Deathwatch: Sons of Jericho IC

Game Master Rookseye

For untold centuries the Deathwatch have stood vigil over the Jericho Reach. Now, the disparate Astartes of Kill-team Umbra must vanquish a threat and unravel a mystery which portends to place the entirety of the Achilus Crusade in jeopardy.


1,251 to 1,300 of 2,063 << first < prev | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | next > last >>

Tantalus High Orbit, Fleet Sector 4V-111
Astartes Deployment Hold, The Vengeful Lightning
241.817.M41
Chrono Reading: [-00:05:36]

For a time they could watch from the Thunderhawk as the millions-strong swarm renewed its halted advance; a teeming tide of limitless xenos surging across the frozen hellscape of Tantalus still driven northward by the hive-mind and feral instinct to consume all of the precious little biomatter that yet remained. Few among the Astartes would admit to being grateful when the billowing, purple-black clouds finally obscured their view of the utter devastation below, but they were. Tantalus was doomed, and now it died.

Their mission accomplished, they now placed their lives in the capable hands of Brother Pellas and his own marines, feeling every evasive maneuver, every throaty bellow of the weapons systems as they laid waste to the pursuing shrikes and gargoyles. Soon enough, with a rumbling burst of acceleration and crushing inertia, they were free of the planetary atmosphere in high orbit. Free at last of Tantalus, the buffeting and turbulence subsides abruptly and the Vengeful Lightning continues through the void, like a bolter shot, arcing at great speed in an orbit-aided parabola toward the waiting hold of the Thunder's Word.

The marines of Kill-team Umbra bear witness to the fleet engagement from a safe distance, as elements of some Imperial Navy battle group light the black expanse with the flash of lances, assailed on all sides by the obscenely organic bio-ships of the Great Devourer. The fighting is fiercest near to Tantalus, but the Astartes know that the entirety of the Castobel system yet remains under siege. Brother Hrothgar, with his keen eyes is the first to see the trio of slender black ships, like pointed spears of polished obsidian winking with red running lights in the gloom of the void, bearing down on the shattered world below. Brother Emeric is the first to identify them; Deathwatch Kill-ships unberthed from Watch Station Erioch, driven on by implacable, warlike machine spirits, nigh-autonomous vessels carrying with them the devastating instruments of Final Sanction. One by one, the Astartes turn away from the viewport, moving to the forward crew compartment or back, to the infirmary, to check on their injured charges, none desiring to bear witness to what is to follow.

None save one. Brother Syne stares, rapt, watching as the craft begin their final approach toward Tantalus. They are soundless in the vacuum of space, silent instruments of death pregnant with a payload of utter annihilation. The motes of light swirl like tracers across his vision again, mingling with the pinpoints of bright fire streaking toward the doomed moon, cyclonic torpedoes arcing downward like implacable Fate itself. What is left of Tantalus' half-devoured atmosphere burns away in a quiet flash of red-gold light, like the flickering borealis they bore witness to on the surface just hours ago. The light steadily brightens, burning with the cold fire of a newborn star for a time, overloading the Dark Angel's autosense filters and causing tears to trickle from his staring eyes. He does not look away, and the awful sight is only finally eclipsed by the rising hull of the Thunder's Word. As quickly as it began, it is done, Exterminatus of an entire world delivered without hesitation or preamble, invoked as a necessity to give some small hope to the beleaguered defenders of the Castobel system.

Eli hears the perverse whisper in his mind of a voice that is at once his and not his own, dolorous and filled with deepest melancholy speaking the words again, impossible for him not to hear:

It begins...


Hrothgar opens the flask of Fenrisian Mead he has kept hidden during the mission. "Oh sweet elixir, Russ always claimed you were a cureall for most pains." Hrothgar then swallows a gulp and offers the same to his companions.


Dark Angel Librarian

I turn away as the missles strike the planet. I move to sit away from the others to be alone in my thoughts. Tantalus, if it was a Forge World, or had greater tactical value would have been spared such a fate. At the expense of a billion lives, perhaps even more; but the world would have been saved. Instead it dies the hard death. That we are all expendable. Some more so than others. People of Tantalus rest. Your duty is done.


Save me a drink, right now I must honor my fallen brothers with a lament and the rite of giving water to signify the end of my mission as I walk away to find a peaceful area to do his rite and take a knee to sing the lament and the hymn of Ithaka for his fallen brothers.


Male Space Marine Devastator Rank 1

I watch the planet as exterminus is carried out. Not the first planet that I have watch this, and will not be the last. May the people be at the peace that the Great Devourer will not allow.


Warp Translation, Spinward of the Hadex Anomaly
Aft Cloister, The Thunder's Word
241.817.M41
8th Bell, Last Dog Watch

The cloister is spare and spartan, similar in many ways to the refectories of Watch Station Erioch. It is dominated by a scarred, slab-like table of thick black marble flanked on either side by Astartes-sized benches. The room is ovular in shape, with doorless, lancet-shaped archways, each etched with ancient litanies of faith around their edges, opening equidistantly along the curving walls into the individual sleeping-cells for the marines.

