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Post by Archer on Nov 10, 2022 23:45:39 GMT -5
The Lucifer Blacks Barracks, set up in the basement of the Governor's palace in a corner barracks where they control the singular access to the dungeons below and the secondary barracks below it where it is reported they store equipment and special weapons from Terra itself. Kept neatly with their banner on the wall, the Lucifer's Black Carapace are neatly stacked in organized lockers. A painted on target of a human shaped enemy has several knives tossed into it, as the individual beds all have a label. Their guns lay neatly stacked into their lockers and foot lockers with a name at the end of each bed let you tell who has claimed each bed. Around twenty individuals milled around the with three Bed rooms peeling off from the room for the Officer, Commissar, and Senior NCO. One large office is attached and set up for their command and paper work processing which was shared by the NCO, Commissar, and officer.
Luca of course had told them to try look a little better it was a mix of soldiers from the different Regiments of Lucifer's 2nd and 3rd regiments quarreled often and while Luca kept the peace he leaned more towards the side of his own 3rd regiment. The 2nd had always had an intense rivalry with them as they were all female and the 3rd all male guarding separate walls. Both competing for the attention and prestige their commanders could shower upon them needless to say the fact that men and women who hate each other have been sharing a barracks.
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Thus a new young and eager Commissar and her aide were brought to serve in the Lucifer's, they would need training and experience but Luca and the squads could provide that hopefully with a female in a leadership role they could quell some of the problems. So he stood upstairs waiting for the Taurox to drop off the pair who would be arriving to join the Lucifer's, if anyone could help him sort out their problems. He hoped also to get some relief on the paper work issues, a lot of it he couldn't do as he lacked the bars of an officer.
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Post by theredauthar on Nov 11, 2022 1:33:27 GMT -5
The old beat up Taurox slowly comes to a halt in front of the Palace, leaving a trail where the treds chewed up the palace roads. The port side door, the one facing the palace opens and a black coated figure steps out. She hops down, skipping the step ladder entirely, landing on her feet, before donning her peaked commissar cap. A moment later another figure emerges, she looks around before stepping out after the commissar.
And promptly tumbles from the door landing roughly in a heap on the ground.
The Commissar shakes her head and sighs before helping the other woman to her feet. She waits while the woman brushes herself off and straightens her uniform. When she’s finally done, they enter the palace.
Commissar Aspen Viers steps into the first room of the palace and glances around. She sighs and removes her hat once again.
“Off and on again,” grumbles her aide, Trooper Azley Mogan as she removes her helmet.
“It’s a sign of respect. In this case for the Militarum, our superiors, and our new regiment,” Viers explains, “Now no more complaining, as that’s a sign of disrespect too.”
The Trooper blushes, “I meant no offense. It’s just that…”
She begins to rub her hands together.
“Calm down,” Viers orders, “Someone should be here to greet us.”
As Viers is about to flag down one of the troopers or aides racing around Mogan’s eyes fall on Luca. She offers a nervous wave.
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Post by Archer on Nov 12, 2022 1:18:58 GMT -5
Luca steps forward, tall and broad built even out of the armor cutting a figure as he looks down at the pair. "Praetorian First Marshal Luca Astora Lucifer Blacks third regiment." He spoke offering a salute to the pair before relaxing, his fatigues were black with thin lines of golden trim. He looked Commissar over once, then twice then cast his eyes over her aide. "I'm the commander of this little outfit. We can get to the formal uniforms and gear stuff afterwards but first." He extended a hand to Commissar. "Welcome to the last of the Old Hundred Commissar." The red headed NCO grinned as he took a moment, even shaking her Aide's hand before turning to walk them in admin workers, personal, and clerks rushed around as Luca led them through the chaos.
"So the short version is we act as a special forces, Colonel Everly says jump we say when and out of what Valkyrie... Also reminds me, gotta train you two on how to do a grav chute jump." He offered spinning just in time to avoid an ad-mech servitor caring a case of firing pins for heavy bolters. "I'll go ahead and cover the basics. Most of the Lucifer's you'll be working with have never been off Terra before this. I was a body guard for awhile so I'm... More adept at handling the shit we run across. That said were ever one in there is a veteran of the Siege of Terra so careful who you anger. Last, we don't have an officer so you and I will be sharing the duties one would get. You'll have to stamp anything that needs an officers signature and I'll take care on anything else I can." He spoke as the started to descend.
