Second Sphere

Enclave => Online Roleplaying => Topic started by: Mabbz on February 23, 2016, 02:35:44 PM

Title: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Mabbz on February 23, 2016, 02:35:44 PM
On Ferin II, a war rages. This isn't especially surprising; war is everywhere in this galaxy, so why should some out of the way planet on the Eastern Fringe be any different? This particular war was started because the planets Governor, Garius Merryn, developed a fondness for Tau service drones, force field technology and females (although to date no Tau female has returned this affection. Mostly they just find it weird). This pretty much worked out well for everyone, as Ferin grew wealthy and prosperous, and their improved technology meant that the Imperium was actually receiving more supplies than expected from the planet's farms and mines.

Unfortunately for everyone (except possibly the water caste diplomat that Garius had been pursuing), the Imperium is full of paranoid individuals, one of whom worked for the Adeptus Ministratum. He couldn't leave well enough alone, did some snooping and the next thing anyone knew 18 years had past and the Tau and Imperial Guard were wrecking the infrastructure of Ferin II in their pointless struggle for supremacy.




An atmospheric transport was zipping through the skies. It was carrying troops and supplies for the war effort, but due to the destination being on the ever-shifting front line, it was currently in enemy territory. Corporal Maria Note knew this, because her sergeant was taking great pleasure in trying to reassure her as she sat in the mess hall, presumably in his latest attempt to woo her.

"So you see," he boomed cheerfully, "you really don't need to be concerned about the Tau."

"I'm not," Maria muttered, ignored.

"I mean, yes, they could know we're here, but what could they do about it? We have a fighter escort, and point defence systems and everything. And anyway, they couldn't possibly scramble their interceptors in time to get us, we'll only be behind their lines for a short while. So don't worry! Everything is perfectly safe, and absolutely nothing could possibly go wrong!"

Maria froze for a moment at these words, then leapt out of her seat and sprinted for a nearby supply cupboard. Just as she reached it, the aircraft was rocked by a massive exsplosion that caused a table to slam into the sergeant. She heard more explosions, the lights went out, she braced herself against the walls of the enclosed space and then lost track of everything as the next few minutes were a confusing mix of tumbling, loud noises and swear words.

Eventually it stopped, and Maria gingerly explored her surroundings. The door was now above her, but after some shoving she managed to force it open. Clambering out she found herself in what was left of the mess hall. Bad news, most of it was on fire and littered with debris. Good news, there was a hole at the far side through which she could see daylight, and her sergeant was being cremated, which would save her a job. The cupboard was contained her entire squads kit, including her medi-pack and lasgun, so she grabbed the excess ammo and carefully picked her way outside.
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: The Man They Call Jayne on February 23, 2016, 03:39:07 PM
A fist broke through some of the debris as Adam Wexler worked to free himself from the wreckage.

"Well, anyone you walk away from...if anyone has."

As he dug himself loose his arm seemed to get stuck, but with a heave he managed to free himself, falling over backwards and catching his prized heavy bolter with his chest.

Spotting the woman, he ran over to check she was unhurt.

"Gunnery Sergeant Adam Wexler. Catachan 4857th. Are you wounded?"
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Wargamer on February 23, 2016, 04:59:56 PM
McTavish had been close to the starboard access hatch when the transport was hit, partly because his squad expected a hot LZ, mostly because they were used to crashing.

Four men got clear before a secondary detonation cremated the squad still aboard. One man hit the ground hard enough to splash. The rest of the squad, buffered by turbulence, came down just below the transport.

McTavish hurled his gravchute aside and surveyed the damage. It felt like he might have sprained something. Also, all his friends were dead, but he'd owed most of them money so things were looking up.

He checked his bandolier. Two bulk ammo drums, a single mag of Deathshot and two more Hellshot mags. He ditched the bulk ammo and went in search of corpses to loot.
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Mabbz on February 23, 2016, 05:46:47 PM
"I'm all right, thank you," Maria replied. "Corporal Note, Raikan 41st. Medic, so really I should have been the one to ask that, but experience has taught me that Catachans just claim to be invincible when I check them for injuries. Have you seen anyone else?" As she spoke, her bionic eye flashed an invisible burst of x-rays, confirming that Adam had no broken bones.
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: The Man They Call Jayne on February 23, 2016, 05:50:44 PM
"Nobody so far, but there may be survivors elsewhere. And Catachans ARE invincible." He said with a grin.

"Lets see if there anyone to dig out. Or possibly hostiles to inconvenience."
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Wargamer on February 23, 2016, 06:00:53 PM
McTavish had found a medkit and dosed himself with painkillers. Fastening his rebreather back in place, he turned towards a nearby sound and advanced, weapon raised. He saw people in the wreckage. Instinct took over.

"Sound off!"  he roared at the two figures climbing free of the wreck, his Hellgun aimed squarely at the heavy weapon Trooper.
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: The Man They Call Jayne on February 23, 2016, 06:29:40 PM
"Gunnery Sergeant Wexler, Trooper. Catachan 4857th. Stand down! This is a medic. Are you wounded?"

Wexler let the heavy bolter rest at his side.

"Identify yourself soldier."
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Mabbz on February 23, 2016, 06:33:56 PM
"Corporal Note,  Raikan 41st!" Maria shouted automatically. She kept her lasgun at the ready, though, since the newcomer was behaving so aggressively. Her eye flashed again. "You appear to have a sprain. Do you require medical assistance?"
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Wargamer on February 23, 2016, 07:08:13 PM
The Hellgun lowered. "McTavish. Sergeant. Emperor's Finest."

He looked over to the medic and shook his head. "I've had worse, buy I'll be very upset if the officer's drinks cabinet didn't survive. 'scuse me."

With that, he wandered back to what was left of his squad to salvage grenades, supplies and magazines. "We shouldn't hang around!"  he shouted over his shoulder. "Sweep for survivors!"
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Narric on February 23, 2016, 07:40:20 PM
Debris shifted a short distance away. A large mass of metal and dirt expanded upward, and sifted away, unveiling a heavily robotic humanoid figure, draped in robes of crimson red, ablative plates of ceramite, and hissing with the expulsion of steam and various release valves. A servo arm with a needle nose pincer head extended from the strangers back, reaching down and lifting up a large stave with a gear shaped axe head, each side emblazoned with the half-bone, half-mechanical face of the Cult Mechanicus.

"Zzxsa.....ziuxbz..." a garbled synthesised voice screeched out of unseen speakers. The individual reached up and adjust the mouthpiece, seemingly disgruntled. "Such a waste of exquisite machinery." The voice was clear and baritone, the synthesisers giving it a metallic edge, and felt more unnatural then it really was. "Engineseer Hertius, at your side." He had taken the power axe in his left hand, and raised it acknowledgement of the rest of the group, before begin to traverse the ground to allow for easier introductions.
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: The Man They Call Jayne on February 23, 2016, 11:49:19 PM
"McTavish? Why do I know that na...Oh feth. Mad Bastard MacTavish? Well on the one hand, all we have to do is point him at the enemy. On the other, we need to find a way to make him stop that doesn't involve blowing his legs off."

He did have a point though, they needed to gather as many supplies as they could. Wexler needed to find as many ammo boxes as he could, because one thing a heavy bolter did, was eat ammunition like it was going out of fashion.

He exploration brought him into the path of the Enginseer. He didn't have much experience with the Mechanicus, the Catachan preffering to deal with their own equipment in ways that the Omnissah might disapprove of. Such as how he had stripped away all the "excess" bits of his heavy bolter to make it a little more portable.
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Narric on February 24, 2016, 02:16:11 PM
Hertius nodded to the Catachan as he walked past.
"I hope that Heavy Bolter is serving you well, jungle fighter." Hertius said offhand, not stopping as he continued towards the Medic. If it were possible, Hertius would have smiled. "Any other survivors?" He looked over the nearby wreckage, half expecting a platoon of guard to pop out from the debris and detritus.
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Mabbz on February 24, 2016, 05:35:19 PM
"Not that I've seen, but then it's a big wreckage. Maybe there are more around the other side." Most of the twisted lumps of metal were larger than she was, so she didn't think it worth trying to dig. "I don't suppose you have any idea where we are? I assume we were shot down by the Tau, and if so then we should probably get moving; they'll probably send a force to confirm the transports destruction and round up any survivors."
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Narric on February 24, 2016, 08:31:51 PM
"Unfortunately I do not have a map of this region." Hertius replied to the Medic in his digital voice. "Perhaps there is something I can salvage from the ship. I shall wait for the two Sergeants to return first. There is little advantage to such a small group splitting up whilst in enemy territory."

Hertius examined the wreckage, thinking the chance of finding any working systems to be minimal at best. Turning back to the Medic, he felt he needed to make small talk, to help pass the time.

"So how did you survive the crash? Medical staff don't often number among the hardy and tough. Though that is mainly due to the lack of augmentation you Guardsmen have."
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Wargamer on February 24, 2016, 08:44:06 PM
McTavish returned with webbing full of Hellgun mags, a long belt of heavy bolter rounds draped across his shoulders, and a Colonel's power sword fastened to his belt. "bad news, ladies; both my meltagunners were under the dropship when she came down. So was my sodding auspex apparently. Still, I reckon I've got enough firepower here to kill a Space Marine company! Either of you had any luck with your looting?"
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: The Man They Call Jayne on February 24, 2016, 08:46:48 PM
Wexler returned, having found nothing more useful that another box or two of Ammo, which would go some way toward keeping them alive. He often wondered how people got by with magazines of less than 100 rounds. Unfortunately, the smaller mags were not compatible, nor was the ammunition inside them.

"We don't need augmentation, cyborg. We are the Imperial Guard, and our Big Green Style cannot be defeated!"
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Narric on February 24, 2016, 09:24:19 PM
"You seem to have found a decent supply of ammunition." Hertius noted, looking at the hefty haul the two Sergeants had procured. "We do however also need to find out where we are. I shall try and salvage something of the ship's navigational computer, even if its just to give us our present location, and point us to this planet's magnetic north."

With that said, Hertius trudged towards what appeared to be the wreckage of the command deck. His servo-arm whirred into life, aiding him in shifting metal and steel plate out of his path.
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Wargamer on February 24, 2016, 09:39:14 PM
With a grunt, McTavish dumped the bolt rounds on the ground and began to help shift debris.
"Weren't there a couple of Ogryn aboard? If one of those lugs survived we'd have all the muscle we could ever need!"
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Mabbz on February 24, 2016, 10:42:39 PM
"I survived through a combination of remembering that small, enclosed spaces like cupboards tend to be sturdier than large rooms, good luck and the fact that I do have a few bionic enhancements," said Maria. "Besides, I may be a medic, but I'm an Imperial Guard medic. The weak don't last long in the guard." With that, she jogged over to help McTavish lift a particularly large bit of metal.
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: The Man They Call Jayne on February 24, 2016, 11:32:12 PM
Between the Enginseers bionics and the other two. Wexler figured they could manage, and decided to take a look outs position with sightlines over likely access points. With luck he would spot the Tau coming before they realised there were any survivors.
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Vyper on February 25, 2016, 12:08:48 AM
"Ow".
Steve woke up from his nap feeling much worse than when he had drifted off. And definitely not in the same place.
Peeling himself out of the dent he had made in the bulkhead, Steve took in what remained of the room he was in.
Weapons and crates littered the floor, many of them broken.
'Too small anyway, only one gun for me!' he thought to himself as he hefted his grenade launcher.


From the other side of the remains of a hatch, Steve could hear commotion. Hefting his Slabshield, he let out an almighty bellow and slammed his right boot into the broken remains of the door.
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Wargamer on February 25, 2016, 12:20:23 AM
There was a blur of motion and McTavish had his Hellgun up and trained toward the now ruined hatch.
"Well bugger me with a Sororitas strap on! You got me an Ogryn! It's like Ascension Day, but without the priest molesting me! Can I name him Tiny?"
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Narric on February 25, 2016, 12:20:55 AM
Hertius heard the thunder-like boom of metal, and immediately pulled out his Laspistol to point to where the noise came from.

Realising it was an Ogryn he lowered it, but kept ready incase this one decided to go rogue. If it was even possible.
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Vyper on February 25, 2016, 12:36:23 AM
Looking around at the wreckage, Steve could only make out a handful of small people.
3 guards and a robot man by the looks of it.
Lowering his shield, Steve plodded over towards the group.
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Mabbz on February 25, 2016, 09:17:56 AM
"Halt, Ogryn!" Maria yelled, her voice slightly higher-pitched than she had wanted. "Identify yourself." After a moment's thought she realised that a three syllable word might not work. "What's your name?"
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Wargamer on February 25, 2016, 12:52:36 PM
McTavish rolled his eyes. "Have you never worked with these guys before?"
He walked toward the Ogryn, keeping his weapon lowered. "Hey there, big guy! You alright? You were real lucky to survive the crash. The Emperor must think you're super special! In fact, he's picked you for a really important mission! You don't want to let the Emperor down, do you? He'd really like you to help us out. See, we asked the Emperor to send us the biggest, strongest, most loyal Ogryn in the Imperium to help us, and that must be you, right? So, can you help us shift some of this scrap metal out of the way?"
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Vyper on February 25, 2016, 02:09:29 PM
Steve ignored the squeaky one, but the second small man said nice things. Steve liked him.
"What needs moving, small friend?" he said, with a very toothy grin.
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Mabbz on February 25, 2016, 11:19:59 PM
After about 10 minutes of digging (massively helped by the Steve's muscle and Hertius' servo arm), the group finally found what they were looking for. The navigation console was a mess, but the sensor array looked salvageable. They also found the craft's black box recorder, undamaged.

"If I can repair the short range sensor array, I can get an idea of local terrain and check for enemy movement," Hertius mused. "Or I could spend the time wiring the black box up to one of the less damaged screens; that should give us our location and tell us what shot us down."
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Mabbz on February 27, 2016, 07:32:47 PM
Deciding the sensors were more important than, Hertius got to work on repairing them. They weren't as badly damaged as he had expected, and he had them working inside of 5 minutes. The screen flickered on revealing the surrounding terrain for about 10 kilometres. It was largely just grassy hills, although there was a forest about 8km to the northwest. The transport had been travelling west when it crashed although taking evasive manoeuvres into account meant that that probably wasn't the direction they needed to go to reach their intended destination.

All this was potentially important information, that got largely ignored in favour of the more pressing issue. Moving in from the southwest were two decent sized blips. "Based on the size, they're probably vehicles," Maria said, seemingly to herself. "Devilfish, maybe?"

"Maybe. Hang on, what's that?" Wexler squinted pointing at a seemingly empty hilltop about a kilometre to the east. It was faint, but the sensors were picking up some kind of distortion there.
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Wargamer on February 28, 2016, 01:42:29 AM
McTavish made an utterance that could not be legally recorded by ordinary Imperial scribes. "We've got no sodding anti-tank weapons and there are tanks inbound! We should bolt east; whatever that glitch is, my gut says it's not Hellgun proof!"
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Narric on February 28, 2016, 06:47:24 PM
"A sound judgement, despite the reliability of the Heavy Bolter's stopping power." Hertius breathed out as he rose from the monitor.
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: The Man They Call Jayne on February 28, 2016, 08:57:45 PM
"Move and relocate. We can't stand up to that amount of incoming armour. Not to mention the fact that those things will be full of Firewarriors. I have seen what Pulse Rifles will do up close. I have little desire to see it again."
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Mabbz on February 29, 2016, 12:41:07 AM
Aware that time was of the essence, the group quickly disable the scanner and headed east. There were a couple of hills between them and the glitch, so they circled around the north side of one of them to keep out of sight of the rapidly closing Tau. Maria was sent to scout at the top of the first hill to confirm what the enemy had brought while McTavish climbed the second hill to try and spot the glitch. After a minute, Maria returned with news.

"A devilfish and a skyray. They've stopped about 50 metres from the crash site, and eight soldiers have disembarked and started sweeping the crash site. Looks like pathfinders. The skyray only has one missile left, so I'd guess that's what shot us down."

