[IC] Warhammer 40k: The Chaos Incursion

[rivaan]

“,,,” Vala chose to not reply at the first sentence that came out the psyker’s mouth. She was not some tiny thing… as far as humans went, Vala had actually quite the decent height for a female. This crazy person in front of her was just saying things to annoy her, but she preferred to not get dragged into another punishment or worse because of the dumb psykers.

“Ahhh… “ Vala finally made a sound of realization. There it was… Maria… so she was the point of this talk. Well fair enough, Vala disliked that pyromaniac fop now with a vengeance too. There was going to come a time when she was going to get her fair punishment for the dumb nonsense she pulled out on a ship. Even not counting the fact she got them punished, the engineer felt innate hatred towards anyone who was stupid enough to create/use plasma weaponry/powers outside of a direct danger conditions where they are boarded or something. She had actually broke arms and legs back when she ran her ship for such acts.

“Also pull away a little… cause I’m getting either the urge to kiss you silly or to poke you eyes out and frankly because of that ‘debriefing’ I was made to do after the imperial inquisitorial forces found me, I’m not sure which of the two it is.” Vala stated with a very emotionless face.

“Well… that overdressed, overconfident, fool of a fop will get her fated punishment eventually.” Vala added with an innocent smile.” Universe works in interesting ways… Besides I have a new gun in need of testing…”

[Rithy]

"As a Psyker, I can tell you a fair bit about fate and destiny... "

Adrianne replied with a smug smirk on her lips as she gazed down at the smaller woman in front of her, before she moved one hand forward to place it down on Vala's shoulder as she lowered her face to be just above eye level with Vala!

"But I don't think we should necessarily leave the responsibility of justice to the universe's meta laws or fortune. Naaaayy... I think we could expedite matters, and you do have a certain competence and specialist skill."

The smirk on Adrianne's face had by now turned into a full blown grin! Whatever suspense the Psyker was trying to build up with the elusive conversation, she clearly could not contain some inner glee as she placed yet another hand on Vala's other shoulder, while gazing directly down into her eyes!

Whatever the engineer might have mentioned about pulling away had clearly been ignored, as if Adrianne merely leaned a little bit further forward, she might very well risk falling ontop of Vala!

"Are you... familiar with pranks?!"

[Antediluvixen]

Maria grinned internally - she’d finally managed to draw the Inquisitor’s ire it seemed. Certainly took her long enough, her little hypothesis about this Inquisitor being new to the game seemed increasingly likely. She would play nice for now, but the towering bimbo would find she was not so easily deterred, it would simply take a little more subtlety. Setting herself on fire earlier had not been the brightest idea, she had to admit - but it had been fun, so it was a net win as far as she was concerned.

The mention of a Sororitas themed reception did serve to temper her scheming somewhat. She didn’t fear death, at least not death itself. But she had no desire to slowly be picked apart with hot tools as an angry Sister sang aggressive scripture at her. Though, if she was to be executed, she could at least taunt them without too many extra repercussions.

As they broke the barrier of the planet’s atmosphere, Maria quirked an eyebrow at its pristine grandeur. Immediately her eyes darted around, picking out any parts that looked like they might host a gang or slum, and she was not disappointed. It didn’t matter how much gold filigree the bureaucrats added to their pretty towers, there would still be those unlucky enough not to be born with a golden spoon in their mouths.

Unlike some members of their team, all of her personal belongings fit on her person. A couple spare changes of clothes, a few books, her dataslate - currently loaded down with several books downloaded off the ship’s computer, her dog tags, and a few other miscellaneous odds and ends.

It struck her suddenly that this was the first time since she left home all those years ago that she was setting foot on a planet where the first order of business wasn’t digging fortifications for squad heavy bolters. It was an odd sensation.

As the shuttle touched down upon the surface, Maria took a moment to breathe in air untainted by the ionization of las fire or the acrid stench of high explosive. There was still the odor of civilization, but still - fresh, unrecycled air.

Making her way into the building ahead, she walked slowly through its vacant hallways, eventually turning into an empty room in the far corner where she dumped the small satchel that held all of her worldly possessions on a small table in the corner and wheeled around, marching for the central room of the building.

Much like the Krieger, she still had her armor and weapons on her. Her coat was not fully buttoned however, and the well worn carapace armor underneath gleamed through, alongside the meaty bulk of the bolt pistol and the bandoliers of ammunition she wore on her person for it. It gave her quite the swashbuckling look, if she had to say. Acknowledging the man with a small nod, she stood in the corner, snapping off a salute to the Inquisitor.

