Stormtroopers filled at the docks. The gray metal room lit by white sterile lights echoed in busy footsteps. A sergeant and a squad of stormtroopers escorted you through the docks.

“The preparation for Expedition is already done?”

“Yes, all we need is your command, the Somnus Citadel was bigger than we thought.”

“I see, and the colony here?”

“Eliminated.”

You stopped your steps. Death, a familiar thing only within the realm of calculation and only on parchments.

“Eliminated.” You repeated. “What was the reason?”

“Classified, you can ask the Inquisitor if you’d like to know.”

“I see. How did the Fellowship reply?”

There were few techpriests, seeing the citadel to be operational would take monumental resources and time.

“They are also eliminated. That is why only the preparation have been made.”

“Let me guess, only the Inquisitor can tell me why?”

He nodded.

You were led inside a spacious metal room with a hard metal chair, table, and tall filing cabinets. The situation at the moment was at its worst. Haemotalion’s order was to “stay there for a bit and return in a week.” Usually you’d follow his order, but the Lord Inquisitor had a point. The time for revive the Anathema Psykana needed to happen not more than ever.

The Fellowship, those with the knowledge of the citadel was dead, so are the inhabitants of the colony. So, what needs to happen first?

>Contact Mars, get the techpriests. The dock needs maintenance since more future supplies will arrive there.
>Begin the expedition, faster the grounds are covered the better.
>Spend the day on the layout, history, and the basic knowledge of Somnus Citadel

IMPORTANT PLEASE READ

Rules

1. Unless I place a "write-in" you cannot vote with a write-in and I will ignore it
2. If you do a write-in and it's just a combination of the choices I will ignore it. It must be unique enough. If the write-in is not suitable the next most votes will be taken.
3. If you vote two choices, I will just go with whichever vote is made first

>>5715129
>>Contact Mars, get the techpriests. The dock needs maintenance since more future supplies will arrive there.

>>5715129
>Contact Mars, get the techpriests. The dock needs maintenance since more future supplies will arrive there.
Do not go down unprepared

>>5715129
>Contact Mars, get the techpriests. The dock needs maintenance since more future supplies will arrive there.

Just read the last thread, can’t believe anons didn’t go for the Wagner memes with the Penal world, that shit would’ve been lit with gang culture Soviet mass charges followed up with special forces taking out the weak points.

Also, I do find it darkly funny that anons essentially got the knowledgeable natives killed with their lack of a spine.

Also, bit of a tangent, but while the Feral world was a ‘safe’ option, it clearly isn’t the best or efficient option- it’ll take a generation, probably more, to build up the infrastructure and population centers, and that’s if you completely ignore industry, and even then building up a martial culture will take longer. The quick and dirty Penal solution would’ve gotten off the ground in 6 months to a year by comparison- somewhat longer to build out the fortifications maybe, but ship in a harden cadre of elites, press gang all the prisoners with martial training as NCOs, and use gang discipline on the rest, and we can start spitting out regiments right out the gate, with largely inexhaustible and casualty inured manpower. This only improves with time- get a big enough population of trainers and elite specialists, martial spirit and discipline would trickle down into the wider prison culture, and if given the right incentives, we could probably turn this prison society into a functional regiment factory.

>>5715129
>>Contact Mars, get the techpriests. The dock needs maintenance since more future supplies will arrive there.

>>5715293
Yeah I kinda regret voting for a Feral world. A penal world would be a challenge but the memes and rewards are even better. Well no matter, we'll build a new Cadia out of this rock.

>>5715129
>>Contact Mars, get the techpriests. The dock needs maintenance since more future supplies will arrive there.

>>5715451
>>5715359
>>5715258
>>5715245
>>5715154

Lots of votes, as usual if you anons have a rerason for this vote I'd love to hear it. Update will be either tomorrow or today.

>>5715129
>Contact Mars, get the techpriests. The dock needs maintenance since more future supplies will arrive there.

>>5715470
Well, despite the time delay it may impose, I figure it’s IC for a Logistic Focused character to focus on the immediate challenge to future endeavors. I also figure waiting a day is inadvisable politically- and in all honesty, the Undersecretary should’ve went over this already while waiting (instead of being proactive in finding a Sister :V), and could surely catch up while on the march, albeit at a diminished quality/quantity.

File: 683px-Techpriests.jpg (317 KB, 683x899)

317 KB JPG

Among the Mechanicus, many or all of the conservative and traditionalist factions were not fond of you. The radicals however, specially those known as Belasarians. Techpriests who sought to create new weapons not improving on an existing aSTC but brand new weapons or vehicles. You knew few magos, some that owed some favors that would not mind lending some techpriests.

“Adept!”

Silence replied, you weren’t in the Imperial Palace anymore.

“Uh… trooper!”

The double door slid open and the trooper entered.

“I need a long range vox soon as possible. How long will it take?”

“Not long, ma’am.”

You held off on the expedition for today, and tomorrow the frigate arrived. Servitors, tech priests, what you did not expect were the skitarii, especially when you didn’t ask for them. At the docks, the cabin aft door opened with a pressurized hiss. The tall techpriests with spider like legs skittered toward you. The tall, iron clad techpriest looked down, his mechanized eyes dialed in with erratic clicks.

“Magos Sam-Song. I did not expect your arrival here.”

He spoke, then one of his many tendrils turned a dial on his throat.

“A ruin such as this deserves a thorough exploration.”

“I did not ask for an exploration team, however. We can talk in my off-” You realized he was too tall. “You can crouch, yes?

“Is this some Terran joke?”

Whew.

“No. Please, to my office.”

You really needed to get a more comfortable seat. The ceiling was tall enough where the magos did not have to duck. You clear your throat, then folded your hands together and rested them on the table.

“Magos Sam-Song, I do not recall requesting for skitarii.”

“Security, you do not expect me to trust stormtroopers of the Inquisition.”

Well… he had a fair point. The Inquisition is an organization you could never trust. Though that mattered little. You asked for techpriests, not techpriests and their cohorts. This would only bring tension.

“I do, actually. I do not appreciate your intrusion. This was calling in for a favor, not an invitation.”

The Magos did not move, most likely forming a new reply within the metal coffin that was his head.

“I’m aware, but the unknown of the citadel can lead to unpredictable circumstance. My techpriests are not neophytes and therefore valuable. You also realize you are not an exception to them either.”

“So it’s all or nothing.”

