery for the foreseeable future, so I'll be accompanying the tech-priest," Eveline says as she pulls the hood of her robe up, casting her face in shadows, the presence of an armoured rebreather still obvious.

[evangaline]

After Eli calls tech priests 'spooky and strange', the obviously annoyed Jacobus attempts to raise what is left of his eyebrow. While not visually impressive, nor actually visible at all, he does seem genuinly concerned. With non-hearable sarcasm Jacobus sais: The Omnisire would truely be jelous of your mental capablities, Sir Eli. Allow this Spookeeh tech priest to go and be strange somewhere else after he copies this data-slate.

After copying the dataslate Jacobus turns around and heads towards the empty manufactorium. His unpleasant interactions with the fleshlings made him long for machinery, and something inside him told him that he would long for the cold logic of machines more then once today. He gestures for the sister to join him, and with his usual monotone voice he states 'Sister. Let us go.'

[Caimheul]

"Of course, Tech-Priest. It may be better for you to refer to me by name rather than position while traveling, especially should we have to pass me off as a lay assistant. Is there a particular mode of address that a lay assistant would use that is pronounceable in Low or High Gothic?" she says as she ensures the latch on her pistol holster is secured, and that the robes will not unduly interfere with drawing the pistol if it becomes necessary, before slipping her hands into the opposite sleeve and following behind the tech-priest.

[Mtnoma]

Whether it was from the ire that was building within the adept or that he had simply glanced at the dataslate before moving to leave, Jacobus seemingly overlooked the fact that the district he was heading to required him to traverse down a level of the hive and move well out of the mid-hive district.

It may have been that the tech-adept had another stage to his plan or a route to take in mind, but from the map's estimate by foot it would take well over six hours to reach the manufactorum.

In either case as Jacobus neared the spaceport's blast doors the large adamantine doors hissed open and the sights and smells of the city assaulted the Adept and Sister. The area before them was a labyrinthine hybrid of living quarters and marketplace, with stalls spilling out into the streets and hundreds and hundreds of hab blocks looming over them.
Thousands of civilians, merchants, workers bustle through the streets, and the occasional arbite or magistratum officer prowls through their ranks searching for signs of heresy or sedition. Dozens of merchants call out their wares and attempt to call customers over, and overhead the occasional servo-skull floats by blaring out hymns to the Emperor or the recording blessings from local clerics.

To those unaccustomed to Hive life the sheer stench of humanity might be more than they could bare, but to the hive life simply goes on, trudging and grinding through the monotony of daily life.

[Caimheul]

Looking around, Sister was glad that her respirator filtered the air she was breathing. "So what's the estimated travel time to our destination? We may need to utilize public transportation, or utilize an associated organization's resources," Eveline says quietly into her comm-bead.

[colossusclub]

Zaddian couldn't help but give a glare to Eli, remembering the [roll0] stab wound he already had in his back. He said nothing though and kept quiet listening to the group.

After Eveline and Jacobus leave, yet before they enter through the doors Zaddian says to the other 3 "Did we set our bead frequencies with them yet? Cause I don't remember anyone touching mine."

[evangaline]

Jacobus looks at the sister, and starts pondering for a couple of seconds. It will be roughly 23112 time-units, which translates to about a little more then 6 hours. We would do well to take the public transportation.

On the subject of acting like my assistant: Do you speak low gothic, if so we should converse about machinery in low gothic. If you allow me to talk to you for the next six hours about the inner working of a vox-transponder, we will at least act like an ad-mech group.

[Caimheul]

The sister's shadowed face turns slowly towards the tech-priest before starting to speak slowly, as if to a simpleton. "Why yes, I do comprehend the language we have been using to communicate to each other since we met." She glances behind them before continuing. "Unless the information you gathered including a listing of local transportation, then we should wait for the others. Hopefully they don't take too much longer, we really should hustle," she finishes, suddenly very worried for the sanity of the tech-priest.

[Demon 997]

Eli's eyes go wide, then wider as he hears the exchange between the Tech Priest and the Sister. Jacobus, perhaps it would be better if you instructed me in such arts, as I am less likely to comprehend them.

As he turns away to the rest of the group he nods slightly to Evaline.

Shall we start with channel Alpha 1 on the supplied beads, and move as needed? Or start on a random setting?

[dupersudi]

"I feel like we should have our Tech-Priest handle the micro-bead's settings, I have never really bothered fiddling with these things before and would hate to get it wrong. While he is doing that I will attempt to locate the nearest hover cab depot." Lucius follows the Tech-Priest and hands him the micro bead, being sure to stay on the opposite side from the Sister. He then breaks slightly from the group and pulls a passing worker aside and asks him a couple of questions. "Hello there, so sorry to interrupt but I am new to the planet, and quite honestly I am not sure where to find the nearest hover cab depot. Would you be so kind as to point me in the right direction?"

[colossusclub]

Zaddian nods and walks up to Jacobus, handing him his micro bead. "I'll need you to set this to the correct frequency" Zaddian says to Jacobus.

[evangaline]

After Eveline's swift and simple response Jacobus knew that the question he had asked was less then optimal in its formulation. Unwilling to admit that he was either wrong or stupid, Jacobus spoke as he started inserting data into the data slate. How peculiar... Then he slowly starts looking at Sister Eveline again, Ah, yes. That sounds just about right.

His brothers and sisters of the cult would see this behaviour and recognise it to be caused by shame. To outsiders... Well, Tech priests are a strange bunch.

After being handed the microbeads Jacobus would have smiled if he had lips. Which he did not. There we go, all done. Just press this rune when you want to communicate to your comrades, keep in mind that it is set on group-speech mode.

After the setting of the microbeads, Jacobus starts lecturing Eli about the wonderful world of the Vox-Transponders while heading over to a hover car depot. Jacobus could not help to be curious though, it is very rare to see outsiders asking questions to a tech priest. For some reason most of the 'normal' people avoided the cult. For some reason they found them strange... Jacobus did not understand those people, the priests were always completely logical! You know, Sir Eli, It is rare to see outsiders of the cult show interest in the creations of the Omnisire. What has sparked your interest?

[Caimheul]

Eveline sets the frequency on her own comm-bead, figuring now is a good time to familiarize herself should it need to modified in the field. She mutters the Rite of Frequency Modulation in supplication to the machine spirit of the comm-bead, one of a handful of rites she had learned from the Enginseers that aided in the attachment of bionics to those soldiers who warranted such devices. "Check One, Check Two," she says into the comm-bead as the rite draws to a close. Hopefully none of the wires attached to his brain have come loose she thinks as she glances warily at the tech-priest.

[colossusclub]

Zaddian takes back the microbead and places it up to his ear setting it in place. "Test... test..." Zaddian said into it. "You all heard that?" Zaddian asked the group, then turned to the sister hearing her testing "Yours works on my end.".

OOC: I assume a Tech Priest setting microbeads doesn't require a Tech Use roll. If I am wrong though let me know and I can edit my post to sound less "god moddy".

