>>39425500

Shit.

Damn.

Double damn.

You bite your tongue and keep the words from materializing, but from her expression Melodi can see right through your stoic façade. With the adrenaline having run its course, all the pain and bruising that had begun to make itself known did so once more with gusto. The Tech Priest’s poking and prodding only makes it worse.

“So,” You say, wincing at every touch. “What’s the damage?”

You feel guilty, looking over at the medical bed opposite of you. While you’re still able to sit on the side, albeit hunched over, Jonah’s lying flat and unconscious.

“You’ve got at least two bruised ribs, most likely a third,” Melodi answers, gingerly touching your forearm. “Left arm’s suffered a minor fracture. Not even taking into account all the cuts and bruises you’ve taken, I’d say you got off pretty easy, all things considered.”

“Jonah?” You ask in a soft tone.

“Well, his nose is more crooked than it was before. His ribs didn’t stand up as well as yours, and someone put a knife in his back during the fight,” She sees your expression and gives you a reassuring smile. “He’ll live, for sure. He just won’t be happy for the next few days while he recovers. Not that he’s ever really happy to begin with. If we’re being honest, most guys in your position would have had to have been carried back to the ship, let alone remain conscious.”

“Jonah’d still be awake too if you hadn’t drugged him,” You chuckle, wincing at the effort. “We’re Cadians. Taking a beating’s part of the job description.”

(Cont.)

>>39425520

“Uh huh,” Melodi says, retrieving a needle from a nearby tray. You eye it warily, but she waves a hand airily before planting it in your good forearm. “Not as strong as his, I promise, but enough to dull the pain. Though you might actually want to be under when Chrissy finds out.”

“She’s been told?” You ask.

“Not yet. I sent the rest of Alpha down to their barracks; didn’t want them breathing down my neck while I worked. I was actually about to give her the call.”

You cringe at the thought, for more reasons than one. Not only is Christina going to flip when she hears what happened, you also remember her talking about spending time with Naomi tonight, wanting to bond for the first time since her arrival. You know this isn’t something to gloss over, but after their fight earlier…

>”We’re both still alive, like you said, with no permanent harm done. I’ll tell her in the morning.”
>”This isn’t going to go well, but…go on.”

>>39425540
>>”We’re both still alive, like you said, with no permanent harm done. I’ll tell her in the morning.”
Family time With Naomi is more important than this.

>>39425540
>>”This isn’t going to go well, but…go on.”

>>39425540
>”We’re both still alive, like you said, with no permanent harm done. I’ll tell her in the morning.”

>>39425540
>>”We’re both still alive, like you said, with no permanent harm done. I’ll tell her in the morning.”

"She is going to be pissed though..."

>>39425575 here, fuck my timezone and my sleep cycle, I need to get a couple hours sleep before work so thanks for the thread OP, I'll have to catch up later

>>39425540

"We're both still alive, like you said. No permanent damage done," You say, glancing over at your wounded companion. "I'll tell her in the morning."

"You sure?" Melodi asks, though there's a tinge of understanding in her expression. "You're not in much of a condition to defend yourself."

"I'll manage," You promise, pulling your shirt back on slowly and with Melodi's help. "So I'm fit for duty, then?"

"Hah," Melodi more says than truly laughs. "At this point I think even -I- might be able to take you on. Right now you need to get some rest, let the drugs I've given you do their work."

"Have you told Alpha we're alright?"

"In due time, Mikkey. I've been busy making sure you two weren't falling apart or bleeding internally. They can hover around you all tomorrow," She gives a gentle but firm push for you to lay down. "Rest."

You want to object, but you suppose she knows the way of things. Settling in, Melodi promises to check in on the both of you on the hour.

Fatigue takes you soon after she leaves.

When you wake up again, you find Jonas awake as well, being looked over by Melodi, with Roxy and Gabriel standing nearby. A quick glance at a clock hanging on the wall shows that it's early morning.

"LT!" Roxy says, face lighting up as she sees you lean up. She slides up next to your bedside, smiling mildly. "So, uh...how you feeling?"

>"About the same as after every other shore leave."
>"I've been better."
>"Just peachy, Sergeant. How's the headache?"

>>39426269
>"Just peachy, Sergeant. How's the headache?"

>>39426269
>>"Just peachy, Sergeant. How's the headache?"

>>39426269
>>"Just peachy, Sergeant. How's the headache?"

ahh yeahh it back and im so ready.

>>39426269
>"About the same as after every other shore leave."
>"Just peachy, Sergeant. How's the headache?"

>Welcome back Lieutenant

>>39426269
>"Just peachy, Sergeant. How's the headache?"

