Evervigilant 22

<Vigilant_GM> IT IS THE 41ST MILLENNIUM...
<Vigilant_GM> The platform retains a lingering stench of death and decay. By Ferrue's carcass -now decaying at an unnatural rate- a strange, asymmetrical device lays on the metal floor.
<Vigilant_GM> Near the location of the blasphemous summoning ritual, three ivory-colored candles remain lit in a triangle around Ferrue's original position during the ritual. From the candle's flame, blood rather than wax drips down their sides. Against the light these give, the artefacts both glistens and swallows light in an impossible and hard to look at display of its unholy nature.
<Baird> "Alright everyone let's check for casualties and clues. Shivvy, see if you can do anything about Nils." Baird approaches the device to get a closer look.
* Shiv approaches Nils.
* Karpath nodes as he then reloads his Bolter.
<Vigilant_GM> The device, though impossibly dark, does reveal strange runes carved thinly along its surface -strange runes of uknown nature. The pattern, however, is interrupted. You notice the device is missing a piece, where a tip might form.
* Karpath takes a somewhat closer look at the runes he then backs up for a sec and thinks the runs seem oddly similar to him. His hand goes to his pocket which the amulet he has been caring for the original crime scene sit. He turns to look at Baird, "Baird, I think there is a missing part to this device and I think the Amulet I have is a missing part to it."
<Vigilant_GM> The artefact and the amulet both begin to resonate, vibrating in eachother's presence.
<Baird> "Good to know, we can turn both in to the Interrogator. Let's keep the items separate for now. We need a secure way to transport the artefact."
<Baird> "Back up Karpath, something is going on with them."
* Karpath nodes and puts the Amulet back into his pocket and then begins to back away.
<Shiv> "Her Arm is completely fucked. Like it's 'dead'."
<Baird> "Let's start looking for something to contain this thing."
* Shiv scratches his head and says "It has to be replaced."
* Tony is looking Inquisitively at the strange device, As he looks about for something to transport this thing.
* Baird approaches Nils. "You alright to travel Oath-Captain? We need to take care of your arm and it'd be best if we didn't lop it off down here...but we will if we need to."
<Vigilant_GM> "I... I don't know. My joints feel weak. The air feels thick to breathe," Nils replies, dropping her weapon to the floor.
<Tony> "Hmm, I wonder..." He moves over and blows out the candles nearby.
<Vigilant_GM> She removes her helm.
<Tony> "Try checking that Necklace with the device now."
<Baird> "Let's not do that. Let the Interrogator handle this. It's above our paygrade."
* Karpath looks at Tony and then and Baird, then back to Tony, "Are you sure?"
<Shiv> "Well, fuck. Gonna take another look."
<Baird> "We don't need to field test some cult shit. That's the Interrogator's job. For all we know it'll summon another of those things. And in case you hadn't noticed we're in no shape to fend off another."
<Tony> "They seemed to react to the light of these candles when both exposed." ."
<Baird> "Then we transport those too. Separately. Give the Interrogator as much as he needs to figure this out. But right now. Down here. We don't need to plug and play."
<Karpath> "Well then we will just have to keep the other one covered up then, and Baird is right doing a Field test is not needs at this moment."
<Tony> "Fair enough, But if want to play it safe, Better to cover it up with a jacket or something."
<Shiv> "She's either bleeding internally and/or the arm's dead tissue is spreading in your blood."
<Vigilant_GM> Before the sentence is finished, Nils loses consciousness, her legs giving way to gravity.
* Baird catches Nils before gently lowering her to the metal floor. "Dose her Shivvy. We can use my shock spear. It's more than sharp enough to do the trick."
* Shiv injects Nils with Tranq. He spreads the 'infected' arm away from the rest of her body.
<Shiv> "This is gonna hurt. A LOT."
* Baird lines up the blade of the spear and removes it as cleanly as possible given the situation.
<Vigilant_GM> The exposed artery begins to spill Nils' blood across the platform.
* Shiv takes out his medikit and patches up the Nil's wound, stopping the blood loss.
<Shiv> "So we gonna take her out of here like now. Nils is gonna get worse."
<Baird> "Alright boys, gift wrap the heretical shit and let's get the fuck out of here."
* Tony takes off his jacket to reveal his Flak Vest and passes it over to Karpath.
