As it seems they have reached a decision, Estelia waits for the Sister to dismiss them.

((Balthazar doesn't have anything else to say.))

((She wants you to give the writ to the armsman.))

Balthazar hands the writ to one of the armsmen. When they reach forward to take it, he pulls it just out of reach and warns the trooper: "Take very good care of this, it is a vitally important document. May the Emperor be with you." He then allows the armsman to take the writ.

On 2/9/2017 at 9:54 PM, Lynata said:

The novice instinctively tenses up at Inellia's gaze, feeling uncomfortable yet still unwilling to speak up. A sense of guilt formed in her belly, less because of what she did but of what she might have to do if questioned.

11 hours ago, Covered in Weasels said:

Balthazar hands the writ to one of the armsmen. When they reach forward to take it, he pulls it just out of reach and warns the trooper: "Take very good care of this, it is a vitally important document. May the Emperor be with you." He then allows the armsman to take the writ.

On 2/10/2017 at 5:07 PM, Servant of Dante said:

As it seems they have reached a decision, Estelia waits for the Sister to dismiss them.

The armsman's reaction to Balthazar doesn't register through their helmet. They take the writ and give it to Inellia. She peruses it and put within her robes.

She stands, "Alright you three, finish up and go to wherever this shuttle is. I'll have Lax lead me that way when I'm finished."

The three armsmen at the table quickly wolf down the rest of their meal and scramble to their packs quickly exiting the room.

She turns and addresses Lax, "Would you mind waiting outside? I won't be very long," she then addresses the trio, "Balthazar, Estelia, I'm certain we will meet one another again. I have some words to part with Ariela if you'll allow the interruption just wait outside with my escort."

Lax nods and grabs their pack and goes outside.

((GOOD NEWS EVERYONE! The new forums allow you to quote across pages.))

Estelia nods and moves to the door, and out into the corridor. She wonders what the Sister wants to talk to Ariel about, but she is sure the other Novice will tell her if she can. Well, pretty sure.

Once the door has closed behind them, she asks the armsmen, "what kind of training did you go through before you were assigned to this station?"

Balthazar leaves the room as well. He is curious as to why Ariel was instructed to stay behind, but doesn't let his emotions show as he files out the door.

Once in the hallway, he doesn't interrupt Estelia's conversation with the armsmen (at least for the moment).

Ariel tries maintain her usual composure, though she cannot resist tensing up at Inellia's words. If one of them was called up alone it was usually Estelia. A slight pang of confusion and insecurity washed over the girl's usually carefully controlled emotions. Did she do something wrong herself, or was this about her companion after all?

Keeping position, she lowers her weapon's barrel a few inches, quizzically looking at the older woman. "Mylady?"

22 hours ago, Servant of Dante said:

Once the door has closed behind them, she asks the armsmen, "what kind of training did you go through before you were assigned to this station?"

16 hours ago, Covered in Weasels said:

Once in the hallway, he doesn't interrupt Estelia's conversation with the armsmen (at least for the moment).

Lax turns to look at you through their helmet, *static* "Normal basic training that any naval guard would go through, then some advanced training for the specifics of my position. Checking securities, who to look out for, where people hide contraband, that sort of thing...What kind of training does a Sororitas go through?" *static*

_________

9 hours ago, Lynata said:

Keeping position, she lowers her weapon's barrel a few inches, quizzically looking at the older woman. "Mylady?"

"I'm not about to attack you Ariela, you can let go of the weapon." Inellia does her best to reassure her.

She goes around the table and approaches her, "You must calm down, there is a place for fear, but it can lead us down dark paths if we let it suffuse us."

Inellia reaches out her hand to possibly put in on Ariela's shoulder in a comforting gesture.

The novice certainly did not expect the other woman to strike her -- and even if she did, she would not have dared defend herself, especially not with a weapon. Still she obeyed as she was taught, dropping the heavy shotgun on the table. Immediately, she perceived a curious light feeling in the arms that had already grown accustomed to the weapon's weight, but it was quickly followed by an ache in her strained muscles. Yet physical pain she was used to, that she could easily deal with and ignore.

