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True Adamance
Praetoriani Classiarii Templares
Praetoria Imperialis Excubitoris
6879
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Posted - 2014.02.10 21:22:00 -
[1] - Quote
"You don't have to do this again" Satja cried, her voice was shaking. "These monsters aren't like the others. They won't just let you die.....they'll know what you are an-"
Kador waved her concerns away in a single dismissive gesture.
He didn't look, nor felt for that matter, the way he usually did. His eyes were hard chips of green, on a sun blasted face, the strong jaw was drawn, with mouth set in matching hard line which made the classically Amarrian feature of his face seem twisted some how.
Even the simple roughspun garb was dishevelled. He had dashed right from the main concourse of the station back to his quarters, Satja lagging behind his almost obsessively driven steps. The tunic was untucked and its white fabric spilled down onto his thighs and damp with the phycial exertions his leisure clone was not wholly designed for. The two top buttons of the leather overcoat had popped off somewhere, small thread of cotton stuck out jaggedly from the slight rends in his garb. Even the crimson sash and medal of St Agelioth were crooked.
"You don't understand little one" he said, intending to be reassuring, but his voice came out hard and uncompromising. "That is exactly why they need to die."
Silence enveloped the small living quarters. The half light of the room was alive. The dim light from a number of flickering candles, and incessant corporate advertising flashing from the screen of the Neo Com unit beside his bed lit up the almost golden wall of the cell.
A minute passed, and the Matari woman said nothing, only continued to stare at him, the expression on her face somewhere between accusing, betrayed, and frightened. Then she spoke.
"But this time I won't be able to come with you.... or help you" she mumbled awkwardly, looked away.
Kador flinched.
It shamed him to admit but in the righteous rage he had felt at receiving word on the "Bloodhunt" he had forgotten entirely about his responsibilities as her master. It was an almost physical sense of burning shame....but he had to control that.
Already he could feel that cold pall of hate settle over him.
He rubbed at his temples, closing his eyes, trying to find his balance between the two. That sense of righteous purpose, but reserved control.
When he open his eyes the Templar in him spoke.
"I know, and I appreciate that. But I was made for this. To protect the Empire, and its people" he said matter of factly, placing a hand on her shoulder. Through her own loose fitting tunic he could feel the scar tissue and burn marks from Iesa III where the flaming shard of dropship had almost amputated her arm nearly 9 months earlier.
Another flare of the puritanical anger that focused his combat actions raced up his spine. It was cold, always was. Pure, unemotive but so deeply rooted in his Faith. The immortal destiny of his people would be seen though, and no heretic or rebel would be able to prevent that.
His grip momentarily tightened, as that anger flashed across his face.
This was her turn to flinch, she pulled away abruptly, now the tears were visible in her eyes. He could tell she knew it was her fault, or at least thought it was.
"You can't leave me behind, its my duty to aid you" her voice was barely a whisper, but the Ammarad she spoke was unmistably tinged, and slurred by her Vherokior dialect.
"I will kill them" he continued, unphased. "Bring God's righteous wrath down upon them and judge their heretical and abominable deeds for what they are. If it is your duty to aid me then aid me, just as it is mine to slay these monsters."
Another minute passed, she didn't even look at him, just nodded meekly.
"Good then" he said, removing the dishevelled clothes, moved to the larger of the two cots in the corner of the room, laid down beneath the silky covers.
"When I am gone" his voice was now authoritative, but gentle. " I need you to see to re-registering us with access to the Praetoriani facilities, if possible speak with Aero, maybe Niina, secure another transaction for my equipment, and then head to the Cathedral of the Stayed Sword for some time to reflect.....I like the cloister of St Anoyia...."
With that the clones eyes rolled back in its head, and the Templar, Kador, was gone.
***************
It was always a unique experience, being reborn, taking that first breath of a new body, and reaffirming his Faith in God, his loyalty to the Empire and his Empress.
The room was coming into focus rapidly, his visions slowly spreading, as the shadows drew back from his eyes, God willing they would be as sharp now as ever they were. As light returned to the room two words were the very centre of his being.
"Bloodhunt"
"Just know that though our enemies may only #YOLO, through God's grace we can #YOLF at his side." - Disciple of Kesha
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True Adamance
Praetoriani Classiarii Templares
Praetoria Imperialis Excubitoris
6939
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Posted - 2014.02.11 21:35:00 -
[2] - Quote
Kador ignored the Gallentean as best he could, a brief grunt of distaste the only audible sign that he had even acknowledge the mans presence.
