Clubbed to Death
After a lecture about Dark Eldar, many of the Agents went out clubbing in Tenebrae. Only 5 people died.
Build Up
+++TO: Obelisk Agents; Interrogator Lear;
+++FROM: Acid
+++SUBJECT: Night out
Hey all,
Dunno whose active at the moment so apologies if you're getting this but aren't free.
A while ago a bunch of us were on a mission in the Helas Dome, Lower Hive. There was a cool looking club there called Tenebrae, and we were going to go there after the mission but then we ended up storming it with Stormtroopers and shooting it up and, well, Sarge happened. Actually I think most of the agents in the Obelisk ended up down there that night, when Michael brings the cavalry he doesn't piss about.
Aaanyway, it's opened up again under new ownership, no more drugs, no more VIP room, and I'm keen to go. I appreciate it's not necessarily everyone's scene, and if anyone has uncomfortable memories associated with it I totally understand. Basically I'm going on Wednesday night (after Michael's Xenos lecture) and anyone who would like to come with me is extremely welcome.
Acid
+++MESSAGE ENDS
+++TO: Obelisk agents
+++FROM: Inquisitor Drake
+++SUBJECT: Night out
Agent Zelenko forwarded this to me as she knows how I love a good club, but I wouldn't presume to introduce one of the bosses to your night out. Like last time, I'd feel responsible for everyone's safety, and like last time, that may well result in my killing someone.
I'm sure Zelenko and Kelemen will have a lovely time though.
Sincerely,
Drake
+++MESSAGE ENDS
+++TO: Drake
+++FROM: Zelenko
I will?
+++MESSAGE ENDS
+++TO: Zelenko
+++FROM: Drake
Some tastes are worth acquiring, Nadiya. Why only have access to a limited palate of fun? Besides, it may help bevel the edges off your rough-cut blending in skills. Think of it as a professional assignment, but where you won't be in any trouble with me if you fail.
Sincerely,
Eidan
+++MESSAGE ENDS
+++TO: Obelisk Agents, Drake
+++FROM: Drahomíra Kelemen
+++SUBJECT: Night out
Dear boss,
We get shore leave? I'm in. But what's to stop me fucking off into the underhive? Sounds kind of like home but with fewer dust storms. Seems too easy.
Míra
+++MESSAGE ENDS
+++TO: Drahomíra Kelemen, Obelisk agents
+++FROM: Drake
+++SUBJECT: Night out
Dear Míra,
The wage I pay you is much higher than anything you'll get in the underhive.
Besides, I find you the most intense fights.
Drake
+++MESSAGE ENDS
+++TO: Drake, Obelisk agents
+++FROM: Drahomíra Kelemen
+++SUBJECT: Night out
Dear boss,
Fair enough.
Dear Obelisk people,
This sounds good, I'm down. What do clubbers in the underhive wear if they want to get laid but don't want to look like a dust ho?
Cheers,
Míra
+++MESSAGE ENDS
+++TO: Obelisk Agents;
+++FROM: Max Drent;
+++SUBJECT: Night out
You bought it?!? Yes Acid! I'm kinda swamped with work at the minute, but if I can be there I definitely will!
Mira- what in Cetus is a dust ho? X'D Ash is usually your girl for clothes though.
That being said, what is the vibe there now? Last time I was there I was just shirtless because I couldn't get anything leather or mesh at short notice.
Love and kisses,
Maxie xx
+++MESSAGE ENDS
+++TO: Gregory Micheal
+++FROM: Ashar Lear
+++SUBJECT: Advice
Gregory,
I feel very stupid for this, but I need to talk to someone about it and you always seem to understand everything.
Acid has invited us out to that club, the one we busted for the drug and people-smuggling ring. And I just...can’t.
I know it’s stupid, right? I’ve fought rebel space marines and flesh monsters and rogue psykers, and I’d still go back to all the places I fought them. But when I’m fighting I can control the situation, I’m armed, and on the day when one of them does kill me I’ll go down fighting. I’m not scared of it.
But in that club, it was four on one, I was unarmed except my needle pistol and I couldn’t use it without getting shot. And they made me take that drug, and when I was locked in that airlock with four guys all I could think was...they could do anything, and I wouldn’t even mind because of the drug, and…
I’m not scared of dying. I’ve never been scared of rape or assault or anything like that before, really, because I’m usually the deadliest person in the room. And I was, in that room, but there were four of them.
