40K Dark Heresy: The Danse Macabre

Losonti Tokash · Post by **Losonti Tokash** » 2008-07-24 06:36pm

"Calm yourselves. There is no immediate danger." Nixios turned his attention away from Havelock and Grim and to Cyrine and Serghar. He stared at them for a few uncomfortable seconds before replacing the carbine somewhere inside his robes.

"There was an...altercation. Verum has been seriously injured, Grim less so. He is annoyed with us. One of his men was killed." The techpriest looked away into seemingly empty space, clearly done talking to them.

SylasGaunt · Post by **SylasGaunt** » 2008-07-24 09:37pm

Havelock had mostly kept quiet as he considered their options. There were a number of issues still unresolved. One thought did occur to him though.

"What about the weapons? Perhaps they can be traced somehow... the autoguns are common enough but those Heavy Stubbers are a lot more noticeable."

Raj Ahten · Post by **Raj Ahten** » 2008-07-26 08:21pm

Vehrec wrote: "Emperor on Earth, what happened here? If this is someone's idea of a joke, I don't appreciate the humor."

Taking Gelt aside Lazarus said in low tones,
"Everything is all fucked up. Grim says he used to be a cop. Says the arbites purged everyone regardless of their loyalty. He says him and his men are still fighting the good fight. Has his old badge to prove it too. Well Verum said we were working for the arbites or some shit, so that set Grim off, but that apparently got worked out once someone told Grim we’re working for the Inquisition. You'll have to ask someone else about the details of that cock-up.

Here's the real fucking kicker though: Grim says Silvanus is the one helping to keep the heretics at bay. Personally I think we'll just have to get ourselves a meet with this Silvanus. Our orders were just to find out who the hell he is, right? Didn't say he was a heretic. Our orders could have been clearer on what to do with Silvanus once we found him."

Hotfoot · Post by **Hotfoot** » 2008-07-29 02:31am

Grim sighed, "Right then, so your boss ain't here, but you said you had a superior nearby? How would we get in contact with him?"

As Havelock spoke up, he shrugged. "Heavy Stubbers are less common than stubbers, sure, but not like trying to find a bolter. Any gunsmith worth a whit can make any sort of stubber, easy enough. In any case, the ones you've looted have likely seen a dozen owners in their lives. Should keep well enough though, with a tech-priest to look after them," he eyed the preacher carefully, as though pondering something.

"There is something I was going to have you help with, before the fighting broke out. It still needs to be done, so if you think you're up to it, maybe we could come to terms."

Raj Ahten · Post by **Raj Ahten** » 2008-07-29 12:07pm

Hotfoot wrote: "There is something I was going to have you help with, before the fighting broke out. It still needs to be done, so if you think you're up to it, maybe we could come to terms."

Turning away from Gelt Lazarus looked towards Grim, his eyes narrowing,
"Oh? Just what sort of job is it?"

I'm in no mood to help this mother fucker. It better be a joint operation, if we do end up doing something. And I'm not doing shit until we get a meet with Silvanus.

Hotfoot · Post by **Hotfoot** » 2008-07-30 10:24pm

"There's a shipment coming in from the spaceport, and we need to make sure it goes to the right place. We need to run security to make sure nothing goes wrong. You'd be part of a group of men that I'm committing to the action. Help out, and I'll make sure you get part of the spoils," He looked back at the rest of the group. "I still want to get in contact with your superior. Even if he's not your Inquisitor, he probably has some pull."

Raj Ahten · Post by **Raj Ahten** » 2008-07-30 10:43pm

By the emperor, this asshole could be bringing in heretical texts for all I know! And he wants us to cover for him. Like he'd trust us after we killed his men and shot up his place. What a load of shit. I bet he's going to use as a diversion or something while he gets away.

"Grim, we'll do our best to get you in touch with our boss, but doing that takes time. There is a procedure, for security reasons. We should bring Silvanus to the meet. Sounds like he knows everything going on down here, the boss will want to hear what he has to say. How much time we got to work with till' your shipment gets here anyway?"

