Apothecary Morgan nods to the Divine Eagles and their captain understanding how it could grate to continually serve the Inquisition as little more than glorified bodyguards.
"Sardus, Morgan." Angelus replies, his greeting warm and his frown vanishing. "No I'm afraid I know nothing of what has happened below, although the Eagles will take part in the primary planetary invasion. The secretive workings of the Inquisition are beyond me, though whatever the Deathwatch was sent in to face was undoubtedly nasty."
Angelus looks back at the squad behind him. "Ah, it must appear that we are waiting for you, we are not. Lord Weyland's guncutter has just entered the system, we await as an escort for his arrival. Care to wait with us? Or would you like to continue on to begin the debriefing?"
Your men look to be in pristine condition. Good luck in the primary invasion, I am joyed to know you will finally see combat once again. For now, I must return to the armory and debrief, I am sure we will see Lord Weyland soon enough.
With a nod and smile Sardus turns to leave the Captain to his duties and heads to the armory to return weapons and store gear. As he does so he opens a vox channel to his kill-team.
Korbin steps off the Thunderhawk and heads to the armory to return his equipment. He needs to finalize his report and put together pict recorder data for Captain Hiro and pass the files to Morgan when complete. The sooner her could finish his duties the sooner he could spend time in the forges with his gear and his newly aquired sword.
It is no longer fit for the governor of this world to bear such a sword, too much Chaos has been brought by this sword and its previous master. I shall reforge it to be a true instrument of the Emperor and only worthy men from this day forth shall wield her. As it was once a tool of Deamons, now it will be a tool used to vanquish them.
While he isn't sure when debrief will be, he knows he'll recieve instructions when he's needed. His quarters are the most likely place he could work in peace and quiet and will surely find his way there before long.
Apothecary Morgan weighs his want to study the gene-seed of the traitors versus the glory to be earned by standing as an honor guard with the Divine Eagles. In this case Apothecary Morgan's hunger for glory outweighs his curiosity for the moment.
"I am honored to stand by the Divine Eagles today."
Apothecary Morgan then goes over and takes up position behind Captain Angelus as befits an apothecary. He stands there at full attention for as long as the rest of the Divine Eagles wait.
Angelus looks pleased by Sardus' response and triply pleased by Morgan's.
Though he won his Captains post by amazing skill in both combat and tactics and is well loved by his men(and most others who know him well) Angelus' youth strikes you as quite readily apparent. He wears his emotions on his sleeve and quite obviously looks up to the mysterious veterans of the Deathwatch, despite outranking them.
After returning his requisitioned equipment to the Armory Sardus makes his way to his quarters to review his own notes and put together a report. It was his first command of Squad Thannatos and he was proud of what his squad had accomplished. He took a few moments to compose a few words for the men, waiting for the right moment to tell everyone.
Superb work today gentlemen. Despite overwhelming numbers and the mysteries of the warp, we helped to secure the palace, rescue hostages, gather invaluable data, and vanquished a Daemon imposter of the governor. No doubt our actions have upset Chaos' plans and little do they know of our knowledge. Do not be fooled by the words of Daemons for they have offered what they have always offered and will do what they always do. We are marines and we have and always will do our duty to the Emperor and mankind, of that I have no doubt and overwhelming confidence in each and every one of you.
Morgan, your recovery of gene seeds, both tainted and pure, will prove to be crucial in understanding our enemies and their powers. Your swordsmanship, bravery, and honor in combat have few equals. You are a true testament to your Chapter and your Thunder's Call shall forever be a personal reminder to strive in your example.
Temujin the familiar sound of you and your heavy bolter is soothing to my ears. Your actions and bravery in the face of danger were exemplary, and your aim nearly flawless. I have the utmost confidence in your potential and am glad to have you in Squad Thannatos.
Naaman, though our time was short, I felt more at ease having you there. While I may not understand the mysteries of the Warp as you do, I trust that you were a necessary component in our mission success. I can understand how you feel having seen your brother's murdered in such a way, but rest easier knowing we vanquished the creature responsible and Squad Thannatos will not stop until we have slayed the masters behind this rebellion and wicked sorcery.
