@Colapse @BlackNecron @DeranVendar @Tamu @Vlayden

Just then, all the Astartes in Equilius' retinue receive a blinking icon on their HUDs - a silent invitation to a private vox channel. Origin: Jean. Suddenly breaking what appears to be a deliberative silence, the Apothecary's quiet murmur comes through their comms.

"Been thinking on Brother Razael's words," comes his clipped speech, indicative of mission-oriented focus to anyone who knows him intimately.

"New Inquisitorial retinues are disorganised, held together only by the Inquisitor's force of personality. We have an advantage. We are all Astartes, more alike than different, and it is our discipline and resolve that will pull things through, moreso than our individual strength and skill. I propose we form a permanent combat squad - a Kill-Team, for those with Deathwatch experience - and appoint a leader. A true squad is stronger than the sum of its parts. I propose that the brother with greatest command experience take lead. Brother Wilhelm is equivalent to Codex Captain - does anyone have equal or greater claim, especially in unconventional warfare and small-group tactics?"

From the outside, Jean is statue-still and silent. His helmet, specially treated with acoustic padding, does not betray even usual soft clicks of vox activity. For all intents of purposes, he appears to be a large ceramite statue, standing watch in the back of the group.

Stepping out of the thunder hawk Alexandra held her Chainsword in her hand and her shield as attached to her arm, A Bolt pistol was at her side ready to be withdrawn, Her helmet took in all the sights around her as she looked keeping her vision true. Standing besides the inquisitor she acted like a guard ready to intercept any threats and then strike them down.

Strikeforce Enyo - Transit
@WanderingJester @Uriel1339

As Aurelia joined her strikeforce under Equilius she couldn't help but give a small sigh as the Inquisitor began rambling on about another one of his many stories. It was something the man was quite fond of, reminiscing and regaling his retinue with tales of previous missions even if some of those same retinue members had been present with him for it. And while she couldn't be sure, the crusader swore that each time he told a story it grew more and more outlandish. Whether they were true or he did this on purpose for his own amusement Aurelia would likely never know.

Despite this she listened to him attentively, occasionally nodding her head, asking a question and even laughing at times. As pointless as his ramblings were, Aurelia couldn't help but enjoy them. They were oddly relaxing yet gripping tales all at once.

Once his story was finished Aurelia immediately turned her mind to prayer once more. It was her natural state of rest, the place she had trained her mind to return to when there was silence. It was only through constant communion with her Father that she could serve Him dutifully, to be the weapon of righteous destruction and shield of the faithful.

Holy Emperor, Father of Mankind
Hear my pitiful voice, as I call out for your guidance
May your vigilance reveal the taint of Heresy that I may purge it
May your strength be within me, that I may crush your foes
May your will be done, as it is Mankinds only hope
May your blessings be upon our retinues, that we may serve you well
And if our time comes, may our deaths bring you glory

As she continued to beseech the Emperor, her thoughts slowly turned towards the retinue under Inquisitor Winsole. In truth, it was only one member that she grew concerned for. Her prayer shifted to something she rarely asked the Emperor for. Protection.

O eternal Emperor, who alone watches over us, and rules the storms and tides, be compassionate to your servant Enyo Virtus, a dutiful warrior. May he be preserved through this crusade, for there are no more faithful warriors than he. You brought us together for a reason Father, I beg you, let him be spared. Let my blood sate your thirst.

Equilius' voice drew her out from her prayers, her sapphire eyes wandering to hologram he had pulled out. All in all it was a simple and direct mission. Determine the faith of the Purifying Daughters, and crush the heretics that besieged their fortress. No other details needed. The Emperors will would be done.

Meeting with Death
@Colapse @Draconion @Wata @Vulpas @Casavay @BlackNecron @DeranVendar @Vlayden @Tamu

Upon landing Aurelia immediately took her customary place beside Equilius, standing just slightly ahead of him to allow her to intercept any that would do the Emperor's agent harm. Even in this massive fortress her combat shield and chain-flail were at the ready.

When they were approached by one of the assassins Aurelia observed her closely, looking for any hint of treachery, corruption or taint. Until Equilius had made his judgement, she would not give them the benefit of the doubt. None were ever above suspicion after all, especially members of a Death Cult.

