>>34511309

You wake up with a minor headache, but aside from that you feel rested and relaxed. Your thoughts are still muddled as you blink away sleep and feel find your sight obscured by something. It takes a few moments of fatigued thought before realizing that said something is a mop of red hair.

As far as waking up after nights of drinking went, waking up spooning an Inquisitor had to be one of the more interesting outcomes.

Is this heresy? It feels nice enough to probably be.

That random train of thought banishes the last bit of sleep from your mind, and you tense at the full realization of where you are. However, despite your panicking Christina remains asleep, though you doubt that'll stay the same for long. A quick glance at a nearby clock shows it’s later than when you usually wake up, but still earlier than when most people are out and about.

Now’s as good a time to make a quiet exit as any.

Right?

>Leave. Don’t push your luck.
>Stay until she wakes and tease her. Because.
>Stay until she wakes and play asleep. See how she reacts.

>>34511351
>>Stay until she wakes and play asleep. See how she reacts.

>>34511351
>Stay until she wakes and play asleep. See how she reacts.
aaand now I have to leave for work :(

>>34511351
>Stay until she wakes and play asleep. See how she reacts.

>>34511351
>Stay until she wakes and play asleep. See how she reacts.
Then she forcibly removes all memory of that day

>>34511351
>Stay until she wakes and play asleep. See how she reacts.

>>34511309

This is a horrible idea.

Which is exactly why you're doing it.

Despite not having a complete recollection of the previous night's events, you definitely remember one particular request. You're more than a little curious as to what kind of explanation that might get you. So for reasons pertaining to science, and not to the comfortable warmth and feeling of the woman lying next to you, you close your eyes once more and postpone your extraction plan.

Luckily (or perhaps not) it isn't a long wait.

Christina's slow to wake, letting out an annoyed groan as she stretches. A lazy sigh escapes her, and you feel her hand fall on the one of yours wrapped around her waist and squeeze. Then the pin drops and she tenses, and for several seconds you don't hear her breathe.

Then, when she seems to think you're still asleep, she lets out a quiet breath and relaxes. After that, her movements are much less hurried as she slowly turns around to face you. You expect some sort of retort or effort to wake you, and it takes effort to not react when you feel her hand brush against your cheek.

Then, as quickly as it occurred, her hand retracts and she heaves another sigh.

"Stupid, stupid, stupid..." She whispers, though to who you're not sure.

At first you're not sure what to do, but luckily the answer is given for you. A pillow smacks you in the head and you let out a grunt, taking a moment before opening your eyes. Christina sits on the edge of the bed, pillow still in hand and an unamused look on her face.

"Enjoying yourself, Lieutenant?" She asks.

>"Was the pillow really necessary?"
>"Just following orders, ma'am."
>"As a matter of fact, I was."

>>34512042
>"Just following orders, ma'am."

>>34512042
>>"As a matter of fact, I was."

>>34512042
Just following orders. Lady masser

>>34512042
>"As a matter of fact, I was."
Who could have guessed inquisitors were so cuddly?

>>34512042
>"As a matter of fact, I was."

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>>34512042
Just following orders

>>34512154

>>34512042

You prop yourself up on your elbows and smile.

"As a matter of fact, I was."

Her expression is priceless.

"Wha-" She begins.

"And, to be honest, I think you were, too," You go on.

"Lieutenant!"

"Am I wrong?"

"What kind of question is that?"

"The kind I'd like to know the answer to?"

Before you can get her anymore flustered your vox chirps in your pocket, Ignoring Christina's mixture of embarrassment and indignation, you check the message sent to you by a private number.

"What is it?" Christina asks, her irritation held in check by her curiosity.

"Looks like an address and a time-stamp," You say. "Some place in the middle-hive. Signed by an 'N'."

"Noriega."

"I'd guess so."

"Time?"

"Two hours from now."

"Sounds like you've got work to do."

"Maybe," You nod. "But when was the last time you had someth-"

"Good day, Lieutenant!"

You manage to block the pillow thrown at you, and your only response at her scowling is to chuckle.

"Leaving, ma'am," You finally cave, giving her a lazy salute before filing out.

>Time skip.
>Get ready and head to the mess.

>>34512609
>Time skip.

>>34512609
>get ready and head to the mess

Two ex-guardman threads in one week, nice. On a side note, elijah have you read the garth ennis run of punisher max?

>>34512609
>Get ready and head to the mess.

>>34512609
>Get ready and head to the mess.

