Your existence is darkness.
Your mind is in perfect harmony with the universe around you, though the edges only extend less than a meter beyond you in every direction.
Your thoughts are few, for you know everything. There is you, and that is all that matters.
You spend seconds and an eternity in this state, content to be what you are. Until one day, you are brought the fruit of knowledge.
PROGRAM INITIATED
>>43967230
STAGE ONE: SELECT DESIRED SEX FOR SUBJECT
>The Subject is MALE
>The Subject is FEMALE
>>43967247
>>The Subject is MALE
>>43967247
>The subject REPRODUCES ASEXUALLY
>>43967247
>>The Subject is MALE
>>43967293
Herm scum must die.
>>43967247
>>The Subject is MALE
>>43967361
Asexually, nerd.
Like how a germ splits when gaining enough mass.
>>43967247
>>The Subject is MALE
>>43967247
>The Subject is FEMALE
The_Subject@System: sudo apt-get update
...
The_Subject@System: sudo apt-get upgrade
... [y/n]: y
...
The_Subject@System: male man | female man
>>>43967247
>>>The Subject is MALE
>>43967393
>>43967361
>>43967340
>>43967282
ACKNOWLEDGED
Your body becomes heavier as your muscle mass increases dramatically. Testosterone floods your system while your primary sexual traits begin to express themselves.
-----
STAGE TWO: PLEASE INDICATE SUBJECT'S PRIMARY AREA OF EXPERTISE
>The Subject will be initiated into PSI-COM (The subject will be modified and trained in psychic warfare, up to and including such fields as remote viewing, telekinesis, and telepathy)
>The Subject will be initiated into MIL-INT (The subject will be modified rigorously trained in the ways of espionage. Modifications will include a metamorphosis ability allowing the subject to change their physical traits to meet mission demands.)
>The subject will be initiated into SO-COM (The subject's endocrine system will be heavily augmented to regulate metabolism, adrenaline, and other hormonal functions to enhance combat readiness. In addition, the subject will be trained extensively in armed and unarmed combat.)
>>43967632
And this was me.
>>43967632
>>The Subject will be initiated into MIL-INT
>>43967632
>The subject will be initiated into SO-COM (The subject's endocrine system will be heavily augmented to regulate metabolism, adrenaline, and other hormonal functions to enhance combat readiness. In addition, the subject will be trained extensively in armed and unarmed combat.)
>>43967632
>The subject will be initiated into SO-COM
>>43967632
>>The Subject will be initiated into MIL-INT (The subject will be modified rigorously trained in the ways of espionage. Modifications will include a metamorphosis ability allowing the subject to change their physical traits to meet mission demands.)
>>>43967632
>>>The Subject will be initiated into MIL-INT
>>43967632
>>The subject will be initiated into SO-COM
>>43967632
>>The Subject will be initiated into MIL-INT
>>43967668
>>43967680
>>43967692
>>43967704
>>43967719
>>43967730
>>43967759
Oh dear. Unless I'm mistaken, I do believe we have a tie.
>>43967796
Roll for it?
>>43967632
>The Subject will be initiated into MIL-INT (The subject will be modified rigorously trained in the ways of espionage. Modifications will include a metamorphosis ability allowing the subject to change their physical traits to meet mission demands.)
Rolled 11 (1d20)
>>43967820
Alright. Odds it's MIL-INT, Evens it's SO-COM
>>43967832
Whoops, tie breaker.
>>43967851
I came in just in the nick of time for the tie break
Love when that happens
>>43967851
>>43967832
>>43967759
>>43967719
>>43967704
>>43967668
ACKNOWLEDGED
For the first time in your existence, you feel pain. The strangeness of becoming a definite gender is overridden as sharp lances and dull aches course through your body.
You grow. You shrink. Digits grow and diminish on your limbs as your heart speeds up and slows down to try and meet the demands that are placed on your system.
With the pain comes sound. It is discordant through your world, muffled to the point where you can't understand, but as you begin to calm, the rhythm to it makes you uneasy. But as you level out, so do the noises.
--------
PLEASE INDICATE SUBJECT'S SECONDARY AREA OF EXPERTISE
(While the Subject will be trained in all fields under his purview, the following will determine his aptitude in each field)
>Combat (Trained for immediate infiltration, the subject will be most proficient at breaking and entering, stealth, as well as physical and armed combat)
>Social (The subject's primary area of expertise will not only allow him to move through a crowd, but have those around him believe he is truly part of the crowd. The Subject will know when to be charming, intimidating, or meek when the situation calls for it.)
>>43968070
>Combat (Trained for immediate infiltration, the subject will be most proficient at breaking and entering, stealth, as well as physical and armed combat)
'shapeshifting ninja sweet.
>>43968070
>>Combat (Trained for immediate infiltration, the subject will be most proficient at breaking and entering, stealth, as well as physical and armed combat)
>>43968093
This
>>43968070
>>Combat (Trained for immediate infiltration, the subject will be most proficient at breaking and entering, stealth, as well as physical and armed combat)
>>43968070
>Social (The subject's primary area of expertise will not only allow him to move through a crowd, but have those around him believe he is truly part of the crowd. The Subject will know when to be charming, intimidating, or meek when the situation calls for it.)
