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Post by Melissia on Aug 12, 2009 21:10:34 GMT -5
Shariss offered a smile to the guardsmen in the room, as if to say she appreciated the work they did-- and somehow, the smile seemed genuine. And she did-- Shariss was a full Imperial citizen, granted that by the powers of the Inquisition so that she could properly serve them (as opposed to the slave status that she was before, due to being a mutant).
And, as a proper citizen of the Imperium, she loved the Imperial Guard-- the Emperor's Most Holy Warriors. The Marines were little more than a myth to her, and it was best she left the Sororitas alone due to her mutation, but the Guard, THEY she could truelly respect.
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Post by Aeon on Aug 12, 2009 21:23:03 GMT -5
Arett took in all the conversation silently. He did not join in - these people weren't his friends. At least, none of them ever spoke to him. No one he ever met ever spoke to him.
And...and he prefered it that way. Didn't he? For the first time, Arett was beginning to have doubts about alienating himself from the crew. They seemed capable.
He openned his mouth to speak, mumbling something incoherent, but immediatly shut it, stiffling any feelings of friendliness that perhaps may have surfaced momentarily.
He was an ex member of the Sons of Dispater, a feared assassin, a mighty warrior...he had no need for compassion.
It was as if a voice was urging him to reach out to these people. These crewmen.
Get the hell out of my head!
Then only echoes remained. Kindness was a lie! Compassion, a falsity! The only truth was money, and cold steel! Death was Arett's business, and it would remain his business as long as he could control himself.
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Post by Melissia on Aug 12, 2009 21:35:22 GMT -5
Briefly, the mutant's eyes met with Arett's with a sense of amused puzzlement, as if something about him were funny or off, before she shifted her attention back to Drang and the Guardsmen.
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Post by RedsandRoyals on Aug 13, 2009 7:31:21 GMT -5
Reese casually took in the crew, nodding and tossing off a smile whenever he caught someone's eye. It occurred to him suddenly that they seemed like the cast of a bad High Gothic Opera. Krull, the sinister looking merc who apparently didn't know how to shave, the ghoulish Drang, the mysterious Arett, the naive kid sitting next to him. This play certainly had it's share of villains and fools.
He noticed the woman in the dark blue robe was looking at him. Giving her a friendly smile and tossing her a little two fingered salute, he wondered what part of the cast he was. A sudden flash of insight made a slight grin cross his features.
Ah, yes, I'm the audience.
He sat back and stretched, idly wondering who the hero was.
Reds
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Post by Melissia on Aug 13, 2009 8:09:47 GMT -5
As she noticed Reese meeting her gaze, her smile became even more genuine. SHe spoke with a voice like molten honey-- warm, soft, and sweet, but then her greetings to Drang were almost the exact same way... almost.
"Ah, sir, Guardsman... may I have the honor of knowing your name?"
Her navy blue robes appeared to be made out of some very high quality silk, hugging her figure in a way that was loose enough to hide any particulars, but still emphasized her form. Whoever her tailor was, they did a damned good job, because there was no telling what she hid under there-- of course, most people weren't interested in finding out what, if any weapons she had on her person,.
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Post by RedsandRoyals on Aug 13, 2009 8:21:21 GMT -5
Reese sat a little more upright in his seat, and saluted. "Specialist Talvern Reese, at your service, ma'am". He knew the drill here. A quick glance at the woman's clothes showed she was from money, and it was always a good idea to be respectful of someone like that, or at least pretend to be. He also knew that it was sometimes against protocol to ask nobles and such for a name. They tended to give it out anyway if they felt like the person they had addressed deserved it.
He was careful to just avoid direct eye contact, thought. That always triggered memories.
Reds
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Post by Melissia on Aug 13, 2009 8:30:47 GMT -5
As she nodded, her hood adjusted a bit, so that a trained eye such as drang's could see just barely the movement of catlike ears under it, though luckilly from Reese's perspective it merely gave him a better view of her face.
"It is an honor to meet you, sir Reese. I am humbled by your presence-- ah.... but I am forgetting my manners. I am Shariss, gentle Sir. It is a pleasure to meet a member of our noble Imperial Guard in such a place as this." The respect in her voice was likely heartwarming and almost naieve. "I hope, someday, my own service to the Emperor and the Imperium will match your own in value."
