The Princess Genevive Saga: An Imperial Knights Quest

[MysticKnightJoe]

On-board the Ashen Moths Flagship Gossamer Wings, the mood was growing somber. The flight deck, lit by both electric lumens and wax candles was a hub of activity. The Chapter Master of the Moths, absently fingers through one of the many tomes and scrolls that surround his command throne. "Repeat the message, Cousin," he says, voice soft but filling the room.

The woman he addresses is a tall, prim woman in the robes of a student. She nods at her Master's order. Setting her glasses up on her nose she says, "The Lord Inquisitor Pollox sends his regards, he politely declines any offer of help. He is busy on other business."

The Chapter Master turns to regard the ship currently filling the view screen. "How unusual." He picks up a scroll. It is one of many of the traditional tombs of the Chapter. The Book of Friends. In it, the Moths list every single person they have ever had reason to interact with. As much as they can find. There is an opposite volume of course, The Book of Foes.

"What do you think, Xuande," the Master asks softly.

Xuande. The Captain of the Ashen Moths 1st Company. Sage and Strategist of no small skill and ability, approaches his Chapter Master. "It is unusual to be contacted by the Inquisition, especially in such a polite manner." A smile flickers on his noble features. "And many would latch on our presence as a blessing, at least for their aims."

"Another matter," an aged voice intones. The Marines turn. The Ancient Chief Librarian, the most Illustrious Sage Qiu Chufei, looks up, his long white beard quivering. "The ship is surrounded by a psychic shroud that resists my every attempt to pierce it." The ancient sage frowns. "Most unusual." He turns back to his game board, an ancient strategy game with no visible opponent. "Most unusual indeed."

"Pollux," the Master says, finally finding the correct entry, "is a fanatic. A Puritan among Puritans. He refuses to utilize Psykers in any but the most necessary manner."

"So this is either neccessary," Xuande says, "or something has gone wrong." He considers for a moment. "Yunchang, Xide."

His two fellow squadmates, his Sworn Brothers, steady in readiness for the orders.

The Three Sworn Brothers of the 1st Squadron are legends among legends. Centuries ago, when they were but mortal boys, they swore an oath that they would go to the Great Academy and become Space Marines together, or they would die trying. In that instant, the three forged a bond stronger then even the Geneseed inside their bodies. A bond that went beyond Dorn's genetics and went straight to the depths of their very souls.

Getting to the Great Academy was a mighty endevour in and of itself, and even as boys the three proved to be mighty heroes. They together ended the brutal grip the River Pirates of Dian Qu had on the trade there. They bested a flock of brutal Condors, driven mad by some strange malady.

And as Space Marines, the three proved their heroics every day of their lives in service to the Emperor and the Ideals of the Ashen Moths.

Xuande, as ever, is their leader. Their strategist and noble. A proud man born with the soul of a Prince, he was as known for solving problems with his words and mind as much for his skill with bolter and blade.

Xide, the loud and bold warrior of the three, is a mighty figure, whose past and future are awash in triumph. With his wild pride and feral savagery, the Marine was a match for any Space Wolf in terms of raw might and cunning.

But the greatest of the three is Yunchang. Yunchang, the Chapter Champion, if the Ashen Moths ever bothered to formalize such a thing. The finest warrior and patriot in the Legion. This did not bother the other two. What brother would take umbrage with their brother's success? And Yunchang's successes were great. It was he who slew the Ork Warlord Krakgun Slasburn, breaking the back of an invasion that would of decimated entire systems. He who battled the Three Chaos Lords of the Gougers Warband, slaying all three one by one in single combat, proving the weakness of their pathetic devotion to the Dark Gods. He who represented the Ashen Moths at the Feast of Blades, the first the Chapter had attended since its inception, and won five bouts despite the mockery of the other Sons of Dorn.

And Yunchang stands ready, as his brothers stand ready, awaiting his Chapter Master's orders.

"Be ready," the Master says softly, "get to your positions and prepare to board if we get any further information."

"Yes, Master," Yunchang says instantly, already readying internally. Some sixth sense inside him telling him that war was coming.

"Oh," the Master adds suddenly, "Brothers of the Garden of Peaches?"

"Yes?" Xuande asks.

"Prepare your Terminator Armor."

 

[Always Late]

We have Imperial Chinese Terminators coming to bail us out.

On the one hand, awesome. I want more Ashen Moths. On the other, it's more proof this 'side-story' has grown and bloated to be a full arc in and of itself.

 

[MysticKnightJoe]

We have Imperial Chinese Terminators coming to bail us out.

On the one hand, awesome. I want more Ashen Moths. On the other, it's more proof this 'side-story' has grown and bloated to be a full arc in and of itself.

Click to shrink...

It has gotten to be a bit much yeah. It was a bit of an experiment, and I don't think I'll do it in the next arc.

 

[Icipall]

The Chapter Master turns to regard the ship currently filling the view screen. "How unusual." He picks up a scroll. It is one of many of the traditional tombs of the Chapter. The Book of Friends. In it, the Moths list every single person they have ever had reason to interact with. As much as they can find. There is an opposite volume of course, The Book of Foes.

Click to shrink...

Heh.

Xuande. The Captain of the Ashen Moths 1st Company. Sage and Strategist of no small skill and ability, approaches his Chapter Master. "It is unusual to be contacted by the Inquisition, especially in such a polite manner." A smile flickers on his noble features. "And many would latch on our presence as a blessing, at least for their aims."

"Another matter," an aged voice intones. The Marines turn. The Ancient Chief Librarian, the most Illustrious Sage Qiu Chufei, looks up, his long white beard quivering. "The ship is surrounded by a psychic shroud that resists my every attempt to pierce it." The ancient sage frowns. "Most unusual." He turns back to his game board, an ancient strategy game with no visible opponent. "Most unusual indeed."

"Pollux," the Master says, finally finding the correct entry, "is a fanatic. A Puritan among Puritans. He refuses to utilize Psykers in any but the most necessary manner."

"So this is either neccessary," Xuande says, "or something has gone wrong." He considers for a moment. "Yunchang, Xide."

Click to shrink...

Good thing they're realizing something is wrong. Double funny that it started because Inquisition was being too nice and polite to them.

Yunchang, the Chapter Champion if the Ashen Moths ever bothered to formalize such a thing.

Click to shrink...

Missing a comma.

 

[MysticKnightJoe]

[X] Move forward. Time to gather the troops


"Then it is time to move," you say, "we have spent too long in this city."

A chorus of blunt agreement rings from your lance, and from Commissar Pepper. And so you move out to the yard just outside the city limits. The army is assembled, and you see that Capat has been true to his word. Your army is outnumbered by a vertiable horde of ragged civilians, armed with whatever they can get. It seems every family on Castdown owns at least one firearm.

You wince. The lack of private communication is vexing, but you have a feeling your feelings are mirrored by your lance. The civilians are a distraction at best, and a suicide squad at worst. As your Knights approach, however, they give a ragged, near religious cheer. You hear your name shouted over and over. It reeks of desperate hope. But also a deep, mad, love. It makes your chest ache.

The Executor Office has a small force of Knights, including Felix's Knight Crusader Shadowbane, Germaine in his Valiant Hero of Ages, his brother Janus in the Castellan Master of the Gun, and even Ilonia in her Errant Direhawk. All the Knights are painted in the colors of the Executor Branch, a dark purple with silver highlights.