"You'll train privately with me during your free time. Both of you, I can't send you to Terra for the academy and usually only way people get in through sheer heroism." He added looking over the pair. "So you may count yourselves lucky." He sighed stopping at the bottom of the stairs. "Alright before we introduce you around and all that we got one rule that if broken well... It ain't gonna be pretty. You will not under any circumstances go down a level to the dungeon level below us. This section is off limits period."
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Post by theredauthar on Nov 13, 2022 1:51:36 GMT -5
When the NCO shakes the Commissar's hand, it’s a firm handshake, despite her small stature. Her violet Cadian eyes meet his showing no fear, and perhaps a little excitement. She nods and says, “Commissar Aspen Viers.”
This is in contrast to the aid whose gray eyes are hidden behind her messy hair. Her eyes do not meet his, as if she’s ashamed to be in his presence. Though the handshake perhaps is more revealing. While she goes through the motions of a polite formally trained handshake, her grip isn’t just weak. Luca can feel something wrong with the hands inside the gloves. Not a mutation, but like they’ve been damaged or smashed and not fully or properly recovered.
Despite this her smile is friendly, if not revealing how nervous she must be, “Trooper Mogan. Azley Mogan, PFC. Pleasure to make your acquaintance.”
The Commissar follows, keeping in perfect step with Luca. It’s clear from the way she marches alongside him and also twirls around the incoming barrage of aides and servitors, that she is an expert at parade drill. Will that be useful in an actual combat situation? Who knows.
She does smile, but not as warmly or friendly as her aide, “I’ll do what I can to handle the officer duties that come my way, but I must warn you I’m not the kind of Commissar who sits idly at the base while her charges do battle. I intend to train with the rest of the troops. That being said, I have no experience with grav chutes, so if you truly think it best that we train in private until we are up to speed, I will defer to your judgment.”
Surprisingly Trooper Mogan is able to avoid most of the rushing chaos around them, but not out of grace or skill of dodging but rather out of a strange ability to stay out of the way. She’s also not wowed by any of the palace’s decorations or structure, almost as if she’s seen them before or at least something similar. In fact she trails her fingers along the wall for a moment as if remembering something before she pulls away, embarrassed that someone might have noticed. Or perhaps the mention of grav chutes startled her, “G-grav chutes? Commissar Viers, I don’t believe I’m qualified…”
“As my Aide you are not only qualified, but required to undergo any training I must,” Viers cuts her off, “As I said, we will be training and drilling alongside the others once we are used to their regime.”
When they reach the bottom of the stairs, Viers frowns, “I’m not fond of secrets being kept from me, First Marshal. My aide can attest to that. Again if you think it’s for the best, I will defer to your judgment for now. However, I won’t hesitate to take the necessary steps if I detect treachery or heresy. I’ll do my best to warn you if such a need arises.”
Mogan just makes the mental note to never go in the lower basements. Ever.
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Post by Archer on Nov 13, 2022 4:13:47 GMT -5
"Look it's they asked for this. Considering how important what is kept down there is to the Imperium as a whole I am not going to argue. What's down there is one of the post important parts of what the Indomitus Crusade brought with them here. Less a secret and more you aren't trained or ready, it takes years for some to able to handle it. We can only deal with it thanks to our years of proximity on Terra. You don't have that so it could seriously harm either of you, you have no method of stopping it from happening either so doubly frakked. I understand your desires to avoid secrets but this isn't one you have to live with forever just till we have the time to work out how to prepare you... Like I said you are an unusual case we don't really have a method for this outside of Terra." He explained then turned to Mogan.
"Don't worry, grave shutes aren't hard... It gets worse if you gotta jump in storms, through gravity anonmalys, or through levers of a hive city, or my favorite low orbit." He sighed no doubt not filling her with confidence before he leaned in placing a hand on her shoulder. "I've never lost a trooper to a jump... And I promise you won't be the first even if I have to tie you to my chute and carry you down myself." The first Marshal added before standing up looking back at Viers.