"Doesn't look like we can go east," said McTavish, having returned as Maria was talking. "The glitch is a Throne-damned dron sentry tower. We go anywhere near that thing, we'll be marked and every Tau in the area'll know exactly where we are. We need to keep out of sight."
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: The Man They Call Jayne on February 29, 2016, 04:15:23 AM
"A Drone Tower? Dammit. The odds of us disabling it are almost nil, and we aren't really kitted to destroy it. I mean, I might be able to, but it's a big risk."
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Wargamer on March 01, 2016, 01:39:47 AM
McTavish double checked his munitions, muttering to himself as he worked.
"okay, bollocks to it. I say we fight! I've got a couple of melta charges and Tau aren't the sharpest of troops. If we can get close I reckon I could make a sprint for their tank, plant a charge and drop it. That means someone else has to flatten the other tank mind. Eight Pathfinders might be tricky, but we've got the HB and Steve to lay down fire. Plus, if the Emperor's smiling we might even capture one of the blue sods!"

"so that's my plan. Two bomb runners come in from the south, mass fire from the hill, we surround and slaughter."
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: The Man They Call Jayne on March 01, 2016, 02:12:32 AM
"You think you can get in past those point defence systems? If you really think you can do it, I'll cover you all the way."
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Mabbz on March 01, 2016, 08:27:25 AM
"So you think it'd be possible to take the devilfish intact? If we can figure out how to drive it then we could get back to friendly territory a lot more easily," asked Maria. "Also, where do you want me to be? On the hill providing covering fire?"
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Wargamer on March 01, 2016, 10:15:16 AM
"Aye, you two can cover us from the hill with Steve. Our friendly neighbourhood Enginseer will have to be making friends with the Devilfish. If their tanks have souls, we'll need someone who can sooth it and bring it to our side."
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Narric on March 01, 2016, 03:59:20 PM
"I do not have any long range weaponry." Hertius commented."I could try flanking them and dealing with any straying Tau."
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Wargamer on March 01, 2016, 04:32:22 PM
"You don't need long range weapons.  Just get behind the Devilfish and use that can opener of yours! Or failing that, you can use a krak grenade. Besides, your armour should be able to take a few hits even at close range. It's me who's arse is going to be on the line here!"
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Mabbz on March 06, 2016, 10:09:23 AM
Why is he even up here? thought Maria as she ran for the hill with Steve and Wexler. His weapon's too short ranged to be of any use; he should be down there ripping the doors off those tanks. Mentally shaking herself, Maria went prone at the brow of the hill and took aim, ready to shoot any xeno that threatened her comrades.




McTavish and Hertius ran for their respective vehicles, sheltering behind them. They glanced at each other for a moment to make sure they attacked at the same time. McTavish quickly shot the door controls with his pistol, and was amused to see that the trick actually worked! The door opened and he leapt into the Skyray. A high energy laser vaporised a sizable chunk of one crewman's head, and his power sword gutted the other. Heading for the cockpit he found that the control panel was labelled in Tau'sia. How inconsiderate.

Hertius meanwhile tried the more direct approach. Grabbing the door with his servo arm, he attempted to pry it open. Unfortunately, the Tau alloys were remarkably tough, and all he managed to do was buckle the door. Through the small gap he had made, he noticed a Tau shutting the cockpit door, and a moment later the thrusters started moving into a flight position. Reacting quickly, he darted round and shoved his servo arm into the right thruster, ripping something important out. That Devilfish was going nowhere soon.




Up on the hill, Maria could see all this. As Hertius broke the Devilfish she saw the gun drones from both vehicles detach and move round the back. One pair started firing on Hertius, seemingly without much effect, while the other pair seemed unwilling to let their technology fall into enemy hands. They fired on the Skyray's thrusters; she could see the smoke from here. Worse still, the shooting had goten the attention of some of the Tau. Four of them began converging on the Devilfish.

Spoiler

Both vehicles have lost a hull point and been immobilised. The Skyray is currently under McTavish's control

All Gun drones are aware, as is the Pathfinder Shas'ui. As he is the Tau's Leader, that means the alarm has been raised.

The Tau have 2 Klaxon counters.

(http://orig11.deviantart.net/3269/f/2016/066/2/1/end_of_turn_1_by_mabbz-d9u7z8x.png)
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Narric on March 06, 2016, 10:02:31 PM
"Damn Xenos metals!" Hertius thought to himself. "How dare they not succumb to the Imperium!" He felt a strange electricity about his body, as small plasma rounds struck his power armoured back.

Hertius turned around to see a pair of barely threatening Tau Drones. "Oh sure" Hertius continued to internally monologue. "send the aerodynamic leisure disks to keep me occupied, that'll make me rethink my stance on Tau ideaology." His servo arm reached forward and around, allowing him to attach his Laspistol in a specialy designed slot. That done, Hertius readied himself, taking aim at his two targets.
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Mabbz on March 13, 2016, 04:55:26 PM
Well, this is useless, thought McTavish, looking at the control panel. Pulling out a couple of Melta bombs, he strapped them to various flammable-looking places and set them with a 10 second timer. Pulling the door release (at least that control was obvious), he leapt out and sprinted towards two of the Tau. He didn't bother looking round at when the Skyray blew up, and so missed the sight of a shard of metal slamming into one of the drones and sending it sparking into the ground.

Bringing his rifle to bear, he started firing at the warriors; one had the markings of a Shas'ui. Unfortunately his comrade saw him aiming and shoved the officer out of the way, getting a large burnt hole in his chestplate for his bravery.  A las-shot came from the hill as Maria tried to finish McTavish's job, but the Shas'ui was saved by his armour.

Wexler dived into a prone position to better increase his odds of hitting the distant targets, and let off a long burst of fire from his Heavy Bolter at the other pair of advancing Tau. The fist sized rounds easily punched through the first warriors armour, and after a longer burst of sustained fire the other fell too, gore flying as a bolt shattered his skull. Dismayed at the sudden lack of enemies, Steve began trying to cover the distance to the storm trooper sergeant.

Hertius ducked the drones fire and smashed one out of the sky with his axe. The other crashed into him, the collision sending both spinning. The damn frisbee kept moving evading all of Hertius's attempts to disassemble it.

The gun drone that had survive the skyray's demise flew in pursuit of McTavish, but he was more preoccupied with the Shas'ui. The xenos was pointing his carbine at him, but wasn't firing for some reason... McTavish looked down at the little green dots on his chest. This was gonna suck.

Four more warriors rounded the wreckage, and they and the drone opened fire. McTavish ducked and dodged as best as he could, but he still got hit several times and it was only by the Emperor's divine will that he survived with only minor burns. His armour certainly wasn't looking it's best though, as chunks had been blasted out of it and part of it was actually on fire.

Spoiler

Devilfish has lost a hull point and been immobilised. Skyray exploded.

All Tau forces are aware, as the alarm was raised and everyone passed their leadership tests.

Hertius had to use 1 Narrative point to pass an armour save (drones are apparently good in melee). McTavish had to use 2 points to survive all the fire he took. Wexler used a narrative point to use the Emplaced Fire heroic action, and Maria used a point to re-roll a to-wound roll on the shas'ui. She still failed.

Pretty irrelevant, but the Tau now have 8 Klaxon counters.

(http://orig12.deviantart.net/3408/f/2016/073/6/6/end_of_turn_2_by_mabbz-d9v2qnj.png)
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Narric on March 13, 2016, 08:18:34 PM
Hertius felt his ire raise as the Xenos machine evaded every swipe of axe and servo-claw. In the back of his mind, he was thankful for a target less stationary than the sparring drones, their mechanical and predictable assaults giving Hertius no satisfaction in a victory. Returning to the now, Hertius swung his axe again at the Drone as it flew in close.
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Mabbz on March 22, 2016, 03:41:14 PM
The drone slammed into Hertius once more, causing little more than a bruise as it continued to bother him. Growling mechanically, he swung his axe once more, and again the contraption spun out of reach. Spotting a vent in the machine, Hertius squinted. Without warning a burst of energy fired from his eye, burning into the weak spot. The drone wavered in the air as it's inside smoldered. One of the thrusters spluttered and failed, and the heretical device plunged sideways, crashing into the dirt, unmoving.

The Techpriest took a moment to savour his victory, only to start at a very loud bang. peering around the side of the devilfish, he saw the Ogryn, sprawled on the ground next to a very large dent in the side of the vehicle. Apparently he had run headlong into it.




Realising the precariousness of his position, McTavish took the only option he could think of. "Stormtroopers never die! We go to the Warp and regroup!" he bellowed, sprinting at the alien's leader before he could react. He swung his sword. As expected, the Tau instictively tried to block with his carbine, only to have it knocked from his grip and nearly sliced in half by the stormtrooper. in a matter of moments, the Shas'ui found himself in a hold, his arm twisted behind him as the sword hovered inches from his throat.

"Throw down your weapons, or your leader dies!" Frank roared at the fire warriors as they took cover and aimed.

"Co'yio" the Tau hissed. "Ka'ea"

The pair on the left hesitated for a moment before lowering their weapons slightly. They didn't drop them though, instead aiming at the ground just in front of their leader. Frank noticed a faint beam of green light from the other pair, and moved the Shas'ui in the path of the markerlights. He was uncomfortably aware that of the whirring noise behind him indicating that the devilfish was targeting him, but it didn't fire.

One several tense seconds passed, then one of the Tau moved his hand to his helmet. After fiddling with something, he lowered it again and spoke in a slightly mechanical voice, indicating that he was using a translator.

"If you harm her you will not be able to escape, human."

Spoiler

Only change in status is that the drone is dead, the Shas'ui is held hostage and the devilfish is down to one hull point. No Narrative points were used this turn.

(http://orig15.deviantart.net/3c73/f/2016/082/2/d/end_of_turn_3_by_mabbz-d9w5t28.png)
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Wargamer on March 22, 2016, 05:14:50 PM
"listen very carefully," McTavish growled. "You are a lucky bastard because right now you've happened upon the only insubordinate Stormtrooper in the Segmentum. I've got a kill on sight order for you lot, but right now I'd rather find somewhere to sleep off a hangover. So, you boys are going to lend us your ride and find something really interesting about a mile away to gawp at. In return, we'll make ourselves scarce."

Hidden beneath his helm, the sergeant grinned. "But if you'd rather hang around, then I will be more than happy to [REDACTED BY THE ORDO HERETICUS] with a bishop's mitre! And I'm the nice member of my squad - you don't want to be here when the other six get back!"
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Narric on March 22, 2016, 05:33:19 PM
Hertius moved so that he was hidden by the Devilfish's port engine. He peered around the corner, watching from a distance what McTavish was doing.
"Fool is going to get himself killed" he thought to himself.
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: The Man They Call Jayne on March 22, 2016, 11:11:46 PM
The fight seeming to be over, Welxer moved towards the squad, his Heavy Bolter still levels on the Tau. He grinned at the Taus threat, if they moved to attack again, he would cut them down with a single burst.

"I think "the nice one" is over stating it a bit McTavish. Maybe "not the worst one". Still, it seems like there are still bodies upright. Most unlike you."
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Mabbz on March 23, 2016, 05:21:19 PM
"You seem to have made a tactical error, human," said the shas'la, as the devilfish's cannon whirred once again, this time tracking Wexler's movements. Before it could fire though, the Techpriest darted over and gripped it with his servo arm. There was a torturous mechanical screech as he forced it to point away from his ally, culminating in the barrels buckling and bending, rendering the gun unusable.

"You were saying, Tau?"

The shas'ui spat out some more unintelligable xenos gibberish. "Shas'Ui'Cal'B said 'activate the green switch in the side of my helmet, then we can talk'"
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Wargamer on March 24, 2016, 09:08:14 AM
"If you're having trouble hearing me, I can always cut a hole in your helmet with this," to emphasise the point he flicked the power field on and held it close enough to the Shas'ui's neck to begin searing the uniform. "I'm pretty sure I've made my offer clear; you can throw down your weapons and run away, or your friends can die and you, eventually, get to die with them. Now make your damn mind up, because the moment Steve the Ogryn wakes up he's going to decide for you. You ever seen someone have their arms ripped off?"
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Mabbz on March 24, 2016, 10:23:29 AM
There was a brief exchange between the shas'la, followed by them moving out of cover, giving Wexler a clean line of sight with his heavy bolter. Three of them threw their carbines away, while the last pointed his squarely at McTavish. "You easily have enough firepower to kill us all now, and once you have released our sister I will dispose of my weapon. But until you release her, I will keep it ready as an assurance that you wont simply kill us all. Do not fear that I will betray you; if we wished to sacrifice one of our own to harm you, we would have fired already."

As the shas'la spoke, the side hatch of the devilfish opened and the pilot emerged. Hands raised, he moved over to join his comrades.
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Wargamer on March 24, 2016, 01:09:22 PM
Slowly, with the power field still armed, McTavish moved the sword away. "Get gone before I suddenly feel the need to reaffirm my faith."
He nodded theatrically toward the Devilfish without turning from the Tau. "Someone give Steve a hand into our ride. Tell him it's bigger on the inside or something."
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Mabbz on March 24, 2016, 01:35:24 PM
Once the shas'ui had moved out of arms reach of the Co'kar'ro'T'auk'cka, the final shas'la threw his weapon away. As the hurried out of sight around the back of the wreckage, McTavish heard the shas'ui shouting angrily at her comrades.
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Narric on March 27, 2016, 10:43:15 PM
"We will not have much time, before their reinforcements arrive." Hertius commented as the group reformed next to the Devilfish.
"I would prefer to be away from here before they arrive." Motioning with his axe at the engines and the Devilfish as a whole, Hertius continued.
"I should be able to repair this Xenos machine so we can use it to escape. The armour could also do with som bolstering." Returning his gaze to the group.
"Whilst I am affecting this repair, I believe it would be best if one person tried to comprehend the flight controls, whilst another could locate the sensor feeds. getting this heretical craft functional, and making more are two different areas we need to address."
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: The Man They Call Jayne on March 27, 2016, 11:37:45 PM
Wexler looked up on top of the craft to the commanders cupola. With the crafts own weapon destroyed, the cupola would afford him a good vantage point to provide fire from.
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Mabbz on March 28, 2016, 01:29:17 AM
"I volunteer to try to fly this thing," said Maria, looking between the various sergeants and the techpriest. "I have some technical experience, and anyway I think I would be more useful as a pilot than directly engaging the enemy."

She wasn't entirely sure who she should be taking orders from; probably Sergeant Wexler, since he was in the guard as opposed to Sergeant McTavish who was a stormtrooper. But then, don't stormtroopers technically outrank the ordinary guardsmen? And what about the Techpriest? Techpriests were a common sight on her homeworld of Raikan III, since Raikan II was a minor forge world and Raikan IV was the home of the Red Talons chapter. The Mechanicus often requisitioned guard regiments for their own purpose, so following the orders of a Techpriest was practically second nature to her.

In the end, she figured she'd just let her superiors work it out amongst themselves. If their orders conflicted, she could get them to sort the chain of command out. If not, then there wasn't really a problem anyway, was there?
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Wargamer on March 28, 2016, 10:44:51 AM
McTavish, once satisfied they had time to repair and regroup, took some time to scavenge for replacement armour parts from his lost squad. He was aware, in a disconnected and heavily medicated way, that he was going to be in a lot of pain in a few hours. Still, that was a problem for later.

Once he was finished scrounging, he brought his spare armour, along with any food and water that he encountered back to the Devilfish, then resorted to reading litanies of restoration and safe passage from an extremely battered copy of the Imperial Primer.
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Mabbz on March 29, 2016, 12:05:58 AM
Over the course of the next hour, Hertius worked on repairs. He got the thrusters up and running after a while, then spent another half hour patching up the hull while Maria tried to learn the controls through trial and error (nearly flipping the devilfish at least once by firing one thruster at maximum). She'd figured out the short range scanner fairly early (which conveniently showed the surviving pathfinders around the other side of the wreckage). As she was finally getting the hang of moving the 'fish around smoothly, there was a beep from the display. The display showed a large number of Tau forces moving in from the north.