“Correct.”

Another fair point. A screen appeared from one of his tendrils, it read as:

I can have them protect you as well.

>“This is a expeditionary and restoration mission, magos. Bringing in your skitari will only raise the tension, the Inquisition assume this is some attempt at seizing materials. I will ask you, one last time, to remove the skitari. Or I will fine someone else.”
>“What can I offer you to put your trust in the Inquisition, Magos?”
>“Very well, you may have your skitarii with the techpriests.”

>>5716094
>“Very well, you may have your skitarii with the techpriests.”

>>5716094
>“What can I offer you to put your trust in the Inquisition, Magos?”

>>5716094
>“Very well, you may have your skitarii with the techpriests.”

>>5716094
Oof this is a nice one.
We will need the Magos if there is an obstacle that doesn't open with a hot-shot or there is something that doesn't get eliminated with a hot-shot or something that may break if we shot at it with a hot-shot.
But the requirements are the skitarii, and that will piss off the inquisitor. And we have already pissed him off once (1)... is it me or the inquisitor NEVER SAID HE FOUND A SISTER OF SILENCE? and that the fellowship was eliminated because they lost their patience, and they ran damage control?

Oh the inquisition fucked this one up, the conditions were that the Inquisitor (unnamed) and Lord Inquisitor Trevaine were going to look for a Sister of silence while Alethia is risking the ire of the Master of the Administratum for this stunt.

>“Yes, this Fellowship seems like trouble.”
>“They are, but they are needed.” You sighed.
>He turned toward you, his square shoulders were buried by his thick coat. The hardened eyes gaze upon you downward, he stood at least a foot over you. In all honesty, he intimidated you in a way you weren’t sure how to describe his presence. Scary, yes, but also… something else.

>It was then the stormtroopers raised their guns again, you saw no weapons on the Fellowship however.
>“Hold your fire!”
>Damn them, do they take everything as threats or something? They had a right to distrust you, you were their first contact with anyone outside the citadel after all. Most likely, they knew how to operate the Citadel at the fullest potential and had the knowledge. Killing them should be the last resort.

Is it me or the plan was getting rid of obstructions since the beginnning?

Anyway, my vote is
>>“Very well, you may have your skitarii with the techpriests.”
Only because we have ammo to fire back when the Inquisitor gets pissy (plus he isn't here to stop us, rumao)

>>5715785
Gotcha, thank you for the answer anon.

>>5716155
>>5716336
>>5716727
Can't answer anything yet but good theory.

>>5716727
In all likelihood, the Inquisition doesn’t care- they only exterminated the Fellowship because we sat on our asses while they failed to find the Sister in our timeframe. Really, had we decided to voice our willingness to stay and play along, it would’ve avoided the extermination of the natives and their invaluable knowledge.

>>5716830
No problem- and to be clear, I didn’t think setting up the techpriests to start fixing up the place would’ve imposed a significant time delay- I thought we’d set things in motion before going on that expedition later that day, and come back to the repair crews working on the docks.

>>5716913
>They eliminated the fellowship because it was our fault
¿¿¿¿¿????? go slam your fingers with the door

The Inquisition was never to be trusted. Even if they were trying to save your life, there was a good chance of getting a bolt shell in the back of your head.

“Very well, you may have the skitarii to protect the techpriest.”

“I’m glad you can understand. As expected of Schola Progenium’s prodigy.”

“I’m-”

A sudden set of coughs caught your words back. Your lungs and throat hacked out, and despite getting your handkerchief to cover your mouth, the sound was still obviously loud.

“Honored by your words.”

“Yes, A prodigy, cursed with a weak body.”

“It’s just my allergy to dust.”

Mangos Sam-Sung leaned close, giving you a closer look of his three lensed eyes. One of his tendrils launched and within a blink, took your handkerchief away. He presented the unfolded handkerchief, now stained with your blood. You swallow the pills that you brought with you with some water.

“Previous records state the contrary. If it was an allergy, there would be plenty of augments to fix your flaws. Yet you are too weak for the most basic.”

“My illness isn’t your business.”

“Is it not true it took thirty minutes to run a mile?”

“If you’re done insulting me, Magos-”

“You are letting your emotion get the better of you. It is an offer.”

“A favor more like and I’ll have none of it.”

“Very well.”

Magos Sam-Sung left. Soon, the techpriests began their work. While the cult of Mechanicus was odd, there was something to appreciate about their Quest for Knowledge, they had a drive to discover new technology, to expand their knowledge. All a good ideology, if not for their cruel indifference to lives.

You strolled throughout the docks, the techpriests were to be commended at their quick work.

“Hm?”

From afar you saw another ship entering the dock, one you didn’t expect. Calling for supplies was going to be done later today. You got off the grav cart, and once you were closer the the ship was an Inquisition vessel from the model of it.

“What is the meaning of this!”

The Inquisitor arrived, with baggy eyes and disheveled hair. He and what you assumed to be his cohorts, arrived, yelling at techpriest and the new skitarii guards. Uh oh, he saw you.

“Undersecretary Amadeus, what is the meaning of this?”

“The skitarii are here to guard the techpriests, which are needed to repair the citadel.”

“The ski-” He pinched the bridge of his nose, mumbling something. “If you needed techpriests, I could have supplied you with one. You are aware I am an extension of Lord Inquisitor Trevaine, and we both share the goal of reviving the Anathema Psykana. You should have contacted me if you needed assistance and not make a deal so foolishly.”

>“My job is to restore the Citadel. Nothing more, nothing less. This is an effort under the authority of the Administratum, do not forget that Inquisitor. I can very well have your connection here severed.”
>“Yes, we both share the sentiment, however, I am to restore the Citadel. I may be a part of your goal, but I am not under your authority. Do not equivocate our shared goal for my subservience.”
>“Oh yes, how foolish of me. But unlike you, I did not do my job so foolishly that I had the people of the citadel murdered! Care to explain that one, Inquisitor?”

>>5717233
They were on a time limit- we weren’t supposed to stay longer than a week, nor were we willing to. So they took drastic action just to keep us along. Like, we had the opportunity to search for our own Sister of Silence- anons refused and decided to wait, for fear of punishment. This is simply the natural result of our actions.

>>5717363
>*Arches Eyebrow* Like my Sister of Silence, Inquisitor?

