Rejoice for You are True, part 2 - Developments
Timestamp: 5.319.997.M41
Location: Aquila Superior Spire, Upper Levels, Southern Quadrant, Metropolitan Area, Hive Sibellus, Scintilla, Golgenna Reach
Situation: Continuing investigations into the disappearance of Sia Strophes
Body: Last night was quite the party. It started innocently enough. Haxtes headed up-spire to the Alabaster Court. It was dark outside the massive panorama windows, save for the sparking lights of the hive. Inside it was also dark, save a few artfully emplaced light-points. And the clothes of the attendees - each one a subtle play of light, color and form. Together it formed a cacophony that made it hard to see where the inside ended and the outside began, or if the starry skies above the hive have truly descended and take up residence within the Alabaster court.
Haxtes is quickly swept up by Counselor Colva, his mentor in the Choir. She makes a point of introducing him to some choice people. So here Haxtes gets to see the Choir acting as matchmaker. Colva doesn't know who or what Haxtes is of course - she only knows that Caros Shoal considers him important. And that's enough for her. There is a welcoming drink - served in a glass made of spun glass tubes. Haxtes can't figure out how it was made, but takes a guess at zero-gravity and a very skilled glass-blower. Normally he would not care, but Vern/Venus must be getting to him.
Haxtes gets to meet the aging Lady Tanae Borella, an influential noblewoman, and the 'host' this evening. That means she gets to pay for the party, in return for the good press it undoubtedly generates for her. Even rejuvenation treatments are starting to fail her - maybe that's why she's found her faith. She's pleasant enough, but Haxtes sees right through her. She's afraid. Of death. It gnaws at her soul ever waking moment and haunts her dreams. If anything it will only put her in the grave the faster.
You see some other semi-familiar faces. Malene Trun, Sia's 'friend' at the Choir. A low-born brought up to Court only to keep up appearances. She's standing around with her Counselor, a man called Thiery. Haxtes immediately has one of his moments; like the time what he touched the dead Astarte's armor. The man Thiery is destined to die in a spectacular fashion - he will still be alive as his burning body is hurled clear of the spire, but he won't survive the thousand metre drop. The moment passes without anyone noticing, but Haxtes feels unwell afterwards.
There is no rest for the wicked though. He's brought over to see Senior Counselor Cort Abroag. The man has a key role in that he oversees many of the most prominent members of the Choir. In effect he's the key account manager of some of the richest people in attendance. The veil that shrouds the future parts once more to reveal Cort burning up from within, his organs scorched by the unseen heat of atomic fire. One moment he looks fine, the next he opens his mouth to speak and sparks pour forth even as his eyes combust.
Haxtes recoils from him, only to smash into an effete nobleman.He cries out in fear and anger as Haxtes' reflexes take over, coming within a hairs breath of killing the man. The crowd quickly parts. Haxtes is clearly acting oddly, he can hardly retain his balance, like a man drunk. Elsergi Krin is crying foul and bloody murder and is demanding satisfaction...from somewhere a robed woman appears to offer to be his second. No, wait, its not a woman. It's a man, but dressed almost like a girl, and with very feminine traits.
A thickly accented voice, belonging to someone from the upper-caste of Gunmetal City addresses Haxtes: "You be all right good sir? If you be in need of catching you breath I, Sorkat Authwaite, will stand guard over you. Do not listen to these blood-hungry fools, they know not what they ask for."
Categories: Adventures, Chapter 1 - In the Service, Adventure 1.2 - Rejoice for You are True
05/24/10 09:48:09 pm,
05/24/10 09:48:09 pm, 121 comments
Comment from: agenthaxtes
That the whole cult will burn is a sweet vision, that something here increases Haxtes ability to see int the beyond is unsettling. Haxtes bites hes own cheeks too bring on pain and a clear head.
"I`m better my good sir, just a moment of weakness, I`m recovered "
Too try and keep hes cover Haxtes will offer a apology too the noble fool, if he accept Haxtes will stay and keep up the party cower and learn moore, he will spitt in hes hanky to keep some of hes blood for testing later.
If the apology is not accepted Haxtes will kill the man with swords, pistols, or toothpicks wath ever he prefers.
05/24/10 @ 22:05
Comment from: tancred
Haxtes stores some of his own blood for later testing, just in case his body would break it down before a proper blood sample can be taken.
You should not be surprised; an apology will not suffice when physical insult has been done. Elsergi Krin's honor must be restored and it must be restored by the blade. Only by teaching some manners to this foolish commoner can he again look his peers in the eyes.
Elsergi Krin will be seconded by the girly male in the gown; Haxtes barely catches his name - Siprit Daneen. Damned nobles and their twisted ways. Sorkat Authwaite offers to be Haxtes' second. You get the impression that he alone realizes that YOU are by far the most dangerous person among those gathered.
Will you accept his offer?
05/26/10 @ 09:02
Comment from: tancred
As Haxtes tries to put his spinning head in order he is nearly overwhelmed by the riot of light and color that surrounds the members of the Alabaster Court. Their clothes of crystal and light are nothing compared to the majestic halos that spring forth from their souls, halos made of colors that mere words cannot describe. Where the halos meet there are ripples and interference, and everywhere you see the twisted strands of fate linking every single being to the greater universe - past, present and future. It is the most fantastic - and confusing sight Haxtes has ever seen. And it begs the question - if he has indeed been poisoned, then surely this is ordinary drug...
05/26/10 @ 09:26
Comment from: tancred
At any rate - some people are more special that others. Only it's hard to tell who is who when they've all turned into faceless apparitions of light! Still, you can make out a few details:
Sorkat Authwaite is quite somber compared to the other; being close to him has a steady effect. You can sense that he will be someone of importance in the future.
Elsergi Krin is unimportant. Most likely he'll soon meet his end on your blade...and even if you should choose to spare him he will find a similar fate somewhere down the road.
Most of the others...they will burn soon enough. It is the only likely outcome...
05/26/10 @ 09:54
Comment from: agenthaxtes
Haxtes will accept as second Sorkat Authwaite because he upsets the nice psy drug effect, more important is where are the drugs ? and even more important, you may say most important does Haxtes get a Imprecision of how soon all the beautiful court will burn\ atomic burn fall down from spire ?
(haxtes does like drugs and killing elsegrin`s but he does not plan too be around for the fire)
Addressed too the second of hes opponent
" Its a lovely day, dont want too spoil the rest of my evening so if its alright with you fine folk lets get it over with now, do your master prefer 1, 2 or 3 blood "
05/26/10 @ 10:29
Comment from: tancred
It's not like he's a null like Silon - he's not unpleasant to be around. He's just very...stable this Sorkat Authwaite is. Like a tree surrounded by fleeting butterflies.
As for the fire - in you mind's eye it reminds you of the fiery blossoms created by the nuclear penetrators the Navy used to blast open Protasian strongpoints - you cannot be certain. Not right away though...a few hours? A few days at the very utmost.
Elsegrin would be content with first blood, of that you are certain. But then his second does something, pulls at the strings of fate, and the words that come out of his mouth are: "To the end commoner. Your end."
05/26/10 @ 10:45
Comment from: agenthaxtes
Ah a few hours or days is good,.
Haxtes does not like that the second pokes is nose in so Haxtes will make a point of remembering, they will meet again soon. so that Haxtes can enjoy the cults two nobles for the price of one party special :
"very well then lets get this over with I have a party too attend"
Haxtes will not fool around in the duel, fast and for a quick kill
05/26/10 @ 10:55
Comment from: tancred
The Alabaster Court has - very conveniently - its own Blood Square. Ah, being non-Scintillan commoners you might not know - a Blood Square is a Magistratum sanctioned and Ministorum blessed duelling ring. Within the square you must abide by the protocols of duelling, but as long as you do that you cannot be prosecuted for your actions inside the ring. To duel outside a Blood Square, however, is not only illegal in itself, but you could face separate charges if you harmed the other party. You might think it's odd that a bunch of happy-lovers like the Choir has a Square, but it would have been more unusual for it NOT to have since so many young nobles come here.
At any rate it is soon arranged. Elsegrin and Haxtes, each bare-chested so that bleeding woulds can be easily seen, armed with a relatively short slashing blade that's in favor among duellists on Scintilla.
The spectators stand about on low tiers semi-raised above the Square (to facilitate viewing no doubt). There are a few hundred attendees - a duel like this is always somewhat interesting, but it's like the majority of party-goers have even noticed.
The Square itself is - a square. The seconds stand in opposing corners, while the duellists start out in opposing corners also (and here is where they retreat if an end to fighting is called).
Elsegrin is young, confident and high on something. He's also trained extensively in such squares and with this particular weapon. In his current state Haxtes cannot risk a prolonged duel - he might get seriously hurt or killed.
So when he comes at you you feel him up for a bit, then deliver a foul blow with the semi-sharp point of the blade, leaving it buried between his knuckles. Then you flow across, grabbing his sword arm with a special grip that leaves him weaponless and you armed. The new blade flash across his throat - and he's all worked up, heart beating heard and fast; the resultant spray of blood is quite impressive.
