Resilient Session 7

 TheResilientGM As the sun rises, the watch rotation shifts to another auxiliary squad. A patrol returns, and reports to the overseeing NCO, and the men are made to rise and prepare for whatever orders their Prithian commanders may have.
 TheResilientGM The servitors have long-finished the construction of the prefab structures and defenses, and so idle around in a group, immobile.
 Gru_Persay performs basic maintenance and upkeep on the powered down servitors.
 Schneider eats a ration with Hector.
 TheResilientGM A few squads, after reporting to their officers, begin PT around the outpost, and you can hear their calls. Others gather in groups and open rations.
 Gru_Persay "Thus do we invoke the Machine God."
 TheResilientGM Hector: "I think we're better off setting traps" an uncomfortable expression on his face, as he chews on the standard-issued chow.
 Schneider nods "Yeah or we find something/"
 Sgt_Eberstark "Maybe. But that means our patrols have to keep more on their mind, and we'd have to keep too many people in there."
 Gru_Persay "Thus do we make whole that which was sundered."
 TheResilientGM Siegberg approaches the squad: "Sir, Aeronautica will be making the prefab drops on the next checkpoint at noon."
 Sgt_Eberstark "All right. Let's move up with a portion of the company to secure them as they come in."
 TheResilientGM He comes closer, "they wish to speak with you, sir."
 Sgt_Eberstark gets up
 Sgt_Eberstark "Very well."
 TheResilientGM He lifts the mouthpiece.
 Gru_Persay commands the servitors to activate and form up.
 Schneider gathers his things. "Should we scout ahead Sir?"
 Sgt_Eberstark "Let's hear them first."
 TheResilientGM +Sgt. Eberstark, I remind you there are 4 total outposts that need to be built. The close range of your current location means that you ought to use the auxiliaries sparingly. A couple of squads will do. Keep in mind that they are not likely to be resupplied until your mission is complete. Do with that information what you will.+
 Sgt_Eberstark +Yes sir.+
 Sgt_Eberstark "Three squads per platoon..."
 TheResilientGM "Keeping a platoon together does have its benefits considering..." Hector points to two auxiliaries arguing in the odd dialect.
 Sgt_Eberstark "Patch me in to the lieutenants."
 TheResilientGM Siegberg nods.
 TheResilientGM "Sir." he confirms
 Sgt_Eberstark +We are going to keep one platoon in each outpost. Inform your men that if any outpost is attacked, all other outposts are to send one squad to reinforce. A single squad. One squad to reinforce attacked platoons. Understood?+
 TheResilientGM +Si, comandante+
 TheResilientGM Instantly, you see around you the officers forming their men up, interrupting their meals, and exercises. They gather around, and they begin to organize themselves.
 Sgt_Eberstark +Excellent. Choose one platoon to leave behind, the rest will move up to the next outpost in five minutes.+
 TheResilientGM One of the Lieutenants steps up in front of the rest, you notice, volunteering to guard the outpost.
 TheResilientGM He is given a firm handshake by his fellow officers, and he immediately begins to shout orders on the positions the men are to take, and what emplacements are to be manned.
 Sgt_Eberstark nods. "Remember, send reinforcements if any other outposts are attacked, but do NOT leave this one undefended."
 TheResilientGM You hear the howl of Valkyries in the air, though you don't see them.
 Sgt_Eberstark "That's our cue. Let's go."
 Schneider heads out with Hector.
 -->| Victrus_Macharius (chatzilla@sux-EE2BCFE0.sanbrunocable.com) has joined #resilient
 TheResilientGM The remaining platoons ready themselves and form up by the entrance.
 Sgt_Eberstark takes center position with the rest of the squad. "Company, advance!"
 TheResilientGM The command is mirrored, albeit in a different dialect, echoing through the ranks.
 TheResilientGM The formation moves forward, and proceeds North on the track-scarred road.
	TheResilientGM	As you move, the terrain on your left begins to rise, becoming a small hill. You notice, however, on the peak, the glare of a scope scanning your formation.
	Sgt_Eberstark	"Sniper! Schneider, take him out! Everyone else, take cover!"
	Schneider	brings his rifle up. "See him Hector?"
	TheResilientGM	The formation breaks appart, as men dive on the side of the road.
	Victrus_Macharius	takes cover behind the Heavy Bolter
	TheResilientGM	"I've got'im"
	Schneider	fires off a shot at the sniper and kills him.
	Sgt_Eberstark	"Excellent work."
	Sgt_Eberstark	"Company, form up and advance!"
	TheResilientGM	The auxiliaries slowly come back to their formations.
	Victrus_Macharius	gets up and follows
	Schneider	keeps his rifle at the ready cautious of more snipers.
	Kass_Yonova	picks himself up from where he had been prone. "Surely there can't be more snipers?"
	TheResilientGM	As you march along the road, the coastal winds pick up, and a light fog sets in.
	Victrus_Macharius	"I wouldn't count on it Kass"
	Kass_Yonova	"Uh Sarge, it's gettin' a little too spooky for this time of the day."
	Sgt_Eberstark	gives him a look
	Kass_Yonova	shrugs
	TheResilientGM	Looking ahead, you spot bumps on the road...
	Kass_Yonova	"Hey Sarge, there seem to be bumps on the road. Can't make them out from this distance, whatever these bumps are."
	Schneider	looks for a rock and throws it at one of the lumps.
	Sgt_Eberstark	"Company, halt!"
	Gru_Persay	commands the servitors to stop.
	TheResilientGM	The formation stops in place.
	Sgt_Eberstark	"Enginseer, do you have a mine detector?"
	Victrus_Macharius	holds position
	Gru_Persay	"I do not."
	TheResilientGM	Hector moves to the front of the formation, magnoculars in hand.
	Sgt_Eberstark	"Shit. Schneider, find an alternate route."
	TheResilientGM	"Erm... Sarge? That's bodies, up there."
	Sgt_Eberstark	"Shit. Ours, or...?"
	TheResilientGM	Hector nods.
	TheResilientGM	Without warning, Vikk runs up to the bodies, kit under his arm.
	Kass_Yonova	"Vikk! Stop!"
	Sgt_Eberstark	"Trooper, halt!"