"I have no fear, mistress", she quickly attempted to allay these suspicions, her voice clear and steady. It was true, in a way; the only thing she was truly afraid of was failure in the eyes of her sisters and the God-Emperor. Realizing she ought to confess, she added: "It is just ... the people here do not seem very faithful. I knew that our ways, our commitments are stronger than most, but I did not expect it to be like this. How can they even live like so? And will it not be even worse down in the hive?"

She cast a telltale glance towards her weapon on the table. "It almost feels as if we are surrounded by more potential enemies than allies. Not even the station's warden trusts his own home."

Of course she did not resist Inellia's touch. Familiar gestures like these were common among the Sisterhood.

Balthazar is content to listen to the Novice's conversation, aside from giving Estelia an encouraging nod. The Sisters clearly lived sheltered but strict lives before being assigned to the Inquisition, and Balthazar is glad to see them start to reach out and connect with common Imperial citizens. These people were the ones the Inquisition is charged with protecting, even if they are full of doubt and despair without the iron discipline of the Sororitas or Ministorum to guide them. It would do the Sisters well to learn what is at stake should they fail.

"Ariel and I were raised from birth in a Schola Progenium, where we were taught the basic things every person must know about the Imperium and faith. The drill abbots trained us in various combat skills from the time we learned to walk. By the time we were selected by the Sororitas, we were training against multiple live opponents in hand to hand and with practice rifles.

Our training continued when we entered the Convent Sanctorum. We began to focus on weapons used by the Sororitas, and our faith learning was expanded beyond simply 3 services each day. During our last assessment we were expected to defeat two laymen in unarmed combat, and hit moving targets with a lasrifle at range.

((Its possible I'll decide to edit this post at some point. Sorry for the long delay it's been kinda a busy week))

On 2/17/2017 at 9:31 PM, Servant of Dante said:

"Ariel and I were raised from birth in a Schola Progenium, where we were taught the basic things every person must know about the Imperium and faith. The drill abbots trained us in various combat skills from the time we learned to walk. By the time we were selected by the Sororitas, we were training against multiple live opponents in hand to hand and with practice rifles.

Our training continued when we entered the Convent Sanctorum. We began to focus on weapons used by the Sororitas, and our faith learning was expanded beyond simply 3 services each day. During our last assessment we were expected to defeat two laymen in unarmed combat, and hit moving targets with a lasrifle at range.

((Its possible I'll decide to edit this post at some point. Sorry for the long delay it's been kinda a busy week))

On 2/16/2017 at 11:10 PM, Covered in Weasels said:

Balthazar is content to listen to the Novice's conversation, aside from giving Estelia an encouraging nod. The Sisters clearly lived sheltered but strict lives before being assigned to the Inquisition, and Balthazar is glad to see them start to reach out and connect with common Imperial citizens. These people were the ones the Inquisition is charged with protecting, even if they are full of doubt and despair without the iron discipline of the Sororitas or Ministorum to guide them. It would do the Sisters well to learn what is at stake should they fail.

((I don't know if they cancelled the apocalypse or Radwraith jumped the gun, but here's a post.))

*static* "Faith learning, what's that supposed to mean?" *static*

_______

On 2/14/2017 at 9:50 AM, Lynata said:

The novice certainly did not expect the other woman to strike her -- and even if she did, she would not have dared defend herself, especially not with a weapon. Still she obeyed as she was taught, dropping the heavy shotgun on the table. Immediately, she perceived a curious light feeling in the arms that had already grown accustomed to the weapon's weight, but it was quickly followed by an ache in her strained muscles. Yet physical pain she was used to, that she could easily deal with and ignore.