I know you don’t like write ins, I just consider this a more polite and cutting remark in the vein of the third option. It undercuts his argument, highlights his failure, and asks for an explanation, all while excusing our powerplay (if you can call generating more friction between our ‘friends’ as a powerplay) as a reasonable and justified precaution on our part. All in six words and a look.

Plus, it plays into an icy fury on our part- like he personally slighted us with his failure.

>>5717383
>>5715132

>1. Unless I place a "write-in" you cannot vote with a write-in and I will ignore it

>>5717383
And I don't know how that would work, you guys did not find any SoS yet so that write-in won't work, I will not count your vote.

>>5717432
Fair- I didn’t expect it to get in.

>>5717434
It’s caustic sarcasm- the point was to point out the lack of a Sister of Silence and his direct failure in finding one. The ‘My’ part was supposed represent the Undersecretary‘s need for one, not her current ownership or such of a SoS.

>>5717363
>“Yes, we both share the sentiment, however, I am to restore the Citadel. I may be a part of your goal, but I am not under your authority. Do not equivocate our shared goal for my subservience.”

>>5717363
>“My job is to restore the Citadel. Nothing more, nothing less. This is an effort under the authority of the Administratum, do not forget that Inquisitor. I can very well have your connection here severed.”

>>5717363
>“Oh yes, how foolish of me. But unlike you, I did not do my job so foolishly that I had the people of the citadel murdered! Care to explain that one, Inquisitor?”
As antagonizing as this is, it does ask the question I want an answer for. These people were invaluable in their immense knowledge of the station, so I’m wondering why expedite the situation so judiciously?

>>5717453
>The ‘My’ part was supposed represent the Undersecretary‘s need for one, not her current ownership or such of a SoS.
I understood he meant this.
>>5717363
The first option would have any weight to it if Haematolion gave a fuck, which he doesn't. Plus it calls to arms and we have zero soldiers on our side... I am not counting on the skitarii.
Voting for:
>>>>“Oh yes, how foolish of me. But unlike you, I did not do my job so foolishly that I had the people of the citadel murdered! Care to explain that one, Inquisitor?”
I am not letting this one slide. And the reason he wasn't here is because he was sleeping? SHEEESH, she should also remark on that. No I don't care how many demons he was vanishing last night Where is my SoS

>>5717363
>“Oh yes, how foolish of me. But unlike you, I did not do my job so foolishly that I had the people of the citadel murdered! Care to explain that one, Inquisitor?”

>>5717603
>>5717598
>>5717544

Counted

“Oh yes, how foolish of me.” You rolled your eyes. “But unlike you, I did not do my job so foolishly that I had the people of the citadel murdered! Care to explain that one, Inquisitor?”

He gritted his teeth, irritation painted on his visage only for a few seconds. Then, he returned to a neutral stare. The bags on his eyes, disheleved hair, you know that look more than anyone. He hasn’t been sleeping for a long, long time due to some kind of work. You waited for his reply, but got silence instead. You honestly expected a burst of outrage, instead… all you saw was a small but noticeable regretful frown. Honestly, maybe it was a bad idea to be so caustic even if he deserved it.

“Let me guess, classified.”

He nodded.

“Yes.” Cassisus said.

“Then what is the nature of your visit?”

“I’ve come to inspect the initial effort. If you’ll excuse me.”

The Inquisitor walked off as if he owned the station. He and his stormtroopers followed him. Back in your office, you saw a blonde techpriestess waiting.

“Can I help you?”

The emotionless and automaton-like eyes gazed upon you. Her dark blue eyes were rather charming as was her hardly augmented face, a rather rare trait that usually meant a neophyte or a strange sub-sect of a radical. Her nose was straight with a small upturned curve, an uncharacteristic face, almost as if genetically made.

“Yes, I am Satine-Sung. The head techpriest assigned to this citadel Undersecretary. I am here to give you an initial report of the docks.”

“Ah, then please in my office.”

Wait… Sung?

You sat down and listened to her report. The good news was the whole place was still standing and maintained, only few modifications and refurbishing was required. The bad news, that meant the rest of the citadel would be the same.

“That is all.”

The auto-transcriber stopped transcribing. A light thirty-five paged report. You tore the parchment from the auto-transcriber’s mouth and placed them on your tabl.

“I expected a lot worse. Those Fellowship did an acceptable job considering their lack of knowledge.”

“Correct.”

“Is it possible to begin the expedition now?”’

“Yes. The dock will be fully operational soon.”

“If I call from Terra for supplies, will the dock be fully operational by then?”

“There is sixty three percent of being the case. Thirty seven percent of the dock still needing time. The calculations made between the stormtroopers and the skitarii rangers, the skiitari rangers will be most fitting for expeditions.”

>Wait until the dock is fully operational.
>Begin supply run & expedition with stormtroopers
>Begin supply run & expedition with skitarii rangers

>>5718427
>>Begin supply run & expedition with skitarii rangers

>>5718427
>Begin supply run & expedition with skitarii rangers

>>5718427
>Begin supply run & expedition with stormtroopers
A peace offering to the Inquisition. Besides, I wanna make sure that the Techpriests are fully focused on restoring the Docks to operation- after that, we can take them out to begin repair on the supply lines.

>>5718427
>>Begin supply run & expedition with stormtroopers

>>5718427
>>Begin supply run & expedition with skitarii rangers
The whole idea of pissing the inquisitor and allowing the Magii to run amock was because we don't trust the stormtroopers.

>>5716830
>Can't answer anything yet but good theory.
Let me guess, classified? kek

>>5719224
We’re playing politics- if we show them that we’re still invested in our ‘friendship’, they’ll be more likely to keep us in the loop instead of doing they own thing without our knowledge. Besides, do you trust the Stormtroopers to be left with the techpriests unescorted?

>>5719280
Anon, not every skiitari rangers are gonna go

>>5719280
>>they’ll be more likely to keep us in the loop
They have been keeping us 100% out of the loop

>>5718427
>Wait until the dock is fully operational.

>>5719224
>>5718922
>>5718822

rangers it is

The dock was going to be completed soon, so you began form SRQ-56157. A little maverick of you to do so, but you were a rebel. While doing so, the skitarii began their expedition which would take about seven hours. The automatic door slid open, then you reminded yourself to have the door to open at your command and not just for anyone else.

“Satine, how can I help you?”

“A report, we require more wiring materials and conductor generators. Here are the lists of items that are required.”

“Thank you, I’ll have them done.”