It sounds so stupid but it’s the only time I’ve ever felt afraid. Properly afraid.
So when she asked the first thing I thought was “no” and now I don’t know what to do. Probably going back will be good for me, but what if it isn’t? What if it just makes me scared again? I’m not used to this. I’m never scared, not really, and now I’m scared of being scared. And I can’t tell anyone else that I'm scared of going to a stupid club, because I’m battle mum and everyone has to trust me, or else missions won’t work.
Sorry to burden you with this. I haven’t said anything to anyone about it. It’s like combat shock, I suppose. Have you ever had it?
Ash
+++MESSAGE ENDS
+++TO: Obelisk Agents; Interrogator Lear;
+++FROM: Acid;
+++SUBJECT: Re: Night out
Style wise Tenebrae is general clubby but leaning towards and cyber/techno aesthetic. As with most clubs black is basically universally accepted.
@Keleman to be honest that black bodglove you wear in combat doesn't leave much to the imagination, you could roll with that if you want. No idea of that is what a Dust Ho looks like though. Otherwise, yeah, Ash is your girl for clothes shopping.
Acid
+++MESSAGE ENDS
+++TO: Obelisk agents
+++FROM: Drahomíra Kelemen
+++SUBJECT: Night out
Max,
Dust hos start off by hoing for a hit of space dust, but then when they get enough hits they stop taking care of themselves, maybe get homeless, then get covered in dust in the next storm that blows in over the Prospekt. So it's a joke, right, because dust and dust. People are so dumb. Like, surely if you'd ever seen a dust ho you'd never take a hit yourself. I was smarter than that. Took shunt to give me an edge. Much better.
They likely to have shunt dealers here on Cetus Major? Drake says I have to avoid it, so you should warn me if there'll be shunt dealers about.
Míra
+++MESSAGE ENDS
+++TO: Ashar Lear;
+++FROM: Gregory Michael
+++SUBJECT: Re: Advice
Dear Ash,
I'm sorry to hear about your troubles, and of course you are always welcome to talk to me about these things. What you are feeling is natural, and nothing to be ashamed of.
Certainly as an officer that's the sort of thing I would generally keep from my troops as they would look to me for leadership and guidance and if I showed fear they would fear as well. Contra-wise if I showed no fear then it would encourage the men to beleive there was nothing to be feared.
We are now members of the Inquisition. Yours fellow Agents are, for the most part, talented and motivated individuals who will be understanding and able to help. It's your call, but I would say that you should not fealty that to admit your fear to them would be a failing. What will matter is how you respond to this fear.
Fear is a natural instinct, and whilst many idiots have made excitable and declamitory speeches about it, the truth is that it is a vital tool. If men felt no fear we would all be dead. Fear, like pain, is vital feedback. The important part is to ensure that it guides you, but does not rule you.
Ultimately I think the best way to overcome this fear will be to face it, however I don't think in this instance that means going back to the club and pretending nothing is wrong. I suggest you plead a prior engagement for now. I'm happy to create something if you need to generate and excuse. Perhaps you would come with me to inspect the progress on the Accipiter?
I will also recommend you begin seeing Gaius Umberto. Psychological trauma is unfortunately common in our line of work and just as we keep a medical facility to treat physical injuries Gaius is there to deal with psychological damage.
If you do choose to see him Gaius will have to inform Kovach as your Inquisitor, however it would otherwise be completely confidential. Winnie has been very open about her own treatment with Gaius so if you wished to find out more I'm sure she would be happy to talk about it with you, although of course that would be showing your hand somewhat.
Let me know what you think. If you're not happy wih this idea please do let me know and we can try to come up with something else instead.
Yours,
Michael
+++MESSAGE ENDS
+++TO: Obelisk agents;
+++FROM: Drahomíra Kelemen;
+++SUBJECT: Night out
Techno? What, like priest robes and some fake bionics? The club scene here is weird.
Míra
+++MESSAGE ENDS
+++TO: Obelisk Agents
+++FROM: Nadiya Zelenko
+++SUBJECT: night out
Dearest Míra,
Even I know what techno means. Please see the attached images displaying edgy underhive types in their finest sad rags.
I particularly like the one with the LEDs. Look at his little boots!
