>>37590130

As you and Alpha disembark you find Vincent waiting for you. He watches you all approach curiously, looking between you and Roxy.

“I take it things went well?” He asks.

“Something like that,” You answer, waving briefly to Alpha as they depart, already recounting what happened. “What’s up?”

“The Lady’s upstairs with Naomi,” Vincent says. “Says she needs a word with you when you got back. I’d guess to give you two an official meet and greet.”

You get the feeling Vincent doesn't know that that’s already happened to an extent.

“Where are you heading?” You ask.

“I already checked in on them,” Vincent says, smiling without humor. “Now I’m heading down to entertain our other guest.”

Admittedly, you’re not exactly sympathetic to the mercenary you’d captured. No lasting damage had been done to Naomi, but when you first saw her it was hard to believe that. Thinking about it only makes your temper flare.

As if hearing you, Vincent inspects the hangar bay. The standard crewman are going about refueling the transport, but there’s no one paying you two any mind.

“I haven’t told her you’re back yet,” He says. “You know enough to be thinking like me.”

“Show him a bit of his own hospitality?”

“And then some.”

Part of you almost feels sorry for the poor man. Another part actually wants to join in…

>Report to Christina.
>Join Vincent.

>>37590161
>Report to Christina.

>>37590161
>report

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>>37590161
>Report to Christina.
Professionalism

>>37590161
>Join Vincent.

>>37590161
>Report to Christina.

>>37590161

"Have fun," You tell him.

"Always do," Vincent replies, slapping your arm. "Get on, then. Oh, and welcome to the club."

"Club?" You ask as he walks away.

"The 'knowing things that'll kill you' club," The Commander answers with a chuckle.

While not exactly encouraged by the answer you make your way up to the Officers quarters. It seems the level is even more deserted than usual, which isn't much of a surprise. Jeeves greet you shortly after you disembark from the elevator.

"A victorious outing, sir?" He asks, bobbing along beside you.

"More or less," You tell him. "Where's the Inquisitor?"

"In one of the Captain's guest rooms. She and Miss Coyle are keeping our special guest company. Such a joy to see her again."

You smile at the earnest cheerfulness peeking out through the man's typically formal chivalry.

"So I take it you've known for some time now," You say.

"Not in my early days, no," Jeeves admits. "But after I became a talking head Lady Massey became more lenient. A clever girl, much like her mother. But neither will admit it."

Turning the corner, you find Christina already waiting for you at a door leading to a guest room. She smiles as you approach, looking like she'd taken your advice and gotten her own rest.

"Ma'am," You say. "I was told you needed a word with me?"

"I did," She answers. "Melodi's done an exam, and thankfully we were right. A bit of recovery and she'll be just fine. However, there's another problem. You."

You hesitate, uncertain.

"Although I could, after what she's been through I can't simply keep her locked in her room," Christina sigh, briefly averting her gaze. "She's already curious about you, and being a psyker only makes it worse. I want to know why you two established the relationship that you have, so it would be best if we simply get it over with."

"It's your call, ma'am," You say.

Although you meant it well, she cringes.

(Cont.)

>>37590811

"I'm aware," She sighs. "Seeing as this is between the two of you I'll let you do most of the talking. Just... don't overwhelm the poor girl. She's been through a lot."

Nodding, you contemplate your situation. Firmly locked inside your armor no one could distinguish you from any of Alpha, so unless you remove the helmet or speak Naomi's only seen a silent figure.

Giving you an encouraging smile, Christina opens the door and signals you in.

>How do you introduce yourself?

>>37590836
Walk in and take helmet off

>>37590836
Remove the helmet and say hello like a normal person. If she doesn't react, give name and rank.

>>37590836
Walk in, remove your helmet, bow your head to her, and make a joke to keep the mood light.

>>37590836
You know if we could play the sax this is the time where I would suggest we walk in playing an infectious joyful tune while pelvic thrusting

>>37590836
>walk in
>remove helmet
>Introduce self
>Full Cadian stoic-ness

>>37590836

You walk in to find Naomi sitting on the end of the bed with Naomi, chatting idly. She continues to look more and more like she did in your head, now cleaned up and in a fresh set of clothing. It's odd seeing her in crew fatigues, however.

As you enter Naomi quickly takes notice of you, head tilting ever so slightly as you look between her and Christina. Not one to beat around the bush, you calmly begin unlatching your helmet. The seal opens with a hiss, and though your stomach sinks you remove it and hold it to your side.

Her reaction is more or less as you expected.

Her eyes go wide and she gapes, staring at you in shocked silence. Unaware of the reasons behind it, Melodi beams and waves a hand towards you.

"This here is Mike," She explains. "He's your mom's bodyguard."

Still staring, you offer a nervous chuckle.

"It's nice to meet you," You offer. "Again."

"You," Naomi stutters, still reeling. "Y-You... you're..."

Naomi looks between you and Christina, lost. Seeing this, Christina moves beside you.

"Mel, a word?" She asks.

"I was kinda hoping..." The Tech Priest notices her look and sighs. "Going, going."

Standing, the Tech Priest and Inquisitor make their way out. However, even as the door closes behind them Naomi looks like she's seen a ghost. However, she finally finds her voice.

"You're real," She more accuses than says.

"I could say the same thing to you," You answer.

Looking away, she squirms in her seat as she seems to try and gather her thoughts. It's obvious she's still trying to get over the fact you're you.

>Wait.
>Get the ball going, ask her something. (What?)

>>37591609
>Wait.

>>37591609
This place is a lot nicer than my dreams huh?

>>37591609
Lighten the mood with a joke. So a guardsman walks into a bar...

>>37591609
"You should have seen my reaction when I saw it was you that we rescued."

>>37591609
"Where exactly do you remember me from"

>>37591609

"Not quite the courtyard, is it?" You ask, looking around. "Still beats what I'm used to, though. Ever been in a troop transport?"

Smiling uncertainly, she shakes her head.

"Probably for the best. Sometimes you’d try to find a bunk and end up sleeping on a Chimera on accident," You joke. "Cog boys would always get pissed, but it wasn’t so bad."

"That... doesn't sound comfortable," Naomi muses.

"You don't usually have a lot of say for comfort when you're in-transit," You say. "Can I...?"