"I have no fear, mistress", she quickly attempted to allay these suspicions, her voice clear and steady. It was true, in a way; the only thing she was truly afraid of was failure in the eyes of her sisters and the God-Emperor. Realizing she ought to confess, she added: "It is just ... the people here do not seem very faithful. I knew that our ways, our commitments are stronger than most, but I did not expect it to be like this. How can they even live like so? And will it not be even worse down in the hive?"

She cast a telltale glance towards her weapon on the table. "It almost feels as if we are surrounded by more potential enemies than allies. Not even the station's warden trusts his own home."

Of course she did not resist Inellia's touch. Familiar gestures like these were common among the Sisterhood.

Inellia chuckles, "Their faith is...muted. They are told day in and out that the Emperor is divine, and God. These are of course true. But they don't necessarily comprehend all that it entails. To a Sororitas an average citizen's faith is a spark to an inferno. That is why the Ecclesiarchy exists, to combine those sparks when necessary against the enemies of Mankind."

She bows her head, "But how do they live? They know no different way, that is how. You will indeed see much worse the deeper into a hive you get. Ground level and up you'll see what is on the station, but should you need to go into the Underhive...well, it is best to bring a flamer and see what kindling is laying around."

She looks into Ariela's eyes, "I assure we are always surrounded by potential enemies, and the warden is not wrong to be paranoid with so many strangers going through the station day in and out. Even the Sororitas are not immune, and we both remember what the Ecclesiarchy got up to all that time ago..." she lets that comment trail where it may.

((I'm not entirely sure if it's common knowledge that the Sororitas are told what the Ecclesiarchy did with the Brides of the Emepror or not. So let me know if I was wrong in that.

The novice listens intently, nodding slightly at Inellia's words. "But ... it almost sounds as if the Frateris Clergy may not be doing enough to spread the Emperor's word, to bring the people closer into the fold. How long has the world below been under Imperial guidance?" Of course Ariel would have difficulty imagining just how many people are living on a world like Desoleum; even though she must have seen the planet's datasheet, including its census, it would be hard to imagine just how these billions of people are actually living together, and to put a picture to a simple number.

Inellia's last comment did evoke a somewhat skeptical brow-furrowing from the novice, however. Certainly, the Sisterhood had its share of members who had fallen from grace or who had, in their weakness, been tempted by fear and doubt -- the corps of Repentia would not exist if not for that. But most Repentia would volunteer for their fate, and even those who did not would hardly be called 'enemies' just for failing to obey one of the Sisterhood's many rules. To the naive novice, it seemed like an almost shockingly inaccurate comparison, and somewhat inappropriate for an erstwhile member of a convent to proclaim. How long had their Inquisitorial contact been away from her sisters?

4 hours ago, ThenDoctor said:

((I'm not entirely sure if it's common knowledge that the Sororitas are told what the Ecclesiarchy did with the Brides of the Emepror or not. So let me know if I was wrong in that.

((I think it fits! one of the Sororitas' Founding Saints is often depicted holding Vandire's skull - "a reminder to never hearken the words of false prophets" - which suggests that the Sisterhoods aims to learn from its past, and as such would teach its novices at least the rudimentary details. it also fits to the Orders Militant' role as an internal police of the Church, sent against members of the clergy as often as they're sent to help them, so a certain level of distrust makes sense))

((^Saint Mina (Order of the Bloody Rose)? I don't actually remember; I'll have to check. Whoever it was actually did pick up Vandire's head after Dominica cut it off, flayed off the flesh, and carved a bunch of prayers into it (I can't remember if it says what exactly she carved into it) ))

Estelia is a bit suprised by the armsman's question. "I mean learning the works of the God-Emperor, the names and lives of His saints, the holy days, the traditional ceremonies and services, meditation and prayer. Some of it overlaps with our martial training, such as fasting which helps build mental and physical fortitude as well as cleansing the spirit, as the Sister Superior says, ((this is not referring to Inellia)) also learning to defend against the witch and the immaterium, identification of deviants, mutants, witches and so on, and the proper ways to execute heretics, blasphemers and xeno. Oh, and of course the battle hymns of the Sororitas, and the volumes of the Rule of Sororitas.

