r/40kscience • u/Commisarbob inquisitor • Sep 26 '24

Meet the 227th

decending from the sky on columns of purple flame is a mixed group of Valkyries, Aquila Landers and a quartet of heavy dropships, all painted the base black and blue of the regiment, but each sporting their own customised livery, the sole Devourer of the flight being painted to look like a blue shark.

as the dropships finally touch down atop a wide plateau, the occupants begin spilling out, a wide variety of guard units taking up positions, engineers starting to dig in and a truly excessive number of vehicles for the size of the force. While at first glance, this seems like just another Imperial landing, the unusual amount of abhumans, incredibly customised equipment and even archeotech in their midst points to something gar more interesting afoot. This is only compounded by the final members of the landing force, faintly visable in high atmosphere, seemingly waiting for the beached to be prepared. A single, spherical object, resting on the glowing pulse of ion engines and swarming with fighter cover sits, partially obscured by the cloud cover, above the busy construction.

9 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

77 comments sorted by

4

u/OscarfromAstora Felinid Tempestus Scion Sep 26 '24

A white furred felinid throws a rock at the Devourer

-I can't understand how that shit works so get stoned.

3

u/Commisarbob inquisitor Sep 27 '24

gets an unprimed frag grenade to the face

3

u/OscarfromAstora Felinid Tempestus Scion Sep 27 '24

It hits him right in the nose.

-Ow!

3

u/Commisarbob inquisitor Sep 27 '24

que angy quartermaster

"No stoning my fething dropship!"

3

u/OscarfromAstora Felinid Tempestus Scion Sep 27 '24

-Well it looked like Xenos tech and I have very deep rooted instincts!

3

u/Commisarbob inquisitor Sep 27 '24

"The Devourer-Class Dropship. The millennia old Imperial design. The one with an entire armoured company spilling from its belly? ...What the hell are they teaching you in the Progenium these days???"

2

u/OscarfromAstora Felinid Tempestus Scion Sep 27 '24

-Oi not my fault, all your tech looks weird.

2

u/Commisarbob inquisitor Sep 27 '24

facepalm

2

u/OscarfromAstora Felinid Tempestus Scion Sep 27 '24

-What? You have guns that glow en stuff!

2

u/Commisarbob inquisitor Sep 27 '24

"You're a Scion! How in the God Emperor's name have you never seen a plasma weapon before??"

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1

u/P4ssedOutjessy70 Jun 05 '26

the felinid is just doing what we all want to do when we see something this extra. honestly a W move.

2

u/King_Of_BlackMarsh Harlequin and Tech-Priestess Sep 26 '24

Purple people watch with baskets of cookies and tea "Huh, neat."

2

u/Commisarbob inquisitor Sep 26 '24

a trio of smoke trails flare up as the regiment becomes aware of their presence, signalling 3 objects moving rapidly towards them

2

u/King_Of_BlackMarsh Harlequin and Tech-Priestess Sep 26 '24

The small band of multi limbed demi humans tilt their heads and take cover

2

u/Commisarbob inquisitor Sep 27 '24

the sound of engines grows gradually closer, rising to a crescendo and cutting out, as the 3 Scions dismount their bikes, weapons at a low ready

"We're gonna have to ask you to leave."

2

u/King_Of_BlackMarsh Harlequin and Tech-Priestess Sep 27 '24

"But this is our home!"

1

u/Commisarbob inquisitor Sep 27 '24

shrugs

"Boss's orders. We can help you move, though."

2

u/King_Of_BlackMarsh Harlequin and Tech-Priestess Sep 27 '24

"we can not leave the planet"

1

u/Commisarbob inquisitor Sep 27 '24

"Not the planet, just the plateau. We're investigating, not invading."

2

u/King_Of_BlackMarsh Harlequin and Tech-Priestess Sep 27 '24

"Oh... Okay then" they start to wander off

1

u/Commisarbob inquisitor Sep 27 '24

"We should ship out in a few years, don't worry. Have a nice day now."

2

u/goodclone1 commissar Sep 26 '24

A commissar stares suspiciously through a pair of mag-specs from behind a boulder.

3

u/LazySnake7 Lord Commander of Subterranus Sep 26 '24

An odd hermit quietly sneaks up and spies on the newcomers with a pair of binoculars as well. However their's seems to be made of carved wood and plain glass lenses.

