Useful links:

Military/Noble rankings https://pastebin.com/gLcTWzXE

Archive Links https://pastebin.com/uWJ38wnz

Timeline of the setting https://pastebin.com/bzhWWDkj

Ships https://pastebin.com/8LxdVHfm

Dramatis Personae https://pastebin.com/epJfFJd7

Rolled 8 (1d100)

>>5147449
>>Just blow it away, you need not risk more lives of your men.

Rolled 11 (1d100)

>>5147449

>>5147449
>Once the survivors are secured, have your officers prepare their marines. Most of the trophies will belong to them, but you only really need one person, don’t you ?
dice hates vips

>>5147449
>>Just blow it away, you need not risk more lives of your men.

>>5147449
>Transmit a message demanding their immediate surrender, if you’re in luck, they might still have something to actually receive your message with.

>>5147449
>Just blow it away, you need not risk more lives of your men.

>>5147449
>>5147476
Changing to this
>Transmit a message demanding their immediate surrender, if you’re in luck, they might still have something to actually receive your message with

>>5147449
>Just blow it away, you need not risk more lives of your men.

Anon who are for blowing the crippled cruiser, i would like to remind that we can always blow it up if they do not surrender and it would not take that long to hear the reply.

>>5147449
>Transmit a message demanding their immediate surrender, if you’re in luck, they might still have something to actually receive your message with.

>>5147449
>Transmit a message demanding their immediate surrender, if you’re in luck, they might still have something to actually receive your message with.

>>5147449
>Transmit a message demanding their immediate surrender, if you’re in luck, they might still have something to actually receive your message with.

>>5147449
>>Once the survivors are secured, have your officers prepare their marines. Most of the trophies will belong to them, but you only really need one person, don’t you ?

>>5147449
>Once the survivors are secured, have your officers prepare their marines. Most of the trophies will belong to them, but you only really need one person, don’t you ?

we need to search for a Baron replacement asap

blow it 4

prepare marines 2

message 5

>>5148919

whoops, forgot to ask.

1d100 best of 3

Rolled 1 (1d100)

>>5148930
Let's hope this run of bad luck is over...

Rolled 95 (1d100)

>>5148930

>>5148932
Ya jinxed it

>>5148940
And I believe I saved it. 95 is a critical success, so it should knock dat 1 out.

Rolled 4 (1d100)

>>5148930

WTF DICE

The Dice Gods are cruel.

>>5148948
Surely they are trying to send a message 1 + 95 + 4 = 100, but what do they mean

>>5148952
It’s clearly a sign that they want us to have that 100, it’s too freaky otherwise. The Dice Gods work in mysterious ways.

>>5148955
I agree

>>5148932
>>5148940
>>5148945
holy fucking shit my dudes i cant handle this

File: Rage.gif (986 KB, 256x141)

986 KB GIF

These past few rolls have been rage inducing. Losing Baron, and now this, good God, what did we do to deserve this?

>>5148969
Lets us pray together that qm see the clear signs from Dice gods

What do you expect when the crit range is the same as if this were a best of 3 d20 system with crits on 1 and 20?

“Comms, send a message directed towards the cruiser, demanding their immediate surrender, if they do not, we will blow them to kingdom come.” You deliver the order.

“On it, sir.” Quickly responds the comms officer

“Tetreault, how is the rescue operation going ?”

“Poorly, captain. Despite our effort, we were able to locate only a few survivors. As it stands, Lord-Commander Lloyd Labranche is missing in action.” Almost mechanically, your XO reports the casualty numbers.

“Captain !” Hurriedly calls out the sensors officer. “Large energy signature rising from the cruiser.”

“Weapons ? Are they trying to blow themselves up ?”

“No, sir.” Cuts in the comms officer. “They seem to have jerry-rigged their comms to transmit at much stronger output than usual, they are frying their comm system whilst transmitting.”

“Are they sending it in any particular direction ?”

“No, captain. The signal appears to be generalized.”

“They are most likely calling for help.” Surmises Tetreault.

A few thoughts quickly flash through your mind.

How to deal with the cruiser ?

>Send in the marines, we do not have much time.

>Just destroy the ship. I’d rather not be caught and encircled

Presuming you don’t get intercepted, how should you act ?

>Hold formation, they enemy will come right for us, saving time.

>Time to depart, if all the remnants rally, there’s a chance that they could overwhelm us.

>>5148981
>Send in the marines, we do not have much time.
time to earn their paychecks

and afterwards

>Time to depart, if all the remnants rally, there’s a chance that they could overwhelm us.

>>5148981
>Send in the marines, we do not have much time.

>Hold formation, they enemy will come right for us, saving time.

>>5148981
also what is being transmitted, do we have any means of knowing?

>>5148981
>Just destroy the ship. I’d rather not be caught and encircled
>Time to depart, if all the remnants rally, there’s a chance that they could overwhelm us.

I’m just done with our round of bad luck. Can we just destroy the refueling station and be done here? Losing Baron really killed the fun outta this engagement for me.

>>5148981
>Send in the marines, we do not have much time.
I do this fully expecting the cruiser to suicide on us, again.

>Hold formation, they enemy will come right for us, saving time.
Better to be organised and meet this force head on. Considering how the rest of the local units reacted, and response force is only going to be here because this cruiser is important, and not because they want to. We need that thing hostage.

>>5148981
>Just destroy the ship. I’d rather not be caught and encircled

>Time to depart, if all the remnants rally, there’s a chance that they could overwhelm us.

We can just pick them off later as they disperse. We should not risk destruction here due to greed.

>>5148981
>Send in the marines, we do not have much time.
>Hold formation, they enemy will come right for us, saving time.

>>5148981
>>Just destroy the ship. I’d rather not be caught and encircled

>Hold formation, they enemy will come right for us, saving time.

>>5148984

>also what is being transmitted, do we have any means of knowing?

You could try to crack it, but it is encrypted so it would take some time.

Marines 4

Destroy 3

Leave 3

Hold 4


Holding and sending marines wins.

1d100 best of 3

Rolled 5 (1d100)

>>5149260

Rolled 15 (1d100)

>>5149260

Rolled 58 (1d100)

>>5149260

>>5149266
lmao

Getting one squad of marines killed wasn't enough for you morons?

>>5149320
No, i will do it again

>>5149320
Marines will continue to die until morale improves

>>5149320
Might as well, it's not like they're going to survive the next mission we send them on either if the dice are any indication.

>>5148974
By Being stingy and not reinforcing the marine company when we had the chance and capital. Might have saved some of barons men if we did.

>>5149260
Ffs guys just destroy the enemy ships. They rarely are worth the losses and risks unless we cap them in dock unready.

>>5149921
>not reinforcing the marine company when we had the chance

I thought we payed good influence to reinforce our men. Did we not do that?

>>5149937
our marines are dead, son

>>5149937
>>5149978
i apologize my brain went haywire, yes we did

>>5149937
Yes we did, anon is tripping

File: Shu19.png (469 KB, 6522x4881)

469 KB PNG

You begin reorganizing your force, awaiting any contacts that would come here in response to the transmission.

Meanwhile, Marc and Ioanna had sent their marines onto the cruiser.

Awaiting any news, you hold position. The occasional blow out from the cruiser informs you of heavy fighting, and at one point you forward a comms request to Marc, wanting to find out what is going on.

“Lord-Commander Ashing, how’s our progress looking ?”

“Ah, well, Captain. Reports from my men indicate that the cruiser has been turned into a bunker complex. They are finding it difficult and painful to advance further in.”

“Can they break through ?” You ask, slight irritation audible in your voice.

“They believe they can, sir. It will take time.”

“Alright, report to me whenever we make progress, dismissed.”

Just as the conversation comes to an end, your sensors officer turns to you.

“Sir, a large detachment of frigate level signatures and a handful of destroyers is on approach.”

“Begin repositioning the fleet to meet them, draw ranks closer, use the debris as cover.” You swiftly begin giving out orders one after another.

Shortly thereafter, you get a visual on the enemy force, and it puts you in a slight predicament.

“Sir, they have enough missiles to overwhelm our AS, given time, and we do not know if more enemies are coming.” Grimly informs you Tetreault.

“And if we move, we lose our cover and leave the cruiser exposed.” You mutter back.

To charge, or not to charge, that is the question.

>Full burn ahead, we will swat them aside before any more Raisatans arrive.

>Hold position, whomever is on that cruiser is clearly important, we capture him, maybe we can stop their attack.

>(Write in)

>>5150111
>Hold position, whomever is on that cruiser is clearly important, we capture him, maybe we can stop their attack.