He reclined in the chair, brooding.
Despite his imbalance of humours it was reassuring to see both Templar Steadyhand and Denak, both veterans of innumerable battles, but also warriors of great prowess he had been fortunate enough to serve beside on his mission to bring light to the stars.
He briefly considered sending Satja a message, perhaps her concerns would be lessened to know a friend, and another Templar were with him on his crusade, but he relented.
If anything, he considered, it would only serve to make her more concerned, and begged the question as to why were they here?
He released his grip on the "Bloodhunt" datapad, placed it gently on the desk, and hailed Denak with a sharp wave.
"Ave Denak" he said, again he tried to make the tone as friendly and reassuring as possible, but the result was a mangled, standoffish greeting, heavily tinged with an Ammaradi accent that trailed off. "It is good to see you again...and even under such circumstances reassuring...."
He laughed bitterly, surveying the other mercenaries in the room, looking at them he doubted more than half even knew what they were signing on for. Bloodraiders weren't like ordinary pirates. He knew this all to well, did they? If even one of them was half prepared for this they would all die.....or worse.
"See how many have come to do God's work. " His voice coloured with open derision.
"Just know that though our enemies may only #YOLO, through God's grace we can #YOLF at his side." - Disciple of Kesha
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True Adamance
Praetoriani Classiarii Templares
Praetoria Imperialis Excubitoris
6950
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Posted - 2014.02.11 23:11:00 -
[3] - Quote
"Not here" he replied, this time a bit more casually. "Since this isn't an Imperial operation it doesn't seem likely there will secondary lines for support personnel....not to mention these bastards very nearly killed her once already. I'm not taking that risk."
He sighed deeply. The Templar could feel the righteous fire flow out of him almost tangibly. The room seemed a little warmer now.
Denak had that affect on him. Seemed to calm him down, always had in their previous meetings which in of itself was a God given gift, though he supposed Denak didn't see it that way.
Time and time again he had to remind Kador that his beliefs weren't religious in nature, which had to no end vexed the Amarrian. The very concept seemed almost as alien as the Ida seemed to him.
"It's not like she wanted me to leave either....practically begged me not to accept this...job." he admitted, embarrassed. "For a moment I almost didn't.... almost forgot my duty...."
He looked up at the Intaki, from where he was sitting Denak did look remarkably calm. How, he could not be sure. Either some sense of arrogance...or perhaps the contrary. Complete understand on what they faced. Either way Denak's face was inscrutable.
Kador shifted uncomfortably as the Gallentean dropped down in the seat next to him. He began smoothing down the folds in his clothes as he was always wont to do, before turning to the Gallente. For a moment be considered uttering a prayer for his sake, but it would almost be a sin to ask for protection from fools....
"Aye, the very same most like." he responded diplomatically as The Bastard cut in.
"Just know that though our enemies may only #YOLO, through God's grace we can #YOLF at his side." - Disciple of Kesha
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True Adamance
Praetoriani Classiarii Templares
Praetoria Imperialis Excubitoris
6988
|
Posted - 2014.02.12 10:22:00 -
[4] - Quote
Once again Kador was reborn into the world, his fleshing knitting together as thousands of nanites composed his very physical being in an instant. It was a gift from God to be able to be reborn time and time again reaffirming one's Faith, their vows of duty and service, and their very existence, and one that he most certainly did not take for granted.
It was odd to consider in the very moment he became aware of himself that he was nothing more than a swirling mass of nanites, the soft and fleshy organs that formed the being he was, and that as his mind raced to the simple realisation of exactly what he was, that his features were being formed as one might shape clay for a sculpture. As his body neared completion a single sublime arc of pain raced up his spine as the drop suit melded with his spine.
And then he was whole.
Light flooded his eyes but the drop suits advanced photo processors cleared his vision in an instant, as static golden HUD's formed the core of his vision feeding information through the three primary sensors in the Comando Suit's visor, indicating the status of his environment and his allies.
With sudden clarity he dropped thunderously to one knee in ritualistic sending the attending technical officers, a man and a woman, sprawling.
"The Word of the Lord is Pure;
It is a Shield for the Faithful."
He mouthed from the confines of his own personal chapel. He supposed momentarily that few amongst the assembled immortals would understand the divine significance of his dropsuit. More than a simple tool to enable combat, it housed his flesh and spirit, and stood as a bulwark against not only the physical dangers on the battlefield, but the spiritual ones as well.
It was a temple, a shrine, a place of worship for the Faithful.
"Brought unto Men by the Angels;
As a guiding Light in the Darkness."
