Brother Xing leaps forward, aided by his flip belt, dancing through the air effortlessly, as if walking on air, avoiding the invisible blast of the weapons.
AB 6: Dodge 60 + 20 Flip Belt (80) vs
As Xing moves he draws his large sword in both hands and strikes at the closest escort with a concussive force blast fueled by the warp.
WS 63 + 10 Charge + 10 quality (93) vs 5 DOS
Melee 1d10+2 R 2 Balanced, Special**Two handed adds 1d10 damage.
Damage +5/Pen +5 (PR Bonus)+14 SB = PEn 7
Concussive Quality: The weapon causes a barrage of sound and force upon impact. When you strike an opponent with a Concussive weapon, he must make a Toughness Test at a Difficulty of –10 per degree of success by which the attack succeeded or be Stunned for 1 Round. Auditory protection confers a +10 bonus to this Test, but does not negate the kinetic energy of the blast. Additionally, any target taking Damage greater than his Strength Bonus from a Concussive weapon is automatically knocked down.
After the Tech-priests and Magos fire their Graviton guns, the marines scramble and struggle to return fire and hold their ground.
ElyasRound 1 action remaining if taken soon.
Zedkiel dodges out of the blast radius and back away from the Magos, leaving the blast field between him and his target. He fires his storm bolter but all the shots miss and angle oddly within the blast radius, most dropping to the floor after losing velocity and succumbing to the random gravity fluctuations.
Vartas reacts next, pulling himself out of the blast radius and retreating away from the priests as he tells his brothers to keep their distance, realizing their advantages and weaknesses through his devotion to the codex. He comes out of the field and attempts to fire, but misses as the gravity field draws the bullet down and away from its intended target.
Hammern falls back as well, clearing the blast radius with his quick agility, he raises his storm bolter to fire a volley and all the shells seem to be caught in the field separating him from the targets. They all fall or veer off course, missing their marks completely.
Telemachus is caught in the blast and attempts to unleash the warp, instead he's thrown violently to the ground, fatigued, and in shock. Uncertain when he would be able to return to the fight, he's caught in the gravity distortion field and will find it difficult to pick himself up.
The Magos attempts to resist the powers of the warp, but is unsuccessful.
WP 50, +20 Psy Jammer, +10 Resist Psy Powers (80) vs
With a significant amount of his human flesh removed and replaced with mechanical devices and synthetic fluids, the Magos screams as his internal fluids get hotter and some of his systems stop responding. Surprised and unsure where the attack comes from, he searches eagerly for revenge.
Escort 2As Xing charges one of the escorts, it draws it's power sword and activates an invisible Luminen Barrier that shields him from the attack. Xings attack meets an invisible barrier that even absorbs the kinetic warp energy, making a deafening sound that would've shattered unprotected ear drums.
WP 50 (Protection Rating 50, Overload 1-5) vs Blocked
Escort 1 uses his reaction to activate a similar field and draws his power sword to meet Xing in combat, unworried of the brother's on the other side of the blast radius after seeing their shots fail from the gravitation instability.
After the noise, the doors to the labs open and out come four combat servitors, armed with ranged and melee weapons. Two servitors move to each flank, setting up and aiming, forming a protective barrier around the Magos and trapping Xing inside it.
Initiative:
Round 2
Free Action: Logic test +20:
Magos Still in shock from what happened unleashes a blast from his hands centered on Vartas and the others, Luminen Flare:
TG Test: Pass, no fatigue gained.
BS Test: Success
Blast (5), Pen 5, Shocking quality
Escort 1 A ballistic mechandrite emerges from beneath his robes, armed with a Plasma pistol on the end, it fires at Hammern on semi-auto.
WS 50, +10 Quality, +10 MIU, +10 Semi (80)
2 DOS, = 2 hit.
Pen 8
Pen 8
Escort 2 raises his sword and strikes at Xing with his power sword in an all out attack.
WS 50 +20:
Damage: Pen 5
Lucian is briefly taken aback as he sees every bolt shell fired towards the Magos deflected by the gravity field, and then turns towards the newly arrived combat servitors. As he does, a flash of concussive energy bursts from the Magos' electoos and detonates right on top of Lucian with inescapable fury.
The blast washes over Lucian, scorching his armour and burning the skin beneath. He tries to move around the effects of the gravity field to be able to lay down effective fire on the newly arrived combat servitors.
Bolt shells will be deflected by the gravity field. If anyone is carrying an energy-based weapon, now is the time. If not, we may have to engage in close quarters.
As he moves, Lucian's mind is racing through precious shipboard combat drills, trying to eke out any last advantage against the Magos and his forces.