[WardenCelestine]

Suddenly, the sound of the large safe house door being shut and locked into place could easily be heard coming from behind both Engineer Vala and Psyker Adrianne. Celestian Andromedai had would place a hand on each of their shoulders before speaking. “Word of advice for you Vala, if you do decide to kiss Adrianne silly, be sure to do it away from everyone else, I am unsure what the rest of the retinue would think if they saw you, even more so the Inquisitor.” Andromedai paused, smirking ever so softly, “Then again, our Death Korp Trooper may like that, better to not take any chances though. Now, let us head for the living room.” With a soft push, Celestian Andromedai would help guide the two trouble makers in the right direction.

Once they arrived, Inquisitor Icarus would shoot them a glare before beginning her mission briefing. “Tomorrow morning we will be heading directly for the systems Adepta Sororitas headquarters to recruit our last retinue member. Once she joins our ranks, we will head to the last know location for cultist activity and gather all the information we can from the area. I have no doubt that our arrival will shake the hornets’ nest so be prepared for close quarters combat. You are free to do as you see fit until that time but I would like to advise getting at least some rest before we begin. The only rule I have about the safe house is that you treat it as if it were your own. As of now, no one is allowed to leave the safe house and visit the city unless accompanied by Celestian Andromedai. I have important information to look over and order to finish filling before tomorrow morning, so I will now be taking my leave. If I am needed, I can be found within my personal quarters on the third floor of the safe house. I will not be taking any questions for the next three hours though, you are all dismissed.” With that, Inquisitor Icarus turned and left, heading out the stairs to her own personal room.

This now left the whole retinue under the command of Celestian Andromedai, who was looking at the datapad that she held in her left hand. “Since Inquisitor Icarus has retired for the night, that now puts me in command.” There was a moment of silence while she placed her helmet back onto her head and locked it into place. “I have a couple tasks to complete in the city then I will be stopping by some place to get a late dinner, would any of you be interested in joining me?” With her left hand, she motioned outside of the safe house at the landing pad that had a modified drop ship parked upon it. The shuttles colors matched that of the Inquisitors own armor and even had her crest upon each door.

What the safe-house looks like.

[POOHEAD189]

Before the gateway that led to the landing pad, a crude engine could be heard roaring in the distance coming ever closer. If the reports were true, the Inquisitor would be at this location. If not, Herold would keep looking, but if there was a reason behind a member of the Inquisition being present upon this humble planet, he'd be damned if he didn't find out first hand his reasonings. This Adeptus Arbites had been working in this system for years now, and needed to learn what new threats now loomed.

With a spray of snow, the Combat Bike was launched into the air a meter or so, before he took control and skidded it across the front gateway. Upon the Bike was Judge, his face concealed and his powerful frame fitted with equally powerful Carapace armor. Methodically, he placed the Combat Bike up, keeping his pack within but hefting his Hydraphur Pattern Suppression Shield and Shock Maul. Most people thought it was him making a show of force, but honestly he merely always wanted to be prepared.

He could see figures inside as he approached through the various windows of this quaint and leisurely home. Most of them seemed feminine of sorts, he noted. His strides were strong and inexorable, as if the very thought of keeping him from moving where he intended was folly. Yet there was a predatory tautness about his gait too, seemingly ready to pounce or roll at any given moment. His fists striking the door in a 'knock' was ominous to say the least.

[Eisenhorn]

Ansgar was quietly grateful for the briefing to start proper, after all, that reduced the amount of time the psykers would be actively bickering and scheming against each other. These things, of course, being things he would not lightly be indulging in. They were expecting another retinue member, one to be joining them at the Sister HQ, and beyond that, they would be deploying straight into the Cultist suspected held areas. Good, he was worried they would be spending too much time mingling and having to rub shoulders with the nobility. Not strong suits of his, that much was certain. Being restricted to the building was hardly of concern to the Krieger, having lived durations in bunkers and trenches that, if one tried to venture out of would have led to expedited death, so the worst of his concerns was the fact that, well, he would likely be trapped here with the others of the retinue. What was curious was the specific lack of questioning for the next three hours. Either receiving communications that were not to be overheard, or something truly beyond them. Regardless, these were wishes he would respect.