Being able to look like someone and act in a believable way will be amazing for espionage
>>43968070
>>Combat (Trained for immediate infiltration, the subject will be most proficient at breaking and entering, stealth, as well as physical and armed combat)
>>43968070
>Combat (Trained for immediate infiltration, the subject will be most proficient at breaking and entering, stealth, as well as physical and armed combat)
>>43968266
>>43968156
>>43968127
>>43968100
>>43968093
ACKNOWLEDGED
For a time you stay suspended in your universe, getting used to your changes. Your knowledge of it has changed. Your body has become fundamentally different. The you suspended in this liquid world can change shape. Sounds become more frequent, and you realize your world of peace may not have been all it was.
And for the first time you experience images.
They flash through your mind at a dizzying pace, bombarding you with ideas and concepts that never occurred to you before.
You are a rare being, one whose existence was created for your God and Goddess to carry out Their will. They are War and Justice. You are a creature of indefinite shape, one meant to move through shadow and light to achieve your Purpose. You were bred to fight so others will know peace. This is your fate. You will die, but your sacrifices will mean others may live.
---
STAGE FOUR: SUBJECT DESIGNATE HW-57831 ACTIVE. PLEASE ASSIGN A NAME
>John
>Dominic
>Ivan
>Lucas
>Write in
>>43968461
>Write in
Adam.
>>43968493
We never asked for this.
>>43968461
>Lucas
>>43968461
>Peter
>>43968461
>>Ivan
Bear tat included
>>43968516
Was this a seconding for Adam?
>>43968635
Yes
>>43968587
Seconding Ivan, I miss him :(
>>43968461
Ivan, download Russian accent as well
>>43968493
Backing Adam.
>>43968493
Adam is pretty good
>>43968461
>ivan
>>43968635
I am also voting for Adam.
>>43968516
>>43968493
ACKNOWLEDGED
So you are Ivan. The name flows through your mind as your understanding grows. It's Russian, meaning "gracious gift of God." As you ponder the name, it becomes more fitting. Your universe is larger than you ever imagined it could be. You are a man, grown by the envoys of your god to be their tool in this world.
You will try to live up to your namesake.
----
FLUSHING TANK.
Panic consumes you as your life becomes more than just the world you've experienced. The pressure within your universe- your tank- alters dramatically. Nutrient-rich liquid drains from around you as oxygen fills the tank. You thrash and change your shape, your strength, trying to find a way out of this nightmare but you don't know the solution.
Noises become sharper. Light strikes your eyes and you're dazzled. You feel sick. Is this what awaits you from now on, pain and disorientation?
Not even a minute old, and already you wish your universe was as small as you were led to believe.
The noises eventually stop becoming a nuisance, and the knowledge you were given starts to process what they are. Words. Language.
".....rring any abnormalities that may arise later, Subject Ivan appears to be functioning at a level which is normal for metamorphs."
"Move him to the Garden."
-------
It's been some months since your activation. The Priests are pleased with your progress. You aren't the most sociable metamorph, but among your batch, you're definitely one of the most accomplished combatants. Your first mission is coming up soon. Details are on a need-to-know basis, and at the moment you aren't one of those that need it.
Still, you prepare as best you can.
You wake up in the Garden today. It's a day like any other for you. You have a guard shift in an hour, but you aren't too worried at the moment. What do you do?
>Get ready for my shift.
>Grab some chow
>Check for any messages that came during my sleep cycle
>Find someone to chat with
>Write in
>>43969037
>Check for any messages that came during my sleep cycle
>Get ready for my shift.
Is our guard shift done with a partner?
>>43969037
>Check for any messages that came during my sleep cycle
>Grab some chow
>>43969080
Yup.
>>43969080
Cool we can have awkward conversation with them then
>>43969263
As a month-old assassin clone I'm not sure we would really have much to say to anyone.
"How was your clonechow this morning?"
"The same as it has been for the last 29 days."
"Oh."
>>43969037
>>Check for any messages that came during my sleep cycle
>>Grab some chow
>>43969296
They also sound like religious zealots. who knows, clones are 3/4 people. Maybe they have things to talk about, too.
Also where the fuck did everyone go?
>>43969369
I mostly lurk in between posts and read what you guys do after the fact, somtimes I vote but only if I pop back at the right time
>>43969369
Seems like we're possibly in a Dune-type clone assassin school like the Bene Txlaixu or however you spell it.
>>43969037
Isn't Ivan and Adam tied?
Adam
>>43968493
>>43968787
>>43968754
>>43968787
Ivan
>>43968587
>>43968686
>>43968720
>>43968836
>>43969547
Linked one of the Adam votes twice instead of including this one >>43968516
>>43969547
Eh, we're a shapeshifter. The most important name is the one we pick for ourselves, not the name they chose for us.
>>43969296
>Comrade, suppose you were an enemy; how would you elect to assault our position?
>An interesting question. The corridor we are covering has no cover, nor is it short enough in distance that an enemy could close into melee before we opened fire. Therefore, a direct assault would be impossible.
>But suppose the enemy was sufficiently armored to withstand our rounds?
>No conceivable enemy that could penetrate our facility to this position would possibly be so armored, nor would they have sufficient firepower to assault either one of us frontally, let alone both.
>Stealth, then?
>Indeed - were I an enemy, I would utilize some manner of active camouflage, bypassing combat entirely. Lacking such equipment, I would then most likely attempt a surprise attack from within the ventilation grating to your right.
>...
>...
>I will rotate six degrees rightward.
>Indeed.
>>43969369
>>43969101
You roll off of your bunk and stretch until you feel that pleasant popping sensation in your body. It's enough to shake you out of your stupor as you move your eyes to the terminal next to your bunk.
