Erika looked at the Kasrkin, trying to discern her manner. Her hand brushed her cheek's scar in memory of past battles.
"And I think I never will."
Erika replied and glanced the penitent once again.

No one had seemed to take any interest in provisions so Danse closed the crates to preserve the contents. This mattered little and he did not take it personally: The food was technically for the Warmaster and the moments before a briefing weren't the greatest time for a meal. He was sure everyone would come around after their business was done and if not, the Warmaster and her retainers would surely find time to enjoy it.

Others had arrived since he made his introduction, including an member of the honored Imperial Fists and, to his mild surprise, a navy pilot. Danse supposed that made some sense if the Navy were responsible for their transportation but he couldn't see the man helping out much on the ground. Even if he was to be their courier the techmarine or someone from the mechanicus would surely be a better choice as they would have more specialized flight experience. Danse supposed he would just have to see how this developed.

He then noticed a Kasrkin talking with a young-looking guardsmen who was probably from the Steel Legion. She was clearly nervous about this and the Kasrkin, who looked much more comfortable, was trying to help. Danse knew from experience that the attention of a space marine could calm even the newest of conscripts and inspire then to do things they never thought possible. This child could use a little of that so Danse moved over to her. She looked like a child next to him and he saw her as such. He saw most humans as children but guardsmen in particular. He put a massive white armored hand on her shoulder, its weight instantly bringing her to attention, and tried to smile at her.

"Be at ease Guardsmen." He said in what he hoped was an understanding tone. "Whatever our purpose here may be, the Warmaster has decided that you should be part of it. Your deeds alone are responsible for that. You have nothing to fear from me or anyone else here. In fact, you have every reason to feel proud."

Erika was confused and awkward at this sudden approach and touch. She clenched her jaw and her eyes narrowed, Erika felt she was being patronized and belittled. She knew the marine probably meant well, holding back the reflex of a retort like she would address a normal guardsman. She was still a sergeant.
"As you say, lord. I'm sure you have other greater concerns than I."
Erika stared the Danse straight in the eye, determined not to be completely cowed in front of the warrior elite assembled.

And with that, she merely nudged the woman in the ribs with her elbow. "Oh, stop it. You're more tense than a Kriegsman ready to charge into a minefield." She teased at her now; at this point, seeing so many Astartes it felt more like she was on Death's Row. If she was to be working here, there was no chance in Hell that she'd survive, even with the Emperor's Blessing on her left tit.
Of course, with some luck she might manage to just be on the sidelines and have them do all the work, whilst she took all the glory for once... Might make a fitting change compared to all the other operations she did where it was the other way around.

Erika massaged her side and sighed, giving a glare towards the Kasrkin.
"That's probably exactly what I'm here to do."
She said and took a step back. Taking a deep breath to calm herself as she tried to dispel the thought of the possibility that she was here to lead a squad as a meatshield. All these gloryhounds. She thought to herself and settled to a neutral manner and expression.

Deckard offered a cordial nod to Zuriel (@Keidivh) in return, before turning his attention towards Catherine as she made her query. Deckard cleared his throat, speaking louder in-case the Sororitas had misheard his initial introduction.

"Lieutenant Lucus, 458th Imperial Navy Tactical Wing. I'm the commander of Kestar Squadron. Vendetta Gunships. We fly the more... surgical missions. Best in the 458th Wing - or so they say in all the dispatches, at least."

Deckard uttered this last statement with a wry smile and a gentle nod. He decided a bit of jovial conversation would be best to thaw the ice, and ease his nerves amongst these fabled warriors of the Imperium.

@Vulpas

She was simply given a small chuckle through the helm now as the Kasrkin patted her shoulder.
"What d'you think brought you here anyway? We're just normal guardsmen, not supersoldiers: so you must've done something that'd catch somebody's attention to get with this odd grouping."