She stood there, waiting.

“You may leave.”

“I will wait until they are finished. As the techpriestess in charge, they must be insured to be finished.”

“Which they will be. You can go…” You sighed. “Alright then, let me write it out.”

Satine left after you handed her the parchment to send, along with the supply run. You lazily waited in your room, with no work really required other than waiting, you propped your feet on the table and closed your eyes. A small nap won’t harm you. Then slowly… slowly…

“Undersecretary.”

“WAH!”

You open your eyes, greeted by Satine once again.”

“Throne damn you! Don’t scare me like that!”

“I only called your name.”

“Oh for- what do you want?”

“The skitarii have returned.”

Guess it was more than a nap. You took the data-slate and began reading, an easy seventy-five page that took about a minute. Through the docks, the skitarii discovered an atrium that seemed to be the heart of the citadel and found multiple paths. A path to the nearby colonies that would lead to more branching routes to different colonies, another path to the main manufactorum, and an obscenely large chapel dedicated to the Anathema Psykana. There were more but they were less important than the three.

“Interesting.”

The docks may have been cleared, but that did not mean the rest of the citadel was. Most likely, you would find more Fellowship members or locals.

“So nothing important it seems like. Very well, have them prepare to go in further.”

“To where? You are the Director of the endeavor. It is your choice.”

Hmm…

>The manufactorum
>Chapel
>The colonies
>Ask Satine or ask the Inquisitor (Choose either Satine or the Inquisitor, then write in).

Sorry for the pause, I was dealing with my laziness

>>5720114

>Chapel

The manufacturium might be cool and give the mechanicus a big old stiffy, but the entire POINT of this installation is the psyker stuff. The colonies might be nice slice of life, but probably not directly related to the objective.

Unless we can't figure out how to run the thing, then we need to start looking for the equivalent of schools...

...which are probably inside the chapel anyways.

>>5720114
>The manufactorum

>>5720114
>Ask the Inquisitor if we even have a Sister of Silence yet
If we don’t, we should arrange one personally right now- I doubt that the Chapel will be so straightforward, and if we need the colonies to help out we need a Sister of Silence as a prerequisite to controlling them. In such an eventuality, we should probably look to restoring the manufactorum first while we wait for the SoS- otherwise, if we have one on hand, we head straight to colonies, or the Chapel if we’re feeling adventurous.

>>5720114
>>Chapel

>>5720114
>>The manufactorum
The faster the mechanicus makes itself busy the safer for us...

>>5720114
>The manufactorum

>>5720595
>>5720721
>>5720139

Counted

The manufactorums, most likely the largest part of the colony. Better to have that area checked, though you weren’t sure if you’d like to let them take in the rein around machines. You mulled the idea for a while, then sighed. You doubt the stormtroopers would listen to you now that you insulted the Inquisitor.

“Have them explore the manufactorum, and you will have them done in an efficient manner that will not waste my time. Do you understand?”

“Of course.”

The rest of the day went on. With the large chunk of skiitari sent to the expedition of the manufactorum, the techpriests only had two or one guards with them. You could taste the uneasiness between them, but no one, even an inquisitor, would be stupid to anger them. Few dared, and all regretted. Suddenly, your long-range vox rang. The caller was Haemotalion.

“My lord.”

“Amadeus, how is the restoration so far?”

“Going at a slow pace, I’m afraid.”

“No matter. You have twenty five days, then you will return to your post.”

“Yes, my lord.”

Fifteen days. Not nearly enough to even lay a foundation on the Citadel, but maybe long enough for laying the tracks for the foundation. You suppose in the end, Lord Inquisitor Trevaine would get what he wanted either way.

Day 1 (1/25)

With a long yawn, you rolled out of your hard mattress and began your new day in the Citadel. You had to make your own food, well, more like reheating the preserved food. A two week old meal, all it took was using your personal re-hydrator to have the food edible.

“Ew…”

This looked awful. A two week old food, that sounded absolutely disgusting. You cut the meat and bit into the leathery and tough meat. The vegetables weren’t bad however. After breakfast, you brushed your teeth and had to clean yourself with a heated wet towel. You were practically living in a guardsman lifestyle now. Throne preserve you. After that, you sat in your office, and waited.

“Undersecretary.”

Again, you seriously need to have that door fixed.

“Satine.”

“The supply ship have arrived and the dock is fully operational.”

“Excellent. I’ll see to it myself.”

The early hours consisted of having the supplies equally distributed to both the stormtroopers and the skitarii, the cohorts, and the techpriests. You had to jog place to place to see and confirm the arriving supplies. A dismal experience.

“Yes, over ther-”

Damn this atmosphere and damn manual labor. After the affair was over, you returned to your office and took your medicine. The techpriests denied you a servitor to fan you. The sliding door opened, it was Satine.

“Undersecretary, the expedition of the manufactorum will take five more days to accomplish. I am aware that you are on a limited time. Your orders?”

>Have the manufactorums be completely explored (5 days to finish)
>Have them go to the Chapel (1 day to plan and 3 days to explore fully)
>Have them go to the colonies (2 day to plan and ??? days to explore fully)

>>5721661
>Have the manufactorums be completely explored (5 days to finish)

>>5721661
>Have them go to the Chapel (1 day to plan and 3 days to explore fully)
We’re on a time limit

>>5721661
>Have them go to the Chapel (1 day to plan and 3 days to explore fully)

>>5721661
>Have the manufactorums be completely explored (5 days to finish)

>>5721661
>Have them go to the Chapel (1 day to plan and 3 days to explore fully)
Anon's right about time. Explore as many places as possible first

>>5721661
>Have the manufactorums be completely explored (5 days to finish)
Having started already it will probably take less time than if we were to withdraw the troops and then send them back again later. And there might be useful stuff for the construction project there (materials, equipment, maybe even servitors). Also, if the Tech-priests find something they like then they might be more agreeable and more willing to help with the deadline.

>>5721661
>>Have the manufactorums be completely explored (5 days to finish)

>>5722050
Problem is, the manufactorum isn’t our primary objective- it’s Anathema Psykana. We can’t keep delaying this like the SoS.

>>5722063
>>5722050
>>5721906
>>5721684

Votes counted, update will be either tomorrow or tonight.

>>5721658
>“No matter. You have twenty five days, then you will return to your post.”
>
>“Yes, my lord.”
>
>Fifteen days.
¿?

