Ulrich waits for the initial report on the system, watching the readouts in the command room, "No sign of the missing ships as yet. Let us lay in a course for the planet, but keep alert. I would hate to be ambushed by the Enemies of Man."
Standing with his Brothers in the command centre, Lucian eagerly awaits to sensorium reports ad they arrive in system. He nods at Hammern's words. I concur. Our arrival is unlikely to have gone unnoticed by whoever or whatever is in this system.
Before the team arrives in the system Pyros considers and researches a number of possible avenues that could explain what they might encounter.
Nothing about this is by the books. Inquisitors are playing their own games and powerful ones must be manipulating substantial resources in keeping this and past appearances quiet and out of the hands of others.
::After Arrival::
As initial reports continue to flood in slowly, the ships tech-priest momentarily taken back by such an anomaly and not fully aware of the mission details, the Astartes aren't given much more information to act on.
Scans have not revealed any signs of the ships, but its possible they are out of range, running silent, crashed and/or destroyed. No way to know for certain without more thorough searching and focused scans.
The Inquisitor waits long enough before voxing the command center and directly asking the squad:
We are awaiting your instructions, current heading is the anomaly at the inner core. Navigation tells me that the planet is closer but would lengthen our journey to the core by nearly 2 days. We are continuing to scan and hail all vox frequencies.
Jogged out of planning mode by the Inquisitors words, Hammern keys the Vox to the bridge, Helm: maintain current course and heading. Calculate a course change that would bring us in equidistant between the planet and the anomaly, but do not change course at this time. Sensorium: continue to gather every scrap of available data on the anomaly and the surrounding system; I do not want to be caught unawares by anything that may be lurking in this system. Vox: switch to hostile space protocol; we want to find our missing ships without alerting the entire system to exactly where we are. Captain, lets get as many of our weapons systems ready as we can maintain for a long period of time; I want to be ready to fight at any moment, but I want the crew in the best fighting shape possible."
During the initial briefing Xing listens to the suggestions and orders but can't seem to shake the images he had in the psychic distress call.
The fear and chaos he glimpsed briefly looked familiar, Daemons
Taking his time and concentrating on recalling what he can of updated details and a few notes hes gathered from research he tries to establish some Daemonic link to explain what is occurring, some prophecy or ancient story of powerful Ruinous powers plotting for destruction on this scale.
Int (50) Unnat x2, Forbidden Lore (Demonology) (Int) +20, Foresight +10, Difficulty -30 (Like Pyros?)= -20 w/ Unnat. Int (60)
5 DOS
Brothers, I too saw what the Inquisitor saw, the Daemon Hunter and its ship were assaulted. I believe splitting up would be a mistake. Dividing our strength against two unknown forces is to risk one of the objectives entirely. That planet holds the closest link and could serve as a forward base in our search for the missing ships and analyzing the Star. Whatever we are bound to encounter has supposedly taken two ship already, let us not rush to chase that which shall appear again. Maybe it is a Rainbow or a trap. Any information gathered at a distance is more than we have ever been able to recover, we must not jeopardize our progress...Lastly, I fear for the crew and the possible psychic effects this anomaly could have...If they are compromised then this ship will sail uncontrollably towards chaos and oblivion.
Lucian waits patiently as Hammern issues his orders, nodding in agreement at the Fenrisian's plans. He commands like a son of Ultramar. I did not expect that of a Wolf. He addresses Hammern once Xing has expressed his concerns about the possible psychic complications.
Brother, I suggest we move the ship to full combat readiness. We should not be unprepared for boarders or for close range assault. We should ensure that the armsmen and stormtroopers are armed and stationed appropriately, and that internal blast doors and bulkheads are sealed.
Ulrich listens to the words of his brothers, considering them carefully as he studies the plots of the system. Finally he keys the vox to the bridge, "Captain, what is the transit time to the planet from here, given a best speed, hostile space route?"