"Aside from that last one, I would think all loyal citizens would learn these kinds of things to some degree. The drill abots at the Schola where I was raised gave me the name Dolan, after the great Confessor of Chiros who toppled the apostate cardinal Bucharus. How could I go through life named after such a man without knowing of his deeds?" the Novice narrows her eyes slightly as she looks at the armsmen.

((it might have been Saint Lucia? Gur this is annoying and I can't check right now))

On 2/20/2017 at 2:23 PM, Servant of Dante said:

((it might have been Saint Lucia? Gur this is annoying and I can't check right now))

((it was Lucia so sayeth the description of the Orders' minor spiritual differences in White Dwarf #383:

"The Sisters of the Order of the Valorous Heart believe they must atone for the unwitting sedition committed by the Daughters of the Emperor during Vandire’s Reign of Blood. The Order’s founding saint, Lucia, was the most penitent of Dominica’s companions, and her Battle Sisters strive to emulate her example – demanding expiation for the slightest perceived sin. As a result, a disproportionate number of its Battle Sisters exile themselves and seek redemption as a Sister Repentia. Lucia is often depicted holding the skull of the executed Lord Vandire – a reminder to never hearken the words of false prophets." ))

On 2/20/2017 at 9:23 AM, Servant of Dante said:

Estelia is a bit suprised by the armsman's question. "I mean learning the works of the God-Emperor, the names and lives of His saints, the holy days, the traditional ceremonies and services, meditation and prayer. Some of it overlaps with our martial training, such as fasting which helps build mental and physical fortitude as well as cleansing the spirit, as the Sister Superior says, ((this is not referring to Inellia)) also learning to defend against the witch and the immaterium, identification of deviants, mutants, witches and so on, and the proper ways to execute heretics, blasphemers and xeno. Oh, and of course the battle hymns of the Sororitas, and the volumes of the Rule of Sororitas.

"Aside from that last one, I would think all loyal citizens would learn these kinds of things to some degree. The drill abots at the Schola where I was raised gave me the name Dolan, after the great Confessor of Chiros who toppled the apostate cardinal Bucharus. How could I go through life named after such a man without knowing of his deeds?" the Novice narrows her eyes slightly as she looks at the armsmen.

Lax nods, *static* "Oh yeah, I mean we got that stuff in church, probably not nearly as much as you, it's just the clergy that knows that kind of stuff. I thought you meant...uhm..." *static* they scratch their helmet awkwardly, *static* "Well, they say that Sisters can...do stuff. Like...miracle stuff." *static*

On 2/19/2017 at 1:03 PM, Lynata said:

The novice listens intently, nodding slightly at Inellia's words. "But ... it almost sounds as if the Frateris Clergy may not be doing enough to spread the Emperor's word, to bring the people closer into the fold. How long has the world below been under Imperial guidance?" Of course Ariel would have difficulty imagining just how many people are living on a world like Desoleum; even though she must have seen the planet's datasheet, including its census, it would be hard to imagine just how these billions of people are actually living together, and to put a picture to a simple number.

Inellia's last comment did evoke a somewhat skeptical brow-furrowing from the novice, however. Certainly, the Sisterhood had its share of members who had fallen from grace or who had, in their weakness, been tempted by fear and doubt -- the corps of Repentia would not exist if not for that. But most Repentia would volunteer for their fate, and even those who did not would hardly be called 'enemies' just for failing to obey one of the Sisterhood's many rules. To the naive novice, it seemed like an almost shockingly inaccurate comparison, and somewhat inappropriate for an erstwhile member of a convent to proclaim. How long had their Inquisitorial contact been away from her sisters?