It is also the first time you lay eyes on the mounts of the Freeblades. Cutter pilots the specialized frame of the Knight Worlds, the Knight Samurai. It has no identifying characteristic, but is pure white and black. Reinhard has a Paladin, with the name removed as par Eisenreich tradition. It is also painted as a Freeblade of the world, in flat gunmetal grey. Angeliese's Preceptor, done in near holy gold and silver, stands proud among it's fellows. Grizelda has a Gallant. That seems a touch obvious to you, and the entire thing is done up in bright red and green.

And then there is Horus' mount. You realize it is Horus' mount the moment you see it. It is impossible to tell what kind of frame it is, so mangled is it's form. It isn't painted, not even grey like Reinhard's. It is a brutish looking machine, with a hulking waraxe and slug gun. You shudder. There is something disconcerting about the Knight. Something primal.

You are interrupted by the sudden approach of Lukanos. He buzzes in on his bike, panting heavily. "Ma'am! Highness! Lady!" He croaks out several titles at once. "The Cadians and Umikaze. They are approaching now."

"Are they alone," you say without thinking.

"Just them. The commanders want to meet with you. As soon as possible. They are setting up a tent on the fringes. They are nervous. Think they've been through a lot." The Kratosian Scout slumps off his bike, legs cracking loudly. He wipes sweat from his brow.

"Take a rest, Lukanos," you say gently. The man grins, salutes, and leaves.

You take a breath. Well, the Eldar seem to be hiding. Not bursting in with their 'allies'. Good. One less thing to keep you awake at night.

You set your Knight near the others, emerging from it in all your grand diplomatic finery. Alex, Ravana, and Vali meet you at the bottom, with Dolce hanging back, looking nervous and oddly sullen. X9-A lurks to your side.

You smile at them all, and then move to the designated area. "The Cadians are supposed to be the most impressive men in the Empire," Alex says with a somewhat naughty grin.

Dolce colors a little sharply, and Ravana grunts roughly. Vali is hanging back with X9-A, so doesn't notice the impropriety.

You giggle softly. You recall what you've learned of the Umikaze. From your lessons, it is a Sea World, focused on fishing exports of exotic meats. It is also a world where combat is considered a femanine pursuit, in particular the driving and operation of tanks, which is believed to be a special mark of a high class lady.

Really, you don't know what to expect. You don't know how many of the two regiments forces remain. But you are happy to have more allies on this world. With no strings attached.

You are met by Teneyes and Magus. Teneyes waves brightly, like an excited child, while Magus simply nods. Commissar Pepper joins later, giving little more then a distracted greeting before falling in step.

And at last you meet the two commanders of the lost regiments.

The Cadian officer, salutes as you approach. "Are you Princess Genevive of Etumar?" He asks immediately. The woman next to him, a delicate and willowy beauty, stares at his rudeness.

"I am," you respond carefully.

The man scowls deeply. His purple eyes gleam with irritation. "So the bloody knife-eared bastard was right about that at the least. I am Captain Wirr Halos. The highest ranking officer of the Cadians."

"And I am Honored Commander Hana Hitsuhime," the woman says with a ghost of a smile. "We have come a long way, and need your aid to get to fighting strength. We've lost half our fighting strength, and we have many wounded and broken machinery."

"We will do what we can," you say calmly. "Though perhaps we should speak in greater detail." You frown and lean close. "Where are the Aeldari?" You ask.

"Gone," Halos grunts. "We woke up and they were all disappeared. Right into thin air. Downright creepy really."

You somehow doubt they simply have gone and left you be. "Very well," you say. You gesture to the command tent. "Let us speak in private."

You enter the tent, filing in one by one. Somehow, none of you notice the figure already sitting at the command table until you turn. The figure is tall and cloaked, with a bone-white, eyeless mask. You blink and ask, rather dumbly, "who is that?"

X9-A reacts first, machine enhanced reflexes causing her to draw her blade and leap towards the being in an eyeblink. And then she stops short in midair. She curses weakly.

Halos' eyes widen in shock. "Erimil! What the hell?" He reaches for his gun, but suddenly he is surrounded by figures in strange, insectoid armor, sharp blades held at him. In fact, everyone but you is held back by similar warriors.

"I wanted," the Warlock says easily, "to limit exposure to your forces as much as possible. To mitigate the possibility of incidents that may disrupt our current alliance." The alien rises. He cocks his head as he looks at you. "Do I have your oath that your warriors will stand down, Princess?"

[] I can't promise that
[] Scream for help
[] You first
[] Write-in

********************
​

[X] Focus on finding Mariah


You need to find the girl. To that end, you stagger forward. Your hands are still a mangled mess. Your weapons and armor have been stolen and destroyed, so you move to replace them.

Reaching into the corpses, you struggle to pick up a lasgun. After a moment, you cease to try. Without proper medical attention, you will never be able to operate as an assassin again. A non-functioning tool is worthless to the Emperor.

You do find a ragged set of pants and a shirt, however. At least you will have some dignity. The Night Lords haven't taken everything from you.

You stagger into the vent, and crawl on your hands and knees forward. You realize you aren't certain where the girl Mariah is.


[] Stay put, use your senses to pick up clues
[] Move to the master location, try and meet her half-way
[] Wander aimlessly
[] Write-in

 

[Icipall]

We have acquired impressive amount of Knights.

You hear your name shouted over and over. It reeks of desperate hope. But also a deep, mad, love. It makes your chest ache.

Click to shrink...

Welcome to being an icon in the Imperium, Princess.

You are interrupted by the sudden approach of Lukanos. He buzzes in on his bike, panting heavily. "Ma'am! Highness! Lady!" He croaks out several titles at once. "The Cadians and Umikaze. They are approaching now."

Click to shrink...

We found them at last.

Halos' eyes widen in shock. "Erimil! What the hell?" He reaches for his gun, but suddenly he is surrounded by figures in strange, insectoid armor, sharp blades held at him. In fact, everyone but you is held back by similar warriors.

"I wanted," the Warlock says easily, "to limit exposure to your forces as much as possible. To mitigate the possibility of incidents that may disrupt our current alliance." The alien rises. He cocks his head as he looks at you. "Do I have your oath that your warriors will stand down, Princess?"

Click to shrink...

Speak of the Aeldari and they shall appear.

Reaching into the corpses, you struggle to pick up a lazgun.

Click to shrink...

Lasgun.


[X] You first
[X] Move to the master location, try and meet her half-way

 

[veekie]

[X] You first

Goddamit Eldar can you do ANYTHING without posturing and posing?

 

[Always Late]

It is also the first time you lay eyes on the mounts of the Freeblades. Cutter pilots the specialized frame of the Knight Worlds, the Knight Samurai. It has no identifying characteristic, but is pure white and black. Reinhard has a Paladin, with the name removed as par Eisenreich tradition. It is also painted as a Freeblade of the world, in flat gunmetal grey. Angeliese's Preceptor, done in near holy gold and silver, stands proud among it's fellows. Grizelda has a Gallant. That seems a touch obvious to you, and the entire thing is done up in bright red and green.

