The Sin of Pride IC

[Starbin]

Gabriel nodded his thanks to the med-tech, pulling his robes back on. He started to head back to his room when he remembered something. Gathering his weapons he marched to the section where his other erstwhile priest was located. Stepping into the area, he looked around, speaking loudly, "Where is Voss?"

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Oh, this one doesn't get off so easily ...

[DrK]

All Over the SHip

As the Priest crosses the vessel, intent on something painful... as the Master of Whispers resides in his chambers planning and trying to find the patterns... as the Captain and the Enginseer argue and try to regain the control of the ship and Astropath sends forth a shining beacon of psychic energy to all Imperial ships nearby...

ATTENTION ALL CREW. PREPARE FOR LORD THEOCLES the speakers blaring out over the normal choiral music as the music quietens down to a dull throbbing instrumental note.

"Men of the Imperium. I am troubled." THe inquisitor's rasping tone echoing in every corner of the vessel. "I am troubled as a father is troubled by his wayward sons. The seeds of corruption amongst my own children. The touch of the xeno. and the filth of betryal." the words hang in the air accompanied by discordant tunes from the orchestra. "A harsher man would purfge with fire and interrogators... But I am not harsh." Again a long pause, this time crew all over the ship giving uneasy glances mention of a purge.

"We have been gifted a vision. A chance to serve the Empire in the most important of ways and we shall do so. We shall do so or we shall die in our attempts. If we must sacrifice every life of us aborard this great vessel we will succeed. Remember your prayers. Fear the mutant, Abhor the xeno and Purge the heretic".

As the echoes fade, the personal microbeads of the seniro staff all beep with the personal code of the elite custodians of the Lord. "All senior staff report to the observation dome immediately".

[Starbin]

Gabriel paused as the announcement came, listening intently as their leader spoke. As Theocles' words hung in the air, Gabriel hear his microbead ping, directing him to return. He stared down the nearest scribe. "Tell Brother Voss I shall return later to discuss his future."

With that, he turned and strode back to the observation dome where he waited for the others.

[Caimheul]

Master Holt Orthesian

The ship wide announcement interrupts the Master of Whispers berating one of his underlings for dropping a pile of paperwork. He opens his mouth to continue the verbal abuse when the announcement ends, only to receive the summons on his microbead. The words he had prepared are replaced with a single sentence and a steely glare "Do not let it happen again.". He turns with a swirl of his cloak, Geri and Freki falling in a step behind him as he departs for the observation dome.

[bluntpencil]

The Captain whoops with joy, happy to have something to actually do.

Moments later, though, he frowns. It was going to be a boring meeting, without any drinking, fighting or purging, most likely. There probably wouldn't be anything fun about it at all!

[DrK]

The Observation dome

The Inquisitor looks up at you each in turn as you enter the beautifully appointed and domed room. The roiling mass of the nebula hanging above you in the void against the skyline of the gothic architecture lining the hull of the 9km long vessel.

The lord, his face still scarred with fresh stitches from when the table exploded looks up at them. While for many his face is its normal grim and waspish expression the hunched and cowled figure moves forward, a blotched hand grasping Mikhael and Gabriel's hands as they enter a word of thanks on the old b@st@rds lips.

Addressing the assembled senior officers "We have a nerw mission. A stroke of divine inspiration, or a test of our faith. I know not."

"The great enemy knows no bounds and moves in strange and unknown ways. The infestation was a vile cyst upon this vessel. It was an unforgiveable violation of the sanctity of this great vessel." His eyes drifting and narrowing as they move towards the Master of Whispers, "But we have a glimpse into the great enemie's plans."

Here he pauses and an unseen command activates the massive hololith in the centre of the room and a vast circling solar system springs into view.



The icy rings surround a gas giant at the heart of a system with vast asteroid belt at its edge. "The Great enemy will be coming here. Already its claws nestle at its throat but soon the legions of the betryayer will come. They yearn for something on this world. Something they cannot be allowed. We will stop them."

