Mission 1: Operation Stolen gift
You are all newly arrived to Watch Fortress Delphi, on the eastern fringe, just to the galactic west of the Damocles gulf. The watch fortress is a massive structure built into the surface of an airless moon that is orbiting a mildly habitable world far to distant from the start to be comfortable. What few humans live there are miserable and little bothered by the Imperium at large.
Only a few towers of the fortress are visible from the surface, the majority of the structure is buried within the moon's surface. Few can say exactly how large the fortress is, but at a minimum there are dozens of kilometers of tunnels and multiple hangers with the capacity to each hold a score of thunderhawks.
each of you is provided with a small group of chambers that are decorated in a very spartan manner. There is a room to store your personal equipment, another for sleeping.
You are given a few days to meet the other members of your new killteam then called to one of the briefing rooms. The briefing room is rather small, probably able to hold a full squad plus a couple more. There is a solid metal table in the centre of the room with a holoprojector above it pointing down.
There you find veteran brother sergeant Odesses, a hardened space marine on his second tour with the deathwatch, originally from the silver skulls chapter.
"Please, be seated brothers and we can begin."
Once you are all seated he begins.
"As I am sure you are all aware, the greatest threat the imperium in this region of space is the expansionist Tau Empire and its allies and clients."
The holoprojector begins to power up and displays a star system.
"This is the Vegar system, a frontier system used by the Demiurg. The Demiurg are one of the Tau's most advanced allies. As far as we can tell they are not actually a part of the Tau Empire but are trading partners and to some extent share technology."
He pauses while the display zooms into a area near one of the gas giants in the system.
"Our sources indicate that a sub-destroyer class vessel was badly damaged by ork raiders recently and has limped into orbit of this moon where repairs are ongoing. We believe that this class of Demiurg vessels has some kind of active stealth technology that masks its heat signature and signals emissions. It is effectively invisible to most sensors. Your mission is to board the vessel and remove the equipment that is generating this effect for study. Destroy the xenos vessel once the tech has been recovered and engage other targets of opportunity in the orbit of the moon. Are there any questions?"
...s'all I've got.
"Since we're wanting to recover this...technology...Brother Sergeant, am I correct in assuming that capturing one of these Xenos who might have knowledge of its inner workings for Inquisitorial Interrogation to be a possible course of action? As abhorrent as the idea is of letting one of these Xenos live, having one of them hand over the secrets to this device would aid immensely in Reverse-Engineering It."
"Additionally, how will we be boarding this vessel as well as extracting? I assume that once on board we'll have operational discretion on how to proceed?"
The Grizzled Imperial Fist nodded to the Scion of Sanguinius more a sign of respect due to their Lineage's having fought side by side at the walls of Terra.
"The Atmosphere should be of little consequence if we seal our suits properly and make us of our Mucranoid; you should know that much, Apothecary." He replied Matter-of-Factly and without Emotion.
"I will concur on obtaining more specialized information on the foe we're likely to encounter. While I've not personally encountered them due to my Chapters deployment in-and-around the eye of Terror and having rebuffed a break out attempt by the Black Legion at Cadia in 777, what little I know of the foe is that they are diminutive of stature and that their tech is bent towards Spacecraft and Mining than anything else."
"What do we know of their Combat Forces, Brother Sergeant?"
Vet Sgt odesses answers the questions in order.
"as detestable as it is, prisoners would be helpful. As to your second question, you will use a thunderhawk. Transportation to system will be by an Imperial Naval Destroyer seconded to the Ordo Xenos."
He then turns towards the apothecary. "it should be approximately 1.05 standard gravity, but the demiurg use gravity based equipment in mining and have a great degree of control over it. The xeno-biological section should be able to assist you in toxin preparation."
"as to your question Son of Dorn, their combat gear is based of their mining tech and the race frequently uses bionic enhancements. Pulse shock hammers, gravometric shear projectors, Ion weapons and their version of power armour are to be expected. Their forces may also use automated mechanical constructs and are generally found in 5-10 man units."