Our fulfilled Oath of Glory has brought us greater renown, but we must not let it blind us to our true goals and obligations. The true reward is amongst ourselves. A brotherhood of brothers from across known space. Our bonds and teamwork are the fabric that will ensure our continued success or spell our imminent demise. I feel we worked well together and each man knew what needed to be done. It was a pleasure leading you and look forward to the opportunity again in the future, as well as following any of you as Commander of Squad Thannatos.
After he finishes some words expressing his gratitude, he uploads the document to a dataslate and awaits the right time to offer the words. When all is done, he catches some rest until he is summoned for debrief.
Korbin returns to the Armory, but doesn't immidiately leaver after returning his requisitioned equipment. Instead he stays to overlook the battered machine spirits in his Chapter Wargear and armor. He gives the new powerblade a closer inspection, takes measurements and notes on the design and ornamentation. An exceptional piece of work to be respected in Korbin's eyes, but a failure to live up to its oaths. No matter, this weapon would become a tool of the Deathwatch. He would forge this weapon in a new fashion so the previous owner shall not see it coming. Korbin would seek to unwind the greater plot, having begun here, with the tools of the enemy. The Irony of it overwhelmed the Raven Guard and brought a smile to his face. He would be patient. He would wait for the right moment to strike where nothing but utter victory is guaranteed.
After some time with the weapon he knows he won't be able to begin until after the debrief. Even then, they could have another assignment requiring them to leave before he could complete it, so he decides to wait.
After seeing to his armour and confident his machine spirits were content he begins preparing more shells for the next mission. Carefully etching their names and sometimes a design when he needed to unwind. It was a time of reflection, remembrance of each squad mates he had lost. He carried a heavy burdened, but it's slightly lifted when these shells claim the life or an enemy in honor of his fallen brothers. He looked forward to the next mission, clearing his head and going through what happened, he uses his MIU to begin compiling his data for a report, careful to review any video evidence that could help in the investigation, as well as in tactics for Squad Thannatos. This young team would need to a cohesive weapon of the Emperor and Korbin took it upon himself to see that his brother's reached their fullest potential.
Korbin realizes something upon viewing the evidence, whomever slew the Dark Angels was likely not the Governor. Whatever did that had markedly different footprints than the Governor displayed and neither the Governor's powerblade or weaponized pseudopods matched the large blade wounds on the Dark Angels.
Also, what happened to the Dark Angels heads?
Korbin feels a chill as he realizes there was more than one Daemon at the palace. Where did the other one go?
Korbin also views the conversation between the Alpha Legion Marine and the Hydra Warrior Officer at the portal and sees the Marine mention about dozen Alpha Legion Marines hadn't made it to the portal and were unaccounted for. You killed two of those Marines, where were the other ones?
At the landing bay Inquisitor Weyland's guncutter arrives. It has a low slung hull and swept back curving wings that give it the look of a bird of prey.
After it settles in the bay and lowers in embarkation ramp the Lord Inquisitor and his flunkies descend.
Sethiro Weyland is a short man of handsome, youthful features. His body is slim and well toned despite his some three centuries of life. Masterful juvenat treatments have kept him looking like a man in his early twenties, the only real sign of his ancient age being his hair, which, while full and thick, is the shock white color of a very old man.
His wide green eyes light up upon seeing the Marines waiting for him and he stops before them, halting the train of a dozen diverse hangers-on that follow him.
"Angelus, Morgan, how nice to see you." He says, as if greeting old friends as opposed to servants. "It looks like the void war wrapped up in our favor, are you looking forward to the ground assault Angelus?"
The Divine Eagles, perhaps unnecessarily, take to one knee in front of the Lord Inquisitor.
"I should enjoy it immensely my Lord." Angelus replies.
"And Morgan," Sethiro remarks as his pulls his stormcoat tight against the chill of the bay. "We will debrief soon, but tell me, are you and your squad mates in good health?" He asks with genuine concern.
