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Dark Heresy - Agents of the Inquisition
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<blockquote data-quote="Lothred" data-source="post: 4155451" data-attributes="member: 41722"><p><strong>The first mission</strong></p><p></p><p>Miocanthus sat behind the desk, keying a holo terminal to life. A man’s face, pudgy and pockmarked, floated in the center of the room, accompanied by a running list of pertinent information and petty convictions. Lazerus recognized a standard Sibellus Hive criminal record header.</p><p></p><p>“This is Harris Glout. As you can see, up until now he has been a small-time player in the criminal underworld. Lately, however, Mr. Glout’s fortunes have turned. In the last few months, Harris’ name has come up more and more often in certain investigations. Most recently, information has been acquired that links Glout to the manufacture of a new drug. Now, normally, the Inquistion, and indeed the Adeptus Arbites, are content to leave the pursuit and prosecution of a minor drug king to the local authorities. In this case, though, the particular drug that Glout is manufacturing, known locally as P’rellian Passion, has been increasingly among the possessions of known and suspected pleasure cult members. We suspect warp influence in this drug’s manufacture and therefore it falls within our sphere of inquest.</p><p></p><p>“It has been decided that the time has come to move against Glout. He believes himself clever, disguising his laboratory as a transshipment warehouse. We have identified the operation, however. I will lead a strike force against the warehouse and destroy this vile menace to the good citizens of Sibellus Hive. You will not accompany me, as I have another mission for you.”</p><p></p><p>The holo image shifted, becoming a three-dimensional schematic of a small one-story building.</p><p></p><p>“Glout does not personally oversee the manufacture of his drug. Apparently, he doesn’t like to get his own hands too dirty. Instead, he maintains a secure office at a restaurant two levels below here, known as The Rat Pit. Charming, I know. I want you to take Glout down. Alive, if possible, as we would relish the opportunity to put another heretic to the question, but in no case must Glout escape the Emperor’s justice. If you cannot take him, at the very least you must keep him at the restaurant until I can bring my men and take over. Is that understood?”</p><p></p><p>Miocanthus looked around the room, staring hard into each individual’s eyes. Lazerus, the Arbitrator, nodded sharply, eyes focused on the holo of the building. Eli, the fresh-minted Guardsman, made a show of checking his weapons as he nodded his assent. Ave’ simply shrugged and nodded, seemingly indifferent to the briefing. Ophelia, the blue-haired assassin, had laid her laspistol in her lap and seemed to be whispering to it. She looked up and indicated her concurrence. Tauron, the burly hunter, wiped a vizzy-cloth over his long-las’ optics as he grunted affirmation. Ishmael, the robed Tech-Priest, predictably spoke up.</p><p> </p><p>“We must discuss compensation. If you require my assistance in your endeavor, proper remuneration must be made.”</p><p></p><p>Miocanthus’ face hardened. “You are here to do the work of the Emperor and his Holy Inquisition. Such labor should be reward enough in itself! Yet, fear not, you shall all be suitably rewarded. I trust that you will accept that the Inquisition will suitably compensated you?”</p><p></p><p>Ishmael bobbed his head. “As you say, sir. I mean no disrespect, yet neither will I allow myself nor my sacred knowledge to be used without recompense. Of course, I will trust that proper payment will be received. And, given your guarantee, you may indeed count on my full cooperation in this endeavor.”</p><p></p><p>The Arbitrator and the two Guardsmen had gathered around the holo of the building, and were discussing options for entrance. There seemed to be three doors in the building: the main entrance and a smaller door on either side, opening into small alleys that flank the restaurant. As the men discussed possible personnel dispersions, Ophelia strolled up and spoke.</p><p></p><p>“I believe that a sudden storm action should suffice in this instance. Obviously, this is another cover operation, so anyone inside is fair game. I say that we weld shut one of these side doors. Then, I and those other two,” indicating Ave’ and Ishmael with a toss of her head, “and you, too, lawman, burst through the front door, laying down heavy fire. You other two come through the side door and take down anyone who tries to get out. Then, we identify this Harris character and collect our earnings.”</p><p></p><p>The three men stared at her, open-mouthed. Finally, Tauron gathered enough sense to ask her, “Wha’ kin’ o’ ‘ssassin did yer say yer wuz agin? Din’t yer say yer liked the shay-does an’ sneakin’?”