"The Emperor's salvation is always given to those who are faithful, and his judgement will rain down upon those who stray from his embrace." Aurelia left her statement indirect enough as to make it seem that she was referring to the heathen army outside with the last part of her statement, though it still served as a well enough warning.

"And the Angel of Death speaks truthfully, it matters not the number of enemies arrayed against us. We will see the Will of our Father carried out, and all obstacles to that will ground into dust. None shall escape His wrath."

@WanderingJester @Colapse @Draconion @Vlayden @DeranVendar @BlackNecron @Casavay @Wata @Keidivh @Vulpas

Armory

The minotaur stood still in the shadow’s watching the show with amusement. He observed the other’s actions, heard their words and reaffirmed to himself why he preferred to hunt xenos out in the lone dark with a kill team. He understood things coming to blows was good for no one, but he doubted it would lead to death injuries and disabilities sure but not deaths despite what both sides were saying. Of course, neither of those were good for the mission or the routine but in his mind, it was better for the retinue to have such interactions now rather than in the field.



Goreparan was not their baby sitter and he most certainly would only intervene if he needed to but until then such clashes were bound to occur throughout this endeavor. Either by fortune or by the order of one of the inquisitor the poetical fight was soon broken up by members of his chapter. Throughout the entire event he kept his peace and thoughts to himself.



The death cult.



As the others finished speaking the minotaur spoke up.

“Before all that, I think it best we communicate the current situation of the plant and know each other heart to mind, I am sure our dear leader would be glad to lead to talks” said the minotaur as he gestured to the inquisitor acting as a reminder to the others that their actions were to follow the inquisitor and not just sally out to kill the foe’s. The minotaur had no wish to help these daughters without knowing their loyalty after all getting back inside would be annoying to say the least should the daughters turn out to be traitors.



“The enemy outside is going nowhere and thus it is far more prudent to pray to the emperor and cooperate together to purge the foe. This would be far more effective to do so after we have planned. As for the suggestion of a death watch, I would recommend the inquisitor be in charge. He was put in charge by the lord vetrix who works under the aegis of the high lords and by extension of him on terra. No offense to you brother Wilhelm but it is clear who should be in charge”



Goreparan judged it better to leave the command to the human inquisitor instead of any of the others in the retinue seeing as those who had spoken so far already seemed to have forgotten what was said in the briefing.

@Draconion @Tamu @BlackNecron @Vlayden @DeranVendar

"Once we are down in the thick of it, covered in blood of both ours and of our foe, it is only the brotherhood of the Emperor's Chosen that can guide us through the night," Wilhelm replied over the private squad vox while waiting for assassin's retort.

"I ask for no leadership Brother Goreparan, service is its own reward. Nor do I think any of us should be put in charge just due to our word, I'm a Castellan but I lead Black Templars, not Deathwatch marines, into battle. I however do agree with Brother Jean. Let the Inquisitors play their games, they are political animals and as such, think themselves outside any juristiction. What if corruption sweeps in and takes over, will we lament our fate as the doom comes crashing down or will we plan in advance for such possibility?"

"Not to mention that it is us, not them, who are at the forefront of this expedition, the ones who are expected to carry the biggest burden. In my Chapter and in my Fighting Company, it is how we spread our duties. I, alongside my chosen sword brethren, are the tip of the Sword of Ruin, honor-bound to be the force that cracks the enemy open. Battle Brothers form the length of the blade, their zeal making the Sword shine with faith and fire. Mighty war machines and ancients are the guard upon which the enemy's strike breaks and falters. Hilt of the Sword is the High Marshal and the God-Emperor himself, blessed be His name, for His might is what drives the weapon into the heart of the wicked. We are but instruments of His will."

"Same thing here. We Space Marines of the retinue are the tip, the lenght of the blade are the mortal armies, the sword guard the rest of the force too weak to fight for their own place in the grand scheme of things, content with remaining in the background. Hilt should be the God-Emperor and the Inquisitors as long as they keep His will in their minds and honor Him through their actions."

"So let us do battle with the servants of the Arch Enemy and through it, express ourselves. At the moment we are brothers but only in name, let us shed blood together and see if we form the true brotherhood, in which all of us should be equal."