And he was an angel. One of God's righteous vengeance. And enforcer of His will, and one who would bear the light of he Faith to the darkest corners of this galaxy.
The whole process was indescribably personal. To know what he was, and what he was made for. To venerate God in his own personal chapel, as he completed his duty, while every action was an exaltation to the Divinity above.....
As he finished his prayer he noticed the two startled mortals his actions had sent sprawling to the floor. He rose. Over two metres in hight, now, given the bulk of the Amarrian prototype frame he wore.
He bowed apologetically, as the visor of his face plate retracted revealing the distinctive features of the Amarrian combat clone. I might have scared them but for the sincerity that was easily recognisable across his face, and layered in his tone.
"Allow me. My apologies" He said, offering a hand.
For a moment, he though they might not have taken it, but slowly they did. First the woman, who stood, brushed herself off, tittering nervously, before offering a nervous thank you. Then the man, who was silent, but full of awe.
Waving the two away as they approached to assess his combat attire he stretched, feeling the satisfying, and reassuring bulk of the armour plates as they weighed down his augumented biotic systems. He rolled his arms back in the sockets, enjoying the feeling. The integration of dropsuit with spine was incredibly painful at first but allowed for a sense of extension, as if the dropsuit was.....and it was in a sense, a part of his body.
Beside him the female tech offered him a datapad wordlessly.
He shook his head.
"Can you open my personal stocks if I grant permissions?" He asked tentatively. Smiling as she nodded. "Open the Imperial stocks then and order two of the Solace class HAV templates heavy Beam Lasers, with 120mm Plating, I also need you to find matching pilot interface frames, preferably with cerebral interfacing ports....something snug that fits around the spine."
He meant that as a joke but nonetheless the woman paled at the suggestion. "....and half a dozen Crusader Commando Frames with enough spare charges for the Viziam Laser Rifle as possible."
She nodded again, and wordlessly moved off to do his bidding. For a moment she looked like Satja.....but an instant later the alert from his NeoCom alerted him to a message, and the feeling was gone.
He skimmed the note, sighing deeply, then turned to the Gallentean.
"If Templar Steadyhand clears me for it I can give a briefing to the entire group. You'll learn what you need to know then".
As he spoke more static neural triggers alerted him to different messages incoming from the other members of the squad. The information on the Blood Raiders was what caught his eye.
Information would be essential on a job like this. Blood Raiders were cowards, but they were good at what they did. Any time you hunted them you were playing their game, and then only difference between a successful mission and a life of suffering at their hands was the accuracy of the information you had available to you.
Perhaps, he thought to himself, I should contact the Templares. Alliance wide information on heretic activity in the Bleaks and Devoid could verify what we already have.
A minute later he had submitted a request to Cpt Ordo of the Praetorian Auxiliary fleets requesting access and dissemination of Praetorian surveys. If the green light was given, yet another set of eyes could provide information sorely needed about the Blood Raider threat.
He checked the heavyset gauntlet, marvelling at the artistry of the flowing designs on the bracers, detailed in while gold filigree down the the knucked, augmented with several kinds of alloy, biotic implants, and kinetic accentuators that would give any of his strikes incredible force should the Raider led forces manage to engage him at close range.
sufficiently assured status of his preferred suit was operating at acceptable efficiency, he began calibrations on the laser focusing crystals.....
"Just know that though our enemies may only #YOLO, through God's grace we can #YOLF at his side." - Disciple of Kesha
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True Adamance
Praetoriani Classiarii Templares
Praetoria Imperialis Excubitoris
6989
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Posted - 2014.02.12 10:31:00 -
[5] - Quote
Knowing the Raiders preferred fighting style he had requested a lens exchange system be present on the vehicles allowing him to alternate fire between Aurora and Gleam wavelengths. He knew from experience that if even the slightest miscalculation was present in the projection lenses, or energy output systems the entire turret might miss entirely at a crucial moment, or even seize up due to the massive heat generated by the energy weapon.
This process was another deeply ritualistic. He knew from the outset the equipment he was working with was going to be top notch. This was a CONCORD job, not some run of the mill contract for Viziam or Carthum. But none the less it soothed his frayed nerves and allowed him a piece of mind.
Duties now complete he stepped off the side of the room, very much so aware of the eyes of the two technical specialists still on him. He spared a couple of minutes on them when they came over to him. He answered their questions as best he could with an even-handed grace.
He had to admit they were....precious in a way. So unique in their own ways, but fragile and fleeting. Just like her.