<Tony> "Cover it with this."
* Karpath looks to Tony, "You take the other piece, better to keep them separate."
* Baird kneels down and hefts Nils up over his shoulder and begins moving towards the "barges".
* Karpath then readies to move out, his Bolter at the ready.
* Tony nods and grabs the Device using his jacket to not actually touch the weird thing. then covering it up with it.
* Shiv takes out his hand flamers.
<Baird> "Let's rendezvous with the airship and get somewhere safer..and cleaner than this shit puddle."
<Shiv> "That manor has medical resources, right? That Baron guy owes us a lot."
<Baird> "My thoughts exactly Shivvy."
* Karpath pulls out his auspex scanner, his scanner picks up a possible other cannel. "Hey Baird the scanner is picking up another route where the Cultist could of also taken. Though not sure where it goes or if it will save us any time."
<Baird> "There's no way of knowing for sure Karpath. It's a good call to check for a faster way but we can't risk it."
* Baird begins communicating with the remaining Red Walk and trying to coordinate the return as he begins to prep the command barge to shove out.
<Vigilant_GM> Well ahead of the Acolytes, the Red Walk gangers have alrady begun to gather around the remaining barges, Vornas Crimson's limp form already on board of one of these.
* Tony Takes the time to have look around for clues that might be of interest.
* Karpath also helps Tony look for clues, making sure to keep some distance because of the two items they carry.
* Baird lowers Nils onto the deck of the command barge and prepares to leave.
<Baird> +Karpath. Tony. Where are you? It's time to go.+
<Karpath> +On my way back, will be there in a moment, I did find something interesting and will discuss it soon.+
<Baird> +Understood.+
* Shiv climbs into the command barge and checks on Nils and Vornas.
* Karpath arrives back at the barges a few mins later and boards the command barge.
<Tony> +I found a book, though looking at it, don't want to touch it.+
<Baird> +Don't touch it directly. But it could help the Interrogator.+
<Tony> +I hear you, I will be over soon+
* Karpath moves up to Baird, he takes out a rag covering a ornate dagger and shows it to him.
<Baird> "Certainly interesting. Who knows the importance it may have. We'll make sure to turn it into the Interrogator with everything else."
<Karpath> "Found this item, not really sure about it but will keep it wrapped up for now."
* Shiv is distracted by all the noise as he checks up on Crimson.
* Tony covers the book up with a seemly dirty robe, as he moves the item and heads back to join up with the party
<Vigilant_GM> Vornas remains unconscious, flanked by the few remaining of the Red Walk.
<Vigilant_GM> Once everyone has boarded, the barges positioned, and begin to push away from the heretic Ferrue's sump structure.
<Vigilant_GM> Five hours of arduous navigation against the sump currents follow, until at last through the toxic fumes a bright cone of light shines from above.
<Vigilant_GM> During this time, Nils's temperature has risen several degrees, and she has become deathly pale.
<Baird> +This is Baird contacting the airship. We have several wounded including Vornas. The mission was successful but we need a lift out of shit river.+
<Vigilant_GM> The spot light goes dark.
<Vigilant_GM> You hear faint splashes on the waters ahead.
<Tony> "That don't look good"
* Tony Reloads his Autogun
<Karpath> "Nope weapons at the ready." He then takes his Bolter and Tracks the splashes.
<Shiv> "What more shit monsters?"
<Vigilant_GM> As your eyes adjust, you notice the ropes swaying from the air ship down to the surface of the sump.
* Baird draws his bolt pistols and readies them for the worst.
* Shiv has his hand flamers at the ready.
<Baird> "Looks like it's the rope ladder to the airship."
<Baird> "Bring us closer xo we can board." Baird turns slightly addressing the remaining Red Walk.
<Vigilant_GM> A more faint glow-globe is slowly lowered from another rope, allowing you to better see the rope ladder without overwhelming your senses.
<Vigilant_GM> The barge closes in, coming to a slow stop by the ladder.
<Vigilant_GM> Crimson is lifted up to the rope ladder. The Red Walk tangle it around his limbs, securing him with a few knots before giving it a firm double-pull.
<Baird> "Nils goes up next. Then Shiv to check on the two that are down."
<Vigilant_GM> Crimson rises awkwardly, disappearing into the darkness a few meters above.
