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Excelsus: A Midsummer Knight's Dream

Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 06 Aug 01:00:51 2014 No.33921598 View View Reply Original Report

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Time for an archival disbursement from my current game. In Excelsus: A Midsummer Knight's Dream, the players are soldiers for hire, working for a mercenary guild on the hive world of Nemi in the Tiji Sector. Things change, however, when they accept the job of a lifetime - to locate and verify an ancient cache of archeotech known only as "Excelsus."

The Fireteam of the Shattered Suns Mercenary Company:

Lucius Mojaro, Imperial World Guardsman
Bekowski, Mind-Cleansed Guardsman
Wolfhound, Hive World Guardsman
Ophilia, Hive World Assassin
Alistair Vathrek, Venator Crimson Guardsman

Excelsus awaits.

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 06 Aug 2014 01:03:13 No.33921649 Report

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Ep. 3.5 - The Road Most Travelled

"You're lucky," the Overseer continues, reviewing his cogitator, "Looks like you've got some choices..."
"Yeah, that's great, but I'd like to get some sleep before we do any planning..." Wolfhound demands.
"I need some shut eye as well," Lucius agrees.
"There'll be time for sleep once we're shipboard," Ophilia retorts.
"Ophilia, my gun didn't even work on that dude we fought, I don't want to go without a few upgrades first," Wolfhound insists, "Plus, I need some food for the trip, it could take months!"
"Or a few hours, ya know," shrugs Lucius.
"I'm for resting, especially given the state of my arm." Bekowski says, gesturing to his sparking bionic arm augment.
"Yup. Just saying, we should take care of that stuff before sleeping," Ophilia points out, "We're already behind the curve here."
"Hey, the only reason we avoided that warzone is because we waited a few hours till we were ready," Wolfhound shrugs, bringing up a very valid point, "Or at least tried to get ready."

"Let us decide this tomorrow," advises Vathrek, "Many of you require rest for your injuries."
"Look, I didn't get shot up at all. I could hit the bazaars if you tell me what you need," Ophilia offers.
"No one is out there at this time of night," laughs Wolfhound, "Go ahead and see if you get raped why don't you?"
"I grew up out there, you think no one's tried that before?" Ophilia counters, brushing it off.
It, however, upsets Lucius, who pulls Wolf aside. "You make words like that again, I will hurt you. Are we clear?" whispers Lucius.
"Fuck off, what's your problem?" Wolfhound angrily demands.
"You know my problem. Stand. Down," Lucius commands.
"You try and hurt me and I'll knock you down a peg or two. Are we clear?" Wolfhound threatens. Both begin to reach for their weapons.

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 06 Aug 2014 01:05:14 No.33921694 Report

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"Relax, Lucy! He was...looking out for me," Ophilia says, attempting to defuse things, "His Hive was probably even worse than this little slice of heaven."
"Fair enough. He had better mind his tongue or i'll be keeping it," mutters Lucius, calming down.

Ophilia requests the the Overseer continue, as he flips his cogitator around.
"On the one hand, there's plenty of incoming and outgoing voidships from the sector," the Overseer explains, "You could book yourselves on one of those. It'll allow you to pick your destination at a moderate speed, but everything is out of your pocket."
A number of travel papers are given to the Fireteam.
"On the other, we can set you up on a company chartist hauler," explains the Overseer, "It won't be fast by any means, which may prove problematic, but we can cover the costs of travel and lodgings."
The Overseer finally takes a deep breath.
"There is, of course, a third option, in my opinion the most dangerous one," says the Overseer, "But if you wish to wait, I can tell you of it tomorrow..."
"Eh?" asks Ophilia, "Best to hear every option on the table then."
"Especially since we are active and arguing anyway," agrees Vathrek.
"In three days, a certain battleship will arrive in Nemi's local space," explains the Overseer, "It's home to the largest private military company in local space, and the most dangerous people in the sector. However, it might provide the fastest route to your destinations."
The Overseer pulls his cogitator back.
"You are just as likely to be found dead in a back alley aboard it, as you are likely to find anything you could ever dream of aboard..." the Overseer concludes.

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 06 Aug 2014 01:06:56 No.33921725 Report

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"Sounds like a helluva place for you, Pup," laughs Lucius.
"I'd probably say we should grab a private vessel, especially one already plying a route," Bekowski suggests, "Less conspicuous then the company ship, and less dangerous then the battleship."
"So, this seems pretty important..." coughs Wolfhound, "We going to sleep on it or let our tempers settle first?"
"You'd best get some sleep. I've got shopping to do..." says Ophilia, loading her guns and slipping out for some supplies.

On the way out, Vathrek and Ophilia weigh some early options.

"They could be allies against equally well-equipped forces," Vathrek posits, "Especially since we have the fact that these Graviton Data Codecs seem to be gene-coded to our persons, making our lives something of a commodity item in the information market."
"I wouldn't count on it," Ophilia points out, "With the kind of payout we're looking at here, I don't think we'll be making many friends who won't stab us in the back."
"Besides, there's probably nothing stopping them from chopping off our ears, hooking them up to a cogitator, and stealing the data that way..." Bekowski calls out as the rest prepare for sleep.

Ophilia makes her way out, to pick up some rations, and some lho sticks so Wolfhound doesn't bug out. Sneaking through the dark and reaching the hive waistworks transaction outpost, Ophilia is stopped by the enforcers on station, but waved through when she shows she's on business, and not trouble. She picks up some shades for Bekowski, some Lho sticks for Wolfhound, and some long-life rations for herself. Ultimately, Ophilia rushes back just as the blast doors of her company close, and heads to her own room. The night is pierced with the typical sound of gunfire, screams of the anguished, etc. But sleep does eventually come, and the wall chronos ring out early morning bong. The Fireteam all slowly wake up, and collect to plan their path.

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 06 Aug 2014 01:09:08 No.33921776 Report

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>Note: This section is slightly edited. Certain inconsistencies were cleared up due to an unintended vague description.

"Okay, first of all, if you guys remember from last night, our competitors are bringing in tanks, whole armies, it's crazy," Wolfhound begins, "We, on the other hand, have a lot more mobilityness."
"Mobility we've got, aye, but more can't hurt," Ophilia's inner assassin showing up, "We'll also need more firepower if the rest of what we're tracking down are guarded by more sad frogbots, or worse."
"Smokes," yells Wolfhound, snapping his fingers. Ophilia nonchalantly tosses him a box of Lho, and he stashes it quickly into his armor.
"However, embarking on the battleship only requires payment once," notes Vathrek, "and as long as we're on board we do not have to continue paying."
"Hmm. And... The scales tip back into balance..." muses Ophilia.
"Huh. Maybe the battleship isn't such a bad idea after all," shrugs Bekowski, "I mean, we're still going to be here for another day or so while I finish recovering."
"Combined with the fact that its worth more to even a potential adversary to keep us alive for information," Vathrek explains, "We're reasonably okay for the moment."
"What the fuck is your deal with thinking we're going to have people on our side for this?" asks an incredulous Wolfhound, "That's stupid. Whoever finds it first, wins."
"No, it's whoever REPORTS it first wins," Bekowski corrects, "After we find it is when all the backstabbing happens."
"People go missing for less than a billion thrones," says Wolfhound.
"People with important information genecoded to their brain usually remain alive for much less than 50k thrones," Vathrek retorts.
"If we play this right, it could work damn well," says Ophilia excitedly.
"That's stupid. Let's just not let ourselves get backstabbed, stay independent!" Wolfhound says frantically, "We can't use our information as leverage, because we can't guess that we are the only ones with it!"