And then there is Horus' mount. You realize it is Horus' mount the moment you see it. It is impossible to tell what kind of frame it is, so mangled is it's form. It isn't painted, not even grey like Reinhard's. It is a brutish looking machine, with a hulking waraxe and slug gun. You shudder. There is something disconcerting about the Knight. Something primal.

Click to shrink...

1. Uh, what's the Knight Samurai's configuration again?
2. What's a "Slug Gun" in this context? And is that a axe a power weapon, chain weapon, or just a bigass piece of metal?
3. No official pattern of Knight uses an axe. I'm inclined to think Horus' whole ride is a custom job, given the upper torso of each knight chassis is very distinct. Which means part of the thing he seeks to atone for is linked to the Dark Mechanicus or the Infernal Houses that are tied to them.

You giggle softly. You recall what you've learned of the Umikaze. From your lessons, it is a Sea World, focused on fishing exports of exotic meats. It is also a world where combat is considered a femanine pursuit, in particular the driving and operation of tanks, which is believed to be a special mark of a high class lady.

Click to shrink...

... FUCK ME! Why didn't I see it before? You made a Girls Und Panzer regiment!

You enter the tent, filing in one by one. Somehow, none of you notice the figure already sitting at the command table until you turn. The figure is tall and cloaked, with a bone-white, eyeless mask. You blink and ask, rather dumbly, "who is that?"

X9-A reacts first, machine enhanced reflexes causing her to draw her blade and leap towards the being in an eyeblink. And then she stops short in midair. She curses weakly.

Halos' eyes widen in shock. "Erimil! What the hell?" He reaches for his gun, but suddenly he is surrounded by figures in strange, insectoid armor, sharp blades held at him. In fact, everyone but you is held back by similar warriors.

"I wanted," the Warlock says easily, "to limit exposure to your forces as much as possible. To mitigate the possibility of incidents that may disrupt our current alliance." The alien rises. He cocks his head as he looks at you. "Do I have your oath that your warriors will stand down, Princess?"

Click to shrink...

... well fuck. Good thing I know how to answer this.


[X]"You claimed to act in good faith by helping the Guard. Yet when I oblige your request for a parlay and arrive with only a minimal escort, you point weapons at me. Not very honorable."
-[X]"In gratitude for your help to the Cadians and Umikaze, I shall allow you a second chance to present yourself as befitting a lord of your people."
-[X]"My bodyguard shall not make any offensive moves lest you or yours do. Is this agreeable?"
[X] Move to the master location, try and meet her half-way

 

[MysticKnightJoe]

1. Uh, what's the Knight Samurai's configuration again?
2. What's a "Slug Gun" in this context? And is that a axe a power weapon, chain weapon, or just a bigass piece of metal?
3. No official pattern of Knight uses an axe. I'm inclined to think Horus' whole ride is a custom job, given the upper torso of each knight chassis is very distinct. Which means part of the thing he seeks to atone for is linked to the Dark Mechanicus or the Infernal Houses that are tied to them.

Click to shrink...

1. The Knight Samurai is one I made up. It has a massive Katana-style power blade and a laser weapon designed to pulverize at close range. The laser can also flip backwards to deal a blow to the Knight's Power Core for a Suicidal Explosion.
2. The 'Slug Gun' is basically a Battle Cannon, and the Axe is Chain.
3. :3

 

[Always Late]

2. The 'Slug Gun' is basically a Battle Cannon, and the Axe is Chain.

Click to shrink...

Uuuuuuuuuuuh...

3. :3

Click to shrink...

UUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUH!

That's a Chaos Knight. Totally a Chaos Knight.

 

[King50000]

[X] You first
[X] Move to the master location, try and meet her half-way

 

[buli-buli]

[X]"You claimed to act in good faith by helping the Guard. Yet when I oblige your request for a parlay and arrive with only a minimal escort, you point weapons at me. Not very honorable."
-[X]"In gratitude for your help to the Cadians and Umikaze, I shall allow you a second chance to present yourself as befitting a lord of your people."
-[X]"My bodyguard shall not make any offensive moves lest you or yours do. Is this agreeable?"
[X] Move to the master location, try and meet her half-way

 

[MysticKnightJoe]

[X] You first


You shudder out a breath, trying not to feel insulted that the Warlock didn't find the need to hold you at blade point. "You first," you finally say.

Erimil stares you down for a long moment, his mask betraying no emotion. Then he waves his hand. "As you wish." The warriors withdraw, blades slung to their sides. An instant later they are surrounding the table, tense and at the ready.

A second later, X9-A falls to the table with a light clunk. She turns to you, and you shake your head, hoping she gets the message to 'not attack.' She does, and settles into a seat, sheathing her sword.

"Fucking hell, knife-ear!" Halos snaps out, rubbing his neck. "That was not necessary."

Erimil says nothing, he is still facing you. You shiver at his scrutiny. Suddenly he speaks. "I have been told, by members of my force that are more familiar to interaction with humans, that you would be more comfortable if I took off my mask. Is that correct?"

That throws you for a loop. You nod slowly as you slide into the seat directly across from the Aeldari War-leader. "I suppose."

Erimil reaches up, and with a motion removes his helm. An instant later you realize you've made a terrible mistake. You had expected an utterly inhuman, monstrous face. But you learn quickly that Aeldari are almost human. Almost. Erimil has long hair the color of blood and cruel, hawk-like grey eyes. His skin is the color of ivory. He has long, tapered ears, which explains Halos' irritable nickname for the alien. Erimil is so close to human, but also so clearly not. It is unnerving, especially when it sets in that every Eldar you've met has looked like this. Including the horrific Drukhari butchers you'd been forced to side with on Lernaea.

But you smile politely nonetheless, hiding your instant discomfort. "I trust this is about an alliance?" you say calmly, ignoring Ravana's much less concealed reaction.

Erimil smiles, an eerie expression that looks more like a hawk managed to make the expression instead of a display of normal warmth. You instantly wish he'd kept on his mask. "Correct. We have an..." he stops and considers for a moment. "Instruction is rude. It is a directive. No. Advice. Yes. Advice. Advice you will follow if you wish to survive."

"That sounds like a threat," Alex growls. She steps forward angrily.

"I vow I will harm no one unless you attempt to harm me," Erimil says calmly. He leans forward, and sets down a map. It is of the planet, specifically of the local area. He points at a mountain. "Here. That is where you need to be. You call it Mount Providence. We called it...well...it translates poorly in your tongue. Your name will do."

"You called it?" You ask, honestly curious.

"This planet was ours, before it was yours," Erimil answers simply. "Before that it belonged to something even older."

Ravana scowls. "Well, it is ours now, as is the Universe, best you remember that Xenos."

Erimil looks at her curiously. Then he laughs. He throws his head back and caws like the birds of prey he resembles. It lasts a shocking second, then he stops. His eyes gleam. "That is funny. Humans. Owning something. This world has two owners. We no longer have the care to claim it. But the other will take it back, unless we stop it."

"The Necrons?" Magus asks. She steps forward, actually excited. "Why did you take this world, but not kill the Necrons? That was the common way of your kind."

Erimil shifts back in his chair. "I can't speak to that. Not to the Empire. I think they were testing things on this world. Then it was forgotten."

