"If not with you, then at least with one of your fellows, then? He On Earth **make the aquila gesture** has seen fit to put a rather interesting problem in my hands and a pious young man's life may be at stake. I had at least hoped for some guidance, and maybe a little help."

Treat the fellow with respect, as you ask for help. They like that. Usually.

Lev 2010/01/05(Tue)13:19 No. 105600 ID: d51819
File 126272639617.png - (155.58KB , 600x500 , 04.png )

>>105517
>>103792
>>103744

"If not with you, then at least with one of your fellows, then? He On Earth has seen fit to put a rather interesting problem in my hands and a pious young man's life may be at stake. I had at least hoped for some guidance, and maybe a little help."

The priest squints. "You are one of those Thrivorians, right? From that Imperial Guard regiment?"

"Exactly, Father."

"Well, I fear the majority of the priesthood is resting at the moment, preparing themselves for the morning prayer" the priest says. "You will have to contend yourself with my counsel."

Levintus notices a very slight vibration below his feet, going along with a low, distant drumming noise.

"Now, what exactly do you want from me?" asks the priest, sounding slightly interested now. "You said a man's life may be in danger? How so?"

>>105600
Ask for either the use of a databank to confirm the planets of if he simply can confirm it himself. Also we should ask if he has ever heard of a cult of pilgrims devoted to visiting every shrine world by means of stowing away on ships.

And that drumming could be worth to investigate. It's not time for the party yet. Btw are there any other Imperial Regiments on the station currently?

Ahem. Trying my hand at this "guide his speech" thing again, but here's a summary.

Step 1: Tell the priest, in respectful and summed-up terms, the whole story.
Step 2: Ask him politely if he could verify existense of Pilgrimage and/or holy shrines on Writker's list.
Step 3: Pray HARD for best possible result/reaction.

"Well, it's an odd tale to say the least, Father. A pilgrim named Writker Boffles stowed away on Lord Fornak's ship, thinking that it would take him to Tanubta. When it arrived here instead, he was discovered, but was ill and the Navy's guards brought him to my company's head medicae for treatment. My medicae, a Reglonish man I must add, then heard that Lord Fornak was demanding the pilgrim's death...Why, I do not know yet.

When the navy men returned for Writker, my medicae objected and called for me. I've used my authority to stave off this punishment to investigate more properly, as I am not interested in either getting my medicae in trouble for his principles, or be part in the death of an apparently pious, if unusual, person.

Obviously, even for a pilgrim, stowing away on Fornak's spaceship was a foolish and unlawful thing to do, and a proper measure of punishment should come from this, but death is harsher than I think necessary.

Furthermore, it looks like this Writker could use some looking after. It appears it is not the first time he has done such a thing, nor that is he alone in doing so. He claims he and his brothers are conducting a Great Pilgrimage, to visit every shrine world in the Empire and that he simply does as his parents and parents parents before him...Sneaking and living onboard space shuttles in order to reach blessed worlds, and eventually Holy Terra itself. He has a part of a list his mother wrote that he wears, with hundreds of planetary names, who I suspect to be shrine worlds one and all.

And that is the tale so far. To have one of the ecclesiarchy verify the truth, either by confirming the existence of this Great Pilgrimage, or to take a look at this list's veracity, would be a weight of my mind. Advice would not be amiss either.

If he IS as he speaks, I suspect the best way to rescue him from Lord Fornak's clutches, and furthermore from himself, would be to have him join my regiment as a member of the servant staff. It should keep him out of trouble, and he could serve a sentence of sorts for the times he has stolen aboard other spaceships. Eventually we could drop him off at or near a shrine world, presuming we have by then taught him a better way to travel."

Lev 2010/01/06(Wed)15:49 No. 106412 ID: 794b13
File 126282177219.png - (189.94KB , 550x550 , 05.png )

>Btw are there any other Imperial Regiments on the station currently?

The 24th Thrivorian Legion is the only Imperial Guard regiment sent by Subsector HQ to this remote system.
But beside the Navy troopers, who Levintus encountered earlier, there should be a number of Naftaelian soldiers on the station. But they are not Imperial Guard, they belong to the feudal army of the Planetary Governor, of whose behalf they were shipped here.

Naturally, the PDF of Sraellia, as ludicrously small as it may be, should be maintaining a branch office on the spaceport.

>>105760

"Well, it's an odd tale to say the least, Father. A pilgrim named Writker Boffles stowed away on Lord Fornak's ship, thinking that it would take him to Tanubta.”

“Ah, Tanubta. Lovely little world” the priest remarks.

“When it arrived here instead, he was discovered, but was ill and the Navy's guards brought him to my company's head medicae for treatment. My medicae, a Reglonish man I must add, then heard that Lord Fornak was demanding the pilgrim's death...Why, I do not know yet. “

“Quite harsh, I must say.” The priest sighs. “But alas, Naftaelian nobles are hot-tempered...”

“When the navy men returned for Writker, my medicae objected and called for me. I've used my authority to stave off this punishment to investigate more properly, as I am not interested in either getting my medicae in trouble for his principles, or be part in the death of an apparently pious, if unusual, person“, Levintus continues.

“Devotion to the Emperor indeed reveals itself in many different ways.”

“Obviously, even for a pilgrim, stowing away on Fornak's spaceship was a foolish and unlawful thing to do, and a proper measure of punishment should come from this, but death is harsher than I think necessary.”

“I agree.” The priest nods.

“Furthermore, it looks like this Writker could use some looking after. It appears it is not the first time he has done such a thing, nor that is he alone in doing so. He claims he and his brothers are conducting a Great Pilgrimage, to visit every shrine world in the Empire and that he simply does as his parents and parents parents before him...Sneaking and living onboard spaceships in order to reach blessed worlds, and eventually Holy Terra itself. He has a part of a list his mother wrote that he wears, with hundreds of planetary names, who I suspect to be shrine worlds one and all. “

“It would be very interesting to examine the list you speak of."