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 06 Aug 2014 01:10:11 No.33921803 Report

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"The backstabbing will happen anyway," explains Vathrek, "We already know that not even a Magos Lachrimallus is immune in this situation."
"If we had numbers, maybe, but it's just us. We have to use our smallness, or sneakyness, and our fastness to our advantage," Wolfhound insists, "I'm not going to offer myself up to become servitor'd because I put this chip into my ear."
"I'd rather have a battleship full of mercenaries, fighting to keep what they think is a friendly information source secure, than being added to the list of hunting parties," says Vathrek calmly.
"What's your goal here? Get us in a position to offer ourselves up as bait for thousands of the world's rejects?!" yells Wolfhound, "We know where all the pieces to the billion throne puzzle are! Think! You're pretty fucked if you think anyone is going to trade shit with us if the prize is worth more than all of us and our whole hive combined!"
"Information is both our shield and our advantage, and this allows us to add speed to those as well, along with better quality of information," states Vathrek.
"The idea's stupid, it's not going to work," mutters Wolfhound, "Simple as that."

The Fireteam comes to a vote. Bekowski, Lucius, and Vathrek all immediately select battleship. Ophilia cannot decide between speed and privacy, and abstains from a vote. Wolfhound wants to charter independent flights. It is decided.

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 06 Aug 2014 01:11:55 No.33921838 Report

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"What could we possibly get from getting on this battleship?!" yells Wolfhound, "We don't even know anything about it!"
"Speed, and knowledge of a potential enemy to better anticipate their moves," Vathrek explains smugly, "Its much easier to deal with the enemy you know than the one you don't."
"Not to mention a quicker journey, heavier wallets, knowing exactly where our rivals are, and we're not on a pilgrim ship," Bekowski adds, "Hate those things."
"we get Macrocannons, thats what," concludes Lucius.

"We're doomed..." Wolfhound loudly laments, "The very MOMENT you guys do something stupid to get you all killed, I'm aborting the mission. Sorry, but it's not my choice to travel in that hellhole."
"Well then, hopefully we end up dying on a nice pleasure world then, because that battleship likely won't take you back here," Bekowski retorts.
"Well, if the incoming battleship is your choice, I can handle that here," says the Overseer, "May the God Emperor keep you in His gaze."

"If you so as make a peep onboard that would blow our cover, I'll deal with you myself," Wolfhound states threateningly to the rest of the Fireteam.
"Down boy. I want to keep this quiet too," mutters an annoyed Lucius.
"I find your propensity for threats distasteful, and would like to point out that your aggressive attitude is the most likely cause of conflict during our transit," says a very angry Vathrek, "So examine yourself before you decide to impinge on the actions of others."
"Two days," says the Overseer, "There's a launch bay in the Waistworks that few ever use. Here are its coordinates. Be there ten minutes before 12 bong in two days. The Emperor Protects."
"And your stupidity is the most likely cause of us getting turned into servitors for our memories," yells Wolfhound, "I'm not paying for this trip right now, it's too fucked."
"Then find your own passage," Lucius shrugs, "If we happen to see you there, I will wave."

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 06 Aug 2014 01:13:42 No.33921879 Report

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Slowly, the Fireteam hands the Overseer their throne gelt, only Wolfhound refusing, and after a few moments he passes everyone but Wolfhound a shining ticket, embossed with a few strange symbols.

"Wolf, you know the old saying, regarding the position of your allies and enemies?" asks Bekowski.
"We don't have any allies," says Wolfhound.
"Thus it makes sense we hide ourselves amidst our enemies," says Bekowski, "Needle in a stack of needles."

Knowing that they have two days to themselves, the Fireteam decide to take care of any final business they have. Heading to the Waistworks bazaars, the Fireteam find they have a reputation as numerous bazaar hawkers run in fear from them. Amongst the panic their prescence causes, however, is a dull blue torch.

"Welcome..." says the Merchant, "Got a selection of good things on sale, stranger..."

Bekowski, deciding to upgrade, picks up some camoline carapace, a Riot Shield, and a number of other minor things. Vathrek sells off the Mitralocks from the previous episode's Thralls, and picks up a Vox Thief as a precaution. Ophilia also picks up a camoline carapace, and some ammo. Lucius picks up a monstrous Autocannon, and heads off to the money-changers. Wolfhound heads to the money-lenders as well, Ophilia stealthily behind him. While Lucius sends 500 thrones to loved ones, requesting confirmation the money has arrived, Wolfhound takes a more...direct approach to gain money.

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 06 Aug 2014 01:15:07 No.33921912 Report

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Requesting a loan, he is given a pile of papers many inches thick. He tries many things to get around the paperwork, but all the adept at the station cares for is the papers filled out.
Wolfhound leans in, staring into the lowly adept from behind his photo-visor. "There's a special rule that says I get what I want, without dealing with the forms, know what that is?"
The adept stares back through glossy eyes, "Are the requisite forms complete?"
Wolfhound steps back a little, as he removes the ceramite plate from his forearm, and pulls down the sleeves from under it. The end result is a bulging, throbbing, reddening clenched fist and arm.

Four degrees of failure on the intimidate test, however, sees Wolfhound tossed out unceremoniously from the money lending house. Even worse for him, he arrives with the rest of the fireteam just as the Merchant leaves.

"Heh heh heh, thank you..." echos the Merchant, walking behind a thick eikon stall, "Come back any time..."

The noise of hawking wares is overwhelming, as people wander on by. Wolfhound is now furious in and out of character for missing his chance at buying stuff. The Fireteam heads back to the Shattered Suns mercenary guild, and rest up until the next day.

Lucius has had very little sleep, and he is very troubled. Bekowski awakens to grab his morning recaf, and has a seat nearby.

