InfernusThe hulking carcass of the monster lies in front of you. The amber fire has left its baneful eyes, departed along with the last drops of foul blood oozing from its wounds. In the distance, the Master Helmsman slowly regains consciousness. He immediately recoils from the dead creature, swearing profanely.
Infernus"Lord Captain, I'm guilty as charged... I was not myself. I fell for the filthy xenos's tricks like a green cabin boy. I make no excuses. I know the rules, and I request capital punishment. Strike off my head and be done with it."
YOU"Ravor, what happened to you?"
Infernus"The renegades stormed the bridge and then brought that thing in. We held our ground, but as soon as the monster looked at us, my mind went blank. It was like being a puppet. Damn those xenos tricks!"
YOU"Ravor, what happened to you?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"It is not your fault. This xenos had tremendous psychic power."
Infernus"Then the old tub will have to put up with me a while longer. I appreciate your clemency, Lord Cap'n."
InfernusWhile talking to Ravor, you do not immediately notice the familiar otherworldly flicker — Trazyn is examining the fallen Patriarch with moderate interest. "I have a similar one in my collection, only larger and of a different phenotype. His brood was trying to clear out one of the sleeping tombs... and since I just happened to be there for the purpose of expropriating historical treasures, I thought the moment was worth preserving."
InfernusThe Master-at-Arms stands at attention, ignoring the wounds and burns covering her face and body. "Lord Captain, the vessel has been secured. The mutineers in all compartments have lost the will to fight all at once. Some have fainted while others have gone into shock or panic. I believe they sensed that their despicable overlord was dead."
YOU"These things can dominate anyone's mind. Are you sure there are no traitors among your people?"
Jocasta Sauerback"Not anymore. Several enforcer squads were compromised, but I shut down the ventilation systems in their compartments and asphyxiated them. Once we are done here, we will enter with flamers, burn the bodies, and do a personnel sweep. Anyone suspicious goes out of the airlock."
YOU"These things can dominate anyone's mind. Are you sure there are no traitors among your people?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have heard about your contingency plan. Your foresight is commendable."
Jocasta Sauerback"It is the duty of the Master-at-Arms to anticipate any threat to the ship's safety, even one as unusual as an uprising by genetic aberrations supported by the highest-ranking officers."
YOU"These things can dominate anyone's mind. Are you sure there are no traitors among your people?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have heard about your contingency plan. Your foresight is commendable."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Captain Hrotko had been infected by xenos. I killed him."
Jocasta SauerbackSauerback grimaces. "He was always a self-important bastard and a sycophant, but he honoured the Creed. Even he did not deserve to become one of those creatures."
YOU"These things can dominate anyone's mind. Are you sure there are no traitors among your people?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have heard about your contingency plan. Your foresight is commendable."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Captain Hrotko had been infected by xenos. I killed him."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I met Captain Klein on the freight line. He showed great ingenuity and valour."
Jocasta Sauerback"You can always count on veterans. I will present the old man with an award. Throne knows he has earned it, and then some."
YOU"These things can dominate anyone's mind. Are you sure there are no traitors among your people?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have heard about your contingency plan. Your foresight is commendable."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Captain Hrotko had been infected by xenos. I killed him."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I met Captain Klein on the freight line. He showed great ingenuity and valour."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Where is the Infernus Master now? The traitor tried to finish me off."
Jocasta Sauerback"That entire traitorous bloodline should have been sealed in a tank of fyceline, thrown into the void, and blown up a long time ago. The whoreson has mounted a defence in Bay 45-F-1, but my people have his gang cornered. We will get him soon enough."
InfernusHer servo-skull rattles to life and projects a hologram onto the deck. A blurred replica of Einrich Monteg stares at you, blood oozing from a wound on his temple. One of his hands is bound with a tourniquet, and he is lighting a lho-stick with the other. "Hey, bridge, do you copy? I see you have not yet changed the access psalms. Are you celebrating your victory, [Name]?"
YOU"I am just deciding where in the trophy room to hang the heads of the monsters I have vanquished."
Einrich Monteg"Your arrogance never fails to amuse. Yes, I underestimated you, as well as your retinue, those bloody zealots, and that sadist Jocasta. Who would have expected such fierce resistance from a bunch of false believers?"
Einrich MontegThe Infernus Master appears serious, sombre. The usual cheerful insolence has vanished from his face. "I wanted you to see my face before I die. Commit it to memory. One day, you will realise what sacrilege you have committed, and in that moment, you will remember me."