"Get everyone in here!" she yelled up to Adam, who was relaxing in the cupola.

"What is it?" called Frank as he coaxed Steve into the confined space.

"Tau," reported Maria, remotely closing the hatches behind them. "Too many to fight, coming in from the north."
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: The Man They Call Jayne on March 29, 2016, 08:01:34 AM
Wexler turned to look at the incoming threat. He was forced to agree, the best thing they could do was to be somewhere else. Still, that didn[t mean he wasn't going to do nothing. He spun round in the cupola, wishing that the Tau were a little more bulky so he would have more room to move in this cramped hatch, and deployed his Heavy Bolters bi-pod to allow him to rest the weapon on the hull for extra stability. If any target came into range that he could damage, they would quickly regret it, and if he got lucky, he might be able to get a few shots in at a tanks engine pods.
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Narric on March 29, 2016, 08:03:27 AM
Hertius made his way to the cockpit hatchway, and examined the map Maria had managed to pull up of the area.

"Considering the numbers, we would probably be best returning to our own frontline, even if we are traveling via Xenos machine" Hertius was stroking his cybernetic respirator like it was a beard. "Once we reach our lines, we ditch this for a reliable Chimera, and make our way west to gain access to that city."
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: The Man They Call Jayne on March 29, 2016, 11:06:33 AM
Wexler shouted down through the hatch to the cyborg.

"Hey, can't this thing fly? Properly fly I mean? I'm sure I've heard they can. If we can get this thing up in the air we can go as the crow flies."
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Wargamer on March 29, 2016, 11:37:21 AM
McTavish looked up at Wexler and laughed. "You really are a footslogger! The higher up we are, the further we fall when we get shot down! Close to the deck we can skim under sensors and avoid the worst of their AA fire!"
He turned to Maria, who seemed to be getting the hang of driving. "I'd offer to take over, but the only time I've flown a Devilfish I 'landed' it upside down in a minefield. Happy times..."

He shook the memory out of his head. "My vote would be to run for the city and go to ground, but I'm trained for that stuff. You lot aren't. If we're going back to the lines, we need to stay low and move fast!"
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Mabbz on March 29, 2016, 11:50:09 AM
Maria started tentatively tapping the controls at the sergeant's words, causing the devilfish to lift half a metre off the ground and gently spin around toward the south. "Wherever we're going, we should go soon. This thing won't hold up to a railgun round."

At that moment, the comms system activated, and a Tau voice spoke up. None of the people present knew what the voice was saying, but it's tone was questioning rather than angry. It seemed the Tau didn't yet know that they had taken the devilfish, but they would undoubtedly want a response...
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: The Man They Call Jayne on March 29, 2016, 12:47:08 PM
Wexler picked up the comm device mounted in the cupola.

"Uh, everything's under control. Situation normal."

"What happened?"

"Uh, we had a slight engine malfunction, but uh... everything's perfectly all right now. We're fine. We're all fine here now, thank you. How are you?"

"We're sending a squad up."

"Uh, uh... negative, negative. We have an enemy situation here now. Give us a few minutes to lock it down. Large situation, very dangerous."

"Who is this? What's your operating number?"

"Uh..."

Wexler fired into the comm device with his Laspistol.

"Boring conversation anyway."

GUYS! We need to move now! We are about to have company!
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Narric on March 29, 2016, 12:58:00 PM
Hertius just stared at the feet of the Catachan, his mind not able to comprehend the spontaneous behaviour. He brought his gauntlet hand to his face, and sighed metrically.

"Can we make note not to give Wexler access to any enemy communications in future?" Walking past the Ogryn, Hertius looked through the minor hull breach around the rear hatchway he had created earlier, hoping he could see the Tau forces approaching.
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Mabbz on March 29, 2016, 02:00:52 PM
Shocked by the ridiculousness of the sergeant's actions, Maria took a moment to collect herself and act. Swiping a hand up one of the control pads, the devilfish shot forwards. The sudden lurch made Steve fall over, nearly crushing Hertius, but right now her biggest concern was the three medium sized blips that had doubled in speed towards them. Everything else they might be able to outrun, but the Pirhana were now closing fast.
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Narric on March 29, 2016, 02:35:23 PM
"Get off me you continuously perplexed abhuman!" Hertius growled, using both augmented and servo arms to push against the bulkhead to heave the lumbering Ogryn off himself.

In that moment he had an idea. Maybe he could take a risk and have the abhuman shot from the rear hatch. The gun was certainly more useful being pointed and shot at the approaching enemy. He soon dismissed the idea, realising the limitations of the Ripper Gun the Ogryn carried.

"anyone have any ideas for when those Xenos catch up to us?" Hertius growled to the group.
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Wargamer on March 30, 2016, 11:47:21 AM
"Yeah, I've got one. It's not a good one, but it's a plan. I bail out and you floor it. If I play possum they might just believe that I'm dead long enough for me to make some new friends. After that it's just a simple case of taking out a Hammerhead and a Crisis team single handedly. The only problem with this plan is I don't think I am going to land without breaking something. Other than that, it's a flawless strategy."
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Narric on March 30, 2016, 12:21:30 PM
"Why not take the Ogryn with you?" Hertius piped into McTavish's plan. "He'll give you a good shield, whilst also giving you a better chance against the Crisis suits. This would be a suicide plan, as even if you manage to destroy all the Xenos forces yourself, you will be stranded in the middle of a battlefield."
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: The Man They Call Jayne on March 30, 2016, 12:47:35 PM
"I strongly suggest that we floor this thing and get away while I lay down a wide area of discouragement. Least risk to us, and it might keep them off our tail at least until that Hammerhead catches up."
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Mabbz on March 30, 2016, 02:11:59 PM
"Forget the Hammerhead and battlesuits," called Maria over her shoulder. "We're faster than them, so they're not a problem unless we slow down enough to let them get in range. All we have to do is destroy the Pirhanas quickly, without letting them slow us down. They're the only things they have that can outrun us. Sergeant Wexler, can you disable a Pirhana with that heavy bolter?"
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Wargamer on March 30, 2016, 03:53:22 PM
"Get low!" McTavish yelled suddenly. "Kick up some dirt! Seer, I need your augments! And grenades! Get every grenade we've Got!"
As he began lashing explosives together he added, "we use dust kicked up to cover us dropping bombs, and if we can time the fuses we can blow the blue bastards apart! If all else fails it might persuade them to stay back, and we've got a range advantage!"
He paused, gripping a bundle of grenades held together with Bakka issue bonding tape. "If anyone has a problem with this, nows the time to speak up."
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Narric on March 30, 2016, 04:21:05 PM
Hertius appreciated the ingenuity of the Sergeant, if the crudeness of the cluster said otherwise. Returning his eye to the hull breach again, he began calculating if it would even work work.
"We may not have a chance to resupply our grenades, so try and leave us a few."
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: The Man They Call Jayne on March 30, 2016, 09:49:47 PM
"I can damn well try!"

He sighted on the lead Piranha, he aim surprisingly steady.

"I'll do what I can, just say when!"
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Mabbz on March 31, 2016, 08:35:45 AM
The Pirhana closed the gap behind them, flying in a tight formation with the fusion blaster in the centre, while the two burst cannons flanked. As they approached, Wexler let rip with his heavy bolter. He focused on the fusion blaster; if that thing got in range, then it was probably all over. As he was firing though, the devilfish lurched slightly sending the bullets wide.

"Would you keep this thing steady, Corporal!?" He bellowed as he re-aimed, completely unheard over the sound of his weapon.

This time some of the mass reactive shell struck true. Wexler saw the Tau gunner duck as a chunk of the hull plating was torn off and flew over their heads. As he tried to target one of the other rapidly closing pirhana, he was nearly thrown from the cupola by massive bang.

"Fething hell, what are you doing!?"




Downstairs, Maria's heart was in her mouth as she steadied her hands over the controls. She had learnt to pilot this thing less than an hour ago, and now she was about to try something risky just to let them catch the Tau off guard. Steeling her nerves, she pressed a button to lower the landing gear.

"Ready back there?" she called back to McTavish.

"Not until you open that hatch, I'm not!"

"Ok," she mumbled, concentrating. She hit the door release and dropped the anti-grav. "NOW!"

The 'fish dipped, causing the landing gear to scrape throught the dirt. This threw up a large cloud of soil and (hopefully unimportant) landing gear bits, blinding the Tau for a moment as the hatch opened. It cleared in about a second and the central pirhana jerked to one side slightly to try and avoid the mass of explosives heading for him.

He failed.

With an almighty boom, the device detonated underneath the Tau craft, flipping it spectacularly into the air. It came down nose first and rolled to a stop upside down. Almost as surprised as their comrades, the remaining two pirhana tried to return fire but their aim was off, and the few shots that hit just lightly scorched the rear hatch as it closed up again.
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Narric on March 31, 2016, 02:33:11 PM
"We must be blessed by the Emperor and the Omnisiah for that plan to have worked" Hertius hissed, gripping onto the interior at three points.
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Wargamer on March 31, 2016, 03:34:49 PM
"That's how we do it in the corps!" McTavish laughed as the hatch closed. "One nil to the bombardiers, Guardsman!  Step your game up!"
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Mabbz on March 31, 2016, 09:05:26 PM
"Hold on!" yelled Maria. Swiping at the controls, she killed one thruster causing them to veer off the the left. A moment later she fired it up again, this time pointing in the opposite direction, before repeating the action with the second thruster. There was a lot of wobbling, but pretty soon they were flying backwards with their strongest armour facing the enemy. She knew she couldn't hold it like this for too long though; their top speed had dropped and the rest of the xenos were catching up.

As Wexler shifted his weapon to fire again, he saw the alien crafts split up to flank the devilfish. As they sprayed the sides of their transport with pulse fire, he replied with his heavy bolter. He was having some difficulty hitting the mark, as his targets kept weaving around, but eventually he was rewarded. A series of shells impacted along the cockpit, killing both crew and sending the vehicle careening into the ground. As they sped away from the explosion, he tried to draw a bead on the second pirhana, but it zipped past them and loosed a torrent of plasma into the rear of the devilfish.

Back inside, Maria swore as a pulse round penetrated the armour and flew through to the cockpit, narrowly missing her. Angrily, she jabbed at the console and spun the tank back around, ignoring the curses of Wexler, as his aim was thrown off again. The pirhana was now in her way, but she would get past it. With another hand movement, the thrusters roared back to full throttle. The pirhana tried to dodge out of the way, but they weren't fast enough to avoid the devilfish that smashed into their wing, tearing it off. Suddenly spinning out of control, the pirhana clipped the ground and somersaulted, and was quickly reduced to a trail of debris.

"That's how we do it in the Guard," Maria muttered under her breath.
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Narric on March 31, 2016, 10:42:54 PM
"If my memory serves me for battle reports of Tau forces, the rest of our followers will be able to keep pace, but not catch up to us." Hertius made his way to the cockpit hatchway. "One thing we can assume as well is that the Tau do not just allow their technology into anyones hands, so this transport is likely transmitting a tracer signal. I'll see if I can locate it, so we can increase our chances of evading our pursuers."
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: The Man They Call Jayne on April 01, 2016, 06:10:16 AM
"Right, driver, floor it! Best possible speed to the nearest Guard outpost."

The other tanks wouldn't be able to catch up, but Wexler was wary. He had seem what those Hammerhead Railguns could do. He had seen tanks explode from a single lucky shot when they couldn't even see the firing vehicle.
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Wargamer on April 01, 2016, 08:44:43 AM
"I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm having a great time!" the stormtrooper announced. The joyful expletives he'd yelled after the last Piranha was rammed apart would have made a Navy Rating blush. "I should have hooked up with you lot sooner!"
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Mabbz on April 01, 2016, 10:32:10 AM
"The nearest outpost is about a day and a half's drive southwest of us, I think," said Maria, frowning at the map as Hertius began rummaging around under the control panels. "Well, unless you include the base west of us, but we'd have to circle around the Tau to get there, so it's not really any faster."




About half an hour later, Hertius had finished his investigations. "It looks like they wired the tracer into the communication systems. I'll have to disable the whole setup to be sure."

As he spoke, the aforementioned system activated and a Tau voice emanated from the console. It was still speaking in Tau, so they couldn't understand what it said. Before anyone could react, a second voice replied, speaking quickly and briefly. They waited, but once the second voice stopped there was nothing further.

"Anyone else wish they knew their language?" asked Maria. Something caught her eye. "Hang on, our pursuers are changing course. They're heading west, towards the forward base."
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Mabbz on April 09, 2016, 01:54:04 PM
After a small amount of discussion, a decision was reached. Hertius swiftly began fiddling with the communications system, and within a few minutes, he had it broadcasting a message. It was encoded before sending, but it for those with the codes it said

"All Imperial forces that can hear this! Be advised that Tau forces consisting of a Hammerhead, two Devilfish and six Crisis Suits is heading for forward staging point Gamma-Two-Six. They are currently at co-ordinates 53.003658, -1.112443, and will arrive in approximately 10 hours."

They waited for a few minutes, letting the message loop, before switching it off. Then Hertius switched the whole comm system off in a somewhat more aggressive manner (that is to say, he threw most of it outside to be safe). Only once they were sure they couldn't be tracked did they set off east, keen to put some distance between them and the Tau forces that would undoubtedly link up with more xenos before attacking a fortified position.

"Right, we should get near the city in about three hours," reported Maria.

"Anyone for cards?" asked McTavish.
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Narric on April 09, 2016, 09:48:50 PM
"Why not play 'Go Fish' with the ogryn?" Hertius flatly responded to McTavish. "I shall be meditating on the wisdom of the Machine Spirit." And with that, Hertius moved from the cockpit to the most vacant floor space, and mechanically lowered himself down. His many lights dimmed, and gears whirred more quietly.
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Mabbz on April 14, 2016, 08:19:41 AM
After a few hours of travelling, Maria finally put the devilfish down in a forest a mile or so north of the city of Flavingham (renamed Kau'res'p by the Tau). As soon as the hatches started to open, the mechanisms whined in protest as Steve tried to force them open faster. Everyone else was quick to vacate too; an anxious ogryn was not a fun travel companion in a confined space, and the smell had started to reach toxic levels. They left the doors open to let the 'fish air out a bit while they discussed their next move.

"We need food and information, if we are going to slip past the Tau patrols and reach friendly forces again," Wexler said.

"I do not believe we should be so hasty to retreat," replied Hertius. "We are behind the aliens main forces, and have a unique opportunity to assist the war effort through sabotage and such."

"I like the way you think, techpriest," grinned McTavish. "We'll still have to slip into the town for food and information though. I should be able to get back before nightfall." He immediately start striding in the direction of town.

"Sergeant, wait!" called Maria. Once he had looked back, she continued. "Are you really going to stroll into town in full stormtrooper armour?"

"The word is sneak, and we didn't really bring any spare clothes."

"Actually, when the transport went down I was in off duty clothes. I just put my armour over the top of it." Fumbling to remove her carapace, she pulled it off to reveal a faded red top that matched her combat trousers. She still looked somewhat like a soldier, but it wasn't as obvious at first glance.

"If you get caught, you'll have no chance of fighting them off without weapons and armour," he noted.

"I wouldn't stand a chance with them either. This way I can try to avoid trouble in the first place. I'll try and grab some spare clothes too, in case we need to sneak in again later."




A couple of hours later, Maria returned. Dropping several items of clothing and a few days worth of Tau ration packs on the floor, she held up the last item she had found. A newspaper; the headline read IMPERIAL FORCES PUSHED BACK. She began reading the article aloud

The forces of our misguided former rulers have lost nearly 60 miles of ground today, as daring attacks across the front line broke their morale and forced a mass retreat. While some of their troops were able to put up a significant level of resistance, Tau Fire Caste officials estimate the casualties to be roughly 3:1 in our favour with several key targets eliminated. Regrettably, the Fire Caste has not been able to confirm the destruction of the Baneblade stationed near Kau'res'P, but have stated that it has is no longer a threat to the city.

