Taking note of of the Penitent Engine that had come to address him, Zuriel gave his usual form of greeting, his helmed gaze looking over her curiously. He had never truly been close to a Penitent Engine in the past, only seen from a distance. It was a curious form of penitence to be sure, being strapped to a mihgty machine of war to bring endless death to the enemies of Man.

Such an honor was only saved for the greatest of Astartes.

"Greetings Sister... Praaxia is it? And than you for the direction. I've ridden in a Valkyrie before. The wrod cramped comes to mind. Forgive me, my mind has been elsewhere. I've been on countless missions, yet never one that required such, discretion. It will be interesting to say the least." As he spoke he began walking over to the Thunderhawk.

"I must say I'm looking forward to seeing you in combat. I have not had the pleasure to see a Penitent Engine bring it's sacred wrath upon heretics and xenos in close combat."

@Shadhunter

@Keidivh

Praxia smiled and nodded before gritting her teeth in pain. "I... Can't say I've participated in anything that has required..," She gasped. "discretion... In years." She sighed. "Though... I think I still remember how to be discrete. You need not worry that my blades plunge into the flesh of Xenos and Heretics before it is deemed necessary."

She paused. "I would not call it a pleasure to witness my wrath. No, witnessing the fury of one your chapter's sacred dreadnoughts would be a pleasure and an honor. But as for me, I am merely a fallen servant of the Emperor desperately trying to get back on my feet with my dying breath."

She looked the marine up and down for a moment. "Forgive me in saying so, but I do have some admiration for you from what I've overheard and seen from you. And I don't say such things lightly, you seem quite capable, while still caring for the lives of those around you. An admirable trait that is... rarer than it should be in such trying times."

"I am unfamiliar with your particular chapter's ways but... do you happen to have any experience leading your brother's in combat?"

@Keidivh @Shadhunter

Ferra had noticed her status as one of the earlier arrivals with pleasure, and originally resolved to wait, arms crossed over her chest, staring at the Valkyrie that she was sure she would enter soon. Even as the room slowly began to be populated with others, she initially did not make a motion to socialise.

But eventually, after inelegantly staring at Praxia for a while, her curiosity and, yes, jealousy that the penitent was proving more sociable than she was. Slowly, fingering the hand flamer that obediently adhered to her hip, she approached the two giants, only realising that she didn't have a line ready after she stepped pretty much directly between them.

The Sister took a step backwards, as to not stand between the two who were able to talk over her head with ease (most people were to an extent, but with the Astartes and the Penitent it was particularly aggravated). After clearing her throat somewhat nervously, she asked, "May I intrude in this conversation?"

@Starcaller @Vlayden

Erika did a half salute to Danse. "Sergeant Winds, Armageddon Steel Legion." She lifted the shells and walked toward the door, waiting for Brooks to waddle over.
"You Astartes don't look the most welcoming type. And the ones I've met so far, before this day, have confirmed that. They don't usually care about us grunts, we're just chaff for the enemy so the Angels can seize the day."
Her scarred cheek twitched as if in response to what she said.
"Hard to relax with people like that surrounding you. Glad to see not all are like that."
She flashed a faint smile at Danse and headed for the hangar.

It saddened the Sanguinary Priest to hear Praxia speak of herself in such a way. True she may have committed misdeeds in the past, but she was given the glorious honor to atone in the sacred realm of war, to purge the enemies of man unto her dying breath. There was no nobler end than that, and it was something he hoped she would see.

What caught Zuriel completely off guard was her compliment to himself and his ideals. It was true that not many placed great value on life, especially those of the Guard. A true shame, as he had met many, nearly all whom had impressed even him with their dedication, their faith.

Before he could offer a proper response to the Penitent's questions, another Sister had quite suddenly entered the conversation. Or to be more accurate, stood directly between himself and Praxia. It was a curious introduction, even getting a small chuckle from Zuriel as she attempted to remove herself from in between them like it never occurred.

"Greetings Sister, you are more than welcome to join our conversation. I was just getting to know you sister here, lady Praxia."

Zuriel then turned his attention back towards integrated sister, "Firstly if I may be so bold sister, I do not know what sins you may have committed in the past, but that does not take away from what you do now. You bring death to all that is unholy in the Emperor's sight. There is always honor in that." The Sanguinary Templar hoped that she understood, not thinking he was just trying to console her of her past grievances. Far from it, but he couldn't let her belittle the service she gave to the Imperium now.

"And you honor me with your words sister. I would agree in saying there are not many who hold my viewpoint. Sadly there are many Astartes who consider the whole notion foolish. But the life of any servant of the Emperor is a sacred thing, one I'd gladly protect. As for leading, aye, I've had my fair share of experience. Sanguinary Priests are called upon many duties in the Chapter, most important of which is tending to the spiritual and physical well being of our brethren. But we are well versed in leading our kin into war, why do you ask?"