YOU"By killing your Sire? Did you feel that abomination die?"
Einrich MontegEinrich winces angrily. "We all felt every single moment of the blessed angel's agony. And then he died, and our dream died with him. You snuffed it out and stomped on it like a lho-stick butt. Now, his song will not return to our dreams. The Many-Armed Emperor will not see us."
YOU"By killing your Sire? Did you feel that abomination die?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How did that monster, your leader, come to be on my ship?"
Einrich Monteg"He has been here a long time — longer than you or anyone else. His blessed feet crossed these decks centuries ago, when Theodora's predecessor still called himself Lord Captain. He came from the stars where the Many-Armed Emperor dwells to bear His word, but then he faced a great massacre at the hands of the wicked."
Einrich Monteg"And yet the venerable Sire kept His message safe and took refuge on this vessel, away from the persecution of heretics. When that false Lord Captain let our ancestors on board, the Sire heard their pain and answered their pleas, blessing them with genetic purity. He protected us after that, joining our thoughts together into a single song. He was the true Lord Captain of this ship."
YOU"By killing your Sire? Did you feel that abomination die?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How did that monster, your leader, come to be on my ship?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Now that it's over, will you tell me what the Genestealer Cult's plan was?"
Einrich Monteg"You don't know when to stop, do you, [Name]? Fine, I'll tell you. We were close to our goal — a few more years, a few more pure converts to the true faith... But the spinners pulled that stunt with the bath and you seized on their tip-off right away. When it came to the telepathic ritual, it became clear that you weren't going to leave us alone and that we'd have to start the harvest season early."
Einrich Monteg"Our old Magus appeared to you during the rite and led you on a false trail. He lulled you into a false sense of security by throwing a small portion of our forces to the wolves and sacrificing himself to buy time to prepare for the harvest. We orchestrated the elevator accident, but you survived, and then I almost intercepted you there on the freight line, but the Bloodspun Web interfered again. You could have been part of us — part of something great, something real. But you ruined everything. Everything."
YOU"By killing your Sire? Did you feel that abomination die?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How did that monster, your leader, come to be on my ship?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Now that it's over, will you tell me what the Genestealer Cult's plan was?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Were you born a human or an aberration?"
Einrich Monteg"I am pure. My mother and father both trace their lineage back to the ones who received the gift of genetic perfection from the Sire himself. Had there been a few more generations between us, I would have resembled the Sire more closely, but... each of us has their own calling. I look almost like a false believer..." Einrich lifts the welding goggles from his forehead, exposing the rudiments of a purple crest. "...which means that I was destined to be a spy among you."
YOU"By killing your Sire? Did you feel that abomination die?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How did that monster, your leader, come to be on my ship?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Now that it's over, will you tell me what the Genestealer Cult's plan was?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Were you born a human or an aberration?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"There is no sense in fighting anymore. You have already lost. Lay down your weapons."
Einrich Monteg"No, I know I'm a dead man walking. But there are unarmed people here with me: our families, who have neither the desire nor the ability to fight. Our children, our elderly. People like my sister and niece. Do you want their blood on your hands as well? Will you take revenge on them, too, or is my life enough?"
YOU"Your family is dead, Einrich."
Einrich MontegA tear rolls down his cheek, leaving a damp trail through the soot covering his face. Yet his voice remains steady: "Was that really necessary? Did Nemi and Mia have to die?"
YOU"I told them to surrender. They would not listen."
Einrich MontegThe lho-stick in his fingers is shaking. "Of course not. Why would they?"
YOU"Your family is dead, Einrich."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"If I let you go, you will only start scheming, killing, and infecting people again."
Einrich Monteg"No, we will merely fade away. The Sire is dead and his pureblood offspring have been butchered. They alone, our pristine kin, could bestow the kiss that allowed his song to be heard. The orphans and widows are of no threat to anyone. Drop them off in any remote wilderness."
YOU"Your family is dead, Einrich."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"If I let you go, you will only start scheming, killing, and infecting people again."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I will spare your people and drop them off on a desolate world."
Einrich Monteg"That's... very generous for a false believer. I am grateful, although I do not forgive you. Order the enforcers to hold their fire, and I will let my people out of the compartment." After a long pause, Einrich nods. "It is done. Only those willing to share my fate remain."
