>>36040439

You’re not sure how long you’ve been out, but you know it’s been longer than you would have liked. A groan escapes you as you try and move your joints, eyes opening to stare at an unfamiliar ceiling. Nearby, you hear footsteps and look to see a door close behind someone.

Leaning up and rubbing your neck, you find yourself feeling a bit of deja vu. Cots similar to the one you’re currently on are scattered about the room alongside various supply and ammo crates. With the low hum of voices and vox equipment coming from the door, you almost think you’re in a Guard supply depot. Then the moment passes and you reach for your laspistol, finding it missing.
As well as your knife.

Luckily, your vox remains firmly where you left it. Looking between it and the door, your debate how to handle this.

>Be patient, stay where you are.
>Get to your feet. No need to be caught lying down.

>Use your vox. (Who do you contact? What do you say?)
>Hold off. The walls might have ears.

>>36040460
>Get to your feet. No need to be caught lying down.
>Hold off. The walls might have ears
These guys aren't chumps after all.

>>36040460
>>Get to your feet. No need to be caught lying down.
>>Hold off. The walls might have ears.

>>36040460
>Get to your feet. No need to be caught lying down.

>Hold off. The walls might have ears.

>>36040439
Oh boy, guess I'd better catch up quick with the previous thread's events.

>>36040460

You stand and try and get the feeling back in your limbs. It's easier said than done, but at least nothing's spasming anymore. You lay a hand on your vox, curious as to why they left it, but decide against using it.

You begin to walk about the room, looking over each crate as you go. The fact that there seemed to have been no tampering or damage done to the containers was an interesting note, but it isn't long into your minor investigation that you hear the door open and turn.

Stepping through the doorway is the other major player in the Sympathizers, Major Bishop. However, unlike your first meeting, he greets you with a smile that seems well-meant.

"Captain Sandon," He greets. "I'm glad to see you're back among the living. How are you feeling?"

>"Like I got hit in the spine with a shock maul."
>"Can't complain, sir."
>"I've dealt with worse."

>>36040903
>"Like I got hit in the spine with a shock maul."
>"I've dealt with worse."

>>36040903
>>"Like I got hit in the spine with a shock maul."

>>36040903
>>"I've dealt with worse."
we did lose a leg once

>>36040903

"Like I got hit in the spine with a shock maul," You reply, then shrug. "I've dealt with worse."

"I don't doubt it," Bishop nods. "You were out like a light when Markus brought you in. You'll have to forgive him for not remaining. He had other business to attend to."

"Well, give him my thanks if you see him before I do," You say. "Didn't really intend to become somebody's luggage."

"We look after our own," Bishop glances at his watch. "Speaking of which. It's getting late, and you're a ways from home. If you want, I can let you remain until we can get you back to your people in the morning.

Part of you is getting increasingly nervous being without a friend or weapon in sight, but this is a rare opportunity. You have no idea where you are, but this place is obviously of some importance if Bishop is here. Though you're not sure how you're going to tell Christina and the others about this...

>"I promise to not get into too much trouble."
>"I appreciate the offer, but my boss won't be happy if I'm in the dark for much longer."

>>36041118
>>"I appreciate the offer, but my boss won't be happy if I'm in the dark for much longer."

>>36041118
>"I appreciate the offer, but my boss won't be happy if I'm in the dark for much longer."

hey were is Vincent in all this

>>36041118
>>"I appreciate the offer, but my boss won't be happy if I'm in the dark for much longer."
inquister might be pissed

>>36041118
>>"I appreciate the offer, but my boss won't be happy if I'm in the dark for much longer."

>>36041118

"I appreciate the offer, but my boss won't be happy if I'm in the dark for much longer," You answer.

The Major nods in understanding, though he almost seems disappointed by your answer. Reaching behind him, he pulls free a laspitol and aims it at you.

Then he flips it, handing you your sidearm back.

"You didn't happen to take a knife from me, did you?" You ask, holstering the weapon.

"We did, actually," Bishop admitted. "Which leads to one last question before you go."

Not liking his tone, you watch as he retrieves the blade in question from a pouch and partially unsheathes it. He looks from it to you, curiosity clear on his face.

"Tyranid blood tends to either corrode metal that it comes into contact with or make it one hell of an antique. How did you come across this?" He asks.

>Your answer?

'>>36041608
'it is how i left my old unit'

>>36041608
it belonged to some one important to me and they left it to me

>>36041608
Genestealer, there was a fight with a small number of em and one of the wounded was still kicking so i finished it with my knife since i was out of ammo. Figured i'd keep the knife cause it makes a hell of a story.

>>36041608
It's my old knife, some nids got close when my rifle ran dry. By the end of things I was the only one standing.

>>36041608

You keep a blank face, but your stomach drops as you think of what to say. However, as is the way it goes, you answer truthfully. Mostly.

"It's mine. Always has been, always will be," You say. "Before Tadira we were putting down a genestealer cult on some Forge World. We'd underestimated their numbers and found our ammo dwindling. By the time backup arrived what was left of my unit were down to pistols and knives."

For a time Bishop looks at you, perhaps trying to see through you for a lie. While that's not the exact point it happened, you -were- part of the group that did the assault. But as part of the backup, rather than those on point.

Sheathing the knife, the Major hands it over to you.

"That's how it tends to go," He says. "Glad you made it out."

"Most didn't."

"That's why we're here. Why we're doing this. We won't forget them or anyone else that died," When he smiles again it's lost its warmth. "There's going to a be a parade soon, dedicated to celebrating our recent victories. The Lord General himself will be part of it. How generous of him to donate his time."

Before you can say anything he knocks on the door behind him and a pair of men you don't recognize appear. One of them holds a syringe.

"Easy now," Bishop says when he sees you tense. "Just something to send you back under. I like you, son, but we've not gotten this far without precautions."

>"How about we show a little mutual trust? I've done your dirty work to the letter."
>"Yeah, well... get it over with."

>>36042183
>>"How about we show a little mutual trust? I've done your dirty work to the letter."
it the least he could do

>>36042183
>>"How about we show a little mutual trust? I've done your dirty work to the letter."