@Shadhunter @Casavay

@Keidivh @Casavay

Praxia nodded at Ferra. She had no qualm with the sister joining them, after all she was having some trouble being social earlier. She turned her attention back to Zuriel. "Not a bold statement at all. In fact, I would be inclined to agree. My actions are all that matters now. I bring the wrath of the Emperor to those who oppose him. But as for me... My fate has already been determined, and so I continue in this life to seek the redemption I so crave. Only then will I be content with letting the sweet caress of death take me.But until that time, I will fight as one who has still has a place in this world to fight for." She paused. "There is indeed honor in what I do... The honor of once again earning my place among his faithful."

She glanced over at Ferra and thought for a moment. The engine then lowered itself once again, each limb slowly folded in on itself until she was approximately eye level with the marine.

She once again looked to Zuriel. "I ask because our rag tag group will definitely need someone to look to for organization. Someone with experience leading. I myself once was a sister superior leading my own squad into combat. But my love for the lives of those faithful to the Emperor became mine, and my sister's undoing." She sighed. "And thanks to this machine, it's a memory I can never forget... Not that I could"

She paused. "I digress. While I have some experience in leading others, I wouldn't expect others to be comfortable taking any suggestions from one such as myself. Nor would I even suggest such a thing. But you on the other hand... If I were to be bold in saying so, I have a feeling you may be able to convince the others to set aside their differences and rally under one banner. Not as members of the Astra Millitarum, of the Adepta Sororitas, of the Adeptus Astartes. Not as Cadians, not as one of Armageddon Steel, not as a Sanguine Templar. But as the Emperor's faithful."

"I may not live as long as you or your brother's... But being merged with this machine has taught me much from a view point that only such a machine could provide." She smiled softly. "One must first learn to listen before they can learn to speak. And I have done more listening upon this machine than many will have in a lifetime. And thus, I simply desire to speak my opinion that if someone is to lead this group into the fires of battle, then I feel that you should strongly consider such a position. The choice of course is not mine to make, but do what you will with the opinion of an old Penitent Engine. You have my support."

Zuriel was rather surprised by the suggestion for him to take charge of the task force. Of course he was qualified to do so, he had extensive experience in leading his brethren during their endless crusades, although Victus Prime still weighed heavily upon his soul, still recalling the face of every brother that fell when they were cut off. He should have known what they were walking into, sensed the taint that dwell there. He had failed, and his kin and the brave Guardsmen that stood with them paid the price.

But he couldn't let that be an excuse to ignore his duty, and if was called to lead this force, he would do so with honor. "You do me great honor with the faith you place in me Sister Praxia. While we are all children of the Emperor, bringing together so many of different backgrounds can be... Heh, well challenging to say the least. If I am chosen to lead this force, I will gladly accept, and do everything in my power to ensure our force is united in faith and purpose to overcome all that would oppose the Emperor's Will in this crusade.

"And while you may not wish to lead, I would always appreciate whatever counsel you have to offer." Giving a small nod in thanks to Praxia, Zuriel then turned to address Ferra, not wishing to ignore her in the conversation.

"So Sister, what are your thoughts on this matter?"

@Shadhunter @Casavay

@Keidivh @Shadhunter

Ferra was surprised by the hospitality of the colossi. Maybe not as much by Praxia's, who was, at least partially, her Sister; the Astartes, however, she very much expected to act a bit more distant, reserved. And not just this; he asked for her opinion. Nonplussedly, she pointed at herself with a questioning look plastered over her face.

To say she regarded the demigods as her betters would have been false. But she certainly saw them as something different, maybe even transcendent. What few monastic warriors she'd met had not been impolite or dismissive per se, but very much caught within a solipsis that made them focus on the task at hand instead of diplomatic nuances. Suffice to say, Zuriel seemed different. Ferra chalked it up to the cultural differences of their chaptres, but she was no expert on Astartes, and her experience with them limited.

As the surprise subsided, she settled into the same straight parade rest that she did when her Canoness had asked her for advice, her eyes wandering over the room but her face falling into seriousness. "For all my pride as His daughter, I concur with my sister. The Astartes are His most powerful symbol, and as far as I can assess, you seem a reasonable brother." She chose her words with care. How did one adress an Astartes? "Not to mention that I would trust your tactical prowess."

She finished with a nod that confirmed her own words. "What my..." Ferra stumbled over her own choice of words "Sister said rings true for all of us, I suppose, though I doubt they would put it so eloquently. Do not devalue your opinions, Penitent Praxia; I too am one of the Sisters Superior, and I recognise some of the wisdoms in her words. In spite of her current status."

(OOC: If you've not nabbed something from the Armoury, you can PM me on EC or Discord what you wanted to take.)

@Vulpas
"No, because this is all we managed to get at such short notice. But I'll see what my staff can do about that!" A notably feminine yet electronic voice greeted the Sister of Battle, and a quick look would show that the apparent Warden of the Armory (As demonstrated by one of her mechadendrites irately writing on a board all the gear that had currently been taken by the team) was a Techpriestess, Robes and all.
Even if she had so fewer augmentations compared to the Magos that the team had met in the briefing room that she looked like a human being by comparison.

@GobMaw_HellSmasha

"Well, fairly sure I have the answer to that question...." With that said, Alicia drew up the sorcery that was her specialty, muttering a word of power before lighting leap out from her figures and surged towards the Ork rendering him quite unconscious and ending the disguise he had. With that done, the Inquisitor then dragged the Ork by the feet out of the Briefing room, with no-one bothering to question a Lighting-happy Inquisitor. Not unless they wanted impromptu electric shock therapy.

