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Post by Fate's End on Sept 8, 2024 22:59:42 GMT -5
Ilona dutifully stayed next to Treston, following her to the gatehouse while pointedly not waving back to the "Lucifer Black". He was trouble, she was sure. But the the sort of trouble that might get her killed if she wasn't careful.
Moments later she stoically turned around and used her tall form to block any view as much as possible while Treston was ill in the corner. The truck had been odd, and Ilona had only been outside of it, not talking to whoever or whatever was inside the vehicle. Mordians were steel, but even Mordians still had stomachs that could be tricked into giving up their contents on occasion. It felt natural and right to make sure no one, including herself, saw Treston ill.
As the other woman moved to the log and filled it out, Ilona was tempted to try and look at the entry, to find out what had been within. But again, the image of the Lucifer Black came into her head and she shuddered. Better not to. Two previous thoughts of the day came to mind, both seemingly applicable. Ignorance is a virtue, and also and one's best defense. Yes, that also seemed right.
So she kept quiet, not mentioning the other woman's illness, or looking at the log book in any sort of detail. Focusing only on the world outside the firing slits, and a firm desire to go back to her bunk in the near future and hide away from the world.
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Post by LaxKnight on Sept 9, 2024 1:28:51 GMT -5
With the ominous truck now past the gate, it seemed like the entire world let out a sigh of relief. Even the snow seemed like it was falling lighter than before, and the cold was much more bearable now that the chill brushing their souls was gone. Perhaps even a bit of optimism was seeping in that the worst was behind them. As the common proverb goes though, hope is the first step on the road to disappointment. ((No one feels the effects of the truck anymore as it has left the scene.))
Adela watches the truck drive by as she marches back to the guardhouse. She keeps her posture and motions precise and proper, like any good Mordian. Upon exiting the view of the transport and any of the troopers on the gate, does she break this illusion, tearing off her scarf and immediately hurling in the corner, partially from being exposed to the Blanks for so long, and partially from nerves. Now that the pressure of the Sisters are gone, she can’t help but feel a bit guilty for how she handled the situation. Perhaps it was the stress of “command” or the stress of the exposure to the Blanks, she felt she handled it more aggressively than she should have, specifically based on how cooperative the Sisters had been. Yet again, as Mordian she can’t help that it was the correct action. Slowly she moves to the log, and records the whole event as, “Transport Truck. Cargo: Personnel. Cleared by Medic on Duty and Transport’s Commander.” Ilona dutifully stayed next to Treston, following her to the gatehouse while pointedly not waving back to the "Lucifer Black". He was trouble, she was sure. But the the sort of trouble that might get her killed if she wasn't careful. Moments later she stoically turned around and used her tall form to block any view as much as possible while Treston was ill in the corner. The truck had been odd, and Ilona had only been outside of it, not talking to whoever or whatever was inside the vehicle. Mordians were steel, but even Mordians still had stomachs that could be tricked into giving up their contents on occasion. It felt natural and right to make sure no one, including herself, saw Treston ill. As the other woman moved to the log and filled it out, Ilona was tempted to try and look at the entry, to find out what had been within. But again, the image of the Lucifer Black came into her head and she shuddered. Better not to. Two previous thoughts of the day came to mind, both seemingly applicable. Ignorance is a virtue, and also and one's best defense. Yes, that also seemed right. So she kept quiet, not mentioning the other woman's illness, or looking at the log book in any sort of detail. Focusing only on the world outside the firing slits, and a firm desire to go back to her bunk in the near future and hide away from the world. “Guard the Enginseer, roger command. Gate out.” Dekker puts back the vox speaker and heads back towards the gate. She sees the truck leaving and stands up a little straighter, glad to be done with that portion of her night. Spotting Treston, she detours slightly to report to her, “Command is sending a tech priest out to get that wagon moving. They wanted an escort for them so I figured I could do it. I’m usually in a sentinel corp, so I’ve been around cogboys a lot.” She offers a one-shoulder shrug. It is not entirely clear if she is asking for permission or confirmation. Relief befell the guardhouse, but each handled it differently than others. Specialist Treston probably heard Specialist Dekker’s report, but other things occupied the Mordian’s mind. Trooper Bembenek also heard Dekker’s report as she followed her superiors in. The tall but lanky Ilona managed to block the similarly tall Prue’s view as she tried to silently preserve some of her fellow Mordian’s dignity However, she could not hide the sound nor smell spilling from Specialist Treston’s ordeal. The seasoned Orc Hunter certainly knew what was happening. Thankfully, Adela had the foresight to use a trash bin so at least there wasn’t a mess. Eventually Adela finished her business and did her duty with the logbook. She now had the two other women standing before her in the guardhouse. While it wasn’t a big place, the expectant looks toward her after she just hurled her guts out, on top of her own feelings, probably made the place seem smaller than it actually was.