<Vigilant_GM> Several minutes later, the rope drops, startling one of the gangers.
<Shiv> "I really hate this place."
* Karpath keeps an eye on the water, making sure the no creature in the water sneaks up on them.
<Vigilant_GM> They seem hesitant to allow Nils up next, eyeing the Acolytes rather than lending their aid.
<Baird> "Alright let's get Nils on the ladder. I'd appreciate your help as you have experience with the knots and such." Baird directs his statement at the Red Walk.
<Vigilant_GM> They exchange glances, but relent. Repeating the procedure as before, Nils is hoisted and lifted upward.
<Vigilant_GM> Once more, the ladder becomes available.
<Baird> "Alright let's have the doc go first then we'll just form a line and get the fuck out of here."
* Shiv climbs up the ladder.
<Vigilant_GM> Shiv climbing first, the rest of the barge occupants follow. Once this is done, the big awkward fans begin to spin, whacking away at the air, to bring the air ship to turn towards Gantry.
<Vigilant_GM> The journey back is smooth, comfortable, even. The faint candle-like glow of Gantry becomes brighter and bigger as the sky ship navigates its way back.
<Vigilant_GM> The ship's lights are turned on, and Gantry prepares to hoist and secure the Sky Ship in position, Red Walk members cheering the return of Vornas, Gantry's avenger.
<Vigilant_GM> Upon seeing him carried down from the Sky Ship, however, a silence takes over the gangers. Uncertainty and anxiety overtake any feelings of pride or joy.
<Shiv> "Still can't believe we made it."
<Baird> "Fear not. He's alive. But we need a proper medical facility so we can make sure he stays that way."
<Karpath> "Yea that was a tough fight there." he says to Shiv.
<Vigilant_GM> "Endish..." one of them says, spitting on the ground.
<Shiv> "Yep, but now we need medical supplies."
<Baird> "He still owes us. Use the airship to get us there quickly and we'll make sure we can use his facilities."
<Baird> "Let us handle it. There's no more need for death down here."
<Vigilant_GM> "Quit fuckin' standin' there! All hands back to stations!"
* Shiv takes out a lho stick and starts smoking.
<Vigilant_GM> More orders are barked, calls returned, and Crimson's Sky Ship begins to move once more, making for the final stretch to Endish Manor. An awkward "docking" follows, with the hull of the ship laying against the side of the Manor, allowing its roof to act as a pier.
<Vigilant_GM> The roof access begins pouring out a troop of Endish Guard.
<Baird> "Alright let's get the wounded inside." Baird moves from the deck onto the manor roof.
<Baird> "It's Baird. All you troopers stand down! We've got wounded and we've gotta use the facilities inside!"
<Baird> "The airship is just transportation they aren't here to fight!"
<Vigilant_GM> "STAND DOWN!", the amplified voice of the Guard Captain calls. Instantly, shock-fields go inert, and spears are raised.
<Vigilant_GM> Nils and Crimson are allowed in first, taken to the medicae facility.
<Vigilant_GM> The bulk of the Red Walk and Sanctionaries, however, are not permitted entry.
<Vigilant_GM> It is at this moment that the old, frail man - eyes and ears of Kurst and his Master begins to speak in tongues.
* Baird draws his pistols ready for the worst.
<Baird> "What the fuck..."
<Vigilant_GM> His arms open wide, head tilted upward, an unnatural and ethereal scream fills the chasm.
<Shiv> "This is feckin' spooky."
<Vigilant_GM> Endish's Guards are alerted to this, and surround him, weapons at the ready.
<Vigilant_GM> "Witch!"
* Baird slowly begins lining up a shot at the head of the old man.
* Karpath looks at the old man, "Its alright, this is normal, its how they communicate."
<Shiv> "They?"
<Baird> "Fucking pyskers." Baird slowly lowers his pistols.
<Vigilant_GM> "They?! How do YOU know how the witch communicates?!
<Tony> "They? What is he then?"
<Vigilant_GM> Gangers now surround Karpath.
<Karpath> "He's a Astropath."
* Shiv whispers to Baird "I think this is why our client give it to us."
<Tony> "The Frak is a Astropath?"
<Karpath> "They are in laymens terms, a human communication devices to allow for long distance calls."