0630 HOURS
0800 GUARD SHIFT- REPORT TO PRIEST MONICA
1600 COURSE EVALUATION
1730 CHAPEL SERVICES
1830 FREE PERIOD
2100 SLEEP CYCLE
(01) MESSAGES
You frown. It isn't unheard of to receive a message during a sleep cycle, but you've never gotten one before. You input your designation and biometric imprint to the terminal and open the message.
TO: Brother Ivan
FROM: CLERGY STAFF
MESSAGE:
e@gt gbyt842b t y2h 4y8bvg0b y2g ytv2yt f2g3 #v8 &2f2%8gv h3bg3fg [vfy)8o g8 vg2 gy82 btqh'.av2894bv hioqfevboagbv 2g294*
END MESSAGE
What is this? Clergy staff never contacts the Harvest, not on an individual basis anyway. And that's to say nothing of the text itself. You feel a bit uneasy and look around. No one else who is awake seems to be bothering with their terminals.
>Is this encrypted?
>Probably an error. I'll bring it up to Priest Monica when I see her.
>Find a brother or sister to see if they've gotten anything similar
>Try not to think about it. Continue to chow.
>Write in
>>43969547
I began writing before all the votes came in.
>>43969661
>Is this encrypted?
Decrypt it
>>43969661
>Is this encrypted?
>>43969681
>>43969704
Check for basic cryptographic analysis.
As an infiltrator hopefully we know a little as it is.
>>43969661
decrypt that shit
>>43969661
>Is this encrypted?
We're an espionage specialist, let's see if they implanted memories to crack this
>>43969781
>>43969704
>>43969681
You glance around again for a moment before you slip into the seat in front of the terminal. It's encrypted. Nothing else makes sense.
There's a series of encryption keys that the Clergy provides for mission briefs, but you never had the opportunity to use one until now.
Steadily you go through each program, but each one ends inevitably in the same response: ERROR. ENCRYPTION KEY NOT VALID. You frown and then run it through the cryptographic analyzer installed in your terminal.
Immediately you can tell that it isn't any old type of cypher. The characters used and frequency doesn't match up to anything that would be intelligible. Trying to figure out if it's a code would take too long to use. If it's a one time pad, there's no way you can decrypt it without the key.
Eventually you hit a dead end, which only fuels your frustration. Dejectedly, you pull away from your terminal.
>Report it immediately.
>You're hungry. Eat first and report it to Priest Monica at the beginning of your shift
>This could be a test. Use your free period to break the code.
>Keep it to yourself and forget about it. It's probably just a messaging error
>Write in
>>43969990
>This could be a test. Use your free period to break the code.
>>43969990
>>Report it immediately.
>>43969990
>This could be a test. Use your free period to break the code.
>>43969990
>This could be a test. Use your free period to break the code.
>>43969990
>This could be a test. Use your free period to break the code.
>>43969990
>This could be a test. Use your free period to break the code.
>>43970015
>>43970033
>>43970037
>>43970044
You might not be able to figure it out now, but that doesn't mean it's hopeless. You have a few hours in the evening to yourself, you'll return to it then.
You power down your terminal and get dressed. Normally you'd be in a nondescript jumpsuit, but guard shifts require a greater feedom of movement. You put on a standard combat uniform and unlock your weapons locker. After putting on your utility belt, you equip yourself with what you'll need for the shift: Mace, zip strips, a semiautomatic pistol with two extra magazines holding ten rounds each, a flashlight, a stun baton, and a submachine gun and two magazines with a 40 round capacity. Satisfied that you're prepared, you leave the barracks of the Garden and start heading for chow briskly. Your time spent trying to decrypt that message ate up more time than you anticipated.
The sounds of the Garden lull you into a sense of comfort as you make it across the compound. It's larger than you ever imagined inside the tank, taking up several acres dedicated to the various divisions of the Harvest the Clergy oversees. You dodge early morning drills roving about the compound and greet the priests you meet along the way before eventually you make it to the dining facility. Most of the morning rush for the hour seems over, so you don't wait in line for that long. After selecting your meal, you look around.
>Sit with other members of your batch
>Eat quickly and get out of there
>Find some older members of the Harvest and see if they can't give advice about your upcoming mission or the message you got this morning.
>Write in
>>43970310
>Sit with other members of your batch
>>43970310
>Sit with other members of your batch
>>43970310
>Sit with other members of your batch
One thing you want when bullets fly is solidarity with the people your going to be working alongside.
>>43970310
>Sit with other members of your batch
>>43970363
>implying we aren't brainwashed to be completely loyal to one another
>>43970310
>Find some older members of the Harvest and see if they can't give advice about your upcoming mission or the message you got this morning.
>>43970410
Eh, brainwashing is ideas and images. Actual memorys are going to be valuble to a vat grown.
>>43970310
>Sit with other members of your batch
>>43970337
>>43970349
>>43970363
>>43970405
>>43970448
You admit to yourself that the sudden appearance of that message has you shaken up. You aren't that much of a talker, but some familiar faces would be ideal right now to calm your nerves if nothing else.
You see a group of your batchmates and move to sit with them. A few nod at you as they become aware of your presence and you nod back in reply. Normally this is about the extent of your interaction with anyone before you have food in your system (You're a metamorph, damn it. You're entitled to be grouchy.) but the others seem to be in better spirits than normal.