>>39426269

"Oh, just peachy, Sergeant," You say. "How's the headache?"

"Drowned in Recaf," She chuckles. "Mel says you got off alright."

"Everything's still were it should be," You nod. "Just...a bit more battered than before."

"I should have stayed with you," She says, casting her eyes downward. "If I'd had your back..."

"You'd be in the bed next to me," You shake your head. "Don't worry yourself about it, Rox. We gave those bastards as good as we got."

"Speaking of them, Burk and Wyack are watching our guest like hawks," Roxy explains. "I'm tempted to hand him over to Vincent, but we still need him to be able to speak."

"Smart," You nod. "Can you give me a hand?"

"Uh...sure?"

Though unsure, the Sergeant helps you hesitantly get to your feet.

"And where do you think you're going?" Melodi asks over her shoulder.

"Back to my room," You answer. "Whether it's mine or not, I'd like to get into something not splattered with blood. A shower'd be nice, too."

Though clearly displeased by the idea, she looks between you and Roxy.

"Can you get him back to his place in one piece?" She asks.

"Yes, ma'am," Roxy nods, flashing you a grin as you exit the medbay. "This feels familiar."

"Want me to throw up on your boots for old times sake?" You ask, putting your good arm around her shoulders.

"I never did that!"

"Oh? Must be some other drunk Cadian girl."

"Did Mel give you something?"

"Probably."

Continuing your idle back and forth banter, you make it back to your room in due time. Finding everything as you left it, you begin to rummage for a fresh change of clothes.

"How about I grab us up some grub while you get all pretty'd up? Bring it back here for you?" Roxy offered.

You never did find any dinner last night, and you're in no shape to do your typical breakfast yourself. Even so, you're not sure about putting off Christina any further then you already are.

>"Maybe another time, Rox. I need to report to the Inquisitor."
>"I could go for a bite, I guess."

>>39427115
>"I could go for a bite, I guess."

>>39427115
>"I could go for a bite, I guess."

>>39427115
>>"I could go for a bite, I guess."

>>39427115
>>"Maybe another time, Rox. I need to report to the Inquisitor."

>>39427115
>"I could go for a bite, I guess."

>>39427115
>"Maybe another time, Rox. I need to report to the Inquisitor."

>>39427115
>"I could go for a bite, I guess."

>>39427115
>"Maybe another time, Rox. I need to report to the Inquisitor."
Good to see yea back Elijah

>>39427115

After all that's happened, something in your belly would do you some good.

"Alright," You nod. "I could go for a bite, I guess."

"Cool," Roxy says, waving as she departs. "Have fun. Don't fall while you're in there."

"I'll do my best."

The warm water does wonders to relieve some of the stiffness working itself into your body, though it still remains enough to be noticeable. Taking care to watch your footing, you manage to avoid any additional damage to yourself or your surroundings.

As you finish pulling on a fresh uniform you hear a familiar hum and look up to see Jeeves appear from his cubyhole.

"Ah, Master Dunk-sweet Emperor! What happened, sir?" He asks, pausing to look you over.

"I got into a bit of a scrap," You admit, unceremoniously slumping into your desk chair. "You should see the other guys."

"I'm certain," Jeeves replies, not quite convinced. "Does Lady Massey know?"

"She will soon. How'd things go with her and Naomi?"

"Good, good. After your brief intervention before, things went much smoother."

"Happy to hear it," You say. "Have I missed anything else?"

At that the servo skull shakes from side to side.

"All's quiet on the eastern fringe besides, sir," Jeeves answers. "I take it you won't be providing meals today?"

"Afraid not," You admit with a chuckle.

"I'll see that she remembers to get something herself," Jeeves promises, beginning to flutter back from whence he came. "I believe you have company. Good day, sir."

Shortly after, Roxy arrives once more, having taken your place in an odd feeling of deja vu.

"You're looking better," Roxy notes, closing the door with a foot.

"Feeling better, too," You answer, helping her with your good hand to find a place for everything. Without much further ado, you both begin devouring your meals with typical guardsman grace, which was to say very little.

>Idle mealtime smalltalk?

>>39427789
"So are all you night out on the town fun or is it just when im around?"

>>39427789
Remind me to hang back next time you take the men for a night on the town, the town hits back.

Heh, I like how you guys like to vote Roxy then say nothing to her. This isn't the first time this has happened.

>>39428124
It's the common basement nerd struggle, wanting to talk to women, but once we get there we don't know what to say

>>39427789
are the new guys fitting in within her unit?

