>>33128968

You thought it would at least be a month before you found yourself faced with the Inquisitor’s ire. Sadly, you find yourself staring at the door leading to her quarters and without a friend in sight. Vincent and his companions parted ways with you at the hangar bay, promising to have your cut delivered to your room. Leaving you to face her alone.

Gathering your courage, you give the door three sharp knocks.

“Enter,” she answers.

Inside, Christina sits behind her desk, a dataslate in hand. However, as you enter her focus is entirely on you. She gives you a pointed stare over a pair of reading glasses, and an uneasy silence begins to stretch on.

>Defend your actions. (What do you say?)
>Await your judgement in silence.

>>33129006
>Await your judgement in silence.
>Prepare a list of things you didn't get to do before dying

>>33129047
unfortunately seconding this.

>>33129006
>Await your judgement in silence
>Try not to look her in the eye

>>33129006
>Defend your actions. (What do you say?)
Those necron things did it

>>33129006
>Await your judgement in silence.

>>33129006

As you stand there, you come to a conclusion.

The only thing worse than dealing with a woman is dealing with a woman that just so happens to be an Inquisitor.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity of finding the carpet VERY interesting, the inquisitor lets out a weary sigh.

"I approve of your initiative," She says, then gives a rueful smile. "Less so of your execution."

You can't quite keep your relief from showing at her playful demeanor peeking through again. Her smile widens.

"Come now, Lieutenant," She chuckles. "If I killed everyone under my command who made a mistake I'd be shorthanded very fast."

"So, what does this mean?" You ask, uncertain.

"It means nothing. We stay the course, and act on our feet if needed," She says. "I have news, though."

"Good?"

"Mixed. We received actual details on our contract with Mr. Noriega. You're to take on a ganger stronghold and acquire three dozen or so pulse weapons. Tiberius also came through with those energy readings, and found us one major spike. You'll never guess where it led."

"...gangers?"

"Very astute; which means our friends are less stupid than I’d hoped. Tomorrow, some of Vincent's men will scope out the area and get us what information they can on how to take it on. I'll be heading back to the upper hive to do a few more respectable dealings with various other Merchant Houses besides House Brice."

"To look for clues?"

"And as a favor for the captain. Our last visit put him a bit on the spot, so I thought I'd be nice."

(Cont.)

>>33129641

"Back to the upper hive. Great."

"Oh, don’t pout. I can bring Sergeant Kelleher along in your stead if you wish," Christina offers.

At first you think she's kidding, but her expression remains serious.

"We've been given a contract, but you still lack a team," She says. "If you wish to try and start filling the roster tomorrow, you're more than able to."

You hadn't really given it much thought, but she did more or less make getting back the weapons your first major test. Maybe the Inquisitor can get by without you for a day...

>Accompany the Inquisitor.
>Pick your team.
>Scout out the complex.

>>33129662
>Scout out the complex.

>>33129662
>Pick your team.

>>33129662
>>Accompany the Inquisitor.

>>33129662
>Pick your team

>>33129662
>Accompany the Inquisitor.
not doing our job is heretical

>>33129755

>>33129662

"Maybe it's time I looked to gathering a team," You agree.

"Delmar talked them into hiring up to a full team of ten, but I leave who and how many up to you."

You take this as your cue to leave, but you note that for all the dataslates and similar thing covering her desk there's no sign of a recent meal present. You've gathered she's dedicated to her work, but surely she remembers to eat?

All you know for certain is that it's late, and after the day you've had a good bath and a soft bed is calling you. Still...

>"Goodnight, ma'am."
>"When was the last time you ate something?"

>>33130128
>When was the last time you ate something ?
>Respectfully

>>33130128
>"When was the last time you ate something?"

As soon as she says "Oh, I'm quite alright, lieutenant. Don't worry about me.", her stomach growls loudly.

>>33130128

"Ma'am?" You ask. "When was the last time you ate something?"

The question takes her just a little off-guard, but rather than play it off she stops and thinks.

"Oh... sometime before, surely. A time or two it had to come up."

You stare.

"Your concern is noted, Lieutenant, but not necessary," She says, but when you don't say anything else looks puzzled. "What?"

"I was half expecting to hear your stomach growl."

"You've been reading too many throne novels," She chides, smirking.