>>36042183
>"Yeah, well... get it over with."

play along like a nice little grunt

>>36042183
>>"Yeah, well... get it over with."

>>36042183

"How about we show a little mutual trust?" You ask. "I've done your dirty work to the letter."

The men continue to advance until Bishop raises a hand and they freeze. He fixes you with a wary stare, seemingly torn. Finally, he sighs and shakes his head. Shrugging, the two depart without complaint.

"What you've been doing has been under the orders of Noriega, not myself. Remember that," He said, not so much in a tone threatening than tired. "Come on, then. I'll show you out."

Your gear back in place, you fall into step beside him as he opens the door and allows you out.

>Roll a 1d20

Rolled 1 (1d20)

>>36042474

Rolled 14 (1d20)

>>36042474
rollan
>>36042544
fuck

File: The one throne.png (353 KB, 640x640)

353 KB PNG

Rolled 7 (1d20)

>>36042474

>>36042544
I guess i shouldnt have rolled

Rolled 4 (1d20)

>>36042474

Rolled 1 (1d20)

>>36042474

>>36042544
>>36042615
Well Qm i guess we're well and truly dead now. Thanks for running.

>>36042647
Nah, probably just a pinprick at the back of our neck and wake up in an alley.

>>36042750
We'll walk out and Noreiga will be standing right fucking there.

>>36042814
"Hey, whats with this =I= symbol on your lazpistols power pack? "

>>36042474

You step outside...

And everything is fine.

You find yourself in a large room with power turbines scattered about, all of them humming calmly. In between them are various men and women, some doing work and others catching sleep or relaxing. You spot at least two vox stations, as well as an oddly domestic pict-cast showing a scrumball game.

"Not quite the den of evil you expected, was it?" Bishop asks at your staring.

"I didn't-" You start.

"Have to say anything," He finishes. "I know you might not have a high regard for us, but do give us some credit where credit is due. We're professionals, not terrorists."

As you walk a number of eyes turn to you, more curious than anything else. Most of them are dressed in civilian garb like you, but you know ex-Guard when you see it. These are the Major's men, not Sal's.

You're lead through the room to the other end, where a pair of armed men guard the entrance to an elevator. With a salute they open it and allow the two of you inside.

It's a fairly lengthy ride, even compared to the one on the Antebellum. You idly inspect the inside of the elevator car, finding it rather well-kept.

>Any final questions for the Major before you part?

>>36042962
Maybe ask him why he became a traitor? (Not in those words of course)

>>36042962
Did you know about the hit before it happened?
Who was he?

>>36042962
When you mentioned that the lord general was visiting the planet. Why is that a significant point?

>>36042962

"Can I ask you a personal question?" You ask. "Since I've told you a few things about myself."

"I suppose that's fair," Bishop nods. "Go on, then."

"What made you leave and... start this whole thing?"

"Is that what you're thinking? It wasn't just me, I promise you. It was the scraps Gagne had forgotten about after his great crusade was done. We're survivors of tens and twenties from regiments of thousands. And for what? For a fool chasing glory, throwing away his army for his place in history. If he wants another death or glory run, we plan on being happy to oblige."

"And the Tau?"

"We'll use whatever means we need if it gets the job done."

You remain silent and think this over for a moment, conflicted being a light term.

"I can understand all that," You answer softly. "But what about the man I killed today? What did he have to do with it?"

At that the Major's shoulders slump ever so slightly, a frown forming on his face.

"Finnal Danson. An accountant working for the Brice Family, and one of the men funneling resources to my people."

"Did you know he was being targeted?"

"I did, but only after he sent you and Markus out after him. I tried talking Noriega out of it, trying to get him to see that he was just a young man scared shitless because of him. He may have been a mole, yes, but he was always straight with me and mine. But Noriega wouldn't hear it, and by that time the deed was done."

He gives you a pointed look.

"I don't blame either of you for what you did."

(Cont.)

>>36043522

You nod, glad to hear it. However, as the elevator finally comes to a halt something nags at you. The doors slide open to reveal a hallway covered with yellow construction tape and similar 'keep out' indicators. You step out but Bishop doesn't follow.

"Down the hall on the left there'll be a group of men, tell them I sent you," He explains. "You'll be out into the street in no time."

"When you talked about the parade," You say. "Does this mean we'll be making a move?"

He gives you the same cold smile as before.

"We've all got out part, Captain," Bishop answers. "You've done yours for now. Let us do ours. Have a nice night."

The door slide shut before you can say anything more. Sighing, you carefully make your way through the obstructions and follow the Major's instruction. You bump into a group of engineers who seem irritated to find you there, but after you tell them who pointed you there they relax and give you directions out.

The building you find yourself in is some sort of office building under construction, no more odd than the other builds around it. Had you not just been in there, you doubt you would have guessed the place housed a group of ex-military men bent on revenge. Outside, the street traffic is typical for the middle hive, though somewhat lessened by the time period.

Sighing at what was to come next, you retrieve your vox.

>Contact Vincent. (What do you say?)
>Contact Christina. (What do you say?)

>>36043555
Check for bugs, trackers and tails first then call Vincent asking what the hell happened.

>>36043555
>Contact Vincent.
"hey buddy i am out of the building could use a lift to the RT's ship. wanna hit a bar later?"

>>36043555
Move a few blocks away, then check for bugs, trackers and tails. Then vox Vincent for pickup.

>>36043555

Looking back from where you came, you decide to put some distance between yourself and them. Friendly or not, your job isn't once for carelessness either. Stuffing your hands into your pockets, you join the crowd and begin to take a walk.

>Roll

Rolled 15 (1d20)

>>36043816

Rolled 7 (1d20)

>>36043816

Rolled 14 (1d20)

>>36043816

Rolled 6 (1d20)

>Fresh Start runs
>Have to get up at 6
>Every quest I follow is run according to US timezones

Living in the UK is suffering

>>36043938
(Sorry to hear it friend, but if it helps, I love all my anons on either sides of the pond.)
>>36043816

You're a block away when your gut warns you of trouble. A quick look over tells you you're vox appears to have been left untouched, but you're positive you're being followed.

