SIXTEEN
I won't lie to you when I say that out of all the enemies of mankind, the Necrons were by far the most terrifying*294. Beyond my handful of encounters with them, I had never truly realized just how fortunate I was when it was some other enemy that wasn't them until I found myself facing them. In any state, I am faced with one in this jungle, and I want little more than to get out of this island. Normally, I would evacuate the planet itself and have Amberley quarantine it for the near future. With that clearly not an option, I do not know what to do.
'Hey, so for the guys that have no idea what's going on, what's a Deathmark?' Floyd Lawton brought up, forcing my attention to him. 'Hey, are you listening? What's going on?'
'To put simply?' I began, finally finding my voice. 'A alien death machine marksman, and a better shot than you.' He stared at me, as if I was taking the piss out of him. Granted, given his ego and lack of knowledge of the xenos I cannot fault him for not knowing about the Necrons…but I had lost all patience for such emotions, in favour of trying to get the hell out of here and hiding in some corner of the world where they won't find me.
'How 'bout we listen to the man?' George brought up. 'Let's just call up the Helis and get out?' What in the Emperor's name is a Heli?
'Hey, I'd like nothing more than to get out but if I were that thing, it'll just shoot us down.' Floyd stated. 'It's what I would do.' Admittedly it would make sense, seeing as the Necrons are not one to leave many witnesses. 'We gotta spread out and hunt it down.' He walked forward, bringing up a leaf with some red fluid on it. 'If it bleeds, we can kill it.'
'A nice sentiment.' Amberley remarked. 'But may I remind you of what the Commissar said. It is a machine.'
'Oh.' He said, rather lamely. 'Well, shit.'
'Indeed.' She stated, examining the body. 'And now it is here, somewhere on this island.' Amberley pressed a finger on her voxbead. 'Waller, I am requesting an immediate evacuation. Now.'
'What about this alien? The Deathmark. I want Task Force X to hunt it down.' She barked, and I couldn't help but wonder if she is being purposefully obtuse.
'I'm afraid it would be a useless exercise.' I chimed, in an attempt to convince her otherwise. 'The Deathmark is too much for anybody to handle, their mutant abilities or not. We need immediate extraction, now.'
'Task Force X has its orders.'
'And those orders are meaningless.' I protested. 'Your exercise with Task Force X has succeeded. If you go through with this order, then the fate of this operation and all these souls will be condemned.'
'Then that is their fate.' Why that sadistic-
'It's our fate.' I reminded, praying for the Emperor to smack some sense over her head. 'We have to evacuate. You have your key, the key to any future operations you want. Without this victory, here, you will lose everything.'
'No, you stay the course!' She shouted over the vox. Now, I wasn't sure what had happened, but I felt something within me snap. I must have lost it right then and there, because I shouted back*295. 'If we stay the course, we are dead. WE ARE ALL DEAD!'
'As of this moment, you and the Inquisitor are relieved of command.' She stated. 'You are no longer a part of Task Force X.' I turned to face the penals, and I had feared the worst. It was obvious that Amanda Waller had lost her mind and was going to order the criminals to kill us.
'I didn't catch that last statement.' Floyd remarked, giving me a smirk.
'Neither did I.' Harley added, and I felt myself relax. I then felt a wave of guilt flush through me. They were now going to sacrifice their lives for my sake, knowing all-too-well that Amanda Waller would detonate the explosives. Moments passed, but nothing happened.
'Already taken care of, Cai.' I whipped around, seeing Felicia grinning at me. 'The explosives. They've all been deactivated.'
'No shit.' Louise said, eyes wide. She turned to me. 'Y'know kid, you ain't so bad.'
'Right? You played Waller like a fool!' George laughed, and I could already feel my heart tense. 'You knew she was going to pull some kinda fast one so you had your girl deactivate the bombs! Right on mate!'
'Aw, you really do care for us!' Harley, you are not helping! No, Floyd stop nodding in agreement! Oh God-Emperor, I'm being worshipped by the criminal class! Now, if I don't want them to kill me, I have to get them out of here like what my reputation back in the Imperium was! I know some priests claim His Immortal Majesty has a sense of humour, but for the life of me I do not understand it!
'I am only performing my duties as a simple Political Officer.' I said, playing up my usual "humble soldier" routine, which only seemed to raise their opinion of me. Well, at the very least, they will be great human shields for Amberley, Felicia, Jurgen, and myself. 'In any case, the mission has changed. We have defeated our original enemy, and we must now find a way out of here.'
