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Post by Archer on Dec 23, 2022 1:42:02 GMT -5
Once this gorgeous room and it's tomes were only ever accesses by the richest and the most powerful men on the planet the volumes here contain all you might wish to know about this world. It is here Librarian Caim of the Angels of Absolution has made himself comfortable for what is a Librarian without a Library? He reads through tomes, even helps and recommends books to Guardsmen, staff, and passersby who are interested. As he busies himself trying to pass the time while he awaits to be called over to the tower by Interrogator Chaplain Sarathiel to assist in his work. Many days he even offers to have tea or meals with mortals he works side by side with, while their lives of little consequence he understands that they may wish to ask questions and learn about one of the Emperor's angels and he is happy to supply.
With two spiral Stairs cases and stretching across four floors this library hosts copies and original works of most every book one might need on this planet with servitors carefully collecting and organizing the books once it was the center of the Governors Palace, a true marvel of impressive magnitudes, even if he never bothered to read any of the books. However it is now open and with a truly peak librarian on site any book someone might wish to be read could be found.
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Post by LaxKnight on Mar 6, 2023 14:46:32 GMT -5
It has been a long time since Helena Frigg visited the Palace Library. Being that it was in the Governor's Palace and contained books that weren't anywhere else on the planet, access to the place was limited at best. Usually when she was here it was to submit a copy of her own books to be filed away or verify something in her writings. She didn't think she'd be able to see it again now that the Guard took it over and with the threat of saboteurs looming. However, she overheard during her most recent trip to the Chapel that the Palace Library was actually open. Helena knew this was perhaps a once in a life time opportunity so the moment she finished ministering her services she headed over. She wasn't a stranger to being in a Imperial Guard center nor was this the first time she was in the Palace, but seeing them be the same place was a little jarring. However, she knew the route to the library so once she got her pass checked it was easy for her to find her way to the Library.
Entering into the Library, the Preacher couldn't help but stop for a moment to marvel at the sight of the multistory rows of books. The smell of the aging parchment, the glint of gilded pages, the warm wood of the shelves, all somehow steadfast against the war and chaos that threaten this oasis. There were untold amount of records, information, and stories sealed in these tomes. And it was now open to her to enjoy. Regaining her composure, a thought struck her. Taking a moment to remember how they ordered the books here, her curiosity began to guide Helena to where she thought one of her books might be.
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Post by Archer on Mar 14, 2023 17:27:35 GMT -5
The imposing tower of armor and man turned the corner with slow and careful steps, he had to work not to scare his those around him and it could be tiring at times. He reminded himself that the people here needed to know they cared and that they would be defended. It was there duty, their life's work to defend mankind from the threats the galaxy might bring to bear and if he could impart some of that wisdom and knowledge his chapter had given him perhaps it might brighten their lives while they were here. He was putting back a few books, a simple task but one he often relished enjoying the careful organized shelfs of knowledge. This was what brought him the most joy humanities greatest achievement in his mind... Written word, it became so many wonderful things and even if some were terrible the knowledge these volumes gave would give way to entire libraries inspired by their words.
He blinked a moment catching sight of the small woman, a Preacher by her garments. Slowly he pushed a book home on the shelf. "Greetings, might I help you locate or book or do you have any questions? I busy myself maintaining the library when I'm not working." He spoke with a smile trying to help her as much as he could other than him the place only had servitors.
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Post by LaxKnight on Mar 15, 2023 22:51:31 GMT -5
If she remembered correctly, and assuming they didn't change the ordering system, Helena's books should be in one of these rows. She went into one of the aisle and began to look over the books. Then a peculiar noise began to demand her attention. It sounded like... power armor? Was a Sororitas here as well? It was getting closer, so perhaps she might be able to steal a glance at one of the Emperor's daughters. To her surprise, instead was a gigantic hulk of blue metal walking toward her. She stood almost like a deer in headlights as he approached her, in awe of the robed figure.
Before her was a Space Marine, one of the God-Emperor's angels. Helena heard they were operating in Harvest system, but she never imagined that she'd see one, let alone in such a mundane place like a library. Questions started to form in her mind but then she was snapped back to the present when he spoke to her. She took a moment to grab her Rosarius to gather herself before clasping her hands down in front of herself and said, "I am looking for a book. The Chronicles of the Silver Clover War. I was thinking it was going to be around here somewhere."