"Our field duties are light, were special operations however. We stay constantly ready for action and when Everly calls we grab our gear and sprint." He answered with a sigh. "So expect a lot of drill and practice hours. We can't leave the Inner district nor can we deploy more than ten on a mission at a time." He explained as he paused a moment. "And well you may not like secrets but that's how the Lucifer Blacks work, we are loyal to Terra over the Imperium it must come first." He added before opening the door, inside troopers had taken to opposite walls. A few of the women tossing knives at a board with an image of chaos cultist on it. Meanwhile the male troopers were trading trinkets taken from kills. "Commissar on duty!" He yelled as they sudden lined up in front of their bunks ramrod straight and perfectly organized.
A new bunk at the end of the second Lucifer Blacks side had Mogan's name on it and a brand new locker even a set of new black fatigues, with more sets in the locker. "We will see about your carapace once we get your strength training done... It also comes with armored gloves." He offered hoping it would excite her to be getting better gear soon or later.
Letting Vier's inspect them she'd find the special forces had decorated the room most of their hair, facial hair, and more were out of order but Luca had nothing to stop it. It seems that due to their value they were given lenience by the commanders to make their little barracks worth living in. Their armor however clean and read but all their metals were dulled heavily to prevent glint. Their hygiene good too no one was unwashed, teeth uncleaned, and more. "We aren't perfect but I think you'll find our little home away from home is pretty good. Were all hivers so tight spaces never bothered us."
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Post by theredauthar on Nov 14, 2022 1:19:21 GMT -5
Mogan rubs her hands again at the mention of the armored gloves. She looks ashamed about something before saying, “They’d have to go around these. I uh…I have to wear them for medical reasons. Let’s just say my hands don’t work right without them.”
Viers eyes the conversation. Truthfully, she’s not against keeping secrets. In fact, part of the origin of Mogan’s wound revolves around a mandatory military secret. However, having the soldiers under her command keep secrets from her doesn’t sit well with her, though it appears there is nothing that can be done about it. She’ll let it slide for now. But if there’s a hint of heresy detected…
For now however, it would be improper to cast doubts on one of the most decorated Regiments of Terra, if not the most decorated. She moves up and down the bunks checking arms and armor, pausing at what seems like random to ask questions about their gears such as: “Are you able to strip this weapon blindfolded?”, “Would you be able to find this weapon in the dark against the others?”, and “How fast can you get in this armor?”
She’s actually quite pleased with the answers. Finally she turns back to Luca, “I’ll admit it, I am very impressed. And as long as the beards and hair don’t get in the way, or Colonel Everly says otherwise, I don’t have a problem with it. Your gear is clean and functional. That’s what's important.”
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Post by LaxKnight on Nov 14, 2022 2:30:28 GMT -5
As if on cue, once the Commissar finished her words a series of clicks from a certain channel buzzed in Luca's commbead. It was a code. Someone wanted to see him.
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Post by Archer on Nov 14, 2022 12:35:09 GMT -5
Luca was about to speak up to begin awarding the rest of what they would need as part of the regiment. His vox bead buzzed and he sighed, the noises making little sense however a Corporal giggles and elbow the private next to him muttering something.
"Make yourselves at home... I need to tend something urgent." He tapped the vox heading towards the NCO's room. "I hear you, I'll be down in a minute. Just welcoming the Commissar and her aide in. Gave them the talk, don't come up I'll come down." He spoke grabbing a datapad from his room and shutting the door. Starting towards the entrance towards the dungeon.
Someone was down there, important enough to make Luca drop everything too... It would also give them a chance Viers to look at her room and the shared office. Mogan could open her trunk and see what she'd been issued.
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Post by theredauthar on Nov 15, 2022 16:00:52 GMT -5
Viers sighs. Understandable. It's not uncommon for NCOs and Junior Officers to be pulled to work on other projects in the middle of a current project. Still, it is inconvenient.
She is about to ask if she should go with him but seeing as he's in a hurry, and the direction he travels, Viers realizes she's unwelcome, whatever he's up to.
"Pretorian First Marshal Astora may return with orders," she informs the group, "You're all on stand-by until he returns or voxes in otherwise. Otherwise you can return to your regular routine. If you need me I'll be in the shared office."
She gives them a quick salute before stepping into the office and looking around. Specifically at the stack of papers on the desk.
