VedkaCaptain — now Arch-Militant — Dunawski does not immediately notice you. She is looking around the bridge in awe, wandering among the majestic statues and command alcoves.
Vedka"Oh, Your Lordship/Ladyship... I beg your pardon, I was distracted and didn't see you right away." Vedka snaps to attention and clicks her heels. "Arch-Militant Vedka Dunawski is ready to serve!"
YOU"How did you manage to escape the collapsing Museion?"
Vedka"By the God-Emperor's grace, Your Lordship/Ladyship. After you left, we repelled several waves of the enemy. Then the whole place started coming down, and the heretical iron things shut down. We gathered the wounded and ran. We made it out just as the place collapsed. A shuttle picked us up outside. I have already ordered the names of those who fell in that cursed place to be carved into the memorial wall."
YOU"How did you manage to escape the collapsing Museion?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How are the seconded troops from Zarkov faring?"
VedkaA whirlwind of emotions flickers across Vedka's face for a moment before she composes herself. "During the journey, I familiarised myself with the Astra Militarum Handbook I found in the ship's library, Your Lordship/Ladyship. It's... It's significantly different from the Handbook on Zarkov. Over centuries of copying, we have unwittingly changed so much. It has unsettled many, but otherwise, we are well, Lord Captain."
YOU"How did you manage to escape the collapsing Museion?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How are the seconded troops from Zarkov faring?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Don't you miss Zarkov?"
Vedka"Not at all, Your Lordship/Ladyship! Life here on your flagship is confusing and difficult, but we are not afraid of challenges. We're used to them. You have given us a chance to achieve atonement, and believe me, every one of us will fight for it until the end."
YOU"How did you manage to escape the collapsing Museion?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How are the seconded troops from Zarkov faring?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Don't you miss Zarkov?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I see you have replaced your prosthetic."
VedkaVedka smiles broadly as she raises her augmented arm, admiring her clenching and unclenching fingers. She has not relinquished her bone claws, however — the trophy is now mounted on the wrist of her new bionic.
Vedka"Yes, I have, Lord Captain. Genetor Majoris Ferrenz presented me with a true gift of von Valancius on your behalf. I suppose my status as Your Lordship/Ladyship's Arch-Militant had something to do with it. I feel like I've stepped right out of one of the songs!"
YOU"How did you manage to escape the collapsing Museion?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How are the seconded troops from Zarkov faring?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Don't you miss Zarkov?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I see you have replaced your prosthetic."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Perhaps you have some questions?"
Vedka"Since you asked, Your Lordship/Ladyship..."
Vedka"I've noticed that your common servants are fond of complaining about their lives. The filth, the hunger, sharing a single bunk between several people... My soldiers are asking if they can expect the same living conditions as the rest of the crew?"
YOU"This is how things are: soldiers will live in barracks and receive rations just like the rest of the crew. Officers will be assigned private quarters. This is the order of things bestowed upon us all by the God-Emperor."
Vedka"Your words are the will of the God-Emperor, Your Lordship/Ladyship. I'll have them conveyed to the troops. In His name and for the glory of the dynasty, we shall endure."
YOU"How did you manage to escape the collapsing Museion?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How are the seconded troops from Zarkov faring?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Don't you miss Zarkov?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I see you have replaced your prosthetic."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Perhaps you have some questions?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I must take my leave."
Vedka"Speaking with you is the greatest honour, Your Lordship/Ladyship."
end of branch
YOU"I will make every effort to ensure your people are treated with dignity and provided with adequate living conditions."
Vedka"Those are the words of a true commander, Lord Captain. Not some Commissar claptrap, but genuine care for the soldiers. Right out of the Handbook. I'll be glad to tell the troops!"
YOU"How did you manage to escape the collapsing Museion?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How are the seconded troops from Zarkov faring?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Don't you miss Zarkov?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I see you have replaced your prosthetic."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Perhaps you have some questions?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I must take my leave."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"The weak and cowardly will rot in the filth. Those who possess strength and determination will ascend to greater things."
VedkaDunawski frowns, causing the stone in her eye socket to shift slightly. "I thought things would be handled differently in the Imperium. But here, it seems, it's just like back on Zarkov. Well... at least we're used to it."
YOU"How did you manage to escape the collapsing Museion?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How are the seconded troops from Zarkov faring?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Don't you miss Zarkov?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I see you have replaced your prosthetic."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Perhaps you have some questions?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I must take my leave."continues where this line first appears above
Vedka"Dargonus was magnificent! Back there, all kinds of nobles approached me. I gather they're interested in becoming patrons of the Zarkov Regiment. I think it might be beneficial, since that seems to be the custom in your protectorate, but I know nothing about them. Please, what is your advice?"