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 06 Aug 2014 01:17:13 No.33921962 Report

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"Hey, what's the trouble?" asks Bekowski.
"Eh. It's nothing," Lucius turns, suddenly grinning, "Want to see something?"
Bekowski shrugs in reply. "Sure, why not?"
Lucius unfolds a picture from his left pocket and hands it to Bekowski. It is a photo oh himself much younger with his hair still all black, next to a blonde woman, and two children in their preeteen years.
"Family?" Bekowski asks.
"The wife. The kids. I think this might be it. I might get to get home," he explains, "This here is Elodia. My boy Martin. And my pride Kiera. I pity the man that courts her. He hasn't a chance. Well. Thats enough of that. Just gonna hurt a bit till i can get them back."
Lucius looks up hopefully.
"It's been a few too many years," he sighs, "They are probably livin' fine on what I send them. but this? This'll keep me home for good."
Bekowski smirks and hands back the photo. "Well then, best hope you make it through all this then."
"I miss them terrible," Lucius finishes, "But, yeah, you got someone?"
"May have had someone before I got cleansed, dunno there," Bekowski shrugs, "Had a little on and off thing with an Adept while I was with the Big I, then she met the wrong end of a chain axe."
"I lost a lot like that. I used to be as far on the other side of right as a man can be," says Lucius quietly, "Did things i have no pride for. Lost friends for doing the good. Lost others for doing worse."
"Yeah, alright," says Bekowski understandingly, "Gonna head out and grab some donuts. Real ones, not corpse starch. Want any?"
The light in Lucius's eyes fade back to the dull glimmer of remembrance and regret. "Yeah. Sure."

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 06 Aug 2014 01:19:02 No.33922012 Report

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By the time Bekowski has picked up some donuts, having spent extra thrones for real ones, Wolfhound has awoken. Not wearing his helmet, he is reminiescent of a pale, bloodshot, pompadoured vampire.

"Emperor protect us, what happened to you?" Lucius asks.
"...donut?" asks Bekowski, caught off guard by the vampiric visage ahead of him.
Wolfhound twitches over, grabbing a donut.
"Uh, yeah, Wolf, you might want to go clean yourself up. You kind of look worse than the backside of a grox," coughs Bekowski.
"At least he can't kick like one," laughs Lucius, "I may be getting old, but i still got my good looks."

"Haha... funny..." coughs Wolfhound, "You may be fortunate to be able to get sleep most nights. Me? I just ran out of drugs. I'm not going to let the nightmares come back. So you know what I'm going to do?"
"Go join the Inquisition and get mind wiped?" posits Bekowski.
"Get our cogboy buddy to make you a servitor?" adds Lucius.

Sharing a manly breakfast of donut, the clock flows as the Fireteam reminisces, cajoles, and generally kill time before the "battleship" comes into local space. Lucius wakes up Ophilia before she sleeps the entire day away, roasting her over her choice of sleeping in armor and her tendency to collect pieces of her victims, Wolfhound heads out to replenish his obscura supply to feed his addiction. Returning, he decides the battle is lost and purchases a final ticket to the incoming battleship.

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 06 Aug 2014 01:21:00 No.33922053 Report

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"so.... You collect.... things?" Lucius blurts out.
"Yeah," laughs Ophilia, "Scared the shit out of the other Dross Hounds, and just sorta turned into a habit."
"I had a buddy who did that. Liked teeth. Had a big one he swore was off an Ork he killed," Lucius says "I think he just filled down a Grox tooth."
"I'm not much good in a fair fight, but keeping the other kids scared let me avoid fair fights. Someone tries to corner me in an alley, well..." Ophilia shrugs, "Their buddies think twice after what happens next."
"How bout you tell us a bit more bout that Dross stuff," suggests Lucius, "Don't know anything about that?"
"One guy eventually banded some of us together. Clawed our way up in the world - offed some nobles, started running guns," Ophilia explains, "Shattered Suns picked me up eventually, now I work with you guys. That answer what you wanted t'know?"
"You need to loosen up a bit more, little girl," says Lucius, "Life is often short in our work."
Bekowski glances at the wall chrono.
"Hey, we should probably get going now," he suggests.
"May the Emperor watch over you," says the Overseer, making the sign of the Aquila as the Fireteam leaves.

Everyone grabs their things, everything they can carry, and begin trying to find the meeting point they were given. The trip through the waistworks goes by smoothly. It takes a few hours, and the areas the Fireteam go through become more and more neglected. Ultimately, they finally come across the dock, a lonely platform extending out into the thick polluted atmosphere.

Ophilia splits off to make one last call to her old gang using a nearby terminal, while the rest of the Fireteam takes account of the other people around. Also standing there is a couple of mercs in carapace, one kid in flak (couldn't be more than 15 or so) holding a lasgun, and an elderly couple sitting next to each other calmly. Everyone is simply waiting.

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 06 Aug 2014 01:23:59 No.33922116 Report

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Wolfhound, on edge, goes to ready his weapons, but before he can, he, Bekowski, and Vathrek all hear the thrumming of some sort of engine.

Yet, they don't seem to SEE anything.

Suddenly the Fireteam are blasted by a buffet of wind, and before their eyes the air sparks and shines, as a strange purple vessel akin to a dropship seemingly materializes ahead of them. Out of a grav chute in the shuttle's belly, two men in heavy carapace drop down.

"Tickets," one says.
"By the Emprah..." Bekowski mutters.

The Fireteam watch as everyone already waiting hand in their tickets, riding the grav lift up. Following suit, the Fireteam hand in their golden tickets, and embark on the dropship. Vathrek attempts a quick scan of the vessel on the way in.

***Scanning...scanning...logbook updated. Vessel uses nanocrystalline composites and armors unknown to mechanicum science. Vessel also possesses a stealth field, obscuring further scans.***

"We might be in for a hell of a ride..." says Lucius.
"I want one!" Ophilia says, grinning wide.
"If you're good, I'll buy you one for your birthday," Lucius shrugs.

Stepping into the Grav Lift, the Fireteam find a number of seats are set up, and hand bars available. The pilot chamber is sealed off behind a blast door, while the interior looks like it's been temporarily repurposed from a troop transport. There are windows on the sides, that can be seen out of. Most rush for a window seat, buckling in. As everyone adjusts themselves, the ship begins pre-flight checks. From inside, it seems noiseless. The ship takes off, seamlessly breaking atmosphere, everyone is treated to the sight of Nemi's polluted jungle vistas and seas.

"Have I mentioned I hate flying?" asks Lucius.
"Now you have," Bekowski quips.
"Not that I recall, no..." Ophilia nervously begins, "Why?"
Wolfhound gets even more stressed now, clutching his gun tightly.
"I'm from an agri world," Lucius shrugs, "Some people thought combustion engines were a novelty..."

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 06 Aug 2014 01:26:16 No.33922169 Report

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The dropship continues on, and the old couple lean in.
"First time on one of these?" the older woman asks.
Ophilia replies animatedly, "Yep!"
"On this particular model of vessel?" Bekowski wonders, "Yes."
"Same here," says the older man, "We were minor menials, met each other years ago on the assembly manufactora. We saved up for years for a retirement, a ticket here. We hope to enjoy our twilight years together. I think this'll be a wonderful place to do so."
Ophilia raises an eyebrow at the man, but doesn't question him.
"Where you planning to settle?" asks Lucius, "If ya don't mind me pryin'."
The old woman points out the window. "You should be able to see it now," she says.

Indeed, looking out the window, something appears in a massive blue flash. Something huge. Something bright. Something incredibly flashy.

The old man smiles wide, "The battleship out there. Studio 69."

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 06 Aug 2014 01:28:14 No.33922210 Report

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fy3WIZ8dEXM

>DID YOU KNOW: If two Rank 1 Adepts wanted to save for retirement, it would take them 54.545 years for them to save 6,000 Thrones.