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Post by RedsandRoyals on Aug 13, 2009 8:44:04 GMT -5
Is she serious? She can't be serious thought Reese with mild incredulity. Was this rich lady telling him that she wished she could be a good as him? Nah, no way, she had to be pulling his leg. He made eye contact, trying to discern if she was making fun of him. It was a mistake.
Her face changed abruptly. Her hair became lighter, her face rounder. A smear of dirt was on her left cheek, and a trickle of blood leaked out of the corner of her mouth. There were tears in her eyes. Slowly, almost painfully, he opened her mouth...
He broke eye contact, and found himself looking at the woman named Shariss again. Rallying quickly, he gave her a warm smile. "Pleasure to know you, Ma'am." He patted his kit bag. "You ever need a medic, you give me a shout."
Reds
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Post by Melissia on Aug 13, 2009 8:54:27 GMT -5
How strange... it seems everyone on this trip but me has severe mental issues of some sort.
With an even brighter smile than before, the woman gives a curtsy. "A medic even. I am truelly humbled."
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Post by RedsandRoyals on Aug 13, 2009 9:10:20 GMT -5
Okay, seriously, she has to be making fun of me.
Sowing up people who had been shot to bits was not exactly a glorious profession. True, other troopers respected him, but it was more of a "That poor, brave bastard, I'm glad I'm not him" kind of deal, and nobody was ever honored to meet him. Oh well, just one more weirdo to add to the cast. This one was pretending to be nice, at the very least.
He gave her a nod and a smile "The honor is all mine, Ma'am." He wasn't exactly sure what to say next. Having joined the Guard as a kid and serving in a unisex regiment, all of his non-field surgery related interactions with the fairer sex up until this point had been focused around sweet talking female Munitorium officials into letting him dip into the medical supplies, and the occasional flirting with bar maids while on leave.
In a valiant attempt not to flounder, he asked "Looking forward to the festival? It'll be nice to get off the ship for a change."
Reds
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Post by Melissia on Aug 13, 2009 9:24:30 GMT -5
"I am... though I must admit, I have not actually been to a festival yet, so I am curious as to how it will turn out. Do you know about what this particular one involves?" She smiled, her words sounding hopeful in an attempt to instill some measure of confidence in Reese-- the last thing she wanted to do was intimidate anyone until it was absolutely necessary. That would draw undue attention to herself.
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Post by RedsandRoyals on Aug 13, 2009 9:34:27 GMT -5
Reese forged ahead blindly with the conversation. "Lots of people buying and selling things is the impression I got, Ma'am. 'Course, I'm not going to be doing any of that. I'm just there to relax and enjoy not being shot at." His plans also involved copious amounts of alcohol and female companionship, but he didn't need to bother this woman with the details. "What about you? Anything planned?"
Reds
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Post by Melissia on Aug 13, 2009 9:42:38 GMT -5
"I had no idea what to expect, and so I had no real plans, sir." Her humility was certainly not something to be expected out of a noble by anyone's knowledge of them. "Although perhaps a prayer before I enter the festival grounds would be in order, if there is a shrine nearby."
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Post by RedsandRoyals on Aug 13, 2009 9:49:35 GMT -5
"Well, if you want, you can tag along with me. We Guardsmen are good at having a good time while off duty." he gave her a grin.
As his words echoed in his brain, he realized with some horror that he was hitting on her. Guardsmen flirting with nobles was a big no-no. He couldn't remember what the punishment for doing that was, but it was probably something horrible like getting his unmentionables cut off.
Well, too late now, so you might as well go for it said a treacherous little voice in the back of his head.
Willing the voice to shut up, he said "I'm sure there will be plenty to do, though, no matter what."
Reds
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Post by Melissia on Aug 13, 2009 9:53:49 GMT -5
"I would be honored, sir, and it would at the very least keep the ruffians away from me... I am not so naieve to think that such a major festival would only attract honest and faithful men such as yourself."
The woman nodded, and checked the map near the exit to the shuttle landing pad, searching it for the nearest Imperial shrine...
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Post by RedsandRoyals on Aug 13, 2009 10:02:11 GMT -5
Honest and faithful? Either this lady was a shameless flatterer, or dangerously naive. Another horrible thought struck him. This is a lady. She's not going to go to any of the dives that he would drink in. His plans for the festival were suddenly evaporating.