The ship thrums around the gathered battle-brethren of Kill-team Umbra and the last survivor of the Iron Snakes' Radiates squad. Brother Sepheren is the only marine from the Mission to Tantalus who is absent, being attended to in the ships infirmary. Commissar Sander and the survivors of the Karlack 2nd and the Adept-Minoris, Roge Halis await their fates in specially partitioned quarantine cells in the frigate's small hold. Brother Pellas has had the ships servitor-steward bring you refreshment comprised of nutrient wafers and clean water. Although not ungrateful for the repast, Brother Hrothgar instead sips from his flask of Fenrisian ale as the other marines take their places as the table.

Kill-team Umbra:
I'm just trying to provide you all with an opportunity to engage in private dialogue amongst yourselves prior to arriving back at Watch Station Erioch and the debriefing encounter with Inquisitor Quist.


Male Space Marine Devastator Rank 1

"Brothers, we have succeeded in the mission. We shall eat this repast and then I suggest we meditate over what we have done, and pray to the machine spirits of our weapons and armour in thanks of their performance.


Black Templar Techmarine

"Agreed, Brother-Leader, but I have a matter to consider."

Tired that Ferocitas continues providing targeting data, I remove my helmet and sit.

"Praise be, for we carry back to Erioch the objective of our mission. However a word of caution for our work is not done. I now wish to data commune and share information from the Magos. Forgive me but mission logistics prevented this until now."

I lay on the table the portable pict-screen from the equipment locker and jack in with a lead from my fore-arm cavity. I sit back in my seat and look the others squarely in the face. "You are my Battle Brothers, forged in the fires of war. We have stared into the maw of the Great Devourer and known no fear. I share this as I would with the Mechanicus. I share this as I would with my own chapter for we are Deathwatch." My gaze stops with Brother-Librarian Vex. "I trust you with my life."

I tap the sequencing rites and activate the picter. As I close my eyes the words flow across the screen accompanied by an audible electronic data-voice from the speaker.

Magos Data Message:

"Deathwatch Kill-team Umbra is recognized.I am Magos Biologis Zardos Vyakai...{CODE INTERRUPT FAILURE]I am injured and operating on emergency protocols [WARNING/WARNING} the full maintenance of consciousness is {DEV...DEV...DEVIATION} no longer possible, lead me immediately to extraction, {OMNISSIAH VULT}.
Acknowledge compliance. The swarm approaches, this moon dies. Acknowledge compliance.
Message repeats...
ADDENDUM Cogitator core scan of designate Brother Emeric reveals decrypt [88TK-366][+++ENCRYPTION LEVEL HELIOTROPE/CIPHER BYPASS+++]

[+++CHRONOSEAL/18:00/238.817.M41/TANTALUS/NOVA CRUXIS+++]
[+++DESIGNATED RECIPIENT <EYES ONLY> INQUISITOR HEZIKA CARMILLUS <EYES ONLY>
[+++TRANSMISSION SOURCE/MAGOS BIOLOGIS ZARDOS VYAKAI+++]

Designate Brother Emeric retains copy in system memory.

[88TK-366][+++ENCRYPTION LEVEL ELEVATED CLEARANCE: OMEGA BLACK+++][+++DESIGNATED RECIPIENT <EYES ONLY> INQUISITOR HEZIKA CARMILLUS <EYES ONLY>

Message must be delivered to recipient. Priority over Tyranid xenoform datacore. Designate Deathwatch Kill Team Umbra Brother Emeric, acknowledge tasked event.

THRICE TOLLS THE BELL.


And we shall know no fear I say when Emeric says those words that are etched into my brain like a natural response every time I hear them.

After listening to Quintus and Emeric with a very concerned look It is our duty to care for our equipment for it will care for you brother and thank the Emperor that Protects looking with some disgust to the fact of the machine spirit let us share meal and drink tonight and remember we serve the Emperor looking at Quintus and Emeric after saying the Emperor with a strong remark I have nothing against your expertise Techmarine before an argument starts I just can't completely trust your kind that worships something that is inferior to the Emperor as if it was his equal and that I do not like, the machine spirits are to help us with our tasks and to be taken care of out of respect. In the end is diligence training and unquestionable faith in the Emperor what makes us marines Emeric you should know as I offer Emeric a drink, giving him a slight nod when extending it to him to let him know I respect him as a marine and yet a hard cold stare.


Dark Angel Librarian

I silently nod to Emerics words of respect.

My fingers keeping a written record of what is displayed before us. Ultimately it will be Inquisitor Quists decision if the Magos's encoded missive will be delivered by us.

Listening to Decius's words fills me with sadness. For Emeric is receiving disdain similiar to what I as a psyker often encounter. Misunderstanding, ignorance, and fear.

"I love the Emperor, and my Primarch, but let us not forget the Aquila has two heads, not one."


You are mistaken brother Lyriel, the two-headed eagle was chosen by the emperor to represent the entirety of the Imperium of Man as I make the sign of the aquila with my hand The two-headed eagle was blind-folded on the right side, and the left side had eyes. The blind side of the symbol represented Mankind looking back into its past at the lessons of its history and traditions, while the sighted eagle was looking into the future and the hope of the better life that the Emperor would create for humanity as I rub my chin I'm pretty sure that is the right of it giving a slight pause Then the Aquila's meaning changed to represent the political union of the Imperium of Man that had been founded on Terra between the forces of the Emperor and the Adeptus Mechanicus of Mars. We are not politicians and that was a mere convenience and that is why as he taps his chest were his powerarmor would have the skull with eagle wings Space marines adopted the Imperialis which is a human skull with eagle wings on either side then with the strength of conviction embedded to him from his indoctrination and years of war letting himself speak with some righteous fury An Astartes is willing to defend the Emperor's original conception of the Imperium not a political meaningful tool as I stand up Hrothgar would you do me honors of sparring with me I have lost my appetite for the moment as I give a courtesy bow towards all my brothers at the table.