Regards,
Nadiya
+++MESSAGE ENDS
+++TO: Obelisk Agents; Interrogator Lear;
+++FROM: Acid;
+++SUBJECT: Re: Night out
Nadiya is being snide about it, because she has no concept how to have fun without spending forty thousand credits, but she's not wrong. LEDs are cool but there's this stuff called EL Wire that, well, it looks totally rad.
The Cog is also thematically popular, as are augmetics, but if they're not genuine people will be able to tell. Wearing fake bionics is trashy as hell. Also none of the dusty robes and shit.
Overall though I'd say don't overdo it. Less is more.
Acid
+++MESSAGE ENDS
+++TO: Gregory Michael
+++FROM: Ashar Lear
+++SUBJECT: Re: Advice
Thank you. That - as ever it seems - was just what I needed to hear. And thank you for the generous offer of an alternative evening. I’d love to come along, if it’s not imposing.
I don’t want Kovach to think he’s made a mistake by appointing me, but...you’re right, talking to Gaius is a good idea. I’ll make an appointment. The Schola was a great place in many ways, but I don’t think they expected any of us to have a very high life expectancy. ‘Feelings’ were never covered.
Thanks, Gregory.
Ash.
+++MESSAGE ENDS
+++TO: Obelisk agents
+++FROM: Ashar Lear
+++SUBJECT: Re: Night out
Think I’ll sit this one out - much as I love to see Maxie pretend he’s comfortable wearing mesh trousers, it might take a while for that club to be on my list of ‘fun night out’ places. (Stop making that face, Maxie, you know it’s a look that you 100% CANNOT pull off)
Also, Michael already invited me to go and see the Accipiter ship build - might come and join you when we’re back but don’t hold out. (And Maxie, not a word :P )
Kelemen - I’ve got loads of stuff you can borrow if you like. Just don’t wear any aforementioned mesh trousers, even thinking about them gives me a yeast infection.
Ash x
+++MESSAGE ENDS
+++TO: Obelisk agents
+++FROM: Max Drent
+++SUBJECT: Night out
Mira,
Ahhh... I got ya'. We don't have no dust ho's, but we've got hiver equivalents.
Shunt either never really took off, or got squashed fast cos' it appeared and disappeared pretty quickly a few years back. There's other stuff, but it depends... Are you trying to stay clean?
Maxie
+++MESSAGE ENDS
+++TO: Obelisk agents
+++FROM: Drahomíra Kelemen
+++SUBJECT: night out
Max,
Drake says I should go clean, so you should probably tell me where the likely hotspots to score are so that I can avoid them.
Míra
+++MESSAGE ENDS
++TO: Nadiya Zalenko
+++FROM: Hannat Rekord
+++SUBJECT: Wednesday Evening
Good afternoon Nadiya,
I trust that your forward order book is still crammed full of servitor orders and demo bookings? Maybe if you’re missing the glamorous sales-life we could go sub-stacks and visit some of the small businesses down there? You and Rosa could do your double act and we could make some servitors move some boxes around?
Anyway, I joke. Kretsczmar has left me in limbo here, he’s gone incommunicado - probably trying to sort out a replacement for Eridymae and I’m twiddling my thumbs with sod all to do. I still don’t have normal access rights to the Obelisk internal areas and keep getting stuck in corridor 12, between the broom cupboard and reference library. I’m sending this (surprise surprise) from the reference library terminal. The route I have to take to get to the gym is frankly 8 dimensional in nature.
I wanted to ask you two things (well, three really).
Firstly, are you going to the re-opening of Acid’s club on Wednesday? Granted, the last time I was there it wasn’t the most fun, but then half of us got gassed, I got stuck on the roof and Sarge blew up the dance floor. Another classic Obelisk outing. Regardless, I was thinking this: Although the music is likely to be crap, it doesn’t mean that the drinks and the wine have to be. I was hoping to talk to Acid about helping her appoint a barman – if not a part time sommelier - who knows their Blue Sororita from their Bau d’ Soize. We could also have a go at picking a functional but interesting wine list and a decent Sejanus based merchant for Acid – could be a bit of fun?
Secondly, I’ve only ever really been to Sejanus on shore leave and we tended to end up either in the upper stacks, Pigtown or lower spires in various dull eateries or heaving clubs. Now don’t get me wrong, a heaving sweat pit is fun for a bit, but it gets old after you’ve done it for a while and then gets really old once you hit a certain age. I was wondering if you could show me a bit more of the cultural side of Sejanus – its not something we ever particularly ‘hit’ during shore leave. In terms of what Sejanus has, I am at a bit of a loss, although someone did mention that it has quite a fine opera house?