Apothecary Morgan gives the inquistory a warrior's salute when he first arrives, and when he is asked about the squad Morgan nods.
"The squad encountered some strange creatures and creations of the warp, but we prevailed regardless, and only minor wounds were sustained."
"I am glad to hear there were no casualties." Weyland replies. "Angelus, no need for an escort today, go join your Company, and Morgan, walk with me as we head to the command center."
Naaman made his way down the ramp of the thunderhawk, his mind was elsewhere and thus he spoke not. Thoughts of his fellow Dark Angels, their mission and their death circled and raised more questions. Absentminded he recognised the young captain and gave him the respect his rank merited. He left the shuttlebay knowing he would be sent for if needed.
To further investigate what had happend he sought out Brother Korbin. "Brother I have already requested your findings on the ritual alas I have to trouble you once more. Might I also see any recordings you have of my fellow Dark Angels?"
My apologies, I'll transfer what I have just compiled now to your dataslate. Unfortunately the news isn't good. Whatever slayed your brothers is still at large, it wasn't the governor. Additionally we have 10 other Choas Marines planetside doing who knows what. I am also sending my report to Sardus and Watch Captain Hiro now.
Captain Angelus departs and Weyland walks with Morgan towards the command center, the planning hall in the armored core of the battle barge. He sends a message for all the Deathwatch marines to meet him there for debriefing.
"Thank you brother, you are an honour to your chapter," Naaman replies as the files are transfered. I hope however it is enough, he adds silently wishig that the dataslade might contian clues that will answers his and perhaps his surperiors' questions. "It seems we are requested elsewhere, he remarks "The fruit of your labours will have to wait." Waiting for the Ravenguard to walk with him Naaman makes his way to the debriefing. Once there he greets: "Brother, Captain, Inquisitor I am pleased to see you."
Apothecary Morgan travels with the inquisitor to the command room, and waits for the entire team to arrive.
"Greetings Librarian." Weyland says upon Naaman's arrival.
The Command Center is a spherical room with an armored shell that can be sealed in the event of an attack. Though placed deep within the battle barge it has the resources, power and life support systems to survive even if the battle barge itself were destroyed, acting as a highly advanced savior pod in case of catastrophe.
In the center of the Command Center is a hololithic table surrounded by highbacked chairs, a tactical display for mission coordination and planning.
Weyland takes a seat and gestures for the marines to do the same, he has left his large entourage outside for this classified meeting.
The only other person there is one who was waiting for you when you arrived, the blonde haired, classical beauty Lord Inquisitor Aria Caro, her glowing psyker's eyes surveying the members entering on levels both material and immaterium.
"Let us begin." Weyland says. "Tell me in your own words, what occurred when you stormed the Governor's Manor?"
"When we arrived we faced some resistance that was dealt with easily. Traveling onward we encountered a crucified man that we gave some medical attention. He told us about the situation and that some Dark Angels had arrived and abandoned the counter-attack for some unknown reason. We later found the Dark Angels dead having been slain by some sort of monster. My question is where is their transport now?"
Weyland looks to Aria who shakes her head.
"Something more that must be investigated." She replies in her clear, sonorous voice. "We are still in the intelligence gathering phase, once the planet is secure and all investigations exhausted we will have a much clearer vision of what has occurred here. The Dark Angels loath sharing even so much as their operational strategies, but they are not exempt from the scrutiny of the Holy Ordos, we will learn all there is to know about their presence here."
Korbin gets the message as soon as the Librarian does. He makes his way to the meeting with him. Upon arriving he greets everyone and sits. He tells them of his findings and transfers recordings and his final report to them. Lastly he adds his most recent findings and analysis, emphasising that a daemon is still at large with 10 Chaos marines.
Sardus arrives last and makes the proper greetings. He sits and listens as his superiors digest the information, discussing what he could, and awaiting new orders, eager to hunt down the beast and marines that escaped the palace and decapitated the Dark Angels. He turns to Lord Inquisitor Aria Caro, and ask My lord, have you any knowledge of the greater plans at work? What sorcery or ritual are they performing? It seems we are too late to have stopped it here, but perhaps elsewhere can be saved and avoid the fate of this planet.