>>39428152
i dont think its that we just dont know her that much all we know is she became the Sargent of Alpha after the old Sargent was killed, she's cadian and she is snarky.

>>39427572
(Glad to be back. Been too long.)
>>39428124
>>39428152
(Oh /tg/. You so silly.)
>>39427789

For a time you both eat in companionable silence, hunger outweighing a desire for conversation. However, you eventually get your fill.

"So, how often does last night happen?" You ask. "Is this standard fare or am I just lucky?"

"We're not as bad as Vinny and his people can sometimes get," Roxy huffs. "We have fun, but we're professionals. Well, ish."

"Ish," You echo with a chuckle. "I take it the new guys are doing well?"

"Better than I'd hoped," Roxy nods. "Wyack can be a bit of a smartass, but other than that I think we chose well. Doesn't hurt that our first mission involved us kicking all sorts of ass."

"Is that the term they use in the Primer, Sergeant?" You tease.

"More or less," She smirks. "I paraphrase a bit."

"Hmm," You grunt, leaning back in your chair, content. "Just make sure to remind me to hang back next time. When you guys hit the town, the town hits back."

Though she laughs, there's a hint of guilt in her expression, however briefly.

"What can I say?" She asks. "We like to have fun."

Though you initially try to do it yourself, Roxy collects the various dishes.

"You've got bigger things to worry about," She says, only partially joking.

"I suppose so," You admit. "Still. Thanks for this."

She waves your words off, though she smiles all the same.

"Cadian's gotta stick together, ya know?" She says. "Besides, this just means you owe me one'a these famous home-made meals I've heard rumors about."

"And where did these rumors come from?" You ask warily.

"Now that's a secret," She winks. "Good luck, LT."

"Thanks," You sigh, and with that she departs.

(Cont.)

>>39428500

Gathering your wits and trying to make yourself presentable, you make your way towards the Inquisitor's room. Your feet seem to drag, but eventually you arrive. Taking a breath, you give the door three sharp knocks.

"Come in," Christina calls.

With your good hand you enter to see the Inquisitor in her usual spot behind her desk. However, when she looks up to greet you, her relatively bright mood vanishes as she gapes at your current condition, eyes going wide in shock.

>"I can explain."
>"Morning, ma'am."
>"It looks worse than it really is."

>>39428520
>"Morning, ma'am."

>>39428520
>"Morning, ma'am. It looks worse than it really is."

>>39428520
>"Morning, ma'am. It looks worse than it really is."

>>39428520
>>"Morning, ma'am."
"i know im good looking but dont need to stare that much."

>>39428520
>>"Morning, ma'am."

>>39428520
>"Morning, ma'am. It looks worse than it really is."

>>39428520
>"Morning, ma'am. It looks worse than it really is."

>>39428520

"Morning, ma'am," You greet, moving your injured arm pointedly. "It looks worse than it really is."

"I...see," Christina says, still processing what she's seeing. "And...how did this happen?"

Taking a seat, you explain to her everything that had happened as best you can. As ever she listens diligently, though her gaze wonders down to your arm from time to time. When you finish, she closes her eyes and pinches the bridge of her nose. You can't tell if this is a good sign or bad, but you're worried all the same.

"I can't let you out of my sights for five minutes, can I, Lieutenant?" She asks wearily.

"Sorry, ma'am," You chuckle nervously.

"You're both alive, and that's what I care about," Christina says. "But explain to me, if you will, why you refrained from notifying me as soon as you returned?"

"Well, you were busy."

Taken off-guard by the casualness in your tone, you can only offer a shrug.

"You said you were spending the evening with Naomi, and like you said, we're both breathing. After what happened before, I thought you two could use the time together, uninterrupted. Just for a little while, at least."

Clearly torn between being touched and wanting to give a lecture, Christina sighs once more, smiling despite herself.

"While I do appreciate your concern, I do ask you at least give me some sort of alert to assaults on my people. Yourself included."

"Yes, ma'am," You nod. "But...did you two have fun?"

"We did," Christina admits. "In no small part thanks to you."

"Bah," You shake your head. "I'm just here to shoot stuff. Anything else is above my pay-grade."

At that Christina raises a curious brow, but decides to refrain from commenting further. Instead, she switches back to full Inquisitor mode as she looks you over.

(Cont.)

>>39429654

"If it's any consolation, I know who attacked you," She explains. "Perhaps not the men themselves, but who they represent. The Sons of Urek; one of several rebel cells working in this sector alongside Noriega's band. Named after the leader of a previous rebellion from long past, they've been fairly quiet in recent months. At least, up until recently."

"You got all this from Tiberius?" You ask, curious about the Inquisitor's elderly and ornery informant.