Por'El Or'Sia'la has praised the efforts of our own military, as well as the unwavering support of the general public. He also urged that the populace continue it's support and promises that the rationing and other measures taken to aid the war effort be followed for the time being. He added that the end could soon be in sight, and the liberation of Ferin could soon be a reality

More on page 7...
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Narric on April 14, 2016, 09:35:25 AM
Hertius looked to the clothing.

"You realise that my servo-arm is grafted to my body?" He sighed out. "I will likely be the hardest to disguise, and I can only theorise what the Tau have done to the local machine cults."
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Mabbz on April 14, 2016, 10:05:03 AM
"Actually, Steve would be the hardest to disguise, but I see your point. Could we disguise you as a servitor? Or come to think of it, do whatever enginseers the Tau have use servo arms?"
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Narric on April 14, 2016, 06:06:20 PM
"Considering Tau design seemingly being function following form, they may still use servo-arms. Mine would likely stick out for being a more robust, form follows function design. This is what I theorise. Then there is the matter of what attire the machine cults would have been forced to wear, which would not be so easy for a civilian to acquire."

Hertius stood in thought.

"What else do we need?" He asked no one else in particular. "I may be able to find a communications tower, and acquire information from the Guard base. If not that then I could see about reviving the fallen Baneblade. Either for our own use to aide us in traversing the battlefield, or as a way of aiding our war front from behind enemy lines."
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: The Man They Call Jayne on April 14, 2016, 09:54:28 PM
Wexler dug through the pile to find something that would fit him well enough to be passable. He also spent a few minutes looking around nearby for something that could be used as a carry case for his Heavy Bolter. He certainly wasn't leaving it behind.

After a short time, he managed to fashion something from a couple of the Devilfishes internal storage compartments. He now had a sizable box on a strap over his shoulder, with a small carrying handle visible from the top. With a solid push however, the box would break open and fall away to reveal the fully armed and operational weapon within.
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Wargamer on April 15, 2016, 10:16:30 AM
There was a set of labourer's clothes that seemed to fit McTavish well enough. He seemed reluctant to part with his weaponry though, and it took some persuading to eventually have him put his hellgun and sword into a storage box. Out of his armour, the cuts and bruises from their recent misadventures were quite alarmingly apparent. Thankfully, his face was devoid of any serious marks that might draw questions.
"I want to know what became of the authorities," he said with a bitter edge to his voice. "People turning their back on the Emperor leaves a bad taste in my mouth, and I'd like to return the favour by making a few heretics suck boot."

He glanced at the paper Maria was holding. "Don't suppose the Tau were kind enough to mention an underground pro-Imperial resistance movement we can chat with? Maybe a pamphlet on where their leadership sleeps and convenient sniping points?"
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Mabbz on April 15, 2016, 11:35:16 AM
Maria flicked through the pages. "Hmm... Here's something. Apparantly there was an unspecified incident on a security convoy taking POWs from the base. The prisoners escaped, and the Tau have asked the public for any information." She chuckled before reading the next bit out loud. "'Tau leadership declined to comment on whether this incident is related to the checkpoint car bombing last month. If they are connected, these events highlight embarrassing security concerns about our new government'. I never knew the Tau allowed a free press."
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Wargamer on April 22, 2016, 12:16:06 PM
"I don't think they do," McTavish replied. "The Water Caste are slippery bastards. It could be a trick to lure out dissidents. Until we get a lay of the land, I suggest we keep to ourselves. Now, how to pass for normal..."

He gave it a few moments thought, then grinned at the Enginseer. "Got it! We just say you're a Heretek! You did something to get kicked out of the Cult - inventing, studying alien tech, whatever. Just as long as it's something that could be accepted in this Tau-topia. The rest of us can pass as your dumb muscle."
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Mabbz on April 25, 2016, 09:39:15 PM
"That... could work," mused Hertius. "However, I'm doubtful I would get away with having a entourage of dumb muscle. The Tau would likely take the view that humans with bodyguards are mostly unnecessary, as we should be relying on their security forces for protection rather than our own. I believe I would be better off travelling alone to find a comm array, while you gather information elsewhere."

"You should have someone with you, just in case," said Maria, before remembering that she was out-ranked by everyone present and falling silent. Fortunately Sergeant Wexler spoke up, covering her breach of protocol.

"Note's right. She should go with you; you can pass her off as your apprentice or something. McTavish and me'll go find a bar and some intel."




It wasn't hard for the Sergeants to mingle with the workers and find a bar, once they'd sneaked past the security checkpoints. Wexler's heavy-bolter-in-a-box attracted a few curious looks, but after a quick word with the bartender of the Custodian's Arms he had it put in a storeroom, easily accessible if all hell broke loose.

The bar itself was a pretty standard affair. Mostly filled with human labourers, although there were a couple of better dressed individuals sat around a table in one corner. Another table had a large group loudly talking over each other, there were a few sour looking men drinking in sullen silence at the bar, and a there were a pair of women playing at the pool table.




Hertius and Maria walked in silence through the streets. He was looking around for anywhere with a big enough transmitter to let him contact the Guard, aided by his EM-scanners which let him home in on likely frequencies. Lots of people stared at him as he passed, but so far his audacity in walking openly in his usual red robes (Maria had found similar clothing, to fit the apprentice look) had led them to simply assume he had a right to be there. Unfortunately, a squad of Fire Warriors eventually spotted him and stopped him.

"Greetings human," began the Shas'ui, as his five comrades took position behind him. They hadn't brought their weapons to bear yet. "It is not often I see a member of your machine cult. Please may I see some identification?"
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Narric on April 25, 2016, 11:30:58 PM
Hertius looked to Maria.
"Apprentice, if you would be so kind as to show the Shas'Ui my identification." Hertius was desperately trying to cobble together a plan to get out of this situation, and prayed to the Machine God that Maria had some experience in some sort of theatrics.

He was thankful when Maria begin riffling through all her most obvious pockets of her disguise, becoming almost theatrically distraught though thankfully not too unnaturally so. Eventually she stopped making a scene and stood before Hertius with her head bowed.
"I'm sorry Sir, but I seem to have misplaced it." Through metallic grills and valves, Hertius let out a mechanical and exagerated sigh. He turned to the Tau Officer.
"I had high hopes for this apprentice. Perhaps I should have her re read the Devilfish maintenance manual each Rotaa for a few Rotaa." Hertius rubbed his forehead in mock frustration. "Its a good thing we were on our way back to my workshop, which is not far from here. I hate to seem like that one citizen who thinks they're above the Tau'va, but we really must be on our way, so would it be possible you could let us pass just this time?"
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Mabbz on April 27, 2016, 10:09:59 PM
"Do not worry citizens," replied the shas'ui, his true tone of voice masked by the translation software he was using. "You are not the first to have made such a mistake and shall not be the last. You understand though that we must be vigilant. As you claim your workshop is not far from here, I shall spare two shas'la to accompany you."
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Narric on April 27, 2016, 10:38:46 PM
Hertius barely held back a scowl as two dutiful Fire Warriors broke off from the group and stood aside.

"Thank you kindly Shas'Ui, I hope this doesn't reduce the effectiveness of your patrol." Practically biting his tongue, so to speak, Hertius nearly commented on the recently escaped prisoners. Quickly thinking against saying anything that might arouse suspicion, Hertius bowed politely to the Fire Warriors who would continue their rounds, and beckoned forth the two that remained along with Maria. "You'll be back on your rounds quickly if you can match our pace. I do have some time sensitive tasks to perform, and we're now slightly behind schedule."
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Wargamer on April 28, 2016, 07:58:14 AM
The Imperial Guard had very strict rules on gambling, and even stricter rules on cheating, which was why any Sergeant worth his rank learned how to cheat very early on. A few friendly tricks got McTavish a handful of coins and a few free drinks, and while he introduced the locals to the game of beer mats he listened closely to the conversations around him. He may not have been a model sergeant; in fact, he was a downright terrible sergeant in the eyes of many, but he was a born survivor. Survivors learned things, and as a man who had successfully infiltrated both a Governor's Palace and a Governor's Daughter, McTavish knew how to listen without being noticed.

There was also the problem of itchy feet - an itch that had nothing to do with the cheap boots he was wearing. He wanted to be back on the street. He wanted to find the rest of the team.

That and they'd left the Ogryn on his own. Emperor knows what he'd get up to!
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: The Man They Call Jayne on April 28, 2016, 10:49:08 AM
Wexler kept an eye on the Techpriest and his sudden retinue, they two Shas'La would have to be dispatched. Their couldn't be anyone who might remember them as important, and while the Techpriest stood out, the risk should be minimised.

His Heavy Bolter being hidden away was no good, not to mention that it was loud enough to head from several blocks away. Pistol and knife it was then. Pulling his hood over his head, he walked out of the bar, hoping that the Techpriest had the good sense to lead the Shas'La somewhere quiet.
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Wargamer on April 28, 2016, 06:14:03 PM
McTavish wasn't far behind.
"I have an idea to get the kids out of trouble," he whispered. "You land a good hit on me, take my pistol and coins then bolt. I'll give you time to scarper then draw them off. Hopefully those two will slip away and... Well, I'll catch up with you somehow."

He noted the grin on the Catachan's face. "this is a plan B, got that?"
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Narric on April 28, 2016, 09:21:08 PM
Hertius, Maria and the two Shas'la were keeping a brisk pace. Until the Techpriest had a nagging at the back of his mind. He slowed down marginally, and turned towards the Fire Warriors.

"I don't remember patrols consisting of so many troops. I'm a bit behind on the happenings of the planet, so what is the occaision." Was his attempt at small talk, not sure if a mere shas'la would be equipped with translators.

His nagging mind had served him well, as he easily spotted the other two members of the group trying their best to be inconspicuous behind them. He stopped suddenly, with the Tau following behind him almost slamming into his servo-arm with the sudden change of pace. Hertius quickly took advantage of the moment to look squarely at the two guardsmen, and gestured as best he could in the short space of time that the situation was under control.

"Iur'tae'mont Gue'Vre!!" the shaken Fire Warrior exclaimed.
"My apologies, my leg seemed to seize up for a moment." Hertius said, barely giving the fire warriors a glance, watching for what his companions would do. "I'm sure I have some bottles of Ky'husa you can 'borrow' as a sign of my sincerest atonement." Hoping the Fire Warriors didn't notice his gazes direction, he returned to looking at them, and offering a bow to try to further punctuate his reparation.
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: The Man They Call Jayne on April 28, 2016, 09:48:41 PM
Wexler had an amused grin on his face, cracking McTavish about the face was certainly an appealing thought. Seemed like a good enough plan to him too, although he would have to be careful to avoid whatever security measures the Tau had. Still, a Catachan who couldn't hide from anything anywhere wasn't much of a Catachan.

"Brace yourself then ." He whispered to McTavish. And with that swung his fist with enough force to knock the Sergeant on his back. Quickly grabbing the money from his belt he started to run.

"And let that be a lesson to you!" he called over his shoulder as he ran past the two Shas'La, bowling one of them to the ground before he disappeared into a nearby alleyway.

Now, even if he couldn't hide, he had two pistols, a large knife, and a Catachan on his side. As far as he was concerned he outnumbered them one to two.
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Mabbz on April 28, 2016, 10:10:57 PM
The Shas'la that had kept his feet sprang back, taking a position that would let him cover his comrade with his carbine as well as keeping Wexler in sight. Hertius could hear him speaking, the sound muffled by his helmet as he hadn't activated his loudspeakers. Once the other Shas'la had got to his feet, the first relaxed his stance somewhat and turned to Hertius.

"Please wait here," he said as his colleague walked over to McTavish. "We need to investigate this event."
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Mabbz on April 29, 2016, 09:42:41 AM
"Human," said the Shas'la upon reaching the sergeant. "Please explain what just happened. Who was that man?"

As he spoke, a third Fire Warrior jogged over to McTavish from back the way they had come from. He didn't speak, remaining content to let the other do the talking.
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Wargamer on April 29, 2016, 10:50:59 AM
McTavish stayed down for the moment, rolling onto his back and taking in the surroundings. Three fire warriors was two more than he wanted to deal with.
"It hurts!" he moaned, clutching his face with one hand and his ribs with another. He made a point of groaning and grunting a lot, slurring his speech to draw out the process and play up a head injury. He just hoped the Enginseer and medic would recognise the theatrics for what they were.
"He wanted papers." he managed. "I think... I think he was in the bar. I can't remember. My head is..."
He tried to stand up, and deliberately went over sideways into the nearest Tau with another howl of pain. "I can't breathe! Help me!"
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Narric on April 29, 2016, 12:02:20 PM
Hertius leaned towards Maria
"I suggest we get moving before the Fire Warriors notice or departure." He tugged at her arm, and began to move quickly in the direction of a communications toward he had stopped above the buildings, Maria close behind.
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Mabbz on April 29, 2016, 01:11:31 PM
The Shas'la that had stayed with Hertius took a few seconds to notice them leaving, but when he did he quickly caught up with them. "I apologise about this, sir. I'll let you continue on to your workshop this time, but please be more careful about retaining your identification in future." With that, he joined his colleagues around McTavish, who were trying to calm him down and put him in the recovery position.

"Sir? Sir? Please stop struggling, we're here to help you."
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Wargamer on April 29, 2016, 03:37:28 PM
McTavish saw his friends departing. "Are they? No, that's not him. I need a doctor. My chest is burning." He calmed down, not wanting to give the Tau a reason to cause him trouble. He tried to remember Street names he'd seen, mindful that he'd have to answer some awkward questions at some point. Still, he'd been dragged in front of enough MPs to handle that.
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: The Man They Call Jayne on April 29, 2016, 08:16:59 PM
Wexler peered out of the end of the Alley. The Firewarriors weren't falling for it. Well...time for a more direct approach. And by direct he meant sneaky.

3 Firewarriors, all distracted by McTavish, one to the rear. Him. He would do.

He would need one hand for the knockout strike, meaning he could only have one weapon. The knife. Silent, efficient, and easy to work between the plates of the Tau armour.

Looking as nonchalant as it was possible to be while also trying to be a sneaky as possible, Wexler advanced on the trio...
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Mabbz on May 02, 2016, 05:57:55 PM
McTavish made as much noise as possible as he watched Wexler wrap his arms around the rearmost Shas'la in a perfect sleeper hold. Unnoticed, the Catachan pulled the Tau into an alleyway and dumped him there, before returning to take the second the same way. As he was a few feet away, the Tau turned spotted Wexler and backpedalled away from his hasty slashes.

The final Tau drew his pistol but before he could take aim on Wexler, McTavish swept his legs out and wrestled him to the floor. Wexler tried to finish off his foe, but the Fire Warrior evaded him again, this time swinging his rifle like a club. The weapon's superior reach meant that when Wexler tried to reach him, he was caught in the jaw and sent sprawling to the ground.

Status

Fire Warrior 1 is unconcious (i.e. no part of this fight).
McTavish is locked in melee with Fire Warrior 3.
Fire Warrior 2 standing just outside of the McTavish's fight.
Wexler was wounded and failed his saves, so he is also unconcious.
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Wargamer on May 02, 2016, 06:48:17 PM
"Stormtroopers never die!" McTavish roared as he grappled with his foe. "We go to the Warp and regroup!"
He punched and kicked and kneed and elbowed, seeking any opening to arm himself and make a kill, or at least stun his foe. And all the while he laughed, knowing that death was almost certain. But he was a member of the Emperor's Finest - certain death was part of the job description, and he wouldn't have it any other way. "I'm going to kill you, rape you and wear your akin as a coat! Stop struggling and I'll do it in that order!"
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Mabbz on May 03, 2016, 02:12:03 PM
A few streets away from the battle, Maria and Hertius had reached the comms tower. It was quite old, Imperial in design but apparently abandoned since the Tau had come along and improved the technology. There was a sign on it marking the building as condemned. Glancing around to make sure they were alone, Hertius easily ripped the door off with his servo arm.

"Um, sir?" ventured Maria hesitantly as Hertius made to enter. "Shouldn't we go back and make sure the others are ok?"