"And" he pauses gesturing at the window "As for the array and the Mechanicus, well, prepare the bomber fleet and arm Torpedoes. I want the agglomeration destroyed. The emperor's tarot has illustrated that they are linked to this tech heresy on my vessel. For this crime alone I will have them subject to Exterminatus!"... As he finishes the rant he looks around for any questions.

[bluntpencil]

The Captain grins,

"Sounds fun, milord! Righteous battle against both the xeno and the heretic, and probably the daemonic too!"

He then pauses, deep shallow in thought.

"If we can grab whatever horrific prize the heretics are after, we could bait them into getting themselves killed by the aliens. Or vice-versa. Whatever, really, we could have them fighting each other, then we can gloriously murder whatever survives, right?

I'm pretty sure whatchacallhim Guilliman wrote about pulling stunts like that for the Emperor, you know. It's risky, but we're the best the Imperium has, so we'll sail right through!"

Casimir Kuchenko is a genius, but he's not always considered sane. Something of a savant when it comes to warfare, he cultivates an appearance of foolhardiness that only serves to make him unpredictable in the face of the enemy.

[Starbin]

As Gabriel entered the deck, he was surprised by the reception from Lord Theocles. He nodded his thanks, bowing his head to the Inquisitor. "A life in the Emperor's service is reward enough, my Lord."

Moving to stand with the others, he listened intently to the Inquisitor's words. His eyes widened at the revelation that the Xenos threat below decks might be tied to a tech heresy involving their original mission and a move by the Great Enemy to secure some ancient tool or weapon on Morwen IV. And while the Captain seemed to find bizarre glee in all of this, the declaration of Exterminatus should be chilling to all but the most dispassionate of persons.

When given the opportunity to ask questions, he stepped forward, hands gingerly held loosely behind his back. "My Lord, I have a few items to address." His gaze swept across the room to take in his fellow officers. "First, if the decision is to destroy the station, then departing immediately. Should we not do this in tandem with a strike on the planet? Assuming they have established a base of operations to continue excavation of these Xenos sites, the destruction of the Agglomeration would end many of our concerns, but that doesn't abrogate the discoveries on the planet, and leaves it open to exploitation by other forces. Launching the Deathwatch prior to the torpedo strike, or in concert with it, may provide a modicum of advantage to our mighty Adeptus Astartes to deal with the situation swiftly and investigate the source of corruption to the Brontian Longknives.

Second, given the recent Xenos incursion onboard, the tech heresy the Lord Inquisitor mentioned, and the Argossian Incident we experienced recently, is there a true connnection between these events, or are we attempting to link two or three separate, but equally disturbing, chain of events?

Finally, concerning this tech heresy, is the information classified beyond our clearances, or are there details we can be briefed to, in order to aid planning? It sounded as if one of the concerns is it is associated with discoveries on Morwen IV; however, that would represent a different strain of threat than we have previously associated with genestealer cults."

Pausing, Gabriel waited to hear what the others had to say concering his points.

[bluntpencil]

Captain Kuchenko nods, offering a short point as the cleric speaks.

"If the Astartes were to destabilise the station, they could have it crash into the planet, causing untold destruction, maybe saving us some world-shattering archaeotechnology."

[Emperor Ing]

After a strange half an hour of investigating dead-end after dead end, Sargeant Barrow felt a combination of relief, disappointment, and confusion at the prospect of the two genestealers and one hybrid being the remnants of the xenos infestation. At least on this part of the ship.

He only had just enough time after being summoned to the observation deck to put away his multi-melta. He arrives dutifully, albeit bloodied, and looking like he would be better suited to visit the medicae than recieve a briefing. But really, all he was wondering is whether or not Exterminatus had really become the "last resort" it is supposed to be.

Those creatures have some sort of constant line of communicae. Attacking both simultaneously should give us some element of surprise. Hmm...if they are connected, then would they not be expecting us already?

[DrK]

The inquisitor looked around as the Captain, Master at Arms and Confessor spoke. "Maybe you're have a point Lord Captain. But would it not be easier to merely bombard the excavation site form orbit"

The inquisitor genuinely asking a question as if unsure of the capabilities of the colossal warship.