He waved them away. Drew a small copy of Pax Amarria from the pouch at his waist, and began to read, prayers escaping his lips in a whisper, a ghostly echo distorted by the suits build in speaker modules.
"The Word of the Lord is Pure;
Its is a......."
"Just know that though our enemies may only #YOLO, through God's grace we can #YOLF at his side." - Disciple of Kesha
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True Adamance
Praetoriani Classiarii Templares
Praetoria Imperialis Excubitoris
6989
|
Posted - 2014.02.12 11:37:00 -
[6] - Quote
Despite Denak finishing the passage for him, Kador took several moments to finish the complete translation in Ammarad himself.
He glanced up noting the much thinner suit that Denak wore.
Within the suit he frowned. It looked paper thin....was probably skin tight like all the other Gallentean garments you saw. Profoundly different in design from the Amarrian counterparts he placed his faith in, the typical Gallentean combat aesthetic was sorely lacking. It was almost as if its design served no purpose other than a rugged, almost antiquated functionality.
"Never in life Denak" He responded warmly, rising from his kneeling position, and assuming a wider stance as he replaced the Pax Amarrica in the pouch by his waist. He set then to rearranging the fabric that composed his tabard. He'd head the thing called a "battleskirt" before by other mercenaries, as if they thought it might perturb him. Frankly it did not. He felt it looked a fine addition to the armour.....a necessary aesthetic, pleasing to the eye, that other combat attire lacked.
" Never in life, it is easy to make time for a friend." Then in a more concerned tone "......Your dropsuit is looking a little.....lacking. Will it protect you?"
Meanwhile the two technicians approached him again, this time bearing his weapons.
The male carried a deep navy blue "Stormvein" Carthum Assault Scrambler Rifle, embossed with lines of deep gold, and shot through with pure marble lines, jagged, strangely geometric in their chaos. It was a work of art by the standard of fire arms. As much a symbol of the Faith as it was a tool of murder. Laid next to that, ready to be fit into his ammunition dispenser unit a row of six energy cells for the rifle.
Kador raised his arms, t-posed out he suppose he would have looked the fool, but for the bulk of the Commando frame. Now its mass was entirely visible. His frame was naturally suited for large dropsuits, his brawlers physique only accentuated now by the 20mm plating on the shoulders and chest, and a blast guard jutted out from his sternum. The tech fitted the rifle into its cradle, then began inserting the cells into the dispenser unit at his waist, keeping the Carthum's cell to his left hip.
After this process was complete the female approached. She held in her hands an elaborately carved and custom fit Imperial Viziam Laser Rifle. It was a pure platinum, custom designed, black concentric designs ran its surface, as the fluid carving in old Ammarad lined its plating. If the "Stormvein" was art in detail, then this as a simple beauty. Stark and pure.
Like the male before her she moved to fit the secondary light weapon to his other cradle. But the Templar shook his head. He plucked the rifle from her hand deftly. Careful not to crush her fingers between the heavy armoured fists. Then levelled the weapon at the far wall.
He felt the weight. It was nice, heavier. This variant would last longest without overheating, and that would be necessary mid fight. Poor heat control would cost him clones, or worse if he was not careful.
Returning to an "at ease" position Kador turned to face Denak once more.
"Just know that though our enemies may only #YOLO, through God's grace we can #YOLF at his side." - Disciple of Kesha
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True Adamance
Praetoriani Classiarii Templares
Praetoria Imperialis Excubitoris
7045
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Posted - 2014.02.13 08:41:00 -
[7] - Quote
Kador turned to face the young Caldari man, noting with some sense of concern the youth that was evident in his features. The Amarr placed heavy value on age and experience, and though he did not doubt his ally, he did worry. They knew so littleGǪ.
GÇ£What you will see down there will change you.GÇ¥ He said solemnly. GÇ£ Like looking into the very depths of hell, where only madness and deviancy lies.GÇ¥
He cleared his throat and began to speak in an authoritative tone, pacing back and for the every couple of seconds.
"Please gather around everyone, this is not an official briefing but the information and experience Steady and I have hunting these heretics could well mean the difference between our missions success, or failure.
Firstly I shall introduce myself. My name is Kador Ouryon, formerly of the Empress's Imperial Templar Orders, formerly of the Sarum Imperial Household Guard 6th Company, and Ensign soldier of the Praetoria Imperialis Excubatoris personal order, the Praetoriani Classiarii Templares. You may call me Templar Ouryon for the sake of brevity."
