>>38585652

“Why do I need my gun?” You ask, apprehension rising as the elevator descends.

“Oh, you probably won’t,” Melodi assures you with a smile. “There’s just some pests scampering about the section we’re going to. A bit of a deserted place, good for hiding stuff should the fuzz come knocking. Sometimes the critters are a bit too big to be scared off, so I like to have a helper. Just in case.”

“Wonderful,” You sigh, patting your holstered laspistol. “What are we getting, anyways?”

“Ah, ah. That’s a secret.”

“Willing to me in on it?”

“Afraid not. A girl’s gotta have SOME secrets, Mike. Keeps things interesting.”

“If you say so.”

“I do say so,” Melodi smirks, then turns to face you, hand on her hip. “So, how does it feel?”

You raise a brow.

“To be in on the secret,” She explains. “Now you’re really in the Inquisition. You know something that’s forced a noose around your neck. Granted it’s made of velvet, so you can forget it’s there, but one wrong move and…”

She makes an uncomfortably accurate mimicked sound of a neck snapping, popping her head to the side for affect.

“So, you gonna let in on why you and Naomi got some time to chat alone when she first came aboard?” She asks, either not noticing or ignoring your grimace. “It wasn't cool, kicking me to the side like that after all that had happened. So, ‘fess up.”

>”It was obvious she had something to say, but all of us watching made her nervous. She was shook up enough.”
>”You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.”
>”It’s…complicated.”
>Other?

>>38585693
>”It’s…complicated.”

>>38585693
>”It’s…complicated.”

>>38585693
>”It’s…complicated.”

>"It's... complicated"

(Based Elijah is posting. The Emperor sure is generous today)

>>38585693
>”It’s…complicated.”
>"And you wouldn’t believe me if I told you.”

>>38585693
>”It’s…complicated.”
>"And you wouldn’t believe me if I told you.”

>>38585693

You shuffle uncomfortably where you stand.

"It's...complicated," You say. "I don't think you'd believe me, even if I did tell you."

"You could say that for a lot of things around here," Melodi quips, then sighs. "But you don't work for the Inquisition too long without learning a bit about discretion, so I'll let it drop. For now. Still, if you ever feel like sharing, about that or anything else, I love some good gossip."

"I'll keep that in mind," You nod. "Thanks."

"Bah. Don't thank me. It just gets boring down there. What with most of my colleague lacking the ability to talk. Don't get me wrong, binary is a beautiful language, but you can't beat real conversation."

"Can't say I've met many cogboys with your point of view," You chuckle.

"Guess that's why I'm here," Melodi grins. "The Antebellum is filled with oddballs. It's what makes us so fun."

"Uh huh."

>Ask about her and Naomi.
>Ask about Naomi and Christina.
>Ask about Alexi.
>Keep the conversation casual.
>Other?

>>38586392
Dropped my trip. Apparently it's a slippery thing.

>>38586392
>>Keep the conversation casual.

>>38586392
>>Ask about her and Naomi.

>>38586392
>Keep the conversation casual.
So how bout this weather huh?

>>38586392
>>Ask about Alexi.

>>38586392
>>Ask about Alexi.

>>38586392
>Ask about Alexi.

>>38586392
>Keep the conversation casual.

Alexi is the other inquisitor right?

>>38586768
This

>>38586875
yes

he is also the guy who tried to mind fuck him at the ball were we played the piano for delmar

>>38586392

"About before," You say, growing a bit more serious. "What problem do we have with Alexi?"

"Oh, boy," Melodi laughs. "It's a good thing you came to me for that one. Anyone else here and you'd get something a bit...biased. Especially Vincent."

"What happened between the two?"

"A lot. But it wasn't just him. He's just the only one to hold onto the grudge so tightly. Openly, at least," She admits. "Way back when, he and Chrissy got along well, did a lot of work together. But a time came where we got in a tight spot and he was the only one Christina could turn to. To put a long story short, he betrayed her. Betrayed us."

The elevator comes to a stop and the doors open to reveal a catwalk. Below, a massive storage area sat in less than favorable condition. Only some of the overhead lights work, and most flicker sporadically. The catwalk itself creaks audibly when you step onto it, but the Tech Priest pays it no mind.

"But it isn't my place to talk, not about stuff like this," She says as you both walk. "Not that I suggest asking Chrissy herself. She's...sensitive on the matter. It's a bad topic all around."

>"You said it yourself, you're the one to ask for the real story. Keep going."
>"Anything important I should know for when she visits him?"
>"What's your opinion on him?"
>Other?

>>38586965
fucker ruined our groove

>>38587168
>"You said it yourself, you're the one to ask for the real story. Keep going."

>>38587168
>"You said it yourself, you're the one to ask for the real story. Keep going."

>>38587168
>"What's your opinion on him?"

>>38587168
>"You said it yourself, you're the one to ask for the real story. Keep going."

"Having some context with help a bunch when we have to deal with him."

>>38587168
>"Anything important I should know for when she visits him?"
>"Weaknesses ? Other subjects to avoid ? Intolerance to applied lasguns ?"

>>38587238

>>38587168
>"You said it yourself, you're the one to ask for the real story. Keep going."

>>38587245

This.

>>38587168
>You said it yourself Kain, there are only two sides to your coin.

>>38587168

"Mel," You say, and she pauses to look back at you. "You said it yourself, you're the one to ask for the real story. Right now I'm in the dark. Some context would do me wonders, to think over now and be ready when we have to deal with him later."