[Caimheul]

"Loud and clear, over and out" Eveline finishes the Rite in response to Zaddian's question. "Exactly how long does it typically take to procure transport?" she inquires, starting to become impatient.

[Demon 997]

I read you all, loud and clear. I'll go see if the noble is having difficulties.

Walking over to Lucius, Eli takes a look at whats going on. If Lucius is having difficulty getting info, Eli will step in, and roll Inquiry. Target of 49 (Fel plus skill training)
[roll0]

[Mtnoma]

As the acolyte's continue to solidify their plan the screaming of engines can be heard from the landing pad they recently vacated. Rotating slowly in the air Cyline's Aquilla rises from the platform and turns towards away from the city. A few moments later the final roar from the engines drowns out most sound in the hanger as the vessel disappears into the smog-filled Scintillan air.

The trio of workers Lucius pulls aside look at him with a mix of bemusement and annoyance. The first brushes him off with a quick "Gak off buddy" and trudges away, the other two look like they're about to try a more physical rebuff when they both notice the form of an Arbite moving towards them, one of the men whitens visibly and the other scowls and looks from Lucius to Eli, then gestures over his shoulder to the hanger doors.
"Out there in the district, grav-cabs are near the western edge of the market.... we.... we aint in any trouble is we?

[Demon 997]

Not unless you're lying to me now, or you have other reason to be. Now run off to your work, like the loyal citizens I'm sure you are.

Eli heads back to the others, and relays the directions before heading out.

[colossusclub]

Zaddian nods and follows Eli, keeping an eye on his gear as they leave.

[Caimheul]

"We're off to a smashing start." Eveline mutters to herself as she follows the arbite, making a mental note to inquire about local transport at the next briefing... IF there's a next briefing.

[colossusclub]

As they walked through the hanger doors Zaddian began to notice the vast differences between Volg and Scintilla. Although much was the same, like the smog and massive numbers of Hivers, he could still see a major difference.

The architecture was much better kept from the looks of things, still dirty but with much less bullet holes, blood stains and the like. That, and he couldn't hear gun shots every 5 minutes coming from somewhere in the massive hive.

Even the "common" citizen had a less depressing scowl across their faces... and from the two Lucius interacted with earlier, Zaddian surmised that they were much nicer then those on Volg. Elli was right, comparing this place to Volg was foolish... of course, he was already hoping that it wasn't as bad. Zaddian however is brought back to reality and realizes he should be keeping aware of his surroundings.


[roll]1d100[/roll: Target 35


"Which of us should talk to the grav cab operators? I don't think they'll like my rough voice. "

[colossusclub]

Messed up my awareness roll:

Target 35: [roll0]

If there is no need for an awareness roll, disregard it.

Edit: Aww, so close.

[Demon 997]

I'm likely to spook them just as much as you, just for different reasons. So will the Sister and the tech priest. Scrap rat stands out as well, which leaves Lucius. I'd say he talks to them, with you or I standing around looking like bored muscle so the deal stays sweet.

[colossusclub]

Zaddian nodded to Elli saying "Agreed". He then turned to Lucius saying ""Your up.".

[dupersudi]

"Very well, I will go and see what sort of a deal can be arranged, but first, out of understandable curiosity, what kind of funds do we possess? I am afraid my rapid introduction into the Inquisition did not give me time to gather many of my belongings before arriving, including my wallet." Lucius clearly isn't comfortable with his lack of money, not embarrassed per se, but nervous.

[Demon 997]

Here's 20 thrones, try and bring me some change. If it's much more than that, they're robbing you.

[Mtnoma]

The workers who were accosted by Eli and Lucius hurry away, a hushed series of murmurs erupt from the surrounding technicians and workers as they realize that their fellows were being questioned. However no troubles befalls the acolytes as they make their way to the city

As the group makes their way out of the hanger Zaddian doesn't spot anything alarming. There are a few more Magistratum Officers than he's used to seeing, but that might just be because Volg doesn't have a large enough tithe to have their own Magistratum force, instead relying on conscripts and arbites for their law enforcement.

As they push farther into the city the grav-taxi service comes into view. Located on a third floor building the landing pad for the grav-cars looks like it was scrapped and jury-rigged together and creaks dubiously over the street. From the street level you can make out just under half a dozen battered vehicles resting on the platform. To make matters "better" the first two floors of the building look like a joy-girl bar, if the flashing signs and slightly vulgar messages are to be trusted, and as far as you can tell there aren't any exterior methods to reach the third floor...

[colossusclub]

Zaddian inhales, then exhales. "Shield your eyes... looks like we're going in. Unless you all have a different idea." Zaddian says to the others.

[Demon 997]

If I walk in, half the place will run, the others will get ready to kill me on a moments notice. Maybe we can get transport outside?

[Caimheul]

"Is it common practice for you to utilize public transportation, or is there some alternative to one in your profession?" Eveline addresses Eli as she scans the crowd for anyone paying an inordinate amount of attention to their group.

[roll0] TN 26

[Demon 997]

I could certainly call in and request transport. I'll get it most likely, but it may be less subtle than taking a cab. I'm up for either.

Seeing Eveline glance around, Eli follows suit.


[roll0] TN is 20

[Caimheul]

"True, I was unsure if the use of civilian transportation was unremarkable for one such as yourself. Regardless, I agree that it may be best if some of our number were picked up at a nearby location rather than risk going through the bar. I foresee complications if I were to enter, even dressed as I am," Eveline says as she unconsciously twitches her robes slightly, recalling the comments of some of the ill-mannered guardsmen.

[Mtnoma]

As Eveline scans the crowd she doesn't notice anything out of the ordinary. A few people in the crowd shoot glances at the acolytes but this mainly seems to be from the fact that they are milling about and slowing/ redirecting the constant flow of pedestrian traffic. However as she looks around she spots a nearby grav-cab lazily drifting through the streets above her. As it approaches it sets down nearby and a few well dressed hivers pop out and make their way down the street.

As Zaddian looks around something catches his eye. About twenty meters away from the acolytes Zaddian spots a man in a black overcoat, his face obscured behind a cowl. However it is clear to the Volgite that the man is looking directly at him, and as he looks at the man he can barely make out some kind of tatoo under the man's right eye. After a few beats the man seems to flash Zaddian a grin and then slips into a nearby alleyway, disappearing from view.

[Caimheul]

"It seems the Emperor has sent the answer to our dilemma," Eveline says indicating the cab that just set down before beginning to approach it.

[colossusclub]

Zaddian watches the man closely as he fades out of view. "Perhaps two..." Zaddian adds bluntly without looking away from the alleyway. "A man was watching me just now, I'm sure of it. He ran down that alleyway." Zaddian told the others, tilting his head lightly towards the alley, hoping the others would have been looking at him as he spoke. "I'm going to go investigate, my microbead is on if you need me." Zaddian finished, walking towards the alley way (half action at 3 meters / turn) and staying alert (especially when.... if he makes it to the alleyway entrance).