" I understand where Brother Xing is coming from, however as we aren't picking up evidence of the other ships, i would be tempted to push out a scouting screen of stormtrooper detachments in shuttles, to boost our scanner range and hopefully pick up the other ships. Much though i would normally suggest we stick together, I have heard rumours of a whole star system being swallowed by a 'dark star' and i worry about how much time we have. However i will do whatever is wished of me. I do agree with Brother Lucian, we should be ready for any threat."
The first day in the system goes without event. After the initial reactions from the crew faded people were focused and on point for duties. Regardless of the direction yet to be chosen, the core and planet in question were on the same heading and only now would their need to be a choice.
Day 2:
As reports come in and most seem like updates, a few stand out in regards to the progress of measuring the anomaly.
Literacy test -10, but being trained in Logic or having relevant Scholastic lore negates the penalty
2. Focused Augurs on the planet in question have not yet identified any measurable power transmission or signals of interest coming from the planet. The Magos in Charge of research wants to focus more on the anamoly itself than the planet and has not allocated any notable staff in scouting the planet.
3. No location of the ships by any means has been established. There are some asteroid belts that contain large enough clusters to be hiding a ship or its wreckage. More detailed scans and up to date analysis of the planets is being created.
4. There were a few incidences of violence breaking out on the ship, but mostly seems random and barely worth mentioning. Gunnery crews tend to get rowdy when put on standby.
Scanning the reports coming in, Pyros brings his years of studying the Dark Pattern to bear, quickly identifying the key topics involved, and muttering as he does.
"Hmm mixed readings coming from the anomaly, possibly growing but no gravity change....No scans of interest from the planet as yet, leading the senior Magos to push for research of the anomaly...Still no signs of the ships although there are a couple of asteroid belts that could hide them, awaiting more detailed scans..Reports of violent exchanges amongst the crew are up, although currently within normal tolerances for crews on standby.
"In summation, my biggest concern would be that in our opinion the planet is the place to start, when there are no scan results of interest and the Magos disagrees. I think we should discuss that with him directly and find the basis for his views. Secondly to that I feel we need to complete the search for the ships or at least wreckage, as they may be a link to more information already gained. How ever the benefit of having a team made of such illustrious individuals is different outlooks on things. What do you all think?"
You know the visit by the "Lord of Change" is no coincidence and fear Azhammi might of had unnatural help in his quest to anticipate the anomaly's appearance. Choas might be desperate and have unlikely allies. One of the names in the book you read gives reference to Malice. Azhammi claims him to be the destruction of Chaos and man. If this is true, then the forces of Chaos will be undivided in their pursuit to stop his Anarchy and betrayal. Trouble is, you can't find a link between the Dark Star and Malice...only the fresh mention of Malice in some of the most recent notes. Malice is not common knowledge and is a surprise to you, your lack of knowledge on the matter is troubling. Your brothers would probably not believe you if you spoke of a 5th Chaos god.
I concur Brother, Lucian agrees, we should make searching for the Inquisitor's vessel a priority. I believe that any information it contains will be vital to planning our future operations here. We should consider the asteroid belt and the planet as possible sites to search.
Lucian quickly reviews the data on available support forces via the holoprojection.
I suggest a series of low level, high resolution augurs of the planet's surface, perhaps via shuttlecraft, to determine if any wreckage or other evidence of crashed vessels is present. Simultaneously, we should conduct a similar search of the asteroid belt.
Another aspect of the reports concerns Lucian.
The violence among the crew may also be of concern. Proximity to this anomaly may heighten emotions and foster aggression, and could result in full scale riots or sedition. I suggest we increase the presence of armsmen in the crew spaces. Xing, are you or the astropaths able to determine if there is a psychic component to this increased violence?
Letting the others discuss the options without his own opinions, Ulrich weighs each bit of advice carefully before speaking, "Brothers, I believe that you all have sound advice. Your counsel is valuable to me in this, as I have little experience with this level of command thus far. I too am concerned about rushing straight in to the anomaly. This situation has already swallowed two other ships and getting tunnel vision would be a mistake. We will bring the crew to full combat readiness, and I think it wise to send a few smaller craft ahead to begin closer scans of the planet and the asteroid belt. We must send them ahead in staggered groups so that should anything happen to any of them, others will be on hand to witness and report back to us. A screen of fighters should also be deployed."