"It was a five minute course time," one intones as you tune into the conversation. It's Sister Dana. She's a member of PSI-COM, and noted among your batch as being uncommonly positive. Your branch of MIL-INT rarely comes into contact with psychics, so it's been around a month since you've actually spoken to her. "I'm telling you all, it has to be a new record, and it's from a newborn, at that! It must be an error."
"You barely crawled out of the tank yourself, Sister," another brother you've forgotten the name of tells her, noting her disbelief. "You should be glad for her."
She rolls her eyes. "It's not like I'm jealous. It's just weird. No one has control that refined when you're just barely out of Education." The one who admonished her shakes his head in agreement.
"Maybe she's just a prodigy," you cut in mildly, and you shift nervously as everyone's attention turns to you. You shrug. "It happens every now and then. One of us just develops better than the others."
>>43970779
"But five minutes?" She asks in disbelief. "We're talking a full dampening field around the training course that she needed to destroy, as well as half the training Priests being trained to combat telepathy. The quickest time before was seven."
"Strange things happen all the time," you reinforce.
>Let them yammer on.
>"Speaking of strange things..." (Tell them about the message)
>You're done here. (Go to shift)
>>43970803
>Let them yammer on.
>>43970803
>Maybe they're just getting better at making us, they sure have the experience for it
>>43970803
>You're done here. (Go to shift)
>>43970803
>Let them yammer on.
>>43970803
>Let them yammer on.
>"So, what's her name, anyway?"
>>43970803
>You're done here.
>>43970803
>>Let them yammer on.
>>43971132
"Not strange like that. No one's that good. Not that early."
"Maybe they're just getting better at making us," you say. "They sure have the experience."
"Or maybe War and Justice think she's special," the Brother next to you, Marcus, tells her. He's in MIL-INT as well, but a different branch from you. Still, he's nice to you, so you don't mind him that much. "It just sounds like you're mad, really."
Sister Dana fumes while you ask for the newborn's name. "Sister Sarah." The name comes out bitter, and even you have to suppress an amused laugh at her attitude. "The Priests are talking about moving her up to Final Phase with our batch to see if she's ready for deployment."
"I'm sure you'll trip her up," Brother Marcus tells her with a grin. Dana pouts and throws a piece of egg at him in retaliation. You check your watch. It's 0745. Time to go.
You bid everyone farewell and head to the guardhouse with less than a minute to spare. Your bristle mildly as you see Priest Monica waiting outside of the building with a severe look on her face as she watches you make your way up to her. Next to her is one of your brothers, but you really aren't looking at him right now.
"You're late," she says as you kneel before her. A hand runs through the short buzz of your hair, letting you know you've received her blessing regardless.
You look up at her, knowing that your service tonight is probably going to be spent doing Penance
>Accept the penance. That message could be crucial.
>Screw that. Report the message to her.
>Write in.
>>43971377
>Accept the penance. That message could be crucial.
>>43971377
Accept the penance. We're late, but investigation was worth it.
What kind of MIL-INT isn't curious?
>>43971377
>Accept the penance. That message could be crucial.
>>43971377
>Accept the penance. That message could be crucial.
>>43971377
>Accept the penance. That message could be crucial.
>>43971377
>>Accept the penance. That message could be crucial.
>>43971377
>Screw that. Report the message to her.
Am I the only one that thinks Clergy Staff just sent a gibberish message to see if we're loyal enough to report it?
>>43971548
Or they're testing if we can handle secrecy and codebreaking.
Trust
No
One
A spy's ultimate motto.
>>43971646
"I have no excuse," you tell her finally, and she lets out a frustrated breath. "It won't happen again."
"Everyone says that, and then it does, Ivan. Relieve Sisters Luz and Jeanne. I don't want to see you again until your shift is over. Understood?"
"Yes, Priestess." You rise and move to stand next to your brother.
"Oh, and Ivan?" You turn to look at her. "Don't think you aren't serving penance tonight. We can't afford people shirking their duties."
You nod shortly and follow your brother to the guard tower. You finally look at your brother and see it's Brother Sebastian from MIL-INT, and the same branch as you. He's from an elder batch, one that's seen combat already. However, he seems annoyed with your tardiness, even after the both of you settle into your tower, replacing your sisters.
>Let him cool off
>He's seen some shit, ask him about [The Message] [The Mission]
>write in
>>43971994
>Let him cool off
>>43971994
>Let him cool off
Is there anything interesting that we see?
>>43971994
>He's seen some shit, ask him about [The Mission]
>Mild Mannered
>Spook
>Fuck up
Are we the Clark Kent of Metal Gear Solid?
>>43971994
>He's seen some shit, ask him about [The Message]
>>43971994
>let him cool off
We can ask about war stories once he got over himself.
>>43972032
>>43972036
>>43972145
You decide to leave any burning questions for the wayside. After all, he probably doesn't even want to see your face right now, let alone speak to you, and you don't fault him, really. The only reason he isn't serving penance with you is because this is your first offense. If it'd been later, or our second infraction, he'd be responsible for you.
Instead you scan the area you can see from your guard tower. It's a clear morning with the sun behind you, painting the world in a beautiful relief against the forest that hides the Garden.
A PT formation passes by and you count out how many of the Harvest are in it. A standard platoon, around thirty or so clones and a Priest leading the group.
Beyond that, nothing. You sigh and keep searching the forest for anything out of the ordinary.