Awareness: [roll0] : Target 35 without mods

[Caimheul]

Eveline looks around at the teeming mass of humanity streaming by them and then at the cab that will be departing shortly. "It's either a trap or he's gone, and we have an appointment to keep," she begins trailing off as the mercenary wanders off on what she believes to be a fool's errand. "Jacobus, is there a hab block between an hour and two hours away from our destination?"

[evangaline]

Jacobus observes his data-slate. He produces a low buzzing sound as he connects to it's internal interface. The Omnisiah will enlighten us in a couple of seconds sister, please stand by. Jacobes sifts through the data to figure out what kind of habitation is nearby. tech use if necessary: [roll0] tn 47 or lower without modifiers. I doubt it will be required, but I am no dm.
Awareness: [roll1]TN 15

In the meantime Jacobus checks his arsenal. One of his hands is already on the handle of his shotgun, while the other one is fiddling with the dataslate. Ah, sister. Should I interpret your current behaviour as you having spotted hostiles? Your pupils are larger, and you are looking around in a rather fast paced manner. He looked genuinly concerned. That wonderful microbead the arbitrator was wearing should not be harmed!

[Mtnoma]

Moving fairly quickly Zaddian is able to make it through the crowded streets in just under a minute. His growing up amongst the crowded streets of Volg allowing him to pass through the mass of humanity with enough firm pressing and liberally applied elbows. However by the time he reaches the alleyway where he last spotted the hooded man he finds naught but an empty passageway, devoid of any life save for a few hive vermin and insects scuttling about, strangely the passageway looks like it proceeds for a good half mile or so, meaning that by all normal means his target should have still been in sight...

As Eveline moves towards the grav-cab, Jacobus' attempts to access the mid-hive's western map is fairly successful. However in the process he also manages to download several shockingly lewd ads from the Joygirl club they are still outside, though if this actually does anything for the tech-adept is another matter entirely.
From what the adept can tell there are a number of hab-blocks throughout the area, and quite a few within an hours reasonable travel. However many are civilian habs or warehouses for the various goods that store the goods that the marketplace uses. After sifting through many different files Jacobus comes across a few lodgings that seem more than suitable to him, and in particular one that is about 1.36 hours from their current position.

[colossusclub]

Zaddian gives a bit of a wonderous expression and shrugs, if he had knowledge on Psykers he may assume this fellow one of them but since he doesn't, he simply assumes that this guy can run very quickly, or scaled some kind of wall. Zaddian makes his way back to the group at the same pace, mentioning to them "The alleyway stretches for a good mile, either this guy is fast or he scaled a wall. We'll need to be careful."

[Demon 997]

Eli starts to follow Zaddian, then turns back as he does.

Probably for the best. Maybe it something, likely it's nothing. Lets grab the cab. Lucius, if you'd do the honors?

[Mtnoma]

===// Warning: Minor ret-con Incoming //===

The flight to the "abandoned" manufactorum is uneventful, if a bit cramped in the small grav-car. As you travel closer to the underhive the change in wealth becomes quite apparent as more and more of the buildings you pass look like they are abandoned or in dire states of disrepair. The degradation of the underhive also effects the light quality, and by the time you near your destination the hive seems to be in a state of smog-choked dusk.

The grav-car touches down a few blocks from your destination, the driver refusing to fly any deeper into the underhive. The area around you seems to be one of the worst slums you've ever seen (though it still looks a little nicer than Volg), the buildings are all crumbling ferrocrete and rusting metals, and any windows you can see are shattered and boarded up with cheap, dirty plastek sheets. As the grav-cab revs it's engines and begins to pull away, you can see the form of the manufactorum a few blocks in the distance.

[Everyone please give me an awareness test in the OOC]

[Intro]

"What a... lovely borough the first team has seen fit to inhabit," Augustus says, looking around. "All the smells of a disused necessarium, but only half of the charm."

[GraaEminense]

The light is wrong and the air smells funny, but the towering ferrocrete structures and drifting smog banks are reassuringly familiar. "Though I may walk in the Emperor's Light, I shall not forget what hides in Darkness..." Rufus shifts his many layers of filthy, tattered cloth with a rustling sound, trying the impossible task of having his weapons hidden and easily available at the same time. "Yes, as you say. A filthy, dangerous place this. God-Emperor on his Holy Throne watch over us. We should be careful. This is ganger territory." He pulls his hood further forward to conceal his markings and slinks next to a supporting pillar, looking for ganger territory markers without getting too far away from the safety of the group.

[Caimheul]

Sister Eveline double checks the seal on her respirator in the depths of her hood, before determining that the smell really is strong enough to overcome the filters. She then unslings her lasgun, discovering in the process that the charge pack had worked itself slightly loose. Furrowing her brow slightly, she reseats it properly, checking the magazine catch. "The Emperor's justice awaits those who dare interfere with our duly appointed tasks. Shall we, gentlemen?"

[Intro]

"Indeed, we're something of a gang ourselves," Augustus replies to the nervous psyker, making sure his sword is loose in its scabbard. "An assortment of armed individuals, gathered for some dark purpose... though a nobler one. So they should be wary of us."

[Demon 997]

Eli looks around at his companions for a second, then snorts with laughter.

I suppose you're right. But I'm not getting any frakking tattoos.

We're close now, lets be off.

[Mtnoma]

As the grav-cab zips back towards the mid-hive, the group steadily makes it's way towards the rendezvous point. As you approach you can make the manufactorum, The meeting point looks indistinguishable from the surrounding buildings and hab-blocks, though it seems to be slightly less destroyed than it's fellow buildings. Like the other's it is made from slate grey ferrocrete and most of it's windows are boarded up with thin plastek planks. Before the PC's are two large iron doors, each standing about ten feet high and engraved with the faded symbols of the administatum and the aquilla, though much of the building has been tagged and graffiti'd the aquilla lies dusty and untouched.

However as you approach Eli notices something odd, there is no light coming from the building, as if the manufactorum is uninhabited. Rufus sees this and can also see that a few of the plastek sheets are pocked with bullet holes, and judging by the burn marks they're fresh...

[GraaEminense]

As the group advances, Rufus stops and lifts his hood slightly, carefully searching the graffiti for warning signs. "...I may be tempted, thy chains and rods they shepherd me..." Not seeing anything obviously threatening, he moves to follow the others. "Is not the Light of the Throne like prometheum unto the Heretic, the Xenos and the Traitor?"
After a moment, he freezes mid-step, a heavy Bront "Sledgehammer" mkIII revolver appearing in his hand to be quickly concealed by rags. "Aren't those fresh? Don't you smell it? Shot-scorched plastek? Eternal Light of Terra shine on us! Are you sure we are alone out here?"

Rufus scurries to catch up.