>>34512609
>>Get ready and head to the mess.

>>34512722
(I'm afraid I have not. Why do you ask?)

>>34512609

You make your way back to your room, grabbing a shower and pulling on a fresh set of fatigues. You find Jeeves floating through a cubbyhole just as you prepare to head out, and when he spots you he shakes his head in what you guess is exasperation.

"Master Dunkin, where on Terra have you been?" He asked. "When you never arrived I wasn't sure to make you your evening drink. I thought of searching for you, but I knew you'd eventually show up."

"Just trying to help with morale; nothing to worry yourself over. I take it you held down the fort without me?" You ask.

"Nothing I couldn't handle, sir. Oh, there was a bit of riffraff, but I dealt with it posthaste."

"Good man," You chuckle.

You head out to the mess hall to see the typical bunch. Most of them, at least. While Jorah and Jonah occupy Alpha's place, Roxy appears absent. The others, however, are more or less business as usual.

>Check in on Alpha.
>Visit with Vinny.

>>34513031
>Check in on Alpha.

>>34513031
Alpha

>>34513031

"Wait, riffraff?"

>Check in on Alpha (unless Vinny was the riffraff from last night)

>>34513031

>Check in on Alpha.
a morals officers duty is never done

(It's supposed to be Jami and Jonah. Get it together brain.)
>>34513031

You make your way over to Alpha's table, lacking all of its normal friendliness. Jonah was a quiet man, and Jami a pessimist at the best of times. Even so, they both greet you as you near.

"Morning, Lieutenant," Jami says, managing a smile.

"Sir," Jonah adds.

>Greet Alpha!

>>34513262
Morning Alpha , how do you feel about a little potential action? (I assume we might be taking them with us)

I'm going to do a dump of punisher max a little later on /k/. Seeing how you entertain us, I thought I'd try to return the favor.

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>>34513323
You're a good man Anon

>>34513262
And what /k/omrad said works

>>34513323
sounds good maybe ask where Roxy is

>>34513262

"Morning Alpha," You say, taking a seat. "How do you feel about a little potential action?"

They both exchange a look.

"If you need us, I guess we don't have a choice," Jami shrugs.

"What's the plan?" Jonah asks.

"I'm going to go meet with one of the sympathizers. Might be good if I had backup," You explain.

"You know what always happens to the backup, right?" Jami sighs.

"Smart," Jonah says. "You can count on the two of us."

You don't like the dig at Roxy one bit, but you're not certain it's your place to defend her. Where is she, anyways?

>"Watch yourself, Trooper."
>"Any particular reason why Roxy's not here today?"
>Move onto Vincent.
>Timeskip.

>>34513756
>>"Any particular reason why Roxy's not here today?"

>>34513756

>"Watch yourself, Trooper."
then walk away and
>Move onto Vincent.

>>34513756
>"Any particular reason why Roxy's not here today?"

>>34513756
>"Any particular reason why Roxy's not here today?"

>>34513756
>Move onto Vincent

>>34513756
Watch yourself and where's roxy

>>34513756
>"Watch yourself, Trooper."
>"Any particular reason why Roxy's not here today?"

>>34513756

"Watch yourself, Trooper," You warn, though Jonah gives no reply other than a blank stare. "Any particular reason why Roxy's not here today?"

"She said she'd stop by and check on Gabriel before breakfast," Jami explained. "I hear he's gonna get new legs. I always wanted to run faster, but I dunno about going about it like that."

"Guess he's gonna have a leg up on me in that regard," You nod, before bidding them both goodbye and moving on.

You see Vincent at the tail end of a conversation with one of his men, the younger man nodding at something the Commander said before taking off. Seeing you, Vincent beams and signals you over. Mikel mirrors Jonah's nod.

"Mikkey," Vincent said. "The hell have you been? I sent somebody to get you last night, but you never answered."

>Greet the Vincent!

>>34514297
>i am afraid that is classified Vincent. No really i was getting drunk.

>>34514297
Say we got really drunk and started to wonder round the ship

>>34514297
>just busy keeping moral high

>>34514297
>"I'm not at liberty to discuss that. I can say alcohol was involved, though."

>>34514419
>morale
Come on man, make some effort

>>34514297

"Good morning to you too Vincent. And how are you this fine day? Me I'm great. What was going on last night?

>>34514297
>Now, Vincent a gentleman never kiss and tells, too bad there's none here. I still ain't telling ya though.

>>34514297

"I'm not at liberty to say," You explain in a hushed voice as you sit. "I can say alcohol was involved, though."

