"Jubal has just given word. We set out for the Jericho reach. A distant stretch of space." Hunt Brother Qadan says as he walks past your rooms.
The apothecary looks you both over top to bottom. "Report to medical for evaluations before we head out. Jubal wants everyone in prime condition." He turns to leave.
The Stormseer stepped forward, his force staff in hand. Fetishes and totems hung from both his MkIII power armour and the force staff. His helmet was mag-locked to his armour. Other than his bolt pistol, the remainder of his weapons remained in his chambers.
His face was scarred, both with ritual scars and those from his many years of service.
"As the Khan commands, let us hope the warp has calmed."
Tarkhan was not on duty at the moment and thus was dressed in simple gray robes over his inlaid black carapace. His long white hair fell loosely on the side of his head, and his steely eyes watched intently, as though it were they, and not his ears, that were capturing each spoken word.
"The hunt takes us into the great unknown. Let the Khan's wisdom guide us, and let our blades claim retribution against those who would bring harm to our brethren."
with a strange, following chuckle, Tarkhan relaxes a bit. "Perhaps such bold call is preemptive at the moment, but truth be told, I am excited for war. We shall be on to the infirmary. Brother Thunderhorn, it is good to see you again."
Saluting Brother Qadan with a fist to his chest, he turns and makes his way toward the infirmary.
The walk down to the infirmary is quiet. This vast battleship is not boasting its typical crew, not a skeleton crew, but far fewer than would typically be supplied for a journey of this duration. Leaving you both plenty of room during your walk. With out the distractions of others in the hall you notice Chogoris beneath you through a viewing window along the hall.
Iron Khan Batu lumbers behind you making no secret of his presence. His large body making the spacious halls seem small. "Loyalty Honor.
Life, death, combat tested hunters.
Chogoris spirit." He says the ancient haiku poem as he stars at the sight over your heads while walking closer. He seems lost in thought for a moment, then looks at you both. He nods his head in respect and says "Brothers. Ensure your equipment is combat ready. I shall be doing an inventory tonight and discuss the loadouts for our mission with Jubal. If you have any special requests come by the armory." He waits a moment for your response before turning to walk back to where he came from.
Shawon moves beside the Iron Khan, staring out the window.
"Well met Iron Khan. Does something trouble you? You seem contemplative."
Tarkhan takes note of the archaic marking, one that predates the coming of the Khan, and along his side, himself. 'The Star Hunters, the lost name of our clan, before our Soul found it's home. '
Do I know what the rune on the window means?
Turning to the Iron Khan, he offers salute. "The sacred rites shall be performed and the righteous oils applied to each of my arms. The hunt before us, will there be need for any special weapons, of choice?"
Iron Khan Batu turns to look at Shawon."We about to set out for glory. Our actions will shape us, and mark our names in history. There is much to contemplate indeed." He smiles at Shawon and lays a hand on his shoulder. "I have no doubt you will bring honor to your name. "
He looks to Tarkhan "We know little of our prey. We must be as the Chogorian sidewinder and prepared to attack on all fronts."
Tarkhan studies the markings along the window closer.
The markings refer to a specific person but who that was is not clear.
Tarkhan looks to the Iron Khan, "We must be on to the medicae now, but will be to see you in the armory shortly. We will prepare for all possible threats, as you say."
Turning to Shawon, "Brother, let us be on to see the apothecary, so that we may better prepare for the coming battle."
Turning, he continues down the hallway to the infirmary.
"Indeed Brother Tarkhan, what special talent brought you to the Khan's attention?"
When you arrive at the medicae there is a line. A scanner, similar to an auspex, is being used on each brother. Searching for any signs of injury or illness. A heavily augmented human is assisting Hunt Brother Qadan. Green light emits from the scanner and slowly works its way from head to toe of the brothers in front of you. Everything smells sterile and clean.