Mogan audibly gulps as the Commissar closes the office door. She spent much of her life being an outcast, so she's unsure how to interact with these new squadmates. Are they going to be friendly or bully her because she's the 'Commissar's pet'. She starts rubbing her hands again, her nerves making them ache.
To keep her mind off it, Mogan pops open the trunk by her bed and peers inside.
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Post by LaxKnight on Nov 16, 2022 2:38:20 GMT -5
As Luca went down the stairs the familiar feeling of dread crept into his soul. He was used to it at this point, but it never went away. Once he turned the corner a door would open to let him in. There to greet him was a woman in golden power armor with a cloak in what seemed like white lion skin. Her strong green eyes gave a intimidating intensity that was hard to look into given her nature. With the door closed behind him her demeanor grew a little warmer as her smile turned wry. She'll start waving her hands in sign language.
A Commissar? Have you been a bad boy Luca? was what she communicated to him.
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Post by Archer on Nov 16, 2022 12:55:39 GMT -5
Luca chuckled. "No Alessia, Commissar Viers is here too join up. Not haul me off or bolt me... Her and her aide are going to help me run things." He spoke stepping over relaxing as well before looking into her eyes. "You know you don't always have to be in armor." He chided as he stepped closer tapping on her armor.
"You said you needed something? I always serve at pleasure of a Talon of the Emperor." He teased looking past her into their little barracks underneath the Lucifers.
Meanwhile upstairs... Viers found Luca had done most the reviewing and signing off and even organizing them no doubt maddening him as they needed an Officers signature to go through. The office itself had three desks Luca's sat in front of the door two desks arranged to face each other were set up. Viers saw one had a plaque with her name on it and pile of the finished work... A small desk had been set up between the much large desks.
This one had a plaque for Mogan as well. On Viers desk sat a sheathed knife. It was cast in admantium sharpened to perfection, a Lucifer's knife forged on Mars. A blade passed from one generation to the next dating back to the great crusade. Most carried multiple knives but she one a small piece of the regiment hers to honor and carry.
Mogan would find several new sets of fatigues as well as two sets of civilian clothes. Laying atop it all a knife like the others wore, a proper Lucifer black weapon. She'd find it similar to the Commissars blade both hand me down through the generations. As she'd note three Lucifers laughing and joking about Luca's sudden departure.
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Post by Fate's End on Nov 20, 2022 20:48:37 GMT -5
Into the Barracks a figure stalked, long coat flowing behind them as cool eyes gazed across the barracks, taking in the Lucifer Blacks with apparent disinterest. He was here for someone else.
With swift steps Commissar-Captain Longbeach headed for the office, rapped a dark knuckle on the door in two sharp beats. With only a perfunctory pause, the lean commissar popped open the door and entered, closing it behind him with a soft click.
Eyes the color of stormclouds gazed at the younger pair of commissar and aide, seeming to take their measure in some minor way.
The Commissar-Captain tapped the brim of his commissar's cap, "Commissar Viers, aide Mogan." His voice was soft, almost gentle. "I am Commissar-Captain Longbeach, I wished to stop by and introduce myself, offer the greetings of the Commissariat on Haven."
He paused a half second and then extended a scarred hand by way of phsyical greeting, first to the Commissar and then to her aide. "How are two getting on?"
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Post by theredauthar on Nov 21, 2022 1:57:35 GMT -5
Mogan looks at the knife curiously. By its sheath and design she can tell it’s ceremonial but still usable in combat. She tries thinking back to her studying of the Lucifers before the transfer, for what the knife means, but she’s distracted by one thing. Laughter.
Normally laughter meant something positive or welcoming. But for Mogan, it meant something bad. Ever since she was forcefully enlisted, laughter meant something was about to happen, usually at her expense. Her old unit distanced themselves from her and she had quickly become the butt of everyone else’s jokes.
So even though the Lucifers were laughing and joking about Luca’s departure, Trooper Mogan misinterprets the humor. Are they laughing at her? What did she do? Is it some kind of prank? Did her actions come across as silly or impolite compared to those from Terra?
She excuses herself to speak with Commissar Viers, but truthfully it’s to put a bit of distance between herself and the Lucifers till she can calm down.
She steps into the office to find Viers attaching her own knife to the inside of her Commissar’s Coat for ease of access.