"First Company veteran; though appointing myself may seem arrogant, I simply would prefer one... Not, of Black Templar blood - while I mean no offense, their tactics are... Less than suitable. I would like to use my bolt rifle more than my knife and to wade in blood," he added humorously, "though I would be content with the Dark Angel taking the lead if we are to decide on such things. Very little can be said harshly of the First Legion, and the Dark Angels' chapter."

@Colapse

"There more then just us astrates here, do not forget the others in our retinue. We are here to help, to be the blade as you have said but do not forget that the impeirum was made for humanity and that the hilt in the background comes under order of the high lords. A sharp and strong blade is worth little if there is no hilt to guide it or with no body to support it. We are mighty but we cannot fight in the galaxy without the supplies, the arms, armory and various other things provided to us.

Also i must correct you in two things. Firstly no one but the emperor is safe from corruption hence always be ready and plan and Secondly true brotherhood matters little only the fulfillment of duty and loyalty. Far too often brotherhood and honor has been twisted."

Grunted the minotaur. After a pause he added

"Ultimately it comes down to the inquisitor to decide not us"

We're Going Going, Back Back, to the Briefing Briefing

Vindex nodded, knowing how distasteful Razael found the Minotaurs. Truth be told, he doubted that many other astartes actually liked Moloc's Chapter, and his friend could not care less. They had a reputation for being executioners of other astartes, chaos or simple renegades, and the lord inquisitor could testify firsthand at their effectiveness at doing so. That was precisely why he wanted them on this strike force.

"I am aware of their skill set Razael, rest assure I will utilise them as best I can for the good of the Imperium."

As Razael walked away, he turned and headed towards the member of the Ordo Hereticus. Equilius turned his smile towards the Dark Angel as he approached, and it only grew wider as the jest came from the astartes.

Grinning back at the old associate of Vindex, the seemingly young looking man replied, "I do wish you had accepted my offer to accompany me down to Segmentum Tempestus, Sire Razael. That way you could've seen firsthand what I had learned, and maybe saved me a few extra scars." He laughed at the memories that came to mind now. Equilius had always called the Dark Angel 'Sire' from the time they first met. At first it had been a title of respect for the knightly regalia of the chapter. Later it became a term of familiarity.

"As to doing my job for me: by all means. If the adeptus astartes can take the problem of heresy out of my hands, especially with that damnable warp smile in the sky, I'll be happy to retire to some agri-world. Thinking about getting a farm together, get a dog, maybe have a few little Equiliuses running around with some buxom young lass who's never been off world."

To most but the most observant or familiar with her, the flinch on Inquisitor Winsole's face came and went in a split second at the comment.


@BlackNecron

The Man with a Plan... and a Staging Area

As Magos Zeth tapped into the Aquila Lander, he found that the machine spirit was more than willing to provide him with the sensory images of the geography below. On his data stream, he could see that the prison rested on top of a gentle incline, while the massive staging area of the astra militarum held itself between one long mountain ridge and another small series of hills facing the prison's southern side. He could already see some of the skirmishes happening at the walls closest to the staging area, while the machine spirit seemed happy to be of help.

_________________________________________________________________

Inquisitor Winsole nodded at Lieutenant Enyo's detour as she continued towards the command centre, the way led by the guardsmen lieutenant himself. Around them, the retinue drew eyes, the very same ones that quickly averted themselves when any of the members looked back directly at them. Only a few of the veterans and the commissars dared to continue their observations, many of the former whispering to each other about what the retinue's suspected purpose on world was while the most of the latter saluted the inquisitor as she passed them.

If Winsole saw any of them, she didn't acknowledge back, to the relieved sigh of many. They approached a moderately sized rockcrete bunker, with a large firing slot in its front. Approaching from the side, the two guards outside saluted at the group's approach, and stood at ease as the Lieutenant saluted back before turning to the retinue.

"Please let us know if there's anything else you might need, inquisitor." Winsole's curt nod allowed their guides to disappear into the organised chaos of the camp once more. Just as the Ordo Malleus member stepped towards the opening into the bunker, a voice within reached outside.