At this point I'm tired of bad RNG getting our men killed. I just want this shit to be over with.

>>5150111
Open a comm link. Inform the enemy force that if they get any closer our fleet will blow that cruiser to smithereens. Whoever is on there is obviously important to them, so this should give them pause and buy us time.

>>5150111
>Hold position, whomever is on that cruiser is clearly important, we capture him, maybe we can stop their attack.

>>5150111
>Full burn ahead, we will swat them aside before any more Raisatans arrive.

>>5150111
>>Full burn ahead, we will swat them aside before any more Raisatans arrive.

>>5150111
>>Hold position, whomever is on that cruiser is clearly important, we capture him, maybe we can stop their attack.

>>5150111
>>Full burn ahead, we will swat them aside before any more Raisatans arrive.

Focus all fire on the enemy Bullseye-class ships. We must destroy them before they can fire their missiles.

>>5150111
>Have each Vigilance take a flank and then turn to get a broadside against the enemy frigates so as to prevent us from being swarmed. The group with the two wolfs in it is to take the center to screen the raider which will also be in the center. The Raider is to focus on the enemy bullseyes. Our own group of strikes and remaining frigates are also to focus on the enemy bullseyes.

We have to buy time for our marines and destroy the enemy before enemy reinforcements arrive.

>>5150111
>Full burn ahead, we will swat them aside before any more Raisatans arrive.
Do or die

>>5150111
>(Write in)
Hail the approaching force and demand they cease their advance or else we blow up the light cruiser.
If that fails to stop them, full burn.

>>5150111
>>Full burn ahead, we will swat them aside before any more Raisatans arrive.
Smash them before they can mass more of their missile batteries

Hold 3

>>5150145 2

Full burn 7 >>5150215 (counts to burn)

Okay, you are meeting the enemy head-on.

2d100 best of 3

first for you,
second for marines.

Rolled 4, 96 = 100 (2d100)

>>5151057

>>5151075
>another combined 100 with crits

Ok, the Dice Gods are definitely trying to tell us something.

Rolled 49, 31 = 80 (2d100)

>>5151057

Rolled 86, 83 = 169 (2d100)

>>5151057

File: Shu20.png (471 KB, 6522x4881)

471 KB PNG

“We’re meeting the force, full burn ahead. Inform our elements within the cruiser to hurry up.” You state as your ship’s engines fire up and propel you forwards.

The enemy Bullseyes, seeing you charging them, release a withering barrage of missiles, whilst the wolf-classes charge you at surprising speed. First volleys are exchanged and proper battle begins.

The beginning goes poorly for you, the last two remaining combat frigates are annihilated in moments, Marc’s cruiser is filled with holes, Horus itself also takes a pounding. Your Guardian-class struggles against the sheer number of missiles, but it at the very least prevents any killing blows from landing upon you.

The Defenders around Bullseyes shoot down most incoming missile fire from your Strikers, realizing the futility of the attack they switch towards the frigates, whom in their charge had abandoned their AS cover. Scoring a couple of kills.

A piece of good news does come however, the marines aboard the Vigilance-class have made astonishing progress, all things considered. They only need a bit more time to secure the VIP.

2d100 best of 2

Rolled 24, 25 = 49 (2d100)

>>5151122

Rolled 96, 28 = 124 (2d100)

>>5151122

Rolled 49, 84 = 133 (2d100)

>>5151122

File: Shu21.png (614 KB, 6522x4881)

614 KB PNG

The last remaining Raider, commanded by Datz, obliterates a trio of wolves and charges onwards, reaching the Bullseyes and delivers a killing blow to one of them.

The remainder of enemy frigates at the front are annihilated by the strikers, without having to concentrate on the small grouping, your Vigilances sail onwards, delivering might broadsides, decapitating the last two Bullseyes.

As this happens, the enemy Defenders begin to turn about and prepare to retreat. You are about to issue orders to chase them down and finish this fight, when your sensors officer informs you of pertinent information.

“Sir, sensors readings. Hostile destroyer and couple of frigates. I am also detecting more of these tiny forces gathering around our area.”

“How many in total ?” You question.

“Perhaps a dozen destroyer signatures scattered about with frigate escorts, they seem unorganized, sir.”

“Comms, get me Marc, and tell him that I want to know how his marines are progressing.” You bark out a quick order.

Marc, with still bleeding cut on his forehead quickly materializes in front of you. “Captain. Reporting on my men. They seem to have suffered heavy casualties, but they have pushed the Raisatans to the last few rooms. They are in control of the remnants of the main bridge and the reactor room.”

“Good, tell them to secure the presumed VIP as soon as possible.”

With Marc disappearing, your mind begins to race.

>Chase the remaining Defenders, lest they rally with other elements. (A force can be split off.)

>Turnabout, you’ve nearly secured the cruiser, you need just a few more minutes.

>You’ve gotta admit, what you’ve gotta admit. You’re beaten and bloody, time to call for help. (Can be taken alongside other options.)

>(Write in)

>>5151425
>Turnabout, you’ve nearly secured the cruiser, you need just a few more minutes.
We're rapidly approaching combat ineffectiveness, any more combat seems ill-advised at best and downright suicidal at worst. Hold the Cruiser until the Marines can finish the job and then get the hell out.

>>5151425
>Tell the remaining Defenders to surrender, the battle for this system is lost.
If that fails
>Turnabout, you’ve nearly secured the cruiser, you need just a few more minutes.
I'm honestly tired of these nonstop crits playing with my emotions.

>>5151425
> Turnabout, you’ve nearly secured the cruiser, you need just a few more minutes.

Not very Proenza but our element is mauled.

>>5151425
>Turnabout, you’ve nearly secured the cruiser, you need just a few more minutes.
theres a fine line between rashful, and outright suicidal. Proenza has gotten waaaay too good of a gig for him to just suddenly throw it all away within a few days.

>>5151425
>Turnabout, you’ve nearly secured the cruiser, you need just a few more minutes.

>>5151425
Split off our remaining Raider to attack the fleeing defenders. The rest of our fleet is to rush south-west (or whatever you call directions in space) and attack the incoming enemy force.

>>5151425
>>Chase the remaining Defenders, lest they rally with other elements. (A force can be split off.)
>>5151425

>>5151425
>Turnabout, you’ve nearly secured the cruiser, you need just a few more minutes.

>>5151425
>Turnabout, you’ve nearly secured the cruiser, you need just a few more minutes.
we can't fight more

>>5151425
>Turnabout, you’ve nearly secured the cruiser, you need just a few more minutes.

File: Shu22.png (520 KB, 6522x4881)

520 KB PNG

“We’re turning about, ignore the cowards.” You state as your force begins to rush backwards.

“Sir, more ships entering visual range.” Calls out the sensors officer.

Looking upon the tactical display, you can think of a few options.

>Strike each group individually with your full force, hopefully no one reaches the cruiser in the meantime.

>Split your force to intercept individual groups. (How?)

>Simply surround the cruiser and hold off anyone foolish enough to contest you.

>(Write in)

>>5152097
>Strike each group individually with your full force, hopefully no one reaches the cruiser in the meantime.
Target that destroyer group. Piecemeal they can't hope to overcome us, our primary objective must be to prevent the enemy from grouping up.

>>5152097
>Strike each group individually with your full force, hopefully no one reaches the cruiser in the meantime.
We should destroy 2 smalls and cruiser first, overwhelmed them with missiles with our cruiser making sure they can not go to guardian.

Also we really should inform our allies about our situation, not as call for help but that they know that enemies are most likely converting to this location

>>5152109
>Strike each group individually with your full force, hopefully no one reaches the cruiser in the meantime.

+1 solid plane:
>>5152109

>>5152156
Just so you know, you ping at me two times

>>5152158
Sorry, the intention was to mark the last post from QM.

>>5152097
>>Split your force to intercept individual groups. (How?)

Both vigilance class attack the group with the guardian, all other ships attack the group with the raider.

>>5152097
>Strike each group individually with your full force, hopefully no one reaches the cruiser in the meantime.

>>5152097
>>Simply surround the cruiser and hold off anyone foolish enough to contest you.

As one 4

Split 1

Surround 1

2d100 best of 3

Rolled 72, 46 = 118 (2d100)

>>5152533

Rolled 64, 1 = 65 (2d100)

>>5152533

Rolled 17, 50 = 67 (2d100)

>>5152533

File: cursed doom paul.jpg (42 KB, 600x523)

42 KB JPG

Rolled 42, 79 = 121 (2d100)

>>5152533

>>5152552

>>5152552
i can hear the dice gods maniacally laughing

>>5152552
FUCK!