<Vigilant_GM> "Who... *are* you?"
<Baird> "People comm beads."
<Vigilant_GM> At this moment, the old man's torment ends.
<Baird> "Problem solvers."
<Karpath> "Looks like he is done talking."
<Tony> "Is that how they talk?"
<Karpath> "Yep."
<Vigilant_GM> "Vornas trusts them... Omar trusts them. Everyone stand down."
<Vigilant_GM> As tensions are slowly relieved, the old man begins to speak.
<Vigilant_GM> "Disconcerted..." his voice is but a whisper, "Longing for information... the evidence! The evidence."
<Baird> "Alright if you have everything in hand we have to head up hive, we'll try and maintain communication in case you need anything. Just let us know."
* Baird addresses his statement towards the surrounding gnagers and the Endish Guards.
<Vigilant_GM> "We ain't movin' from here," the Sky Ship captain calls.
<Vigilant_GM> "And so long as they're here, we'll tolerate the eye-sore" the Guard Captain assures you.
<Baird> "You remain until Vornas is fine to move. Then you collect him and move out."
* Baird turns toward the Endish Guard. "Once Nils is fine to move she get's turned over to the Sanctionaries."
<Baird> "Everyone agreed?"
<Vigilant_GM> Tense nods confirm.
<Baird> "Excellent. Now we'll collect our man from your infirmary and head up hive like intended." Baird moves towards the doors leading into the manor.
* Karpath follows along.
<Vigilant_GM> Nitrous is a pitiful figure. Unconscious, yet stable.
* Baird motions for the group to help lash Nitrous onto Shiv's back.
* Shiv makes a makeshift sled and puts Nitrous on it.
<Baird> Using the materials Shiv collected for the sled Baird assists in lashing Nitrous to him.
<Shiv> "This is humiliating."
<Tony> "Actually might be easier for me to transport these in that bag of Shiv's since he is busy."
* Shiv hands Tony the bag.
<Karpath> "Hey if it makes you feel any better at least he's lighter."
<Shiv> "Ha, cause the idiot got no legs."
<Tony> "Keep a Leg up Shiv, you will be fine, We had worse."
<Shiv> "Beard man, you owe me something nice for this shit."
* Shiv looks at Tony "You... You Detective...shut it." He's defeated.
* Baird continues shaking with internalized laughter. "I already owe you a truck Shivvy. I'll make sure it has cup holders and everything."
<Shiv> "And a music box!"
<Baird> "You got it."
<Tony> "Was it something I said?" As he looks towards Baird
* Baird continues laughing internally.
<Vigilant_GM> The way back up is something of a struggle, bringing the Acolytes the attention of many of the locals.
<Shiv> "I swear in the Emperor's name. He's heavy. Can we cut off his other limbs?"
<Baird> "So long as you're going to replace them Shivvy."
<Shiv> "I don't have the cash for that. Gotta pimp out that truck."
<Vigilant_GM> Despite this, they reach the safehouse. Interrogator Kurst's first instructions, however, do not pertain to the investigation. Instead, they are to incinerate the clothes with which you have arrived, to wash yourselves of the filth, and to place into the evidence room all the relevant items.
* Baird heads into one of the washrooms to clean up after disposing of the disguise and turning his weapons and armour over for cleaning and purification.
<Tony> "Well I was going to buy a new Jacket anyways"
* Shiv starts taking off his clothes to throw into the incinerator, and puts the rest of his gear in the pile for purification.
* Karpath does so as he makes sure to watch off and has his weapons and armor cleaned as well as Depositing the Amulet and the dagger for investigation.
<Baird> "I'll just be happy to be back in my regular clothing and out of that shit I was in."
* Shiv enters the showers after Baird is done.
* Tony As he places his evidence down, then throws his Jacket into the fire, then passes off his equipment to be clean, then goes and goes off to Shower room.
* Shiv comes out later in his regular street cloths. He says "I need that."
<Vigilant_GM> Dark tunics and matching pants are made available to you as needed.
* Baird exits the washroom and dons his regular clothing including duster and hat.
<Shiv> "The showers down there were disgusting."
* Karpath comes out in his normal clothing, his hat on his head.
<Baird> After dressing Baird seats himself on a couch and waits for the rest of the acolytes to finish up.