Once the Inquisitor departed, normally, Ansgar would have retired to his quarters for the regular maintenance that he felt was necessary for his hellgun. However, Sister Andromedai spoke about being in charge, which yes, that was a nice reiteration of what the Inquisitor stated, and about running errands out in town coupled by a late dinner. "I'll leave that offer to those better suited to civilities in the town. Best to have someone keeping watch here." Besides that, dinner would require removal of his mask, and that was hardly something he had interest in doing right now, in the presence of the others at any rate. Saved him answering questions, really, besides, he hardly put any trust in the majority of this group yet. After all, barring the Sister, he had seen nothing more than infighting and petty, casual use of the warp that invited the kind of chaos and trouble that had no doubt doomed the worlds he had waged wars across already.

What interrupted his train of thought was the pounding on the door, an attempt to be intimidating no doubt, and of course the trooper's first response was to level his weapon at the door, the hum of the weapon charging and coming off its safe state making it clear to the group that the Krieger was expecting trouble. Then again, it was a rare thing indeed for a native of Krieg to not be expecting trouble, so that should hardly be surprising. With the Krieger facing the door, weapon charged, he was once more unmoving, waiting for orders. After all, opening the door could, technically, be considered a violation of the direction that the Inquisitor gave, if one was to be overly technical. "Anyone make a requisition delivery request while no one was looking, or is otherwise expecting company?"

[rivaan]

“Call me again later, then we will talk.” Vala mentioned to Adrianne when they were both dragged by the celestian. It certainly wasn’t the most comfortable way of movement, but the fact they didn’t exactly get into trouble for scheming was quite good. The former merc supposed that scheming things wasn’t bad by it’s nature. After all everything in this bloody galaxy was scheming for one thing or another, the inquisition especially. They were after all, all about their schemes and plans. Then there were the sisters of battle whom… Vala stopped that train of thought, she had never heard anything about any grand plans of the sororitas. They mostly seemed to single mindedly do their tasks of purging heresy and xenos and anything they deemed worthy of purging.

Hmm this was… quite the tempting offer actually. Vala had never been planetside on any decent planets within the Imperium. After all she was a former unsanctioned merc. In the past she would have been killed on sight for just attempting to get anywhere near planets such as this one, not to mention land her ship. She also lacked frankly any normal clothing suitable for this. All she had were her suits and armor. This felt like a good chance to get some normal clothing that was not the standard uniform procured within the military ranks she could have requested usually.

“I will actually take up on that offer.” She stated to Andromedai and quickly walked after the celestian. There was also the opportunity to try normal food for once!" I've wanted the chance to get planetside on any decent planet for a while now~"

[Rithy]

Adrianne quirked a visible eyebrow at the Celestian.

The idea of seeing a sister soritas going out into the city, even for a dinner actually outside of any monastery or temple, was something that was definitely unique enough to pick up the Psyker's interest!

"I will!"

Adrianne did not wait long before she commented, raising a hand and stepping forward towards the Celestian, falling into step next to the much more diminutive Vala.

Before they could reach the Celestian however, Adrianne would take the chance to lean in down towards Vala, holding up a hand as she whispered into her ear in a hushed tone.

"Notice the emblems and full battle armor? I don't think this will be any 'normal' night out!" The Psyker would whisper into Vala's ear, an act that was made somewhat awkward by the height difference between the two women.

Flying into the city with the inquisitorial emblem and a sister of battle in full battle armor was bound to be >anything< but mundane!

"I wonder if it's a raid, or a witch hunt, or a mutant purge."

Adrianne's big purple eyes moved frantically from the Celestian to the ship lying in wait at the pad, as her mind filled with ideas!

"Secundus Dumbuscus, come along!" Adrainne called out, as soon a familiar sound of heavy metal steps could be heard as the braindead servitor that had earlier carried Adrianne's luggage suddenly came into view in the room, carrying her skull helmet and a pair of empty boxes! Staring with empty eyes towards the group, but mainly towards Adrianne, it spoke through its static voice box with a monotone voice.

"Ready to serve, mistress."

"Oh, don't mind him; Dumbuscus will carry anything we might need! He also comes with a Quiet Mode." Adrianne said with a reassuring smile towards the other two as she gestured with a hand towards the servitor.