[Intro]

"I hope we're not alone," Augustus replies. "We're here to meet the other group, so it would be something of a wasted trip if that were the case." He considers the door for a moment, then asks, "Did the slate have any protocol for making contact, or do we just knock on the door?"

[Demon 997]

Hearing Rufus's warning, Eli brings his Armageddon Pattern autogun to low ready, and scans behind and around the group for contacts.

Assume hostile contacts in the area. Cover the corners.

[Caimheul]

Eveline keeps the barrel of her lasgun aimed towards the ground, finger outside the trigger guard. "I get the feeling that should basically be our standard stance on planet," she mutters to herself.

[Intro]

"If you would just be more agreeable, I'm sure people would be happier to see us," Augustus replies, edging towards one of the uncovered windows and seeing what he can of the inside without silhouetting himself against the light.

[Demon 997]

Eli mutters darkly as scans his sector of the street around them, waiting for an ambush.

....Schola brats and their perfect trigger discipline... ...Of course we got the nice priest, not the ones who take the bullets....

Speaking up a bit, and clearly clearing his head, Any sign of what's inside? I'd like to be under some cover and make contact ASAP.

[GraaEminense]

Rufus crouches by the corner of the manufactorum, trying to be invisible while keeping an eye towards the rear of the building. "Fresh signs of combat. No sound or light from within. The soul of the weak is like a beacon unto the Enemy. Protocol is not important now. They are dead or gone. The chains of the Creed keep the weak from following. Maybe pursuing, maybe fleeing. We should get inside and find out. Love the chains that keep you from betrayal." He holds the revolver with both hands, still trying to keep it concealed in his rags. If this is an ambush, it is important not to look like a serious threat.

[Mtnoma]

As Augustus peers into the building all he can make out is the all-enveloping darkness within the manufactorum. After a few moments of letting his eyes adjust Augustus can make out blurry shapes, some are strage, fluid or curved shapes while others are large and angular, the latter seem to be workstations or machines for the manufactorum, though it is hard to tell for sure.

The remaining acolytes notice little as they fan out and arm themselves. The streets are barren by the standards of the mid-hive, though a half dozen figures are still roaming the streets. A few notice Eli and Eveline's weapons and scurry away, though a few pause and seem to take interest in what the acolytes are doing.

[Intro]

"I don't see anyone," Augustus shrugs. "But it's full of machinery and... other things," he adds, feeling uneasy at the lack of normal human sensibilities present in the strange, curved shapes. "Enough cover to hide a lot of anyones."

[colossusclub]

Zaddian kept close to the group with his autogun pointed down to the ground in his hands.

"I'll remain on watch" Zaddian whispers into his microbead and begins to look around him.

[GraaEminense]

"They should have noticed us by now. If they are here and alive. Love those who administer your chains, for they do the Will of the Throne. Someone should cover the back." Rufus tries to peer carefully through the windows before turning to the Volgite. "I suggest myself and mr. Zaddian. Without your chains, would you not perish? If you don't mind, sir? Would you not follow the Enemy? We should attract less attention." He waits for signs of acknowledgement before moving, taking care to keep his revolver concealed.

[Mtnoma]

As Zaddian peers into the building he sees little that the others hadn't seen before, however something catches his eye. Squinting through one of the holes in the plastek he notices something gleaming inside the manufactorum, next to the main doors. After a few moments the Volgite identifies the object as a main switchlight for the building.

At the very least if they open the doors it will not be very long before they are able to light up the rest of the building...

[Caimheul]

"Shouldn't spread ourselves out, we're already a small group. Let's just get in there hard, and be ready for anything." Eveline says as she moves to door, keeping out of sight as much as possible to the interior, preparing to breech.

[Demon 997]

Eli stacks up behind the sister, autogun at the ready. He'll take the first piece of cover he can find with good firing lines into the room.

[GraaEminense]

Rufus shrugs and slinks over to a window with big enough gaps to poke the revolver´s muzzle through. "As you say. Of course. If you followed the Enemy, would the Emperor´s righteous servants not strike you down? You know best."
He prepares to start shooting if something dangerous turns up when the switch is flipped, but continues to look over his shoulders for an ambush.

[colossusclub]

"Even if this isn't Volg, there would surely be many of them." Zaddian mentions. "We should stick together." He turns to Rufus and says "Beside the main doors is a switch light. If we flip it we will surely see but... we will also surely alert everyone who is inside. Perhaps I should go in first, I am better suited to combat".

He has his auto gun ready for the breech, and he also has his legs ready to kick anyone who gets too close (Mirker's Grieves for anyone wondering).

[Caimheul]

'We'll be right behind you, breach when ready." Sister Eveline says.

[Mtnoma]

Steeling their nerves, the acolytes breach and enter the room with a smart and tactical entry. As the metal doors groan open, the enveloping darkness of the manufactorum meets them head on, and after a few nervous beats... silence. Whatever is within the building it was not an ambush, however it is still next to impossible to tell what is inside the manufactorum. The underhive offers little natural or artificial light at this part of the day cycle, and as such the acolytes can make out little beyond what Augustus and Zaddian could make out. Large, looming shapes reach towards the ceiling, their angular and block-like nature suggesting machines or equipment. Scattered across the floor or seemingly piled on the angular shapes are softer, more curved shapes, seemingly more organic than the other blurry forms in the building.

However as the acolytes enter they are hit with a wave of intense smell. The scent of ozone, gunpowder and cooked meat is strong in the manufactorum. Something dreadful took place here...

[colossusclub]

Zaddian froze at the potent combination of the smell and blurred curved shapes on the ground. If there was one thing you never did in Volg... it was stay in the dark. He however did not go for the light switch, it was too risky at the moment. He instead took a few steps from the others and towards the shapes on the ground. "Stay from me for a bit" Zaddian whispered into his microbead as he moved, putting his autogun back into it's shoulder sling.

With his left (non dominant) hand he reached down his flak armour (and shirt) to pull up a concealed set of Gloom Eyes, fashioned like a necklace. With his right hand he popped off the caps and allowed the glowing green shimmer illuminate the area around him like a candle, revealing what it was on the ground near him.


Zaddian shakes a bit but calms himself looking back up. "If you have a weak stomach, don't look down."

[Caimheul]

The familiar smells of combat assault Sister Eveline's nose even after her respirator filters the worst of it out of the air. "Definitely some sort of combat occurred here. Don't touch any bodies until we have some light, they might be trapped."

[Mtnoma]

As Zaddian's Gloom-eyes part the darkness around him, his fears are confirmed. The soft glow illuminates the forms of three bodies, all long dead and lying atop blood that has been drying for a good while now, judging by it's dark colour. The corpses all seem to be former thugs or underhive scum, clad in black-dyed leather armour and clutching spent, battered solid round weapons. They all seem to have been dispatched quite ruthlessly as all are missing limbs or have large holes blown through them, obviously by some high-calibre weapon. A normal man might be unnerved or feel sick by such a grisly sight, but to Zaddian this is something the Volgite had seen many, many times before, and does not phase him.