The librarian known as Averruncus, from the secretive chapter of the Sons of Antaeus - from the dreaded Cursed Founding - had been silent so far.
Massive and tall, even by Adeptus Astartes standards, he had avoid conversation with the other marines during the previous days, only giving the most basic informations, such as his name and chapter of origin. The rest of time, he spent in his cell. People from Watch Fortress Delphi have yet to see him without his helm, and it comes to no surprise that he participate at the mission briefing with his helm on.
When prompted to sit, he silently declined. And he now stands a bit behind you.
From a deep and cavernous voice, even deeper than most marines, he adresses Sergeant Odesses by a single, laconic, question.
"Are we sure that the tech we seek is transportable?"
"Indeed brother Librarian, the Xenos use similar vessels that do not have this technology, yet have similar speed and firepower. If this technology was large it would not be possible to simply upgrade an existing hull."
"Will the Thunderhawk serving as our Transport await Mission completion on or near the Vessel or will it translate to a safer location and wait for us to signal it or, failing that, return at a predetermined time?"
"Will the Thunderhawk serving as our Transport await Mission completion on or near the Vessel or will it translate to a safer location and wait for us to signal it or, failing that, return at a predetermined time?"
"Whichever of you is chosen as the on site commander will make that call."
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
After days of isolation and prayer Brother Tarkus walks into the briefing room he's nods to his cousin the Imperial Fist. He then leans against a distant corner and surveys the room not really listening to the briefing. He blindly rolls a loose heavy bolter round in his palm his eyes glazing over to some distant memory. As if sensing the librarian eyeing him Tarkus looks up and is brought back to his present situation and places the bolter round in a chest pouch.
"Brother Sargent Odesses do you have an idea of the layout of the Xenos vessel?"
"I agree with the pysker Kraken bolts would serve us best on this boarding action"
Deathwatch suspensor (25)
Kraken bolts (5)
Fire selector (2)
Auspex (12)
Renown left 6
"The ship is around 1100 meters in length, the bridge is buried within the core of the ship, engines and warp drive at the rear. One centrally located main corridor that runs the length of the ship, many secondary corridors."
"Do we have an estimation of the standard crew of such xenos ship?
Also, have we ever encountered Demiurgs displaying psychic abilities?"
"Do we have an estimation of the standard crew of such xenos ship?
Also, have we ever encountered Demiurgs displaying psychic abilities?"
"approximately 5000, as to your second question it is believed that psykers are about 10% of the frequency of the average human world. Which is to say about 1 in 10 million."
Brother Sergeant
Is there any information on automated defenses on this cursed vessel along with any complement of warriors to be faced?
"The ship is damaged and presumably short on crew after the battle. Like Imperial Naval vessels most of the crew have little combat training but they have some trained for boarding parties or ship defense. Maybe 400-500 with a full crew."
Running his hand through his short cut hair, Brother Rollos fought to maintain his focus on the mission briefing. A twitch of eagerness spread through his mind and manifested itself within his leg. Steel Badgers considered themselves alone amongst members of their own chapters, and these men where not of his chapter. He had yet to adjust to the new scents and become comfortable with the concept of what was happening. It was almost too much for him, and he longed for the simplicity of combat and orders. Just as it became unbearable, the last question was asked and the brief was over...
"So... We just pick a hole the green skins left us and go from there."
... Maybe these strangers will join me in a ritualistic pre battle drink of ale. The thought reminded Rollo of home, and his smile widened to reveal his fangs.
i spent all weekend moving so I'm still figuring this out, what gear should I grab?
I will go ahead and take pilot, as recommended,
-jump pack
-mag kick
- strummer
-chain sword
-praysense sight
-kraken rounds as my special
-fire selector
"Before you depart, you must choose a team leader."
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Brother Rollos looks around the room, waiting for someone to say something. In the second it takes for someone to respond, his mind wanders, and thoughts of what's being served in the chow hall take hold.
Brother Averruncus, the massive archivist, stay silent as well. He's not trained in commanding, nor an expert in technology.
