>>35894817

You wince at the light shining in your eyes, but remain quiet as Melodi finishes her examination. Behind her, Roxy and Christina look on with various degrees of worry on their faces, still dressed for the gala. For her part, the Tech Priest seems rather pleased as she turns off the light and pockets it.

“No nose bleeds, internal hemorrhaging, muscle spasms; nothing except a mild headache?” She asks, crossing her arms. “I’d say you got off pretty well to have had someone try and get into that head of yours.”

“I’ve run into psykers before,” You shrug. “Didn’t like them then, don’t like them now. Guess I’ve gotten used to their tricks.”

With that, Melodi turns to the Inquisitor.

“So he’s in town,” She says.

“Apparently,” Christina nods, rubbing her temples. “I suppose it could have gone worse.”

“Really now?”

“Definitely. Mikey looked about ready to tear him a new one,” Roxy adds, smirking. “Well, up until he nearly landed on his ass.”

“Nearly,” You repeat, looking to the Inquisitor. “So… you and this guy work together?”

“In the past,” Christina nods. “He’s an ally. Of sorts.”

“Of sorts?”

“I don’t trust him. More so than most. But he’s proved useful in the past, so I can’t complain. Loudly, at least,” She paused. “And you’re sure you’re alright?”

From the ride back up to the Antebellum to now, that had to be at least the dozenth time she and Roxy had asked. While you appreciate the concern, you’ve dealt with a lot worse.

>”I’ve come out worse drinking with Vincent, ma’am. I’m fine.”
>”If you keep this up, ma’am, I’ll start to think you really do care.”

>>35894847
>>”I’ve come out worse drinking with Vincent, ma’am. I’m fine.”

>>35894847
>>”If you keep this up, ma’am, I’ll start to think you really do care.”

File: Both is good.gif (941 KB, 398x223)

941 KB GIF

>>35894847
>”I’ve come out worse drinking with Vincent, ma’am. I’m fine.”
>”If you keep this up, ma’am, I’ll start to think you really do care.”
Not gonna lie, a lot of the choices you give us make me wanna just say
>Both

>>35894817
Aww yeah

>>35894847
>”I’ve come out worse drinking with Vincent, ma’am. I’m fine.”
2nd one feels a bit rude even tho I know its supposed to be a joke.

Also nice to see you back

>>35895064
(I've noticed it too. And then I typically go with it. Fairly sure I need to work on that. Or should I?)

>>35894847

"I've come out worse drinking with Vincent, ma'am," You tell her. "I'm fine."

She nods, but still doesn't seem completely convinced.

"If you keep this up, ma'am," You joke. "I'll start to think you really do care."

She scowls at you, but it only lasts a few moments before she looks elsewhere.

"Of course I care," She says. "I care about all my agents."

"Even Vincent?" Melodi asks, suddenly rather interested in the topic at hand.

"Well, some more than others..."

"So where does Mike rank?" Melodi asks, leaning against your arm and being the epitome of innocence.

"Higher than you," Christina huffs, shaking her head. "If we're done here, I need to talk to Alexi. Get this settled before there are anymore incidents."

"Right behind you, ma'am," You tell her, beginning to pull your coat back on.

"It's just a vox call, Lieutenant," Christina explains, though she smiles at your effort. "I'll be in my office if I'm needed. Perhaps you can check in on our new guest while I'm gone."

With that the Inquisitor takes her leave, cutting the Tech Priests fun short.

"So do you know this guy?" You ask Roxy, hopping off the medical bed.

"Must have been before my time, or before I was important enough to know," the Sergeant shrugs.

Sharing a look, you and her both turn to Melodi, who is already returning all the instruments she used on you back in place, humming a tune.

>Ask Melodi about Alexi. (Any questions in particular?)
>It's not your place. You know enough.

>>35895473
>Ask Melodi about Alexi. (Any questions in particular?)
Bodyguard questions, if hes a threat or slimy or things like that.

>>35895473
>>Ask Melodi about Alexi. (Any questions in particular?)
What is the worst hes done to a teammate

>>35895473

"Hey Melodi," You begin.

"What's up?" She returns, turning around as her mechadendrite continues her work.

"What do you know about this guy?" Roxy asks.

"No need for the third degree, you two," She chuckles, leaning back against the counter. "What exactly do you want to know?"

"Is he dangerous?" You ask.

"Certainly."

"Reliable?" Roxy continues.

"Eh... iffy, but more often than not, yeah."

"What's the chance of him betraying us?" You add.

This makes Melodi pause, expression clouding a moment before she shakes her head.

"As Chrissy said," She answers. "Don't trust him, but be willing to use him if needed. That MO's been working so far."

"What's your personal opinion on the guy?" You ask.

"I wouldn't want to be alone in the same room with him... but he's no idiot. His head and heart are both with the Imperium. It's just best not to think of how he serves it."

Looking unnerved, you quickly decide to change the subject for Melodi's sake. As Christina said, it might serve to track down and see if Mr. McCoy's daughter, Anna, is settling in alright.

>Go alone.
>Invite Roxy along.
>Invite Melodi along.
>Invite both.

>>35895930
>Invite Roxy along.

>>35895930
>>Invite Melodi along.

I think if the kid can get past the whole melanchendrites thing, Melodi will be more fun.

>>35895930
>>Invite Roxy along.

>>35895930
>>Invite Melodi along.

>>35895930
>Invite Melodi along.

>>35895977

>>35896097
Need something?

>>35895930
>Invite both.
more fun this way

>>35895930
>Invite both.

lets do something crazy this thread like. . . run the gauntlet solo

>>35895930

"Have you seen Anna yet?" You ask.

"I didn't think there'd be a reason for her to need a check-up, so I'm afraid not," Melodi answers. "Why?"

"I thought you might want to tag along. I don't think I've ever seen you up top with the rest of us lesser beings."

"Hmmm," She strokes her chin a few moments. "I suppose I could grace them with my presence for a bit. I’d like to see who it was that made you make such a fuss with Chrissy.”

"How about you?" You ask, turning to the Sergeant.

"You mean I have to stay in this crap a little bit longer?" Roxy groans, pulling at her dress. "I'm no good with kids."

"Do you have anyplace better to be?”