Cudjal gave a nod of appreciation as took the mug and sent it back with one quick swing, being careful not to let the motion be visible beyond his profile to those behind him. As the fluid passed through his throat, he felt it take the edge off that lingering feeling. [Roll to conceal drinking = 1] [Roll to resist drunkenness = 2] With a brief "Thanks.", Cudjal returned the mug and look back to the truck. Or at least where the truck was before looking to where it trundled away from the check point. Whether it was the drink or the truck's departure, the relief he felt was welcomed either way. With all back to the way it should be, Cudjal took up his position in front of the checkout once more. Ready to deal with whatever came next or, hopefully, change out as soon as the next rotation arrived. Seeming the catch on, the old man moved in such a way to aid Private Cudjal by being close to the rat catcher and having his back to the wall to act as… well, a wall to help hide what was going on. Little did they know that no one seemed to know, or care, about what was going on; especially those in the guardhouse. The drink had a bit of a burn as all alcohol did but was a little sweet like honey and somehow Vernard felt a bit warmer. This feeling became more obvious as they both heard the sound of an engine revving up behind them. The old man made the exchange of the mug seem natural as they both turned to see the truck drive away. They were too far for the aura to really affect them, but there was no one missing the truck as the old man let out a sigh of relief. He’d give Vernard a wave goodbye as the PDF trooper went back to his post. There was no one to greet Cudjal and he didn’t see all the action that was going on inside the guardhouse but could see his comrades in there. There didn’t seem to be anyone making their way over to the gate on either side as they were well and truly into the night where most were likely tucked in with their families or friends for the night of Candlemass.
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Post by theredauthar on Sept 14, 2024 20:56:32 GMT -5
“Guard the Enginseer, roger command. Gate out.” Dekker puts back the vox speaker and heads back towards the gate. She sees the truck leaving and stands up a little straighter, glad to be done with that portion of her night. Spotting Treston, she detours slightly to report to her, “Command is sending a tech priest out to get that wagon moving. They wanted an escort for them so I figured I could do it. I’m usually in a sentinel corp, so I’ve been around cogboys a lot.” She offers a one-shoulder shrug. It is not entirely clear if she is asking for permission or confirmation. Ilona dutifully stayed next to Treston, following her to the gatehouse while pointedly not waving back to the "Lucifer Black". He was trouble, she was sure. But the the sort of trouble that might get her killed if she wasn't careful. Moments later she stoically turned around and used her tall form to block any view as much as possible while Treston was ill in the corner. The truck had been odd, and Ilona had only been outside of it, not talking to whoever or whatever was inside the vehicle. Mordians were steel, but even Mordians still had stomachs that could be tricked into giving up their contents on occasion. It felt natural and right to make sure no one, including herself, saw Treston ill. As the other woman moved to the log and filled it out, Ilona was tempted to try and look at the entry, to find out what had been within. But again, the image of the Lucifer Black came into her head and she shuddered. Better not to. Two previous thoughts of the day came to mind, both seemingly applicable. Ignorance is a virtue, and also and one's best defense. Yes, that also seemed right. So she kept quiet, not mentioning the other woman's illness, or looking at the log book in any sort of detail. Focusing only on the world outside the firing slits, and a firm desire to go back to her bunk in the near future and hide away from the world. “That’s a good idea,” Adela admits, “Take Cudjal…” She looks around the guard house, “...wherever he is. There's less cover away from the gate so it be best if you have an extra set of hands.” She then turns to Ilona, “Put the block back up. That should cause enough of a barrier that if anyone else shows up we can handle it.” She closes the log, “We’ll lower it as we need to get vehicles through. Hopefully we’ve passed the worst of it.”