Ulrich keys the vox to the bridge, relaying orders to the ship's command, "Helm, adjust heading to bring us to the planet. Captain, please deploy such vessels as have sensitive Augur arrays to scan the planet and the asteroid belt near it. Deploy overwatch groups to relay the findings of the scout craft to us and to guard against ambushes. All craft will report in 15 minute intervals. Deploy a defensive screen around this vessel. Bring the crew to full combat readiness, and increase the presence of stormtrooper patrols in crew spaces."
"Brothers, one thing has occurred to me. We are looking at a reasonable time period before these orders can generate significant results. As such we have time to use. Although the violence levels currently fall within expected limits, if what Brother Lucian suspects is correct and this is anomaly related, we may regret our inaction. Perhaps some of our team could visit the problem areas to inspire and investigate, whilst the rest remain here. That way we maintain control and first hand knowledge of the bridge decisions, whilst hopefully heading off any crew problems. I would suggest Brother Xing to monitor and investigate for psychic phenomenon and either Brother Lucian and/or myself to inspire the crews. Any thoughts? "
A good suggestion Pyros, Lucian agrees. Maybe a visit to the problem areas will embolden the crew, and may provide some clues as to the origin of the unusual disturbances. Hammern, what do you say?
Ulrich nods, "A good idea, Brother V'estian, Brother Vartas. A few well chosen words can swiftly rally their morale. That alone is worth our time, and you may be right that we may discover some underlying cause."
I shall accompany thee brothers, for I fear Chaos is at work here with Daemons. Having spent time further researching some texts, particularly Azhammi's last read, I've come across troubling notes that even I have yet to fully grasp or believe. Safeguarding our crew and ship must be a priority if we are to succeed and avoid the fate of the other ships. Shall we depart?
As they begin their patrol and investigation of the violence, Xing keeps his mind open and perception sensitive to the the warp, careful to notice any small hints of malice or taint aboard the ship and among the crew.
Psyniscience +20, Per 50 (70) 2DOS
We should focus our efforts on the areas where violence has flared, Lucian suggests as they move through the ship. The crewmen there will need the most moral reinforcement, and will likely be the most effected by any malign influence.
Remaining aware of his surroundings, Lucian's gauntlet hovers near his bolt pistol, ready for trouble.
As the Marines spend time moving through the ship Xing is unable to detect and psychic phenomenon. The moral of the crew seems hard to judge given your lack of experience with them.
Upon investigation, you find the fights have been over simple matters, but no one seriously injured.
The captain orders shuttles to begin scouting ahead, but so far nothing has turned up, though it's early and only your second day in the system.
Research on the anomaly now confirms it's growth and current estimates show the anomaly could swallow the entire system within a month at its current rate of expansion, though most tech priests believe that won't happen, as it's likely to collapse any day now, as it's done in the past.
The tour of the ship by the Marines seems to be working as the sight of the men puts more fear into them than the unknown. As you are returning, you pass by the shuttle bays and overhear an escalating argument and soon gunfire. Las fire by the sounds of it.
Hammern, we've got lasfire in the landing bays, states Lucian over the squad vox channel. We are investigating.
Drawing his bolt pistol, Lucian moves towards the blast doors and slams his fist against the opening rune, ready to enter the bay.
The doors open to a blaze of laser fire from left to right, you haven't entered so you're still in cover, but you can't see to the sides.
Awareness - 10 or simple logic test
4dos
As the doors open, Pyros registers the lasfire flying mostly from the left, he keys the localised squad vox channel
" Lucian watch left, look for ringleaders, Xing watch right and for any warp influence. I will try to stop this first"
Stepping forward into line of sight Pyros uses his suit's vox to boost the volume of his voice. "CEASEFIRE NOW OR BE PURGED WITH STEEL AND FLAME. I am Pyros V'estian of the Salamanders Chapter. Lower your weapons and submit to the Emperor's mercy or face short brutal pain and eternal damnation. We face a dangerous threat and must work together and trust in our faith in the Emperor, so I will give you one chance."