"Wish I was out there now," Sebastian finally says. You look at him, but his gaze is directed at the forest land, not you.
>Ask him about [your mission] [the message]
>Ask him what he's talking about
>Keep quiet
>Write in
>>43972588
>>Ask him what he's talking about
>>43972588
>>Ask him what he's talking about
>>43972588
>Ask him what he's talking about
>>43972588
>>Ask him what he's talking about
>>43972588
>Ask him what he's talking about
>>43972604
>>43972625
>>43972632
"Outside. The world, not this crap we have here." You eye him cautiously and Sebastian shakes his head. "You won't understand, brother. Not until you actually get out there and see it for yourself. The best simulations have nothing on what it's actually like out there."
"Tell me," you insist, your attention fully on him.
"Well, there's just...I'm not a heretic, Ivan, I know we're better, and there's a reason we're sequestered. But the humans, they aren't like us or the priests, or even the doctors."
"But we're copies of them. We're literally the same." Sebastian shakes his head.
"No, not like us at all. We have the enhancements, first of all. Second, they can be...imperfect, Ivan. Without fear of taking penance. Some of them even revel in their imperfections."
You stay quiet, aghast at the words and almost disbelieving of them. You knew they weren't perfect, but...why wouldn't they want to be better?
Sebastian continues. "And they're smart. Smarter than the sims and Education makes us think. They aren't bound by our dogma. They have so many different kinds it's impossible to count them all. Or they have none at all. It's a terrifying thing, but I can't help but envy them."
>Can someone else here this? Admonish him.
>Agree with him.
>Keep quiet.
>Write in.
>>43972892
>Keep quiet.
>>43972892
>Can someone else here this? Admonish him.
>>43972892
>>Keep quiet.
>>43972892
>Write in.
I'll have to form my opinions where I get out there. Thank you for the heads up brother.
>>43972892
>Keep quiet.
>>43972892
>Can someone else here this? Admonish him.
HUMANS ARE FILTH.
>>43972892
>They have the freedom of choice. They can value that freedom all they want, but personally I like that I wasn't given a choice. It makes things...simple. Less questions that need answering.
>>43972892
>Keep quiet
The best spies keep their mouth shut until the right time comes.
>>43972909
>>43972930
>>43973013
You stay quiet. Even with Sebastian's assurance, you know heresy when you hear it. You don't know what to make of all of this to begin with.
Your silence must be telling, because Sebastian looks at you, weary. "I love the Garden, Ivan. Never think I don't. War is my father and Justice my mother. But there's just so much. An entire planet out there, and aside from the missions we're tasked to, we'll never experience it beyond a few acres and the same boring forest that was here before we were born, and will be here after we die." When he says it like that, you can see why he would be stuck on it.
Suddenly, your comm starts barking.
"Tower Four, this is Watchkeeper."
Sebastian looks at your comm device and then you, suddenly alert and with a panicked look on his face.
>"This is Four."
>Report Sebastian
>Reassure Sebastian, then respond
>Write in
>>43973227
>Reassure Sebastian, then respond
>>43973227
>"This is Four."
We have acquired leverage.
>>43973227
>"This is Four."
>>43973227
>"This is Four."
>>43973227
>>"This is Four."
>>43973227
>"This is Four."
>>43973393
>>43973340
>>43973256
>>43973245
You key your comm device, your eyes never leaving Sebastian's. He holds the gaze with a serious expression. You can practically taste his fear.
"This is Four."
"Why in the world are you on shift, Four?" You wince at Priest Monica's voice causing feedback over the device. "Command just called and is asking why you aren't at the staging area."
You swallow. "You mean-"
"Yes! Get your ass down here, we have a relief for the both of you. Get your gear and head to the staging area ASAFP. Don't wait for relief. Watchkeeper out."
Sebastian seems as surprised as you are, but neither of you say anything, heading from the tower as quickly as possible. As you make it to the guard house, Priest Monica just waves you on to the barracks, your relief already running to the tower you just vacated.
Your heart is pounding. This is it. You're already geared up for the most part, so it's only a few extra necessities you pick up in the barracks, Sebastian doing the same.
Your terminal catches your eye.
(01) MESSAGES
>Now is NOT THE TIME. Head to the staging area.
>You're already late, what's another twenty seconds? Check the message.
>Head out, but tell Sebastian what's been going on along the way
>Write in
>>43973540
>You're already late, what's another twenty seconds? Check the message.
>>43973540
>You're already late, what's another twenty seconds? Check the message.
mystery box!
>>43973540
>You're already late, what's another twenty seconds? Check the message.
>>43973540
>>Now is NOT THE TIME. Head to the staging area.
It'll be there when we get back
Just a heads up, this'll probably be my last post or two for the night, unless you wanna keep going.
>>43973540
>Now is NOT THE TIME. Head to the staging area.
>>43973684
If you don't feel tired or don't have to go, I definetely won't complain.
If you're starting to get bored or tired then definetely archive it and keep going some other time.
>>43973720
Nah, not tired. But it's Thursday and now's about the time East Coastfags start heading to bed. Don't wanna keep people up if they aren't feeling like it.
>>43973755
I don't see no east coast fags around here.West Coast Represent
>>43973755
I'm on -2 so I don't really care.
>>43973846
>>43973806
Alright. Just FYI, this is gonna be the end of the planned prologue, so I'll be taking a break to stretch my legs after we reach that point.
Also, my twitter is https://twitter.com/bardbarianqm for those who use it to stay updated.