Confliction crosses Melodi's face and she crosses her arms, thinking. Staring at you, or possibly through you, she hesitates before sighing and shaking her head. At first thinking she still refused, you're surprised when she takes a quick step forward to close the distance between the two of you.

"This doesn't leave this room, alright?' She asks, poking your chest.

"My lips are sealed," You promise.

"Good," Melodi says, arms crossed once more as she thinks. "So maybe I was a bit too vague. You know about Naomi's parents, right?"

You nod.

"So you know who her real mother is."

"More what than who."

"Fair enough. Well, even after she vanished the dust didn't completely settle. There were some that suspected she'd been with child and delivered, and didn't think she'd taken the child with her when she ran. That, or...it wasn't with her when she was finally caught."

You remember Christina saying the Eldar hadn't been an outright friend, but Melodi still seems mildly upset at the prospect of her demise.

"There was one in particular, an Inquisitor named Argyle, that wouldn't let it go. He kept snooping, and though he didn't have anything solid he suspected Chrissy of assisting the Farseer in her escape. Throne be praised he underestimated her charity. But he must have thought he found something, because all the sudden he was gunning for us. It was Alexi that warned us of her arrest warrant; some trumped up charges meant to keep Chrissy on lock-down while the Antebellum was searched for clues. At that point, Naomi was just turned four and still with us."

(Cont.)

>>38588014

"Was she declared traitor?" You ask, shocked.

"No. Not yet. The only reason we knew in advance was because Alexi warned us himself. He'd arrived out of the blue, ship looking none too pretty from the stress put on her, to tell us. If things had gone well we would have found a hole to hide in the moment he'd departed, to think up our defense and next move. Too bad for us he had other plans."

Despite your immense desire to object she leans back against the railings, which buckle ever so slightly under the weight.

"One minute everything's fine, myself, Delmar, and Vincent with her while Alexi had his own entourage. We'd met in the hangar, biding out time to hide Naomi in case he wanted to come further aboard. Then the hat drops and Alexi's got Christina with a gun under her chin, dragging her back to his transport. It was the first time I'd seen the Commander directly disobey a direct order, and he pulled his gun with half a dozen of Alexi's men watching."

She snapped her fingers.

"Alexi did something, used his psychic powers, because Vincent dropped like a load of bricks, out cold. The armsmen present were more afraid of Chrissy than they were of Vincent, so they dragged the Commander to medical with me while Delmar shouted assurances to her and curses to Alexi. About that time half the sector's Imperial Navy arrived, and we were under Alexi's lock and key. We'd hid Naomi away in a place meant for the Captain's more scandalous cargo, so we could breath easy on that account. Little mercies, I guess."

(Cont.)

>>38588512

Her grip on the railing tightens enough to where it groans in objection, her brow furrowing in memory.

"The trial was a quick and quiet thing. No one knows the whole story.Not even Chrissy, I think, and she was there. All I know is that in the end the charges were dropped, an apology was never issued, and until he showed his face a few weeks ago Alexi had never tried speaking to us again. He had been our friend, one of Chrissy's trusted, and he turned on us, just like that. Then he leaves for the other side of the galaxy with Argyle, apparently on the hunt of another clue or something."

Normally a chipper young woman, the mixture of bitterness and despair the Tech Priest shows is surprising, to say the least.

"That's why Vincent wants his head," Melodi sighs, releasing her grip on the railing and straightening. "Delmar does too, though he'll deny it; he's just better at hiding. Christina won't let it show, but she's afraid. Not of him, but what him reappearing means."

>"He tries anything and he's a fucking deadman."
>"He shows up and Naomi's back in our hands. A hell of a coincidence."
>"I knew he was an ass, but this...throne above."
>Other?

>>38588535
>"He tries anything and he's a fucking deadman."

>>38588535
>"He tries anything and he's a fucking deadman."
>"He shows up and Naomi's back in our hands. A hell of a coincidence."

>>38588535
>"He shows up and Naomi's back in our hands. A hell of a coincidence."

>>38588535
>"I knew he was an ass, but this...throne above."

>>38588535
>"He shows up and Naomi's back in our hands. A hell of a coincidence."
>"Well, he tries anything and he's a fucking deadman."

>>38588535
>"He shows up and Naomi's back in our hands. A hell of a coincidence."

>>38588576

>>38588535

"He tries anything and he's a fucking dead man," You say, temper briefly flaring.

"Don't let Vincent hear you say that," Melod chuckles darkly. "Or Delmar. Christina's already outnumbered in number of people wanting him dead."

The only reply you give is an unhappy grunt. However, as you both continue on your way you begin to think.

"Makes sense, though," You muse. "Naomi gets captured and winds up in our protection, only for him to crop up out of the woodwork. A hell of a coincidence."

"Ain't it so?" Melodi says.

"Is there anything else important I need to know?" You ask. "Weaknesses? Subjects to avoid? An intolerance to applied lasguns?"

"Dunno about that last one," Melodi chuckles. "I'd say you already found his one button to push. He's got his psychic abilities down to a tee, so when someone shrugs it off he's just a bit shocked. Leaves you an opening to smack him in the gob, should you need to. I'd suggest you keep with the 'quiet and scary' type while you're with him. It'll be less of a headache on you and Chrissy. Watch your step, now; I may have a grav pack, but I'm guessing you don't."