He paused, wondering if even half were listening to him. It mattered not though. Information would be what decided whether of not these men came back from the operation. Information that could prevent their capture, torture, and spiritual ****. He sincerely hoped they would listen and learn.
Beyond the group was Templar Steadyhand, whom Kador knew was a veteran of more crusades than he himself would ever know, a founding Templar, a first generation clone.
But the rest....they were ignorant of those they were to slay. It would not do.
"I have no doubt all of you are veterans of many campaigns across the stars of New Eden. You would not have been admitted to this operation otherwiseGǪ.but common security contracts for businessmen and nobles will not prepare you for combat against these monsters.Gǥ
He surveyed them once again.
GÇ£How many of you have fought criminal groups CONCORD has labelled as pirates?GÇ¥
He nodded, satisfied as most, if not all hands were raised.
Gǣ Good. However this experience means nothing to the Blood Raiders. They are not like normal Pirate scum. They are fundamentally different from the common criminals that infest this clusterGǪ..because unlike the others they are not concerned with the preservation of their lives, nor profit, plunder, or position. They are pleasure seekers of the worst kind.
They are in fact a deviant strain of the Faith under the designation Sani Sabik . This term refers to strains of Amarrian cults which are at all times, and for all time declared heretics by the Theological Council. As such, and unlike the True Amarr, they have no sense of a merciful God, as such their capacity for cruelty and bloodshed is unlike that of any other group known to be operating within the cluster.
They arm themselves with laser based technology as well as making use of captured and defiled Amarrian combat equipment. As their name would have you believe they are Raiders. As such they do not favour direct combat, so from this we can assume their ground forces are likely to fit the model of skirmishers, slightly less armoured traditional Amarrian counterparts, with armour composed of light metal composites, and ferroscale plating.
As a direct result they are more mobile, and aggressive in their actions. They frequently board ships and in order to take captives, and will go to great lengths to extract fresh sources of blood from their victims, either taking it directly from the source. Thus they will likely make use of close quarters weaponry ranging from antiquated shock whips to various other cruel incapacitating weapons.
To our detriment their deviancy knows no limits as they also believe Clone blood is more pure and sacred than human blood. As such they will at every opportunity possible attempt to capture us alive.
Know this. These things are not human anymore, they forsook that when the left their mercy and sense of human dignity behind. They are evil.
If you are separated from TAC NET and CRU support you could end up as the Raiders new pet for the rest of your immortality. Do not under any circumstance separate yourself from one another.
I should not have to explain this further but these monsters, and they are not human anymore, are the epitome of evil. No quarter shall be offered, nor mercy given. Every prisoner executed, every slave rescued. Every blood stained heathen destroyed.GÇ¥
He finished the speech. Stared out at the gathered mercenaries, his friend, and the Brother Templar.
GÇ£ I have taken the liberty of contacting Praetorian Intelligence officers and requested any files pertaining to Blood Raider activity be supplied to our NeoCom units, please be aware that this information will likely be the difference between our success or failure."
"Any questions?GÇ¥ he asked, his tone heavily marred by hate. The righteous fire had returned, it blazed within him. He liked to think they could see it in his face, the passion for the hunt, the hate of his foe, but more importantly, the righteousness of his cause.
"Just know that though our enemies may only #YOLO, through God's grace we can #YOLF at his side." - Disciple of Kesha
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True Adamance
Praetoriani Classiarii Templares
Praetoria Imperialis Excubitoris
7056
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Posted - 2014.02.13 20:41:00 -
[8] - Quote
As Ermac spoke Kador felt a chill swiftly run down his spine. Of all the horrors he had seen the blooded corpses of the women and children were the worst....they looks so fragile in death. So small and lost. How anyone could commit such atrocities against them he did not know. However what saddened him more, through sheer pain of knowing was that their souls would never reach God's side.
" Please Ermac, Templar Ouryon wills suffice....however brother templar is right Ermac. We cannot save them all. Many will be beyond our help, many more still will be dead by the time our mission is done." The sorrow was evident in his voice, but the words told of a deeper necessity that was fire, violence, and the finality of death.
"But for every one we slay, we prevent a dozen more victims." The Temple Knight looked down at the younger Caldari, he supposed the man was angry, it would almost be inhuman not to be. "But never forget to exercise restraint. It may be a noble thing to slay them, to judge them unworthy and sentence death for their sins in life. But we should never forget that we hold to a righteous purpose....."
He trails off as another alert comes through from his NeoCom unit. He skims it briefly. I was what he had feared when he had looked upon his friends choice of dropsuit. This had somewhat been mitigated by the revelation of the visual dampening technology Denak possessed but it did little to ease his worries.