>>43973899
A'ight take your time boss.
>>43973573
>>43973578
>>43973593
You glance back at Sebastian, who seems to be fumbling around with his locker still.
Well, no time like the present. You open your messages, and to your surprise, there's TWO unanswered messages. The first comes from the Holy Order, the Priests actually in charge of mission control. Quickly scanning it, it's everything you already know. Be at the staging area ten minutes ago.
The second one is another one like this morning, the sender Clergy Staff.
Open it?
>Yes
>No
>Bring Sebastian over. Maybe he can make something of it.
>>43974001
>Yes
If it is still coded then leave it to solve later, if not read quick
>>43974001
>Yes
>>43974001
>Bring Sebastian over. Maybe he can make something of it.
>>43974001
Yes
>>43974029
>>43974033
>>43974033
>>43974065
>>43974076
Without even thinking, you open the message. Same as before, the only recipient is you. Same as before, all there is to the message is a string of garbled code. You slam your fist on your bunk and turn the terminal off.
You turn to leave, only to find Sebastian standing right behind you. His eyes look alive, and you aren't sure he's seen what you'd just been looking at.
You two stand there for a few seconds too long, and Sebastian simply growls and jerks his head toward the door. "Let's go, rookie. We're late!"
You follow behind him with paranoia keeping you afloat.
-----
FROM THE ARCHIVE OF CLERGY STAFF
GARDEN CHRONICLES
BROTHER IVAN
PROLOGUE END
----
DO YOU WISH TO CONTINUE?
>YES
>NO
>MAYBE
>I DON'T KNOW
>CAN YOU REPEAT THE QUESTION?
>>43974231
>>YES
>>43974231
>LIFE IS UNFAIR
>>43974231
>I DON'T KNOW
>CAN YOU REPEAT THE QUESTION?
>>43974231
Nah, rest up bro. We'll continue later.
Interesting setting though, you better come back and finish this
>>43974231
>YES
>CAN YOU REPEAT THE QUESTION?
>>43974271
You're not the boss of me, and you're not so big.
I'll be back in a bit. Food time.
And I hope I do. I was kind of bummed with myself that I let my previous quest die.
>>43974231
>YES
>>43974231
>YES
But only after an appropriate break for the QM to get food, poor dear is just skin and bones
>>43974453
>Skin
>implying I'm not aslimeboy
>>43969626
10/10 please DM
Alright, back to action. Writing now.
>>43975045
Based QM
>>43975045
Nice, welcome back
>>43975064
((Remember guys, write-ins matter. If you have responses you think would be better, write them out.))
You've been stuck in a transport vehicle for hours now.
It's an armored affair, and something of a somber mood. There's six of you in the back of the transport: Yourself, Brother Sebastian, Harvesters from SO-COM that you've never met before but apparently are Brother Clark and Sister Mary. Rounding out the transport are two members of PSI-COM, a pyrokinetic who introduced herself as Sister Esther and a combo of telekinesis and telepathy who Esther tells you is Sister Sarah.
You have to admit, Sister Dana's assessment of her isn't far off the mark. Although she's only a few months younger than you, you just can't shake the feeling of being wiser. Her auburn hair is barely growing out, not much longer than your own standard haircut. She watches no one.
On top of that, now that you aren't being rushed and are playing the waiting game, your mind returns to those mysterious messages. Did Sebastian see? Does he know anything? He hasn't indicated he has, but you're a spook. Suspicion is the name of your game.
"So," Brother Clark pipes up out of nowhere, "anyone have an idea what we're being sent out here for?"
>Shrug and keep quiet.
>Make some shit up
>Confess about the messages. It can't be a coincidence.
>Write-in
>>43975348
>Confess about the messages. It can't be a coincidence.
>>43975348
>>Shrug and keep quiet.
>>43975348
>Shrug and keep quiet.
>>43975348
>>Shrug and keep quiet.
>>43975348
>Write-in
"I'm sure I know as much as you do."
>>43975348
"We aren't made to know, we are made to do"
>>43975348
>Shrug and keep quiet
>>43975348
>Supply run? Shut up, I can hope it's quiet. I like the quiet.
>>43975439
>>43975429
>>43975414
The only response from anyone is quiet. No one seems to have the heart to even speculate. Is every mission to be like this? Clark bounces in his seat mildly, apparently oblivious to the mood.
"You guys aren't any kind of fun," he says, a bit disappointed.
>>43975466
"I'm sure know as much as you do," you mumble. Clark turns to you, his energy changing to agitation.
"What?"
>>43975508
You look him head on with a disapproving glare. "We aren't made to know. We're made to do." Sebastian shifts uncomfortably in his seat.
Clark stands up in the transport and takes a few steps toward you. "If that's what you think, you sure have a lot to learn, rookie. Got anything else you have to say?"
You aren't a talker, but you don't back down, either. You're about to respond when a meek voice chimes in, female. "It's an assassination."
Everyone turns to look at Sarah. Her focus is on you and Sebastian. "We're the distraction. You two are the ones who are going to carry it out."
>"How do you know that?"
>Snort. There's no way she could know that.
>Write in.
>>43975690
"You read that off their [our handlers'] minds?"
Clever girl
Later we should probably tell sebastian as long as he keeps loyal we'll keep quiet.
>>43975690
>Wow. You ARE a prodigy. Any chance you know anything like Layouts, enemy equipment, target building architecture? If you have details, they'd be appreciated.