"That's what the Overseer meant..." Lucius whispers, "Emperor protect us."
"What the hell..." sputters Bekowski.

Covered in lights, neon signs, and guns, the blue and black manta-ray shaped battleship hangs in the void. Vathrek nearly shuts down at the sight of the Custodian battleship, while Lucius, looking closer, realizes it's not ALL Tau - he can almost swear there are some bitz from the Eldar...the spikier kind.

"Remember when I said I don't like flying?" Lucius coughs, "I don't know if i like it less now or more..."

Out of the back of the Phantomfish dropship, a pair of Tau in full combat armor march out from the back, through the passenger area, and open the door into the cockpit. Nobody can see the interior of the cockpit though.

"I... Whuh-" says Ophilia, things happening very fast now.
Bekowski digs his fingernails into his carapace armor, at the realization of how Tau-rrible his situation is.

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 06 Aug 2014 01:29:49 No.33922245 Report

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A thickly accented voice comes over the speakers. "Attention all Gue'la, we will be docking soon." Strangely enough, while most of the Fireteam is entering panic mode, only Wolfhound is beginning to calm down.

Ophilia speaks over her commbead in a flat, controlled voice. "Guys... What is going on?!"
Lucius turns to the old couple. "Different choice then most go for, as far as the twilight years go."
The old woman laughs, "This ship, Studio 69, is the premiere entertainment club in the sector."
The old man continues, "We've got a lot of recreation to catch up on." He is smiling warmly.
"You like to get wild then?" Lucius laughs nervously.
"Oh, we're too old for THAT now," laughs the old man, "For now, a nice place to sit, in a comfortable atmosphere, will do these old bones good."

Vathrek, however, opens secure microbead frequency.
"We appear to have chartered aboard a sanctioned xenos ship," he muses, "Most curious."
"Oh. Sanctioned?" Ophilia asks, "I... hmm."
"I can only assume it is sanctioned," Vathrek explains, "Otherwise it would not have made it past the orbital defenses."
"Stealth tech...." Ophilia mutters, pointing out what Vathrek missed.
Bekowski can only hold his Uplifting Primer tightly, reciting the Litany of Duty. Ophilia murmurs along to the bits of Bekowski's Litany that she remembers.

Finally, the Phantomfish enters the main docking area of Studio 69, and the grav lift engages for disembarking. The other men in carapace disembark first, followed by the skittish kid, and finally the elderly couple, holding hands as they descend.

"I am too old for this shi-" Lucius is cut off as the doors open and the sounds of Studio 69 pour in. All around are a large number of human mercenaries, with the number of Tau just as high. Amongst the neon shine of the Floating World, the occasional Dark Eldar can be seen as well.

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 06 Aug 2014 01:32:29 No.33922324 Report

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"Well... this is change of pace," says Wolfhound, much at ease as the ship's Euphoric Life Sustainer kicks in.
"When you've seen what I have," says Bekowski emptily, "Faith in the God-Emperor is what you need."

A woman in light dress, probably a greeter, is standing outside. She is greeting everyone, welcoming them aboard.

"Welcome!" "Welcome to you and you!" The greeter cycles between arrivals, "We're glad you could join us!" "Oh! Welcome back, Bekowski!"

"Welcome back?" says an incredulous Lucius, "You owe us a round of drinks!"
"Long story," mutters Bekowski, "Probably don't remember it, for good reason."
"Looks like I'm going to have no trouble getting drunk!" yells an ecstatic Wolfhound.
"Just... Be careful, Wolf?" says a shaking Ophilia.

"While on your stay, the entire Mercenary Quarter is open to you!" the greeter yells, "The grav lifts are in the central superstructure, leading down!"

"Lets just find some rooms, and store our gear," Lucius suggests.
"Ten-four..." agrees Ophilia.
"If you're looking for a room, why not try Res'Var's Kau'run?" the greeter suggests, "He's got good food, and his place is clean enough. Though I doubt I'd have to remind you of that, eh Bekowski?"
"Actually, I might have to remind myself," he chuckles nervously.
"I'd take her advice," says a calm Wolfhound.
"We are safer here than most anywhere else in the sector. Stick close though," Lucius lies through gritted teeth, "The blues don't don't take to crime from what I know. I imagine they keep the creeps on tight leashes as well."

The rest of the Fireteam take his word for it - the truth would not be best for now.

"Alright, let's head to this Res'var's place," sighs Bekowski, "Might as well get checked in before we find our boots stolen off our feet."

View Same Google iqdb SauceNAO Trace The Dark Underhive Syd Mead.jpg, 837KiB, 1280x716

Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 06 Aug 2014 01:33:37 No.33922352 Report

Quoted By:

Passing through the nightclubs, shop-stores, and assorted collections of gangs, the Fireteam finally find the grav lifts leading into the deeper parts of Studio 69, the Mercenary Quarter. Assorted Tau and Dark Eldar, in the Black and Blue armor of the House of Korst'la, can be seen standing at guard in certain areas. After a few minutes of grav-assisted travel through the lifts, the Fireteam find themselves in a darker, dustier part of the ship. The thin walls are lit by paper lanterns, and the screams of Reavers echo across the "sky."

"Well...Not as bad as I thought," says Wolfhound, "At least on the surface."
"Yeah, well the surface is always what's used to pull you in," shrugs Bekowski.
Lucius pulls Ophilia close.
"I know you have never seen a xeno up close like this. What ever you do. Do not end up alone near the ones with the pointed ears," he quickly explains, "If they try and grab you. Do NOT let them take you. That goes for all of you. You do NOT let them take you alive."
Ophilia whimpers angrily at her teammates' words, eye twitching, but sets her jaw & grips her Nomad tighter.
"I will keep you safe, Kier---...Ophilia."

Both Lucius and Ophilia wince at the verbal slip. Something doesn't seem right.

The Fireteam decide to try to find this Res'var's, before Bekowski begins moving. He doesn't know WHY, but he somehow begins traversing the alleys and streets as if familiar with them. The metal buildings always in sight, orienting himself to a MASSIVE glass pyramid in the distance, the Fireteam comes to a small lantern-lit building with paper doors. A neon sign beckons.

"Res'var's Kau'run."

View Same Google iqdb SauceNAO Trace Tyrone Laughing.gif, 3MiB, 240x234

Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 06 Aug 2014 01:36:27 No.33922407 Report

Quoted By:

End Episode 3.5, The Road Most Travelled.

Episode 3.5 named as such because there really wasn't much action, only talking and backstory type stuff.

So, as a result, today will be a double feature, whether you like it or not. I can promise more action-filled Dark Heresy here.

View Same Google iqdb SauceNAO Trace Dark Hive City Alleyway.jpg, 37KiB, 632x348

Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 06 Aug 2014 01:38:43 No.33922465 Report

Quoted By:

Episode 4: Vivid Transparency

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ws0aeYYCXZU

"So...is this it?" Ophilia asks.