</p><p></p><p>Ophelia gazed back blankly. “Sometimes I prefer the direct method. No subtlety seems to be called for here.”</p><p></p><p>Just as it appeared that the ex-Guardsman was about to explain, in painstaking detail, what he thought of the woman’s plan, Lazerus cleared his throat.</p><p></p><p>“Perhaps I might offer an alternative suggestion?” Turning to Miocanthus, he asked “Would we be able to draw microbeads from the blockhouse here?” Upon receiving an affirmative nod, he returned his attention to the group.</p><p></p><p>“In that case, this will be easier to coordinate. Ophelia, I appreciate your enthusiasm, but we cannot be sure that the restaurant is not in fact operating as it appears. I will not be party to the wholesale slaughter of innocent Imperial citizens on the hope that the one we are after will be among the dead. In this case, I believe that subtlety and subterfuge is indeed called for, if not in exactly the way you are used to. I do like your idea of covering entrances, but I do not see the feasibility of sealing one entrance, when it apparently offers a wonderful sightline for our friend with the long-las.”</p><p></p><p>Tauron nodded, apparently satisfied at the nod to his abilities.</p><p></p><p>“All right then, here is the outline. Tauron and Ishmael, take the eastern side door. Ophelia and Eli, the western. Try not to draw too much attention to yourselves, but stay near. I will go inside and try to determine if Glout is there and, if so, where. My microbead will be open the whole while, so keep your ears on to gain an idea of the situation. If things go badly, I will give the ‘go’ phrase. In that case, come through the doors and take down any hostiles with maximum force. Also, if anyone attempts to bolt through the sides, stop them. Take prisoners if possible, but, as our patron has said, do not allow any of them to get away. The ‘go’ phrase is: ‘the walls are falling.’ Any questions?”</p><p></p><p>Ave’ spoke up. “Yeah, what am I to do, lawman?”</p><p></p><p>Lazerus grinned at her. “How’s your acting?”</p><p></p><p>* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *</p><p></p><p>Tauron and Ishmael, draped in shabby robes to cover their weapons and body armor, quickly darted out of the crowd moving down the cramped street, and moved down the alley on the eastern side of The Rat Pit. Surprisingly, there were no other humans down this particular alley, indicating a consistent patrol of some kind to keep people away. The two men flanked the door, Tauron covering the side nearest the road, while Ishmael examined the door’s lock. </p><p></p><p>“Most interesting” the Tech-Priest mused.</p><p></p><p>“Wassat?” responded the hunter, unwrapping and prepping his long-las, though not exposing it from its usual canvas covering.</p><p></p><p>“Normally, one would expect a simple tumbler lock in an area such as this. And indeed, there are indications that one previously graced this particular portal. But this, this is no tumbler lock.” The Tech-Priest indicated a small panel of rune-marked keys set just above the door’s handle. “Fortunately, whoever made the decision to change this lock did not feel like spending too much. The Veswerks 42a-7R2.11 digital keypad…” Ishmael’s mutterings tailed off into an incomprehensible murmur as he felt Tauron’s eyes on him.</p><p></p><p>“Yes, what is it?”</p><p></p><p>“Kin yer open it?”</p><p></p><p>“Of course I can open it, I was simply noting the…”</p><p></p><p>“Tha’s fine then. Do yer thing an’ keep yer trap shut, willya? I kin’t heer iff’n ennyone’s tryin’ to sneak up on us like.”</p><p></p><p>“Oh, of course.” The Tech-Priest produced a multi-tool and began prying at the face of the keypad, which soon popped off, exposing wires and circuits. “So crude, so simple…”</p><p></p><p>Soon enough, the door unlocked with a quiet *click*. Ishmael cracked open the door, inserting a splinter of wood between the lock and the striker plate to prevent it relocking, and replaced the facing on the keypad, keying his microbead.</p><p></p><p>“Hunter and Circuit in position, entry assured.”</p><p></p><p>* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *</p><p></p><p>On the other side of the building, Eli and Ophelia headed toward the western alley. Entering the space, the two operatives passed a two corner-girls and a mann, apparently haggling over the price of the services the man desired. Ophelia’s ear twitched as they passed, her enhanced hearing picking up the three apparent bystanders’ conversation.</p><p></p><p>“That’s two of ‘em, girls. Just like we were told. Get ready for trouble.”</p><p></p><p>As the duo continued down the alley toward the door, Ophelia whispered to Eli.