>>5723164
Typo

Day 6 (6/25)

The full exploration of the manufactorum netted some good standing with the Mechanicus, you received a message from the Magos that he was please to see the old manufactorum being discovered. Among the old goods, such as old models of linen-fabricator thought to be lost, there were also data-slates regarding other machines that dated back to the Horus Heresy. You could care less on which date it was from. You open the data-slate and began to skim through the content.

+++[Harkonen Platoon: Skitarii Alpha Jan-0111: After Action Report]+++

The manufactorum of the Somnus Citadel is the only one in the Citadel. The structure is standard Terran architecture, but older designs dating back to M35. The machines are modified to a degree where the origins on 214 machines cannot be identified. The residents have declared themselves as the “Fellowships” and retaliated through the usage of an unknown pattern of lasguns. Three have been apprehended, the rest of the residents escaped through a hidden tunnel.

Upon reconnaissance, this led to a new route toward the colonies. Initial exploration are yet to be done, and requires Undersecretary Amadeus’s permission. Threat assessment has yet to be made. The attackers also gave orders to disperse so they can protect the Chapel, implying an importance.
.
.
.
[End]

The rest seemed to be the description of all 214 machines, its modifications, and broken parts. You skimmed the parchment then had them transcribed and sent to Haemotalion and the Inquisitor, not that Haemotalion would read it but that was the protocol. You walked toward the HQ set up in the docks, the holo-model of the Somnus Citadel projected in a low glowing blue light.

“Undersecretary.”

“Satine.” You coughed. “Please tell Jan-0111 that his report is appreciated.”

“Of course. Where do you plan to go next?”

“I’ve yet to decide.”

“The main colonies are an interest. We know the size but unsure of the changes.”

“They still are a threat.” You rubbed your chin in ponderance. “Chapel won’t have any values.”

“Correct.” Satine said. “The colonies will be a better option with combined forces of the stormtroopers and the skitarii.”

>Send a scout to the colonies through the hidden tunnel (5 days)
>Send a skitarii team to the Chapel (3 days)
>Send skitarii and stormtroopers through the main route to the colonies for initial exploration (3 days)

>>5723312
>Send skitarii and stormtroopers through the main route to the colonies for initial exploration (3 days)

>>5723312
>>Send skitarii and stormtroopers through the main route to the colonies for initial exploration (3 days)
We better take it nice and easy

>>5723312
>Send skitarii and stormtroopers through the main route to the colonies for initial exploration (3 days)

>>5723312
>>Send a skitarii team to the Chapel (3 days)

>>5723312
>Send a skitarii team to the Chapel (3 days)
I want to know why the Fellowships think it's so important.

>>5723514
>>5723400
>>5723373

Votes counted

+++[Harkonen Platoon: Skitarii Alpha Jan-0111: After Action Report]+++

Through the main entrances was a 100 meters gate of solid ceramite-steel that took 5.2 hours to go through. Techpriest Gunn through the Opening Cog ritual was able to unlock the cogitator connected lock then was escorted back. The route of the main colony was a short distance of 80km. However, the optimal pace was not met due to the stormtrooper’s inadequate body to be in the same pace. The main-habs reflected that of modern Imperium hives with multiple paths. The locations discovered were

ę̷̨̨̦̫̙̠̗͙̊͛̒r̵̨̨̳͎̭̫̝̖͉͉͈̂̀͌́̎͗̆̂̎̒͑́͛̑r̴̢̨̘͇͕͎͕͇̰̳̊͂͝o̵͇̤̹̖̣̠͆͝r̷̫̿̽̿͒̽̕
ę̷̨̨̦̫̙̠̗͙̊͛̒r̵̨̨̳͎̭̫̝̖͉͉͈̂̀͌́̎͗̆̂̎̒͑́͛̑r̴̢̨̘͇͕͎͕͇̰̳̊͂͝o̵͇̤̹̖̣̠͆͝r̷̫̿̽̿͒̽̕
ę̷̨̨̦̫̙̠̗͙̊͛̒r̵̨̨̳͎̭̫̝̖͉͉͈̂̀͌́̎͗̆̂̎̒͑́͛̑r̴̢̨̘͇͕͎͕͇̰̳̊͂͝o̵͇̤̹̖̣̠͆͝r̷̫̿̽̿͒̽̕
ę̷̨̨̦̫̙̠̗͙̊͛̒r̵̨̨̳͎̭̫̝̖͉͉͈̂̀͌́̎͗̆̂̎̒͑́͛̑r̴̢̨̘͇͕͎͕͇̰̳̊͂͝o̵͇̤̹̖̣̠͆͝r̷̫̿̽̿͒̽̕
ę̷̨̨̦̫̙̠̗͙̊͛̒r̵̨̨̳͎̭̫̝̖͉͉͈̂̀͌́̎͗̆̂̎̒͑́͛̑r̴̢̨̘͇͕͎͕͇̰̳̊͂͝o̵͇̤̹̖̣̠͆͝r̷̫̿̽̿͒̽̕

Rebooting...
.
Rebooting.....
.
.
Power Online

Your cogitator flickered then lit up again, reconnected with the rest of the report appearing on the screen. Once again, the grounds shook with a thunderous but muffled tremor. Your door was slammed open by the skitarii, and without a word took you by your arm then shoved you into a ship’s cargo hold.

“Hey what’s going on!”

The skitarii did not look back.

“An explosion. Please wait until the perimeter is secure.”

Seven hours later, you were escorted back to your room. Satine and the Sergeant was in your office.

“The Chapel have been demolished, we no longer have access.”

Well, it was only a chapel, but this meant more things.

“The perimeter is secure. But the expedition will be hold off for at least seven days just to be safe.”

You sighed, but the situation could have been a lot worse.

“There will be guards posted at your office.” Satine said.

“Will reinforcement be necessary?” You said.

The sergeant neither nodded or shook his head, as did Satine.

“It’ll be good, but at the moment bringing in more will be a hindrance.”

“But possibly important, as we do not know what threat will appear.” Satine said.