"Confessor. You may know now. The magos of the Agglomeration have been suspected of tech-heresy involving biologis-artificialis. The creation of false men and the worship of soul-less machines giving the illusion of false life. What xeno-tech they may have found has no place in the Imperium of Men."

Looking about to the others glowering at the entire room. "I shall leave you to deceide on the best route to destroy the array any trace of the Agglomeration. We should be arriving there presently?"

The questioning stare penetrating the Enginseer and the Captain equally...

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Both know there is ~75 hours left before you arrive

As Barrow speaks the inquisitor considers it for a second. "A sound piece of advice. We must pass a false message amongst the crew. THey must not know of the destination. We must pass word amongst them that we are heading to war, maybe the Jericho reachs and the embattled Orpheus Salient?"

"Astropath Transcedant. Scan the ship constantly, search out for any signs of psychic presence. Inform the Master of Whispers and the Master Sgt immediately should any be detected. Any transgressors must be destroyed."

[bluntpencil]

"Tell them 'Margin Crusade'. That's an oldy and a goldy, it is. Don't screw with what works!" blurts out Kuchenko.

He then checks his chrono, looking at the Enginseer, thinking about whether or not they want to arrive there immediately.

[rb780nm]

"Yes, my lord," Mikael says.

[Caimheul]

Master Holt Orthesian

"My agents will aid in dissemination the false information, it will be good to keep them in practice. Of great concern to me is the discovery by the acolytes of a tech cult cell within the maintenance corridors of The Sin of Pride. I consider this cult a priority as they seemingly have access to the ships systems, or at least the databases. While attempting to learn about their organization, the information was being deleted faster than I could pull it up. As of right now, I consider all information on the ship's systems suspect at best, malicious at worst. Until the Enginseer can certify that our systems are once again clear, I have instructed my people to avoid using them, and have ordered the cogitators temporarily shut down. I put forward that we should use the transit time to exterminate this blight."

[DrK]

The Inquisitor nods at the Astropath curtly in thanks before watching the Master of Whispers. Eyes flicking to the ENginseer as he speaks with a suspicious glint.

"Hmm. More traitors. We fly towards renegades of mars and yet more lie aboard this ship. The Emperor has been always been overly lenient with thos who revere the Omnisaah over their rightful God." A sharp nod and a gesture towards Barrow- "Command Sergeant. See these renegages are purged and destroyed. I care not in the manner of their passing save that it be rapid. I want them purged from this vessel before we reach the Agglomeration and rain holy fire upon it."

[Starbin]

Gabriel looked around at the others, then back to the Inquisitor. "It seems we are agreed to deal with this threat prior to departing - we simply need to determine the exacts of our assault on the Agglomeration and the Brotian Longknives. Lord Theocles, do you require the details, or do you wish a summary of intent once our plans are fleshed out?"

The confessor offered the Inquisitor an opportunity to either depart and deal with more important things, or stay for the intricate planning required for such an assault. The Inquisitor's decision, while seemingly minor, would have two effects. First, if he remained, it would change the dynamic of interaction, since his presence typically ... restrained the free-flow of ideas amongst peers. Conversely, his leaving could indicate a lack of interest in the minutia.

Second, and perhaps more importantly, if Lord Theocles stayed, it would insert a layer of micro-management and oversight that would speak volumes of his trust in his senior council. Whereas by leaving, he was implying trust in his subordinates ... and responsibility should events not transpire as he desired. A double-edged sword, as were all dealings with the Inquisitor.

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Figure we're going to send the DW and consider some sort of assault on the ground.

[bluntpencil]

"Well then, chaps, I've a few ladies and gentlemen that I need to be speaking to! Well, actually, mostly gentlemen, seeing as I think I'll be speaking to some Space Marines..."

The Captain then rambles on under his breath a little, complaining about a lack of Sisters of Battle or something.

He saunters out of the chamber, sending a message ahead of time that he would like to discuss strategy with the Watch Captain.

