Gnotec SchwartzAnother wave of pain overwhelms the criminal. A fresh glob of pink mucus spurts out from the seam between his skull and the implant. "Don't..."
YOU"You are stronger than this. The pain clouding your mind is merely a trial, one you are more than capable of overcoming. Lay down your weapons, and I promise the medicae officers will ease your suffering."
Gnotec SchwartzThe sergeant's lips twist into a strange parody of a smile. "I think I heard you say that before, Lord Captain. Before the pain set in. It was even worse back then, but when you appeared, I felt better. I don't remember why. I only remember that you came." He twitches, his weapon lowering agonisingly slowly.
Gnotec Schwartz"I believe you, Lord Captain. You wouldn't allow it. You wouldn't hand your men over to the metal. I believe you." The man's seizure-twisted face relaxes and the weapon slips from his grasp and falls to the floor.
Gnotec SchwartzDriven mad by pain, the Imperium soldier slowly sinks to his knees. His body still twitches with chaotic spasms, his gaze fixed straight ahead. He resembles a broken servitor in his agonised submission.
YOU[Execute the criminal]
NPCAs soon as the body touches the deck, the figures around you begin to move: Sauerback commands the enforcers to examine the room, and medicae officers begin to bustle about, bringing the Sector Bionica into some semblance of order.
Genetor Ferrenz"I h-hereby express gratitude to the Lord Captain for saving this life form's vital functions. May the Omnissiah bless you."The bloody and oil-smeared Genetor Ferrenz rises unsteadily. Clutching awkwardly at the floor with his mechadendrites, he turns to one side and wheezes. "I need to go... go to the operating room immediately. The Martinax life form requires my expertise."
end of branch
Genetor Ferrenz"I hereby express gratitude to the Lord Captain for saving this life form's vital functions. May the Omnissiah watch over your every step." Genetor Ferrenz stands before you for a few more seconds, as if frozen in place. The visors are the first to show signs of life, flickering erratically. "I need to go to the operating room immediately. The Martinax life form requires my expertise."
end of branch
YOU"I grant you clemency. Jocasta, take him back to his deck and give him the strongest painkillers we have."
Gnotec SchwartzThe man looks up at you, and you catch a glimpse of surprise behind the grimace of suffering etched into his face. But it does not last. Moments later, the criminal's stare becomes empty once more, hollowed out by unrelenting pain.
Genetor Ferrenz"I hereby express gratitude to the Lord Captain for saving this life form's vital functions. May the Omnissiah watch over your every step." Genetor Ferrenz stands before you for a few more seconds, as if frozen in place. The visors are the first to show signs of life, flickering erratically. "I need to go to the operating room immediately. The Martinax life form requires my expertise."continues where this line first appears above
Genetor Ferrenz"I h-hereby express gratitude to the Lord Captain for saving this life form's vital functions. May the Omnissiah bless you."The bloody and oil-smeared Genetor Ferrenz rises unsteadily. Clutching awkwardly at the floor with his mechadendrites, he turns to one side and wheezes. "I need to go... go to the operating room immediately. The Martinax life form requires my expertise."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Jocasta, take him away. And make sure his suffering lasts as long as possible."
Jocasta Sauerback"It will be done, Lord Captain."
Genetor Ferrenz"I h-hereby express gratitude to the Lord Captain for saving this life form's vital functions. May the Omnissiah bless you."The bloody and oil-smeared Genetor Ferrenz rises unsteadily. Clutching awkwardly at the floor with his mechadendrites, he turns to one side and wheezes. "I need to go... go to the operating room immediately. The Martinax life form requires my expertise."continues where this line first appears above
Genetor Ferrenz"I hereby express gratitude to the Lord Captain for saving this life form's vital functions. May the Omnissiah watch over your every step." Genetor Ferrenz stands before you for a few more seconds, as if frozen in place. The visors are the first to show signs of life, flickering erratically. "I need to go to the operating room immediately. The Martinax life form requires my expertise."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Genetor Ferrenz had nothing to do with your implant. You may consider your mission complete."
YOU"You have endured a great deal. There will be no more suffering. I promise to spare you — just let the hostage go."
YOU[Knock the weapon out of the man's hands]
YOU[Give the sniper the order]
NPCYou hide a hand behind your back and make a subtle movement with your fingers. A shot rings out, and the man in front of you collapses.