	Kass_Yonova	runs after him.
	TheResilientGM	Vikk stops, and turns around.
	Kass_Yonova	Kass tackles Vikk to the ground.
	TheResilientGM	Schneider can spot the silhouette of a vehicle some distance beyond the bodies.
	Schneider	"We got a vehicle up ahead."
	Schneider	peers through his scope at the vehicle.
	Sgt_Eberstark	"Shit."
	Kass_Yonova	"Goddammit Vikk, wait 'til we can identify them before rushing to help. Last thing I need is you dieing out here."
	TheResilientGM	Vikk grunts
	Victrus_Macharius	"What is it?"
	TheResilientGM	"Shit, Kass... you weight a tone"
	Kass_Yonova	"You calling me fat, buddy?" Kass rolls off Vikk and gets into a crouch.
	TheResilientGM	Schneider makes out the vehicle as some sort of transport, men appear to be collecting the bodies into it.
	Schneider	"They're loading bodies in the vehicle. We'll head up and check it out if you'll allow it Sir."
	TheResilientGM	Vikk: "Yyepp." He crawls up to one of the bodies.
	Sgt_Eberstark	+Affirmative. If you think it is possible for us to take them out, say so.+
	TheResilientGM	+Prithian colors on the wounded+ Vikk confirms
	TheResilientGM	+the... the dead+ he corrects himself
	Schneider	motions Hector to follow him and heads off into the bushes.
	TheResilientGM	Hector keeps his head down and follows.
	Kass_Yonova	+How many bodies do you see, Vikk? And get the hell back here.+
	TheResilientGM	+Three... four. Four and a fucked up mess... blown to bits.+
	Schneider	sneaks forward with Hector crawling towards the vehicle.
	Kass_Yonova	+Nothing we can do for 'em.+
	TheResilientGM	The men loading up the bodies are not of Prithian colors, they are collecting the Prithian bodies into the transport.
	Schneider	whispers to Hector. "Capture or kill?"
	TheResilientGM	"I'm sick of hearing about ghosts on the road. We could use more intel."
	Schneider	nods. "Kill one grab the others?"
	TheResilientGM	Hector nods
	Sgt_Eberstark	"Company, defensive formations until the Jaeger returns!"
	Schneider	moves closer to the soldiers with his lasgun raised.
	Victrus_Macharius	"yes sir" sets up the Heavy Bolter
	Gru_Persay	wields the Omnissian axe.
	Kass_Yonova	"Vikk," Kass says in a low voice. "Let's get back to the rest of the squad, c'mon." Kass motions for Vikk to hustle.
	Schneider	aims at one of them. "Once I fire order them to get on their knees."
	TheResilientGM	The platoons shift into formations securing a perimeter.
	TheResilientGM	Hector readies his lasgun, "understood" he whispers.
	Schneider	fires at the soldier and kills him instantly.
	TheResilientGM	Hector jumps up, aiming his weapon, "GET ON THE FLOOR, NOW!"
	Schneider	follows Hector "GET THE FUCK DOWN NOW!"
	TheResilientGM	One of the men drops next to the body he was carrying, the other makes a run for the vehicle.
	TheResilientGM	Hector fires, hitting him on the lower back.
	TheResilientGM	Vikk shifts his position and advances close to Kass.
	Kass_Yonova	With Vikk in tow Kass heads back to the squad.
	Schneider	runs up to the other soldier and uses the butt of his rifle to smack him in the chest.
	|<--	Sgt_Eberstark has left irc.thisisnotatrueending.com (Quit: http://www.kiwiirc.com/ - A hand crafted IRC client)
	Kass_Yonova	+Bring back the prisoner. We'll decide what to do with the vehicle later.+
	Kass_Yonova	+Schneider?+
	Schneider	points his longlas at him. "You're coming with us"
	Schneider	+Hold on+
	TheResilientGM	Hector approaches the man he shot, and flips him over.
	TheResilientGM	"Some variant of the enemy colors."
	Schneider	grabs the soldier by the should and jabs his laspistol in his back. "Walk!" He begins leading the men back to the company.
	Schneider	+Coming back with 1 prisoner.+
	Kass_Yonova	+Affirmative.+
	Schneider	pushes the soldier down on his knees in front of Kass.
	Kass_Yonova	"Can you understand me?"
	TheResilientGM	The man is silent.
	Kass_Yonova	"Look friend, those bodies you were carting with your fellow soldiers were from my homeworld. I suggest you start talking or things are going to get difficult."
	TheResilientGM	He spits.
	TheResilientGM	"Any second now, your men will drop one by one. Don't you know, invader? There are ghosts on this road."
	Kass_Yonova	"Victrus! Bring your Bolter over here!"
	Schneider	smacks him in the back of the head. "Those snipers you mean? I killed them like the little bitches they are."
	Kass_Yonova	smiles sadly at the kneeling soldier.
	Kass_Yonova	"You could have prevented this."
	Gru_Persay	"What the hell is going on?" Gru approaches with his axe.
	TheResilientGM	The man's eyes grow wide, he looks back at Schneider, then at Kass again.
	TheResilientGM	He tries to get a glimpse of what's coming behind the medic.
	Victrus_Macharius	"On it," as he rolls up the Heavy Bolter and places in in front of the prisoner.
	Schneider	smacks the man's head again. "I've killed 2 so far. How many more ya got?"
	Kass_Yonova	holds his hand up for Schneider to stop smacking him.
	Schneider	shrugs at Kass.
	Kass_Yonova	Kass grabs the mans head and forces him to look down the barrel of Heavy Bolter.
	Kass_Yonova	"Now, you can cooperate, or this can get much uglier than it has to be.
	Victrus_Macharius	pulls the charging handle back slowly to ready the Bolter.
	TheResilientGM	"NNn-nnoo. Wait! Wait!" the man jerks back.
	Kass_Yonova	holds the man's head there. "Are you willing to cooperate?"
	TheResilientGM	"Wh-what do you want?"
	Kass_Yonova	"Information. I'm not really keen on ghost stories, so let's start with these ghosts you were talking about."
	TheResilientGM	"It's... the new Legate..." he tries to pull his head back away from the weapon.
	Kass_Yonova	"Go on."