</p><p></p><p>*those people we just passed, they know we’re here*</p><p></p><p>Eli looked back at her incredulously. “OF COURSE THEY KNOW WE’RE HERE! WE JUST WALKED RIGHT PAST THEM! WHAT DID YOU THINK, THEY WOULDN’T SEE US WALK! RIGHT! PAST! THEM!”</p><p></p><p>“I meant they knew we were coming, and they recognized us.”</p><p></p><p>“Oh, why didn’t you say so? Well, let’s get into position and just keep an eye on them.”</p><p></p><p>Ophelia slipped her laspistol from its holster underneath her grubby overcloak and held it close to her left thigh. As the pair reached the door, they flanked it, similar to Ishmael and Tauron on the other side. Ophelia kept an eye on the trio at the mouth of the alley, while Eli examined the door.</p><p></p><p>“Uh-oh.”</p><p></p><p>Ophelia glanced to her left, asking a question of Eli.</p><p></p><p>“We’re humped. See for yourself.”</p><p></p><p>The assassin suppressed a sigh and turned to the door. Some people just shouldn’t be allowed near locks, she thought to herself. Then she saw the door. The blank door. The blank steel door.</p><p></p><p>There was no way in from this side. No handle. No lock. Nothing.</p><p></p><p>The assassin keyed her microbead. “Shadow and Gunner in position. Entry denied.”</p><p></p><p>She turned to Eli. “We’re humped.”</p><p></p><p>Eli was looking over her shoulder as a voice from behind her called out. “Get-a get-a ‘way from-a door, slags. Whatchoo doin’ here, anyways? Huh?”</p><p></p><p>Ophelia turned slowly, keeping her laspistol out of sight behind her. One of the corner-girls had advanced halfway from the mouth of the alley toward they pair, covering them with a stub revolver. The other corner-girl and their supposed john had taken partial cover behind the corners of the alley-mouth, also pointing stub revolvers at the operatives.</p><p></p><p>The assassin quickly slipped the safety off her laspistol. The last thing she wanted at this point was to set things off too early. Perhaps they could distract the guards, as they apparently were, and keep them occupied until the time came to take them out. She and Eli raised their hands, both in his case but the right only in hers, in a universally non-threatening gesture and began backing slowly down the alley.</p><p></p><p>“Whatchoos doin’ here, I sayed? Huh?”</p><p></p><p>Ophelia opened her mouth to respond, but before she could speak Eli’s voice called out from behind her. </p><p></p><p>“We’re looking for Steve. Does Steve live around here?”</p><p></p><p>Ophelia looked over her shoulder at Eli. Steve? she mouthed. The young Guardsman shrugged.</p><p></p><p>“Sounded good to me.” His right hand slowly started moving to his waist, reaching inside his overcloak.</p><p></p><p>“Youse slags keep-a keep-a walkin’. Youse hears? Elsein youse bein’ dead-dead.”</p><p></p><p>Eli keyed his microbead. “Shadow and Gunner, displaced. Hostiles present, under cover.”</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Lothred, post: 4155451, member: 41722"] [b]The first mission[/b] Miocanthus sat behind the desk, keying a holo terminal to life. A man’s face, pudgy and pockmarked, floated in the center of the room, accompanied by a running list of pertinent information and petty convictions. Lazerus recognized a standard Sibellus Hive criminal record header. “This is Harris Glout. As you can see, up until now he has been a small-time player in the criminal underworld. Lately, however, Mr. Glout’s fortunes have turned. In the last few months, Harris’ name has come up more and more often in certain investigations. Most recently, information has been acquired that links Glout to the manufacture of a new drug. Now, normally, the Inquistion, and indeed the Adeptus Arbites, are content to leave the pursuit and prosecution of a minor drug king to the local authorities. In this case, though, the particular drug that Glout is manufacturing, known locally as P’rellian Passion, has been increasingly among the possessions of known and suspected pleasure cult members. We suspect warp influence in this drug’s manufacture and therefore it falls within our sphere of inquest. “It has been decided that the time has come to move against Glout. He believes himself clever, disguising his laboratory as a transshipment warehouse. We have identified the operation, however. I will lead a strike force against the warehouse and destroy this vile menace to the good citizens of Sibellus Hive. You will not accompany me, as I have another mission for you.” The holo image shifted, becoming a three-dimensional schematic of a small one-story building. “Glout does not personally oversee the manufacture of his drug. Apparently, he doesn’t like to get his own hands too dirty. Instead, he maintains a secure office at a restaurant two levels below here, known as The Rat Pit. Charming, I know. I want you to take Glout down. Alive, if possible, as we would relish the