As the machines descend upon him and he is poked and prodded while they discuss him like a piece of meat or equipment JT starts to have second thoughts. shit these guys have completely removed themselves from their humanity!" "Guys seriously I am right here. As a needle delivers a dose of a potent drug and JT begins fading out he groggily slurs, "Wait! WTF! Do you mean? Brain damage?! I arg laf la luuuu . . . .
[ooc]You did take two rounds in the head[Ooc]
One thing that Occux is sure to do is to present the maps of the sewer system to the more tactically minded in the group.
A week later your soldier is finally released from the probing of the Adeptus Mechanicus medical technicians. He returns to the safe house with freshly mended gear and flesh. The only thing that has changed are the two visible entry wounds visible just below his hairline.
After being cooped up in a medical bed flipping in and out of consciousness its good to be able to walk around.
Spending an entire week spying on the Brood has provided you with two possible ways into their tunnel system. One is an infrequently used side passage that eventually interconnects with their own and the other requires you to move through a drainage tunnel that is flooded most of the time but completely unguarded.
"Damn you guys look at my head! Right through my helmet too! Good thing none of you guys showed me a mirror I might have freaked out. There was this one time . . . Well, never mind. Hey they told me I was out for a week, what did you guys come up with? Hey what's in the big fancy box?"
"Good work on the intel guys! I would say we should be able to use the flooded tunnel, its unguarded and couldn't we have Occux hack into the cogitators and use it like an airlock, we could call it operation Clean Flush or Shit Box depending on how it goes. He could drain it we sneak in and fill it back up when we leave. Heck! We could use the sewers themselves like a weapon. If we could control the flow of sewage we could flood or drain different areas. Heck a few well placed Krakatoa bombs could wipe them away and create jobs at the same time! It's a win, win!"
Its not an airlock that could be pressurized and there are no controls regarding filling or emptying it, it would flow like a tide moving in and out modified slightly by weather and waste.
While I am not really opposed to blowing up large parts of the city, I don't think that will help us find the leaders of this cult, where they came from, and what their plans are.
However, it does sound like the flooded tunnel is our best bet to sneak in without causing a another rukus.
I applaud the efforts of Master Niil in locating an entrance that allows us to be more circumspect in our investigation.
As a side note regarding my earlier request. Master Niil, tell me of the "upgrades" you mentioned last week. Specifically, I am aware of the fact that some of my own brethren have availed themselves of the gifts of the Mechanicus, specifically in the category of auspex and detection implants (auger arrays in the rule book). Could you eludicate further on the subject?
While Jacques seems pleased by the discovery of a way in, he remains still cautious.
"Come now, Julian, these are drainage tunnels, used to collect the mass amounts of runoff that fall in the city. It'll require proper meteorological understandings and a good heaping of extra caution to boot just to make sure we don't go down there and wind up in the drink.
It's all well and good, but we'll definitely need a plan of action before swooping in there waving a flag with an aquila in the air. Voct and Occux, when you're done discussing makeovers, we're going to need you both to cross-reference our findings with the old sewer maps recovered from the Mechanicus database. With any luck we'll be able to get a general idea of the layout and connecting subtunnels, perhaps even correlate the likelihood of operations bases based on the layout of some of the larger areas.
We'll still be running entirely on conjecture so we need to take things slow, perhaps multiple stealth entries to get a feeling for the location and we should have a few contingency boltholes set in place in case things go sour.
I'd still like to have one of the cultist bastards here for a little chit-chat. Water straight from the sieve, but we all know what happened last time we got too close to the heretics for comfort."
"Yeah, we smoked their a$$es!", seeing Jacques give him the cops stink eye JT curbs his enthusiasm.
Based on the information you have regarding the tunnels and the data Occux provided you can tell that to properly utilize the drainage system you'll either have to time your entry carefully and be very good swimmers or try and acquire something to allow you all to breathe underwater which will eliminate most of the dangers associated with that entrance.
I applaud the efforts of Master Niil in locating an entrance that allows us to be more circumspect in our investigation.
As a side note regarding my earlier request. Master Niil, tell me of the "upgrades" you mentioned last week. Specifically, I am aware of the fact that some of my own brethren have availed themselves of the gifts of the Mechanicus, specifically in the category of auspex and detection implants (auger arrays in the rule book). Could you eludicate further on the subject?
