His armour still on Korbin's work bench, Othair finds himself emerging into this most public display dressed in the leather and furs of a Fenrisian tribal warrior, all dominated by the scorched and rent great wolf pelt. Pitching his voice so that only an Astartes can hear he says
"Morgan, Aterro I suggest you go first, I would like to say it is the deserved privilege of our mission leaders, but really it is just because otherwise I will f$@# this up! "
Once the others start forward, Othair will take the rear, moving suprisingly quietly with even his bionic making barely a sound on the stone floor.
Luthar strides forward, used to being the center of attention telling stories and performing on Fenris. Still, the numbers are overwhelming and the company much more than a small tribe encountered while hunting. Not much for keeping appearances Luthar finds himself in humble simple attire, fit for hunting and primitive. Nothing fine about his clothing except for his jewelry and stones that swung from around his neck and made noises as he moved his chest and pounded his staff with each step. This would be an epic finish to the saga he would be able to share and perform when his great hunt was finished. Long would this tale fill the halls at which Luthar drank and honored the dead.
Then, he considered the risk they took and luck they had. Things would not be getting easier. The decisions and sacrifice called for greater. That weighed on his soul, but he trusted no others to bear the burden. Beckoning his squad to come, he motions them forward, eager to walk with them and commit their expressions to memory.
As the Marines approach the altar a brazier is lit, illuminating fully the figures standing there.
Sethiro Weyland is dressed in a pearl white suit of clothes fit for a noble and his stark white hair is slicked back, he grins widely at the Deathwatch members.
Shar Quinn, fresh from decontamination protocols, wears a skin hugging black bodyglove, her black hair pulled into cornrows. She looks pleased as well as proud to see the marines.
Inquisitor Lord Aria Caro stands in full power armor, her hair ruffling slightly as if a breeze passes over her, a side effect of her potent Alpha level psyker's mind. Her glowing blue eyes look upon the marines dispassionately. Her Ordo Hereticus Rosette is displayed prominently at her throat.
Deathwatch Captain Hiro stands in his dark armor, looking in approval at both his charges and the new arrivals.
Divine Eagles Captain Angelus looks resplendent in his gold and ivory artificer armor, he also looks bored, idly pulling his long blonde hair back from his handsome features and tying it into a tail as he looks at the marines.
"Deathwatch, introduce yourselves so that those you saved may know, honor, and remember your names for the rest of their lives." Sethiro invites.
Apothecary Morgan steps forward and offers the gathered member of the Deathwatch and Divine Eagles a salute. Still wearing his apothecary power armor and helm completely black except for his white helm and left shoulder pad.
"I am Apothecary Morgan of the Storm Wardens honored member of Squad Thanatos."
Sardus hadn't been expecting this ceremony. He had anticipated a briefing or update, but instead found himself being honored. Rarely are the deeds of the Deathwatch known, let alone praised publicly. As he walks forward looking at the men and women he helped saved, he recalled multiple small memories of where he had seen them or fought next to them. He smiled and made eye contact with a few deserving individuals who served well under pressure.
As the hosts became clearer to Sardus he nearly felt unworthy, but quickly accepted the honor on his Chapter's behalf. Raptor's had paid a dear price for their loyalty and there are far too few of them remaining.
I am Keeper Sardus of the Raptor's, honored member of Squad Thanatos. he says, stepping forward with a salute.
Korbin was far too analytical, judging the direction and they way people looked at them, as if knowing something they didn't. It certainly wasn't a normal meeting, not with Matteus escorting them in a place they hadn't been yet. Upon entering the large chamber Korbin felt proud, prouder than he had for a long time. His armor reminding him of a "hero's shame" Korbin had worked to make up for his past mistakes and bring honor to the Raven Guard.
His efforts and knowledge were able to save lives and valuable research. While it will never be the lives he lost under his own command, they are significant none the less. Such public service was rare the tasks were perhaps worthy.
Our actions were more important than we know he says to himself, considering what would warrant such ceremony. Korbin hadn't prepared himself for such an occasion physically, but mentally he was focused. When the time came and silence filled the void between each member of Squad Thanatos' introduction, Korbin steps forward without a sound:
Forgemaster Korbin, Raven Guard.