Under the dim lighting of the paper lanterns, the shining glass pyramid glowing in the "horizon," neon letters spell out "Res'var's Kau'run." The doors are paper-thin, and it sounds quite lively inside. Shadows of forms dance around in the light. Popping open the doors, it's certainly quite a scene. Everyone is clustered around small bar-type tables, arrayed around a series of grills. At each station, a cook prepares food while everyone watches. Some have a flair for the dramatic when cooking. The chefs are both tau and human. While the cooks are all Tau, the ones seated are a mix of human, tau, and dark eldar, all jostling for a position and the food. There's even a Brachyura at one table.

"Well, lets try some xenos food!" Lucius says excitedly. He takes a seat at a station, where an old Tau is at station. The rest of the Fireteam follows suit.

View Same Google iqdb SauceNAO Trace Teppanyaki.jpg, 2MiB, 5616x3744

Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 06 Aug 2014 01:40:17 No.33922506 Report

Quoted By:

"Well then, newcomers!" laughs the old Tau in accented Gothic, "Welcome to my Kau'run, what can I get you?"
"Um...You speak great Gothic," Lucius replies, somewhat taken aback.
Ophilia nervously releases her grip on something under her outer clothes and takes a seat, forcing a polite smile.
"Ha, yeah," old Res'var laughs, "Most of us do, though the Dark Eldar are often to prideful to do so. It was quite helpful when on missions."
"Well... What would you recommend?" Lucius asks, his stomach rumbling, "How about a mix of Tau and Human flair for the table? My treat."
"All right, then," says Res'var, grabbing his tools, "Sizzled Grox with a side of ko'io."
Noticing Wolfhound looking crestfallen at the lack of recreational activity, Res'var leans over.
"Care for the drink list?" he asks, "Today's special is the Love is War. Comes in Anti-Materiel Mix and Future Retro mix."
"Got anything authentic T'au?" Lucius insists.
"I'm preparing the Ko'io now," he replies, "It's a thick, savory noodle that tastes great with salt and sauce."
Ophilia's smile fades as she contemplates the food in earnest, then returns with sincerity as she watches the Ko'io's preparation closely.
"I'll have the Love is War," Wolfhound requests.
"The Love is War?" Res'var confirms, "The Anti-Materiel Mix is a thin, sharp blend, while the Future Retro mix is a softer, smoother taste. Got a preference?"
"I don't have a preference," says Wolfhound, "But uh, how do you know if the way it tastes for a human is the same for how it tastes for one of you guys?"
"I was using what you gue'la describe it as. I'll start you off with the Anti-Material Mix," says Res'var as he mixes the drinks.

View Same Google iqdb SauceNAO Trace Teppanyaki.jpg, 23KiB, 380x296

Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 06 Aug 2014 01:41:49 No.33922541 Report

Quoted By:

The food sizzles on the grill, as Res'var continues his work.
"So.. are you amphibious?" Lucius asks, "Sorry if that's rude."
Res'var bursts into laughter. "Oh, that's a good one! Do I look like I have gills? We come from a desert world, actually!"
"I thought...the head thing," Lucius blurts.
"So, what brings you all in?" asks Resvar, then looking at Bekowski, "Hey, you're not with that other fellow this time."
"Hmm? Them?" Bekowski feigns knowledge on the topic, and continues, "Oh, uh, they're off on business."
"Ha, they would be, Inquisitors never stay around for long," says Res'var, then turning to Ophilia, "Miss, open wide!"
Ophilia flinches in surprise, and hesitantly complies.
Res'var pops a steaming bit of grox off the grill, and sends it directly into her mouth, flawlessly.
Ophilia chews thoughtfully, nodding in appreciation as her grin returns.

After a while, Res'var passes out the food and drinks before taking the orders of a new set of Tau and Dark Eldar at the grill.
"I've never met a Xeno before. I mean, a T'au," says Lucius, trying to make a better impression, "I heard you all do military service for some time, that true?"
"T'au is the world, while Tau is us," says Res'var, "But yes, if you want to make a living here, you join a raiding team and advance the ranks."
Wolfhound receives his drink, and is floored at the exotic tastes he didn't know existed. It's sharp, nothing like Rotgut or Amasec. But it's quite good.
"I retired at Shas'nel, for instance," sighs Res'var wistfully, "Called it quits after a few battlesuit sorties. Always wanted to open up a Kau'run..."

View Same Google iqdb SauceNAO Trace Grill.jpg, 50KiB, 600x400

Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 06 Aug 2014 01:43:37 No.33922581 Report

Quoted By:

However, the attention is on the freshly served dishes. Ophilia attacks her food, digging in to the grox and ko'io with evident enjoyment. Lucius starts eating, savoring the fresh real food after dealing with reprocessed hive starch for so long. Bekowski nervously takes a bite of the food, carefully examining the flavors for anything suspicious. Even Wolfhound finds his senses aroused, instead of dulled. The Kau'run is hot, packed, and steaming with people. It enhances the flavor of the grill.

"I run a lodging in the upper floors as well, competitive rates," Res'var explains, once more turning to Bekowski, "I doubt they'll have space in the Ministry for you again this time."
Bekowski nods. "How much for a room, and how many to a room?"
"20 thrones a night, two person rooms for 30 a night," Res'var states, "You'll be hard-pressed to find a better rate."
"What's the safety like up there?" asks Wolfhound, continuing to drink.
"I've got hired guards," explains Res'var, "One or two used to be in my ta'lissera, so I trust'em."
"Two two-man rooms, and a solo room?" Bekowski asks, "We can figure out who bunks with who later."
"All right, I should have those rooms available, I'll have them prepared," says Res'var, "Might want to get comfy, we'll be in ZFR Hyperspace soon for a day, then it's another three days to our next destination."
"No Warp?" Lucius asks.
"Why bother with the warp when we have the Webway?" asks Res'var, "Not like we Tau can use the warp anyway."
"You can't?" Lucius persists, "That mean you got no psykers, right?"
"Nope, none at all, and the Nicassar and Ji'atrix auxiliaries can only go so far," says Res'var, "Besides, Webway is safer anyway."
"I wasn't sure about you, but you Tau are alright with me," says Lucius.
"You say that now," laughs Res'var as he points the way to the rooms, "Just avoid our cousins in the Empire proper. They're...not like us here..."

View Same Google iqdb SauceNAO Trace hyperdrive.jpg, 640KiB, 1024x768

Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 06 Aug 2014 01:45:24 No.33922623 Report

Quoted By:

On the way up the stairs, the Fireteam discuss who rooms with who. Bekowski first advises that Ophilia receive her own room, but relents when Wolfhound insists on having his own. Following a pair of coin flips where the Fireteam either forget to call heads or tails, or forget to call the MEANING of heads or tails, they decide to stick Ophilia with Vathrek, while Lucius and Bekowski share the manliest of rooms. The Fireteam find they are decently sized for two people. Surprisingly, they find most of their stuff was transferred over as well.

"Hmm," Ophilia observes, "Cozy."

