Cell 23-Dark Heresy

Game Master Kevin O'Rourke 440

Mustering the Holy Ordos
Mission One: Deep Down the Hive

Mordecai will practice on the firing range and do endurance training.

"I did see it, a worthy weapon. Knew a fellow with a similar one, two shot we called him because he couldn't hit the ground if he fell and had Divine assistance."

"I knew a medic like that. "

fail one degree of failure

fail two degrees of failure

"Any knee or joint issues?"
"What's the middle letter on the last row?"
"Did you see my new shooter?"
"We could do with a bit of sun"

Respectively, Mordecai replies.

"No. Significant injuries were limited to gunshot trauma."

"T."

"Yes. The range on specs is impressive. You may find a new niche as sharpshooter, as I adopt close to medium range firearms."

"Why? Vit supplements are currently plentiful."

You will all be contacted by Interrogator Wilson, he's bringing ye in for your official debriefing now that ye've had a short break. There is a notation that you wont immediately be dispatched on another mission but that it is best practice to keep a bag of general gear good to go in case of emergencies.

Success

Requisition checks, starting Influence of 36, fate points 3.

Either Inf 36 and FP 2, or Inf 35 and FP 3

Acquired:

3 x Laslock (parts)
Autogun (parts)
Microbead
Clip Harness
Pict Recorder
Stummers - not sure if they come as single ones or if more can be gotten with a single roll like ammo

Now to build a best quality laslock.
:D

After Mordecai is informed of the upcoming debriefing, he goes to Bas.

"If you have spare time, I would appreciate you assembling an autogun for me. I can resort to autopistol or stub weaponry if time does not allow before our next mission. Also, here are parts for three laslocks. While not a priority, I suspect they could be useful for infiltration or last-ditch weapons down the tunnel."

Forge world phrasing

Interogator Wilson is waiting for you at the appointed hour for your debriefing in the underground bunker deep beneath the factory on Rathome. It was not that long ago he dispatched you and merely another hive and not another world but ye can all see the differences between the two hives as well as the increased amount of recidivist activity in the lower parts of hives.

Interogator Wilson inclines his head as you enter and gestures to your seats. "For the moment Art and Balthazar will be on other assignments, I've already debriefed them and read your reports. Is there anything you'd like to add upfront now before we get into the previous mission?"

"I've nothing to add beyond my report."

"Can I smoke in here?"

"I hope that I covered events in sufficient detail in my report, and the list I wished to bring to general attention. I believe that we did reasonably well for a first mission and also that we are all capable of significant improvement."

"You can but keep it to a minimum."

"This mission overall seemed to go well, minimal exposure, no bystanders harmed. The main downside would be some minor internal disagreements and no immediate follow up leads. That can be a blessing and a curse, sometimes you can follow one den of heretics to the next and get mired in dealing with them one link at a time. Still worthwhile but it can lead to tunnel vision."

"I'm going to be keeping the three of ye together for another few missions. As was requested you don't need to select a permanent Prime just yet."

Mordecai seems very accepting of everything that Interrogator Wilson has said.

"Understood. Do you have any recommendations for us for future missions? And do we have any specific tasks while we await our next assignment?"

"You have to adapt to the situation at hand, you're from differing backgrounds with a standard unwavering approach to certain obstacles drilled into you as can be seen regarding the disposal of the bodies. They made sense to each of you in the context of your previous roles, now ye will have to reevaluate your responses."

"As for specific tasks spend the time as you see fit, you have two weeks before an your next mission briefing if nothing urgent comes up."

Wilson gestures to some boxes in the corner. "You'll each find an item for your use as well as a microbead. Nothing too fancy but useful."

"Duly noted. And I hope I speak for all when I say we appreciate this."

"Thank you."

"Honestly do you have any advice in general?"

Bas rubs the burn scars on his neck as he speaks.

"As you continue your service in the Holy Ordos and if you live and keep your sanity in check you will find that many worlds have a variety of traditions and methods. Burial, cremation, voiding, leaving the body to the elements and even cannibalism are all means I have noted that on the world were deemed acceptable."