He'd be damned if he was going down alone, though . Turning to the kid he had been sitting next to on the shuttle, he said "Hey, you wanna tag along with us? It'll help keep you outta trouble.'
Reds
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Post by Melissia on Aug 13, 2009 10:13:39 GMT -5
The woman nodded, and said "Ah, here is one. Shrine to Saint Sanguinius, it's on the way to the festival even so we won't have to go out of our way."
Shrines to the Blood Angels' primarch were quite common, as his day was celebrated across the Imperium-- he was, after all, the only Primarch declared a Saint, and was considered the closest to the Emperor.
Shariss offered the kid a smile as well, as if to say "I don't mind if you tag along".
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Post by The Envoy (AWOL) on Aug 13, 2009 10:15:42 GMT -5
Drake eventually made his way back to his living quarters.
Well, he thought, I guess it's time to get to work. Hastily removing his dress uniform, Castus sat on his footlocker for a moment, and just stared out the small viewport into the space beyond.
Out there, he saw dozens of ships, all different makes and sizes. One had a gleaming silver hull, and bristled with with small comms towers and even a few weapon systems. Another was a beautiful ship, no angles, the entire bone white structure was elegant curves, with what looked to be a large solar sail jutting out of its back.
Forgetting his plans for a moment, he suddenly snapped back into reality, and put on a simple civilian dress, nothing fancy that would make him stick out. Strapping on his pistol belt, and removing the knife from the saber's sheath, he tucked that into his belt as well. When he was ready, he stood up, and headed out the door again, this time to learn every corridor and passageway within the ship itself.
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Post by Sister Galatea(M.I.A) on Aug 13, 2009 11:11:18 GMT -5
The landers, filled with the conversing crew of The Blue Sun, drift towards the void docks of Bonner's Reach. Hundreds of smaller ships, transports and vessels are already here and thousands of beings of various species, color and shape are milling about the docks- heading towards the main chambers of the Reach. Humans, Orks, Dark Eldar, Tau diplomats, Vespin scouts, Eldar Rangers and other creatures less known amble through the throng of people going about their business.
The Guardians can be seen everywhere amidst the crowds, their burning augmetic eyes scanning the patrons of the festival and logging their gene signatures in case the information is needed in the future. Three Orks and two humans lay in a pile at the feet of two Guardians, their corpses split asunder by their savage blades. They must not have obeyed the law of Firetide.
The main chambers of the space station are massive and elegant! Holo-chandeliers hover like stars above the grand halls, shining bright, fire toned light in all directions. The floors are a flame tinged marble, so rare and expensive that many Imperial Governors do not have them in their manors. Statues crafted of Vintrian glass depict Rogue Traders of infamy and renown from the last thousand years. Private booths- complete with red laced screens and security systems, large tables sheathed in samarian silk, the finest food and drink- line every corner of the chamber like the compartments of a massive bee hive. It is here where Traders and their crews go to relax, meet old friends and cut deals of vast wealth and prestige. Certain booths, draped in black instead of red security lacing, are used for more carnal pleasures. Dancers in nothing more than gold body paint arch their bodies in an odd, twisted dance- men with red skin and blue tattoos belch fire from their mouth like an Imperial flametrooper. A chained Kroot battles for his life against a one eyed Ork with nothing but his claws, a gathering of Rogue Traders shouting out their wagers on who will be the winner. Three Guardians stand vigilant in case the battle should get out of hand...
Captain Halstern, lighting a fresh cigar, smiles broadly and takes in a deep breath.
"Ahhhh, Firetide. How I've missed you!"
He places a hand, almost gently, on Velladonna's shoulder.
"Crew- the Festival is yours! Enjoy yourselves! We will be meeting tonight at 9 bells in compartment 3489 for dinner and leisure! Until then, have at it!"
Halstern moves towards a pair of extravagently dressed figures off to his right, exchanging hugs like brothers and a boisterous, over the top greeting. Velladonna, all in green and seeming quite out of place in this world of fire, glances back to all of you.
Her eyes almost seem like they are pleading.
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Post by RedsandRoyals on Aug 13, 2009 11:20:04 GMT -5
Catching the woman's glance, Reese sighed inwardly. What the hell, it wasn't like he was going to be enjoying himself anyway.