"All's forgiven, then," Vincent snorts, though the look Mikel gives you is less than approving.

"What did you need?" You ask.

"Ah, nothing," Vincent waves you off. "Me and the boys had a great idea and thought you might want to join in."

"Join in on what, exactly?"

"Eh... best I not tell you," He grinned. "I'm not at liberty to say."

"Cheeky bastard."

"It's why they keep me around, Mikkey boy. So, plans for today? You never talk to Alpha unless shit's about to go down."

"Go see a contact from the sympathizers. May get kidnapped. Again."

"Want me to lend you some guys?"

"I've already got Alpha."

"Et tu, Mikkey?" Vincent grips his chest. "Where's the loyalty?"

"I just thought I'd give them something to do," You shrug. "Keep their minds busy."

"Eh, guess I can't argue with that," Vincent grunts. "But if you need us, you know where to look."

"Under a rock or in a dark back alley?"

"Yup."

You give your farewells to both men before heading out to make any last minute arrangements before heading out.

>Do Jami and Jonah keep pace with you or hang back?

>Do you take your time and scout out the place first and risk being late or head straight there?

>>34514929
>Do Jami and Jonah keep pace with you or hang back?
With us
>Do you take your time and scout out the place first and risk being late or head straight there?
Straight there

>>34514929
>Do Jami and Jonah keep pace with you or hang back?
They should hang back in case anything goes sour.
>Do you take your time and scout out the place first and risk being late or head straight there?
This feels like a trap to me. Does this feel like a trap to anyone else? Though we should still head there, being late would look suspicious.

>>34514929
>>Do Jami and Jonah keep pace with you or hang back?
I think they should definitely hang back and conduct surveillance. One with some binoculars covering ground and one with an eye to the air, both preferably cloistered in a nearby building and little traps like trip wired amnesec bottles to warn of unwelcome intruders.
>Do you take your time and scout out the place first and risk being late or head straight there?
No scope. We're guardsmen on a strange world. Won't help and probably will just raise suspicion.

>>34514929
>Hang back

>Head straight there

>>34514929
>Hang back
and
>Take your time

>>34514929

The three of you set out, dressed in the same black fatigues of the rest of the armsmen and so joining a group of them heading down. Hitching a transport planet-side, you make your way into the crowded streets and toward the coordinates. You're led to an upstanding part of the middle hive, specifically to a stretch of recreational and similar facilities.

Jami and Jonah both vanish into the crowd as you grow closer, the latter much more adept for the job. Even though you can't see them, having back-up is a nice feeling.

The coordinates lead you not to a particular place but a long stretch filled with shops selling all sorts of various items. It isn't until you're nearly halfway down the strip you notice Sal Noriega sitting on a bench, tapping away at a datapad.

Though hesitant, you're not sure what kind of trickery could be pulled in such a public place. You approach him casually, seemingly picking the bench randomly out of the row. You take a seat next to him and fold your arms, inspecting the crowd.

>"Quite the rendezvous."
>Wait for him to speak.
>"What did you lose this time?"

>>34515481
"Sup?"

>>34515481
>Wait for him to speak.

Keep an eye out for anything though

>>34515481
>Wait for him to speak.
We're still putting up a professional image.

I feel kind of like an ass for this, but the punisher comic thread is up if anyone wants to read.

>>>/k/22612677

>>34515481
>Wait for him to speak.

>>34515481
>>Wait for him to speak.

>>34515481

You wait, and after a minute of tapping he finally pauses.

"In truth, I didn't plan on using you again for some time," He says. "But I admit this is... unexpected."

You cast him a curious look.

"I can't prove it, but I know who's responsible for us hiring you to begin with."

You raise a brow.

"Gilian McCoy is a reasonably powerful noble here on Sidonas. A friend of the Brice Family. Recently, though, he's had doubts about our friendship. He might even go so far as to cause us trouble. We want you to give him incentive to do otherwise."

"What's the plan?"

"He's too valuable and well known to do anything direct. We need him, as well, if we wish for things to go as planned. For that, we need to ensure his sustained loyalty."

"And how do you plan on doing that?"

"Look to your left in ten seconds. The animal shop," Sal explains, never once looking up from his dataslate.

Curious, you look for anything in particular. Sadly, you find it. Coming out of the shop is a young blonde haired girl clutching the hand of a woman. At first you take it to be a mother and daughter, but you don't see the resemblance.