"You have a left arm deformity brother. It appears there is a piece of shrapnel imbedded in the bone. I shall remove it and rebreak and set the bone." Hunt Brother Qadan says reading the scan over his assistant's head matter-of-factly. He pulls out a laser to make the incision and the Hunt Brother offers up his arm without protest for him to make the adjustments. "Must have been that last Ork engagement on Rastorphin. A big one got a piece of my arm with an axe. He traded his head for that, so I guess i'll call it fair." The Hunt Brother lets out a hearty laugh as the laser cuts deep into his arm and a mechanical arm reaches into his flesh to remove 5" of Ork warblade.
Apothecary Qadan scans Tarkhan. "You are in excellent health. Fit for the tip of the spear. I shall inform command." He dismisses you and calls for Shawon.
"Your pulses are a bit elevated. Nothing some meditation and Shovith herbs won't fix. I am recommending you for the tip of the spear as well. Return if you start to feel ill brother."
As they wait in line, Tarkhan listens to the stormseer's question. Pausing, he looks the man up and down, taking note of the runic markings and psychometric implants that rest upon his neck and head. "Brother, I cannot claim to be an honored one such as yourself, nor do I carry the markings of the assault marine or devastator. No, I am a humble battle brother, skilled in the many arts of war, though could be called an adept marksman, should the need arise. Your value, there is no doubt, is known to all."
He steps forward at his turn to receive the ministrations of the Apothecary. At his positive words, Tarkhan grims a bit. "Thank you Brother Qadan. Not that I had any concern, I am ready to face the horrors that await, and the glory such challenges will present."
Departing the medicae along with the stormseer, Tarkhan heads back towards the arming chamber. "Time for the rites over our arms as the Iron Khan suggested, before we join him with any requests we might have for the coming conflict."
"Don't sell yourself short Brother, there is a reason all the legions have a core of tactical marines as their heart."
Shawon acknowledges the apothecary's instructions. "I will commune with the great spirits Brother Qadan."
The line continues to move and you get the idea and move into the hall way to continue your conversation.
On the way to the armory you come across a young neophyte. He is staring out one of those windows along the hall staring at Chogoris. The scar on his face from initiation is still fresh. New recruits are rare on this mission.
Shawon motions for Tarkhan to initiate the discussion with the neophyte, far to many of them struggled to interact with stormseers directly.
Walking up to the neophyte, Tarkhan places a supportive hand on his shoulder. With a smile on his face, he speaks, "Young brother, you look fresh from the rituals that bear us forth from that past life into this one. You have been granted a rare honor being called forth on so auspicious a hunt at such a time. Is this your first time venturing forth from our home?"
The young initiate is embarrassed being caught off guard and lost in thought. He first acknowledges Shawon "Brother Stormseer" He says with a nod and he turns to Tarkhan "Yes, Hunt-Brother. I am a Chogorian native of the Atatachan clan. I have waited so long for this moment, but now that it is finally here. I find myself longing for days of past."
Tarkhan offers a knowing smile. "I too hailed from the Steppes of Chogoris, and still remember the days I rode in the open, with a mighty steed between my legs. The wind on your face, the sound of the drums pounding in the distance, battle was a thing of skill and honor. For some time now, you have known only training, on your journey to become a new kind of warrior. But trust, soon enough you will feel the thrill of battle alongside your comrades once again. And though the steed may be gone, the warbike or jump pack will grant you a similar rush of exhilaration. And now, you find not only for your clan, but for your legion, for the Great Khan, and for the Emperor. Honor will be yours, and the tales of your heroism will live on in the legends of our great brotherhood! I am Hunt-Brother Tarkhan, one of the many you will server alongside in the coming days, and I am honored to call you my kin. Stand tall, and prepare for the coming glory!"
"We have all been chosen Brother, elevated and seperated from humanity so that we might better defend humanity. Soon we will journey to distant stars to take the fight to the enemies of man. It is an auspicious time for you to join us."