He tapped out a quick affirmative response.
True Adamance wrote:
From: True Adamance
To: Denak Kalamari, steadyhand amarr
Aye Denak, we have much to discuss.
He turned to Ermac.
"Watch your flanks out there. Shoot for the joints in their armour, under the arms, the thighs, and the neck. Shoot hard, don't stop and pray to God one doesn't get close enough to plunge a Blooding Knife in your flesh. Let me know if you need anything else."
He places a reassuring hand on Ermac's should, at the same time very careful not to pulp the clones shoulder with his grip, before moving off to talk with Denak and Steadyhand.
"Just know that though our enemies may only #YOLO, through God's grace we can #YOLF at his side." - Disciple of Kesha
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True Adamance
Praetoriani Classiarii Templares
Praetoria Imperialis Excubitoris
7056
|
Posted - 2014.02.14 00:33:00 -
[9] - Quote
As the information was passed through to his dropsuits heads up display Kador was shocked to find a number of changes to the standard Gallentean design. Increased personal dampening technologies had been included, not to mention the visual distortion field Denak was capable of producing at a moments notice.
We've never hunted with one like this, he considered with growing excitement, how can the raiders capture what they cannot see?
He felt something small, but weightly drop into the palm of his hand. A small device he recognised instantly. A remote detonator. He glanced up, surprised, unsure of its purpose
Kador held the small detonator in his hand with a certain reverence. Denak had place his safety, his being, and perhaps fate in his hands. It was an awesome responsibility and sign of deep trust. He ran his thumb over its smooth surface, thumbing the activation rune, or button he supposed the Intaki would have called it., before flipping the protective catch shut and placing it in the fabric pouch, just above the waist, of his tabard.
He also noted the Intaki had taken his experience to heart, and did not doubt his resolve and skill at arms.....only that he underestimated the capacity for cruelty of the men he was about to kill.
A reassuring hand clamped down on his should. Initially he considered pulling away, it was a sudden show of comradery that he had not typically expected to see in Denak's nature.
"I shall bear this burden with honour Denak." He said warmly. "Good luck and God be with you. I shall have you back as though you were a Brother Templar yourself."
He wasn't of course, but it mattered not. He had earned Kador's respect and friendship long before the operation as Steadyhand had during the Junip Crusade, the swift and brutal seizing of Arzad and surrounding systems from occupying Matari soldiers, both receiving in Memorandum medals of St Agelioth, and honour beyond honours.
For a moment he stood their, listening to Denak's proposal. Ultimately the decision would be his, or Steadyhand's perhaps with his endorsement. He looked at the Intaki who looked deceptively small, but was as tall, lithe with a mixture of regret and self loathing.
This was an opportunity for not just them, but the wider Empire as whole.
Could a singular man operate alone against Raiders, without the support of multiple operatives or support units? He hated himself for even considering what he was about to do, say, and by extent put Denak through.
It was ignoble, a betrayal of sorts, to put his friend at undue risk....against such monsters. He did not doubt the man's skill, but the possibilities burrowed into his mind. What would happen to his friend if he was too late. To slow. Unable to be there at the right time.
"You can do this?" He muttered, the hesitation and in his voice marred and subdued as a result of the dropsuits internal communications. To anyone else it would have sounded like an affirmation, but encased in that that reclusive spiritual chapel it was hollow. " Your capacity for covert actions is second to none my friend. I want to trust in you....as I want you to trust in me. I believe he can do this Steadyhand."
He shifted to a personal channel. "It is a chance for us Brother Templar, and chance for our people learn."
The final wave of shame washed over him, dousing that righteous fire that ran so deeply to his core. And in that moment, and the sounds of each man's ritualistic preparations met his ears, he considered himself damned.
"Just know that though our enemies may only #YOLO, through God's grace we can #YOLF at his side." - Disciple of Kesha
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True Adamance
Praetoriani Classiarii Templares
Praetoria Imperialis Excubitoris
7056
|
Posted - 2014.02.14 00:43:00 -
[10] - Quote
....REDACTED for slight expositional post.
"Just know that though our enemies may only #YOLO, through God's grace we can #YOLF at his side." - Disciple of Kesha
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True Adamance
Praetoriani Classiarii Templares
Praetoria Imperialis Excubitoris
7060
|
Posted - 2014.02.14 02:49:00 -
[11] - Quote
The Templar flinched as if stung, as the Intaki man spoke the words of his people.