This is starting to feel like mister bones wild ride.

File: Shu23.png (675 KB, 6522x4881)

675 KB PNG

Horus slides onwards, the jittering, the occasional sputters, rocking you back and forth. Your ship had been beaten and battered to hell and back. You need to finish this battle before your ship simply breaks apart due to combat stress.

Another issue is exhaustion, your men had been fighting for a long time now, and it is beginning to show. Your only consolation is the fact that the Raisatans are probably just as tired, if not more.

Gavril’s voice booming in your ears does not help the situation.

“The leftmost engineering bay is gone. Dammit Fergus, I had stashed some booze there.” An annoyed voice calls out.

“I’ll buy you some after we get back to friendly territory, real good stuff, none of that cheap shit.” You respond with humour.

“You better, and I want that fancy “Majestueux Ivre” that nobles drink.”

This light conversation helps to calm both of your nerves. But the jovial mood is cut short, as you finally reach the out of position Raider and its Defender escorts.

Your Vigilances open up, accurate M.A.G. rounds break apart the Defenders. Strikers quickly begin to overwhelm the enemy Raider, with it weakened, Datz moves in for the kill, easily ending the threat.

Unfortunately, your sensors officer informs you that another grouping had appeared. More and more of these small groupings are closing in ever closer.

You can only hope that the marines do their damned job as soon as possible.

------------------------------
(POV shift: You are Lieutenant Clianth Vitali, under command of Lord-Commander Lord-Commander Marc Ahsing, and you’re bashing your ahead against Raisatan bastards.)

The fighting had been tough. The marine contingent on this ship is far too large than it normally should have been. Their equipment is worse than yours, but the sheer ferocity and number of the defenders evened the odds.

Every corridor was reinforced, every corridor had a heavy weapon installation, every goddamned corridor had fanatically suicidal Raisatans holding them. Every single centimetre was taken at the cost of your men’s blood.

“Lieutenant Vitali, my men report that they’ve breached the living quarters area. Fighting was bloody and it devolved to hand-to-hand combat, but we took it.” Reports Lieutenant Amr Seid, leader of the marines of Lady-Commander Ioanna Datz, subordinated to you for this engagement.

“Alright, all we need to do is push down this main corridor, after that, we should have the captain’s quarters in arms reach.” Turning to your XO, you ask. “How’s the rest of the ship looking ?”

“Everything seems secure, but we had to abandon a lot of the positions, our forces are stretched far too thin.”

>>5152758

“It will have to do, Seid, I want your men to-“ A screaming round pierces Seid’s visor, the shards impacting your own, droplets of blood staining your vision.

“Ambush !” Screams out your XO

Hopping into cover, you curse before opening fire.

“Sir !’ Through the loud barks of rifles calls out your XO. “Reports coming in, the Raisatans are pulling this off across the ship. Regular crew are literally throwing themselves upon us, acting as meat shields to their marines !”

Crazy fucking fanatics.

“No choice then, beat them back !” You shout out the only real order you can give.

------------------------------
(End of POV shift.)

2d100 best of 3

Rolled 35, 96 = 131 (2d100)

>>5152761

Rolled 25, 1 = 26 (2d100)

>>5152761

Rolled 13, 27 = 40 (2d100)

>>5152761
>>5152785
What the fuck is going on with these fucking back to back crits something is extremely fucky right now.

Rolled 30, 38 = 68 (2d100)

>>5152761

>>5152785
>>5152797
what the fuck

At this point I'm willing to blow my own brains out just to end such shitty RNG. Do we have to ram another ship just to get us to fuck off and move on from this star system?

>>5152797
Please, god, someone make a sacrifice to RNGesus! Or just change the goddamn crit range so it isn't the same as one of the dumbest systems questing has ever considered a good idea (3d20, crits override)

>>5152854
tbf tho a 1 is mostly all the time a crit fail so....
desu im laughing now

>>5152854
Proenza must destroy his entire command every mission. This is tradition.

>>5152928
THE COMMAND WILL CONTINUE TO DIE UNTIL MORALE IMPROVES

>>5152921
That's fair, I was more referring to us pin-balling between getting non 1 or 100 crits every turn.

>>5152928
I'm sure our glorious countess will be caught somewhere between being impressed and exasperated at the contrast between our glorious success at discovering the cloaked ships/how much tonnage of enemy ships we've blown to bits and our abysmal losses.

At this point I'm thinking we should just blow the damn ship to bits, but knowing our luck it'll have a nuke onboard that'll wipe out half our fleet. Goddamn this shitty luck.

Okay, I am seeing a lot of discontent lately. So I will put it to vote:

>Change crit range - 1 crit fail and 100 crit success

>Keep the same crit range

With the new system, crit fails should hopefully decrease, but at the same time, you anons will be unable to pull off some of the shit you had previously, since crit successes will also decrease.

If the new system is chosen, it will apply to the following prompts.

And if you anons can think of better systems, I am always willing to listen.

>>5154099
>>Keep the same crit range
Don't be a whiny baby. This is the way.

>>5154099
>Keep the same crit range

>>5154099
>Keep the same crit range
We've been getting a lot of Nat 1s as of late, and the extended crit range has a chance to balance them out. I just mainly want this mission to be over with, losing Baron really took the fun and the fight outta me, and these last couple of conflict rounds have really been playing with my emotions, so I'd appreciate a breather if we can finish this somewhat soon.

Also, mind if we call in some help now? I mainly just want to get off Mr. Bones Wild Ride at this point.

>>5154099
>>Keep the same crit range

>>5154099
>Keep the same crit range

>>5154099

>Keep the same crit range.

File: Shu24.png (623 KB, 6522x4881)

623 KB PNG

Horus’ starboard opens up, slagging an unfortunate wolf-class caught by the railgun rounds, stripping away its armour piece by piece before reaching the vulnerable internals.

The rest of the fore joins you soon thereafter, devastating fire is unleashed upon the Guardian, piecing deeply into its insides, disabling the vessel.

Datz’s Raider takes on some nasty fire from a concentrated barrage of wolves, send ahead of the Raider they had been escorting, but the frigates explode in a myriad of blooming reds and yellows, their lack of AS allowing your strikers to shine.

Still, your force is straining, more and more damage is mounting, with Datz’s ship now also pummelled, you have no idea how long you can hold.

If nothing else, we’ve done a damn fine job in mopping up the rear. The only consolation about the rather precarious situation you find yourself in.

For now, no reports are forth coming about the progress on the cruiser, but you do not have the time to worry about it, as your sensors officer, ever the bearer of bad news, once more reports.

“Sir, another destroyer and escorts have entered visual range, luckily they are out of position to be involved in the current engagement.”

You have to take whatever small blessings you can.

2d100

Rolled 49, 47 = 96 (2d100)

>>5154426

Rolled 5, 5 = 10 (2d100)

>>5154426

>>5154099
>Change crit range - 1 crit fail and 100 crit success

Rolled 91, 100, 71, 20, 60, 19, 87, 20, 58, 91, 48, 78, 33, 86, 81, 81, 84, 9, 52, 30, 9, 19, 14, 29, 44 = 1314 (25d100)

That it, am exorcing the dice

>>5154458
Well then...

...This is certainly confirmation that we are indeed cursed.

Rolled 36, 86, 85, 29, 31, 68, 68, 8, 98, 17, 52, 81, 45, 91, 36, 22, 1, 23, 44, 9, 60, 1, 14, 86, 44 = 1135 (25d100)

>>5154482
There goes all our good dice.

Rolled 60, 58, 54, 77, 52, 47, 43, 74, 55, 39, 91, 79, 61, 67, 15, 90, 100, 38, 96, 90, 89, 14, 66, 50, 92 = 1597 (25d100)

>>5154486
It should be better now or atleast i feel better so win-win

Rolled 36, 97 = 133 (2d100)

>>5154426

>>5154482
>91, 100

>>5154426
QM please tell me that you're taking the first two rolls of >>5154482 please.

>>5154554
It dont say best of 3, most likely he will take >>5154441.

Gone for two days and everything is on fire again. Proenza needs a vacation after this. Maybe Alpi or Tets can teach him how to noble or something. Ballroom dancing or fancy parties, or whatever nobles do.

>>5154720
We didnt start the fire...

File: Shu25.png (784 KB, 6522x4881)

784 KB PNG

With the engagement swinging heavily into your favour, you are about to deliver the coup de grâce, but before you can decapitate the enemy destroyer, it diverts all power to its engines, charging full on ahead.

