Engineering is fun
@Draconion​

Senior Techmarine took the bayonet with one of his utility mechadendrites, examining the blade for a moment. "Follow me," he said and led Vitaly deeper into the Legion's motor pool, past all the vehicles and into the workshop area. Young Legionary found himself amidst various pieces of technology, both Imperial and...alien.

"While it is forbidden to use the xenos tech for ourselves, not only forbidden though but also redundant as our science eclipses their own, the old saying "Know your enemy" still matters a lot," Thales said and stepped aside to allow Vitaly to see a workbench filled with lots of items he knew from his first battle. Dark Lance was there, smeared with dark blood of whatever xenos held it before its demise. Splinter weapons of all sizes were next, from the big cannon to the smallest pistol, alongside a bunch of poisonous shards that served as ammo. There were also couple of bladed weapons, looking as much cruel and wicked like as aliens that made them.

"I am tasked by our Father himself to find the perfect answer on how to best destroy our enemies. Studying their weapon systems and understanding their technology is one of the steps on that road. So I give you the chance, young Vitaly, to tinker with these items yourself and see what you can find out. I don't want to weaponize the Dark Eldar tech for that will be the spit in the face of the Emperor, beloved by all. What I do want to know is how to best defend ourselves against it, so that is where your work should take you. If this is what you want, no?"

Legion Reconnaissance Squad introduction
@Kalle​

Camille would find the place he was looking for just outside the HQ, away from the protection of its newly-built walls and amidst the dark jungle. Hidden and out of sight, it was evident that Camille would've never been able to find it if not for the direction he was given by one of the partrols that he met on his way here. Thick canopy hid a number of makeshift tents where the young Legionary could see over twenty warriors miling around. Camo paint and dirt covered their armor, the purple color and the Golden Eagle on their chests invisible completely as these Emperor's Children apparently didn't care about openly showing to who did they belong to, searching to better blend with their surroundings instead.

"Greetings brother of the 4th," while most of the Recon Marines made signs of Aquila or simply nodded to Camille, one one of them actually approached him. In no shape or form did he look different than any of the other Legionaries, nor did he even look like a noble Child of the Emperor, with shaven head it covered in dirt, he looked like some poor excuse for a Legionary. But that was of course, only on the outside.

"I must thank you for avenging my men. The only thing I'm sorry about is that I couldn't be there to watch you slay the Haemonculus and sending him to meet his false gods. All of us of the Silent Step are in your debt, so tell me, how can we repay it?"

Work Work
@dx144​

The landing camp indeed had an armory, but not some makeshift one, but a real big facility adjecent to the motor pool. However while the Techmarines worked mostly on vehicles and setting the fortifications as they should be raised, it fell down to mortal servants of the Omnissiah to do the "day to day" work with fixing weapons and armor both Archite Palatines and Emperor's Children used.

Stepping inside Pholax found himself staring into rows upon rows of power armor suits that were being worked on, some having suffered obvious damage and most likely whoever once carried them was now dead, while other pieces were in need of simple adjustments.

"Legionary Pholax Purinaer, 4th Squad Sidon, 25th Company under command of Captain Apox, 3rd Milennial under command of Lord Commander Leonis, III Legion of Adeptus Astartes, the Emperor's Children led by Primarch Fulgrim the Phoenician," one of the artisans of the Mechanicum division that accompanied Strike Force Leonis approached Pholax, blurting out his various military callsigns, levitating above ground on its inbuilt grav engine that hummed below its black robes. Mechanicum's presence wasn't that substantial, the majority of it that was given to the Third Legion were present in Fulgrim's own fleet, if you don't count small presence of Legio Fureans in form of two Warhound Titans, that weren't deployed at the moment.

In any event, there was enough of the priesthood aboard to help the thriving force and Pholax seemed to have made a new friend. "Observation: Mark III Iron Power Armor number 5011 issued to the III Legion under supervision of Fabricator-General Kelbor-Hal, ordered by Omnissiah Himself, suffered extensive damage. Querry: Why hasn't Legionary Pholax already given it to be administered by Omnissiah's artisans?"