You can't tell who or how many, not wanting to be obvious about it, but there's no way they can pull anything in a crowd.

Right?

>Same plan as before. Find a quiet place and ambush.
>Keep in public, see if they try and approach you.

>>36044091
>>Same plan as before. Find a quiet place and ambush.

>>36044091
>>Keep in public, see if they try and approach you.

>>36044091
>>Same plan as before. Find a quiet place and ambush.

>>36044091
>>Keep in public, see if they try and approach you.

Act casual

>>36044091
>Same plan as before. Find a quiet place and ambush.

>>36044091

Having done well for yourself last time, you decide to repeat the act.

Seemingly at random you branch off down an alleyway that continues on to the other street. Between here and there are multiple piles of scrap, trash containers, and other equally unsanitary things. Taking cover behind a container you crouch and wait.

Sure enough, after a few moments you hear a single pair of footsteps approaching you.

>Use your knife.
>Use your pistol.
>Use your hands.

>Kill them.
>Capture them.

>>36044091
>>Same plan as before. Find a quiet place and ambush.

Rolled 16 (1d20)

>>36044437
>Use your knife.

>Capture them.

>>36044437
>Use your hands
>Capture them.

>>36044437
>>Use your knife.
>Capture them.

>>36044437
>Use your hands.
>Capture them.

They might be on Christina crew. Thus lethal force is not advised.

>>36044437
Fuck, forgot to add to role. I'll let the first one count for my goof, link the rest here.

Rolled 8 (1d20)

>>36044536

Rolled 6 (1d20)

>>36044437
>Hands
>Capture

Michael Dunkin is a bad motherfucker

>>36044496

Rolled 3 (1d20)

>>36044519
We have to roll?

Rolled 14 (1d20)

>>36044536

File: Activating the God Hand.gif (2 MB, 308x234)

2 MB GIF

Rolled 10 (1d20)

>>36044437
>Use your hands.

>Capture them.

YOU GOTTA CLEAN HIS CLOCK ROCKY

>>36044437

Unsheathing your combat knife, you wait until you hear them almost on top of you before you spring the trap.

You spring from behind the container to see a man in ragged clothing, holding a revolver. You grab his wrist and slam it against the container, forcing him to drop it before pinning the man himself against it, your knife at his throat.

"P-please, don't kill me!" He begs, squirming.

>"Who sent you?"
>"Start talking."
>"Says the guy who had the gun five seconds ago."

>>36044780
>>"Says the guy who had the gun five seconds ago."

Let the individual in question know precisely with whom he is fornicating with

>>36044780
>"Who sent you?"
straight to it

>>36044780
>"Says the guy who had the gun five seconds ago."
>"Start talking."

>>36044780
>"Says the guy who had the gun five seconds ago."
yeah not buying it.

>>36044780
>>"Start talking."
>>"Says the guy who had the gun five seconds ago."

>>36044780
>"Says the guy who had the gun five seconds ago."
>"Start talking."

>>36044780

"Says the guy who had the gun five seconds ago," You deadpan, remaining firmly in place. "Start talking."

"What do you mean 'start talking'?" He asks, calming down somewhat. "I just... I was... well... um... robbing you."

You stare for a few seconds and he starts to squirm again.

"I-I'm not very... good at it," He mumbles, shrinking away from your grip. "Are you gonna kill me now?"

>"With a stance like that I'm surprise it hasn't happened already."
>"For what? Being an idiot?"
>"I'm starting to think about it, yeah."

>>36045038
>>"I'm starting to think about it, yeah."

>>36045038
>"For what? Being an idiot?"

>>36045038
>>"For what? Being an idiot?"

>>36045038
>>"For what? Being an idiot?"
>"Size up your mark better you fuck head"
I know we're wearing civie clothes but God damn son, how do you accidently go after a cadian guardsman?

>>36045038
>"For what? Being an idiot?"

>etistfG maim
Khorne would approve captcha, the Emperor does not

>it was semi-confirmed that Naomi was a slut daemon
>she fucks off when cuddle with a female
Wut

>>36045270
There's no way you can, I think we just got bugged

>>36045270
>roll to mug a decently wealthy random dude on the street.
>nat 1

>>36045038

"For what?" You glare. "Being an idiot?"

He gapes, unsure how to respond. Growing angry for completely different reasons than being attacked, you bring your face closer to his.

"What color are my eyes?" You ask.

"Uh... purple?" He asks, uncertain how to answer.

"Where do most people with purple eyes come from?"

He seems to give this serious thought before coming to a conclusion and once more looking terrified.

"Yeah," You say. "Congrats. You managed to rob the one Cadian on this block."

"Oh, for Throne's sake," the man whimpers. "Bad to worse..."

Not removing your grip from his neck, you put away your knife and grab the revolver from the ground. You actually have to credit him for the condition of the thing, even still having the insignia of-

"I know this pistol," You say out of the blue, more to yourself than him.

"Wait, what?" He asks, confused.

"Not this specific pistol, but I know the pattern," You say, getting your own realization. Despite your death grip on the man, you turn a page sentimental. "Punchy bastards used slugs but did a hell of a job. They were used by the... oh, what were they called..."

"Daruvan Roughnecks?" the man offers quietly.

You look at the man, unsure if you want to believe it.

"You're a guardsman."

"Was," He corrects.

You don't know what to think. You suppose he has the look of a Daruvan, but your memory is fuzzy at best. It's also getting even later, but part of you can't just leave him here like this.

>"What happened to you, trooper?"
>"Lucky day for you, I was too. Go."

>>36045636
>>"What happened to you, trooper?"
lets find out

>>36045636
>>"What happened to you, trooper?"

>>36045636
>>"What happened to you, trooper?"

>>36045636
>>"What happened to you, trooper?"

>>36045636

You hesitate for a moment, fixing him with the same look Bishop had with you.

Then, slowly, you release him. He takes a relieved sigh, rubbing his neck. However, he waits for you to do something.

"What happened to you, trooper?" You ask, and a look of shame washes over him.

"A lot," He chuckles ruefully.

"I've got time."

This surprises him, and for a moment he isn't sure you're serious. Then, when he decides you are, he offers a weak shrug.