Ulrich darts forward again, evading the Magos' blast, only to find that one of the bodyguards has targeted him. Unable to dodge, he takes both shots.
Without a sound, Ulrich endures the hits and attempts to push through the gravity field so he can use his bolter.
Clear of the gravity field and standing on the same side as the mechanicus forces, Ulrich levels his storm bolter again, unleashing its fury.
Tellemachus takes a massive hit from the energy weapon and struggles to control his emotions as his mind turns against him
Success!
Even the mighty armour of that has shielded Elyas many times winches under the pull of gravity. "By the Lion," Elyas curses under his breath as he to feels the pull. But man and machine differ, the priesthood of Mars often forget that metal only cloaks man and the might of the space marine is the marine himself. Searching deeply with in himself Elyas finds the enormous force he needs in his believe in Emperor and Primarch and with a frigtning feat of strength he shakes the bonds of tech.
Eyes burning in righteous anger behind the shielding helmet Elyas focuses on the Magos, seeing the raised hands and gather energy he leaps clear of the expected blast.
Regaining his footing Brother Lucian's orders penetrate the sounds of battle. Puzzled Elyas follows his leader and draws the plasma pistol. He quickly taps a shot towards the Magos, but it is wildly of its mark. +++Brother Lucian, permission to engage?+++ he requests over the vox.
Round 1 Reaction:
Xing sees the incoming strike and moves to deflect it, nearly losing his footing and possibly more.
Parry (73): FP re-roll.
After parrying at the last moment, it puts Xing in a superior position and he attempts to counter attack the escort, a final attempt to breach the personal energy barrier and bring it down.
Counter-Attack -20 WS, WS (73) vs 5 DOS
Damage +5/Pen +5 (PR Bonus)+14 SB = Melee 1d10+2 R 2 Two hand adds 1d10
Pen 7 Concussive Quality**(See previous post)
Shield (50) vs failure.
Round 2:
As the hit lands on the escort, breaching his barrier with a concussive force of a boulder, Xing doesn't wait to see what remains, immediately swinging back around and and drawing his Storm Bolter, firing a volley shots charged by his Psy energy. Just before he fires, he releases the concussive force he's been wielding and put his own psy power and focus into each shot, knowing the tides have turned as he's out numbered and single attacks have little chance of piercing the enemies energy barriers.
BS (40) +30 Point blank (70) vs 5 DOS (8 hits max)
Astartes Storm Bolter S/2/4 2d10+5 X Pen 5, Psybolt +5 (PR) damage.
Pen 5
Pen 5
Pen 5
Pen 5
Pen 5 +9 Tearing, (Change 1 to 10), + 26 RF= 57
Pen 5
Pen 5
Pen 5
Tearing **Replace "1" roll on Hit 6
RF:
: Confirmed
Additional Dmg.-
RF Auto-confirmed after first right? Rolling Dmg.
While he fires first on the Magos, he swings his Storm Bolter to the side and attempts to hit the escort as well, evenly covering them in Psybolt fire from close range.
Surrender yourself Magos, the Emperor's fury is greater than your Technology! Xing roars as he commits himself to whatever outcome may lie ahead. Cut off from his brothers, surrounded, he knew this would end badly, but he trusted the origins of the telepathic message and refused to hand over anything but death for the Mago's actions.
Brother Zedkiel tries to charge through the gravity field and come to Brother Xing's aid.
Round 2:
Magos:
The shots are too much for the Magos and his barrier as his body is blasted with Psy charged bolts, exploding and detonating the Magos' body. He collapses before the second escort, even as its being hit by bolt rounds that are equally destructive.l
Escort 1:
His barrier protects him from the worst of the shots, but soon after, Brother Hammern's shots tear what little life is left in him, collapsing him, or what remained of him, after such a deadly full auto assault.
Escort2: Xing's hit penetrates the the energy barrier and slams into his chest with such force that it knocks him off his feet with liquids and mechanical flesh flying from the huge gashing wound across his stomach. As he hits the ground, bending unnaturally, his spine snapping silently as his potentia coil and cyberframe collapse, leaving only the sounds of screeching metal sliding across the floor.
Elyas (14, AG Bonus 5) Elyas breaks through with Vartas, fires his weapon then misses.
Zedkiel (12) Tried to push through the field but fails and gets caught up in its effects, unable to muster the strength needed to break free.
Tellemachus (12) Snaps out of his shock but finds the strength needed to lift himself up and get on his feet isn't there yet. Gravity has her way and Tellemachus will have to push himself harder if he is to break free.
Xing (10) His counter-attack and storm bolter volley at close range nearly ends the conflict as the Magos and remaining escort fall at his hand.