[colossusclub]

Zaddian listened to the advice of the sister, keeping himself from looting the bodies of the fallen hive scum. "It seems the victors have powerful weaponry. Hopefully they were the senior acolytes".

[Intro]

Heeding the Sister's words, Augustus finds a partially-sheltered area near the door to stop and fish a pair of filtration plugs from his pack. If there might be a trap over there, he was fine with staying here for the moment.

[colossusclub]

Zaddian makes his way over to the light switch and, once there, re equips his autogun from his sling. With this right hand on the autogun, and his left hand now floating next to the light switch he turns to the others he can see. "Find some cover and be ready, when this goes on... whoever is here will know others have arrived." Zaddian says to the group. Waiting a few moments for everyone to find cover and have themselves properly armed (15 seconds?), he flips the switch and takes a look around.

Basic Perception / Awareness Roll (Target 35) :[roll0].

[GraaEminense]

With all the talk of dead bodies and traps, Rufus was hesitant to enter the manufactorum. On the other hand, he was quite sure someone was watching them. Getting gore on his boots was far better than being the easiest prey. He slunk through the doorway and huddled down near the nobleman, who seemed to have the right idea. "Love the chains that shelter you from the Emperor's wrath."

[Mtnoma]

As Zaddian flips the light switch the half dozen industrial lights hanging from the ceiling flare to life, momentarily blinding most of the acolytes. However as their vision clears they can see the full layout of the manufactorum. The manufactorum is a large, rectangular building and has two floors, the second floor consisting of a thick ferrocrete walkway, with rusting metal rails and accessible stairs near the back of the room. The first floor is littered with a half dozen large press machines, at one point it looks like these were used to press ammunition, however the machines look like they were stripped of all valuable parts a long time ago. The second floor has multiple old, flaking plastek boxes stacked near the rails and in various areas, and most look like they were broken open ages ago. The only other area of interest is a large plate-glass window on the second floor, that has a cheerful view of the manufactorum next door.

However the scene in the manufactorum is a grisly one, and the source of the smells the acolytes detected upon entering are immediatly made clear. The bodies Zaddian spotted were not the only ones in the building, as you can see around two dozen additional corpses. Each body is twisted or mutilated by gunfire, many of the bodies are riddled with wounds from heavy calibre weapons or missing limbs or whole halves of bodies, the result of explosive weapons no doubt. The scene of carnage here is horrifying, and only those with a stomach of steel, or those who are dead inside to this kind of carnage would be unaffected by this massacre.

Most of the bodies are clad in crude gang leathers and clutch run-down, battered autoguns. However one of the nearby bodies is clad in a dark green robe, splattered with blood and missing the majority of his head, he seemed to have been better armed than the gangers, judging by the ornate, bronze plated las-pisol clutched in his hand. However those acolytes looking at him might realize with a shock of horror the body has a charm dangling from his neck, a charm that displays a small Inquisitional =I= upon it. It seems the fate of at least one of the senior acolytes has been discovered...

(OOC: All players please give me a Willpower test against Fear in the OOC thread)

[Caimheul]

As her eyes adjust, Sister Eveline doesn't see a bunch of gangers and acolytes. Instead, she is overwhelmed with memories of a battlefield on a distant world, of men and women she'd come to know and care for, ripped apart by the blades, claws, and guns of mutant rebels. She pales a bit, and it takes several tries for her to find her voice again. ""I, uh, *ahem* I should see if I can estimate time of death." she says weakly, moving towards the corpse that had been armed with a fancy laspistol, as it seems to be one of the more intact bodies. "Should see if they have anything useful on them, especially backpacks and ammunition..." she trails off, remembering the quartermasters that would pass through the field hospital reclaiming equipment from the still warm corpses of fallen guardsmen. She fumbles a few times as she tries to access her medical tools. Something about the former acolyte's face and armament brings forward strong memories of a particular individual she lost on another world. Her hand touches the handle of her pistol through the cloak, leaving a slight bloodstain.

Medicae check to try to determine roughly how long ago he died: [roll0] TN 45 (40 -15 Fear +20 Hospitaller Medicae Tools)
I would roll to search the body but it is an automatic failure: (26/2-15)
Evaluate the laspistol: [roll1] TN 10 (40/2 -10 Fear) Edit: Clearly this is actually a sword cleverly disguised as a fancy laspistol.

[Demon 997]

Damn, this was a hell of a fight. Reminds me of the aftermath of my first, and puking my guts up... Anyway, I wouldn't poke the gangers too much, they have lice and worse.

Eli heads over to the dead acolyte, to see if he can make sense of the corpse, or find anything useful.


[roll0] TN is Per 40/2 -10, for a total of 10.

[Mtnoma]

Eli's search over of the corpse reveals little, as he unfortunately finds little on the acolyte. Eveline's search is a bit more through. As she makes a quick battlefield inspection she notices something curious, the acolyte's head wound seems to have been a cranial detonation, not a result of gunfire or melee damage. She also notices a few burn holes in the acolyte's robes and pulling them open reveals a cluster of bullet holes in the body, however judging from the lack of blood these seem to be post-mortem shots, which seems strange.

As the duo inspect the acolyte a noise echoes through the manufactorum, farther inside the building comes a racking cough, and turning towards the source reveals the figure of a man, slumped against the stair wall. He is dressed in a long brown, tattered trench coat and his face is hidden behind a rough cowl, but even from here you can notice the tacky dark blood plastered down his mouth. He coughs again and a few drops of blood splatter from his mouth across the floor, but as he looks back at the group he shakily levels a hand cannon towards Eveline and Eli and rasps.
"Hngh... y-you... you don't look like... urchins or.... p-pickpockets. Who... who a-are you?"

[Caimheul]

Sister Eveline slowly raises her hands up, keeping her palms visible to this new individual. "I am Sister Hospitaller Eveline Grimm of the Order of Serenity," she says, as she slowly pulls back the hood on her cloak with one hand to display the markings on her helmet. "And who might I be addressing?"

[GraaEminense]

Rufus had been crouching next to a stack of crates, studying the carnage without getting too close. When the state of the acolyte's remains was mentioned, he started concentrating on Opening his mind to this place, looking for traces of Warp-presence. As he finished, the voice from the back of the manufactorum nearly startled him out of his trance.

"The Enemy hides among the children of Man, patient and terrible. The Guardians of Man must be vigilant and merciless, lest the children be seduced." He starts moving into a flanking position, trying to remain in cover and unseen -and not to get within grabbing distance of any corpses. They may look dead, but Rufus has spent too much time Downhive to be certain.

I'm taking a Psyniscience check before I move. Trained, Per 34 = TN34. Does the GM roll, or do I?

[colossusclub]

Following Rufus' example, Zaddian too positioned himself into a flanking position, away from Rufus as to not invite a steam of full auto or semi auto rounds. No one is an ally until their actions speak of such.