[DrK]

The Inquistor looks around the room for a long minute taking in his senior command crew. "Very well. Captain, Enginseer, Master Holt, I expect a report on the dealings of the cult within 6 hours with your plan of action.

A look towards Barrow and the Lord Captain- "An assualt plan of the Agglomeration will be required before we make contact. I will not see this vessle put at overly needed risk."

"Master Transcendant, could you begin jamming in the local area. It is imperative that no word of uor mission gets out. In addition to your sensing of course."

Finally he looks at the Confessor, "Make your plans. Co-ordinate with the others. Confessor I would have you speak and inspire the troops before battle. Your words will surely lift their spirits and bring certain victory in the battle"

That said he waits for any repsonsed before sweeping out of the room.

[Emperor Ing]

Sargeant Barrow for some reason can't help but wonder if everyone thinks he's Tech Guard...which he's not. To his recollection, he was not even born on a forge-world, and only tolerates the worship of the Martian machine-god and omnissiah because it was sanctioned by The Emperor himself.

I would advise against jamming them at this moment. If they have communications between ground and void forces, if that communication is cut off, they will notice it. Furthermore, be aware that we are not making something disappear, that would be noticed too.

He addresses the inquisitor. Milord, any information that may be provided will be helpful in bringing out the best possible plan of attack, however I request that it be provided in a portable format, as I feel I must take my leave to the medicae. I brought many xenos to the Emperor's justice in vengeance for those faithful whom were needlessly killed, however I did not come out unscathed, as you can see. He gestures to the numerous lacerations and even a few bullet holes covering his body.

[bluntpencil]

The Lord Captain turns on his heel, then pauses, gesticulating with plenty of enthusiasm.

"Master Holt! You deal with the hereteks or whatever it is! The Watch Captain and I have a battle to plan!"

[DrK]

Just before Theocles leaves he nods at Barrow. "Of course Sergeant. Most remiss of me to ignore your wounds gained in service to the God Emperor."

He whispers into his micro bead. And immediately one of the Inquisitor's guards is quick to respond. "Come with me Master Sergeant. The Inquisitor's own surgeons will see to your wounds."

The Guard leads Barrow down a short corridor to a plush white walled and carpeted room with a single small bed and a host of chirgeon's tools. The half cybernetic creature that enters with a host of mechandrites barely seems to notice the Master Sergeant before pushing him down and setting to work on the wounds.

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You get the crazy servitor doctor. Well done
You quickly regain (1d5+5)[8] wounds from the host of drugs, synth skin and re-blood that he receives.

[Starbin]

As the group dispersed to take care of their individual responsibilities, Gabriel reported to the bridge to await the Captain's return. While he prefered their original Captain, Commander Korvin, this Captain Kuchenko was who Lord Theocles had entrusted with the Sin of Pride, so it was there the Confessor would start.

Once the Captain arrived, Gabriel bowed his head slightly. "Might I ask for an audience, Captain? I have a request to make of you ..."

For Captain Kuchenko:

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"Sir, I request that you slow the ship, or bring it to a stop for a few moments - I think the term I've heared used is 'run silent, run deep.' There is a method to my madness and it involves the task our Lord Inquisitor has given me. If you indulge in my ... theatrics, I believe it will pay dividends in the long run. I simply require a few moments of as close to absolute silence that we can achieve, given the size and function of this ship.

What say you, Lord Captain?"

[bluntpencil]

The Captain appreciates theatrics more than most, yet this doesn't sit well with him.

"You forgot to explain why, Confessor."

[Starbin]

Gabriel smiled wanly ... rare for the Confessor. "I do not wish to endanger this vessel. I simply wish to set the stage, if you will .. for the continued salvation of all of our souls. Your assistance will provide ... context to my next address to the officers and crew of the Sin of Pride."

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OOC: Nothing dastardly ... just trying to get us back into the groove.

[bluntpencil]

The Captain offers a rare lapse too, for the Confessor's benefit. For but a minute, the slightly clown-like, friendly and eccentric upper-class gentleman disappears, replaced by something entirely different, taking on a very menacing tone.