7dos
Brother Varryl reviews the latest data packets from the scouts and searches for a defensible dropsite on the planet.
Human crew members seem to be firing upon each other, accusations of heresy flying with the lasbolts. Activating his helmet speakers and drawing his bolt pistol, Lucian roars out at the crewmen.
Drop your weapons! Everyone on the floor! Those who do not comply will face censure!
Ulrich's hands tighten on the edge of the console as he listens from the command center to the sounds of his brothers going into danger, <<Acknowledged, Brother Vartas. Update me as the situation develops. Allfather keep you.>>
As the marines enter the hold shouting commands and presenting a larger threat than any present, the two men firing together immediately cease fire and lower their weapons, dropping them to the side and laying down. All the while yelling:
He's got a bomb! Stop him!
Meanwhile the other man they were firing on leaps up out of cover now that he's no longer suppressed and makes a run for it. He doesn't look back and makes a run towards the inner hold and towards some other ships. He's about 15 meters away.
Vartas being the only one who entered the room armed, has only enough time for a single shot. It won't be easy, but then when is the life of a marine ever?
Awareness -20, there isn't much time, only a split second before he's away into cover.
Vartas may attempt a single shot, -20 for him running through cover and your concern of hitting a bomb limits your target choices.
Pyros or Xing may attempt to "Quick Draw" a weapon, but they suffer -30 to their shot. Or Xing could attempt a Psy attack with regular modifiers that'd apply.
4 dos
1dof
"Does he carry anything like a bomb?"
As Pyros steps into the room he sees movement in the corner of his eye, but even his enhanced senses are unable to make out details. Starting to move towards where he saw the movement he draws his hammer, meanwhile activating the vox to brother Hammern to allow brother Vartas to concentrate.
"Brother Hammern, we have a possible bomber loose in the landing bay, efforts are being made to apprehend."
The figure fleeing from the Astartes seems to be wearing the robes of a minor Tech-Priest and carrying a large pack, possibly containing the bomb that the crewmen had stated was in the vicinity. Raising his bolt pistol, Lucian calmly takes aim at the man's head and fires.
Xing follows his brother's in, unarmed and silent. They seem to have handled the situation and Xing merely provides backup. By the time he sees the man running it is too late for him to act. He sees Vartas raise his weapon and fire. Xing sprints forward in pursuit, just in case his brother misses.
The priest isn't aware of the shot and doesn't even try to dodge as the bolt enters the back of its head and it falls to the ground between some crates and equipment.
The priest has what appears to be a melta-bomb, though its been modified and doesn't appear to be a normal explosive, you can't tell anything more unless you have Demolitions. Great DOS might yield more, depends on what you're looking for.
Assuming you find the device you may attempt to disarm it and render it harmless.
The bomb is live and its only a matter of time before it goes off. If you have 2 DOS+ you know you have minutes and its armed. 3 DOF+ and it explodes immediately. Simple success and its disarmed. The blast radius of the device wouldn't have taken out the ship, but had it exploded in places that a Tech-Priest is familiar with, the damage could have been significant.
Upon searching for the device and deciding how to deal with it, the tech-priest does not move, it was a clean shot that tore the insides of his brains and internal cogitators, none of which are functioning and black ooze spills forth.
Searching amongst the crates, hammer at the ready, Pyros fails to find the body.
"Brothers we must find the device with haste, for it may already be armed or damaged."
Lucian sees the headless corpse crumple to the ground, and he runs toward it, bolstering his pistol as he does. He pushes the crates aside, searching for the bomb.
There is a melta bomb here, it is live. Assist me Brother, he instructs Pyros, careful not to use his name in front of the crew.
Lucian and Pyros search the body and discover an explosive device while Xing stands guard. After a few minutes of carefully handling the device and inspection, they are able to disarm it and render it harmless.