“Well that is the tale so far, Father. To have one of the ecclesiarchy verify the truth, either by confirming the existence of this Great Pilgrimage, or to take a look at this list's veracity, would be a weight of my mind. Advice would not be amiss either.
If he truly is as he speaks, I suspect the best way to rescue him from Lord Fornak's clutches, and furthermore from himself, would be to have him join my regiment as a member of the servant staff. It should keep him out of trouble, and he could serve a sentence of sorts for the times he has stolen aboard other spaceships. Eventually we could drop him off at or near a shrine world, presuming we have by then taught him a better way to travel."

The priest takes a deep breath. “This is a story is unlike one I have ever heard in my years. For the sake of this pilgrim’s life, I am willing to help you on that matter.

At first, allow me to tell you that I have indeed heard of imperial cults, which, while entirely loyal to the Imperial Creed, seem highly strange and unfamiliar or even dangerous to uneducated men. I presume that this may be the case here.
While I did not hear of a tradition as you described it, I would not rule it out at all. The Athonisians come to mind, whose adolescents have to travel by foot through the endless snow planes of their world to find a special kind of ice shard. It's a rite of passage...”

Another vibration interrupts him, this time stronger. One could even say the entire chapel is shaking a little. Also, the accompanying noise is much more noticeable this time. Lulby and the old priest look around, irritated.

“You... you heard that too, right?” asks Lulby.

Lev 2010/01/06(Wed)15:49 No. 106414 ID: 794b13
File 06.swf - (14.31KB , 600x600 )

Before anybody can answer her, a commotion at the side entrance on this side of the Chapel draws off everybody’s attention.

A man stumbles into the Chapel, screaming.
“HELP! They have guns, they-“

Well, the shots injured him, so they clearly can't be from standard issue lasguns!

Also he's bleeding, that ain't right.

The things are probably on power conserving levels... or who knows.. maybe some Hullghasts are running up from the lower levels with laslocks (actually those shots were 'way way' too low power for laslocks) and other low quality crap weapons.

Or hell maybe we have a Hrud infestation (though I don't think those looked like a fussil shot at all!)

>>106414
Time for some heroics. Get out whatever weapons you have on you and rally the men in the chapel to blockade the doors.

Ask the priest if they keep any weapons in the chapel and ask Lulby to tap into the station com network to see if it's a stationwide attack or just an attack at the chapel as well as send out a call to arms to your regiment. After that you should try to rejoin the regiment. Some Emperor damned fool has seen fit to launch an attack on one of the Emperors space stations, it's our duty to make sure that they pay for their impudence. Also, they may have disrupted the party we were looking forward too.

>>106450
protect the priest. get him into the quarters (so he's not suspected of anything)
Use the pews as cover

>>106434
I mean, if they were lasguns, or anything that shot lasers, the wound would be cauterized, right? Doesn't that mean they wouldn't bleed?

>>106486
Actually the steam explosion would do most of the damage and probably rip the wound open.

This space station is under attack by someone, or something. You have a duty to defend it!

Send the priest to warn his fellows and rally your men, Colonel! Milton should still be around, pray he has a firearm, and Lulby may have a gun too. If not, keep them close regardless, they can serve as spotters.

Draw your laspistol, and take cover behind the pews, and order your fellows to do the same. If nobody comes through the door, approach in a squad pattern, one going ahead, with the other covering.

Only if you're sure nobody is going/shooting through the door do you drag the wounded/dying man away and leave him to the ministrations of the priests.

Lev 2010/01/13(Wed)15:36 No. 110283 ID: cd4d81
File 126342580340.png - (182.93KB , 550x600 , 07.png )

>>106541
>>106450

Father, I don’t presume you keep any weapons in here?”

“In the Chapel? Holy Throne, no!”

“Now, please withdraw to your chamber and shut the door firmly. We’ll deal with this.” The priest does as he is told, for he is aware of the urgency of the situation.

Levintus draws his laspistol. “Lulby, where’s your sidearm?”

She looks at him oddly. “At the armoury, where it’s supposed to be. The spaceport is gun-restricted area for non-station personnel.”

“Tell that the guys behind the door”, Levintus growls, “Now, vox the security and our men.”

“Already on it.” Lulby shakes her head. “Vox traffic is dead. I recognise a jamming signal with an unusual pattern, but strong. That’s probably why we’re not hearing any alarm sirens already.”

“Does that mean the internal sensor grid is also offline?”

“In all likelihood, yes.”

“Damn. Now, let’s get into cover behind the pews.”

Lev 2010/01/13(Wed)15:38 No. 110286 ID: cd4d81
File 12634258837.png - (222.71KB , 700x700 , 08.png )

Levintus and Lulby crouch down behind a pew which seems to provide good cover while still being in reasonable distance to the Chapel’s side entrance.

The Colonel is just about to beckon McKravsky over, as the Lieutenant already arrives by his side, keeping his head low.

“What’s going on? I heard las-shots.”

“We’re still assessing the situation. But now, please tell me you have a sidearm, Lieutenant.”

“It’s in the armoury, Sir. The station is a gun-restricted area for visi...”

“Right. No gun”, Levintus interrupts him. “Really, how do you people sleep at night?”

He checks his laspistol. The weapon was with him since he was Lieutenant and he kept in best working condition. Capable of semi-automatic and fully automatic fire with the charged magazine providing 20 shots on low power setting, approximately half as many on full power.

“Shouldn’t we try to get the wounded crewman into cover?” Lulby asks.

McKravsky dares to throw a quick glance at the man on the floor. “I think you can write him off, as we from accounting say.”

>>110286
Tell your comrades to stay put and try to make your way to the sides of the door. Once you're there either wait for the enemy to go in and shoot them from the side or if necessary ask your comrades to try and lure the enemy inside so you can get in a clear surprise shoot on them.

You don't really have the ammunition to spare for a drawn out firefight and we need to rejoin our soldiers as well as arm our comrades.

>>110286
how many ways out of the chapel?

Did anybody catch sight of them?

Ask Lulby if she can access anything at all, or if the current jamming cancels all her vox Master skills.

Hand Either Lulby or McKravsky your boot-knife, whichever's got the best aim and toss. Hell, even if they aren't very good, it's still something. Don't bring a knife to a gunfight, but better a knife than nothing at all.

Investigate the exit with the dead man, using the pews as cover, and prepare to ambush anyone coming through with your laspistol set on semi-automatic.