YOU"Pay attention to the Werserians. They are noble and honest."
Vedka"I've learned that they are the most recently ascended of the noble dynasties on Dargonus. We are newcomers as well. Perhaps we ought to stick together."
Vedka"Thank you for your guidance, Your Lordship/Ladyship."
YOU"How did you manage to escape the collapsing Museion?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How are the seconded troops from Zarkov faring?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Don't you miss Zarkov?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I see you have replaced your prosthetic."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Perhaps you have some questions?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I must take my leave."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"The Drivestems have the greatest influence."
Vedka"I'm still not sure what 'influence' is, nor how you get it. It seems only wise to learn from those who actually understand it."
Vedka"Thank you for your guidance, Your Lordship/Ladyship."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"House Gaprak would be the best choice, as they are closely related to the production of equipment and augmetics."
VedkaVedka looks thoughtfully at her prosthesis. "The von Valancius gift... Forgive me for wasting your time, Lord Captain. I should have made such an obvious choice right from the start."
Vedka"Thank you for your guidance, Your Lordship/Ladyship."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"The Sauerbacks are renowned for their devoutness and loyalty — I think you are similar enough that your alliance would be a strong one."
Vedka"An alliance of the God-Emperor's faithful servants, blessed by His anointed one? We could ask for nothing greater."
Vedka"Thank you for your guidance, Your Lordship/Ladyship."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Your chief patron is [Name] von Valancius."
Vedka"I'll give the order to notify the noble houses immediately. Our loyalty belongs to you alone — we won't let anyone question that."
Vedka"Thank you for your guidance, Your Lordship/Ladyship."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"All houses are puppeteers and manipulators. Do not put your faith in anyone."
Vedka"The priests in the flagship's chapel say that the God-Emperor Himself grants power to the nobility. And He cannot be wrong. If you suspect these noble families of heresy, you need only give the word."
Vedka"Thank you for your guidance, Your Lordship/Ladyship."continues where this line first appears above
Vedka"There have been a few run-ins between your soldiers and Jocasta Sauerback's enforcers. Now they're looking at the 32nd with suspicion. Your people want to know: how should they conduct themselves around the enforcers?"
YOU"Their vigilance is the means by which they fulfil their duty to the God-Emperor."
Vedka"Then we should honour their service to Him and accept their suspicion as a given. I'll tell the soldiers, Your Lordship/Ladyship. We'll cause no more trouble."
YOU"How did you manage to escape the collapsing Museion?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How are the seconded troops from Zarkov faring?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Don't you miss Zarkov?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I see you have replaced your prosthetic."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Perhaps you have some questions?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I must take my leave."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You are in a strange position. Give it time — they will grow used to trusting you."
Vedka"And let their guard down? That's not the answer, Lord Captain. I'll talk to Jocasta. I'm sure we'll find a solution. Maybe joint patrols, or using the 32nd to bolster punitive operations."
YOU"How did you manage to escape the collapsing Museion?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How are the seconded troops from Zarkov faring?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Don't you miss Zarkov?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I see you have replaced your prosthetic."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Perhaps you have some questions?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I must take my leave."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"They sense your fear. Your weakness."
Vedka"With your permission, I will not tell the soldiers that, Your Lordship/Ladyship. Back on Zarkov, we'd have paid the enforcers back in blood for an insult like that. But the rules are different here."
YOU"How did you manage to escape the collapsing Museion?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How are the seconded troops from Zarkov faring?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Don't you miss Zarkov?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I see you have replaced your prosthetic."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Perhaps you have some questions?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I must take my leave."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"As long as you are under my protection, you are in no danger."
Vedka"The words of a true hero of the Imperium! As long as you are with us, Your Lordship/Ladyship, not even the slightest seed of fear or doubt will take root in our souls! I will remind the soldiers of this."
YOU"How did you manage to escape the collapsing Museion?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How are the seconded troops from Zarkov faring?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Don't you miss Zarkov?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I see you have replaced your prosthetic."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Perhaps you have some questions?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I must take my leave."continues where this line first appears above
Vedka"Right you are, Your Lordship/Ladyship! As long as you are with us, we are safe, and we are with you forever. The matter is settled. I won't raise it again."
YOU"How did you manage to escape the collapsing Museion?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How are the seconded troops from Zarkov faring?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Don't you miss Zarkov?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I see you have replaced your prosthetic."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Perhaps you have some questions?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I must take my leave."continues where this line first appears above
Vedka"The Archenemy on that metal planet... I can't stop thinking about what I saw. We had no idea of the horror it truly is."