>Ask for more reinforcement from the Inquisitor
>Ask for more reinforcement from the Magos
>You have some connection on you… but the question was who was available. (Roll d5 or opt for 3 and only 3)

1. The Founding Chapter, Ravenguards, keeping in contact with every world of every founding chapters and you managed to have them owe some favors. The help actually might be successor chapter but it was help nonetheless.
2.The Founding Chapter, White Scars, keeping in contact with every world of every founding chapter and you managed to have them owe some favors. The help actually might be a successor chapter but it was help nonetheless.
3. ???
4. You had pulls with the Sororitas, they can help.
5. You knew the commander of the Janissaries, and you know that a detachment was in the Segmentum Solar

Rolled 2 (1d5)

>>5724276
>You have some connection on you… but the question was who was available. (Roll d5 or opt for 3 and only 3)

>>5724276
>You have connections...
this is gonna be interesting. The is so much we are missing by being stuck on an desk job...

>>5724475
You should roll a 1d5 or pick 3

Rolled 5 (1d5)

>>5724504
I dunno man, I think we have to see what vote wins before rolling. But I'll roll just because

Rolled 1 (1d5)

>>5724276
>>You have some connection on you… but the question was who was available. (Roll d5 or opt for 3 and only 3)

>>5724276
>Ask for more reinforcement from the Inquisitor

Rolled 3 (1d5)

>>5724276
>You have some connection on you… but the question was who was available. (Roll d5 or opt for 3 and only 3)

>>5725002
>Rolled 3
The Lamenters owe me for a shipment of antidepressants.

Between 2, 5, 1 or choosing 3 again, will be the next choice

>>5725015
Roll D3

1. 2
2. 5
3. 1

Rolled 2 (1d3)

>>5725134

>>5725278
White Scars it is. You guys have chosen , it would have been more fun.

Day 12 (12/25)

At the docks, you watched the strike cruiser arrive. While the White Scars and their successor chapters were not renowned or honored, they were still just as effective as any other astartes chapters. For odd reasons, one that was out of your control, they were just not known very well. You shrugged at that thought, perhaps it was just mismanagement of the Administratum or something.

The strike cruiser docked, you and Satine waited eagerly. The aft door opened downward with a pressurized hiss. Their armor was green and their pauldron yellow, their heraldry seemed like an insectoid with sharp mandibles. They looked familiar, yes, you’ve seen them in your readings…

Oh.

Oh…

Those bike-feething, scraggily, grox herders! Seriously? Out of all chapters they can provide, they gave you the shamed Mantis Warriors? Those who rebelled against the Imperium because they were tricked? You waited for four days, four days of being stuck in your room without work to keep you occupied. Four. Emperor. Damned. Days. You’ll remember this treachery, let’s see when Chogoris needs another help from you!

The astartes descended, under the light you saw the fragmented shadows from the chipped armor, their paint was fading. Their bolters were worn out as well, pitifully so. Everything about them really. The astartes at the front took off his helmet. Slit eyes, flat nose, and a look of absolute resignation burdened by fatigue. He lowered his head curtly then back up.

“I am Kublai Sartak, acting Chapter Master and the Captain of the First Company.”

You bowed, head low, left foot out, right foot bent to the right and behind the heel of your left foot, then bend the hips, hold for a second then come back up.

“I am Alethia Altair Amadeus, Undersecretary of the Administratum, Acting Mistress of the Departmento Munitorum, and the current Director of the Restoration of The Somnus Citadel.”

“Well met.”

>Have Satine inform what’s going on, you got planning to do now (Whatever choice you make, -2 day meaning one less day on a plan)
>Invite them inside of your office, then explain it yourself, disgraced or not, he was still a Captain of the First Company
>Ask them why it was them that were sent (Write-in)

What is with the lack of White Scars content? Shit sucks man.

Also, how are you guys finding the qst so far? Would you rather go back to political thriller-esque qst or adventures like these?

>>5726395
>Invite them inside of your office, then explain it yourself, disgraced or not, he was still a Captain of the First Company
We need to be straightforward with him as we can deal with our dislike of those who challenge the Adeptus Terra

>>5726397
I prefer the political thrillers side but the adventure part is good in moderation for this story.

>>5726397
I am happy with politicing, but we haven't had much going on overall. Plus we are not seeing the adventure per se, but idling at the office and looking at reports...

>>5726395
>>Invite them inside of your office, then explain it yourself, disgraced or not, he was still a Captain of the First Company

>>5726397
I like both, although I prefer poltical intrigues in balls, smoke filled rooms and social events

>>5726395
>Invite them inside of your office, then explain it yourself, disgraced or not, he was still a Captain of the First Company

>>5726395
>>Invite them inside of your office, then explain it yourself, disgraced or not, he was still a Captain of the First Company
He will hopefully be more cooperative if we give him the respect he is due, especially if he is used to being snubbed by the Administratum.

>>5727531
>>5727151
>>5726997
>>5726479

Votes counted, and thank you for the feed back

Day 12 (12/25)

“Very well, Satine, please have the astartes familiar around the citadel. Captain?” You cocked your head slightly. “Or will Chapter Master suffice?”

“Captain will do.”

You nodded, then walked toward your office. Inside, the captain stood otherwise he’d crush the chair you have.

“If I may, you are younger than I thought.”

“You know me?”

“The support you rendered after the drukhari invasion was much relief to Chogoris.” He lowered his head slightly then up. “You have my gratitude.”

“First Founding worlds are paramount in the Imperium for their heritage and manpower values.” You intertwined your fingers and propped your elbow on the table. “Like this citadel. Were you informed of your duty?”

“An expedition of this citadel.”

“Yes. I only have few days here, captain. I’d like to make a good foundation before I leave.”

You retrieved the data slate and placed it on the table.

“These are the reports so far. Work with the skitarii and the stormtroopers, I want the main colonies explored fully, or if not two thirds.”

“Understood.”

“And one more thing… Why did the Chapter Master of the White Scars sent you?

He paused, his hardened gaze descended on you.

“You know our history?”

“Yes, along with the geneseed defect in the Preomnor implant. I assisted more than I should have due to their significance. Yet, they have sent a chapter of your history with declining quality of wargears. Did he send you?”

He nodded grimly, almost ashamedly.

“He did. I do not know why.”

You sighed, you knew why.

“That’d be all, thank you.”

Jubal Khan must have been uncharacteristically a compassionate one. The Matis Warriors fell to disgrace even after their penitence crusade and no self respecting mechanicus ever interacted with them. So, if they worked with you and succeeded then the Imperium would be slightly more inclined to see them favorably. Not to mention this would be an easy job. Honestly, if that was his intention you’d give a mild applause.