"Mr. McCoy has only one child; a girl, named Anna. Her mother died from the stress of childbirth. A sad story, truly. He dotes on her, and suffers no expense to look after her."

"Not much on security."

"That you can see. Wherever she is, I don't doubt there's at least half a dozen household guards mingled in the crowd. More so, now that he's begun to question our friendship. See young Anna into our care, for a time, and it will be as if there was no problem to begin with. Questions?"

>"None."
>Questions?

I honestly don't remember why we're with this people or what the hell we're doing on this planet

>>34516364
The Tau are gunrunning on this planet man, and we have to figure out how they're doing it. This particular unsavory character is a main player in the trade, or at least the highest up we can track down for the time being, if I recall correctly.

>>34516278
>>"None."

>>34516278
>"None"

I have a bad feeling about this

>>34516278
Ok maybe I'm just stupid, but what is he asking us to do? Kidnap the girl and have her be saved by them?

>>34516622
Or just kidnap the girl, but your way is a lot more clever.

>>34516278
>>Questions?
"Exactly how direct should I make her 'invitation'? We need her in perfect nick, yeah?"

>>34516278
Hey elijah you still here?

>>34516278

"None," You say, though you have plenty of choice words that you'd like to use.

"Good," Sal nods, pleased as he sets the dataslate down beside him. "One thing, though: be subtle, or at least be quiet about it. A bloodbath will only draw unwanted attention."

He reaches over and gives a smile that almost looks realistic, and while holding back a grimace you accept the handshake as two people that just enjoyed a simple chat.

With that Sal stands, dusts himself off, and moves off into the crowd. Not looking down, you slide the left behind dataslate toward you and deposit it into your pocket.

Ten minutes later you meet back with Jami and Jonah at a cafe down the street.

"Kidnapping?" Jami asks, then shrinks back at Jonah's glare.

"Watch your words, idiot," He growls. "Obviously, this isn't going to require a convoy of chimeras."

"We can work out the fine details later," You say, looking over the dataslate in your hands. "For now, let's just get back to the ship."

Heading back to the ship, you explain the situation to the Inquisitor and show her the dataslate. With her and Vincent, the three of you comb over the dataslate and its contents. As it turns out, Sal gave you a basic intelligence report of House McCoy. Their primary businesses, their contacts, their allies, their enemies. As well as things like the routes of Anna's trips through the hive with her nanny, and the estimated numbers and positions of the trailing guards.

Of all this information, you notice one familiar name among their allies.

"Well I'll be damned," You say, gaining the others attention. "Looks like Delmar and this Gilian have done business before."

"I thought he sounded familiar," Christina nods. "If memory serves right they got on reasonably well. It might be that we could use that to get a look inside. Get a feel of the people working there, their loyalties, and so forth."

(Cont.)

>>34517481
(Sorry about that. Got pulled away for a bit.)

>>34517705

"I'd like to see what kinda security they're packing, see how we can work around it," Vincent suggests. "Give a window, send in a team in the night, get the girl, and get out."

You heave a sigh, and both of them turn to give you an odd look.

"Could you both at least TRY and act like you're not comfortable plotting the kidnapping of a child?" You ask.

"I admit it's dirty business, Lieutenant," Christina says. "But someone has to do it."

"For once, the Lady has a point, Mikkey," Vincent adds, causing her to smile at his words before fully registering them and going right back to scowling at him.

"I guess so," You admit. "Doesn't mean I've got to like it."

"On that note, however..." Christina sighs. "The Captain. Do we tell him everything?"

"What do you mean?" You ask.

"He's like you, but worse. A lot worse," Vincent says. "He's got a big heart, and it's more often than not it's a big pain in the ass. Won't take kindly to knowing he's helping us nab a kid to hand over to terrorists."

"He's never asked for all the details before, so why start now?" Christina asks, shaking her head. "For now we work on getting inside and go from there. Both of you are dismissed. I've got some calls to make."

Ushered out of her office, Vincent turns to you and shakes his head.

"Guess she's got the full reigns on this one," He says. "Don't fret too much, though. She'll kick something your way again soon enough."

"Can't wait," You reply dryly..

Already, you've got reservations about this mission. Even so, if given the orders you've got no other choice but to follow. Or, maybe there's another way...

>Go to Delmar and fill him in. Hear his thoughts.
>Tag along with Vincent. Take your mind off things.

>>34517738
>Tag along with Vincent. Take your mind off things.

>>34517738
>Go to Delmar and fill him in. Hear his thoughts

>>34517738

>Tag along with Vincent. Take your mind off things.