	TheResilientGM	"Lucius. The Duke's representative. He means to intimidate the invaders..." he spits to the side.
	TheResilientGM	"To show them the mistake of being blind lapdogs to those who blaspheme against the Emperor."
	Kass_Yonova	lets the man's head go. "Blaspheme against the Emperor? The hell are you on about?"
	-->|	Sgt_Eberstark (Sgt_Eberst@sux-AA270AB0.clients.kiwiirc.com) has joined #resilient
	TheResilientGM	"You fiends are blind! Blind to the corruption of His Will in this pitiful /Imperium/ they have imprisoned you in."
	Sgt_Eberstark	+Is it safe to advance?+
	TheResilientGM	"Legate Lucius has brought us the Duke's Enlightenment. We are free!"
	Kass_Yonova	"Right." Kass says putting much emphasis on the r. "So all of our dead comrades, that was just the snipers then?"
	Schneider	+Yeah they're bodies of our guys.+
	TheResilientGM	"Ghosts..." he smiles
	Schneider	+Sarge, I got a request if you can oblige me+
	Kass_Yonova	"Uh-huh. Have any Skeletons, with these ghosts?"
	Schneider	looks down and smiles at their captive and squats next to them. "There's an entire company of hunters just like me. Your ghosts will all be dead in a week."
	TheResilientGM	"I've seen your /valiant/ soldiers panic en-masse. Ignorant of the Duke's tactics, of the power the Emperor has awarded him with."
	Gru_Persay	"Ghosts? It's non-sense. The only spirits in these regions are the ones in the machines."
	Sgt_Eberstark	"Which would be?"
	TheResilientGM	The man pushes back, suddenly, and breaks free of Yonova's grasp. He then runs back in the direction of the vehicle.
	Schneider	+The convoys were taken out by snipers. Bad ones too if the two I took out are any indication. Request that the Jaegers get sent out to handle them and we won't have a problem with them any more."
	Schneider	raises his longlas and fires at the man.
	TheResilientGM	The man falls... ironically in the same area as your own fallen comrades.
	Gru_Persay	approaches the enemy vehicle and examines it.
	Victrus_Macharius	"Well that's irony for you" says Victrus as he looks over at the now lifeless body of the prisoner.
	TheResilientGM	The first impression is clear to the Tech-Priest. This is tech-heresy of the most defiling kind. The vehicle is put together by scraps of other defiled chimeras and other nondescript variant of armor.
	Gru_Persay	+Disgusting+
	Gru_Persay	opens the door and enters the vehicle.
	TheResilientGM	A pile of corpses, Prithian fill the rear segment of the vehicle. The crew seems to have crawled into whatever space was left in the front, where there stands a seat for the driver, and a small communications array. Even the inside betrays the tech-heresy, as crude welding lines adorn the sides.
	Kass_Yonova	"What the hell was that guy on about, Sarge? Sounds like these guys are all kinds of fucked in the head, but not necessarily heretics."
	Gru_Persay	examines the communication array.
	TheResilientGM	It is a worn-down, equally defiled aparatus. It has been modified by ignorant barbarians with no regard to its machine-spirit.
	Schneider	begins searching the dead rebels for anything of use.
	Gru_Persay	+Does anyone have a grenade?+
	Victrus_Macharius	+Which type? Frag or Krak Grenade?+
	Gru_Persay	+Kass, I have some bodies for you to examine.+
	Schneider	"Move our dead out before you do that. "
	Sgt_Eberstark	"They seem to be heretics of some sort, and are to be treated as such. Some sort of... apostate sect or something. I'm not very well versed on theology. ALl we need to know is that they are the enemy, and they represent a threat to our Imperium and souls."
	Kass_Yonova	+What exactly would I be examining for? They're all dead. They need burial now.+
	Kass_Yonova	"You got a point, Sarge.
	TheResilientGM	The auxiliaries slowly break formation and solemnely advance, looking at the bodies of the fallen Prithians.
	Gru_Persay	+A clue prepares on this ghost nonsense?+
	Sgt_Eberstark	+The ghost is an enemy Psyker. That much is certain.+
	Kass_Yonova	+Pretty sure it seems like it's snipers and ambushes, Gru.+
	Gru_Persay	+Are we moving the bodies?+
	Sgt_Eberstark	"Get back in formation and hold!"
	Kass_Yonova	"C'mon Vikk, lets line up our fallen brothers, they deserve that much. Mind if I conscript some of the auxiliaries, Sarge?"
	Sgt_Eberstark	"Not at all.:
	Kass_Yonova	Kass approaches the nearest platoon and it's immediate CO, and tries to tell the men to come with him and help move the dead.
	TheResilientGM	The auxiliaries form up once more, but in an entirely different formation. They present their weapons in front of them, officers remove caps. It's a sign of respect for the fallen.
	Gru_Persay	exits the vehicle.
	Sgt_Eberstark	nods approvingly
	TheResilientGM	The platoon breaks its formation, and follow the medic.
	Kass_Yonova	Kass starts organizing the bodies in several rows with the auxiliaries and Vikk's help.
	Gru_Persay	+Victrus, get the Frag grenade ready.+
	Gru_Persay	commands the servitors to push the vehicle off the road.
	Victrus_Macharius	pulls out one of his Frag Grenades, +Got it+.
	TheResilientGM	The servitors line up to one side of the vehicle.
	Schneider	makes the sign of the aquila to his fallen comrades.
	TheResilientGM	They push the vehicle, sometimes with their bodies rather than limbs, slowly to the side and off the road.
	TheResilientGM	A pair of Valkyries flies overhead.
	-->|	Schneider_ (chatzilla@sux-1F2A303E.shr-wy.client.bresnan.net) has joined #resilient
	Gru_Persay	hits the deck.
	Gru_Persay	"Not this nonsense again."
	Kass_Yonova	Kass walks down the rows of fallen, closing any eyes that remain open. He gives a quick prayer to the Emperor once all have been seen to.
	Kass_Yonova	watches the Valkyries fly past.
	TheResilientGM	Vikk: "Should I collect the tags?"
	|<--	Schneider has left irc.thisisnotatrueending.com (Ping timeout)
	=-=	Schneider_ is now known as Schneider
	Victrus_Macharius	moves into position
	Gru_Persay	approaches the vehicle and opens the fuel tank.