[WardenCelestine]

“There is no need for you to watch over the safe house or the Inquisitor, Trooper Ansgar. Both the safe house and the lands surrounding it are fully monitored and protected from a security system that Inquisitor Icarus can fully control from her room or from her data-pad while elsewhere." Celestian Andromedai was about to give an order to the Death Korp Trooper until she also heard the loud and sudden knocking upon the outside of the main door. "I did not make any requisitions and all other members of the retinue will be picked up tomorrow. Whoever it is was allowed to approach the house by the security system, strange." Picking up her modified bolter, the Celestian moved to the door while motioning for the rest of her retinue to take positions behind her. Reaching for the metal door, she unlocked it and quickly opened it to find a veteran looking Adeptus Arbites standing before her.

"You are standing upon Inquisitorial grounds, Adeptus Arbites, speak your reason to be upon private grounds or you will be eliminated." The Celestian held her weapon a few inches away from the man's face, her finger upon the hairpin trigger. Suddenly, the voice of Inquisitor Icarus came from behind all them, she stood at the top of the stairs in full gear. "I requested that Judge meet us at the safe house shortly after we arrive, he will be joining us on our assignment." Celestian Andromedai quickly brought her weapon down and motioned for the man to come inside. Once he had stepped inside and out of the snow storm outside, Celestian Andromedai shut the door behind him and locked it.

"Alright then Judge, I am currently in charge of the retinue until tomorrow morning, Inquisitor Icarus will take over from there. As for now, she is not to be bothered with anything unless it is extremely important, you may not leave the safe house without my permission until the morning and all orders I give are to be followed swiftly and to the letter. You caught us just as we were about to head out and make our way to the city to gather supplies and grab a late dinner, which remindes me..." Celestian Andromedai paused then moved to the back door that lead to the landing platform for the Inquisitors own shuttle. "You are all hereby ordered to join me on my visit to the city, that means you as well Death Korp Trooper. Judge, drop of your gear in the room of your choice then meet us outside in the shuttle, we will be leaving very shortly."

With that, Celestian Andromedai opened the back door and stepped outside onto the landing platform where their shuttle was waiting. "Psyker Adrianne, join me as my co-pilot, all others take your seat in the back. Also Adrianne, have that sentinal come with us, we may need him for what I have in mind." The side doors to the shuttle opened and Celestian Andromedai was the first to enter the well taken care of and oddly comfortable shuttle. Taking her seat in the pilots seat, she quickly buckled herself in and prepped the shuttle's engines which quickly came to life with a low hum.

[Rithy]

"Right behind you!" Adrianne would respond with a cheerful smile as she suddenly threw her servitor a quick look.
"And you behind me, Dumbuscus!"

"As you order, mistress. Shall I be bringing refreshments as well?"

" ... neehh, or maybe!"

As she was about take her first step towards the shuttle, Adrianne would swing around in a quick half spin as she glanced towards the Krieger with a coy smile.
"You know there's no point in arguing... debating the sisterhood is never a good idea!"

She said with an amused tone as she walked backwards towards the shuttle, before spinning back around and following the celestial into the shuttle! Walking inside with the trundling servitor following ever so loyally behind her, Adrianne found she had to deftly lower her head on multiple occasions to avoid walking headfirst into any low hanging pipes or metal plates as she made her way to the cockpit to find the celestian.

"You know, Celestian!" Adrianne said as the door to the cockpit slid open behind Celestian Andromedai as the tall Psyker walked in, spinning the co-pilot seat around before she slouched impromptu down into it with her butt and smirked at the celestian.
"As I'm sure you already know from having read my resume, I have plenty of hours in flight sims both zero-g and not! I could take this flight to our destination no problem whilst you merely relaxed!"

[Eisenhorn]

Once it was confirmed the Judge was indeed supposed to be here, and only then, did Ansgar lower his hellgun from being centered on the Arbites male. While most wouldn't have expected much when firing on carapace without things like the space marine Bolter or weapons dedicated to punching through armor, the Krieger had personally put such men down, carapace clad and even in power armor, with well placed shots and a bit of blessing from the Emperor. The latter targets, though, usually required sheer volume or well placed shots against the weaker points in the armor, something that was studied and briefed extensively by the survivors of the Krieg born regiment as they continued pressing forward. Every encounter costed men, but rewarded in knowledge in how to fight against such targets. Of course, with the Sister chiming in about how the defenses and Inquisitor herself were adequate in defending themselves and this place, the Krieger started getting this feeling that he wasn't going to get to avoid whatever social or pleasantries that were going to try and be foisted off upon them in the city. Sure enough, he was given a direct order to head into the city with the rest of the group, which was met with the stoicism and utter lack of reaction that the Death Korps so oft displayed.