Spend some time aiming, they won't expect you to have a gun if everyone delivers theirs to the armoury. Tell Lulby and McKravsky to make themselves useful as lookouts, in case any other exits starts offering surprises...And to keep an eye on the other praying fellows. If any of those have weapons as well, it could be handy to combine forces.

>>110286

Turn your gun into a makeshift explosive.

Get them to cluster together (somehow).

Throw the bomb.

>>111459
And defile the machine spirits? I don't think so.

Lev 2010/01/15(Fri)20:12 No. 111490 ID: 8413b2
File 126361517451.png - (134.41KB , 600x500 , 09.png )

>>110595
>>110289

“Can’t you access anything at all, Captain?”

“I’m checking every frequency. But the jamming signal is just too strong. The source must be close.”

Levintus takes the knife out of his boot and wonders to whom he should give it. McKravsky is probably a bit stronger than Lulby, but than again he trusts Lulby’s general weapon handling skills a bit more. Also, she and Levintus always got along quite well, so hopefully she’ll be more willing to use the knife in support of him than the rather solitary Lieutenant.

“Here, take this”, he says, handing her the knife. “Last resort.”

“Cute. Am I supposed to tickle them with it?”

“Whatever you do, remember the blade is quite thin. I would suggest stabbing, not cutting.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

>Did anybody catch sight of them?

“Did anybody actually see one of the attackers?” Levintus asks.

McKravsky and Lulby shake their heads.

“That damn door is dead as dead” McKravsky complains, “Why don’t they come out already, so we can mow them down?”

“Mow them down? You mean with our wide assortment of arms?” Lulby unhappily eyes the knife Levintus gave her.

“You two stay put”, Levintus orders, “Observe the other entrances, too. I will go investigate.”

Lev 2010/01/15(Fri)20:13 No. 111491 ID: 8413b2
File 126361523388.png - (62.78KB , 1518x1271 , Chapel.png )

>how many ways out of the chapel?

If Levintus could draw a map of the Chapel in his mind, it would probably look a bit like this.


SE: side entrance
ME: main entrance

Grey dot: priest
White dot: civilian
Yellow dot: wounded or dead man
Cyan dot: Thrivorian

To the left a sideview, so it's clear the arrow-shapes aren't walls.


There are certainly more rooms adjacent to the Chapel, but at the moment Levintus neither knows nor cares.

Lev 2010/01/15(Fri)20:14 No. 111492 ID: 8413b2
File 126361527252.png - (782.98KB , 781x790 , 10.png )

Using every cover available, Levintus places himself beside the door.

The wounded man seems pretty dead from his point of view. But he must have lived a bit after being shot, since the blood pool under him got bigger...
Levintus could take a closer look at the man, but that would expose him to anyone behind the door.

Suddenly he can hear voices, some sound angry, some rather frightened.
Unfortunately, Levintus is not able to tell them apart precisely, thus he is not able to determine how many people are speaking. Lulby and her enhanced hearing would have been useful right now, but she stayed behind.

“God damned. Navy is almost here! What should we do?” A male.

“How many explosives have we left?”

“Just one pack. Salomo has the other two” a female voice answers.

“I saw Salomo hit the floor. One of the Smilers took his brains out.”

“Shit. What now?”

“I tell ya what. We take as many with us as we can.”

“That room in front of us, isn’t that a place of worship for them, or something? There’re probably a lot of people in...”

“But we can’t go back either! Security is cutting us off.”

“Are you afraid, coward? I say, we’ll make good use of all explosives we got.”

“Oh shit shit shit, that’s totally not how it was supposed to go...”

“Shut the fuck up. Sybil, prepare the explosives. Jorse, you handle the freak. Melech, you give me cover. I’ll scout ahead.”

The voices fall silent, but Levintus can hear footsteps instead. He also recognizes the sound of solid slugs being loaded into what must be a projectile weapon.

>>111492
Explosives? On MY Space Station?
Get'em Colonel.

We've got to move fast.

Sounds like there are at least 4. See if you can't squeeze off some shots and maybe get one of em. Duck back quick, but it sounds like they're somewhat a little distracted right now, and you sure as shit don't want them putting explosives or reading explosives or anything having to do with explosives at all.

>>111492

"place of worship for them?"

Either A. They're xenos or B. HERETICS. They deserve to die.

>>111492
Wait for the one scouting ahead to expose themeselves to you. Either hide and let him call up his friends or shoot him or her immediatly and grab the extra weapons.

It's probably better to get them all to a place where you can fire on all of them. If they decide that they can't go forward and can't retreat then they might just decide to blow themselves and everyone else up with those explosives.

roll across the doorway and shoot any heretics you see, trying to minimize your own exposure but disrupt them from setting up explosives.

Lev 2010/01/17(Sun)20:30 No. 113646 ID: 1590df
File 12637890059.png - (257.31KB , 800x800 , 11.png )

>>111746
The footsteps come closer.

"Whoa guys,this place is huge! But seems like we're lucky, it's pretty empty in here..."

A man enters. He makes an attempt to check if somebody stands beside the door, Levintus has to give him that...

Lev 2010/01/17(Sun)20:30 No. 113647 ID: 1590df
File 126378902961.png - (228.80KB , 700x800 , 12.png )

...but he chooses the wrong side first.


The man falls to the floor, his brain still boiling. Levintus seizes the opportunity to look through the entrance, his weapon ready to fire again.

Lev 2010/01/17(Sun)20:31 No. 113649 ID: 1590df
File 126378909445.png - (264.33KB , 900x600 , 13.png )

He looks into the corridor.

Thank the Emperor, Levintus seems to have taken the attackers by surprise!

He has a few precious moments before they can react.

Line up a shot at the two gun-toting men, then step out of angle from the pistol-guy and aim for the woman with the 'splosives. That way you might kill three of them before they can react. The witch-thing...Well. Perhaps your trinkets will save your life yet.

And kick the guy's weapon away from the door so one of your subordinates can pick it up.

I say? Full auto, spray a quick burst towards the guys with rifles and the girl digging in the pack to try and make them panic (The fact your laspistol can apparently shoot -through- people might mean you can take down both rifles with one shot if you would rather try for that, though), then swing over to try and hit the two weirdos on the right with a better aimed burst. After that, duck back into cover, as they'll likely start shooting back at that point.

