POOHEAD189

The Enemy Within: Warhammer 40K RP

Heironymus took the glass and twirled it within his left hand with an unpracticed elegance, as if it came naturally. He had taken on many of Inquisitor Alrik's habits. He had been a mere soldier of the Astra Militarum, set to die on an insane charge before the Inquisitor had taken him under his wing, having been observing him secretly for some time. Heironymus did not really recall his homeworld very well. It had been a feudal world, he had been told. It matched his memories from childhood. He still remembered when he had been taken when his family had died, and he never knew who had taken him until Inquisitor Alrik had come and saved him from his unit's last stand on Porellia.

He too what she said with a silent contemplation, giving the slightest nod as he gazed into what would usually be someone's eyes. Perhaps he had spoken a bit too rashly earlier, but admitting that in no uncertain terms would be ill advised for any Inquisitor, and it was what he needed to act like. However, he did not want her to think he held a personal grudge against her. "Inquisitor Alrik has told me he's killed quite a few Psykers in his time. But he does trust you. I should look past my prejudice, as he did." Heironymus conceded, and took a small drink of the amasec.

"I have a similar amount of experience. Armageddon and Necromunda, I have been to, albeit briefly. But Meridian is new to me. I trust we can resolve our issue there quickly and head back to Pavonis as soon as possible. Though we'll need to watch for the Lords and their schemes. From my datapad, there seems to be quite the amount of scandals." He scanned the screen once more, and then set it down between them. "I suggest you have a look at it as well, when you gather the time on our trip."

There was a low thrum that occurred from down the hall, Heironymus recognizing it as one of the auxiliary power supplies coming to life. It happened at least a dozen times within warp jumps. He quite liked the sound, if he was honest. Hard to believe that daemons of the warp were just outside the gellar field, meters from the ship. "Tell me of your duties for Inquisitor Alrik," he said, and then added as an afterthought. "If you would, please."
@Penny

The Political Thread

Or give out condoms and birth control, and then wait 20 years.

The Enemy Within: Warhammer 40K RP

There was clear displeasure on his face. Over the course of minutes he had waited for a door that should have been opened immediately, and even past that, he would have sufficed for her to speak up. He had already been wary of her, but now he was quite annoyed with her to boot. The Inquisition and all of its adepts had been trained to deal with psykers, for psychic attacks could come from the daemon, the xenos, or the heretic. He knew its weaknesses and its uses, and though she would no doubt be invaluable in certain circumstances, he felt she also might be a potential liability on the mission.

"I have," he acknowledged, though he made no move to enter the room at first. "I had called one of the crew members to summon you, but when you wouldn't answer I came to see if you were in good health, myself. I see you were just taking your time." His tone was not particularly menacing, but disapproval was clear in his voice. "I had thought one as extensively trained as you could handle the transition into the warp with more grace." He did not particularly look forward to 5 months with psyker under his supervision, much less a somewhat rude one.

He stepped into the room, and shut the door behind him. Her chambers were much like his, with a dark, grim quality of the frigate while maintaining an air of lavish taste befitting one of his station. To be honest, it was something he was unused to. Inquisitor Alrik had kept him in very spartan quarters, and was a frugal man at the best of times. He could tell now why that was. When you had essentially unlimited power to wield in the Imperium and you can requisition whatever you wished, you should never abuse such a power and waste it on frivilous things. The enemies of the Imperium were ever present and ever watchful.

Heironymus Baldemar walked past her and sat down at one of the tables where food would be eaten, indicating her to sit as well. He chided himself. He did need to give her the impression he did not think ill of her, even if he did. Inquisitor Alrik had brought her for a reason, and he needed to trust in his judgement. "I know you are not thrilled at my being here, and my role in this mission. I can tell you the feeling is quite mutual." He assured her. "However, we cannot be at one another's throats when we reach Meridian, nor can we have a...volatile relationship onboard the Certatus."