As I walk away I think in loud voice repeating it to myself
There is only the Emperor, and he is our shield and protector.
Only the Emperor is all
Without the Emperor there is nothing
And we would have no purpose


Dark Angel Librarian

In a strong low unwavering voice.

"So when your Chapter sends aspariants to Mars to learn the secret rites of repairing and maintaining your chapters wargear, and engines of war. Are they still not your Brother when they return? Or are they lesser now in your eyes because they have done there duty?"


Black Templar Techmarine

I nod and accept the drink from Decius and understand the importance this holds for the Snakes. But I am saddened by his ignorance and prejudice against the Machine God. The psykers comments surprise... He defends me!

"Brothers, please allow our communion to continue. When we first arrived on Tantalus we heard a beacon transmitting the Magos' distress signal. It took some time to cogitate a translation. Here it is in full..."

Magos Distress Call:

[88TK-366][+++ENCRYPTION LEVEL HELIOTROPE/CIPHER BYPASS ENGAGED+++]

CHRONOSEAL/18:00/238.817.M41/TANTALUS/NOVA CRUXIS
[+++DESIGNATED RECIPIENT <EYES ONLY> INQUISITOR HEZIKA CARMILLUS <EYES ONLY>
[+++TRANSMITTING SOURCE/MAGOS BIOLOGIS ZARDOS VYAKAI+++]

I MUST DISPENSE WITH THE USUAL SALUTATIONS AND HONORIFICS AS THERE IS LITTLE TIME. THE PHYSIOLOGICAL DATA REQUESTED CONCERNING THE PRECURSOR ORGANISMS OF HIVE SPLINTER FLEET DAGON AS EXAMINED ON TANTALUS ARE ENCRYPTED IN A DATACORE CARRIED ON MY PERSON SHOULD ANYTHING BEFALL ME IN THE TIME IT TAKES FOR THIS MISSIVE TO BE RECEIVED.

ON THE MORE IMPORTANT MATTER: THE SMALL REPTILIAN ORGANISM DISCOVERED BY YOUR AGENTS ON THE ORE HAULER SHOULDER OF STEPATIKOS THAT YOU HAVE FORWARDED FOR MY EXAMINATION HAS BEEN DETERMINED TO BE OF THE GENUS DOLINAE. THE SPECIES AND SUBSPECIES ARE ONLY KNOWN TO EXIST ON THE WORLD OF AURUM, RIMWARD OF THE ORPHEUS SALIENT. TRACE FRAGMENTS OF THE CRYSTAL OF WHICH YOU SPOKE WERE FOUND IN THE LIZARD'S DERMIS AND SOFT TISSUE, BUT IT HAS THUS FAR ELUDED IDENTIFICATION BY ME. I WOULD RECOMMEND A DETAILED SPECTROGRAPHIC ANALYSIS BY MY BRETHREN AMONG THE GEOMANCER'S OF VANITY. IF TIME IS AN ISSUE IN THIS CLASSIFICATION, A COLLEAGUE OF MINE, ONE OF THEIR NUMBER, RESIDES IN THE SOUTHERN ARCHIPELAGOS OF KARLACK WHERE HE CONDUCTS HIS RESEARCH IN SECLUSION. I CAN ASSERT THAT WHATEVER GEOLOGICAL CARGO THAT WAS CARRIED BY THE SHOULDER OF STEPATIKOS ORIGINATED ON AURUM GIVEN THE LATENT TRACES ON THE DOLINAE. I HAVE PETITIONED THE OMNISSIAH WITH MY PRAYERS THAT THIS DATUM COMES TO YOU WHATEVER MY FATE MAY BE.

GIVEN THE URGENCY OF YOUR REQUEST AND THE CONCERNS OF THE ORDOS IN THIS MATTER, MAY HE BE COGNIZANT OF MY BENEDICTION.

AS ALWAYS, I AM YOUR FAITHFUL SERVANT.

[+++MESSAGE ENDS+++]

Sitting back up, I detach myself from the pict-viewer. "This concludes the my data-share."


Hrothgar bears his fangs at the prospect of a worthy challenge.
He downs a swig. "Brother Decius, allow me to show you the gym."

The fight should be something like this.


Turning around to answer the librarian They are my brothers and that does not make them lesser men for training in the secret ways of the mahine, but they should remember the Emperor is the only thing we worship and we are here to do a sacred duty in his name, the machines are tools for use to carry out our duty and care for them as they care for us nothing else Lyriel, it is only respect I hold for the machine spirits for their aid but not worship as he exchanges a cold stare with the librarian I never made any less of Emeric he is a marine and he has won his place amongst us astrates like everyone else he is worthy of any and all honors he has achieved and not a lesser man, but still our worship is to the emperor no some machine thing! almost spiting his last word and sounding like a hiss of snake.