Although used to the saga sharing and boasting of the Vilyka Fenryka, Othair felt uncomfortable in such a situation, he missed the drinking, fighting and stories of the Fang. Although all those around were warriors in their own way, Othair remains concerned that they wouldn't understand the ways of a Fenrisian warrior.
"I am Othair Wolfpelt, formerly of the company of Kjarl Grimblood of the Vilyka Fenryka, formerly of the Shield Maiden and now of Squad Thanatos, who you may know as the Space Wolves. I am happy that so many of you survived, for although we may have held it without you, we would not have left so many xenos to sleep on the red snow. I will drink to your bravery and those we left behind. "
Luthar steps forward after Othair and presents himself to the crowd of strangers and soldiers.
"I am Runepriest Luthar of the Space Wolves. Your bravery in the face of uncertainty is to be honored. Each of you played a part in our success and I salute you all...I look forward to sharing more of your stories, for the lives lost shall live on in our memories, their deeds reminders that we are greater than the Xenos and traitors that threaten the Imperium. I thank you for welcoming us to your command and Squad Thannatos." he says, looking to the Inquisitors and senior members of his squad.
The crowd cheers and claps for each marine and when the declarations have finished Sethiro gestures and a group of servants in expensive clothes move forward carrying a number of polished hardwood boxes.
"I am hereby awarding each member of the heroic Deathwatch the Morphain Golden Cross for extreme valor." Sethiro announces, opening each box in turn and placing the golden cruciform award within on each marine.
"Your names will be entered into the annals of high military history in each subsector and inscribed on the Wall of Heroes in the Hall of Remembrance on the Sector Capitol, though the details of your mission will, of course, be classified." As he finishes pinning the medals the crowd goes wild and thunderous applause echoes through the chapel's high dome.
Apothecary Morgan feels honored at the award of the Golden Cross. Standing taller and prouder as he accepts the award. Standing there Apothecary Morgan stands ready, but he looks over to see what honors are being awarded to Sargent Uriel.
Korbin and Sardus humbly accept the award and beam with pride in their accomplishments as much as the bonds that had been forged and strengthened on their latest mission.
Once the crowd goes wild they take the time to congratulate each other and bask in this rare moment of public gratitude.
Uriel's armor has been painted black and what exposed flesh is visible is still raw from the many wounds he received on the barbarous jungle planet. Though his armor is now bare of iconography perhaps he has joined the Deathwatch?
He does not receive an award but stands nearby, his noble features expressionless until you are awarded, which he seems pleased by.
As the ceremony wraps up the people begin to socialize and several brave souls even approach the marines and ask tentative, if swallow, questions about the heroic marines, their knowledge of the god-like soldiers obviously limited to simply seeing them as living idols to the God Emperor's glory, the most epic of heroes in the flesh.
Sethiro Weyland breaks out a fully stocked and staffed bar, wheeled into the chapel on what amounts to a giant palanquin and invites the marines to join him in some informal celebration, much to the surprise of several of the more dignified notables present.
The bar is a sight for sore eyes. It had been a while since Luthar had a proper drink or reason for celebration. He delighted himself in the hospitality and thanked the Inquisitor personally. While he shared stories and mingled with those brave enough to approach him he took genuine pleasure in having saved their lives, but the events still weighed heavily on his soul, but the drink would help him forget.
When the time seems right he attempts a toast for those fallen and unable to be with them in celebration. He recalls the soldiers and their sacrifice, as well as the importance of what every person was doing and who and what they survived against. He wished them luck and farewell, sure they would likely not be seeing much more of one another.
The night is long and the party epic, Sethiro managing to keep up with the marines drinking despite his assumedly human constitution.
After many hours most party goers are asleep on the floor or in pews while silent servitors drift by cleaning up the mess.
Sethiro awakens from his stupor and rubs his temples.
"Uuuugh. Well, we have a mission to prepare for tomorrow, let's get some proper rest then suit up." He advises.
The next day, still clearly suffering from a hangover, Sethiro invites you to the stratgium for a mission briefing, the room is a circular dome with the outer circle inhabited by data servitors manning cogitators and communication arrays and in the center is a hololithic projector in the form of a large, heavy altar-like table.
"Good morning Deathwatch." Sethiro says as both you and Uriel arrive. "How are you feeling? Ready to get down to business?"