At first confused, her face lights up with understanding and she scoots over to make room. You sit down next to her and lay your helmet at your side. Although she's no longer stupefied, she still finds everything in the room but you interesting.

"You should have seen my reaction when I found out it was you we were rescuing," You note. "I was expecting a briefcase, a dataslate, a pet lictor. Anything. You were about the last thing on my list."

"It wasn’t exactly my wish to be there,” Naomi murmurs. “I… I think I remember you carrying me.”

“Yeah, well,” You rub a hand against your neck. “The others were busy, and the Inquisitor wasn’t exactly in a good shape to try it.”

“The Inquisitor,” Naomi echoes softly, and for a moment you panic at having said too much. It must have been obvious, because she looks up at you and lets out a quiet laugh. “I’m not stupid. I know.”

“About that,” You say. “What exactly do you remember of me?”

At that Naomi again goes quiet, looking away for a brief time before reaching for your helmet. Curious, you allow her to take it and look it over in her hands.

“It was different,” She notes. “Before, your armor wasn’t as good. The helmet wasn’t sealed, and was lighter.”

(Cont.)

>>37592548

“Flak Armor, may the Emperor bless it,” You nod. “So you remember everything.”

“That’s a bit much,” She shakes her head. “I remember a few things, but it’s been a while since I…”

She goes silent once more, all the sudden looking oddly guilty. She remains silent, trying to pass it off and failing.

“So, what do YOU remember?” She asks in return.

>Press her on it.
>Let it be.

>>37592575
>Press her on it.

>>37592575
>Let it be.
She's guilty about wandering around our memories and accidentally leaving us to relive nightmares.

>>37592575
>Let it be.
Ties are fun.

>>37592575
>Press her on it.

>>37592813
They sure are.

Let it be

>>37592575
>Blessing that cardboard box

Mik pls

>>37593082
The Emperor's blessing is all it has.

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>>37593082
Are you dissing cardboard boxes?

>>37592575
>>Let it be.

>>37592813
(Ain't they, though?)
>>37592575

It's obvious she's not going to outright say whatever's on her mind, at least at the moment. Deciding to let it be, you try and work on your own answer.

"Bits and pieces," You admit. "It's mainly fragments, with bits of you thrown in for good measure."

It seems it's not your day for humor, as the joke seems to do more harm than good as she once more averts her gaze. However, you try not to pay it any mind. To her surprise you extend your hand.

"Michael Dunkin," You tell her.

"Naomi Massey," She answers, accepting the hand shake with odd fascination. "So, you look after my mother?"

"When it's required," You nod. "She can handle herself pretty well, though."

"You've seen her fight?" She asks, interest piqued once more.

"Hell of a sight, too," You chuckle. "But I take it she's not keen on sharing stories."

"No," Naomi sighs, laying aside your helmet pulling her knees to her chest. "But a girl has her imagination, if nothing else."

Though she says it jokingly, it’s obvious she’s still troubled. It seems like she’s managed to get herself under control, at least. Then, a knock at the door sounds and draws your attention.

“I’m gonna say it’s for you,” Naomi notes dryly.

You go to stand, but as you clip your helmet to your side you remember something from the last time you’d seen Naomi in your head. It’s a simple thing, but you’re unsure if you should say it.

>”I told you I’d get you out of there, didn’t I?”
>Answer the door.

>>37593499
>”I told you I’d get you out of there, didn’t I?”

With a smile.

>>37593499
>>”I told you I’d get you out of there, didn’t I?”

>>37593499
>”I told you I’d get you out of there, didn’t I?”
>Answer the door.

>>37593499
>”I told you I’d get you out of there, didn’t I?”
Sentimentality!

>>37593499
>>”I told you I’d get you out of there, didn’t I?”

>>37593499

"Hey," You say, smiling as she looks up at you. "I told you I'd get you out of there, didn't I?"

"Yeah," She admits, returning the smile with her own. "I guess you did."

With that you answered the door, finding Naomi and Christina waiting for you. With a brief wave from the Inquisitor you step into the hall, closing the door behind you.

Turning back to them, you see Naomi looking at you oddly.

"Something up?" You ask.

"I'd say so," Is all she says, though she obviously is eager to say more.

"I've explained the situation," Christina says. "In brief. How is she?"

"Good, good," You nod. "Given the circumstances, I'd say she's doing great."

"Any idea if she knows anymore than you do?" She asks.

>"She's hiding something, but I didn't press the issue."
>"She's as in the dark as I am."

>>37593807
Um I think you replaced Mel with Naomi there a couple times.

>>37593807
>>"She's hiding something, but I didn't press the issue."

>>37593807
>finding Naomi and Christina waiting for you
you keep mixing up Melodi with Naomi

>"She's hiding something, but I didn't press the issue, she's been through enough right now and she's vulnerable, so go easy on her."

>>37593807
>"She's hiding something, but I didn't press the issue."

>>37593848
>>37593889
(In all reality Naomi is a clone. Nah, OP is just a dipshit. Sorry about that.)

>>37593807

"She's hiding something," You say. "But I didn't press the issue. She's been through enough as it is."

“Agreed,” Christina nods. “In the meantime, Melodi will keep her company while you and I are gone.”

“We’re going out again?” You ask.

“Not quite. We’re going to speak with the mercenary captain.”

Your thoughts immediately jump to Vincent and his intentions before. He’s probably just getting started, and you’re still undecided if that’s a good or bad thing.

>Leave with Christina.
>Delay her. (How?)

>>37594121
>Delay her. (How?)
Let's get a bite to eat first, we haven't had anything since getting back, and I doubt Chrissy has either.

>>37594121
>Leave with Christina.
It'll be fine

>>37594158
>>37594121
I like this guy's plan. Let's be a bro.

>>37594121

> delay her

Have you eaten?

>>37594121
>Delay her. (Food! She need to eat!

>>37594121

"Knock twice," Melodi tells you quietly, glancing down either ends of the hall. "I'll send in the cleaners when you're done."

Parting ways, you're halfway down the hall when you look back.

"She was joking," You say. "Wasn't she?"

"We'll see," Christina answers with a shrug.

"If we're going to be eviscerating someone, I'd like to have lunch before rather than after," You note.