>>113649

FUCK DAEMONHOST. Okay, hopefully that box of yours will prevent it from seeing you.

Shoot the backpack and then dive back behind the door; it probably contains explosives.

Shoot the psyker. Maybe he'll explode.

Okay, I don't actually know anything about psykers. If that's dumb, just shoot at the guys with the biggest guns, then dive for cover.

>>113649
I would suggest shooting the odd levitating guy first. And make sure you hit him in the head. Then shoot the lady with the bomb pack. Then duck back into cover again, position yourself so that you can fire from a different angle and go again.

Shoot the guy in front first, then the one with the explosives, then clear the doorway before anyone can line up on you.

>>113649
Clearly, Shoot the guy holding the levitating guys leash. It's the best way to deal with them, is let them deal with themselves.

Lev 2010/01/21(Thu)12:06 No. 115829 ID: ff48a8
File 126410438921.png - (1.47MB , 1093x1368 , 14.png )

>>113929
>>113870

No doubts, the vile witchcraft of the psyker has to be stopped immediately.

The advantage of surprising them really pays off now! Levintus takes aim and delivers a lethal hit.

>>113703
The other attackers are trying to bring their weapons to bear. Levintus steps to the side, making it impossible for the man with the pistol to target him. But it also inhibits the darkskinned man to be shot by Levintus.

Firing five additional shots, he hits the man in the front in the shoulder, resulting in him dropping his lascarbine. Also, the woman seems to have suffered a hit to the hand. The man at the back remains unwounded, aiming his weapon at Levintus.

The Colonel decides that it would be wise now to get back into cover again. Enemy laserbeams fly past him, hissing and scorching the stonework on the other side of the Chapel.

Lev 2010/01/21(Thu)12:07 No. 115830 ID: ff48a8
File 126410442427.png - (499.27KB , 1200x1200 , 15.png )

McKravsky arrives, picking up the gun on the ground and getting into position on the other side of the entrance.
The bang of a projectile weapon echoes through the hall. Chunks of wood burst out of the wooden door, leaving fist-sized holes.

“Is that a boltgun?”The Lieutenant is alarmed.

“Negative.” Levintus shakes his head curtly. “Autopistol. Probably custom-made ammo.”

“Fancy.” The Lieutenant coughs. “Anyway, Sir, Captain Lulby wants you to know that the jamming signal has suddenly ceased to be. She is voxing for reinforcements right now.”

>>115830
Blind firing would be worth it now... Dead guy probably carrys enough ammo for it to be a possibility. While one blind fires, the other can use the cover time to get closer and in cover...

Don't forget they still have that bomb there. Having nothing to lose, they might decide to use it on a suicide charge, or just blow themselves up.

They might also overhear any orders we give to McKravsky, as you overheard them. Hm. That could be used to our advantage. For example, as a distraction, splitting their attention.

"Excellent, Lieutenant. Navy will close in behind them at any moment and then they can either surrender or die."

Indicate an attack pattern to McKravsky. Switch from semi to automatic fire and count down on your fingers. At zero, you both lean out of cover to hose down the room. Try to focus on the two effectives, the darkskinned man and the lasgun guy at the back.

>>115938
This sounds like a solid plan.

Lev 2010/01/21(Thu)18:43 No. 116177 ID: ca043f
File 126412819073.png - (469.59KB , 592x736 , 16.png )

>>115938
Levintus switches to automatic fire.

He calls out: "Excellent, Lieutenant. Navy will close in behind them at any moment and then they can either surrender or die."

McKravsky seems confused, but Levintus uses his free hand to indicate his plan. He wants the attackers to keep an eye on their backs rather than on the door, and then, on Levintus's mark, the two guardsmen shall both assault what's left of the enemies.

McKravsky nods, he understands.

Levintus raises his hand, three digits extendend.
3...
2...
1...

"Fuck this. You're not paying me nearly enough for this shit."

Levintus hears an object clatter on the floor, than a bang and a hissing sound.

"Jorse! What are you doing?"

"The freak is down. We're fucked. I'm outta here bfore the Navy comes."

"NOO! You traitor!"


0...

Lev 2010/01/21(Thu)18:45 No. 116182 ID: ca043f
File 12641283257.png - (757.21KB , 950x800 , 17.png )

Levintus and McKravsky storm forward.

Thick smoke has filled the corridor. The frantic sounds of footsteps and objects being dragged come from the dark.


{OoC: 14.png, 1,4mb? FFFF- Mea culpa, mea culpa}

>>116182
best you can do is just open fire continuously and hhope to hit something

Silently go forwards. You're better trained and have better reflexes, and are moving proactively instead of reactively.

It is said that in the dark, all armies are the same size.

Just make certain you keep next to one another and remain aware of one another, so you don't accidentally shoot each other.

...Also, consider switching to .jpg.

>>116182
If there's reinforcements coming, then you could probably wait here and pick them off when they get pushed through this doorway.

Also there's a handy thread somewhere on the subject of image formats that I can't seem to find

Don't shoot the red glow. None of them seemed to have augmetic anything. It could be the bomb.

Lev 2010/01/23(Sat)13:53 No. 117246 ID: 8b956c
File 126428360313.png - (432.86KB , 900x600 , 18.png )

>>116232
After nothing happened for half a minute, Levintus gives the order to advance. McKravsky doesn't look pleased at all, the low visual range seems to unnerve him.

"In the dark, all armies are the same size" Levintus says reassuringly.

"Wasn't it rather, in the dark ugly women are fine too?" McKravsky mutters under his breath. "Or all dicks are the same size? Damn it all, I'm just accountancy..."

"Lieutenant!"

"Sorry, Sir! Advancing now, Sir!"

Cautiously, they move into the corridor.

The red glow got bigger and the hissing sound has stopped.

BOMB SIGHTED

>>117246
Red's a bomb, knew it. Shoot both of the corpses on the floor, just in case.

Do either of you know Explosives Ordnance Disposal?

If not, run away and communicate a warning by any means available higher up the chain.

It might be best to retreat and have everybody (including the priest) doubletime it out the other exit. Vox whoever can deal with something like this.

>>117246
You guys needt to get to the inner part of the station. When that bomb blows, the passage will rupture and there'll definately not be air.