Brother Tarkus silently waits for the decision to be made of who will lead his new squad of brothers. As much as Tarkus wanted to stay with his chapter he realizes his chapter master had chosen him for this sacred duty and he will perform accordingly...he waits silently for the choice to be made so he can perform his pre battle rites and slay the Xenos scum in the Emperors name.
"If none shall take the reins of Command, then I shall Volunteer myself for the position, Brother Sergeant."
[ooc] where do I get armor history? Or do I need it? /[ooc]
"It is settled then Brother Scorpelio will lead your first mission. Your ship departs within the hour. But Flesh Tearer, I have just been informed that you will be assigned to a different team. We have more urgent need of your talents there."
----------------------------------
The journey to the Vegar system is quick by warp travel standards and you arrive there without issues after 20 days in the Warp.
After arriving in system the destroyer's captain tells you that it will be 9 hours in system before optimal launch point. Then 2 hours in the Thunderhawk to the target. Sensors scans indicate that there has been a series of battles in system; it is estimated that there has been one since the intel that launched this mission was gathered.
All Demiurg vessels in system show extensive damage and are undergoing repairs. Due to estimated intercept times, the Captain can only give you 2 hours on site if you wish to avoid protracted naval combat in this system.
"Will the thunderhawks scanners be able to analyze what caused this extensive damage?" "Could prove useful in last minute preparations for the infiltration and execution of the mission"
Brother Averruncus didn't speak much with his fellow Deathwatch Brothers. He spent most of the journey to the Vegar system in seclusion in his cell.
During the last mission briefing, when the ship's captain detail us the results of the sensor scan, Brother Averruncus already wear his helm (you have yet to see him without it) mentions, with his deep and disturbing voice: "It would appear their battle with the Orks is not entirely terminated. Are your sensors detecting any signature corresponding to Orks' ships?"
"Will the thunderhawks scanners be able to analyze what caused this extensive damage?" "Could prove useful in last minute preparations for the infiltration and execution of the mission"
Ork weaponry caused the majority of the damage, some vessels show signs of ramming.
Brother Averruncus didn't speak much with his fellow Deathwatch Brothers. He spent most of the journey to the Vegar system in seclusion in his cell.
During the last mission briefing, when the ship's captain detail us the results of the sensor scan, Brother Averruncus already wear his helm (you have yet to see him without it) mentions, with his deep and disturbing voice: "It would appear their battle with the Orks is not entirely terminated. Are your sensors detecting any signature corresponding to Orks' ships?"
Scans indicate significant wreckage of Ork vessels. No intact ork vessels are detected in system.
Brother Averruncus silently scrutinizes his brothers through the oculars of his helm then delicately extract a set of psycho-crystaline cards from a leather pouch by his belt. The Emperor's Tarot.
"Maybe our team leader will want to unravel the threads of Destiny through the holy Emperor's Tarot?"
"As much as I would enjoy engaging the green skins if there is still fighting between Demiurg and those stages we could use their fighting to mask our mission.."
Tarkus leans back after speaking observes his battle brothers. Hoping this coming mission will alleviate some of his concerns on the kill teams ability to work together.
His Servo-Arm flexing absently, Brother Scorpelio, after a measured pause, grunts and Magclamps his plasma gun to a thigh plate.
"If it will put your Mind at ease, Brother, so be it. I will participate."
"While my faith in the Omnissiah is unwavering, an indication on what he could possibly have in store for us would be welcome."
"With any luck the Demiurg and the Orks will have depleted or killed each other off enough to make our lives easier in the recovery of this Technology. Two Hours will make any delays that much costlier to the swift completion of this mission."
Rollo spent much of the time in transit at the food hall. Any who joined him there would have found his company to be filled with laughter of past does slain, and much drinking. Contests of how far away from a mug of ale could one throw a roasted grox leg into the container would likely take place. The looser would be forced to eat the food and drink the ale in one swig and one bite each. Some might suspect that Rollo threw a fair number of the games.
so your saying we don't get to fight any ork scum? You know, there's a recipie I'm curious to try, where you take most of the upper organs from the chest cavity, and use that as the seasoning for a nice big chunk of their biceps. The problem is anytime you find one big enough for a full meal, someone always ends up ruining the whole thing by destroying the chest, or causing too much bleeding for there to be enough fluids to....