Yeah lets get in touch with the boss. He can decide what the fuck to do with Silvanus, you, and your whole rotten lot.

Hotfoot · Post by **Hotfoot** » 2008-07-31 12:03am

"The shipment comes in tomorrow. You've got some time to lick your wounds, as do we. I can't bring Silvanus to anything though. He's a big target and frankly none of us know where he is at any given time. It's better that way, since our enemies would kill him in an instant if they had the chance."

Vehrec · Post by **Vehrec** » 2008-07-31 04:47pm

"What's so important about one man? Why is he so critical that the source of this corruption would try so hard to snuff him out? Is he holy, or powerful, or wise? Why is Silvanus so special?" Gelt stepped forward a bit into the room, wincing at the blood spilled on the floor. This was a touchy situation, to be sure. He wanted to know more, but best not to press his luck right now. He wasn't fool enough to take a dozen or more enforcers and Grim all on his own if they found out he was an Arbites, even an ofworlder.

Hotfoot · Post by **Hotfoot** » 2008-07-31 07:21pm

"Why does an army strive to defeat the other side's commander? Because he is well connected, he is crafty, and he is standing directly against them. Right now, Silvanus is our commander. You think it's easy, trying to get gangs from various houses and underhive scum to work together?"

Raj Ahten · Post by **Raj Ahten** » 2008-07-31 08:16pm

Hotfoot wrote:"Why does an army strive to defeat the other side's commander? Because he is well connected, he is crafty, and he is standing directly against them. Right now, Silvanus is our commander. You think it's easy, trying to get gangs from various houses and underhive scum to work together?"

"I'd say it wouldn't be. All the more reason for him to meet with our boss, so he can make his case directly. At least pass word along to Silvanus about the meet. Might be just what he's looking for. Or do the heretics read your messages? Is that why we can't meet him? You don't know who you can trust? Also, about the spaceport job. The reason you want us running security that you can't trust some of your own?"

Maybe Silvanus will want to meet with our boss to kill him. Might be able to counter ambush him in that case. I'm running out of ideas on meeting Silvanus; our last option is to demand we meet him before doing shit.

Hotfoot · Post by **Hotfoot** » 2008-07-31 08:40pm

"I can send word that an Inquisitor's Acolytes are on the planet, but little more than that right now. You make it seem as though I were Silvanus's right hand man, with how you ask these questions. As far as the spaceport job, do it or not, it matters little. I grow tired of this. Either you can do it and reap the spoils, maybe even proving your intentions to me and my cause, or you can leave. I am offering to help you because you are Inquisitorial Agents, or at least so your papers say."

Hawkwings · Post by **Hawkwings** » 2008-07-31 09:21pm

"Tell us more about this spaceport job then," Camillia interjected. "What's the shipment, where is it going, and why do you need us to protect it?"

"And as far as Sylvanius is concerned, I think we would all appreciate it if you let him know we want to meet him, and meet him before he meets with our patron. We have people to protect too."

Raj Ahten · Post by **Raj Ahten** » 2008-07-31 11:52pm

As Camilla pumped Grim for more information, Lazarus came to a realization. He was totally fucked, no two ways about it. The "experts" he had been teamed with had broken orders and revealed that the team was working for the inquisition. That was sure to get him executed, once the bosses found out. Most officers killed for less, and they weren’t the Emperor’s own Inquisition! To keep their secret the team have to kill Grim and every one of his men in this room, at a minimum, and before he passed the information on to Silvanus to boot. The odds weren't good for taking that many enforcers.

In his sleep deprived state, Lazarus's mind had been in overdrive. He had been suggesting something, anything, to Grim to get Silvanus in the picture. He hadn't thought the full ramifications of his predicament through until that moment.

Fuck me.