Against his usual headstrong and self confident persona, Othair seems very uncomfortable during the medal presentation, trying to blend into the background where possible. When he spots Uriel, he is quick to approach and his more normal and oblivious way fires questions at the recovering marine. " Uriel, you are in black, are you joining us? We would be glad to have you as you did a fine job alongside us. And where is your medal? Did they run out? Come, I will show you how a wolf drinks and we can share stories."
Whether Uriel joins him or not,Othair will then embark on a night of drinking to excess, bad storytelling to the equally drunk and even nearly end up in a fight or two.
The following day Othair arrives at the strategium fully refreshed, his genetically enhanced body and his years of practice on Fenris, leaving him hangover free. His armour now modified and finished allows him to pad in stealthily efore his booming voice rings out. "That was fun, so how are we all"
Apothecary Morgan spends some time drinking for the fallen before retiring to the Apothecarium to study the Tyranid samples gathered. Arriving to the stratgium Apothecary Morgan seems no worse for wear.
"I stand ready for our next mission."
After the festivities, Sardus returns to his quarters, emotionally spent and taxed socially. Not used to celebrating with Humans, Sardus had to interact differently as those around him tried to do the same. He made sure to get to know everyone he could, learning all he could of the people and their motivations. As the night drew longer Sardus casually kept pace with his brothers but was not intoxicated.
Receiving the summons early, already awake and exercising, Sardus makes his way to the stratgium to find his brothers and the Inquisitor waiting.
I am eager to begin he says confidently, standing ready and at ease, listening intently.
Korbin tries his best to mingle, but interest in idle conversation and back slapping is short. He mostly keeps to himself, answering if asked, trying to be polite, but just merely supporting his brothers and the occasion.
As his brother's go on, he listens to their stories and genuinely enjoys some, but his mind is elsewhere. Trying to sift through all the intel he had gathered and make sense of the mysteries and phenomena surrounding the research, equipment, Tyranid, and traitor marines.
After a while, before anyone else most likely, Korbin slips out unnoticed and returns to his own tasks. When he gets a message for the mission brief, he is excited, ready to continue and learn more of the universe and its many dark secrets to be uncovered.
Upon arriving at the meeting, Korbin doesn't reply with words, but a simple nod, and his body language clearly showing his interest, as he pays attention and listens closely.
"Medals and honor are not for me anymore." Uriel says. "I have decided not to take a new squad and have become a Graveknight of the Divine Eagles, battling without a squad until the Emperor grants me death and my soul can fly free to join my brothers in death. I do this in mourning for my brothers." Uriel tells you with a grim look on his face.
"I will not try to dissuade you,for amongst the Rout we have a similar idea,if we lose all our pack we become a lone wolf and hunt until we are killed or called to join the Wolf Guard. Just remember that you will always have a squad here in the Deathwatch, when you are ready. But in the meantime come drink to the fallen and celebrate the victory they and you helped us win"
Apothecary Morgan nods at Uriel's decision fully understanding and accepting it.
A faint smile emerges on Uriel's face as he joins the festivities.
Sethiro ignites the hololith display showing a hologram of an ice world appearing above the table.
"This is Thyrm, capitol of the Bacchus Subsector of the Morpheus Sector. " The Inquisitor explains. "My dear friend and fellow Inquisitor Lichninestien is doing an investigation to find answers about all the Inquisitors that have gone missing recently and it appears he has found some answers on this planet."
Sethiro enlarges the image of one particular hive in the icy wastes. " The knowledge he has uncovered is too dangerous to send via even encrypted astropath so I must meet him in person to learn what he know knows, your mission will be to provide me with an armed escort. This mission may be dangerous but it won't be a meat grinder like your last, equip yourselves appropriately. Any questions before I continue?"
"Obviously with us as a guard we will not be going for the subtle approach, so do we have armed transports and strongholds available for when we reach planet side? What can you tell us about the world and specifically the hive concerned?" Clapping Korbin on the soldier he says. Well sounds like we will get to test that armour you have made for me, i am not the most gentle, but i like it, I can move well in it."
During the party:
Korbin doesn't have much for words that can calm the burning fires within Uriel, but he knows from personal experience the loss of a squad can have mentally. Upon hearing his choice to become a GraveKnight, Korbin assures Uriel that in time he will find purpose and meaning again.