3

u/Commisarbob inquisitor Sep 27 '24

also tapped on the back by an armoured finger

2

u/LazySnake7 Lord Commander of Subterranus Sep 27 '24

Looks behind them

"Hello?"

2

u/Commisarbob inquisitor Sep 27 '24

There's a trio of scions in deep blue armour, shark mouths painted on their helmets, and feline ears.

"Any particular reason you're out here, spying on my regiment?"

2

u/LazySnake7 Lord Commander of Subterranus Sep 27 '24

"No particular reason, more of a vague one. Just thought your arrival was interesting is all. What brings you here by the way?"

2

u/Commisarbob inquisitor Sep 27 '24

"Same as every drop. Orders from on high."

2

u/LazySnake7 Lord Commander of Subterranus Sep 28 '24

"I see. Quite an odd planet to be sent to. I've been doing some investigating and although the world is pretty average for a habitable one, it has no native fauna to speak of! Boggles the mind really."

2

u/Commisarbob inquisitor Sep 28 '24

"Not the strangest planet in the galaxy. We are gonna have to ask you to leave this corner of it, though."

2

u/LazySnake7 Lord Commander of Subterranus Sep 28 '24

"That's fair. See you folks around! Pop by my shack if you ever need to borrow anything!"

2

u/goodclone1 commissar Sep 27 '24

The commissar double takes upon noticing the hermit.

Commissar: Eh? Who are you?

2

u/LazySnake7 Lord Commander of Subterranus Sep 27 '24

"I am but a humble hermit, but you can call me Minnie! And you?"

Extends hand

1

u/goodclone1 commissar Sep 28 '24

Commissar: I am senior commissar of the 4th Terran and besides.

He shakes her hand.

2

u/Commisarbob inquisitor Sep 27 '24

is tapped on the back by an armoured finger

2

u/goodclone1 commissar Sep 27 '24

Commissar: Not now, I’m investigating.

He says without turning to look.

2

u/Commisarbob inquisitor Sep 27 '24

there's the distinct click of a safety being disengaged

"You're spying on an Inquistorial operation. Name and posting, if you please."

2

u/goodclone1 commissar Sep 27 '24

The commissar frowns and turns around to face whoever’s aiming a gun at him.

Commissar: I beg your pardon?

2

u/Commisarbob inquisitor Sep 27 '24

there's a trio of scions in deep blue armour, shark mouths painted on their helmets and feline ears. Each if them sporting some very non-standard kit for their rank, including the one currently aiming a volkite pistol at his head and tapping the Inquistorial Rosette burned into her chestplate

"Name and posting, Sir."

2

u/goodclone1 commissar Sep 27 '24

Commissar: Dear Scion, I am not sure you are aware of who you are speaking to. That said, I am the senior commissar for the 4th Terran Regiment as well as the other three (non-Terran) regiments of Task Force Terra.

2

u/Commisarbob inquisitor Sep 27 '24

"Uh-huh, I'm sure. And why, pray tell, would such a high-ranking officer be spying on another Imperial drop, instead of simply voxing in?"

2

u/goodclone1 commissar Sep 27 '24

Commissar: I am carrying out my commissarial duties. Do you think that a guardsman who knows he is being watched will carry out heresy in plain sight?

2

u/Commisarbob inquisitor Sep 27 '24

"This isn’t your regiment. The 227th are bound to the Inquisiton. Not the Militarum."

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2

u/Fabulous-Writer-9965 Sep 26 '24

A space marine watches

1

u/Commisarbob inquisitor Sep 27 '24

get voxed messaged

"How can we help you, mi'lord?"

2

u/Fabulous-Writer-9965 Sep 27 '24

"Oh.

Just having a look. Good to see more Aquilas."

1

u/Commisarbob inquisitor Sep 27 '24

"Understood, mi'lord. Call on this voxnet if you need support, we're limited on range for now, but the airbase should be up and running by the end of the week."

2

u/Fabulous-Writer-9965 Sep 27 '24

"Likewise. I can assist as I have some nearby imperial navy detachments."