Your cruisers are unable to keep up with the ship, but your striker missiles slam into it, leaving it full of holes, however that is not enough to stop it.

Despite Datz’s efforts to pull back, both Raider slam into one another. For the first time, you finally witness what ships ramming each other looks like, and it is not a pretty sight.

Metal meets metal, as both vessels tear each other apart, plates are ripped off, entire sections are expelled into space, whilst other pieces of superheated material fuse together, forming a macabre mockery of the vessel’s original look.

Unfortunately, you have no time to admire, or perhaps be shocked by the sight, as you are once more snapped back to the present by the alarmed voice of the sensors officer.

“Sir, more enemies have entered visual range. Moving full speed towards the cruiser.”

You turn towards the tactical display and see another Raider and Guardian with a single Wolf arriving on the battlefield, not to mention the forces already burning towards you.

“Comms, get me Marc, I need that VIP secured, now.”

------------------------------
(POV shift: You are Lieutenant Clianth Vitali, and you are up shit creek without a paddle.)

You’ve beaten back the ambush, at a heavy cost. Your force is down to less than 30%, on the bright side, the Raisatans are just as equally bloodied.

You grab a magazine off your XO, bits of his guts still staining it. You’ve nearly run out of ammo. Your left shoulder burns with every move.

The suicidal assault achieved some results, you’ve been pushed out of the main bridge, but you managed to barely hold on to the engine room. The situation there is still tethering, your men are hemmed in and surrounded, but holding their own.

“Private, gather whatever is left near the engineering bay, move down to the engine room and make sure that it is secured.” You call out to one of marines.

“The rest of you, on me, we have to break through.”

As you rise, you feel a sharp pain course through your body. Grunting, you make sure to stand as stable as possible.

Rifle bursts once more fill the hallways, whatever grenades, explosives, or volatile material in general you have, are chucked onwards, the explosives cause screams to rise. The hallways are scarred and mutilated.

Your men fall dead on the floor as they try to break through, in exchange you deliver suppressive fire and manage to clip and occasionally deliver a killing blow.

Ignoring the losses around you, as that is the only option available, you hurl yourself onto the closest Raisatan. Smashing your rifle against his head, you are able to knock the bastard down. He tries to jump back up, but before he is able to do so, you deliver a bullet straight through his visor.

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>>5154877

“Go, keep moving !” You call out, ignoring the chaos all around you. These subspacers have proven themselves to be rabid dogs protecting their master, if you can capture the VIP, maybe, just maybe, you can force them to stand down.

Hurling your last charge, you blow open the door, opening up the final corridor, in which there is only one door, the door to the captain’s quarters. Just as you are preparing to bash it open with your fist if you have to, it rises.

Stepping out is a person in a piece of armour that you’ve never seen in your life, it appears crude in places, almost as if it was put together using entirely separate parts, whilst other pieces look elegant and ornate. He raises his left arm, which holds a pistol, of what type you are unsure, but before you can raise your rifle in return, he open fire twice.

You halt in your tracks, paralyzed for a moment, before you can comprehend what happened. There are no wounds on you, looking back, you see two Raisatan marines lying dead on the floor, pinpoint accurate rounds having smashed right into their visors.

A distorted, almost metallic voice, sharply grinding on your ears comes out from the figure. “Contact your superior, I am willing to negotiate.”

Only now do you notice two small drones flying behind the man. Nothing more than two railguns that float, but even from there you can tell that the material used to make them is rare and expensive.

------------------------------
(End of POV shift.)

“Sir.” Marc’s form materializes in front of you. He looks unsure and confused. “The, uh, the enemy VIP wishes to negotiate. He requests that you give him access to a comms network so that he could call off the Raisatans. And, uh, he wishes to converse with you now.”

“Does he now ? He’s not really acting as a prisoner of war, now is he ?”

“Well, sir. It appears that he, how should I put it.” Marc struggles for a moment. “Killed the last Raisatans aboard, and my men are far too few in number to force him to surrender.”

I’ve heard of many things, but that one is new.

>”Well, his “majesty” can wait. No way in hell I am giving him a superior position, we beat back whomever he was able to call to his aid, then we will see how much he wants to “negotiate”.”

>”Fine, give him comms, he better have something worthwhile to say, and prep rescue operations” (An extra dice roll for Datz)

>(Write in)

>>5154883
>>”Fine, give him comms, he better have something worthwhile to say, and prep rescue operations” (An extra dice roll for Datz)

>>5154883
>”Fine, give him comms, he better have something worthwhile to say, and prep rescue operations” (An extra dice roll for Datz)

>>5154883
> Fine, give him comms, he better have something worthwhile to say, and prep rescue operations” (An extra dice roll for Datz)

>>5154883
>”Fine, give him comms, he better have something worthwhile to say, and prep rescue operations” (An extra dice roll for Datz)

>>5154883
>”Fine, give him comms, he better have something worthwhile to say, and prep rescue operations” (An extra dice roll for Datz)
Talk about bloodshed in space. There's probably more liquid than air in that damn ship at this point.

>>5154883

>”Fine, give him comms, he better have something worthwhile to say, and prep rescue operations” (An extra dice roll for Datz)
We better get a couple of fucking exosuits for this guy

>>5154883
>>”Well, his “majesty” can wait. No way in hell I am giving him a superior position, we beat back whomever he was able to call to his aid, then we will see how much he wants to “negotiate”.”

>>5154883
>”Fine, give him comms, he better have something worthwhile to say, and prep rescue operations” (An extra dice roll for Datz)
>Call in help from our allies

Can't wait for Datz to get shanked by our shitty RNG. I'm willing to accept his complete surrender, otherwise we're blowing up his ship with no survivors, and fuck the consequences.

>>5154883
>”Well, his “majesty” can wait. No way in hell I am giving him a superior position, we beat back whomever he was able to call to his aid, then we will see how much he wants to “negotiate”.”

>>5154099
>Keep the same crit range
honestly many crits are better than fewer crits
cuz its more action and suspense and rewards

>>5154458
i lost it giggleing

>>5154883
>”Fine, give him comms, he better have something worthwhile to say, and prep rescue operations” (An extra dice roll for Datz)
huh plots thiccening

Give comms 8

Tell to him to wait 2

writing.

>>5155412

Almost forgot

1d100 best of 2 for Datz

Rolled 20 (1d100)

>>5155413

Rolled 96 (1d100)

>>5155413

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>>5155416
Champion.

>>5155418
That's actually how I imagined Alpi. And thanks!

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>>5155416
Fucking finally.

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”Fine, give him comms, he better have something worthwhile to say, and prep rescue operations.” You begrudgingly state.

Tense moments pass, as a new set of long-range comms equipment is sent down to the cripple cruiser. Moments spent locked into a dangerous dance with hostiles on the field, but soon enough, your comms officer turns to you.

“Sir, the VIP appears to be sending encoded messages. Similar burst to when the Vigilance fried its own comm system to send out that strengthened signal.”

“Anyway to decipher it ?” You question.

“Presuming we can get our hands on the equipment, yes.”

“Good, have it secured as soon as possible.”

With that last statement, you watch as the enemy forces begin standing down and drawing a safe distance.

“Captain, enemy signatures are still drawing near, but they seem to stay at the edge of tactical range.” Reports the sensors officer.

“He could be potentially buying time.” Tetreault voices your thoughts.

“He could be.” You don’t deny the statement. “And if he is, we will obliterate him until nothing but atoms remain.”

“Captain, the VIP is connecting, voice only, sir.” Chimes in comms.

“Let it through.”

You grimace as a distorted voice, sounding like metal rubbing against metal is heard. “I presume that I am conversing with the one in charge of this little operation ?”

“You presume correct, I am Knight-Captain Fergus Proenza, and your actions caused the deaths of a lot of good men, so I’d like to know why I shouldn’t just end this conversation by having a M.A.G. round slam into where you are standing.” You do not even bother to try and be diplomatic, this day has worn you out enough as it is.

“Aggressive, I see. Very well, I shall get straight to the point. I had been personally invited by the dear leader of this little member of the star league. These men here have all been brainwashed to willingly server their master, and more of them are gathering around us as we speak. The only thing keeping them from pouncing upon your weakened force, is me.”

Arrogant shit.

“Now that I had clarified this, I will also like to point out that I was merely contracted to fight for, and alongside the Raisatans. I have no personal quarrel with you, the ducal house, or the empire as a whole.”

And now you are trying to weasel yourself out of the situation. Slimy prick.