"No," Christina admits. "Inquisitor Straunum was the one investigating them before he arrived here, and their name was among the groups he'd listed as important in the reports he sent me."

Alexi? Wonderful.

"They're not known to venture this deep into the sector core, but I'll bet good money on Noregia having a hand in it," Christina continues, chin resting on her hand as she observes you. "Any initial thoughts on the matter, Lieutenant?"

>Your response?

>>39429686
How do you feel about using the Gauntlet as an interrogation method, ma'am?

>>39429686
Well we need to find out then don't we?

>>39429686
"we could ask our friend if he was order to attack us or if his cell decide to attack noriega's."

>>39429686
"I think we should probably ask the guy we brought in from last night but, why would they start up now?"

>>39429686

"Well, I can't really speak much for it right now," You admit. "But our buddy in the brig might."

"My thoughts precisely." Christina smiles.

"It's odd, though. Starting up out of the blue like this."

"I'd say it tells us all we need to know," Christina explains with a sigh. "It no doubt means they're getting closer to whatever it is they're planning."

"Then I guess we'll have to stop'em, won't we, ma'am?" You ask.

"Indeed. However, I know you're not feeling at one hundred percent right now. Far from it, no doubt. If you want, I can let you rest while Vincent and I speak with our new guest."

You admit you've felt better, but you've also felt a hell of a lot worse. So long as you're not asked to wrestle with the man, you should be fine. You think.

>"Not much of a bodyguard if I'm napping, ma'am."
>"If it's alright with you..."

>>39430233
>"Not much of a bodyguard if I'm napping, ma'am."

>>39430233
>"Not much of a bodyguard if I'm napping, ma'am."

>>39430233
>>"Not much of a bodyguard if I'm napping, ma'am."

>>39430233
>>"Not much of a bodyguard if I'm napping, ma'am."

>>39430233
>>"Not much of a bodyguard if I'm napping, ma'am."

>>39430233
>"Not much of a bodyguard if I'm napping, ma'am."

>>39430233

"Not much of a bodyguard if I'm napping, ma'am," You say.

"Studious as always, Lieutenant," Christina smiles, and together you stand.

Making your way towards the elevator, the doors close and you begin to descend. As you do, however, Christina steps closer and wraps both her arms around your good one, giving you a light pinch.

"Ow," You chuckle, looking down at her. "What was that for?"

"Making me worry," Christina mutters, tightening her grip and leaning into you. You see no reason to complain.

"Nothing to worry about, ma'am," You assure her with a smile. "A few bumps and bruises, nothing more."

Her only response is a displeased huff, and a brief time pass this way, her clinging to your arm. You think of acting, but decide against it. Then the elevator chimes and she takes a step away, snapping back to her original place in an instant. Realizing what she'd forgotten to stop doing, a red hue briefly raises to her cheeks as she coughs into her hand.

"After you," You say, signaling her forward, and to her chagrin she complies.

In a similar scene to before you find the hall of cells occupied by a pair of armsmen protecting one cell in particular. However, this time, Vincent also waits with them, arms crossed. He shows surprise when he sees you, or more specifically your condition, but unlike Christina he makes no effort to hide it.

"Mike?" He says, stepping forward. "Golden Throne, man..."

>"They got off easy."
>"Hello to you too."
>"We can't all be as beautiful as you, Vinny."

>>39430977
>"We can't all be as beautiful as you, Vinny."
Pinch his cheek and wink.

>not much of a bodyguard if I'm nappint

Also, I'm the guy who kissed that girl he worked with the one time and then spotted this thread, she's my girlfriend as of today, and I also just finished my Ba(H), and then I find this thread for the first time after like a month, seriously, what is it with this thread and timing?

>>39430977
>>"Hello to you too."

>>39431039
his old computer broke had to wait to get a new one. also congrats on the GF

>>39430977
>"You should have seen the other guys."

>>39430977
>>"We can't all be as beautiful as you, Vinny."

>>39430977
>"We can't all be as beautiful as you, Vinny."

>>39430977
>>"We can't all be as beautiful as you, Vinny."

>>39431039
hah grats dude

>>39431039
>>39431092
(Silver linings are a curious thing. As the other anon said, congrats, mate. Best wishes.)

>>39430977

"We can't all be as beautiful as you, Vinny," You sigh.

"Glad to see they left your humor intact, at least," Vincent chuckles.

"Truly, the Emperor smiles on him," Christina deadpans. "I do hope you actually followed my orders this time."

"I thought about otherwise, but I didn't wanna push it," Vincent shrugs, complete innocence. "Thought I'd wait, see what happens when we do it by the book."

