In Route to Salem

Intel Data Files

The Master of the Administratum reports that an Imperial Tax Collector was dispatched to Salem to inquire about nonpayment of tithes. Salem has not missed a payment.

The Inquisitorial Representative has passed on that Inquisitor Jeager last made contact from the Salem Area.

The Master of the Astronomican has reported a weakening signal from the eastern fringe.

The Master of the Adeptus Astra Telepathica reports that a spacecraft has gone missing in the Salem System. They did not include any specifics about the craft or why we should address this as a concern.

The Scion of Honor plows through the perils of the warp without flinching. Enemies of all, too dark and sinister to be known, attempted to breech the hulls but they were turned away by the Litanies of protection and the age old practices that were being carried out in the various chambers of the ship. Thus continued the voyage until at last, the destination had been reached, the Scion of Honor tore through the immaterial of the void to return to the relative safety of space.

The unnatural feeling of the void has ended but for a moment as chaos seems to immediately reign supreme. The bridge becomes a maelstrom of activity as systems begin to fail across the room. Data and commands are flying from both man and machine as systems turn into smoking and sparking mini funeral pyres. Several servitors plugged into various instruments spasm as things continue to go awry. Within moments the bridge is filled with the smell of burning wires and flesh. A semi toxic smoke appears to be fog like as it is awash with the auxiliary lighting that has kicked in to replace the darkness. “Status Report all stations!” Captain Sicarius remains calm but knows something is amiss.

It would appear all ship systems are in a state of decay. Techs are trying diligently to keep the eyes and ears of the strike cruiser functioning but too many failures are ship wide and the crew just can not keep up with the technological distress of the entire craft.

Huge Bug Problem

Before painting my November challenge and while procrastinating on painting all the terrain I did up I have been finishing up my Tervigons and Tyrannofex to include magnetizing the weapon options. The good news is my 'Nid army is fully painted (for now). Bad news I still have 17 Ultras to paint, vehicles to convert and paint, Imperial Guard crewmen and weapon teams, and of course that terrain to finish off. Let's not even mention the contents of Dark Vengeance sitting in the corner. At least I won't be running out of projects soon.

Once more unto the breach...

Upon the voids of space itself, a fragmented message has been received. An Imperial Astropath takes the communica to the beginning of an endless bureaucracy that has become the Emperor of Mankind. The days of Ole are gone. Rarely does a man make a decision without the consult of a tide of humanity, or what has become of humanity these days. Counsels and panels are informed of this new dilemma. Once the situation has been accessed by the proper agents of the Emperor, action can be called forth. Deliberation has ended and the bureaus are pleased with their choice. For of course they do not have to take the next step, that will be handed to Terra's ultimate defenders.

Time has past and the original fragment of a message has been extensively lengthened. Information from hundreds of sources have been checked and cross referenced before the data file has been placed before the living legend. A mountain of raw courage and strength deliberates this hour. No man charges recklessly into battle without thought. And all who know Marneus  Augustus Calgar know that he is not one to be called reckless. "I require Captain Sicarius." Simple and to the point. A bow and the deed is done. 

"My Lord, you required my presence." Cato Sicarius states with a solemn head tilt that tells all that he is a true leader of men forged of battle, but in a tone that is more than formality. Cato knows his rank offers him a level of respect that few space marines will ever attain. Before his Chapter Master, he is still humbled by the marine before him who has lead this chapter with both wisdom and sheer brutal force. Many in the ranks of the Ultramarines feel that Captain Sicarius will one day lead the chapter, but until that day.

Lord Calgar acknowledges his battle brother,"Captain Sicarius I am afraid I will be sending you into harms way with a vague and unclear task." 

"But ask of me My Lord and I will move stars upon my back or die trying." Cato's resolve is never in doubt.

"Take the data files before thee, and prepare the 2nd Company. I do not know if you are saving a planet or ending a world. The information asks more questions than it provides answers. Without a doubt, something is amiss and our chapter has been tasked with this challenge. I would normally send a much smaller contingent to address this concern, but too many High Lords of Terra have placed their mark upon this file for my liking. Cato, you alone will be in a position to render judgement." Lord Calgar stands,"We follow in the footsteps of Guilliman. As it is written in the Codex, so it shall be."