Alright, the choice is at the end of this one.
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I really didn’t say much during his conversation with me. But this is what I got out of it so far, so bear with me if things get confusing, because I was too:
-He ran a small elite team (numbered around 120 soldiers) ordered to establish a temporary post on this planet in the Mordant Zone of the galaxy.
-Xin’Vauk was one of 14 special recon soldiers sent out to gather intel, and to find potential candidates.
-They are not here to fight a war, but more to influence some of the outcome.
-The Tau will be establishing a trade route in the area, and need secure paths.
-This is the best part; ready for this……there is a plant-like growth in the depths of the natural forming subterranean caves below the city that secrete an oil that the Tau need. This oil will be crucial to a medical treatment that will stop an unusual virus that is attacking a recent established planetary Tau colony that affects both the Tau and the natives of the planet. Problem is, the subterranean caves on this planet are located in the battlefront at Vedius Heights, a section of the city 50km northwest from here.
That is when I wanted to talk. The first question was how they were going to influence a battle that has been raging on here for 6 months. Even before I got an answer, another cloaked figure stepped in. This one spoke in a raspy voice. “I’ll take it from here blessed one.” He wasn’t clean, like the rest of the Tau. Actually, when he removed his hood, he wasn’t Tau at all. Human!!! He looked like he was 200 years, or even older. Eyes sunk in, hardly any teeth and just patches of hair. A shell of a man he was.
“We are here to bring this war to an end, and only I can influence the outcome,” he spoke while coughing up flem, “That is why I need you.” He looked up and down my body, and turned to look at Aun’vre Ni’zuul, “but it looks like your elite recon force not only suffered some losses, only one brought back a bruised up broken candidate.” Ni’zuul replied, “I apologize, but 5 out of 14 of my recon team returned alive, two candidates had been returned here, but one died last night from battle injuries,” Ni’zuul pointed at me, “this one was brought to us earlier today.”
I was shocked. I wanted to leave, but the doorway was blocked. The old man spoke to me again, “well, you will have to do.” He leaned in closer to me. I could see his eyes. They were blank, but someone or something else was in there. “Your body will serve as a transport for my soul, and I would need you to get me….uh….us to Commissar Setorius. There I will take control of his body, and can turn the tide of battle to benefit our Tau companions here. Take the focus away from those caves.” He smiled at me with those ugly few teeth he had, “this body is useless to me now, and for some reason, I cannot use a Tau body to possess. They are blank to me. But you have something pure I can control, but never fear, I will give you control of your body as soon as I get to Setorius.”
“Why can’t you use those human converts from the Tau Empire?” I nervously asked. “You mean gue’vesa’s? What do you think this body is?” he replied, “besides, the Tau Empire wouldn’t relinquish any gue’vesa to this operation. This is too far away from their own planetary regime.” He stood up with the rest of the Tau in the room to leave, “but I need your help, that is why YOU will be in control most of the time, so your complete compliance is needed here.” They all walked out and one elite soldier grabbed my arm to pull me along somewhere in the facility. The Tau soldier told me that I would be safe on the way back. With the protection of 80+ stealth suits hiding in my wake, nothing should touch me until I get there.
Is this what Xin’Vauk meant by “not listening to all ‘he’ (possessed old man) says?” Take my time with them is what she informed me. My mind was racing. She was nowhere in sight now.
What should I do? I have to think quick:
-Go with them to become slightly possessed by this mysterious entity. I could help the Tau in the end. A whole Tau planet needs help, and this man seems to need me to get close to Commissar Setorius to free up the battlefront just enough to have the stealth team get in the caves. I think the Commissar deserves it for what he did to my brother. It seems safe, but do I trust him? I think he is a demon from the warp. Xin’Vauk seems like she doesn’t trust him either.
-Delay things just a bit. I’m injured, and I look a lot worse than I feel. I could fake that I am in so much pain while I walk, making them believe I am in no condition to help until I heal a little bit. Besides, Xin’Vauk wants to help me. She told me to delay. I think she has a plan to get me out. But she wouldn’t dessert her own kind. I know Vedius Heights a little. Maybe I still can help, both of us can make it to the caves on our own. I hope I can convince her. The hard part is doing this in the middle of a hard fought battle between the greenskins and my own 137th.---------------------------------------------------------------------
Alright, I will close the votes on the 10th of October
`anmari has been spreading her infectious positivity throughout our community for over 6 years. Throughout this time Ana has been at the core of all things devious, passionately developing an eclectic gallery, helping organise devmeets, participating in chat events and also recently completed dedicating her time as a Community Volunteer. We are absolutely delighted to bestow the Deviousness Award for May 2013 to `anmari, congratulations! Read More
Sta.sh
These are just the Stealth Suit warriors without their armor on.
I assume it would have been a painless transaction, but afterwords....hmmm, don't know. Voters determine the story, not me.
Must... catch... up...