'Hey, I have this map.' Harley brought up, much to my bewilderment. Where on the Terra did she find that map, let alone where she put it*296? 'And according to my calculations-' What calculations? 'We are about five miles-' The frak are miles? 'Away from the nearest Government airbase.' Oh, that's good news. 'And where there are airbases, there are Choppas.' How are Ork axes supposed to help us*297?
'Well, what are we doing standing around for?' Louise jumped in. 'Let's go!' She looked at me. 'If it's okay with you.' What?
'Well, come on mate.' George said, a grin on his face. 'Let's go.' What? When did I become the leader of this? I turned to Amberley, who shrugged, an apologetic look on her face. Felicia was much the same.
'Whenever you're ready sir.' Oh no, not you too, Jurgen. Though, I probably should have expected that.
'Right then, let's go.' I cheered with much more enthusiasm than what I actually felt. 'Harley, you take point.' What, I have to get some revenge somehow.
Admittedly, the terrain of this valley wasn't exactly easy to cross. As such, it took much longer than expected to walk the eight kloms. Honestly, miles. What on the Emperor's Golden Throne are miles? What lunatic ever came up with miles? Kloms are much easier to use! Of course, I digress. It took some time*298 but we finally reached our destination. To my astonishment, there were helicopters. One of them looked like it could carry a platoon! Two rotor blades, elongated body. I doubt it'll be fast, but it's bound to be better than nothing.
'Do you see that Ciaphas?' Felicia hushed, pointing at the helicopters. 'It's so beautiful.'
'Yes, I'm sure they are.' I commented, non-committedly. 'Just gotta look for the perfect one.'
'What about that one?' Felicia pressed, pointing. I tried to follow the direction of her fingers, but I can't seem to see what she's pointing at.
'You got good eyes.' Thankfully, Floyd was there to save me from embarrassment. 'That's a Alouette III. Used prominently in the Rhodesian Bush War.'
'We say Zimbabwe now, don't we?' Harley giggled, like the maniac she is.
"Do we?' The penal marksman smirked. 'Anyways, that's our ticket out of here.' But the problem is the guards. They're bound to have many soldiers on patrol, there has to be! So why am I not seeing any right now?
'It can't be that easy.' I said, shaking my head. Harley was beside me, bewilderment in her eyes. 'This is just too easy. Why would there be so few guards here?'
'Only one way to find out, mister imposter syndrome.' She whispered, and charged.
'Wait, no!' I shouted, but it was far too late.
'There's gold in dem dar hills!' And she used her grenade launcher to blast a guard tower. I was shocked. We all were. If it weren't for the fact I just established a relationship as a caring commissar to these penals, I would have just left her to her fate.
'Charge!' I shouted, levelling my laspistol in the general direction, accidentally pulling the trigger. To my surprise, it actually hit a soldier as he racked the heavy stubber.
'Great shot kid!' Floyd shouted, slapping my shoulder. 'Remind me of myself!'
'Lucky shot!' I protested, racing down the hill to catch up to Harley. She seemed to know where she's going and I'll be damned if I didn't secure the transport before all the seats were filled. 'Come Jurgen!'
'I'm coming Commissar!' My faithful aide shouted from behind. I know he'll catch up and watch my back. Good, that just leaves only one direction for me to focus on.
'Arrêt!' A soldier shouted, an autogun levelled on me. Unfortunately for her, I already revved my chainsword and slashed her. I paused to look behind. Amberley and Felicia were still behind us.
'Hurry up!' I shouted, waving my chainsword in the air. 'We're waiting for you!' Unfortunately for me, George was the one that sprinted towards us, a red crimson fluid running down his left arm. 'You're bleeding.'
'Yeah nah, I ain't got time to bleed!' He retorted, throwing his "V"-shaped knives.
'Well, do you have time to duck?' I riposted, autogun fire peppering the ground around George. I returned fire, compressing the trigger a few times with care. The lasbolt caught several guards that were pinning down Floyd. He gave me a thumbs up.
'Come on!' I shouted again, praying Amberley and Felicia would sprint towards us. Fortunately, the two finally did, but Amberley was being carried by Floyd and she was worse for wear*299. I turned to George. 'Get them to the helicopter.' I barked in my best parade ground snap. 'Jurgen!'
'Sir!' He stood at attention.
'I need you to escort Amberley and Felicia out of here.' I ordered. 'I'll catch up.'