"Allowing one's physical self to be penetrated and modified by the God Machine is the ultimate act in one's devotion to the Omnimessiah. Your brethren and others while not devout followers of the God Machine nonetheless purify themselves through their additions. Specific to your query, auger array implant are a common enough mechanical addition to the flesh; one that clarifies ones vision of the universe through the lens of our God Emperor's divine will. However, such modifications require substantial resources both in materiel and output of Mechanicus ingenuity."
... I'd still like to have one of the cultist bastards here for a little chit-chat. Water straight from the sieve, but we all know what happened last time we got too close to the heretics for comfort."
The last dance part was intended just to have a look see at the competition. Which we did learn abit even if not in the manner expected. I see no real problem managing to nab an stray from the herd if we really want to.
Skrate may be a bit overconfident since he didn't get hurt and his shooting was accurate.
The hard part will be where to take him for questioning and getting him there. They will be tracking him. They seem to be very possessive even of bodies. So they will be all over a live one. We don't want to lead them back here to our 1 safe house.
ARC, I'm curious to see what my false documentation claims I am. What identity does it say I have? (I should have read them before and just thought of an idea that might be useful in our next step(s)).
If it is a run-off tunnel, we'll need schedules of use, and some way of obtaining ingress and later, possible egress. Breathing equipment will be necessary *just in case* as well. The timing must be precise, otherwise we may get washed into the deep recesses of the lower hive. Not the place to get lost; who knows what darksome creatures make their abode in such a place. Perhaps we may be able to manipulate the usage of said tunnel to our advantage if the means present themselves. Finally, we definitely need to recoup some of the materiel provisions immediately. To wit, the kaff.
At the last, Jastilus looks away with a sheepish half smile.
Master Niil, in regards to monetary recompense for the purchase and surgery to implant such wonderous devices; I believe if we can find the heart of the Brood, some of their ill-gotten wealth may be turned toward such an endeavour. My own allowance may not be enough to afford such extravagance, but I see no fault in turning the resources of Imperial traitors to our own advantage.
The following is stated in an even and unemotional tone, as if reciting from rote lesson.
Master Equus, you may have little regard or respect for my surgical intentions, but let me ask you this, if, while traversing the sewer tunnels we encounter radiological waste, or perhaps a pocket of chemical poison. I'm sure you would have a finer appreciation for an auger array once you have advance warning of poisonous gas, biological hazards, or even the unseen advance of mutated nightmares that prey on the unwary in such places. I have no issue with you taking the lead in commandeering the logistical emplacement and acquisition of resources, but do not lightly discount my personal ambitions with regard to advancing my own native awareness and capabilities. I take these actions for the advantage of all present. Including you.
"Perhaps it'd be in our best interest to keep tappin' em at their entrances. Wouldn't get as close as we did last time, we all know how that turned out... But you've got a real nice rifle, don't ya' Skrate? We'd be able to hit em and run. Maybe not cause much damage, but at least stir up the hive a bit."
"Perhaps it'd be in our best interest to keep tappin' em at their entrances. Wouldn't get as close as we did last time, we all know how that turned out... But you've got a real nice rifle, don't ya' Skrate? We'd be able to hit em and run. Maybe not cause much damage, but at least stir up the hive a bit."
That may work to our advantage as well. They will be sure to re-direct resources to the front tunnels to better fend off incursion, allowing us a better opportunity at infiltration later.
Jacques fixes Voct with an icy stare. "However you want to share the winnings of the Brood's blood money is no concern of mine. Just keep in mind that you won't even have this auger array until after we've broken the Brood from the inside-out, so it would appear your last point is moot.
Running his hands through his once blone hair, now slowly turning a grey-silver, her returns his attention back to the collection of notes and geographical depictions in the center of the room.
"Can't say I disagree with you though, Octus. It's a risk, certainly, especially considering the state of the streets nowadays, but I don't think Skrate has much issues with those anyway. You're also right Skrate. We can't risk compromising our security here after all... but those tunnels are a different story.