"Probably got distracted by a Blood-Orgy," Magus mutters in your ear. You shiver, and you see Erimil's ear twitch. He doesn't respond, though.

"The mist is yours, right?" Alex asks.

"Yes."

"Can you get rid of it?" Alex snaps.

"You don't want that."

"What if we say we do?" Alex snarls. She leans towards Erimil. "It is messing with our communications equipment."

"That is your fault for having subpar communications technology," Erimil says. He then smiles thinly. "It is a benefit. It harms the Necrons far more then it does you. You have never fought the Necrons, yes? Without the mist, you all die. With the mist you may live."

"And the heretics? The Corpse Harvesters?" You ask.

"Secondary. A lesser threat to the Necrons."

You nod slowly, and consider your options carefully. The alien is a frightful presence, but you doubt he wants you dead. Not at present, at least.


[] Questions
[] Agree with the 'advice'
[] Disagree with the 'advice'
[] Write-in

********************
​

[X] Move to the master location, try and meet her half-way


It has been slow going, moving through the ship's bowels, and made even slower by necessity. Your strange little army has managed to kill two more of the horrible berserk servitors. But at a grave cost. You only have three bombs left. And ten of your soldiers lie dead.

Vonheim is still alive, calmly rolling by your side. It is incapable of fear, of course. Its eyes flicker coldly. "Approaching mission objective. Movement, all behind. We have escaped enemy contacts. For now."

"Thank you Vonheim," you respond flatly. At last. At long last. You take another step. It is almost over. God-Emperor help you, it is almost over.

Suddenly Vonheim lets out a shrill beep. You know it as a warning, now. It is a sound that means something approaches.

That something turns out to be a slip of a girl. You and your warriors lower your weapons as the poor thing staggers towards you. Her hands are ruins, brutalized and hanging at her sides. She looks up, and you start when you see that her eyes are dull, dead things. They show no pain or fear.

"Mariah." You know the voice immediatly. The Emperor's Shadow. The Assassin.

"I am close, Lord," you say. You frown. "What happened to you?"

"No time. Alpha. Alpha most be awakened. Only way. Only choice."


[] Continue to press
[] Go to Alpha

 

[Emote Control]

[X] Agree with the 'advice'.

 

[Always Late]

Erimil stares you down for a long moment, his mask betraying no emotion. Then he waves his hand. "As you wish." The warriors withdraw, blades slung to their sides. An instant later they are surrounding the table, tense and at the ready.

A second later, X9-A falls to the table with a light clunk. She turns to you, and you shake your head, hoping she gets the message to 'not attack.' She does, and settles into a seat, sheathing her sword.

Click to shrink...

... I found that alot funnier than I should have.

Erimil says nothing, he is still facing you. You shiver at his scrutiny. Suddenly he speaks. "I have been told, by members of my force that are more familiar to interaction with humans, that you would be more comfortable if I took off my mask. Is that correct?"

That throws you for a loop. You nod slowly as you slide into the seat directly across from the Aeldari War-leader. "I suppose."

Erimil reaches up, and with a motion removes his helm. An instant later you realize you've made a terrible mistake. You had expected an utterly inhuman, monstrous face. But you learn quickly that Aeldari are almost human. Almost. Erimil has long hair the color of blood and cruel, hawk-like grey eyes. His skin is the color of ivory. He has long, tapered ears, which explains Halos' irritable nickname for the alien. Erimil is so close to human, but also so clearly not. It is unnerving, especially when it sets in that every Eldar you've met has looked like this. Including the horrific Drukhari butchers you'd been forced to side with on Lernaea.

Click to shrink...

Welcome to the uncanny valley.

"I vow I will harm no one unless you attempt to harm me," Erimil says calmly. He leans forward, and sets down a map. It is of the planet, specifically of the local area. He points at a mountain. "Here. That is where you need to be. You call it Mount Providence. We called it...well...it translates poorly in your tongue. Your name will do."

"You called it?" You ask, honestly curious.

"This planet was ours, before it was yours," Erimil answers simply. "Before that it belonged to something even older."

Click to shrink...

So the Eldar turned a Necron Tomb World into... what, a quarantine world? Something other than a Maiden World?

Ravana scowls. "Well, it is ours now, as is the Universe, best you remember that Xenos."

Erimil looks at her curiously. Then he laughs. He throws his head back and caws like the birds of prey he resembles. It lasts a shocking second, then he stops. His eyes gleam. "That is funny. Humans. Owning something. This world has two owners. We no longer have the care to claim it. But the other will take it back, unless we stop it."

Click to shrink...

... I also laughed at this when I shouldn't have.

"The Necrons?" Magus asks. She steps forward, actually excited. "Why did you take this world, but not kill the Necrons? That was the common way of your kind."

Erimil shifts back in his chair. "I can't speak to that. Not to the Empire. I think they were testing things on this world. Then it was forgotten."

Click to shrink...

Oh great. So the Lord has a bunch of experimental Necron weapons down there. Lovely.

"The mist is yours, right?" Alex asks.

"Yes."

"Can you get rid of it?" Alex snaps.

"You don't want that."

"What if we say we do?" Alex snarls. She leans towards Erimil. "It is messing with our communications equipment."

"That is your fault for having subpar communications technology," Erimil says. He then smiles thinly. "It is a benefit. It harms the Necrons far more then it does you. You have never fought the Necrons, yes? Without the mist, you all die. With the mist you may live."

Click to shrink...

Blegh. That's annoying, but fair.

[] Questions
[] Agree with the 'advice'
[] Disagree with the 'advice'
[] Write-in

Click to shrink...

Only thing I can think of is what's at Mount Providence we need to find/destroy and what method we may contact the folks in orbit. We do kinda need to do that at some point.

That something turns out to be a slip of a naked girl. You and your warriors lower your weapons as the poor thing staggers towards you. Her hands are ruins, brutalized and hanging at her sides. She looks up, and you start when you see that her eyes are dull, dead things. They show no pain or fear.

"Mariah." You know the voice immediatly. The Emperor's Shadow. The Assassin.

"I am close, Lord," you say. You frown. "What happened to you?"

"No time. Alpha. Alpha most be awakened. Only way. Only choice."

Click to shrink...

Whelp. What the assassin says, the assassin gets.

[X]Question
-[X]What's our objective at Mount Providence?
-[X]Is there no way we can send any sort of message to the fleet in orbit? Or evacuate people off-world?
[X] Go to Alpha

 

[veekie]

[X]Question
-[X]What's our objective at Mount Providence?
-[X]Is there no way we can send any sort of message to the fleet in orbit? Or evacuate people off-world?

 

[buli-buli]

[X]Question
-[X]What's our objective at Mount Providence?
-[X]Is there no way we can send any sort of message to the fleet in orbit? Or evacuate people off-world?

 

[Icipall]

"That is your fault for having subpar communications technology," Erimil says. He then smiles thinly. "It is a benefit. It harms the Necrons far more then it does you. You have never fought the Necrons, yes? Without the mist, you all die. With the mist you may live."

Click to shrink...

Yeah, as annoying as it is, we need that mist.