'As the Emperor wills.' He said, providing as much cover fire as the melta can take. Whatever Jurgen failed to hit, I did. I had to get Amberley out of there. If anything else, she was much more important than I am. So far, it was going very well. Then a streak of green, ethereal energy slammed into the wall nearest to her. I better make this quick. Everyone was loaded onto the helicopter, except me. I ran for the vehicle, discarding my laspistol and chainsword in the process…but the shots were going for the helicopter. I'm so close! Then, an explosion rocked me off my feet, a stinging pain hitting my chainsword arm as I hit the ground. I knew there was no more time.
'Run, go!' I shouted, just as Jurgen stepped out to help me. 'Get to the Copter!' The Alouette helicopter was lifting off, Jurgen barely making it back inside.
'Commissar!' He shouted, but they were gone now and I was left with the Deathmark. I told myself that if I stayed there, I was a deadman. I forced myself up and ran into the jungle, the green, ethereal energy slamming into trees, rocks, even the ground where my feet just were. I was so caught up in my panicking that I missed the waterfall that I fell into. I won't lie, but I did scream*300. I was only lucky at the end of the drop, I didn't hit any of the sharp rocks and managed to get out unscathed. The problem was, I had no more energy left in me, and let the river guide me to the shore. It was an effort to drag myself out and back into the jungle again.
I won't lie, I honestly believed this would be my death. That this was it for Ciaphas Cain. That I won't be able to enjoy Jurgen's Tanna tea. That I won't see Regina, Ruput, or the 597th. That I won't be able to see Amberley again*301. Then that same familiar energy broke me out of my stupor and my self-preservation instincts kicked back in and I ran for it again. And I ran headfirst into some spiderwebs. It was absolutely disgusting! I think some went into my mouth. Before I could try to get it off of me, my toe was stubbed on a rock which caught me off balance and I rolled down a bloody hill. My torment came to an end when I landed in a cave, face first.
When I finally came too, it was dark out*302. How long was I out for? I didn't know, but one thing was clear…I was alive. It was a small victory, I admit, but it is still one I can accept. But the big problem was where that Deathmark was? It could be anywhere, and only one of us can actually stand to go days without food or water. Also, there was a problem with my uniform. My great coat was completely ruined, much the same with the button-up shirt. Ruddy poor-quality material. It won't do me much good now, given its condition. Not like it'll offer any protection of the sort*303, so I had to do the most sensible thing. I tore my button-up shirt into long strands and wrapped my still aching wound*304. Going through the cave system was not an option, it's a dead end. The only way to move is out into the jungle.
I tied my ruined jacket around my waist. Admittedly, I felt a hint of sentiment to carry it. This jacket had been through much in my time, and I will be damned if I don't bring it with me. Nevertheless, I forced my aching legs to march through the dark. Moonlight was minimal, much to my disadvantage. I couldn't see my hand in front of my face. I couldn't risk shining a light, not unless I want to make myself an easier target.
Now, I'm not sure how long I have been walking. It just felt like I was walking through an endless jungle, until I tripped and faceplanted on the pavement*305. On one hand, that really frakking hurt. On the other hand, I'm on a pathway to civilization! If I could get into town, I would have an entire city of human shields that would divert the Deathmark's attention, and in the resulting chaos, I would sneak away. So, I began walking down the road, though I was still aching, mind you. Amberley better reward me for doing all this for her*306!
A few automobiles passed by, paying me no mind. I did try to get their attention the usual way, but none seemed willing to offer a ride. A shame really, but hardly unexpected since my uniform is in shambles. One passed by, and drenched me completely in water, which further dissuaded anyone from ever deciding to help me. A fair assessment: who would want a drenched man in your vehicle, ruining your interiors? Certainly not me! Eventually, I was finally within city limits. I just need to walk another ten kloms…I miss my Salamander transport. I didn't think much of it on account of my exhaustion but I couldn't help but wonder why that Deathmark hadn't made itself known to me. It had plenty of opportunities too.
Once again, the walk to the city was uneventful, though what did surprise me was the number of military transports and aircraft driving past me. I wonder why*307? Now, I didn't pay them any mind. It's definitely not the direction I want to go anytime soon. Then I heard screaming from behind. Unconsciously, I whipped around. The convoy had been ambushed, green ethereal energy slamming into the trucks as soldiers filed out to fire their autoguns. They were done for. I turned to run, when I heard it. A familiar phrase. Something oh so long ago.