The colonel's voice, to be exact. "I ought to bring a commissar in here and have you all shot. This is nothing less than an act of mutiny while we commence for the Terra damned invasion of the Calixis Sector." Winsole paused, content to observe the meeting from the doorway. Any other member of the retinue could look in to see a group of guardsmen, all of them non-commissioned officers within the 97th, standing at attention. On the other side of a command table, a very irate Colonel Kingsley addressed them.

"Sergeant Hasley."

"Sir," a man on the far left of the colonel replied.

"Turn in your strips and collect your gear. You are hereby transferred out of my regiment," Colonel Kingsley barked, pointing at the man in question.

"Sir," Sergeant Hasley replied, saluting.

"Get out." The Sergeant stepped forward, turned towards the doorway, and marched out. He hesitated for a moment at the sight of Winsole, before saluting silently as he passed. Winsole ignored him, and the man let out a breath of relief as he quickly vacated the area. Back in the command centre, Colonel Kingsley turned his attention back to the remainder of the men.

"Sergeant Rinci."

"Sir?" a man that stood next to empty spot almost whimpered.

"You consider yourself lucky I'm only busting you down to private." Before the now Private Rinci could reply, Kingsley glared at the rest of the men. "All of you NCOs have disgraced the 97th Terran Guard! You count the Emperor's blessing that we are in the middle of the largest military action in the history of this regiment, which leaves me no choice," he said, staring angrily at each of the men individually, "but to spare your lives. Now get out of my command centre and get out of my sight."

The men saluted together, before the colonel responded once more. "Get." They snapped their salute, before turning as one, and filing out of the command centre in a single file, all the while having their back stared down by Colonel Kingsley. Like Sergeant Hasley, they hesitated at the sight of the inquisitor and similarly saluted while breathing a sigh of relief at being ignored by her.

The group marched away together, though if any of the retinue members decided to look back at them, they could see the remaining NCOs, along with Private Rinci, saluting a slightly confused but somewhat touched lieutenant, who had been overseeing the unloading of a truck full of combat rations. The lieutenant saluted them back as they passed, before pausing for a moment in thought and then returning to his duties.

With the meeting concluded, Winsole looked to the rest of the retinue. "You may join me or wait outside, but be prepared to move out when the colonel finishes his report to me." With that, she entered the bunker, followed by Stormtrooper Ausmar. The colonel straightened at the sight of Winsole, before saluting her himself. Winsole waved her hand dismissively before looking at the dark skinned man.

"Having trouble within your ranks already, colonel?"

Kingsley frowned, before shaking his head. "Just some trouble within Easy Company. I'll have it sorted once I've briefed you inquisitor. Nothing to be concerned about."

Winsole stared at him before nodding. "Very well, I shall take your word for it. Now what do you have for me." She began to look down at the command table, before noticing Kingsley offering her a data slate.

"This came in moments after you landed. For your eyes only I believe."

Taking the data slate with an eyebrow raised, Winsole looked it over quickly, before turning to the stormtrooper at her side. "Ausmar, you're being attached to the 32nd, effective immediately. There's a transport waiting for you at the main landing site. Report to Colonel Ruthstein as soon as possible." With that, the stormtrooper saluted, before turning around and leaving the command centre. The data slate addressed, the inquisitor and the colonel both looked to the command table at hand.

The table detailed large walls, the closest section to the staging area. Units had already designated attack routes along with objectives. No less than three companies would assault the fortification at once. However, the plan seemed to miss a classic element of Imperial Guard.

"We've got order to minimise collateral damage, otherwise I would just have the artillery level those walls before charging in with our leman russes." The colonel pointed out the attack plan, indicating the unenviable infantry tasked with the frontal assault. "We've got a few main battle tanks, but most of the armour units will be our chimeras. I've got a few hellhounds on standby though, just in case we need them.

The first assault should have just started," Kingsley pointed out of the large firing slot behind him. In the distance, lasgun fire and small explosion could be seen near the walls. "We should have the fortifications by sundown today, but that would also me we have to cut our way across their main force, as they would throw everything they can to slow or stop our main attack." He then pointed out a section of the wall that guarded the flank of the prison facility. It faced a different direction from the invading force and seemed neglected.