"Where to begin?" He asked.

"Name and rank, for starters."

"Corporal Tanner Gonan, at your service," He answers, giving a halfhearted salute.

"Good. Start where you want," You encourage him.

Sitting him down near the exit of the alleyway, watching the crowds pass, he tells you about his service in the 56th Daruvan Roughriders. You'd known of them before, enough to respect their odd but effective use of primarily slug-type weaponry. He tells you of several conflicts they fought in, and you can chip in on most from your own point of view.

However, Tanner's view of himself is much less approving. As the conflicts dragged on, the stress of it all grew to be too much. He began to grow addicted to Obscura, initially in small doses that steadily grew. Underhanded men in his and other units helped him feed his addiction, for a fee, but it wasn't long before they were asking for more than he could give.

"The last thing they wanted was her," He smiles, pointing to the pistol in your hand. "They'd taken all my thrones, rations, and anything else they could sell. But that's all I had left," His smile faded. "All I have left."

"So what happened next?" You ask.

"We were gearing up for Tadira and I knew I'd be dead by the time we left Warp, since I couldn't pay them," Tanner shakes his head. "So I ran. I took my pistol, grabbed some civilian garb, and took to the streets. After I heard what happened, though... I guess I got off easy."

(Cont.)

>>36045636
>>"What happened to you, trooper?"
>"wait save it for over a hot meal" offer to buy him a reasonable meal

>>36046330

"No kidding," You agree. "So you're an addict."

"No!" His head shoots up. "I mean, well, not anymore. Without any thrones I couldn't get anything. So I kinda got... forced... to quit."

"Then why rob people?"

His expression falls again and he grows silent. Absently you check his sidearm's ammo, brow furrowing as you do.

"It's empty," You say.

"Of course it is," He says, offended. "I don't wanna end up shooting somebody."

Seeing your expression, he gives a sad little laugh.

"I have one bullet left," He admits. "If I ever worked up the courage to... end it...That's why I started doing this. I was hoping you, or someone like you, would do my job for me."

"You don't have to do this," You tell him.

"Why not? I'm a coward with nothing else to do."

>"There's people nearby that can help you."
>"Come with me. I can find you work with my boss."
>"Put the Guard life behind you. Civilian life isn't so bad. So I've heard."

>>36046350
>>"Come with me. I can find you work with my boss."

>>36046350
>>"Come with me. I can find you work with my boss."

>>36046350
>>"Come with me. I can find you work with my boss."
the ship could always use more hands but he needs to be watched until the investigation is over

>>36046350
>Come with me. I can find you work with my boss

"I don't need a junkie working with me, so you'll only get food and board until I know what you say is true. Still sound better than being a thief. What do you say?"

>>36046350
>>"Come with me. I can find you work with my boss."
You want to try helping out the Imperium again? It isn't going to be easy work, but if you've been through boot camp once, you might feel back at home...

(Welp, I went several threads in a row since I had a post get eaten. Thanks, internet.)
>>36046350

"Come with me," You say, standing. "I can find you work with my boss."

"Just like that?" Tanner snorts.

"Just like that," You extend a hand.

Initially not taking you seriously, he hesitantly accepts the hand and gets to his feet.

"I don't need a junkie working with me, so I can only offer you food and board," You smile. "Think you can manage that?"

"Yeah. I think so."

"Good. Now, when's the last time you had something hot to eat?"

When Vincent arrives with a pair of armsmen in tow, you've just finished eating at the small diner Tanner showed you.

"Mike," He says calmly. "What. The. Hell."

"Long story," You answer. "I'll explain when I get back."

In short order you're taken back to the ship where Christina waits for you in the hangar bay. She don't seem angry, but neither is she happy.

"Lieutenant," She says. "Anything to report?"

>Your answer?

>>36046850
>Fuck shock mauls

>>36046850
tell her everything

>>36046850
seconding >>36046891 & >>36046931


>(Welp, I went several threads in a row since I had a post get eaten. Thanks, internet.)
dude stop writing them up in 4chan and do it in a wordprocessor

>>36046850

"Fuck shock mauls." You answer plainly.

"Amen to that," Vincent chuckles, though Christina is taken completely off-guard by your words.

Explaining Tanner briefly to Vincent, he gets some men to see to him while the three of you retreat to Christina's room for a debriefing. You explain everything that happened, from when you left to now.

"Yeah," Vincent grumbles. "You ask me to tail you, and all the sudden I've got Arbites up the ass and you're nowhere in sight. Christina had half my people scavenging the city for you."

"By the time I gave that order you'd already done it," Christina shot back. "I'm just glad to know that you're alright."

"I'm a big boy, ma'am," You say. "I can look after myself. Usually."

"Good to hear," She smiles, then leans forward in her seat. "So I take it this parade is their next big to-do."

"Lots of open ground, plenty of high-ranking officers," Vincent agrees. "The shooter's good as dead, but by then the damage'll already be done. If he can even get that lucky."

"Whatever they have planned, I'm not in the loop for it," You shrug. "For the moment we're in the dark."

"We'll discuss more later. For the moment, I think we could all do with some rest," Cristina says.

"But before we go...Mike. Who exactly is that guy you brought along?" Vincent asks.

"I'm somewhat curious of that myself," Christina adds.

>"He's a friend."
>"He's an asset."
>"He's a soldier."

>>36047250
>"He's an asset."
>"He's a soldier."
Don't know him enough for friend but he knows the area and seems to be a decent person.

>>36047250
>"He's a soldier."
>"He can be an asset."
>"If you really want to know, he tried robbing me with an unloaded heavy slug thrower, seems he escaped the guard to get away from certain habits and substances, and now he's got nothing left. I figure we can give him a place to stay, 3 meals a day and a cause to fight for once more."

File: 1405230900821.png (142 KB, 2000x2000)

142 KB PNG

>>36047317
seconding.
also
>catching one of these in progress for the first time since July mfw

>>36047317
This

>>36047389
With vinning you're winning.

>>36046961
(I keep saying I'm going to. Then I immediately forget until it happens again.)
>>36047389
(Welcome to the party.)
>>36047250

"He's a soldier, and I think I can be an asset," You say. "Though, if you really want to know, he tried robbing me."