May your great Hunt be redeeming my friend. You will find out what you are truly made of without a squad, but not everything can be accomplished alone. Do not let your mistakes of the past prevent you from doing what is necessary now. I wish you well Uriel. he says raising his glass to him, celebrating his survival, believing that every Marine is invaluable to their chapter. The limited number of RavenGuard marines placed significant importance on every marine and their ability to support the whole. Excess numbers and the freedom to hunt alone were foreign concepts to Korbin, but none the less realities of other Chapters.
During the briefing:
We will not go unnoticed in the Hive City in our full armor, even I have my limits...Do we have any actual intel or suspicions on who may be responsible for the disappearances. Does it appear to be of Xenos, Daemonic, or Word Bearer doing? Any reports of those factions having a presence in the sector on in that Hive?
After looking to his men to confirm what he is saying he then addresses the Inquisitor directly.
What are your orders? Do you have a plan for infiltration? Will your presence or ours be known to many? I do not know how we will arrive or announce ourselves, but depending on how you wish to carry out this mission Inquisitor, we must prepare accordingly...While combat is always a possibility, is there anything more you might speak of to prepare us more readily? What are these recent disappearances of Inquisitors you speak of? Do you believe them linked to our recent encounters?
Sardus listens at the initial briefing and takes the unusual approach of remaining quiet, waiting for Korbin to finish, he awaits answers before following them up with his own concerns.
Why us? Why our squad? he thinks to himself, trying to imagine the larger picture and put this news in the context of previous missions.[/i]
What resources or support do we have on the ground or in the system? Perhaps we might be able to pose as forces for another faction and mask our origins and intention. Is your contact in the Hive known to the local PDF? Surely he is being watched and protected under the circumstances? Do you believe the information might lead to further investigation on the planet or elsewhere? Is your contact in any danger?...The information seems to valuable for there to be no risk, I just wish to be prepared and not show all our cards until we know what we are dealing with.
Luthar seems to care less about the details and is more concerned with the mission. As he listens to his brothers bring up excellent points and questions he listens carefully.
While not excited to be operating in a Hive city, the situation demanded investigation. Missing Inquisitors most likely means Psykers and the mysteries of the Warp. Chaos he thinks to himself, before a flash of rage washes over him, but quickly fading as he suppresses his urges and holds his tongue.
Perhaps I might make interesting bait. Anyone trying to take me will...cutting himself off from such thoughts, trying to remain focused on the conversation at hand.
Waiting for a break in the discussion, Luthar asks:
What of the missing Inquisitors? Do we know how they were taken? Any survivors or evidence indicating who or how?
Apothecary Morgan remains silent at the meeting waiting for the answers to his brothers questions as they seem to have covered most his own questions as well.
"Obviously with us as a guard we will not be going for the subtle approach, so do we have armed transports and strongholds available for when we reach planet side? What can you tell us about the world and specifically the hive concerned?"
"Well, we will be taking a subtle approach at first, I've summoned an old Rogue Trader friend to provide us with anonymous transport and once we get there we will be taking a route to the meeting that will avoid most people. There won't be any Deathwatch support there on the planet but if things go wrong I am an Inquisitor Lord and can requisition anything I want." Sethiro informs you. "Thyrm is a ball of icy frozen hell with it's entire population being confined to six colossal hive cities, despite that it is a sub-sector capitol world and has access to massive wealth and resources. Hive Primaris is our destination, the central Hive on Thyrm where the Governor resides. Though given to urban decay like any Hive of any size it has a long history of being staunchly pro Imperial with minimal rates of heresy and recidivism."
We will not go unnoticed in the Hive City in our full armor, even I have my limits...Do we have any actual intel or suspicions on who may be responsible for the disappearances. Does it appear to be of Xenos, Daemonic, or Word Bearer doing? Any reports of those factions having a presence in the sector on in that Hive?
After looking to his men to confirm what he is saying he then addresses the Inquisitor directly.
What are your orders? Do you have a plan for infiltration? Will your presence or ours be known to many? I do not know how we will arrive or announce ourselves, but depending on how you wish to carry out this mission Inquisitor, we must prepare accordingly...While combat is always a possibility, is there anything more you might speak of to prepare us more readily? What are these recent disappearances of Inquisitors you speak of? Do you believe them linked to our recent encounters?