Rolling her eyes, Christina looks between the two of you.

"Speaking of which," She says. "I'll remain out here, watch from the camera. You two can go in and have fun. Just...do try and restrain yourselves. We don't need another mess to clear up. Right now, we're looking for details to track down on the man himself and the reasons behind the attack. Anything else you question him on I leave to your discretion."

"You know us, ma'am," Vincent grins. "Discretion is our middle name."

The Inquisitor's expression suggests otherwise. Through the camera you see the prisoner sitting with his hands bound, though you're fairly certain the black eye he's sporting is from either you or Jonah, not Vincent. A man in his early 30s, he has the look of the average hive worlder, but not the usual underhive filth. Instead, he appears to fit in more with the middle hiver populace, fairly healthy and with no obvious gang tattoos or other signs of a criminal. He sits leaned back in his chair, head bowed slightly as if he's asleep.

"So, Mike," Vincent continues, turning to you. "I've not had a partner to do this with in a while, but how about we try Good Arbite, Bad Arbite?"

"I've seen it done in the vids," You answer.

"Close enough," Vincent chuckles. "So, which one's it gonna be for you?"

>Good Arbite.
>Bad Arbite.

>Any particular method of interrogation? Things to say, do, try and find out?

>>39431642
>Good Arbite.
if he seems to have trouble remembering maybe don't push on that subject. wouldn't want brains all over ourselves again.

>>39431642
>>Bad Arbite.

threaten him to make him like his friends in the alley if he doesn't tell us who sent him

>>39431642
>>Good Arbite.

Don't fuck with him I'm his friend and look what he did to me when I pissed him off.

>>39431642
>>Bad Arbite.
>Any particular method of interrogation?

I mentioned this before, but how about we just shove them into the Gauntlet and make them go through it repeatedly until they crack?

>>39431642
>>Bad Arbite.
We are the one who got beaten and it shows. We have a reason to be pissed.

>>39431642
>Bad Arbite.
His problem with guardsmen, who he works with, their plans, hideouts etc. Play up that we want pay back for their shit, we fought to protect their lives and this is how they pay us and shit.

did Elijah die?

>>39433205
i think he may have. sad face i enjoy this quest.

(Sorry about that. Ran out to grab a bite to eat and got held up.)
>>39431642

"I'll take bad," You decide.

"Oh, this should be rich," Vincent chuckles, a shade darker than usual.

As you both enter the man's head raises up in an instant, eyeing you both warily. Sharing a glance, you and Vincent both take a seat opposite of him.

"So," Vincent begins, bringing his hands together on the table. "My friend here tells me you and a couple dozen of your buddies humped him."

He looks to you, but you remain silent, glaring. To his credit, he doesn't flinch.

"If you're going to kill me, do it and be done with it," He says. "I'll not waste my breath on fools."

"Now that's no good," Vincent frowned. "I'm here, trying to play nice, even after all you did to my buddy here."

Looking back at you, the man snorts.

"How's the arm?" He asks you.

>"Better than your buddies."
>Glare.
>Other?

>>39433283
>Glare.
"My other one still works fine."

>>39433283
>>Glare.

>>39433283
>>"Better than your buddies."

its okay Elijah, we just wondered if you left without posting about it.

>>39433283

>"Better than your buddies."
>Glare. GLARE.

>>39433283
>Glare.
Cadian death glare activate!

>>39433283
>>Glare.

>>39433283
>>"Better than your buddies."

>>39433283
>Glare.
We do it real good, like any Cadian should.

>>39433283
>>Other?
Stab him in the hand pinning him to the table?
"better than your hand"

>>39433533
BACKING

>>39433533
YES!

>>39433533
im for, I want to change my vote if possible

>>39433340
(I hadn't planned on it taking that long. You guys know how most of my plans tend to go.)
>>39433283

"Better than your buddies," You growl, staring the man down.

His expression sours considerably, but Vincent continues.

"Him and his friends were out on the town, not bothering nothing and nobody," He says. "Why give them trouble they ain't handing out?"

"Someone has to stand up to them," The man answers. "They get to prey on the weak. Why can't we?"

"They," Vincent echoes. "You mean the Guard? What did they do to you?"

The man remains defiantly silent, looking between you and Vincent with equal ire. You return it, though your patience begins to thin.

>"You got a problem with the Guard? Well here's a Guardsman. Speak up, tough guy."
>Glare.
>Other?

>>39433533
>What the hell Mikey
>...what, we're playing good Arbite Bad Cadian Arbite aren't we?
>Oh shit I forgot about that

>>39433711
>Glare.