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quoth
Junior Member
Posts: 82
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Post by quoth on Sept 15, 2024 9:57:26 GMT -5
Prue taps the front of her helmet with her lascarbine in the laziest salute the Mordians have ever witnessed, then heads back outside to find Cudjal. She spots him by the overturned cart already and waves at him to stay put. She tries to vox him with her short range earbud, perhaps optimistically, considering the state of the PDF, ++Cudjal, this is Dekker, stay by the cart, we’ll have a tow for them soon++
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Post by Fate's End on Sept 15, 2024 21:10:24 GMT -5
Ilona nodded once in response to the command. Putting the block back up made sense. And as a bonus, she didn't need to go back out into the cold to do it.
She moved to the control panel, calling out as she did "barrier rising, stand clear!" She waited five seconds or so, and then keyed the barrier back into its upright and extended position.
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Post by hobbsy on Sept 16, 2024 20:28:55 GMT -5
Cudjal hadn't noticed Dekker waving towards him as he made his way from the cart to the front of the check point entrance (most likely to her annoyance). He did immediately receive the message on his vox bead though. Unfortunately due to the poor quality of it, the message was distorted by grainy static.
+++Cudjal..gzzzt..Dekker, stay by..gzzzzzzt..them soon.+++
He would finally look over towards the steel legionnaire, only to call out "WHAT?" with surprising clarity for his quiet demeanour.
[[Roll to shout = 4]]
Due to the interrupted vox message and his own yelling, Cudjal had missed Ilona's warning. Nor did he realize that he was standing on the barrier line.
[[Roll to avoid the barrier = -3]]
Due to the snow, he only noticed the barrier raising when it was too late. In a twist of fate worthy of Tzeentch, his boot had managed to get caught on the raising barrier. Dekker would have a clear view of Cudjal realizing the barrier's presence, attempt to step away, realize he is unable to move away, attempt to pull himself free, and finally getting his foot elevated to the point where he flops over into the snow.
With the barrier raised, the only thing visible of Cudjal from the guard hut would be his snagged boot.