"I've assigned our veteran company, Hunter Company, to go with you. There's a sally gate for external supplies in this section of the walls. We should draw most, if not all, of the defenders to us. This way, you and your retinue can enter the compound from that direction, circumnavigate the core of the defenders, and cut the head off of their command before we need to shoot our way into the centre of the facilities." Kingsley then indicated a separate section of the staging area, where a small, insignificant looking flag had been placed.

"Hunter is currently gathered here and awaiting your command. As soon as you give the word, they can deploy with you in their chimera formation."

The inquisitor nodded. "Very well, colonel. The plan seems acceptable. I shall gather up this 'Hunter' company then." Winsole began to depart, before looking back at the colonel. "I wouldn't overly worry about collateral damage, colonel. If there's any taint here, everything involved will need to be cleansed anyways."

With that, she left a thoughtful Kingsley behind, before walking outside and linking up on the retinue wide vox comms. "Assemble at staging area X as soon as possible. We will deploy with Hunter Company of the 97th Terran Guard for our assault on the prison once all final preparations are made." Inquisitor Winsole then took the retinue members near her and departed for their destination herself.


______________________________________________________________

Staging area X had lines of camouflaged chimeras lined up, their hatches opened. Rows of guardsmen, likely divided by squad, formed up behind each, all crouching in preparation for their deployment. More than a few prayed, alone or corporately. A large amount of them went over their gear, with several attaching tech priest enginseers moving amongst them, working with the machine spirits within their gear when not attending to the chimeras and their crews themselves.

Several commissars and priests from the ecclesiarchy also roamed around, attending to the morale of the men. Some ate, while others looked as though food was the last thing on their mind. The reactions varied, though all had been of men knowing that they would taste battle, and likely severe fighting, in but a few moments. From impromptu games of regicide to somber silences, the spectrum of the military presented itself in the scene. Many however looked on with curiosity and slight dread at the inquisitor in their midst, shooting stares over at Winsole when they think she wasn't looking.

The retinue members would find this a smaller scene of the camp around them when they arrive, either individually or with the inquisitor. Winsole herself would stand to the side, conversing with a captain and his executive officer on the plan ahead. Some would notice that the crate of supplies loaded up onto the Aquila Lander not too long ago had been unloaded, and was attached to one of the chimeras. The crate had been painted over too, to match the winter camouflage of the rest of the vehicles.

The force would deploy to the front line soon, but for now, they had a moment of calm before the storm.


@High_Adept_Zeth
@bossaroo
@Maleth
@Uriel1339
@Shadhunter
@Redthirst


SNAFU

The two guardsmen, both non-commission officers, gave a smirk at the Ultramar Auxiliary, before each giving a casual snap salute to him. "Sergeant Walker. This here's Corporal Allen. 2nd Squad, Third Platoon, Fox Company, 97th Terran Guard." The older man had a full beard, though somewhat reasonably groomed. The young man looked as though he had completed training not too long ago, and was cleanly shaven. Both had their lasguns slung over their shoulders.

"So, you're the relief force huh? Where's the rest of the 142nd?" Walker looked around, though his tone more curious than condescending. Allen looked dubiously at the Emperor's Mercy bars in Enyo's hands before shrugging and taking them.

"More food never hurts, even if they taste worse than what we scrape off our boots after a particularly hard march."

Walker smirked and took his bar. "Hey if it keeps you alive, you get to kill for the Emperor for another day." He grinned before continuing. "Ultramar huh? You're a long way from home aren't you, Virtus?" He then looked to the sky and gave a thoughtful pause. "Aren't we all," he added, at a softer tone. Snapping out of it, the sergeant looked over to Enyo. "Yeah, lunch. Just came from the grib hall ourselves. If we're going to die today might as well do it with a full stomach."

Allen exchanged a smirk with him. "Even if it's the slop they served that kills us."

Walker then looked over at the distant wall of the prison, along with the sounds of fighting echoing back at them.

"High command wants to retake this world along with its facilities, so no large guns for us. Will kill more of us boots on the ground, but when has that ever been a concern for them huh?" Again, interesting that there was not even a sliver of bitterness in the sergeant's tone, just a joking acceptance of the situation at hand. "Well, at least when we get bloodied, it'll be with our hands, not hiding like cowards behind our armour."

Just then Enyo got the message from the inquisitor about the staging area, while the two guardsmen looked wistfully over at the battle in the distance.


@Uriel1339