Librarium's Diplomacy
@Uriel1339​

"I listened to you carefully," Chief Librarian said after hearing Elymas's exposition, throughout which he brimmed with anger, not even trying to hide it, "But all I hear is whining!" he roared and smashed his fist against the table, the reinforced plasteel absorbing the impact but similar couldn't be said for wooden parts that went flying in all directions.

"What the hell do you care what others say to the Lord Commander, what matters is what you did and you did what?! Let me answer it - you disrespected him in front of his own retinue and the rest of your squad, you made him listen to your ramblings about things that he has no idea even exist nor is he supposed to know. Both our Father and the Emperor, belowed by all, are judging our every move and then you walk in and decide that it would be a good idea to piss off the only person that has backed our stay within this Milennial?!"

"He asked for a punishment but your Sergeant interfered, told him it was his fault. Our Lord Commander is a proud warrior like any Child of the Empror, but he's not foolish enough to go against one of the oldest veterans of the Legion, so you managed to get off easily this time. Me however, I received orders not to ask for any more members to reinforce the Librarium for the time being, meaning that we're down to seven men across the entire force. Well done, you might've single-handedly caused the destruction of our order within the Legion," there was even resentment in Hephestus's voice now, underlining his rage that he still fought to control but failed miserably.

"Now listen to me very carefully Elymas. If you ever speak to Lord Commander again and he orders you anything, you do it. If he tells you to jump, you ask how high. If he tells you to stab yourself with your knife, you do it happily with a smile on your face."

"Do we understand each other?"

Sparring lesions
@DeranVendar @Jorimel @WanderingJester​

"What is this, a grown Child of the Emperor cannot deal with two lousy combat servitors? Bile is really accepting anyone into the Legion these days," the spectator commented on Martyn's preformance, sneering as he turned around to watch the more exciting match in his eyes, the duel between Aleph and Extrovious, where the things were just heating up.

Extrovious's sweep came down and for a second, it seemed as if he would smash the halberd straight into his opponent's face, but then Aleph moved. Fast like quicksilver, the sword-wielding Legionary parried the blow so the bigger axeblade ends up in the dirt, momentarily unbalancing Extrovious that was followed with the low kick that if he wore armor, would probably take out his brother's knee. This time however it only drove him face-first into the ground drawing blood and also allowing Aleph to quickly pounce on his back and fight from superior position.

"Dirty tactics brother, but efficient. I approve," the Legionary cheering nodded, even though nobody asked for his opinion he continued on as if that was not the case. "You with the halberd, get yourself back on your feet and stay defensive, you don't charge in with a damned weapon that big, you counter-attack! Didn't they teach you that in training camps before you received your augmentations?"

Perhaps it had been a moment of distraction at Martyn's genuine compliment that caught Extrovious off-guard, maybe it was stealing a glimpse at their spectator and realizing who it was, whatever the case, his assault had faltered and now he was on the backfoot.

"I thought you desired to practice your swordsmanship, Aleph, not start a brawl!" Good humor laced the exertion of Extrovious rising with a legionary resting on his back. Hands leave halberd, a risky decision he knew, and arms lash back attempting to coil around Aleph's own limbs, legs or arms it didn't matter to him. Knees coil back as heels hit ground, before the warrior springs up and leans back, attempting to flatten his brother with a body slam.

Should the attempted grapple fail though, Extrovious would rise and snatch up halberd once more, tumbling forward in a roll and quickly readjusting himself to cast a stab toward Aleph before he gets too close again.

OOC: Defense trying to restrain Aleph, Offense with attempted body slam or halberd stab depending on result of the grapple.

~~ Librarius Conclave ~~

"We do, master." Elymas said, getting back to his feet. Surprisingly nonchalant. He expected worse, if he was honest with himself. Becoming the lapdog of an intolerant, temperament filled, egotistical and ignorant fool was nothing new. Considering he was being educated to become a lordlings servant from a young age on.

He knew there was no arguing with Hephestus or any quality discussion to be found tonight. Nonetheless, he did his duty and produced a data-slate with his information on the Crucible of Malediction and an outline of the battle report. He placed it on a nearby table, fearing that the good master in his temper could throw it down and destroy it.