“Well, not really, no…” She sighs and rolls her eyes. “You’re not gonna stop until I say yes, are you?”

“Maybe.”

Giving you a light punch to the arm, Roxy begrudgingly agrees and the three of you depart the medbay. It’s not a long trip, as the two of you recall the nights events to Melodi, who is all to happy to listen. Before long you’ve reached the Officers Quarters, the elevator opening with a soft chime.

However, you’re not long into your search that you hear something that you suppose might supposed to be that of an aircraft, accompanied by a child giggling. Turning a corner, the three of you stop in your tracks.

Running about the hall with his arms stretched out, Anna sitting on his shoulders, is Vincent. He takes a u-turn, continuing to make the absurd noise until he notices the three of you and freezes in his tracks. Seeing you, Anna beams and waves from her place atop the Commander, arms still outstretched.

“Hi!” She greets.

Your companions are, to say the least, speechless.

>”Vincent.”
>”Wish I had a camera right about now.”
>”Hello there, little one.”

>>35896764
>>”Wish I had a camera right about now.”
this is great

>>35896764
>”Hello there, little one.”

>>35896764
>”Wish I had a camera right about now.”
>”Hello there, little one.”

>>35896764
>Melodi, I hope you have an inuilt camera installed or something
>Hi there little one

>>35896764
>”Hello there, little one.”
>"If it makes you feel any better, I'd probably do the same."
Oh my god that is adorable

>>35896764

"Wish I had a camera right about now," You mutter, then smile as you hear a suspicious click to your left from Melodi. "Hello there, little one."

"Commander," Roxy adds, trying and failing to suppress her grin as Vincent lowers his arms and tries to act nonchalant. With a little girl still sitting on his shoulders.

"I thought you two'd still be at Demlar's shindig," Vincent says, shuffling in place. "Something wrong?"

"Nope," Melodi says, handling the situation slightly better than the Sergeant. "We thought we'd check in on our new guest. Seems to be enjoying herself well enough."

Anna's eyes go wide at seeing Melodi, but it seems more of fascination than fear. Still, she offers a shy smile to her and Roxy, who also peeks her interest.

"My names Anna," She says. "What's yours?"

"Melodi," The Tech Priest answers, giving a little curtsy and moving her mechadendrite up to the girl. While initially unsure of it, one of the metallic fingers extends and she takes it in her hand, giving it a shake and giggling.

"You're a me.... meh... metal person, like Ji," Anna says.

"You could say that," She nods, looking more amused than offended. "But if you ever get a bump or scratch, make sure to tell me, okay?"

Nodding, she looks at Roxy next.

"Are you a princess?" She asks, tilting her head.

This time it's Vincent's time to grin as Roxy attempts to think of a response and fails.

>"She sure is. A pretty one to boot, huh?"
>Let her answer.
>"This is Roxy. She's a soldier, like me."

>>35897297
>suspicious click from Melodi
I FUCKING KNEW IT
see: >>35896934
I told you!
Melodi did not disappoint.

Also, I guess let her answer.

>>35897297
>"She sure is. A pretty one to boot, huh?"
Give Vincent the look, we gonna play this up like no tommorow.

>>35897297
>>"She sure is. A pretty one to boot, huh?"

File: 1412365999082.jpg (54 KB, 444x337)

54 KB JPG

>>35897297
>Are you a princess

>>35897297
>>"She sure is. A pretty one to boot, huh?"
the are no brakes on this train

>>35897297

"She sure is," You nod. "A pretty one to boot, huh?"

"I'll show you a boot," She quietly growls, giving the Commander a window.

"You didn't know?" Vincent says, giving you a wink. "She's royalty."

The girl's eyes light up at that, letting out an awe-filled gasp.

"Really?" She asks.

"Of course!" Vincent says before the Sergeant can cut him off. "As a matter of fact, I call her 'Her Highness' all the time. You should too."

Despairing, Roxy looks to Melodi for help, but she only offers a smile and a shrug.

"O-okay!" Anna nods several times. "A pleasure to meet you, Your Highness."

Vincent has trouble not cracking, but he's a strong man and only nearly does. Roxy presses her palm into her face, grumbling.

"Roxy works just fine," She urges, but you doubt it's up for debate anymore.

"So what have you two been doing?" You ask, deciding you give her a break. For now.

"I've been giving her a bit of a tour," Vincent says. "Showing her what a ship looks like, since she says she's never been on one before."

"It's big," Anna nods solemnly. "And pretty."

"Wait until you see the observation deck," Roxy chuckled.

At the mention of something new, Anna began to ask a dozen different things, not so much pointed at one person but the group. Careful to avoid talking about anything too important, you spend a fair chunk of the remainder of the afternoon entertaining Anna with the others, before departing for the night.

"You seem to be in a good mood," Jeeves notes as you prepare for bed. "Enjoyed the joy?"

"I did, actually," You admit. "It was a nice change of pace, all considered."

"Good. And don't worry too much of Alexi. If he's scary, Lady Massey is scarier."

Bringing you a fresh bottle from your stock, you think it over a few moments.

"Just one glass, tonight," You tell him, taking a book from the nightstand. You enjoy a bit of light reading and drinking before finally calling it a night.

>Roll a 1d20.

Rolled 14 (1d20)

>>35897937
love me dice gods

Rolled 20 (1d20)

>>35897937

Rolled 6 (1d20)

>>35897937

>>35898056
Bitchin

>>35898056
MAH NIGGA

>>35897937

Sleep overcomes you, but it isn't long before you feel a familiar sense of uneasiness wash over you. Try as you might, you know the same song and dance is about to begin again.

But before you can start to panic, you hear something new.

Crying.

And you know from who.

It takes your eyes a few moments to adjust your eyes to the dark, but you find yourself in a room. Or more accurately, a cell. You can't make out a door, but you CAN make out a figure sitting in the corner.

Naomi.

She's curled up, arms wrapped around her legs and brought to her chest, her head resting against them. Her clothes are dirtied and slightly torn, and you can almost feel her fatigue.

Then, as if sensing you, she looks up with an expression of clear surprise on her face.

>What do you do/say?