* Tony Goes for his turn in the shower, then after finished he dons the weird Dark Clothing, given his has no other clothes.
<Vigilant_GM> The safe house is eerily quiet after you are done. A single door is left open along the hall. That to the briefing room.
<Vigilant_GM> The glow of the fireplace dances along the walls.
* Shiv sits down on the floor.
<Tony> "Yeah defiantly need to go and buy some new clothes later." As he gathers with the rest of the party.
<Vigilant_GM> "Join me, Accolytes."
<Vigilant_GM> The voice comes from across the safehouse.
* Baird rises and moves into the briefing room through the open door.
* Shiv gets up and follows Baird.
* Karpath follows Baird into the room
* Tony Follows suit
<Vigilant_GM> Inside, standing before the fire, is a hooded man. He faces the flames.
<Vigilant_GM> "Mr. Murphy."
<Tony> "Yes sir."
<Vigilant_GM> "It is time we discuss your terms of employment."
<Vigilant_GM> "You possess talents greater than those your career has given you."
<Vigilant_GM> "Talents, which you have always been aware of, deep inside."
<Vigilant_GM> "You are cursed, Mr. Murphy. And yet, it is only through this curse that any of you survived the unholy creature in the underhive."
<Tony> "I have seen, many things, but what I seen down there, is defiantly something a bit beyond what I have seen."
<Tony> "Wait? Cursed? I have had bad luck, but I did not know it was that bad."
<Vigilant_GM> "Think, Mr. Murphy. Think on your life. On the outcast society has made you."
<Tony> "Huh, I guess it would make some sense, But I thought it always to be life is harsh."
<Vigilant_GM> "Mr. Murphy, the nature of your curse is thus," the Interrogator turns to face you at last.
<Vigilant_GM> "You are a man without a soul."
<Vigilant_GM> "Assigning you to this Cell's investigation confirmed our suspicions."
<Vigilant_GM> "You will not be paid the amount promised, Mr. Murphy," he continues.
<Tony> "The Old Man, that strange thing? down in that depths?""
<Tony> "I have seen too much haven't I?"
<Vigilant_GM> "Indeed. Even as powerful an Astropath as Vicerus is affected by your nature. It is for this reason that what I offer you something of real value. That which you have always sought."
<Tony> "And what is that?"
<Vigilant_GM> "Acceptance and understanding of your nature... and a purpose. A purpose far greater and more elevated than even the most powerful planetary governor, or Lord-General."
<Vigilant_GM> "Let me be clear, Mr. Murphy," torches across the chamber light up inexplicably.
<Vigilant_GM> "You will from this day until your last, serve as the eyes and ears of He on Terra. You will take on the eternal vigil that protects Man from the horrors which assault it."
<Vigilant_GM> "You will serve His holy Ordos of the Inquisition."
<Tony> "Oh... Oh, that Inquisition."
<Vigilant_GM> "The Inquisition."
<Tony> "Well then, what do you want me to do then?"
<Vigilant_GM> "Kneel," he moves to one side, revealing the mounted Aquila above the flames.
<Tony> "Alright..."
* Tony As he awkwardly Kneels
<Vigilant_GM> "Do you swear to serve with the rest of your days, and with every fiber of your being, the Holy Inquisition? To obey without question your Master, in service always to He on Terra? To hate the witch, the mutant, and the heretic? To despise the daemon, and to destroy these wherever you may find them?"
<Tony> "I Do."
<Vigilant_GM> "Will you be a becon of His will, and guide humanity, through whatever means be deemed necessary by your betters in the Ordos? Will you renounce mercy, and consign to the flame those lost souls without a path to redemption?"
<Tony> "Yes I will"
<Vigilant_GM> "Then forget what you know. Forget the ties and bonds which limit you. Your family, your creed, your profession - they are no more. And rise. Rise, and rejoice for you are no one. You are first, and only, an Accolyte. You will live and die as such, and in your service alone shall you rejoice."
<Tony> "I Got Nothing to lose now, So I Do."
<Vigilant_GM> The flames slowly dim, and the chamber's artificial lighting replaces them. Kurst pulls back his hood.
<Vigilant_GM> "What is your name?"
<Tony> "Tony Murphy, Acolyte Of The Holy Inquisition."
"Indeed. Welcome to Acolyte Cell Valerius-Sigma."