	TheResilientGM	Just over a minute later, you hear a series of explosions in the distance.
	Sgt_Eberstark	"Yes, collect the tags."
	Kass_Yonova	"Of course. Collect any small personal effects as well. Letters and the like."
	Schneider	goes around with Hector collecting dog tags
	TheResilientGM	Vikk nods, and begins his least-favorite part of the job.
	Victrus_Macharius	"I wonder what target they hit this time?"
	Sgt_Eberstark	"The next outpost. Hopefully they weren't shot down."
	TheResilientGM	Siegberg: "Sir, I'm picking up Aeronautica chatter. The dead-zone seems to have disappeared. Comms are working again."
	Gru_Persay	"Vikk, do the thing."
	Schneider	"Did we kill it?"
	Gru_Persay	"I mean Victrus."
	Victrus_Macharius	pulls the pin and drops the grenade into the fuel tank, and then runs like hell as far away as possible.
	Victrus_Macharius	"Run"
	Gru_Persay	runs so far away.
	TheResilientGM	Vikk returns to his comrade, several bloody tags in his hand, his face expressionless.
	Gru_Persay	the commands into formation near him.
	Gru_Persay	commands the servitors to form behind him.
	Kass_Yonova	takes a small bag from a medical pouch and has Vikk place the tags into it. "It sucks but it need to be done, Vikk."
	TheResilientGM	The servitors in unison rush to their master, an unlikely speed between them, barely outrunning the explosion.
	Schneider	"Think HQ will give bounties for snipers Sir?"
	Gru_Persay	"Oh, fu...". Gru is tackled to the ground by a few of the servitors.
	TheResilientGM	Hector: "No, but I'll bet the Jaeger Captains will be offering rewards for it!"
	Sgt_Eberstark	"Don't think so."
	Gru_Persay	"Meat. Help."
	TheResilientGM	"MEAT" the servitor's voice on the tech-priest's ear.
	Gru_Persay	"Meat. Up. Move. Off."
	Schneider	smiles. "Good thing it's just us out here then huh?"
	Victrus_Macharius	turns to see a few of the servitors are on top of Gru
	TheResilientGM	The servitors all get up, clumsily, and disperse.
	Kass_Yonova	"All of our fallen are accounted for, Sarge."
	Gru_Persay	commands the servitors to line up in formation.
	TheResilientGM	A larger flight of Valkyries now flyes by. The skies are clear enough that you can see they transport prefabs and other outpost equipment. They appear to be escorted by the pair of Valkyries that carried out the airstrike earlier.
	TheResilientGM	Siegberg: "Sir that's ours. Ahead of schedule. They're calling for us to secure the area around the outpost."
	Sgt_Eberstark	"Understood."
	Sgt_Eberstark	"Company, advance! Double-time!"
	Kass_Yonova	"Looks like it's time to hustle." Kass moves his pack around to make it more comfortable.
	TheResilientGM	The auxiliaries form into a loose formation, and hurry along with the Prithians.
	Victrus_Macharius	"Yes Sir."
	Schneider	"Should we scout ahead and search for more ghosts?"
	Kass_Yonova	keeps his lasgun in a loose grip to make the running faster.
	Gru_Persay	grips tightly on his axe
	Sgt_Eberstark	"Yes. Keep an eye out while we set up."
	Sgt_Eberstark	"Take a squad or fire team of auxilia if you want/
	TheResilientGM	The formation advances in double-time past the laying corpses and the destoryed transport, several kilometers later, the road arches over a hill where a destroyed Chimera rests on the side of the road. No bodies are in the area, but you know the truth behind the disappearances now.
	TheResilientGM	Schneider sees evidence of an ambush. On the side of the road, a small wodden hut of sorts, heavily camouflaged lies with the door open. It appears large enough for several squads to hide in.
	Sgt_Eberstark	"So these are our ghosts..."
	Schneider	whispers to Hector. "Makes me wish for my flamer."
	TheResilientGM	The scarred ground suggests the ambush was violent, but quick. The Prithians didn't have time to react.
	Schneider	+Found a bunker, want us to clear it with a grenade?+
	Sgt_Eberstark	+Affirmative. Investigate afterwards.+
	Schneider	nods to Hector to ready a grenade.
	TheResilientGM	Hector holds a grenade in his hand.
	Schneider	nods for him to throw it.
	TheResilientGM	The grenade falls just in front of the entrance, and rolls inside. A few seconds later it goes off.
	Schneider	raises his longlas and prepares to clear the hut
	Schneider	and Hector rush into the building
	TheResilientGM	As you enter the hut, you see the gory remains of Prithian soldiers. These attacks appear to be quick, and the bodies are dragged into these huts to complete the "ghostly" effect of the disappearances.
	Schneider	"Well shit."
	Schneider	+Bunker's empty sarge.+
	TheResilientGM	Hector: "I don't feel so good..."
	Schneider	+Just more of our guys dead.+
	Schneider	looks at him. "What's wrong?"
	TheResilientGM	He vomits to one side.
	Sgt_Eberstark	+Torch it and return to formation, then.+
	Schneider	pats him on the back.
	Schneider	"Let's head back buddy."
	TheResilientGM	As you walk out, you realize a few meters away, another hut stands... and another beyond there.
	TheResilientGM	Altogether, the enemy could have hidden half a company for these attacks.
	Schneider	+Sarge, ya got a lighter?+
	TheResilientGM	... and could have stored half a company of Imperial soldiers in there once they were done.
	Sgt_Eberstark	+No. Probably best not to waste resources on this, actually.+
	Schneider	+Sir, there's more of these things. We should burn them to send a message with all due respect."
	Kass_Yonova	"Should we mark them for later retrieval?"
	TheResilientGM	Siegberg: "Drop's been made, Sarge. Outpost awaiting the Enginseer's attention."
	Schneider	+You could probably fit half a company in these things.+
	Sgt_Eberstark	+Yes, mark them as the Enginseer sets up the base.+
	Sgt_Eberstark	+Schneider, if you can find promethium to burn these, then you are free to do so, by all means.+
	Sgt_Eberstark	+But our priority here is to establish the outposts. And yours is to scout and snipe.+
	Sgt_Eberstark	+Collect their tags, then report back to me.+
	Schneider	+We'll catch up Sir+
	TheResilientGM	The Valkyries fly above you, returning to base.