"You can't be serious," Christina says, raising a brow.

"You can't tell me you've had a meal today," You say, watching with satisfaction as she begins to try but decide against it. "Besides, if anyone can miss a meal around here it's him."

“I… can see the reasoning in that,” She admits, pausing at the elevator. “Say I agree. What will it be today?”

>Cook for her.
>Mess hall.

>>37594621
>Mess hall.

>>37594621
>>Mess hall.
"We'll save my talents for dinner, and if I'm going to be looking after Naomi too she might as well get used to my cooking."

>>37594669
All of this.

>>37594621
>>37594669
May as well.

>>37594669
Can't argue with that.

>>37594621

"We'll save my talents for dinner," You suggest. "Since I'm going to be looking after Naomi too it's only right she try my cooking too."

You really don't give it too much thought as you board the elevator, but when you see Christina's face you pause in keying the right floor.

"What?" You ask.

"Nothing,” She says, though her grin says otherwise.

“Come on,” You say, smiling despite not knowing why. “Let me in on it.”

“I just continue to be amazed at how you act as you do so earnestly,” She says. “It was never my intention to force you to do that.”

“Who said anything about being forced?” You ask. “Like I said, it’s only right. And she could probably use a good meal.”

Her only response is to shake her head, giving you a look you're fairly certain is a good one. Once more there’s a small ripple through the gathered crowd as Christina arrives. The Inquisitor is less than keen on the attention, but hides it well. You gain your food in short order despite the line, and you inspect your prospects.

>Join Mikel.
>Join Alpha.
>Find an empty table.
>Go back to the room.

>>37595507
>Find an empty table.
but greet Alpha and Mikel

>>37595507
this>>37595540

>>37595507
>Join Mikel.

>>37595507
>Find an empty table.
But greet your fellows

>>37595507
>Find an empty table.

>>37595507
>Empty

>>37595507

You feel a bit sorry for Mikel. Without Vincent, the armsmen that usually join him are absent as well. You stop next to the table, and the Father greets you both with a nod.

"Lieutenant," He says. "Lady Massey."

"How are you doing, Father?" Christina asks.

"Well," He answers. "Better yet, knowing our little songbird is safe. Do you have need of me?”

“Not for the moment,” She smiles. “Thank you for your help.”

“A pleasure.”

If anything, Mikel is relieved to return to his meal in silence.

You find Alpha much as you left them, loud and happy. However as soon as he catches sight Burk shoots to his feet, the Mordian moving with surprising speed for a man his size.

“Commander on deck!” He barks, and on instinct several nearby armsmen spring to their feet. Wyack and Casas follow, albeit much less rushed. The other members of Alpha watch this all unfold with amusement.

“Appreciated but unnecessary, Trooper Xanvau. As you were,” Christina says, clearly amused herself as the three hesitantly return to their seats. “I was simply checking in after hearing of your performance.”

“And if I may ask, ma’am, what have you heard?” Roxy asks.

“Good things, I assure you,” She says, glancing over at you. “More or less.”

“That’s, uh, good,” Roxy answers, uncertain. “If you need anything else, ma’am, we’re at your beck and call.”

“Thank you, Sergeant.”

With that you finish making your rounds and find an empty table. By then most people have returned to their own meals and conversations, though some curious eyes still linger. Christina takes in stride, inspecting her meal with caution.

>Totally innocent happy lunchtime smalltalk!

>>37596233
soo be honest who is a better cook?

>>37596233
>>37596413
this

>>37596233
"How are you doing? It's been a crazy 24 hours."

>>37596233
How are you holding up boss?

>>37597785
We're honestly not giving him much to work with here. I bet it's food time too.

>>37597785
he's probably busy making up for our lack of small talk prowess

(Sorry about that. Made a food run.)
>>37596233

“It’s been a hell of a day,” You say. “How are you holding up?”

“Great, knowing dinner is handled,” Christina says, then turns a note more serious. “Better, knowing she’s safe. Thank you again. For everything.”

“Just doing my job,” You shrug.

She pauses in her meal, making a point of putting down her utensil and staring.

“Okay,” You admit, flushing slightly. “So maybe a bit more than that. Just... doing what I think is right. Is that better?”

“Marginally,” She smiles. “On the subject, there’s been talk.”

“Talk?”

“About our evening meals together.”

Your brow furrows in confusion.

“I don’t see why.”

“They believe I’m there more for the company than the food.”

It takes you a few seconds to make the connection, and when you do you nearly choke to death on your drink. Christina finds this endlessly amusing.

“I-I never meant-” You begin, trying to explain and breath at the same time.

“I’m well aware, Lieutenant,” Christina chuckles. “I simply thought you’d like to know. I also wanted to see your reaction.”

Regaining control of your lungs, you attempt to work up your best Cadian death glare. However, it quickly falters as her childish giggle in response proves infectious. After all that’s happened, you’re willing to take some flak in order to make her laugh.

The rest of your meal is a pleasant one, briefly focusing on simple pleasant company. However, it feels too soon that you’re back to the work of the Inquisition. Cleaning up, you’re once more heading down to the detention block.

“There are two floors,” Christina explains. “Those for crew caught in questionable acts, and those for actual criminals. One is larger than the other.”

(Cont.)

>>37598409

Stepping off the elevator, you find a similar design to the Navy station. Along both sides of the hall are doors and terminals, two armsmen standing guard at one near the end. Both men look exceedingly nervous as you approach, snapping to attention.

“Ma’am!” They say in unision.

“How’s our guest?” She asks.

“Uh...ah...well, you see…” One of them stammers.

“What happened?” Christina asked, bright mood vanishing in an instant.

Although neither man wanted to be there, one of them turned to the terminal and activated the display above it. After a few moments it cleared and revealed a spartan room, containing only a table and three chairs. In it were two people, the mercenary captain and Vincent. Beside you, you hear Christina gasp.

“-that little girl sat on my lap when she was two years old,” Vincent said, pinning the man’s bloodied head to the table. You’d never heard him angry before, but every word drips with malice. “And I swore to the Emperor that I would rip the fucking skin off anyone who hurt her."