"I land well enough. So long as it's head first."

Letting out an approving snort, Melodi begins down a spiral staircase to the ground-floor below.

"I didn't hear anything rustling below during the walk," She notes. "This is either very good or very bad."

Chuckling warily, you withdraw your laspistol as you reach the bottom. Coiling up above her, Melodi's mechadendrite opens its 'hand' and a light sparks and illuminates the path ahead.

Glancing around, you spot a few small rodents scamping away or darting between piles of rubble and trash. Looking back to Melodi, she's already gone and on her way around a corner.

"Hey!" You call out, starting off to catch up.

"Get the lead out, trooper!" She calls back in a faux instructor's tone. "The Guard ain't payin' us by the hour!"

Rolling your eyes, you reach her side and you both continue on.

>Roll a 1d20.

Rolled 17 (1d20)

>>38589260

Rolled 13 (1d20)

>>38589260

>>38589260

Rolled 1 (1d20)

>>38589260

>>38589321
fate point

I forget if this quest has crits or not.

>>38589321
ah fuck me

I just killed us in the cargo bay

>>38589334
Nah we should be fine

File: 1420939277967.gif (237 KB, 276x268)

237 KB GIF

>>38589311
dice+1d20 in the options field you coulda stopped >>38589321 ! This is the future you chose!

>>38589350
OP is fucking wanking it too your botch fail. You killed us, Good job.

>>38589392
You did actually by failing to roll properly. Also stop doomsaying. We are fine.

>>38589350
>>38589383
>>38589392
We have 3 fate points, burn one.

>>38589348
It does. The first three rolls count normally, with a crit fail or win within the first five overriding. A crit fail and win cancel each other out.

And as >>38589334 pointed out you have two fate points left. I neither encourage nor condone their usage, instead leave it to you lot to decide. Needs at least a majority vote to go through, however.

>>38589423
No fate point, this isn't that serious.

Rolled 10 (1d20)

>>38589260

>>38589454
What? ...You know what never mind

Rolled 17 (1d20)

>>38589260
>crit fail or win within the first five overriding
>within
Come on 20!

>>38589539
Stop.

Rolled 7 (1d20)

>>38589260
Pls no

>>38589260

You continue along the various isles of crates and containers. Most seem empty, others filled with scrap and junk.

"Nice place," You note.

"I know how to pick'em," Melodi nods. "See? Told you we'd be fine."

"You say that now..."

Off to your right you hear rubble fall and your ear twitches. Instinctively you freeze, laspistol raised and aimed at the pile in question a few feet away.

"Mel," You whisper, and the Tech Priest stops. Looking back, her smile fades as she follows your aim. Taking several small steps back, you wait and listen.

Then you feel a sharp pain in your left leg and swear, jumping away and kicking with your bionic leg. Feeling an impact, you hear a small, high pitched shrill as the rodent goes flying off into the darkness. Looking down, you see a small tear in your pants leg where the thing had bit you.

Next to you, Melodi tries desperately not to laugh. And fails, descending into a fit of giggling.

"That wasn't funny," You tell her, only partially serious. "You'd be surprised what makes its way onto ships like this."

"Oh yes, I'm well away. It was horrifying!" Melodi says, feigning terror. "So glad you were here. My knight in shining armor. Figuratively, at least."

You continue on, mood dampened and only improved by frying several more of the rodents as you go. Melodi seems divided between getting onto you for your cruelty or keeping score for number of kills and style.

After a bit more walking she comes to a stop seemingly at random as she turns to face an isle..

"This is it," She says. "I'll be right back. If I need you I'll shout. Watch out for more monsters of the night while I'm gone."

"I'll do my best," You answer, grumbling quietly as she departs to delve deeper down the isle.

>Roll a 1d20.

Rolled 19 (1d20)

>>38589927
Show me the money!

>>38589945
Well you got it

Rolled 2 (1d20)

>>38589927

Rolled 3 (1d20)

>>38589927
FOR THE DICE GODS

>>38589988
stop rolling

>>38589927

>>38590029
No need to roll

>>38589927

Inspecting your surroundings, you wait patiently as you hear the faint sounds of Melodi rummaging through things. Spotting the occasional rodent still, the rest seem to have gotten the message and keep their distance and quickly make themselves scarce when seen.

The fairly boring bout of guard duty is halted when you hear something again. Something knocked over, sending scrap scattering across the ground and rodents scurrying.

Taking a step back away from the openness between isles, you continue to listen and wait as only your head remains partially exposed. You catch movement out of the corner of your eye to your right, a dark shape appearing in the darkness and appearing from behind the isle. It doesn't seem to have noticed you yet, and began to slowly close the distance between the two of you, even if unknowingly.

"Mike?" Melodi asks, now at your side. "Wha-"

You turn back and bring a finger to your lips. At first she seems confused, but once more she obliges and remains silent as you look back. The figure continues to grow larger, and the number of things you can safely take down with a lasgun that size rapidly dwindle.

>Strike first, shoot it.
>Wait, keep quiet.

>>38590422
>Wait, keep quiet.

Rolled 17 (1d20)

>>38590422
>>Strike first, shoot it.

>>38590422
>Wait, keep quiet.

>>38590422
>Strike first, shoot it.

"SUPPRESSSSIIIVE FIIIIREEEE"

>>38586875
>>38586965
For the record I hold him moderately accountable for the fact we didn't land the delicious operator lady

>>38590422
>Wait, keep quiet.