@Shadhunter , @Casavay , @ItsTime @DeranVendar @Keidivh , @Starcaller @Colapse

Needless to say, those by the Thunderhawk would have the Inquisitor dumping an Ork by them, with her then saying to those assembled by the transport for the Power armour or vehicle inclined: "This Ork, is my representative. Ergo, he might as well be protected by the Emperor himself when it comes to the matter of being shot at by everyone on the team: Unless the friendly fire was genuinely accidental, and not a botched attempt at offing him. Be sure to tell everyone else that before he manages to get into a fight, or even off the Thunderhawk. I don't want to fetch one of my more reasonable aides to serve as my eyes and ears on the team."
With that said the Inquisitor then departed leaving the question of the Ork to be settled later.

And everyone else: @Wata , @Vlayden , @XV-878 , @DeezNuts , @High_Adept_Zeth , @BuriasDempsey ,

Once the team had finally got settled down, minus their Techmarine for whatever reason that forced him to stay behind. As the Thunderhawk set off first, manned by a Marine at the controls who messaged the passengers over the craft's internal vox "Greeting Brothers, and Sisters of Battle, as the low Gothic goes. We shall arrive at the deployment site in about an hour."

Soon afterwards came the Valkyire and the Vendetta, with the Valkyrie pilot saying to her passenger load: "So, you boys and girls, guess you'll be seeing whichever hell-hole in about an hour. The inflight-entertainment is whatever you come up with!"

Still, the flight was uneventful for everyone given that the pilots seemed to be competent at they job (well, they had to as otherwise they would never have been even considered in the first-place) and soon both Marine and Valkyrie pilots landed their craft with a minimum of fuss, letting their cargo step out onto their new world.

However, this world was something a fair bit more... Alien compared to most worlds of the Imperium given the ground and flora were obviously crystalline in natural such as trees and bushes made from purple crystals that seemed to glisten with wherever they were caught in sunlight, and faintly glowed with some form of power when in darkness.
Likewise, the fauna was of a similar nature, such as purple-tinged spiders that almost seemed to made of glass. Sadly, they were at least the size of the average Rough Rider mount which made them the sight to behold, if perhaps not the most comforting of sights.

All of this was back-dropped by a purple sky that seemed cloudy yet not without patches of sunlight. A relative abundance of light made it clear that it was the day time, even if it was starting to set towards nightfall, as more of the trees were glowing and less of them were gleaming in the sun.

If anyone was to charge out of their craft and expected violence, they would be met by nothing of the sort. Instead they would be greeted with a view of the canyon. It was clear why it was visible from orbit, given that it was at least 5 kilometres wide, if not wider, and long enough to present a formidable barrier to aggression.

Suffice to say, the presence of an ancient, triple layered bridge that could support four Knights abreast each other (albid only walking in one direction) was a fairly big indicator as to why both factions waged war here. Speaking of Knights, two such Warmachines of that stature were already on the bridge, battling it out with their respective armies in a bloody push for dominance over the structure, with flashes of weaponry long since forgotten by humanity leaping from one side.

From the other side came their replies from a diverse selection of Xenos devices, giving the team a back row-seat to the people and aliens they were meant to study. And their mission did ask for the front row seat. That entailed a half hour walk, and with the fact they could see the two Knight-sized machines fighting... Caution was advisable in their travels.

The Imperial Fist remained silent as he eye'd the two war machines battling it out in the distance, Ares kept looking towards the two massive Knights in their deadly duel of death, paying little to no attention to the environment of the planet save for the giant spiders that roam. This could be perhaps because he had fought in many planets before some even with the taint of the Archenemy upon them, twisted and doomed things.

Ares took a few steps ahead of the group and finally removed the cloth from the object he was holding so closely this entire time, revealing it to be a power-sword. It's field buzzing with indication that it was in fact turned on and ready for use- Ares looked downwards upon the ground of the planet, driving the power sword directly into it, albeit he hasn't went far and only deep enough for the sword to hold itself.

Ares stood before the sword as he clenched his fist and pressed it against his armored torso and began speaking, "By the Emperor, Great Rogal and the Chapter Masters that followed his footsteps. By the veterans of the Fists and by my brothers, I swore an oath of servitude to the Emperor, my chapter, my brothers and to those whom we deem allies. Oh God-Emperor and Father Rogal, please grant upon the strength to eternally uphold my oath so I might battle the enemies of Mankind. Grant upon me the strength to not fall to the blade and the sly tongue of the xenos and to not fall to the temptation of the Archenemy.", it soon became clear that he was praying.

Ares finally grabbed the handle of the blade, pulling it out of the ground and raising it towards the sky. Yelling out the some-what famous warcry of his chapter, "Primarch-Progenitor, to your glory and the glory of Him on Terra!"

After this upmost holy display the Imperial Fist turned to the group, "I am ready to move. I however advise caution for this planet has an unfamiliar environment to me, avoid it's fauna and flora, for both could be deadly."