The young neophyte's eyes light up, and he bows his head in appreciation. "Of course you are right. I shall contemplate this while I prepare for the journey."
You continue to walk to the armory.
Shawon enters the armoury, as always struck in wonder at the sheer amount of destruction even a single armoury contained.
Tarkhan offers a bow of respect back to the young neophyte before he departs. As he and the Stormseer travel the halls of the great vessel, he considers the years it has been since he was elevated to be amongst the Astartes. 'Memories from that life fade, so quickly. Like sand before the storm. The Steppe I can smell and feel it, and yet, I would believe it was a hundred years ago, not the several it has been. Strange.'
Entering the armoury alongside his companion, he lets his eyes gaze across the myriad weapons that could be employed against their foe. The thought materializes on his lips even before he realizes he is speaking. "What will we need on this great hunt as we seek our quarry? I wonder..." his eyes continue to search, but now for the Iron Khan to discuss what lies before them.
As you enter the Armory, it is one of the few places on the Lance of Heaven that has not been refitted or repurposed throughout the years. A large metal desk sits in front of you with a serf sitting down with a dataslate and Iron Khan Batu stands behind him issuing instructions and handing out gear. He looks at both of you.
"Brother Tarkhan, lets see. Present your stalker pattern bolter I shall inspect it. " He looks it over. "This could use some maintenance. Report back before your mission and I shall have it ready." Tarkhan realizes that in the rush and excitement that he had forgot to oil his weapon.
"Brother Shawon, present your bolter for a spot inspection."
Iron Khan Batu looks at Shawon with sleight disappointment. "I know Stormseers such as yourself do not solely rely on your weapons, but they do need to be looked after Brother Shawon. Leave this with me and I shall have it ready for your before your mission. Shawon realizes that he forgot to oil, clean and properly assemble his bolter before the inspection due to all the excitement and distractions.
"Now then, you have been selected for the tip of the spear. As such Jubal wants you ready as soon as we get out of warp. Prepare for a recon mission. Hunt Brother Tarkhan you are going to be given the Magnoculars and an Auspex in addition to your normal load out. Hunt Brother Shawon you will be given a Psy-Focus. Supplies are limited, but I might be able to honor some additional requests."
Tarkhan accepts the auspex and magnoculars graciously, "Thank you, Iron Khan. These tools of the Brotherhood will be put to good use in our duties." Taking care to stow them securely, he looks over to the Stormseer, who seems completely engrossed in examining his new relic of arcane power. 'What it must be to channel the Emperor's will through your soul...' he wonders to himself for a moment.
Realizing the Iron Khan awaits their requests, he clears his throat briefly. "Given the need for stealth on such a mission, it would be best if we could draw as little attention to ourselves as possible. Brother, would it be possible for you to supply us each with a Stummer to mask the noise of our movement, and a clip of Stalker Bolt Rounds, to help draw less attention should we need to engage the enemy?"
"Perhaps we should also have a clip of Kraken rounds. Often missions that are supposed to be recon end up becoming combat ops. It is better to have a trick or two up our sleeves than not."
"Very well Hunt-Brothers. May the ancestors watch over you and guide your endeavors." Iron Khan Batu gives you the items you asked for and returns to servicing equipment. A dutiful serf makes notes on a data slate of the items you have been issued.
After completing his tasks at the armoury, Shawon goes to see Stormseer Kang Dae, at his chambers.
"Greetings Brother Stormseer, you wished to speak before I departed?"
Shawon stills, drawing on the strength of the crystalline matrices within his staff.
Tarkhan takes the newly acquired wargear and secures it with his sacred arms and armor at his arming station, performing the last rites to ensure all would be ready when he awakes. Before departing, he picks up his ritual tulwar, the honored blade of Chogoris, strapping it onto his belt, and makes his way deep into the vessel.