>>38590422
Purge it in the name of the God Emperor.

>>38590422
>Wait, keep quiet.

>>38590503
I'm also sorry that we didn't get operator girl, for sexy operating. I don't think that Chrissy would also hit that booty ? no ?

>>38590610
No man come on.

>>38590422
>Strike First, shoot it
Keel that son of a gun!

>>38590462
>>38590493
>>38590510
>>38590728
Anons think, we couldn't kill it with a lasgun, keep quiet and in cover.

The figure continues to grow larger, and the number of things you can safely take down with a lasgun that size rapidly dwindle.

>>38590422
>Wait, keep quiet.

>>38590759
More concerned about if it spots you or not. It may see you anyway.

>>38590887
WE shoot it first it will spot us, And if we can't kill it it will kill us. Additionally it might not be hostile, shooting it will make it so.

>>38590610
(You DID agree to keep things casual with Christina...)

>>38590759
Actually meant to say laspistol, but since you only HAVE a laspistol...

>>38590422

You remain silent, a protective arm reaching out to place Melodi firmly behind you. She offers no objection. You wait quietly for the figure to pass by, into the small but working enough light at the end of your isle. A figure appears...

...and Father Mikel pauses to stare at you, shotgun in hand.

"Lieutenant," He greets. "Is Miss Coyle with you?"

"I'm here!" She calls, stepping out from behind you. "I thought you said you were busy."

"I managed to get away," Mikel answers, hefting the firearm onto his shoulder. "When I saw that you weren't in engineering I assumed you had gone down by yourself, so I made haste to see to your safety. It appears my fears were unneeded."

"I offered to keep her out of trouble," You answer, chuckling sheepishly as you think over your previous train of thought.

"I would have gotten here sooner, but..." Mikel shook his head. "I apologize for the inconvenience."

"Don't worry," Melodi assures, moving past you to pat the bigger man on the arm. "Mike had it."

Compared to Mikel in his armor and with his shotgun, you feel ready to object but don't. Instead, you join them as they begin the walk back. While they're not paying attention you heave a relieved sigh, holstering your laspistol.

The trip back to the elevator is a thankfully uneventful one as the three of you board the elevator.

"You're filthy," Melodi says, scowling as she scratches dirt from the Father's armor. "I can clean that sometime. If you ever took it off, anyways."

"I am not found without my armor as the Lieutenant is not found without a weapon," Mikel chuckles, smiling at you. "He may not be as extreme as myself, but he comes prepared to an extent."

"I try, Father," You answer mildly.

>Ask for his opinion on Alexi.
>Ask about him and Naomi.
>Keep the conversation casual.
>Other?

>>38591103
>Keep the conversation casual.

>>38591103
>Keep the conversation casual.

>>38591103
>Other?
how dangerous is it down here that you need your armor and shotgun

>>38591103

>Keep the conversation casual.
>"So, what are you doing 'round these parts father ?"

>>38591182

>>38591103
>(You DID agree to keep things casual with Christina...)
That sounds nice in theory however is impractical in reality.
Well you could always bend reality however at that point we would be playing harem quest 236 instead of guardsman quest.

>>38591364
I guess we'll just improvise for the parts with the ladies and mostly try to keep our surrogate daughteru away from harm the rest of the time.

>>38591364
Michel is a Cadian and they were "encouraged" to make more Cadian's

>>38591364
(I agree completely. Too many of them as-is. Just food for thought.)

>>38591103

"Father?" You ask, getting his attention. "If I may ask, how dangerous is it down here that you need all that kit?"

"Better to be safe than sorry," Mikel answers. "There is no telling what might be able to make its way onto our vessel. And places like that are perfect lairs."

You shoot Melodi a sidelong glance and she begins whistling innocently.

"Not the brightest move, slinking around in the dark like that," She says. "A good way to get yourself shot."

"I was not 'slinking.'" Mikel says, sounding offended. "And it would not be the first time."

"Story time?"

"Another time, perhaps. I believe you are currently the Lieutenant's problem."

"Hey!"

"I wouldn't say 'problem,'" You say, grinning cheekily. "Wouldn't say she wasn't either..."

The elevator comes to a stop and you return to the Officers Quarters, stepping out to contemplate your next move.

>Stay with Melodi. (What do you do?)
>Visit with someone else. (Who?)
>Go train. (Bring anyone?)
>Other?

>>38591759
>Visit with someone else. (Who?)
Vincent, wonder what he's been up to.

>>38591553
The inquisitor is not.
I also would bet that maybe 5% of the time when a woman says she wants to keep it casual, that she actually wants to keep it casual.

>>38591759
>Go train.
Vincent

>>38591759
>>Visit with someone else. (Who?)
Vincent

>>38591759
>>Other?
go practice our guitar playing skills

>>38591759
>stay with Medlodi

>>38591759
>Stay with Melodi. (What do you do?)
I want to see what she was getting that has to be protected in the monster filled sewers of the ship.

>>38591759
>Go see Vincent and exchange bad guardsmen jokes and general conversation

>>38591759
>stay with melodi

>>38591759
>>38591835
>Go train.
Vincent

I like this idea.

(Sorry about that, lads. Grabbed a bite to eat.)

>>38591759

It comes to no surprise that you find the Commander down in the training yard. He stands watching a pair of armsmen fight, barking out instructions as they did so. Catching sight of you, he shouts one last command and one of the fighters manages to take down his foe. As they make way for the next fight Vincent spots you.