>>35898392
so your still here as well

>>35898392
Ask her whats wrong

>>35898392
>"So what fresh new hell are we in for today?"

>>35898392

"So what fresh new hell are we in for today?" You ask, inspecting your surroundings.

She manages a weak laugh, but it breaks down into a choked sob. Surprised by this, you kneel next to her.

"Whoa, whoa, easy now," You tell her, laying a hand on her shoulder. "What's going on? What's wrong?"

"I don't know," She sniffs. "I just... I don't know. They... they just came and killed them. Killed everyone."

"Who did?" You ask.

"I don't know," She repeats, taking an uneasy breath as she buries her face again. "I don't know, I don't know, I don't know..."

>"Hey, look at me. I'm going to get you out of here."
>"You'd be surprised at what happens when you try to mess with a persons head."

>>35898753
>"Hey, look at me. I'm going to get you out of here."
She's the best way we have to regain memories anyway. And she's cute.

>>35898753
>>"Hey, look at me. I'm going to get you out of here."

>>35898753
>>"Hey, look at me. I'm going to get you out of here."
why not

>>35898753
>"Hey, look at me. I'm going to get you out of here."


And so we promise to let a daemon out of the warp. We are the best Inquisitorial bodyguard ever.

>>35898753
>"Hey, look at me. I'm going to get you out of here."
"It's my duty as a guardsman to protect Imperial citizens"

>>35898868
Nothing bad could come from this So what type of daemon is going to assume direct control of us?

>>35898959
It's name is Naomi. I Moan. Slaneeshi.

>>35898983
Damn whores

>>35898959
>>35898983
(Damn, you guys figure shit out fast.)

>>35898753

"Hey," You say, as gently as you can. "Look at me."

Slowly, she complies. She smile and give her shoulder a squeeze.

"I'm going to get you out of here," You promise.

She smiles, but it has a sad warmth.

"My knight in shining armor," She sighs. "If only it were that easy."

Behind you is the sound of metal screaming and your heart leaps to your throat. You jump to your feet and turn, only to immediately shield your eyes. Blinding light fills an opening in the wall, only for the outline of a figure to fill it a few moments later.

Then, just like that, you're torn away by the sound of an alarm. Groaning, you silence it with a smack and sit up from bed. You stay still for a time, trying to figure out what happened. You're not happy with what you remember.

You made a promise to report anything new to Christina. However, with this Alexi person showing up, she's currently dealing with enough as it is... and has she been eating still?

>Tell her.
>Tell her with breakfast.
>Keep it to yourself.
>Keep it, but still check in on her.

>>35899213
>>Keep it to yourself.
No point bothering her over something so minor

>>35899213
>Tell her with breakfast

>>35899213
Welp time to never sleep by ourself. We need that inquisitor cuddle protection

>>35899213
>Tell her with breakfast.
A promise is a promise

>>35899213
>>Tell her with breakfast.

>>35899271
maybe we just need to sleep with anyone like roxy

>>35899342
I'm down for that, tomboys a best

>>35899342
Maybe it's cumulative. The more women in the bed the less likely we are to have dreams.

>>35899213
>Tell her.

We did promise, and who better to tell us how handle this than her.

>>35899213
>>Tell her with breakfast.

>>35899407
add with breakfast because bad news is best broken with food

>>35899213
>Tell her with breakfast.
The phrasing makes me think we'll literally tell her with breakfast. Like, spell it out in bacon and eggs.

>>35899405
Do Mel's shinny bits take away from her affect? Or do they add?

>>35899538
that would be funny as fuck

>>35899538
That would be one big breakfast

>>35899213
>Keep it to yourself.

>>35899213

The door flew open and Christina shot upright from her desk.

"EXTERMINATUS!" She shouts, hand on a nearby laspistol, then blinks. "I mean... I... ah..."

"At least you're actually sleeping," You chuckle, closing the door behind you with a foot.

Grumbling, she rubs at her eyes. When she stops, she finds her meal sitting before her. She stares for a few moments, confused, before she seems to figure out what happened. She looks at you, confused, though it may just be because she just woke up.

"I knew you weren't going to eat if I didn't do something," You shrug. "I... also had some news."

Regaining some of her composure, she nods and signals you to sit. She also offers part of her meal, but you politely decline.

"Anna's settling in nicely," You tell her. "What does she think this is, exactly?"

"Babysitting. A favor on Delmar's part, while Gilian is on business elsewhere. Not exactly a lie," She answers, then smirks. "Melodi sent me a photo earlier..."

"I'd have done the same thing, in his position," You shrug.

This seems to spark her interest.

"You're good with children?" She asks.

"A little. Since we don't get reinforcements from Cadia often, we're encouraged to... make more Cadians," You explain.

"You make it sound like it's a rather droll affair." Christina smirks.

"It isn't. I mean, n-not that I would kno-I mean I would, but-" Your words only grow more jumbled as the Inquisitors smirk grows. How did the conversation get here? Doesn't matter.

"Anyways," You cough into your hand. "I was visited by a friend again. Last night."

"And?"

"Well, actually, it was more like the other way around..."

You explain the dream you had and, as always, Christina is a pleasant listener. When you finish she seems to take it all in stride, though obviously intrigued.

"So who do you think this woman is?" She asks, chin in her hand. "A piece of your conscious? An old lover? Something... else?"

>Your answer?

>>35900013
No idea, she seems like she wants to help me and restore some gaps I have in my head, but I really don't know.

>>35900013
Probably guilt for not being able to save everyone Help the warp is overtaking me

>>35900013
>Someone I failed.

>>35900013

"I'm... not too sure, to be honest," You admit. "She seems like she wants to help me. Help fill in the gaps in my head. But I don't know for sure."

"Take a guess," Christina suggests. "You're a smart man."

You sit back and think. You feel like you know her, but you say the same about one of the Sympathizers. Was it part of a book you once read? Probably not.

Or maybe...

>Roll.

Rolled 14 (1d20)

>>35900377
for the dice gods

Rolled 10 (1d20)

>>35900377
FOR THE DARK GODS!

Rolled 3 (1d20)

>>35900377
Remember!

Rolled 6 (1d20)

>>35900377
For the Emperor!

Rolled 6 (1d20)

>>35900377

Rolled 19 (1d20)

>>35900495
666 anybody?