>>39433711
>>Glare.

>>39433734
>>39433711
Adding to this start playing with your knife.

>>39433711
>>"You got a problem with the Guard? Well here's a Guardsman. Speak up, tough guy."

>>39433776
How about picking dirt out from our nails with it?

>>39433711
>>Glare.
>>Other?
play with our knife


will do the knife pinning if he is not willing to cooperate.

>>39433711
"You mean the men and women who die by the thousands protecting you from shit you couldn't even imagine?"

>>39433851
replace thousands with millions

>>39433851
I like this.

>>39433851
Second.

You guys know... we could always lock him in a room with a tyranid, give him the guardsman simulation.

Also remember, we told him we're not guardsman... we have to make him understand we were telling the truth... and that hes in a whole other level of shit he can't even imagine.

>>39433851
*Twirl Tyranid blood stained knife*

>>39434075
Oh fuck good idea.

>>39433711

Reaching down, you pull your knife free from it's sheathe. While your left arm is out of commission, you've practiced using it one-handed a few times before.

Upon seeing the blade the man tenses immediately, scowling at it and you.

"Always the same with you Guardsmen," He sneers. "The first time you get denied, out come the weapons. The threats. The evil looks."

"And you think that's because of you?" You laugh without humor. "Even now, millions of men and women fight and die facing shit you couldn't even image. All to protect ungrateful little shits like yourself."

"I know well what you dogs face," He says, face flushed with sudden anger. "My home was EATEN, you fool! An entire planet, reduced to nothing but barren wasteland! And where was the Imperial Guard then? They take our best men and get them killed everywhere except where they're needed most. And for what? Nothing!"

At that you toss the knife up into the air, grabbing it and holding it up into the light. The white and purple ichor shines clearly, and the man pauses.

"For every planet we lost, we lost whole regiments of good men and women. People who knew the price to pay for the Imperium. People I knew."

You both intend to keep going, but your mediator jumps in.

"Alright, alright. Let's all take a step back, now," Vincent urges, placing a hand on your good shoulder. "No need to get each other riled up. Let's start back from the beginning, if we can. My name's Vincent. This is Mike."

"A pleasure," the man replied dryly, keeping his attention primarily focused on you.

"Look," Vincent sighs. "You and your mates tried killing two friends of mine. And you're telling me you went after them just because you thought they were guardsmen?"

For the briefest moment hesitation crosses the man's face.

"You are," He says. "We've been seeing your types for over a year now. We know you when we see you."

>"Buddy, you don't know just how wrong you are."
>Let Vincent take the lead.
>Other?

>>39435005
>>"Buddy, you don't know just how wrong you are."

>>39435005
>>"Buddy, you don't know just how wrong you are."
Evil smile.

>>39435005
>>Let Vincent take the lead.

>>39435005
>>"Buddy, you don't know just how wrong you are."

>>39435005
>"Buddy, you don't know just how wrong you are."
You honestly think anyone in command of an IG regiment would let a man with a knife stained in Tyranid Ichor out to town without escort?
Malefic smile.

>>39435005
>>"Buddy, you don't know just how wrong you are."
"And I am going to enjoy the look on your face when you realized who you fucked with."

>>39435005

At that you think back to the times Christina terrified you. Through your best effort, you try and emulate that effect as you chuckle in a similarly dark fashion to Vincent.

"Buddy," You mutter. "You don't know just how wrong you are."

"You see," Vincent picks up the ball seamlessly. "When you need a war done, you call the Guard. When you need something big and nasty killed, you call the Astarte."

"When you need rebels and heretics like you dealt with," You say, slamming the blade down into the table. "You call the Inquisition."

At that the man's color drains from his face.

"What?" He asks.

"I tried to warn you, friend," Vincent sighs.

Though initially taken off-guard, the man recovers with admirable speed.

"You-" He falters briefly. "You're lying."

"You want proof?" You ask, grinning. "I can get it. Plenty of things with teeth down below I can show you. Nice and personal, like."

The man's confidence has deflated rapidly, but determination refuses to leave him.

"Do what you have to, Imperials," He swallows with difficulty, looking away. "I'll not betray him."

>"Sounds to me like you want to go visit the lower levels. Let's go."
>Let Vincent take the lead.
>Other?

>>39435839
>>"Sounds to me like you want to go visit the lower levels. Let's go."

>>39435839
Tell him all about the lovely attractions you have available on this ship. In detail.

>>39435839
>Bring in Melodi
She'strained in torture/servitor conversion right?

>>39435839
>>"Sounds to me like you want to go visit the lower levels. Let's go."