This is pretty much in the middle of the station, though. Even if the bomb goes off, it might not cause a leak. Unless it completely disrupts the structural integrity of the station. Depends on how strong the bomb is.

Tch. Colonel, remain icy calm and tell McKravsky to run back to the Vox Master and ask her to get a demolitionist specialist to the scene immediately, and that three hostiles are making a run for it, two redshirts, one wounded, one dark-skinned mercenary.

Can the colonel himself disable the bomb somehow using his MACHINERY SKILL? He's a Passionate Technocrat, so he might be able to do it.

Or he could talk to the someone lying beside it on how to do it. Seems like it's the woman he shot, from how she's holding her hand. This means she a) has no OBVIOUS weapons and only one hand to use a hidden one and b) is the demolitionist, so maybe she can be "persuaded" to disable the bomb. Advance on her and the bomb with your lasgun trained on her. Check if the timer on the bomb is running out.

"In a hurry to die, woman?"

Can Levintus' Leadership be used to convince enemy combatants to give up? Or...What -can- it be used for, really? Give good commands?

Lev 2010/01/27(Wed)16:50 No. 119636 ID: 96960c
File 126463980217.jpg - (41.44KB , 867x700 , 19.jpg )

>>117872

The station's air filtration system kicks in and the smoke is getting thinner.

Levintus approaches the bomb, his weapon aimed at the person on the floor.

"In a hurry to die, woman?"

He gets no response.

McKravsky is checking the other body on the floor.
"Dead. No doubts about it", he says.

"Very well. Lieutenant, get back to Captain Lulby and tell her we need a demolition specialist as fast as possible. Also, let her report that three attackers have left this position and have to be seized immediately. Two men in red shirts and a dark-skinned mercenary."

"Yes, Sir!" The Lieutenant leaves.

Levintus looks at the bomb. It blinks in a regular pattern, without getting faster or slower.
He doesn't have much experience with explosives, but Levintus thinks he could make an attempt to disable it. It looks a bit complicated, though.

The woman is clutching her hand and seems to pay no attention to Levintus.

Basic Machinery Skill is not enough to play around with the bomb, but the PASSIONATE TECHNOCRAT rule would allow it nonetheless. But it also means a -5 penalty.
Rolling a D20, a 17+ would be needed to succeed, with a 7 or less leading to a CRITICAL FAILURE, whose consequences I leave to your imagination.

If Levintus should disable the bomb, I will roll once using the board's dice system and I'll accept the result.

More information about the rule system in the /questdis/ thread.

>>119636
Ehhhhhhhhyyyyyyeeeaaaaaah- No. We need to figure out something else.

I reckon we should endeavor to get a techpriest in here, like, NOW.

Secure the prisoner and retreat from the immediate blast zone. Keep it under observation until the EODs arrive, in case the enemy returns to tamper with the device.

Lev 2010/01/28(Thu)00:03 No. 119896 ID: 7aa71b
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>>119843
Two men arrive, saluting.
"Sir! Sraellia PDF, EOD, SIR! We were told there's an explosive device here."

"You're already here?" Levintus wonders.

"In fact, we were sent as soon as your position was made known, Sir. The terrorists have already attempted to sabotage the station with explosives. Station command thought we might see some action."

"Great. Allow me to ask, can you even see through those visors of yours?"

"Of course, Sir! We're professionals!"

"Well, I'm over here lads, just follow my voice. And the bomb is over there." Levintus points.

Lev 2010/01/28(Thu)00:03 No. 119897 ID: 7aa71b
File 126466583755.png - (112.12KB , 550x400 , 21.png )

The two experts begin their work and ask Levintus to evacuate the area in case their attempts to disable the bomb are unsuccessful.

Levintus takes the woman prisoner, and together with Lulby, McKravsky, the priest and the civilians he leaves the Chapel.

As soon as they reach the next corridor, Lulby receives two important messages via vox.

“The EOD have secured the explosive device. They say it was a very simple design, cheap but reliable.”

“Now that’s a relief.”

“Damage reports are coming in... All in all it seems like they were able to set off two bombs, but they didn’t cause any critical damage. Security teams are still searching the station, just in case the attackers left a surprise. And... Yes, the rest of the attackers are done for good. They tried to access one of the hangar bays, but they were stopped. Three men, two redshirts and a dark-skinned one.”

“Sounds about right.”

“They were all killed during the fight. Seems like we caught the only prisoner. Navy wants us to deliver her” Lulby gestures towards the wounded woman “as soon as possible. Seems like they want to investigate the attack as soon as possible.”

“Naturally. I mean, considering they were neither well trained nor well equipped, it surprises me they made it this far.”

“Hm... Navy command invites you to witness the investigation, if you wish. They seem to be thankful we hold them off from entering the Chapel. Okay, okay, you hold them off.”

“Did they say when they’ll begin?

“Eleven standard. But they want the prisoner patched up until then, although I don’t know why. I mean, she’ll need a bigger bandage after the interrogation, right?”

Levintus nods, throwing a side-glance at the woman. The stumps of her fingers still leak blood.

“Hm hm, maybe we should separate. That way we’ll get done things faster”, Lulby reckons.

Well, it seems that we need a doctor to patch the prisoner up. Ask Lulby to call Dr. Sprio so he can take care of the woman. Keep an eye on her in case she tries something funny.

You could kill two birds with one stone and ask Sprio to bring Writker and hand him to the priest to investigate his story.

Have Lubby handle the rest of the Writker stuff while you go do the terrorist stuff.

Lev 2010/01/30(Sat)05:33 No. 121747 ID: 18a2d7
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>>119905
“First of all, call Sprio” Levintus orders “He has to treat the prisoner’s hand. And tell him he should bring Writker along.”

“Okay.”

Approximately fifteen minutes later, Sprio and Writker arrive. The civilians from the Chapel have dispersed by then.

“Sorry Sir, we would have been here earlier, but the elevators were occupied. Whole station is busy like a hive” Sprio says.

“No problem, Sprio. Please take a look at the prisoner.”

Sprio asks the woman to show him her hand. She obeys.

“Hm, fingers were las-burned off.”

“Yes, I suspected as much. Can you stop the bleeding?”