	Schneider	turns to Hector. "Get some dry brush and light up em." He heads into the hut to collect dog tags.
	TheResilientGM	Hector nods and begins his search.
	TheResilientGM	Siegberg: "Sir, I'm getting a ping from the prefab outpost."
	Sgt_Eberstark	"Transmit it.
	TheResilientGM	++Confirm you read transponder message. Confirm with command "Acknowledge transmission"++
	TheResilientGM	The message loops several times.
	Schneider	and Hector regroup with the squad while a pillar of smoke can be seen on the horizon.
	Kass_Yonova	"Tags?"
	Sgt_Eberstark	+Acknowledge transmission.+
	TheResilientGM	Not long after, a plume of red smoke fills the sky ahead.
	Schneider	hands them to Kass. "This is going to be fun."
	Schneider	"Gru when you get the outpost set up can I use the vox if the Sarge is ok with it."
	Kass_Yonova	"Oh yeah..." Kass deposits the tags in the bag with the others.
	TheResilientGM	The Company arrives at the outpost location. The setup is slightly different. It appears a makeshift repair depot is included in this arrangmenent.
	Sgt_Eberstark	"Form a perimeter and defenses while the Enginseer builds."
	TheResilientGM	As with the first objective, the auxiliaries move in to secure its perimeter.
	Schneider	nods
	Victrus_Macharius	set up the Heavy Bolter into position.
	Schneider	heads to a high vantage point to keep an eye on the surrounding area.
	TheResilientGM	The outpost is located near a creek - you can hear the stream of water. But just over its sound, you can hear voices in the distance. It appears to be an argument of some sort.
	Victrus_Macharius	+Hey guys, there some people arguing near by, cant tell about what or if they are friendly or not+
	Sgt_Eberstark	+Stay low. Schneider, check it out.+
	Schneider	+Copy+
	Schneider	heads out to figure out who's arguing.
	Victrus_Macharius	+I think they are near the creek+
	Gru_Persay	commands the servitors to start assembly.
	Schneider	+Gotchya+
	Schneider	heads down to the river with Hector in tow.
	Gru_Persay	hooks up to the console. and starts speaking in binary.
	TheResilientGM	On the side, by the water sit two people. One argues that the other must escape the area, the other is reluctant to leave without him.
	Victrus_Macharius	+Schneider, find anything yet?+
	Schneider	+Just two people arguing, we're still figuring out what they're arguing about.+
	TheResilientGM	"I'm done for, anyway. The Disease has already come for me, and if you stay with me much longer you'll get it, too. Now go! The invaders are already here."
	TheResilientGM	Suddenly, the servitors stop in place, completely unresponsive.
	Schneider	looks at Hector. "What the fuck are they talking about?"
	TheResilientGM	Just seconds after, Siegberg approaches the sergeant. "Sir, all comms are down."
	Kass_Yonova	"Looks like the air-strike didn't do shit."
	Schneider	continues to watch the two people.
	Gru_Persay	+Sarge, the Servitors are not responding?+
	TheResilientGM	The transmission doesn't go through.
	Sgt_Eberstark	"What? Shit."
	Sgt_Eberstark	"Shit, shit, shit."
	Kass_Yonova	"Sarge?"
	Sgt_Eberstark	"Fall back with a squad and tell that to HQ. I'm going to check on the Enginseer."
	Sgt_Eberstark	"Yes?"
	Victrus_Macharius	"Whats going on Sarge?"
	Gru_Persay	disconnects from console.
	Sgt_Eberstark	"Comms are down."
	Gru_Persay	connects to the data slate and tries to use it.
	Victrus_Macharius	"Shit we need to tell Schneider"
	TheResilientGM	The auxiliaries realize that something is wrong, they look very worried.
	Sgt_Eberstark	"One of you should go."
	Sgt_Eberstark	"Attenzione! Communications are down! Stay sharp!"
	Kass_Yonova	"I'll go get him."
	Sgt_Eberstark	"Good luck."
	Kass_Yonova	gives a quick salute and motions for Vikk to follow.
	Sgt_Eberstark	goes to find Gru
	Gru_Persay	walks towards Meat and says "Meat. Speak."
	Sgt_Eberstark	"Enginseer, comms are down. How are the servitors holding up?"
	Gru_Persay	"They aren't responding."
	TheResilientGM	The presumably healthy civilian leaves the ill one and heads up-stream.
	Kass_Yonova	Kass heads towards the vague direction of the creek, looking for Otto and Hector.
	TheResilientGM	"Meat," the servitor says, immobile.
	Sgt_Eberstark	"What the fuck?"
	Gru_Persay	"Meat. Walk. 2. Steps."
	Schneider	whispers to Hector. "Lets get out of here. They don't know we're here."
	TheResilientGM	The ill man struggles to reach the stream, and reaches to get a drink. He slips and falls in.
	TheResilientGM	"Meat", the servitor takes two clumsy steps.
	Schneider	heads back to the compound.
	TheResilientGM	The civilian begins to slowly drown in the shallow stream.
	Gru_Persay	"They are unable to respond quickly or effectively."
	TheResilientGM	"Attenzione!" one of the auxiliaries calls out rushing towards the sergeant.
	Sgt_Eberstark	"Report."
	TheResilientGM	The auxiliaries around you, make shouts and calls, forming defensive positions on the North-East of the outpost.
	TheResilientGM	"Signore, il nemico e qui!" he points, tugging at the sergeant's sleeve in the same direction.
	Sgt_Eberstark	"Il nemico?"
	Sgt_Eberstark	"What's going on? Take to to it."
	TheResilientGM	"Fuoco!" one of the lieutenants shouts in the distance.
	TheResilientGM	The auxiliaries open fire.
	Sgt_Eberstark	finds cover
	TheResilientGM	Suddenly, a firefight breaks out.
	Sgt_Eberstark	rushes up and takes cover, trying to find the enemy
	Sgt_Eberstark	"Contact!"
	TheResilientGM	The north-east of the outpost is being assaulted by enemy infantry. They have heavy weapons teams supporting from the other side of the creek.