((I think it fits! one of the Sororitas' Founding Saints is often depicted holding Vandire's skull - "a reminder to never hearken the words of false prophets" - which suggests that the Sisterhoods aims to learn from its past, and as such would teach its novices at least the rudimentary details. it also fits to the Orders Militant' role as an internal police of the Church, sent against members of the clergy as often as they're sent to help them, so a certain level of distrust makes sense))

Inellia nods, "Well, the Askellon sector has had...troubles, honestly I'm surprised it seems this healthy, but Desoleum has been under Imperial control for quite some time. Ariela you live in a privileged position in Imperial society; a square meal, a good education, and a true purpose. You may not understand that just yet, but working for the Inquisition will certainly show it to you. Theirs is not the duty to grasp the divinity of Him, theirs is the duty of fulfilling their planet's tithes. Their toil is ceaseless, and understand very little of their work, but they do it to the best of their ability for Him on Terra. They understand that much at least.

On 2/16/2017 at 11:10 PM, Covered in Weasels said:

Ariel hesitated for a moment, but finally seemed to relent, if not entirely convinced. "But surely the people would find solace in understanding their place in His realm", the brown-skinned novice muttered almost under her breath. "Isn't there more the Church can do to show them the light? That we can do?"

At this point, Balthazar breaks his silence. "There are indeed tales of the Sororitas performing miraculous feats on and off the battlefield. But they have no special abilities or unique training that grants them powers beyond the reach of ordinary humans. What they have, Officer Lax, is faith in the Emperor, and you don't need training for that. When one accepts the Emperor into ones' life and fully embraces His teachings, even the humblest manufactorum worker can fight with the strength of ten men." Balthazar smiles at the armsman and claps him reassuringly on the shoulder.

((sorry again for the slow reply. Lynata and I discussed what we thought about this issue))

Estelia nods, thankful to the Father for giving her time to collect her thoughts. "Only the Emperor, who is divine, can perform miracles. We simply pray for his guidance and protection, and sometimes he answers us. Often his ways are subtle, nudging events in favor of His faithful. Regardless, as the Father said, we have Faith, not magic, and certainly not witchcraft."

On 2/24/2017 at 8:06 AM, Lynata said:

"Isn't there more the Church can do to show them the light? That we can do?"

Inellia chuckles, not in a deriding way, "What would you have them do? The Emeperor's worlds only give us so many hours a day, and that time belongs to Him regardless. They know their place, and know their God. The Ecclesiarchy maintains that relationship for the commoner so they can focus on other things. To force more upon say, a manufactorum worker, would be unfair and overly distracting. Of course there is the occasion of divine revelation should He choose to enlighten someone. But that is His plan, and it is not for us to demand more, merely perform our given duties to the best of our abilities."

She looks you in the eyes, "I appreciate that you're so concerned for the citizenry, it's an important perspective to maintain, there are more than a few that only look at the overall song and not at the individual notes. If you want them to be inspired to invest more in their faith, then be the example you want them to see. Now come, we've used enough time as it is, and while I appreciate discussions of faith in the Imperium we have duties to attend to. Let's pray first."

Inellia motions for Ariel to lead in the prayer. ((partly because I'm interested to see how Ariel receives the act and also because I'm not entirely sure if there's canon practices for such a thing.))

26 minutes ago, Covered in Weasels said:

"There are indeed tales of the Sororitas performing miraculous feats on and off the battlefield. But they have no special abilities or unique training that grants them powers beyond the reach of ordinary humans. What they have, Officer Lax, is faith in the Emperor, and you don't need training for that. When one accepts the Emperor into ones' life and fully embraces His teachings, even the humblest manufactorum worker can fight with the strength of ten men." Balthazar smiles at the armsman and claps him reassuringly on the shoulder.

17 minutes ago, Servant of Dante said:

Estelia nods, thankful to the Father for giving her time to collect her thoughts. "Only the Emperor, who is divine, can perform miracles. We simply pray for his guidance and protection, and sometimes he answers us. Often his ways are subtle, nudging events in favor of His faithful. Regardless, as the Father said, we have Faith, not magic, and certainly not witchcraft."