Siprit Daneen takes the worst of it. And you see his true aura for the first time. Thus far it has been somber and controlled, but it's only a charade. Beneath is something strong and dangerous, a multi-hued miasma of pastels. And beneath that...darkness. Utter, inhuman darkness. Hunger. Rage. Desire.
It's like that time on the bride. The duel with the captain. An event you had thought thoroughly banished from your memory. Then man Siprit is not just a man; he is a man who has sold his soul and received something totally wicked in return. It's like that time on Sepheris when the miner put a name to his madness. Only this time you mind does not shut down nor do you go berserk. Instead you stand there coldly watching as Siprit sucks up the soul of the man dying in your arms.
As the husk of the nobleman - you've already forgotten his name - sinks to the ground you realize that Siprit knows that you know. But he merely smiles, as to a fellow conspirator. Yes! He doesn't know what you are at all! Caros Shaol has actually manage to suppress your identity. The fool of a cultist thinks your are ONE OF THEM.
Siprit: "Very...bloody. Just as you like it, no? I know, I know, we will never be friends, but do let me congratulate you on this victory...through he rightly belonged to me."
05/26/10 @ 12:18
Comment from: agenthaxtes
To Siprit/chaos spawn : "Its weak soul has no interest for us, old that the blood flows, you are welcome to it."
We are members of the church to make contacts so here goes:
Haxtes salutes the crowd and gives thanks to his second, attempting to find out who he is, fellow big I, evil drug boss, or the ever present rouge trader with a heart of gold.
He will also, try and find out who the Siprit is and what plans they have here; you know the old, lets compare notes and make sure we stay out of the other plans here :)
Haxtes will try and send to Odessa, asking her to bring on stand by hes Armour and weapons, Haxtes does not want to use vox here and its not like he don't trust the team on this job but he does not trust them with a warp spawn.
05/26/10 @ 12:32
Comment from: tancred
Your right arm is covered in blood to the elbow...drip drip drip...so that you must appear the very image of a champion of Khaine/Khorne.
Siprit smiles and invites you to see him in one of the private rooms later; it seems that there might be a conflict of interest that could perhaps be avoided.
The corpse is removed and the seconds see to it that the duel and its outcome is reported to the Magistratum.
Sorkat Authwaite proves to be none of the above. Rather he is a merchant of sorts, a representative of one of the Fanes (corporations) of Gunmetal City. He is here in Sibellus to hawk their wares. And recently he has found his faith - through the Choir.
The worst of the psi-boost is starting to wear off, but before it does you reach out to Odessa. She immediately comes across, strong and clear. It's like your standing right next to her, you can even SMELL her. You can bet she's surprised to have YOU initiate a projection like this; you've not the training for it and the psi-rating require is waaay beyond your normal self.
So what's the message? Backup team to standby for extraction/assault or just prep your gear?
05/26/10 @ 14:37
Comment from: Haxtes Hard at work
Haxtes wipes his hand, and will remain at full alert, warp spawns are harder to pass through the veil than humans.
Message to Odessa : Prep gear is pri 1, and don't forget the krak granades :) iIf she finds it needed then she can inform the mistress that Haxtes has found a warp spawn like the one on the maiden, no action needed so far, Haxtes will attempt to learn more.
Haxtes will go and meet Siprit. We don't wont a conflict of interest, do we?
Until they meet, Haxtes will keep working the room and learn more about the gun merchant.
05/26/10 @ 16:00
Comment from: tancred
It's a party all right. Looks like they are all quite happy and relaxed. Most likely they are also drugged. Not all of them perhaps, but quite a few. Not like Haxtes though. They seem focused, just very content and open-minded.
Sorkat Authwaite is an interesting character. He's a former Guard officer. He first survived twenty-five grueling years of battle among the Sentinel Worlds. His regiment, the 2757th Scintillan Infantry, was mustered out in 895.M41. All seventeen survivors. Sorkat opted to seek a commission and was granted this great honor. After receiving Cadet training he was assigned first to a logistical unit, and later to the Departmento Munitorum as a liaison. He served some years before being given a honorable discharge - his services were no longer required. Quite a shock. So he returned 'home' to Gunmetallicus. It's a long story. The short version is that he's got a small Fane with guns to sell, but is having troubling finding a market. All the local shares are taken and he lacks the connections to muscle his way in or to take his wares off-world.
You also run into a lot of other people. Many of them women desiring to copulate with the bloody-handed victor. Nobles! Ah, one of the nobles who tries nothing of the sort is one Lord Raephen Verence. He's the man in charge of the Aquila Superior Spire and a known associate of Lord Sector Hax. He dresses like a dandy, but unlike the dead man this one is dangerous underneath. He's chats a little with you, wants you to show him the trick you did in the Bloodsquare. Then he moves on.
Siprit Daneen. Follower of that-which-should-not-be mentioned. Once again you get to confront something which could see you burn - just for knowing about, just for associating with. Face to face with the Inquisition's REAL enemy. Oh yes, Haxtes has gathered that much; the mutants, the heretics, the witches...they are important too, but this is the real deal. The Archenemy.
He's not alone. Rather surrounded by a small gathering of his associates. The psi-boost is fast fading but you can at least tell than none of the others are so afflicted as he. He dismisses the others and then forgoes making a pass on Haxtes, instead getting down to business:
"I see that you are a true artiste of the blood. You must make your master very proud. Trained by the dark kin, are you not? That is something quite extraordinary...had I not heard them destroyed I'd hazard that the Veiled Hand made you, though I could be mistaken. And also a psyker...you are quite something, aren't you...any chance of me persuading you to switch teams, or are you finally set on the path of blood?"
05/26/10 @ 22:24
Comment from: agenthaxtes
Haxtes thinks he can help Sorkat move the guns, Haxtes tells him he may know a few people that need guns and can pay.
The list of thinks Haxtes should burn for is long so lets not idle too long on that. Haxtes is sure he will get his due in good time.
"I have not fail my master so far, that does make him proud it makes me alive. The dogs of the corpse god make a habit of declaring things they attack for dead. A persuading argument is a persuading argument."
05/26/10 @ 22:45
Comment from: tancred
Siprit: "I think you'll find that there are better things in life than just blood. No, I will not say better. I will say more. There more to be had. But surely you know that. Blood. Pain. Murder. All very amusing. But why not throw in some creature comforts and a little pleasure? Why indeed!"
Pause.
"I'll leave you to ponder my offer. No need to rush, eh? To live eternal...no use in rushing then!
To other things; I know not what your agenda is good sir Haxtes (I'll assume you've used the Haxtes name?). But in courtesy I will tell you min first. I am but a recent addition to the Choir...it is of interest to me. It has potential and it has interesting people already connected with it.
I would already have assumed a more active role here were it not for the involvement of external agencies; Caros Shoal has powerful backers. I believe the Query that Stings may be involved, if you know what I mean. But I'm observing and trying to find a way to coexist. I think I have their agenda figured out and will soon be ready to make them an offer.
Now, your turn."
05/26/10 @ 23:11
Comment from: agenthaxtes
"I will consider your offer, because you are right - there is always more."
"I believe I know what you mean. My master finds these humans interesting, and I think he will want a piece of the action here, but we can get back to that later.
Someone here has the means to help part the veil for an ordained soul. Shoal will in time lead me to my target."
So tell me of the Choir, as I'm even newer here...
05/26/10 @ 23:23
Comment from: tancred
"As long as it doesn't upset things I have no objections.
The Choir? Quite a clever setup. They are milking their clients, but at the same time they are giving them something in return. A win-win situation, largely made possible by Shoal's considerable gifts in the social department. Only they are a bit too open-minded for their own good. Thought begets heresy and all that. Which is wonderfully true, is it not? In time they will find real joy in life, I'll see to that."
"But there is another layer. The real reason the Choir was created in the first place. It grooms psykers. Indeed it does. It helps latent psyker that have already been checked out of the system grow in power...through the use of a special drug called farcosia. It's quite brilliant really - stealing real psykers would eventually be noticed by the Inquisition, but the Choir literally creates them from nothing. So there is nothing to be missed. They identify them, farm them, and when they are ripe they are taken away.
At any rate, you've tasted the drug for yourself - and tonight's does was quite potent. More so than usual.What was it like for you?"
He is rather interested in hearing your description of your trip.
05/26/10 @ 23:42
Comment from: agenthaxtes
" I cant see why my master and you cant both enjoy the choir "
" the drug, was good boosted me up, the short laps of control was invigorating its not often I lose control that was the best part "
" do you have a sample of the drug for my master ?"
05/26/10 @ 23:49
Comment from: tancred
"I do not have anything on me, no. The Choir takes the security surrounding the drug and its distribution very seriously. But I am sure I could procure a sample if I wanted to. But I think you will be disappointed - I had it analyzed at one point, and it's not something you can easily put together yourself. Far from it. It involves several exo-planetary substances, xenos compounds, and so on. Mixed together using secret procedures no doubt.