“Of course, but if she wants her fingers reattached later, I would have to...”

“Just stop the bleeding.”

Sprio takes a small device from the bag he carries with him and aims at the stumps. It sprays a thin layer of fluid over the open wounds. Levintus knows the stuff, it’s a kind of biocompatible glue. The device is standard equipment for all combat medics to seal off small wounds.

The woman flinches.

“No worry, the bleeding has stopped” Sprio says “Now maybe a painkiller...”

“Sprio, that woman belongs to the people who attacked the station. I’m about to deliver her to Navy security for interrogation. I think a painkiller would be... counter-productive.”

“I see...” Sprio looks a bit unhappy.

Lev 2010/01/30(Sat)05:34 No. 121748 ID: 18a2d7
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Levintus beckons everybody closer.“Okay, listen. I will take the prisoner with me. Lulby, where am I supposed to go?”

“Conference room 3, just some decks below us" she answers.

“Very well. In the meanwhile, you stay with Sprio, Writker and the priest. You know what to do.”

“Sure. By the way, here’s your knife.”

“Thank you.” Levintus turns to the Lieutenant. “You...”

“Uhm, Sir?” McKravsky says. “With respect, Sir, I still have some duties to attend to. If you allow it, I’ll return to my workstation.”

Levintus thinks it’s a bit strange to worry about bookkeeping now. But on the other hand, Levintus assumes he won’t have any problems handling the prisoner alone.

Let him head off, and take the prisoner where you need to go.

Lev 2010/01/30(Sat)11:01 No. 121803 ID: 18a2d7
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>>121750
“Well, be off, then.”

“Yes, Sir.” The Lieutenant leaves, disappearing behind the next corner.

“Well, maybe we should go to my study?” the priest suggests. “I’m sure there’ll be everything we need.”

“As you wish, Father.” Lulby, Sprio and Writker follow the priest, leaving Levintus and the prisoner behind.

“Hm.” The woman is silent. Levintus keeps his gun aimed at her, set to semi-automatic, with 13 shots left. More than enough in case he would have to use it.

“You go first, where I can see you” Levintus indicates the direction they have to take. She nods and they begin to make their way to conference room 3.

After a short time, the woman asks: "You blues have a strange accent. From what world are you?"

Levintus doesn't answer.

"Are you here to help the crested ones?" she continues.

"Be quiet."

"Why?"

"I do not talk with heretics."

She cocks her head. "You Imperials do not talk much, eh? The Naftaelians do not talk, either. They let their guns do the talking for them."

"Stop babbling."

"'Tis true. Take the opportunity to talk to a real Sraellian while you have it, there won't be many left soon."

Levintus snarles something incomprehensible. Why won't that woman shut up?

>>121803
Let her talk, not much else to do for the moment.

>>121803
Let her talk. You may learn something, and as long as your faith is strong enough anything heretical she speaks of cannot hurt you.

Something isn't right here. Aren't you here to take out the alien Desert Sweepers threatening that mine development? A terrorist threat of native nonbelievers wasn't mentioned at all. Nor Naftaelian military presence shooting or oppressing or exterminating Sraellians, unless the Naftaelians are the PDF. Signs of agressive colonization and takeover, maybe?

You should at least try to figure out what this means, whether from this woman, or from other Sraellia-knowledgable people. If an insurgency is on-going, it could be an added security threat for you and your men.

"Have it your way then, but I'll be asking the questions, and then we can see if you're willing to answer. Why attack the station?"

>>121748
Let him head off. And remember to add a commendation to him for managing a combat situation fine despite being in logistics. Also keep an eye on him in the future. I find him a wee bit suspicious.

Lev 2010/01/30(Sat)12:43 No. 121853 ID: 18a2d7
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>>121839
The reports given to him did not mention any of these strange things she talks about. Levintus decides it could be useful to acquire some information.

"Have it your way then, but I'll be asking the questions, and then we can see if you're willing to answer. Why attack the station?"

„Why not attack the station? It’s the Naftaelian supply line. They arrive here and get shipped down to the planet. It sounded like a viable target.”

„You answer my questions? Just like that?”

She shrugs. “What does it matter to me? I think I’ll lose more today than just my fingers.”

Heretic or not, she is certainly right about the last thing, Levintus thinks.

But what's the reason of their attack, who are they working for?

And how did they manage to smuggle weapons, explosives and that psyker-dude in the station?

You might as well try to get all the information you're able now if she's so cooperative. That way maybe you'll spare yourself the watching the interrogation. It doesn't sound like it's going to be something pleasant to see.

Lev 2010/01/30(Sat)15:15 No. 122001 ID: 18a2d7
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>>121928
“What is the reason for your attack?”
“Reason? Do you need a reason to kill your enemies?”
“Enemies? Who?”
She seems a bit angry now.

“Are you trying to fool me? You Imperials of course! You come to our planet, with your terrible gods and your strange rules and laws. And you expect us to bend our knee so easily?”
“So, you are a kind of separatist movement?”
“We want to conserve our ways. Our people. Our belief.”

“Hm. Let’s talk about the attack itself. How did you get on the station?”
She laughs, but it doesn’t sound amused. “Public transport.”
“You lie. You would have never smuggled the weapons and the explosives in the station that way.”
“Maybe you’re right.”
“What does that mean?”
“Well, if we didn’t smuggle the weapons in here with us on public transport, they must have come some other way...” She refuses to elaborate on that point.

“What avout the two odd guys? The dark one? The psyker?”
“Mercenaries from other systems. I don’t know. Really I don’t. They were donated by a ...hm, a benefactor. Yes, we are not without friends, Imperialist.”
“You hired a ROGUE PSYKER?”
“He was weak. Too weak for our task in the beginning. But we found a way to... improve him. And then his head was sufficient for the task.”

Levintus remembers the spikes in the psyker’s head and shudders.

“What task was that?”
“He should disguise us from the station’s sensor systems. Mess with the... what is the word? Machine spirits? Electronics?”
“How?”
“Psykers are able to manipulate reality, yes? Well, the station’s sensors are part of our reality. Do you think it would be difficult for a psyker to mess with some tiny conductors?”

“Why the inadequate explosives?”
“We didn’t have anything better. But we’ll get more stuff, soon. Oh yes, we will.”