“I am willing to share pertinent information, my expertise and talents to your house, for a fair price. Now then, I find that conversations in person are always more productive. I do so request to be allowed aboard your vessel, so as to conduct these talks with more civility.”

>”Fine, get him aboard.”

>”Blow it out your ass ! All guns, fire !”

>”I am not letting you onto my ship. I am coming aboard myself.”

>(Write in.)

>>5155429
>”I am not letting you onto my ship. I am coming aboard myself.”

I don't see why not to take him up on his offer. We need a replacement for Baron, as much as it pains me to say it.

>>5155429
>>”Blow it out your ass ! All guns, fire !”

>>5155434
Can we at least hear him out before we decide to throw him out an airlock?

>>5155429
>”I am not letting you onto my ship. I am coming aboard myself.”
Keep an open comm link between the marines and our ship, and order Marc to blow up the cruiser we're meeting on if anything goes wrong and get the hell out of here.

>>5155429
>”I am not letting you onto my ship. I am coming aboard myself.”

>>5155429
>”I am not letting you onto my ship. I am coming aboard myself.”

”I am not letting you onto my ship. I am coming aboard myself.” You state, no way in hell will let a weird person like that anywhere near Horus. Bastard could have a mininuke™.

“That is also acceptable, I shall await your arrival at the captain’s quarters, now please excuse me.” The sound of a weapon discharging is heard from the other side.

Momentarily shocked, your comms officer turns to you. “Sir, I do not think we will be able to decipher the message anymore.”

Sighing, you simply rise from your captain’s chair and without another word you move towards the hangar, but before that, you hop into the captain’s quarters and put yourself into your power armour.

You coincidently arrive there as one of the rescue transports returns from its mission, and stepping out from it is a perfectly fine looking Datz, whom upon noticing you salutes.

“At ease, Lady-Commander. Any injuries ?”

“None, sir. I was able to reach an escape pod before everything fell apart around me.”

“Good, you and your men get some rest, but before you go, I need what marines you have to come along with me.”

“Yes, sir.” Datz responds without blinking an eye.

That solves one issue. Not all too fond of being all alone with mister screech. Since what troops you have there are all nearly dead.

Arriving at the cruiser, you are greeted by the sight of mutilated corpses all around. What men that are still alive are currently busying themselves retrieving corpses of their dead comrades.

Passing them by, you move directly to the meeting place. The areas you pass by are marked by combat, turned over crates, specially made bulwarks, heavy weapons positions, and plenty of dead bodies that once held these locations.

Stepping into the captain’s quarters, you find the VIP, along side five corpses. Four of them are in out of date power armour, but newer than most on the fringes, whilst the last corpse wears a fanciful uniform, the captain more likely than not.

“Ah, good. You have arrived.” States the only living figure in the room before your arrival. “Do excuse me, cleaning is not my forte, nor can I be bothered about it.”

You realize that the metallic voice fits the person very well, as he does seem to be more metal than man, or at the very least that is your assumption. The armouring is too thin for power armour, but despite the fact that your height has been increased by magnitudes, the person still towers over you.

Two little drones float around the room absentmindedly, but unmistakeably prepared to pounce in a moments notice, those tiny railguns are fully powered.

The person sits down on one of the larger chairs in the room. It audibly creaks and groans, trying to hold up the persons weight.

“I am certain that you have some questions, feel free to ask. Of course, we can start negotiations right now instead.”

>Questions (Write in)

>”I have none, and I’d rather not give you any time to gather more forces.”

>>5155592
>Questions (Write in)
So to who/what am i speaking with?

And who is your true master?

And why should i keep you alive i.e. what do you offer?

>>5155592
> The Raisatans fought like rabid dogs over you, why?

>>5155592
>”I have none, and I’d rather not give you any time to gather more forces.”

>>5155592
QM, EMP grenades are part of our arsenal?

>>5155592
>Did you have anything to do with that cloaked ship I and my men destroyed some hours ago? I find it hard to believe there are two unconnected secret actors flying around this area of space.

>>5155592
>>”I have none, and I’d rather not give you any time to gather more forces.”

>>5155592
Question: How many of these fuckers are on the way, what kind of sh8ps to they have?
Also before we hire you, i want to see a portfolio of what the fuck you are even capable of

>>5155592
>Questions (Write in)
What are the details of your contract. How long and how much
How much autherity were u given.
What is your skillset and specialty.
What if any steathships are u aware of operating in this region.
What information fo you have on prometheus.
Tell us of the brainwashing. Ho does it work
Are all of their people slaves?
What is the goal of your employer.

>>5155820

You do. Presuming that whatever systems the person has are not isolated, grounded, and that he is not protecting himself from EMP via advanced material similar to exo-suits, you could knock him down.

Writing.

You ponder for a moment just killing the man, or cutting the conversation short, but you decide against it, your curiosity gets the better of you.

You sit right across the person and begin your tirade of questions.

“First things first, so to who or what am I speaking with?”

“Oh, yes. Please excuse my lack of manners. You may refer to me as Iron. I am best known by that name, yes.”

Of course he would name himself something like that.

“Right, who’s your master ?”

“Master ?” The person begins to chuckle before it turns into full blown laughter. After a while, he calms down and continues. “I serve no master, but myself.”

“The Raisatans fought like rabid dogs over you, why ?”

“No, not me, him.” He gestures at the presumed captain’s corpse. “The fifth born of the dear leader.”

“Then why did you kill him ?”

“He outlived his usefulness, besides, he might too try to negotiate.”

You are glad that you have a helmet on, otherwise, your sour expression could be visible.

“Do you know many more ships are coming ? Their types.”

“No, but I do know that they will be enough to overwhelm and destroy you.”

Cunt.

“What are the details of your contract ? How long and how much ? How much authority were you given ?”

“Tsk, tsk, tsk. That, I cannot reveal, confidentiality and all, I am sure you understand.”

Gritting your teeth, you continue the questioning. “What is your skillset and specialty ?”

You are certain that the man is smiling whilst answering you. “Engineering, research, both tactical and strategic advice and command. I am also fond of history, philosophy and music, as well as a myriad of other subjects. I pick things up easily, you see.”

Make sure you don’t trip on all of that smugness.

“Tell us of the brainwashing ? How does it work ? Are all of their people slaves?”

“Are we all not slaves ? Subjected by our environment, upbringing, and genetics. So are all of these people, day in and day out, endless propaganda shapes and changes their beliefs. They are subjugated people, fully convinced that the intrusive thoughts planted within them are their own. Indoctrination is perhaps the greatest invention of man, perfected over millennia of our existence.”

A philosopher alright.

“What is the goal of your employer ?”

“Victory. What else could there be ? Presuming their assault succeeded, the Shuan Peoples Democratic Republic.” He says, sarcasm dripping when he states the nation’s name. “Would become the most powerful within the league, perhaps even the leading member, and in due time, the only member.”

You ponder for a moment, the mans looks are unique, too unique for your liking, so naturally you ask the only question that could come to mind. “What information do you have on Prometheus ?”

>>5156619

An amused chuckle can be heard. “Prometheus ? I do not know if I should be honoured or insulted by your question. Yes, I had worked for them before, they had hired me, but I can assure you, everything you see on me were inventions of my own. As for providing information on them ? I cannot reveal any secrets, but things in general can be talked about.”

Of course he’s worked with terrorists.

“Did you have anything to do with that cloaked ship I and my men destroyed some hours ago? I find it hard to believe there are two unconnected secret actors flying around this area of space.”

“A cloaked ship ? I will have to disappoint you; it has nothing to do with me. If you still have intact databanks, I could try to decipher them, free of charge, for my own curiosity is piqued.”

Ignoring him, you move onto another question, you are certain that this, if nothing else should annoy him.

“And why should I keep you alive ? That is, what do you offer ?”

“Every single static fortification, shipyard, space station, refuelling and mining station. I can disable all of them within the league. Free of charge, anything more will cost you extra.

And no offence, but before you even consider so. I doubt you could afford my full service, though I do offer packages where I provide my expertise in a limited field. If you cannot, or simply do not want to, afford so. Please contact, Countess Lauritzen, I believe. I am sure my abilities will be of interest to her.”

>”I have no more questions, let us start our negotiations.”

>”I have no more questions, I will contact the Countess.”

>”Not so fast, I still want to know somethings.” (Write in)

>(Write in)

>>5156622
>”I have no more questions, let us start our negotiations.”

Fuck it, I'm game.

>>5156622
>”I have no more questions, let us start our negotiations.”
obviously as we are the ones getting him to work for us we get some neat notes in our resume

also a question about the setting, are there any life prolonging medications and or technologys around yet? considering Irons talk about his broad field of expertise makes me wonder how deep his actual knowledge goes.