"If plague were an issue Bas's method would be sensible and that was his reasoning but there was no sign of it. Tunt's reasoning's had their own merit too as did Mordecai's. As to better disposal, I wouldn't say better but my first idea would have been burial or hiding the body if time was critical."

Considering the last question for a moment. "You will be tested in many ways and must watch each other. The duty can take its toll in many different ways. Not every acolyte meets a grizzly end or insanity, some retire before that point, serving the Imperium in some other less demanding way."

"When you say 'watch each other', do you have specific symptoms in mind?"

"Insanity, signs of physical and morale corruption. It is an unfortunate truth that service in the Holy Ordos takes it's toll. It is a price we pay for helping safeguard the Imperium."

"Is there a standard set of procedures for dealing with compromised cellmates? Should they be brought back to the Inquisition or eliminated when corruption is obvious, or another option altogether?"

To the observant, Mordecai gives the distinct feeling that he is uncomfortable asking but is doing so anyway.

Fr. Tunt speaks up at this point, seeing how uncomfortable Mordecai is and not wanting the talk of what they do to carry on any further. He knows what they would do, unless the person was of some importance.

"Don't worry, I was responsible for the spiritual well being and protection for hundreds of loyal and stalwart Imperial Guardsman at any one time and we never had any incident worth noting but I take your meaning, Interogator Wilson, and I will remain vigilant for these things as I have always done"

He smiles and pats the lads on the backs as he does so."These lads are a cut above the rest in their dedication, loyalty, faith and I have no doubt they will serve the Imperium and the Holy Inquisition to the best of their ability."

50% bullplop and 50% truth, he'll see through it but it stinks of honesty and he probably won't care which part is what as long as we perform.

"The rules can be unclear, sometimes it can be very clear other times not so much. Not the best response but if I give you a hard line you may take it as the word of the Emperor. You will develop and intuition for this as your judgement in such matter increases. Disagreements over such judgements occur not just between Acolyte but even between Inquisitors. The comforting hard rules of men and women of lesser vocations are not as available to us. If someone starts wielding malefic powers, then kill them, that is a hard line. You're debriefings and reports will have me watch out for any lesser infractions."

Wilson smiles at Tunt. "I've reviewed your record and your unit, threats of the kind I speak of were nil to mild. You will be facing more severe threats and the impact will be greater. Not to say you and your men did not face significant physical and psychological threats. It is a sad truth that for the greater good of the Imperium against the kind of threats ye may one day face regiments have been exterminated. As agents of the Holy Ordos ye wont face such unless necessary."

"These threats can spread in those exposed to them and the skill to route them out rare so it is often seen for such a large number that saving their souls and containment are seen as more important than taking a risk to save the lives of these brave soldiers. Agents of the Inquisition, Adeptus Soriritas and Adeptus Astrates are held to a higher standard."

Mordecai listens intently before speaking.

"Certainty is in short supply in our work then. So be it. Vigilance and decisiveness shall be our virtues, instead of hard rules."

There is an air of considered acceptance from Mordecai that was not there.

"I didn't serve with many men long enough for spiritual well being to be a concern and I don't believe I can offer much of an objective view."

"I'm still getting used to this level of freedom."

Bas looks strained at the thought of it, he's only started to come out of his institutionalized mindset.

What can I possibly do with 2 weeks of time off? That's like 30 guns? How do people live like this?

"Bas, your conscientious medical attention secures our bodies in the field and off. Though you must get examined yourself if you have not yet done so."

To Wilson:

"Do we have access to mission reports or analysis? Those might be useful for learning new methodologies."

"To a limited degree, as you prove yourself more access to more sensitive information may increase."

How're your forbidden lores? Reading old missions might be one way of how much you've read up and understood.

Criminal Cartels and Smugglers, and Mutants. Int 42

Once the meeting is over

"Well..", says Fr. Tunt slapping his thighs as he stands up,"..it would seem we are to be left to our own devices for a while to prepare ourselves in what ever way we can for a mission that has yet to be chosen. Praise the Emperor for this downtime, lets make the most of it."

As soon as the debriefing is complete Tunt will drag the lads off to the nearest barracks room where they will enquire about the best still around and get as Fr. Tunt will say afterwards, "As sober as a Cardinal released from their vows"

There is no barracks room, ye have had to make your own accommodation arrangements elsewhere. Aside from Wilson and in theory the security guards at the gate ye have yet to meet any other Inquisitorial personel.