[Mtnoma]

Roll for psyniscience in the OOC

[Mtnoma]

As Rufus opens his mind he can feel the sharp tang of death in the air. The psychic residue of the battle here is thick and metallic, leaving a sour taste in his mouth. He can also see the leftover residue of psychic power emanating from the corpse Eveline and Eli were examining. It is faint but Rufus can tell that the corpse of the man was a psyker before he perished, the head injury likely a result of a tragic overuse of psychic powers.
Rufus can also sense a lingering trace of psy energy emanating from the chest of the man holding the gun towards Eveline and Eli, it seems to be a trace of a burn or pyro spell. However Rufus can taste something strange about the spell, a leftover trace of compassion and kinship, rather than a normal pyro spells tang of hatred and wrath.

As Eveline speaks the man seems to fully notice her and the other acolytes, the gun wavers for a moment, then his arm slides down, letting the pistol lightly clatter off the floor. The man makes a weak grin, block still flecked between his teeth.
"Hah... a Sister, an A-arbite.... and t-two scum... I-i figure that m-makes it quite obvious who you are..."

Shakily, and with a supreme effort the man lifts his other arm and pulls back his hood. Revealing the face of a well-groomed man in his mid-thirties with slicked back, black hair and a well trimmed goatee, his blue eyes seem dim and his face is deathly pale. Struggling he pulls down his collar and you notice that he has a gleaming necklace with a gold and red =][= hanging from it.
"A-alexi... Markovh... Senior acolyte... and s-squad leader of... what's left of t-this cell.
I.. I suppose y-you're the backup C-Claudel told us about?"

Exhausted his left arm drops to his side and you realize why he seemed to be struggling so badly. There is a large hold in the upper left side of his chest, it seems to have been made by a heavy caliber weapon, but also seems to have been badly burned by something.

[GraaEminense]

As the senior acolyte drops his gun, Rufus relaxes slightly and lowers his revolver. He emerges halfway from behind the press machine he has been using as cover and speaks, hopefully softly enough that the wounded man can't hear him. "The Seducer of Man's children must be put to the cleansing fire. The dead one was a psyker. Probably died when he lost control. So must the Seduced, to cleanse the weakness from Mankind. The senior acolyte was attacked by a pyromancer, I believe. Something strange about the attack. We should aid him. Not sure how much time left." Despite his words, Rufus makes no move towards the wounded man.

[Caimheul]

"Feth," Sister Eveline snaps off a swear as she moves towards the injured acolyte. "Rufus, any chance you know how to manipulate the warp to seal up that would a bit? I'd need a fully stocked chirurgy to even have a hope of keeping him alive."

[colossusclub]

Zaddian too lowers his gun but quickly scans the room for hall ways he can find. If he finds one he will aim his gun down the hall way (Overwatch action) and fire at anyone he sees. The senior acolyte mentioned "what's left" of the cell, which means no one in here is a friend or ally.

So a full action to find and move to a door, and another full action to designate my kill zone - a hallway I find, up to 45 m in length, though I doubt it is even that long. I have a -20 to the BS on a full auto burst (so I have no penalty basically with the +20) but the enemy would need to make a -20 WP test to avoid pinning (or have a talent).

Saying all of this because this is the first time I ever used an Overwatch action ever :), its more to familiarize myself.

[Intro]

Augustus had been perfectly content to huddle behind his convenient piece of machinery, but once the living man proves himself a member of the Inquisition Augustus begins to feel some compulsion to do his duty. He approaches Markhov, ready to perform last rites should the man's condition necessitate them...

[GraaEminense]

Rufus twitches visibly as the Sister mentions his talent, quickly glancing around the hall for witch hunters or angry mobs, then hurries after her. "Yes madam, I should be able to staunch the bleeding. There can be no mercy for the weak. With the senior acolyte's permission, of course." The revolver disappears under the rags and he approaches the wounded man with a crystal teardrop on a string in one hand and a medicae bag in the other, taking great care to arrive at least five steps behind the Sister. "The fires that consume the weak purify Mankind. Would you accept my help, sir?"

[Mtnoma]

Zaddian's quick search of the room uncovers little in the ways of halls or hidden rooms. The building looks like it was made to be fairly open, aside from the machinery, and boxes on the second level. The only thing he notices as he moves through the room are a number of additional corpses, both of gang members and what look like additional acolyte members, judging by their out of place attire and arms compared to the ganger corpses.

As Augustus and Rufus approach, Markohv shakes his head slightly, then winces in pain.
"I... appreciate the g-gesture.... but don't... waste your.. effort"

He weakly gestures towards the robed acolyte missing most of his head and hisses.
"S-sealing my wounds... was... all Kane c-could manage... and the power he needed.. to not kill me"
He shakes his head weakly, and a flicker of regret passes his face. He manages to glance where Zaddian is sweeping, and the look of regret intensifies.
"We... we were ambushed... don't k-know how they.. got the drop on us.... Adan, Van, Drak and Kane.... Emperor preserve th-them.... At least Br-Brockker and Cyline"

He trails off for a few moments, closing his eyes. For a moment you aren't sure whether those were his last words, but a few moments later Alexi draws a shuddering breath, his free arm reaching into his jacket. He gives a faint, rueful laugh.
"Guess… Guess this isn’t… what you had in mind huh?"
Markohv tries to laugh, but coughs up a trickle of blood instead.
"T-this is much worse… than what the I-inquisitor… thought… it g-goes so much deeper… we were able to... find little, but what we have... i-is here"

Slowly he extracts a small, very battered datapad from the folds of his uniform. He slowly holds it out towards the acolytes.
"U-use this.... bring those gakking heretics... to- to justice.... don't let our lives... be in v-vain"

[Caimheul]

"And so it shall be brother. This is swear in the Emperor's name that so long as I draw breath, I shall hunt those responsible to the edge of the Imperium," Eveline says as she gently takes possession of the datapad, backing away slightly to give Augustus room to give the senior acolyte his last rites. She silently prays for the acolyte, making the sign of the aquilla, waiting for his soul to depart for the Golden Throne.

"I feel that we're going to need every bullet, every throne we can scrape together. We need to strip the bodies of anything useful, then find somewhere relatively safe to plan our next move. Father Augustus, I would like to give the senior acolytes a proper funeral once we are finished here," Sister Eveline says, holding up a fire bomb grenade as way of explanation.

[GraaEminense]

At the acolyte's words, Rufus halts a few steps away, seemingly relieved. He stands nearby, nodding slightly out of sync with the rythm of Augustus' rites while mouthing silently.

"If you are sure it is proper, madam. Fire purifies, pain teaches purity. There are useful things here. The Emperor provides. Death is the end of corruption. For now, this place seems safe enough." He slinks off to poke around the dead, starting with the dead psyker. He will approach each corpse as if concerned it might grab at him.

[colossusclub]

Zaddian, when he realizes no other entry ways are in the facility; begins searching the bodies at the sisters recommendation. His lack of doing last rites might seem weird to the others, but he knows very little of cults as a whole.