“Who is ‘we’?”
“There are many groups who want to protect Sraellia, Imperialist. I belong to the Free Merchants of Sraellia. Expect to hear from my comrades.”

“And now, you really won’t tell me how you got the weapons aboard?”

“Eh, our benefactor might have something to do with this. But simple members like me are not told everything, so I don’t know who or where that person is.”

“Fair enough, heretic.”

It doesn't look like she is willing to tell more. At least not by herself.

>>122001
'Terrible gods'? We only have one god, the God-Emperor of Mankind.

>>122001
I'd say show her mercy, take her to a prison, treat her nicely... and see if you can 'convert' her.
Try to understand the problem so you can make her think it can be 'fixed'... even if it can't.

Tell her that the path of the Emprah is the path of righteousness. To stray from the Emprah is to invite destruction.

>>122235

It's not our call to decide her fate, the Navy is in charge here and the penalty for treason and heresy is death. We can only hand her to them and hope that the interrogation will be quick

Lev 2010/02/01(Mon)14:28 No. 123434 ID: c85bc8
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>>122131
>>122280
"'Terrible gods'? We only have one god, the God-Emperor of Mankind. To stray away from the Emperor invokes destruction upon Mankind."

She glares angrily. "I knew I couldn't talk to you. You're just like the others. Ignorant!"

Now, Levintus doesn't have to stand that, at least not from a heretic. Besides, the prisoner seems clearly unwilling to participate in further talking.
"Move on. Navy's expecting you."

A short while after, they almost arrived at their destination. Levintus looks around the corner in an unsuspicious manner, he still is a bit wary due to what happened in the Chapel.

A small group of Navy men have gathered in the corridor. Unlike the ones Levintus saw before they have exchanged their shock-batons for compact autopistols. They all look remarkebly uniform...

But no! Levintus recognises one of the men: It is the Navy Lieutenant he met in front of Sprio's office. He lacks the hat though, and he seems to be slightly battered.

Salute the lieutenant like nothing happened earlier, and tell him you bring the prisoner for interrogation, as requested.

Lev 2010/02/06(Sat)16:02 No. 126566 ID: e921b3
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>>123720
"I bring the prisoner, as requested."

The moment he becomes aware of Levintus, the Lieutenant hesitates just one tiny moment. Then he salutes, his face neutral.

"Yes, I see." He beckons two Navy troopers to come closer. "Take her to Room 2 and guard her."

"Yes, Sir!" The woman is led away.

"Well, Sir, the Commodore offered you to be present during the meeting", the Lieutenant says.

"And I had my Master of Vox broadcast my agreement" Levintus answers. "I assume it's the room over there?"

"Indeed, Sir."

Lev 2010/02/06(Sat)16:03 No. 126567 ID: e921b3
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Levintus enters Room 3. It seems like the meeting has already begun.

Four men are present, three of them apparently having a fervid discussion. Upon the sound of the automated door, they all turn around.

>>126567
Hmmm those look like military men. Commence with a round of introduction. You need to know who is there and why they're there.

>>126567

Name, rank, salute. Be polite. One of them looks like an interrogator, and they're probably higher-ups.

Lev 2010/02/06(Sat)21:15 No. 126993 ID: b9a472
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>>75425
"Emperor's blessings, gentlemen. I am Colonel Levintus, of the 24th Thrivorian Legion."

"I'm glad you were able to arrive in time, Colonel" the man in the blue uniform says. "I'm Commodore Trantor, Imperial Navy. Currently responsible for everything happening in Imperial space within the system and a few dozen lightyears beyond."

The man in green curtly shows the sign of the aquila. "I'm Brigadier Malard, Sraellian Defence Forces. Allow me to say the PDF welcomes the support of the Imperial Guard and I personally look forward to our forces' cooperation."

The man in yellow steps forward: "I am Captain Lasker of the 8th Royal Dragoons, the Count of Juszhold, Baron of Narchester, subsecretary of the Naftaelian Ministry of Trade, honory member of the Royal Society for the Betterment of Sraellia and current representator of the Governour's interests on this station." He breathes in. "Furthermore..."

"I think Captain Lasker will suffice for now" the Commodore hurries to add.
Lasker mumbles something in acknowledgement.

Everybody's eyes now rest on the man in grey clothes. A raspy voice from behind the visor-mask announces: "Kreft. Mercenary."

A moment of silence follows, during which the others seem to wait for further words, but Kreft clearly intends to betray those expectations.

"Mister Kreft and his men were able to render the second team of attackers innocuous, thus I invited him to attend, too" the Commodore finally explains.

>>126993

Nod. Hmnh... to communicate what you've learned or not about a dissatisfied populace...

Yeah, tell them what she told you, it's not like they aren't going to find out anyways.

Also, revealing confidential information to a mercenary is such a great idea...

Not like you're going to tell that to your superiors, but seriously.

>>126993
Hmmm, inviting a merc is hardly good operational security. Especially not one that goes around with it's face covered. That could be a god damn Eldar and we wouldn't be able to see it.

Pdf guy and the commodore seems like they might know what they're doing. The noble captain looks like a noble playing at soldier on the weekends, try to keep him as far from anything important that you can.

Otherwise let's get this show on the road. It was odd though that the terrorist claimed the Empire worships several gods. There could be hertical forces at work down there claiming to be spreading the light of the Emperor.

>>127218
Yeah, this seems likely. I don't think we wanna get the Inquisition involved though.

>>127388
There are no inquisition agents there that we know off. Damn inquisition agents tend to be more paranoid than an asylum of paranoid schizophreniacs so I doubt we could even find one if we looked. Unless that Merc is an inquisitor or atleast an interogator. In which case they might already know and will haul us in if we don't tell them, or maybe they want to see how good we are at keeping operational security. Damn Inqusition and their mindfuckery!

Well keep your suspicions to yourself Lev. Just tell them what she told you and don't elaborate on your own opinions. If they can't see something wrong with it themselves then they're worthy of suspiscion.

Find out what they know about these insurgents.

Banish the thought of the inquisition from your mind. The mercenary's presence isn't that unusual, he's probably the representative/leader of his group, and might provide information on the rebels he fought.

Allow the Commodore start the briefing proper, and listen to what he's got to say.