Lax softens at the father's gesture but is off put from Estellia's response, *static* "I didn't mean to imply...I mean, of course it wouldn't be...uh..." *static* a bit flabbergasted.

Inellia's words seemed to make sense. The novice bit her tongue, equal parts ashamed that she did not immediately see it the same way and glad that her reservations were laid to rest -- at least for the moment. She had yet to see how the surface below actually looked like, of course, but an example she would strive to be regardless of what awaited them.

With a nod, the girl signalled her acceptance of the invitation, though she seemed somewhat surprised at being supposed to lead. Yet her indoctrination was complete, so that her hesitation lasted only for the briefest of moments. Any order by a superior, after all, was tantamount to a command by Saint Dominica herself. Such was the Rule of the Sororitas.

Kneeling down towards a nearby wall, Ariel raised her hands to the chest, flat palms meeting at their wrists so that both thumbs crossed, shaping the Imperial Aquila. Her eyes closed, she began to speak, choosing the Litany of Divine Guidance. A suitable prayer for the journey ahead, indicative of both Ariel's hope to not be led astray from the path He on Earth had laid out for her, as well as her wish to see their current assignment completed in success.

Though the words came slowly at first, routine soon took hold of the novice, and as the invocation reached its climax she felt her heart glow with purpose and righteousness. As Ariel opened her eyes again, any sign of doubt seemed to have vanished, and - almost uncharacteristically for her, or so Inellia would have observed - her calm face even seemed to bear a small smile.

((.. and no, I'm making this up 80% as I go ))

The Novice narrows her eyes at the man, "I'm sure." She smiles attempting to lighten the situation, completely unaware that she is running her thumb along the back of one of her holstered pistols. She didn't really think that the armsman had accused the Sororitas of witchcraft, but his reactions certainly had been strange. Not for the first time the girl hoped they might find a place where she could practice with her pistols. She had been allowed to fire them only once since receiving them. Thinking again on her trials as a Novice, she wondered if it would be possible to get some kind of blade affixed to the barrel for close combat . . .

((Balthazar doesn't have anything to say right now, feel free to continue posting))

On 2/27/2017 at 1:05 AM, Lynata said:

Though the words came slowly at first, routine soon took hold of the novice, and as the invocation reached its climax she felt her heart glow with purpose and righteousness. As Ariel opened her eyes again, any sign of doubt seemed to have vanished, and - almost uncharacteristically for her, or so Inellia would have observed - her calm face even seemed to bear a small smile.

Inellia smiles and follows along in the prayer, a moment of silence passes after finishing and she gets up patting Ariel on the shoulder, "Nothing like a good prayer, eh? Come, let's go and see where His path leads us."

She moves to gather a satchel like bag and leaves out into the hallway walking in on this scene.

On 3/1/2017 at 0:13 AM, Servant of Dante said:

The Novice narrows her eyes at the man, "I'm sure." She smiles attempting to lighten the situation, completely unaware that she is running her thumb along the back of one of her holstered pistols. She didn't really think that the armsman had accused the Sororitas of witchcraft, but his reactions certainly had been strange. Not for the first time the girl hoped they might find a place where she could practice with her pistols. She had been allowed to fire them only once since receiving them. Thinking again on her trials as a Novice, she wondered if it would be possible to get some kind of blade affixed to the barrel for close combat . . .

13 hours ago, Covered in Weasels said:

((Balthazar doesn't have anything to say right now, feel free to continue posting))

Inellia looks across the group curiously as Lax seems distressed until they notice Inellia and straightens into attention replying with a curt, *static* "Mam" *static*

"I suppose this is where we will part for now, when you get down to Desoleum I'll leave this writ and further instructions of where I end up setting up. Likely not in Port Gyre itself, I think our mutual benefactor has a safehouse somewhere in the hive proper. Any questions before we depart?"