Search Check (T: 35) - [roll0]

[Intro]

"His soul is with the Emperor now," Augustus replies to Eveline, the rhythmic sounds of the passages having calmed his mind enough to consider the mission - so long as he didn't look too far aside. "Anything that happens due to the exigencies of service to Him is appropriate." Augustus rises to his feet and rests his hand on his sword hilt, looking down at the dead man...

[Demon 997]

While the others check the corpses, Eli read through the data slate, and fills the others in once they're done.

We should take Markovhs gear to return it to the armory, so it can continue to serve.

[Caimheul]

"Agreed, along with any other equipment that may prove useful during our mission. I put forward that everything we cannot carry or deem worthless should be destroyed, if only to prevent enemy forces from reclaiming those resources. Unfortunately, I doubt there is a protein reclamation facility nearby to dispose of the Acolytes' bodies. A shame their corpses will not be able to continue to serve." Eveline says, shaking her head.

[Mtnoma]

At Rufus' words Alexi cracks a weak smile, it's obvious the acolyte is finally accepting the embrace of death. He nods once, but as his head nods down his eyes blaze with focus and he struggles to look the acolytes in the eyes.
"W-wait"
He sputters
"T-there were... others.. not.... H-holt... and"
Unfortunately what little strength Alexi has slips away from him, and he slumps over. Sighing one last, exhausted breath.

Zaddian and Rufus search the acolyte bodies they find a few items and weapons on each. The hooded man with his head missing has his bronze las-pistol, a small chain with an Inquisitorial =][= in gold, and a small pouch, which jingles with the sound of thrones within it. Aside from him there is another robed man (though these robes are red) who seems to have been a Mechanicus agent, he cradles an intricate and finely engraved autogun that seems to have taken multiple bullets for it's master, as the frame is dented and buckled, making it almost useless. The mechanicus acolyte also has a heavy chain with a symbol of the omnisiah, a mono-knife, and two vials filled with some sort of gel that holds two small ovals in them.
The third and final corpse is a man dressed similarly to Alexi in a long brown trench coat. He cradles an old, wooden stocked long-las in his hands, though there seems to be some warping in the barrel and clip holder from intense heat. Aside from the las he carries a small autopistol, two clips for a lasweapon and a small baton-like items that you cannot identify.

As Eli and Eveline scan over the dataslate, an immediate problem arises. The datapad has taken a bullet at some point during the fighting, and is barely flickering with life. Though the pair can still read the script being displayed it seems like the device only contains enough power to access one or two of the files on it before it will flat-line for good. There are four files flickering before the acolytes, though as they try to discern what to do a noise catches all the acolytes attention.

A clanging sound rings out from the streets outside, as if a trash dispensary had just been knocked over. A moment later you can all hear foot steps clomping close by, it sounds like a group of people moving quickly, and coming from all around. It seems that the last ambush was not the only one this manufactorum would see tonight.

((OOC: You have a turn/ 1 round to prepare for the assault, but please also give me an Initiative test in the OOC thread))

[colossusclub]

With the knowledge that the front door is the only way inside the facility, Zaddian scurries to what passes for cover (probably some kind of machinery). He then whispers into his com-bead "Someone hit the lights and find cover".

[Intro]

"Their service may not be over quite yet," Augustus says grimly in response to Eveline's last words. He takes one of the battered corpses from the perimeter of the room and props it against a piece of machinery, then situates himself next to it, willing himself to look like another of the earlier attack's victims...

Going for a spot away from the others to catch intruders in a crossfire.

[GraaEminense]

At Zaddian's words, a revolver appears in Rufus' hand and he starts running for the light switch near the entrance. As he moves, his muttering changes and then fades as he does. "TheEmperorshieldsmefrommyenemybythegraceoftheThron ehehidesme..." He hits the switch then dives for the nearest solid cover while wondering just how much of an advantage he will have from not being able to see the ambushers.

I am hoping there is time to run to the switch, flip it and then hide-preferably behind something solid, and close to the wall if possible. If not, Rufus may be caught in the open but I'm counting on Distort Vision and darkness to make him close to invisible.

[Caimheul]

"Unless someone has photo-contacts, leave the damn lights and worry about getting to cover. It could be the rest of the senior acolytes," Eveline hisses into her comm-bead as she stows the dataslate and begins moving to cover.

Half action to stow the dataslate (including turning it off to save what little battery there is), Half action movement towards nearest hard cover (3 meters movement).

[Mtnoma]

As the acolytes scatter for cover Rufus slams the light switch and hurls himself towards one of the machines, though he only makes it partially into cover the room seems to dip in temperature by a degree or two and the darkness around Rufus shifts and swirls, as if reaching up to hide the acolyte from view.

As the group readies itself the footsteps reach a crescendo, and a moment later one of the doors is kicked open with brutal force, causing it to swing open and slam against the wall with a strained noise. From your positions you can see the silhouette of a man, holding a rifle at the hip. You only get a second to view this before the figure lets loose a burst of gunfire into the room, which patters off the back wall harmlessly. A moment later you hear a voice hiss.

"Ready up maggots, someone turned the lights off in here"
A few more shapes move into the manufactorum. Though it's hard to tell in the gloom it seems like three or so figures have entered the manufactorum, you can tell from the moving blurs the approximate location of your enemies, though it's hard to aim for specific parts. As you try and find your targets one of the figures murmurs.

"Oi, what's that?"
Though it's hard to tell what the figure is talking about the voice seems directed at Zaddian, as if someone is looking in his direction...

What do you do?

[Caimheul]

Eveline quietly draws her pistol and waits to see if one of the newcomers becomes illuminated.


Half action ready pistol, Half action delay. If the lights come on standard attack on the nearest "ganger" if they aren't actually acolytes, otherwise, standard attack on whichever ganger becomes visible.
Potential attack: [roll0] TN 35/45 (35+ 10 Short range? not sure on distances here)
Damage: [roll1]

[GraaEminense]

Rufus leans hard against the cold metal, willing himself to be invisible. He rests the revolver on the machine and waits for a target, his nervous mutters almost silent now.

Free action to use Distort Vision (TN 8): [roll0]+4
Half action to Aim if allowed, if not he'll just use it to position himself better behind cover.
Half action to Delay, ready to shoot the first available target. If the lights come on he'll shoot the nearest attacker. If someone near the door becomes visible through muzzle flash or other means first, he'll take a pop at them.
Standard attack (BS 32, +/- whatever modifiers) [roll1]
Damage: [roll2]+3

[colossusclub]

Zaddian, with his combat instincts kicking in, guesses that the one who spoke can see him. Knowing that the enemies only have sound to locate him he readies his gun pointing at the second one who spoke and fires a shot at them, trying to remain in cover as he did so.


Half action to aim and a half action to fire a single shot.

+10 (if within 45m), +10 (aim action) + 38 (BS) = 58?

[roll0] : Target 58?