Finally, could you get someone to come and let me out of the reference library please. No-one seems to be around today, and I don’t think I want to read another history of the Macharian Crusade or a famous Astartes chapter.
+++MESSAGE ENDS
+++TO: Hannat Rekord
+++FROM: Nadiya Zelenko
+++SUBJECT: Re: Wednesday evening
Dear Hannat,
Taking the time to compose a wine list does sound excellent, although you might want to check with Acid before we embark on such an endeavour. I doubt you'll find a sommelier worthy of the name willing to work that far down-hive, or that Acid is expecting this little venture to attract the sort of clientele likely to reward such epicurean investments. I rather imagine enmeshed edge-lords trying to impress by heaving the words "house red" through their black lipstick.
As to the question of the opera and other places of high culture, I would be most happy to show you the Spires' finer establishments. As I'm keen to avoid workplace entanglements, I trust we can both treat this as a platonic engagement?
Regardless, I understand that the latest production of Zilane's Ad Vesperia is supposed to be quite the spectacle. Perhaps it could be pleasingly prefixed by dinner at Alphonso's.
If that sounds agreeable, I've got nothing but after-action forms this week and will welcome the distraction.
Sincerely,
Nadiya
+++MESSAGE ENDS
+++TO: Nadiya Zalenko
+++FROM: Hannat Rekord
+++SUBJECT: Re: Wednesday
Good point about the Sommelier - maybe we’ll just try to get a knowledgeable barman and a decent supplier for Acid.
As for the opera and Alphonso’s, they both sound good - looking forward to seeing some Zilane. Happy to be on my best behaviour - especially as I still have no idea how long I’ll be here for.
P.S. I’m going to kill Umberto if he doesn’t sort my access pass out soon. I was stuck in the library until 9PM last night until someone came past and let me out.
+++MESSAGE ENDS
+++TO: Eidan Drake
+++FROM: Nadiya Zelenko
+++SUBJECT: Agent Rekord
What's the deal with Hannat? He seems to have been half-abandoned by his patron and is wondering about the Obelisk getting stuck in rooms, which is frankly amusing, but quite bothersome for him I imagine.
Can we adopt him? You said one of our weaknesses as a team is infiltration, since you're the only one with any experience in it.
Sincerely,
~Nadiya
+++MESSAGE ENDS
+++TO: Nadiya Zelenko
+++FROM: Eidan Drake
+++SUBJECT: Agent Rekord
Dear Nadiya,
Not a bad idea. Sound him out on it.
Sincerely, Drake
+++MESSAGE ENDS
+++TO: A(1D
+++FROM: Rosamund Richter
+++SUBJECT: Night out
Acid,
Thanks for the invite! I do appreciate a good night out! I am afraid I am not around at the moment. Duty calls and all that. What heresy is this? Smite that. You know the drill.
So, I won’t be around to witness this apparent hot bed of mesh wearing men and dirty beats. Do you think all the men will wear mesh? Max told me he wanted to wear a mesh suit. I laughed a lot at the very idea of it. I mean he has a nice figure and all but I don’t think anyone would be able to pull it off. Maybe Amon at a push but even then it just shouldn’t be allowed! What do you think?
As I am not going to be there I was wondering if you could keep an eye out for Nadiya? Remember how you felt in the mid-spires restaurant? Well Nadiya will be feeling that at the club. I know she is quite capable of looking after herself but maybe just check in every now and then. Us psykers can’t drink to unwind so it may be a bit more difficult to get her to have fun but I am sure it is possible for her to have fun even though it’s not classical music or the opera.
Have you ever tried to listen to opera? Nadiya got me to listen to it once and I nearly fell asleep. It was only through sheer will alone that I was able to stay awake. What a BORE! Just men and women warbling about how they should be together and then everyone gets so depressed and then they die. WHY SING ABOUT IT FOR THREE SODDING HOURS. JUST GET IT ON FOR EMPEROR’S SAKE. DON’T JUST WALLOW AND THEN DIE. Ahem. As you can see it’s not for me.
Don’t ever tell her I said that.