Despite his obviously sour mood he greets you with his usual grin, stepping to the side to allow the spectators to shout to their hearts content.

"How's life, Vinny?" You ask.

"Shit," He answers through his grin. "But appearances have to be made. Can't let the boys see me in a slump. How can I help you?"

"I was looking to get a bit of training in, was looking for a partner. Interested?"

"I can check my schedule."

Looking over your options, you decide on...

>Hand to hand.
>Shooting range.
>Obstacle course.
>Other?

>>38592679
>Shooting range.

>>38592679
>Hand to hand.
Keep the knife sharp

>>38592679
And lassies. I hope you didn't forget the women.

>>38592679
>Shooting range.
One day, we will not be utter shit with shooty things.

>>38592679
>Shooting range.

>>38592679
>Hand to hand.

Michael's pimp hand must not falter.

>>38592679
>Obstacle course with shooting and hand to hand elements.
After all, having all three at once would be nice.

>>38592798

>>38592679
>Shooting Range

>>38592739
(There are women about? Assemble the hounds and get by pith hat! The hunt is afoot.)

>>38592679

"Gun?"

"Speaking my language, Mike."

Moving over to the shooting range, which lay empty, Vincent approached the terminal. Punching in a few keys and answering prompts you've never done before he turns back to you.

"What's the mood today?" He asks.

>"Competitive. Let's see what you got."
>"No need to rush. We need to talk."

>>38593115
> " No need too rush, We need to talk "

>>38593115
>"Competitive. Let's see what you got."

>>38593115

>"No need to rush. We need to talk."

Let's get the secret plan to murder Alexi in shape. We'll never get caught by Chrissy, for sure !

>>38593115
>>"No need to rush. We need to talk."

>>38593184
>suddenly bolter fire everywhere
Well would you look at that, Chaos marines popped in and started shooting wildly before the gellar field shunted them back into the immaterium! How unusual.

We just need a bolter!

>>38593115

"No need to rush," You tell him, accepting the rifle he offers you. "We need to talk."

"I can already tell I'm not gonna like this," Vincent grumbles.

"You might be surprised."

Taking position side by side, a number of targets scattered across multiple lanes spring up at a fairly slow pace. Perfect for two people, and slow enough to not cause them to hurry too much.

"Alright," Vincent says, taking down the first target. "What exactly are we talkin' about?"

>Ask about Alexi.
>Ask about him and Naomi.
>Other?

>>38593381
>>Ask about him and Naomi.

>>38593381
>Ask about him and Naomi.

>>38593396

>>38593381
>>Ask about him and Naomi.

>>38593381
>Ask about Alexi.
>Ask about him and Naomi.

>>38593381
>Ask about him and Naomi.

>>38593381

"I've had a few long talks recently. I think I'm slowly piecing this story together," You say.

"If no one else has said it, welcome to the club," Vincent chuckles.

"Thanks," You mutter. "So you've been part of it since the beginning? With Naomi?"

"Yup. From the day whatsherface showed up to now, I've played Uncle Vinny. And it's been a hell of a job."

"You've always been...okay with her?"

"At first? Feth no. She wasn't just xeno, she was a hybrid; a mutt. Something I'd been trained to hunt and kill since I shipped out from Founding."

"What made you change?" You ask.

The next target springs up and awaits its demise, but as the seconds tick by it retreats back down. Vincent looks from down his sights to at you.

"Can I ask you something?" He asks. "Guard to Guard?"

"Of course."

"You ever thought about the after? What life might be like outside of all this? The Inquisition, the Guard, just find a little place to call your own? I mean, i know you're Cadian, but you don't have a pole up your ass like most of'em do."

Taking the minor insult to your people in stride, you consider his question, sparing your own target.

>"Once or twice, yeah. It's a nice thought to have."
>"Like you said, Cadians aren't taught to deal with the after. Just the now."
>"Sounds awful damn boring to me."

>>38593772
>"Once or twice, yeah. It's a nice thought to have."
but
>"Sounds awful damn boring to me."
I think I would die of boredom after too long, you know?

>>38593772
>>"Like you said, Cadians aren't taught to deal with the after. Just the now."
But...
>"Once or twice, yeah. It's a nice thought to have."

>>38593772
>>"Once or twice, yeah. It's a nice thought to have."

>>38593806
>>38593772

>>38593772
>"Once or twice, yeah. But, like you said, Cadians aren't taught to deal with the after. Just the now."

>>38593772
>"Once or twice, yeah. It's a nice thought to have."
"Sure damn few of us actually reach the 'after', but It's always nice to think about the what-if."

>>38593806

>>38593806
Seconding

>>38593806
This

>>38593806

this

also, HELL YEAH! I finally got this while you are running!

>>38593806

"Like you said, Vinny, Cadians aren't taught to deal with the after. Just the now," You answer, bringing your rifle back up and firing. "But...I've thought about it, once or twice. It's a nice thought to have, I admit."

"I accepted a long time ago that wasn't for me," Vincent says. "Hell, I'd probably get sick of it in a week. Fighting's all I know, and it's what I'm good at. When I was a younger man I still listened to the Lady without too much fuss, so when Naomi came around I kept my trap shut. Being a bodyguard tends to do that."

Seeing your expression, the older man laughs heartily.