[X]Question
-[X]What's our objective at Mount Providence?
-[X]Is there no way we can send any sort of message to the fleet in orbit? Or evacuate people off-world?
[X] Go to Alpha

 

[MysticKnightJoe]

[X]Question
-[X]What's our objective at Mount Providence?
-[X]Is there no way we can send any sort of message to the fleet in orbit? Or evacuate people off-world?


"So what exactly is our objective at Mount Providence?" you ask. "What is there that is so important?"

Erimil looks at you, his hawk-like eyes grim. "It is directly above the Necron Lord's Chamber. Almost a straight shot. We can stop the awakening if we get there and end the Lord. That is paramount. Your machines are too large and cumbersome to move through the smaller tunnels, so my force will focus on that. You have to move over ground. We have five days," he declares with complete finality.

You nod slowly. "The only way to stop the Necron Awakening is to stop the Lord." A chorus of grim nods and affirmatives accompany your statement. "Is it possible for us to contact the fleet and start evacuating the planet?" It's a small hope. But maybe it can work.

Erimil frowns. For a moment you think he is angry, but instead he bows his head in consideration. A moment passes. At last he says, "I can give eight hours. That's as long as I can risk."

"So, you are in control of the Mist?" Teneyes asks. His eyes widen a little. "Wait, you're controlling it on your own? Over the whole planet?"

"I can do what you could never imagine, child," Erimil snaps. He stands, and puts back on his mask. "I can give you eight hours to contact your fleet for reinforcement and repairs. You can try and get as many civilians as you can off the world in that time as well, if you so choose." He beckons for his warriors, and they shift to him. "That is all I can give. That is all we can afford to take. Do as you will with it." There is a flash of light, and when it clears, the alien warriors are gone.

Halos scowls. "Emperor-dammed prick."

Teneyes pushes open the flap of the tent. He smiles at you. "The Mist is clearing, he held to that at least."

"It strikes me," Ravana says coldly, "that we keep you around to deal with Psychic threats. But you did nothing when the xenos froze X9-A and threatened us."

Teneyes shrugs. "What can a river do against an ocean?"

"For now," you interrupt. "We must focus on getting our forces together. We have eight hours." Eight hours to get ready yourself for the final charge. You set aside time internally to establish the evacuation and call for reinforcement. That leaves time for something more personal.


[] Confront "Horus"
[] Speak with Teneyes
[] Meet with Magus
[] Meet with the Lost Commanders
[] Write-in

********************
​

[X] Go to Alpha


Alpha's chamber isn't that impressive. Just a normal supply room. Set in the corner is a massive metal box, like the ones used to transport weapons and armor.

Beta ignores your interest and staggers to a nearby wall, slapping it and revealing an activation pad. The assassin awkwardly presses several buttons with their mangled hands.

You step forward, but Beta holds up a hand. "No. When this occurs, the only hope for your survival is to stand back."

"No." A deep voice intones. You stiffen. No. "Let us stay. And watch."

All of you turn. Leaning indolently on the door is The Darkling. Two of your warriors let out terrified yells and draw guns. The Night Lord draws his long dagger and slashes their throats before they even have them out of their holsters. They fall dead. "Continue. Please."

Beta glares the monster down as they input the last commands. "This is your end. Heretic. Abomination. Monster." And at last the command is given, and Beta moves to your side. The assassin touches your shoulder with surprising tenderness. "You've done well."

The box glows, and then opens slowly. Long, knife-like fingers reach out, and you catch a glimpse of a skull-like face as the creature within emerges. A loud hissing breath rings through the room. You turn to The Darkling and see that he is holding a small box. He presses the button with a cold chuckle. Beta screams, "NO!" And for an instant the world goes white.

"We found it early in the occupation of this ship," The Darkling's voice reaches you as you come to. "The Eversor. Alpha."

"Why?" Beta sobs. "Why?"

The Darkling chuckles. Your sight slowly returns, and you stare up at the abomination. Another has joined with him. The Black Prince, you think, though it is hard to tell. "Why? Simple. We allowed this to occur, because we wanted you to see the death of hope. The instant destruction of all possible support the God-Emperor has given you."

The Black Prince growls out irritably. "This is stupid. Can we just kill them?"

"Not yet," The Darkling says. He holds out his hand. "Do you understand what I've been trying to teach you, Mariah? Do you, Beta? If so take my hand and join us."


[] Spit on his hand
[] Take his hand
[] "What the hell was all this?"

 

[Icipall]

Erimil looks at you, his hawk-like eyes grim. "It is directly above the Necron Lord's Chamber. Almost a straight shot. We can stop the awakening if we get there and end the Lord. That is paramount. Your machines are too large and cumbersome to move through the smaller tunnels, so my force will focus on that. You have to move over ground. We have five days," he declares with complete finality.

Click to shrink...

Well, that's big. It is going to be a bloody battle.

"Is it possible for us to contact the fleet and start evacuating the planet?" It's a small hope. But maybe it can work.

Erimil frowns. For a moment you think he is angry, but instead he bows his head in consideration. A moment passes. At last he says, "I can give eight hours. That's as long as I can risk."

Click to shrink...

...Huh. That was really nice of him.

The box glows, and then opens slowly. Long, knife-like fingers reach out, and you catch a glimpse of a skull-like face as the creature within emerges. A loud hissing breath rings through the room. You turn to The Darkling and see that he is holding a small box. He presses the button with a cold chuckle. Beta screams, "NO!" And for an instant the world goes white.

"We found it early in the occupation of this ship," The Darkling's voice reaches you as you come to. "The Eversor. Alpha."

Click to shrink...

Well. Fuck. They were playing us like fiddle.

[X] Meet with the Lost Commanders
[X] "What the hell was all this?"

 

[King50000]

[X] Confront "Horus"
[X] Spit on his hand

 

[Always Late]

[X] Meet with the Lost Commanders
[X] "What the hell was all this?"

I need my GuP and I need more Villain Monologging.

 

[MysticKnightJoe]

[X] Meet with the Lost Commanders


"What is taking them?" You say. It has been three hours since you contacted the fleet. Reinforcement and extraction had been promised in short order. And so far you have had no sign of them. Every few moments, you gaze up at the sky, hoping beyond hope that you will start to see the welcoming signs of incoming ships. And each time you are woefully disappointed.

"Be patient, sister," Alex says gently. "These things take time to get together."

"Like as not," Apolliana growls, "they are taking the time to argue over who gets to do what." The Sister has been helpful in these times, keeping the populace calm with her speeches. She was also quite forgiving about the Aeldari. Evidently such things have occurred before, even with her own order.

You nod weakly at Apolliana's claim, but you don't believe it. Surely such disunity wouldn't be allowed? Helios is there, he'd help to sort things out.

"Either way," Felix says coldly, "this has just gotten all the more dangerous, and we have to move soon. Give the order, Your Highness?"

"Not yet," you say softly. "This is where we are to meet. We still have time." Five hours. Exactly. Before the Mist closes up again.

"It will take an hour at least to get everyone ready to march, and the Necrons could shake off their dust any minute now," Germaine notes. He grimaces, and shakes his head. "I fought Necrons a long time ago, on Lansik IV. They are powerful and dangerous, and we have to hurry."

Any further discussion is interrupted by the entrance of a woman dressed in a skintight jumpsuit and fatigues. Slung over her back is a harpoon launcher, that you recognize as an Umikaze signature. She salutes, placing her right hand just below her short black hair. "Trooper Miriko, reporting. Sorry to interrupt, Your Highness."