The two person rooms have simple beds, as well as a desk and dresser. Mats for resting and eating lay out as well. Eveyone stows their gear, and decides that the first well-deserved rest in a while is in order. Eventually, the Studio 69 superstructure rumbles, and the giant battleship enters ZFR hyperspace, a blue glow seen outside the rooms' patios. The blue glow is soon replaced by a purple hue as the battleship enters hidden webway gates, known only to the Kabals, and the trip begins in earnest. All around, the Fireteam can see other mercenaries going about their business, the occasional gunfight and Reaver skybattle piercing the dust of the deck. The glow of the pyramidal Ministry of Truth remains the single constant in the Mercenary Quarter.

Towards the end of the jump, a tau room service maid comes into each room, to maintain everything. Incidentally, each also has brochures about the battleship's next destination and travel itinerary.

View Same Google iqdb SauceNAO Trace Water Planet Planetrise.jpg, 565KiB, 2048x768

Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 06 Aug 2014 01:47:52 No.33922687 Report

Quoted By:

"The destination coming up soon is Sors Natio. After a day above the world, there will be a scenic detour across Nova Prosperous before continuing on to the world of Monolith," the maids explain.
"Then the next destination's one of the places we're headed," says Ophilia, "The watery world."
"I'm actually totally prepared for that," says Wolfhound, "All of my shit can operate underwater.
"Phantomfish transports are available to the world's surface," they explain, "Today the High Commander, on a whim, has deemed them free."
The Fireteam finish readying themselves as the Maids, one for each room, finish their cleanup.
"We'll be leaving the Webway momentarily," explains each maid, "Shuttles can be found in the main docks. We wish you a good trip!"

Eventually the pink and purple glow fades, and Studio 69 holds station over Sors Natio. The world can be seen across the deck windows, a misty green and blue world. All around, a number of the transitionals aboard begin rushing to the docks, to get in on the free shuttle rides. Grabbing some JELLY DONUTS offered to the Kau'run tenants, the Fireteam rush out to catch a Phantomfish down. It's a quick walk to the grav-lifts, and the Fireteam pass by a number of assorted guns for hire rushing about as well. On the way up, they see one of the carapace guys from the trip up, wearing only his helmet and underpants, dead on the roadside, his corpse studded with purple shards.

"Well..." mutters Bekowski, "That's unfortunate..."

A little further, they also see the old couple, calmly sitting at a park bench and feeding the spess pigeons.

View Same Google iqdb SauceNAO Trace Space Dock.jpg, 45KiB, 800x378

Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 06 Aug 2014 01:49:10 No.33922729 Report

Quoted By:

Finally reaching the docks, the Fireteam queues up in a line of mercs eager for some RnR, but the lines go quick as the Phantomfish fleet takes groups at a time. Bekowski shows evident relief, thankful to be off the xenos vessel, while Ophilia is excited to ride a Phantomfish again. These phantomfish, however, have not been refitted to transport duty, instead still in troop carrier configuration. Large guns hang by the doors, meant to fold out when in combat. Everyone still fits, however, and the Phantomfish takes off. Breaking atmosphere, the comms over the speakers start a pre-written speech.

"Welcome to Sors Natio, a misty jungle world punctuated by occasional arid plains. Places of note are the equatorial beaches, the water vapor exporting hives, and the local Squat Hold."

Ophilia breaks out in laughter, while Lucius stares in confusion.

"We hope you enjoy your stay!" the comm finishes.

View Same Google iqdb SauceNAO Trace Beach Palm Tree.gif, 5MiB, 944x531

Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 06 Aug 2014 01:51:34 No.33922784 Report

Quoted By:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieduCpyHfCg

Ultimately, the Phantomfish takes position near a sparkling beach, and the grav lifts engage to let everyone off. A great ocean lays before the Fireteam, jungle at their back, as people are setting up for a day at the beach.

"Water vapor exports?" Ophilia ponders, "Hmm... you'd think they'd run out eventually..."
"There's probably a lot of fucking water," Wolfhound shrugs.
"So, where does the dot lead us?" Lucius asks, trying to stay on target.

Ophilia wills the Graviton Data Codec active, and focuses in on the blinking dot. It's weird. The dot shifted from its last position that she recorded on her dataslate. However, it is still on this world, the direction deeper in the jungle.

"It's hot..." sighs an impatient Lucius.
"Getting stuffy," Wolfhound agrees.
"Target's moved deeper into the jungle," Ophilia states.
"Hope this 'dot' leads us to a proper hive," mutters Wolfhound, uncomfortable under the open sky.
"I wouldn't count on it..." Ophilia shrugs, "Or against it, really."
"Wish I bought a Flamer," Lucius laughs.
"They probably know what they have," Bekowski warns, "So they'll probably stay away from civilization."

The Fireteam consider renting a Transport, but all available Phantomfish are chartered as passenger duty right now. Deciding to not waste time, the Fireteam head straight into the jungle.

View Same Google iqdb SauceNAO Trace jungle.jpg, 1MiB, 1993x1350

Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 06 Aug 2014 01:52:50 No.33922814 Report

Quoted By:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a7pnC-kGQBs

Bekowski and Vathrek can pick a path through the jungle somewhat easily enough. It takes a bit of effort to get over some of the denser foliage, but the Fireteam's path leads them away from the typical jungle dangers, like quicksand, strangler vines, and Chechens. In fact, the Fireteam make good progress towards the dot, not slowed down by much. As the day continues, the Fireteam make better progress. They even find some hidden foliage paths to shave time off.

Everyone is so busy searching out the dangers of the dorests, when Vathrek picks up sounds ahead. Around a small campfire, a number of squats sit about. They are carousing and cavorting about, armed with bolters.

"It's the Squarts!" whispers an incredulous Wolfhound.
Ophilia ninjas over to listen in, while Bekowski and Vathrek strain to hear the sounds.

"...aye, that was a good battle! Remember when ol' Urist fired a missile right into that Castellax's face?"
"Indeed! Set off the entire wall, too!"
"Too bad we couldn't get all the data. At least the Engineer's Guild got some..."

"They've fought a castellax too, and got data?" Ophilia relays, "This sounds relevant to our interests..."
"The account matches the presumed vaporization of the other battle automata," Vathrek confirms.

View Same Google iqdb SauceNAO Trace Squat command squad.jpg, 129KiB, 1024x768

Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 06 Aug 2014 01:53:57 No.33922837 Report

Quoted By:

"Hey, you hear something?" says one squat suddenly.
"Yeah..." mutters another. The Squats ready their bolters, and begin advancing out.
"Urist, head back to the hold, report the situation to the Engineer's Guild."
"Right..." The Squat named Urist begins to head towards some foliage.

"Take them before they get a warning off," Vathrek whispers.

The rest of the fireteam set up kill lanes, waiting for Ophilia's shot. Urist is attempting to uncover something in the brush, when a nomad round impacts his leg, and he dies in shock. Bekowski fires a hallucinogen grenade, causing two squats to go full retard, while Lucius's autocannon takes down the other two squats.