"Ma'am."

The one word spoke of obediance to the order, as the trooper always would do. Orders were to be given and obeyed, given by the superiors, obeyed by the rank and file. It was a simple equation that somehow was mucked up and ruined by less disciplined forces. The Krieger had been rather quietly hoping that he would not have to attend to this departure for the city, not with the way the group had been interacting already. Considering events on board the main vessel? One should not have blamed him for hoping to avoid further potential for such things. Of course, one of the two main instigators, the one psyker that wasn't quite as overt a pyromancer, rather seemed to manipulate the warp in more irritating and less predictable manners, mentioned arguing with the Sisterhood to be futile. Like he intended to argue with the orders of a superior, and he grabbed his satchel of explosives, slinging it under the power pack for his hellgun and walking out, shooting off a comment towards the psyker as he boarded.

"I don't argue orders, ma'am. I follow them, without need for concussive separation."

Leaving that comment in the air for anyone to remark on, Ansgar strapped into the transport, securing himself and his kit just in case that they would hit turbulent weather. The fact they were flying into a city for a few errands, not into a warzone, meant nothing to the Krieger. Warzones could break out without warning, they tended to, it was rather rude of them really. But such was the realities of war, one was never ready for it. They could merely be as close as possible to being ready, and improvise the rest. Once again, if not for anyone watching him strap him, he might as well be still and unliving, or perhaps a pile of equipment. He hated flying, too little control. Chimeras and other ground transport was better, usually, since they could use vehicle mounted weapons to fight back. Air transport? Typically not so much. Which meant hang on for dear life and pray to the Emperor that, if you didn't make it, you didn't realize you didn't until you were before the Emperor himself for judgement.

[rivaan]

Eventually Vala let out a sigh as she dashed off back to her room to quickly put on her battle armor. With that nimbly done, she hastily attached all the weapons to their magnetic buckles and returned to the shuttle where they were preparing to fly off. She didn't really like the idea of going full battle state for a dinner out, but she doubted that there was much choice. There was no way problems weren't going to happen and also the sisters tended to attract trouble everywhere they went...

She didn't like the crazy psyker being their co-pilot or pilot. For some reason the mechanic suspected she was very unpleasant to take a ride with. Call it her gut feeling, but she didn't want Adrianne to fly the shuttle. Still she had decided to keep shut for now and simply checked the locking mechanisms of her armor one more time just in case. You could never be too careful with those things... wait on second thought...

“So just because you have sim flights time you think you're suitable to ride a transport shuttle with real people inside it?” Vala asked with a sigh.” I'd prefer to not get killed or injured during the ride... To fly a real transport shuttle takes a lot of practice and time to not fly it as a drunken one armed ork...”

[Rithy]

"To fly a real transport shuttle takes a lot of practice and time to not fly it as a drunken one armed ork...”

There was a visible darkening on Adrianne's face as she heard the annoying voice of the impertinent merc sitting in the passenger compartment.

"That little heretical midget!"

Baring her teeth in an angry frown, Adrianne would lean out of her seat in the cockpit to look back at the passenger compartment to identify the source of the unpleasant commentary, before she moved to point an armored finger back at Vala.

"I'll have you know that in my test records, I had a way higher than acceptable rate of failures and crashes!" Adrianne remarked, wiggling her finger towards Vala as if tutoring a child. This movement was suddenly interrupted as she shifted her hand to stretch her arm towards the side of the doors connecting the cockpit to the passenger compartment.
"Besides, NOBODY asked for your opinion... tramp!"

*SWOOOSH!*

And with that, the doors to the cockpit suddenly swished shut as Adrianne pressed the door control, before returning to her seat and giving Andromeda a look of confidence.

"Besides, today's weather report won't include any flak. At least excluding the passenger compartment." She said with a reassuring smile as she motioned towards the dashboard.

[POOHEAD189]

Herold's eyes couldn't be seen within his tinted visor, but there was no mistaking that grim expression he gave to the trooper when his gun was leveled his way. He was about to raise his shield in a swift movement, but realized that the man had a few reasons to be on edge. This was no normal outfit afterall, but a group formed by the Inquisition itself. He regarded the Celestian next after giving the others a once over. Odd group, he noted. Mostly female and a bit too bubbly for what he expected.