Rolling on top of the Tau, McTavish unleashed a flurry of lightning quick punches. The xeno grunted in pain, trying desperately to fend off the mad bastard. Despite his best efforts though, punching a helmeted Tau in the face merely resulted in him bruising his fist. Still, he was winning and it wouldn't be long now before the alien knew the true fury of the Emperor.

Then McTavish noticed the Tau glancing over his shoulder. Whipping his head round to see what was more interesting than a Stormtrooper, his eyes widened in surprise for a split second before the other Tau's rifle slammed into his face and the world went black.

status

Sorry fellas, but both McTavish and Wexler are now unconcious. One fire warrior is also out, while the others are awake and angry.
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Wargamer on May 03, 2016, 02:48:00 PM
The palace around him was made of gold. McTavish admired the gilded Gothic majesty, awestruck by the vaulted ceiling and the vast adamantium gates through which an Imperator Titan could stride.
"Frank McTavish, you stand in judgement!"
The figure before him stood in a haze of radiant light, with angelic wings of white feathers and a power halberd in hand.
"Your sins are manyfold!" The angel cried. "For your unspeakable actions you are banished from His halls! Burn forever in the Warp, Heretic!"

McTavish vanished in a flash of blood red smoke. Minutes passed, then a portal opened before the angel. Through it came a Bloodthirster. It hurled McTavish to the ground and snarled, "No bloody way are we taking him! He's YOUR problem!"

"Charming," McTavish grumbled. "so, what happens now?"
The angel looked around, but there was noone around to offer advice. "I suppose... you should wait here?"
"Fair enough," McTavish replied. "You got a deck of cards?"
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Mabbz on May 03, 2016, 05:15:34 PM
"I have been trying to learn Paradox-Billiards-Vostroyan-Roulette-Fourth Dimensional-Hypercube-Chess-Strip Poker (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GV07YSuKNk4)," spake the angel. "If you have a deck, we could do that? If I can get good enough, I might be able to join The Emperor and Tzeentch in their games."
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Mabbz on May 04, 2016, 03:01:23 PM
Hertius halted at the door, plans and counter-plans spiraling and coalescing in his mind. He stepped back and turned to Maria.
"Imperial Guard work best in groups, and those two are far away from reinforcements. Double back and see whats happened to them, but try and avoid going the same route back in case patrols or the tau intercept you. I will contact who I can from this tower to see if we can direct the local resistances better. If they're being carted off to a local jail, try and shadow them to find out which one it is, as we have an Ogryn for muscle."

Maria hesitated, not sure who the Techpriest could contact locally or how, but she thought better than to question a superior, and before anyone happened around the corner she was on her way, and the techpriest was inside the comms tower.

Hertius had to climb a few floors before reaching the main interface, and the disjointed design of the panels wasted his time to find that inputs her required. He activated as many of the systems and relays as he dared considering the Tau's occupancy of the city and planet. Flipping a few switches, and short microphone extended. The various active screens glowed and displayed incomprehensible code, with the main screen filtering to display the icon of the Mechanicum.

"Connection established. No video recieved. State your name and planet for verification."

"Hertius Von Drakoon. Ferin II." The connection and the tower interior were quiet save for the hum of computers.

"Identity confirmed. State the nature of your communication."

"My flight was shot down, leaving me stranded behind enemy lines. I now need information of any friendly forces in this city, as well as any further intel you can provide." Hertius waited patiently for the information to be displayed on the screens.

No friendly military presence in the city.

Probable resistance movement. Evidence: Attack on prisoner convoy. Checkpoint carbombing. Tau security station firebombing.

Possible members:
Brother Lucien DeMonteford. Priest of the Ecclesiarchy. Alledgedly preached against the Tau during their initial arrival on the planet. Current status: in hiding, wanted by Tau authorities.

Leonardo Reman. Labourer. Known to have taken part in the prisoner convoy raid. Status: in hiding, wanted by Tau authorities.

Terry Jacobson. Local Police Officer. Status: captured during the prisoner convoy raid, currently held in local Tau base.

Lieutenant David Munroe. PDF. Assassinated town mayor during speech welcoming the Tau, using a long-barrelled Lasgun. Status: in hiding, wanted by Tau authorities.

------

Additional intelligence:
The local Tau base is powered by a single fusion reactor, which is therefore a potential weakness.

The base is primarily a supply depot and vehicle repair post, as well as holding area for POWs until they can be transferred to a specialised prison.

Recent large scale Tau offensive has pushed the Imperial front lines back significantly. Nearest Imperial forces are approximately 650km away from the city.

Two Ork Waaaghs have attacked a nearby system. A large portion of Imperial reinforcements intended for Ferin have been diverted to halt the so-called 'Twin Waaaghs'.


"Thank you, that will be all. Closing the link."

Hertius made a few inputs and all power to the relay. While a communications interception was possible, he considered the potential for his messages to be traced to this location and the data retrieved from the computers. As quickly as he could, he searched the abandoned Comms tower for any means to cover his trail.




"Shit," Maria said softly.

She was watching from the shadows of a nearby alley as the unconscious sergeants were loaded into the back of a vehicle, guarded by several Fire Warriors. Once they had driven away, she snagged a passing civillian. "Sorry, those drunken idiots are my brothers. Where would they have been taken?"

"Your brothers attacked a Tau patrol," the woman sniffed disapprovingly. "I suspect they'll be taken to the base for interrogation, and locked up for their crimes."
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Mabbz on May 05, 2016, 09:11:26 PM
"Hertius!" The Techpriest turned from his ponderings as Maria entered. "The Sergeants have been taken by the Tau. It doesn't look like the Tau know who they are, it looks like they just think they're violent drunks, but they're being taken to the base for interrogation." She was clearly looking like she expected Hertius to lead. "What are we going to do? Can we rescue them somehow?"
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Narric on May 06, 2016, 10:25:07 PM
Hertius made sure no one was hanging around close by outside the communication relay, before speaking to Maria in hushed tonnes.
"We may have possible allies who can help us. I managed to speak to a Guardsman from the base we passed, and they informed me of some individuals possibly in the city that might be able to help us. The most notable to me right now is one Lieutenant David Munroe. Seems to be a good sniper, which will be useful if he can take out sentries. After that we can try and locate Ecclesiarchy Priest Brother Lucien DeMonteford, who may be able to incite rebellion against the tau from within their own cities. Using names like McTavish and Wexler may help it, even if Mctavishes reputation isn't the best."

Maria gave Hertius a fleeting glance of distrust, but thought better of it.
"Any ideas where we can find this Munroe fellow? I'd have thought Wexler and McTavish would've heard something in their pub crawl, but they seem to have thought more as soldiers than infiltrators."

"Considering none of who I have mentioned seem to have been arrested, at least not publically declared as such, it could be assumed that there is already a small resistance movement hiding in the shadows of tau observation. In which case there must be some part of the town they operate from, or at least have the greatest presence due to basing themselves in it. Considering our last encounter walking the streets, it may be best if we stick to back alleys, which in turn may be the more likely place to run into our resistors." Maria barely held in a grin and chuckle at the idea of a Techpriest talking about resistors. The moment past quickly.
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Mabbz on May 06, 2016, 11:26:49 PM
Since it was now getting quite late in the evening, Hertius and Maria were easily able to sneak through the darkness of the town. On the way, Maria had an idea and asked Hertius to wait while she entered a bar. Hertius hid in an alley for about twenty minutes, until Maria came out once more.

"I spoke to the barman," she explained. "Said I was new in town, just got a job with the Tau civil service. I told him I'm looking to buy a place to live, and asked if there were any rough areas I should avoid. He said a lot of useful stuff about buying property, including telling me to avoid St Annalina's, in the north-western part of the city, as well as the Ollanius Estate to the south. Apparently there's a lot of people there that aren't happy about the Tau, and wouldn't like having a neighbour that works for the government."




Adam Wexler woke slowly, a habit that could cause problems but on this occasion was a blessing as it allowed him a few moments to take stock of the situation. And the situation was that he was lying on a moderately comfortable bed. The air smelled of the professional cleanliness that he immediately associate with a hospital. The most important fact though was that something metal was attached to his wrists. Since his last memory was being clobbered by a Tau, it wasn't hard to figure out where he was.

Opening his eyes a crack, he spotted two Fire Warrior off to one side. One was scowling right at him, and said something in their xeno tongue.

"Ah, you're awake."

The voice was pleasantly female, and since there was no use pretending, he opened his eyes to see a moderately attractive human woman in a medical uniform walking over. He also saw McTavish in the bed opposite; based on the slight tension in his arms, he was probably awake too, they just hadn't noticed.

The woman moved next to his bed. "Look at me," she said professionally, holding up a torch to check his eyes.
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: The Man They Call Jayne on May 07, 2016, 10:18:16 AM
Wexler decided that his best chance for getting the most out of this was to simply act like an out of sorts simpleton, if they believed him harmless there would possibly be less to contend with while getting McTavish and himself out of here.

His head rolled lazily towards the medic, and his eyes focused on an area about 8 inches in front of her face, enough to seem off, but not enough to look brain damaged.

"I..where is this? Who are you?"
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Mabbz on May 07, 2016, 12:34:28 PM
"You are in a medbay, in Kau'res'p military base," she smiled. "I'm nurse Joycean. I'm treating you for a head wound you picked up by assaulting the police." She watched his pupils intently for a moment, before turning to the Tau. "Could be a concussion. I'd like to keep him in for an hour to be safe."

"What about the other prisoner?" the Tau replied.

"I'm surprised he hasn't woken up yet. His head injury was less severe. I'll check on him again in a moment." She turned back to Adam, still displaying her reassuring grin. "Sir, we couldn't find any ID on you. Can you tell me your name?"
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: The Man They Call Jayne on May 07, 2016, 12:45:38 PM
"Assaulting the police? I..I don't remember any of that? I didn't hurt anyone did I?"

He shook his head as if to try and gain some clarity.

"Um...my name is...Jeffers... Michael Jeffers...Um...I think I should let you know that...um...this has happened before...I lost my medicine and I didn't know where to find it and...I wandered outside and then...I wasn't there anymore..."

Wexler contorted his face into a mask of sorrow and misery, of a person who was deeply ashamed of his condition and that other people had to be exposed to it. Even doctors, people trained to deal with sick people could be made to feel discomfort, not from the idea of the condition itself, but from a persons breakdown reaction to it, and that could often distract them.

He was waiting for McTavish to make himself known.

"I-I-I'm so very sorry if I hurt anyone...I...I didn't know..."
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Wargamer on May 07, 2016, 04:05:21 PM
McTavish considered his options. At present, he didn't have any. Strapped down with the mother of all headaches, he focused on compartmentalising the pain and blotting out the details of Wrexler's excuses.
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Narric on May 07, 2016, 08:21:53 PM
"Then we shall go to St Annalina's. Its closest to our devilfish, and so they'll be easier to get Steve to. They'll hardly complain about Ogryn muscle as a bargaining chip." Hertius adjusted his attire. "Lets be on our way then. Who knows what chaos those two Sergeants are causing for the Tau."
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Mabbz on May 08, 2016, 09:16:24 AM
"I don't believe you," growled one of the fire warriors stalking over to the bed. "You took me down silently and quickly. You had to have been thinking clearly, and you definitely have military training."

Joycean blocked his path. "Get back to your post," she said sternly. "I will not have you interrogating my patients here." She turned back to Adam, affecting a sympathetic smile. "Michael? Could you tell me what your condition is called? Or what medicine you were taking?"




Sneaking through alleyways, Hertius and Maria made it to St Annalina's without any further problems. It was getting fairly late, so the streets were largely empty. Overall the area looked somewhat rundown, with small, cheap houses, occasional broken windows and plenty of graffiti, much of which had various racist slogans against the Tau.

"So, how do we find the resistance now?" asked Maria.
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: The Man They Call Jayne on May 08, 2016, 09:21:12 AM
"Military...yes...long ago...I was...Imperial Guard...Catachan... There was Chaos and gas, and then I was sick. They made me fight when they came to...came to my world. They told me to fight the Xenos, to protect my family and my people...Then there was the gas...and I couldn't fight anymore..."
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Wargamer on May 08, 2016, 09:23:03 AM
McTavish carefully opened his eyes and tried to test his restraints without being noticed. He kept his movements slow and careful, not wanting to draw attention. The last exchange put him on edge - something was not going the way it should. He needed a weapon, or at least a hand free. He looked for weapons, escape routes, enfilade and defilade positions, probable routes of attack or escape. An unguarded armoury and a prostitute testing facility would be nice as well, but he wasn't going to push his luck.
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Mabbz on May 08, 2016, 10:06:17 AM
The handcuffs weren't the most sophisticated, but the steel wasn't going to break without a tool. They were securely attached to a steel rail on the bed, so getting out of them was probably not going to happen. He did have some freedom of movement though; the chains were at least a foot long. He could reach his bedside table (which at present contained only a glass of water), but there wasn't anything else in he could grab at the moment.

The room had only one door, made of wood, and contained six beds, three on each side. They were in the ones nearest to the door. At the far end of the room was a row of windows, probably too small and high to crawl through. There was a desk near the door as well, with a computer and various office equipment.

As he took all this in, Joycean turned to walk to the desk but stopped as she spotted McTavish. "Oh good, you're up too," she smiled. "How are you feeling? Can you tell me your name?"
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Wargamer on May 08, 2016, 10:18:30 AM
"Robute Guilliman, Primarch of the Ultramarines," he muttered, slowly reaching for the water. He kept his eyes firmly on the Tau guards.
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Mabbz on May 08, 2016, 10:27:16 AM
"Ok Mr Guilliman, I just need to check you for a concussion. Please could you hold still for a moment?" Joycean walked over to check his eyes, only to be stopped by one of the Tau.

"Please tell us your real name, sir. You are definitely not a space marine."
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Wargamer on May 08, 2016, 11:14:36 AM
McTavish inspected the water, then slowly took a sip. "Por'vre Kal'yr. Oh, wait, she died when someone dropped a belltower on her. I'm Governor Arthax- no, he got a belltower dropped on him too. Same belltower, I think."
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Mabbz on May 09, 2016, 10:12:59 AM
The Fire Warrior started to speak, but Joycean cut him off. "Ok, you don't want to help. Let me give you a check up, and then you can go annoy my colleagues in interrogation." She walked over to the bed, coming within arms reach.
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Wargamer on May 09, 2016, 10:26:07 AM
"Schola Progenia," he whispered when Joycean drew close. "1024 Stormtrooper. His judgement is nigh. Get me free, and your loyalty will be remembered."
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Mabbz on May 09, 2016, 03:58:50 PM
Joycean looked at him curiously for a moment, before silently continuing her examination. Once finished, she walked over to her desk. "Mr Guilliman here is in good health," she told the Tau. "I hereby discharge him, you can take him to his holding cell. I'm keeping Mr Jeffers in for the moment while I check his medical records."

"We have orders to keep watch. We should call someone to guard while we move the prisoner."

"He's chained to the bed." Joycean flashed a reassuring smile as she typed on her computer. "Don't worry, I won't go near him."

With that, the Tau wheeled McTavish out. There was silence for a moment, then Joycean looked at Wexler. "For all there faults, the Tau really did a wonderful job of upgrading the computer systems for our health records. Since none of the records name Michael Jeffers look like you, can I assume you're a guardsman too? Perhaps another member of the 1024 Stormtrooper, like your friend?"
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: The Man They Call Jayne on May 09, 2016, 06:50:22 PM
"There is absolutely nobody like my friend, I assure you of that. But yes, we are together here. I am Sergeant Adam Wexler, Catachan 20501st."

His voice was low, still not wanting to attract any outside attention.