But if you want it, I am sure I can get it. But then I want something in return. You have the patronage of Caros Shoal himself, have you not? I'd like to know how that came about, and I'd like for you to arrange for me to meet with him."
Haha, the bloody warp-spawn needs help to talk to the leader of the Choir. Absolutely delightful. A fond memory for bleak moments.
05/27/10 @ 09:46
Comment from: agenthaxtes
Haxtes has what he needs for now
"How it came about ?, I removed some small thing that was bothering him, the hounds showed interest in them I removed the hounds"
" if you have a sample for me sometime soon, I`d be grateful"
05/27/10 @ 10:27
Comment from: tancred
"Arrange the meeting with Shoal. In the meantime I'll arrange for the drug to be procured."
With that the conversation is over.
05/27/10 @ 14:51
Comment from: agenthaxtes
Haxtes plans too finish the party and go and try and hook up with Odessa too get hes gear and hear if the high and mighty have some new orders or input.
05/27/10 @ 15:09
Comment from: tancred
OK, but do you, or do you not, arrange for a meeting between Shoal and Siprit in return for a farcosia sample?
05/27/10 @ 20:58
Comment from: agenthaxtes
Haxtes will do as little as possible until he has given hes competent superiors information on:
1. warp spawn/ warp dweller in the spire
2. that the choir is making witches and then abscond them to parts /parties unknown.
3. They do this true xeno drugs
05/27/10 @ 21:02
Comment from: tancred
OK, good.
So Haxtes disentangles from the party at some point later that night. He isn't able to make contact with Odessa by projection anymore and he doesn't have any voxes on his person (a first time of everything). So he's reduced to calling her on a fixed line and using a Haegum cipher to deliver the key points.
You've several options; you could arrange for Odessa to pick you up directly (a slight risk to your cover though) or you could go to the House of Strophes and report in more detail from there (they've secure links for you to use, plus Venus is there). Or arrange for a meeting Odessa somewhere else entirely; though that will take more time as you have to get there first ;-)
05/27/10 @ 21:54
Comment from: agenthaxtes
Haxtes fells like He have one option, he cant speak of this over open comes. He cant go too the Strophes house because he must assume that the warp spirit is keeping a eye or eight on him and to bring a warp spawn into the strophes home is probably not what globus had in mind when he asked Tancred for some thugs.
Contacting Odessa direct and asking for a pick up as if she is a vaild hand is the best option, the spirt must assume that Haxtes has alias too.
So Haxtes will call Odessa saying the party is over for the night and ask her to come get him.
05/27/10 @ 22:05
Comment from: tancred
The extraction goes smoothly; a matte black heavy hopper meets you at the designated landing area. Silon is in the pilot seat, Jarra is providing cover with her bolter (currently pintle-mounted), while Odessa is there to help you inside the passenger compartment. Ignace is back at their base.
05/27/10 @ 22:58
Comment from: agenthaxtes
" thanks for the helping hand , so where are we going this fine morning ?"
05/27/10 @ 23:04
Comment from: tancred
"That depends on what you need. I can drop you of somewhere or you can come back to base with us - we are set up in an abandoned topside landing facility out in one of the industrial sprawls, about 30 minutes flight from here."
She's also brought the gear that you requested.
06/04/10 @ 09:09
Comment from: agenthaxtes
"I need a secure line to our fine and illustrious bosses and a short chat with them "
Haxtes gets out of the noble rags and gears up.
06/04/10 @ 11:00
Comment from: tancred
While Haxtes is busy suiting up he hears Silon over the internal vox system.
"We have company. Three Magistratum patrol hoppers. They are ordering us to fall into escort pattern and follow then in. She I comply, evade, or flash Inquisition IFF?"
06/04/10 @ 13:47
Comment from: agenthaxtes
" Evade, it can be the cult or the warp spawns minions, lose them fast, besides we are servants of the most holly and sacred throne on Terra, we need fear a lot of things a speeding thicket is not one of those things "
06/04/10 @ 13:55
Comment from: tancred
"No greencoat is giving me a ticket..."
And with that Silon dives towards the surface of the hive, intending to shake of your pursuers among the many spires and protrusions down there.
Shortly thereafter Haxtes can see the brilliant tracer rounds put out by the pursuing hoppers - rapid-fire autocannon. You own hopper makes a mad barrel roll that leaves Haxtes hanging in the air for a moment then smashes him against the floor. Time to buckle up.
"Those ain't Magistratum! They always warn you first and then fire!"
More incoming fire and more wild maneuvers. Jarra grabs Haxtes by the neck and pushes him into a bucket seat. You grab the restrains and secure then, before continuing to gear up as best you can.
Jarra pushes a release catch and the right-side door flies open again. She racks her bolter and waits...
06/04/10 @ 14:08
Comment from: agenthaxtes
"Lets take them out then"
" Set up the secure come to the mistress, if they get us she needs the information I have "
06/04/10 @ 14:10
Comment from: tancred
Odessa starts fumbling with the vox caster. Jarra starts firing - she doesn't hit anything, but at least your pursuers become less eager.
Then you are down to the surface of the Hive, hurting past thins and that at breakneck speeds. You pursuers seem to loose a little ground, but they are skilled operators and cool...the just climb a little higher, then speed up and keep you boxed in...
"I have Mistress Xersa on the line now. The link isn't too good, I think they are jamming us. But I think she can hear us - barely. Here, take the set."
She hands you the vox.
06/04/10 @ 14:17
Comment from: Haxtes workin for the man
"Mistress, the link here is not good, enter my mind if you can and I will show you"
If Xersa enters Haxtes`s mind he will show her:
"The true face of the warp spawn and hes plans and that he wants to take over the cult"
"The bit about making psykers with drugs and transporting them off"
"The visions about the top spire and nuking and burning a few hours/days off"
"Your orders mistress ?"
06/04/10 @ 15:10
Comment from: tancred
There is a lot of static on the line. For a moment you think she didn't get you - she's on the other side of the damned world you know - but then Odessa places her hand upon your brow and adds her strength to yours. There is the taste of blood in your mouth - as if you've bit yourself...or someone bit you. Then Xerza is there, in your mind. It's not a strong link - she can't really read you - instead you must force-feed her the details. It's hard, but you manage.
Before she can relay anything back you are cut short in the middle of the part about the burning spire by a fire of your own...one of the enemy hoppers have scored a series of hits on your. Mostly it's just holes - luckily no personnel hits - but something important must also have been struck, because you suddenly jerk violently and start drifting down and to the right...
"Frak. Main repulsors are out. We are going DOWN. Brace for impact!"
06/04/10 @ 18:12
Comment from: Haxtes workin hard for the man
Haxtes braces for inpact
"when we land, we scater they will try and hit the wreck"
"when thay land to finish us, we take them down, I want one alive for information, and skining later"
06/04/10 @ 18:27
Comment from: tancred
Even as you go down one of the attackers gets a little too eager - he probably just wants to claim the kill. For his indiscretion he receives a couple of bolt rounds to the cockpit area. For all it's speed and power the hopper is not an armored aerospace fighter. The bolt round punch right through the canopy and explode in a hail of metal slivers. The hopper suddenly stands on its tail, rockets right up, then starts to spiral down to its doom. The remaining two are content to hang back and watch.
You hit the skin of the hive. After that you don't know exactly what happened. Suddenly your upside-down, hanging from your straps. Odessa is right next to you - she's out cold and bleeding from a scalp wound. You can't see Jarra - she was at the door when you hit. She might have be thrown clear. Silon is presumably still in the cockpit.
Hmmm, you think your left wrist might be broken. The suit contracts to support the injured area, limiting your movement of that boy part just a bit. But apart from that you're OK. You can smell promethium. Ruptured fuel cells.
06/04/10 @ 18:54
Comment from: Haxtes workin hard for the man
Haxtes gets Odessa down first, then he looks outside if its clear then he gets her out and in cover before he moves back too get Silon out and in cover.
Haxtes mutters: "I`m getting too soft"
If Haxtes sees the other hopper he will hold fire until he can get a good shot.
06/04/10 @ 19:47
Comment from: tancred
Other TWO hoppers - three minus one is two...
Getting Odessa and yourself out is easy enough. Cut own straps. Land. Cut Odessa down. Carry outside. It only takes a few seconds. And about fraking time. One of the enemy hoppers scram past overhead, cuts its engines and coasts on repulsors while the pilot points the nose down and lets loose with both autocannon. You've barely time to get into cover before your own crashed hopper turns into a million burning pieces of shrapnel.
You're not too worried about Silon though (not that you really care). You can feel his non-presence somewhere in the vicinity. He's alive all right, and already annoying you.
Jarra is nowhere in sight.
Getting a firing solution on the enemy isn't possible with the weapons you have.