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Post by LaxKnight on Sept 16, 2024 22:40:36 GMT -5
“That’s a good idea,” Adela admits, “Take Cudjal…” She looks around the guard house, “...wherever he is. There's less cover away from the gate so it be best if you have an extra set of hands.” She then turns to Ilona, “Put the block back up. That should cause enough of a barrier that if anyone else shows up we can handle it.” She closes the log, “We’ll lower it as we need to get vehicles through. Hopefully we’ve passed the worst of it.” Ilona nodded once in response to the command. Putting the block back up made sense. And as a bonus, she didn't need to go back out into the cold to do it. She moved to the control panel, calling out as she did "barrier rising, stand clear!" She waited five seconds or so, and then keyed the barrier back into its upright and extended position. Prue taps the front of her helmet with her lascarbine in the laziest salute the Mordians have ever witnessed, then heads back outside to find Cudjal. She spots him by the overturned cart already and waves at him to stay put. She tries to vox him with her short range earbud, perhaps optimistically, considering the state of the PDF, ++Cudjal, this is Dekker, stay by the cart, we’ll have a tow for them soon++ Cudjal hadn't noticed Dekker waving towards him as he made his way from the cart to the front of the check point entrance (most likely to her annoyance). He did immediately receive the message on his vox bead though. Unfortunately due to the poor quality of it, the message was distorted by grainy static. +++Cudjal..gzzzt..Dekker, stay by..gzzzzzzt..them soon.+++ He would finally look over towards the steel legionnaire, only to call out "WHAT?" with surprising clarity for his quiet demeanour. [[Roll to shout = 4]] Due to the interrupted vox message and his own yelling, Cudjal had missed Ilona's warning. Nor did he realize that he was standing on the barrier line. [[Roll to avoid the barrier = -3]] Due to the snow, he only noticed the barrier raising when it was too late. In a twist of fate worthy of Tzeentch, his boot had managed to get caught on the raising barrier. Dekker would have a clear view of Cudjal realizing the barrier's presence, attempt to step away, realize he is unable to move away, attempt to pull himself free, and finally getting his foot elevated to the point where he flops over into the snow. With the barrier raised, the only thing visible of Cudjal from the guard hut would be his snagged boot. Specialist Treston gave orders and they were carried out. As it turned out though the only one who didn’t get them was Private Cudjal. Faulty equipment and a dash of bad timing was a recipe for tragic events that lead to Vernard having his foot in the air and his face in the snow. It was probably a small blessing he wore his scarf for the snow wouldn’t have been enough to cushion him from the cold hard ground. While from the guardhouse they could only see Cudjal’s boot stuck to the top of the barrier so his dignity was spared from them, Specialist Dekker witnessed the whole thing from start to finish. Any cursory inspection by Dekker or Cudjal into freeing his boot would reveal that his laces were caught in a mechanism and there didn’t seem to be an obvious way to free them. There were many options of course, but to do so with Vernard’s thigh high boot on his person in one piece looked to be quite a task. ((A Clever, Forceful, or Careful roll with a target of 3 will free Cudjal’s boot in one piece. Simply cutting Vernard free or him taking his boot off are options you don’t need to roll for.)) One thing that should be noted is that nothing on the console told Trooper Bembenek that the barrier was broken or inoperable in any way.
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quoth
Junior Member
Posts: 82
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Post by quoth on Sept 19, 2024 16:28:44 GMT -5
“frak sake…” Prue starts to run toward the impending accident but slows to a walk as it becomes apparent that Cudjal is not in danger of having his foot crushed. She is glad her mask hides her expression as she arrives next to the inverted trooper. “Need a hand, mate?” Getting her arms looped under his armpits she hauls back on the little sewer warden, lifting and pulling until he is entirely parallel to the ground, foot still caught in the barrier. “One… more… tug…” with a mighty heave the pair tumble backward freeing Cudjal. But not his boot. Dekker observes the stuck-fast boot “Cor, s’really in there.”
((forceful roll of 0 to free both man and boot. Oops))
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Post by hobbsy on Sept 20, 2024 4:17:58 GMT -5
All things considered, it could have been worse. His helmet and scarf had prevented any permanent damage, though Vernard did feel the onset of a headache from the clang of the impact. Despite one leg hosted at an uncomfortable angle, Cudjal was at least able to right himself by rolling into his back. Yet this only further constricted his leg within the snagged boot.
He felt spent, between this and the TRUCK OF DOOM which just recently rolled on through. Cudjal was content to stare blankly into the sky, until his vision was filled by the respirator and helmet concealing Dekker's face. At the offer of help, the PDF trooper would simply nod his head to the squeaking of his dented helmet.
Though as he is lifted parallel to the ground, Cudjal would find his voice. "Um wait. My boo.. my boot.. BOOT! BOOT!"
[[Roll to yelp = 4]]
Whether his protests where heard by the legionnaire between the tugs on his torso is up for debate. With the last mighty pull, Cudjal's head found a gap under Dekker's left arm. With another clang, the back of his helmeted head rebounds off the hard ground before the helmet itself lifts free and rolls to the edge of the barrier.