She looked around briefly, both in case she might find it offhandedly and also to shake off any residual embarrassment and nerves, then asked, "You... you said you maintain this library? For how long, if I may ask?"
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Post by Archer on Mar 29, 2023 15:47:34 GMT -5
The massive figure gave a low chuckle or as best he could manage, shifting his hood a moment to glance down at the little priestess as she her shock was a common occurrence among the denizens of the Imperium. "Oh since few months now... Since Brother Chaplain Sarathiel and myself arrived. It is an impressive collection, though incomplete it does hold some merit. A few tomes I have even copied for study back among our own library." He spoke reaching slowly up to a high shelf he slid his power armored hand along it so delicately, his time with the first company had given him great command of his power armors movement and control enough to prevent himself from damaging the tomes.
"Ah here we are... I reorganized and recategorized the books when I added in a copies and donations from the other Houses around Harvest. Seems since the library is open now they are eager to add their own histories in..." He tugged the large tome down and offered it to the preacher before him. "I am Librarian Caim, of the Angels of Absolution Chapter. Who might you be?" Asked the space marine as he looked down gently moving his hands down to his side his white robes fluttering slightly over his armor.
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Post by LaxKnight on Mar 29, 2023 21:50:45 GMT -5
Helena watched as the Space Marine moved around with measured and natural ease in the aisle as he spoke. Granted, Sororitas can move about just as well, but Astartes were just so big. It was amazing how something so large can move with such precision and fluidity in this small a space. Apparently he's only been doing this for a few months. This explains why she's never heard of it until recently. Ecclesiarchy work never ends, especially in a crisis of faith like this. He'd then remark on how, even though it was incomplete, it holds some merit and was impressive regardless. Helena... wasn't quite sure how to take this. She guessed he meant it as praise, and she imagined most libraries would dwarf whatever Space Marines had access to. Her curiosity was also piqued when he mentioned he copied a few books. Could... could one of them be hers?
Helena then found a book presented to her as he introduced himself and asked for hers. She took the book as thoughts about the current situation clouded her mind. A lowly Preacher, given one of her own books by one of the Emperor's Angels, who also happened to be a psyker. This sounded absurd enough to be in a novel, yet here she was. She gave a quiet chuckle then looked up to say, "I am Preacher Helena Frigg. I'm a little embarrassed, but I didn't actually want this book. I just wanted to see if it was here. Thank you, though."
She paused then asked, "Have you read it?"
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Post by hobbsy on Apr 18, 2023 22:20:36 GMT -5
Among the many servitors who populate the library doing a myriad of tasks, there is one servitor with a one particular roll. Mounted not too far from the entrance and into the wall itself, the upper half of the servitor hangs from supporting wires with a bulbous cylinder mounted to its back. It slow watches any form of movement which passes by, ready to prove its one service: Recaff.
The library momentarily echos with the sound of footprints as Master of Ordinances Douglas De Grotto entered the library. He made a b line for the recaff dispensing servitor with the same purpose of a lemon russ on a mission. This has become a familiar habit of his, usually leaving after consuming the beverage. But this time he had come to the library to find more information on the agricultural history and capability of the planet and around its hives. But there was no need to pursue such information without a beverage in hand.
Many would find themselves put off by the legless servitor, but not De Grotto. He found something, almost familiar, about the construct. It only took him a minutes not to coerce the servitor to fulfil its duty. As he waited for the drink to be provided, he stood ramrod to the side as if to imitate a statue or a servitor himself.
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Post by Archer on May 6, 2023 18:18:02 GMT -5
"I have it read it yes, the tome was insightful on the history of conflict in the surrounding systems. I felt I should make myself knowledgeable on the subject to aid my brothers should we need to deploy here." He explained carefully as he placed the tome back in the correct space before nodding to her. "I sent copies to the library for my fellows to read over and make their own studies as well as our chaplains. It may yet shed light on how we might deal with the populace and what methods have worked best in the past." The great robed warrior explained before turning around. "Would you like to tour the building? We have added hundreds of new tomes since the Guard have taken many great works out of the noble houses." He spoke guiding her deeper in the great multistory library.