Anyway, maybe when I get back from my mission we could go to the club? A little bird (or should I say Duckie) told me you are quite the dancer! Maybe you could teach me a move or two! Plus it will be nice to hang out!
Have a great night!
Rosa
+++MESSAGE ENDS
+++TO: Rosa Richter;
+++FROM: A(|D;
+++SUBJECT: Night out;
Rosy,
Is this another solo mission? Do you know when you expect to be back? You be careful! If you need help with anything you let us know, you know we’ll come running. Nothing would hold back Battle Mum and the B-Team. If you need help, for anything at all, you let us know.
I dunno why Max has got it into his head that mesh is a good stylistic choice. I would be very surprised if any other men were wearing it. To be fair, he’s got a nice body, so I get that he wants to show it off, but… mesh… It’s not a good look for him. Maybe if he’s that keen we could get him in fishnets, I’ve heard of a few suitable clubs...
I will try to keep an eye on Nadiya. I guess I’m not used to being the one with that kind of responsibility but you’re right that she’s out of her element, and this was my idea so I guess I should take that responsibility. It’s a shame Ash isn’t coming, Michael seems to have pre-empted my invitation. Do you think I should have invited Michael along? I don’t really think it’s his kind of thing.
Michael took me to the opera once. Part of his “showing me the world outside of the underhive”. It was ok, not very exciting but pleasant in a kind of chilled out classy kinda way. We had a private booth so I wasn’t worried about people noticing my accent or sitting wrong or whatever. He did say he’d chosen a very “accessible” one though so I expect it doesn’t even count by Nadiya’s standard.
Hey it would be great to go to the club again when you’re back. I can’t say I’m particularly good at dancing, I find enthusiasm is more important than anything else. Maybe rhythm helps a bit too. But it’s not about learning moves, it’s about letting the music flow through you. When you throw yourself into the music you can just kind of forget about everything else. Kind of meditative.
A(|D
+++MESSAGE ENDS
+++TO: Ashar Lear;
+++FROM: Gregory Michael;
+++SUBJECT: Re: Advice
Ash,
You would not be imposing, it would be pleasant to have the company, and a fresh perspective is always valuable.
This sort of thing is normal. Kovach will not judge you for having this reaction, any more than he would judge you if you got shot in action, what he will care about is how you deal with it. That you have identified the problem, and sought out the appropriate remedy, speaks to your credit. If anything, by the end of this you will have risen in his esteem. You will be a stronger person for it and he will recognise that.
Yours,
Gregory
+++MESSAGE ENDS
The Night Out
- With the outfits assembled (with much help form Ash), the team headed down to Tenebrae for a night out.
- Mira flirted hard with Max, grind dancing with him aggressively and, eventually, asking him to fuck.
- Amon was the first to notice the man with a cybernetic eye, and half his head, watching the group. He narrowed it down to Nadiay, Hannat, Sarge or Acid being observed.
- Amon having shared this information with the group, Hannat sneaked up and listened in to his conversation with some of his mates, detirmined they were talking about a short one-armed girl who used to have a fucked up face.
- This could only be Acid, and meant he knew her from before she joined the Inquisition when her orofacial cleft was surgically repaired.
- Acid connected to the club security cameras to get a closer look at his face, and finally recognised him as "Auger" from the Spikers, although he didn't have the cybernetics back then.
- The team decided this threat could not stand.
- Amon and Acid left, and headed down some back alleys towards the Amethyst Rat burger joint.
- The rest of the team headed out the back through a staff only door Acid had coded to accept their biodata to lay an ambush.
- Only one of his friends accompanied Auger. Mira hung back from the group and waited to see if he was laying a counter ambush of his own.
- There was a brief conversation between Amon and Auger, where Auger referred to Acid as "Weasel" and blamed her for the death of his "friends and family". When the others appeared behind him he immediately drew his gun.
- The group quickly disabled Auger and his friend.
- Mira intercepted the seven armed figured who emerged as backup killed one when they wouldn't back down and started a gunfight.
- Amon pushed Acid into cover and moved to shield her from harm.
- Max joined Mira and together they killed or drove off the reinforcements.
- They discovered Auger's friends were from the new gang he'd joined, the Bolt Heads.
- The team let Acid decided what to do with Auger and his surviving friend.
- She had been ready to kill them in a fight, but now that they were at her mercy she found herself unable to condemn them to death, but at the same time knew that he could not be released to remain a threat.