What exactly are you looking for Mordecai because I'm sure you'll understand I'm not keen to type up a bunch of mission reports... I'll have to fill them up with mission ideas... which I then can't present as adventures for ye

Bas will attempt to head back to work on Mordecai's autogun.

"I'll have the gun finished today Mordecai."

Fr. Tunt puts his arm around Bas' shoulders as he tries to go. "Ah now Bas me boy, surely you won't leave your old comrade go drinking without your fine company? It just wouldn't be the same without you. Who would myself and Enforcer Mordecai talk to that'd understand what we did down in that terrible place?"

Fr Tunt is trying to get Bas to come drinking, so come drinking.

There's no need for full written reports unless you feel like chucking plot anchors! What Mordecai aims to do is get up to date on developments in those areas, and see if any patterns emerge. e.g. Evidence of a wider recidivist conspiracy, that sort of thing. Good practice for when he eventually picks up logic. ;) If there's no there there, then that's perfectly fine and feel free to say so OOC.

Upon opening the box, Mordecai takes out a microbead and combi-tool.

"My thanks, Interrogator. These will be most useful."

After the meeting
Mordecai listens to the exchange, and then speaks up.

"I believe it would be worthwhile to engage in at least some recreational activity before we settle into a pattern of duty. Work on the autogun can wait one day, a calculated risk. Even in the Deep Guard, there were cards and games of chance as time and duty allowed. It has been some time since I last played cards, my skills there may have rusted."

He says the last line with a half-smile.

"A promise is a promise I said I'd finish this today."

He will then return to his quarters and finish the gun in under an hour.

Afterwards he will go find the lads.

"Howerya father?"

Before Bas departs, Mordecai presses the combi-tool into his hands.

"I understand. But please make use of this, to speed your labours. I trust that you will return it in the same condition."

By the time Bas finds the lads Tunt will have some large session going on with a lot of singing and drinking and probably a couple card games being played because someone else must want to play cards too and he's that kinda fella that he'd find them.

Also its been an hour so drunk, on the way to being very.

"So is this what ye do for fun?"

"Never stopped me." He says with a wink.

Father Tunt will soon discover that Mordecai is a steady drinker. Not the fastest by a long shot, but his pace is relentless and his capacity is substantial.

And he's not a half bad card player.

He is currently...somewhat merry.

"Bas! It is good that you could join us. The alcohol quality...will suffice. For fun, I mostly played cards and talked workshop with my colleagues. The alcohol being a rare bonus."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHGRbE-olzk

You can hear Fr. Tunt singing this with more enthuasism than skill. He's standing on top of a table leading the chorus when Bas comes in. Seeing him he picks up the nearest person/agent and puts them beside him with a "carry on for me" and he goes straight over to Bas. Pulling him along to the bar he says, "Barkeep, my friend here has only just arrived. Please give him something to catch up with us!"

"eh ..ok" is Bas's last words before everything fades to black.

Bas wakes up and starts looking for his shirt completely oblivious to the new "hive" tattoo on his back.

The words "omnibus at nihil" are scrawled across his back. A clear misspelling of the High Gothic for all or nothing.

After finding a shirt he will head back to shower.

Mordecai remembers drinking. And remembers stopping. But not so much else from the latter half of the night. He recalls Tunt speaking very passionately about *something*. And Bas getting very friendly with...who?

At least I saved my cards before they perished in an outflow of cheap alcohol.

Wait...Bas said something about a tattoo.

Later:

"Bas. A thoroughly enjoyable night, even if my recall is rusty. Did you say something about getting a tattoo last night?"

How tongue in cheek this is is very debatable. Mordecai has a great face for cards.

The neon blue of Bas's eyes seems to grow brighter inline with the look of utter confusion and mild panic in his face.

no.. ?

A moment later he takes off his shirt and walks to his bag to get another.

Directly exposing his back to Mordecai.

"'Omnibus at nihil', eh? That answers my question then."

"Omnibus aut nihil, .. you dropped the u."

"What about it?"