You smile at the Umikaze Trooper. "It is fine, almost welcome in fact. Everyone is on edge. How can I help you, Miriko?"

Miriko's usually taciturn features alight at your use of her first name. She keeps control of herself, however, and says, "Commander Halos and Honored Captain Hitsuhime wish to meet with you."

You take the invitation immediately. It will make a fine distraction. You leave the tent with Miriko and X9-A, before anyone can argue.

Outside is another soldier from Umikaze, a sweet looking girl with light hair and a friendly smile. She waves as Miriko approaches. "Trooper Kanna," Miriko introduces casually.

The two troopers walk ahead of you, guiding you to the area where the Cadians and Umikaze have forged their camp. You can very clearly hear Kanna whisper, "She is so pretty!" to her friend. You hide a smile.

****************
​

Halos and Hitsuhime are taking tea together in a sizable tent on the inside of their camps edge. Directly beside it is the Umikaze's commander's Superheavy, a Baneblade.

Hitsuhime gently pours you a cup. "It isn't very good, I'm afraid. We ran out." A frown flits over the delicate woman's face.

"It is fine, Hina," Halos says gently. "Can't expect much more then this."

You take a sip. The tea is little more then lightly flavored hot water at this point, but the flavor is still good. "It is perfectly fine," you say. You look between the two commanders. "What did you wish to speak about?"

There is a moment of pronounced awkwardness, and Hitsuhime uses it as an opportunity to refill your cup. "We merely wanted to ask what your plan is with us?"

That startles you. "In what regard?"

"Well," Hitsuhime says slowly. "We took over our regiments with little explanation. Regardless of the death of our superiors it can still be uncomfortable to certain people. Thus, our desire to gauge your opinion on the matter."

"Your soldiers like and trust you, right?" You ask softly. You are stunned that this is even a worry.

Halos takes a sip from his own tea, then says, "Of course they do, Your Highness."

"Then there should be no problem," you declare with finality. "You two are in charge now, and I see no reason why that should cause awkwardness or ill feeling."

Both calm visibly. "It is good, to hear it right from the High Commander," Hitsuhime says softly, her gentle smile eternal. It is hard to believe the woman is a hardened soldier. "I thank you for your candidness, Your Highness. Wirr does as well."

Halos grunts, but salutes nonetheless. Is he blushing? These two really are a unique pair.

Any further discussion is interrupted by the sound of motors running and then stopping outside the tent. Lukanos' voice reaches your ear. "Genevive! Er...Princess! Something has happened, please come out at once! You have to hear this!"

A much louder engine sounds and stops, followed by the loud thud of heavy feet. You pull back the tent flap to see an exhausted Lukanos and his scout corp, bolstered by Lernaean volunteers.

But the one that gets your eye instantly is the Astartes in Brown and Off-white. Armed with two pistols and a massive knife, he wears a wide-brimmed hat of some unknown leather over a weather-beaten face, a respirator covering his lower mouth. He eyes you curiously. "Jebidiah Moss, ma'am. Of the Dust Riders Chapter. Ah' have a report. Me and this rider." The Marine nods at Lukanos, who is currently washing his sweat covered face with a splash of water.

Hitsuhime and Halos move out of the tent, coming up behind you. Miriko, Kanna, and X9-A are already at your side. Kanna's eyes are wide in amazement, Miriko's face barely shifts. X9-A simply watches.

You bow politely to the Astartes. "And what would that be, Lord Astartes?"

Moss waves his hand at that. "Not a lord, ma'am. Just a Battle Brother is all. A Deputy." After a moment he says, "The Corpse Harvesters ain't coming here. They are splitting their forces up to hit the locals. The Civilians. If you have a posse coming to pick them up, they better put spurs."

You pale, stagger back. "Is...is this true?" You manage.

Lukanos looks to you, and nods grimly. "They are hitting villages one by one. Killing everyone. We saw the bodies. Everyone."

You feel tears running down your face. "Those cowards. They won't take us head-on, so they choose to hit those who can't defend themselves."

"Yella' as snakes," Moss agrees in his rumbling voice. He nods at Lukanos. "Scout Commander Lukanos here told me 'bout the Necrons. They take priority, indeed. Like I said, tell what evacuators you have to put spurs to it." The Marine's voice takes on a grim shade, hard to tell with his voice, but clearly there. "If they don't, there won't be any folk left to save."

You shake with pain, sorrow, and growing rage. "Ok," you whisper.


[] Go back to the Vox, scream at command
[] Split your forces. Some go for the Necrons, some work to save people from the Harvesters
[] Do nothing. You just have to have faith
[] Write-in

****************
​

[X] "What the hell was all this?"


"What," you manage to croak out from a dry, bloody throat, "what the hell was all this?" You try and rise, but your legs feel boneless. Beta lies still next to you. Everyone else, you realize, is dead. Apparently they didn't get the same level of interest as you and Beta.

The Darkling withdraws his hand. He stares down at you. "You don't get it." He tilts his head. Then he screams. A mad piercing wail that sends even more pain lancing through your brain. "Impossible! How! I couldn't be more clear! I drilled it deep with pain and misery and you dense, stupid fools somehow don't get it!"

The Black Prince interjects. "What person can understand blind idiocy. This whole thing has been an idiotic game, and I am done with it." The other, apparently saner, Night Lord readies his bolter.

The Darkling slams a fist onto it with a scream of rage. "No! No! There is still time! I can make them understand! I can make them realize it is hopeless to fight us!"

"It isn't hopeless," Beta whispers. "The Emperor's Light is upon us."

"No." The Darkling steps up to the downed assassin. "It isn't. That's the point. It never was." He leans down to Beta. "The Emperor is nothing more then a pile of half-dead bones on the only thing keeping his miserable spark alive. His dream dashed to pieces and torn apart by his own excesses. His followers deluding themselves with lies and meaningless idiocies." He jabs a thing on Beta. "That is the point."

He turns on you next. "And you. You are being obstinate. I know you are. But that is OK. I know I can make you understand. I can see it like the Warhound sees it. I will take you and keep it up and make you understand."

"Well, well." You stiffen. You know that voice. Five more Astartes enter the picture. Bolters lowered. "I see you've been playing with your food, Darkling. And keeping dangerous warriors alive for them. You really are a fool." Knowledge Seeker lets out an arrogant sniff. "You made an error, of course, making it so clear. I'll take your head and deliver it to Death Walker."

"You realize," The Black Prince says dryly, "that there were four of us, right?"

Knowledge Seeker gets an instant of surprise before his head pops like a wet grape. The other four get a shock as a screaming, wailing, laughing, hollowing Four rams into them from behind. The surprise is enough for The Black Prince and The Darkling to leap into battle with vicious efficiency. In all, it takes about thirty seconds.

The Darkling cleans his dagger. "Always hated him. You suppose Death Walker will even notice?"

"No." The Black Prince grunts.

The ship shakes. "Seems we are being boarded," Halfbreed grunts. "We should go. Before we get swamped with Loyalist scum."

"You going to take your toys?" The Black Prince asks The Darkling with absolute irritation.