I'm honored with your company Hrothgar, I will follow you there as he smiles at him and pats him in the shoulder let's have a series of competitions: a brawl, a melee and a target practice as I smile with a an enormous grin This is challenge after all! After that we can share a drink or two

lol hadn't seen that scene for a long time. I'm just doing the typical marine aversion from a chapter hat relies more in manpower than machines nothing personal vs. Emeric or something ^^


Dark Angel Librarian

I watch as the Iron Snake walks away shaking my head in pity. Is this how far successor chapters have devianted from the truth? The Emperor is the Greatest of Humanity. The Father of the Primarchs, the Father of us all. He is to be revered as our Pregenitor. Not be grovled upon, and worshipped as a God like lesser men. We are Space Marines! I tap notes of concern into my data slate.


Male Storm warden Tactical Marine

I watch the byplay between the others and once the snake leaves."Ah youth, he will soon learn that having blind faith will allow him to be manipulated. Brothers let us continue eating our humble repast and recall tails of our mission."


Black Templar Techmarine
Caledonii wrote:
"...Brothers let us continue eating our humble repast and recall tails of our mission."

The veteran causes me a moment of reflection. We are victorious for the moment but matters could have been much worse. I must atone with penance for mission failures mechanical and martial. So much punishment is due. Throne forgive me.

"Brother Storm-Warden, wise words. I must confess that I am due for additional range practice. You bore the brunt of our gambit at the security bunker. After you drew the shrike swarm to your position my accuracy was lacking."


Dark Angel Librarian

I nod at Caledonii's words and enjoy the simple meal before us.

I listen and transcribe the part of the mission that is unknown to me so that future Astrates who read of these deeds will glean wisdom from it that perhaps today we are unable to see.


Warp Translation, Spinward of the Hadex Anomaly
Training Sanctum, The Thunder's Word
241.817.M41
8th Bell, Last Dog Watch

After traversing the narrow corridors of Thunder's Word, the deckplates of the ancient frigate humming in sympathy with the vibration of the hull as the ship negotiates the Warp, the Iron Snake and the Space Wolf enter the rather small training sanctum at the aft of the craft.

They have been silent as they walk, the Iron Snake's caustic remarks to the members of the Kill-team left behind and now fading from thought. Brother Hrothgar smirks with self-satisfaction as they enter the circular room, grateful that Brother Decius accepted his invitation in the hopes it would defuse the simmering dialogue in the cloister. As the Iron Snake turns, the Space Wolf's face goes impassive again, hiding his smiling teeth.

After examining the racks of weapons and the foreshortened firing range at the rear of the brazier-lit chamber, the pair begin to circle one another around the circumference of the sparring floor, clenching their hands and unlimbering themselves prior to committing to the impromptu hand-to-hand bout.

Feel free to taunt and engage in repartee, brother-marines, and then roll an opposed Strength test to determine the victor of round one. Most degrees of success wins.


Warp Translation, Spinward of the Hadex Anomaly
Aft Cloister, The Thunder's Word
241.817.M41
8th Bell, Last Dog Watch

Their meal finished, Brother Librarian Vex's transcription complete, the remaining marines regard one another, the mysterious nature of Magos Vyakai's decrypted message weighing heavily on their minds.

The somber moment is interrupted when the the hatch to the room slides open with a hiss and a single angelic chime, and one of the Deathwatch's loyal chapter serfs deferentially steps into the cloister.

"Lords Astartes, Brother-Captain Pellas asks that I inform you that we are nearing our insertion point on the outer edges of the Erioch system even as we speak. Less than twelve hours remain before we are returned to the Watch Fortress. I have also been instructed to inform you that we have received an astropathic transmission from Inquisitor Adrielle Quist, requesting your presence in the Tower of Brass for debriefing one hour after we dock."

The bald chapter serf's pale countenance brightens ever so slightly as he looks at the empty platters and pitchers, "I am grateful the simple repast was to your approval. Please, is there anything else that I can provide for you at this time?"


Let's see what kind of tricks they teach wolves

I have no idea how many strength checks to make so I'll just put in 5

Strength check1d100 ⇒ 18
Strength check1d100 ⇒ 59
Strength check1d100 ⇒ 3
Strength check1d100 ⇒ 20
Strength check1d100 ⇒ 63


Hrothgar drains the last of the mead and staggers into the gymn, "No tricks, just good looks. Hahaha!"

Strength 1d100 ⇒ 60


The Omega Vault wrote:

Warp Translation, Spinward of the Hadex Anomaly

Aft Cloister, The Thunder's Word
241.817.M41
8th Bell, Last Dog Watch

Eli grunts in acknowledgment and ambles off to meditate in the time remaining, his mind still filled with half-formed visions and disjoint whispers.


Dark Angel Librarian

"Excuse me brothers. I wish to take this time for meditation and prayer. Unless you have further need of me?"

Unless someone says something I will go to the ships chapel.


Black Templar Techmarine

As our repast is complete I return to the creche holding the Magos and maintain vigil.


Male Space Marine Devastator Rank 1

I will go and meditate over the machine spirits of the weapons I used and recite the codex astartes.


To bad looks won't save you out of this one as I gasp for some air trying to not look so damn tired of fighting Hrothgar.

After the training session is over and the multiple challenges.

Well I must admit I won some and lost a couple more, you are a worthy rival and a little better then me in the melee, I suppose it's those fangs that give you the edge as I chuckle at my joke I did promise our last challenge was a drinking one didn't I?


"Hahaha, Fenrisian mead should add hair on your chest, hahaha!!!!"