06/04/10 @ 19:57
Comment from: Haxtes workin hard for the man
Haxtes hides Odessa, then he will try and lead the hoppers away from the crash and the other agents, if the hoppers get close Haxtes will jump on the damn things and cut hes way inn with the powersword.
Haxtes will lead them into buildings if he can, make them land and then hunt them down.
06/04/10 @ 20:12
Comment from: tancred
Odessa if 'safely' stashed behind a ten meter wide and fifty meter tall vent column. In addition to the physical cover there is a considerable amount of steam coming out of it. Might even offer some infrared concealment because of the heat it outputs.
Both remaining hoppers keep circling. Then one of them swoops in a bit lower to bet a better view. There is a flash from somewhere to your right. A missile streaks up from the ground, but the hopper deftly evades it. As it sails past the missile explodes, sending a shower of flechettes in the direction of the hopper. Several punch through the engine casing to the rear, causing the engine to flame out and the hopper to spin out of control and eventually smashing into the vent column.
Jarra drops down beside you. "Disposable multilauncher. Never leave home without one. That's what the Drill Sergeant always said. Actually he said always take two...but I was never a good recruit. So what do we do about the last one? And where is Silon?"
She looks over to the burning wreck of your own transport, as if to ask if he was till inside.
06/07/10 @ 10:20
Comment from: Haxtes workin hard for the man
"I felt his presence I think he was thrown clear."
"Now lets take out the last hopper."
06/07/10 @ 13:22
Comment from: tancred
Jarra: "With what exactly? Sticks? Stones? Unfortunately I'm all out of those. And ammo for the bolter..."
Odessa, semi-coherent: "I...I can take him. His mind is weak...open. Could be a latent psyker never detected. If you lend your strength to mine I can reach into his mind."
06/07/10 @ 15:35
Comment from: agenthaxtes
"Take all the strength you need my sweet, just make him land I want him under my blade, and we need the hopper to get back up "
06/07/10 @ 15:46
Comment from: tancred
OOC: The hopper is a one-seat model. Look at the image in Maxi's thread. Maybe you could squeeze another person into the cockpit (not Jarra through).
It's a nice little scene where the three little witches join hands, shrouded by the steaming vent, while the enemy circles above...
You can feel Odessa reaching out to the mind above. It does indeed shine brightly. Like psykers do. But it is unaware, unprotected. Easy prey. Odessa starts sucking energy from you, using it to augment her own power. A useful if heretical trick.
She quickly convinces the weak mind on the other end of the ink that it has received orders - land and make sure the prey is dead. He conveniently forgets that he's quite sure at least some of you are down there - armed and dangerous.
Two minutes later the hopper lands and the canopy opens. Then he gets out...a Magistratum officer in a flight suit.
06/07/10 @ 16:58
Comment from: Haxtes in the sun
Haxtes secures the prisoner
"Well, well.. is that not nice, jarra see if you can find our pilot, the life of our new best friend depends on it "
Too the pilot: " I`m your new best friend and you will tell me all you know. One way or another ......"
06/08/10 @ 00:25
Comment from: tancred
You find Silon. He's alive, but badly injured. When you impacted the ground the cockpit section of your heavy hopper (think of it like a helicopter without the rotors) sheared of and was thrown clear. But now your pilot is stuck inside the mangled section, unconscious and with obvious signs of internal injuries. You get him out though - using Haxtes power-blade and all your remaining power cells, plus Jarra's inhuman (even for an ogryn - Haxtes can feel her drawing on her psychic reserves as she struggles with the twisted metal) strength. Once clear of the wreck you give him such first aid as you are able.
The pilot has little to offer. Haxtes questions him briefly and Odoessa rummages through his brain. It becomes clear that he's just a blind - a real Magistratum pilot instructed by his superior to intercept 'known heretics posing as Inquisition operatives'. Not that it makes him innocent, but it does sort of limit his utility.
You're low on ammo and equipment. Haxtes has his two pistols and you've also some assorted small arms (but little ammo). The medicae supplies are all but exhausted and so on. And Silo needs medicae attention as soon as possible.
You do, however, have one Magistratum patrol hopper. And a pilot. It's possible to stick either Haxtes or Odessa in the cockpit with the pilot and fly somewhere. Not ideal, but possible. The hopper also has a long-range vox set. And you could probably strip out one of the autocannons and have Jarra cary it.
So there are many options...
06/08/10 @ 08:27
Comment from: Haxtes in the sun
Haxtes whants too try the easy way first, the long range vox set, putting a call in to Coblast Asai, asking for hes handler, then he will give hes codes for picup for 5 souls, some wonded. Haxtes hopes they dont need a full day and night this time.
If that does not work, Haxtes will take hes new best friend and fly up and send transport for the others.
06/08/10 @ 11:00
Comment from: tancred
The Coblast Assay option works well enough - they have some assets in the area available for a pickup. You have to do some sweet-talking though, since you're freelancers and not on any registered assignment. But who can resist a Haxtes? You owe your handler an fancy dinner btw.
Not sure what you do with the last hopper. Blow it up maybe? It will look weird for there to be an empty hopper standing untouched among the debris and no pilot to be found. But that's up to you.
Jarra opts to pull out one of the autocannons from the hopper; it's not an accurate weapon, but if she braces it she can at least hose. Haxtes isn't sure that the gun's machine spirit approves - but if you're going to blow the hopper it might change its mind and count itself lucky!
Regardless of what you do with the hopper (just let me know) an Assay heavy hopper arrives to pick you up. It's empty save for pilot, co-pilot and a loading officer in the passenger compartment.
06/08/10 @ 12:22
Comment from: Haxtes in the sun\rain, stil warm
"We blow the hopper.
Too the crew: "Take us to the HQ."
Haxtes intends to contact mistress from there.
06/08/10 @ 16:57
Comment from: tancred
A flight later. At the Coblast Assay central. You have Xerza on the vox, using what amounts to at least a semi-secure line, plus one of the ]=[ scramblers. It's as good as it is going to get and good enough unless someone decides to record and analyze this one conversation using powerful decryption gear. Which is so unlikely that you'll just have to take the chance. Finally you use the code words and chippers you've learned at the Haegum to avoid discussing sensitive subject in plain language.
Xerza: "Report."
06/09/10 @ 08:40
Comment from: Haxtes in the morning
"Mistress. The missing person that Inq Globus ordered us too look into is more or less solved, the Imperial church of the Choir is giving its members (Mostly Nobles, high society) a xeno/warp enhanced drug that turn them into psykers/stronger psykers. Than are then absconded to parts/parties unknown. Recommend that the full might of the Inquisition be used and there holdings taken by storm.
More important the actions of the Choir has made the eye of a warp spawn fall on them, it is more powerful than the one we encountered on the Maiden. It thinks it has a ally in me; it thinks I still serve the xeno blood god. It has asked me to set up a meet with the leader of the Choir. Recommend we do that, give a mag of psi bolts for my bolt gun and I will send it back to the warp, than we storm the buildings."
06/09/10 @ 10:17
Comment from: tancred
OOC: I'm writing this in plain language, but as said you're using codes and stuff...
Xerza: "I have just spoken to Inquisitor Vaarak. It seems there have been other developments as well. A strike of House Strophes using nerve gas. Mayhem in the Hustle, including plasma missiles and a melta bomb. From what we can gather the enemy we are up against has resources far beyond those of the Choir. And we are certain that they know they are tangling with the Holy Ordos. So if it is not the Choir and you are certain this warp spawn isn't behind it, then there is some as yet unseen enemy. Vern has also uncovered some clues as to where the drug is being produced.
We can discuss it in more detail when I arrive. I'm currently in a sub-orbital flight headed for Hive Sibellus. I'll be there in less than two hours. Have all assets meet up in the House of Strophes. It's crawling with Arbites so we will be shielded by their presence. This is still Globus' operation, so I will be there merely as an observer - and your new designated pilot. In fact there is no reason for you to mention that I'll be there at all. Just inform the others that additional support from the Haegum is incoming. Affirmative?"
Pause.
"There is one other thing. The Tarot keeps returning the Apocalypse in a most unfavorable position. Based upon our earlier psi-link and the attacks on you I am fairly sure that the enemy is trying to wrap up any loose end. And once it becomes clear that they have failed with that they might take more drastic measures. I suspect that there might be thermonuclear device hidden within the Alabaster Court. It's just about the only thing that fits with your precognitive visions.
So before we do anything else we need to know if there is anything of the sort. We can go in only to have half the spire blown to bits with us inside it. So you must make your way there ASAP. You're the only one who can get inside and snoop around."
06/09/10 @ 11:46
Comment from: Haxtes in the morning
"I will make my way to the choir right now, I will find the bomb if a bomb is there. Then I'll report to the estate for recaff and medals."
Haxtes makes his way to the Choir, to meet with its master and have a chat about nukes and assorted heresies.