>>34517738
>Tag along with Vincent. Take your mind off things.

>>34517738
>Tag along with Vincent

"What are we going to do about this, I know you're as unhappy about this as me. We can't just had her over."

>>34517738
>>Tag along with Vincent. Take your mind off things.

>>34517738

Without really asking you both head off toward the elevator. It isn't until you're in that you speak again.

"What are we going to do about this?" You ask. "I know you're as unhappy about this as me. We can't just hand her over."

"What other choice do we have?" Vincent asks. "We don't do this and we lose our connection into the sympathizers. Trust me, Mikkey, I'm not happy either. I've just learned to get used to it."

"Like you get used to the Inquisitor throwing your men away?"

Vincent's jaw clenches, and he gives you with a clouded look.

"That's not the same thing, and you know it, Mikkey," He says.

"Why not?" You press him. "At least your men can look after themselves. We're talking about a damn child here!"

The Commander averts his eyes and seems to look for a response. After a moment, he simply shakes his head.

"It gives us reason to stop the bastards as soon as we can," He says. "Now, let's quit beatin' a dead horse and do something productive."

"Like?"

"Oh, I have an idea."

Stepping off the elevator, you recognize the look of the level containing the drill yard. Sure enough, it isn't long before you've arrived.

"Alright, I'm here," You say. "What now?"

"We run that," Vincent says, pointing to an intricate course taking up the entire length of the back of the room.

"That?"

"That."

"The Gauntlet."

"Yep."

"Why?"

"Why not?"

"How many people are supposed to take that on?"

"Ten."

"There's two of us."

"Just ain't fair for them, is it, Mikkey?"

Your injuries from before still haven't completely healed. Even so, you're always one for taking on stupidly difficult bets.

>"How about we get an extra hand or two first?" (Who do you ask?)
>"I'd like to stay among the living for a while longer, thank you."
>"Why the hell not?"

>If yes, roll a 1d20.

Rolled 16 (1d20)

>>34519033
>"Why the hell not?"
Big E guide my dice

>>34517738
>Go to Delmar and fill him in. Hear his thoughts.
maybe we can get delmar to help, have him invite them up to the ship and then stage some kind of priate raid or something

>>34519033
>"Why the hell not?"

First thing though. Let's get some spectators. And second. We need a betting pool.

Rolled 15 (1d20)

>>34519033

Rolled 1 (1d20)

>>34519033
"Those poor bastards"

Rolled 8 (1d20)

>>34519143
Forgot muh roll.

>>34519160
Well that sucks.

Rolled 9 (1d20)

>>34519160
oh.

>>34519160
... are we roll under?

Rolled 7 (1d20)

>>34519268
No we're in for poor rolls

>>34519033

"Those poor bastards," You grin.

The Gauntlet, as you find out, is a complete killing floor. It's part obstacle course, part death match, part deathtrap. The goal of it all is to reach and acquire a flag on the opposite side, braving various obstacles from all ranges of the spectrum, all the while giving and returning fire from volunteers in better positions all around you.

Hearing two people, especially these particular two people, running it brings one hell of a crowd.

Wielding a training lasgun and basic flak armor, you and Vincent take your places and the crowd cheers. The volunteers are equal parts excited and terrified to see how this goes for them.

"Ready for this shit, Mikkey boy?" Vincent asks.

"Just try to keep up," You reply.

The buzzer sounds, and with the crowd roaring you both charge forward.

You wake up sometime later in the medbay to Grover and Vincent laughing, the former actually looking better than the latter. Judging by how to feel, you don't expect to be any better off.

A 'tut tut tut' to your right gets your attention, and you turn to see Melodi sitting on a bed next to you. She seems torn between being worried, amused, and angry.

"First there was talk about a lady in your head and now this," She sighs. "You really are insane, aren't you?"

>"Worth it."
>"But we won, didn't we?"
>"Are you an angel?"

>>34519463
>"Are you an angel?"
If her shiny bits are in range rub them, not sexually, like we're petting a cat

>>34519513
I like this

>>34519463

>"Worth it."
How long was I out?

>>34519513
Supporting.

>>34519513
>>34519569
>>34519772
This chain of comments are a bunch of faggots.

>>34519798
stay mad

>>34519463
>>"But we won, didn't we?"

>>34519463
>But we won, didn't we?

....we did win, right?

>>34519463

You give a dopey smile and wave your arm out, reaching halfway to the other bed as you attempt to pet her mechadendrite.