Vathrek advances into the clearing, Ophilia and Bekowski intent on grabbing them for interrogation. However, something swoops above his head. Something ridiculously fast, that there's almost no time to react to it. Wolfhound can see two rapidly disappearing dots in the distance, while Lucius gets a slightly better look.

"So... You are not going to believe this," Lucius stammers, "I think they are riding giant flying dildos."
"...What." is all Bekowski can manage, "You know, maybe they kind of deserved to get eaten by the 'Nids..."

View Same Google iqdb SauceNAO Trace Scimitar Jetbike.png, 522KiB, 959x358

Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 06 Aug 2014 01:55:04 No.33922862 Report

Quoted By:

Ophilia, however, zeroes in on the squat Urist's dead corpse. Brushing away further foliage, she uncovers a vehicle very similar to the ones that just flew by. Examining its controls, they seem very similar to normal skimmer controls. Vathrek moves to scan it for more information.

***Scanning...scanning...logbook updated. Target is a Scimitar Jetbike, and is armed with a Heavy Bolter. Power assessment notes that the fusion reactor is 75% charged, and likely part of a scouting squadron.***

While everyone gathers around to marvel at the jetbikes, Wolfhound executes the two remaining squats before they can un-hallucinate. This causes some friction amongst the Fireteam, as they have nobody to interrogate now. While Ophilia, Bekowski, Lucius, and Wolfhound argue over the value of a dead Squat, Vathrek continues to ponder the jetbikes. He remembers half-truths about their speed and armament, and knows that the Squats keep a number handy, though where they got them they refuse to say. He hops in the seat, and hits the trigger, feeling the jetbike rise, ready for action.

"What you think these cost?" Lucius muses, "Hell, We could retire now, I bet."
"No idea, but I like 'em," says an excited Ophilia.
"The squats are likely heading for warning and reinforcements," Vathrek yells, "We need to move!"

There are Five Scimitar Jetbikes - two have Heavy Bolters, One has a Plasma Cannon, one has a Multi-Melta, and the last...looks like it has a plasma cannon, but its coils are green and its output nozzle is square.

"So... who gets which one?" Bekowski asks.

Wolfhound immediately claims a heavy bolter jetbike, as does Ophilia. Lucius, familiar with plasma, decides to take the plasma bike. Since Bekowski jumps on the multi-melta bike, they leave Vathrek with the strange and unknown green-coiled gun.

Lucius hops onto his jetbike. "This is gonna be a blast!"

The Fireteam surge off to find the retreating squats.

View Same Google iqdb SauceNAO Trace speederbike.jpg, 24KiB, 320x240

Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 06 Aug 2014 01:56:56 No.33922905 Report

Quoted By:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFiZOtEsPxM

Taking formation, the Fireteam advance on the retreating squats, Jetbikes blazing the way over the canopy. However, four Squat Skyhunters rise up, two approaching the Fireteam's left, and two the right.

Lucius opens fire with his plasma cannon, downing one Squat, while Ophilia fires a salvo from her heavy bolter, strafing the jetbike and sending it to a fiery explosion down below. The two remaining Squats fire their own heavy bolters, pitting Vathrek's bike with holes from the explosive bolts, seriously damaging it. He returns fire, however, with his strange weapon. Holding down the trigger, he is rewarded with a stream of red rays out of his weapon. The rays seem to do middling damage to the bike, but that is not the true strength of the Volkite Culverin. One ray hits the Squat himself, the first doing minor damage to him. However, the real magic comes from triggering Deflagrate, and the Squat begins to expand, exploding in a red gory mist as his body temperature rises thousands of degrees in a few seconds. Bekowski moves up to take down the last of the new squats with his Multi-Melta, before Ophilia and Lucius turbo-boost ahead. Lucius fires another glob of plasma at the retreating squats, causing another jetbike kill, while Ophilia gets the last confirmed kill.

The Fireteam continue their advance, slowing down only when the massive form of a crashed voidship rises from the steaming jungle, covered in Squat Iconography. They have found the Sors Natio Squat Hold, and the locator dot is within.

The Fireteam circle the ship in a low flight pattern. They can see a number of holes in the superstructure, and Vathrek notices a further hole in the ship below the water level, in a crashed lake. Deciding they do not wish to get wet, they park their Jetbikes. Disembarking into the ship, they realize that the ship is still in dire state, and some parts are heavily flooded.

View Same Google iqdb SauceNAO Trace Flood.jpg, 166KiB, 800x450

Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 06 Aug 2014 02:00:09 No.33922966 Report

Quoted By:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LudFV61zsaw

"This place is hurting..." sighs Ophilia, "I almost feel bad for the stumpy little buggers."

The Fireteam faces a hallway deeper into the ship. Lights flicker down. Exploring it a bit, it seems to fork off - a path to the right goes at an angle, while the left descends deeper into the ship, the hall flooded. Ophilia once more checks the position of the dot.

"Guys, looks like the water might be a straighter shot, assuming this ship doesn't have too many twists & turns. Thoughts?" Ophilia asks.
"Why would they take the data into the water?" Wolfhound asks.
"They could have something nasty in there," Ophilia says, "but more likely we'd cut through the water en route to a dry zone."
"Well, Vathrek is basically half-way to submarine, so I volenteer him to check out the waterway," Wolfhound states.
"Yeah, but are we really equipped for an underwater excursion, let alone combat if it comes to it?" Bekowski asks.
"Solid projectile weapons should function, if decreased in range," Vathrek explains, "The primary problem is breathing for the rest of you."
"...shit," mutters Ophilia, as she and half the Fireteam realize they lack rebreathers or sealed armor.

Taking the higher road, it leads to a roundabout route, causing the Fireteam to lose precious time. However, eventually the halls do end up leading towards the dot. Eventually, the echoes of footsteps comes to the Fireteam's attention. Ophilia draws her snipers, and lays in ambush. A pair of squats appear to be coming down a side hall. They're engrossed in a conversation with each other.

"Two, conversing. Shall I take 'em?" Ophilia asks.
"Can you ensure they stay alive?" inquires Bekowski.
"Haha, no," Ophilia laughs.

The two squats, in simple garb of the Engineer's guild, continue forward in blissful ignorance, until one's chest bursts.
"Huh? Urist, nooooo-" Then the second guy's head explodes from Ophilia's shooting.

View Same Google iqdb SauceNAO Trace carp.png, 321KiB, 600x400

Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 06 Aug 2014 02:01:42 No.33923001 Report

Quoted By:

"Clear. Two civilians down," Ophilia comms, "No alarms raised. Let's hide 'em."
"Bad day to be short," Lucius quips, "Well done. Murderer."

The Fireteam hurry to clear the giblets, before moving on deeper into the crashed voidship. Traversing a central access hall, with signs of recent restoration, the Fireteam comes across a great heavy door. All craftsquatship is of the highest quality. The door is embedded with shards of obsidian. The door depicts a squat being eaten by a carp. The squat is screaming. The carp is laughing. Behind the door, mechanical sounds can be heard.

The Fireteam are stumped.