"Please, good Father, do not try to win me over with charms.

I am the commanding officer on this vessel, or so the Lord Inquisitor leads me to believe.

I didn't gain this position through resting on the laurels of my esteemed family, known for its Naval service for millenia. No, I've risen through the Academy, proving my competence at commanding starships of every breed. On top of that, I've a spotless service record, having earned my medals, commendations, and these Emperor-blessed Captain's stripes with blood, sweat and tears."

He pauses his whispering, pointing at his own shoulders, bearing Naval rank markings, before continuing.

"I do not follow advice from my most esteemed command staff without a legitimate explanation.

Why should I slow down the ship, Confessor?

How will my most humble assistance, ignoring a direct order from the Lord Inquisitor, I might add, help the crew? I need to know why, before I risk an executioner's bolt shell, and this whole Throne-damned screw-up mission! We have heretics, xenos and Terra-knows-what-the-Warp-else aboard, and you expect me to simply trust you?!"

He almost stopped whispering as he cursed, but controlled himself before continuing, no longer whispering, and dropping the aggressive, angry tone with a heavy sigh, muttering about the incompetence of the previous commander, allowing this ship to become such a hive of scum and villainy.

"If it's a few moments of simple silence you need...

...speak to the Martians. They can dampen sound using blessed technology, and I can keep this boat doing what the Emperor's representative here wants it doing."

[Starbin]

At the Captain's tone, Gabriel's smile disappeared as his violet eyes hardened under the harsh words from Kuchenko. Nodding at the recommendation, he came to attention and spoke crisply.

"My apologies, Captain. I do not recall questioning your pedigree or authority, but apparently I did. I recall providing you an answer to your question of why, but apparently not to the level you require. I had not realized I had given you reason not to trust that I take my duties as seriously as you do, but perhaps I have not proven myself adequately. Suffice to say, I appreciate your candor and understand the situation quite well. You have been charged with responsibility for ensuring the Sin of Pride remains a ready weapon for the Emperor in the hands of Lord Theocles, and nothing should keep you from that duty."

Bowing stiffly, Gabriel turned to leave, but paused for a moment. "However, I have been charged to ensure the sanctity and purity of every soul aboard this vessel - mine, yours and Lord Theocles. I take my duties as seriously as you do ... and in pursuit of my charge, I make no frivolous or useless requests. Good day, Captain. I shall see the Techpriests with all due haste."

Gabriel turned and walked away to see what the techpriests could do to ensure silence aboard the ship at a time of his choosing ...

[Starbin]

Once back in his room, Gabriel paused only to change into his most holy of accoutrements. With his ecclesiarchal robes hanging loosely over his vestments, he ensured the Imperial aquila pendant was over his heart. He gathered his sepulcher and censor, as well as Melfonte's Orthodoxy, before stepping out and heading to the chapel.

Entering the room, his most trusted servants froze upon seeing the lavender-eyed Confessor step into the room in full priestly regalia. He nodded to the other men, his lips moving in a steady littany of adoration for the Emperor. Motioning towards the pulpit, he indicated he wished the ship comm's to be made ready. The other brothers quickly readied everything, gathering around Gabriel for a moment to share in a Prayer of Preparation. With a nod from the Confessor, they broke to their normal stations and awaited his word.

Keying the microphone, Gabriel addressed the Sin of Pride.

"Loyal sons and daughters of the Emperor, I send thee greetings. The taint of the Xenos, the Mutant, and the Heretic is upon us. Even now darkness arrays itself to stand against us. The Eternal Night seeks to claim our souls. I know you have heard the words of our noble Lord Theocles.

But did you listen? You, Gunner's mate 1st Class Savage? Did you Agent Praetus? Did you Adept Volancer?"

The names went on, a selection of names of various men and women on board. After each name, there was a long pause, the time ticking away as every person on board wondered if their name would be called, when finally it ended with Brother Voss' name. After another few seconds pause, Gabriel continued.