"What can I say?" You shrug. "I have a lot of time on my hands."

"I'll remember that next time I need something."

Great.

>Offer to cook her something again.
>Offer to accompany her to the mess.
>Bid her goodnight.

>>33130567
>Bid her goodnight

If the lady wanted us to fix her something I'm sure she'd have suggested as much

>>33130567
>Offer to cook her something again

>>33130567
>Offer to accompany her to the mess.

>>33130567
>"Oh... sometime before, surely. A time or two it had to come up."
One of options that ends in food for her

>>33130567
>Bid her goodnght

Let's not intrude in her life, she's still an Inquisitor

>>33130656
No. We need senpai's attention

>Offer to accompany her to the mess.

>>33130567
>Bid her goodnight.

>>33130567
Offer to cook her something again.

>>33130829

>>33130567

"You need a good meal," You decide. "Let me make you one."

She raises a curious brow.

"Give me a request and I'll do all I can to make it," You promise.

"...anything?"

"Well... within reason, ma'am."

She seems seriously conflicted on the matter, looking over the dataslate in her hand a few moment before placing it down and standing. Then she faces you with a look you're only partially frightened by.

"You've set a high bar for yourself, Lieutenant," She grins. "Best not disappoint me twice today."

She says it in a teasing manner, but you take it very seriously.

With that you retire to your quarters with the Inquisitor in tow, and spent a pleasant evening together with drinks, a good meal, and a game of Regicide. You manage to once again refrain from burning down your kitchen, and Christina thanks you for the meal and company before departing.

With plenty of amasec already in your system, you sleep well that night.

The next morning you wake at the usual time, showering and pulling on a fresh set of fatigues. With a cordial morning greeting with Jeeves, you start your day.

>Grab a quick bite there and... (What?)
>Head to the mess.

>>33131189
>head to the mess

>>33131189
Grab a quick bite to eat and consider the job ahead of us

>>33131189
>head to the mess

>>33131189

As per usual you head for the mess hall, and in turn you're greeted by the usual crowd. Vincent and his armsmen, Alpha by themselves, and dozens of other crewman scattered about.

>Eat with Vincent.
>Join Alpha.

>>33131502
>Join Alpha.
Let's mix it up a little

>>33131502
>Join Alpha.

>>33131502
Eat with Vincent, just because

>>33131502
>Join Alpha.

>>33131502

You decide to try something different and approach Alpha's table. Most quickly notice you, but Dominic seems too busy devouring his (And most of Jonah's) meal. You take a seat next to Gabriel, who gives a nod of greetings.

"Mornin'," The big trooper says.

"Well I'll be. So you finally decided to visit us common grunts for a change, eh?" Roxy asks, smiling wryly.

>Greet the Sergeant!

>>33131710
"Well of course, I do have keep up relations with you lower class"
[prudish british laugh]

>Chapter Quest
>Ex-Guardsman Quest
Both Running?
MUH dik

>>33131757
>no other votes
I what? Your gonna let me do that?

>>33131710
I was just stopping by to make sure you hadnt some how gotten the squad killed or aresseted

>>33131710
"Figured I could use some adult company for a change of pace, but you lot will have to do I suppose."

>>33131710
This >>33131922

>>33131922
Change adult to mature and this works for me.

>>33131710

>>33131710

"Figured I could use some mature company for a change of pace," You shrug, "but you lot will have to do, I suppose."

Gabriel and Jonah chuckle at that, much to the Sergeants chagrin. She only rolls her eyes.

"I can understand that. Vincent isn't exactly the epitome of maturity," She agrees.

"And you are?" Dominic asks, pausing in his eating.

"Ah, shut up, you," She growls, punching him in the shoulder. "We don't get bothered unless we're needed. What's up, LT?"

>Straight to business.
>Chat a bit first. (About anything in particular?)

>>33132491
>Straight to business.

Chat a bit first
the new squad members she'll be getting soon

>>33132491
>>Straight to business.

>>33132491

"I'm afraid you're right," You sigh, and almost as one Alpha turns their attention to you. "I've received an assignment from the Inquisitor, and I'll need your help completing it."

"Greaaat," Roxy sighs. "I get to play dress up an-"

"Assault a stronghold full of gangers."

THAT gets her attention.