Hotfoot · Post by **Hotfoot** » 2008-08-01 01:58pm

"It's a shipment of weapons and armor to help equip our people. It's going to be spread throughout the underhive to our various strongholds, we don't keep any one location as central. Keeping one big target is just begging to get hit. If this shipment gets through, and you helped, I'm sure Silvanus would be much more inclined to listen to your petition."

Imperial Overlord · Post by **Imperial Overlord** » 2008-08-01 02:02pm

"We're inclined to agree," said Varnius. There was no way they would let them out of here alive if they said 'no'. And someone had shot off their mouth about who they worked for. "We'll need all the information you can so we can plan properly. Surveying the lay of the land will also be essential."

Hawkwings · Post by **Hawkwings** » 2008-08-01 06:06pm

Weapons and armor was a reasonable shipment, well within the boundaries of what one might expect. Camillia was initially worried that they might be helping move drugs, slaves, or worse, but this was alright. There were a few more things she wanted to clear up, however, and she had a sneaking suspicion that all was not what Grim said.

"So this shipment, is it legal and proper? And shipped to someone affiliated with you? Or are we going to be running security so your men can steal it from someone else? It's not necessarily a problem, but we need to know who we're going to be facing if we're going to take this job. I have no problem fighting criminals or malcontents, but if we are stealing from the Arbites, the Guard, or any other imperial servants, there had better be a very good reason for us to help you."

Raj Ahten · Post by **Raj Ahten** » 2008-08-01 06:20pm

I need to get the fuck out of here. Need time to think.

"Well what are we waiting for? Best way to find something out is to do it yourself. Lets put a few men at the spaceport, get a lay of the land. Grim, as soon as we get the details Camila's asking about I'll take an advance team up. We can pass a message on to the boss at the same time."

Hotfoot · Post by **Hotfoot** » 2008-08-01 07:16pm

Grim laughed. "Legal and proper? Not exactly. This isn't listed on the standard manifests, but it's ours, all the same. All legal weapons shipments have been confiscated by the Arbites. By their measure, we're a lot of heretics off to arm ourselves. By ours, they've been blinded to the real threat. So we've got two possible sorts who want this shipment stopped. The legal authority what think we're what we aren't, and the scum-sucking gangers what want it for their own.

"As for a scouting party, sounds good, you should know the ways in and out if things go sour. You look like a mild hivequake would knock you down to the surface though, you might want to get some sleep."

Vehrec · Post by **Vehrec** » 2008-08-01 10:27pm

"While I have to wonder what touched off the Arbites like that, I'll agree with your major points. We'll want to confirm you're on the level about the contents of the shipment, but otherwise we should have no problems with this task."

"And you." Gelt turned to Lazarus. "You, my young fellow, are definitely going to get some sleep. You mean well, but know your limits. You aren't going anywhere, and I'll know if you do. I can sleep with my eyes open you know."

Hawkwings · Post by **Hawkwings** » 2008-08-02 08:03pm

Camillia was partially relieved that they wouldn't be doing anything overtly illegal. Theft was a lot harder than smuggling, especially with spaceport security and the Arbites to deal with. Stealing something while the authorities looked over your shoulder was nearly impossible, but simply receiving a shipment didn't attract any unwanted attention.

Camillia had the feeling that Grim was going to ask them to make a decision to commit or not very soon. Once the question was asked, it would be a lot harder to leave the room without answering than if they just left right now. Taking advantage of the opening presented by the sleepy Lazarus, Camillia told Grim, "We need to talk to the rest of our people before committing to anything."

Raj Ahten · Post by **Raj Ahten** » 2008-08-02 09:09pm

As much as I need some sleep, this is no time to do so.

"No need to worry about me. One thing the Guard teaches you is how to operate without sleep."

That bastard drill sergeant certainly taught us that. People fuck up more though without it. Got to sleep somewhere before the next big op.

"As Camilla says, we got to gather the group and figure out exactly how we are doing this. Excuse me."