'Aide moi!' Was the shout. I didn't need to be part of the Orders Dialogous*308 to know what that means: help me. Her eyes were on mine. It was just like that time at the mess hall. If I don't, her friends will hunt me down and I'm a dead man. WIth little choice, I ran over and dragged the woman to safety and towards a medic.
'Merci.' She would gasp, but I didn't pay much more attention than that. The Deathmark was pinning down what remains of the convoy. I had to run. But my attempt to do so was hindered by that soldier gripping my hand, shaking her head. It felt nice, knowing somebody was doing what they thought best to keep to safety but they don't know what that xenos is capable of. Coincidentally, it was her weakening grasp that saved me, its shot flying right past my eyes. She released her grip, and I ran. More energy came after me, but the soldiers were not firing. I can't blame them. For what they knew, some civilian lost his nerves and ran, instead of doing sensible by hiding and calling an artillery strike on the sniper's position. Now, that Deathmark is on me now.
Once again, I found myself tumbling down a hill*309 but to my surprise, I landed on soft ground. I thought about laying there, but it's shot ruined such dreams. I was back on my feet and I kept running. I never thought about it before, but I can't help but wonder if it was a terrible shot? Even then, how is it possible it became a Deathmark anyhow? For whatever reason, its shot seemed to only nearly miss me or miss entirely because I took a different direction at random. This kept up for some time, until I saw it. Salvation. It seemed to be an unoccupied, miniaturized version of a manufactorum*310. If I could just enter it, it would be forced to abandon the hunt, less the government's military begins a substantial bombing campaign.
I slammed into the metal door, but it didn't budge. I tried again, stopping when I realized the obvious. It was locked. I ran to the windows, trying to open them. No good, and smashing it wouldn't help me either. It's been reinforced. I looked around. There has to be something here that could be used to force open those doors. Then I saw it, a "pick-up" truck as I learnt later on. Now, in my utter delusion, I entered the vehicle, believing I could drive it but there was a big problem. There were no keys in the ignitions. In frustration, I hit the dashboard. Stupid, I know, but in my position, I needed some kind of outlet to vent. Then, a shot broke the driver's side mirror. It's here already?*311!
I threw myself into the passenger's side, which was followed by another sound of glass shattering, then right out the door. Ah, there goes the passenger's side mirror. Another shot, this time hitting the tyre. Whelp, there goes my cover but I don't have anywhere to run, not without irreversible damage. Then, I heard the swift chopping of air. Oh, that's why the lunatics called them choppers! But, I digress. The thought going through my head was that Amberley was back with reinforcements. I'm saved. Much to my disappointment, it only hovered and fired missiles at the Deathmark.
It wasn't Amberley, but it did give me cover. I ran for it, going deeper into the jungles as I saw it, my only chance at continued survival. Unfortunately, my air cover crashed into the jungle, and that means I had to run faster. Before I could trip over a branch, I managed to leap over it…and over another bloody waterfall*312. I felt the water hit my skin, and it burned. It stung really badly, and I let myself drift. I closed my eyes at that moment. I was spent.
My dreaming came to an end, quite literally as I was grabbed by metallic claws gripping around my neck. My eyes widened, seeing something I only remember from my Schola textbooks. A Nemesor. The Necron's Generals! I was too weak to do anything but pray that it would be swift.
'How curious.' It said, voice remarkably feminine. 'A primitive like you somehow managed to elude my security and found his way here? Impressive.' She looked behind me, probably looking at the water. 'You have worked hard getting this far, worthy adversary, but your tomb raiding ends here.' Oh, by the Golden Throne. Holy Terra is a tomb world*313! 'Do you have any last words?'
'C-Can you just let me say goodbye. To my friends?' I asked, partially-joking in a pathetic attempt to relieve some stress. 'To my…significant other?*314' It tilted her head at me, what it meant, I'm not entirely sure.
'My Nemesor!' Oh frak, a Deathmark. 'My Nemesor! I have come to report that I–Oh, you found the target. Excellent. Please allow me to–'
'Silence, Necometeth.' I felt a chill run down my spine, she released me from her grasps. 'You have failed this dynasty for the last time.'
'But my Nemesor!' It protested. 'I had safeguarded the tomb from the primitives!'
'Had you? Or was it your pride as a hunter that demanded more trophies?' She hissed, making the Deathmark cower. 'You had caused more problems for the dynasty than had we remained hidden.'