Rollo silences himself as he sees some of the groups reactions...
When Scorpelio pronunces "put your Mind at ease", Averruncus freeze for a moment. It's near impossible to guess his feelings though, since his helm hide his facial expression.
The giant space marine from the Sons of Antaeus dominates Scorpelio when he finaly responds, a hint of threat in his voice:
"Rest assure that my mind is at ease, Brother. Yet, the wise warrior make use of every single advantage the Emperor put in his hands".
With a delicateness unexpected from such a massive post-human, Averruncus shuffle the fragile and precious crystal cards while focusing.
"O God Emperor, we beg you to unravel the fabric of future and reveal the treacheries of the fool xenos, to ensure our success in the task you gave us and purge your enemies".
As brother Averruncus receives a glimpse of the future through his cards, the floor of the strategic room starts to shake violently, so much that the Librarian himself ploys and put a knee on the floor.
When the phenomenon vanishes, he redresses himself.
"This is a bad omen" he says.
brother Rollo easily maintains his balance.
Failed.
Using his Servo-Arm to help himself back up, The Techmarine addresses the Librarian.
"A bad Omen indeed...That said, we are still the Chosen of the Emperor and we've been given a task, nothing shall impede us from succeeding."
The sudden shaking causes Tarkus to lose his footing and he steadied himself against the wall once he is back on his feet
"By the throne!!"
"What was that"
Brother Averruncus what question are you asking and at what psy rating?
Glancing up at the Librarian as he regained his footing "Ask Averruncus, Brother. He's the best placed among us to know..."
"Brother librarian does the Emperors tarot say anything about that shaking"
As you analyze the tarot in the aftermath of the tremor, your greatest threat is determined to be large, mobile, mechanical and self-thinking.
"the tarot shows a great threat... An abomination. A thinking machina ! Anima silica ! And the tremor we felt was indeed a bad omen... The abomination will be our greatest threat in this mission"
"We shall see if it is still a threat when my heavy Bolter is unleashed upon this abomination"
"Brother Scorpelio let us plan our strategy around this abomination"
Once again Tarkus is rolling s heavy Bolter round in his absently. I must take leave brothers I must prepare and ask the Emperor for guidance please excuse my presence"
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
This is truly an awful turn of events! Such news is unacceptable! How are we expected to feast upon the flesh of our enimes when they are made of metal?!? They will suffer greatly for cowarding behind their devices." this continues for a while.
"An Abominable Intelligence?! If such an affront to the Omnissiah and Humanity should be found, under no circumstance are we to allow such a being to continue its damnable existence!"
Looking to the Librarian, he continued:
"Do the Tarot divulge any more information? Such beings come in near-infinite configurations and as such, planning on taking one down will be a difficult task and one that would require more gear than we could requisition to possibly deal with the most common possible configurations."
"That being said, even in my long Service in my Chapter, I have never encountered an Abominable Intelligence before so my knowledge on the subject is limited to what my Instructors on Mars deigned to impart onto me."
"Either way, having weaponry powerful enough to deal with heavily armored targets would be the safest option."
Brow Furrowing in consternation:
"That being said, this Abomination, as much as it displeases me to say so, is not our Primary Target. If, however, we find proof of more of these abominations existing aboard the Vessel and possibly point to their existence among other Demiurg Fleet Elements, we might be able to garner Inquisitorial support on being able to deal with them adequately."
"I know for a fact that sending the word back to Mars with proof of such a claim would mobilize guarantee an Adeptus Mechanicus response for we have, as followers of the Omnissiah, all sworn oaths to destroy Abominable Intelligences no matter where they reside, an edict that has remained in place ever since the Fall of the Men Of Iron prior to what we now call the Age of Strife; or so the records state."
"As it stands, our primary concern is the recovery of the device held deep within that vessel. Should we encounter this Abomination, we'll deal with it then and there."
He concluded, thumping the Aquila on his chest with a clenched fist.
"The Emperor Protects, Brothers."