Einrich MontegYou hear shouting and gunfire in the background. Einrich hastily finishes his final lho-stick. "Jocasta's mongrels have begun their attack. It's time to say goodbye, [Name]. It's a pity I couldn't share the blessing of purity with you and make you part of our family. A pity, too, that we couldn't kill you either. But we all must play the cards we are dealt. And now we take our leave the way the true masters of fire should."
Einrich Monteg"The finger of truth has three sorrowful phalanges. One is shattered, but..." The Infernus Master smiles widely, pulls a remote control from his pocket, and pushes a button. There is a sharp beeping of detonators, a monstrous roar, and the projection disappears. For a while, the sound of flames crackles from the speaker before abruptly cutting off.
Jocasta SauerbackSauerback mutters something into the comm-bead, then hisses angrily: "Thermal charges. The void rat blew up the compartment, along with himself and the entire assault team."
YOU"Good riddance. Let him burn."
Jocasta Sauerback"Let him burn," echoes Sauerback.
Jocasta Sauerback"That was the last pocket of resistance — the mutiny has been suppressed, Lord Captain. The enforcers are now carrying out a sweep of the compartments, and the officers are forming new repair crews to replace the inferni. The ship's critical systems have been stabilised, and your throne has been liberated. Thousands of dynasty subjects are waiting for your orders, so all that remains is for you to take the captain's throne and affirm your dominion. All hail House von Valancius!"
end of branch
YOU"He was a brave man, Einrich Monteg."
Jocasta Sauerback"A brave heretic is no better than a craven one. And that is what he was: a heretic and an abomination."
Jocasta Sauerback"That was the last pocket of resistance — the mutiny has been suppressed, Lord Captain. The enforcers are now carrying out a sweep of the compartments, and the officers are forming new repair crews to replace the inferni. The ship's critical systems have been stabilised, and your throne has been liberated. Thousands of dynasty subjects are waiting for your orders, so all that remains is for you to take the captain's throne and affirm your dominion. All hail House von Valancius!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I wish I could have finished him off with my own hands."
Jocasta Sauerback"I wish you could too, Lord Captain."
Jocasta Sauerback"That was the last pocket of resistance — the mutiny has been suppressed, Lord Captain. The enforcers are now carrying out a sweep of the compartments, and the officers are forming new repair crews to replace the inferni. The ship's critical systems have been stabilised, and your throne has been liberated. Thousands of dynasty subjects are waiting for your orders, so all that remains is for you to take the captain's throne and affirm your dominion. All hail House von Valancius!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Your people will die with you. Such is the lot of xenos and mutants."
Einrich Monteg"In that case, we will die together as a family."
Einrich MontegYou hear shouting and gunfire in the background. Einrich hastily finishes his final lho-stick. "Jocasta's mongrels have begun their attack. It's time to say goodbye, [Name]. It's a pity I couldn't share the blessing of purity with you and make you part of our family. A pity, too, that we couldn't kill you either. But we all must play the cards we are dealt. And now we take our leave the way the true masters of fire should."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I will spare your people and drop them off on a desolate world."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Your people will die with you. Such is the lot of xenos and mutants."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"They deserved it, and so do you."
Einrich Monteg"No, [Name]. They did not."
YOU"Your family is dead, Einrich."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"If I let you go, you will only start scheming, killing, and infecting people again."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I will spare your people and drop them off on a desolate world."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Your people will die with you. Such is the lot of xenos and mutants."continues where this line first appears above
Infernus(sequence)
ArgentaArgenta's expression grows sombre. "It was merciful. Death has released them from serving a horrific beast. May the Emperor take pity on their souls."
end of branch
Abelard"First you consign your family to the clutches of unspeakable heresy, and now you weep for their deaths?" The Seneschal's voice rings with icy castigation. "I see that any further dialogue with you would be pointless, Monteg."
end of branch
YOU"If I let you go, you will only start scheming, killing, and infecting people again."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I will spare your people and drop them off on a desolate world."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Your people will die with you. Such is the lot of xenos and mutants."continues where this line first appears above
Infernus(sequence)
Heinrix"Do not even think about showing mercy to a single offshoot of this menace, [Name]." Heinrix's voice rings with cold fury.
end of branch
YOU"Of course not."
Einrich MontegEinrich laughs hoarsely. "I wouldn't believe you if you said otherwise."