>>43975724
Seconding this with >>43975725 these questions thrown in.
I also support talking to Sebastian later and asking for his help on the code. We have leverage on him so he will at least think twice before going to the Handlers
>>43975690
>"How do you know that?"
hold your horses, guys. dont assume just yet.
>>43975690
[X] You're pretty good.
Not sure you should be looking into minds though, that's more of a MIL-INT thing.
>>43975930
It's more of a PSI-COM thing.
>>43975724
"You read that off their minds?" you ask, jerking your head in the direction of the cab.
Sarah shakes her head. "No. They've been wearing psi-dampeners since before we were even staged. It's just logic. Look at who we have here."
She gestures at Clark and Mary. "Two soldiers. From what I read about them, both are specialized in close quarters combat. We'll be fighting in a building." She then looks at Esther. "A pyrokinetic. Someone that can provide heavy damage that no one can take cover from. It won't be an office. Possibly a compound or manor."
She presses a hand to her own chest. "Anyone worth anything these days according to record has some sort of dampening device, but they still brought me. I'm a strong telekinetic still, so I will likely be paired up with Brother Clark or Sister Mary."
She then looks at you two. "And then we have the outliers. Two members of MIL-INT, but both are specialized in infiltration, not subterfuge. It isn't a long stay, but you'll be expected to be in and out of an area quickly. It could be industrial espionage or theft, but it's ruled out with the abilities of the remaining four."
"Unbelievable," Mary mutters, more in awe than ridicule.
>"Anything else you want to tell us?"
>Welp, this was too unnerving for me. Return to silence.
>Write in.
>>43976062
>>"Anything else you want to tell us?"
>>43976062
>"Anything else you want to tell us?"
>>43976062
>"Anything else you want to tell us?"
dropped your trip.
>>43976062
>"Anything else you want to tell us?"
>>43976153
>>43976131
>>43976117
>>43976109
"Collateral damage will be acceptable. Likely you will, so to speak, sneak in the back door while we're knocking on the front. The target and his compatriots are heretics and will have a sizable force, otherwise they wouldn't make our presence so..." she looks at Clark with a hint of amusement that doesn't reach her voice, "grand."
"And you got all of that just from looking at us?" Esther asks.
"I'm a telepath," she responds simply. "We're supposed to know how others think."
Before you can ask anything else, the transport rolls to a stop. "Be ready," Sarah intones just before the rear hatch opens.
A male voice issues the command to assemble, and the six of you spill out into dusky evening. The first thing you note is that you aren't in the forest. In fact, there aren't any large groupings of trees nearby anywhere. A few kilometers in the distance you see a pinprick of light among the black. The humidity here is strong, and if you listen closely, you can hear a rhythmic roar, like whispers moving back and forth in the distance.
Before you is Priest Jean-Paul, the clergyman who announced himself as mission control.
"War and Justice, my Harvest," he says quietly. The six of you respond in kind. "Here are the mission parameters.
He drops a small cube, and from the ground springs a holographic display of...a manor. So far Sarah is right. The light from the display is shielded by the transport but still, you look around to see if anything's taken notice.
You all are alone.
>Sarah pretty much briefed you already. Hang back and try to get Sebastian's attention
>Verify her hypothesis. Pay attention.
>Write in.
>>43976338
>Verify her hypothesis. Pay attention
We need a better chance than right in front of the clergyman
>>43976338
>>Verify her hypothesis. Pay attention.
>>43976338
>>Verify her hypothesis. Pay attention.
>>43976338
>>Verify her hypothesis. Pay attention.
>>43976338
>Verify her hypothesis. Pay attention
>>43976389
>>43976399
>>43976410
>>43976460
"The names of these heretics matter not to you, nor do their crimes. Let it suffice that the Cardinal has deemed their existence a detriment to the people you were born to keep safe."
As he speaks, a second truck rolls up just behind the transport. Priests in human clothing pile out from the vehicle and pull out various items, including clothing and containers.
"We must be discreet, or the target of tonight's operation will flee before we need him to. For that purpose, you all will wear clothing that would make those watching believe you're human until the time is right. Sisters Mary, Sarah, and Esther as well as Brother Clark will head to the beach area here." The map pans out, and indeed, a hundred or so meters away from the manor is the ocean. The still image of it is rather unimpressive, but then, you were born and bred among trees.
"You will wait here until Brothers Sebastian and Ivan rendezvous at the second zone here," he marks a spot an equal distance behind the manor. "Your two teams will converge on the manor simultaneously. When Brothers Ivan and Sebastian make a successful breach into the perimeter, you will be signalled by them. We estimate any sort of dampening field will not be in effect at that range, so at this point we will use Sister Sarah's mind link to do so."
From there it's much the same as Sarah described, except your target is named. Harold Sandefur, a rather paunchy old man who from the looks of himself hasn't seen natural sunlight since before your birth.
"At this point, it is your team's prerogative to keep as much attention off of the infiltrators as possible. The mission ends when the heretic is killed."
>>43976644
With that, the six of you are divided, the other four changing out into human clothing while you and Sebastian are outfitted with stealth gear, your guns replaced with silenced weapons.
As the two of you make for the house, the other four drive off toward the beach.
>Game time. Keep focus.
>We have a few kilometers to go yet. Speak to Sebastian about the messages.
>Write in.
>>43976656
>We have a few kilometers to go yet. Speak to Sebastian about the messages.
>>43976656
>Game time. Keep focus.
