Evervigilant 12

<Vigilant_GM> IT IS THE 41ST MILLENNIUM...
<Vigilant_GM> Interrogator Kurst logs the entry of the evidence provided, as well as 'excruciation-subject HM-121' into his own master cell's records. As such, the interrogation begins without you - Kurst expects your attentions will be elsewhere as you try to shed the heat, while contemplating on a certain retreat.
<Vigilant_GM> Additionally, Interrogator Kurst's medicae personnel is made available to you while in the safehouse.
<Vigilant_GM> Shiv is granted a significantly superior cybernetic arm, while Karpath is given the extended treatment required to bring him to good health.
<Vigilant_GM> After days of interrogation, Kurst emerges from within the depths of the safehouse's interrogation chamber, a sour look on his face.
<Vigilant_GM> It has been six days since you last saw him.
<Vigilant_GM> "I trust you have been as busy as I?"
<Baird> "You could certainly say that."
<Baird> "Trying to remain discreet as it were."
<Vigilant_GM> He nods at this.
<Vigilant_GM> He looks around the safehouse, "You will need to establish one, too."
<Vigilant_GM> "A place discreet, and capable of holding your belongings safely. Of protecting your identity and the integrity of your investigations."
* Karpath rest on one of the couches after his several days of recovering from his wounds.
<Velam> "Would you have any suggestions, Interrogator Kurst? We're not exactly a seasoned cell."
<Vigilant_GM> "No. You're not. But somehow through your chaotic methods, you have managed to stop a major threat to an Imperial World," for the first time, you think you hear something nearing praise in his voice.
<Shiv> "Especially since all our rooms either get broken into or bombed."
<Velam> "We've obviously been too...obvious in the way we've been doing things, Shiv."
<Vigilant_GM> "It will come to you. You will make contacts, and learn of the right place. For now, you may operate from this location," he takes a seat, removing the thin bloodied gloves from his hands.
<Baird> "In a fresh situation we could cultivate cover identities which would make a safehouse much easier to acquire. But as it is.."
<Baird> "Appreciate that Kurst."
<Shiv> "What is the next step, Beard man?"
<Vigilant_GM> "This evening," Kurst interjects.
<Vigilant_GM> "You will be formally inducted," he looks at Shiv.
<Velam> "Oh, right..."
<Baird> "Welcome aboard Shivvy!" Baird claps Shiv on the back heartily
<Vigilant_GM> "I trust the matter with Guljian will not distract from this?"
<Shiv> "I... I guess there's no leaving, eh? hahaha."
<Baird> "It shouldn't Interrogator. We've chosen a more...hands off approach to dealing with them."
<Baird> "If nothing comes of it we can deal with them after the investigation, as that takes priority."
* Shiv leans close to Baird and whispers "Can I still get a truck?"
<Velam> "Yes! A most capital, a riveting and charming way. Right out of the drama vids!" Velam is most exicted to see how the clever little plan Sol and he have concocted will bear fruit.
<Baird> "In due time Shiv. I imagine you'll be rewarded for helping with the investigation." Baird whispers back.
<Vigilant_GM> "I hope your excited expectation is met with success. Romerius will be disposing of the body in the interrogation room, while returning to his own investigation. I, too, will be leaving you to pay a visit to a cadet-cell arriving in Port Gyre. We convene here at the ninth hour post-meridiam."
<Baird> "Understood Interrogator."
<Velam> "Emperor bless us all."
<Vigilant_GM> The Acolyte cell makes a home out of the Interrogator's safehouse, making out of their shared room a storage place for newly acquired weapons and gear.
<Vigilant_GM> Interrogator Kurst arrives that evening, moving through the safehouse to his personal chamber.
<Vigilant_GM> He emerges some time later, dulling the chemlights along the walls with the turning of a switch.
<Vigilant_GM> In a low tone, he calls you all into the meeting hall - the glow of torch-lit stands along the sides of the room your only guide across the dark inquisitorial safehouse.
* Baird heads into the meeting hall.
* Velam flattens his robes as he stands from his chair, before proceeding into the hall.
* Nitrous follows along
* Karpath makes his way into the meeting hall.
<Vigilant_GM> The flame lights dance across the hooded figure awaiting you at the end of the hall. The play of light and shade accent Kurst's nose and cheekbones in such a way that he almost appears to be another man.
<Vigilant_GM> "In the shadows lurk His enemies. In the shade lives the recidivist, the witch, the heretic..." seemingly out of nowhere, a large flame comes to life behind Kurst, "... and worse."
<Vigilant_GM> "The rot which threatens to consume mankind is an affront to Him on Terra. It is through the Ordos of His holy Inquisition that the Master of Mankind keeps these threats at bay," he continues.