Lazarus left Grim's office and said over his earpiece,
"We should rally outside the medical bay. Time to plan out our next move."

Once a few team members had assembled He said,
"I see we got a couple priorities. Main one has to be getting the boss in on the picture. We've already got plenty more info on Silvanus, which was the mission. He'll want to know about that. I also want real orders on dealing with Grim and his damn lot. We could be executed for picking up this shipment. We should also get more details on the arbite purge of the enforcers if we can. I don't trust a thing that bastard Grim told us. We need a secure place to sleep. Fuck if I'm staying here any longer. Also, just what the hell is Verum's status anyway? We leaving him here? Oh yeah, and what the hell are we going to do about this lot knowing we now work for the Inquisition? The boss finds out, we're likely to be just as dead those fuckers we found in that pit are now."

As Lazarus spoke, he kept his head on a swivel, making sure none of Grim's men were trying to eavesdrop. The words came out in sort of a rush, the stress in his voice and body language quite obvious.

Hotfoot · Post by **Hotfoot** » 2008-08-05 01:41pm

Grim nodded. "Very well. Do what you need to, and see to your wounds, we'll see to ours."

Outside of Grim's office, the gangers gave the acolytes some dirty looks and kept a wide distance from them.

Vehrec · Post by **Vehrec** » 2008-08-05 06:53pm

Raj Ahten wrote:As much as I need some sleep, this is no time to do so.

"No need to worry about me. One thing the Guard teaches you is how to operate without sleep."

That bastard drill sergeant certainly taught us that. People fuck up more though without it. Got to sleep somewhere before the next big op.

"As Camilla says, we got to gather the group and figure out exactly how we are doing this. Excuse me."

Lazarus left Grim's office and said over his earpiece,
"We should rally outside the medical bay. Time to plan out our next move."

Once a few team members had assembled He said,
"I see we got a couple priorities. Main one has to be getting the boss in on the picture. We've already got plenty more info on Silvanus, which was the mission. He'll want to know about that. I also want real orders on dealing with Grim and his damn lot. We could be executed for picking up this shipment. We should also get more details on the arbite purge of the enforcers if we can. I don't trust a thing that bastard Grim told us. We need a secure place to sleep. Fuck if I'm staying here any longer. Also, just what the hell is Verum's status anyway? We leaving him here? Oh yeah, and what the hell are we going to do about this lot knowing we now work for the Inquisition? The boss finds out, we're likely to be just as dead those fuckers we found in that pit are now."

As Lazarus spoke, he kept his head on a swivel, making sure none of Grim's men were trying to eavesdrop. The words came out in sort of a rush, the stress in his voice and body language quite obvious.

"If leaving Verum here let's us walk, we walk and leave him here. He's done enough damage, so if what blood is left in him will cure those wounds, I think he might be more use dead than alive. And we can't do anything about 'this lot' knowing who we work for. So we don't wory about that. Who know about it anyways? Two of them, maybe a few more. Get Grim to keep a lid on it, he's got enough pull for them to listen. He'll understand how important it will be to keep any Inquisitorial dealings out of sight until the signal comes down."

Gelt reached into one of his pocket and touched the badge. It was a comforting thing, for a piece of metal. "I'll deal with the Arbites, get the truth of the matter from them. Purges are a matter of record. Might need the Adept for that, never had the touch for data-mining."

Imperial Overlord · Post by **Imperial Overlord** » 2008-08-05 09:22pm

Varnius nodded to show his agreement with Gelt. "Either Camilla or I are the best choices to get to Geis. As Adeptus Astrotelepathicus we could appear be dispatched on perfectly legitimate messenger duties and reach him without disturbing the normal ebb and flow. As for Grim and his boys, they've been telling us what we want to hear with regards to cooperation and their identity and they're getting good loot from spending our blood. We don't know the truth of the matter, but we do know they squeezed us over prizes they didn't spend a drop of blood over."