The Darkling turns to the two of you. After a moment he says, "No. Space Marines usually kill all they find in such places. That will make them understand. Before the end." With that the Darkling leaves, his fellow Night Lords following after.

You scream after him, for his death and suffering. But he ignores you. And you feel suddenly, utterly hopeless.

When the Darkling is gone, you manage to stagger to Beta. You heft the Assassin up, forcing yourself to your feet. "It's over," Beta whispers, "everything is lost."

You force one foot in front of the other, unsure of where you are headed. "Not yet."

***************
​

Your Halberd is in your hand. The Green Dragon Blade gleams in excitement at the blood about to be shed. You are Yunchang, Champion of the Ashen Moths Legion, Son of Dorn, and your pod is currently be hurtling at the ex-Inquisitor Ship at a speed that would shatter a mortal's spine.

Your Legion had pulled a simple, but effective, maneuver on the ship. Often, people only believe what they see. They fail to comprehend the external. This is a weakness of even Astartes, and one that the Ashen Moths have taken advantage of time and time again. The enemy had seen one ship. But in fact there had been three. One had hidden in a nearby nebula, the other lurked in an asteroid belt.

When the battle had begun, the two ships had flanked the Inquisitor's lost ship and blasted its shields to tattered shreds. This allowed the boarding. This allowed you and your brothers to be blasted into the hulk's side.

Xide laughs broadly and heartily. "I'll kill more today, Yunchang. You watch." His own polearm is gripped tight in hand, his storm bolter gleaming in the dim light of the pod.

Xuande says softly, "Fighting for the Imperium is no contest, Xide. Merely a duty." It is probably the thousandth time the leader of the 1st Company has said such a thing. And he will say it a thousand times more, you know.

An instant later, the pod smashes through the metal of the ship and into the lower decks. The goal isn't to stop the thing or to kill whatever force had hijacked it to their ends, but to slow it down as much as possible, then escape so others can be warned.

The three of you burst out of the pod. A horde of armsmen emerge, guns blazing. It isn't enough. All die near instantly. From there two paths await.


[] Split up
[] Stick together



[Sorry about the wait here, guys, I got a bit distracted and excited over a different Imperial Knights project that should be starting soonish. I can't say everything, but it does rhyme with "Sing Farther"]

 

[Always Late]

Any further discussion is interrupted by the entrance of a woman dressed in a skintight jumpsuit and fatigues. Slung over her back is a harpoon launcher, that you recognize as an Umikaze signature. She salutes, placing her right hand just below her short black hair. "Trooper Miriko, reporting. Sorry to interrupt, Your Highness."

Click to shrink...

... damn, no comment on her hair or skin tone, can't tell if MHA reference.

Miriko's usually taciturn features alight at your use of her first name. She keeps control of herself, however, and says, "Commander Halos and Honored Captain Hitsuhime wish to meet with you."

Click to shrink...

Hm... Mako then?

Outside is another soldier from Umikaze, a sweet looking girl with light hair and a friendly smile. She waves as Miriko approaches. "Trooper Kanna," Miriko introduces casually.

The two troopers walk ahead of you, guiding you to the area where the Cadians and Umikaze have forged their camp. You can very clearly hear Kanna whisper, "She is so pretty!" to her friend. You hide a smile.

Click to shrink...

Found ourselves the local gossip girl, must be Saori.

Halos and Hitsuhime are taking tea together in a sizable tent on the inside of their camps edge. Directly beside it is the Umikaze's commander's Superheavy, a Baneblade.

Hitsuhime gently pours you a cup. "It isn't very good, I'm afraid. We ran out." A frown flits over the delicate woman's face.

Click to shrink...

... oh damn. Miho's dead and Hana had to take over.

"Your soldiers like and trust you, right?" You ask softly. You are stunned that this is even a worry.

Halos takes a sip from his own tea, then says, "of course they do, Your Highness."

"Then there should be no problem," you declare with finality. "You two are in charge now, and I see no reason why that should cause awkwardness or ill feeling."

Click to shrink...

Probably because they're more worried about their ability to perform in this wierd as shit situation.

Any further discussion is interrupted by the sound of motors running and then stopping outside the tent. Lukanos' voice reaches your ear. "Genevive! Er...Princess! Something has happened, please come out at once! You have to hear this!"

A much louder engine sounds and stops, followed by the loud thud of heavy feet. You pull back the tent flap to see an exhausted Lukanos and his scout corp, bolstered by Lernaean volunteers.

Click to shrink...

Oh what now!

But the one that gets your eye instantly is the Astartes in Brown and Off-white. Armed with two pistols and a massive knife, he wears a wide-brimmed hat of some unknown leather over a weather-beaten face, a respirator covering his lower mouth. He eyes you curiously. "Jebidiah Moss, ma'am. Of the Dust Riders Chapter. Ah' have a report. Me and this rider." The Marine nods at Lukanos, who is currently washing his sweat covered face with a splash of water.

Click to shrink...

Hey, haven't seen you guys in awhile.

Moss waves his hand at that. "Not a lord, ma'am. Just a Battle Brother is all. A Deputy." After a moment he says, "The Corpse Harvesters ain't coming here. They are splitting their forces up to hit the locals. The Civilians. If you have a posse coming to pick them up, they better put spurs."

You pale, stagger back. "Is...is this true?" You manage.

Lukanos looks to you, and nods grimly. "They are hitting villages one by one. Killing everyone. We saw the bodies. Everyone."

You feel tears running down your face. "Those cowards. They won't take us head-on, so they choose to hit those who can't defend themselves."

"Yella' as snakes," Moss agrees in his rumbling voice. He nods at Lukanos. "Scout Commander Lukanos here told me 'bout the Necrons. They take priority, indeed. Like I said, tell what evacuators you have to put spurs to it." The Marine's voice takes on a grim shade, hard to tell with his voice, but clearly there. "If they don't, there won't be any folk left to save."

You shake with pain, sorrow, and growing rage. "Ok," you whisper.

Click to shrink...

Shit. Shitshitshitshitshitshitshitshit! The Chaos Marines aren't trying to run. They're trying to sacrifice enough people to summon daemonic help! If we don't want to get between a Chaos invasion and its Tomb World resistors, we need to stop the Corpse Harvesters immediately!

"What," you manage to croak out from a dry, bloody throat, "what the hell was all this?" You try and rise, but your legs feel boneless. Beta lies still next to you. Everyone else, you realize, is dead. Apparently they didn't get the same level of interest as you and Beta.

The Darkling withdraws his hand. He stares down at you. "You don't get it." He tilts his head. Then he screams. A mad piercing wail that sends even more pain lancing through your brain. "Impossible! How! I couldn't be more clear! I drilled it deep with pain and misery and you dense, stupid fools somehow don't get it!"

The Black Prince interjects. "What person can understand blind idiocy. This whole thing has been an idiotic game, and I am done with it." The other, apparently saner, Night Lord readies his bolter.

Click to shrink...

Ah. So Darkling really wants to have us, what, walk the same path he did?

The Darkling slams a fist onto it with a scream of rage. "No! No! There is still time! I can make them understand! I can make them realize it is hopeless to fight us!"

"It isn't hopeless," Beta whispers. "The Emperor's Light is upon us."