>See the Mantis Warriors and their equipments [+1 Day for preparation and +4]
>Have them begin their expedition immediately on the colonies further, they’re astartes they can handle it [+3]
>If the astartes are here, maybe they can see if anything in the chapel is salvageable, they blew it up for a reason after they get a good check from the mechanicus and some planning [+4 Days]
>If the astartes are here, maybe they can see if anything in the chapel is salvageable, they blew it up for a reason right now, they’re astartes they can handle it [+2 Days]

Well after this, and another event, we'll return to politicking

>>5727753
>>Have them begin their expedition immediately on the colonies further, they’re astartes they can handle it [+3]

>>5727753
>Have them begin their expedition immediately on the colonies further, they’re astartes they can handle it [+3]
Go forth, Emperor's children

>>5727919

You were one capital letter away from heresy, anon

>>5727753
>>Have them begin their expedition on the colonies
We gotta use them as much as we can. They are ASTARTES. Plus this tactical kind of stuff is what they are suited for

>>5727753
>Have them begin their expedition immediately on the colonies further, they’re astartes they can handle it

>>5727753
>Have them begin their expedition immediately on the colonies further, they’re astartes they can handle it [+3]

>>5727753
>Have them begin their expedition immediately on the colonies further, they’re astartes they can handle it [+3]

>>5728701
>>5728413
>>5728231
>>5728194
>>5727919
>>5727856

Counted

Day 15 (15/25)

Despite their deteriorating armor, they were still astartes. Back then they didn’t seem to mind, and they didn’t seem to mind now. They returned, along with the skitarii and the stormtroopers with no casualties. Yes there were wounded men but nothing that their medics could fix. However, their equipment looked worse than last time. You waited at the entrance and finally, the captain arrived.

“Thank you for your work, Captain.”

His armor had singes, cuts, and even some dents. He took off his helmet, then nodded slightly toward you.

“It’s only my duty.”

“When can you deploy again?”

“Whenever you need us to.”

“Very well.”

In the middle of your work (lazing around) you were then met with an unexpected guest. The Golden Knowledge, a ship of Adeptus Terra, arrived to dock. Normally, you would not care to greet whoever would come except for one man, and he was here. You bowed in full motion.

“My lord.”

He grunted, so you looked up. He turned around and went to his ship and you followed. Inside his quarters, you stood in front of a gold dinner table as he had a plate of fruits and baked pastries.

“How goes the restoration?”

“The docks are complete, but at the moment there is an expedition effort before the restoration. I have made some progress but there are much more that needs to be explored.”

“Hm.”

He gingerly scratched his chin with his spindly long finger.

“Do you wish to return to Terra?”

You look up.

>You do, you did not belong here
>You don’t, you still had a job to do
>If that’s what he wants

>>5729306
>You don’t, you still had a job to do

>>5729306
>>You don’t, you still had a job to do
Don't leave things halfway finished

>>5729306
He is saying "return". If he didn't the question would've been "Do you wish to remain here?"

>You do

>>5729306
>>You do, you did not belong here

>>5729306
>You do, you did not belong here
We may not want to be here but we still have a duty to

>>5729306
>You don’t, you still had a job to do

need a tie breaker fellas

Rolled 2 (1d3)

>>5729988
Going to do a 1d3

>>5730019
>>5729743
>>5729382
>>5729362

Counted

Did you want to go back? Yes. Returning to Terra to your plush bed and decadent food, working in the Administratum where everything can be controlled at your fingertips, returning home sounded wonderful.

“Please allow me to stay, I wish to lay a foundation for the successor.”

He gazed at his white and gold cup.

“If that’s what you want. You will have the allotted time I have given you.” Haemotalion sipped on his tea. “But after this. There is much work to be done, things are changing.”

“Changing my lord?”

“Finish your work as quickly as possible. I bought some men that will help you with your efforts.”

Haemotalion grinned, he never does that unless he wawa planning to take someone down or taking his anger out on some poor unfortunate soul.

“My lord?”

“It’s time for me to go.”

Haemotalion soon left after and left you in the docks with new “gifts”. The men were karskin from a Cadian detachment in Segmentum Solar. You don’t know how he managed to get those men, especially in a tumultuous time like this but…

“Fething stormtroopers. Can’t believe we’re in the same room as they are.”

“Got that right. By the way, did ”

There was a reason why he was smiling.

>Even so, it’d be best to use them in full force, that will make expedition faster
>Seperate the men between Stormtroopers, then there won’t be any issues
>Have the men return, you have more than enough forces and you didn’t want any altercations

>>5730152
Karskin, Stormtrooper
potato, patata...
>Use them in full force
A great leader would make this a competition

>>5730152
>>Even so, it’d be best to use them in full force, that will make expedition faster

>>5730152
>Seperate the men between Stormtroopers, then there won’t be any issues

>>5730152
>Even so, it’d be best to use them in full force, that will make expedition faster

>>5730152
>Seperate the men between Stormtroopers, then there won’t be any issues

>>5730326
>>5730255
>>5730168

Counted

Something came up anons, no updates for a while.

>>5731595
Good luck!

Day 18 (18/25)

Whether or not they had their own rivalries or grudges, they were still soldiers. You doubted they would actually fight against one another. Their integration came rather smoothly, despite their assumed rivalry they took their interaction rather well. You were inside of your office, shifting through the paper as they were on another expedition further into the colonies. With how much of the hab-colonies explored, you might as well have them further pushed.

Too bad about the Chapels.

You yawned as you stretched, propping your feet on the table you sifted through the reports. Despite being only for two days, the amount of progress they made astonished you, but then again you had the elite of the elite, it’d be strange not to make progress. It was a good thing you didn’t separate them.

“Ma’am.”

One of the karskin knocked on the sliding door.

“Come in.”

The trooper was rather young for a karskin, perhaps in his thirties or so. You first noticed his purple eyes, they looked quite elegant.

“We found another route to the chapel, what’s left of it at least.” The karskin said. “This is the data-slate regarding it.”

“What’s so important about the chapel anyways?”

“We do not know. But the defenders sacrificed themselves to protect it.”

“I understand, you’re dismissed.”

The colony was to be taken over within five days. Which left few short days for anything else. The last three days should be…

>The chapel
>The manufactorum
>Go home early, feth it

>>5733233
>>The chapel

>>5733233
>The manufactorum

>>5733233
Chapel or Manufactorum. Inquisitor or mechanicum... in due time both will be secured and acquired, so this vote is more a matter of gesture. Who are we favoring?