"Soveriegn has been...quiet as of late," he told her when she mentioned they would go out for a dinner. "But there is still a risk. However if I am ordered, then very well. I'll be here to give guidance if ordered."

He moved passed her, searching the house at a steady, albeit unhurried pace. He inspected every room he found, making sure it all checked out. "One could never be too careful," he muttered to himself as he left the last room before his own that he would claim. It was a smaller room, but it suited his needs just fine. He grunted in acknowledgement, and set his pack down, making sure to lock the door behind him.

He kept his weapons with him, however. He was still an Arbites, no matter the Inquisition or their affiliates would say. Making his way downstairs, his footsteps becoming audible stomps on the light stairway, he made his way outside and onto the transport. He gave a nod to those in the back, and set his shield beside him. Judging from his company, this night would be one he might take note of in the future.

[rivaan]

"Great... someone's sounds quite unsecure about their skills... You sure that you haven't just finished the academy or whatever it was?" Vala asked with a smirk at Adrainne's hissing comments. She sounded and looked about as intimidating as a ten year old. It made the mercenary just smile all the more, but not really enjoy the situation of having an inexperienced person requesting the reigns of the shuttle. Vala herself was on ships all her life and knew how to fly them, but then again she grew up around and on space vessels. This Adrianne woman knew nothing of it... academy... bah... just a few successful landings on a sim didn't make you a pilot no matter your fail to succes ration." Careful! Those door controls weren't covered in the sims!" Vala chirped as the psyker went ahead and closed hte door towards the cockpit.

"Well... time for a nap." The merc suddenly said, pulling her helmet and putting it on, before relaxing her hand on the gun on her hip as her breathing calmed and slowed down, turnign more rythmic than before. She was used to ships so the sounds of the engines or idle chatter wouldn't really wake her up.

[WardenCelestine]

The shuttles cockpit lit up with soft azure lights as Celestian Andromedai’s hands traveled across its numerous controls and interfaces, preparing it for immediate departure. The doors to the shuttle quickly shut themselves and with in a moment’s notice, they were airborne.

Peering through her visors HUD that had now connected itself to the shuttle, Celestian Andromedai responded to Adrianne’s request to fly with a simple but stern sounding “No.” followed by her flipping a switch next to her that opened the door that lead from the cockpit into the passenger compartment. “Don’t cause me any trouble Adrianne, just stay seated and do your job as the co-pilot.” By now, the shuttle was heading towards the large city in the distance.

“Attention retinue, once we arrive at Valencia, your orders are to depart from the shuttle immediately and follow behind me. Keep your conversations and the volume of your voice at a bare minimum, I won’t suffer fools or stupidity while at the chapel.”

Suddenly, the voice of yet another Sister of Battle came over the shuttles coms inside of the cockpit. “Inquisitorial shuttle number three eighty three, you are clear to land at pad (C-21) Crews are standing by for your arrival.” Celestian Andromedai spoke into the microphone that was built into her helmet and responded, acknowledging the information that she had just been given. “Affirmative, will arrive in thirty seconds at designated docking pad.”

The shuttle would drive sharply into the city before leveling itself out and coming to an abrupt but gentle stop upon pad (C-21) The doors to the shuttle would open with a soft hissing sound as Celestian Andromedai unbuckled herself from her seat and quickly made her way out of the shuttle and onto the metal floor.

Around them was the massive, lavishly decorated Sister of Battle structure known as the chapel. From where they had landed, the retinue could see a large number of other aircraft parked around them in the hanger, as well as an incredible amount of personnel going about their own business.

As Celestian Andromeai departed from the shuttle, another high ranking Adepta Sororitas swiftly made her way to Andromedai, giving her a crisp salute. The first thing the retinue would notice about this newcomer would be that her armors shading and coloring matched Andromedais but the armor itself was quite different. “Sister Seraphim Superior Solares, it is good to see you again. I am glad you will be joining us on our assignment.” Solares nodded her head and motioned for all of them to follow her with three words, “Same, follow me.”

As the group walked, Celestian Andromedai noticed they were heading towards a large elevator that would bring them down to where ground vehicles were stored. The large glowing sign that hanged above the entrance to the elevator gave that away. “I have acquired a Rhino for us that we can use in the city, it’s not a rare sight to see them driving through the streets at times so we should be able to move about with little suspicion.” Said Solares as she stepped onto the elevator and waited for the rest of the group to join her. Once they had, the elevator quickly descended to the designated floor where their transport was waiting for them. “Alright, everyone get in, someone take the armored turret position on top while Solares and myself handle its controls.”