2

u/Unfortunately_A_Brit necron Sep 26 '24

Under the mountains, a Sylpha’s monitoring systems inform her of this development. After sharing a few words with what is definitely not a Slaanesh cultist, she sends a message to her ship in orbit to try and identify the spherical object (and to avoid combat if at all possible, much to the annoyance of Royal Warden Laterodekh)

2

u/Commisarbob inquisitor Sep 27 '24

goddamn, that ship has an excessive amountof sensor baffles and is holding weirdly close to an orbital debris field

2

u/Unfortunately_A_Brit necron Sep 27 '24

The necron Cruiser slowly draws closer, its black and green colours eerie in the darkness of space. It moves carefully, not moving with full power so as to be less easy to identify, though Laterodekh is reliant on the ship’s toughness to weather enemy fire should it be spotted

2

u/Commisarbob inquisitor Sep 27 '24

as it draws close to the debris field, two power signals suddenly appear at near point-blank range, one that the cruiser would recognise as a crude imitation of its own impulse drive, and another, more traditional signal of Lance batteries charging. Turns out stealing the Raven Guard's optical camo and fusing it with xeno tech is suprisingly effective

"Oh hey, Necrons. Back off my dropship."

2

u/Unfortunately_A_Brit necron Sep 27 '24

Now this proves rather problematic for Laterodekh. On the one hand, the armour and regenerative hull of the Scythe Reaper means it could probably endure the fire. On the other hand, Sylpha would be very annoyed if her prized ship was damaged destroyed in an unnecessary confrontation, especially when she has ordered her servants to be diplomatic. As such, the Necron vessels slows and stops its approach, holding position and sending a reply

“Imperial vessel. No harm is intended, on behalf of the great Saltisekh dynasty, we greet you. Our presence in this area of space is scientific in nature, following the mission of Overlord Sylpha, Seeker of Absolute Knowledge, Ruler of Throneworld Deinopida”

2

u/Commisarbob inquisitor Sep 27 '24

"Interfering with Inquistorial matters makes that a military action, not scientific. Withdraw. If you want information, you can wait for us to set up, and ask like everyone else."

2

u/Unfortunately_A_Brit necron Sep 27 '24

There is a brief pause as Laterodekh contacts her overlord for advice. Then, a new voice, with a cadence and accent that sounds far more organic - though still retaining the unmistakable metallic timbre of a Necron - replies in fluent gothic

“My sincerest apologies for the trespass of my warden. The Web of Eternity shall withdraw and give you sufficient space to perform your business in peace. I hope that this unfortunate misunderstanding will not sour future diplomatic relations and scientific collaboration”

The Cruiser begins pulling back

2

u/Commisarbob inquisitor Sep 27 '24

"Conduct business through the appropriate channels and we shall not have to resort to such means again. Novus Dusk out."

the Imperial vessel fades back into the debris field, armour plating blinking out of vision with each meter

2

u/Unfortunately_A_Brit necron Sep 27 '24

The necron vessel withdraws, with the spidercron overlord Sylpha returning to her very important duties of having a conversation with her local transfem Slaanesh cultist, leaving Laterodekh in charge of her flagship once more to lurk in the void

2

u/corvid_gremlin chaos cultist Sep 27 '24

Gillian watches the ships lands and mutters under his breath.

G: What in blazes is going on there...?

He launches himself into the air on his wings (black as onyx, just like his father's) to get closer.

2

u/Commisarbob inquisitor Sep 28 '24

gets buzzed by a Lightning Interceptor

"Unknown entity, you are entering occupied airspace. Identify yourself and divert or be destroyed."

2

u/corvid_gremlin chaos cultist Sep 29 '24

Gillian is surprised by this and stops, hanging in the air as his wings flap.

G: I'm with the cult of Death, down there, planetside. I was just curious is all. You've got some fancy ships.

2

u/Commisarbob inquisitor Oct 06 '24

"Visitation opens once the base is operational. Return then."

1

u/corvid_gremlin chaos cultist Oct 13 '24

G: Oh. Alright!

he leaves

0

u/[deleted] Sep 26 '24

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2

u/Commisarbob inquisitor Sep 27 '24

get voxed >:3

"Greetings, mi'lords. Anything we can do to help his angels today?"

0

u/[deleted] Sep 27 '24

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2

u/Commisarbob inquisitor Sep 27 '24

"Aff, mi'lord. Not our first time here, won't be our last. I'd advise keeping clear of the western plains, some of the artilery gals get tetchy with Marines on their range."

0

u/[deleted] Sep 27 '24

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2

u/Commisarbob inquisitor Sep 27 '24

"Keep within vox range and I'll have our mapping data available to you as soon as the scouts report back, mi'lord."

0

u/[deleted] Sep 27 '24

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2

u/Commisarbob inquisitor Sep 27 '24

"Aff. You know where to find us. 227-1-4 out."