"We have been chasing the Daemon-thing that took the form of Governor Malcantus for some time now." Aria replies. "It has done what it has done here to several other planets, it has been part of a ritual the drives a massive spike of sorcerous energy into the planet's warp shadow. While it seems to have no other effect than causing a great wound in the warp that is perceivable only to psykers that dive the Great Ocean of power that is the warp we believe it is an anchor point for a much greater ritual to come, one with truly massive effects."
Aria sighs. "What this coming ritual may be, of course, we have no idea."
"In addition." Sethiro adds; "The Daemon-thing has fully realized we are on to it at this point and has taken to striking at the Holy Ordos in the Morpheus Sector, we have lost both key installations and several Inquisitors and their retinues at this point. The Daemon's plans are obviously accelerating and we are still on the back foot, a situation that needs to be rectified, and rectified soon."
"I can tell you are eager to begin the hunt but there is one thing that must be done before we pursue the Daemon and his minions. We must finish assembling the Conclave and gather what we need to fight this shadow war." Weyland informs you. "Regarding that, this next mission will be tough, potentially impossible, but it must be attempted." Sethiro gazes at the Deathwatch, his eyes showing he has full confidence in you. He touches a pad that ignites the hololithic display and shows the holographic image of a planet in deep space near the edge of the Morpheus Sector.
"We know our duty to the Emperor. We shall succeed or perish.", Temujin growls with grim determination as he inspects the planet's holoprojection.
Sardus listens and views the display. He hears to the words of his superiors and trust in their plans and decisions. While the impossibility of a mission is of no importance to a Raptor, success is the optimal outcome and would be achieved no matter the cost. If not Sardus, then another. Raptors awake each day knowing it could be their last and live only to serve the Emperor and mankind, taking comfort in this knowledge and living fully until their last breath. If he should fall, another will take his place, so is the cycle in the perpetual warring of the status quo. He knew no Chapter would ever stop until every enemy of mankind was vanquished, here he would do his part, no matter the cost.
Korbin believes if anyone can achieve the mission objectives it will be him and his brothers. He is nearly flattered by their choice of kill-team for the mission, but believes its more about fate. They have unfinished business and he intends to see things through. He only hopes he has as much support as possible. Having already lost key strongholds and Inquisitors means the enemy is formidable. "We must be prepared", Sardus thinks to himself, eager to hear more about the mission and its objectives.
Korbin sees the eagerness on his brother's faces and knows it pleases the superiors in the room to have such devoted and confident men. Korbin however ponders the reports and information concerning the losses of those installations and the circumstances of how several Inquisitors had died. That information could mean the difference in mission success and their survival. Korbin isn’t so quick to throw himself into the fire, instead preferring to put the fire out or go around it. A mind such as his needed to survive. His skills could not afford to be sacrificed.
When the timing is right, Korbin asks for all the files and details regarding the installation losses and reports of the deamon and its powers. Additionally he recalls what he needs to finish in the armory, his maccinator array nearly complete and ready to be installed, hopefully there would be time to have it fitted before the mission or while on route. He asks about the timing of the mission and wishes to know if there will be time to prepare and finish what he needs. By the sounds of their voices Korbin isn’t as sure of the outcome, but he knows they wouldn’t be sending them without some hope of success.
Apothecary Morgan inclines his head.
"Very well, I shall prepare for this trial ahead."
Morgan then leaves the room after any briefing to return the equipment to the armory and to prepare the gene-seed of the fallen Dark Angels for transport. The gene-seed of the Alpha Legionaries is kept for research purposes.
The exchange of words between the inquisitors has Naamans full attention as he fears what they will find and what actions he and his chapter must take as only a single cause moves the otherwise stubborn Dark Angels. He will include this most secret meeting in his report to the Rock.
The elaboration on the ritual causes a furrow of equal concern to the previous matter in the librarian's forehead. He wonders what horrors such as the ritual to come might unleash.