Sleek as a snake, my furry friend I'm fine like that


Warp Translation, Spinward of the Hadex Anomaly
Training Sanctum, The Thunder's Word
241.817.M41
3rd Bell, First Watch

For brevity's sake, I'll make the rolls for the second and third contests in the training sanctum, so that we can move along.

Competition Results:

Brother Decius:

  • Melee: WS = 46, 1d100 ⇒ 82
  • Firing Range: BS = 49, 1d100 ⇒ 73

Brother Hrothgar:

  • Melee: WS = 52, 1d100 ⇒ 83
  • Firing Range: BS = 41, 1d100 ⇒ 31

Results:

Brother Decius wins the unarmed brawl, (using his first roll, 18) four degrees of success to Brother Hrothgar's one degree.

Brother Decius fails the WS test by three degrees, Brother Hrothgar fails his WS test by three degrees, resulting in a tie for the melee.

Brother Decius fails his BS test by two degrees, Brother Hrothgar succeeds at his BS test by one degree, resulting in a win for Hrothgar on the firing range.

The two marines circle one another for a time, before finally engaging in a series of exhausting locks and holds. When neither can seize the advantage, they break apart, turning instead to fisticuffs and throws, and it is not until Brother Hrothgar finds himself pinned to the padded floor does he realize that he seriously underestimated the young Snake's tenacity.

Planning to rectify the mistake, the young Wolf throws himself into the melee that follows with feral intensity, but no matter how many feints or sweeping lunges he makes with the blunted training sword, the Iron Snake is there to parry or deflect with his whirling spear. Both he and Hrothgar find themselves flagging after the first hour, nigh exhausted after the second; one by the need to keep up a continuous attack, the other by maintaining an endless defense. When Hrothgar's boasts begin to come in ragged gasps, Brother Decius wearily backs away, not yielding but offering a stalemate that the Wolf grudgingly accepts much to the Iron Snake's relief.

The Space Wolf's pride will not let him lose the competition outright, however, and he displays a preternatural accuracy on the firing range, the bolt pistol unerringly hitting each target in turn at ever-increasing ranges and difficulties. The Iron Snake keeps up for a time, but in the end he falters to Hrothgar's superlative skill, reluctantly ceding defeat after his second miss.

There may be no true winner, but their bond is cemented, and they return to the cloister to imbibe as the others meditate and rest in their cells. Meanwhile, the techmarine, having volunteered to stand a lonely vigil over Magos Vyakai in the infirmary so that his brethren may take their rest, silently waits for the Thunder's Word to translate to the Materium once again, his thoughts never far from the mysterious message intended for the Inquisitor of the Chamber.


Black Templar Techmarine
The Omega Vault wrote:
...the techmarine, having volunteered to stand a lonely vigil over Magos Vyakai in the infirmary so that his brethren may take their rest, silently waits for the Thunder's Word to translate to the Materium once again, his thoughts never far from the mysterious message intended for the Inquisitor of the Chamber.

The messages contain only limited data. Cogitations to calculate the probabilities of their import prove fruitless. To quell my yearning for more information I meditate upon The Mysteries.

The Mysteries of the Adeptus Mechanicus:

Life is directed motion.
The spirit is the spark of life.
Sentience is the ability to learn the value of knowledge.
Intellect is the understanding of knowledge.
Sentience is the basest form of Intellect.
Understanding is the True Path to Comprehension.
Comprehension is the key to all things.
The Omnissiah knows all, comprehends all.
Life is directed motion.
The spirit is the spark of life...


Male Storm warden Tactical Marine

After the boys have their fun on the range I take up my weapon and start my self imposed punishment.

Rook:
Let me know if you want me to make some rolls or if you are just going to assign how far I get. I figure it might take me more then the time left on our voyage.


Erioch System
Void Dock Sigma, Watch Fortress Erioch
242.817.M41
Hour 13 System Sidereal Time

Following translation to Realspace and after a day-long sojourn from the outer edge of the system, the Thunder's Word arrives at Watch Fortress Erioch.

From the command deck of the frigate, Kill-team Umbra watches through the armaplas void-screen as the agile craft negotiates the gauntlet of vigilant picket ships and lance-mounted defense platforms, all back-lit by the wan, white light of the dying star at the center of the eons-old Erioch system. The Watch Fortress itself then appears, slowly emerging from the eclipsing curve of the sixth planet of the system, a perfect, unmarred grey sphere, its dusty surface undisturbed by celestial impacts, identical in all respects to its six sister-worlds. The titanic size of the Watch Fortress never fails to evoke a feeling of awe-inspired solemnity in those who gaze upon it. It bristles with countless armaments; massive macrocannons, missile casters, and turbolaser batteries, it is for all intents an impregnable redoubt. Kilometers-tall Gothic spires erupt from the station's craggy base to stab into the pitch black void, illuminated only by the pin-pricks of lumen-emitters and the moribund glow of the ancient star. Armor-plated domes and basilicas festoon the frowning fortress, darkened by the shadows of the soaring towers and buttresses. As the frigate approaches the void-docks, you see they are extensive enough to service an entire Imperial Navy Battlegroup, although few ships occupy the berths at this time.

While on final approach Brother-Captain Pellas issues orders to his bridge-crew and their attendant servitors from his command-chair with a rote, almost ritualistic calm that bespeaks of his great experience, and the great warship is slowly guided into Void Dock Sigma.

If anyone wishes to have further word with Brother-Captain Pellas or those you rescued who are currently in quarantine on the Thunder's Word, please do so now. I will update again later tonight with your return to Watch Fortress Erioch.