You don't know if you can trust the heretic's words, but you might as well share them when you can, and ask what's going on on. You weren't informed about an insurgency in your missing briefings, after all.

If the Emperor's own Guard is not good enough for them that they have to employ mercenaries, (probably heathen ones) that is nothing short of blasphemy. Heresy is definitely afoot here. Stay wary.

Lev 2010/02/09(Tue)08:25 No. 128688 ID: 024198
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>>127218
“Commodore, a word, if you please.”
“What is it, Colonel?”
“I am somewhat suspicious about the mercenary. By all respect, do you think it is a good idea to have him attend the meeting?”
“What are you implying, Colonel? Do you think I will reveal critical information just like that? Do you take me for a fool?”
“Of course not, Commodore.”
“If we want to avert any further terroristic attacks, we need as much information as possible. I want to hear what Kreft has to report about the attackers, just as I want to hear your report.”
“ I see.” Levintus sounds apologetic. “I merely wanted to state my concerns.”
“Duly noted.”

Lev 2010/02/09(Tue)08:26 No. 128689 ID: 024198
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>>127424
The Commodore asks everybody to gather around him.
“As we all know, this space station was cowardly attacked by heretical forces. And although this is the first attack on this station, there have been several incidients on the planet. Am I right?”

“You’re overestimating the problem, Sir”, Captain Lasker means, “Naftaelian troops will surely establish imperial law and order on planet in no time.”

“Be that as it may, let us begin by gathering what we know. Mister Kreft, would you care to tell us about your encounter with the attackers?”

The masked man nods.

“Our leader, together with me and some other Kinsmen, were on our way to one of the hangars. We wanted to rent a transport vehicle. We were not aware of any attack, since no alarm sounds could be heard, thus we were quite surprised when several armed men came around the next corner. Sadly, my superior was lethally wounded. The rest of us avenged him.”

“Against several armed men? Say, how? Non-Navy personnel are not allowed to carry guns while on the station, as far as I know.”
The man in grey clenches one of his fists. “Guns are not the only weapons a man can carry.”
“I see. And no prisoners?”
“Accidentally not.”
“Can you say us something about the attackers? Something that caught your eye?”
Kreft seems to think. “Their bones were very soft.”
There is pause. “Allow me one last question. You said your leader was lethally wounded.”
“Yes?”
“But I thought you were the leader of your mercenary group?”
“I am now.”
Again, a pause. “Well, thank you for your time, Mister Kreft. If you could wait in Conference Room 1, there will be a scribe to write down your report.”
“Agreed.” Kreft leaves.

“Now, Colonel, would you care to share your thoughts?”
“About the attack? Of course.” Levintus recounts everything that happened in the Chapel. He also mentions what the woman revealed to him.
“Free Merchants of Sraellia? Malard, do you know something about the group?” the Commodore asks.
“Yes. That’s the name the slavers opposing the imperial rule gave themselves.”
“Slavers?”
“Xeno slavers. They have a long tradition on Sraellia and have repeatedly clashed with imperial rule. Until now, they never grew bold enough to commit terroristic attacks, though.”
“Well, we have an experienced psyker on route to the prisoner. Surely, we’ll have more information soon. Malard, would you please continue?”
“Yes, Commodore.”

Lev 2010/02/09(Tue)08:26 No. 128690 ID: 024198
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Malard activates the monitor at the back of the room and gives some instructions to the servitor slaved to the wall.
“As you can see, gentlemen, statistics show that the number of rebellious or heretical attacks has increased drastically since the arrival of the Naftaelian Governor.”
“Outrageous!” Lasker cries.
“Please, Captain, I merely pointed at the chronological, not the causal connection.”
“Hrm.”
“Until now, most attacks were performed by the two of the more popular organisation, the People’s Front of Sraellia and the Sraellian Front of People. Both groups share similar goals, but they usually don’t work together. Until now we were unable to locate the leaders of either.”

“Are there more groups?” Levintus asks.

“More than I can count, Colonel. Most of them are tiny and don’t have any influence to speak of, but they exist. And their determination and fellowship seems to grow.”

“Now now, this is surely just a matter of time. As soon as people embrace the rule of the new Governor, things will calm down quickly”, Lasker says, still a bit sulky.

“I don’t make predictions, that is not part my job. But, if the gentlemen would like to hear my personal opinion, I am worried about the current developments on the planet.”

“I share that notion” the Commodore says. “And I will order a reorganization of my Navy details to maintain a high-level security on the station. Sadly, that is all I am able to do, until I get further word of Sub-Sector command. I shall send copies of the reports to them as soon as possible.”

He looks around. “Now, any questions? Or something you would like to add?”

>>128690
Ask for more information about the Xeno slavers. Aside from that I think you would need to have a few personal disscussion with the PDF commander and the commodore.

The terrorists got onto the station and with weapons for the attack. Which either means that they got there first in civilian transports and then later smuggled in the weapons or got there in a craft of their own and used their psyker to keep alarms from going off. Either one are troublesome, fanatics can turn even civilian space craft into weapons. And the other option could be even more worrisome, if they managed to smuggle on arms then that either implies slack security on the side of the navy or people on the inside of the navy working with the terrorists. A more personal talk with the commodore might reaveal which one is the case.

As for the PDF commander. Without the noble captain there you should be able to gather better information. The point of intrest recently would be the governors arrival. The amount of attacks have risen pretty steeply since he got there. Which either indicates that he might be quite incompetent or there is some larger plan at work out there. The PDF commander should also be able to give better assessments on what kind of resistance you might expect and the quality of his own forces as well as that of the nobles.

It could also be worthwhile to talk a bit with Kreft. By his accounts of the fight it sounds like he and his mercenaries are from a heavy gravity world or have some augmentation done to them, possibly both. And if he and his company are to deploy on the ground it could be important to get to know him and his men better. You might after all work together or end up opposing him.

Lev 2010/02/19(Fri)11:44 No. 135351 ID: 891a1f
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A strange symbol appears on the monitor.

Busy, busy busy times. No time for quest. D:

I somehow wanted this little thing to reach a conclusion, but I failed. Eh, fun times nevertheless.

I'll still be hanging around the board, some quests are just too awesome to leave them unread... :3