>>5156622
>”I have no more questions, let us start our negotiations.”
We're keeping this smart ass. Though we'll probably have to hand him over to the countess eventually. Give him whatever materials we scrounged from that cloaked ship too.

>>5156670

>also a question about the setting, are there any life prolonging medications and or technologys around yet?

There are plenty. Genetic modification, cybernetic replacements can easily prolong ones life to upwards 200 maybe 300 years. These methods are of course expensive. Prolonging life further than that is rare and primarily experimental, whether they succeed or not is more or less a coin toss.

>>5156622
>>”I have no more questions, let us start our negotiations.”

>>5156622
>”I have no more questions, let us start our negotiations.”
If these negotiations work out, leaving him guarded by marines equipped with EMP grenades would be a good idea.

>>5156758
Honestly, the only reason we'd keep marines around him is to stop somebody else from grabbing him. I have strong doubts as to their effectiveness against his suit and drones.

”I have no more questions, let us start our negotiations.”

“Splendid. Now, as I said, my prices are high, but my expertise is also valuable.”

>Full package – 5000 influence

>Scientific expertise – 1500 influence

>Engineering expertise – 1300 influence

>Strategic command – 1000 influence

>Tactical command – 800 influence

>Strategic and tactical advice – 500 influence

Current influence 27

“Now of course, I realize that not all can afford my prices. I also take rare materials, such as those involved in the making of neutronium reactors, armour alloys for exo-suits and the like.

I too am someone of great curiosity. I will also take payment in advance technology that I am unfamiliar with.

If you have any of these, we can negotiate how much they are worth to me.

The contract signed will last one standard definition of a campaign. (QM NOTE: You anons will have to rebuy the services every new regional map. I will be nice and clarify that if you buy his service, he will serve you in both this and the following regional map.)

So, which package are you interested in ?”

>”You know what, I think I will just hand you over to the Countess.”

>”I do have something of interest for you.” (What ?)

>”Rot here for all I care, I am leaving.”

>(Write in)

>>5156846
>”You know what, I think I will just hand you over to the Countess.”

There was that armour plating we didn't get he might be interested in, but that ain't ours and even if it were, it'd be attached to a ship.

>>5156846
>”I do have something of interest for you.”
Is there any alloy or material leftover from that cloaked ship? Or even loot from the promethean reactor. That might be sufficient payment for him. If not, inform him of our findings there and the intact reactor we recovered, and hand him off to the Countess.

>>5156855

You anons did acquire plantings from the stealth ship. As part of your trophy claim, you do have the files on the discovered reactor.

>>5156846
>>”You know what, I think I will just hand you over to the Countess.”

>>5156846
>>”I do have something of interest for you.”
Reactor specs, on the condition he helps us reverse engineer it.

>>5156857
Just make sure we do not lose filed on reactor but give copy to him

>>5156890
+1, some kind of monitored R&D deal would be nice

>>5156890
+1

>>5156890
+1 and the alloys of the stealth ship, we really need to hire that guy, we are fucked if he works for our enemies

>>5157430
technically we want him to work for us so we get to claim his doing as our own infront of the countess.

if we cant pay him we send him to the countess which still gets us some good-boy points but just not as much

“Actually, I do have something for you.” You state before going silent, instead switching off any external communication before contacting your XO.

“Get me the files on the reactor we pulled out from the Emarians, full specs, make sure that it is a copy only.” You switch off the comms.

Moments later, the files have been delivered, you dare not risk remote transfer.

Iron gladly takes the files offered to him.

“Hmmmm…yes. The Helios project. I recognize the construction and parts here. These files however look rough, unfinished. Am I safe to assume that these are not original Prometheus files ?”

“You are, we pulled those out from a facility, and you mentioned Helios ?”

“Yes, back when I was contracted, I had come over this project, it seems like they’ve managed to make a working construct sooner than I expected, the radiation is unfortunate however.

Yes, yes. Do you have more to offer ?”

You smile, that is what you were waiting for. Snapping your fingers, you signal marines who had originally brought over the data to carry in the plating of the stealth ship.

Iron rises to his feet and carefully opens the container, seemingly unconcerned about the radiation emitting from it.

“Fascinating, this does not appear to be a metal alloy, but rather a combination of both mineral and biological parts, it has the ability for stealth, but I can tell that it is…brittle, comparatively.

Any vessel made from this material will be easy to crush in an open engagement.”

“Is it Prometheus make ?”

“No, I can tell you that much. The techniques involved in making such material are far too loud, so to say. Prometheus wouldn’t risk construction, though creation, perhaps. Without further looking into it, I can offer no more.”

“So, what do you think…

>…you figure out how everything here works, and you get to keep that knowledge.” (Research + engineering)

>…will this be enough to buy your services ?” (Worth 2000 influence for package purchase)

>(Write in)

>>5158124
>…you figure out how everything here works, and you get to keep that knowledge.” (Research + engineering)

If by what you mean by this is we get his assistance understand these materials and the reactor and in return we'll give him a copy of the specs and the plate then sure. If you mean he just gets to keep this for free then nevermind.

We don't need his help winning battles, at least not yet.

>>5158124
>…you figure out how everything here works, and you get to keep that knowledge.” (Research + engineering)

I assume the 2000 Influence is just for his package purchase, and cannot be exchanged for buying ships, correct? If so, then this is clearly the superior deal, especially since we get 2800 worth of influence for just 2000.

Also, when you mean regional map, what does that encompass specifically?

>>5158124
>You get unrestricted access to this material on the condition you work for us AND you accompany us on our investigation into the origin of this cloaked ship with the promise of access to whatever further material or data we find.

As an aside to my fellow anons, I am slightly worried that there seems to be a third player running around. I had assumed that Prometheus was working in the background for their own sinister purposes and we'd have to deal with them eventually, but this extra group in an unwelcome spanner in the works. I don't like mysteries like that. Plus they killed Baron, we're obligated to kick their shit in otherwise it will remain a stain on our honour.

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>>5158130

>If by what you mean by this is we get his assistance understand these materials and the reactor and in return we'll give him a copy of the specs and the plate then sure.

Yes.

>>5158138

>I assume the 2000 Influence is just for his package purchase, and cannot be exchanged for buying ships, correct?

Yes.

>Also, when you mean regional map, what does that encompass specifically?

Pic related. Once you finish all of the story arcs I had planned, you move onto the next region.

>>5158124
>…you figure out how everything here works, and you get to keep that knowledge.” (Research + engineering)

>>5158165
Alrighty. Can we buy the other packages later, when we gain the requisite influence for them? And will the other package deals follow us to the next regional map if we buy them after we gain the influence necessary?

>>5158173

>Alrighty. Can we buy the other packages later, when we gain the requisite influence for them?

Yes.

>And will the other package deals follow us to the next regional map if we buy them after we gain the influence necessary?

Yes.

They will follow you for this and the next region.

>>5158124
>…you figure out how everything here works, and you get to keep that knowledge.” (Research + engineering)
This is gonna be way more influence in the long run.

>>5158124
>>…you figure out how everything here works, and you get to keep that knowledge.” (Research + engineering)

>>5158124
>…you figure out how everything here works, and you get to keep that knowledge.” (Research + engineering)

“…you figure out how everything here works, and you get to keep that knowledge.”

“Very well, your terms are acceptable. Now, shall we depart before this ship collapses all around us ? It would be very inconvenient if that were to happen.”

With the last statement of sass from Iron, you do indeed decide that times has come to jump ship.

Arriving at Horus, Iron, whom for once had been entirely silent on the journey back, once more speaks up.

“I shall begin investigating the plans and material as soon as possible. I require my own room, large one at that, make sure that it is guarded at all times. Ah, I also need some equipment, I realize that it is impossible to get at the moment, but I do require it.”

“Talk to Warrant Officer Gavril Radu, he will set you up.” With ease, you throw Gavril under the bus. You have neither the time, nor the desire to deal with the man anymore.

Arriving back at the bridge, you are greeted by Tetreault.

“Captain, enemy forces are retreating as we speak.”

“Good, how’s the rest of the battle going ?”

“The battle around Shu VI has ended with the enemy forces annihilated or routed. Shu II had put up a fierce resistance, but their orbital and mobile elements had been annihilated. The Countess is currently preparing to carry out orbital bombardment upon the world. She does not intend to take it intact.”

As fierce as ever.