"What? I never told you that?" He asks. "Yeah, I took the original spot."

"You were Number One?" You ask, gaping.

"It's strange that I'm still alive, ain't it?" He chuckles. "That's cause I proved too much of an ornery bastard to die. So eventually the Lady smacked me upside the head with promotion to Commander once Delmar's old man bit it, and proceeded to pick up a whole slew of fuck ups."

He pauses.

"Excluding...maybe...three. You included. But that's a story for another time and I'm getting sidetracked. To answer your question, I didn't pay her much mind at first. Just a screamin' kid like any other. Which was kind of the point. Ya don't watch a little girl grow up, pointy ears or no, and not get a little attached."

"Uncle Vinny, huh?" You ask, smiling.

"Call me that again and I'll break your hand. You may be cute, Mike, but she's cuter."

You both share a laugh.

"Anything else?" He asks.

>Ask about Alexi.
>Ask about the mercenaries.
>Other?

>>38594470
>>Ask about Alexi.

>>38594470
>Ask about Alexi.

>>38594470
>>Ask about Alexi.
"now your favorite person in the whole galaxy Alexi"

>>38594470
>>Ask about Alexi.

>>38594622
And then Vincent decks us for implying that he likes Alexi

>>38594630

>>38594470
>Ask about the mercenaries.

>>38594470

"One other thing, fairly important," You nod, dread rising. "I want to know more about Alexi."

Vincent's shot goes wide, striking the back wall harmlessly as the intended target retracts. Lowering his rifle, you inwardly breath a sigh of relief as he turns to face you. Anything resembling a good mood has vanished.

"Alright," He replies simply. "What do you wanna know? I can tell plenty. Anything in particular you wanna know?"

>Specific questions?
>"Anything you think I might need to know."

>>38594780
>"Anything you think I might need to know."
Especially what he can do with his psi.

>>38594780
>"Anything you think I might need to know."
"Hes an important player I can tell, need info to do my job."

>>38594780
>You know of any weaknesses? If I gotta shoot the motherfucker then I want to make sure that he drops like a sack of potatoes."
>"Anything you think I might need to know."

>>38594780

I heard he pointed a gun at crissy and turned her in....but nothing happened....why did he do it/ and why is she still alive/

sorry, I dont have question marks

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>>38595103
What part of "don't tell anyone" did you not understand?

And saying it in the middle of a training area? With other people around?

>>38595260

Well, we are openly talking about naomi so I figured no one was around

>>38595310
Yeah, but our joint tech priest/doctor told us not to tell.
>"This doesn't leave this room, alright?' She asks, poking your chest.
Thus, we shouldn't hint that we know.

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>>38594780
Agree with the other, keep it vague
>Seems like his plans and the Lady's don't always align. Anything I should know or do beforehand if things became... complicated?

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>>38594780
Hey Elijah were we wearing the emperor's protection in the elevator?

>>38595868
Not with the rolls we got. The emperor demanded a child.

>>38595868
(No. Cadians come prepared, but for war, not love.)

>>38594780

"He's a psyker," You say. "What all can he do?"

"Keep. On. Guard," Vincent said, expression darkening. "I still owe you a beer for shrugging him off even while surprised, but don't count on that happening again. Be ready for him to pull something and you won't be surprised or disappointed. He's also not an obvious psyker; he'll get in your head, but it's subtle. You won't have to deal with lightning or anything for a physical threat. Just his goons."

"His retinue?"

"Bastards, just like him. And as loyal to him as we are to the Lady."

"I thought you hadn't seen him in years."

"I haven't, but while they're a bunch of bastards, I remember them being effective ones."

"Anyone in particular to look out for?"

"Hard to say, most looked like simple muscle. Except one. A woman; mid 30s by now, auburn hair, had a thing for sniper rifles. A woman after my own heart, but she had the eyes of a cat. Probably the loyalties of one, too. A lot like her owner, I'd bet."

"Any weaknesses? Things I could take advantage of?"

"He acts all high and mighty, but one mention of his past where he fucked up and he's out for blood. Prideful son of a bitch, then and now, I'd bet. Press that and he'll probably do something stupid. I'd pay good thrones to see his face if you told him 'Watch your step.'"

"Why?"

"I told him that once when we still worked together. Dumb bastard didn't listen, stepping on some weak floor, and fell three stories through an abandoned hab. Shattered a leg and busted a few ribs, but it was his pride that never fully healed. I dug it into him a couple times after that, and he always had this look that the Lady was the only thing keeping him from teaching me some manners. God Emperor, but I would have liked to have seen him try."

(Cont.)

>>38596026

The final target descends and the buzzer sounds. You'd both killed a fair number of targets, but your lack of efforts shows. Not that either of you pay it much mind.

"From what I gather Alexi's plans and Christina's plans can clash. Any suggestions?"

"My advice? Something feels off; message me, get the hell out of dodge, and if you can take a shot off at the bastard on the way out. In that order. He's gonna be your best friend, but don't believe a second of it. One word and his men'll be on you for blood. I'll be waiting while you're gone. Two bursts of static and I'll know shit's gone ass over teakettle, and I'll be showing up with a couple dozen angry Misfits."

"Trust me, I'll remember that," You say. "And I was meaning to ask about them."

"Alpha might be the Lady's bunch to call on for difficult or awkward jobs, but I have my Misfits. Bastards as ornery and hardheaded as I am. And just as ready to fight and die for the Lady as I am."