"So Preacher Frigg, tell of your home and of the people here. I wish to know more about those I am here to save." He added, it was a rare treat for the librarian to spend time among the population rather than just arrive face the problem head on and depart quickly to the next warzone. Downtime rarely existed for the Angels of Death so this rare treat needed to be used in furtherance of the campaign.
Lord Commissar Ignatius Gallius, leaned one his cane as he stepped in to the library his sleeve pinned back as he turned his head back and forth examining the room. The eye patched Commissar made note of the room. He didn't need the cane to walk but at his age it was always good have it, not to mention it made a convenient weapon when the enemies of the Imperium came for them. Moving towards the recaf servitor the old Commissar moved towards it taking note of the Master of Ordnance standing next to it. "Calm it down son, you stand any straighter the servitor will think your machine not a man." The Lord Commissar spoke his good eye finally coming to rest on Degrotto a moment. "Wait... You there, what is your name would you happen be related to a Douglas Maurice De Grotto?" He spoke, the over century old Commissar. "I served with that boy when he was slinging shells into a basilisk and calling targets." He spoke thumping the servitor with, to prepare to hurry it up.
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Post by hobbsy on May 8, 2023 5:06:35 GMT -5
Coming from a position of being around (and also the target of) large calibre weaponry, De Grotto is no stranger to sudden noises and is not easily given frights. Yet being referred to as 'son' and address in such a casual manner well and truly ruffled the officer's feathers.
Leaning down and turning his head to see past the chuffing servitor, De Grotto would be given an even bigger surprise. The first thing he noticed was the newcomer's dress and bearing. A Commissar, clearly. But the tattered uniform indicated a senior member and one who's previous actions speak louder than any drill pomp. As he focused on the man's features, his sharp eyes widened with disbelief.
No. No. It couldn't possibly be him. Yes. He had meet the others from Naris and that seemed impossible. But this! No. He must have finally lost it.
As the Lord Commissar spoke, he ruled out any chance of being an imposter. There was no one alive who remembered his wild younger days and Cheslock wouldn't have told a soul about what he shared with her! As the phantom hit the servitor, it ejected a cup of recaff from its despenser. De Grotto took the cup and had a sip, straightening and never blinking or taking eye contact away from the Lord Commissar.
"I am Charles De Grotto... Commissar Gallius." the Master of Ordinances finally replied, still discerning whether this was reality or not.
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Post by LaxKnight on May 10, 2023 20:56:23 GMT -5
The Space Marine read her book and found it... insightful. Helena wrote that book in hopes that someone might read and learn from it, but she doubted anyone read it here nor give an opinion during her lifetime. Hearing that one of the Emperor's Angels read her book and thought it was useful... and made copies! This was more than she could have hoped. Her heart seemed to soar as she placed a hand and Rosarius over it. Her book to be kept in the library of a Space Marine library to aid them in protecting the Imperium. The memory of herself and those she experienced life with forever passed on to teach the future. This was a dream come true.
Librarian Caim's question reminded her of the present then he added that they added more books to this library. She suddenly got intrigued. More books from the nobles? They must be valuable in some sense. She let the power armored warrior guide her, silently consenting to a tour. It wasn't her first time here, but she was curious to see what new books there were. He then asked about herself and the people of this world.
"Well Lord Librarian, I wasn't born here. I'm actually from Dimmamar, but I took a pilgrimage to Laramie's Hope then stayed here for almost a decade now. That book I was looking for was about a major detour in getting here," she said.
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Post by Archer on May 12, 2023 21:06:45 GMT -5
"Lord Commissar now actually... What been fifty years or so?" The greying Commissar spoke as his good arm reached up to pat the Master of Ordnance on the shoulder. "You were eager young man, though... Only time I saw smiled was when the guns scored hits and you saw the smoke trails." He a bit more nodding. "I retired not long after... But I never forget a face.. Names sometimes escape me. Guess it happens you pass a century old and a half... You just so happened to have found the little planet I chose to settle on... With that wife of mine, five kids between and a whole herd of grandkids and great grandkids." The old Lord Commissar spoke, taking off his cap he was much like Degrotto would remember him a stern figure but with a softness that seemed to hide behind it. Still refusing to take on a cybernetics it seemed missing an eye and arm he somehow never missed a beat as he walked.