Not waiting on the armsmen, Christina pushed the man out of the way and smacked the unlock mechanism. She was at the door before it could fully slide open, though Vincent paid it no mind.

“COMMANDER!” Christina called. “ENOUGH!”

Without looking up, and with great reservations, Vincent releases the man and pushes himself off. At the table, the mercenary refrains from raising up and instead only lets out a pained grunt.

“Ma’am,” Vincent says, snapping to attention. “Need something?”

“What is the meaning of this?” Christina demands, looking back to you. “Did you know about this?”

“Leave Mike and the two outside outta this,” Vincent says, rubbing bruised knuckles. “This one’s all me.”

(Cont.)

>>37597865
This is 4chan remember. The home of the neet and Weaboo.

To say that we suck at small talk is to put it lightly.

>>37598460

“Yes, it is,” Christina says, closing the distance between them. Though the Commander stands a head taller, she’s easily the more intimidating of the two. “You had no right to do this.”

“No right?” He asks, laughing sourly. “Did you see what that bastard did to her? He deserves worse!”

“He deserves what I say he deserves, Vincent. No more. No less.”

It’s clear neither of them are planning on stepping down. It might not be your place but if you don’t do something it’s only going to get worse.

>”Ma’am, he has a point.”
>”Both of you, enough!”
>”This was too far, Vincent.”

>>37598499
>”Both of you, enough!”
Now is the time for professionalism.

In fairness though, we were planning on turning this poor fucker into a servitor WITHOUT any anethstetic for hurting the daughteru.

>>37598499
Could we stay outta this and start questioning the guy while they fight it out? Play good cop, bad cop, scary cop?

>>37598499
>>”Both of you, enough!”

>>37598499
>”Both of you, enough!”
Not in front of the prisoner at least. Interrogation 101

>>37598651
Don't you mean bad scarier cop and scariest cop?

>>37598499
>”Both of you, enough!”
We gonna take over from here or let the Inquisitor do the talking?

>>37598499

Still clad head to toe in carapace, you're the most heavily armed and armored person in the room. So when you force yourself between the two it's not a major difficulty. The desire to be elsewhere, however, is.

"Both of you, enough!" You say, looking between the two. "He's a bastard, but he's a bastard that we need coherent."

Being forced to stop their elevated bickering, both of them look at you and then each other. Wordlessly, Vincent raises his hands and backs away, crossing his arms and propping himself up against the wall. Letting out a sigh of relief, Christina gives you a nod before turning back to the table.

“Had the show,” The man chuckles, slowly leaning back up in his seat. He spits a bloody wad at Vincent that lands between them. “Where’s dinner?”

“You’re a sturdy man, I’ll give you that,” Christina says, taking a seat. “But I don’t think you realize the gravity of the situation.”

“Oh yeah?” He says, giving a bloody grin. “After that bit of fun, I’m lickin’ at the chops to see what you got in store.”

Holding out a hand, Vincent pushes himself off the wall and approaches. Ever so slightly, the man leans back out of range. The Commander withdraws a dataslate and hands it to the Inquisitor. She takes several seconds to look it over, and from over her shoulder you see it’s a profile on the man.

“Dirk Aldrich,” She says. “Age thirty six. Occupation: Mercenary, working for the Draxian Scalebacks. Wanted for multiple accounts of murder, thievery; the list goes on.”

“Well fuck me,” Dirk chuckles. “You’ve done your research. And for a doe-eyed bitch, you’re suddenly a lot more confident.”

You can’t tell from behind her, but considering Dirk’s expression she’s probably wearing her professional smile.

“Oh, I’m a bitch alright,” She explains softly. “But not the kind you're used to. The Inquisitorial kind.”

(Cont.)

>>37599692

The man has a good tarot face, and between that and the bruises already forming on his face it’s difficult to gauge a reaction. It seems to be a mixture of disgust and disbelief.

“Bullshit,” He says.

“Do you know where you are?” Christina asks. “No, no you don’t. No one does. And as far as your friends and employer know, you’re dead.”

The man remains silent.

“I only want to know one thing, and only one thing,” She says. “Who hired you?”

“The fuckin’ Emperor himself did,” Dirk snorts. “Told us to stick it to the redheaded bitch."

Your fists clench at that, not approving of his tongue. However, you remain by the door as you keep an eye on Vincent. He has a laspistol at his hip, but you don’t think he’s that foolish. You think.

“Now that’s not going to get you anywhere,” She says. “My man there was… overzealous, but that was without my knowledge. Work with me, and I’ll work with you.”

“And as soon as I tell you I get a bolt in the fuckin’ brain,” Dirk replies. “No thanks.”

Turning around in her chair, she looks at you and gives you a wink.

“You’re a mercenary like him,” She says. “Would you like to try and talk some sense into him?”

This is obviously a test, but one you were not exactly prepared for.

>Join in. (What's your approach? What do you say/ask/offer?)
>Let her lead.

>>37599728
>>Join in. (What's your approach? What do you say/ask/offer?)
make up a story about how we crossed her, and when we proved ourself useful to her, she took us on board and gave us a much better job

>>37599803
Can't think of any other good solutions. Supporting. Maybe work our Tyranid story into it so there's some truth?

>>37599728
Turns out inquisitors pay real well for deniability when they need some work done.

>>37599803
Ha Ha, time for convincing!

>>37600064
that is.... not good

>>37600064
>navysealspasta.jpg

>>37600082
>>37600104
What happened?

>>37600289
a write-in of dubious quality, though the anon didn't need to delete it

>>37600064
Fuck off Art Anon

>>37599728
"Look bud, from one hired gun to another, your loyalty to your previous employers is not worth what'll happen if you don't cooperate with these people. I've been with them awhile and have some pull so I might be able to get you off easy if you work with me. Hell maybe even a job if you are interested but like I said you need to give these guys what they want to know now."

>>37600412
wut?

>>37599728

Attempting to match Vincent's practiced 'hired goon' mannerisms, you offer a shrug.

"You're going about this wrong, man," You say. "She's not one to pass up on hired help that's worth a damn. You managed to track down someone that had no invention of being found. Or maybe not."

He scowls and you continue.

"Maybe you're just a little shit that's too low on the ladder to know anything important."