<Vigilant_GM> "it is we, who live and die by this holy mission, who are His eyes and His ears."
<Vigilant_GM> "Come forth, initiate," his face now lit by a flame that emerges by his feet.
* Shiv nervously takes a step forward.
<Vigilant_GM> You see Kurst's form shift. From behind, a long iron rod, tip a bright red-white color, emerges.
<Vigilant_GM> You recognize its pattern as the seal of Inquisitor Mortem. An honor, you realize, for Kurst to be allowed to wield such a symbol.
<Vigilant_GM> "Even the lowliest of dregs - the worst scum of mankind - may atone for their sins, and reconcile their miserable mortal existence, by serving the Throne," he brings the rod up.
<Vigilant_GM> "May you, Acolyte, find penance in your service," Kurst grabs shiv by the hair on his head, turning his head to one side.
<Vigilant_GM> The small, white-hot seal comes into contact with the skin behind Shiv's ear.
* Shiv tries to hold back, but starts screaming in pain.
<Vigilant_GM> "Remember this pain, for it seals you into the service of the Throne. Remember the shadows on the walls, for these are the witnesses to your new life. Your new calling."
<Vigilant_GM> "Remember the flame, for it is that which purifies the unclean, and purges His enemies."
<Vigilant_GM> "Rise, acolyte."
* Shiv slowly gets up.
<Vigilant_GM> "Turn to your brothers in service, now. Recognize them, and allow yourself to be recognized."
* Shiv turns to face the other acolytes.
* Velam gives Shiv a worried nod of recognition.
<Baird> "Never thought this day would come Shivvy."
* Shiv awkwardly says "Name's Shiv, I drive a truck, and I guess I'm a part of this team, eh?"
<Nitrous> "Aye."
<Karpath> "Well welcome officially to the team Shiv."
<Baird> "A true part of the team now." Baird steps forward and clasps Shivs forearm.
<Vigilant_GM> "Be joined in fear of Him on Terra. Be united by your devotion to His service. Leave this room now, as a singular - an instrument of His will," you notice the flames begin to slowly dim.
* Nitrous walks out
* Shiv walks out and says to Baird "Did all of ya'll have to go through this?"
* Karpath nods to the interrogator and walks out of the room.
<Karpath> "More or less the same thing sort of," he says to shiv. "At least as best as I can recall it."
<Baird> "Close enough Shivvy."
* Velam is the last to exit the room, shuffling along.
<Shiv> "I'm gonna get some ice ad lay down then..."
* Baird follows the others out of the meeting hall nodding to Kurst.
<Vigilant_GM> The following morning, a comms-servitor awaits in your shared living quarters.
<Vigilant_GM> The relative silence in the safehouse tells you you're likely alone.
* Velam sips from a mug of recaff, his servoskulls spinning and circling above him as he stares at the comm-servitor. "Baird?" He asks, still staring at it.
* Baird looks up from cleaning his bolt pistol. "What's up Velam?"
* Nitrous spends time installing his new laser sight to his long las and resupplying his heavy bolter.
* Karpath drinks his cup of recaff as he sits in one of the chairs, he also sees the comm-servitor floating there.
<Vigilant_GM> The vox-grill begins to fill the room with some white noise at first, a tone rises and falls as it prepares to transmit.
<Velam> "Bollocks."
<Nitrous> "Mission Time."
<Shiv> "Maybe."
<Baird> Noticing the comm-servitor for the first time Baird shares in Velam's sentiment and offers an expletive of his own
<Vigilant_GM> ++Lord Robben, head of House Guljian++ begins one voice
<Vigilant_GM> ++The Apex noble?++ responds another
<Vigilant_GM> ++Doesn't look good. The medicae personnel have been sword to secrecy.++
<Vigilant_GM> sworn*
* Karpath raies an eyebrow.
* Nitrous grunts
<Vigilant_GM> ++I am on my way now. I arrange for his transfer up-hive for personalized, and more discreet treatment.++
<Vigilant_GM> ++And... Elysius?++
<Vigilant_GM> ++What?++
<Vigilant_GM> ++Don't do anything brash.++
<Vigilant_GM> ++He is my employer... I have no choice but to react, you fool.++
<Vigilant_GM> The comms-servitor severs the intercepted communications.
<Karpath> "Well then, it looks like something has indeed happened."
<Shiv> "interesting. Seems that rich fart got what was coming to him."
<Nitrous> "Yup."
<Velam> "I hope, for now, that this is the end of their interference in our work." He sips loudly from his mug, as if to hammer that home.