"And who are you? And who are you with? Why are you working alongside these Xenos?"
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Narric on May 09, 2016, 08:54:26 PM
Hertius continued to walk the desolate looking streets, examining every inch of graffiti in sight.
"Nothing in the crude artwork the locals have painted points to anything. For now I suggest you keep such talk internalised. We don't want to cause further trouble in these parts, and we certainly don't want these parts causing us trouble." The graffiti a wasted endeavour, Hertius turned his eyes to the ground, trying to notice any areas beyond the middle of the street that would highlight prolonged continuous use, which would imply where the resistance was located.
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Mabbz on May 09, 2016, 10:14:03 PM
Joycean regarded Adam carefully, trying to decide how to respond. "I am who I said I am: a nurse. I was born on this planet. I learnt at school how, decades ago, your Imperium showed up and told the governments of the world that if we didn't obey their rules and pay their taxes, they would invade and kill any who resisted. You know, a lot of people at the time believed in freedom for all, and even years later they hated everything the Imperium stood for. People didn't really rebel because they knew they'd be obliterated, but almost nobody liked our new rulers. The worst was the conscription, the people being forced off-world to fight in the Guard. They never returned and there were never enough volunteers, so families got torn apart as people were drafted." She stood up and walked about halfway across the room.

"Then along came the Tau. They told us it'd be better under their rule, that they'd protect us from the Imperium, share their technology and that no-one would be forced to fight. And it was better. For a several years, general quality of life improved, and there was no bloody tithe. Of course, some people lost out and complained. Some people pointed out that we were being fed propaganda for their 'Greater Good', but most didn't care because it was still an improvement over the Imperium." Jocean was glaring at this point.

"Then you lot came. The Imperium, come to liberate the planet from the foul Xenos. More propaganda, from earlier in the war. Mass destruction wherever you attacked. Not that the Tau were much better. The laws tightened up again, the Fire Caste reintroduced conscription, civil liberties dried up. Ten years this wars been raging, wrecking half the planet! And for what! I've seen starmaps of the Imperium and the Tau, we're nothing to either of you! You've spent more resources on this war than you could possibly hope to gain from us! Why couldn't you both just leave us ALONE!" Her face was red, her breathing laboured. After a moment, she turned away and tried to regain control of her breathing.

Eventually she spoke again, quietly, without turning around. "I just want this war to end. Too many people have died. For nothing."
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: The Man They Call Jayne on May 10, 2016, 12:09:52 PM
"The Imperium will always fight for its own, for any humans out in the galaxy. Because the Emperor Protects. And he protects through us. I have seen these Xenos and their promise of a "Greater Good" before. Nothing but hollow lies in the long term. Of course, given the other things I have seen, I am glad it is only them and not something far far worse."

"War is hell. Nobody WANT'S war. In an ideal galaxy, everyone would understand that it was simply best to accept the light of The Emperor, and there would be peace, but they don't."

"You should understand that while you are right, and the Imperium could never regain the resources spent on this world, it isn't trying to. It is just trying to hold resources, it is trying to hold you the people, it's own people. And it will never be subtle to anyone about how far it is willing to go to protect his own."
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Mabbz on May 10, 2016, 03:23:28 PM
Joycean gave Adam the weary look of someone who isn't entirely convinced, but can't be bothered to argue. "I'll forge some medical records for you to make it look like you're a citizen, and I'll corroborate your ridiculous illness story. Hopefully the Tau will let you go; I don't like having to hand my patients over to the interrogators. I'm not sure what I can do for your friend though, since he's now officially out of my care. Hopefully he won't do anything stupid."

Before Adam could respond, the doors opened and the Fire Warriors returned. True to her word, Joycean prescribed Adam some medication for his condition and asked that he be given leniency for extenuating circumstances. The Tau simply said that they would pass the reccommendation on, before unchaining Adam ready to take him to a holding cell.




"Please tell me your name."

Frank's bed had been folded to force him into a sitting position. He was sat in a small room, empty except for a table, a mirror glass window and two Tau, one a guard by the door and the other a member of the Water Caste, seated on the other side of the desk.




Walking the streets for an hour, Hertius and Maria found nothing out of the ordinary to help them find the resistance. "It's not all that surprising really," Maria had noted. "If they were obvious enough to be found by a pair of newcomers in one evening, the Tau would have gotten them by now."

"True. We will need to think of some plan to draw them out of hiding."

"For now though we should get to the devilfish. Who knows what the ogryn could be doing, unsupervised."
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Wargamer on May 10, 2016, 03:40:16 PM
McTavish grinned at his captors. "Did I use Marneus Calgar yet? No, fine, my name is Iram Sejanus Dorrick of the Vostr- Wait! Better idea! I'm Frank McTavish of the Imperial Stormtroopers! That's much more exciting than being a Guardsman."
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Narric on May 12, 2016, 07:32:49 PM
"Yes, the devilfish, just outside of Town." Hertius spoke a little louder than Maria was expecting, suddenly making her nervous.
"what are you doing" Forgeting her station, she hissed in alarm. Hertius leaned down to her but maintained a veiw of as much of the street as possible.
"Hopefully attracting the right attention. We should get moving quickly though, otherwise the wrong kind of attention will take notice."
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Mabbz on May 12, 2016, 08:33:51 PM
The Por'vre regarded Frank for a moment before speaking. "Very well... Frank. You were arrested for attacking Tau peacekeepers as without provocation. Please explain why you acted the way you did."

McTavish thought long and hard, before giving a detailed and considered response. "Nope."

The Por'vre was not amused. "You do realise how much trouble you're in, don't you? So far all we know about you are your actions, and the fact that you seem to know more than most about the Imperium. At least, more than most citizens of this world; I doubt many natives could name a Primarch. So if you have nothing to say to us, we'll just have to ship you off to a POW camp for the rest of your life."

"Oh, I didn't say I wouldn't speak," said Frank, trying to put a more serious face on. "I just need more of an incentive."

"You want to make a deal?"

"Yes. After all, as a - what did I say I was? Oh yeah - as an officer of the Stormtroopers, I know a great deal about the current plans of our forces. But as I said, you'd need to sweeten the deal first."

"And what would you want?"

Frank gave this some thought. "A new identity would be nice, to keep me safe from the Imperium besides, I like to switch every few months. Oh, and a house too."

"If your information proved useful enough, that could be arranged."

"Excellent," Frank beamed. "So our plans are - Wait! I just thought of something! If I'm gonna have a new identity then I need friends! Can you promise me neighbours that'll swear they've known me for at least twenty years?"

The Por'vre smiled genially. "I'm sure that can be arranged. Now what were you saying?"

"Oh right, the plans. The 503rd Valhallans are going to... Hmm... I might get lonely though. Can I have a puppy?"

Just then there was a small beep on a datapad in front of the Por'vre. He glanced at it before continuing to smile at Frank. "I don't know if they have any on this world. Would a young Kroot hound suffice?"

"That sounds great! So the 503rd are being sent to base two-nine-one, where they'll... Actually, puppies make nice companions but they can't help in other forms of loneliness. Do the Tau have sex slaves? I mean, I've heard Tau are like cows, so I figured they'd have great tits!"

"Oh, you don't know the half of it Frank." The Tau's eyes shone. "I mean it varies on your tastes, really. The Fire Caste prostitutes are very aggressive, so you might want them if you're in to BDSM. Then there's the Air Caste; really tall and flexible, and fantastic in Zero G. The Earth Caste tend to like to experiment, especially with their little devices. And trust me, the Water Caste are very cunning linguists, if you understand me. And the Ethereals... I can't even describe it. Will two of each do?"




"So you think we might have been watched by the resistance?" asked Maria as they neared the devilfish.

"Possibly, especially if they heard about our little encounter with the patrol earlier. Hopefully they'll send someone to check us out, and-" Hertius stopped abruptly, as he took in the scene ahead.

Steve was sat on top of the devilfish with a look of glee on his face. Throwing his arms in the air, he slid down the front, yelling "WHEEEEEEEEEeeeeeeeeeeee!" Upon reaching the bottom, he immediately ran round the side and clambered back up, before sliding down once more. Based on the increasingly large crater at the foot of the 'slide', he had probably been doing this all afternoon.
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Wargamer on May 12, 2016, 09:06:48 PM
McTavish let out a deep belly laugh. "Oh I like you! I was going to bullshit you some more, but you deserve the truth!"

The laughter played out, leaving McTavish more sombre. "I was a Guardsman. Served all my adult life. I volunteered, the kind of volunteering where you get sent to a penal legion if you don't. I gave everything to the Guard, and all I ever wanted was to go home afterwards. When I learned that wouldn't happen, I deserted. Wound up here by accident, got pissed and got into a fight. I lost a lot of good friends to your kind, to some general called Farsight."

"So that's it. No big plans, no conspiracy, just a traitor with nothing left to lose, and a lot of grudges to settle." By the end, McTavish sounded downright dejected.
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Mabbz on May 12, 2016, 09:49:19 PM
"Well, I must say that you are easily the most fun of any Guardsman I've ever interviewed, Frank," the Por'vre said, still smiling. "A very good liar too. Your only real mistake was giving your real name in jest. Fortunately we have you on record, Sergeant." He glanced back down at his pad. "Or do you actually prefer to be called 'Mad Bastard'? In any case, there's nothing here about you deserting, and these are fairly up to date."
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Wargamer on May 12, 2016, 10:07:49 PM
"You met Mad Bastard? I should have gone with Elim Rilke, he's definitely dead. My name is John Macharius Carter, 203rd Etruscan Fusiliers, serial number 356-324-109. Check with that Farsight bugger, his men made off with enough of our intel when they weren't blowing up my company."
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Mabbz on May 12, 2016, 10:20:17 PM
"Frank, we have your service record." He was still smiling, but it had dropped slightly so that it looked more sympathetic than amused. "Picture included. I admit these games are fun, but can we talk about your future for a moment? Specifically the part where you get shipped off to a POW camp on the next transport. I'd like to help you, if I can. As I said, you are a lot of fun and I feel you deserve better than lifetime imprisonment. But you have to give me something first."
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Wargamer on May 12, 2016, 10:29:13 PM
"well, that stuff about dropping belltowers on people is true. Xrimms world? Kremms world?  Anyway, that was me and mine. You wouldn't believe the reprimand I got for that one. Hence my suicide mission here, actually. I'm supposed to blow up as much shit as I can before I die." McTavish laughed aloud again. "Someone should have told the Colonel that Stormtroopers never die!"
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Mabbz on May 12, 2016, 10:42:14 PM
"A simple, straightforward mission then. And one you seem impressively well suited for, based on our intel," he added, scanning through the information on his pad. He gave a small chuckle at one of the entries, before shaking himself and looking back at Frank. "Although I haven't heard many explosions recently. Can I assume your mission isn't going well? Or do you have any explosions you wish to take credit for?"
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Narric on May 12, 2016, 10:44:23 PM
"In the Emperor's name, have you not heard of laying low?!" Hertius nearly broke his respirator with how loud he had shouted. The Ogryn slid down the devilfish's front slope with a thud, all glee banished from his muscular yet childish face. Instead it was plastered with a mix of anger and sorrow.
"Surry sur." The Ogryn sulked. "Go' bord just sittin' in du back." Hertius sighed and shrugged.
"Has anyone come past?" He asked, surveying the surrounding terrain and flora.
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Wargamer on May 12, 2016, 10:49:40 PM
"You seem to be keeping tabs on me pretty well. How's that Shas'ui I was planning to bang? Tell her I'm sorry I broke her tanks, but I always overdo it when I'm making a first impression."
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Mabbz on May 12, 2016, 11:01:43 PM
Steve's face screwed up in concentration. Suddenly, it brightened. "Dere was a fluffy!"

"A... fluffy?" asked Maria, confused. Steve just nodded enthusiastically. She tried again. "What is a fluffy?"

Again, the look of an Ogryn in thought. "A fluffy fing. Small. It ran away. A fluffy."

Hertius sighed again. "Did anyone else come past? A human? Or a Tau?"

"No, none of dose fings. You want me to find wun?"




"I don't know anything about-" he paused for amoment, as if having just remembered something. "Wait, are you referring to the patrol that got ambushed? Some way east of here? They were investigating a transport we'd shot down."
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Narric on May 13, 2016, 08:14:39 AM
"No, no, no, there is no need to find one. Given the circumstances, I'm sure they'll find us. For now Steve, I need you to watch the area for any suspicious activity.... Just don't start shooting until I say so."
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Wargamer on May 13, 2016, 08:59:21 AM
Quote from: Mabbz on May 12, 2016, 11:01:43 PM
"I don't know anything about-" he paused for amoment, as if having just remembered something. "Wait, are you referring to the patrol that got ambushed? Some way east of here? They were investigating a transport we'd shot down."
"And they ran into me!" McTavish grinned. "I didn't kill them all. Could have, but didn't. See? I'm a nice guy really. I stole their Devilfish and sent the other survivors off back to safety, then I came here to carry on being an arse."
He looked up at the ceiling in contemplation. "You know, I can't actually remember what my plan was. I wanted a techpriest for something. Oh yeah! I wanted to steal a Battlesuit and I needed some expertise in how to fix it!" he chuckled at the memory. "Oh that would have been amazing! Seriously, I'll defect right now if you let me have a battlesuit, the big ones we call "Crisis" suits. I would love to fly one!"
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Mabbz on May 13, 2016, 09:43:35 AM
"I'm sure having a soldier of your experience would be an asset, but I'm afraid we don't give humans access to our battlesuits," he smiled regretfully. "So you sent the survivors back? I'd assumed the other man we brought in with you was another soldier. I'm curious, why did you get into the fight with our peacekeepers then?"
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Wargamer on May 13, 2016, 10:31:59 AM
McTavish shrugged. "The other guy went postal and my name's Mad Bastard."
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Mabbz on May 13, 2016, 10:58:06 AM
The Tau appeared to accept that. "Well, it doesn't seem like there's much more to talk about. We'll send out a few patrols to find the stolen Devilfish. I'd ask you where you hid it, but I suspect you'd just send us on a wild goose chase." He stood up. "Thank you for your time, you've been most helpful. You'll be kept in a holding cell for a few days until the next POW transport, but please let the guards know if you have anything else you wish to tell us."
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Mabbz on May 17, 2016, 02:48:07 PM
It was getting close to midnight. Hertius and Steve were sleeping, while Maria kept watch. Hertius had rigged up the scanner to display on a small screen in the cupola, so that they could keep an eye out with that as well as more conventional means. It had been a long day and now Maria was trying not to fall asleep on watch.

As she yawned, movement caught her eye. Whipping her head round to the screen, she could see two small blips, moving towards them at speed. Scrambling down into the main part of the Devilfish, she hurriedly shook Hertius awake.

"Contacts approaching from the south west. Two of them, smaller than the Pirhana we fought earlier. I'm guessing Tetras? Probably just scouting the area, but the moment they spot the Devilfish they'll let the Tau back at base know, and then we'll have the a real problem."

Spoiler
(http://orig11.deviantart.net/5231/f/2016/138/8/e/vassal_40kmap_by_mabbz-da2wsn2.png)
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Narric on May 17, 2016, 05:00:59 PM
Hertius awoke with a start, formulating as many plans and strategies as possible given the terrain to hand. Rising to his feet, he rushed to the rear hatch.
"Ogryn, your stay in here and fire on anything Tau that gets too close. Maria, you should come outside and find cover. I'll move to the west, whilst you move to the south, so we should be able to catch the approaching forces in a cross-fire." Hrtius chose not to be gracious while exiting the vehicle, landing on the dirt with a thud. He quickly gathered himself and made a be-line for one of the nearby trees that was thick and wide. a perfect spot to observe but not be seen.
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Mabbz on May 18, 2016, 10:47:46 PM
Hiding in the trees, Hertius waited patiently as the Tetras approached. Careful to stay out of sight, he watched as they emerged through the trees and flew straight towards the Devilfish. As they zipped straight past his hiding place, he heard one of the aliens start to speak.

"Now," he muttered into his comms, leaping from cover and hurling his grenade. His aim was off, but he could see Maria's land true, the blast tearing a chunk off of the speeder. Suddenly, a laser blast lit the clearing. Once the flash had cleared, he could see the pilot of the damaged Tetra topple limply off his vehicle. Maria glanced over her shoulder to try and spot where the shot had come from, only to whip her head back round at the sound of the uncontrolled Tetra slamming into a tree.