“Rally our elements, we are in no position to keep fighting.” You state to your XO. “Helmsman, orientate us towards the main fleet.” You give out the order, before departing to the captain’s quarters. You need to get of the power armour.

You beaten, bruised, bloodied, and damaged force begins to limp its way onwards.

Arriving at Shu II, you are greeted by the sight of a graveyard. The surroundings of the world are covered by a layer of debris, the former fortifications. Hulked ships float lifelessly all around, some caught by the gravity of nearby celestial bodies, others making their endless journey into the galaxy, cold and unmarked graves, waiting to be discovered in decades, perhaps centuries from now, and to puzzle whatever civilization that locates them.

“Sir, incoming comms from Knight-Captain Athemar Todoroff.” Calls out the comms officer.

“Put him through.” You grimace, having no doubt that you coming back half-crippled is going to land you in some hot water.

“Knight-Captain Proenza. I see that your operations went just about as well as usually.”

Looks like ‘ol Todoroff is just as tired as me.

“Same old, same old, you know how I am, high risk, high casualties, but also high rewards.”

You can see a flicker of curiosity in his eyes.

“There are some matters that need to be reported to the Countess, personally.”

>>5159506

“The Countess is currently busy organizing the fleet for orbital bombardment, she desires to see the world burn. She has no time for reports of individual detachment captains at the moment, you can relay the information to me and I will get it to her as sooner than you can.”

>”Fine, I am coming over, still don’t want to talk about it through vulnerable comms.”

>”It’s alright, I can wait.”

>”It’s alright, I can wait.” See if you can’t contact the Countess.

>>5159507
>”It’s alright, I can wait.” See if you can’t contact the Countess.
>"My friend trust me, this is something above both our paygrades."

>>5159507
>”It’s alright, I can wait.” See if you can’t contact the Countess.

We need to deliver this personally, no ands, ifs, or buts about it.

>>5159507
>”It’s alright, I can wait.” See if you can’t contact the Countess.

I think the fuckers ambitious, you ask me. Then, so is Proenza

>>5159514
+1

>>5159507
>>”It’s alright, I can wait.”
also, if iron is so willing to trade ship reactor parts, id say it might be a good idea to begin vulturing some repair parts and tradeable parts from the ships in the sorrounding area. and to motivate the crew into helping along, they get a 2% pay of whatever they salavage's price. we might also be able to get some databanks which weren't totally destroyed in the battle.

>>5159507
>”It’s alright, I can wait.” See if you can’t contact the Countess.

>>5159514
Support.

Secret cloaked ship and secret genius scientist/warrior? No way are we letting this one slide.

”It’s alright, I can wait.” You state, stone-faced.

“Very well, return to formation, contact me if you require anything.” Says Todoroff before cutting off.

“Comms, signal Indomitus, request for permission to come aboard. Tetreault, do as Todoroff says, move the fleet in formation. I am going to meet with our VIP, inform me as soon as you can about that request.”

Just made noble and already scheming.

Coming down, you quickly find where Iron is located, you could have just called Gavril, but you would’ve had to listen to his whining.

Two menials with sidearms are guarding the door as you make your way in.

I hope those guys Baron manged to pull in will be there by the time we get back to friendly territory. You muse, other than a dozen or so left behind to guard local leadership, you are completely out of marines.

Inside you find Iron busying himself setting up his work environment, terrified menials are running about, lugging crates here and there.

“Ah, Captain, you arrived much sooner than I expected. Unfortunately, I will have to disappoint you. I, despite my genius, have been unable to make any progress towards our mutually beneficial projects.”

“Enough with the smartassery. I came here to inform you that you may be meeting with the Countess soon. I want you to be on your best behaviour and answer any questions she asks.”

“If they are within reason, I will make sure to do so.”

Whatever, the Countess is one of the few people you know that you think might be able to make someone like him open up.

A few moments later, you comm goes off and the comms officer’s voice can be heard. “Captain, you’ve been granted clearance to land onto Indomitus.”

“Understood.” You cut the comm. “Time to go, Iron, don’t wanna get rusty, now do you.”

“Of course not, please, lead the way.”

Walking side by side, out of your power armour you can now fully take in and observe the sheer size of the man. The bastard stands nearly 3 meters tall, using the Margrave as comparison, Iron is taller still, not by much though, if that is any consolation.

Approaching Indomitus, you start thinking for a moment on how you should approach the conversation, your losses were bad, but you hope that the results will speak for themselves. Still, you never know, the Countess was not there and you are the first to report.

>Talk yourself up. You are a great hero of course.

>Simply state it as it was, no matter the censure.

>Play it down. Sure, it might not make you that impressive sounding, but maybe she will overlook the casualties.

>(Write in)

Then, the question of Iron. He has to be there to prove your claims, but with his attitude, he may very well sabotage the situation.

>Bring him along from the very start of the meeting.

>Bring him along from around the midpoint, after the boasting of course.

>Bring him along around the end. As simply means of proving your claims.

>>5159663
>Simply state it as it was, no matter the censure.
We've got a whole mixed bag of stuff to brag about and to sweep under the rug.

I honestly dont know how to introduce Iron to the countess properly, on one hand id like to show him off as a resourceful and potentially tide-turning asset. On the other hand hes contracted by us right now for an uncertain amount of time, and something tells me we cant "gurantee" him wanting to stay around and get on the countesses payroll for a while.

so i guess we bring him up to show our "expenses" did result in noteable gain

>Bring him along from around the midpoint, after the boasting of course.

>>5159507
>>”It’s alright, I can wait.” See if you can’t contact the Countess.

>>5159663
>>Simply state it as it was, no matter the censure

>Bring him along from around the midpoint, after the boasting of course.

>>5159663
>Simply state it as it was, no matter the censure.
>Bring him along from around the midpoint, after the boasting of course.

>>5159663
>Simply state it as it was, no matter the censure.
>Bring him along from around the midpoint, after the boasting of course.

>>5159663
>Talk yourself up. You are a great hero of course.
We may have taken a lot of casualties, but our track record is astounding. First engagement we had a K:D ratio that is the envy of our peers. Then we took an entire planet and it's naval detachment without a single casualty. We found some covert operation going on with a stealth ship, probably what was given the Countess her headache with so many casualties. Finally, in clearing up the rear we achieved a kill count far superior to our casualties, killed the son of their dear leader, and brought her this boon. While we could've done better, it wouldn't have been by much.
>Bring him along around the end. As simply means of proving your claims.

>>5159663
>Simply state it as it was, no matter the censure.

>Bring him along from around the midpoint, after the boasting of course.

>>5159663
>Simply state it as it was, no matter the censure.
>Bring him along from the very start of the meeting.

Countess will figure out what happened no matter
what so tell her straight up like we always do.

>>5159663
>Simply state it as it was, no matter the censure.
>Bring him along from the very start of the meeting.

>>5159663
>Talk yourself up. You are a great hero of course.
>Bring him along from the very start of the meeting.

>>5159663
>>Simply state it as it was, no matter the censure.

Simple case of being a blowhard probably not working on the Countess and also the whole thing with Baron and the marines leaves too sour a taste to bring out the brag game.

>Bring him along around the end. As simply means of proving your claims.

state it as it was 7

Boast 2

Midpoint 4

End 2

Start 3

Stating as it was and bringing Iron in at the midpoint

>>5160524
Make sure Todoroff gets credit where it's due, I'd hate to backstab him like this over noble politics, but he did outright reject us when it came to leading this mission, which I haven't forgotten.

>>5160544
Thats gonna be short list

>>5160564
Hey, it's better than ignoring or slandering him.

>>5160544
I was going to suggest we hand over half the Squadron we captured at Shu IX(?) to Todoroff due to him taking basically his whole detachment in casualties when he sent his Guardian to aid our push in the first engagement. Todoroff is a bro and a champion, we should treat him as an ally and build a good report with him. We took a lot of casualties last engagement, but I still think we should repay Todoroff that way.

>>5160576
>I was going to suggest we hand over half the Squadron we captured at Shu IX(?) to Todoroff

Da fuq? Todoroff ain't that much of a bro, and we need those ships to replace our own goddamn losses. I'm not gonna support giving up prizes rightfully won by our own merit, we're better off helping him advance through the ranks after we gain the Countess's goodwill.

>>5160576
Captain steadys biggest deed was realizing that we can do independent command just fine, that ain't worth a planet

Or fleet

>>5160583
>Todoroff ain't that much of a bro
Todoroff took all the casualties we would've taken pushing the enemy missile cruisers by giving us the cover of his Guardian during the push. He gave us his trust and lost his whole detachment because of it. That is enough to be worthy of respect, especially since it was in support of an action that goes against his own nature and doctrine. Because of that trust we scrapped that whole fleet, but Todoroff took the brunt of the casualties. Giving him a few replacement ships we took for free is repaying his trust in us and showing proper respect to a fellow Commander.