"We will be taking a subtle approach at first where no one knows of us and I will lead us along hidden ways but if that doesn't work out concealment won't be necessary any longer. The only Xenos presence I am aware of on Thyrm is the Orks, ten years ago they led a massive Waaaaagh! against Imperial space and were only stopped at great cost at Thyrm but remnants of their forces linger still in the frozen wastes, still, the subtle disappearance of Inquisitors pretty much flies in the face of the Ork's style so it most likely has nothing to do with them. No other major Xenos or Heretic force are a known factor on Thyrm." Sethiro takes a breath between all his speaking.
"The disappearing Inquisitors were thought to be linked to the Alpha Legion Forces you encountered on Medenva but this isn't a certainty, the vanishing Inquisitors could be being taken by another force. As to the details of the disappearances they have little in common with each other, other than that Inquisitors and their warbands have been vanishing without a trace from various mission for awhile now and I am not convinced it is simply a string of coincidences."
"As far as mission preparation Hives are claustrophobic enclosed environments where vertical movement is often an option and the crowds tend to be thick in populated areas while abandon ones have many environmental hazards like radiation, noxious gases, mutated beasts and unstable architecture, prepare accordingly." Sethiro advises.
What resources or support do we have on the ground or in the system? Perhaps we might be able to pose as forces for another faction and mask our origins and intention. Is your contact in the Hive known to the local PDF? Surely he is being watched and protected under the circumstances? Do you believe the information might lead to further investigation on the planet or elsewhere? Is your contact in any danger?...The information seems to valuable for there to be no risk, I just wish to be prepared and not show all our cards until we know what we are dealing with.
"We will approach in secret for our hidden meeting, away from prying eyes. We have no immediate support there but I can requisition what we need if and when we need it. I believe in the philosophy of walking softly and carrying a big stick, we will arrive in secret but if a big stick is needed, well, that is what the Deathwatch is..." Sethiro takes a drink of anti-toxin to help with his hangover and continues;
"Inquisitor Lichninestein is hidden from all Imperial eyes and is certainly in danger, or he wouldn't have summoned me the way he did, it may be that an investigation kicks off from what we find, no way to know ahead of time." Sethiro smiles. "And don't worry, if local support doesn't satisfy me or is corrupted if and when I need to requisition it I have an ace in the hole."
Sethiro pushes a button on the hololith and the image changes from that of the planet into that of a massive battlefleet. "Three Inquisitors command one fourth of the Battlefleet Bacchus and, along with a company of the Black Raptors Astartes Chapter, are awaiting my signal to arrive at Thyrm and tear the planet apart or destroy it if I go missing for more than a month or find a terrible threat that must be eliminated and call for them. The only thing better than a big stick is a colossal stick." The Inquisitor says, grinning.
What of the missing Inquisitors? Do we know how they were taken? Any survivors or evidence indicating who or how?
"We do not know how they were taken, only that it is fast and violent and leaves little evidence behind." Sethiro informs.
No matter how secretive we are, our Souls are different and distinguishable by those who attempt to understand and dabble in the Warp. We will not have to be seen to be found by a skilled Psyker or one Tech-Priest who can manipulate the machine spirits. We must be cautious and prepared. I assume the other Inquisitors who went missing were both formidable and well protected. We should not be presumptuous in our approach. I too might be a target, but the target would most likely be you Inquisitor.
The contingency plan you have in place seems adequate. Should we be taken, I would rather die than be forced to aid in some unknown sorcery or ritual. Should we be taken, I fear there are little others who stand a better chance and this world hardly seems worth the risk. I will prepare myself and consider what equipment I shall requisition. We should consider more than guns and ammunition. I am confident my brothers and I will have a plan ready by our arrival. If you can share your planned routes and any maps available of the terrain we will be traversing, we can better prepare and choose our equipment accordingly. If this does turn into an investigation or rescue, then you will most surely need to use your influence to acquire the right tools for the task at hand.
"Agreed, if that is all shall we meet with the Rogue Trader and begin?" Sethiro asks as he uploads the route to be taken from the Hive spaceport to the meeting place once you arrive, a long winding path of tight enclosed corridors and maintenance hallways leading deep into the Hive.
I believe we have enough for now, let us meet your Rogue Trader and prepare for our departure. Luthar says as he looks to his brother's for confirmation.