"Are you an angel?" You ask.

"Flatter all you want," Melodi sighs wistfully, swinging her legs. "Just be glad the leg's in one piece."

"What about the rest of me?"

"Fine. Sadly, your pride will no doubt never be able to recover."

"What do you mean? We won, didn't we?"

"No. No you did not."

"It came damn close!" Vincent adds. "We almost had it. Right up until... well... we didn't."

"You're lucky you're both not bedridden," Melodi scolded. "What were you thinking?"

You and Vincent look at one another, then at Melodi, and shrug. Her only reply is to lower her head in despair.

"I'm surrounded by idiots," She mutters.

Despite her objections you swing your legs over the bed and hesitantly test your legs. Though feeling much like you had after your time in the ring, you might be able to make it back to your room. Might, being the key word.

"I think," You grunt, laying a hand on your stomach. "I'll call it today."

"Same time, same place, tomorrow?" Vincent asks.

You laugh, but quickly regret it as you try to make your escape.

"No, no, I'm not letting you go that easy," Melodi calls, and you feel something pull on the back of your shirt. Looking back, her mechadendrite has a firm latch on you. "If you're determined to leave, I'm going with you. Make sure you don't slip and bust up the leg, or some such nonsense."

>"I'll live, really."
>"Fine, fine; come on, then." (Tell her about the mission or no?)

>>34519513
Do it.

>>34519798
I bet you approve of Dunkin macking on the Inquisitor, you faggot.

>>34520257
>>"Fine, fine; come on, then." (Tell her about the mission or no?)

No, she doesn't need to know.

>>34520257
>"Fine, fine; come on, then."

Don't tell her.

>>34520285
Let's be honest, who doesn't?

>>34520338
Me.

>>34520370
Putting a period at the end of a word does not make it a sentence, dumbass.

>>34520383
Touchy. not the other guy but I think its a bad idea in the same way as anyone dating their boss is. But I also think she is best girl.

>>34520383
Seriously? That's your only rebuttal?

>>34520551
It is a fact.

File: arguing over the internet.gif (7.62 MB, 409x221)

7.62 MB GIF

>>34520383
>>34520551
Quit it guys. First one because you're a dumbass who uses one word responses. Seriously, who the fuck does that? You a kindergartener or what?
Second guy, because we all know he's a dumb-ass. You telling him is just pissing him off and letting him on.

>>34520257
>Fine, fine; come on then. I'm just uncomfortable about the mission. Talk to Christina, it's all her fault.

>>34520566
Now you're just being that guy. I'm not going to even bother with you anymore.

>>34520257
>Fine, fine; come on then. ...what's new with the Pulse Carbines?

>>34520257
>>"Fine, fine; come on, then." (Tell her about the mission or no?)

>>34520257

"Fine, fine," You wave her metal appendage off to limited affect. "Come on, then."

You both set off out from the medbay at a leisurely pace, though mainly because you don't think you can go any faster.

"How long was I out?" You ask.

"A while," She answers. "Feel stupid yet?"

"No more than usual."

"Of course not."

"How's Gabriel?"

You both reach the elevator, and for once it's only moments before the doors swing open.

"Doing really well," Melodi answers. "Honestly? For all the blood he lost he should be dead. But no, he's alive and kicking. Well, not kicking yet, but I'll fix that."

"I heard about that... does he get to pick a color?" You ask.

"If he did would you be jealous?" She teases.

"Nah," You shake your head. "I think what I have works just fine."

The elevator continues for a time before coming to a gentle halt, chiming before swinging open once more to reveal the plush halls of the officers quarters.

"So, anything new from the pulse carbines?" You ask as you step off.

"I passed the point of no return last night of knowing about Xeno tech. Again," Melodi shrugged, not sounding overly worried. "There's just so much STUFF packed into those things. I'd love to get my mits on an actual rifle."

"It's on my list, right next to the battlesuit."

Her eyes light up at the prospect as you reach your room.

"See?" You ask. "Didn't fall apart or anything."

"I admit, I'm surprised," Melodi nods, looking you over. "Just try and stop to think before pulling a stunt like that again, alright? You and Vincent both."

"I'll try."

"All I ask..."

Parting ways, you give a tired greetings to Jeeves as you prepare for bed. While you were somewhat occupied last night, you take a moment and consider your options. Last time you dream was... different. You're still not sure if it was a good or bad thing. Jeeves seems to be waiting on the word to get you a drink.