"Sounds like a fun bunch."

"Believe it or not, your buddy Hassan's part of'em. A bit of a pushover most times, but he knows how to get through a fight with plenty of marks on his rifle stock."

You remember the armsmen with a penchant for gallows humor and a sense of awareness about his expendability.

You spend the next few hours training with Vincent and terrorizing his armsmen. Usually both happening at once. It's good to spend time with some grunts, even fi they're not actual Guard. Though your position and reputation keeps most at a distance, they quickly warm up to you alongside the Commander.

(Cont.)

>>38596056

It's while you sit and shoot the shit with Vincent and some of his men that you spot parts of Alpha arrive. Flanked by the Mordian Burk and the Scintillan Casus, Roxy leads them over to the shooting range.

"Is it me or did the ego in the room just skyrocket?" Vincent asks.

"Play nice," You warn playfully. "They're good people."

"Probably. Should probably go talk to'em, less they get jealous of me. Well, more jealous, anyways."

Bidding farewell to the Commander and his men, you approach the trio, enthralled in their current work.

"...the broad side of a barn," Roxy sighs, hands on her hips. "Someday you're gonna wind up with a gun that DOESN'T cover the room in lead, laser, or plasma in a few seconds."

"Then that'll be the day we're in trouble, Sir," Burk chuckles.

"Just pick up the damn rifle," Roxy growls, though it's all in good fun.

Only Casus seems to notice you as you approach, giving a nod that you return.

"Ma'am," Casus warns, and following his gaze turns and smiles.

"LT!" Roxy beams. "What's up?"

>Greet the Roxy!

>>38596089
>Sup Rox. What's cookin?

>>38596089
"Not much, just getting some range time, seeing what you bunch are up to."

>>38596089
>"Just came to see what you guys are up to. What's this about a barn, Rox?"

>>38596089
"Just got done doing some shooting with Vincent and terrorizing his men. A lot more fun than I thought it'd be. How are you guys doing?"

>>38596089
Just getting some range time in Roxy, What's up?

>>38596089

I see i'm not the most useless rifleman around anymore;;; How are you doing Roxy?

>>38596089

"Oh, you know. Getting in some range time, scaring some armsmen, the usual," You shrug. "What's this about a barn I hear?"

"We're trying to teach Burk here how to use that thing on top of of the gun," Roxy sighs.

"Sorry, sirs," Burk smiles sheepishly. "In heavy weapons you're taught how to shoot, not to aim."

"You should give it a shot sometime," You suggest. "Might do wonders."

"That's what I said," Roxy grumbles. "He's still iffy on the matter."

"So Casus is here for morale support?" You ask.

"More or less," Casus answers. "I can hit what I'm aimin' at, more often than not. Just takes a bit more time than the Sergeant."

"Well, now that you're here," Roxy, says, grinning devilishly. "How about you show'em the ropes? You're tasked with keeping Lady Massey herself safe, so that means you're the best soldier we got. How's about it, LT?"

Your last few practices with Roxy went less than great and she's well aware of the fact. Your desire to show her up and your desire to not make a fool of yourself quarrel.

>Accept the challenge.
>Let her do the teaching. Offer suggestions on the side.

>>38596657
>Accept the challenge.

>>38596657
>>Accept the challenge.

>>38596657

>Accept the challenge

>>38596657
>Let her do the teaching. Offer suggestions on the side.

yeah naw, we suck at the range and it's a good opportunity for Roxy to gain leadership skills

>>38596657
>Let her do the teaching. Offer suggestions on the side.

>>38596657
>>Accept the challenge.

>>38596760
A man's job after all.

>>38596657

"If you insist," You answer, taking the offered rifle.

"Stand back, kiddies," Roxy suggests. "You're in for a treat."

Rolling your eyes, you take the rifle and shoulder it. Looking to your right, you give the Sergeant a nod. Wish obvious enjoyment she keys the console, and with a blaring horn the first target shoots up.

>Roll a 1d20. Earlier training cancels crit fails, takes best of five.

Rolled 5 (1d20)

>>38596860

Rolled 1 (1d20)

>>38596860
No whammies.

Rolled 5 (1d20)

>>38596860
Welp

Rolled 10 (1d20)

>>38596860

Rolled 16 (1d20)

>>38596885
Well then

Rolled 2 (1d20)

>>38596860
Even with best of 5...

>>38596912
Crit fails don't count. Thanks for saving us, anon.

>>38596885
I don't suppose this can be something merciful, like the gun exploding and killing us instantly?

>>38596912
Yeah, pretty much knew what was gonna happen the moment I hit the button.

Rolled 20 (1d20)

>>38596860

>>38596948
why

>>38596885

told you guys, we ARE shit at the range, there is no risk involved and we can't focus properly...

>>38596937
>The first three rolls count normally, with a crit fail or win within the first five overriding. A crit fail and win cancel each other out.

>>38596961
because god hates me at times and this is one of those times.

>>38596860
>Earlier training cancels crit fails

Thank GOD for that.

>>38596991
>. Earlier training cancels crit fails, takes best of five.
look again

>>38596991
Did you read his post when asking for the roll?

>>38596991
Try reading

>>38596948
Can this be our roll for claiming it was a demonstration of what NOT to do?

>>38596860
>Earlier training cancels crit fails
You're a good person Elijah.

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>>38597015
>>38597025
>>38597028
I've never felt so grateful and relieved to be called out for stupidity on 4chan.