Apothecary Morgan nods getting ready to armor up and get ready for the mission ahead.
Sardus nods in agreement. We shall work out the details of our side while you plan what you can. Turning to his brothers, he looks them over before asking.
Who will lead us on this mission? Now that we have the route, we should look for likely ambush spots and alternate routes should we encounter overwhelming resistance. Then turning to Korbin, he asks, Could you please analyze how we might approach quietly and infiltrate with some stealth?
" You will struggle to be front of me in the charge, but I am no leader. However brothers we have many leaders amongst us and i will happily follow. Has anyone much experience of a protection detail? "
"I suggest that since we are hoping to resolve this situation stealthily that Sardus would be the best choice for commander of this mission."
As you scan through data and make decisions on who leads the mission you follow Weyland as he collects his equipment and makes his way to the starboard boarding dock where a large, but old and dilapidated sprint trader hangs at bay. The thing looks like it was built in a time when the Emperor still walked Terra and hasn't been maintained or repaired since.
Looking to the Apothecary after his suggestion Sardus replies:
I will lead if you men desire it. turning to his brothers there. Korbin's skill at Stealth is much greater than mine, but my studies of the matter are deep. We can rely on him as a forward scout, but we must be wary of an ambush. Surely we are not the only ones searching for him. We should be prepared for close quarters combat. I fear I have little advice or understanding of the Warp, so those inherent risks are better understood by Luther and the Inquisitor. I trust they will be able to hold their own, it shall be our duty to escort and protect them both to the meeting.
Then Sardus begins sifting through the data looking the layouts and considering their best route, alternate paths, and likely ambush points if he were the enemy. He takes his time and carefully considers the best route and how to keep out of sight.
Tactics Int 50, (Recon and Stealth +10) , +10 Int Test (Foresight) (70)vs
3 DOS
Hmmm. says Saurdus as he seems to visualize and put together the data. I believe I've found the best approach, allow me to share.
I believe you are better suited to lead than I. I do not desire the burden of leadership and the responsibility for others under my command. I will be happy to be a forward scout and assist you in your plans for our approach.
INT 65 Tactics (recon and stealth) vs Failure
Korbin isn't able to offer much help, frustrated at his previous attempts on their last mission to guide the transports stealthily, his inability to see a clear way are most unlike him. Sardus' suggestion that Korbin might be suited to lead reminding him to much of his past. He becomes anxious and can no longer sit idly by.
Excuse me brothers, I need to make some final preparations for my own armor and equipment. He finds comfort in the rituals and blessings of his armor, it helps to clear and focus his thoughts. While in the armory he then considers what he shall bring for the mission and chooses wisely.
"I may not have the skill of the Raven, but i am a hunter too. Now that i have armour more suited to my skills, I can provide another surprise that any ambusher won't be expecting and as for close quarter combat, well that is something I am always ready for!"
Glad to be back in less restrictive armour, Othair readies himself for the hunt.
Listening to the eager Wolf Sardus replies honestly.
Of that I have no doubt Othair placing a hand on the shoulder of the marines new armor. I shall count on you to remain close to the Inquisitor, I am not as skilled in close quarters as you. Once we get the information we need, then the real hunt can begin.
Luthar listens and supports Sardus' nomination for squad leader. Not wanting the duty himself, he instead wishes to be able to focus on the mission and keep his mind extended.
My Rune powers will protect us from most enemy fire at range. However, should they move within my sphere of protection, then their attacks will be at full strength. I shall protect the Inquisitor and deal with anyone foolish enough to get close enough for melee combat. Finishing is sentence, he looks to Othair, Come Brother Othair, that new armor has little history, let us make it fit for a wolf.
If Othair agrees, then Luthar would take some oils and natural paints and clay he uses from Fenris to paint and decorate Othairs new armor and skin. In a ritual usually reserved for himself, he decides to include Othair now that their bonds had been cemented with bloodshed, battle, and drink. After finishing he says to Othair after taking a long sniff.
Now you smell like a son of Russ and look the part too. The Forgemaster's work is to be commended, but he is no Fenrisian Forgemaster and anything not tempered by the snowy waters of our world is barely suited to our skin. May the great wolf spirits guide you and Russ watch over us. he says finishing the ceremony and returning his small batch of colors and oils to his bag.