>>35900377

"I remember a girl. Maybe two? Yeah, two. Sisters, I think. The oldest no more than Naomi."

"Good," Christina says, leaning forward. "And?"

"They... they were..." You pause. "They died."

Christina remains silent, though her expression softens. The realization hits you in the stomach like a rock.

"I don't know how, but... they died," You mutter, guilt flooding over you. "They died, and I could have done something."

Pushing herself up, the Inquisitor makes her way around to you, placing a hand on your shoulder.

"I know you, Michael," She smiles. "If there had been something you could have done, you would have done it."

You're not convinced, but you nod all the same.

"Thank you, ma'am."

To your surprise she laughs, and give you a light bop on the head.

"Just this once, Christina will do fine," She tells you.

>"...thank you, Christina."
>"Duly noted, ma'am."

>>35901049
>"...thank you, Christina."

>>35901049
>>"...thank you, Christina."
why not

>>35901049
>>"...thank you, Christina."

>>35901049
>"...thank you, Christina."

>>35901049

You put your hand over hers and return her smile with your own.

"...thank you, Christina," You tell her.

The two of you linger a moment before Christina nods and quickly retreats back to her seat.

"Yes, well, anything else?" She asks.

>"Do you have time to chat?"
>"Any word from Noriega or the others?"
>"How did it go with Alexi?"
>"That'll do it, ma'am."

>>35901285
>>"That'll do it, ma'am."

>>35901285
>"Any word from Noriega or the others?"

>>35901285
>>"Any word from Noriega or the others?"
>>"How did it go with Alexi?"

>>35901285
>>"Any word from Noriega or the others?"
>>"How did it go with Alexi?"
lets do our job then have fun

(Sorry about the wait, lads. Went to pick up the pizza I ordered and chat with the qt delivery girl who's number I didn't think to ask for FUCK.)
>>35901285

"How did it go with Alexi?" You ask.

"Better than I expected," She answers, shrugging. "He and his retinue are... somewhere. He says this situation with the sympathizers falls partially in his jurisdiction, so he says it's his duty to assist me."

"His actual reasons for being here?"

"Professionally? Possibly to spy on me. Personally? To annoy the hell out of me."

"Sounds like a fun guy."

"He is when he wants to be. It's a rare occasion, though."

"What about Noriega and his bunch? Any word?"

"Not yet, but Tiberius tells me something may be going down soon. Expect a call and be ready to move whenever they ask. I can be notified later."

"Duly noted."

>"Do you have time to chat?"
>Take your leave.

>>35902655
>Take your leave.
dude you gotta remember that shit always ask for the number

>>35902655
>>"Do you have time to chat?"

>>35902655
>>"Do you have time to chat?"

>>35902655
>"Do you have time to chat?"

>>35902655
Goddamit Elijah. You obviously have to order more pizzas now.
And ask if she wants to share some with you

>>35903065
>he keeps ordering pizza until the one girl shows up
>her shift is over

>>35903102
>It was her last day.

>>35903151
>In that country

>>35903151
>she died on the way home

>>35903165
>She was a trap

>>35903169
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DF0zefuJ4Ys

>>35903187
That song is almost a decade old, i swear it hasnt been that long

>>35903311
Hell they still play it on the pop stations here.

>>35903376
your city has shit taste in music

>>35903548
Yes. All the Modern Rock stations have died and been replaced with pop. We have a few classic rock stations that play the top 40 from 20 years ago on loop.

>>35903102
(That's how my luck tends to roll. It's okay, though. I have you guys. You make me laugh.)
>>35902655

"Do you have time to chat?" You ask.

"About?"

You offer a shrug.

"How was your night at the gala?" You offer. "What have you been up to, outside of being an Inquisitor? You know. Small talk."

"Small talk..." She repeats, as if the concept is new and foreign to her.

"Something we plebeians partake in. It's not so bad," You assure her.

She laughs, and give you a mildly disapproving look.

"I suppose I could spare the time," She smiles. "And to answer you, you wouldn't believe half of the stories Delmar would tell you..."

"Like taking on a pair of gunships with sea-bound vessels?"

She pauses, and you laugh.

"We've talked," You say.

Curious as to what all the Captain has told you but not her, you spend a while talking with Christina about him, as well as the rest of the crew. It's an interesting experience, getting her personal view on people other than Vincent. Even with her supposed disdain for the man, she still praises his skills.

However, it's before lunch that she explains she does actually have a few things to work on. After making her promise she'd get something to eat, you leave her to her work.

With that, you went to...

>Go visit... (Who?)
>Go train. (With anyone? If so, who?)

>>35903548
>expecting to hear anything good listening to pop stations

>>35903692
OH GOD
I cannot imagine driving without Q107 or a similar station

>>35903712
>>Go train. (With anyone? If so, who?)
alone the gauntlet

>>35903712
>>Go train.
GG with our hellgun, and bring Roxy along.

>>35903712
Roxy Gauntlet. Let's do this.

>>35903767
The way you phrased that made it sound as if you want to 'make more Cadians' with her.

>>35903712
>>Go train with Roxy.

>>35903712

You decide to try and talk Roxy into training with you. Finding her isn't hard, typically being in Alpha's barracks. She seems eager to actually do something, so happily agrees.

It's standard fare in the training yard, with the typical number of armsmen going about their routines. A spot is open for most anything, though the Gauntlet remains ominously empty.

"So," Roxy says, inspecting everything with her hands on her hips. "What do?"

>Firearms.
>Hand-to-hand.
>Gauntlet.

>>35904191
>Gauntlet.

>>35904191
>Hand-to-hand.
Time to subtly grope her

>>35904191
Watch me solo the gauntlet?
And save me if it goes horribly wrong?

>>35904191
>Gauntlet.

I'm assuming bigger risk bigger gain with this option?

>>35904191
>Gauntlet.
We shall make Cadian babies.

>>35904191
>Firearms.
Then
>Gauntlet.
if you have time

>>35904191
>>Gauntlet.
lets get fucked up

>>35904191
Do we know if we'll be doing any more social stuff? Cuz if so, Firearms might be smarter.

>>35904191
>>Gauntlet.