But sure, be an unreasonable greed-nigger instead.

>>5160593
Nigga, helping him advance though the ranks would be the more bro move than giving him a couple of ships we've secured with our success and laughing at how insulting it is to be given handouts by a man that just skipped over you in rank. Like shit nigga, what would you rather have, ships pawned off to you by the guy that politically outplayed you or to advance though the ranks with him?

>>5160593
He didnt lose a single ship to enemy missile cruisers, only damage to flagship

With shuttle’s landing gear impacting the metal underneath it, you rise from your seat and move down into the hangar. An ensign comes to greet you.

“Sir.” The man salutes you. “The Commodore is awaiting you in her quarters. I shall guide you there.”

The man seems quite composed, but even as he is leading you, he casts glances at Iron, no surprise there, the man stands out like a sore thumb.

Moving down the maze or corridors, you are finally escorted to the captain’s quarters, there stands half-a-dozen marines, vigilantly guarding their liege. Their rifles rise slightly at your approach, the men are prepared to shot you and your “friend” at a moments notice.

“Wait here. I will call you in when I need you.” You say to Iron as you step up.

“I suppose I can wait here, make new friends, exchange thrilling stories, and debate great philosophy.” Oozing sarcasm, he replies.

As you are allowed inside of the room, you take it the elegant decorations. The Countess seems to favour reds and whites, probably because those are the colours of her house. Despite the strong colours, the room itself is dimply lit, the only light originating from her desk. Her sharp gaze greets you as she looks up from her screen.

“Knight-Captain Proenza, this better be worth my time. I had to put away important work for this.”

“It will be my lady; I bring important news from the rear.”

You begin retelling everything as it happened after you detached yourself from the battlegroup. From you alone forcing Shu VIII to surrender without a fight, to describing your hunt for the mysterious signal, followed by its destruction, and finally the last bloody engagement, which resulted in you crushing vast hostile elements that would have plagued the system and its surroundings for years to come.

Through your entire description, the Countess remained unmoving and ger had not shifted once. At the end.

“Then, after the marines contacted us, informing me that the potential VIP is willing to negotiate, I think it is best for you to hear from him.”

Clicking her comm, she responds in monotone. “Bring him in.”

In a couple of seconds, Iron’s heavy footsteps slam onto the decorated floor. Then, with surprising grace and precision, Iron carries out a noble greeting.

“Countess Lauritzen, may honour be on your house and the Emperor’s grace be bestowed upon you.”

Oh no, I better make sure that Tetreault never sees this, otherwise my etiquette classes will never end.

“So you are the VIP ?”

“My name is Iron, and yes, and no. I was there with the fifth born of the dear leader. The defenders fought to ensure his safety.”

“So you shot your former employer when the situation turned sour ?”

>>5160605

“Naturally, one cannot do much or achieve anything of worth if they are dead. And whatever the Captain here would have said to you, his marines were dying, their boarding attempt would have been repulsed if it were not for me.”

“Then why did you do it ?”

“The contract had been broken. What was promised to me could not be carried out. The league is dead, the terms are now null and void.”

“What was the contract ?”

“I pride myself in my confidentiality.”

“What if I order you killed ?”

“I would die, but so would you.”

You can feel the tension in the air.

Fuck ! I knew this would happen.

“My liege, I already formed a contact with him. Iron had proclaimed himself skilled not only in fighting, but also research and engineering. I think with his expertise, the reactor we recovered will be put to good use and reproduced faster than expected, he might also be able to figure out who made and who controlled the stealth ship.”

You speak faster than you had ever spoken before, if any of the two were to die, you’d be in deep shit.

“I want full progress report.” She says turning to you, before turning to Iron. “You, get out of my sight.”

“With great pleasure and swiftness, Countess.” With a mock bow, Iron departs.

“Be prepared to kill the…thing, if he is unable to live up to his claims. I also want your comm and sensor logs, hidden ships observing us makes me uneasy. They could have been watching us for months if not years now.” You watch as she falls into deep thought.

In the complete silence, you finally realize something horrifying, the Countess has and old clock, that ticks. The damned thing is slowly driving you insane, as you dare not move, the Countess looks pissed.

Coming back to reality, she simply states. “You are dismissed. I also give you the permission to quit the campaign early and return to port, if you desire so.”

>”Thank you Countess, I will take up that offer. I do need time to rebuild.”

>”Thank you Countess, however I will have to decline the offer. I am not one to run from a fight.”

>”Before I depart, may I inquire with you ?” (Write in)

>(Write in)

>>5160608

>”Thank you Countess, however I will have to decline the offer. I am not one to run from a fight.”

we can repair on the front yes? also are we able to sign on new marines from here or do we need to be back home for that?

oh can we also get a rough map of our house and the surrounding houses/borders?

>>5160608
>>”Thank you Countess, I will take up that offer. I do need time to rebuild.”
Well our two cruiser are full of holes

>>5160608
>”Thank you Countess, however I will have to decline the offer. I am not one to run from a fight.”

Well, best not piss her off further.

>>5160608
Also, whatever happened to Iron's
>Every single static fortification, shipyard, space station, refuelling and mining station. I can disable all of them within the league. Free of charge, anything more will cost you extra.
offer, in exchange for his life? No offense, but I did think that would improve her mood a little bit initially.

>>5160608
>>”Thank you Countess, however I will have to decline the offer. I am not one to run from a fight.”

>>5160630
Yeah we are waiting

>>5160630
actually yes what happend to that, feel like that should have netted us some serious "good-boy" points? definitley more than being put on stand-by and dismissed lol

>>5160617

>we can repair on the front yes?

You can, but the damage you suffered would result in you staying there for a while.

>also are we able to sign on new marines from here or do we need to be back home for that?

The only way to get marines here is to get someone else's. You do have 50 in route, of the level of your previous marines. There are also ten down at Shu VIII

>oh can we also get a rough map of our house and the surrounding houses/borders?

Maybe, if it become relevant I will make a map.

>>5160630

Fair point anon. It completely slipped my mind, I will address it in a moment.

>>5160608

“Before that, I should mention one more thing, Countess. Iron, in exchange for his life, had promised to disable any and all spacial installations within the league.”

There’s a reaction to that.

“Oh ? How ?”

“I do not know, but he said he can do it.”

“He better, or I will have him beheaded.”

>”Thank you Countess, I will take up that offer. I do need time to rebuild.”

dead ships do no work. we should have them repaired and get some vacation time for our crew, since the flesh can only last for so long as well. they would probably rebel if we kept on throwing them into the meat grinder.

>>5160608
>”Thank you Countess, I will take up that offer. I do need time to rebuild.”
We sadly live up to our bloody reputation.

>>5160608
Would we earn any influence if we choose to return to port? If so, how much?

>>5160875

You would get your influence pay out, yes. How much you do not and shall not be revealed until you get home.

>>5160608
>”Thank you Countess, I will take up that offer. I do need time to rebuild.”

>>5160651
Regardless of forgetting that one thing, Iron threatening her and the news of stealth ships is probably preoccupying her. She's not gonna rush to indicate her pleasure at our results when she has bigger strategic considerations to worry about, nor are we a dog that requires being reassured after every good thing we do. I'm sure we've done well in her eyes, and she knows what to expect from us when it comes to our high risk, high reward antics, so there shouldn't be much fuss over our losses.

>>5160608
>>”Thank you Countess, however I will have to decline the offer. I am not one to run from a fight.”

>>5160608
>”Thank you Countess, I will take up that offer. I do need time to rebuild.”
we are way too wounded to be of use in this fight anymore but we have accomplished more than enough. We took down a fortress world without any shots and a much more lightly defended one too. We took down a stealth ship and multiple detachments and captured a VIP who could not only give us massive technological progress but can also (presumably) shut down the rest of the league's defences. We, once again are the MVP.
>>5160651
She is a tsundere its ok.
>>5160916
QM, since we alone secured Shu VIII, does that mean we are the owners of it due to the allowance of trophies from the countess or what's happening on that front?

>>5160608
> ”Thank you Countess, I will take up that offer. I do need time to rebuild.”

I think pushing on at this point would be massive hubris. We're shot to shit, again. Madman strata work better with a fresh force.

>>5160608
>”Thank you Countess, I will take up that offer. I do need time to rebuild.”