At Prue's comment, Cudjal would lean up onto his elbows, to the cracking sound of his hyperextend torso. Looking down to his now cold right foot, the trooper would look around to her with his poorly shavened and now exposed head. "Yeah. Well at least I'm not in there. Thanks." he said, though most likely not the first words that came to his mind.
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Post by theredauthar on Sept 22, 2024 21:08:28 GMT -5
Treston spends the next few minutes cleaning up the mess she made in the trash. After carefully cleaning it up and sealing the bag for disposal, she takes some time to straighten her uniform and hair. She adjusts her cap and scarf and makes sure she looks professional again. This isn’t done for vanity but rather it’s familiar and calming. She turns to look at the other Mordian, “Is the barricade up?”
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Post by Fate's End on Sept 22, 2024 23:49:00 GMT -5
Ilona nodded once, "Barricade is up." She had only witnessed some of what had transpired outside, and it all seemed fine now. Cudjal, that was his name, right? She could still hear his voice slightly, so he must be fine. It was all a-okay.
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Post by LaxKnight on Sept 23, 2024 23:55:09 GMT -5
“frak sake…” Prue starts to run toward the impending accident but slows to a walk as it becomes apparent that Cudjal is not in danger of having his foot crushed. She is glad her mask hides her expression as she arrives next to the inverted trooper. “Need a hand, mate?” Getting her arms looped under his armpits she hauls back on the little sewer warden, lifting and pulling until he is entirely parallel to the ground, foot still caught in the barrier. “One… more… tug…” with a mighty heave the pair tumble backward freeing Cudjal. But not his boot. Dekker observes the stuck-fast boot “Cor, s’really in there.” ((forceful roll of 0 to free both man and boot. Oops)) All things considered, it could have been worse. His helmet and scarf had prevented any permanent damage, though Vernard did feel the onset of a headache from the clang of the impact. Despite one leg hosted at an uncomfortable angle, Cudjal was at least able to right himself by rolling into his back. Yet this only further constricted his leg within the snagged boot. He felt spent, between this and the TRUCK OF DOOM which just recently rolled on through. Cudjal was content to stare blankly into the sky, until his vision was filled by the respirator and helmet concealing Dekker's face. At the offer of help, the PDF trooper would simply nod his head to the squeaking of his dented helmet. Though as he is lifted parallel to the ground, Cudjal would find his voice. "Um wait. My boo.. my boot.. BOOT! BOOT!" [[Roll to yelp = 4]] Whether his protests where heard by the legionnaire between the tugs on his torso is up for debate. With the last mighty pull, Cudjal's head found a gap under Dekker's left arm. With another clang, the back of his helmeted head rebounds off the hard ground before the helmet itself lifts free and rolls to the edge of the barrier. At Prue's comment, Cudjal would lean up onto his elbows, to the cracking sound of his hyperextend torso. Looking down to his now cold right foot, the trooper would look around to her with his poorly shavened and now exposed head. "Yeah. Well at least I'm not in there. Thanks." he said, though most likely not the first words that came to his mind. Though Specialist Dekker was a strong woman, you have to be when fighting Orks, she could not free Private Cudjal’s boot from the barrier. Yet again the certainty of steel prevails over the flesh of man. However, that is not to say the Ork Hunter’s efforts were in vain. She did in fact succeed in pulling something free, a true testament to her strength, but it was freeing Cudjal from his boot. Whether due to Vernard's compounding panic as fear gripped him, bad coordination and/or footing, the lack of forethought given as Dekker started prioritizing brawn over brains, or rat catcher simply didn’t tie his boot right this day; none can really say but the end result was still the same. There was a small pop as Vernard was freed from his boot followed by several loud thuds. The most distinct was the Cudjal family’s prized Arbite helmet coming off, hitting the ground and rolling to a stop at the barrier. Another was from Vernard as he splayed out on the cold ground with his foot and head exposed to the very light snow. The last was from Prue for the force she used to pull Vernard free, coupled with the snow feathered ground, caused her to stumble backward and slip, landing on her tush. They were physically okay, though to say of their dignity they were both likely bruised from embarrassment. However, the barrier still held on stubbornly to Vernard’s tangled boot.