>>35904191

"Let's get fucked up," You say.

"I thought we were training, not drinking," Roxy answers wryly.

Then you point and her expression drops.

"You'e joking."

"Am I, though?"

"What do I get for agreeing?"

"The satisfaction of doing the impossible?"

"Fuck that."

"And all of whatever anyone puts on us. Because we're gathering a crowd for sure."

"...deal."

With that you both spread the word and prepare. Almost immediately a crowd is drawn, with more arriving every few minutes. Remembering the bruising you received last time, you're decked fully in your carapace. However, your hellgun has been put aside for the training lasgun, not wanting to accidentally kill someone.

Roxy is dressed the same, and with that the two of you make your way down.

"This isn't going to go well," Roxy says.

"Of course not," You agree. "But that's how it goes. Fail miserably. Achieve greatly."

"Ooah."

The timer begins counting down, and you prepare for the start.

>Roll

Rolled 6 (1d20)

>>35904555
Emprah pls

Rolled 6 (1d20)

>>35904555
charge!

Rolled 13 (1d20)

>>35904555

Rolled 9 (1d20)

>>35904555
Something is going to go horribly wrong

Rolled 5 (1d20)

>>35904555
Hopefully I ditched my nat 1 on the assassin quest.

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>>35904555

>>35904555

The buzzer sounds and you're off, the two of you splitting to either sides of the field. Debris and artificial bits of cover litter the way, with a massive wall looming beyond.

Seconds after leaving the gate, fire comes zipping by you. Ahead and above, volunteers open up on you.

But while they have elevation, you have better cover and room to maneuver. That, and they're still worried about what you might be able to do. You manage to down the ones on the ground with you, and pin the ones high up long enough to move on from their field of view. Leaping a gap filled with what you want to hope is murky water, you and Roxy reach the base of the climbing wall.

"Up and over," You say.

"Yeah, right," Roxy chuckles.

With that you shoulder your rifle and start climbing.

>Roll.

Rolled 9 (1d20)

>>35905198

Rolled 17 (1d20)

>>35905198
love me dice gods

Rolled 9 (1d20)

>>35905198
Let's do this.

>>35905222
Apparently they do.

('Fornicatus erytoas.' Well, I suppose this could count as a date back on Cadia, captcha.)
>>35905198

As you begin climbing, you start to regret dressing so heavily. However, your grip remains strong. You make an effort not to look down, especially with no safety equipment keeping you in place.

"How ya doing, Roxy?" You call out.

"Did I mention I fucking hate heights?" She answer from somewhere below.

"Look at it this way: you're moving up in life!"

"My boots moving up your ass when I get up there!"

Chuckling, you manage to reach the top shortly before Roxy. She takes a few moments to get farther away from the edge before fully standing.

However, ahead, the next step in the Gauntlet awaits you. Parts of the course is cut up into platforms constantly moving back and forth, with other sections becoming increasingly thin to the point of absurdity.

"Who designed this thing?" Roxy asks.

Before you can offer a reply more volunteers appear from the sides in pillboxes, this time wielding longlas'. Red tracking lasers flood the area, all of them gravitating towards the two of you.

Nearby is a rack covered in arbite-style shields, offering additional protection for slower speed.

>Take a shield.
>Run!

>Roll it

Rolled 4 (1d20)

>>35905586
>Run!
Sheilds are only one directional and a good shot can still take us out. Hell for metal time.

Rolled 20 (1d20)

>>35905586
>>Take a shield.

>>35905652
...I can live with a crit. Are we covering Roxy?

>>35905586
>>35905652
well shields it is I guess

>>35905652
We captain America now?

>>35905586
>>35905652
>>35905724
>>35905686
Cap who covers the Roxy? Yes. Captain Imperium is go.

>>35905586

You rush to the rack, quickly picking one up with Roxy doing the same. Switching to your laspistol with your free hand, you look to the Sergeant and grin.

"Are you sure this is a good idea?" She asks.

"Of course not," You say. "Which is exactly why we're doing it."

With that you and Roxy take off side by side, shields facing each side as you take potshots at the snipers. As it turns out, though, you're better with a pistol than you remember, and manage to take down several, stopping to cover Roxy, and vice versa. This sends the rest ducking for cover as you and Roxy dash across the platforms.

The bridge forms a larger problem, but a sizable drop on either side is incentive to hurry. You both reach the edge quickly, find a pair of ziplines waiting to lead you below. Already, though, you can spot more volunteers waiting below.

Casting aside the shield, you let out a hoot before grabbing into the line and holding on for dear life.

>Roll it.

Rolled 1 (1d20)

>>35905892
Indiana Jones/ Nathan Drake time.

Rolled 9 (1d20)

>>35905892
for the dice gods

Rolled 16 (1d20)

>>35905892

Rolled 7 (1d20)

>>35905892
plz no ded

>>35905922
Well, that's an unfortunate turn of events. My bad guys.

>>35905922
Or.. you know... Death.

>>35905922
you just broke our back

Rolled 8 (1d20)

>>35905922
well at least it's not me this time

>>35905922
Dont you know, so many lines have broken on him they call uim Calamity Drake

Rolled 2 (1d20)

>>35905892

>>35905892

You fly down the zipline at an impressive speed, fire following you the entire way. You're ready to get down there and re-

Something hits you in the head and you almost immediately lose consciousness. Your grip goes slack.

You start falling.

Horror is not enough to describe what you feel as you tumble downwards. However, it's a short fall as you impact. Darkness surrounds you, but a physical one, not the kind your used to. You bump against the ground, and your HUD lights up to show your oxygen supply. Gaining your bearings, you realize you're in water. As well, a shape comes crashing down next to you.

"Well... shit," Roxy mutters over the vox.

"We made it farther than I did last time."

You offer her a heavy shrug before you both swim back up to the surface. There, you already find a crowd gathering around the pool to help you out of it.

As well as the person who you KNOW is the reason you're where you are.

"Mike," Vincent says, hefting the longlas against his shoulder. "Going for a swim?"

>"A headshot. Really?"
>"A hand, if you could, Vinnie."
>Stare.

>>35906114
>>"A hand, if you could, Vinnie."

>>35906114
>"A hand, if you could, Vinnie."