He paused for a moment, clearly not wanting to utter his next phrase. "I apologize for my prejudice." His face did not look warm, but he seemed to be attempting to meet her halfway. "Now, when we get to Meridian, we're likely to see a situation that is even worse than was last reported. Though our contacts are within the Lords towers at the top of the Hive. Have you ever been to a Hive World?"
@Penny

The Enemy Within: Warhammer 40K RP

@Penny

The Enemy Within: Warhammer 40K RP

There would be a flicker of recognition in Heironymus's eyes when he saw the Astropath, though in truth as soon as he saw her he recognized as her one of the Inquisitor's lesser adepts; that is, one not often directly under his supervision or tutelage. Silvana Magdalena Euphrati, an Astropath of some skill if he recalled correctly. Almost immediately he began to raise mental walls within his mind, as if he perceived her as a threat. But she had made no move to even probe his thoughts. He supposed he shouldn't be surprised. Inquisitor Alrik would not trust her unless she was trustworthy. The young Baldemar had simply heard of (and seen for that matter) too many psykers that needed to be executed.

"I recognize her, yes," Heironymus said, his voice low and smooth. His rougher accent having been refined over the years into a cultured tone. He pondered for but a moment, weighing the pros and cons of bringing along an Astropath. He wondered what information Inquisitor Alrik did not share with him if such a servant was needed, and to be his partner no less. "Inquisitor, I must ask what makes this necessary? Mere kidnappings can be solved with far less than a telepath. Surely she has other assignments she is in need of to fulfill." For his part, Inquisitor Alrik smirked for but a moment. "No, this will be perfect for her. She'll be a fine companion and you'll value her skills before long, as she will undoubtedly value yours."

The barest hint of praise drew Interrogator Baldemar's attention back to the Inquisitor, and he stood tall and firm. The very epitome of obedience to his master. "Sir," he said in acceptance. He wished to ask more, but he knew if he did, the Inquisitor would chide him for impatience or simply say he knew nothing else of value to the investigation. Alrik continued. "You're to board the Frigate Certatus tomorrow morning. You'll be traveling with the crew that is transporting raw materials to Meridian. I suggest you get some sleep."

With that, he turned to Silvana. "I have informed Heironymus to heed your council and treat you as a valued peer. I expect you to do the same, and follow his lead. I have raised him to the rank of Interrogator, and he will carry the seal of the Inquisition. The Lords of Meridian cannot see a Psyker questioning his authority in public. He shall listen to you, fear not. But he will lose their support if he loses yours. Is that understood?"

Warhammer 40k: Bound by Blood - 'high casual' Astartes RP

If I have time, I'll be interested!

Warhammer 40k: No Pity, No Remorse, No Fear! - A Black Templars RP

Tiberius stepped off of the assault ram and held his powersword at the ready, gazing about in a swift, almost mechanical fashion. The very muscles of his body honed to a perfect harmony of combat readiness that could not be matched by any mortal man. It seemed the corridor was empty however. He stood at the ready for any enemies that would approach, though from what it seemed, they would go to the enemy.

He would enjoy that.

It would dull the pain of knowing one of the Imperium's cruisers had been so tarnished and corrupted with such degradation. The Black Templars were not known for their care of the common man, but any servant to the Emperor deserved more than to meet their doom by chaos torture. Once Brother Obryn announced the direction of which Tiberius would direct his wrath, the Templar placed his guantleted thumb upon the power button along the hilt of his power sword, and crept as quietly as he could alongside the servitors, telling his men to follow close behind.

Blood would be spilled this day, in the name of the Emperor.

The Enemy Within: Warhammer 40K RP

The nature of Chaos is deceit - unless one looks past surface impressions, one can never hope to divine the purpose of the enemy.

One cannot consider the fate of a single man, nor ten, nor a hundred, nor a thousand. Billions will live or die by our actions here, and we have not the luxury to count the cost.

There is no place for the weakwilled or hesitant. Only by firm action and resolute faith will mankind survive. No sacrifice is too great. No treachery too small.

The Enemy Within: Warhammer 40K RP

"Burn them all. The Emperor will know His own."

999.M41
Pavonis (Mining World)
Governor's Palace

There were three knocks on the door. They echoed down the halls of the Governor's mansion, though Palace seemed a more apt word to describe such an immense complex. The Courtyard was large enough for the annual parade, and the entire force of Adeptus Arbites was housed across the expanse, within the walls of the Palace. Outside the door, stood the adept that awaited judgement. He had faced cultists and criminals, and even the brutal Xenos called the Orks in a short but furious day on the planet of Zorlago. However, his heart still could not remain steady, for he was to face the three Inquisitors that stood within the next room. The ones that now summoned him for an audience.