"When the situation is simple, it is easy to Serve the Emperor. When there is an obvious foe, our compulsion to fight is high. When many stand by our side, who does not shout out with ferverant joy, 'For the Emperor'?

But what will you do with night falls? What will you do when the door to your room is closed, and you are alone with your thoughts? Your doubts? Your fears? Will you serve the Emperor then?

Prove your loyalty now. Close your eyes. Hear what the xenos, the mutant, the heretic hears. Hear what the void holds for all who turn away from the light of the Emperor. Hear the sound of empty promises in exchange for your very soul ... "

Gabriel's voice tapered off as he cut the vox. Activating a switch, he patched his personal vox into the Tech priest. "Silence now, sir."

Across the ship, sound died. Engine noises were muffled, even the vibration of the ship seemed to disappear. For every person that closed their eyes, they were subjected to the horrible sound of silence ... and aching, empty, silence that clawed at the very core ... it threatened to overcome, begging for everyone to unleash a scream, a cry, a whimper, if only to break the wretched still.

"Or instead ... you could listen." Gabriel's whisper broke the silence, as well as something else ... something faint.

"You could listen to the only real promise ..." The noise in the background, it sounded almost like ... music?

"You could listen to the one who cares for you, fights for you, sacrifices EVERYTHING ... for you!" Yes, it was definitely music. Music from the choir, rising and falling in a chorus that evoked images of the Emperor, striding across the universe with sword in hand.

"Listen well, my brothers and sisters, for the Emperor now calls upon you! We have been given an opportunity to strike back at the darkness, to drive back the night, to bring the glorious song of His presence into the silence of the void."

The song was now blaring, notes soaring triumphantly, filling the ship with the holiest of hymns, bolstering the spirits of all true servants of the Emperor. Gabriel's voice rose to a shout, commanding, no demanding everyone's attention.

OPEN YOUR EYES, BROTHERS AND SISTERS! REMEMBER THIS MOMENT, WHEN YOU AWOKE, REVIVED IN THE EMPEROR'S LIGHT, REPURPOSED IN THE EMPEROR'S CAUSE, REFORGED IN THE EMPEROR'S NAME AND REBORN IN THE EMPEROR'S SONG!

REMEMBER THE DAY YOU NO LONGER HEARD THESE WORDS, BUT TRULY LISTENED!

FEAR THE MUTANT!

ABHORE THE XENOS!

PURGE THE HERETIC!

SERVE THE EMPEROR!"

The song reached a peak, then suddenly dropped back into the standard background sound of the holy choir.

His voice normal, Gabriel spoke once more.

"Go now, brothers and sisters, sons and daughters, loyal servants of the Emperor. Serve him well, for he is watching."

Complete in his task, Gabriel nodded to his minions, then returned to chambers, voxing a simply "Thank you" to the tech priests.

[DrK]

Within the shadows of the Temple and similar Temples all around the vessel the crew remain bowed in prayer and feeling the dreadful isolation of the darkness before engaging in the prayers as the lights come on and the dreadful silence is lifted.

As the confessor moves to leave one of the junior priests comes running out of breath. A scroll in his hand. The scroll bearing the mark of Lord Theocles himself.

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"Confessor.

You inspire us all with your faith and fervour for the God EMperor. When we reach the system th great enemy encroaches on I will grant you with a great relic from the moons of Saturn to further our cause.

Theocles."

On board the rest of the ship the ship is readied for war as attack craft are fuelled and loaded. Plasma batteries are powered up and attack troops not deployed down to the tech priest insurgency line the corridors lest they are led into another boarding action.

[Starbin]

Gabriel read the message, somewhat surprised at the comment. He penned a message back, sealing it and sending it back to Lord Theocles.

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My Lord Theocles,
A life in loyal service to the Emperor is all any of us should aspire to. Your faith invigors us all - I shall use whatever tools you deem necessary to carry out the will of the Emperor.

His faithful servant,
Confessor Mandalkan

[rb780nm]

Returning to the choir, Mikael opens his inner vision and searches for unauthorized psychic activity.

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Psyniscience (1d100)[97]