Though he was sure Denak did not know the deeper implications and interpretation of that phrase, the words wounded Kador, more he though than any weapon could.
The worlds of St Junip spoke of two things every Amarrian soldiers knew well. The value of sacrifice and courage, and the implicit trust between brothers. He remembered, with great sadness as a child learning of how Zakara had sacrificed his life for Garum, throwing himself unarmed at the beast that attacked his brother to buy him time to strike. Of how even in death nothing could come between them, and how Zakara assured his brother that even parted the two would remain bound by the bonds of their love for one another.
Perhaps his own emotions form Denak were not so strong, however the man was a friend. He had many brothers but perhaps only one friend.
"Ave Denak, God protect you." he replied quietly as the Intaki man turned to accept the Heathen's gift, uttering under his breath another prayer to God.
Which brother will I turn out to be?
He was torn between his loyalty to Denak, and duty to return to Satja......
Either way he lost.
"Just know that though our enemies may only #YOLO, through God's grace we can #YOLF at his side." - Disciple of Kesha
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True Adamance
Praetoriani Classiarii Templares
Praetoria Imperialis Excubitoris
7064
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Posted - 2014.02.14 23:25:00 -
[12] - Quote
PAUSED so True can utter a prayed from the dropship as per steady's request.
"Just know that though our enemies may only #YOLO, through God's grace we can #YOLF at his side." - Disciple of Kesha
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True Adamance
Praetoriani Classiarii Templares
Praetoria Imperialis Excubitoris
7069
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Posted - 2014.02.15 06:37:00 -
[13] - Quote
PAUSE for my response to Ermac
"Just know that though our enemies may only #YOLO, through God's grace we can #YOLF at his side." - Disciple of Kesha
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True Adamance
Praetoriani Classiarii Templares
Praetoria Imperialis Excubitoris
7096
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Posted - 2014.02.15 21:09:00 -
[14] - Quote
PAUSE to help Denak and for True to die.
"Just know that though our enemies may only #YOLO, through God's grace we can #YOLF at his side." - Disciple of Kesha
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True Adamance
Praetoriani Classiarii Templares
Praetoria Imperialis Excubitoris
7120
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Posted - 2014.02.16 20:34:00 -
[15] - Quote
Pause need to figure out where to spawn and WTF to do?
"Just know that though our enemies may only #YOLO, through God's grace we can #YOLF at his side." - Disciple of Kesha
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True Adamance
Praetoriani Classiarii Templares
Praetoria Imperialis Excubitoris
7145
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Posted - 2014.02.17 01:24:00 -
[16] - Quote
PAUSED for Impact......
.......Generating Scenario Results........
"Just know that though our enemies may only #YOLO, through God's grace we can #YOLF at his side." - Disciple of Kesha
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True Adamance
Praetoriani Classiarii Templares
Praetoria Imperialis Excubitoris
7217
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Posted - 2014.02.18 01:48:00 -
[17] - Quote
Need nother post.
"Just know that though our enemies may only #YOLO, through God's grace we can #YOLF at his side." - Disciple of Kesha
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True Adamance
Praetoriani Classiarii Templares
Praetoria Imperialis Excubitoris
7355
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Posted - 2014.02.20 09:00:00 -
[18] - Quote
He gunned the engines, forging his way between two scorching beams of pure energy, ignoring the wailing of the internal sirens as the damage inflicted upon his hull penetrated the amour, tearning great gouges from the hide of the Truest Adamance.
Denak had fallen.
Kador had seen it happen himself, the man was practically lit up by Raider gunfire, and fell from the tanks cupola in to the dust below. He couldn't see his friend, sand was being kicked up and the great amount of heat exhausts from the tanks had been vitrifying the planets surface.
There was no time for thought. If Denak was still alive Kador had to either ensure the clone was salvaged or terminated, and such was unlikely unless he could remove the armoured threat from the theatre. What he and Ermac had started upon the initial drop would be finished here and now, preserving not only his pride, but ensuring the justice of his Empire be done upon its enemies.
Arrogant and fooldhardy in his youth, the pilot of the Bloodsport leapt forth to meet his charge head on.
Kador held his fire until there was no more than 50m between them. He broadsided the enemy tank with everything he could muster. Two consecutive beams reduced the Bloodsport to a twisted wreck and a pool of molten metal, boring through the thick shielding, and scoring a long line, along the HAV's treads, and up the main hull to the cupola where the beam scythed through inches of armour plating to detonate the main heat exchange.