It is no standard explosive weapon, its been rigged from a number of devices with little skill and could have exploded if shot.
The other two men who were on the ground get up but don't get close, instead waiting until its disarmed and moving closer to inform the marines of what happened.
The tech-priest remains quiet and the other man speaks up to address the marines:
We knew he wasn't supposed to be here and when we tried to approach him he pulled a gun. He said something about not allowing the ship to leave this system and armed what looked like a bomb. Unsure we hoped to pin him down and call for security, but then you thankfully arrived. the man says relieved. The other tech-priest nods in agreement but doesn't say anything, he's holding his arm, looks like he took a shot from the las-pistol.
Meanwhile in the command center
Scouts have reached the asteroid field and are beginning to scout it at the end of the second day. So far nothing has turned up. The Cruiser edges closer to the planet and more reports are forthcoming.
It seems the unexplained energy signatures coming form the Northern Pole, though an exact location is eluding the scouts, it seems the energy is not constant and no pattern has been discerned as of yet. The Magos is confident once they are within closer range they will be able to narrow down the source, too much Atmospheric interference the reports claim, but the Marines may not be able to completely understand.
The latest models can not confirm or deny the theories being floated around by the scientists. It seems the anomaly is more unstable than previously thought and its size is fluctuating slightly.
Lastly, one of the scouts reports finding debris from a ship hull near the planet in question, though its only pieces and are unsure of the origin. It looks to be human, but more analysis needs to be gathered. They have recovered samples and returning them to the ship for deeper analysis.
"Well done brother, i think we may need to look into this more if we have some sort of cult on board."
Opening the link to Brother Hammern "Brother Hammer, thanks to the skiĺls of Brother Vartas, the bomber has been eliminated and the bomb deactivated, we will now return to the command centre."
Once the techpriests finish passing over the information, Pyros turns to address them.
"May the Omnissiah bless you for your quick thinking and brave action, you have foiled a heretical attack and I will see your seniors are informed of what you have done. Now give me your names and service numners and then go get your wound seen to and continue your good work."
Lifting the body and improvised device with ease Brother Pyros heads back to the command centre. "We may be able to get an Adept to gain some details from this wretch"
Lucian stands aside as Pyros takes charge of the situation.
We should seal off this area and conduct a search to ensure there are no more devices hidden, and to see if there is any evidence as to who this man was or how he came to be here. Why not take the body and the bomb up to Varryl and see what he makes of them? I will remain here and examine the area.
Opening a private channel, Lucian voxes Xing, careful to prevent the crew from overhearing.
Xing, is there any evidence of a malevolence or a warp presence in here?
He then begins searching the hangar bay, looking for further evidence of treachery.
"Good ideas brother, I will see what Varryl can find out."
Xing tries to sense if something more benign is responsible for this heresy while he assists in the search.
Psynscience (70) 1dos
You search the Cargo container but come up with nothing else that could aid. The tech-adept had entered this area and drew the attention of workers in the area.
Xing senses nothing warp related, no residual pyschic traces or daemonic influence can be detected.
You arrive in the early hours of the morning at the planet, slightly earlier than expected, you all recieve messages summoning you to the command center if you aren't already present there.
Shuttles have been readied and you have the means and backup to drop on the planet. There is a gun cutter made available and ready to deploy along with a few other shuttles that could ferry additional men at your request.
The hull piece found is still under analysis, initial scans and theories hint at weapons fire, but the origin is unknown.
The atmosphere is causing too much interference and they are unable to pentetrate futher with augers to isolate the frequency location. While the surface doesn't have a breathable atmosphere and gravity is stronger, the exact makeup is yet to be determined. It is most likely not breathable and sealed suits will be required for any who go planet side.
Lucian reviews the available data on the planet, and raises a concern.
Communications watch, will the atmospherics prevent vox traffic from reaching back to the ship from the surface once we land? I do not relish the prospect of being out of contact with the Inquisitor in this hostile system.