"Hey!" Dirk growls, trying to rise against the shackles on his hands and legs. "Those were all my men that you aced, you fucker!"

"He's got spirit," Vincent notes. "After what I gave him he should be dying."

"Let me outta these cuffs and we'll see who does the dyin'," Dirk offers.

"Look, you're in a bad spot," You continue, ignoring them and pushing off the wall. "I was too for a time. The people I worked with couldn't be worse. The pay sucked, the benefits didn't exist, and the guys in charge were asshats. Bigger asshats, assigning me and mine to Tadira."

At the name all three act surprised, most of all Christina.

"One second we're guarding a warehouse in the capitol, the next the Guard's conscripted us and we're neck deep in 'Nid shit."

You withdraw your knife slowly, showing off the ichor stain still barely visible on the blade.

"You see that?" You ask. "This fucking God Emperor himself must have blessed this thing, cause at one point it was all I had. Then it just so happens I manage to kill the one 'Nid that was about to kill her as she was booking it off planet."

You point to Christina, sheathing the weapon.

"I saved her life, and in return she saved mine. I've seen her do the same thing again in my time working for her. You're fucked, friend, but if you play ball with us I promise you I'll see that it's a light fucking. This ain't worth you dying over."

(Cont.)

>>37600757

Dirk takes this all in stoic silence. For several long seconds he looks you over, then turns to the Inquisitor. Focusing mainly on you, it's several long moments before he speaks. When he does he lets out a ragged sigh, leaning back into his chair.

"Ask," He says.

"Who hired you?" Christina asks again.

"For the longest time I didn't know," Dirk admits. "It was all done with proxys and their fuckin' cronies handing off messages. It was only that, too. Messages. Never spoke a word and never saw hide nor hair. Wasn't until I saw the name on the check that I had something to work on."

"Go on," Christina urges.

"It was..." Dirk pauses, cringing. "Fuck me, my head. It was, uh..."

"Knock it off with the games," Vincent growls.

"Fuck off!" Dirk answers in kind. "Your ass tried putting me in a fuckin' coma. Gimme a second to think."

He shuts his eyes, visibly grinding his teeth.

"A name on the check... they signed it... fffffucking.... they signed it..."

>Roll a 1d20.
>Purity Seals: 2

Rolled 19 (1d20)

>>37600787

>>37600809
Nice

Rolled 20 (1d20)

>>37600787

Rolled 3 (1d20)

>>37600787
I just found my neighbor's lost dog and walked them home. I've got loads of karma. These dice are gonna be great.

>>37601008
nope

Rolled 16 (1d20)

>>37601006
Obviously, my good karma just boosted your roll instead. I totally didn't spend a hour and a half wrangling an eighty pound pitbull mix for no reason.

>>37601006
well fuck me sideways.

>>37601040
yes please

>>37600787

Something isn't right here...

"DOWN!" Vincent barks, but you're already moving.

Grabbing Christina by the back of the collar, you more or less throw her out of it and into your arms. You turn and collapse on top of her as an explosion sounds behind you. Almost immediately, a fine red rain briefly falls on and around you. Ears ringing, you look up to see the two armsmen in the doorway, lasguns raised.

Looking down, you find the Inquisitor in a mix of thankfulness and pain.

“Lieutenant,” She groans. “Armor.”

Cursing, you quickly scramble off of her and to your feet. Helping her up, you look back to see Dirk missing his head and a portion of his upper torso. Helped up by an armsman, Vincent lets out a sharp, long whistle.

“Haven’t seen that trick in a while,” Vincent notes.

“Neither have I,” Christina says, equally disturbed.

“What was that?” You ask.

“Something very rare and very bad,” Christina answers, turning away from the mess. “Get a clean-up crew down here.”

“Aye, aye!” the armsmen answer, taking off down the hall.

“Guess Melodi was right after all,” You note as you follow after them. Already, an unfortunately familiar stench begins to fill the room.

“Maybe if I knew I was knockin’ around a time bomb I’d have gone easier on him,” Vincent chuckles, silencing when Christina glances at him.

“This is a setback, but we’ve still got something,” Christina says. “We’ll check into the mercenary group itself, look for local hirings.”

“Not as good as having a live source of info, but I guess it works,” Vincent nods. “I’ll clean up here. You go on.”

“Thank you, Vincent,” Christina sighs.

You debate putting your helmet back on after that business, but you decide against it for now as you board the elevator.

(Cont.)

>>37602109

It’s still taking time to register that you narrowly avoided a bomb going off in your face. So when Christina approaches the console and flips the switch to the elevators power, you’re completely caught off guard. After a brief moment of bitch black the emergency power flickers to life, bathing the interior with a soft red glow. Christina backs away into a corner, but even in the low light you can tell she’s trembling.

“Ma’am?” You say, stepping towards her.

“Wait,” She commands, though it lacks serious weight as she pinches the bridge of her nose, eyes closed. “Just… please. Wait.”

You want to remain rooted to the spot, but you also want to help her. Confliction tears at you.

>Stay.
>”Christina…”

>>37602149
>”Christina…”

>>37602149
>>Stay.
>>”Christina…”
wait a little bit, then hug her

>>37602149
>>”Christina…”

>>37602149
>”Christina…”

>>37602149
>”Christina…”
It's hug time.

come on hot elevator sex.

>>37603336
Hot traumatized elevator sex

>>37603465
the best kind.

File: 1421263819610.jpg (92 KB, 400x489)

92 KB JPG

>>37603472

Rolled 19 (1d20)

>>37603336
>>37603465
>>37603472
Come now /tg/, we should at least have dinner with someone before we-
>remembers we've made her dinner at least a dozen times now
Rolling for sexual performance

>>37603556
Pfthahaha

>>37603556
Damn, Mikey.

>>37603556
Cadian master of sex

Rolled 16 (1d20)

>>37603556
>Rolling for Christina's sexual performance

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13 KB JPG

>>37603556
>>37603653

>>37603653
Not bad, she can at least mostly keep up with Mike.

File: itstime.png (751 KB, 565x510)

751 KB PNG

>>37603556
>>37603664

(You guys are a willpower test waiting to happen. I failed. Damn you all. Damn you all to hell.)
>>37602149

You wait, torn between following orders and caring for a friend.

There’s only one option.