Black Templar Techmarine
The Omega Vault wrote:
While on final approach Brother-Captain Pellas issues orders to his bridge-crew and their attendant servitors from his command-chair with a rote, almost ritualistic calm that bespeaks of his great experience, and the great warship is slowly guided into Void Dock Sigma.

Watching the grace and subtlety of the Brother-Captain as he manages the ship's Machine Spirit causes admiration. I stride near him, waiting for a moment of quiet to discuss matters of import.

"Captain Pellas, be aware that some of the planetary survivors, specifically Tech-Adept Roge Halis, is likely infected. Also, are Tech-Savants standing by the receive His Eminence, Magos Vyakai, when we dock?"

I pause briefly and comment, "Praise be that you extracted us, Brother-Captain. Undoubtedly the Magos carries data of vital importance for this sector."


Dark Angel Librarian

After I am done with my prayers in the shis chapel. I will go to the medicae to check on the welfare of the survivors of Tantalus.


Brother Emeric wrote:


Watching the grace and subtlety of the Brother-Captain as he manages the ship's Machine Spirit causes admiration. I stride near him, waiting for a moment of quiet to discuss matters of import.

"Captain Pellas, be aware that some of the planetary survivors, specifically Tech-Adept Roge Halis, is likely infected. Also, are Tech-Savants standing by the receive His Eminence, Magos Vyakai, when we dock?"

I pause briefly and comment, "Praise be that you extracted us, Brother-Captain. Undoubtedly the Magos carries data of vital importance for this sector."

Brother-Captain Pellas finishes issuing orders for the docking procedure and turns toward the techmarine when he speaks. His plain, gaunt face is brightened by intense green eyes shining like shards of emerald, eyes that are far younger than the man, yet full of wisdom just the same.

"Even with the exceptional medicae prowess of the apothecaries aboard the Thunder's Word, it cannot be ascertained if they bear the taint of the Devourer with the limits of our infirmary. As is dictated by the Ordo Xenos, they will be quarantined until their examinations are completed. Should they be without infestation, they will be spared, if not...well, let us not speak of things better left unsaid. In summation, there can be no safer place for them than the Watch Fortress, whether hale or tainted."

He notices Brother Decius watching his words with a frown, and speaks no more on the matter, turning his attentions to the Black Templar's other question.

"The Magos will find the Adeptus Mechanicus well-represented here. I have received word that there is a retinue of tech-savants; enginseers and genetors both, loyal acolytes of Inquisitor of the Chamber awaiting his arrival. Even our Forge Master Mac Zi Ven, has been called upon to bring his expertise to bear on the Magos' behalf. I have the utmost faith that together they possess the acumen to make him whole again and divine the secrets of his datacore."

The venerable space marine turns to the assembled members of Kill-team Umbra and the ghost of a smile crosses his thin white lips. Such a gesture from the elder Astartes is almost as much an honor as the fact that he personnally led the Vengeful Lightning's exfiltration sortie that rescued you from Tantalus.

"There is no need of thanks for one who has but done his duty, my brothers. Go now, the Vengeful Lightning awaits to bring you back to the Watch Fortress. As swift as the Thunder's Word is, the berthing process is slow, and sometimes I believe the Arch Fabricator Castilus imbued in her machine spirits a dislike of the docking clamps' touch. She longs to serve and grows restive when still. The thunderhawk will speed on your way, and there can be no delay; Inquisitor Quist has made her orders clear, that you are to debark and debrief in her counsel chambers immediately upon your arrival. We will not tarry here long, our next mission already awaits."

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

With these words, the marines leave the bridge, transiting through the echoing hallways of the Thunder's Word, everyone but Brother Vex and Brother Decius making their way directly to the landing bay. They make their errand a quick one, knowing the Inquisitor cannot be kept waiting, and follow the ship's corridors to the starboard-side infirmary, and within it, along the outer edge of the ship's hull, the quarantine block.

Climbing to an elevated viewing concourse, they look down through one-way, reinforced diamantine plas at the haggard survivors of Tantalus in their isolated, antiseptic cells. The design decision to place the quarantine cells on the outer curve of the frigate's hull is an intentional one. Each cell possesses an irising airlock to vent would-be contagions into the Void if need be. Unable to see one another in their solitary confinement, the weary survivors of the Karlack 2nd wait. Some pace about, some eat the provisions provided, others sleep, and one even rages, his mute yells somehow all the worse for not being heard by his oblivious brethren in the neighboring, sound-proofed cells. Commissar Sander sits on the floor, turning his rank insignia over and over again in his frostbitten hands, his cap in his lap forgotten so deep is the thoughtful reverie. The Munitorium Adept, Roge Halis stands with his back to your vantage point, staring out through the porthole in the sealed void-door, one hand braced on the wall over his head. His back hitches with emotion, but it is impossible to say whether he is crying inconsolably or madly laughing.

Having no access to the survivors in quarantine, the battle-brothers content themselves with knowing they all yet live, and return without another word to the aft landing bay.


Erioch System
Watch Fortress Erioch, Briefing Sanctum Umbra
242.817.M41
Hour 14 System Sidereal Time

The guttering braziers do little to penetrate the gloom in the briefing sanctum, lending weird casts to the shadows flickering over the voidborn inquisitor's bluish, voidborn complexion. The heavy stone of the octagonal table is decidedly bare this time around, the only objects upon it Magos Vyakai's datacore and Inquisitor Quist's dataslate. As you stand in a half-circle around her, all present save for the injured Brother Sepheren, she cracks her tightly pursed lips and speaks with her usual tersely worded directness.