- Sarge suggested they be sent to a penal colony, which Acid gratefully accepted as a suitable alternative.
Later Communications
+++TO: Max Drent
+++FROM: Amon Carlin
+++SUBJECT: Yo
OK so i just like jumped in there last night and pushed Acid into cover. And i’ve been thinking about it and i’m worried she’ll think i don’t trust her to look after herself and fight? Which I do. But I didn’t like that guy at all, i didn’t like the way he was looking at her and talking about her not to her, and i thought it might be like an ambush? Like they’d get us away and someone would go for her? And she’s good but she’s only small and i know i do have a habit of thinking anyone smaller than me is not as good (Ash set me straight on that hah)
And now i’m worried i’ve offended her or something because i would be offended if it was me and someone thought i couldn’t look after myself
Help what do i do
Amon
+++MESSAGE ENDS
+++TO: Ashar Lear; Amon Carlin; Max Drent; Sister Airi; Rosa Richter; Siveter Lund; Hannat Rekord; Sarge; Nadiya Zelenko; Mira Kellerman;
+++FROM: Acid
+++SUBJECT: The Spikers
After last night, I just want to set the record straight and get everyone on the same page. I've talked about this with various people at various times so I feel like most of you already know some of this, but I think most of those times involved alcohol and/or loud music, so not exactly the best time for stories.
Basically this is in my past, I've dealt with it, this isn't a plea for attention or anything, just setting the fact clear. I don't talk about it a lot because it doesn't exactly come up in common conversation, but it's not a secret and I have talked about it occasionally.
So, yeah, I was born in the underhive. Crap genes and all that, hence my size, number of limbs and a few other issues that aren't important. My parents were scavengers. Not particularly bright, nit very strong, just keeping their heads down and trying to avoid, you know, giant rats, toxic exposure, gang violence, famine. The usual.
I wasn't specifically wanted, just an illustration of the lack of sex education in the underhive. I was lucky because I didn't get abandoned and my parents actually cared for me, even if I wasn't intentional. As I said, my parents weren't smart, but I am, at least with stuff, not so much with people. I was always good with tech.
So by the time I was 10 my parents ran a little repair business. Dad dealt with customers, I fixed stuff and Mum scavenged for broken parts to use for repair. One day a local gang called the Spikers turned up. Dad wasn't stupid, offered them free repairs on anything, anytime. Free repairs for life wasn't enough it seems.
They killed my parents and took me. I was mostly locked in a workshop. I had tools so I broke out a few times but they never left me unattended so, you know, they'd beat me up and make me fix whatever I'd broken to get out and put me back. I learn fast so I stopped trying.
So for a few years that was my life, fixing their weapons, and then other tech they found and wanted fixed so they could sell, and then they started basically the same business as my parents, people would pay them to have me fix stuff.
I was valuable to them, so they only hurt me if I disobeyed them, and they didn't let me starve. Other people they took occasionally didn't fare so well.
Anyway, the shed was in an old manufactorum and it had a dataport. I managed to combine the bits of a few broken datapads. Spent what time I could learning the datasphere. Acetae says I have a gift for it.
I reported the gang to the Maj. The Spikers hideout was in the underhive but they did a lot of crime up in the lower hive where people had more money. What I didn't know was that they actually worked for a lower hive Manufactorum owner who was paying off the local Maj.
I might have died then, but the report came from Acid and the Spikers only knew me as Winnifred and generally called me Weasel. They did come check though and it was a close thing. I had to smash up my datapad before they found it. Took me nearly a year to get the parts to build a new one.
Anyway, eventually I got back online, was more circumspect, learned a few more hard truths, found evidence of Magistratum corruption and links to potential Arbites corruption and eventually had to report it to the Inquisition.
When Michael came for me he brought the Thoratis Veterans with him. By the time they hit the Spikers they'd already purged the Maj. I was in my shed, but I remember hearing all the gunfire. Lots of hellguns. Not a lot of anything else.
Michael broke open the door with his power sword and carried me out. Last I saw of the Spikers were a lot of bodies with a bunch of dudes in black carapace walking around checking for survivors.
We talked about it later. Michael had some of the soldiers watching the hideout for a few days whilst he dealt with the Maj. Then he let a lot of booze fall into the Spikers' hands and spied on their camp until everyone they had seen for the last few days had gathered and were celebrating.