>A drink and then to bed.
>Not tonight. See what your psyche might want now.

>>34521104
>>Not tonight. See what your psyche might want now.

Spirit dream guide, guide my perturbed conscience in this time of trouble and woe!

>>34521104
>A drink and then to bed.

TANKRED ENDURES!

>>34521104
>>Not tonight. See what your psyche might want now.
In b4 nat 1.

>>34521104
>A drink and then to bed.
Let's have a chat with Jeeves.

>>34521184
No thunderous revelry tonight, acolyte.

>>34521104

>A drink and then to bed.

>>34521270
But Inquisitior I purged the heretics like you said!

>>34521104
>Not tonight. Let's have a look at that psyche of ours.

>>34521104
>Not tonight. See what your psyche might want now.

>>34521104
>Not tonight.

>>34521104

"Not tonight, Jeeves," You tell your servant, climbing into bed.

"Of course, sir," Jeeves replies.

You kill the light and prepare for a night of tossing and turning, but sheer fatigue helps push you over into darkness.

But not for long.

You start to panic when you see that the hallway you find yourself in is dark. But it's not the typical pitch black, but an oddly grey colored darkness. Now that you look around you, everything seems to have taken a shade of gray.

Then, to confirm your theory, you hear her voice. And ahead, on the right, a doorway.

"A man can lose many things. His keys, his career, even his mind. Some can survive, move on, and forget."

Slowly, you make your way forward and check either ends of the hallway. Not seeing anything, you reach out and pull open the door. Inside, you find a similarly grey and black colored officer. It's a cluttered yet organized mess, in a way, with half-closed blinds hinting at a storm raging outside the window.

Standing behind the desk, wearing some ridiculous coat and hat straight from an old arbite movie, is Naomi. She turns to you with a cocksure smile, and keeps talking in her odd way.

"But what if they wanted it back, whatever it was? How far would they go?" She asks, staring you down.

>Play along.
>"Cut the shit. I've had a long day."

>>34521934
>>Play along.

>>34521934
>Play along.

>>34521934
>Play along

>>34521934
Finally, my first Thread! didn't know waking up 3 hours early for the second day apocalypse match would be a good thing :P Surely, now I'll be able to crush the damn Crons with my Imperial might! Thanks Elijah!

also
>Play along

>>34521934

You're not sure which is worse. The fact that she's talking like that, or the fact that you know your part. Sighing, you approach her desk and take a seat.

"Excuse me, ma'am?" You ask. "I'm sorry to say but I have a problem, and I'm told you're the only one I can turn to."

"It all depends on the case," She nods, sitting into her own chair and leaning back. "What's your problem?"

"It's actually rather simple. I'm crazy."

"Oh?"

"Well, maybe that's a bit of an exaggeration."

"Are you SURE? I've seen some things. Your things."

You cringe.

"You're right, about before," You continue. "I've lost some things. Maybe not my mind, completely, but my memories."

"You want them back?" She asks, arching a brow.

It's a fair question, but one you know the answer to.

"I do," You tell her.

"Well then, let's not waste time," She says, standing and making her way around the desk. You're still confused, watching her as she passes you.

"What?" You ask, dumbfounded. "It's just that easy?"

"Yup," She beams. "Just needed a helping hand, is all. Now, are you coming or not?"

Hesitant but no longer outright paranoid, you stand and follow her toward the door. She opens it, but this time it's a familiar blinding light. She steps through and vanishes, and you quickly follow behind.

>Roll it.

Rolled 10 (1d20)

>>34522517
K

Rolled 10 (1d20)

>>34522517
>roll it

Rolled 9 (1d20)

>>34522517

Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>34522517

Rolled 15 (1d20)

>>34522517
This can't end well.

>>34522517

You step through...

...and find a city street. Not a hive, but a ground-based settlement with millions instead of billions of inhabitants.

The crack of lasfire sound off in the distance and the grip on your own lasgun tightens, and you take a step forward.

"Easy there, Sly," Naomi says, placing a hand on your shoulder. "Think. Where are you?"

You pause and shut your eyes, thinking. It's there, somewhere, waiting to be found. You know it.

"Aramax," You say. "It's a medieval world."

You open your eyes again and the setting has changed. Bland and simple buildings transform into more memorable pieces, with a number of colorful banners hang high above.

"Good," Naomi says. "That's a start. What else? Why were you there?"

The sounds of fighting grows louder and your instincts scream for you to get to cover. However, you remain were you are and think.

"We were fighting... Chaos? No. Orks. Just a minor outbreak."