Vartas (8) Vartas takes the time to recall the codex, hoping to gain an edge in this encounter. He fires once again, but misses.
Hammern (7) Hammern clears the gravity field and unleashes a storm of bullets at the remaining Escort, completely destroying his body as a shower of bullets make contact and explode on impact.
The Servitors are unable to attack or move, their direct connection with the Magos severed, they are left in standby with no orders to follow.
As the marines finish off the Magos and his escort the gravity fields dissipate and their effects lessen.
Traitors, the thought carries with it the disdain drilled into every Dark Angel as Elyas makes his way to three corpses before them. Confirming they are dead, he looks to his brethren waiting for their responses.
Tellemachus rises slowly still shaken from the unseen horrors that invaded his mind. He takes a moment to rest before continuing.
Soon after the battle, before the brother's have more than a 5 minutes to gather themselves and inspect the scene, the ship rumbles and alarms sound. Moments later the ship rumbles again and the marines receive an encrypted message with coordinates to a deck and access port, with Inquisition authentication.
Psynscience +20
The sudden attack of your ship has left the crew in further disarray. While well disciplined and competent, the sudden mutiny carried out by Astartes, followed by the loss of their Captain and now an external assault by the Inquisition is seemingly too much for this crew. Not a battle hardened crew, mostly a research vessel for the Mechanicus, it would only be a matter of time before the ship was disabled and possibly destroyed.
The marines haven't much time as the intensity of the shots and rumbles increases, with shots penetrating the shields as they move, damaging systems and leaving others offline. At one point you wonder if you'll be able to make it off in time and wonder how or why the Inquisition would be destroying this ship with you aboard.
Everyone give me a single skill roll you'll use to aid the team in reaching the rendezvous for extraction. No repeat rolls, everyone should have their own unique skill to offer in this endeavor. Total combined between the 6 of you (might adjust if we lose someone) you'll need: 20 DOS and everyone makes it in time without incident and time to spare, easing your departure and extraction. 15 DOS and you'll arrive just in time, though its gonna be a bumpy ride getting back. 10 DOS and you might not make it in time before the ship's integrity causes your team problems and complicates matters further. Additional rolls will decide things. 5 DOS and you all don't make it in time, each of you'll will need to burn a fate point to survive.
Trying to aid the progress of the team by securing points ahead with timely use of his jump pack Elyas soon realises that the damaged hip is far to unstable for this rapid advance.
As the tension quickly fades with the defeat of the Magos and his escorts, it isn't long until Xing senses a shadow overcoming his senses and blocking out telepathic communications aboard the ship. What would normally be cause for alarm is quickly explained as the marines get an encrypted message from the Inquisition vessel. The inquisition has blocked all communications, they must intend to destroy this vessel.
Psyn +40 (90)
We should not have alerted the Magos, now this vessel is damned, and us along with it if we can not depart in time. Come brothers, follow Elyas, we have to move! Now! he says waiting for his brothers to finish their searches and ready themselves for extraction.
Xing uses his Psy powers to overcome encounters, protect the marines as they run towards extraction, and prevent anyone from following.
WP 70, Use 1 FP to add +10, (80)
4 DOS
As the Magos falls and the servitors stop acting, Ulrich moves into the lab to retrieve his plasma cannon.
As the ship shudders and the alarms come on, he glances to Vartas, then pulls his helmet off and follows Elyas and Xing's lead, racing toward the identified access port, using his heightened senses and knowledge of tracking to help decide the best path at each intersection.
Lucian is about to reply to Elyas' request when a hail of bolt rounds from his Brothers overloads the energy fields of the Magos and his bodyguards, leaving a pile of steaming flesh and twisted metal behind. The servitors slump into inactivity, and Lucian wastes no time in retrieving his equipment from the nearby crates, ensuring he treats the remains of the Fenrisian bondsmen with respect.
Gather your equipment quickly, reinforcements may be on the way, he voxes, shortly before the vox channel is overwhelmed by the Inquisitorial communication stream. The sudden rumble and the violent shaking of the ship's superstructure are clear signs that the Inquisition will not wait for the Astartes to evacuate before beginning their bombardment.
The Astartes set off at a run towards the designated embarkation deck, and are confronted by a squad of junior Mechanicus adepts barring their way with cutting lasers and arc welders. Lucian roars at them through his helmet's speakers as the Astartes approach.
Stand aside, in the name of the Emperor!
Tellemachus jumps to his feet at Lucians order and helps Xing in creating a psy barrier to help his battle brothers as they run through the ship
2 DoS
Brother Zedkiel grabs his gear, and uses his augur array to track the damage of the ship ahead of them and reroute the team through the damaged ship. He will lead the team through irradiated or poisoned areas, as long as they can use their Luma-Crete injections first to survive.