I can't imagine we'd be able to establish a secure area there, but we did find out about that other entrance, the side passage that connects with the rest of the complex. It is little used, and that is for the better. If we can nab one of them there, it might give us greater leeway in securing a more accessible area for proper interrogation."
If you want to grab one, I'm up for the dance. Decide where you want to setup the flaying tools and how you want to get the unconscious body to the place.
Then we can plan how to get you something to work on.
I'd suggest we take the whole team, try to find another group of 3 together, 2 of us will be in charge of taking 1 alive (really wish I had a needler for that), the other 4 are to eliminate any witnesses.
Then it's just grab, bag, and run.
I can't imagine we'd be able to establish a secure area there, but we did find out about that other entrance, the side passage that connects with the rest of the complex. It is little used, and that is for the better. If we can nab one of them there, it might give us greater leeway in securing a more accessible area for proper interrogation."[/b]
Jacques, it has been established that this is a cult/gang noted for its organization. That tells me that there are regularly scheduled guard shifts at the entrances. Should we not instead draw from their common entrance? I think it may be more effective to pull from that source rather than their side entrance. Besides, as I noted earlier, it may cause them to pull resources from other locations to bolster their defenses at the front; making for an easier infiltration from the side later on.
If you want to grab one, I'm up for the dance. Decide where you want to setup the flaying tools and how you want to get the unconscious body to the place.
Then we can plan how to get you something to work on.
I'd suggest we take the whole team, try to find another group of 3 together, 2 of us will be in charge of taking 1 alive (really wish I had a needler for that), the other 4 are to eliminate any witnesses.
Then it's just grab, bag, and run.
"This time not just pistols either, I want to get a red dot reflex sight to go with my silencer, and some sort of short folding stocked shoulder fired weapon. Those dudes mustered up pretty quick and had lasguns ready to go."
Jacques, it has been established that this is a cult/gang noted for its organization. That tells me that there are regularly scheduled guard shifts at the entrances. Should we not instead draw from their common entrance? I think it may be more effective to pull from that source rather than their side entrance. Besides, as I noted earlier, it may cause them to pull resources from other locations to bolster their defenses at the front; making for an easier infiltration from the side later on.
"I know where you're coming from, but that's the entire problem. Assaulting their front would only end up with us getting jumped from behind with a stream of reinforcements. A few long-range assassination missions to keep the pressure up, sure, but we're talking about getting on the ground and making a smash and grab op. The second they see the assault, we're going to be overwhelmed.
If we wait, if we're patient, we might be able to catch a few stragglers in the lesser used side passage. It'll be at least hours before the Brood realizes it has people missing, and by that time we'll be long gone. We can't risk compromising our base's safety. This, of course, all depends on the internal security measures they've put in place. It's unlikely the side passage will be heavily monitored, but it pays to be thorough."
"Do not forget also, now that I have the means" Occux says holding up the cogitator "Once we penetrate the Brood's outer shell, I will have an opportunity to effect sabotage upon their systems ...the side passage has more utility for my work."
@Jacques: If you don't think it's viable at this time, then very well.
@Occux
Just as long as that device is also capable of stripping their funding as well, personally, I'll be satisfied. I see no reason not to profit from this above and beyond our individual stipends.
@Jacques: If you don't think it's viable at this time, then very well.
@Occux
Just as long as that device is also capable of stripping their funding as well, personally, I'll be satisfied. I see no reason not to profit from this above and beyond our individual stipends.
"me too. We need some hardware man!"
"Hey what's in the fancy crate?"
For you? I'm afraid the only equipment you can use would be the false documents, and maybe the vox unit, courtesy of our Master. But we also received a cogitator as well.
As you are all discussing things the vox unit chimes to life and the screen begins displaying and decrypting a communique.
Attention Saladaris Cell
N.R.H. Requests status report and update.
Communication window closes in two hours.
end transmission.
I yield the vox to Jacques to reply
Something I had neglected to do so far is take copious notes on what has gone on. I'll activate my autoquill and start on fresh parchment
I'll have something substantial for you in one hour Jacques
I intended to provide a summary report for Jacques, interviewing all the cell members present for the initial contact, and also Occux regarding what he learned from the Mechanicus facility.