<Baird> "Looks that way. Who knows who could've done such a terrible thing." Baird's voice dripping with sarcasm.
<Vigilant_GM> A much clearer transmission then begins. An artificially modulated voice. ++Acolyte cell Valerius-Sigma, render unto me your undivided attention.++
<Vigilant_GM> It isn't Kurst. Or, you don't think it is.
* Nitrous nods
* Karpath looks at the comm-servitor.
<Vigilant_GM> ++Word has reached me of activities most disturbing, in Hive Desoleum's bottom reaches.++ the voice begins.
<Vigilant_GM> ++It appears the foul taint of the xenos has once again emerged, penetrating even to these remote levels.++
<Vigilant_GM> Mortem, perhaps?
<Velam> "Inquisitor?" He asks quietly, not expecting an answer in all honesty.
<Nitrous> "Hunting time."
<Vigilant_GM> ++The Sanctioned Bondsmen enforcing local law in this dreadful area report of yet another unnatural item - found at the scene of an unusually girsly mass-killing.++
<Vigilant_GM> The transmission continues through your inquiries.
<Vigilant_GM> ++I have decided to make the matter my own. As you are the cell most closely linked to my investigation of these matters, you are now tasked to descend into the darkness of the Gallowsway to carry your work to this area.++
<Vigilant_GM> There is a short pause.
<Vigilant_GM> ++Take whatever steps are necessary to prevent further contamination of humanity, even in these desolate depths. In the name of the Emperor, go forth to do my bidding and carry out His Will.++
<Nitrous> "Let's go."
<Vigilant_GM> Transmission coming to an end, the servitor rolls out of the chamber.
* Velam groans as he stands up, finishing his recaff. "Here we go..." He starts to pack.
* Baird reassembles his bolt pistol and straps on his armour and weapons, topping everything off with his hat. "First things first is transportation."
* Shiv gets his equipment.
<Shiv> "What about an autocab?"
<Nitrous> ....
<Karpath> "Agreed." he stands up as he holsters his new bolt pistol and throughs his long las over his back as his new enforcer light carapace armor covers his body
<Vigilant_GM> Kurst arrives, in the garb of a naval officer.
<Vigilant_GM> He eyes you up and down.
<Vigilant_GM> "Subtle," he comments, before walking to the evidence chamber.
<Velam> "I would suggest a large cloak, perhaps some robes, my friends. I have these lovely new disguise kits that should help us blend in a little more. Eh?"
<Karpath> "Yea the armor might be to much though we may still need it."
<Baird> Rethinking his appearance Baird packs his armour into a duffle bag now clad in his rimworld clothing and duster.
<Vigilant_GM> Kurst emerges again, in his bodyglove.
<Vigilant_GM> "Line up."
<Nitrous> "Aye."
* Karpath lines up.
<Velam> "Uhhh, right." Velam stands there after packing his bag.
* Nitrous lines up
* Baird steps into line with the others.
* Shiv puts on robes over his body glove then lines up
<Vigilant_GM> He has in his hand oath-cogs. The local identifiers of Hive Desoleum.
<Vigilant_GM> "Desoleum Hive Carrion Combine," he says placing a lump of them on the table. "City Desoleum Sanctionaries," he places a second pile down.
<Vigilant_GM> "Who will you be?"
<Velam> "Considering where we are going, Carrion Combine would be the smarter, safer choice I would say."
<Vigilant_GM> "Before you thank me, this was Mortem's doing," he says separating the piles. He points to one.
<Vigilant_GM> "Two Special Concern Officers for the Desoleum Hive Carrion Combine, one aide, and two escort guards."
<Vigilant_GM> He begins to separate them as he calls out the false identities.
<Nitrous> "Guard."
<Shiv> "Aid, I guess."
<Vigilant_GM> "The evidence chamber wardrobe may have fitting garb for you all," he says, eyeing you one at a time.
* Baird steps forward and passes out the corresponding badges. Guard badges to Karpath and Nitrous. The Aide badge going to Shiv. While Baird takes one of the Officer badges forhimself and passing the other to Velam.
<Velam> "My disposition is for nothing less than an officer." He straightens up as much as his old body allows.
<Baird> "Lets check out the wardrobe everyone. Hopefully we can blend this go around." Baird heads into the evidence chamber.
* Karpath puts the guard idetifier on as he rethinks one of his weapons and swaps out his long las for his Lasgun.
<Velam> At that Velam starts to dig through one of the disguise kits, giddy to give it a test un.
<Velam> run*
<Vigilant_GM> The collection Kurtst's cell has gathered is impressive. Convincing disguises are easy to compile.
<Vigilant_GM> "The rest is up to you," the Interrogator says, before rushing out once more.