>>38597040
(I'm also counting the 20. It's Monday, everyone needs a break.)
>>38596860

Making a fool out of yourself with Roxy or Vincent is one thing, but you have a reputation to uphold in front of the others. It's time.

"If you were a sharpshooter," A target is hit dead center. "you'd have time to set up, prepare."

A pair of targets are taken down as they move side by side.

"More often than not, you'll have to get by with a short burst or keep it at semi-auto."

More targets continue to fall as you explain what was told to you back in basic training. The instructor had done the same thing, showing and explaining at the same time. You and your platoon had watched on in awe, but as it stands you don't have time to look away.

By the time the final target falls, a red mark glowing angrily on the center mark, a sense of accomplishment makes you smile. Turning to your audience, you find Burk and Casus gaping and Roxy trying and failing to hide her own surprise.

"Hot damn," Casus mutters.

"Alright," Burk says. "Teach me to pull that off and I'll use whatever you give me."

"Now we're talking," You chuckle. "Was that to your expectations, Sergeant?"

"And then some," Roxy replies warily. "Nice job, LT."

Though you're more than a little pleased to have proven her wrong you're not that prideful. Though continuing to offer advice and suggestions, you let Roxy take the spotlight once again. As Sergeant, it's only right. After about an hour you think Burk's beginning to catch on, being able to handle the rifle with something resembling skill.

"Not bad," Roxy nods, pleased. "We'll keep at it, but for now we're done."

"Happy to please," Burk answers, nodding.

"Just glad no one had a toe blown off," Casus adds. "Once is once too many."

"The others are meeting up with us soon to head planet-side," Roxy explains. "Want to join us for a night on the town, LT?"

>"I could go for a bit of fun."
>"I'm gonna have to take a rain check on that one."

>>38597281
>"I'm gonna have to take a rain check on that one."

>>38597281
>>"I could go for a bit of fun."

based Elijah counted my 20.

>>38597281
>"I could go for a bit of fun."

Party time! Excellent!

>>38597281
>>"I'm gonna have to take a rain check on that one."
"Have fun, don't get into toooo much trouble."

Thanks for the 20 Elijah

>>38597281
>"I could go for a bit of fun."
"but I should check in with the Lady first and make sure she won't need me this evening."

>>38597281
>"I'm gonna have to take a rain check on that one."

>>38597281
>>"I could go for a bit of fun."

>>38597422

yeah, this.

>>38597346
DO IT. we're going partying.

>>38597281

"I could go for a bit of fun," You agree. "But I should check in first, make sure Lady Massey doesn't need me."

"Studious as ever," Roxy sighs. "Well if you do, we'll be in Hangar 3A in half an hour. And do make sure to let the rest of us in if something happens so we can help too."

You're not sure if that's a dig at not letting her in on Naomi and all that entails. Regardless, you bid them farewell and begin to head back up to speak with Christina. Making good time, you step out of the elevator and grow closer to the Inquisitor's quarters when you hear shouting coming from within.

Normally you'd be reaching for your gun at this point, but you recognize the voices and it fills you with a different sort of dread.

It's Naomi and Christina.

____________

A bit early, but I've got shit to do tomorrow so we'll stop it here. Heading home Friday to meet with some pals, so expect the usual Saturday thread.

As always, any questions you have I'll be happy to answer to the best of my ability.

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>>38597673
Thanks for the thread bro

>>38597673
Thanks for running, Guess we're brain diving next thread.

>>38597673
Damnit I only just woke up and caught up.

Thanks for running Elijah, next thread when?

>>38597673
thanks for running

>>38597688
were you in the mercenary thread run by guide earlier

>>38597673
Thanks for the run boss.

5 bucks its about us.

>>38597715
Do we really want to bring past trauma up though? I think we should just move on.

>>38597737
we kinda need to sense naiom fucked pur head up a bit by combining a character from a book and Micheal.

>>38597673

HA, I made it just in time for the end. Comic guy here. I forgot about todays session so the comic I promised is not prepared. Sorry Elijah, I'll have it ready for Saturday. Thanks for running, it was a fun read. I think you should have let us embarrass ourselfs at the range, but you are a merciful QM(?) and we thank you.

>>38597723
Yep.

>>38597876
mah nigga
you most certainly have good taste

>>38597900
I was there too, but mostly lurking since most votes were unanimous.

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>>38597900
>>38597921
As do you both, cool in my books.

>>38597673
Well dang, just missed the thread thanks for running it.

I haven't been able to keep up with this quest since the parade, could someone tell me how this new fate point system works? Maybe tell me how we got a half eldar daughter in law?

>>38598511
We get more Fate points by people doing extra things for the quest, like drawing or voiceing intros I think. As for the other, the story was told like the last thread or thread before. So should be easy to find. Shes the inquisitor's adopted baby she took for an Eldar contact.

>>38598570
Also for epic actions and things we do in the story

>>38598511
if we suggest some thing funny or awesome like we did when we had to out run a xeno on that one planet and we picked that one guy who made a joke (the number thirteen coming up) we get a point

>>38598582
>>38598588
Yeah these too.

>>38598588
Neat.

Why couldn't this be tagged "An Ex-Guardsmen Quest" so I could neatly find them all on suptg?

>>38602702
Anon, part two only just started, theres 2 threads of it, it is neatly sorted, you can find the links in the OP, also sage for dead thread