[Eisenhorn]

Ansgar had little to say as the shuttle went about its trip, continuing to maintain his silence whilst considering what was going on thus far. The Arbites trooper had given him a rather dirty look when they first met, but Ansgar was justified, as far as he reckoned. Inquisition demanded higher alertness and security considerations, so he would not be found wanting in those regards. As such, an armed and armored individual, even wearing the trappings of an Arbites, was to be treated with due suspicion. Besides, things had been far too quiet for the Krieger's liking, he had expected more out of the Inquisition. Then again, his only dealings with them had been on a planet plunging headlong into Daemon planet status, so he really did not have the entire picture in that regard. As they touched down and orders were given out, Ansgar had no qualms with following through with them. As he had mused before, orders were orders, and that was that in that regard.

The Grenadier, unsurprisingly, had little to say as he marched forward with the rest of the retinue, the Sister's orders clear in that regard. Also, considering how lacking he had been in the vocal, communication department, so it was hardly surprising that he was likely the most silent of the group, literally saying nothing as a new Sister reported and they were informed of a Rhino on standby. He preferred a Chimera, really, but he wouldn't turn his nose up at a Rhino. It was leaps and bounds better than any sort of aircraft, after all. If he had to choose a vehicle he'd be most comfortable with? Hades Breaching Drill, those things were his pride and joy whenever he got his hands on one as an Engineer. But, not the most suitable for transport, so he would content himself with the fact that the Rhino would be rather good of an option to take over any sort of air travel. Still, he missed the Guard vehicles of choice, and that would not likely change. He was more likely to be able to drive a Guard vehicle than any other.

The first thing Ansgar noted upon reaching and boarding the Rhino was that the cargo hold area for troops was clearly designed for power armor in mind. It was spacious and large, for an unarmored human, so it was not as cramped as a Chimera. Then again, Chimeras also did not carry Space Marines, Sisters of Battle, so on and so forth, into battle. However, when the order was given to take up position in the turret, Ansgar was ahead of everyone else, moving forward towards the hatch that did not have all the mechanical crap in the way, and had one of the Storm Bolters, having spotted it when approaching the vehicle. Perhaps the other was controlled from within? Regardless, Ansgar worked the hatch open and hauled himself up into position, checking over the Storm Bolter. Not his usual choice of heavy weapon, understanding that they often were not heavy weapons for Space Marines or Sisters, but the amount of bolter rounds he'd seen the things spit out was impressive, to say the least. He kept his report clipped and precise, already scanning their surroundings for anything awry, regardless of the situation dictating it or not.

"Turret Manned, ma'am. Scanning for potential threats, active and passive. Will report as necessary."

[Rithy]

“No.”

There was a visible frown on Adrianne's face as she crossed her arms and sat back in the co pilot seat, clearly not pleased with the situation as she added.

"If you ever need me to save the ship, I'll be available." She added with a deceptively casual tone whilst staring straight ahead and simply waiting out the journey, as if she had just been personally offended!

"Cursed yes-sayer of the Adeptus Ministorum! She clearly has no faith in me just because of my supernatural abilities! I could have flown this thing no problem! I almost wish a missile would hit anytime soon just so I could step in... "

As they arrived later and were shown to the Rhino, Adrianne couldn't help but frown yet again as she saw another vehicle whom - of course - she did not get to drive, as she had to be the passenger... yet again.
At this point, she was not sure what was worse; the heresy on this planet, or the brain-killing boredom of just sitting on her butt as they went traveling.

As she stepped into the heavily armored Rhino, followed by her ever-vigilant servitor whom came trundling along behind her, Adrianne cast a glance around at the vehicle as she commented to Vala.

"I wonder who's party we are ruining today." She added with a mischievous smirk as she motioned towards the heavily armored vehicle with her eyes. Stepping inside, she found to no surprise that the Krieger had already found the Storm Bolter gunnery seat.

"Talk about living up to stereotypes."

"It's good we have a Krieger behind a Mark XI Hellrain Storm Bolter." Adrianne commented approvingly as she found one of the seats and started working with the belt buckle. Turning to Vala, she gave her a funny smile.