NPCAs soon as the body touches the deck, the figures around you begin to move: Sauerback commands the enforcers to examine the room, and medicae officers begin to bustle about, bringing the Sector Bionica into some semblance of order.continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 2 of 14
Gnotec Schwartz"I know the medicae officers are cutting you up too, piece after piece! They will drive you mad, Lord Captain, turn you into a machine. You will see! I have to stop this. Stop the pain." The criminal's eyes lose their focus.
YOU"You are stronger than this. The pain clouding your mind is merely a trial, one you are more than capable of overcoming. Lay down your weapons, and I promise the medicae officers will ease your suffering."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Genetor Ferrenz had nothing to do with your implant. You may consider your mission complete."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You have endured a great deal. There will be no more suffering. I promise to spare you — just let the hostage go."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Knock the weapon out of the man's hands]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Give the sniper the order]continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 3 of 14
Gnotec Schwartz"You don't understand. I'm not myself anymore! These cranial shackles constrain me, they break me down. I cannot even pray! This has to stop. This is... slavery to iron." The man's gaze wanders.
YOU"You are stronger than this. The pain clouding your mind is merely a trial, one you are more than capable of overcoming. Lay down your weapons, and I promise the medicae officers will ease your suffering."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Genetor Ferrenz had nothing to do with your implant. You may consider your mission complete."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You have endured a great deal. There will be no more suffering. I promise to spare you — just let the hostage go."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Knock the weapon out of the man's hands]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Give the sniper the order]continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 4 of 14
Gnotec Schwartz"I know you're not lying, Lord Captain. You are our guiding light, you won't let them turn me into..." A fresh wave of pain makes the man flinch as if he had been electrocuted. He lets out a muffled cry.
YOU"You are stronger than this. The pain clouding your mind is merely a trial, one you are more than capable of overcoming. Lay down your weapons, and I promise the medicae officers will ease your suffering."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Genetor Ferrenz had nothing to do with your implant. You may consider your mission complete."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You have endured a great deal. There will be no more suffering. I promise to spare you — just let the hostage go."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Knock the weapon out of the man's hands]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Give the sniper the order]continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 5 of 14
NPC(no text)
end of branch
Entry point 6 of 14
Gnotec Schwartz"All these people are like rust eating away at the bowels of your ship. They must be scraped off, all of them, so they do not spread their iron shackles further. I will help you do this, Lord Captain."
YOU"You are stronger than this. The pain clouding your mind is merely a trial, one you are more than capable of overcoming. Lay down your weapons, and I promise the medicae officers will ease your suffering."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Genetor Ferrenz had nothing to do with your implant. You may consider your mission complete."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You have endured a great deal. There will be no more suffering. I promise to spare you — just let the hostage go."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Knock the weapon out of the man's hands]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Give the sniper the order]continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 7 of 14
Gnotec Schwartz"I can stand the pain, Lord Captain. Just let me finish what I started. Melt the face of the last iron-worshipper."
YOU"You are stronger than this. The pain clouding your mind is merely a trial, one you are more than capable of overcoming. Lay down your weapons, and I promise the medicae officers will ease your suffering."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Genetor Ferrenz had nothing to do with your implant. You may consider your mission complete."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You have endured a great deal. There will be no more suffering. I promise to spare you — just let the hostage go."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Knock the weapon out of the man's hands]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Give the sniper the order]continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 8 of 14
Gnotec SchwartzThe man looks up at you with a clouded gaze. "Forgive me, Lord Captain. I cannot take it anymore. I must break free from these shackles."
NPCA glob of plasma misses you by inches, but still singes your hair. Struck by return fire, the man falls flat on his back. As soon as his body hits the floor, the figures around you spring into action, Sauerback barking out orders.
Genetor Ferrenz"I hereby express gratitude to the Lord Captain for saving this life form's vital functions. May the Omnissiah watch over your every step." Genetor Ferrenz stands before you for a few more seconds, as if frozen in place. The visors are the first to show signs of life, flickering erratically. "I need to go to the operating room immediately. The Martinax life form requires my expertise."continues where this line first appears above
Genetor Ferrenz"I h-hereby express gratitude to the Lord Captain for saving this life form's vital functions. May the Omnissiah bless you."The bloody and oil-smeared Genetor Ferrenz rises unsteadily. Clutching awkwardly at the floor with his mechadendrites, he turns to one side and wheezes. "I need to go... go to the operating room immediately. The Martinax life form requires my expertise."continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 9 of 14
NPC(no text)
end of branch
Entry point 10 of 14
NPCThe madman fires without a second thought, but you are faster. The deadly plasma blast is deflected, incinerating everything in its path.