YOU"That is why we fight the Archenemy. Better to die than to let its corruption taint us."
Vedka"So I see. Many of the sermons and dogmas of the Ecclesiarchy and our Handbook have now taken on a new meaning for me. I will share it with the Zarkovians."
YOU"How did you manage to escape the collapsing Museion?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How are the seconded troops from Zarkov faring?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Don't you miss Zarkov?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I see you have replaced your prosthetic."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Perhaps you have some questions?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I must take my leave."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"The lives of humans are sometimes horrifying, and anyone can unwittingly fall victim to the Archenemy's temptations."
Vedka"Like on Zarkov, where a single mistake costs lives. Only here, it is souls. The Merciful God-Emperor, now I even feel pity for those who have fallen in thrall to the Archenemy. But I also know how important it is to protect people from their own mistakes."
YOU"How did you manage to escape the collapsing Museion?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How are the seconded troops from Zarkov faring?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Don't you miss Zarkov?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I see you have replaced your prosthetic."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Perhaps you have some questions?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I must take my leave."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"And what horrifies you exactly? The fear you feel is awe in the face of something far stronger than you. Become stronger, and the Archenemy will become a weapon."
Vedka"Your words... It isn't just fear, Your Lordship/Ladyship! It is an abomination in the eyes of the God-Emperor and all of Humanity!"
YOU"How did you manage to escape the collapsing Museion?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How are the seconded troops from Zarkov faring?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Don't you miss Zarkov?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I see you have replaced your prosthetic."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Perhaps you have some questions?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I must take my leave."continues where this line first appears above
Vedka"It turns out that some of our traditions disgust the other servants of the dynasty. Some are even whispering of heresy... People are especially unsettled by our funeral rites. We brought shroud-leaves with us and have already placed a few free-thinkers inside them, and your servants started an uproar."
YOU"Seek out the servants of the Ecclesiarchy and do as they instruct."
Vedka"I have already sought their counsel, Your Lordship/Ladyship. The priests told us to get rid of the shroud-leaves and bury our fallen according to shipboard tradition. They say, since we have your patronage, our struggle for survival is over. Perhaps they are right, and it is time for us to let go of the customs of our world..."
Vedka"Thank you. I will do what is right."
YOU"How did you manage to escape the collapsing Museion?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How are the seconded troops from Zarkov faring?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Don't you miss Zarkov?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I see you have replaced your prosthetic."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Perhaps you have some questions?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I must take my leave."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Faith in Him has a thousand faces. Yours is one. But not everyone believes that the God-Emperor can be worshipped in different ways."
VedkaVedka frowns, her lips thinning into a tight line. "Then, with your permission, I will share our ways with those willing to listen — the Handbook, our songs, and the stories of Zarkov. Perhaps that will help them understand..."
Vedka"Thank you. I will do what is right."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Do not listen to those blinkered fools. Continue to believe in that which grants strength to your body and soul. Do what is right for you."
VedkaDunawski's gaze wanders, scanning the bridge for a few seconds as if she searches for something. "Do what's right. I hear you, Lord Captain! We'll stand by our traditions, regardless of what anyone else has to say."
Vedka"Thank you. I will do what is right."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I must take my leave."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Perhaps you have some questions?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I must take my leave."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I see you have replaced your prosthetic."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Perhaps you have some questions?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I must take my leave."continues where this line first appears above
Vedka"The soldiers of the 32nd Regiment have occupied their assigned barracks in accordance with the Code and have commenced scheduled duties, Lord Captain!" Vedka catches your eye and continues in a lower voice. "I mostly selected those who, like me, wanted to leave Zarkov. They are glad to serve you, glad to be among the stars. Everything here is still strange and frightening, but we will adapt. We always do."
YOU"How did you manage to escape the collapsing Museion?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How are the seconded troops from Zarkov faring?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Don't you miss Zarkov?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I see you have replaced your prosthetic."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Perhaps you have some questions?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I must take my leave."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Don't you miss Zarkov?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I see you have replaced your prosthetic."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Perhaps you have some questions?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I must take my leave."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How are the seconded troops from Zarkov faring?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Don't you miss Zarkov?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I see you have replaced your prosthetic."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Perhaps you have some questions?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I must take my leave."continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 16 of 16
VedkaUpon seeing you, the Arch-Militant makes the sign of the Aquila and bows, waiting for permission to speak.
YOU"How did you manage to escape the collapsing Museion?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How are the seconded troops from Zarkov faring?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Don't you miss Zarkov?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I see you have replaced your prosthetic."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Perhaps you have some questions?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I must take my leave."continues where this line first appears above