"I signed back up to have my family taken care of... You know how it is, war came home... What regiment are you with now lad?" He asked, as placed his own cup down to be filled. "Meeting someone I served with before is a rare treat if you'll indulge a half missing old man." He added cane tucked under one arm as he rotated the mug chipped and old it had written upon it in crude low gothic, 'Father of the year' letting the servitor do it's work.
"Well Preacher Figg, perhaps you might write tales of myself and my brother's during our time here... Angels of Absolution like all sons of the Lion prefer deeds over words so while many volumes fill our reliquaries on great deeds we often do not embellish or add the flair I find mortal writers so much better bestow on a parchment over one such as myself. I enjoy reading such things, though I must confess I do not discuss tales to often. We usually prefer quiet contemplation over such things as our history's and deeds, but... I find often people ask for tales, the little children especially seem fond of asking for stories. Though I admit they often... Befuddle me, I know little of what one might tell a child that would not scare them." He spoke seeming to furrow his brow as they walked along stopping in a section of books many of them tomes on the lineages or tales of the noble families, even some bound in metal cases with golden trims or locks along the sides of them.
"Feel free to browse... I have carefully looked over most of these tomes myself." He spoke waving a hand for her to freely peruse them.
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Post by hobbsy on May 13, 2023 1:14:21 GMT -5
Well if this was his old age playing tricks on him, at least it would make for a better conversation than what he could ever get at the headquarters.
Though the hand on his shoulder made the whole thing seem a lot more base in reality, which was a relief and a shock. "There are those on this planet who wouldn't believe you." He replied. "Though come to think of it, I did smile a lot more in those days Lord Commissar. I must say, you are lucky. Not many of the guard get to live out their days with such a big family, especially commissars if you you don't mind me saying. Throne of Terra, you haven't even aged a day sir!"
The last sentence is stated with squinting eyes and a hint of disbelief. There was still a chance this could be some ruse. If the figure from his pass started asking about 'coordinates' or 'artillery supplies ', hopefully the Master of Ordinances would be able to reach his pistol quick enough to use it on the Commissar or himself.
"I'm with the steel legion soldiers these days, they seem to be the only ones who put up with me." he continued as the older man inserted his personal cup. "Indeed. Good company can be hard to come by these days. Though I seemed to be bless by the Emperor himself in this regard and not just with your presence."
"I see you haven't opted for mechanicus assistance with your losses. Scared they may take another limb Lord Commissar?" De Grotto joked with a straight face. Whether the statement was a tactic to find a fault in a possible disguise or simply the old officer lacking tact is anyone's guess.
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Post by LaxKnight on May 19, 2023 0:42:10 GMT -5
Helena listened as the Astartes talked about the writings of their Chapter, how 'mortal' writers tend to have more flair and he enjoyed reading them, then diverged into how he was befuddled how he'd tell tales to children. This was insight she never dreamed of hearing. Not as much flair... perhaps it's because they are more dedicated to accuracy or speed. Maybe they are more focused on their craft of warfighting than to spend a lot of time on writing books. Or it could be that they simply don't care much to record detail they may find frivolous. Then the thought of a power armored Angel of Death trying to tell a child of their tales was... admittedly a bit bizarre. He then waved for her to dig into the books before them. It seemed to be a section pertaining to the noble families. While she's aware of their activities, the Preacher didn't spend a lot of time with them besides unless it was about books. They had other Eccelesiarchy staff to tend to them and she felt she was more needed serving in the countryside. Instead her mind was more focused on the other thing the Astartes said. She can understand why he'd find connecting with children. They were mere mortals after all. One could only hope to understand one of the God-Emperor's angels. Perhaps he could use some perspective.
"Lord Librarian, it so happens that I've spent a good amount of time teaching children on this planet. I could offer some advice if you wish," she said.
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