Upon another sister's entrance Zuriel insitnctively formed the sign of the Aquila over his armored chest, bowing slightly towards her. "Sanguinary Priest Zuriel of the Sanguine Templars Sister, an honor to meet you. I'd be happy to share with you my Chapter and it's ancient heritage. What is it you would like to know?"

While waiting for the Sister's questions, Zuriel's ears picked up on the discussion going on between the Guardsmen after being addressed by one of his fellow Astartes. It was quite obvious they were tense, and he couldn't blame them. In their eyes, they were in the presence of demigods. Hmph, if only they knew how wrong they are.

"No need for the 'lord' bit ma'am, Astartes are but servants to the Emperor. As are we all, and I'd listen to the Kasrkin, sergeant. She seems to be on to something. Just an old man's opinion." He said with a shrug and chuckle, taking a moment to look over his Exsanguinator, taking care of the precious piece of equipment like it was his own blood.

@Vulpas @Vlayden @Wata

"He's right Guardsmen." Danse said, nodding to his Sanguine Templars cousin. "We serve the Emperor in all things, and we serve the Warmaster today. In that respect, you and I are the same." He stopped to make sure the girl was looking him in the eye. She was, and that showed courage. "All you must do is trust yourself. Do that and you will find the strength to face anything, and anyone, the Emperor asks of you. You will learn this, in time."

He looked to Zuriel and pulled him aside. "Thank you for your interjection brother Zuriel. I'm afraid I've never been very good at putting others at ease. Especially humans. I am veteran-sergeant Danse and I hail from the Boros Paladins." He shook his new brother's hand but didn't smile. He was never very good at it and felt he had failed with the guardsman. "So why did you and your brothers decide to join the Crusade? I am the second for the 4th company and we are to fight the Great Enemy. We continue our chapter's crusade of penance, as we have since the death of the Fallen One." Normally Danse would never speak of such an event. It was never discussed among the chapter or non-astartes, and was too shameful to be brought up in front of marines. But Danse was here to represent his chapter and a Sanguinary Priest deserved to know that his new brother was seeking atonement.

Entering the chamber, and thus reaching the objective, Alpha observed the august company already assembled.Elite Guardsmen, Sororitas under arms, even Angels of Death!Secutarius would feel a reverant dosage mixture of awe and fear if its emotions were not already phylactically dimmed to serve only this purpose.Everything had a purpose in the vast and impossibly byzanthine Mechanicus, even emotions.

However such frailties of the flesh could be a hindrance in situations like these, and even now Agate felt the noospheric intrusion of the various Magi into his mind, aiding and guiding this humble unit.This was a glorious day indeed!

Being only of its kind present, Secutarius stood on the sides, hands clasped across the chest, waiting for the Warmaster or its mouthpiece.Despite the activity, a generous amount of cogitational power was left to its individualistic space.Taking that into account, Agate wondered on its own as to the nature of the gathering, spending an equal amount of attention and curiosity upon each of the individual present.

( @Vulpas )
Only by the virtue of its Omnispex device, did it notice an individual approaching from the throng.
"Hello there servant of the Omnissiah, I am Catherine of His Holy Sight may I ask you of your name?" Catherine asked extending her hand.

Suddenly, there was silence in its head and data-flow lessened.That on itself is a rarity during moments of activity such as these.Looking down at the proffered hand, Secutarius took note of the low-hum of her power-armor, the well-oiled joints and polished plate.

Grabbing her hand by the vambrace, locking it in the Skitarii-salute of its Forge World, Secutarius returned, its Alpha-crest upon the metal helmet reflecting the lumen-lights of the chamber.

Presiding Magi, quickly exloaded the data upon its visual-feed, right next to the Sister`s face.Data that was apt to be given in these circumstances.
"Agate, Alpha of the Omega Maniple, First Cohort, Macroclade Secundus of the twelfth Demi-Legio of Ignatum."...
after which it added with a second delay
..."ironbound meeting Catherine."finshing, its voice somewhat muffled by helmet making it hard to identify the gender of the cybernetic solider, but it was unmistakably human.