The Inquisitor has returned to the command deck as they ship approaches the planet. He makes himself available to answer questions and offer assistance. When Lucian asks of the Vox comms, he replies:
The Magos assures me that we will have communications, as a precaution, he's already laid out some relays closer to match our Geosynchronous orbit, and improved the power in some of the shuttles. These precautions should help boost any signals and maintain comms.
Whilst carrying the bomber's body back towards the command room, Pyros raises the Inquisitor. "Lord Inquisitor, we stopped a techpriest bomber in the landing bays, his head and therefore memory coils have been damaged beyond recovery, but I wonder if you would have staff able to ascertain the bomber's job, locate his personal things and investigate his recent activities. If we are heading planetside, then we will not be able to investigate further."
"Without a breathable atmosphere my flamer will either have a reduced effect or be dangerous to us as well. I will leave Surtur's Breath and the Melta bomb I had requisitioned and speak to the Forgemaster about taking a storm shield and upgrading my bolter with a red dot sight and some kraken rounds. I can take up a close combat role with Brother Xing. I would suggest we drop in the gun cutter leaving some shuttles with troops in low orbit as a reserve, and a couple of shuttles here in case more specialised skills are needed. Shall we get going?"
Thank you Inquisitor. We should make preparations for landing.
Lucian turns to Pyros, and concurs. The atmosphere will likely cause problems with any flame-based weapons, and may reduce engagement distances. I feel we should be as prepared as possible for short range encounters with whatever may be down there. We should ready the landers.
Ulrich nods in agreement with the opinions expressed by his brother marines, "Yes, let us ready to make landfall. Brother Vartas, please inform the cutter to make ready for departure, and to deploy a squad of fighters as escort. Lord Inquisitor, keep us appraised of any developments in any of the situations we are monitoring from here. Have a team ready to join us below if conditions warrant more specialized skills or equipment. Brother Pyros, your suggestion of support troops in low orbit is a good one; Lord Inquisitor, what is our troop strength on board?"
While he awaits the answer from the Inquisitor, he unfastens the chainsword from his waist and holds it out to Pyros, "Brother, when you speak with the forgemaster, please return this to him and ask that a power axe be issued to me from the ship's armory."
"I will do my best to find something suited to the practiced arm of a wolf"
The Inquisitor thanks you for your efforts in preventing the saboteur from detonating a bomb on the ship. As per Pyro's suggestion, he promises to look into the matter while you are planetside.
A squad of fighter escorts has been arranged for you all, though they are mainly designed for void combat they will be slightly less effective in the atmosphere of the planet.
Just before departure you are informed that the Magos on board believes the weapons fire to have been Eldar, though the origin of the hull debris is still being analyzed. It's possible it could be part of the ship we are looking for, but can't be sure without more comparative analysis that the ship doesn't have records for.
Additional troops have been put on standby to assist should they be needed, the Inquisitor impressed by your thoroughness. He meets you all in the landing bay before your departure.
Is there anything else you should have us do here? Any standing orders I should be aware of? What are our instructions should we lose communications or you fail to check in?
Ulrich thinks for a moment, nodding at the wisdom in the questions, "Maintain the patrols of the local space, ensure that no patrol is out of sensor range of the next one, and have the crews keep relaying sensor readings in to you. We do not want to be surprised with evidence of the Eldar having been here. Maintain battle readiness. Continue to gather data on the black sun, and keep us informed of any notable developments. If we lose comms with you due to the native conditions of the planet and cannot reestablish them quickly, we will launch relays of fighters to bring information out of the atmosphere. If we lose comms and no fighter relays being information, assume hostile action and reinforce us. Do not put the ship at unnecessary risk."
Ulrich turns to the other Marines, "Brothers, is there anything you have thought of that I have not?"
"No brother, that should cover them for now, after all we can't afford to be long on the planet due to the expansion rate of the anomaly."
Maintaining vox contact is the most important thing you can do at this point, Inquisitor. It is vital that yourself and the Kill-Team are kept aware of any change in circumstances.