The team barely arrives in time at proper extraction point, the Storm Trooper there waiting to meet with you just turning to leave and abort extraction as you catch sight of him and hail him to stop. As the ship is shaking more violently and the structural integrity worsens, it won't be long before the ship is critically damaged. Nearing closer to the transport hatch power fails and gravity begins to lessen.
Move it marines, I have orders to depart now, with or without you the storm trooper yells over his vox as he re-enters the hatch and moves to alert the pilot and secure the shuttle for disengagement. As the marines move in one by one they can see a few others of the ships crew trying to follow and scream for you to let them go with you. As Vartas is the last to enter another storm trooper closes and seals the hatch after firing a few volleys from his hellgun to keep them at bay, but they are fearless, or more fearful of the ship's destruction and others just step over fallen bodies to get nearer to the shuttle. You can see the looks of emotion behind their mechanical faces and robed figures but its enough to make you question why this ship is being destroyed and how shall you continue your mission?
Extended Piloting test:
It's gonna be a rough ride you hear as you begin making your way back to the "Black Pearl." Command is asking if you retrieved the devices or not? says one of the troopers over the ship's vox system.
The narrow escape from the Mechanicus vessel has Lucian on edge for a few moments as the shuttlecraft pulls away from the stricken vessel, even as further explosion rip holes in the massive vessel's hull.
Glad to see that his Brothers are present and mostly unharmed, Lucian mag-clamps his boots to the shuttle's deck in preparation for an unstable flight.
The devices are in our possession he replies, without offering any further information, cautiously awaiting whatever awaits the Astartes aboard the Black Pearl.
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As the Marines get situated for the ride, the pilot comms you from the front:
+++I've been instructed to request that you stow all your weapons and remove your armor. Officially you were not rescued and we are not here. Immediately the storm trooper has stowed his weapon and began handing uniforms and to the men. We need to get your armor off, may the machine spirits forgive us for our haste. he says, ready to assist the squad, but looking as if he's expecting you to help each other. You can store them here and we will have them moved onto the ship later. Then the Stormtrooper hands you each a data slate that is gene-locked and requires Authentication. After opening it you read the following:
+++Your eyes only, message will self delete 1 minute after opening.+++
Your squad is officially MIA. Please remove your armor and all equipment, leave everything on the shuttle that you brought. Memorize the new ID packets ready for each of you on board the shuttle with your new ship uniforms and destroy them afterwards. You are not to give away your Chapter origins, your original ID, or your mission details to any member of the crew. Upon landing you will be directed to a secure location for debrief."+++ END MESSAGE.
Clearly from the Inquisition, the authenticity is undeniable.
Lucian replies as he begins to stow his weapons and other wargear, a tone of exasperation undermining his calm exterior.
I understand the need for secrecy, but removing Astartes power armour is not a task that can be accomplished in a hurry. We require specialised assistance, either from anointed Tech-Priests or appropriately engraved servitors. The neural interfaces are delicate, and the machine spirits must be properly appeased. There is only so much we can do in this setting.
Ulrich shakes his head slightly, "I cannot leave this blade behind, it is a matter of honor, and the storm bolter is an integral part of the armor." He does, however place the plasma cannon in the indicated stowage.
To any Dark Angel there are bounds to the mandate of the Inquisition and to Elyas this is well beyond those. "Sacrilege," Elyas says in a determined voices while he stows all weapons and equipment save his blade and armour. Defiantly he turns to the conversation between Lucian and the storm trooper.
As Vartas begins conversing with the StormTrooper he seems to truly understand your concerns and tries to assure you they came prepared to extract you and your equipment.
My apologies Astartes, I assumed one of you might be a techmarine. I am a technomat and I we have a servitor that is tasked for this duty and ready to assist. he says moving around the back space and sliding back a hidden panel to reveal a storage space marked with weapons storage crates and secured locked containers large enough to store armor.
As you look around, the shuttle was quite empty and stripped bare of most everything inside. It had been a hasty job of sorts and things had been installed to accommodate men of your size and weight.
As the Stormtrooper turns on the servitor and it activates, a flurry of lights flicker and some binary chatter can be heard as it communes with other machine spirits and stands ready to receive commands from the Stormtrooper.
The StormTrooper then looks to Brother Ulrich first and then everyone else as he comments on your weapons and reluctance.
I assure you all will be returned to you. We must smuggle you and these contents onto our ship for the time being and your origins must remain secret. My commander didn't tell me the specifics, but I have my orders. You are to disembark unarmed and disguised where you'll be led to a secure area for debrief. You are not prisoners, but guests. While your are officially MIA, we are not aborting your primary objective. Now please, we must hurry, our window of approach is short if we wish to remain undetected. That is all the information I have and those are my orders.