06/09/10 @ 12:03
Comment from: tancred
Haxtes is quickly taken to see Caros Shoal. He is, as always, delighted to have Haxtes pay him a visit. Haxtes is, after all, the only Inquisitorial agent in his church! At least he's trying to pretend to (and he is a great actor!). But Haxtes gets the feeling that he's not really paying much attention today, as if some great burden had been placed upon his shoulders, one that takes up all his time and attention.
So, how do you drop the bomb?
06/09/10 @ 12:39
Comment from: Haxtes in the morning
"I see that you are troubled, my friend. Sometimes it helps to talk, you can talk too me and I will do what I can to help the Choir and you."
06/09/10 @ 12:52
Comment from: tancred
"I am sure that you would...it is only that I do not know where to begin...perhaps at the beginning?"
He laughs a little at his own comment, but before he can proceed one of the Counselors enter and whispers something to him.
If anything Caros gets even more nervous.
Muttering: "So soon..." and more loudly: "I am sorry Haxtes, but I have an important visitor. One of the Choir's benefactors. I am afraid it cannot wait, I must go see what he wants. I will be with you shortly. Then we can finish out conversation. Feel free to help yourself to refreshments" he says, pointing at his well-stocked private refreshment area.
06/09/10 @ 13:12
Comment from: Haxtes in the morning
"I so sorry father, but our conversation cant wait, your benefactor can join us, I think our talk involves him as well."
"You wanted too start at the beginning I feel that's a good place to start, I pray you, please feel free to start at the beginning."
06/09/10 @ 13:17
Comment from: tancred
He excuses the Counselor, telling him to "Tell Theodosia that I will be with him shortly."
He seems to have found his confidence again. Or maybe he has just resigned to his fate.
"Look Sir Haxtes. I've got a few things to confess. And I will do so without reservation. But not right now. I must meet with Theodosia and convince him things are under control. If I do not then everybody dies. I would rather not be responsible for that. Please."
06/09/10 @ 13:23
Comment from: Haxtes in the morning
"I understand. If it's this Theodosia that controls the doomsday device here then I'll help you with that, but I will not permit you to be murdered by them to prevent you from doing whats right."
06/09/10 @ 13:27
Comment from: tancred
Caros resigns.
"Very well. Tell Master Theodosia that I will meet him here."
The Counselor goes to fetch Theo.
Caros to Haxtes: "He is going to kill us both as soon as he sees you. I am certain he knows you are Inquisition. Believe me, I tried to keep it a secret, but the two guards you flashed to...they seems to have disappeared. And I'm really not the disappearing kind of person - I had a talk with them and that's it. I'm pretty sure that's what he's here to talk about...
...I don't know what tricks you have Haxtes, but believe me - Thoedosia is extremely dangerous. He's more machine than man and has several integrated weapon systems...monobond armour...clawed dexterous extremities...the works. He even has a melta self-destruct mechanism inside. I know, because I had him scanned - yes, I'm not all gullible! And I also think he has buried some sort of bomb below the psi-shielded cells."
There is the sound of heavy footsteps in the corridor outside - the door is slightly ajar.
(presumably Haxtes is in his armour and with his weapons, but covered in some sort of robe or something like that?)
06/10/10 @ 09:06
Comment from: Haxtes in the morning
" Thank you for telling me, as for tricks I have more than a sorita temple whore"
"If you are not all gullible, then I hope you can jam its signals ones it enters or we will all be blown to Thera "
The thing is hopefully not ready for a full fight coming to see the old gullible wind bag Haxtes will not give it the opportunity to get ready ,the minute it enters :
Haxtes will attack it with both hes pistols, if the poison worked on Venus it may work here, when more is needed to bring it down Haxtes will move in with blade and bolter up close. if needed Haxtes will place krak grenades on it and move away before the thing goes off "
06/10/10 @ 11:16
Comment from: tancred
It doesn't work out quite that way. The footsteps reach the door - then a section of the light interior wall next to where Haxtes is standing ready explodes inward, as a robed man jumps straight through it. Vicious metal claws slash out, but Haxtes manages a wild dodge that takes him back, over and behind Caros desk.
Jumping through the wall has torn away its hood and parts of its robe - beneath can be seen gleaming metal. What is perhaps the most intriguing is the lack of a head - the just body ends at the armored neck section. Almost like someone had screwed off the head and done something with it.
Caros is screaming like a stuck Gorx, but the assailant ignores him. Instead it brings up its left arm and lets loose a burst of autogun fire. Haxtes keeps moving as the desk turns into wooden shrapnel. You even manage to put two bolt round on target. One glances of, but the other one penetrates. Seemingly to little effect.
06/10/10 @ 15:05
Comment from: Haxtes in the morning
So no bullet in the head for him oh well, Haxtes will doges and cover and get up close to finish it with the blade then.
06/10/10 @ 15:09
Comment from: tancred
You manage an acrobatic tumble that causes another burst to miss, and then you are upon him, your blade carving into metal and cabling.
He then proceeds to disarm you with one clawed hand while his equally clawed foot carves a deep gash across your belly as it sends you to the floor.
Haxtes scrambles to regain his feet, not out of desperation, but because people lying on their back bleeding make such nice and juicy targets. For your efforts you are rewarded by having a flamer unit pointed in the general direction of your face.
Then it suddenly freezes up. The ignition flame burns blue and bright, but now promethium gushes out to engulf brave Haxtes. Nor does the beast move. At all.
Caros, who is lying under a table, is fumbling with some sort of device: "Cyber-scrambler. Adranti artifact. Quite heretical I'm afraid. Didn't know if it would work, but I guess we have the answer to that now...well worth the millions it cost me.
But what do we do now? I don't know how long it will last, and I'd rather not have him self-destruct either. And what about the bomb? What do we do? Haxtes, say something! Save us!"
06/10/10 @ 15:24
Comment from: Haxtes bleeding on the floor
"I'll get a tech priest down here now, take this thing in and disarm the bomb."
Haxtes disarms the things arms and legs too just in case it unscrambles.
~ Mistres I need a tech priest and you here to disarm the nuke and bring in a Dark Mechanicus cleric ~
06/10/10 @ 15:35
Comment from: tancred
Haxtes ignores the frantic preacher and quickly disables its arms and legs using his power blade. It's surprisingly hard - you could shoot at this fucker all day and still he would keep going - but the annihilation field eventually takes care of things.
Now only the torso remains in one place. If there is a melta bomb in there Haxtes sure as hell does not want to poke his blade in there.
Caros: "But where is the head. Emperor save us, where is the head!? Haxtes! The head is a detachable unit that houses the brain, but can move about on its own. We have to get going right away - if he manages to leave he'll blow the place to bits! Haxteees do somethiiing!!!"
06/11/10 @ 13:23
Comment from: Haxtes hopping mad
"Our tech priest will be here in a few mins, stay calm. Put your faith in Him on Earth, and the hoppers of the Inquisition "
06/11/10 @ 19:45
Comment from: tancred
Xerza: ~I'm bringing in the Haegum's senior demolition expert. He needs the landing site secured and a guide to where the bomb is.~
06/14/10 @ 10:35
Comment from: Haxtes
To Xerza: ~You sound upset Xerza, take a deep breath, I'll send you a guide. As for securing a whole lot of building space I'm an army of one.~
To Caros: "Send one you can trust to show our bomb expert the bomb, and the female passenger here."
06/14/10 @ 10:43
Comment from: tancred
Caros: "Then I will have to be the guide - the existence of the psi-warded cells are not general knowledge...as for the location of the bomb its more of a theory...there is no other place it can be."
Xerza: ~I'm not agitated. I'm merely detecting multiple hostile intents in the are of the landing platform. I'd rather not get shot out of the sky as we are landing. That's YOUR specialty.~
06/14/10 @ 11:01
Comment from: Haxtes
To Xerza: ~IF your slaves get shot down on YOUR operations, does that say something about you or the poor slaves?
Just land somewhere else, take the magos and walk in the front fucking door, Caros here will tell the guards too let you inn.
If that don't work then we know that he is not in control, THEN I hold here, YOU lot storm the place with stormtroopers and then we disarm the bomb.
Then we hope that my prey has not left in the commotion."
06/14/10 @ 11:09
Comment from: tancred
Xerza: ~It tells us something about the general lack of intelligence found among Inquisition operatives. Why do I have to explain everything? Why canot you just execute? Sometimes at least?"~
You're pretty sure she's having a good time right now...she so loves your little quarrels.
~"Alternate landing and a stroll through the spire will take 20 additional minutes. Allowing whomever is presently on the Alabaster Court's landing pad to escape - along with the psykers currently being herded into their transport. And was there not something about a thermonuclear bomb? I seem to remember something about that.
So why don't the one-man army get off his ass, stop drinking ridiculously expensive amasec and kill someone in the name of the name of Xerza, the Throne, and fucking Humanity?"
If that proves impossible I'll take the hopper in through the panorama windows and let Maxi, Jarra and Ignace sweep the grounds."~
She IS having a good time, you can sense it over the psi-link. This is what passes for humor in Xerza's little world. She really needs to get out more often.