The other Tau were caught off guard by their allies demise, but an Ogryn charging at you and bellowing is a hard thing to miss. With a deft jink to the left the remaining Tetra avoided Steve and tried to make a run for it, zooming past the Devilfish. Again though, a flash of light left the pilot collapsing. The Tetra spun to a stop facing the Devilfish. The surviving Tau didn't even try to make a run for it, instead frantically pushing buttons on his controls. He looked up just in time to see Steve bearing down on him before the full weight of the Ogryn slammed into the vehicle and rolled it on top of him.

Tau dealt with, Maria turned around to look for the stranger that had sniped the pilots. At first she saw nothing, but then a man wearing a camo cloak stepped out of the foliage, long las ready but lowered.

"Get down!" he yelled.

Maria instinctively did as instructed, just as a pair of missiles screamed overhead and smashed into the side of the Devilfish. As the explosions cleared it became apparent that the tank's chassis was damaged, but not badly so. The man walked over to her and gave her a hand up.

"Seekers. The Tetra must have markerlighted the fish," he grunted. "They'll have your location now, but it'll be a while before they can get here. We should get clear."
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Narric on May 18, 2016, 10:57:19 PM
"Indeed we should. Judging by your choice of weaponry, you must be Lieutenant David Munroe?"

To Hertius, it looked like Munroe nearly lifted his rifle up to a crack shot at his face. Perhaps using information gleamed from other sources was perhaps not the best way to present yourself as an ally. Hertius cautiously raised his hands, axe and Servo-arm as non-threateningly as he could.

"Please stand down Lt. I prefer not to die among Xenos corpses and Machine God damned technology. Steve, kindly pick yourself up and follow us. You get to see the city at last. That is, if we're welcome?"
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Mabbz on May 18, 2016, 11:56:42 PM
"It seems you have me at a disadvantage, sir." Lieutenant Munroe lowered his rifle again, though he still looked wary. "I'm afraid I won't be leading you to our base. I helped you because I saw you fighting the Tau, but that doesn't mean you're trustworthy yet. In any case, entering the city would be difficult with your large friend, and would require us to leave behind the transport. If it is any condition to move, I would prefer that we take it with us; the resistance could find a use for it."

Maria had been examining the damage. "It looks like we can still drive it. But if we're not going into the city..."

"We have multiple safe houses. There's an abandoned mine we use as an outpost. But first I must know who I am dealing with."
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Narric on May 19, 2016, 07:47:54 AM
Hertius bowed, cautiously.

"I am Hertius Von Drakoon. Techpriest Engineseer. Servant of the Blessed Omnissiah. My colleagues are Maria Note, and this Ogryn we've been calling Steve. My apologies for my foreknowledge. We had been in the city today to look for help, and I had managed to talk to the local guard base who informed me of yourself."
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Mabbz on May 19, 2016, 08:21:06 PM
"A local guard base? I heard the latest Tau offensive wiped them all out," David said as they got in the Devilfish and Maria started flying. "The nearest base now is a few hundred miles away. Head east," he added to Maria, before turning back to Hertius. "So tell me, what is your tale? A Techpriest, a guardswoman and an Ogryn with a stolen Devilfish aren't exactly common sights, after all."
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Narric on May 19, 2016, 09:30:43 PM
"We were on route in a Transport, which was subsequently shot down. We were then engaged by a Tau scouting force, which we stole this Devilfish from. Don't worry, I removed all tracking devices I found, alongside informing a Guard base we paced of some offensive hardware heading towards them. We also had two other Guardsman with us. Well, a Stormtrooper and a Catachan. They've been taken by local law enforcement and are likely causing trouble in a local base."

Hertius had been in a trance-like state, reeling off the summary of events which had brought him to this point. He turned to Munroe.

"If you're asking about myself, then consider me wanting to avenge the glorious craft that was shot down. Such an affront to the Omnissiah shall not go unpunished, and a few insignificant speeders will hardly sate such drive."

Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Mabbz on May 21, 2016, 02:23:25 PM
"And as for me, I'm a soldier," said Maria from the front. "I follow orders, and right now my only superiors within a hundred miles are Brother Hertius and the two sergeants."

"Ah yes, your friends are how I found you," David said conversationally. "They cause an impressive ruckus, which I came to investigate. I spoke to some witnesses who told me that you two were seen with the Tau at the time. Then I heard a report from a resistance member that you were searching for something in St. Annalina's. I'm guessing you were looking for the resistance? Tell me, are you hoping to join, or do you just want to enlist our aid in rescuing the Sergeants?"
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Narric on May 21, 2016, 09:24:24 PM
"I don't see how those choices are exclusive." Hertius sighed with a smile behind his respirator. "The Tau base likely has plenty of useful hardware a resistance could use, and we obviously would like our comrades back."

Hertius turned his head to the soldier.

"Though I can understand if you prefer mechanicus blessed weaponry, I can assume Rail Rifles and Ion Rifles will certainly be welcome additions to your movements armoury."
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Mabbz on May 22, 2016, 11:16:42 AM
"We could certainly use the equipment, if only there was a technically minded individual that could get us past the biometrics." David smiled. "But raiding the base is a bold move. We'll have to come up with a good plan for that."

There wasn't much talk after that, aside from David providing directions for Maria. Eventually they reached the mine. The outside looked deserted and the entrance half caved in. David got out and disappeared inside for a minute, and when he returned he was followed by half a dozen men. They quickly took apart the obstruction, allowing the Devilfish to carefully manoeuvre inside. As they disembarked the men were already rebuilding the fake rubble.

The chamber they were in was largely barren except for several piles of rubble that looked almost natural until you realised they were perfectly positioned to provide cover for defenders. They were led further back, through a small gap in the rockface to another chamber, this one full of bunks. There were further tunnels at the far end of the room.

"From what you've told me, you've had quite a long day," said David. "Get some rest; we'll talk more in the morning."




The next morning, Sergeant Wexler awoke to the sound of his door being unlocked. A pair of Tau entered, and he could see a third standing outside the door.

One of the aliens that had come in was dressed in the robes of the water caste. "Good morning, Mr Jeffers," he said with an easy smile. "We've been checking your story, and I'm pleased to say that everything checks out. As such, we are releasing you from custody. Oh, and we have the medication you were prescribed." The Por'vre held out a bottle of pills.




Sergeant McTavish awoke to the sound of a hatch in his door being slid open. He was in a small cell, with only a toilet and a bed. A tray of food was pushed through the small hatch. A careful examination revealed nothing of interest, like a key or a weapon.




Hertius awoke to the sound of hammering. The bunk room was empty except for Maria, who was still half asleep. Walking through to the antechameber, he saw the cause of the noise; a pair of the men from last night appeared to be trying to fix the Devilfish's hull plating where it been damaged in yesterday's battles.
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Narric on May 22, 2016, 07:43:02 PM
"I assume you have plans to use this xenos machine?"

Hertius inquired.

"I find it unlikely such a damaged vehicle would travel so far north of the battlefield alone, and there is always a risk of the Tau knowing to be on the lookout for suspicious activity."
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Mabbz on May 23, 2016, 12:37:01 AM
The closest man regarded him for a moment before answering. "The way I sees it," he drawled, "we're either gonna dismantle it for parts, or we're gonna use it. We can always pull it apart later if needs must, but if we need it, we might as well fix 'er up. If we were attacked, I reckon we'd 'ave a better chance of escapin' in an armoured transport with a big gun than runnin' on foot. 'sides, if we make 'er look neat an' proper, the greyskins won't notice unless they try the radio. An' if we fix that an' get someone who speak Tau in there, they might not even notice then."

"Congratulations Bart, you summarised what I told you ealier quite well." David had just slipped in from another side cavern. "Now please get back to work; we may need her sooner rather than later." He led Hertius through to a small room containing a few crates and a holo-table. Sitting on one of the crates, he tapped a few buttons and a map appeared. "This is the base. We have someone on the inside, who says that one of your colleagues managed to talk his way out. He's being released, and will be met by one of my associates."

"The other is still in custody and will be transferred to the capital in two days, along with a few resistance fighters that were captured. So if we're going to rescue them, we'll need to act soon and raid the base, or ambush the transport again. Unfortunately we already pulled that stunt once, so they'll be prepared for it. I gather they'll have more guards and they'll certainly be more alert. So a base raid seems slightly more plausible; at the very least we'll have the element of surprise." He glanced up at Hertius. "Any thoughts or questions?"
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Mabbz on June 18, 2016, 12:20:19 AM
Hertius had been thinking on a plan for a while. So many variables to take into account. How quickly would enemy reinforcements arrive? How many of the resistance were willing to take on this mission? How many teams could he reasonably control in the moment? How many security systems would need bypassing?
From what he could see of the map, he couldn't make out where the entrance to the barracks was, though he assumed the widest wall facing garage.

"To make best use of this mission, it seems medical supplies will be the easiest to access, as the armoury will likely be inside the barracks. We could try throwing a few grenades in and seal the doors, though that will risk damaging hardware we would want to acquire. There could be useful resources inside the garage which a small group could charge in a loot, as hit & run strategy...."

"We'll drive in towards the garage. I'll disembark out the south hatch, and dash around the garage, and behind the medical bay. I'll get Maria to b-line towards the Barracks to seal the door, or throw in a few grenades to cause some havoc McTavish would be proud of. Assuming we get Wexler back before this, we can get him into the garage, as I'm sure he'll find something to cause a nuisance. If you can spare some men, they could bunker up in the garage as well and provide covering fire, or search for some easy to carry resources."

"I'll then enter the Prison block and free McTavish. I might be able to arm him with weapons from the prison Guard but that isn't a certainty. If he's more liable to get himself killed, we'll have to cart him away to be picked up by the escaping Devilfish. After hopefully dispatching any reinforcements from the Barracks, Maria can see about destroying a fence Pylon or two, whilst Wexler destroys the local generator. This will divide their repairs, and hopefully make your future assualts more achievable. Assuming you'll also have men looting as much as possible, we'll then withdraw to regroup."

"However, can I appreciate if you decide that once we have our man you'll want to return to hiding, so we could part ways once we have escaped the facility?"

"I suspect you and yours shall require some form of medical attention in the aftermath, in which case we would be happy to provide assistance; if not, then splitting up may be for the best to avoid being caught." David paused momentarily to collect his thoughts. "The rest of your plan seems solid. You should know that our contribution to the fight will be in the form of five of my comrades, as well as myself. We have already lost good men in our previous battles and cannot afford to send more. We shall move out this evening; that should give us time to pick up your friend and have him join us."




"Thank you, sir," said Wexler, trying to look grateful as he took the bottle.

"You should take your morning dosage now Mr Jeffers," the Tau said reproachfully. "We wouldn't want another incident now would we?"

"Oh... of course not." Wexler read the label quickly, as he tried to decide what to do. He could try and fake taking the pill, but if the Tau noticed then he wouldn't be released. However taking it could do Emperor knows what to him.

Eventually he decided to risk the side effects. Joycean probably wouldn't have prescribed anything too dangerous. Anyway, he was a Catachan. No way was he going to get taken down by one measly capsule. He swallowed it, and was led from the room by the Tau to an interview room where he spent half an hour filling out forms before being escorted to the front gates.

"Do you need us to arrange transportation?" asked one of his guards.

"No, I should be fine."

After a few tedious pleasantries he was walking down the road away from the base. Now he just had to figure out how to find the others.




McTavish was bored. He didn't even have an interviewer to mess with, the Tau seemingly unwilling to talk to him. His cell was basic too, just a bed with a thin sheet, mattress and pillow, a toilet, and a sink. He hadn't touched his food yet, which seemed to be mostly mashed potato, with a chicken drumstick and some beans, and water to drink. The cutlery was brittle plastic, unsuitable as a weapon, as was the tray the food was served on.

He had tried looking out the small window in the door, but couldn't see much of the corridor outside. He was fairly sure there was only one guard though; he had patrolled past a few times and peeked in through the window, but there hadn't been any sound of talking or other footsteps in the hours he'd been awake. Maybe he could trick him somehow.
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Wargamer on June 22, 2016, 07:23:53 AM
McTavish listened for the sound of the guard drawing near. He'd been considering all manner of ways to break out, but self-inflicted injury would impede his ability to fight, and faking a hanging had too much risk of becoming a real one. Besides, the sheets weren't that strong. Still, there were always other ways to feign illness.

As the guard reached the door, McTavish knelt in front of the toilet bowl and jammed his fingers down his own throat, with predictable results. He made a point of playing it up, slumping his head against the bowl as if struggling to remain conscious. In his right hand was the chicken bone from the drumstick, worked into a crude shiv.

This was going to be the best kill ever!
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Mabbz on June 23, 2016, 09:28:32 PM
Within seconds McTavish heard the sound of a key scrambling in the lock. The door burst open and the Shas'la burst in. His words were Tau, but the slightly panicked tone was unmistakeable. He quickly knelt next to Frank and spoke in broken Gothic.

"Are you fine, human?"

Frank took this as his cue, and swung around, trying to find a gap in that damned carapace armour for his shiv. Unfortunately the tau was wriggling around, making things tricky. He was yelling in Tau'sia again; Frank probably had minutes at most before he was overrun by more xenos.




While Maria stayed at the cave to drive the Devilfish, Hertius, David and one of the resistance fighters drove a truck to another safehouse. This one was a small detached house on the edge of the city; according to David it was the nearest to the base. There they met the rest of their strike team; Connor, Logan, Rasheed, John and Sarah. All were armed with stolen Tau carapace armour, knives and autoguns except for Logan, who had a grenade launcher. David had his signature Long Las.

"We'll be waiting here until around nine," David explained. "By then the 'Fish should be ready and Maria should drive it to the base. You'll get into position along the main road just outside the city and jump in as it passes, ready for the mission. I'll be approaching just behind you on foot to provide sniper support if things get hairy, and to cover your escape."

As he spoke, there was a knock on the front door, and David went to answer it. After a minute he returned, leading two men, one of whom Hertius recognised instantly. Catachans are hard to forget, after all.
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Mabbz on June 27, 2016, 11:20:52 AM
"FETHING-"

McTavish stabbed viciously at the Tau beneath him

"CARAPACE-"

The chicken shiv splintered.

"ARMOUR!"

Bereft of his 'weapon', McTavish tried to snap the Tau's neck, but succeeded only in rolling around on the floor for a minute before being pulled off and restrained by two more Shas'la that had just arrived, while a third helped his guard off the floor. After a minute of this, a two more Tau entered the room. One was the Por'vre from his interrogation, the other an angry-looking Fireblade.

"Shackle him," the Fireblade ordered, before turning to the nervous guard. "I trust you have learned the folly of not following protocol?" The guard nodded vigourously. "Good. Since you won't make the same mistake twice, you will remain on guard. I'm assigning another Shas'la to join you though. Impress upon him the virtue of caution."

He then turned back to McTavish and studied him for a moment. "I've read your file, Sergeant. Por'vre here believes you are of more use to us alive, but I firmly believe you to be a clear an present threat to base security. As such, I have decided to have you executed. If you have any information to offer in exchange for your life then I advise you to do so soon, as your execution will be at dawn if you cannot persuade me otherwise." With that, he turned and started out of the cell.
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Narric on June 27, 2016, 08:41:02 PM
"Have fun making a fool of yourself behind enemy lines, Wexler?" Hertius commented more than asked flatly at the Catachan. "I hope you exemplify why the Catachans are feared by Xenos and utilised by the Imperium, as we're moving out shortly to get McTavish back from the Tau base."

Wexler gave a discreet answer including a fair number of choice curse words directed at the pompous Techpriest. "So long as I have my Heavy Bolter, I'll be giving them hell in the Emperors' name."