	Kass_Yonova	hits the dirt, somewhere in the woods, dragging Vikk down as well. "What the hell is going on?"
	TheResilientGM	Several auxiliaries are hit.
	Sgt_Eberstark	"SIEGBERT! FALL BACK TO WHERE COMMS WORK AND CALL FOR REINFORCEMENTS! NOW!"
	Sgt_Eberstark	opens up with his laspistol
	Gru_Persay	"COMMAND! SERVITORS! DOWN!"
	TheResilientGM	Siegbert drags an auxiliary by his collar and makes him follow him out into effective vox-distance.
	TheResilientGM	Stubber fire hits the auxiliary positions.
	Victrus_Macharius	opens fire on the approaching enemy and kills 3 of them.
	Schneider	hears the fire and motions for Hector to follow him into the bush.
	Gru_Persay	equips his axe and readies his mechadendrites for battle.
	Sgt_Eberstark	snaps one in the chest
	TheResilientGM	The servitors group up behind a prefab structure.
	Kass_Yonova	"Sounds like the enemy finally found us. We'll flank them from here, I'm assuming Schneider and Hector are doing the same." Kass finds cover near some tree as he leads towards the enemy's flank.
	Sgt_Eberstark	"Stand and face the enemy, men! FOR THE EMPEROR!"
	TheResilientGM	The men pinned under heavy fire, rise up, and return fire despite the precarious situation.
	TheResilientGM	"Granata!"
	TheResilientGM	Time appears to stop for the men behind cover around the sergeant. The grenade lands and goes off, knocking down a group of men, shrapnel hitting all around.
	Sgt_Eberstark	grits his teeth and gets up
	Gru_Persay	gets behind cover and says "What is the name of the Omnissiah is going on?"
	Sgt_Eberstark	"What do you think? We're under attack, and they have heavy weapons! Now get behind cover and get ready to put that axe of yours to use when they get close enough!"
	TheResilientGM	"Figlio di puttana!!" an auxiliary NCO injured by the blast yells. His legs shredded, he fires with his laspistol from around his cover.
	Gru_Persay	"Understood."
	Sgt_Eberstark	pulls him into cover "Good man! Medicae is on its way!"
	Victrus_Macharius	opens fire again, but all shots miss there target
	Sgt_Eberstark	"Keep that fire up, Macharius! Keep them pinned!"
	TheResilientGM	You then hear a houl. An unnerving warcry. The sound is ear-piercing. The calls inspire the enemy, and then you see him - an enemy commander transmits through several laud-hailers his war-cry. Some auxiliaries break, and abandon their positions.
	Victrus_Macharius	"Yes Sir"
	Sgt_Eberstark	"STAND YOUR GROUND! THE EMPEROR IS WATCHING!"
	TheResilientGM	A deep fear overtakes Yonova, the sound is not unike the Foxes of Prithia, stalking their prey from above. Terrifying creatures that haunted him in his youth.
	Sgt_Eberstark	shoots at the commander and misses
	TheResilientGM	The faltering men, rally behind their Prithian Commander. Both sides fire and spit insults with such savagery that many - on either side, charge in to engage in melee.
	Kass_Yonova	Kass suddenly drops his lasgun and falls to the ground. He pulls his legs in and forms into a ball, wide-eyed and breathing hysterically.
	Gru_Persay	moves up to the Sarge.
	TheResilientGM	Vikk: "Kass? Shit! Kass, are you okay?"
	Sgt_Eberstark	"Snap out of it, medic! We need you here!"
	Victrus_Macharius	"Shit, here they come"
	TheResilientGM	Vikk slings Yonova's lasgun over his shoulder and lifts Kass's upper body. He draggs him in the direction of the outpost.
	Kass_Yonova	Kass continues to to mumble to himself, still wide-eyed, no longer aware of what's going on around him.
	Victrus_Macharius	takes aim and opens fire
	Sgt_Eberstark	fires a two-round burst
	TheResilientGM	the formation in front of Macharius is split by a gorey mess. The enemy left flank comes to a complete stop as men search for cover in desperation against the bolter fire.
	TheResilientGM	"THEY BLASPHEME! THEY ENSLAVE HUMANITY AND CLAIM IT THE WILL OF THE EMPEROR! REPELL THE INVADORS! DESTROY THE BLASPHEMERS!"
	TheResilientGM	The enemy roars in unison, and charge viciously.
	Sgt_Eberstark	"STAND YOUR GROUND!"
	Sgt_Eberstark	throws a frag
	Gru_Persay	readies his axe. "For the MACHINE GOD!"
	Sgt_Eberstark	"GET THEM!"
	TheResilientGM	"Per l'imperatore!"
	Victrus_Macharius	fires again at the approaching enemy
	TheResilientGM	The charging formation receives another round of bolter fire, another 4 men are dismembered and otherwise turned into pulp by the fire.
	TheResilientGM	The sergeant's grenade flies into the enemy formation. As it goes off, 3 enemy soldiers instantly perish, and another 3 fall heavily injured.
	Victrus_Macharius	pulls out lasgun
	Sgt_Eberstark	pulls out his chainsword
	Sgt_Eberstark	"AFFIX BAYONETS!"
	Sgt_Eberstark	"CHARGE!"
	TheResilientGM	The auxiliary officers repeat the order and all men ready themselves for the melee counter-charge.
	Sgt_Eberstark	charges the nearest enemy infantryman
	Gru_Persay	charges at the enemy while staying near the Sarge.
	Victrus_Macharius	follows suit in the charge
	TheResilientGM	War cries are heard from either side, the battle intensifying.
	TheResilientGM	Vikk shakes Yonova, "Kass! Kass, come on." he pours water over him.
	Kass_Yonova	Kass stares at Vikk for a moment. And then suddenly, the cacophony of war hits him like a truck. "Emperor's Teeth, where the hell am I? Vikk? What the hell happened!?" He's having to yell over the screams of the charging men.
	TheResilientGM	"It's turned into melee, a fucking mess!"
	Sgt_Eberstark	turns to another enemy and slashes at him
	Kass_Yonova	Kass pauses for a moment. "Right, well let's get stuck in, then we can patch up whoever's still going." Kass takes his lasgun from Vikk, and affixes his bayonet. "C'mon!" Kass runs off to catch up with the melee.