06/14/10 @ 11:23
Comment from: Haxtes
To Xerza: ~"One out of three, is not that bad mistress. By the way - I`m not drinking...not been offered a drink yet. I stand here in a pudde of High cult leader piss. No need to bring Maxi. I don't plan on surrendering at this time."~
To Caros: "Order what loyal troops you have here to open fire, on our metal friends boys on the landing field, and keep those landers with the witches from taking off, you look your self in here. I'll go clear a path for our magos - can you do that?"
06/14/10 @ 11:31
Comment from: tancred
You can see Caros contemplating escape for a moment - eyeballing what is sure to be a secret exit hidden behind a bookcase. But you also see that he abandons the notion right away.
At any rare he seems to be getting his act together again: "By the Throne...keep in mind that several of the guards are Theodosia's men. He uses them for the...special duty. There are more of them on duty today than usual."
Checking his slate: "Six total, though he might have taken more with him when he arrived."
He punches something into the slate and then one of the walls of his humble office turn into a multi-faceted view-screen. Including an external view of the Alabaster Court's landing area - a large platform jutting from the spire. There are three hoppers parked there - two passenger carriers big enough for maybe ten people each and a slick speeder type with under-slung rocket pods and rotary autocannon.
The rest of the screen-wall shows images from the rest of the Alabaster court. Quite the security system he has. Probably as a result of the underhand activities taking place here. Can't have someone stumble across a handful of psyker stashed in the basement.
Caros: "Here - take this slate. I've put a map of the Court on it and will overlay images and positions of enemies as I detect them. I'm counting ten hostiles so far - two on the platform outside, six moving a total of eleven psyker, and two more heading towards the office to check out the gunfire."
He zooms in on the corridor outside. Two of the Alabaster security guards are headed this way. They do not seem overly concerned - they must know this is the last run AND that probably assume the shots were fired BY Theo...
---
Haxtes steps to the side of the door as they enter. He guts the entry man then shoots the cover man in the eye with his needler. They both go down with a minimum of fuss.
Caros shuts the door behind you.
You're on the second level now, which ends in along balcony overlooking the main templum area. The psykers are normally kept in the basement. Now they are being herded in a compact group by six men. You can't hope to take out that many in one go, but you can tie them down.
Here goes.
You quickly descend the flight of stairs, sweep through the near-empty templum area (its early in the morning now), through some secondary areas (counselor chambers etc. and into the utility section (storage, kitchen etc.).
The slate displays a feed of the next intersection. You can see a rear-guard. As he turns to look in a another direction you move forward and take him out with the needler while on the run. You head through a doorway. The slate is shot out of your hands. You roll down, firing as you go, taking out the gunman. You can see the backs of the pyskers - almost at the platform - but none of the guards.
You draw bolt (or blade?) to back up the needler. The slate is destroyed. From the open door ahead through which the psykers are headed you can hear the wind howling - and the sound of hopper engines.
06/15/10 @ 14:39
Comment from: Haxtes still in the sun
Haxtes attacks with both pistols, the blade slung for later.
Moving fast to avoid being shot, Haxtes will in short move and fire.
06/15/10 @ 14:45
Comment from: tancred
You're out o the platform and in among the psykers, using them for concealment as you scan for the next target. The psykers are leashed together and seem drugged, and they all wear explosive collars. So the enemy isn't completely irresponsible.
That aside - there are six targets - four herders from the Court's internal security force. They wear flak and carry shotguns and sidearms. Then there are two heavies in carapace with automatic support weapons - they must have come in the Thoedosia.
They need to be taken down - once you've locate the herder with the controls to the collars. Can't have eleven psykers blown up right now. They belong to the }=[ and the Emperor now.
It takes a couple of seconds before you have him. You take him with the bolter. Toxins could make him spasm and push the button. Everything happens rather quickly after that...
A black-painted hopper with 'Coblast Assay' on the side suddenly pops up from below. A big-ass Guardswoman stars blazing away with her bolter the instant she has a field of fire. Jarra.
To other men jump out and open fire. One with twin autopistols, the other one with an Arbites shotgun. A couple of guards go down. Then you finish the other heavy with a half clip of bolts in the back as he turns to face this new thread.
Only one guard left. Talking cover between the psykers. You can feel his desperation, although it is somehow duller than it ought to be. You put down his living cover with a few toxic slivers, then shoot out his knee with a bolt round. His leg is now amputated.
It's all over. Ignace and Maxi move to secure to pilots of the two big hoppers. The last one is empty. Might have been the one Theodosia came in. The psykers just sand there - or lie twitching.
Your hopper lands and a big tech-priest gets out, with two floating metal cases in tow, but bearing the cog-and-skull symbol. The replacement pilot gives you a cocky wave - Xerza...she feels...happy. Almost. And she's letting it show.
Tech-priest: "Where is the bomb?"
06/15/10 @ 21:48
Comment from: agenthaxtes
"Come with me I'll take you to our guide."
Haxtes leads the tech priest to Caros.
06/15/10 @ 23:06
Comment from: agenthaxtes
OOC: Pressed send on last post too fast :)
"Maxi, get back on the hopper, protect the pilot. If you fuck this up I will send you to the Eye "
"Ignace with me, there are more hostiles look so sharp old boy."
~"Mistress, nice landing, If you would circle for now, Tancred can't loose you and your mind will aid us greatly."~
"Jarra give us some of that good top cover :)"
THEN Haxtes leads the heroic trio back to Caros.
06/15/10 @ 23:19
Comment from: kuhnrat
"Feeding the EYE is an Heretical offense Agent. And the pilot doesn't need protection. I know I mind you so I won't ask your permission. You'll find me on this platform securing it and making sure those two hoppers don't leave without your permission."
06/16/10 @ 09:00
Comment from: tancred
Maxi remains on the landing platform - not such a bad idea perhaps, given that you've got eleven semi-sedated, confused and scared people who have just been turned into psykers AND abducted AND gotten caught in a firefight...the list goes on...
The Assay hopper ascends after a few seconds, with Jarra at the gun and the replacement pilot at the helm.
The rest of you head indoors again...
Caros on vox: "I have two more hostiles. They just came out of the basement/psi-warded cells. There are no security systems I can access down there you see...they are headed your way. From their comments I take it they are unaware of the situation, but that the bomb has been primed. I suggest you move directly there - its next to the cold storage are behind the secondary kitchen.
You see any sign of Theodosia's head yet?"
06/16/10 @ 10:19
Comment from: tancred
Xerza: ~"I've psi-scanned the entire Alabaster Court. I count 113 sentients. Only two that I would classify as an immediate threat - they just emerged from a psi-shielded sub-area."~
06/16/10 @ 10:22
Comment from: agenthaxtes
To Caros " If we get some head father you will be the first to know, we will move to the bomb now"
To priest and mutant " The bomb is primed now and is located next to the cold storage are behind the secondary kitchen. there are two targets moving to intercept us "
Haxtes runs a few meters ahead of the others to give the two guards a taste of xeno discs.
06/16/10 @ 10:24
Comment from: tancred
Xerza: ~"Just try keeping the collateral down. This Theodosia fucker might be on to your real identity, but if we don't blast this place to smithereens we might still salvage a meeting with the special target."~
Haxtes moves quickly forward, peeks around a corner, confirms two targets. Opens fire with needler. One down. The other man reacts. Fires needler again. Two down.
The tech-priest, you've yet to get his name, catches up with you. Ignace brings up the rear. "Nice shooting old boy."
Caros: "One of them should have some sort of pass-key or access-token. Find it. You'll need it to access the cell area."
Tech-priest, deep mechanical voice: "The token is on a chain around the neck of the smaller man. It requires his gene-print to operate. Take his right hand with you - we will need it later."
06/16/10 @ 10:35
Comment from: agenthaxtes
To Xerza: ~"If the bomb doesn't go off, the collateral is down :)"~
To tin can "I'm sure he is happy to give us a hand."
To guard: "Sorry you cant be alive for this."
Haxtes removes the key and his hand.
06/16/10 @ 10:40
Comment from: tancred
Tech-priest: "Observation. Dead men need no hands." What passes for tech-priest humor?
You find the secondary kitchen and the cold-storage area. There is a door there with an advanced gene-scanner. The hand and token does the trick and soon your descending into a cozy little cell-block. Haxtes and Ignace doesn't like it one bit - all the eight cell spaces are psi-warded and the numbing effect they have on psykers is quite unpleasant for you.
Finding the location of the bomb proves surprisingly easy - since they intended to blow up this section of the spire they didn't bother to cover up their work at all...
From inside his sleeved robe metal hands telescope out and into the large cavity left uncovered by some panels tat the bomb-makers left open. "I require one of you to be my aide - help me observe and to hand me tools if I require it. The other one can stand guard. This is delicate work. I must not be disturbed while I commune with the Machine." tech-priests goes at his work in complete silence. You're pretty sure he's not to be distrubed
06/16/10 @ 10:53
Comment from: agenthaxtes
"Why don't you help the man Ignace, I'll stand guard."