The Librarian bowed deeply before taking his leave. "I will leave for now to meditate on my wrongdoings, master."


~~ Outskirts of Camp ~~

Elymas with that stepped back out, taking a deep breath when the curtain-door behind him closed. Then he looked for a high clearance that he could use to look at the distant stars. It was not so much that he actually was going to look inward. He knew what he had caused, he felt the tremors of fates. He simply felt... No guilt. So no other was assigned to their force, so what? It only meant that the remaining librarians had more luck under Fulgrim directly, or left in the Librariums of Chemos.

What was so terrible of that, but Hephestus' lack of an army of his own to challenge the Lord Commander? Another sigh, was his master maybe as blind as those of his squad? Being as egotistical as Leonis but disguised better? So many questions, and no answers. Because the Third Legion was an intricate spiderweb of politics. Nobody to speak bluntly to, to speak of truth. No, all was interpretations of facts, everyone making their own twisted sense of a perfect reality. And everyone had the same reason as defense - It was Fulgrim's will.

Beyond that, did Hephestus really care so little that their brothers were left to die? What if a librarian had been in one of the cages, would he have cared then? While all aspired perfection, he only truly saw and heard of it once. Fulgrim. Everyone else in this legion was so distant from his ideals, his personality, his leadership, that it was nothing more but a dream. But maybe that was Fulgrim's plan all along? Show perfection to make them strive for it. Make the unattainable a carrot on a stick.

Elymas shook his head on that thought. Perfection could be attained, Fulgrim presented it. So does the Emperor. It was this forsaken Millenium under the poisonous leadership of Leonis that held them back. Certainly those of Fulgrim's command were honorable warriors that inspired, that actually led with purpose and charisma. Not this twisted sense of shoving rank in one's face. What were they? Ultramarines? If he only had a pair of scissors to cut the political web, if only Fulgrim could see the flaws here himself and appoint someone who could lead with example.

He sought for the philosophers among his kin, those that were ready to expand their view and not cling to values. But the topics he desired to speak about would only spark more hatred. He used his staff as he walked with it as a cane while making for the outskirts of the camp. And he knew there were ears willing to listen to him. Ears that belonged to creatures that were not to be interacted with. It was such a perpetual trap. A man of curiosity and philosophy surrounded by ignorance. But the ears that were willing to listen had nothing but death intended for him. On Terra he remembered an ancient tale about this dilemma. Tartarus.

Another sigh escaped the young Velodonus, finally having reached a nice clearing, sitting down on the trunk of a tree that was cut off by what seemed a Las cannon. He put his instrument in his hands and started to play a slow melody, looking into the sky at what would be Sol - by his rough quick mental calculations.

"Tonight my eyes rest on Terra.
Just as Terra may gaze at me.
For I vow tonight.
To do as told.
Refuse my mind to think bold.
For bold, only my lords shall be.
To follow is the fate of House Velodonus.
Serfs we are meant to be.
No more. No less.
Our service. Our Honor.
Eternally Terras', I vow tonight."

As the last chord was played, the tune faded in with the sounds of the nightly creatures. Leaving the man to gaze into the sky.

"Indeed I have sir, been have been interested in the medical arts ever since joining up, Wanted to aid our brothers in the medical field to help keep them patched up and going, If you have anywhere that I need to begin or assist I would be honored to aid you." Jendon said looking to his senior

Martyn ignored the comments from their spectator, choosing instead to focus on the fight at hand. He wasn't a squadmate, and he had no obligation to respond to him unless he was ordered to by a superior. Seeing the cohesion between the two servitors, the young space marine figured that the best way would be the isolation and destruction of one before the other could intervene. He quickly came up with a plan in his mind and an improvised contingency plan for the situation.

As the spear servitor stabbed forward again, Martyn grabbed the shaft of the weapon. Using as much strength as he could muster from the position, he pulled. The servitor, though sturdy, was still facing a fully developed astartes, and lifted off of its feet, dragged towards the young legionnaire quickly. The other one attempted to intercept but couldn't close the distance before Martyn disabled his spear-wielding opponent with a blow to the neck area.