The Lance of Heavens is a fortress adrift in the stars, and includes all the necessities of mobile stronghold, including training chambers. From firing ranges and sparring cages, to tracks for use of bikes and assault packs, the bowels of the vessel hold many practice options. Yet Tarkhan passes all these by, making his way to one specific facility - the Gauntlet. A testament to the warrior culture of the chapter's homeworld, the Gauntlet combined the many tests a young warrior would face on his way to rank within his clan. It tests feats of agility and strength, skill with the bow and blade, depth of awareness and perception to threats, and the drive to push one's self past their physical limits to become the fabled warrior of the wind.
Knowing that his skills would need to be at their peak for the forthcoming hunt and wanting to ensure he was as keen as his blade's edge before the deep sleep, Tarkhan offers an honorary rite to the ancestors of the brotherhood, then steps into the Gauntlet...
Shawon returns to his chambers after the somewhat shakening events in Kang-Dae's chambers.
You climb up without issue and spike shoot out from the wall. One hits you and gives you a reminder to be quicker next time. There is a rope to swing to a landing platform with a jetbike waiting for you. You time it perfectly and get good momentum. Coming your way are drones wielding tulwars attempting to cut you down mid-flight. You dispatch them and land on your jetbike. You accelerate and the right moment and dodge the on-coming obstacle. You see the prize of this gauntlet ahead. An ancient glaive with a red ribbon tied to it. There are two others with their eyes on the same prize. The one to your right attempts to ram you , but you juke and instead he rams the one to your left leaving you alone to claim the prize of the gauntlet this night.
You are both ready to enter suspended animation. You have mentally and physically done all you can to prepare for this hunt.
It seems like you just went to sleep, when you wake up again. For Brother Tarkhan the intense gauntlet is still fresh in his mind for Brother Shawon the wisdom of Kang-Dae still rings in your ears
You collect your gear from Iron Khan Batu and are summoned to the council's chambers for orders for the tip of the spear.
the stormseer takes the time to fully arm himself before heading to the council chambers, all that would be required before he deployed would be to take his currently maglocked helmet and place it on his head.
"How long did we slumber?"
A navigator turns to Hunt-Brother Shawon."One month by my estimation. Our allies in the XXth legion confirm my approximation." He nods to a delegation of Alpha Legion that is conversing with Jubal Khan.
Outside you can see an enormous construct of obvious Xenos origins. It is like an artificial planetoid. The XXth legion has had a fleet here for a full year without any reported activity you gather from conversation in the room. However, a Mjordhainn vessel reportedly departed from this location. It's destination is unknown and was too quick for the blockade to react.
As the room starts to increase its mumblings of side conversation, Jubal steps forward and silences the crowd in the vast and opulent council chambers. "Hunt-Brothers. You have been called here because you are the tip of the spear. I send you on one of the most dangerous missions I can conceive of. To explore this planetary base and learn what we can to capture our prey. I will dispatch several teams via Storm Eagles to the surface. Teams will be comprised of a mix of individuals with specific talents. Harrowmaster Velikai of the XXth legion will also send support on this mission. If there are questions speak now, but time is vital."
Rising swiftly from suspended animation, Tarkhan takes himself through the rites to restore all his functions even as he moves to the armory to prepare for their mission. With the aid of chapter serfs he dons his sacred armor and acquires his gear and arms, taking note to carefully collect the ancient guandao, a relic from the chapter's first arrival on Chogoris.
Assembled with the others, his mind has not fully returned and his responses to the mission briefing are limited to his foggy memory. "We are the Fifth legion, we will move with the grace of the wind and watch with the eyes of the hawk. Soon, we will know the truth of this foe."
"Would it be useful for us to deploy cyber-constructs and servitor drones to expand our search parameters?"
"Yes, Hunt-Brother Shawon is correct. Hunt Brother Etsuo deploy our cyber hawk units to scan the surface prior to our teams being dropped. We shall employ the strategy of the falcon and the rodent as it is written by Quan Zhou the Great Khan. "
You load up on the Storm Eagle transport. Cyber-Hawk scans locate a promising drop point and you head out for that destination. No life has been detected.