Jocasta SauerbackA few seconds later, the criminal is disarmed and on his knees, pinned down by the guards. Sauerback snarls, "I will see to his punishment, Lord Captain, unless you would prefer to do it yourself!"
YOU[Execute the criminal]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I grant you clemency. Jocasta, take him back to his deck and give him the strongest painkillers we have."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Jocasta, take him away. And make sure his suffering lasts as long as possible."continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 11 of 14
NPCThe madman fires quickly and expertly, without hesitation. But thanks to your quick reflexes, the deadly plasma blast hits the Tech-Priest's implants to the left of where he was aiming. The robed man falls to the floor, clutching at his side, and his hands are instantly covered in black and crimson.
Jocasta SauerbackA few seconds later, the criminal is disarmed and on his knees, pinned down by the guards. Sauerback snarls, "I will see to his punishment, Lord Captain, unless you would prefer to do it yourself!"continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 12 of 14
Gnotec SchwartzThe man's gaze clears for a moment. It seems as though, for the first time in a while, he truly understands who is speaking to him.
YOU"You are stronger than this. The pain clouding your mind is merely a trial, one you are more than capable of overcoming. Lay down your weapons, and I promise the medicae officers will ease your suffering."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Genetor Ferrenz had nothing to do with your implant. You may consider your mission complete."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You have endured a great deal. There will be no more suffering. I promise to spare you — just let the hostage go."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Knock the weapon out of the man's hands]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Give the sniper the order]continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 13 of 14
Gnotec Schwartz"Lord Captain, I'm doing my best! I am... But how much longer can I go on?" The man's lips twist into a pained grimace, and he closes his eyes for a moment. A fresh glob of pink mucus spurts out from the inflamed seam between his skull and the implant.
YOU"You are stronger than this. The pain clouding your mind is merely a trial, one you are more than capable of overcoming. Lay down your weapons, and I promise the medicae officers will ease your suffering."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Genetor Ferrenz had nothing to do with your implant. You may consider your mission complete."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You have endured a great deal. There will be no more suffering. I promise to spare you — just let the hostage go."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Knock the weapon out of the man's hands]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Give the sniper the order]continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 14 of 14
Jocasta SauerbackThe smell of promethium and burned flesh stings your nostrils. The usually crowded medicae facility seems empty and quiet. Shrapnel mixed with bloody debris crunches under your feet. Enforcers cluster near the site of the explosion. Sauerback quickly turns to you, exclaiming, "Lord Captain! You're already here!"
Jocasta Sauerback"The perpetrator broke in during the guard change, detonated a frag grenade, and started spraying plasma in every direction. We blocked his escape route, but the scum managed to take a hostage. Our sniper needs time to get into position. The perpetrator is only willing to talk to you — perhaps you can stall him for a few minutes?" Sauerback's gaze momentarily shifts to the floor, to the bloodied body lying at the enforcers' feet.
YOU"Who was hurt?"
Jocasta Sauerback"The Vivisector from the Sector Bionica was in the blast zone when the explosion happened. The attack was probably aimed at him."
YOU"Who was hurt?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Who did this and why?"
Gnotec SchwartzBefore Sauerback can answer, a loud voice cuts in. "No talking among yourselves! Have I not made myself clear? Eyes on me, you bastards!" The guards part slightly, and you see a man clad in voidsman armour. Most of his skull has been replaced with a cortical implant that gleams in the lumen light. The weapon clenched in his hands is aimed directly at the head of the hostage, Genetor Ferrenz.
Gnotec Schwartz"Lord Captain! You actually came. Just like you did for my surgery. You are here to relieve my pain." The man's face twitches slightly, as if in a persistent tic, but he forces a smile nonetheless. The area where the implant connects to his head has turned red and oozes blood.
YOU"So you're the one destroying my medicae facility... Present yourself to your Lord Captain."
Gnotec Schwartz"Gnotec Schwartz, sergeant of the second deck's detachment... Or is it third? I can't remember." The criminal clenches his teeth, trying to stifle the pain. Several tiny blisters burst on his temple, but the hands gripping the weapon remain steady.
YOU"So you're the one destroying my medicae facility... Present yourself to your Lord Captain."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why did you do this?"