After that, dispatching the remaining servitor proved to be child's play with a few feints, parries and counter blows. As it fell limp to the ground before being removed by the support staff nearby, Martyn grinned to himself. "Well that was educational," he said, ignoring the spectator, and turned towards the next servitors standing by to the side. "Let's try three, shall we?"

Field Hospital
@Vulpas​

"Yes, matter of fact, I do have something for you to do," Reedian told Jendon as he stepped away from Viatine who only managed a single "Thank you" before dazing out again. "If you wish to one day become an Apothecary of the Emperor's Children Legion and learn from some of the best scientists out of all Legiones Astartes, you will listen to me."

"This right here," he said and brought his narthecium up, "Is our main tool. It gives us the necessary information on our patients and helps us set the proper diagnosis. It also has a stockpile of combat stims and drugs which are used to even further speed up the Astartes metabolism, helping it recover in short time, mroe importantly in battlefield conditions."

"Now, this is the easy part. Astartes physiology has to be studied and you will start your studies today. Take that medical box you brought me and come with me. I will make a round of the hospital, you will follow me and try to keep up. Best way to learn the basics of these things is through practice but don't expect the knowledge to come overnight." Finishing with the initial lecture, Senior Apothecary began with his tour of the field hospital, slowing just enough to allow Jendon to follow and hopefully memorize something.

Sing for the moment
@Uriel1339​

"That was beautiful," Elymas heard the newcomers before they even approached him, his superhuman senses allowing him to discem differences between the effect of wind's breeze and human's footsteps on the soft grass. There were two of them, male and female, soldiers from the auxilia regiment that supported this Milennial, apparently on a break as they didn't have their weapons on them. They heard Librarian's tune and approached him somewhat earlier but kept their distance until he finished with the song.

"Sorry if we disturbed you Lord Astartes, but the melody reminded us too much of our home," the female said while the male nodded, both still standing dozen feet away from Elymas. "We haven't seen Holy Terra in many years, wonder if we'll ever see her again," she said with some melancholy, at that moment looking like a simple Imperial citizen with own hopes and fears, not a soldier of the Archite Palatines Imperial Regiment.

"I apologize but we have to ask, do you have any more songs to sing of our home?"

Crisply saluting to the Tech Priest, "Greetings, Honoured Tech Priest of the Mechanicus. I have come for that very reason, wounds were suffered in my last engagement as I'm sure you can tell." Pholax looked at the helmet at his thigh. "I am pleased to say that thanks to your order's work, I lived to serve again. Your order has done and continues to do the Phoenician and the Imperium proud."

After a moment of silence, Pholax felt the need to mention, "My apologies if I have disturbed your work, I've heard that the Mechanicus like to keep themselves busy. A dedication to one's craft is always commendable."

Looking around the armoury, it was of no surprise that the Mechanicus was keeping themselves busy.

~~ Outskirts of Camp ~~

"You are forgiven. Not too long ago I was as human as you." He said with a soft smile and stood up, offering the trunk as a seat with a hand gesture. It was too hard to not accept the desire of encore.

"Before I begin. I would like you to know that home is not a physical place. But in your heart. In your soul. That is why the Emperor and his Sons send us Astartes alongside you, the Hammer of the Imperium, to smite alien and those that abhor His wisdom and logic. So that we do not only call Terra home, but the entire galaxy. Already now, some of the Third Legion come from a new homeworld, Chemos. And even Fulgrim might consider it more home than Terra. So never forget this. Because your children might emit their first cry on a newly liberated world. One which they will call home, whatever name it might carry." Elymas offered with a warm smile, having made a variety of background stories for these two in his mind.

They could be brother and sister, simply relieved to have both survived the massacre. On the other hand, they could be survivors together, lovebirds communing under the star filled night sky. Or Assassins, disguised as humans, here to kill Elymas! Oh that one would make a fine story. Then again. They could be simply John and Jane from Terra, conscripted to serve the Third Legion with no expectations of survival, but being just another pair of soldiers going through the grinding of the war machine.