"Find anything about the door?" Lucius asks.
"It is a heavy door, we will require demolition charges or a lascutter, the latter of which will provide ample warning," Vathrek explains.
Ophilia grabs all the explosives she can in readiness.
"Hmm...should I knock?" Bekowski asks.
"Knocking would be ill-advised after disposing of 12 of thier number," Vathrek points out.

However, Lucius simply walks up to the doorknob, and after some effort, opens the heavy door.

"Yeah, but we could just blow away the guy who answe- Oh, hey, door's unlocked," says Ophilia sheepishly.
"This is why we just check things," grumbles Lucius, "Damn kids..."

View Same Google iqdb SauceNAO Trace Factory.jpg, 39KiB, 400x300

Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 06 Aug 2014 02:03:45 No.33923051 Report

Quoted By:

Within, appears to be a massive manufactorum. All sorts of cranes and automated assembly systems are going off. Large mechanical components are being dragged around. In the center of the room is a control console. The manufactorum continues its work without squat observation, the method to the madness not obvious.

"What the hell, aren't there normally servitors and stuff running these kinds of places?" Bekowski asks in shock.
"In Imperial manufactora," Vathrek replies, "The Squats have always been irregular in the proper observances of the Omnissiah's will."

Vathrek approaches the terminal, and begins intoning the rites of access. He breaks the password relatively easily, to find an on/off switch and three buttons labeled LOG 1, LOG 2, and LOG 3. Deciding more information is best, Vathrek plays the logs in order, starting with Log 1.

View Same Google iqdb SauceNAO Trace Squat Exo Armour.jpg, 15KiB, 176x223

Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 06 Aug 2014 02:04:48 No.33923088 Report

Quoted By:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5g6mEhRylIQ

***
Log 1 - This is Engineer's Guildmaster Velm, reporting on the status of the project we were...assigned. Though we have tried, ancestors know we have tried, every day that passes makes me more and more despondent. I begin to doubt if we will ever free ourselves from our bondage to that hated Tau. He owns us, all of us, body and mind, because of one lapse of judgement. This project, though, these strange fighters, that Tau may have handed us the ticket to our freedom...
***

"This does not make me feel safe at all," Lucius says.
Vathrek loads the second Log.

***
Log 2 - I grow weary. Decoding this STC is taking longer than expected. The armor is a simple matter, as is the weapon systems. We can attach a plasma repeater system, as well as power it with a neo-plasma reactor. Furthermore, its plasma lances and burst missiles can draw from the same power source. But I cannot figure out the missing piece, the way to force a shift from its jetfighter configuration to its striker configuration. I know of one place that would have the knowledge we need, but I promised Mortimer I would never access the Sigma Harmonic Crystal again, both for my sake, and for our newborn daughter...
***

The Fireteam remain silent for a very long while.
Vathrek engages the final log.

View Same Google iqdb SauceNAO Trace Squat.jpg, 25KiB, 265x265

Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 06 Aug 2014 02:05:51 No.33923119 Report

Quoted By:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fmYkLLbQZZE

***
Log 3 - ...I did it. I searched the crystal for knowledge, and I never wish to see such things again. They were living metal monsters, bearing the visages of long dead Necrontyr gods. Ancient horrors from a long-past war, and yet I believe these... 'Ushabti' give me a breakthrough to what I seek. But it seems I am in luck. An engineer's guild team has brought back part of a code they claim will assist us in our endeavor. We only have part of it - 1.2*, the Declination. Once the team has collected all the components, we will explore to find the missing pieces. If I can use the honored technology of the ancestors instead of the awful things I bore witness to, then it will be all for the better. These VF/SS machines will be delivered on time.

Anubis, Djehuti, Nephthys, Anhur, so many others. And yet, somehow, those names seem so familiar....
***

"...Necrontyr?" asks Ophilia.
"GODS?" coughs Bekowski.
"I have no idea what any of that means," Lucius shrugs.
"The data fragment is the declination, or appears to be," Vathrek observes, "One part of a spatial coordinates set."
"And it says 1.2* before that, which means that that is the value," Bekowski adds.
"Okay, so this all sounds distinctly unhealthy for us," says a shaking Ophilia, "I'm wondering if we've met the Tau that screwed this girl..."

View Same Google iqdb SauceNAO Trace Hassan the Restaurant.jpg, 30KiB, 541x389

Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 06 Aug 2014 02:07:16 No.33923152 Report

Quoted By:

The Fireteam have what they came for, and leaving is a simple matter of retracing steps. Reaching their jetbikes once more, the Fireteam consider themselves lucky to have them, as zooming above the canopy allows them to make it back to the beach just as everyone is leaving. Embarking on a Phantomfish back, the Fireteam take a moment to unwind.

Bekowski pats his jetbike as he moves in for the landing. "Y'know, I think I'm gonna name you Violette. Fastest one into the fight, and fastest out. Just like she was."
He reminisces of his old team from his Inquisition service, before snapping back to the situation at hand.

Eventually the Fireteam return to the Mercenary Quarter. Luckily, there's a place to park their Jetbikes (next to a number of Reaver Jetbikes), and they make it back to Res'var's Kau'run. Entering, Res'var waves the Fireteam over.

"Hey there Res'var! Good to see you!" says Lucius.
"Hey!" Res'var yells, "This just came for you, you expecting something?"
"Depends, is it good stuff or not?" says Bekowski guardedly.

Res'var passes everyone a small crate. Within is 20,000 thrones. Split 5 ways, it's a cool 4,000 thrones.

Lucius's good mood is further boosted, especially since nobody got hurt this mission.
"Saints take me now...", Bekowski stutters as he looks over the mass of thrones.
"Anyway, your room's ready," says Res'var, "Just pass over the nightly rate as usual."
"It's on me tonight," Lucius declares.

The Fireteam find their rooms are exactly as they left them. But for now, rest is a good thing. A successful mission, a successful payday.

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 06 Aug 2014 02:10:24 No.33923231 Report

Quoted By: >>33923284

You know, for all the shit I talk about it, I'm starting to enjoy Dark Heresy. I have a good team here that makes it enjoyable and interesting. I'm also looking forward to Dark Heresy 2 in a few days, but I can wait around.

Tune in to more Excelsus: A Midsummer Knight's Dream next week!

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Anonymous Wed 06 Aug 2014 02:12:19 No.33923284 Report

Quoted By: >>33923513

>>33923231
Thanks Shas, how many of this group were part of Squats: The Musical?

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 06 Aug 2014 02:20:42 No.33923513 Report

Quoted By: >>33929345

>>33923284

None. Everyone fpr Excelsus was recruited off /tg/ a few weeks ago. All my games are recruited from /tg/ now. The funniest part is, three are completely new to the system, so its funny seeing their reactions to shit like Jetbikes and Volkite.

Anonymous Wed 06 Aug 2014 03:57:31 No.33926213 Report

Quoted By:

evening bump

Ophilia Wed 06 Aug 2014 06:09:09 No.33929345 Report

Quoted By:

>>33923513
The jetbikes were an entirely pleasant and welcome surprise. The Volkite stuff, I'm still having a hard time wrapping my head around - in a good way.

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