Preliminary Assessment:
Psyker Presence?[X]
**Presence of Psyker activity confirmed but not yet identified by sight.
**Intelligence in the field shows that the Sorcerer seeks to: a)build a ritual by stripping the souls from victims according to: a1) an established time-table and a2) a pre-defined and easily observable map location. The purpose of said ritual is *not* known at this time. Future updates will indicate purpose. Interdiction will be primary objective.
Cult Presence? [X]
**Activity of Heretical Cult/gang observed and engaged. Nomenclature: The Brood. Cross-reference against known Cult/Gang/Xenos/Daemonic identifiers for addition postulation. +++Response requested.+++
**Initial survey indicates that Cult is fluid and responds quickly to direct contact. Response is organized and all indications show that they rely on overwhelming force to ameliorate precision strikes.
**On-site testimonials indicate that Cult conversion builds a familial/fraternal bond with adherents.
**Team has utilized localized intelligence and sub-structural data to formulate a means of infiltration into the Cult/gang holdings. Subsequent updates will provide additional data.
**G4 equivalency: Imperial Guard class weaponry. Civilian level protectives. Due to the need for secrecy, Cult/Gang has chosen the lower hab levels to establish a base for planning, recruitment.
**Objectives: Unknown beyond self-preservation. See above.
Xenos Presence?[ ]
None. Pending.
Daemonic Presence?[ ]
None. Pending.
Thought for the Day: An open mind is like a fortress with its gate unbarred and unguarded.
Hey, there was a demonic presence felt by our psyker before he buggered off, like a residue. And the red robe determined the murders were aligned with the stars right? Something like that? Oh and put we smoked three of them. Oh, and do you think he would send us some hardware or some more money?
EDIT:
Cult Presence? [X]
**Termination Ratio; Opp:Cell: 3:.5
Daemonic Presence?[X]?
According to on-site testimonial, a presence was felt, but it is too early at this time to determine if an actual daemonic incursion was present or if it was merely latent residual psychic energy.
@Jaytee
Rest assured Master Treadwell, I have included your observation regarding the stars being right. Please refer specifically to the section for Psyker Presence, second bulletpoint, sub-set "a1"
Jacques nods at Jastilus and sits down at the Vox Unit, cracking his knuckles and typing,
Saladaris reads N.R.H.
Status report E.T.A. less than half an hour
End Transmission
"Don't forget to indicate the approximate time until the next suspected murder. It's been about a week since Occux figured out the timing, so that makes is about 20 days from now. Also, don't forget that, according to our figures, the Arbites are only aware of half of the murders. If we're right, then there are only seven victims left until the culmination of whatever the Brood's trying to accomplish."
"Also if you wish, I can format a digitized technical summary for inclusion as an appendix... Occux says after an approving nod to Voct's work.
JT slides over to Octus while the more techy party members autoquill up a report. The new guy really seemed to love making elaborate stacks of paper and sift through it making notes. I guess every unit needs a secretary.
Making sure Nebel isn't nearby and they will have a quick second JT speaks to the deep hiver quickly, "Hey buddy did you see any party gals out there while I was gone? Cultists or not these guys have to be trying to get their SynMcNuggets dipped in the Synhoney sauce pack every once in a while. We should find a couple of them an see if we can get some intel. You know pump em for a little info! Not figuratively of course . . . Well not for another week at least or ill pop my stitches . . . Anyway you think that plan has any merit?
Psyker Presence?[X]
**Presence of Psyker activity confirmed but not yet identified by sight.
**Intelligence in the field shows that the Sorcerer seeks to: a)build a ritual by stripping the souls from victims according to: a1) an established time-table and a2) a pre-defined and easily observable map location. The purpose of said ritual is *not* known at this time. Future updates will indicate purpose. Interdiction will be primary objective.
++Projected timetable indicates there are 20 days until the next murder.++
**Arbites reports are correct only by half. Current count indicates there are only seven opportunities remaining for interdiction.
@Occux
A digitized technical summary is welcome, and may provide an added level of security.
@Jacques
Whenever you're ready to sign off on this I can wrap it up; unless there is something more to be added?
Jacques gives the report a couple glances over. "It appears complete to me. Unless someone's remembered something also pertinent, then I believe it's safe to send."
A few minutes after you send your update the vox lights up again.