>>39435839
>Call in a servitor
Only high ups have servitors don't they?

>>39435839
>>Let Vincent take the lead.
we gave him the stick lets see if he wants the carrot.

>>39435839
>>Let Vincent take the lead.

>>39435839
>Let Vincent take the lead.

>>39435839
>>Let Vincent take the lead.

>>39435839
>>"Sounds to me like you want to go visit the lower levels. Let's go."

>>39435839

"Sounds to me like you want to go visit the lower levels," You grunt, standing and sheathing your knife. "Let's go."

Before he can object you're already on the move, and despite being reduced to one hand you're still more than able to yank him from his chair. With a yelp he falls to the floor with a thud, proceeding to be dragged behind you by the handcuffs restraining him.

"You'd be shocked what you find in the wake of a Hive Fleet," You chuckle. "The Tyranids have a bug for every occasion, and you'll see just how many that means. We got Rippers, Lictors, Carny's too..."

"N-No, please God no!" He shrieks, thrashing against your grip. "Not again, nonono!"

"MIKE!" Vincent barks, halting you before you reach the door.

Turning around, you let him go and crouch to meet the man face to face.

"What's wrong, tough guy?" You growl. "You said you've seen'em before. What's the problem? You see one rip a tank in half, right? How about see one eat a grown man whole? Answer me, tough guy! Come on, tell me!"

A hand grabs you by the shoulder and half pulls, half throws you back. Pain shoots through your injured arm but you remain silent, looking at Vincent in surprise, though he's not paying you any attention. Crouching next to the man, he takes your old position but at a more respectable position.

"You know where we found ole Mike?" Vincent asks in a soft tone that sounds completely foreign to you. "Tadira III. The planet that broke the kraken's back, they say. Cost us too much, but they did it anyway. Mike, and all his pals, fighting tooth and nail to keep the 'Nids back. Fought and died to let the people that lived there, people like you, get away. The reason you're here today is cause of Mike and his people payin' that price for you. Now tell me. Who's in the right here? The guys fightin' and dyin' against the Nids? Or the guys jumping drunk Guardsmen?"

(Cont.)

>>39436725

The man mutters something you don't catch, but whatever it is it's not for you. Looking back at you with a wink, Vincent nods towards the door.

Not needing to be told twice, you make a quiet exit. Once out, you find the two guards trying desperately to not look behind them at the terminal while Christina does so intently.

"I suppose it was too much to have gotten the deed done without violence," She sighs, turning to face you. "But there's always more than one way to skin a grox."

"We got what we needed, didn't we, ma'am?" You ask.

"Yes, but...call it a personal preference," She shakes her head, smiling. "You and Vincent work well together. I may do this again in the future."

"I'll be here, ma'am."

"So you will," Christina says. "However, here you'll have to remain until that arm's healed."

"Ma'am?"

"You're not being put back into action until you're back at one hundred percent. That includes tomorrow."

Alarms immediately begin blaring in your head at this, and while your Inquisitor she may be, you've learned enough to want to be with her when she meets Alexi.

>Try and convince her to let you go. (How?)
>"I...yes, ma'am."

>>39436756
>>Try and convince her to let you go. (How?)
"I still got my eyes don't I? I don't need to be at 100% to give people the good old Cadian Glare. I want to come with you on this one."

>>39436756
>>Try and convince her to let you go. (How?)
Get melodi to create some form of robotic brace to cover me hurt arm and allow me to use it properly. I will not allow you to go there alone.

Im thinking our arm is broken, or am i wrong?

>>39436756
>"I...yes, ma'am."
we'd most likely be a liability right now.

>>39436756
>>39436827
This then >>39436837 but instead muse about how fast Mel could build a new arm.

>>39436756
>"I...yes, ma'am."

Much as I hate it, we're a definite liability in the field right now. Unless Melodi has some way to get us up to snuff in time, we need to recover.

Might be a good time to talk a bit more with Naomi as well.

>>39436756
>>"I...yes, ma'am."
"At least let me be in position to provide support, I don't trust that bastard."

>>39436756
>"I...yes, ma'am."

>>39436895
What happened to our arm anyway? I remember we got jumped but was it shot or broken?

>>39436949
Just fractured. My comment was more to prove our unwillingness to leave her alone with that guy.

>>39436961
ahh. So my idea for some type of arm brace would actually work. Basically a brace that would be used to dampen any blows or stop the arm for being moved much.

>>39436961
there isn't really any need to prove that anymore. if something does happen it's far more likely we'll have to be rescued because we're not up to snuff considering we have bruised ribs and a fucked up arm.