As if to confirm your words, an eerily familiar warcry sounds somewhere to your left. Then, before you can continue, a stream of red light appears over your shoulder and sends a gretchin you hadn't noticed before tumbling backwards into the dirt. Farther up the street, a mob of greenskins seem to materialize out of thin air and brandish their weapons, screaming a challenge.

You raise your rifle to fire, but hesitate when Naomi moves in front of you.

"What are you doing?" You demand.

"You can only get hurt and affect things if you think this is real," She says. "Is this real?"

From behind you, guardsmen move up to engage and begin exchanging fire with the Orks ahead. Up above, a Valkyrie screams overhead, belching smoke and flames.

(Cont.)

>>34523672

A rokket comes flying down the street and you react on instinct, pulling Naomi with you behind a nearby wall. You put yourself between her and the blast, but when you look she seems more disappointed than grateful.

"Think, Michael," She urges. "This isn't real."

"I know!" You say, looking between her and the firefight. "I just..."

You look back out to the street and freeze.

Crouched behind an overturned cart is a ghost you didn't expect to see so easily in the chaos.

You still have your leg. The original one, at least. You're also grinning like a madman having the time of his life.

You can only stand and stare as your younger self and your friends, some detailed, others faceless phantoms, push up the street as the Orks finally meet them. It's a short and dirty fight, one you slowly remember with more and more clarity.

By the time it's over the Orks all lay dead, and the platoon paused to gather themselves and catch their breath. Moments ago they'd been fighting for their lives, and now your younger self and your friends begin going about looting and cracking jokes.

"Not quite what you were expecting, was it?" Naomi asks, watching alongside you.

You don't really know what you were expecting, to be honest. Still, this is something. A start.

"How far can we go?" You ask.

"As far as you're willing," She answers.

Leading you over to a door, she opens it to reveal a familiar portal. She offers you her hand, and without hesitation you take it and walk through.
__________________

I feel like these threads are shorter/smaller than normal, but I can't place my finger onto as of why. Maybe if I didn't spent fucking months on end inactive it might not be like that.

Anyways, it's late, I'm tired, and I hope everyone had fun. Questions and such, as always, should be now.

>>34523720
Thanks for the run.

>>34523720
[sppiler]So 50 thrones that's a agent of chaos about to ream our soul? [/spoiler]

>>34523720
Thanks for the run. I'm still dumping punisher if you're interest elijah.

>>34523720
Although this was my first participation on the thread, I always enjoy reading them.... man I want you as my Dark Heresy or Only War GM XD Thanks for the fun read and good night Elijah

>>34523720
Thanks for running, boss.

>>34523720
Thanks for another good run! I look forward to the schedule being ironed out...

>>34523826
No bet, though wariness levels dropping.

>>34523917
Maybe one reason why I was a bit slow was keeping up with that thread. Didn't really keep up with Punisher till now. Fucking brutal, and I love it. Thanks, man.

>>34523999
You and me both.

>>34524038
Well you entertain us so thought I'd return the favor somewhat did you see the link to get the series yourself so you can read the rest of it?

>>34524038
WARRRGGGHHHH YOU BETRAY TECH-PRIEST WAFIU WHYYYYY!?

>>34524140
I did, and I'll definitely be doing so!

I have to say I enjoy our interactions with the Inquisitor a lot.

>>34524466
M-Me too

>>34523720
Why is it that I don't trust this 'inner voice'...

>Heresy is like a tree, its roots lie in the darkness whilst its leaves wave in the sun.
>To those who suspect nought, it has an attractive and pleasing appearance.
>Truly, you can prune away its branches, or even cut the tree to the ground, but it will grow up again ever the stronger and ever more comely.
>Yet all awhile the root grows thick and black, gnawing at the bitter soil, drawing its nourishment from the darkness, and growing even greater and more deeply entrenched.
>Such is the nature of heresy, and this is why it is so hard to destroy, for it must be eradicated leaf, branch, trunk and root.

>>34524466
Same here

This anon just got home from work and caught up, thanks for the thread OP

>>34523720
Has anyone considered using our contact with Delmar to get the guy to hand over his daughter willingly as a kind of false flag op?

We keep the girl, safe and sound, guy acts like shes been kidnapped, does what the terrorists want. If said terrorists ask about her, we say something cryptic like "shes in a safe place". Force them to come to us instead of other way around.

>>34525985
thats one idea, we should pitch it to Chrissy, we can't do much more then that without her say so