Pull him in. It's time for revenge and some wrassling

>>35906114
>>"A hand, if you could, Vinnie."
Then pull him into the drink.

>>35906114
>>"A headshot. Really?"
and maybe accidently fire our training lasgun into his foot

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>>35906209
>This

>>35906298
I like this, wet sand and aim for the chest

>>35906343
I actually just put that up to suggest a surprise attack, still supporting pulling him in. However if we are sufficiently muddy/dripping with filthy water we could give him a big ol hug.

>>35906114

"A hand, if you could Vinnie," You say.

"Oh, I suppose I could," He answers, leaning down and extending his hand.

As soon as you grab him you yank him into the water with a large splash.

The crowd erupts into laughter as the Commander scrambles up to the surface, sputtering. Floating nearby, you grab his officers cap and place it on his head, further drenching him. While initially glaring, he breaks down and laughs along with them.

"That wasn't very sportsmanship like, Mike," He says.

"Neither was that," You reply.

"Eh. Love and war, mate."

With that all three of you are pulled out to dry off. Or drip-dry, as is the case. You're curious to see Jami, Alpha's medic, approach Roxy with a sizable pouch of no doubt thrones.

"We lost," You tell her, confused.

"Oh, come on, LT," She snorts. "The bets weren't for if we won. It was how far we'd get."

"Fair enough," You admit. "How much did we make?"

"We? You're a funny guy."

Before you can try and change her mind your personal vox chimes. Pulling off your helmet, you step away from the crowd and answer it.

"Go ahead," You say.

"Mr. Sandon, I require your assistance," Sal Noriega tells you.

"What's wrong?" You ask.

"Remember where we met? Be there in an hour. Alone, and armed. Subtly."

Before you can ask the line clicks and dies. You sigh, putting the device away and looking back at the crowd.

>Get someone to follow you. (If so, who?)
>Go alone.

>Bring something deadly. (Hellpistol, obviously holstered at the hip)
>Bring something quiet. (Laspistol, hidden inside clothing)

>Dress in armsmen fatigues.
>Dress in civilian garb.

>>35906766
>Get someone to follow you. (If so, who?)
One of Vic's men who was with us before on this business
>Bring something deadly. (Hellpistol, obviously holstered at the hip)
>Dress in civilian garb.

>>35906766
>Go alone.
>Bring something quiet. (Laspistol, hidden inside clothing)
>Dress in civilian garb

>>35906766
>Get someone to follow you. (Vic)
>Bring something quiet. (Laspistol, hidden inside clothing)
>Dress in civilian garb.

>>35906766

>>Get someone to follow you. The seasoned sneaky dude we go drinking with.
>>Bring something quiet. (Laspistol, hidden inside clothing)
>>Dress in civilian garb.

>>35906766

>Get someone to follow you.
Vic or one of his men
>Bring something quiet
>Dress in civilian garb
A meeting with Noriega we need to take the utmost care.

>>35906766

You make your way through the crowd to Vincent, who seems to be having a similar conversation with one of his cronies.

"Vinnie," You say. "Got a minute?"

He takes a sizable step away from the pool.

"Sure," He says. "What's up?"

"Can you or one of your help me? I just got a call from our friends planetside."

"Ah. Time?"

"An hour. Probably best to be there early."

"Give me five minutes. Maybe ten."

"Yeah," You signal to yourself. "I think I'd better change too."

"Master of discretion, Mike."

"Heh. You know it."

A short time later you meet Vincent again, both of you dried off and wearing civilian clothing. Taking one of the general crew shuttles down, Vincent wishes you luck before vanishing into the crowd behind you.

You arrive a good ten minutes before the hour is up. Inspecting the stretch of shops, you don't see Noriega anywhere. You do however see Markus, one of the Major's men, sitting at the same bench. He's speaking into his vox, seemingly oblivious to you. The strangest thing, however, is the fact that he's smiling. Odd, considering what you've seen of the man.

>Get things started. Find out what's needed.
>Try and approach him slowly. Listen in.

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>>35907304
>>Try and approach him slowly. Listen in.
If that ain't ominous, I don't know what is.

>>35907304
>Try and approach him slowly. Listen in.

>>35907304
>>Try and approach him slowly. Listen in.
you know mike is probably a sexy bitch

where'd the other anons go?

>>35907658
Too sleep to wrestle with captcha

>>35907674
(He ain't lying. Captcha is the devil.)
>>35907304

You decide to play the patient game, taking your time to get close while straining to hear.

"...know I wouldn't do this if it wasn't important. Yes, my boss is an ass, but he pays well, Sestrica. When I'm done here I'll-"

Noticing you, his expression quickly sours.

"Speak of the deamon, I have to go," With that he killed the line, stuffing the device into his pocket and standing.

>"Who was that?"
>"What's the plan?"
>Let him do the talking.

>>35907797
>Let him do the talking.

>>35907797
>Let him do the talking.

>>35907797
>>Let him do the talking.

(Since the number of Anon's appears to be dwindling, should we wrap it up here or press on?)
>>35907797

You remain silent, not wanting to give him a reason to be agitated.

"Prepared?" He asks, and you pat your chest. "Good. We've got to go pay a visit to someone."

"Anyone in particular?" You ask.

He nods and signals you to follow, and a short walk leads you to a civilian vehicle. Not the one you were kidnapped in. Nicer, more in line with the others lining the street. You climb in and pause to see a sniper rifle poking out from under the seat.

"How good of a shot are you?" He asks.

"I hit more often than not," You shrug.

"Great," Markus murmurs. "I suppose that'll have to do. Unless YOU want to play getaway driver."

>"I'm better with a gun than a steering wheel."
>"If you'll trust me with this thing, sure."

>>35908183
press on

>"I'm better with a gun than a steering wheel."

>>35908183
>"I'm better with a gun than a steering wheel."
press on I've been lurking cause nothing more needed to be added. still here though.

>>35908183
I hope it stays up a bit, I only just found this thread.

>"I'm better with a gun than a steering wheel."

>>35908183
>"If you'll trust me with this thing, sure."

>>35908183
>"I'm better with a gun than a steering wheel
besides I'm sure you know the streets backroads around here better than I do

>>35908183
I'd like to see you keep it up.