Both of them stare, shocked.

"With a heavy slug thrower to boot. It was unloaded, though."

"Doesn't quite fit the image of a soldier," Christina muses.

"He says he escaped the Guard to get away from certain... habits, and substances," You notice her look. "He swears he's clean, plus... he's got nothing else. I thought the least I could do was give him purpose."

"Lieutenant," Christina sighs, rubbing her temples. "It's admirable, but you can't just pick up every stray we find. If we did we'd have run out of room long ago."

"Then how come I'm here?" Vincent asks.

"A VERY good question..."

The night proceeds normally and you collapse into bed. As it seems, it's nearly a week before the parade. With little news from Alexi or Tiberius, there's little in the way of work to be done. Besides the seemingly endless amount of paperwork with Christina, at least.

To pass the time, you decide to...

>Visit with someone.
>Train. (Alone or with someone?)
>Practice with your music skills.

>>36047530
>Visit with someone.
Christina

>>36047530
>>Visit with someone.
the little girl if she still on borad

>>36047530
>>36047767 this, if not then >>36047582
maybe we can help with some of that paperwork

>>36047530
>>Practice with your music skills.
we might become something for the crew to look forward to hear

>>36047515
Ave Nex Alea
>Like I give a fuck about proper Latin, its what we came up with day one, its what we use
>>36047530
>Visit with someone.
Christina. Thanks!

>>36047858

>>36047530
>>Visit with someone.
Melodie

>>36047530
Visit the Inquisitor

(Sorry about the wait, decided to make a food run.)
>>36047530

The door flies open and Christina looks up from her work.

"Good morning," You greet as you enter.

"It's a morning," She agrees. "What do you need?"

"Nothing, I think. Why?"

"No one comes to see me unless they want something."

"You know that's not true. For me, at least."

She rolls her eyes.

"I'm just glad to see you empty-handed when you come here," She says, smirking. "Marbo might start to think I don't enjoy his cooking."

"Just a fellow man of the culinary arts," You snort. "But that's not why I'm here."

"Oh?"

>Offer to help with her paperwork.
>Offer to take her out to see the city.
>Offer to go entertain Anna with her.
>Other?

>>36048500
>Offer to help with her paperwork.
if/when shot down
>Offer to take her out to see the city.

>>36048500
>Offer to help with her paperwork.
then
>Offer to go entertain Anna with her.

>>36048500
>>Offer to help with her paperwork.
then this
>Offer to go entertain Anna with her.

>>36048500
>Offer to go entertain Anna with her.
I want to see how good she is with kids

>>36048500

"I thought you might like a hand," You say, signaling to her desk.

"Truly, you must have exhausted every other avenue of entertainment," Christina deadpans.

"Not really," You shrug. "I just want to keep busy with pleasant company."

Taking the comment with grace, she sighs and waves you to a chair. You've helped her in the past, but not too a very large extent. It'll be interest to find out all the things an Inquisitor has to sign off for, at least.

Grabbing a dataslate at random, you ask for the passcode and begin reading it over.

>For shits and/or giggles, roll for bureaucracy.

Rolled 5 (1d20)

>>36048727
rollan for luck

Rolled 1 (1d20)

>>36048727

Rolled 13 (1d20)

>>36048727

Rolled 20 (1d20)

>>36048727
rolling.

Rolled 2 (1d20)

>>36048727

>>36048771
Well we suck at paperwork
>>36048776
Why couldn't you roll sooner?

Rolled 2 (1d20)

>>36048727

>>36048771
>>36048776

>>36048776
>>36048771
>>36048777
hmmmmmmmm

Rolled 17 (1d20)

>>36048776
I hope we can somehow use that late roll

>>36048790
I-I was nervous I'd roll a 1.
I guess I didn't need to be since anon did that for me.

>>36048771
And then we were never allowed to "help" again

(I just stood outside my dorm for fifteen minutes due to a fire alarm. In the cold. In my pajamas. Fuck yeah.)
>>36048727

You've dealt with having to sign a handful of things back in the Guard. Nothing major, but it gives you something to work off of for this.

And just like before, it's tediously boring.

You and Christina pass the time with conversation, but time still seems to drag on. However, you can tell from the diminishing mess that progress is being made. You're fairly confident you're halfway through when the Inquisitor pauses and flexes her fingers.

"Take a break?" You suggest.

"Indeed," She nods. "Care to suggest what to do besides eat?"

"Yeah," You chuckle sheepishly. "Something comes to mind. Want to check in on Anna?"

She pauses mid-stretch.

"What else do we have to do?" You ask. "She's a real sweetheart."

"I... suppose," She admits. "For a moment."

You're not sure what Captain Delmar's daily life looks like, but you can guess he has plenty of free time. So neither of you are particularly surprised when you find out he's looking after his friends daughter, regaling her with some story in his study.

Anna sits in a chair nearly three times her size, legs curled up against her chest as she listens, wide-eyed. Delmar sits in a similar chair opposite of her, only slightly fitting the chair more.

"...sprang from the brush, ready to devour me!" Delmar said, raising a clenched fist. "I had but my shaving kit to bring down the beast, but did that stop Delmar? Of course not!"

"See?" Christina asks quietly. "She's fine. Let's go."

>"You're not getting out of this. Forward."
>"Scared of a little girl, Inquisitor?"
>"...everything alright?"
>Other?

>>36049594
>>"Scared of a little girl, Inquisitor?"
this must happen

>>36049594
>>"Scared of a little girl, Inquisitor?"
>"You're not getting out of this. Forward."
for the emperor!

>>36049594
"Y'know, we can go somewhere else, if you really want to."

>>36049594
>>"You're not getting out of this. Forward."
>"Scared of a little girl, Inquisitor?"

>>36049594
>>"You're not getting out of this. Forward."