Hieronymus Baldemar had spent a dozen standard years as an acolyte, following Inquisitor Aldrik in all of his endeavors. Many mundane tasks, to be sure. Fetching the Inquistor's pen and ink, carrying his equipment. He had taken various tests and exams, some scholarly and others under live fire. However, he had also seen more of the Imperium than nearly any guardsman could ever dream. Heironymus would never forget the day he had floated within the orbit of Holy Terra, and witnessed the birthplace of humanity. He had not felt worthy enough to step foot upon it, and when he was denied the chance, he felt both intense disappointment, and thankful ecstasy, as if for fear the Emperor himself would stare into his soul and would find him wanting.

Now he found himself on Pavonis. A mining world in the Ultima Segmentum, where the Ultramarine's 4th company and the deceased Inquisitor Barzano of the Ordo Xenos had foiled a heretical rebellion, begun by the machinations of the dark eldar and the being labeled 'The Nightbringer' within the planet's lower reaches. For two years, various members of the Inquisition had labeled it a planet that could potentially be subject for investigation if not purging. It was now being decided on if the heresy had been quelled or not. Though it was a different matter being discussed in that room now, one that involved Heironymus himself, and the young adept's very future.

The adept opened the door, standing rigid and at attention, his clean shaven face as sculpted in a visage of civic virtue and staunch acceptance of whatever his master had deemed worthy. The door opened up to reveal the highest authority on the planet, the Governor Mykola Shonai. However, her power paled in comparison to the three men that sat across from her. Inquisitors Alrik, Falke, and Ludewig. The man who had knocked was one of the Governor's servants, an attendant that was now under the authority of the Inquisitors, as the lady Governor was. She was a statuesque woman, aging in years with a fine silver in her hair, with a competent stoic nature that would fool any of her subordinates, though any Inquisitor or adept could see her wariness, and even fear at having to deal with so many of the Imperial Inquisition.

"Adept Baldemar, step within please. We were just discussing you." Inquisitor Alrik said, his nonchalant tone somehow carrying the weight of authority that none save the Chapter Master Dante, or perhaps the Emperor himself could match. Heironymus stepped inside and stopped a few paces away from the cloaked men, who all stood up to attend to him.

"Are our negotiations done, gentleman?"" The Governor Shonai asked, trying to be as polite as possible through a near unreadable face of neutrality.

"No, but we're simply pausing, Governor. It will only take a moment." Inquisitor Ludewig said, and Alrik faced his adept squarely. The master Inquisitor wore a dark coat and a dark leather hat. Though his shirt underneath was covered by carapace armor. He wore plated recoil gloves, and at his neck was an auspex scanner that he could don when he felt it prudent. And though he was often distant, even cold. He held a smile that some might even call warm. "Harry," he began, using Heironymus's informal name he would often only use to demean the adept in front of others, but somehow, he knew he used it differently this time. The Inquisitor placed his hand on Heironymus's shoulder. "For twelve years, you have served faithfully. You've proven that you are just and determined, and with wisdom beyond your years. Now, you have one final test to perform, to prove that you are worth the seal of the Inquisition."

That statement caught adept Baldemar off guard, though he didn't show it. He had thought he would either be accepted or rejected the position to join the ranks of the Inquisition. What final test could he possibly mean? After a brief pause, gauging Heironymus's reaction, Inquisitor Alrik continued. "You are to be given the rank of Interrogator, and are to travel to the world Meridian in sub-sector Aurelia to investigate the disappearance of the Lord Leopold, and the many citizens that have vanished over the past three years. You will go with my aegis, and with the full authority of the Imperial Inquisition." His eyes were set hard, and Heironymus did not know if he should speak or not. He decided to remain silent. "I will remain here,the business is not yet done. I will await your return and your reports. However, you will not go alone. We have an adept here, and though she does not go as an Inquisitor, you're under my orders to treat her as an equal and to heed her advice. From all reports, she's quite good, lad. Understand?"

"It is," Heironymus said, nodding. The newly appointed Interrogator had a dashing quality to his looks, with a fine jawline and short cropped brown hair. He was six foot, with a trim, healthy physique and a slim waist, and eyes of storm blue. He seemed the perfect choice for a young Inquisitor, and he had a single-minded determination in purging all things heretical. However, he somehow felt this new assignment would test him to his limits. He had never operated for more than a tenday without Inquisitor Alrik. As the knock came at the door, all in the room turned to see the newcomer, the future partner of the recently advanced Interrogator.
@Penny

Warhammer 40k: No Pity, No Remorse, No Fear! - A Black Templars RP

I'm posting tomorrow!