"We need to pick up a small stockpile of weapons that they've acquired. Xeno weapons. We do that, and we're one step closer to getting to the bottom of this whole thing."

"Not that we can't do it," Gabriel starts, "but are we just talking about us, or what?"

"Including myself, it'll be a ten man team-"

Roxy clears her throat.

"A ten person team. If you're all in, that just leaves four slots to fill. How are those new recruits coming along?" You ask.

"Still in transit," Roxy answers. "Won't receive the first one for at least two weeks. I'm sure you can scrape together some more bodies, though."

"I'll see what I can do," You nod. "Just be ready with your people."

"I'm your gal, LT," Roxy grins, though there's a hint of unease in her tone.

You finish your meal soon after, and cast a glance over your shoulder. Mikel and Vincent are still in their usual place, talking idly. If there's an armsman fit for the job you don't know about, he'll be the one to know. The Father might prove useful as well.

>Stay and talk for a bit. (About?)
>Move on to Vincent.

>>33133169
>Move on to Vincent.

>>33133169
>>Move on to Vincent.

>>33133169
>Move on to Vincent

>>33133169

With Alpha squared away you move onto the next two on your list. Taking your usual seat, both men greet you in their own way; Vincent grinning, Mikel simply mirroring Gabriel with a nod.

"I take it you're happy with your cut?' Vincent asks.

The look Christina had given you when she saw the money sitting on your bed has not been approving, to say the least. Still, a hundred and twenty five thrones was a respectable sum.

"Not bad, not bad," You nod. "But that's not what I came over here for. The Inquisitor gave me a task, and I need some extra hands to do it."

"So THAT'S why you sat with those Alpha boys," Vincent scoffs. "Here I was about to get jealous."

"I need four more people, and I was hoping you could help me out," You say.

"Sure, sure," Vincent shrugs. "My people can fit any role. Who do you need?"

>Ask both men to join you.
>Ask Vincent.
>Ask Mikel

>"I need people who are quiet."
>"I need proper soldiers, heavy hitters."
>"You know your people. You choose."

>>33134335
>Ask Vincent.
>"I need people who are quiet."

>>33134335
>"You know your people. You choose."

>>33134335
>"I need people who are quiet."

>>33134335

"I need people who are quiet. In, out, and done," You say.

"I knew there was a reason I liked you," Vincent nods. "I'll see it done."

"Would you consider joining me yourself?" You ask, and the older mans face lights up.

"It's been ages since I -really- got my hands dirty," He says, almost wistful. "Aye, I'll tag along."

You turn to the Father, smiling bashfully.

"Apologies, Father," You tell him. "I don't-"

"No need," Mikel raises a hand, returning your smile with a more confident and friendly one. "When I'm called for war, it's not to be done in the shadows."

"Ain't that the truth," Vincent mutters. "My people should have us some intel before the day's done. Then we can work out a plan and go from there. Anything else?"

>Ask/say something else. (What?)
>Move on to... (What?)

>>33134708
What else is on our agenda?

>>33134916
Admittedly, not much. As it currently stands, we're looking at another small time skip to the next day where the planning stage starts, and if you guys want maybe a small bit of time to do something personal before the main kickoff.

It's probably obvious from my writing today, but I'm a bit out of it, so I think I'll cut here. I was thinking of picking up either tomorrow or Friday at the usual time. What sounds like a better time, anons? I should be able to do either. On that note, how is the starting time? I remember at least one Aussie anon reporting in.

>>33135302
Starting time is ok. I am rolling out of work not long after you started today so missed the OP

>>33135302
I'm EST yet any time is good for me so whatevers most convenient for you

>>33135302
Either will do and being East coast the start time is just fine.

>>33135302
This was a good time, it'll help me pass the last hour of work quickly. Wednesdays are cool as well. Thanks for running Elijah

thanks for running man, i enjoy the quest

>>33135302
Aussie anon reporting in, timezones wise I can't really ask you to change your run times, it just means you start at 5-6AM my time so I only catch the second half of the thread usually if I'm not busy but I'm happy with whatever the anons are happy with, I can't expect you to change your runtimes for a timezone 14-18 hours ahead of you.

>>33135302
>I was thinking of picking up either tomorrow or Friday at the usual time.
Friday's have been working well so far.