Approaching the Psyker, he saluted. "Ma'am, Miss Shariss and I were about to attend services at the local chapel. Would you care to join us?" he said with the best smile he could muster under the circumstances. He was careful to not look her directly in the eye, though. He didn't want to trigger another memory, just in case she decided to reach into his head.
Reds
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Post by Melissia on Aug 13, 2009 12:28:13 GMT -5
The mutant nodded, and offered the psyker a smile...for the first time meeting eye to eye with her, her own oddly shaped green eyes-- with bright green irises and catlike pupils-- watching the psyker very carefully...
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Post by Ymmot (M.I.A) on Aug 13, 2009 12:42:01 GMT -5
Krull remained part of the scenery, keeping close by but trying not to draw too much attention to himself. He caught the Psykers glance and felt his hand reach up to scratch his chin as a smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth. Now that is the sort of look that gets good guys killed, good thing I'm not a good guy...I'm just trying to do my job. He thought to himself as he let his gaze wander away. His job, that was almost impossible under the circumstances...he had no contacts, no allies that he was aware of, no means of identifying himself in any way, though in this group that would probably get him killed faster then anything. The Psyker might find out, depending on how good she was...so Krull would have to be self conscious without thinking about it and use what little ability he had to shield himself as well as he could.
The eccentric gunman strolled casually up to Halstern.
"Perhaps the lady is in need of a paid escort Captain? I'm sure you do not want her being late for the meeting."
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Post by Kaikelx on Aug 13, 2009 19:09:48 GMT -5
Emery decided to tag along with Reese, if anything, simply because she had nothing better to do. Drinking just....reminded her of him. It also ended with her on collapsed on some bed of sorts (Thankfully it always turned out to be the one she had been sleeping in, and had no signs of someone else being in it) surrounded by a heap of bottles.
What was he now? She remembered him being so elated that his instructors said he'd make Major in a decade, if not sooner......
Pushing thoughts away, she simply followed Reese, muttering under her breath.
"Elysians? Crazy? I've dropped surrounded by a giant metal box, straight from orbit......At least they can see the ground...."
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Post by The Envoy (AWOL) on Aug 14, 2009 0:08:54 GMT -5
Ensign Drake sat on the floor of one of the auxiliary rec rooms, and gently leaned his head against the cool metal of the wall. Behind it, he could hear the hum of the ships's reactor in the depths of Engineering.
It was odd to him that the captain wouldn't leave behind a skeleton crew to ensure that nothing went wrong. But then again, he wasn't a captain, so, how was he to know the optimal choice for such options?
And as he sat there, Castus did his best to clear his mind of the Psyker, but nothing seemed to be working. Her face continued to plague him whenever he closed his eyes, she was there. He wasn't sure what was causing this, maybe it was the way he had always been taught to distrust mutants (though technically he was one himself). Closing his eyes again, she appeared, and the image just laughed and laughed...until the young man could stand it no more. Rising to his feet, he slammed his fist into the wall behind him and shouted, "GET THE HELL OUT OF MY HEAD!!!" before collapsing to the floor in a fit of broken sobs.
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Post by Aeon on Aug 14, 2009 3:23:50 GMT -5
The voice was in his head again. Why? WHY?!?
You can love...can't you? Can't you love anyone, you cold, heartless bastard? This crew has been good enough to you. They gave you a place to stay when no one else would take you! The least you can do is inadvertedly protect them. Follow them, fool...the Firetide is dangerous, and you alone are competant enough to ensure-
"Gaaaaah!" he howled, gripping his head with both hands collapsing to the ground. NO!
But his alternate personality was taking over. Arett was no longer Arett. He was entirly another entity, possessed of Arett's skill and determination, but with a new mindset. Arett struggled to break free, pounding at this new entity's mental walls.
"It is better this way, and you know it. The last time I surfaced, it was how you escaped! Do not make me banish you entirly!" he said to himself, although the New Arett knew that was not possible. He would remain in control as long as he could hold on for.
Stealthily, but not with hostility, he approached the other group. He did run, maintaining his haunting demeanor, but did call out.
"Oi! Rees! Have room for another!?"
New Arett, who actually had decided on a name for himself quite yet, knew this would be ackward for the medic to hear such words. The entire trip, dark Arett had been so hostile to him.
Yes. That's what he'd call himself. Light Arett, and his alter ego - the Dark Arett. This way, people would know him by his original name. Complications would be avoided, and less explaining have to be made.
"Oi! Wait up!"
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