	Sgt_Eberstark	misses
	Victrus_Macharius	charges at one of the approaching enemy and stabs him in the chest
	Gru_Persay	misses the punch with his manipulator mechadendrite.
	=-=	Kass_Yonova has changed the topic to “Kass, Victrus, Gru, Sarge”
	=-=	Kass_Yonova has changed the topic to “Kass, Victrus, Enemy :>< Gru, Sarge”
	=-=	Kass_Yonova has changed the topic to “Kass, Victrus, Enemy :>, Gru, Sarge”
	Victrus_Macharius	takes another stab at the same enemy with his bayonet, as he pulls it out guts and blood poor out of the enemy
	TheResilientGM	Slowly, you realize the enemy's rear breaks and runs. Those who catch on to what's happening join in.
	TheResilientGM	Soon, the majority of the enemy flees, only few unaware soldiers remain in melee.
	Sgt_Eberstark	cuts down another soldier in melee
	Sgt_Eberstark	"Medic, there's plenty of work for you now. Get to it."
	TheResilientGM	The auxiliary company cheers at the sight of the enemy retreat.
	Kass_Yonova	stops near the ending melee and nods. "Aye sir." Well that was a waste of running. "Vikk gather up those who can walk and run triage I'll see to the criticals.
	Victrus_Macharius	looks at the retreating enemy and shouts, "YEAAAAAAA!!!!!"
	Sgt_Eberstark	"You have done well today, but there is still more fighting ahead. Form a perimeter, and help the medic with the wounded."
	Sgt_Eberstark	falls back to check on his vox operator
	Gru_Persay	returns to his servitors.
	Victrus_Macharius	turns back to the Heavy Bolter
	Schneider	returns to the camp a little while later carrying something in his hand.
	TheResilientGM	The triage runs as smoothly as possible. Yonova's experience in Feldmann's medicae center has paid off. The efficiency saves valuable time needed to treat those with the worst of the wounds.
	Gru_Persay	"Command. Move. Two. Steps."
	Victrus_Macharius	"Sarge, are the coms still down?
	TheResilientGM	The prefab buildings are used and auxiliary tents are set up in segments.
	TheResilientGM	The wounded await whatever treatment they can get.
	Victrus_Macharius	+Hello, is this thing on, any one there?+
	TheResilientGM	The transmission is unable to go through.
	Schneider	walks up to Eberstark with something in his hands. "Sir can I use the Vox?"
	Victrus_Macharius	"Damn, seems like the coms are still down, any luck with yours Arthur?"
	Sgt_Eberstark	"It's down. My vox operator was sent out to get reinforcements."
	Sgt_Eberstark	"Let's go check on him."
	Schneider	nods and shoves the object in his pack.
	Schneider	follows behind his squad leader.
	Sgt_Eberstark	goes to find his comrade
	TheResilientGM	Vikk: "8 Critical condition, 12 moderately wounded, 10 lightly wounded" he hands the summary to Yonova.
	TheResilientGM	Vikk: "21... 22 dead... 4 missing. That's the butcher's bill."
	Kass_Yonova	"We'll have the auxiliares form a search party and look across the battle zone for the missing and gather the dead."
	Kass_Yonova	"I'll need you assisting me here, Vikk."
	Gru_Persay	uses MUI to give orders to each servitors.
	Sgt_Eberstark	"Where the fuck is he?"
	Sgt_Eberstark	gets back to base
	Sgt_Eberstark	"Schneider, my vox operator and three other auxilia are missing. I sent them back to get reinforcements when the engagement began. Help me find them."
	Schneider	nods. "Yes Sir, Hector and I'll find em."
	Victrus_Macharius	looks over at the sarge, "Hey Sarge, need any additional help?"
	TheResilientGM	In the distance, Schneider can hear the call of a Prithian bird-of-prey.
	Schneider	calls back and heads towards the sound.
	Schneider	motions for the squad to follow him.
	Sgt_Eberstark	"Hold on, let me get some first aid."
	Sgt_Eberstark	stays behind for Kass to heal him
	Kass_Yonova	"Dammit, sir, I need you to stay in one place."
	Schneider	"I'll bring them over."
	TheResilientGM	A squad of Jaegers show up, along with Siegberg and his accompanying auxiliary.
	Schneider	"Hey fellas!"
	Victrus_Macharius	follows Schneider "Arthur stay here while I go check this out"
	Schneider	"I got somethin for ya to give back at HQ"
	TheResilientGM	"What the hell are you two up to? Comm black-out this far south?"
	Kass_Yonova	"Sarge, you seem to have caught some shrapanel in the ass, and right leg."
	Sgt_Eberstark	"Emperor damn it. All right, get to it, then."
	Schneider	reaches into his pack and pulls out the severed head of the enemy Commander. "Well what ever jammed us attacked us and I got this bastard. I figured no one would believe me unless I took a trophy."
	Kass_Yonova	Kass directs the Sergeant to lay on his left side as Kass extracts the metal bits. "Believe me, I would rather you caught it somewhere else as well."
	TheResilientGM	"Who the fuck's this?"
	Schneider	"Some Commander."
	TheResilientGM	"Probably the reason behind some of these fucking ghost stories."
	Schneider	"See I got 'em right through the eye." He points at his blown out eye socket.
	Schneider	"I figured it out."
	Schneider	"It's just fucking snipers."
	TheResilientGM	The lead Jaeger looks through. "Hmm wow."
	Schneider	"Shit ones at that. I popped 2 on the way out here."
	TheResilientGM	"What about the bodies?"
	TheResilientGM	"Supply trains have about 50 MIAs... on the way here, we only saw a few of the Prithians' remains."
	Kass_Yonova	"Alright Sarge, you're good to go, make sure you sleep on your side, or you're irritate the wounds."
	Schneider	"They're gathering up the corpses for some unknown reason."
	Kass_Yonova	"Ah, here's the wounded report as well."
	Kass_Yonova	Critical: 4 with lost apendages, 1 lost a chunk of his head, 2 are literally full of holes, but cauterization and terrible aim mean they weren't hit anywhere vital, and 1 with a nasty chest wound.