The explosion was catastrophic. Another plume of smoke rose high into the air proclaiming his victory, the thick acrid smoke poured of the Bloodsport's disfigured form, breaching the cockpit through the great rends in his armour, which only now were the swarms of nanite repair units beginning to target.
However the Harbinger's pilot was much more cautious.
The Harbinger tracked slightly to the right, exposing the angle of its armour as Kador himself had done initially during the opening momments of the engagement. His own laser carefully following the Adamance's own movements.
Another beam ripped through the Templar's shield, buckling a small segment of armour beneath and for the briefest of seconds before he manually overrode the Nanites diagnostic protocols to seal the gaping wound, was exposed to the dust filled air, now scorching hot in the wake of such mighty energies.
"The Word of the Lord is Pure"
It was a phrase repeated over and over again in his mind, the beginnings of one of his moments of divine inspiration.
"It is a Shield for the Faithful."
As the din of battle seemed to die around him, the righteous fire spilling out of his limbs, forming a burning ring around him.
"Brought unto the Men by the Angels."
A sublime moment where his course was sure, and his purpose affirmed.
"As a Guiding Light in the Darkness."
Without a moments hesitations, for questioning the providence of God was tantamount to blasphemy in of itself, he shifted gears, angling himself to counter the Harbinger. The manoeuvre must has surprise his foe as he slowed his firing patterns, the barrel of the main cannon jerking oddly to the left an inch, sending a single beam arcing out into the distance.
The engine roared as his accelerated. Faster, much faster than standard safety regulations suggested combat speed be set to, within seconds at his maximum velocity, now bearing down the enemy machine.
He directed all of his consciousness to the maintenance of his defensive modules now, imagining a bastion before him, an impenetrable wall of pure white light through which no heresies would pass, no harm would befall him, and death, even so transient as it was, could not touch him.
With a mighty groan the starboard side of the Adamance's hull ground up against the hull of the Harbinger, sending shuddering reverberations through out the length of the Templar's machine. He could feel the impact in his mind, dispersing all thought, and dispersing the mental barrier that had held his defences together.
The two tanks were now locked together in a bitter close quarters struggle as both pilots kept pushing their machines forwads, driving deep track marks into the sand, as they strove against one another's power cores hoping to gain an advantage.
However Kador was right where we intended to be.
As the forces strove to try to secure positional dominance the turrets closed in on the main hulls of the each tank, looking to land the killing blow.
Kador had won.
The Harbinger's main barrel struck the rear of his cupola, and for a moment completely ceased moving, as the horror of the Raider's position sunk in. He could not track the barrel of the pulse laser, as suited as it was for close range combat any further around. Fire lanced from it barrel in frustration, searing through a section of the cupola's armour, then slowly began to track the other way.
Meanwhile Kador had levelled his own laser directly at his foe's forward hull, just below where he thought the flesh and blood body of the Raider was likely to be.
Purifying light burst from the Laser Cannon, tearing away the thick layers of segmented armour carving the HAV in twain, incinerating the flesh of the heretic, leaving a loud bestial scream on the winds as his foe's deathcry rang out.
He had no time though.
Denak was still down.
His sensors scanned the field for the fallen clones body, and to his immense relief found the Intaki, partially covered by a think screen of vitrified glass, and very much so alive.
He wheeled the Adamance around, placing his own armoured bulk between the small arms fire of the remaining Raiders in the bastions as his friend.
"Denak!" His voice radiated with concern and authority. " Are you..... Denak we need you! Get up! Get up now!"
"Just know that though our enemies may only #YOLO, through God's grace we can #YOLF at his side." - Disciple of Kesha
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True Adamance
Praetoriani Classiarii Templares
Praetoria Imperialis Excubitoris
7868
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Posted - 2014.03.05 03:12:00 -
[19] - Quote
Post
"War is not hell, far from it. War is beautiful. War is divine."
- Grand Admiral Mekioth Sarum
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True Adamance
Praetoriani Classiarii Templares
Praetoria Imperialis Excubitoris
8004
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Posted - 2014.03.08 06:50:00 -
[20] - Quote
Nice posts everyone
Working on the continuation of our flight back to save Steady!
"War is not hell, far from it. War is beautiful. War is divine."
- Grand Admiral Mekioth Sarum
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True Adamance
Praetoriani Classiarii Templares
Praetoria Imperialis Excubitoris
8257
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Posted - 2014.03.15 21:39:00 -
[21] - Quote
PAUSED AS WELL!
" ..- -.- --. I wish I remembered morse code so I wasn't typing random letters"
- Malleus Malificorum
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