Xing seems to have little problem disarming himself and setting to removing his armor. Fear not brothers for it is not the weapons nor the armor that make us Astartes. Have faith. Should it be proven to be misplaced in the "Black Pearl" then I assure you we will not be defenseless. he says with all seriousness raising to be the first assisted by the StormTrooper and servitor.
As he stows all of his equipment and begins to memorize his new ID and the ship layout he decided to keep the device from Father Zyas on him. The book would be hidden among his other things, not having had the time to browse it yet for potential clues. Whatever became of him? he thinks as he attempts to hide the device and keep it with him in case something goes wrong.
Lastly, he stows the devices they retrieved from the ship, along with the robes he had them wrapped in, choosing to store them separately for the time being, waiting to see how his brothers react and if the situation changes.
The trooper's statement reassures Lucian, and he begins to stow his weapons in the lockers provided. Leaving his bolt pistol and heavy bolter loaded in case they are required in an emergency, Lucian then removes his helmet and beckons over the servitor to assist with the removal of his armour. Once his armour is removed, he dons one of the simple grey robes provided for their use.
The shuttle hold proves a barely adequate space, and Lucian is unaccustomed to disarming without the ritual and comfort of his arming chamber. Once his weapons, armour and wargear are stowed he steps aside to allow his Brothers more space. He sees the reticence of Hammern and Elyas.
I cannot order you to relinquish your wargear Brothers, but I would ask that you do as requested for the good of the mission. Xing is right - we are Astartes whether in our armour or out. If we are misled by those who wish to meet us, we will have little trouble in showing them their error.
Ulrich begins to remove his helmet, and his voice sounds irritated as he speaks, his words clipped, "I am not concerned about whether I am still Astartes without my armor, Vartas; I am no longer a pup and do not doubt myself. This is a matter of my given oath."
He pauses for a moment before continuing to remove the parts of his armor he can remove without help, "I will comply. Should I be prevented from fulfilling the oath I gave for one instant longer than the mission requires, my oath shall be renewed in blood."
Once his gauntlets and vambraces are removed, he draws his power sword halfway and cuts into the flesh of his arm with the exposed edge, "I swear it.".
He continues to remove and stow his armor with the assistance of the stormtrooper and servitor, clearly unhappy about doing so without observing the proper rituals.
Agreeing with a Son of Russ, this is a first, Elyas wonders to himself. "I will not," he states firmly hand resting on the pride of his chapter, his face having taken an unpleasant expression.
"We are forged to take the battle to the enemy, to be the finest warriors of all time and stalwart protectors of mankind. Why does the Inquisition play these games with us? Do they not have mortal agents for this skulking? We are wasted by this foolishness." Zedkiel glares down at the trooper, motionless.
The Storm trooper and servitor assist those willing and when its Elyas' turn and he refuses, then Zedkiel questions why, he comms his superior on on his vox, allowing you all to hear what he says.
+++Command, two of the marines are unwilling to remove their armor, how should we proceed?+++ and after a few seconds you hear him reply.
Understood, transferring now... a few moments later you hear a voice over the ship vox.
You men died on that ship. Your names and Chapter's known to many, your renown too great to be walking freely amongst my crew as you are. You have read the message and have your new ID details. Those of you hesitating to place your faith in me shall remain aboard your ship until your brothers can confirm there is no deception. You will be provided new Astartes power armor while aboard my ship, but you will be amongst my squad of Marines. Only Black Shields serve my crew, so for now you must blend in. If your survival were to be known, it would jeopardize years of work between the Inquisition and Mechanicus. I can only say more in person, those will to comply with my request shall be escorted to meet the captain. I assure you more will be explained and I will answer any questions you have while we continue to escort you to the anomaly and finding Ahmaazi.
As the storm trooper reports his troubles a drilled distrust pushes Elyas to switch his hands on the hilt so it is ready to draw should treachery arise. Hearing the broadcasted message he doesn't seem satisfied but his hands revert to their former placement. "I will wait," he states, his thoughts continuing: They understand so little it is not merely a question of distrust, it is also a matter of honour.
The atmosphere in the shuttle is strained. The reticence of Zedkiel and Elyas is a palpable force of distrust, and it sets Lucian on edge. A healthy distrust is a logical tool for survival, but their refusal to follow an order jars with the Ultramarine core of Lucian's being.
He stands still and silent during the transmission, and remains so following Elyas' reply.
As the remainder of the marines finish stowing what they can the ship accelerates and easily makes the window on time. A look of relief on the faces of the pilots, knowing that a mistake could have easily cost them their lives and cargo.