	TheResilientGM	"Well, I'll be sure to take your present here to the Captain."
	Kass_Yonova	Moderate: 5 with broken arms/legs, 3 with multiple shrapanel wounds, 2 with concussions, and 2 with multiple lacerations (one barely missed the femoral artery)
	Victrus_Macharius	"We founds some people packing the bodies into some patched up Chimera on the way here"
	Kass_Yonova	Light: 7 with minor shrapanel wounds (including one Sergeant Eberstark), the remaining 5 have light wounds including, large scrapes, torn skin, and one was unfortunate enough to have two black eyes.
	Schneider	nods. "Will do, I'll be taking sniper ears when I kill em too. Make sure you guys take some too when you get them."
	Schneider	"They think their "ghosts" are unkillable."
	Schneider	"What are you guys doing out this far anyway?"
	TheResilientGM	"Now, Otto... you'll want to tell your Captain? Lieutenant? Whatever it is... there's a civie settlement up-stream. Mostly non-aggressive but we gathered some intel they may have something to do with the goddamned comms blackouts."
	Schneider	"We got conflicting stories on what it might be. The cogboy says it could be some sorta archotechy thing and the psyker says it might be some crazy psyker shit that's causing it."
	TheResilientGM	The servitors busy at work, finalize the defense turrets first and begin building the prefab structures.
	Gru_Persay	starting chanting machine prayers as he uses his MUI to give individual servitors new orders.
	TheResilientGM	"Well whatever it is, we can't be of much help. We're going back into effective vox-range to end the patrol and then back to HQ."
	Kass_Yonova	After finishing with the wounded Kass washes his hands in the creek. He heads back to take stock of his remaining medical supplies.
	Gru_Persay	"Our enemies may rest but rust never sleeps!"
	Schneider	"Gotchya, let em know we got a Commander and they've started assaulting our outposts."
	TheResilientGM	"And I'll let our friend here," he points to the severed head, "tell them about the end to ghost stories."
	Schneider	"Just remind the bastards there's scarier things than Ghosts."
	TheResilientGM	The servitors finish everything save the repair depot - the largest building in the compound.
	TheResilientGM	They all go to work on the same structure. Many auxiliaries stand around, observing with awe as they work.
	TheResilientGM	"Just don't kill all of them!" the Jaeger lead takes the severed head from Otto and rejoins his squad.
	TheResilientGM	Siegberg: "Sir, the black-out zone has somehow shifted... it's much closer to base now."
	Kass_Yonova	stands behind the auxiliary crowd watching as well.
	Sgt_Eberstark	"Shit. Whatever its source is, it's moving towards us."
	Sgt_Eberstark	"I take it you couldn't get any support?"
	TheResilientGM	"I was able to contact HQ, sir. The drops are going ahead as scheduled. Aeronautica patrols will be sent in to keep an eye on our movements, and a small convoy may be sent up to this outpost. Other than that, not much is changing."
	Victrus_Macharius	heads back to the Heavy Bolter
	Gru_Persay	connects each servitor together and then to himself. Gru commands them to move towards the back of the structure then power down.
	Sgt_Eberstark	"... I see."
	Sgt_Eberstark	"Yonova, how many able men do we have left?"
	Gru_Persay	starts maintenance on the servitors.
	Kass_Yonova	"If we include the lightly wounded who are still able to fight, 68, sir."
	Kass_Yonova	"We can't really move the critically or moderately wounded either, unless it's back to HQ for extended care."
	Sgt_Eberstark	"How long till the moderately wounded are in fighting condition?"
	Kass_Yonova	"About a week for 5 of them, the other 7 would be months."
	Kass_Yonova	"They can still fire a weapon sir, but it would have to be from a fixed position."
	TheResilientGM	The auxiliaries finish gathering the dead, and line them up in front of the repair depot, covering them up with their cloaks.
	TheResilientGM	They have also brought in 3 heavy stubbers left behind by the retreating enemy.
	TheResilientGM	They have set them up covering the road, forming a well-defended perimeter.
	Sgt_Eberstark	"Set two of those behind. Leave thirty men in fighting shape with the wounded here; the rest come with us."
	Sgt_Eberstark	"No, 25."
	Gru_Persay	approaches the rest of the group.
	Victrus_Macharius	successfully taught one of the auxiliaries squad's the basics of how to use the heavy stabbers and not get themselves killed with the help of Kass's "amazing" translating skills
	Sgt_Eberstark	"Let them choose one, we're taking the other two: one per outpost."
	Gru_Persay	"Sergeant, the servitors will have trouble marching any distance."
	Sgt_Eberstark	"Can you set up everything yourself?"
	Sgt_Eberstark	"Is there any way for them to be disassembled and carried to the next spot?"
	Gru_Persay	"Not without a transport vehicle."
	Gru_Persay	"And an assembly line factory to put them back together."
	Sgt_Eberstark	"Damn."
	TheResilientGM	Hector: "If the problem's the damned comms blackout, Jaegers say a civvie outpost up-stream might have something to do with it."
	TheResilientGM	Vikk: "We'd fall behind schedule for the drop, but it may be worth it if we can put an end to this thing" he points to his commbead.
	Kass_Yonova	"Aye, it's a pain the ass not being able to coordinate without the comm-beads.
	Sgt_Eberstark	"How long do you think it would take to get there?"
	TheResilientGM	Hector: "Can't be sure, Sarge, but we did spot two civilians nearby before the assault."
	Schneider	"I think they said it was a few km away."
	Gru_Persay	"Securing the Dark Age technology will benefit the Adeptus Mechanicus greatly."
	TheResilientGM	Vikk: "Considering how fucked up everything is, I don't think they would have travelled too far away from their settlement" he shrugs
	Schneider	"One of em said they were sick too so I don't know what's that all about."
	Victrus_Macharius	"What happened to the one that was sick?"
	Schneider	"He died."
	TheResilientGM	"Drowned in half a foot of water" Hector adds.
	Sgt_Eberstark	"That..."
	Sgt_Eberstark	"Tell the auxilia to boil the creek's water before using it."
	Sgt_Eberstark	"Let's go find this facility, then."

	Kass_Yonova	"I did, but that's what sanitation is for."