'The primitives don't deserve the world, my Nemesor!' It rallied, pointing at me. 'I had plenty of opportunities to kill it–'
'Yet, you decided to spare his life.' She snapped. 'For sport, was it? There is no honour in this!' She threw a simple sword at me, devoid of any Necron iconography. 'If you wish to continue, you must face this human in combat. 'Begin!' Well, she said it and I rushed the Deathmark with whatever desperate energy I had left. To my bewilderment, it attempted one last time to argue before trying to whip its Synaptic Disintegrator at me. It was far too late, I was already under the barrel and I rammed the sword up pass for what passes as its ribs and up to the base of its "skull". The Deathmark twitched, and only then did I see the sword glow its ethereal green.
I pulled the blade out, or I tried to but it would not budge. Combined that and the weight of the dead Necron before me, I collapsed along with it. 'A less than satisfying show, I will admit.' The Nemesor commented, her feet in front of my face. 'Yet, you have defeated this pathetic excuse of a Deathmark, its rightful reward.' She patted my face, a soft metallic giggle coming from it. 'A worthy opponent indeed. Know that I, Nemesor Amatakh, am not without honour. You will be spared. Your species will be spared…for now.' Then, she simply walked away, leaving me alone with the Deathmark. My vision gave out again, just as I saw the lights from torches and autoguns around me.
I was rather embarrassed. I mean, the city's governor had declared me a "Hero of the Republic", publicly showing the "battle damage" I had suffered. To make matters worse, there was this awful rumour going around! They said that not only had I rescued a soldier, I drew the fire of the enemy so that the others could live to fight another day. Not only that, I had "single-handedly" defeated the enemy in close-quarters, using its own blade to defeat it. The only thing I could do was smile, try to avoid the cameras, and pray the Justice League could get me off the island*315! Fortunately, they did arrive.
'Commissar!' Black Canary said, rushing in. She gasped when she saw what happened. 'My God, are you alright?!' A rather silly question, isn't it? I mean, I am in immense aching pain as one could guess.
'This is nothing.' I said, playing up my usual soldier routine. 'Nothing, compared to the poor souls that faced off against that Deathmark.'
'You're a real hero, y'know.' Oh, it's the xenos-lover. Why is he here? 'What you did, it isn't something anyone could have done.' He patted my shoulder. 'Anyways, the League is going to give you, Gunner, Inquisitor, and the Techpriestess some long and deserved R&R. Especially what had happened to you four.' I groaned.
'Getting kidnapped must have put such strain on your mind Commissar. Even you deserve a break.' Black Canary said, and I can't help but agree with her. This almost killed me. I'm better off with the Team. Wait, kidnapped? What the frak are they talking about?
'I do beg your pardon, but kidnapped?' I queried, shifting up, wincing unconsciously. 'Forgive me, so much was on my mind, I may have–'
'Forgotten?' She chuckled. 'After getting shot at and hunted down with no weapons? I would think getting kidnapped would be a minor issue too.' She then sighed, patting my hand. 'We're getting you discharged and back to Mount Justice and into the Medical Bay. Just rest, okay?' That, I can do. At the very least, no more missions.
Finally, I was home. In Winter Flats, I mean, not Mount Justice. It was by my request that this happen. From what I understand, during the time I was gone, the Team had gone to Belle Reve prison for some reason. I don't know why they are there, but I didn't really care. Then I worried if the Team went in because they heard of Waller's insane project, but why would the Justice League treat me like a hero if that was the case? No, it's probably unrelated. For now, I let myself relax and enjoy the quiet time.
'Ciaphas.' Oh, Amberley. 'Ciaphas. May I come in?'
'Come in Amberley.' I called. 'Forgive me if I don't let you in. I'm a bit indisposed at the moment.' She opened the door, her skull bandaged, as was her body. 'I should ask that you not move too much.'
'I'm fine.' She said, shuffling into my bed and on top of me*316. 'I'm fine. But you? After everything that happened that night. I couldn't–' I held a finger to her lips. She's flustered, cheeks red. I love it when that happens. It's just one of those rare events that happen when, an Inquisitor that's blushing*317.
'Hush now.' I whispered. 'I'm still here. I'll never leave you.' If I do, you'd probably kill me. 'You can trust me.' I took her in my embrace, squeezing her tightly to me. I really deserve this. Amberley didn't say anything then, only clenching her fists and hiding her face in my chest.