"If the Arbites had gotten behind that thing, I fear we'd end up exterminating every lower middle class or below from here all the way along the path to our destination."

[POOHEAD189]

Herold kept himself quiet for the most part. A grim faced sentinel with weapons at the ready. He admitted he was surprised at how casual everyone was acting, save the Sororitas up front. His question to her was that why they would invite him here if he was not to speak and guide them? He gave a shrug to himself, and a quiet grunt. It was not his place to question the Inquisition or the Inquisition's choices. He would simply be along for the ride.

The hissing of the vehicle was a signal for them to get out, and he stepped out onto pad C-21. He surveyed the area, realizing at once where they were. He should have suspected they would be using one of the Sororitas vehicles, and his suspicions were confirmed when they stepped onto the Elevator that led downwards to the land vehicle bay.

Adrianne's servitor nearly bumped into him, but he didn't flinch or make way. He simply stepped as he would, making his way in. "If the Arbites had gotten behind that thing, I fear we'd end up exterminating every lower middle class or below from here all the way along the path to our destination." That made him turn to look at the unnaturally tall and pale woman.

He felt something off about her. He had not survived this long without a certain sixth sense. He could have given a witty retort back, but he decided now was not the time. "This world's citizens are relatively civil and uncorrupted," he replied, settling himself down once more in the Rhino. He'd ridden in one before on Dalheim. "Then again, that means about half of them are questionable in their duties to the Imperium."

[Eisenhorn]

Ansgar was going over the storm bolter when he caught the comment by the one psyker that it was good to have a Krieger behind the weapon. She rattled off the model as well, which was a bonus point for her regard. Ansgar, being a former Engineer, had to know most weapon platforms he might come across, at least well enough to operate them, and while the storm bolter was not a normal weapon for Guard to encounter, he knew of them well enough to operate it. However, Siege Regiments like his own preferred heavy stubbers, cheaper and more plentiful, as well as more easily replaced and reliable in most conditions, than a storm bolter. He commented idly on the matter, a rare thing, but talking weapons was a natural thing for the Krieger. "Prefer the heavy stubber personally, ma'am. Storm Bolters are nice when available, but jamming and rarity, both of parts and ammo, gives them their issues. Most folk tend to turn the nose at a heavy stubber, but short of Terminators, even a Marine can be put down with a well placed round to a weak point in the power armor." It was a common thing that people not familiar with Death Korp tactics, or most Guard tactics in general, might be unaware of, but there was standard methods of handling Power Armored forces, which came to mind as he considered the storm bolter in his hands.

Typically, anti tank weapons were authorized for Marine targets, should they not be otherwise engaged with actual vehicles. He'd seen Traitors take a krak missile to the chest, which had blown them open rather neatly. Of course, landing a krak missile on a mobile target like that wasn't the easiest thing in the world, so secondary methods included ordinance, both vehicular and man portable, alongside sheer volume of fire. Lasguns took a great deal of time to burn through the power armor, while heavy stubbers took a lucky, or well placed, shot to pierce the weak points on the armor. But, Emperor be praised, volume of fire was often available to the Krieg born Death Korp regiments. Specialists with plasma guns, various launchers, even heavy flamers seemed to slow Marine targets at times, doubly so if they had gaps opened in their armor from previous attacks. Pouring burning promethium into one of those suits tended to cause the wearer some modicum of panic. Casualties were, however, always high when engaging traitor Marines. But even a dozen, or more, guardsmen were more than worth the cost to bring down a traitor Marine.

Ansgar had gone into a sort of auto pilot sweep of the surroundings when the Arbites opening his mouth again brought his focus back, the man commenting on the relatively civil, uncorrupt nature of the world's citizens. Ansgar was forcefully reminded of Krieg and her past, and he made a comment, one that carried a fair deal of weight behind it, aimed at the Arbites trooper more so than any of the others in the vehicle. "The most unassuming of worlds can burst into bitter civil war without warning. Any man or woman of Krieg knows this, and we continue to pay for the sins of our fathers to this day." There was not a single Krieger that did not know the great sin that was committed by many of their ancestors, when they rebelled against the Emperor. The loyalty of one hive, one hive that rained nuclear fire down upon the world, and the following purge of the traitors, was tales taught to each Krieger growing up, before they marched to war. As such, while many might look down upon the Arbites, they had a very clear purpose, so long as they remain true to said purpose. Whether that was indeed the case for this one, or not, well, that remained to be seen.