“Christina…” You say, and though she tenses Christina doesn't object when you wrap your arms around her. “It’s alright. It’s okay.”

“Oh, yes, everything’s perfect,” She sighs, head slowly coming to rest against your chest. “We all came inches away from dying, but everything is just fine.”

“Okay, maybe fine is relative term,” You chuckle. “But we’re alive.”

“It shouldn’t have gone like that,” She says, as if scolding herself. “Myself and my two best agents in the same room. It’s like I’m back in my early years, stupid and naive to every trap and trick.”

“I’ve never seen that trick before,” You point out. “And I’ve seen a lot.”

“That’s not the point, Michael. I’m an Inquisitor. I’m supposed to know everything before it happens. I should have been more cautious, thought about mental tampering. I should have seen it coming.”

“Well, next time we will be.”

At that she pushes you at arms length, frowning.

“There won’t always be a ‘next time,’” She says. “And we won’t always be so lucky. I could have died. Or Vincent. Or you.”

“One of those are less important than the other two.”

(Cont.)

>>37603950

It was an automatic response. Or at least you think it was. No matter the case, her frown changes into a full blown scowl. She steps forward and pokes a finger at your chest as she brings herself face to face with you.

“Don’t you ever say that again,” She says. At your expression she seems to realize the seriousness of her tone, as she tries to play it off with her usual smirk. “If...if you died, who would I get to cook for me?”

“I’m sure you’d find someone else,” You shrug, trying to play it off.

“Maybe,” She agrees, seemingly contemplating it for a moment before looking back at you. Then, before you can react, she gives you a peck on the cheek. “But they wouldn’t be you.”

She goes to pull away but hesitates. The two of you wait for the other to act, and all the sudden you feel your heart beating in your chest. Shouldn’t that have happened during the explosion? You know why. This is heresy. No, this is double heresy. This is…

>Kiss her.
>”We...best be going.”

>>37603980
>”We...best be going.”

>>37603980
>Kiss her.
you fool!

>>37603980
>kiss her

>>37603980
>>Kiss her.

>>37603980
>Kiss her.

>>37603980
>Kiss her.
what are you waiting for

>>37603980
>>Kiss her.
the emperor dosen't want some of his finest to make more children for his Empire

>>37603980
>Kiss her.

I was going to say that low self worth thing was going to puss her off but it seems to have worked out.

As yes Mike, this is delicious double heresy.

>>37604060
>was going to puss her off
Freud would like a word with you anon...

>>37604060
>puss
Goddamn phone, I meant piss I swear.

>>37603980
>Kiss her.
On the forehead that way if we are misreading dis she MIGHT not kill us

File: image.jpg (117 KB, 500x661)

117 KB JPG

>It's Habbening

Now her bodyguard is going to need a bodyguard, just so he can be a dutiful husbando and father

>>37604138
we did help a former junkie guardsman get back on his feet.

>>37604222
That we did, but I dunno if he would be qualified or in shape enough for the job.

>>37603980
>Kiss her
>tfw when your lame joke and lucky roll is partly responsible for breaking the authors will down enough to write up a sexy elevator romance scene.

It is a good feel.

>>37604266
You guys are breaking one of my best friends and I'm watching him squirm. MOAR /tg/ MOAR!

>>37603980
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3Yrhv33Zb8

>>37604266
ya and i just said hot elevator sex
i didn't think thats what was going to happen but im glad it was.

Babahs, they will happen. Maybe, not sure, quite possible, this shall be interesting.

File: Activate the dick.jpg (48 KB, 455x650)

48 KB JPG

>>37604266
Forgot image

>>37604454
I think we've all done well tonight. Good work /tg/, may the dice gods always smile on you.

>>37604333
What, is he phobic? Is he afraid sex, elevators, or just sex in elevators?

In the name of the Emperor /tg/ what have we done?!?!?

>>37604549
Heresy

>>37604549
Greatness, as the Emperor demands of us.

>>37604549
Enough

File: 1338008374136.png (52 KB, 836x721)

52 KB PNG

>>37604549
His will.

>>37604522
He honestly didn't expect THIS too happen, and with how /tg/ has played it. The poor man is losing his shit. His not accused to love making like this.

>>37604624
>accused
Accustomed?

>>37604645
Yes, Spell check missed that one.

>>37604624
Tell him to just do it

>>37604708
He is, Nobody is letting up. We're all watching the thread now.

Then his will be done! Praise the Emperor!

Damned, no Naomi.

>>37604838
Naomi is daughteru, not waifu

>>37604755
Even the Psykers, the Empra, The Fallen Primarchs, even the Lost ones, blunts, Creed, abaddadon the armless, the warp gods, Mkvenner, Gaunt, Eisenhorn, the Speshh Muhreens, the blood ravens are recording and set to make a fortune, fuck it even the blanks are watching

>>37604865
Except for Commissar Cain. He's just got it set to record.

>>37604860
So you think, anon.

I'm just here for the sex man.

Yeah... If I ever QM'd this part would scare the shit out if me too.

Damn, with this wait I'm wondering if Elijah is really going whole-haul with this. Makes me wonder...

You guys don't think she's a "radical" inquisitor, do you?

>>37605232
I hope she has ALL the shiny bits to use in bed.

>>37604347
(Dammit, I can't write properly when NASA's trying to track down my sides.)
>>37603980

Ah, screw it.

You raise up a hand and brush your thumb along her cheek, and she leans into your touch. She begins to tremble once more in your arms, but this time you're not worried.

When you kiss, it's a soft and simple thing. In an instant the world begins to fade away. Your worries and hers vanishing, however briefly. Christina wraps her arms around your neck, and you deepen the kiss. You want it to last forever, holding her there in your arms. After what feels like ages you break the kiss, and you meet each others gaze, breathless.

When your lips meet again the sweetness slowly turns to a new and growing sense of need, and Christina gently but firmly presses you against the wall. She tries to work the clasps of your armor while you kiss, but after a few seconds you stop her.

“I-I can’t get the…” She murmurs, blushing.

“I got it,” You chuckle, and with her help you quickly begin stripping away your armor. Christina never tears her eyes away from you, biting her lip ever so slightly as you pull off your undershirt. However, her desire abates for a brief moment as her eyes wander down your chest. She reaches out and traces one of the many scars that you’ve earned over time.