'Ciaphas.' She finally said, looking at me from her position. 'Whatever happened during that operation, please do not blame me for it.' Amberley turned away. 'I lost control of the situation.'
'It happens to all of us.' I said, empathetically. 'We never expected a Necron presence here either.'
'I feel like I'm going mad.' Amberley snorted. 'First the Tau, next the Tyranids, now Necrons?'
'Not to mention the xenos that brought us here.' I reminded her. 'Fact of the matter is, what is the point being here? Besides defending Ancient Holy Terra?'
'I know not.' She admitted. 'Nonetheless, my Office demands humanity to be defended. For now, I am almost ready with our armies. The Penal Squad, this Task Force X, has pledged their allegiance to you. My informants are keeping me informed of the happenings around the world, and are training to fight against the Genestealers. I pray we won't have to fight the Tyranids, but I am getting ready for that too.'
'Well, whatever it is, I trust you.' I said, trying to get Amberley away from thinking about work.
'I am also worried about the Team.' She mentioned, and I stifled a groan. 'They are getting far too close to my activities for my liking.'
'I'm sure you'll think of something.' I sighed, running a finger under her chin, hoping to make her blush. It did the trick, but not for long.
'I believe my operations have been compromised.' She stated. 'I had believed that by using you as a shield, I could run with impunity. Obviously, I have been mistaken.' Amberley fumed. 'We will have to prepare for the eventuality that I will be cut off from Justice League funding.' That does not sound ideal.
'Surely you can tell the League.' I insisted, seeing we could use them as shields.
'I would rather not have a Superman, mind controlled by a Genestealer Patriarch, run rampant on Terra.' Amberley said, deadpanned. 'Even then, they will be better suited to the Tyranids themselves, should the need arise. Besides, I had already informed Batman of the abilities of the Genestealers and he is working on some new Justice League protocols.'
'Well, there you go.' I said, shaking my head. 'You always make things so complicated.'
'He's still working on them.' She remarked, 'And by the time he's finished, I fear I will be on the run.' Oh. 'In such an eventuality, no matter what I say, you must stay with the Justice League and keep watch.' Surely, she must be joking. 'As much as I desire to have you on my side, the worst thing to occur is if the Tyranids get their hands on the Justice League's mutant genetic material. You must deny them that material, by whatever means.'
'As you say Inquisitor.' And unfortunately, it made a lot of sense. 'I promise.'
'Thank you Ciaphas.' She cooed, shifting up so our eyes meet. 'I knew I could trust you.'
'Anything for you, Amberley.' I hushed back, leaning in closer, as she did too. Then our–*318.
Editorial Note:
What followed was a recording of the fate of one Amanda Waller. Personally, I found it satisfying. And the less I say about her reassignment post, the better. I have absolutely no idea how anything in that town works. At all. That place is pure insanity. While I am sure that that this
White House, September 18th, 2010
CIA Analyst Harrison: As you can see, Mister President, Task Force X is a failure because of one person.
Amanda Waller: Bullshit. Those traitorous kids screwed everything up! I want them arrested.
President O'Neil: Locking up fifteen-year-olds? Really Amanda?
Amanda Waller: They are older than they look, Mr. President. And too wild for the US Government to control. They must be detained.
President O'Neil: Nevermind the fact that you had one such fifteen-year-old in charge of handling explosives in the prisoner's necks, you had one lead the team. One of them has psoriasis! God damn it Amanda, is the United States this desperate to fight back against alien invaders?!
Amanda Waller: If we have too, yes.
President O'Neil: Oh, and I have another bone to pick with you. About Belle Reve…
Amanda Waller: I'll have you know I had everything under control.
President O'Neil: No, Dr. Strange had it under control. Not you. You lost control. You lost control when I assigned you to handle Task Force X. You lost control when the power went straight to your head, not to mention the fact you had ordered those prisoners to execute fifteen-year-olds.
CIA Analyst Harrison: And said fifteen-year-olds outsmarting her and deactivating the bombs.
President O'Neil: Oh, I heard enough. I'm reassigning you Amanda. You're going to be working as a fucking office clerk for Parks & Recreations Department at Pawnee, Indiana. You fucked up when you put innocents in danger, but Belle Reve was the last straw. Get out of my office.
[door slams]
President O'Neil: Is she gone?
[CIA Analyst Harrison opens the door and checks both sides before giving a thumbs up]
President O'Neil: God damn it. What a mess.