>>36049594
>"...everything alright?"
Someone didn't have a dad to get stories from

>>36049649
>>36049664
>>36049673
I don't think its a good idea to boss around our boss

These two sound good
>>36049651
>>36049732

>>36049749
it's less bossing her around and more lighthearted joking anon, tones pretty clear

>>36049594
>"You're not getting out of this. Forward."
>Other?
I just feel like she's good for making you feel better about this job. We might be fighting terrorists who work with the Tau to save a highly controversial Lord General, but if she comes out of this thing safe and smiling, I'll be glad to have done this mission.

>>36049786
You'll regret that statement next post

Rolled 3 (1d20)

>>36049594

>>36049651
>>36049732

Seconding - let Delmar tell his stories, I want more Christina screentime.

>>36049594

You tilt your head, curious at her sudden change.

"Everything alright?" You ask her in a similar tone.

"Of course," She says, watching them. "I just... don't want to disturb them. They're enjoying themselves."

Smiling, you give her a light nudge with your elbow.

"I wasn't forcing you into anything. If you want, we can go somewhere else."

She seems ready to jump on the suggestion, but watches the two for a few more seconds before answering.

"How about a walk?" She asks. "Stretch the legs a bit."

Signaling back from where you came, you both make a quiet departure, leaving the two to their stories. Halfway down the hall, Christina heaves a quiet sigh.

>"We don't have to, but if you want to talk..."
>"Have you let Vincent know about the evidence you have on him?"
>"You're a good person. You know that, right?"
>Other?

>>36049981
>"We don't have to, but if you want to talk..."
>"Have you let Vincent know about the evidence you have on him?"
>"You're a good person. You know that, right?"

all of these in that order spread out along the walk

>>36049981
"Hey, what's up? Something on your mind?"
then
>>36050036

where'd everyone go?

>>36050585
Waiting on op

>>36049981
>>"We don't have to, but if you want to talk..."

>>36050606
Well its just odd that we had 9 voters in the last update and 3 now, even accounting for a samefag or three

>>36049981
>>"You're a good person. You know that, right?"

Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>36050585

There's not a whole lot to talk about between updates in the quest right now, I'm here, just lurking

>>36050728

I didn't vote in this update, I generally don't if I agree with something that's clearly winning

>>36050753
>>36050772
Lurkers for fucks sake, show your support so OP at least knows how many there are playing, it's the least you could do otherwise he sees only 2 players and decides to go sleep because everyone else apparently is.

It's not hard to post for shits sake.

(I'm gonna strangle the asshole that's currently sending me out into the cold via fire alarm. Grumble, grumble, grumble.)
>>36049981

You continue walking in silence for a time, thinking of what to say to help her.

"We don't have to," You say. "But if you want to talk..."

"Oh, no," She chuckles. "You're the one in need of help, not me."

"Helping goes both ways."

Rolling her eyes, Christina tries to play it off, but it's obvious something's bothering her. After a few minutes of aimless wandering, she relents.

"We're holding a little girl hostage," She says. "We did this because it's going to help us stop a group of heretics. If Mr. Noriega orders us to kill her, I'll do it myself."

You're taken back by the bluntness of her words, but she continues.

"You ensured that when you convinced me to keep her ourselves. If Gilian did something to displease them, Sal would see it done and it'd be another crime on his list. Now if he wants it done he'll make us do it to keep his own hands clean. I'm not saying you're to blame, I'm only saying that's how it might be."

"But neither of them will do it, because they both need each other," You say. "It won't come to that."

"Maybe," She admits. "But it's something I have to consider. And prepare for."

"It won't come to that," You repeat. "I promise."

She looks at you and gives a wistful smile, shaking her head in response. You continue on in renewed silence, this time struggling to think of what to say. You decide to try and steer things toward a less serious subject.

"Have you let Vincent know about the evidence you have on him?" You ask.

"Oh, that?" She smiles. "I have it framed in my office now, but no. I'll save it for later. When he gets to be just a bit too annoying."

"Can I get a copy?"

"Of course."

Sharing a laugh, you carry on for a while longer before stopping and turning to her.

"What?" She asks.

(Cont.)

>>36050874
(Thanks for the support, anon. I admit it's a great feeling to send out an update and have an immediate jump in votes, but I'm not greedy. I'm thankful for each of ya.)
>>36050925

"You're a good person," You say. "You know that, right?"

To your surprise a blush begins to spread across her face, staring at you with a bewildered look.

"What?" She asks.

"You heard me."

"Lieutenant, I don't know who you're thinking of but it's certainly NOT me," She huffs.

"You care about everything you do. Especially the stuff you don't like. You also care about your people, deep down. Even Vincent."

"That does not constitute as 'good'. it's just knowing how to manipulate people into being loyal, and deal with situations."

"What's so bad about admitting you care?" You ask.

"I..." She looks away, for the first time looking lost. "It's just not how it's done, Lieutenant. I don't... I'm not supposed to care. I'm supposed to be this omnipotent creature willing and able to kill and kidnap indiscriminately and..."

>Comfort her.
>"Ma'am. Stop."

>>36051025
>Comfort her.

>>36051025
>>Comfort her.
also i am also pushing for us to sleep with roxy

>>36051025
>"Ma'am. Stop."
>Comfort her.
>HUGS

>>36051025
>Comfort her.

>>36051067
So am I, and with Melodi, and with Crissy.

And one day all together in the same bed

>>36051025
>>Comfort her.

"You can be a good person and still do what needs to be done at times."

>>36051067
>sleep with roxy
>not melodi

>>36051145
who said we wouldn't? also
>not with Chrissy

>>36051025
>"Ma'am. Stop."
"You are not some machine, or some omnipotent being. You are only human, and can have regular emotions and doubts and care like any normal human."

Can you really say people who don't care about what they do anymore fully human?

>>36051025
>Comfort her.
I think I know why she doesn't want to open up to us, because if she needs to kill us it will mean less to her maybe?

>>36051025

You take her by the arm.

"Ma'am."

You embrace her.

"Stop."

She struggles for only a moment, then clutches your chest, hands trembling. You hold her close, a hand gently stroking her hair.

"You're not some machine," You whisper. "Or some omnipotent being. You're human. So am I, last I checked."

She let out a muffled laugh.

"We make mistakes. We do things we don't like. But we do it anyways. We also do what's right, when we can. It's how we keep sane."