"Now. A song of optimism, to fight against the never-ending tides of the dark wars." Elymas announced, clearing his throat and adjusting his guitar-staff a little bit, standing under the moon in front of the two humans who seated now on the trunk - a good ten feet away, just before the end of the clearing going quickly downhill.

"Every man has a place, in his heart there's a space,
And the world can't erase his fantasies.

Take a ride in the sky, on our ship fantasii
All your dreams will come true, right away.

And we will live together, until the twelfth of never
Our voices will ring forever, as one.

Every thought is a dream, rushing by in a stream,
Bringing life to our kingdom of doing.

Take a ride in the sky, on our ship fantasii
All your dreams will come true, miles away.

Come see victory, in the land called fantasy
Loving life, a new decree,
Bring your mind to everlasting liberty.

Our minds will explore together, old worlds, we conquer, forever
We then, will expand love together, as one.

Come to see, victory in a land called fantasy,
Loving life, for you and me, to behold, to your soul is ecstasy.

You will find, other kind, that has been in search for you,
Many lives has brought you to.

Recognize it's your life, now in review
And as you stay for the play, fantasy, has in store for you,
A glowing light will see you through.

It's your day, shining day, all your dreams come true
As you glide, in your stride with the wind, as you fly away/

Give a smile, from your lips, and say
I am free, yes I'm free, now I'm on my way."


As he played the last accord and sang the last word, Elymas could not help but smile softly at the two.

Purging Shadows: Final Push​

More than a month passed since the 4th dispatched the mad Haemonculus, the Emperor's Children initiative finally reaching the critical point. Aliens were being pushed back all across the planet, each meter was paid in blood but the vile xenos had it even worse. Their grip on the Imperial population was slipping and there was only one more step required before the Dark Eldar were cleansed from these jungles once and for all.

Heavy rain fell on the Imperial outward camp as Sergeant Sidon led his squad through the maze of armored vehicles that formed the iron fist of the 3rd Millennial. Camp was right in the part of the cleared section of the jungle overlooking the mountain in the distance under which's shadow the Dark Eldar made their final stand. Ruins of an Imperial city were now filled with bloodthirsty aliens while the hidden runways inside the mountain hosted couple of squadrons of Voidraven bombers and Razorwing jetfighters which even now fought for air supremacy with the mixed force of Imperial Army flyers and Stormhawk gunships. Basilisk and Manticore batteries kept on pounding the approach to the mountain and what remained of the city's damaged hab-blocks was reduced to nothing more than ruined stone, however the Dark Eldar were never ones to use static defensive structures so the damage to them was minimal. Their main force stayed well out of range and with the series of hit and run attacks made by their shadowy Mandrake creatures and fast jetbike gangs the Imperial artillery presence was quite hindered, forcing the Lord Commander to prepare his forces for the old-fashioned approach.

"Captain Apox summoned us to his command center, our earlier exploits apparently awarded us with some influence although I would think twice if I were you on just how honorable this might be. Also, me and Captain go a long way back, we were brought in the Legion from the same stock of recruits so try to give him a bit more respect than you gave the Lord Commander, not like that'll be a hard thing to do," Sidon explained, his face once again hidden by the gold helmet that showed his seniority.

It didn't take much to find the Captain however, his makeshift command post located in the shadow of one of the Stormbirds with the markings of the 25th Company. Towering in purple and gold Cataphractii Terminator armor the Captain of the 25th struck an imposing figure, beautifully-crafted power glaive alongside a gilded storm bolter and an iron halo circling his head you would instantly know he was one of the lords of the Legion, even his face would show the perfect marblesque features that would seem to be accompanying every senior member of the Emperor's Children. Standing next to him was another Captain by the looks of his honor markings, although this one was wearing a silver artificer armor paired with a long silken cloak and similarly-colored hair tied in a ponytail, he looked no less regal.