"I must commend you, noble Astartes, on the successful completion of your mission. The task charged to you was a challenging one, and you have exceeded my every expectation with your accomplishments."

Her piercing eyes are like flung darts as they leap from one to the next to the next. They linger for a time on the Iron Snake, as if assessing his value and whether or not her decision to summon him was worthwhile.

"Now, what have you learned?"


Dark Angel Librarian

I look for a connection to transfer my mission notes from my data slate to the Inquisitors. Preferring to let the written word speak for me. As each word is concise and inflection of certain words importance measured. Each meaning clear cut. The spoken word can easily be misinterupted.


"A body cannot long survive without a mind," answers Hrothgar cryptically. Hrothgar bares his fangs, daring the inquisitor to ask the follow up question.


Putting a hand on Hrothgar shoulder I agree with Hrothgar looking at everyone I do not know the details of their mission but it was an honor fighting amogst them, making us true brothers[/b]


Black Templar Techmarine
The Omega Vault wrote:
"Now, what have you learned?"

Out of respect I wait for our mission leader to speak.


Male Space Marine Devastator Rank 1

"Brother Hrothgar is right, if you kill a creature like a hive tyrant, the others are at least temporarily confused, which makes the others easier to kill.


"Hence, headhunter tactics should be encouraged when fighting the Tyranids. Use of assault marines and devastator marines in close coordination should get the desired effect."


Black Templar Techmarine

"What did we learn? The appetite of the Hive-Mind is without end. It must face extermination and nothing else. The navy failed this sector as the Empire and Mechanicum lost a valuable asset. There is no joy in our mission success. Nonetheless we must content ourselves with the extraction of the Magos. We performed our duty... That is enough."

"Inquisitor, we bring data."

I extend an electro-lead from my fore-arm and plug it into Quist's dataslate. During transfer I play the two communiques of the Magos--The distress call and his personal message to me.


I think a well equipped phratery can solve the problem of killing such monstrosity, but if you need to be certain I do not see a problem with the use of heavy weapons combined into the phratery


Inquisitor Quist raises one sharp black eyebrow quizzically at the mention of the Kill-team's methodology in slaying the hive tyrant, and although clearly not new intelligence to her, she is nevertheless impressed by the Astartes resourcefulness and tenacity against such overwhelming odds.

"The Ordos has known of this potential vulnerability in the Tyranid for some time, but is grateful that you have been able confirm that it is also an effective tactic against Hive Fleet Dagon's xenoforms."

She begins to peruse the incoming data on her 'slate even as the Librarian and techmarine transfer it over. She gives the Dark Angel a curt, but placated nod after reviewing his mission log. Apparently it meets her satisfaction. She then replays the Magos' distress call and the encrypted message hidden within it. After doing so she falls silent for a good long while, staring into the glossy black surface of her dataslate. Inquisitor Adrielle Quist's anger is as cold as Tantalus ice-rime, her tightly-leashed fury constrained beneath her clipped words and terse retort as her eyes swivel up to meet the Black Templar.

"This missive was intended only for the eyes of the Inquisitor of the Chamber, yet you have examined it without her leave, and in revealing it to me, compounded your folly, as I was not meant to see it either. Explain yourselves."


Black Templar Techmarine
The Omega Vault wrote:
"This missive was intended only for the eyes of the Inquisitor of the Chamber, yet you have examined it without her leave, and in revealing it to me, compounded your folly, as I was not meant to see it either. Explain yourselves."

"Inquisitor Quist I readily point out logical fallacies inherent in your flawed premises."

"Although encoded, the distress signal was broadcast on open band. I initially heard the signal as we made our drop onto the moon. As the Kill-Team had not yet located the Magos, I deemed it essential to decode. Imagine the signal remained coded and we failed to find the Magos prior to zero-hour? Further imagine the message contained coordinates of his location? That would be folly."

"As for the data message, Magos Vyakai spoke those words via data-stream directly into my cogitator system. You say such missives requires the leave of your master? No. That was for the Magos to decide."

"Kill-Team Umbra is a single entity yet it is made of many disparate parts. Regardless of why Marines of various chapters are brought together under the banner of Ordo Xenos, this is a trying endeavor. Unit cohesion is difficult due to differing tactical dogma, chapter ethos, and unit practices. I stand before you side by side with a combat librarian. Many of my own Templar brothers would condemn me for such acquiescence. What say you, Inquisitor Quist? Should I harbor secrets against my Battle Brothers? Should I decide what information should or should not be reported to my Brother-Leader? Would not such behavior lead to distrust? Would that not sow further discord as we struggle to relate? Do we stand as a collection of individuals or a team? Please note that the Magos opened his data message with the salutation, 'Deathwatch Kill-Team Umbra is recognized.' As a member of Kill-Team Umbra, I thought it necessary to share my data with all in order that we may effectively serve the Emperor, together, as a unified, wise, strong, and effective squad."