Taking her hand in yours, you kiss it before putting your arms around her once more. She lets out a surprised gasp at first, but the tone quickly changes to much more appreciative as you begin to kiss down her neck, only pausing to remove her shirt.

“My turn,” You whisper into her ear, and she shudders as you begin to kiss your way down.

With hurried, excited movement the last of the important articles of clothing are out of the way. The rest are simply forgotten about. The elevator is cold, but the woman pressed against you is too warm for you to care.

(Cont.)

>>37605331

You don’t know how long the two of you are there, and you don’t rightly care. In the end you find yourself laying on the floor with Christina next to you, snuggled into your side with her head resting on your shoulder. Both of you are exhausted, but it’s a fatigue you welcome. Especially with present company.

Christina lays with her eyes close, but when you kiss the top of her head her eyes open. She looks up to you and gives a tired but happy smile.

“Well,” She murmurs. “I suppose now the rumors are true.”

“That’s not a bad thing, I hope.”

She leans up and you share a brief kiss.

“I think not,” She answers, smiling.

Slowly, you both begin to redress. It’s an unfortunate but mandatory thing, and you let out a pained grunt as you stretch.

“I think I pulled something,” You joke.

“You’re lucky I can walk,” She grins.

After you both finish dressing you resume your ascent. Both of you, mainly Christina, work on trying to clean themselves up. You’re a bit prideful, if somewhat embarrassed, at how bedraggled she looked. However, she’s quick to handle the major tangles, tufts, and similar.

Your high is somewhat dampened when the elevator dings and opens, revealing a hallway filled with over a dozen servants, Tech Priests, and other assorted crew.

“Praise the Omissiah!” Melodi cries, making her way through the crowd. “About time we got the damn… thing… huh?”

She, and the assembled crowd including the Tech Priests previously waste deep into a console, look on for either of you to say something. For once, Christina is at a loss.

>Your reply?

>>37605371
>WE ARE FREE! PRAISE THE OMISSIAH!
> hug Melodi

>>37605371
"Praise the Omnissiah! We've been stuck in here ages!"

Maximum bluff.

>>37605371
"About damn time indeed, you would think of all the things to malfunction on a starship, least of would be the elevator."

>>37605371
this>>37605407
but add in i thought we were gonna die of heat stroke in there.

it will explain why there both sweaty.

Rolled 11 (1d20)

rolling to pass the smell check of the cog heads

>>37605371
>"Finally, thank you. It was a little warm in there."
Act completely calm. Do your best to contain the vaguely smug I-just-got-laid look.

>>37605371
Put on our trademark Cadian look of professionalism, look he in the eye, nod, greet her, and walk out of there without pause.

Possibly while holding hands with Christina.

>>37605458
>>37605506
But it wasn't warm in there. It was cold.

>>37605522
it believed that it broke down so the air went with it
plus we need an excuse for why both of us are sweaty.

>>37605371
“You’re lucky I can walk,” She grins.

That'll do Pig, That'll do

>>37605371

"It's about damn time you got that damn thing working,” You sigh, fanning yourself. “It was getting warm in there.”

“Wait,” Melodi pauses, glancing at the other Tech Priests. “You guys fixed it?”

Both men look at one another and then back to Melodi, nodding vigorously.

“We knew you’d pull through,” Christina says, smiling. “So we weren’t worried.”

“Well, of course,” Melodi scoffs. “It’s what I’m here for.”

With that settled you two are allowed through to change. In short order the crowd vanishes behind you. Once you’re clear, Christina takes you by the hand and intertwines your fingers with hers. Stopping, she turns to face you.

“I… didn’t mean for that to happen,” She admits. “I mean, I was ready if it did. I-if you ever-"

“You were ready?” You ask, raising a brow.

“Oh, don’t play innocent,” She thumps your chest, her nervousness replaced by annoyance. “The dinners, the conversations…”

“Just me being a good bodyguard,” You shrug, then wince as she applies pressure to your hand. “Okay, okay, maybe a bit more…”

“Hm. Now go get ready. Dinner will be here soon, and you've yet to start.”

Her typical demeanor is deflated as you kiss her.

“I’ll be waiting,” You smile, and abashed, Christina returns it.

_____________

Well folks. When I started this I had no idea what I was getting into. I didn't expect to make it anywhere near this far, but despite my own uncertainty you guys proved me wrong. Sometimes you made me laugh, other times tear my hair, and other Tsundere things. Through it all though, I've had fun.

So it's with a heavy heart that I bid goodbye to A Fresh Start...

...and hope you hold out for me to return with the next part of Michael's adventures: Changing Times.

It's late but I don't care. I'll answer any and all questions to the best of my ability, barring anything involving the future of the quest. Come one, come all. Step on up.

>>37605994
Thanks for the thread Elijah.

>So it's with a heavy heart that I bid goodbye to A Fresh Start...
>
>...and hope you hold out for me to return with the next part of Michael's adventures: Changing Times.
Uhh will that start next thread? Or is the quest over? Don't scare us like that OP.

>>37605994
ok from here on out the quest will continue just with a new name.

>>37605994
Can we roll to see if the emperor protects?

Also how sore both of them will be for the next few days?

>>37605994
Did you always intend to change up the names when we routelocked, or did it just seem appropriate here?

As an announcement for all the people, Elijah wants fan art that he can use for the newest part in his threads. So, tweet him your art and whoever has the best will be the new picture for the next part!

>>37605994
>So it's with a heavy heart that I bid goodbye to A Fresh Start...
WHAT!?
>...and hope you hold out for me to return with the next part of Michael's adventures: Changing Times.
Jesus dude, don't scare me like that.

That said I look forward to further installments.

>I'll answer any and all questions
So what inspired you to do this quest?

>>37606036
Indeed. Think of this as Part One, and Changing Times will be Part Two. So when I resume questing, which I think I'll take a brief break from, it'll be under the new title.

>>37606044
Sure, but I won't say if it actually counts, which will count for what, and if it also counts for things I won't mention.

>>37606058
To be completely honest the last bit was completely off the damn rails. I had planned for a peck on the cheek and nothing more. Boy was I wrong.