Smoke is deployed as you land as a standard precaution. The ground is metallic, but there are many grooves and terrain features on the surface. With you is an assualt marine and an apothecary. Two more tactical marines are guarding the landing zone. There is a protruding feature up ahead to the north that could be an antennae or a power source. To the east is a slope and a basin of sorts. The ground there is a bright sheen. To the south is a series of columns that stand about 20' tall and 5' wide that stretch for kilometers. To the west is a trench that continues as far as you can see. There is a gentle hum that is ever present as you walk on the surface that is not rhythmic and slightly irritating.
"Brother Tarkhan, does your auspex show anything of note?"
Tarkhan strides out onto the alien surface, taking in the details of the environment around them. As he does, the Stormseer calls on his evaluation of the terrain. Considering his options, he looks at both the auspex and the magnoculars supplied to him. Clearly, his purpose was to serve as the eyes of the team. "Brother Shawon, the auspex is a keen device, but I am not the most proficient with it. Give me a few moments, so I am unsure what information it could currently give." Tinkering with the device, he calls up the general functions of it, trying to draw on its power.
After his initial readings with the Auspex, Tarkhan uses the magnoculars to examine each of the directions, hoping to determine further details.
Brother Tarkhan stops and looks around and checks his auspex. The auspex has no readings.
The antennae like object seems to have some kind of energy pulsing through it, but only the magnification of the magnoculars made it possible to discern that.
To the east, south and west nothing but more metallic wasteland.
Having completed his assessment, Tarkhan takes a moment to stow his wargear. Looking around the group of his brothers, he turns and gestures to the north. "I could not find much with the auspex, but I was able to spot some kind of energy field coursing around the antennae to the north. I think that would be as wise a place to start as any. But be on guard, this place is hostile, in more ways than we can know."
The auspex and magnoculars once again secured in his belongings, he raises his bolter to the ready, preparing to meet the enemy that had claimed so many from their Home World.
"Indeed Hunt Brother, the antennae or something around it appears to be trying to tap into my mental energies."
The Stormseer pauses, stilling his mind and trying to get a better understanding of attempts to draw on his energies.
Once complete he will maglock his staff to his backpack and hold his bolter.
You approach the antennae. It is a massive structure, but compared to the vastness of all the other features around you on this metallic sphere it seems less so. You can feel warmth radiating from it.
Approx. one hour has passed and teams are reporting in. Most of them are reporting similar situations. "Brother Tarkhan, report." you hear on internal vox.
Brother Tarkhan is just drawing forth the auspex when he receives the call to report. "This is Brother Tarkhan. We have located a large antennae structure north of our landing point, which is radiating some kind of energy field. We are beginning our analysis of the site now. To the south of our landing site there was a path of columns heading further south for an extended distance. There was a sizeable trench to the west, and a slope to the east. We have plans to return to these locales to investigate each further after completion at the antennae power structure. No contact with our targets, the Mjordhainn yet."
Powering up the auspex, he analyze the structure, including its many feature. While not skilled with its advanced uses, he will also use the auspex to try and identify anything he can about the power field.
There is no additional information from the auspex. This planetoid seems void of any atmosphere or bio signs. The antennae seems to sway a little as you observe it.
"See if we can find an entrance into the structure, perhaps there is something worthwhile inside."
Shawon's bolter is tracking across the terrain, ready in case they are ambushed.
Liking the Stormseer's direction, Tarkhan motions the unit forward. "Our brother is wise - let's check all sides of this structure, trying to locate and egress. Make sure to maintain visual contact with at least one other battle brother as we do."
Moving forward, he nods to Brother Shawon, keeping a close eye on their blessed brother. Drawing close to the structure, he keeps his bolter in one hand while the auspex is in the other. He will continue to search for any defining characteristics or entryways that it might hold.