Please clarify 'ritual' killings. Does not match previous cult modus operandi.
Please elaborate on psyker presidencies. No known records of active psychic abilities relating to cult reclassified 'BROOD'
Please explain deduction regarding specific number of killings not yet completed.
End transmission
Complete and detailed reports are not a part of Skrate's skill set. He sort of has an understanding of the need some people have for progress reports, but they are not part of his skill set.
So he waits patiently for the others to complete so they can all get back to planning the destruction of the brood.
A few minutes after you send your update the vox lights up again.
Please clarify 'ritual' killings. Does not match previous cult modus operandi.
Please elaborate on psyker presidencies. No known records of active psychic abilities relating to cult reclassified 'BROOD'
Please explain deduction regarding specific number of killings not yet completed.
End transmission
Preliminary Assessment--Addendum A
++After cross-referencing the kill-pattern by date and time, and using a map of the hive, Master Occux Niil determined that the location and timing coincide with a course-plot of the sector. This has been verified with a sector overlay using the claim or colonization date for each planet. This indicates that the perpetrator has a knowledge of Carolus' Grand Theory of Psychic Sympathy. (That being, what is done to an image or subjective representation, will reflect on the target). Additionally, perpetrator has a working knowledge of the history of the sector, and the spatial reasoning to equate interspacial distance with localized metric distances. Therefore, it is the initial estimation that the Psychic threat is extraordinarily intelligent, versed in inter-stellar travel and has an advanced operational knowledge of ritualized psychic activity.++
++Currently it has not been explicitly determined that the Cult/Gang is complicit in the ritualized killings. The Cult/Gang *may* be a cover/means of protection for the abomination. Due to this, I am approaching each grouping as a separate threat. Therefore, it may be advantageous to reference Brood with respect to Cults/Xenos/Daemonic activity exempting the "Psychic activity" qualifier ++
++Deduction arrived upon by following the colonization route for Sector: Calixis.++
Preliminary Assessment--Supposition
++Working off the knowledge that the subject is cognizant of Carolus' Grand Theory, it is not unlikely that we can postulate the outcome of such a ritual. We know that the subject is using a human being as a sacrifice. We know that the subject is using his sacrifice as a "proxy" for each world colonized or claimed in the name of the Emperor. The subject is not only killing the victim, but; according to trusted sources, snuffing out the victim's soul as well. Should this unholy ritual reach its ultimate conclusion, it can be inferred that the entire Sector will be sacrificed to the Dark Powers, with each human being dying.++
In my estimation, the subject should be recategorized as Threat Level: Exterminatus. Please set out a protocol request to Battlefleet Calixis. Battlefleet Calixis should move to a position outside Brost's satellite detection range. Should this mission fail; Battlefleet Calixis shall move to within engagement range and commence viral bombing. All forms of life on Brost should be subject to viral bombing down to the last cellular life form. It is better for a million souls to die in faith than to have the Sector fall to damnation.
Gentlemen, I trust you will take this with all the gravity necessary. If my supposition is correct (and logically, it is irrefuteable) then we have very little time to waste.
Occux, can you generate a plot point down to the micro-meter, and give an reasonable estimation for the area of effect (using a ratio of the planet in question relative to the ratio of a planet and a person) for where the next event will take place; given the diameter and positioning of the next world in the schedule? If we can cordon off the area and prevent any humans from entering that area, we may be able to cause a critical failure to occur in the ritual. Please be aware, psykers who fail to properly enact a ritual like this have been known to cause all manner of horrific Warp phenomena.
Exterminatus not an option.
Brost is too strategically important.
Saladaris cell not qualified,equipped or trained to deal with psyker or threats of this magnitude. Details regarding ritual/psyker/slaying forwarded to Ordo Malleus Inquisitor in area. Concentrate efforts on 'Brood'. Identify all parties involved, locate primary origin of cult and eliminate.
"Actually, that aint a bad idea guard boy... but ah, for the money we got you might wanna hold out. Just trust me, there's not a lick a' joy to be had from a joygirl that ya' can pay with pocket change. I know this from experience."
Exterminatus not an option.
Brost is too strategically important.
Saladaris cell not qualified,equipped or trained to deal with psyker or threats of this magnitude.