Einrich Monteg"No, I know I'm a dead man walking. But there are unarmed people here with me: our families, who have neither the desire nor the ability to fight. Our children, our elderly. People like my sister and niece. Do you want their blood on your hands as well? Will you take revenge on them, too, or is my life enough?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"There is no sense in fighting anymore. You have already lost. Lay down your weapons."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Were you born a human or an aberration?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"There is no sense in fighting anymore. You have already lost. Lay down your weapons."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Now that it's over, will you tell me what the Genestealer Cult's plan was?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Were you born a human or an aberration?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"There is no sense in fighting anymore. You have already lost. Lay down your weapons."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How did that monster, your leader, come to be on my ship?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Now that it's over, will you tell me what the Genestealer Cult's plan was?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Were you born a human or an aberration?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"There is no sense in fighting anymore. You have already lost. Lay down your weapons."continues where this line first appears above
Infernus(sequence)
Jae"You addled, pathetic ashmag..." Jae shakes her head. "Just do yourself a favour and give up the ghost, Einrich..."
end of branch
Marazhai"Does this primitive piece of technology give you a good view of your precious monster's corpse?" Marazhai smiles with satisfaction upon seeing the pain in Einrich's face.
end of branch
Ulfar"Remember you, kraken spawn? You are a brazen one!" Ulfar bursts into laughter. "I will compose a fine verse about this day — about the bloody battle and the victory over your abominable master. But you, spouter of lies and betrayer of Humankind — there won't be a single line about you."
end of branch
YOU"You are a damned xenos and a vile traitor, Monteg."
Einrich Monteg"I'm also a liar and a manipulator. All of this is true, but it no longer matters."
Einrich MontegThe Infernus Master appears serious, sombre. The usual cheerful insolence has vanished from his face. "I wanted you to see my face before I die. Commit it to memory. One day, you will realise what sacrilege you have committed, and in that moment, you will remember me."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Are you going to beg for mercy?"
Einrich Monteg"Will you grant me mercy, [Name]? I doubt it."
Einrich MontegThe Infernus Master appears serious, sombre. The usual cheerful insolence has vanished from his face. "I wanted you to see my face before I die. Commit it to memory. One day, you will realise what sacrilege you have committed, and in that moment, you will remember me."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What do you want, dead man?"
Einrich MontegThe Infernus Master appears serious, sombre. The usual cheerful insolence has vanished from his face. "I wanted you to see my face before I die. Commit it to memory. One day, you will realise what sacrilege you have committed, and in that moment, you will remember me."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Where is the Infernus Master now? The traitor tried to finish me off."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I met Captain Klein on the freight line. He showed great ingenuity and valour."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Where is the Infernus Master now? The traitor tried to finish me off."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Captain Hrotko had been infected by xenos. I killed him."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I met Captain Klein on the freight line. He showed great ingenuity and valour."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Where is the Infernus Master now? The traitor tried to finish me off."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have heard about your contingency plan. Your foresight is commendable."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Captain Hrotko had been infected by xenos. I killed him."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I met Captain Klein on the freight line. He showed great ingenuity and valour."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Where is the Infernus Master now? The traitor tried to finish me off."continues where this line first appears above
InfernusThe Master-at-Arms stands at attention, ignoring the wounds and burns covering her face and body. "Lord Captain, the vessel has been secured. The mutineers in all compartments have lost the will to fight all at once. Some have fainted while others have gone into shock or panic. I believe they sensed that their despicable overlord was dead."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"There will be no execution. You have a duty before the dynasty, and you will bear it."
Infernus"Then the old tub will have to put up with me a while longer. I appreciate your clemency, Lord Cap'n."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Where am I supposed to find a new Master Helmsman? Give yourself a few lashes, and you are forgiven."
Infernus"You aren't wrong. Leaving this old tub with these idiots would be blatantly irresponsible. Thank you, Lord Cap'n. I'll see to my penance."
InfernusThe Master-at-Arms stands at attention, ignoring the wounds and burns covering her face and body. "Lord Captain, the vessel has been secured. The mutineers in all compartments have lost the will to fight all at once. Some have fainted while others have gone into shock or panic. I believe they sensed that their despicable overlord was dead."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"It is not your fault. This xenos had tremendous psychic power."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"There will be no execution. You have a duty before the dynasty, and you will bear it."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Where am I supposed to find a new Master Helmsman? Give yourself a few lashes, and you are forgiven."continues where this line first appears above