"No." The Darkling steps up to the downed assassin. "It isn't. That's the point. It never was." He leans down to Beta. "The Emperor is nothing more then a pile of half-dead bones on the only thing keeping his miserable spark alive. His dream dashed to pieces and torn apart by his own excesses. His followers deluding themselves with lies and meaningless idiocies." He jabs a thing on Beta. "That is the point."

He turns on you next. "And you. You are being obstinate. I know you are. But that is OK. I know I can make you understand. I can see it like the Warhound sees it. I will take you and keep it up and make you understand."

Click to shrink...

Oh yeah, this is clearly self-validation for Darkling.

"Well, well." You stiffen. You know that voice. Five more Astartes enter the picture. Bolters lowered. "I see you've been playing with your food, Darkling. And keeping dangerous warriors alive for them. You really are a fool." Knowledge Seeker lets out an arrogant sniff. "You made an error, of course, making it so clear. I'll take your head and deliver it to Death Walker."

"You realize," The Black Prince says dryly, "that there were four of us, right?"

Knowledge Seeker gets an instant of surprise before his head pops like a wet grape. The other four get a shock as a screaming, wailing, laughing, hollowing Four rams into them from behind. The surprise is enough for The Black Prince and The Darkling to leap into battle with vicious efficiency. In all, it takes about thirty seconds.

The Darkling cleans his dagger. "Always hated him. You suppose Death Walker will even notice?"

"No." The Black Prince grunts.

The ship shakes. "Seems we are being boarded," Halfbreed grunts. "We should go. Before we get swamped with Loyalist scum."

Click to shrink...

Well, the head Sorcerer just got killed in Normal Chaos Space Marine Infighting and now the Mothy Bois are coming to kick faces in.

You scream after him, for his death and suffering. But he ignores you. And you feel suddenly, utterly hopeless.

When the Darkling is gone, you manage to stagger to Beta. You heft the Assassin up, forcing yourself to your feet. "It's over," Beta whispers, "everything is lost."

You force one foot in front of the other, unsure of where you are headed. "Not yet."

Click to shrink...

Hoo boy, here we go. Wonder what they'll do now?

Your Halberd is in your hand. The Green Dragon Blade gleams in excitement at the blood about to be shed. You are Yunchang, Champion of the Ashen Moths Legion, Son of Dorn, and your pod is currently be hurtling at the ex-Inquisitor Ship at a speed that would shatter a mortal's spine.

Your Legion had pulled a simple, but effective, maneuver on the ship. Often, people only believe what they see. They fail to comprehend the external. This is a weakness of even Astartes, and one that the Ashen Moths have taken advantage of time and time again. The enemy had seen one ship. But in fact there had been three. One had hidden in a nearby nebula, the other lurked in an asteroid belt.

Click to shrink...

Yup, they're Sun Tzu Marines alrig-Sons of Dorn? Doing deceitful tactics? No wonder they don't invite you to the Feast of Blades.

When the battle had begun, the two ships had flanked the Inquisitor's lost ship and blasted its shields to tattered shreds. This allowed the boarding. This allowed you and your brothers to be blasted into the hulk's side.

Xide laughs broadly and heartily. "I'll kill more today, Yunchang. You watch." His own polearm is gripped tight in hand, his storm bolter gleaming in the dim light of the pod.

Click to shrink...

On the other hand, ya'll got Custodes Gear. So clearly someone high up likes you.

Xuande says softly, "Fighting for the Imperium is no contest, Xide. Merely a duty." It is probably the thousandth time the leader of the 1st Company has said such a thing. And he will say it a thousand times more, you know.

An instant later, the pod smashes through the metal of the ship and into the lower decks. The goal isn't to stop the thing or to kill whatever force had hijacked it to their ends, but to slow it down as much as possible, then escape so others can be warned.

The three of you burst out of the pod. A horde of armsmen emerge, guns blazing. It isn't enough. All die near instantly. From there two paths await.

Click to shrink...

Yeah no, let's not get jumped, thank you very much.


[X] Go back to the Vox, scream at command
[X] Stick together

I can't say everything, but it does rhyme with "Sing Farther"

Click to shrink...

... Something Crusader?

 

[Icipall]

You smile at the Umikaze Trooper. "It is fine, almost welcome in fact. Everyone is on edge. How can I help you, Miriko?"

Miriko's usually taciturn features alight at your use of her first name. She keeps control of herself, however, and says, "Commander Halos and Honored Captain Hitsuhime wish to meet with you."

Click to shrink...

Surprised we're being so friendly.

The two troopers walk ahead of you, guiding you to the area where the Cadians and Umikaze have forged their camp. You can very clearly hear Kanna whisper, "She is so pretty!" to her friend. You hide a smile.

Click to shrink...

Well, we are a princess.

Halos takes a sip from his own tea, then says, "Of course they do, Your Highness."

Click to shrink...

FTFY

"Then there should be no problem," you declare with finality. "You two are in charge now, and I see no reason why that should cause awkwardness or ill feeling."

Both calm visibly. "It is good, to hear it right from the High Commander," Hitsuhime says softly, her gentle smile eternal. It is hard to believe the woman is a hardened soldier. "I thank you for your candidness, Your Highness. Wirr does as well."

Click to shrink...

Super Social princess making friends.

Moss waves his hand at that. "Not a lord, ma'am. Just a Battle Brother is all. A Deputy." After a moment he says, "The Corpse Harvesters ain't coming here. They are splitting their forces up to hit the locals. The Civilians. If you have a posse coming to pick them up, they better put spurs."

Click to shrink...

Fuck.

The Darkling withdraws his hand. He stares down at you. "You don't get it." He tilts his head. Then he screams. A mad piercing wail that sends even more pain lancing through your brain. "Impossible! How! I couldn't be more clear! I drilled it deep with pain and misery and you dense, stupid fools somehow don't get it!"

Click to shrink...

If this is the worst damage we can do to these traitors, I take it.

"Well, well." You stiffen. You know that voice. Five more Astartes enter the picture. Bolters lowered. "I see you've been playing with your food, Darkling. And keeping dangerous warriors alive for them. You really are a fool." Knowledge Seeker lets out an arrogant sniff. "You made an error, of course, making it so clear. I'll take your head and deliver it to Death Walker."

"You realize," The Black Prince says dryly, "that there were four of us, right?"

Knowledge Seeker gets an instant of surprise before his head pops like a wet grape. The other four get a shock as a screaming, wailing, laughing, hollowing Four rams into them from behind. The surprise is enough for The Black Prince and The Darkling to leap into battle with vicious efficiency. In all, it takes about thirty seconds.

Click to shrink...

As entertaining as it is to see Chaos followers kill each other, this doesn't change our situation much.

The ship shakes. "Seems we are being boarded," Halfbreed grunts. "We should go. Before we get swamped with Loyalist scum."

Click to shrink...

Good job, Ashen Moths!

An instant later, the pod smashes through the metal of the ship and into the lower decks. The goal isn't to stop the thing or to kill whatever force had hijacked it to their ends, but to slow it down as much as possible, then escape so others can be warned.

Click to shrink...

So Mariah's and Alpha's hope is to find these guys before they leave. And hope they don't get shot as Chaos worshipers.

[X] Go back to the Vox, scream at command
[X] Stick together