(Since this is the first thread in ages I'll press on for you guys.)
>>35908183

"I'm better with a gun than a steering wheel," You shrug. "Besides, you know these streets a hell of a lot better than I do."

"Fair enough," Markus grunts.

With that you start down the road, going neither too slow or too fast.You briefly wonder how Vincent plans on keeping up, if he plans on it at all. You decide he'll do what Vincent does best. Whatever that is.

A light rain begins to fall as you drive as dark clouds are hinted at through the various obstructions above.

>Ask about this target of yours.
>Try and make small talk.
>Ask about Vonas.

>>35908403
>Ask about this target of yours.
Thanks Qm

>>35908403
>>Ask about this target of yours.
your a nice guy QM

>>35908403
>>Ask about this target of yours.
let get down to it

>>35908403
>>Ask about this target of yours.
>BasedGM.jpg

(Whoops, sorry about the delay. Went to go start a load of laundry. At one in the morning. Cause I'm a crazy college student. Yaaaay.)
>>35908403

"So, this guy we're killing," You start.

"You're killing," Markus corrects.

"I'm killing." You nod. "Why am I doing it? Who am I doing it to?"

"He's a traitor," Markus explains. "He's to meet with Arbites tonight. Once with them he'll tell them everything he can about Noriega and his association with us. Allegedly."

You give the man an odd look.

"We've been told this by Noriega himself. He's not known for inspiring much loyalty, and this guy isn't a guardsman. Just a clerk, or something. Maybe he knows something. Maybe Noriega thinks he knows something, and convinced the poor shit he does too. All I know is we're supposed to kill him."

"Did the Major order you to do this?" You ask.

"No."

>"So who runs the show? The Major, or Sal?"
>"You mean we could be about to kill an innocent man?"

>>35909153
>"So who runs the show? The Major, or Sal?"
>"You mean we could be about to kill an innocent man?"

Don't phrase it as doubting the mission, more like just thinking about how this can be cleaner, and if we go and shoot this guy, it's only going to bring more heat down on Noriega and 'us'

>>35909153
>>"So who runs the show? The Major, or Sal?"
the inquisition dose worse then kill innocent men and women

>>35909153
>"So who runs the show? The Major, or Sal?"
then work this in
>"You mean we could be about to kill an innocent man?"
or something like it. because you highly doubt this will stop at just one. Then things get messy.

>>35903692
Oh shit you around the 559 area?

>>35909153

"So who runs the show?" You ask. "The Major, or Sal?"

Markus hesitates, clearly uncomfortable with this question.

"We're soldiers," He says. "We're here for a single purpose. But to get there we need thrones. Allies. Supplies. Things we simply can't get alone. So we work with who we must. Do what we must."

"Like kill a man who may be innocent."

Stopping at a red-light, he looks at you not with anger, but simple tiredness.

"We're soldiers," He repeats. "It's what we do."

>"No, that's mercenaries like me. Soldiers hold themselves higher than that."
>"Well... you're not wrong."
>"We've all got our part to take. Best be good at it, I suppose."

>>35909471
>"No, that's mercenaries like me. Soldiers hold themselves higher than that."
>"We've all got our part to take. Best be good at it, I suppose."

>>35909471
>"No, that's mercenaries like me. Soldiers hold themselves higher than that."

>>35909471
>"No, that's mercenaries like me. Soldiers hold themselves higher than that."
>"We've all got our part to take. Best be good at it, I suppose."

>>35909471
>"No, that's mercenaries like me. Soldiers hold themselves higher than that."

>>35909471
>>"No, that's mercenaries like me. Soldiers hold themselves higher than that."
>>"Well... you're not wrong."
Yeah soldiers are at times responsible for the deaths of innocents, that's war. Whether or not it's excusable depends on the cause they fight for.

>>35909471
>Markus
Could somebody be a pal and inform me exactly who he is and who he works for? It's been a while since I followed this quest.

>>35909471

"No," You say. "That's mercenaries like me. Soldiers hold themselves higher than that."

Something resembling respect crosses the mans, but it vanishes just as quickly.

"Still," You go on. "We've all got our part to play. Best be good at it, I suppose."

"I can drink to that," Markus nods.

Thunder rumbles quietly in the distance as your surroundings grow more rundown. Not as bad as the underhive, but still underdeveloped.

"We're almost there," Markus says. "You're to enter an abandoned apartment building nearby. Third floor, facing east. They'll be meeting in an alleyway. I'll be a few blocks to the south, next to a construction site. Get ready to move fast."

Sure enough, he comes to a stop outside a ragged building possibly meant for living. Inspecting your surroundings, you accept the rifle and hurry inside, finding the door busted open.

By the time you reach your destination the rain has turned heavier, and the thunder growing more frequent. Perfect cover for a sharpshooter, but also a pain for picking out specific targets. This feels familiar, in an oddly comforting way. You suppose this isn't the first time you've holed up like this before.

The sniper rifle is a ballistic one. You quietly object, preferring a longlas, but currently it's too late to lodge a complaint.

You scope out the alleyway and the street below, seeing only the occasional pedestrian or vehicle hurrying along their way. An hour passes, and no one even pauses at the entrance. You start to think to drop down and ask Markus when it was supposed to happen, until you see a figure appear from the shadows within the alleyway. They seem to fidget nervously, clutching an umbrella tightly to them as they shuffle in place.

You're not sure what your man looks like, but this seems suspicious enough.

>Take the shot.
>Wait a while. See how things unfold.

>>35910032
>>Wait a while. See how things unfold.
Gotta confirm the target, we're only getting one shot.

>>35910032
>>Wait a while. See how things unfold.
lets play it nice a cool for now

>>35910032
>>Wait a while. See how things unfold.

>>35910032
>Wait a while. See how things unfold.

>>35910032
>Wait a while. See how things unfold.

>>35910032

Things look to be just starting, so you decide to settle in and watch.

For a time it's just the figure, who after a while begins to pace back and forth within the alleyway. This patterns continues for a time, until an Arbite cruiser appears from around the corner. It parks near the alleyway, a trio of Arbites appearing from within.