After his fellow marines has spoken Naaman adds: "Brothers we will succeed."
"This planet is called Gormunddar." Says Weyland. "A largely uninhabited jungle planet far from the Morpheus heartland. The third member of our Conclave, Inquisitor Lord Shar Quinn, has been doing secret research there at a hidden facility, research that is vital to our war against the Daemon thing."
Weyland then sighs. "Things were going well but..."
He pushes another pad, the planet's image enlarges and you see a stream of Tyranid hive ships stretching across space like a skeletal and sinister hand to engulf the planet.
"A splinter fleet of Hive Fleet Tiamet, Shar Quinn has had plenty of time to evacuate herself but she has vital research and materials that must be saved. I am sending you there with one primary objective: Save her, she is vital to this Conclave, all other objectives will be dictated by her when you arrive."
Aria Caro leans forward. "We are sending you vie the Divine Eagles fastest strike cruiser, it should be able to evade the Hive Fleet and drop you onto the planet. We are sending you with a specially designed teleport device that can be joined with the facilities teleportation system to evacuate the Inquisitor, her materials and yourselves to this battle barge when Shar Quinn has what she needs. In addition we are both allowing you access to suits of the Deathwatch's powerful Terminator armor and sending an entire veteran tactical squad of specially prepared Divine Eagles to act as your support under your command for this mission."
Apothecary Morgan looks to the others as they prepare to face this mission.
"In this case knowledge may be our most powerful weapon. I suggest we go over several known encounters with Tyranids in preparation. I can help point out small flaws in their bodies that can be exploited."
Agreed Brother, I shall follow your lead on this mission, your knowledge should prove invaluable. As he finishes he turns back to the Watch Captain and asks, "Should we allow secondary objectives to compromise our primary one? Is the Inquisitor or her data more important? Lastly, just to be clear, who will have final authority on the ground?
"Inquisitor Shar Quinn is absolutely vital to our efforts, if she dies we are crippled. She is the Ordo Malleus representative in our Conclave and her knowledge of the Warp is unsurpassed, something we need against the Daemon but on the ground obeying her is just as important as keeping her alive. Only she fully understands her research and what is required to succeed, keeping her alive and obeying her are both needed, are you up to it?" Sethiro inquires.
"A most valid point brother apothecary," Naaman adds continuing: "I hope your knowledge will guide us well." A small smile springs to Naaman's lips as Brother Sardus inquires and Sethiro replies. A most valuable point. Inquisitors doesn't always know what is best for them and the Imperium, he thinks. "Inquisitor, Brother Sardus question hardly merit such a response," he gently says, elaborating: "The question of who has command is vital to any mission and furthermore an intelligent inquiry in this case as your orders might conflict with Inquisitor Quinns. I do not believe our past actions warrants a question of fitness, we are of course ready to serve."
Sethiro's face lights up in amusement. "A rhetorical question only, my dour Dark Angel friend." He says. "Although I must admit I am loathe to trust the competence of a squad whom took more than ten seconds to destroy a main line battle tank when equipped with no anti armor heavy weapons." He teases, referring to the Kill-Team's battle with the possessed Predator tank on the planet below.
A frown crosses Aria Caro's beautiful face at the flippancy of Weyland's response. "May I remind my fellow Inquisitor of the danger of our current circumstances, both to the Ordos and the Morpheus Sector as a whole? Now might not be the right time for your attempts at...humor."
Weyland smiles even wider. "I disagree Ari- My fellow Inquisitor," He says, mocking her overly formal speech patterns. "There is no time like a bad time for a bad joke."
Aria just stares at him, her eyes occasionally flashing with the power of her suppressed Alpha plus level psychic abilities.
Weyland coughs. "Moving on, do you have any more questions before deployment?" He asks Squad Thannatos.
"Have the xenos fleets already made planetfall?
"Not at this time, but by the time your strike cruiser arrives the planet may be anything up to engulfed and under siege, it is hard to predict, expect to encounter anything from precursor hunters to entire swarms of the beasts." Aria replies.