Treston spends the next few minutes cleaning up the mess she made in the trash. After carefully cleaning it up and sealing the bag for disposal, she takes some time to straighten her uniform and hair. She adjusts her cap and scarf and makes sure she looks professional again. This isn’t done for vanity but rather it’s familiar and calming. She turns to look at the other Mordian, “Is the barricade up?” Ilona nodded once, "Barricade is up." She had only witnessed some of what had transpired outside, and it all seemed fine now. Cudjal, that was his name, right? She could still hear his voice slightly, so he must be fine. It was all a-okay. The time to regain her composure was well spent for Specialist Treston. Sometimes the best cure for stress was to do something simple and reset in a sense. While taking care of her own mess was disgusting it was trivial to the Mordian. As for Trooper Bembenek it was clear that no one was in danger, the barrier worked, and things were generally fine. However, when they both heard Cudjal’s panic get cut off by some thuds it indicated to both of them that, while there was no danger, things were probably not a-okay. They both also remembered a techpriest was to arrive soon and who knows how charitable one was to be if they discovered whatever Cudjal and Dekker were doing to the barrier; regardless of if it was still functional. Techpriests were an inscrutable, fickle bunch. ((The test to free Vernard's boot is the same; the boot getting more tangled canceled by Vernard no longer being in the boot. Target is 3 to free his boot in one piece.))
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Post by hobbsy on Sept 29, 2024 6:39:44 GMT -5
After a sigh and a moment to contemplate the Emperor's will in this situation, Cudjal stood up and hobbled over to his helmet. After reclaiming the relic, he hobbled back to his trapped boot. The trooper placed his helmet on the ground and squatted down for a closer look. After a moment of silent observation, he began to do what he could to untangle the boot from the barrier.
[[Roll to free the boot +3 for being careful = a glorious 0]]
The silence didn't persist as Cudjal began to swear with each new twist within the knot of his footwear. The swearing continue to grow in volume and profanity as the situation worsened.
[[Roll to swear loudly = 3]]
After a few minutes, Cudjal stood up and admired his 'careful' handy work. In the short span of time, he had covered most of the known swear words on planet and in the wider imperium, not lost his voice (most likely thanks to how much he'd Actually talked today), mostly likely gained the attention of everyone on guard duty and the surrounding area and failed to make any visible changes to the mess of his boot-in-barrier.
That is if he hasn't already made the knot worse.
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quoth
Junior Member
Posts: 82
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Post by quoth on Sept 29, 2024 8:00:40 GMT -5
Prue stands by, impressed by the breadth of the trooper’s vulgar vocabulary. By the time Cudjal gives up she actually has a small notebook out and is writing down some of the best ones for posterity. When he finishes his tirade she asks, “how does ‘paddling a fethcanoe up gack creek barehanded’ work? And what is a canoe?”
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Post by theredauthar on Sept 30, 2024 0:12:14 GMT -5
“What in Throne’s Name is going on out there?” Treston grumbles hearing all the shouting and…colorful language. She moves over to the guardhouse doorway and peers out to see the commotion. She is a bit dumbfounded by what she sees.
“Oh for feth’s sake,” the medic swears as she marches out there to examine the trapped footwear, “How did this even happen?”
Only half listening to any explanations, Adela crouches next to the barrier to get a better look.
LanternO'Red Request: `[4df+3]` Roll: `[+, +, , -]` Result: `4`
She carefully examines the laces and the boot, trying to see how it’s stuck and how to best release it from the barrier, if it is even still possible.
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