They approach the alleyway with all the subtly three heavily armed and armored men would have. The original figure vanishes a moment before once more approaching from the shadows.

They seem to begin conversing, the figure never staying still for too long, obscuring himself behind the three Arbites.

>Try and go for it anyways.
>Keep waiting.

>>35910240
>Keep waiting.

>>35910240
>Keep waiting.
waiting and watching

>>35910240
Dice guide my choice!

>>35910240
>>Try and go for it anyways.
He's leaking info to the po-po man. Sal's gonna bust a nut if we let him snitch before we ice him.

Rolled 19 (1d20)

>>35910346
>Derp.
dice+1d20 in the options field my man, it ain't hard.

>>35910406
Oh shit, both of these posts are mine
>>35910391
>>35910406
I think the dice gods are trying to tell us something.

Rolled 2 (1d2)

>>35910240
>>35910346
Half asleep and capitalized the d

>>35910240
>>Keep waiting.

You continue to stay your hand, waiting for your chance. It also gives you time to think. If you don't do this it'll keep you from possibly killing an innocent man, but it'll also mean the Sympathizers ability to operate will be severely weakened. If he knows anything, at least.

If you kill him, it means a job well done and the status quo is kept. Sal is pacified and it further strengthens your reliability for him. It also means at least four Arbites will be hot on your ass.

You're stirred from your thoughts by a car engine revving. You see that one of the Arbites has returned to the cruiser, leaning into the driver side window and talking with the driver. The man, middle aged but already balding, is being escorted out of the alleyway by the other two Arbites.

It's now or never...

>Take the shot.
>Let him go.

4chan broke for anyone else just now?

>>35910532
>>Take the shot.

>>35910532
>Take the shot.
but try for a nonlethal hit and make the arbites think he's dead

>>35910532
>Take the shot.
A job's a job. Best get to it.

>>35910532
>Take the shot.
bah think we dun goofed

>>35910532
>>Take the shot.

>>35910535
Glad I'm not the only one scratching my head and smacking my laptop around.

>>35910532

The rifle kicks, it's suppressor and the storm completely snuffing out the sound. Thunder rumbles as the man flies backwards, forehead trailing blood. Both Arbites go to cover him, but it's too late. You've seen to that.

Ditching the rifle, favoring speed, you book it for the exit.

>Roll it

>>35910532
>>35910559
Go for his legs

Rolled 2 (1d20)

>>35910592

Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>35910592
surprised we didn't roll for the shot, that could have had hilarious results.

Rolled 6 (1d20)

>>35910592

>>35910608
A target walking straight towards him in the open within spitting distance. I'd say Mike's professional enough to cover that.

>>35910592

You rush out the room and down the hall, taking the steps two and three at a time.

You reach the base of the stairs in good time. However, you reach the stairs in time to see one of the Arbites standing in the doorway. Luckily, you're heading out the back. Or so was the plan.

"FREEZE, DIRTBAG!" He roars, charging towards you, shock maul in hand. Instinctively, your hand reaches for the pistol hidden in your jacket.

>Try and outrun him.
>Shoot him.

>>35910696
>>Shoot him.
In the leg, only one person needed to die tonight

>>35910696
Run, he has backup and we have a getaway car.

(I'm assuming he has his shockmaul drawn, not a gun.)

>>35910696
>Try and outrun him.

>>35910696
>>Try and outrun him.
run forest run

>>35910696

Deciding you've killed enough people today, you turn to run. The back entrance is in as much disrepair as the front, and you're fairly certain you in your civilian garb can outpace an Arbite in full patrol gear.

Still, it's not a theory you're keen in testing.

>Roll for agility.

Rolled 9 (1d20)

>>35910793
Dice gods don't fail us now

Rolled 5 (1d20)

>>35910793
love me dice gods

Rolled 2 (1d20)

>>35910793
IMPERATOR VULT

>>35910823
Guess we'd better get ready to quickdraw our laspistol....

>>35910793

You break for the exit, the Arbites heavy footsteps behind you. You're almost to the end when you hear a sharp whistle, and a moment later something hits your square in the back.

Judging from what happens next, you're guessing it was the shock maul.

Your body spasms from the electricity coursing over and through you, dropping you to the ground. You scramble for your laspistol as the Arbite closes.

>Roll

Rolled 15 (1d20)

>>35910891
FOR THE EMPEROR

Rolled 5 (1d20)

>>35910891
Oh man this isn't good

Rolled 2 (1d20)

>>35910891
IMPERATOR VULT

>>35910898
THE EMPEROR PROTECTS.

Seriously, nobody else roll.

>>35910898
Take out his ankle.

Rolled 19 (1d20)

>>35910925
nah, thats a dick move, just put one into his calf

>>35910939
why do you hurt us like that anon

>>35910891

With shaking hands you pull out your laspistol, and with effort aim it towards the man. This only serve to speed him closer, but you fire. With a laspistol the chances of doing anything to the majority of his armor was hopeless.

His legs, however, were slightly more favorable odds.

The man yells as the shot hits his leg. It drops him to his knees, and gives you enough time to regain your senses and make a staggered dash out.

Your heart feels like it's beating out of whack and your lungs are screaming, but you remember what Markus told you and take off with what little speed you can muster. However, with your muscles still fighting you and the rain still pouring down you start to lose steam fast.

Luckily, a familiar car pulls up beside you as a siren blares in the distance. You throw open the door and fall in.

"Hit it!" You shout.

Markus simply nods before flooring it. The two of you zip down the road, taking a hard turn that leaves your stomach rolling. However, you manage to catch your breath enough to speak.

"It's done," You tell him. "Fuck me, but it's done..."

"You okay there?" Markus asks, sounding mildly sincere.

"Shock maul," You say, weariness bring you downwards.. "I don't... I..."

Darkness falls around you.

_____________________________

Hope you enjoyed the extra long run, folks. I'm dead on my feet, but satisfied. Hope I get to do this more often.

>>35911016
Thanks for the run bro, good luck in classes.

>>35911016
Great run man, thanks for doing this. Hope you do it again next week.

>>35911016
Thanks for the thread OP, good to have you back.

>>35911016
god fucking damnit, the one time I go out and drink, I miss this.

Still good to have Based Elijah back