For a time you both stand there in silence, taking solace in each other. Then, all at once, she pushes away, brushing her hair away and wiping a thumb at the corner of her eye.

"Yes, well," She clears her throat. "I need to be getting back to work. You find someone else to bother."

"Yes, ma'am," You smile. "Remember: My door's always open."

"That's my line," She returns the smile, then turns on her heel.

Watching her go, you rest a hand where hers had been.

The remainder of the day goes by smoothly, evening setting in nicely. With your free time, you decide to...

>Visit someone. (Who? For what?)
>Train. (Bring someone along or go alone?)
>Other?
>Skip.

>>36051317
>Train. (Bring someone along or go alone?)
practice our dakka skills

>>36051317
>Visit someone. (Who? For what?)
Roxy. Just cause

>>36051317
>Train. (Bring someone along or go alone?)
seconding >>36051367
>practice our dakka skills
we need to improve our dakka abilities

we can bring Roxy or others if they want to come along but if not no biggie

>>36051317
Visit Melodi see if we can get copies of the photo of Vincent playing with the kid

>>36051317
>Go check up on Melodi.

>>36051398
>>36051410
thats a good idea, we can go play with dakka and Rox after that

>>36051317
>visit best waifu melodi

>>36051515
Thems fighting words.

They are all a best

>>36051317

As is per the norm, Engineering is bustling with activity of various shapes and sizes. And as usual, you stick out like a sore thumb. The tech priests all more or less completely ignore you, though some acknowledge you long enough to glare.

Melodi is at her little cove of tranquility in a world of chaos. She sits at her workbench, working on some sort of new contraption. Her mechadendrite now sports a plasma torch, lighting up the corner and causing you to shield your eyes.

"Been a while since I saw you down here," Melodi says, spinning around while her mechadendrite still works. She pulls a pair of welding goggles free from her eyes and greets with a smile.

"You heard me coming?" You ask.

"Ears of a felinid," She answers. "What's up?"

>Greet the Melodi!

>>36051678
01001110 01101111 01110100 00100000 01101101 01110101 01100011 01101000 00101100 00100000 01101010 01110101 01110011 01110100 00100000 01110110 01101001 01110011 01101001 01110100 01101001 01101110 01100111 00100000 01100001 01101110 01100100 00100000 01110011 01100101 01100101 01101001 01101110 01100111 00100000 01101000 01101111 01110111 00100000 01111001 01101111 01110101 00100111 01110010 01100101 00100000 01100111 01101111 01101001 01101110 01100111 00101110 00100000 01011001 01101111 01110101 00100000 01100100 01101111 01101110 00100111 01110100 00100000 01101000 01100001 01110110 01100101 00100000 01100001 01100011 01110100 01110101 01100001 01101100 00100000 01100110 01100101 01101100 01101001 01101110 01101001 01100100 00100000 01100101 01100001 01110010 01110011 00100000 01100100 01101111 00100000 01111001 01101111 01110101 00111111 00100000 01001001 00100111 01110110 01100101 00100000 01101000 01100101 01100001 01110010 01100100 00100000 01110100 01101000 01100101 01111001 00100000 01100001 01110010 01100101 00100000 01101101 01101001 01100111 01101000 01110100 01111001 00100000 01100110 01101100 01110101 01100110 01100110 01111001 00101110

>>36051678
"Oh I figured if you weren't busy we could chat for a bit, but it looks like you might be."

Alternatively aka: these were a joke
"What's cookin' good lookin'? is that a plasma torch on your mechadenrite or are you just happy to see me? Do I get you hot baby? do I get your motor running?"

>>36051678
nothing just came to bug the most interesting people i have the pleasure to know

>>36051678
Can I touch your shiny things?

>>36051745
The fact that 1 and 0 have a different size and ruin the alignment on that causes me pain

>>36051873
what alignment? it's just binary

>>36051873
They don't, they have the same amount of space to each character, it's not meant to be ascii art

>>36051678

"Not much," You shrug. "Just visiting and seeing how you were doing. You don't ACTUALLY have Felinid ears under that hood of yours, do you?"

"Genetics are a wonderful thing, Mikey my boy," Melodi grins, patting the side of her head. "And I suppose you're the one person I can believe when they say they're here for company. Go on, take a seat, kick up your feet."

Accepting her invitation you sit, careful to avoid moving too much and getting tetanus.

>"Had anymore run-ins with our honored guest?"
>"You don't happen to have any anti-shock clothing lying around, do you?"
>"Anything every come out of those carbines I got you?"
>Other?

>>36051887
The lines, like spaces between the sections of 8, they don't line up right

>>36051912
>>"Had anymore run-ins with our honored guest?"
>"Anything every come out of those carbines I got you?"

>>36051912
>"Anything every come out of those carbines I got you?"
>"You don't happen to have any anti-shock clothing lying around, do you?"

>>36051912
Avoid talking about specific subjects.
"You know, I wouldn't be surprised if you had some kind of mecha-tail, either. How have you been?"

>>36051912
>"Had anymore run-ins with our honored guest?"
>"You don't happen to have any anti-shock clothing lying around, do you?"
>"Anything every come out of those carbines I got you?"
but spread out over the convo

>>36051913
on my screen they line up fine

>>36051958
seconding

>>36051958
This, boring talk later, chit chat now!

>>36051912

"Had anymore run-ins with our honored guest?" You ask.

"I've heard nothing about any cuts or bruises, so I've stayed firmly in my hole down here," Melodi shrug.

"Sounds fun," You say. "What have you been up to down here?"

"Oh, you know, boring old cogboy stuff. Binary cant, incense, what have you. I've mainly just been doing a lot of tinkering until one of you get shot, stabbed, or blown up."

"Speaking of which," You chuckle nervously. "You don't happen to have any anti-shock clothing lying around, do you?"

"I heard about that," Melodi smirks. "You got shocked real good by the Arbites, to hear Vincent tell it. Didn't your mother ever tell you to obey the law?"

"My mother never told me I'd be working for the Inquisition."

"Eh, fair enough."

"How about those Carbines? Anything of note from them?"