opportunity to put another heretic to the question, but in no case must Glout escape the Emperor’s justice. If you cannot take him, at the very least you must keep him at the restaurant until I can bring my men and take over. Is that understood?” Miocanthus looked around the room, staring hard into each individual’s eyes. Lazerus, the Arbitrator, nodded sharply, eyes focused on the holo of the building. Eli, the fresh-minted Guardsman, made a show of checking his weapons as he nodded his assent. Ave’ simply shrugged and nodded, seemingly indifferent to the briefing. Ophelia, the blue-haired assassin, had laid her laspistol in her lap and seemed to be whispering to it. She looked up and indicated her concurrence. Tauron, the burly hunter, wiped a vizzy-cloth over his long-las’ optics as he grunted affirmation. Ishmael, the robed Tech-Priest, predictably spoke up. “We must discuss compensation. If you require my assistance in your endeavor, proper remuneration must be made.” Miocanthus’ face hardened. “You are here to do the work of the Emperor and his Holy Inquisition. Such labor should be reward enough in itself! Yet, fear not, you shall all be suitably rewarded. I trust that you will accept that the Inquisition will suitably compensated you?” Ishmael bobbed his head. “As you say, sir. I mean no disrespect, yet neither will I allow myself nor my sacred knowledge to be used without recompense. Of course, I will trust that proper payment will be received. And, given your guarantee, you may indeed count on my full cooperation in this endeavor.” The Arbitrator and the two Guardsmen had gathered around the holo of the building, and were discussing options for entrance. There seemed to be three doors in the building: the main entrance and a smaller door on either side, opening into small alleys that flank the restaurant. As the men discussed possible personnel dispersions, Ophelia strolled up and spoke. “I believe that a sudden storm action should suffice in this instance. Obviously, this is another cover operation, so anyone inside is fair game. I say that we weld shut one of these side doors. Then, I and those other two,” indicating Ave’ and Ishmael with a toss of her head, “and you, too, lawman, burst through the front door, laying down heavy fire. You other two come through the side door and take down anyone who tries to get out. Then, we identify this Harris character and collect our earnings.” The three men stared at her, open-mouthed. Finally, Tauron gathered enough sense to ask her, “Wha’ kin’ o’ ‘ssassin did yer say yer wuz agin? Din’t yer say yer liked the shay-does an’ sneakin’?” Ophelia gazed back blankly. “Sometimes I prefer the direct method. No subtlety seems to be called for here.” Just as it appeared that the ex-Guardsman was about to explain, in painstaking detail, what he thought of the woman’s plan, Lazerus cleared his throat. “Perhaps I might offer an alternative suggestion?” Turning to Miocanthus, he asked “Would we be able to draw microbeads from the blockhouse here?” Upon receiving an affirmative nod, he returned his attention to the group. “In that case, this will be easier to coordinate. Ophelia, I appreciate your enthusiasm, but we cannot be sure that the restaurant is not in fact operating as it appears. I will not be party to the wholesale slaughter of innocent Imperial citizens on the hope that the one we are after will be among the dead. In this case, I believe that subtlety and subterfuge is indeed called for, if not in exactly the way you are used to. I do like your idea of covering entrances, but I do not see the feasibility of sealing one entrance, when it apparently offers a wonderful sightline for our friend with the long-las.” Tauron nodded, apparently satisfied at the nod to his abilities. “All right then, here is the outline. Tauron and Ishmael, take the eastern side door. Ophelia and Eli, the western. Try not to draw too much attention to yourselves, but stay near. I will go inside and try to determine if Glout is there and, if so, where. My microbead will be open the whole while, so keep your ears on to gain an idea of the situation. If things go badly, I will give the ‘go’ phrase. In that case, come through the doors and take down any hostiles with maximum force. Also, if anyone attempts to bolt through the sides, stop them. Take prisoners if possible, but, as our patron has said, do not allow any of them to get away. The ‘go’ phrase is: ‘the walls are falling.’ Any questions?” Ave’ spoke up. “Yeah, what am I to do, lawman?” Lazerus grinned at her. “How’s your acting?” * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Tauron and Ishmael, draped in shabby robes to cover their weapons and body armor, quickly darted out of the crowd moving down the cramped street, and moved down the alley on the eastern side of The Rat Pit. Surprisingly, there were no other humans down this particular alley, indicating a consistent patrol of some kind to keep people away. The two men flanked the door, Tauron covering the side nearest the road, while Ishmael examined the door’s lock. “Most interesting” the Tech-Priest mused. “Wassat?” responded the hunter, unwrapping and prepping his long-las, though not exposing it from its usual canvas covering. “Normally, one would expect a simple tumbler lock in an area such as this. And indeed, there are indications that one previously graced this particular portal. But this, this is no tumbler lock.” The Tech-Priest indicated a small panel of rune-marked keys set just above the door’s handle. “Fortunately, whoever made the decision to change this lock did not feel like spending too much. The Veswerks 42a-7R2.11 digital keypad…” Ishmael’s mutterings tailed off into an incomprehensible murmur as he felt Tauron’s eyes on him. “Yes, what is it?” “Kin yer open it?” “Of course I can open it, I was simply noting the…” “Tha’s fine then. Do yer thing an’ keep yer trap shut, willya? I kin’t heer iff’n ennyone’s tryin’ to sneak up on us like.” “Oh, of course.” The Tech-Priest produced a multi-tool and began prying at the face of the keypad, which soon popped off, exposing wires and circuits. “So crude, so simple…” Soon enough, the door unlocked with a quiet *click*. Ishmael cracked open the door, inserting a splinter of wood between the lock and the striker plate to prevent it relocking, and replaced the facing on the keypad, keying his microbead. “Hunter and Circuit in position, entry assured.” * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * On the other side of the building, Eli and Ophelia headed toward the western alley. Entering the space, the two operatives passed a two corner-girls and a mann, apparently haggling over the price of the services the man desired. Ophelia’s ear twitched as they passed, her enhanced hearing picking up the three apparent bystanders’ conversation. “That’s two of ‘em, girls. Just like we were told. Get ready for trouble.” As the duo continued down the alley toward the door, Ophelia whispered to Eli. *those people we just passed, they know we’re here* Eli looked back at her incredulously. “OF COURSE THEY KNOW WE’RE HERE! WE JUST WALKED RIGHT PAST THEM! WHAT DID YOU THINK, THEY WOULDN’T SEE US WALK! RIGHT! PAST! THEM!” “I meant they knew we were coming, and they recognized us.” “Oh, why didn’t you say so? Well, let’s get into position and just keep an eye on them.” Ophelia slipped her laspistol from its holster underneath her grubby overcloak and held it close to her left thigh. As the pair reached the door, they flanked it, similar to Ishmael and Tauron on the other side. Ophelia kept an eye on the trio at the mouth of the alley, while Eli examined the door. “Uh-oh.” Ophelia glanced to her left, asking a question of Eli. “We’re humped. See for yourself.” The assassin suppressed a sigh and turned to the door. Some people just shouldn’t be allowed near locks, she thought to herself. Then she saw the door. The blank door. The blank steel door. There was no way in from this side. No handle. No lock. Nothing. The assassin keyed her microbead. “Shadow and Gunner in position. Entry denied.” She turned to Eli. “We’re humped.” Eli was looking over her shoulder as a voice from behind her called out. “Get-a get-a ‘way from-a door, slags. Whatchoo doin’ here, anyways? Huh?” Ophelia turned slowly, keeping her laspistol out of sight behind her. One of the corner-girls had advanced halfway from the mouth of the alley toward they pair, covering them with a stub revolver. The other corner-girl and their supposed john had taken partial cover behind the corners of the alley-mouth, also pointing stub revolvers at the operatives. The assassin quickly slipped the safety off her laspistol. The last thing she wanted at this point was to set things off too early. Perhaps they could distract the guards, as they apparently were, and keep them occupied until the time came to take them out. She and Eli raised their hands, both in his case but the right only in hers, in a universally non-threatening gesture and began backing slowly down the alley. “Whatchoos doin’ here, I sayed? Huh?” Ophelia opened her mouth to respond, but before she could speak Eli’s voice called out from behind her. “We’re looking for Steve. Does Steve live around here?” Ophelia looked over her shoulder at Eli. Steve? she mouthed. The young Guardsman shrugged. “Sounded good to me.” His right hand slowly started moving to his waist, reaching inside his overcloak. “Youse slags keep-a keep-a walkin’. Youse hears? Elsein youse bein’ dead-dead.” Eli keyed his microbead. “Shadow and Gunner, displaced. Hostiles present, under cover.” [/QUOTE]
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