The makeshift accommodations have served their purpose, the marines comfortable for the journey. The firing lessens and eventually ceases but you're offered no updates. The pilot announces over the shuttle vox:
ETA 5 minutes til docking, the bay has been secured, all unarmed personnel will be allowed to disembark and will be escorted to you to your debrief. Those of us remaining behind may not exit the ship until I receive clearance.
The shuttle arrives without incident and the pilot lands flawlessly, remaining professional, despite his obvious frustration with having to remain on board with two Astartes. As the shuttle is secured and landing protocols nearly complete the main door lowers and allow the men to exit into the barren landing bay, with not a soul to be seen.
Security has been disabled inside the landing bay, there are no active vox feeds, no evidence of this exist. +2DOS you see something of a glimmer or reflection and suspect their might be one device left active overlooking the bay.
The Stormtrooper the last to exit, watching to make sure the exiting marines are unarmed, asking each their name before exiting down the ramp.
New name?....Wait down by the door, I will be escorting you. After the last of you exit, he looks to the remainder, I'm sure I'll be seeing the rest of you soon. Don't forget to memorize your ID and ship layout details. Once things are decided I'll return to see to you. If you require anything,speak to the pilot.
As he gathers you up outside a few Servo Skulls come from inside the ship and begin flanking him. Looking up These guys will cover our tracks and if we pull this off, it'll be as if you've always been aboard. He then motions you to follow him where he makes his way to the main hanger door about 15m away, which is almost instantly opened as everyone begins to make their way. Two more storm-troopers step inside and salute you all as you enter.
Ulrich notes the absence of the typical security measures but does not comment on it. His posture as he debarks is one of wary suspicion, as one who is expecting betrayal. As he reaches the bottom of the ramp, he growls his new name tersely to the stormtrooper. He glances back up the ramp to the others still on the shuttle before following the stormtrooper's instructions.
keeping his calm Elyas presents a stern demeanour unfaced by the fact that the pilot might feel threatened by it. His eyes follows his squad mates as they leave, before the deliberately begins sweeping inside and outside the craft for potential threats.
The tense silence continues until the shuttle has landed, and Lucian begins to scan through his new identity and the layout of the Black Pearl. Committing the information to his eidetic memory, it takes only a short time to assimilate his new identity as Brother Argan, Black Shield Astartes.
As he files out of the shuttle with Hammern and Xing, Lucian looks back to Zedkiel and Elyas standing defiantly in the cargo hold. Struggling to reconcile their decision, he turns away disappointed.
Brother Argan, he mutters to the Stormtrooper as they cross the cargo bay toward the indicated door.
After memorizing his new ID details the shuttle arrives and Xing prepares to leave. Not knowing what they were headed into he took great care to conceal himself and his skin. Trust would need to be earned and while the Inquisition seemed to have some key information, there's no way to know how they came about it.
As Xing sees the Stormtrooper asking each brother their name and when its his turn he replies:
Brother Kai then saying nothing more, careful to hide his true feelings and searching the warp for more details.
Psyniscience +20, Per 50 (70)6 DOS
Every marine but Elyas leaves the shuttle and forms up to be escorted. After stepping through the landing bay doors you move down empty hallways and passages. From what you recall of the map, you are heading towards the "Special Operations" section, which is nothing more than a large block of space and no other details on the maps you were given. Moving along you see no one and no security measures recording your entrance, to the crew, it will be as if you were always here because where else could you have come from?
You can feel many psykers aboard. A large Astropathic Choir, unknown other objects and "presences" throughout the warp tingling your senses. A powerful one that you seem to hone in on, as if its inviting your curiosity, just happens to be in the direction you are heading and the strength of their warp presence only increases as you draw closer to where the Stormtrooper is leading you.
Upon arriving at the entrance to the area, where their would certainly be guards and security, the place is empty. The Stormtrooper leading you seeming to have the keys and authorization required opens doors and lets you in.
Upon entering you see the hub of what looks like a mobile command center, all unpowered and unmanned. The doors are not labeled but multiple paths exist to and from this room, none of the marines sure of the paths' destinations. The stormtrooper leads you on down a hallway away from the control room and you soon reach a single door where the StormTrooper halts, opens the door, and motions for you to enter.
This way please. he says through his vox for all marines to hear. As you enter you see a fairly simple meeting room with one person standing alone facing away from you all. After the marines are all inside, the StormTrooper closes the door behind you all and there is only silence.
Lucian follows the Stormtrooper in silence, attempting to memorise their route through the ship so that a rapid exit can be made if necessary. The lack of crew, and the subtle absence of normal security measures, is unusual, but nothing about this vessel or their mission so far could be classified as normal.