Haxtes moves into the shadows outside of the door, to keep out of the psi dampener range.
06/16/10 @ 10:56
Comment from: tancred
Ignace: "Thanks man. I owe you one..."
Caros: "The remaining guards look to be behaving normally - I think they are loyal to the Choir. I've issued a statement that we have been attacked by forces unknown - I was tempted to say heretics but I dropped it - but that Coblast Assay personnel are here to assist. Saw the markings on your hopper you see. Might be able to salvage something here.
I've also picked up a transmition to the Magistratum claiming the Alabaster Court is under terrorist attack. I've tried to get them to stand down, but to no effect. There is a unit of troopers headed this way. Probably aerial assets to, since we have our own platform."
06/16/10 @ 11:01
Comment from: agenthaxtes
Ignace: "You do owe me one, I like to spread the glory around, can't say I hog it all."
Caros: "Terrorist are not far from the truth, when they land give them the tin cans cohorts, say they where trying too take over but with your loyal security troops and by the grace of the throne you have put them down."
"If that does not work call in a favor from your friends at court, get them to help us stall the troops."
06/16/10 @ 11:08
Comment from: tancred
Caros: "That would take to long - it would undoubtedly work, but it would be too late. I will go down and convince their captain that we have put down the attackers with Coblast Assay help. Perhaps if one of you could accompany me to back up my claim?"
06/16/10 @ 11:12
Comment from: agenthaxtes
To Caros on vox: "We are a little short on staff here, we have one guard at the platform but I don't trust him with something delicate like that. I'll get our Ogryn to help you, she is reliable."
To Jarra/Hopper pilot on vox: "Troops inbound may be hostile they claim they are here to protect the choir from terrorists, Caros has gone too meet them, can you make them go away or land Jarra to back him up/keep him alive?"
06/16/10 @ 11:20
Comment from: kuhnrat
Maxi on vox: "Platform secured, 11 persons restrained and pacified. I'll guarantee the Choir leader's safety. Don't worry Agent, I won't go all Zed on him."
06/16/10 @ 11:50
Comment from: tancred
Jarra to Haxtes: "Sorry sweetie. Can't reach you in time. Seems you'll have to settle for ole Maxi. Don't worry - if he messes up I'll spank him myself."
Jarra to Maxi: "We got them covered from here. Get your ass over to the entrance area. Look of the subject Shoal, Caros. Cooperate with him in turning away the Magistratium, but keep in mind that his survival is priority one."
Maxi leaves the platform. Jarra and the hopper returns to cover the psykers. Haxtes gnashes teeth - not because of the nuke in the basement, but because Maxi is in the building. Oh well, nothing you can do now anyway.
Maxi finds Caros and they head to the entrance. There is a half-squad of security men there. They seem confused and definitely second-rate, but seeing Caros with a professional in tow bolsters their morale a bit.
Couple of minutes later the Magistratum SAT troopers arrive - there is probably a detachment here in the upper spire, to protect the nobles and such. They are completely unwilling to listen - initially. But once Caros has worked his magic on them they stand down, a little flustered.
So far, so good.
06/16/10 @ 12:41
Comment from: tancred
There are no (more) hiccups with Maxi - the Magistratum leaves a patrol outside and keeps some hoppers in the air over the spire, but they don't try to interfere. Maxi remains in the entrance area to see to it that no other unwanted persons enter the premises.
Caros heads back to his office, calling up Haxtes while en-route: "I think they bought it. And none of my people have seen the cargo being moved. Theodosia's arrival was probably noticed, but that's nothing new - he always drops by at odd hours."
Then the vox-link is cut short by a massive blast - not from below (because that you'd already be dead), but from somewhere above. Maxi immediately recognizes the blast as being similar to the one he experienced in the Hustle - and Haxtes is smart enough to figure out what it must have been...
Caros on voice, voice shaky: "...I'm all right, I'm all right. I was just starting on the stairs. The scrambler obviously ran out of power and the self-destruct triggered. Glad I went out of the office for a bit..."
There is quite a bit of commotion now as the slumbering Alabaster staff plus the few Counselors and Disciples around to this odd hour get a very rough awakening.
06/16/10 @ 13:02
Comment from: agenthaxtes
Caros: "Come down and join me here, where I can protect you."
To all others: "Stand down, nothing too worry about, all part of the plan."
06/16/10 @ 13:07
Comment from: tancred
The Magistratum platoon gets a little agitated after the blast, but Maxi's attitude and borrowed shotgun convinces them that things are indeed well in hand.
Caros arrives at Haxtes' position: "It's over then? Atomic charge disarmed?"
As if on cue the Tech-priest come up the stairs, the later carrying a small device: "Status: Atomic charge is not disarmed yet. Remote detonation receptor removed. Conclusion: Bomb can now only be detonated locally.
Ignace will prevent that from happening until the bomb can be fully stilled. I require additional equipment and time to meditate - the bomb contains non-standard, probably xenos, components consistent with Adranti tech-profile."
06/16/10 @ 13:15
Comment from: tancred
The tech-priest heads over to the landing platform on his own to get some more gear from the hopper.
Caros, after you are alone: "I must confess - I considered making a runner. Hidden exit and all that. But I found that I could not...I'm afraid I've grown to care for this congregation - save the psyker part of course - enough to risk my life for it. It is a strange feeling."
06/16/10 @ 13:17
Comment from: agenthaxtes
"Excellent, Caros my friend we have friend we need too meet before he leaves town, we just need too stop by our shuttle and pick something up "
Haxtes takes Caros up too the landing field, and asks Xerza if she has the bullets and permission to prosed with the spawn.
If granted Haxtes calls him and says that he can set up the meet now, before he goes under ground for a bit, had a run in with some folks who had a idea that then where going to run the choir, they have a different idea now.
06/16/10 @ 13:20
Comment from: agenthaxtes
" Yes Caros, you are a true servant of the throne, this will work out for you and the choir in the end"
06/16/10 @ 13:22
Comment from: tancred
Caros: "I don't think it will go very well for me...but perhaps the Choir can be saved? I hope so."
Then you head out to the landing field. Jarra is in the process of securing the psykers in on of the enemy hoppers - one of them has conveniently died of your toxin so there is exactly 10 people for 10 seats. The corpse of the last psyker is just tossed on the floor and strapped down.
Jarra: "Maxi will have to fly this own out. Azhmut will take the other - he's a certified pilot in addition to being a bomb expert." So that's his name, Azhmut the Tech-priest.
Azhmut: "Status: The remaining gunfighter I will slave to my control - it is a sophisticated machine with extensive auto-pilot and remote-operation capability, all guided by a high-grade servant-consciousness. I've fitted it with an inhibitor to prevent it's real owner from calling it. Immediate: But now I must return and disarm the bomb."
You take Caros over to the Assay hopper and jump in. The replacement pilot turns and hands you a short, 10-round bolter clip. Her ruby lips are visible beneath her reflective pilot's visor.
Xerza: ~"Happy hunting Haxtes - you're on. Just don't foul it up or the Malleus will have your hide, and mine. We really have no business doing chaos-spawn entrapment in the middle of Hive Sibellus."~
The pilot similes at you.
~"Wish I could come with you, but this is still under Globus' jurisdiction. I can't go in unless he requests my assistance. So I won't be there to save you this time."~
She throws you a kiss: "For luck." She says.
06/16/10 @ 13:35
Comment from: agenthaxtes
~"Well Darling, if I foul this up I'll most likely be dead and my soul such as it is will be consumed by the spawn."~
To Xerza: I'll see you after.
Haxtes loads hes bolt pistol and says to Caros:
"When I meet with his friend you will be here in the hopper, this will get ugly I think."
06/16/10 @ 13:40
Comment from: tancred
Caros: "Meet with who? Isn't this over yet? Are you talking about Theodosia's head? I'm a little confused here."
06/16/10 @ 13:48
Comment from: agenthaxtes
" No its a Mr. Daneen, an up and coming member of the Choir and a person of interest for me. "
" It will be over when we find out where they keep the other witches made here in the choir, once we have stopped that business with the psykers, then its over. "
06/16/10 @ 13:54
Comment from: tancred
Caros: "Siprit Daneen? A very effete man? Yes, I recall him. Joined the Court a few months back at the urging of a local temple leader. Tried repeatedly to get a meeting with him, but I must say I didn't like what I saw...so I deliberately turned him down just to annoy him. I'm sorry if that has caused any trouble for you?"
In a lower and more conspiratorial tone: "Quite the pilot you've got here...perhaps you could introduce her to the Choir? Oh sorry; old habits and all that."
"If there is anything I can do to help, please let me know."
06/16/10 @ 14:01
Comment from: agenthaxtes
" We can ask her after, she needs more of the god emperor in her life - she has a wild streak. "
06/16/10 @ 14:05
Comment from: tancred
Haxtes eventually manages to get hold of Siprit Daneen - through his local temple, since he has no known personal address.