I knew of 17 people in the gang and there were 17 bodies so we thought them all dead. I dunno if someone else died in Auger's place or maybe with those bionics he just wasn't quite as dead as he should have been.
Anyway. That's the story. That's who Auger is and why he cared about me. And I guess that's who I am and why I'm here. Like I said, I've basically dealt with this, as much as one can. It's not a cry for help, it's just getting everyone on the same page. I felt those of you at Tenebrae last night deserved a full and complete story and whilst I'm at it might as well clue everyone else in too.
Acid
+++MESSAGE ENDS
+++TO: Amon Carlin; Max Drent; Hannat Rekord; Sarge; Nadiya Zelenko; Mira Kellerman;
+++FROM: Acid
+++SUBJECT: Thanks
Hi Guys,
I hope I said it at the time, but things were a bit crazy and I don’t really remember everything, so just in case I didn’t, thanks. This wasn’t a work thing, this was personal, and the fact you were all there for me and ready to throw down without me even asking assures me that we’re not co-workers, we’re friends. I owe you all. But maybe next time someone else can plan a night out? I’ve tried twice now and each time has turned into a frankly unbelievable disaster.
Seriously though, thanks.
Winnifred
+++MESSAGE ENDS
+++TO: Ashar Lear;
+++FROM: Acid
+++SUBJECT: Field Agent
Hey Ash,
I dunno if you’ve heard yet, but last night was a bit of a disaster. I’m guessing Max filled you in on your morning torture session run? If not we can chat about it later but the pertinent point is that we kind of got into a fight in a back alley. A gunfight actually. Anyway, most of us didn’t have guns (you’d be very proud of Max though). Amon (armed with a knife), Max (Hellpistol), Sarge (fists of the Emperor’s fury), Hannat (suit so sharp you’d cut yourself) and Nadiya (snide remarks, also psyker) were on Target A (autopistol and knife) and Target B (laspistol). To be honest most of these guys are serious combat veterans and were getting stuck in whilst I was still catching up, but I’ve done the training too.
When I made it to the fight, the enemy were disarmed but still fighting so I grabbed up the laspistol. Sarge had the autopistol already and I figured best to get a weapon out of enemy reach, even if I pass it to someone who could make better use of later. So we’re winning, Target A gets put down and Target B is running and we hear more enemies approaching (Mira is balls to the wall insane BTW). I’m armed and turning to take cover and engage the new threat and cover my squad as per drill and Amon just fucking bundles me into the corner and practically fucking sits on me like I’m some useless fucking child that needs protecting.
I mean, I’m not stupid, I realise I was probably the least capable combatant in the group, but I’d like to think that’s entirely because I hang out with badasses and not because I’m useless. Michael says I’d pass Guardsman basic training. So my job is to follow and support, watch people’s backs and lend a hand. Obviously I wasn’t about to charge into the front and go kung fu crazy, but I guess I assumed the rest of the team trusted me to look after myself and play my part. I didn’t expect one of the most effective fighters on the team to just pile me into cover like I’m some delicate flower. He rendered both of us ineffective and thus put more of the burden of risk on the others, for my sake. They were fighting my enemies for me whilst I was being protected.
I mean I’m grateful for everything he did last night, he really was an absolute champ for the whole evening, but I’m also still really pissed at him for this. I feel like he doesn't consider me capable of looking after myself. Am I wrong to be angry? And embarrassed? Does everyone think of me this way? Are they right to?
How can you be grateful to someone for doing something and also angry at the same time? Is there even a word for that emotion?
Ok, look, am I a liability to the team in combat? I feel like I’ve come a long way from being carried out of a shed by Michael, but have I come far enough? I’m not a born fighter like some of you others, and obviously I’ve got other talents to bring to the table and combat will never by my main role, but I’ve been working at it really hard.
Acid
+++MESSAGE ENDS
+++TO: Amon Carlin
+++FROM: Max Drent
+++SUBJECT: Yo
Alright Big Man, calm your passions. First off, don't be offended by anyone who thinks you can't take care of yourself. Pity them because they're either blind or a fucking moron. I've seen hab buildings smaller than you. Second, Acid is an absolute bossman but she is aware that she in't exactly a tank. I don't think she's precious about it or anything, and she knows that she kills it at other stuff. You guys seem pretty close, could you not just talk to her about it? Sneak it in amongst the baking bants and cooking convos? You never know, she might really like to know how much you want to keep her safe, but respect her and all in a totally and completely platonic way. Or not? Either is fine. Speaking of not platonic, you guys might have been right last night... I think she's into me.