Hertius gave Wexler a quick brief of what their plan was, trying not to use too many big words the Catachan may not understand. Wexler was visibly not amused by this.
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Wargamer on June 30, 2016, 10:53:06 AM
McTavish turned to the Shas'la he'd been fighting with and grinned at him. "That was fun, wasn't it? Same time tomorrow?"
He turned his attention to the retreating Fireblade and yelled "Terminus Protocol! Sejanus! Acolyte! Sanctum! Sanctorum! Deliverence! Redemption!"
He waited a few moments for his incoherent yelling to take hold. Staring vaguely at the ceiling he said to the world, "did I mention about the Infil-Traitors? Nah, probably not important."
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Mabbz on June 30, 2016, 01:06:18 PM
The Fireblade looked at him for another long moment before speaking. "I don't want to have to deal with someone as annoying as you in person. Someone will be along shortly to provide a recording device for your 'information'." With that, the Tau left the room and locked him in his cell.
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Mabbz on June 30, 2016, 09:48:09 PM
True to their words, McTavish had only been alone for a few minutes before the slot in the door slid open and a small device was pushed through. There wasn't much to it, just an on/off switch, a single green light to confirm it was on, and an obvious microphone grill. It was so lightweight that it was probably actually a worse weapon than the sharpened chicken bone, if that were possible.




It was close to dusk, and Hertius stood silently among the rebels. They were down a narrow alley, hard to spot in the half light if you weren't looking. David had left them there while he went to scout out the base and take a position near the entrance.

After about half an hour of waiting, they finally heard the approach of the Devilfish. It slowed as it neared them and the hatches opened, giving them just enough time to scramble aboard before closing and speeding back up. Maria was in the cockpit, along with a small, anxious looking man. He turned to face the team wringing his hands nervously.

"Um... hi. My name is, er, Porrel."

"Porrel?" asked Logan incredulously.

"My mother was a bit, er, fond of the Tau," he explained awkwardly. "She thought it was a good name. Anyway, I'm here to run deal with any Tau you have to talk to over the comms. I'm fluent in Tau'sia, so hopefully if we're challenged I'll be able to talk us past any guards."

"Any good with a gun?" asked Wexler.

"No. If when the fighting starts I'm going to stay in here, unless the Tau get close in which case I'm bailing out and running for it. Mr Munroe told me I should." He looked away from the unimpressed faces, and after a moment he closed the cockpit door to hide from the accusatory looks.

It almost immediately opened again. "I'm going to need to get out when we get in the base," Maria reminded him. "Don't touch the controls while I'm gone by the way. I kinda like this thing and I don't want you flipping it. Now shut up and watch the comms, we're coming up to the gate."

A moment later the comms lit up and a Tau voice came through. Porrel seemed to understand the alien, and replied in kind. After a short conversation the comms died again. "You can go on into the base," he told Maria. "I think he bought my story."

Ten seconds later, they were pulling up outside the garage. The main door was closed. "There's a couple of fire warriors heading this way, I guess to debrief us," Maria said as they disembarked. "We need to move fast."

map
(http://orig04.deviantart.net/7a33/f/2016/182/5/0/infiltrated_base_end_of_phase_one_by_mabbz-da8di17.png)
forces

Humans:
McTavish (building, far right, locked in cell)
Wexler: in Fish
Maria: in Fish
Hertius: in Fish
Connor: in Fish
Logan: in Fish
Rasheed: in Fish
John: in Fish
Sarah: in Fish

Tau:
1 Cadre Fireblade: in the infirmary (trait 4: Any failed klaxon rolls within 12" must be re-rolled)
16 Fire warriors with pulse rifles: 1 in each watchtower at the gate, 6 in the barracks, 2 heading for the garage, 2 guarding the power generator, 4 with the fireblade in the infirmary
4 Gun Drones: patrolling the laser fence.

Additional forces in reserve, they'll start arriving if the alarm is raised.
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Wargamer on June 30, 2016, 10:16:35 PM
"well, let's have a laugh," McTavish said as he prepped the device to record.

"Fireblade, your comrades are live. Recognise and recall: Schola 453-221-Omega. The word is Faith. Do your duty, as your comrades are. The Emperor shall absolve your Heresy and make you anew. Amen."

Finished, he banged on the door and yelled for the recording to be taken to the Fireblade, insisting only he listen to it.

Should be a laugh.
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Mabbz on July 08, 2016, 08:08:07 PM
"Right, stick to the plan," said Maria as Hertius hurried off round the south of the garage.

The seven of them spread out as the ran north. Adam loped around the corner only to stop dead as he met the gaze of two aliens heading his way. Bringing his weapon to bear, he let rip with Ol' Painful, shredding one of the Tau. The other ran for his life hiding round the next corner.

Though startled by the deafening noise of the heavy bolter, the resistance fighters spotted the drones patrolling the fence turning towards them and opened fire. Their weapons pinged off the armoured disks, until Logan's grenade launcher sent one smashing into the laser fence. The remaining drone returned fire, catching Connor with its lethal pulse rounds. He dropped instantly crying out in agony. More plasma flew from one of the towers, and John fell silently.

Maria cursed as the shooting began and redoubled her sprint. Reaching the barracks door, she yanked it open and threw her frags at the startled xenos. She slammed it shut just in time to deaden the noise of the explosion. After a moment she head movement, and tried to brace the door, but a pair of aliens forced it open. 'Shit' she thought as she saw the four survivors rush out. 'Well, better off up close than gunned down by those rifles.' Leaping forward, she swung wildly, forcing the lead Tau to duck.




David carefully lined up his rifle on the guard in the northern tower. Exhaling, he squeezed the trigger...

His laser lanced through the space where the guard's head had been, as the Tau turned at the sound of a grenade. "Damn," he cursed. "Couldn't those buffoons have kept quiet for a moment longer?"




"Thank you for your little joke, Sergeant McTavish." The Fireblade looked as bored as ever as he observed Frank through the small window in the door. "You have finally managed to convince Por'vre that you are of no use for information. The paperwork has gone through, so your execution is now certain. Think on that as-"

He was cut off by a distant noise. "Was that an explosion?" muttered one of the leader's bodyguards.

The Fireblade replied with a burst of Tau'sia as he stormed from the building. McTavish was left alone.

map
(http://orig08.deviantart.net/45cc/f/2016/190/6/a/base_assault_pic_eot2_by_mabbz-da9dinf.png)
sitrep

4 Klaxon Counters

Humans:
McTavish (building, far right, locked in cell, aware of attack)
Wexler: gunned down one fire warrior
Maria: about to fight four fire warriors in melee
Hertius: sneaking round the back
Connor: Dead
Logan: shooting drones
Rasheed: shooting drones
John: Dead
Sarah: shooting drones
David: sniping the tower guards

Tau:
1 Cadre Fireblade: leaving the infirmary (trait 4: Any failed klaxon rolls within 12" must be re-rolled)
3 Fire warrior dead
2 Gun Drones firing.
2 Gun drones investigating
North tower guard firing
South tower guard somehow unaware
Generator guards unaware
4 Barracks guards charged Maria through door

Additional forces in reserve, they'll start arriving if the alarm is raised.
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Wargamer on July 09, 2016, 08:16:27 AM
McTavish's mind raced. Not knowing what was happening outside was frustrating, but anything that might keep the Fireblade distracted was worthwhile. Buying mere seconds would be worth it.

"Hey! Get back here!" he yelled at the Fireblade. "Sounds like you and I need to talk! Whoever's out there ain't my rescue party, they're looking to beat you to the execution! We can help each other!"
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Mabbz on July 20, 2016, 08:01:43 PM
Firing wildly over her shoulder, Maria sprinted for the Devilfish. If she could get there, maybe she could match the Tau's firepower with some of their own. It was just a matter of getting there before the Fire Warriors behind her gunned her down.

Which they didn't seem to be doing, oddly. Glancing behind her, she saw why; they were desperately trying to scramble back inside as Wexler charged inexorably at them, his massive weapon spinning up to fire. As she dived into her vehicle she couldn't help but smile at the sound of aliens getting shredded. Her grin immediately disappeared when she took a quick look outside and saw Rasheed fall with half his face burnt away. Leaping into the cockpit, she ignored the panicking translator and fired up the engines.




Wexler roared with laughter at the sight of half the shas'la exploding into bloody chunks. "Cry some more!" he yelled, shouldering the door out the way and clobbering a third xeno with Ol' Painful.

He was about to do the same to the last one when a pair of drones rounded the corner and observed him for a moment, before swinging to fire on the resistance fighters. "Huh. Guess they wouldn't risk friendly fire," he commented to the warrior who was currently trying pathetically to attack him. A backhand sent him sprawling. "Maybe I should keep you alive as a shield," he mused.

Suddenly the Devilfish spun around, and the burst cannon ripped the drones apart. "Oh. Never mind then," he shrugged, casually executing the Tau.




Hertius rounded the corner towards the prison, slowing as he heard voices.

"Whoever's out there ain't my rescue party, they're looking to beat you to the execution! We can help each other!" yelled McTavish.

"Not buying it," called the Fireblade, not slowing as he headed towards the sound of battle. Hertius advanced cautiously, keen to avoid being spotted by the six Tau leaving the prison. This wasn't going entirely to plan, but as long as he was quick he could...

Then he noticed the unmistakeable outline of a Hammerhead in the distance, and heard the equally noticeable jets of a crisis suit on the other side of the building. Definitely not going to plan.


map
(http://orig04.deviantart.net/0360/f/2016/202/3/7/base_assault_pic_eot3_by_mabbz-daausu6.png)
sitrep

8 Klaxon Counters but they are irrelevant as the alarm was raised by fire warrior reaching the base leader.

Humans:
McTavish (building, far right, locked in cell, aware of attack)
Wexler: gunned down two fire warriors, killed the other two in melee
Maria: piloting the Devilfish
Hertius: sneaking round the back
Connor: Dead
Logan: shooting drones
Rasheed: Dead
John: Dead
Sarah: shooting drones
David: sniping the tower guards ineffectively (and being shot at in return)

Tau:
1 Cadre Fireblade: Aware, heading for battle
Tower guards aware and alive and firing
1 Gun Drone firing.
Generator guards aware and heading for battle
Hammerhead, crisis suit and reinforcement fire warriors moving toward the battle.

Additional forces in reserve: 4 fire warriors and 4 gun drones.
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Mabbz on July 28, 2016, 11:51:19 PM
"I'm moving in to get McTavish out," Hertius informed Maria over his cybernetic comms. "You should get everyone else out now. Enemy reinforcements are heading your way."

"And leave you two stranded?" Maria replied incredulously. "No chance. I'll provide some cover fire for a little longer. At the very least I can buy you a little more time to get out."

Hertius frowned. "That was an order, not a-" A small beep let him know that Maria wasn't listening. Running over to the prison, he quickly located the correct room with a thermal scan. He paused, waiting for some to mask his entry. He didn't have to wait long; the roar of heavy bolter fire and the light show of the devilfish burst cannon allowed him to breach the wall completely unnoticed. The servo arm smashed a small hole, before opening the hydraulic pincer and yanking back, pulling a sizable chunk of concrete out and revealing a bored looking McTavish.

"About time you got here."

"Now isn't the time for banter," replied Hertius mechanically, tossing over Franks equipment. "Get armed. We need to get out quickly."




Shutting off the comms for a moment, and ignoring Porrel's protests, Maria swung her fish round to see exacly what reinforcements they had to deal with. The immediate problem were the large group of fire warriors hurrying over, but they were easily dealt with. She smiled as she opened up with the burst cannon, only to scowl as the pulse rounds scorched the wall of the garage instead of her target. The targeting alignment must have been off.

Hertius opened fire as she started to swing the cannon round to compensate, one of the warriors falling as a bolter round tore his arm off. Just as she was about to start firing again, a rocket raced out of the darkness over the Taus' heads. She had no time to react as it slammed into the nose of her craft, the explosion rocking the craft and destroying the already damaged gun. She was just considering her next move when Porrel gave a girly little shriek. Looking over at Porrel, she went cold as she saw what he'd noticed. The unmistakable silhouette of the Hammerhead, it's turret turning to aim at her.

map
(http://orig00.deviantart.net/b155/f/2016/210/9/3/base_assault_pic_eot4_by_mabbz-dabv2hc.png)
sitrep

Humans:
McTavish: Free, been given his equipment back
Wexler: gunned down 1 fire warrior in the fireblades retinue
Maria: piloting the Devilfish, failing at shooting
Hertius: sneaking around with McTavish
Connor: Dead
Logan: destroyed the drone
Rasheed: Dead
John: Dead
Sarah: shooting tower guard
David: finally killed something!

Tau:
1 Cadre Fireblade: leading his men to the front
Tower guard aware and alive and firing at Logan
4 Gun Drones heading slowly over to reinforce.
Generator guards aware and shooting Wexler
Hammerhead: Target sighted.
Crisis suit: Shooting devilfish (weapon destroyed)
Fire warriors moving toward the battle.

Additional forces in reserve: 4 fire warriors.
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Mabbz on August 06, 2016, 09:19:01 AM
"Get your asses on board, NOW!" Maria yelled over the comms, as she swung her thrusters into reverse.She was just disappearing round the corner of the building when part of the wall exploded out towards her. Luckily the railgun slug had been slowed by the building, and didn't do any damage to the fish. Still, it would probably be a good idea to get out of there pretty soon. They weren't exactly armed, after all.

As she thought that the unmistakable sound of Wexler's Heavy Bolter boomed from the cupola, and half the Fireblade's guards were torn apart. Ok, perhaps not totally unarmed. Maybe they could stick around to cover the others a little longer...

A pair of missiles detonated against the hull, thankfully doing no damage. Perhaps not. What should she do?




Hertius and McTavish sprinted back around the side of the garage. As they reached the large fuel tank, their comms crackled back into life.

"I've got a building between me and the railgun. I might be able to stay put a little longer to keep the Tau from securing the gate. How far away are you?"

map
(http://orig08.deviantart.net/60d7/f/2016/219/7/2/base_assault_pic_eot5_by_mabbz-dacxl0l.png)
sitrep

Humans:
McTavish: Fleeing for the gate
Wexler: Shooting from the cupola
Maria: piloting the Devilfish
Hertius: Fleeing for the gate
Connor: Dead
Logan: On board the 'fish
Rasheed: Dead
John: Dead
Sarah: Onboard the 'fish
David: finally killed something!

Tau:
1 Cadre Fireblade: leading his men to the front
4 Gun Drones heading slowly over to reinforce.
Generator guards aware and shooting Wexler
Hammerhead: Firing.
Crisis suit: Shooting devilfish (weapon destroyed)
Fire warriors moving toward the battle.
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines (RP thread)
Post by: Mabbz on August 14, 2016, 11:44:44 AM
"Note!" McTavish yelled into the comms. "Get out now! If you can knock a hole in the fence as you leave, the Tau will have to split up to cover it."

"Got it. Maria out"

Hertius and McTavish kept sprinting for the fence. As they ran, David's long-las made a shower of sparks to erupt from the nearest generator post, causing the laser to flicker for a moment. Hearing a roar of engines, Frank looked past the garage to see the devilfish crash straight though another fence post, creating a large hole in the perimeter while Wexler's wild heavy bolter firing downed another fire warrior.

The Tau responded only by pouring yet more fire into the devilfish. A railgun slug cracked through the air, narrowly missing while pulse fire left scorch marks across the hull. A pair of missiles struck true, sending the badly damaged craft rocking wildly, but it kept going, disappearing into the night.

As hoped, most of the Tau kept following, moving to plug the large gap in the fence. The Fireblade and his retinue broke off though, heading for the gate. It was only a short sprint to the fence, where Hertius' servo arm should make short work of the damaged shield generator, but the fireblade would undoubtedly see them and call for reinforcements.

map
(http://orig02.deviantart.net/2e46/f/2016/227/f/2/base_assault_pic_eot6_by_mabbz-dadz8cu.png)
sitrep

Humans:
McTavish: Running for the fence
Wexler: Escaped on Devilfish
Maria: Escaped on Devilfish
Hertius: Running for the fence
Connor: Dead
Logan: Escaped on Devilfish
Rasheed: Dead
John: Dead
Sarah: Escaped on Devilfish
David: trying to destroy a fence post

Tau:
1 Cadre Fireblade and guard: moving to guard the gate
4 Gun Drones: defending power generator.
2 fire warriors moving to defend the hole
Hammerhead: trying to shoot fleeing Devilfish.
Crisis suit: trying to shoot fleeing Devilfish.
8 Fire warriors moving toward the battle.