"Well..." She looks around her dramatically. "I might be in need of a test dummy for a project of mine. There's no pay and worse benefits, but you'll have a ladies thanks."

"A lady? Where?"

"Hardy har har," She murmurs. "Well, are you up for it?"

>"Alright, let's hear it."
>"Maybe another time."

>>36052272
>"Alright, let's hear it."

let's rig up a machine rest to test fire the thing in first before we hold onto it

>>36052272
>"Alright, let's hear it."
>"This won't leave any more scars will it? I mean, the ladies love them and all but I've got to live with them."

>>36052272
"Let's hear it."

>>36052272
>>"Alright, let's hear it."

>>36052272

"Alright, let's hear it," You sigh.

"Great!" Melodi beams, standing and rushing over to a nearby pile of various items. She begins to rummage through them, mechadendrite catching any loose items that fall.

"This won't leave anymore scars will it? I know ladies love them, but I'd like some intact flesh left when this is over," You say.

"Oh, don't be such a baby," Melodi scoffs. "If you blow up your current body I'll build you a new one. Simple."

You're not so keen on the idea yourself, but you refrain from commenting.

When the Tech Priest turns around she's holding a heavily modified pulse carbine, looking more like a lascarbine than anything Tau made. It's a nice change to you.

"The standard models are a bit too clunky for my tastes, so I stripped it down a bit. In exchange for a little less punch, you should be able to wield it basically like you would a standard Guard variant. In theory."

"In theory?" You echo.

"I've messed with the power to cover the changes I've made, but I don't know the kind of effect it's had on the gun as a whole. So I need someone to fire it while I take notes. From at least twenty paces away."

>"Is it too late to back out?"
>"I'm gonna regret this, but... let's get to the range."

>>36052512
>"I'm gonna regret this, but... let's get to the range."
>"And bring some clamps and string, I'm not pulling the trigger first try."

>>36052512
>>"I'm gonna regret this, but... let's get to the range."
The emperor protects

>>36052536
>wanting to damage the gun

>>36052512

>>36052536
Sounds reasonable
>>36052613
Think he means clamp it gently in place and pull the trigger with a string.

>>36052512
>"I'm gonna regret this, but... let's get to the range."
>>36052536
anon you smart. its like you've done dangerous things with firearms before. http://youtu.be/AbvvurXmAmg?t=7m2s go ahead and skip to seven minutes in.

>>36052613
It's like you've never put a firearm in a machine rest to safely test it before.

>>36052637
'Ultimate test' my arse, if they really wanted to test it, they do a compressed load of AS30N, something around the 11.5-12.5 grain mark is the max you can physically fit, they didn't even use a fast burning powder, bullseye is weak slow powder.

>>36052768
http://youtu.be/xmt5QB814Tw
http://youtu.be/2FoWpog5KU4
http://youtu.be/LKkQm5TRaWE
its actually pretty neat what that cheap as shit handgun will take for abuse. I wonder how it would have fared to "range scraps" which is what you could imagine, a casing filled to capacity with powder sweepings from an indoor range that allows rifles, magnums, shotguns, and handguns there.

>>36052512

"Okay," You say slowly. "How about...instead...and hear me out on this...we hook up a remote firing mechanism."

For the longest time Melodi stares at you like you've grown a second head.

"Mel?" You ask. "Still with us?"

"Yeah, yeah," She answers absently. "I just... never thought of that."

"Happens to all of us. I tend to think a lot when my life's at stake. So, can you whip something like that up?"

"...give me five minutes."

True to her word, she's able to throw a quick remote firing mechanism annoyingly quick. Makes you wonder if she knew and just hoped you didn't. You decide not to think too far into it.

Making your way up to the firing range on the training deck, you help her set everything up. This draws a few curious eyes, interested in seeing what's about to unfold.

"Want to have the honor?" Melodi asks, holding out the primer.

"No, no, you did it. I'm just a spectator," You reply, waving it off.

"Suit yourself," She shrugs, keying it.

>Roll for Reasons.

>>36052856

Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>36052856
>>Roll for Reasons.
BOY-OH-BOY-OH-BOY-OH-BOY-OH

Rolled 9 (1d20)

>>36052856
Late night dice most fun dice.

Rolled 20 (1d20)

>>36052856

Rolled 7 (1d20)

>>36052856

Rolled 1 (1d20)

>>36052882
Yeap. Definitely the most fun. Last roll in case there's a 1 somewhere.

Rolled 17 (1d20)

>>36052867
Oh thank fuck you didn't roll anything, which means >>36052882 got in the top 3

fuck yeah Melodi makes the bestest stuff

>>36052882

Oh thank goodness. My luck's been shit tonight apart from that. That first one was me accidentally fucking up the dice command.

>>36052888
there is a 1 somewhere, in your post, thankfully too late to count

why is it we get the awesome rolls when doing random stuff on the shit and the shit rolls in actual combat

>>36052888
you nearly dun fucked it up.

>>36052856

The carbine fired...

And the target it was aimed at bursts into shards, bubbling and melting where it falls. Several of the onlookers give a shout of surprise and approval.

"Not bad," You nod. "Can I keep it?"

"When I'm done making some final adjustments," Melodi says. "And you've torn it from my cold dead hands. Or bought it from me. Up to you."

_________________________

I'm currently dead on my feet, so I'm gonna end it here and get some rest. Glad to have you guys along for the ride, and hope UK anon had a good day at work.

I think I'm gonna keep the thread on for Saturdays, since it seems to work really well.

As always, questions, suggestions, and whatever are now.

>>36052938
Thanks for the thread OP

>>36052938
any more experiences with the fire alarm?

Rolled 20 (1d20)

>>36052938
Thanks for running boss. Good luck with the fucky Uni housing.

>>36053024
>20

of course we get another after the thread

>>36053000
>>36053024
One more, but by then they'd said fuck it and were trying to figure out what the fuck was happening. Some say some jackass, others say faulty wiring. I just know 50 degree weather in clothes meant for sleeping are a bad mix.

Still, I'm digging everything.

>>36052938
Was good fun, QM. See you next week.

>>36053054
what state you located in that its 5o for you right now? AZ? NV? NM?