As they are ushered into the meeting room, Lucian sees a lone figure, his back to the waiting Astartes. Waiting patiently for the figure to greet them, he scans the figure and the room for anything of note.
The Inquisitor turns to you all after the door is shut.
Greetings Astartes, welcome aboard the Black Pearl. I wish the circumstances had been different, but its too late for wishful thinking.
He motions for you all to sit as he takes a seat himself. An older man with a sharp eye looks over you all, as if peering into your souls. He slowly scans each of you as you decide to sit or stand.
I am sure you have many questions and concerns and I will try to address them all to the best of my ability. But first, I should clear up a few details about why we are here and the trouble you have caused....That ship was captained by a Magos we believed to be a double agent for the Dark Mechanicus. We long suspected he was a traitor and had been infiltrating his network and tracing comms and drop off points for years, he was one of our best assets. Our hope in feeding the information of the anomaly was to finally locate his superiors and give us the break in this investigation, unfortunately you men couldn't resist being Astartes and decided not to follow my request and keep it quiet. We had planned to extract you secretly, my agents aboard keeping watch and monitoring the situation.
He pauses and motions towards some water and pours a glass for himself. There are glasses for each marine and plenty of water to go around. After taking a sip he resumes.
The Magos never had the real coordinates of the anomaly. We couldn't risk outside factions knowing more of the Tyrant Star, but we knew they had aggressively pursued any mention of the topic without reserve. It was the perfect way to lure them out, a once in a lifetime oppurtunity that could have been a significant victory for the Inquisition and the Adeptus Mechancius....Your actions however, have complicated this and jeopardized years of work and investigation.
He lets that sit in a moment as he observes you all, no look of anger or discontent, just a cold face of logic working through the obstacles and seemingly aware of a solution to this crisis.
Not all is lost however, while I had no choice but to destroy the ship while we continue to follow the leads we have, its important that no one knows of any survivors. For now the ship will be considered lost and the Magos' allies none the wiser hopefully. However, should it be known that the Marines he was escorting survived, then questions will be asked and the cells we have infiltrated and continue to monitor could go into hiding. It is for this reason, our ongoing endeavors, that I request you men hide your identities and speak to no one outside this room of what has happened. I have Orders from Inquisitor Zerbe confirming what I have said and directing us to the real last appearance of the Tyrant Star.
He passes you a dataslate with orders and information regarding their own investigation into the Magos and his dark connections. As you can see I have not lied nor decieved you in any way. I went above and beyond my own duty in rescuing you, possible jeopardizing my ship and its mission. You men are no doubt in my debt, but I fully intend to collect and make good use of you.
He then stands and makes his way over to a wall where there are monitors and takes a few moments to key in information. I see you have recovered the Warp Bane Generators, that is most pleasing to see. Additionally, you recovered some other unknown text, care to enlighten me of its origins and owner? Also is there anything you can tell me or believe I should know in regards to the Magos and his actions? I do not know what happened, except that the Magos was extremely paranoid and went from begging for our assistance to fleeing. We don't know what happened, but we blocked all communications and isolated this event. Only my command staff know that we targeted and destroyed that ship, but they do not know why...I'm sure some of them might be questioning the action, but they know better than to doubt me.
Elyas awaits the return or a distress communication from his felleow marines. Their actions were strange to him, even if someone where to trust the inquisition, why would anyone partake in this charade? Their armours were precious relics entrusted to them by the chapters and some of the weapon likewise, the rest were the sparse resources of the Deathwatch. The only marine who appeared to share his concern, perhaps for the wrong reason was the Black Templar, another chapter he knew little about. Turning some of his vigilance to this fellow marine, Elyas studied him in detail.
Lucian stands impassively during the Inquisitor's briefing, the thinly disguised admonishment an immediate source of friction. Reacting only to take the data slate from the inquisitor, he listens to the details of the operation in which they had becoming unknowing pawns.
There is little else I can tell you, Inquisitor. It seems you already know much of what has occurred so far. The Magos did seem paranoid and afraid of our presence, and he did not take well to not being involved in the retrieval of those devices.
What I can tell you, however, is that my Battle-Brothers and I do not take kindly to being used as ignorant pawns in the schemes of the Inquisition. Had we known of the Magos' true allegiance, and your attempts to infiltrate his vessel, things might have gone according to your previous plan.
His face a stony mask, Lucian waits for the inquisitor's response.
Ulrich regards the dataslate after Lucian finishes reading it. He snorts derisively at the Inqisitor's chastisement, and speaks after reading the dataslate, "I am in agreement with Brother Vartas, Inquisitor. Perhaps when attempting to use the Astartes as your catspaw, it would be wiser to give them enough information to ensure your plans come off as you intend. I, for one, do not appreciate being used as an unknowing pawn in your games."