Gnotec Schwartz"The medicae officers, they said they would save me. Save me! But this ain't no saving, Captain, this is torture." The man's face twitches uncontrollably again, and his eyelids flutter. "These cranial shackles keep me awake, muzzle my thoughts. I feel them tightening every waking moment. I cannot think, I cannot give orders. This dead metal makes me a dead shell, Lord Captain, I know this for sure. And so I have decided to share this death."
YOU"So you're the one destroying my medicae facility... Present yourself to your Lord Captain."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why did you do this?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Are you the same voidsman I ordered to have a cranial implant installed?"
Gnotec Schwartz"You were there, Lord Captain. I remember. You took away the pain. You ordered them to install... You wanted to do what was best."
YOU"So you're the one destroying my medicae facility... Present yourself to your Lord Captain."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why did you do this?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Are you the same voidsman I ordered to have a cranial implant installed?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why did you want to talk to me?"
Gnotec Schwartz"You... You should know what your medicae officers are doing to your people."
YOU"So you're the one destroying my medicae facility... Present yourself to your Lord Captain."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why did you do this?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Are you the same voidsman I ordered to have a cranial implant installed?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why did you want to talk to me?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Did you plan to kill Vivisector Martinax?"
Gnotec Schwartz"I did. The cranial shackles keep you from sleep, keep you from oblivion, but take a heavy toll. The one who put the iron in me has already gotten his due, though killing the crimson priest is harder. But don't worry, I've got a nice little gun ready for him."The man eagerly points at the weapon with his chin.
YOU"So you're the one destroying my medicae facility... Present yourself to your Lord Captain."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why did you do this?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Are you the same voidsman I ordered to have a cranial implant installed?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why did you want to talk to me?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Did you plan to kill Vivisector Martinax?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Step closer]
NPCThe criminal sneers, glaring at you. Another spasm contorts his face but does not reach his hands: the muzzle of the plasma pistol remains fixed on the Genetor's head. The Tech-Priest emits a binharic trill.
YOU"The servants of the God-Emperor put the pieces of your head back together, and this is how you repay them? If I had known that my subject was incapable of overcoming adversity, I would have killed you myself!"
YOU"I can see you are in pain. Lower your weapon. I will instruct that you be given the best painkillers available."
YOU"Put down your weapon, or my Master-at-Arms will make your pain a thousand times worse."
YOU"Put down your weapon. That is an order from your Lord Captain."
YOU[Step closer]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Did you plan to kill Vivisector Martinax?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Step closer]continues where this line first appears above
Gnotec Schwartz"Yes, yes, if I remember right — you were there, Lord Captain! You ordered the cranial shackles installed..." The criminal's face twitches more violently than before, and you hear him grinding his teeth.
YOU"So you're the one destroying my medicae facility... Present yourself to your Lord Captain."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why did you do this?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Are you the same voidsman I ordered to have a cranial implant installed?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why did you want to talk to me?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Did you plan to kill Vivisector Martinax?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Step closer]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why did you want to talk to me?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Did you plan to kill Vivisector Martinax?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Step closer]continues where this line first appears above
NPC(sequence)
MarazhaiMarazhai licks his lips slowly, not moving an inch. He watches Gnotec's every movement and whispers so quietly that you can barely make out his words: "Pure, unadulterated suffering. Delectable. Give him to me, if you do not kill him first."
end of branch
YOU"Are you the same voidsman I ordered to have a cranial implant installed?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why did you want to talk to me?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Did you plan to kill Vivisector Martinax?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Step closer]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why did you do this?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Are you the same voidsman I ordered to have a cranial implant installed?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why did you want to talk to me?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Did you plan to kill Vivisector Martinax?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Step closer]continues where this line first appears above
Gnotec Schwartz"Lord Captain! There you are. That's good. I will show you myself what's going on in this vile place." The man's face twitches slightly, as if with a persistent tic. The area where the implant connects to his head has turned red and is oozing pus.
YOU"So you're the one destroying my medicae facility... Present yourself to your Lord Captain."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why did you do this?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Are you the same voidsman I ordered to have a cranial implant installed?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why did you want to talk to me?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Did you plan to kill Vivisector Martinax?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Step closer]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What about the hostage?"
Gnotec SchwartzBefore Sauerback can answer, a loud voice cuts in. "No talking among yourselves! Have I not made myself clear? Eyes on me, you bastards!" The guards part slightly, and you see a man clad in voidsman armour. Most of his skull has been replaced with a cortical implant that gleams in the lumen light. The weapon clenched in his hands is aimed directly at the head of the hostage, Genetor Ferrenz.continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Who did this and why?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What about the hostage?"continues where this line first appears above