"Hail Sidon," Apox said as the Sergeant and the rest of the 4th arrived, taking cover from the rain, "You already know Minteril of the 31st," the other Captain gave a court nod while Sidon made a sign of Aquila in response, honoring the senior legionaries as it was proper. "Lord Commander ordered for the assault to commence in three hours so I hope your men are ready to repeat their earlier success and bring glory to the Company once again." As Sidon simply grunted Apox continued, "I was already counting on you to accompany me in the main assault, just like the old times, but Captain Minteril here has a different idea and he asked me for a squad to spare that has proven it can get the job done."

"Plan is simple really," Minteril said, his voice low as if he was about to let them on on some conspiracy, "Lord Hephestus saw it in his cards and Brothers from the Silent Step confirmed it - there's another way into the mountain. It's on the other side completely and hidden by some waterfall and whatnot, but there's a series of caves that will lead us straight into the main base, effectively cutting the Dark Eldar off from their leadership while Apox and the rest are slogging through the mud. We would go in light and rip the heart out of these monsters before they even register we're there."

It was a gamble and Minteril knew it, probably that's why he asked for a smaller force and not from his own Company, perhaps there was even some hidden politicking going about, but if Sidon understood all of this he gave it to sign. Instead, like before when they met Lord Commander, their Sergeant turned towards his squad, his head tilting to a side. "What do you think? Switch the immediate concern for a promise of quickly ending this conflict and earning lots of glory and even more hate, or following the protocol and drowning ourselves in mud and xenos blood?"

OOC pick one:

Chapter Focus - Armored Assault: You chose to accompany Captain Apox and the majority of the Imperial force in the direct assault against Dark Eldar base. Chapter somewhat diverges from the Legion's doctrine and focuses on bringing plenty of armored assets in conquering the enemy, focusing on prolonged conflicts with lots of firepower and major destruction. Chapter will have access to greater number of armored ground vehicles and will have a Mastodon Heavy Assault Transport of a special pattern in their armory.

Chapter Focus - Aerial Assault: You chose to accompany Captain Minteril and a smaller number of his legionaries in a flanking assault against Dark Eldar base. Chapter follows the Legion's doctrine and focuses on being the swift insertion force, quickly redeploying and attacking the enemy from various vectors at once, concentrating on smaller controlled conflict where their elite troops will win them the day. Chapter will have access to greater number of aerial vehicles and will have an Astartes Jetbike of a special pattern in their armory.



@Jorimel @WanderingJester @dx144 @DeranVendar @Draconion @Vulpas @Kalle @Uriel1339

Apothecary in training -
"Yes sir" Jendon said picking up the medical bag he would open his ears and eyes and take in every word the senior apothcary said memorizing everything critical of the duties of the apothecary.



-Purging Shadows Final push-

A month of Grueling work and training and it all was worth it, Every life saved and work done, To bring a brother back on his feet, Brining them back from the brink of death, or even if they could not give them the emporers peace and eventually be doing there main duty of recovering the progenoids of there brothers to go on to the next one to inherit the gene-seed, Even learning how to implant gene-seed into someone Jendon was taught.

A complicated procedure that Jendon was given test into with limited procedures in implantation as it took Implanting various Organs with young brothers in training. Over the weeks Jendon would accommodate himself to his new tools of trade the Narthicanum, his tools of surgical precision and work to mend, give peace, and recover. These were not the only things he would accommodate himself with, He would accommodate himself with the staff and other apothecaries within there Millenial, Learning of several names, Theo, Leopold, and Alistair, Fellow apothecaries and training and fully fledged apothecary and interesting minded fellows.

Now they would be once again thrust once more on a possible mission Jendon would listen to the briefing his armor no longer fully purple his chest plate was replaced now with a cermite white chest plate while his legs and arm were the colors of his legion. A new helmet was upon his head a replacement for the one destroyed during combat. As the Briefing went on Jendon would pick up subtle comments about them as well as the two captains which caused him to wonder about the legion politics going on behind the scenes. As well as their reputation of being hated even though they followed there objective on there last mission. It caused him to look to sidion for a brief moment as if to ask him a question. "Sidion question sir, Why would going to assist Captain Minteril to bring more hate to us? Wouldnt performing this action help our legion in the long run and more help all of us Including those brothers slogging it out?" Jendon asked looking to Sidion for an answer his own opinion on the mission were stirring in his mind about all of this.