>>39437013
an arm brace is fine, but we can't do the same for our ribs, which are a far worse injury

>>39436756
>"I...yes, ma'am."
lets be honest were more of a hindrance at this point if we get into a fight and seeing as who we are... you get the picture

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696 KB GIF

>>39437060
Better put us in a dreddnaught.

>>39436756
>"I know your right but I at least want to be able to keep watch with a big rifle from a distance in case anything goes sideways."

>>39436756

Every instinct is telling you to go with her.

Sadly, your body is suggesting otherwise. Just from your stunt with the rebel, your body's starting to complain from the unwanted and unneeded stress.

"I...yes, ma'am," You sigh.

Smiling, she reaches up and gives your cheek a gentle pat.

"Don't be so distraught," She said. "I won't be going alone, I assure you. Father Mikel will be accompanying me instead. Alexi knows him -very- well, so you need not worry. Not that you should in the first place."

Shortly after Vincent appears from the cell, looking pleased with himself.

"Harrian Devel," He says. "Small time part of the Sons, but he's a start, at least. He's terrified of you now, Mike. Now after I told him what you did to get that knife the way you did."

"But...I never," You pause. "Oh."

"The Commander has a very active imagination," Christina sighs. "It has its uses, but more often than not it's more trouble than it's worth."

"Bah," Vincent waves her words off. "You just squander my talents, is all."

Leaving Vincent to coax more information out of the man, Christina escorts you back to the elevator.

"Go rest up and I'll stop by with lunch," Christina offers. "I'll wrap up things here."

"I like this change," You smile.

"Don't get used to it," She replies, chuckling. "And don't give tomorrow anymore thought. Everything will be fine."

>"If you get to worry, so do I. That's how this works."
>"Let's hope so."
>"You know best, ma'am."

>>39437398
>>"If you get to worry, so do I. That's how this works."

>>39437398
>"If you get to worry, so do I. That's how this works."
I'm your bodyguard ma'am. Worrying is in the job description.

>>39437398
>"Let's hope so."

>>39437398
>"If you get to worry, so do I. That's how this works."

>>39437398
>"If you get to worry, so do I. That's how this works."

>>39437398
>"If you get to worry, so do I. That's how this works."

>>39437398
>>"If you get to worry, so do I. That's how this works."
"My job is to be more paranoid then you."

>>39437398

"If you get to worry, so do I," You chuckle. "That's how this works."

"How what works?" Christina asks, head tilting to the side in innocent curiosity. "You wouldn't be referring to something other than as a bodyguard, would you, Lieutenant?"

"Huh?" You ask, uncertainty quickly turning to realization as you shuffle nervously. "I-I didn't-well, I-I mean I was just..."

Cutting you off with an uncharacteristic giggle, Christina leans up and gives you a quick kiss, leaving you dumbfounded as she steps back. Giving you a teasing smile, the Inquisitor offers you a small wave as the elevator doors begin to close. You return it, returning the smile with your own.

Pressing the key, the elevator begins to ascend as you try and figure out just what you've gotten yourself into. Despite the initial uncertainty, you're starting to like it.

____________________

I started late so I tried going a bit longer than normal, but I'm about to drop as-is so we'll stop here. Hope you guys had fun after such a break. Again.

As always, the time for questions/suggestions/whatever is now.

I saw in the Weekend Quest Discussion Thread my quest had made it onto the 2014 Quest timeline. This means I'm internet famous now, right?

>>39437944
thanks for the thread boss, was good to have this back, next thread when?

>>39437398
>"If you get to worry, so do I. That's how this works."

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48 KB PNG

>>39437944
Thanks for the run glad to see you back.

>>39437944
Thanks for the run boss

>>39437976
I had planned on running another thread tomorrow, but I think we'll go for Monday instead if that's alright with you rest of you guys.

>>39437944
>I saw in the Weekend Quest Discussion Thread my quest had made it onto the 2014 Quest timeline. This means I'm internet famous now, right?

sure i even showed papa-n your quest the part were you referenced his quest he liked it

>>39438207
You're a good dude. Fellow, HLQ bro.

>>39438267
Goddamn now I feel old, I am having Abbadon Quest and HLQ flashbacks now. Goddamnit Hobo King, why did you have to disapear :(

>>39438207
I-I referenced his quest? Where? It's late, so my memory of anything past three hours ago is iffy, so you'll have to forgive me; I'm generally curious, though. Still, that's awesome! I'm glad senp-I mean other QM's like my stuff.

>>39438199
Whatever works best for you.

>>39438340
when we were get tailed by some junkies after helping Vincent with a street job

>>39438267
as are you good sir.