<Velam> Through the disguise kit, Velam picks out a golden brown skin dye for his skin, and some golden yellow retina contacts for his eyes. "This should be fun, eh?"
* Shiv uses the disguise kit. He changes his hair color to a pale blond, augments his to be high pitched voice, and pales his skin.
* Shiv in a high pitched and unusually peppy voice "Fun? I don't think so."
* Karpath uses one of the disguise kits to change his voice as the armor covers all of his body.
* Baird applies some skin dye from the disguise kit giving his skin a tanned coloring as well as affixing a voice augmenter, capping everything off by shaving off his goatee. The act of doing so clearly defining his loyalty to the Inquisition.
<Shiv> "Beard man... You look like a child."
<Velam> "My cog identifies me as Logan Nyne, huh a peculiar name."
<Baird> "HA! I don't think you can make the child argument with that voice Shivvy!"
<Shiv> "Mine says 'Toby Osborne'...weird"
<Karpath> "Mine says Mort."
<Nitrous> "Mine just has John Smith."
<Baird> "Mine says Raolin Daroshevik. What a fucking mouthful."
<Shiv> "I hate this voice."
<Vigilant_GM> The acolyte cell has truly transformed, and is soon arranging for transport.
<Vigilant_GM> Shortly after receiving their orders to investigate the grisly tip detailing the discovery of some xenos artefact downhive, the acolytes - now a delegation of Special Concern Officers - makes the journey down from the relative civilization of Desoleum City. Cluthing their forged oath-cogs and the false identities these grant, they have watched as the one decaying level after another
<Vigilant_GM> has slid by, each subtly worse than the one before it.
<Velam> "Well at least this will be a new experience in it's own way."
<Vigilant_GM> Cramped shadowy streets become the norm, as is the underhive tox-rain - filthy liquid that drixxles down from the hundreds of hive-levels above.
<Vigilant_GM> As the rusting hive-lift platform shudders to a halt, the huge corroded metal doors painfully grind open to reveal your stop: the dreaded Gallowsway.
<Velam> "Charming."
<Vigilant_GM> The nature and scale of the crime must have been abnormal - already you can see the Sanctionary presence as streets are cordoned off in a wide perimeter.
<Vigilant_GM> Red-orange lights flash from Sanctionary vehicles stationed to block off access to traffic.
<Baird> "This will be interesting for sure."
* Nitrous grunts in agreement
<Vigilant_GM> Your approach is halted, as might have been expected, by a junior sanctionary guard.
<Vigilant_GM> "Area is closed for an active investigation."
<Vigilant_GM> He does, however, seem to eye you with some care.
<Baird> "Our investigation."
<Vigilant_GM> A voice, a woman's, calls out from behind him.
<Vigilant_GM> "Let them through, you fool."
<Vigilant_GM> She approaches you as the ribbon is lifted above your heads.
* Velam moves forward, acting as if he belonged there.
* Nitrous follows along
* Baird proceeds underneath the ribbon in the direction of the woman.
* Shiv follows Velam.
<Vigilant_GM> "Oath-Captain Kaytian Nils, Purity Gate garrison."
* Karpath moves forward under the ribbon following next to the group.
<Vigilant_GM> She is a well-groomed, militaristic-looking woman.
<Baird> "Special Concern Officer Raolin Daroshevik."
<Baird> Nodding towards the woman in greeting.
<Vigilant_GM> "You lot turned up a lot sooner than I would expect. Then again, this is no ordinary matter," she comments.
<Velam> "Special Concer Officer Logan Nyne." He adds.
<Vigilant_GM> She clutches an oily extendible tarp, which she offers to the two 'officers' to keep off the waters streaming down the decrepit ceilings above.
<Vigilant_GM> "I have been placed in charge of the investigation as Sanctionary matters are concerned," she explains.
<Vigilant_GM> "A cross-jurisdictional matter like this means we will be working together."
<Baird> "Naturally. Now as we've just arrived go ahead and catch us up on what you've uncovered thus far."
<Velam> "Of course," he comments as he follows.
<Vigilant_GM> "Dozens of dead in a single room. Time of death appears to coincide with reports of strange noises and some... terrible phenomena. One of the bodies is wearing a strange necklace with strange and disturbing properties."
<Velam> "Necklace?"
<Vigilant_GM> "I confide I have never seen anything like it. You will see- you will feel it for yourself."
<Vigilant_GM> She seems to shudder for a brief moment.
<Vigilant_GM> "If you have any questions for me that may aid your investigation, I am here to answer to the best of my abilities," her tone remains terse, and to the point. But she seems sincere in this offer.
* Velam nods to her.