>>37606103
I thought I said I didn't like asking for fanart, ya lil shit. Gonna cut you.

...but if anyone has the desire, feel free.

>>37606103
Would that I had an ounce of drawing skill I already would be churning out fanart for this most awesome of quests.

>>37606137
>So when I resume questing, which I think I'll take a brief break from
Any idea how long the break will be? The quest has already had more than enough and I can't wait for my next fix of this.

>>37606058
>routelocked
Anon please, by the 3rd part we'll end up with Melodi and Roxy in bed with us and Chrissy.

>>37605994
Thanks for Running!

>>37606137
SOMEBODY ROLL THE DICE, WE MUST FIND OUT IF SHE IS BARING OUR BABYS

>>37606186
Melodi will bring the lube.

>>37606137
>I think I'll take a brief break from
Please keep us updated on twitter and don't take to long, for every week this isn't running the Emperor sheds a tear, which usually dooms a planet but who cares about that, MOAR QUEST!

Rolled 53 (1d100)

>>37606211

Rolled 13 (1d20)

>>37606211
I don't know if she's baring our babies but I doubt she's caring our child just after that.

Rolled 20 (1d20)

>>37606211
Rolling for Cadian fertility?

>>37606130
I honestly don't know. I'd followed Princess Guard Quest for a bit, and admittedly I like the base concept. So I decided to run a quest in a 40k fashion of bodyguarding. While that was the initial inspiration, it went off the walls almost from the beginning and became... whatever it is now. Still not completely sure what it is. But I think I like it.

Does anyone have any serious critiques, positive or negative? I know I've been known to mix up name and the occasional spelling mistake, but anything else? Characters, plots, interactions with you guys? This was my first ever Quest, so feedback on the experience as a whole would be great.

>>37606162
I'm currently not sure. Perhaps if I took some dedicated time off it'll mean less missed threads later. For now, hiatus until further notice. but I'll try not to vanish like usual.

>>37606214
Will try, even if it's just me complaining about family or making references.

>>37606238
o.O

>>37606137
Don't forget to archive the thread, and also don't forget to stay in touch with your twitter.

Thanks for running this boss, its usually the highlight of my day.

>>37606238
i KEKD

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>>37606238
I rolled the 19 for our performance and a 20 for fertility. Did I do good /tg/?

>>37606137
Thanks for the run Eli! I won't say I'm upset but wary, our now blossomed relationship with the inquisitor puts us in an odd, and dangerous, position as a body guard. While I can't say I'm a massive fan of all the time spent flirting with her I do enjoy how this relationship will change the quest as a whole. I take it we are the first of Chrissies bodyguards to become romantically evolved with Her? Assuming this is true it will be interesting to see how she juggles her love for us with the knowledge that we are after all number 13. Taking her track record into account it's only a matter of time...

>>37606247
the only critique I could have is that there isn't enough of it. I always want more.

>>37606238
For fuck sake, Mikey.

>>37606247
>Does anyone have any serious critiques, positive or negative? I know I've been known to mix up name and the occasional spelling mistake, but anything else? Characters, plots, interactions with you guys? This was my first ever Quest, so feedback on the experience as a whole would be great.
Nope, I can't find fault with anything as it stands, you're doing good bro.

>For now, hiatus until further notice. but I'll try not to vanish like usual.
I'll hold you to that, but don't take too long please, after a month people begin to think you've died and we get worried.

>Will try, even if it's just me complaining about family or making references.
Well with that at least we know you're still alive and can stay in touch.

Take care bro.

>>37606272
SON YOU ARE DOING THE EMPERORS WORK.

you dick you have no idea how spoiled I got when you said this would be the end. Thank Christ you just ment end of act 1. I wouldn't be able to handle another quest dying after ghost busters Japan just up and vanished.

>>37606058
son were playing a Cadian and there known for fucking and fighting.

>>37606357
Son you dont no vanished till you deal with
totamist quest and Space marine quest

I fucking miss nameless.

>>37606397
I miss nameless to anon.

I also miss BFQ, Predator Quest and Sororitas Quest

>>37606247
I don't think its deviated from the bodyguard position, its just we've been undercover mercenary for most of the quest

>>37606412
HE was the Emperor's Chosen

>>37606247
>Does anyone have any serious critiques, positive or negative?
If this isn't my favorite quest, it's in my top three. You've always done good work with characterization and you're also good about handling the players. You've been open to our responses while preventing things from getting bogged down. There's consistent amounts of well-written material which puts us through a variety of interesting scenarios to play through with a colorful cast of npcs to further the experience.

10/10, would quest with again.

The only real negative I can think of is the infrequency of threads. >>37606291 has it right.

>>37606247
>For now, hiatus until further notice. but I'll try not to vanish like usual.
The Big E is looking down upon you and your work OP, he likes what he see's, so don't go and vanish into the warp.

>>37606247
If you're still around, what times did we make you want to pull your hair out like you mentioned in >>37605994 ?

>>37607054
For the most part I'm proud to say I've had some really nice and clever anons follow along my magical trail. I was astounded time and time again by how you guys called several of the events before they occurred, and loved the occasional bouts of clever write-in actions and dialogue you guys came up with.

It was mainly last quest, where things got a bit iffy with someone or multiple someones deciding to cause riff raff. Luckily the storm passed quickly, and we went on to have a really good thread.

>>37607183
>It was mainly last quest
You mean last thread?

Also, When are we going to collect that door we blew in, Mike will have his trophy dammit!

>>37607183
Out of curiosity, what kind of tabletop games do you play, if any? I ask because I imagine you must make some good rpg characters if the writing here is anything to go by.

Maybe you'd even have a few stories?

>>37607222
Yes, that word, I get stupid when I'm tired. I apologize. And the door will be forever remembered as the Emperor's finest.

>>37607281
I only recently got into actual tabletop, having joined my college's gaming club and by extension a really cool roleplaying group. In the past I'd done less formal things, but already for the new as well as the old I've got a few memorable moments and campaigns. Actually thought about throwing up a greentext sometime...

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>>37606238
Its happening. Time to say our Cadian ass goodbye, since we are going out the airlock.

>>37608386
Next quest: Inquisitor baby?