Hugs and Kisses,
Maxie
+++MESSAGE ENDS
+++TO: Acid
+++FROM: Max Drent
+++SUBJECT: Thanks
We've always got you, Winn.
Love and Kisses,
Maxie xxx
[Is Winn fine? Feels nicer than Grotface]
+++MESSAGE ENDS
+++TO: Max Drent;
+++FROM: Acid;
+++SUBJECT: Thanks
I knew I shouldn't have done that. Michael says when I'm being formal or really serious I should use my "real" name. But I prefer Acid. Nobody calls me Winifred. Michael calls me Winnie but he's Michael. Winn is just weird.
You ought to be careful about calling people Grotface. Grots are thieving little buggers and if someone were encouraged to act like a Grot they might break into your room and steal your precious wrench whilst you're having your morning run.
Just a bit of advice. ;)
Acid
+++MESSAGE ENDS
+++TO: Acid
+++FROM: Max Drent
+++SUBJECT: Thanks
Nah, we'd have to get you a stepladder first to reach the door handle.
Grotface 4lyf <°v°>
Love and Kisses,
Maxie xxx
+++MESSAGE ENDS
+++TO: Max Drent;
+++FROM: Acid;
+++SUBJECT: Thanks
Poor Maxie. I know you've over-taxed your little brain when you can't think anything better than reverting to short jokes. Get some rest. You wouldn't want to be tired for your big date. Better limber up those shoulders. Sleep well and dream of sweaty deltoids pressing against one another...
Acid
+++MESSAGE ENDS
+++TO: Acid
+++FROM: Max Drent
+++SUBJECT: Thanks
WHO TOLD YOU?!?!
+++MESSAGE ENDS
+++TO: Acid
+++FROM: Ashar Lear
+++SUBJECT: Re: Field Agent
Yup, never wished more that I’d come along on a night out. Not sure I’d call it a disaster though - you won, didn’t you?
First things first - you’re not a liability in combat. I promise. And you know I’d never lie about the team’s safety. You’re good with a gun, you’re fit and resourceful. No doubts here.
I’m not the person to talk to about feelings, but yeah I’d say you can be grateful and angry at the same time. I’d be fucking livid if Amon pulled that protection shit on me, but that leads me to two big points and you need to read both to understand them, OK?
OK, Max mapped out the whole thing for me over breakfast using cutlery and salt cellars, so I think I know what the action was, and what Amon did. Here we go:
1. Amon isn’t military He’s been through basic same as everyone who gets brought into the Inquisition, but he’s not a natural. I’ve been drilled to work in a unit and assume everyone in that unit can look after themselves. Amon’s never really got that. He’s used to acting by himself. He doesn’t really have any...discipline.
2. Amon really likes you I know the others have hinted etc but Acid. Mate. You have to see it. He really likes you. I don’t know if it’s romantic or whatever but he clearly admires you a lot.
Which means that when some guy is there talking about wanting to have a “conversation” with you, and then you hear gunshots and you figure that loads of his mates are coming…
Basically, take one guy with no discipline at all, and the girl he really likes, and tell me he’s not going to go into guard-dog mode.
It’s sweet, really. Though I’m definitely going to get him some training. He always obeys orders but I guess when nobody’s giving them, he just reverts to what he knows.
So basically...yeah. He likes you, so he panicked. He’s also - and I don’t know if you’ve noticed this - FUCKING HUGE, so I think he usually assumes people smaller than him aren’t as capable of fighting. Pretty sure it’s a gladiator thing, you know about all that shit right? You should have seen the look on his face when I beat him in training. I thought his brain was going to explode. I guess small people don’t last too long in the arena.
I might be wrong, of course. Have you tried talking to him about it?
Ash
+++MESSAGE ENDS
+++TO: Amon Carlin;
+++FROM: Acid
Are you free this afternoon?
+++MESSAGE ENDS
+++TO: A(|D
+++FROM: Amon Carlin
Yes unless you're going to hit me in which case no.
+++MESSAGE ENDS
+++TO: Amon Carlin;
+++FROM: Acid
Hoping to. I want to spar. Be in the gym at 2 or be a pussy.
+++MESSAGE ENDS