Haxtes feeds him the adjusted truth; that there has been a power struggle between Caros and his drug suppliers. Only he turned to Haxtes and his associates - with fatal consequences for the drug suppliers. So seeing as Daneen probably has resources Haxtes does not...Caros is willing to have a meeting. See if you can work something out for the benefit of both parties.
A meeting is scheduled for the afternoon. Haxtes considers doing some more stimm, but decides against it. Wonders if there is any more of that farcosia stuff around. It woks better than any stimm. Caros has some...but not a whole lot. Theo used to bring the stuff in personally, but not this time...and all the farcosia they had in stock had been used for the extra-potent dose given during the soiree.
Haxtes can have the rest though. Caros even tells you that its harmless for normal people. Only pyskers and latent psykers risk addiction - usually after only one hit. You taking any?
06/16/10 @ 14:42
Comment from: agenthaxtes
Does the emperor sit on a throne? Haxtes needs all the help he can get, as for addiction everybody needs a small vice in their life.
06/16/10 @ 14:45
Comment from: tancred
You feel a lot better already. Just put a few drops on the eye and seconds later your high on farcosia again. Not as intensely as last time through, but enough to make you feel fresh and alert - and psychically more attuned.
Azhmut finishes several hours later. Takes the bomb away and loads it into the last hopper. Then he finishes slaving the gunships to himself, before at last they leave the lot of them...Caros included...only Haxtes and Ignace remain.
Still later and another farcosia dose. Too bad Caros' nice office got blasted. It would have been nice to taste some of that amasec. You've found a replacement office through, a former counseling chamber.
Ignace reports the subject has arrived with a twelve-person entourage. Four muscle and unknown on the others - couple of love-dolls for certain...but the others might be assassins for all Ignace knows. Haxtes confirms one psyker among their number. Probably telekine. Delta grade. Could be a problem.
Two of the muscle escort Siprit to the meet. They get to wait in the corridor outside with Ignace...as you discussed earlier. He's got one sliver mag for each of them - they will be minced meat...without a sound being made.
Sirpit enters the room. Perhaps somewhat surprised to see Haxtes...but then again, why would he NOT be present?
"I take it Caros will be joining us shortly?"
06/16/10 @ 14:56
Comment from: agenthaxtes
" He will join us after hes meeting with the Inquisition. I'm sure that he will get off, after all heresy is a common crime nowadays. "
Haxtes pulls his bolt pistol and sword
" As for you my friend, the Inquisition does not need you to talk, just die. "
Haxtes opens fire, with his bolter.
06/16/10 @ 15:00
Comment from: tancred
In the span of time it takes for Haxtes to do this Siprit's expression changes from slight surprise, via barely suppressed annoyance, and finally to a mix of contempt and anger.
You're sure it's about to say something along the lines of "Fool. No mortal servant of the Throne can stand against the True Powers." But you're in no mood to listen to it and the first of ten high-explosive .50 cal psyk-out shells hits it squarely in the mouth, blowing apart most of its head.
Beneath the blood, torn muscle and shredded bone you cane see something OTHER slither and move...as it writhing in pain. You can also feel your brain starting to shut down, to rationalize it all away...but this time you know what it is and manage to retain a piece of your rational mind. Not that Haxtes need to be rational to shoot...the next bolt - they say they have been blessed by the God-Emperor himself - blows apart whatever the first round exposed. And then you flick the fire selector to 'Auto' and put the remaining eight rounds in it. The dies in a spray of human matter and flailing otherness.
Ignace on the vox, snapping you out of your trance: "Two down. Ten to go. Move it Haxtes - Horus takes the hindmost."
06/16/10 @ 15:13
Comment from: agenthaxtes
" Right behind you, old friend, the spawn is vacationing in the warp. I'll get the psyker first."
Haxtes follows Ignace and both pistols ready
06/16/10 @ 15:16
Comment from: tancred
Ignace starts firing both autopistols before you turn the corner. It would have looked insane to an onlooker, but to Haxtes enhanced sense it makes perfect sense - space is hardly made up of only three dimension. All Ignace is doing is using his psychic power to send his bullets along paths of his choosing in n-dimensional space. In other words - he can shoot around corners.
Then he does another little trick he's recently mastered - as he around the corner time speeds up for Ignace, but not for his surroundings. In effect make him move superfast. So he clear the enemy's kill-zone before they have time to fire, firing as he goes.
And then, just as the enemy is getting a bearing on him again, Haxtes rounds the corner - only no-one is targeting him. Excellent timing of Ignace.
The next part isn't that excellent. The telekine has erected some sort of kinetic barrier in front of their position. Save for one man caught on the move and blasted by Ignace, and another picked down with a lucky bolt round from Haxtes, the rest of the group - all eight of them - are unharmed. A hail of bullets hand motionless in the air in front of them.
Then the bullets starts moving - in reverse. Haxtes drops low and rolls, but he can't avoid all of the bullet. There are a dozen hit - but mercifully they are rather low on velocity and none of them punch through the suit. But there will be bruises in the morning...
Returning fire seems a bit pointless - but old reflexes win out and Haxtes keeps moving obliquely to minimize his target profile while firing away. A love-doll is cut down by splinter fire - indicating that when the psyker is busy with other stuff (like throwing shit at Haxtes) his telekinetic shield is less effective.
Problem: Haxtes has little cover.
Problem: Ignace is pinned down behind cover, reloading.
The enemy numbers seven, six of them combatants (including the psyker).
06/16/10 @ 22:21
Comment from: agenthaxtes
Well, looks like we have some knife work to do then.
Haxtes moves forward with his blade. Giving them a fine option of taking down the barrier and shoot at him (and get shot back) or face him in close combat.
What ever they feel like Haxtes and Ignace will oblige them.
06/16/10 @ 23:09
Comment from: tancred
The plan is a good one. Until an invisible force picks Haxtes up and smacks him into a nearby column. Getting up - even moving - proves highly problematic. Not just because of the pain, but because it feels like someone is pinning you to the floor with great force.
Despite being one yourself you're starting to dislike witches - and telekines are sailing up to the number one spot on you shit-list. From the corner of your eye you can see the remaining love-doll approaching with a long glass-stiletto in her hand.
Then Ignace shows a new and theatrical side of himself, emerging with hands up and no guns from his cover: "Please don't hurt us! We're on you side! I'm a mutant and he's a mind-witch." His porcupine quills spring out, pushing though the clothes on his back and arms...covering his bald head...he turns his back to his opponents...to signal his submission - and to bring the majority of his quills to bear.
You catch his meaning and try something you've never attempted - to influence the higher brain functions of another person. You so suck at it, but in your farcosia-high state you manage to give Ingace's words SOME credibility - because it's really quite illogical - why would these chaos-spawn groupies care if you're mutants or not? And one mind proves more susceptible than the other six - the psyker.
You can feel his confusion...for an instant before he starts to realize the errors of his trusting ways. An instant long enough for you to break free, roll clear of the approaching dagger, shoot the doll point-blank in the groin (lots of blood vessels there, helps spread the toxin) and watch as Ignace's quills explodes outward, like the shrapnel of a grenade. Two of the gunmen are cut down. More importantly - the telekine is injured, his gut pierced by several quills.
Seconds later the fight is over. Ingace speeds up again, drawing and firing before the enemy can react...cutting two down with autopistol fire. You put a toxic sliver in the psyker for good measure then disembowel the closest gunman (a very very sloppy stroke, one that would have earned you a severe beating back at the Hand).
Done.
Status: Ignace has taken a single low-velocity high-caliber hit to his right thigh - he'll need a medicae, but for now his skin-suit is keeping pressure on the wound. Haxtes is bruised and battered, but not seriously injured.
06/17/10 @ 13:21
Comment from: Haxtes Hard at work
"Good work my friend, that's a lot of heretics dead in one go. Lets meet up with the others and plan our next move."
"Xerza we are ready for pickup, the deed is done - minimum personnel damage - no collateral damage."
06/17/10 @ 13:32
Comment from: tancred
Ignace: "Well, we sort of ran out of options. Just glad you caught on. The 'mind-witch' stuff...best I could come up with in terms of a hint. Didn't even know if you could do anything either. Shouldn't we like train together and learn the capabilities of the rest of the team?"
(if using the vox you would probably not name her, but just call for pickup in a more general fashion, no?)
"Pickup is on its way. Out."
Some time later you get into the hopper, just as Caros gets out - along with several people you've never seen before. Probably Globus' men...
Replacement pilot: "I take it everything went well? We're headed to the House of Strophes. Agent Vern has compiled a briefing on Ambulon and the farcosia production. You should be there just in time..."
06/17/10 @ 13:46
Comment from: Haxtes Hard at work
(In case someone is listening)
"Excellent, we may need a pilot I`d like you to join the brief if you can "
Off to the meeting we go
06/17/10 @ 13:51
Comment from: tancred
There will be a relatively shot Vern-brief in a separate post before you go. Probably posted later today.
06/17/10 @ 14:34