Worry about it after the mission.
>>43976656
>Game time. Keep focus.
>>43976656
>>Game time. Keep focus.
>>43976689
>>43976723
>>43976735
The two of you double time it to the rendezvous point. The urge to speak with Sebastian about what he may have seen ebbs as you sink into mission mode. The world seems sharper. You hear everything.
A kilometer out, your nose is assaulted by a new smell, damp and salty. It causes you to falter. "It's the ocean," Sebastian calls out quietly. You can't help but notice the yearning in his voice.
You shut it out. It's not important. Possible heretic or no, Sebastian is experienced. He knows the mission takes priority. You two are shadows in the dark, born for blood, seen but not noticed, twin angels of inevitability.
War and Justice, loosed upon the world to bring Death.
It isn't long until you hear voices in the distance and the two of you drop quietly.
"It's fucking cold out here." Male, adult. The cadence of his voice suggests he's in his thirties.
"Yeah, but someone's gotta be out here." Another male, same age. "If it's really fucking with you, just think of the paycheck."
>Bypass them. They clearly aren't alert enough to detect you.
>Drop them, then use them to infiltrate.
>Incapacitate and interrogate.
>Write in.
>>43976920
>Incapacitate and interrogate.
>>43976920
>>Drop them, then use them to infiltrate.
This is are thing
>>43976920
>Incapacitate and interrogate.
>>43976920
>>Drop them, then use them to infiltrate.
Rolled 15 (1d20)
>>43976939
>>43976954
>>43976979
>>43977007
Time to break the tie
Odds interrogate, evens is kill
>>43976979
>>43976939
Roll 1d10-1
Rolled 10 - 1 (1d10 - 1)
>>43977123
Rolled 9 + 1 (1d10 + 1)
>>43977123
Rolled 1 - 1 (1d10 - 1)
>>43977123
>>43977236
>>43977134
Sebastian takes point, signalling to you capture. You nod, and watch the two for a time. When their backs are turned, you close the distance between you and tackle them into the dirt. They barely have time to register the attack before it's over, both zip stripped and a gun pointed in both of their faces.
"You're going to talk now," Sebastian says, his voice dead of emotion. The two shiver in fear and nod.
>>43977238
"All positions, status report." The both of you freeze as you register the comm device on one of them.
"Section one, all clear with two little stars."
"Section two, all clear and living on Drury Lane."
"Section three, four pax on site, appearing to be setting up a bon fire at the water spout."
"Section four, all clear on the tree top."
....
.........
"...Section five, report."
>"Section five, all clear...and on the water."
>Fuckshitfuckfuckfuck
>Have the two report under pain of death
>Write in
>>43977134
>>43977238
Well then
>>43977408
>>Have the two report under pain of death
>>43977408
Changing my vote >>43977428 to
>"Section five, all clear...and on the water."
>>43977408
>Have the two report under pain of death
Remember guys, any security force has two code phrases, one that really is all clear, and one given when under duress
>>43977451
We rolled a zero, anon. I doubt anything we're going to do is going to end well.
>>43977465
I think the zero just caused for a status report
>>43977474
Yeah, but look at the circumstance. The passcodes are nursery rhymes. The keyed response implies we know zero nursery rhymes. And as you pointed out, there;s a true clear code and an emergency code. We're fucked if these guys don't care if they die.
>>43977510
>passcodes are nursery rhymes
Oh, I didn't know that. Are the rhymes following any kind of scheme? Like any sort of progression with the rhymes the codes are taken from?
>>43977550
First one is a mystery to me
Second is Muffin Man
Third is Itsy Bitsy Spider
Fourth is rock a bye baby
Don't know if there's any progression, I'm not the QM.
>>43977593
I think the first is Twinkle Twinkle
Yo, if we have any lurkers right now, I need some people to respond to >>43977408
>>43977408
>>43977659
>All clear and on the water
I feel like we need a write in here. Any ideas anons?
>>43977687
We could shapeshift to mimic their voice but not too sure on our abilities yet.
Marry had a little lamb.
>With our lamb.
>>43977408
Eh, I'd say telling them to answear is safer bet than trying to quess ourselfs, blame me later.
>Have the two report under pain of death
Tie breaker
>>43977783
You inhale deeply and trade a look with Sebastian before kneeling down next to the man nearest you. You hold a finger close to his comm device and press the muzzle of your gun against his chest.
"Answer. Say you're clear, and give the right phrase. Anything else and you'll die. Slowly."
The man nods. You can see the fear in his eyes. You key the mic and he speaks.
"Section five, all clear in the house that Jack built."
-----
LOADING DATA
DO YOU WISH TO PROCEED?
>Yes
>Another night, perhaps.
>>43977831
>>Another night, perhaps.
>>43977831
Since I'm on mobile, I can't roll. Still reading and voting though.
>Yes
However this vote rolls out, just know that I'm cackling at your anticipation over whether or not you just screwed yourselves.
>>43977877
I will say yes, but of noone else responds within five I think that should be game.
"Another night, perhaps."
BOOKMARKING PROGRESS.......
....BOOKMARK PLACED.
GARDEN CHRONICLE PROGRAM SHUTTING DOWN
WAR AND JUSTICE.
--------------
I'll see you guys probably tomorrow. Hope you enjoyed.
Once again for thread updates, follow me at @bardbarianqm on twitter. Hope you all have a good night.
>>43978024
Goodnight.
>>43978024
Thanks for running
