Hopeful, no doubt, of being let back to their rooms, rather than being called forward. After all, the cramped, dark and damp quarters aboard the cruiser were far preferable to actually having to go on a mission, as far as all but the most insane candidates were concerned. Many names were called, one after the other - and through it all, the two Inquisitors stood upon the raised dais looking out like a king and queen surveying their subjects, as impressively dissatisfied as Rellinus was impassive.
Carefully and surreptitiously as he could, the Captain eyed the younger, female Inquisitor. Definitely attractive - cute, even. If it wasn't for the expression on her face, he'd be tempted to have a pass at her - as it was, that and her station meant he kept such thoughts well and truly to himself...though it couldn't hurt to look, and think. It took him a few minutes to realize the names had stopped being called. Both the Inquisitors were staring at him. Rellinus felt his knees give slightly at the combined attention. It was like being pinned to the wall and crushed at the same time! His mouth worked for a moment or two, before he found his tongue, "Everyone else, dismissed!" The pressure eased as the Inquisitors swing their attention elsewhere, and Rellinus, his impassive facade thoroughly wrecked, breathed a sigh of relief.
The Guards waiting to one side spread down in between the selected and rejected groups, and began herding the latter out the room - electro-batons sheathed. Quietly, Rellinus straightened his uniform and steadied himself - it was a rare event, and for that he was thankful. He had to be careful now, not to make the same mistake again - normally he managed not to lose track of time, at least. When all had left, Lord Farzael stepped forward and addressed the smaller group, who numbered exactly forty.
"You are all here for the same reason." He began, soft voice carrying across the emptiness of the room. "Some of you have come willingly, or at the lure of rewards, while others...some of you are forced to be here, as penance for your sins. But whether you are here for glory, for greed, or for your souls, you are all here, to serve one purpose: rooting out heresy." A long pause, as he let that sink in. They all already knew, of course. It was just a matter of reinforcing the idea. Twenty times, Rellinus had heard this speech, and each time it was just as effective, galvanizing the doomed souls to carry out their duty. And it was uplifting for the soldiers, as well. The men and women of the Imperial Guard aboard this ship rarely saw action of their own, and it was good to remind them that their time here was not wasted.
"For all intents and purposes, you all cease to exist in any former capacity you may have had from this moment. You are now all agents of the Inquisition, dedicated to the greatest cause that can be found in our Imperium: defending the people from themselves." Pacing now, slow and measured across the front of the room, steps echoing in time with his words. "You hold no rank, no authority other than what we bestow upon you. You have no allegiance but to the Emperor, and to each other, and you will get no recognition for what you have done here but in death. Whether you are of the Guard, the Penal Legions, the various Adeptus, a mercenary band, or whether you are merely a citizen, you were all brought here under the providence of the Emperor, and will not leave until your duties are fulfilled. What you will see over the course of your missions is likely to strike fear into your hearts, madness into your minds, and leave many scars upon your soul. All this will be redeemed upon your death in the line of duty." Another pause followed. The gathered press was silent, as always, each dealing with what had been said in their own way - but all, no doubt, realizing anew how dire their situation was.
He halted again, precisely where he had been standing before."You will be split into groups, led by a senior officer of my staff, or a member of my retinue. Once with them, you will be briefed on your objectives. Above all else, remember that there is no shame in dying for your fellow man, and that your salvation will come with death, and death alone. The Emperor protects!" A chorus of 'For the God-Emperor' returned. The Lord Farzael surveyed the men and women in front of him for a moment longer, as the Captain, along with his fellow officers amongst the Guardsmen hurried to organize the squads, then turned and walked away. Inquisitor Raquelia still stood on the dais, overseeing the arrangement, and preparing to accompany a group of her own...
This post has been edited by The Lord Inquisitor: 23 November 2010 - 10:09 AM