Before she can say anything however there’s a knock at the door, and a new Commissar steps inside.
“Commissar-Captain!” Viers stands and salutes as Longbeach enters. However upon finding his greeting less formal, she gladly takes his hand and shakes it firmly. Mogan also shakes the Commissar-Captain’s hand, with a less firm shake. As before, Longbeach can tell something is damaged within the aide’s hands. Still, also as before, it’s done with the politeness of training. The Trooper didn’t learn that in basic. Either the Commissar has drilled manners into her, or Trooper Mogan picked it up somewhere before.
Viers beams at Longbeach, not like a child showing off something they’ve achieved, but as someone truly proud and honored by his approach. “I appreciate you taking time to come down here to welcome us, sir.”
She offers him her own chair, as it’s the polite thing to do. It doesn’t matter if he chooses to take it or not, but she was determined that he would not find her manners lacking.
“We’re off to a smooth transition thus far,” she answers his question, “At least compared to what I’ve seen, which truthfully isn’t much. The only snag you could say is I’m unsure if the NCO trusts me yet. I haven’t been able to talk with him for long and he’s already been called away on some sort of task he didn’t explain. Of course if he’s used to acting as an officer, it might have slipped his mind.”
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Post by LaxKnight on Nov 21, 2022 3:38:41 GMT -5
Luca chuckled. "No Alessia, Commissar Viers is here too join up. Not haul me off or bolt me... Her and her aide are going to help me run things." He spoke stepping over relaxing as well before looking into her eyes. "You know you don't always have to be in armor." He chided as he stepped closer tapping on her armor. "You said you needed something? I always serve at pleasure of a Talon of the Emperor." He teased looking past her into their little barracks underneath the Lucifers. Looking into Alessia's eyes was almost like looking into the void: it was empty, all consuming, and terrifying; but in them he could see a miniscule flotsam of the caring, slightly mischievous girl he knew way back along with a tinge of wisdom she's gained before they met again. With friends like these you must always look your best, Alessia jerked her thumb to further inside the dungeon where real prisoners were being held, Or perhaps I might be going on a trip where I need a vehicle large enough for 3 Sisters, a Lucifer driver, and a Lucifer crewman. We might potentially be getting a visitor to have a chat with.She then turned coy and signed, Perhaps people will move a little faster with a Commissar giving the order than Terra's best Praetorian-Marshal. Or... are you turning them into your personal Administratum clerk? |
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Post by Archer on Nov 21, 2022 21:31:43 GMT -5
"I'll get Everly to loan us one of the Prime's, won't hurt to bring something with a bit of fire power... I'll see who volunteers." Luca added just about to tap his commbead when her teasing got a blush out of the young man. He turned his head a moment, shaking his head. "They listen to me just fine... Just gotta nip the old rivalry in the bud. Besides, I know your girls have been happy to have us on call to take care of them." He teased right back before turning back towards the stairs.
"I'll get it all sorted, you go get that sword of yours ready... I believe you owe a me duel after skipping our last session for an interrogation." Luca spoke pausing a second making sure no eyes on were on them before clasping her hand a second. "Also careful around our new guests... Coming upstairs you are bound to meet them so bring a translator if you can or ask me too... Actually better I do it so you don't go using it as a way to tease me in front of an officer." He added with a chuckle. "If this is an excuse for a date, I'll make sure to wear my best carapace armor." He teased more used to Alessia and her humor than anyone else.
"On your orders Oblivion Knight the will of the Talons be done." He added with ceremonial flare giving a deep as back out and turned to head up the stairs, the door unbolting and he came up. the Snickers of laughter and muttering cease as Luca enters wearing a more grim face. The Lucifer's moving towards their bunks with a resigned sigh they knew the look meet babysitting duty with the golden girls.
"I need four volunteers for a mission, Orders from the Talon command." He started into the office only to step in and see Commissar Captain Longbeach, quickly jumping to attention. "Commissar Captain!" He spoke giving a salute for a moment before turning to Viers, not waiting for the signal for ease. "I've got orders from higher ups, escort and recovery mission. Special request, so I'll be stepping out." He explained figuring it would be a milk run Alessia wouldn't ask for so few if it was going to be easy... Then again was anything ever easy for them?
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