I can understand your concerns, but your presence added weight and authenticity to the story. We knew that without a Techmarine you would be most unlikely to recover the generators and buy time for us to intercept the ship when it pulled out of the warp. Agents had been preparing for your extraction aboard the ship, but once things became hostile they could no longer risk exposure. Had they known I would order destruction of the vessel, I am sure they would have tried otherwise.
As it stands, the missing ship could have been swallowed by the star or lost to the warp in transit. The Magos was smart and we nearly missed him passing the coordinates off to his network. We are currently tracking his last communications and have identified a few previously unknown agents. Magos Xavier was a traitor and I applaud your confrontation on a personal level...But as an Agent of the Throne, I have a larger picture to concern myself with...I know it is a complicated matter and you men have distinguished yourself well. My reports indicate some daemonic incursion during transit, anything I should know? The Void-Bane Generators should not have been the cause, few Daemons I am aware of can slip through and manifest past Void Shields...This matter heightens my concerns moving forward, is there anything you can share regarding what you encountered?
Oh, my apologies, I believe I failed to introduce myself in my own haste to get some answers. Aboard this ship I am known as Samson and my position within the Inquisition is known to few officers. You all are to accompany me aboard the Black Pearl to investigate the this Tyrant Star. Inquisitor Zerbe trusts few with this knowledge and I assure you I speak for him while here. He was initially angered by my plans, knowing you would feel the way you do now, but there was no other way to seize this opportunity. Another ship has already been sent ahead of ours to the correct coordinates, we should arrive within a day or so after them. Currently we are heading for the system edge and preparing for a Warp travel time of approximately 3 days. I hope that will be sufficient time for you men to sort out your new armor and requisition. Our latest intel of the system shows an unknown energy sequence on one of the dead planets. He then keys some details into a data slate and one of the monitors begins to highlight one of the bodies in the system:
Planteary Body Tertius, telluric planet 14.9 AU from primary, 9,500 km diameter, 1 observed satellite, carbon-dioxide nitrogen
Our last known report shows an unknown energy signature eminating from the body. That detail was withheld from your initial briefing. I do no anticipate the anomaly to be present when we arrive, but we will be investigating source of this energy at the very least.
Between answering questions and looking over any details or intel he may have to share, Samson appears friendly and honest. A man of cold logic, he doesn't let emotions or mistakes slow him down. His momentum hard to keep pace with for most, he then asks the marines of their squad mates.
I understand that there may be hesitation in what I am asking you to do, if you like, you may spend the rest of the journey in isolation with your belongings and identity. I do not know what shall become of you, but my orders are clear. I am to proceed to the coordinates with or without you. If you agree to play along and maintain appearances then we can get to work and bring this command center to life again. I have a mission and you have a responsibility and Oaths to adhere too. So decide quickly what you will do, so I may spend my precious little time dealing with matters of actual significance. Inquisitor Zerbe spoke highly of your squad and its feats....Even nearly threatened my life should I jeopardize his relationship with the Deathwatch. I hope in saving you I have proven my loyalty and resourcefulness.
I had prepared for this outcome and so I did the best I could in preparing suitable armor replacements for Marines I work with. The selection might not be to your tastes, but I promise all will be made right in time. In time you shall return to your former glory and Chapter ancestry, for now, you must become "Black Shields." No one outside this room and my most trusted advisers know of your origins. As far as everyone else is concerned you have been aboard since our last port of call. You will minimize contact with the crew while in transit and prepare for what's ahead.
Then standing, after having giving you his mission and immediate plans, eying you all and awaiting a response.So, what will it be Marines?
I have not had adequate time to examine the text we recovered from Father Zyas....We were interrupted by his weakened state and the Daemonic incursion in the Cargo holds...We confronted a "Lord of Change" as they are commonly known, a powerful Daemon of Chaos, worshipper of Tzeentch...We dealt with him, but I suspect we have not seen the last of him or Chaos. Chaos knows much of the Tyrant Star and have some plans in motion. He then pauses and contemplates further...
I will join you in this task, but I fear I have little time to prepare my armor and the unique wards it requires...I trust your Forgemaster is up to the task, otherwise, I will not be able to fully utilize my strengths. Mind racing and quickly trying to envision the larger picture, Xing knows that playing along is the only way to get more information. The secretive nature of this operation would come easily enough, no stranger to keeping secrets and deceiving others, despite his purest intentions.
What say you brothers? Shall we finish what we started?looking to each of his brothers in the room, ready to move onto the task at hand.
How can we inform Brother Elyas of what we've learned and give him a chance to decide?