[Intro]

Once the shooting starts, Augustus raises up his pistol and draws a bead on the closest target before pulling the trigger...

Half: Aim
Fire: BS 33 + 10 Aim + 10 Accurate = TN 53 [roll0]
Damage on hit: [roll1], Pen 2, Impact

[Mtnoma]

As Eveline and Rufus wait the voice nearest to them calls out "Oi! Where the gakkin 'ell is that light?".
After a pause there is a response from the voice nearest to Zaddian, "By the gakking door ya filthy snip!"

A moment later the lights return with a blinding flash, one that the acolytes are prepared for. The light reveals two dirty men in scuffed, black gang leathers, both have battered autoguns and look surprised as they realize that they've just walked into an ambush. Everything happens rather quickly from there.

Eveline and Rufus' immediate retaliation batters the first ganger, who yelps in pain as a bullet shears a piece off of his cheek and Eveline's las-bolt burns through his arm. As he staggers back and rebounds off the lightswitch he just used, his companion swings around, roaring in anger and lays down a suppressive barrage. However just a moment after he's started the barrage Augustus retaliates and blows the gangers head apart like a ripe melon, splattering the wall with what used to be the man's brain case.
As the first ganger staggers up Zaddian's attack slams him back against the wall, bleeding heavily the ganger slides to the ground with a curse. Though he still looks to be alive he's obviously in quite a lot of pain.

However it seems this is only the beginning of the fight, as three more gangers burst into the room. Two are armed with autoguns, but one hefts an old, double barrelled shotgun and swings it towards the acolytes.

[Caimheul]

Eveline lays down a fusillade of silent suppressing fire at the group of gangers. "I'll keep their heads down, you keep focusing fire! FOR THE EMPEROR!" she bellows, heartened by the current tide of the battle.


Suppressing Fire! I presume the gangers are all in a 45 Degree arc from Eveline? In which case they all take a -20 WP test or are pinned
Rolling to see if she happens to hit one of them: [roll0] TN 25 (35 +10 Short Range -20 Suppressing Fire!) Edit: Okay then. Two Hits assigned randomly to the gangers praise the Emperor :smalltongue:... Unless I misunderstood your last post and the lights are not on yet... :smallconfused:

If she should hit, it will be AT MOST twice: [roll1] I Right Arm
[roll2] I Right Arm



Wounds: 11/11
Fate: 2/2
Autopistol: 5/12
Lasgun: 60/60
2 spare standard round magazines
1 Manhunter magazine
2 spare Charge packs

[GraaEminense]

War cries draw attention, so Rufus keeps muttering half-audibly while lining up his shot from behind the dubious safety of his munition press. "By the Grace of the Throne I will be a hammer to the enemies of Man." He is very grateful to the Sister for making such a racket. The shotgunner seems the greatest threat. "I am a flaming spear in the Dark of the Void."

Now trying to get the dice roller to work with bonuses:
Free action to use Distort Vision (TN 8): [roll0]
Half action to Aim.
Half action to attack the shotgunner if there is no penalty, easiest target otherwise. Standard attack (BS 32, +10 Aim, +10 short range, TN 52): [roll1]
Damage: [roll2]

[Intro]

Augustus levels his pistol at a second ganger, taking the time to fully align the sights before pulling the trigger...

Half: Aim
Fire: BS 33 + 10 Aim + 10 Accurate + 10 Short Range = TN 63 [roll0]
Damage on hit: [roll1], Pen 2, Impact

[colossusclub]

Zaddian quickly aims towards the man with the shot gun, as he is the most immediate threat to the acolytes. He aims his shot and fires.


Same as before, target 58: [roll0]

[Mtnoma]

The assault continues as Rufus and Eveline continue to lay down fire. The psyker's bullet sears across the scalp of the shotgun-wielding ganger, and he yelps in pain as he swings around to deliver retribution. However a moment later Eveline lays down her suppressing fire, and causes him to flinch back and dive behind the door the gangers came through. One of her bullets slams into the heavily wounded ganger and he keels over, dead. Another round slams rips into one of the rifle-toting gangers and he scampers behind the door to avoid further injury.

The last ganger stands tall in the hail of bullets, and snaps off a shot at Eveline. The bullet richochet's off the machinery her and Rufus are using as cover and for a moment Eveline feels a hard crack as the round strikes home. However the duo of her cover and armour seem to have protected her and Eveline feels no pain from the wound.

If the remaining ganger planned to do anything else it is cut short as once again Augustus strikes true and blows apart the man's head with his pistol. As the headless body topples to the ground there is a moment of silence, as if the fight might be over.
Unfortunately it is cut short, a flat boom echoes through the street and the plastek sheets boarding the window just to the left of the door disintegrate in a shower of splinters. A moment later a small bottle sails through the hole and strikes the back wall of the manufactorum. As it does a plume of fire washes out, and though it is no where near the PC's location they feel the wash of heat flare over them, though the manufactorum is now devoid of enemies it appears shotguns and rifles aren't all their enemies have brought to bear.

[GraaEminense]

Rufus leans back against the steel of the munition press, fumbling in his rags for spare rounds before pointing the muzzle back towards the door. He keeps on chanting under his breath, keeping an eye on what the rest are doing. "By the Emperor's Will my enemies shall flee before me."

Free Action: Distort Vision (TN 8):
Half action: load one bullet (the revolver has 6 rounds and takes 2 full actions to load, so I'm thinking I can pop in a single bullet with a half action?).
Half action: Delay. If one of the others give sensible instructions, he'll follow those. If someone comes through the door first, he'll fire.
If that happens: Standard attack, short range: BS 32 + 10 = TN 42: [roll1]
Damage: [roll]1d10+3(hmmm doesnotwork)

[Intro]

Augustus looks around the manufactorium in consternation. "Unfortunate that the first team neglected to choose a location without a rear exit," Augustus says. "But perhaps we can make our own."

Are there windows away from the front door that could be used to escape? Perhaps after being "opened" by a few bursts from the conveniently-delivered autogun?

[Caimheul]

"After we deal with these heretics, I put forth that we find enough explosives to provide a back door out of any building we end up in. For now, trust in the Emperor for he shall provide us the means to deal with our foes." Sister Eveline provides.

[colossusclub]

Zaddian takes note of the heat but remains fixated on the doorways. He sets up a kill zone and readies his sights for an Overwatch. ((Full Action)). If he sees one ganger, he would open fire.

"So we hold tight then?" Zaddian whispered into his com-bead as the silence set in.


Feel free to roll for me if you want, if anyone comes through the kill zone.

[Caimheul]

"No, it appears they plan to burn us out. We need to leave... Hopefully we can do so by some other means than the front door." Sister Eveline says as she swiftly reloads her pistol and prepares to move.
Half action Reload, Delay a half action move to cover in the direction of the nearest exit when it is found, or towards the front door barring another option.
Magazine:12/12
Spare magazines: 12/12, 5/12