"You accuse me of compounding my error by sharing said data with you. But are you not the primary Inquisition intermediary with regard to Kill-Teams? Were you not appointed by Inquisitor Carmillus herself to be her eyes and ears in the field? Am I only now to understand that when I speak to you, Inquisitor Quist, that I am not speaking effectually to Inquisitor Carmillus? In that case perhaps it should be Inquisitor Carmillus who meets us in the landing bay when we return from a mission and not some untrustworthy lackey."

"Finally please note that data-file 88TK-366 remains unopened in my cogitator system. No protocol was violated."


I step forward The warrior who acts out of honor cannot fail. His duty is honor itself. Honor is a reward and there can be no failure, for it has come through duty. Emeric displayed great honor as he acted, therefore, and he will know no fear. So shall I stand before him and for him also for his actions were right giving a step forward and standing firmly in front of the Inquisitor The deeds of one bold warrior can alter the course of a battle. I have such men as my brothers besides me here and now, and our every deed changed the shape of how the outcome of this war will go. Like my brother has spoken are ways of engaing an enemy might vary from chapter to chapter but in the end we are brothers, we are astrates and our honor is beyond question and doubt


Brother Emeric wrote:

"You accuse me of compounding my error by sharing said data with you. But are you not the primary Inquisition intermediary with regard to Kill-Teams? Were you not appointed by Inquisitor Carmillus herself to be her eyes and ears in the field? Am I only now to understand that when I speak to you, Inquisitor Quist, that I am not speaking effectually to Inquisitor Carmillus? In that case perhaps it should be Inquisitor Carmillus who meets us in the landing bay when we return from a mission and not some untrustworthy lackey."

Inquisitor Quist icily stares down the two meter tall space marine betraying not even the barest hint of fear.

"I had no idea that a laconic zealot, a contradiction in and of itself, was capable of such a scathing retort, Brother Emeric!"

"You will stay your tongue, Templar. I will brook no disrespect from you, or anyone else, Astartes or no. I serve the Ordo and the Inquisitor of the Chamber with the entirety of my being, and your words stray dangerously close to an affront to my own honor. I do speak with her authority, and I am as her hand. You should be grateful to your Primarch and the Omnissiah that it was not her who heard such words spill from your lips. I promise you the insult would not have passed with merely a reprimand such as this. My mistress has never been one to turn the other cheek, and you should remember this: I may be capable of forgiveness, but she is not."

She smiles a ghost of a smile then, sly and knowing, perhaps in an attempt to defuse the tension in the room.

"Absent your insolence, your argument has its merits, however. The matter of the encrypted missive is a complication that could not have been foreseen in our mission planning or your execution of it. For this oversight you have my apology, Brother Emeric. The fact of the matter is this; neither your Kill-team nor I should ever have been privy to this data. I understand that the intricacies of secrets are not the demesne of the Astartes, no, they are firmly in the purview of the Inquisition, and I cannot expect you to understand why such knowledge must be restricted to only those with the proper authorization. I suspect the Magos placed some measure of trust in you because of your shared loyalties to the Omnissiah, but in doing so, a great deal has been placed in jeopardy. Even my knowledge of this missive now raises a host of questions, questions compounded by that which Inquisitor Carmillus has deigned to reveal to me about this operation...and those things she has not. A great deal is now compromised by this complication."

She sighs deeply, and you see the human side of Adrielle Quist for a moment, however fleeting it may be.

"You harp upon the trials and challenges that you and your battle-brethren have overcome, the prejudices and chapter traditions that you have compromised to complete your first mission. I pray to the Throne then that you are all on the way to mastering such biases, because now an even greater challenge awaits, one that now cannot be avoided. What I now speak is the truth. The Inquisitor of the Chamber had placed a high probability of failure on this, your first mission. That is why a novice Kill-team, albeit a promising one, was selected. Not a single one of our more veteran Deathwatch squads could be diverted from their own roles in this operation, an undertaking far greater than the sum of its individual objectives. The Ordos protects its own from the secrets that may otherwise corrupt, ignorance is oft the best protection from the most sinister of truths, unfortunately, that is no longer an option with what Kill-team Umbra has learned. It is but a small part of the greater whole, but it cannot be unlearned, by your brethren, or I, so now a fateful decision must be made."

She looks upon all of you, making eye contact to ascertain that you understand the significance of what she is about to utter.

"I will bring the Magos' datacore and this missive to my mistress and endeavor to explain the circumstances of its unintentional revelation to her. Were you not Astartes, but merely her lesser operatives, your lives may very well have been forfeit for just knowing these truths. The Inquisitor of the Chamber follows the way of the warrior, like yourselves, and I suspect a compromise will be made. For now, you will speak nothing of what the Magos' encrypted message contained, your oath will be your honor bond in this, and will suffice for her. Additionally, you have left us no other choice: Your unwitting knowledge of this intelligence positions Kill-team Umbra as the most qualified of the Deathwatch of Watch Fortress Erioch to pursue this investigation further. When that time comes, you will briefed as needed and dispatched upon your next mission, pursuant to these discoveries."

Her steely resolve is admirable, even for a human, and you realize she carries some of the same self-doubt as a fledgling Inquisitor that the rest of you do as relative newcomers seconded to the Deathwatch.

"It seems we shall enter this crucible together, honored Astartes, pray that we all emerge from these unexpected trials whole."

1,251 to 1,300 of 2,063 << first < prev | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | next > last >>
Community / Forums / Online Campaigns / Play-by-Post / Deathwatch: Sons of Jericho IC All Messageboards

Want to post a reply? Sign in.