>>The manufactorum

>>5733233
>The chapel
Our original mission guys

>>5733233
>The chapel

>>5733686
>>5733528
>>5733320

Counted

Day 24 (24/25)

“What a find…”

With the hab-colony completely taken and the locals either killed or taken away, the techpriests began their excavation of the chapel. As more was dug up, you knew you made a blunder. In the excavation area, you watched the servitors sluggishly move the rubbles away. The industrial sound of machine grating scratched at your ears. Behind you was one of the astartes.

“Damn these dusts!”

You covered your mouth with a silk cloth, even from far the damn dust reached to the temporary headquarters. The ground shook again. With the use of explosives and heavy machinery from Magos Sam-Sung, the excavation went faster than you hoped for.

“Another data-slate and parchment, ma’am,”

The karskin placed them on the pile.

The chapel acted as headquarters all those years ago. From the moment of their inception up until the end of Horus Heresy. Their movements, methods, and even their battle doctrines have been shelved all the way here. Not useful in finding the current sisters, but still, it would make that Inquisitor happy.

“Undersecretary, you have a guest.”

“A guest here?”

Satine nodded.

“Inquisitor Cassius Callous. I suggest yo-”

“That won’t be necessary.”

Inquisitor Cassius and another woman approached, surrounded by stormtroopers. The older woman dressed in the armor of a sister, but much older.

“This is Sister Asurma. She will be taking over the Somnus Citadel. Asurma, this is Undersecretary Amadeus.”

Asurma nodded, then used her thoughtmark to speak.

‘Thank you for undertaking the restoration.’

You signed back.

‘Of course. I wish you the best.’

Her eyes widened, as did the Inquisitor’s.

‘You speak thoughtmark?’

You shrugged.

‘It’s not a hard language to master.’

Asurma blinked blankly, thoughtmark was an easy language to learn after all.

“Since you’re familiar with the citadel, can you give her a quick tour?”

“Sure. I don’t mind.”

>Start with the Chapel, you’re already here anyways
>The hab-colonies
>The dock

>>5733773
Holy shit, the inquisitor ACTUALLY found one? Nice... I have a critique, you made no effort in describing her aura of revulsion.
>The dock
I want to show her the basic staging area first, since it's the cleanest... I don't want our fragile MC near all this dust.

>>5733773
>>Start with the Chapel, you’re already here anyways

>>5733773
>Start with the Chapel, you’re already here anyways
So are we going to tell her about the fellowship being in the past tense?

>>5733773
>The hab-colonies

>>5733773
>>Start with the Chapel, you’re already here anyways

>>5734420
>>5734069
>>5734016

Coun- cough -ted

You’re already here in the chapel, you might as well start it here. You held the cloth at your mouth, and walked through the ruins. Asurma and you passed through the Stormtroopers, karskins, and servitors excavating the ruins. They all recoiled at the sight of her, even the hardened karskins seemed to be disturbed by her presence.

“The chapel at the mo-”
You hunch your back as you hack your lungs out. Why did you think here was a good place to start again?

“The chapel.” You cleared your throat. “At the moment is in excavation, but we recovered data-slates and parchments of Anathema Psykana’s operations.”

‘Was the chapel always like this?’

“No, there were inhabitants here and they refused to let us in, so force had to be used. They saw your people as people to be worshiped next to the Emperor.”

Asurma remained indifferent in that answer. She looked around the ruins, the debris that was once a place of worship of the Anathema Psykana.

‘I see. They saw you as an invading force and destroyed the most important place.’

You nodded.

“Correct.”

You began to cough again.

‘Are you alright?’

“I’m fine. Let’s finish the rest.”

You and Asurma began to walk back where the Inquisitor was.

‘May I ask a question?’

“Sure.”

‘How is it that you are not repulsed by my presence?’

Huh.

“We-”

The ground shook.

“Lupercal…” You sighed, “what’s going on now?”

Suddenly, an ominous glow materialized, and from that light armored giants, astartes came through. Covered in spikes, skulls, and chains. The dust of the ruins unfurled like a violent wave. A painful sting jabbed at your eyes. And just like that, you were whisked out of there in the darkness.

You opened your eyes and all you saw was darkness.

>Call out for anyone
>Try to get out
>Write-in

>>5734613
>Call out for anyone
So Magnus and Guilliman is here

>>5734613
>>Call out for anyone

>>5734613
Brooo...
>>Call out

>>5735674
>>5735469
>>5734716

Counted

“Hello?”

Everything felt numb, and the weight of the rubble pinned against you. Emperor, it’s so dark. You pulled yourself up, only to feel the debris scratching against your bare skin. It was then you realized the lower half was completely naked.

“Emperor… what in the warp happened?”

Your dry and scratchy throat hoarsely called out. But to no avail.

“Hello!”

The loose rocks and pebbles dug at your feet as you tried to stand back up.

“Anyone!”

As if the Emperor himself wanted a laugh, you trip and fall. Back to the grounds once more.

“Urgh! Damn it OW! Fething damn Horus’s skull!”

“Don’t move.”

You turn toward the sounds of the voice. Directly behind you was an astartes clad in black, armed with lightning claws and wearing a jump pack.

“Wha-”

“Do not move.”

You froze in place. There was another one, how come you didn’t notice that? Black ceramite, white hemet, and the use of lightning claws… that astartes is a Raven Guard marine. You close your legs, though you doubted the astartes were staring.

“Come with us.”

>Follow them
>Ask for something to cover yourself
>“What happened?”

>>5735811
>>Follow them

>>5735811
>Follow them
>“What happened?”
Better to lose the lower than upper half I guess

>>5735811
>>Follow them
>>“What happened?”

>>5735862
>>5735844
>>5736113

Counted, I'm gonna assume this is a vote for "Follow them"

Announcement.

I'll have to put this qst on hold for now. While I enjoy this qst, I am sorely lacking on writing Political Thriller genre. That, and I have been writing my own fiction, and will make a qst out of it to promote my book once I have it published. So with that in mind, I will place this qst on hiatus. Thank you for following, and I hope to see you again soon.

>>5737470
RIP. Thanks for running. I do think that this iteration was better than the previous attempt of this quest.

>>5737470
Oh no. I was enjoying this.

Before the thread dies I want to say thank you to the QM for this quest and its previous run. I hope you change your mind and come back someday.