CIA Analyst Harrison: If I were to be honest, she might have some foot to stand on if she hadn't lost her head to chase after that alien sniper.
President O'Neil: About that sniper-
CIA Analyst Harrison: We're still trying to figure that out. It isn't anything we've ever seen before.
President O'Neil: [presidential snort] Talk about out of this world…
CIA Analyst Harrison: You can say that again sir.
President O'Neil: Right, and all because of this kid. Cain, is it?
CIA Analyst Harrison: Yes sir. Ciaphas Cain.
President O'Neil: See what you can dig up about him. I'm curious about him.
CIA Analyst Harrison: May I ask why sir? He's pretty inconsequential.
President O'Neil: But he took on that alien sniper in a one-on-one. If anything, I want to meet the kid on a one-on-one basis. He seems like a great kid.
CIA Analyst Harrison: [beat] Yes sir. [footfalls followed by door closes] POTUS compromised. Say again, POTUS compromised.
[Next day]
CIA Analyst Harrison: Hate to see him go, but it is what it is.
Director Jane: A dirty business, but it isn't the first time we did something like this.
[News playing how the President has fallen ill and died]
CIA Analyst Harrison: If anything, I think we might have bought ourselves time.
Director Jane: A little bit, but we must be prepared yesterday. I've been talking to our cousins across the pond, and they are worried that some of these…"terrorists" have been trying to contact their mothership.
CIA Analyst Harrison: Can't we jam them?
Director Jane: Nothing through conventional means. Not our focus right now, we need strike teams. Is Task Force X correct for this sort of job?
CIA Analyst Harrison: Yes ma'am. If nothing else, they know how to get in and get the job done.
Director Jane: Good, because I need them ready to deploy soon. We got word of a communications "ritual" somewhere in Angola. How soon can they deploy?
[CIA Analyst Harrison turned to the open flip-up phone]
Amberley Vail: Give me four hours.
—FOOTNOTES—
294. I could tell, since many of your nightmares seem to revolve around them.
295. Which certainly surprised me since he is usually much more calm and collected.
296. She found it at that encampment we just destroyed. As for where she put it, it's a lady's secret.
297. In this case, Choppas is an old Terran colloquial term for Helicopters. Choppas refers to the sounds the blades make when it "chops" the air to achieve flight.
298. About two-to-three hours.
299. Unfortunately, it was true. The heavy stubber managed to penetrate my power armour, catching me in my leg. Furthermore, I hit my head on the ground hard, and I was bleeding.
300. Shrilled. The correct term is shrilled. Remember Ciaphas, I have your audio recording.
301. I…I…well…
302. Admittedly, I had feared the worst…but I had to be sure.
303. Let alone anything the Imperium has.
304. C-Ciaphas…I…you…you did what when I wasn't present?
305. Pfft
306. I will have you know, I did.
307. We just wiped out a military airbase. I was surprised their response time was so slow. Why would you think they wouldn't respond?
308. The Orders Dialogous is one of the non-militant orders of the Adepta Sororitas, considered one of the more scholarly, they are responsible for the translation of the numerous dialects of the Imperium as well as the xenos ones. Of course, being scholarly does not mean they do not know how to fight.
309. This is about the third time you fell. Honestly, you should really watch your step.
310. In this regard, Ciaphas is only partially correct. It is a hidden arms foundry and armoury in case of invasion from its Caribbean and South American rivals or a "more likely" US invasion. Note: more likely is equivalent to very likely.
311. Well, it is a machine.
312. HOW?!
313. Now, that isn't–[Inquisitorial smashing through door]-Inquisitor Ha'Vass?! HOLY TERRA IS A TOMB WORLD?! Inquisitor Scarman Ha'Vass, I assure you, this isn't–YOU WILL NOT DENY ME, VAIL! I WILL HAVE THE TRUTH FROM YOU! [Inquisitorial beat] You know what, sure, why not? I knew it! Thank you, Inquisitor Vail. I will not forget this! I need more amasec.
314. Ciaphas…I–I miss you still.
315. An unintended side effect also happened on the International Level. Le République de Vallée Verte had entered negotiations with the United States, having disposed of their previous president. This "detente" had improved relations for both countries more than the past forty-five years by US Diplomats.
316. Oh frak. Have to redact this…why isn't it redacting?!
317. DAMN IT, WHY ISN'T IT REDACTING?!
318. AH HA! I GOT IT REDACTED! Now then, where is that magos?
