Крип / Kryp: Отряд_5.31

Chapter 31

Camrad_RIP 22.12.21 в 12:07

"To the side," Schmettau repeated, taking the classic two-handed aiming stance.

Camrad_RIP 22.12.21 в 12:08

"No," Kryptman echoed, stepping between the hell-gun and Olga. Luct staggered to his left, standing to his master's left. Everything happened quickly, like in a theater, as if the parties were rehearsing an exchange of actions and lines. The girl cradled the infant fearfully, hiding behind Kryp's broad back. The baby squeaked, his lips curling, apparently sensing Olga's fear.

Camrad_RIP 22.12.21 в 12:09

"Fidus, you idiot," said Schmettau irritably. "Stand back, or you will die with them."

Camrad_RIP 22.12.21 в 12:10

Essen stepped to the side, holding his gun to hit all or most of the purifiers if necessary.

Camrad_RIP 22.12.21 в 12:11

"You wanted me dead," said the young inquisitor, his hands and lips trembling a little, but on the whole Kryptman Jr. held himself as well as could be expected from a man under the muzzle of a melta pistol. "Well, do what you want to do with your own hands. No middlemen."

Camrad_RIP 22.12.21 в 12:12

"Idiot," Schmettau repeated. "And a defender of heretics. Step aside!"

Camrad_RIP 22.12.21 в 12:12

"She was right," Fidus said softly. "There is a time for ruthless cruelty. And there is a time for mercy. I think it's appropriate to show... a little kindness."

Camrad_RIP 22.12.21 в 12:13

"This child is Evil incarnate," Schmettau was boiling, losing his composure and composure. "He must die! And he will die! With or without her! But I do not want to burn you with her. You will dig your own grave."

Camrad_RIP 22.12.21 в 12:14

"It's an innocent child who doesn't know what he's doing," Fidus shook his head.

Camrad_RIP 22.12.21 в 12:15

"Innocent?" Schmettau roared. "Do you have any idea how many people he's already killed? His panic has covered a quarter of the planet! How many have died!!! How many more have been poisoned by Warp Poison, how many more have been mutilated? The consequences will last for centuries! Get out of my way, you silly boy, and let others do the work if you're a useless wimp!"

Camrad_RIP 22.12.21 в 12:19

"No."

Camrad_RIP 22.12.21 в 12:19

"Well, maybe that's even better," Schmettau cut off as he made his decision.

Camrad_RIP 22.12.21 в 12:20

His finger tensed on the trigger, Fidus crouched slightly as if intending to lunge at Kalkroit, but at that moment the tech-priestess stepped forward.

Camrad_RIP 22.12.21 в 12:20

"Adeptus Mechanicus takes this woman under the patronage and protection," Wakrufmann proclaimed in an alien voice. "This is the direct will of Parliament and the Fabricator-General of Mars. You will receive all proper notices officially."

Camrad_RIP 22.12.21 в 12:21

"You... her...?" Schmettau got confused. "What?"

Camrad_RIP 22.12.21 в 14:16

"The "Olga" object pleases the Machine God and Mars," Jennifer explained as she stood side by side with Kryptman. The servo skull above Jennifer's body gleamed ominously with its red lens, and the techno-girl held out her palm, on which she rested her head, in a commanding gesture.

Camrad_RIP 22.12.21 в 14:18

Pale moved, even more, to capture in one shot the tech-priestess with the inquisitor and the dead servant. Apparently, the rapid multiplication of new targets did not please the inquisitor.

Camrad_RIP 22.12.21 в 14:19

"Take it," Schmettau said contemptuously, after a moment's hesitation. "Copperheads play with the forbidden all the time, but that's your concern. The spawn of evil is my responsibility. Leave him and go wherever you want. You might as well take this travesty of an inquisitor with you. He's used to hiding behind someone else's back."

Camrad_RIP 22.12.21 в 14:28

Kryptman just smiled and shook his head. Olga hugged the child tighter, whispering:

Camrad_RIP 22.12.21 в 14:29

"No... I won't."

Camrad_RIP 22.12.21 в 14:29

"As you can see, your 'object' herself is looking for death," Schmettau pointed out.

Camrad_RIP 22.12.21 в 14:30

"It's a dilemma," the iron head hissed. "Mars does not yet have a consolidated position on the permissibility of the Child object. However, at the moment, it poses no danger. I am inclined to say that we should not rush to a final decision, but in the meantime, we should take all measures to isolate the object in the most comfortable and secure conditions."

Camrad_RIP 22.12.21 в 14:34

"That won't work. If you defend the brat, you're not worthy of life either," Shmettau sentenced.

Camrad_RIP 22.12.21 в 14:35

"Are you ready to oppose the will of the Martian Parliament, Inquisitor?" Jennifer clarified. "Given that your every word is recorded? Failure to obey the High Lord of Terra is punishable by death and deprivation of the Inquisitor's rank."

Camrad_RIP 22.12.21 в 14:37

"In my service, I'm ready to stand up to anyone," Shmettau grinned wickedly. "For I have sworn an oath to him who is above the Lords of Terra and all Rustyheads. I keep the Emperor's house, and if that requires burning an apostate, a heretic, and an iron fool, so be it."

Camrad_RIP 22.12.21 в 14:38

"No," Demetrius muttered, and in the silence of the grave hall, the young man's words came out with a distinct determination. "You can't do that."

Camrad_RIP 22.12.21 в 14:40

He swung forward, took a tiny step as if intending to join Olga's living shield.

Camrad_RIP 22.12.21 в 14:44

""Calm down," Bertha grumbled. "It's none of our worries anymore. It's none of our business. Let them decide among themselves."

Camrad_RIP 22.12.21 в 14:48

"No," the Priest said suddenly. "This is our business."

Camrad_RIP 22.12.21 в 14:50

"What?"

Camrad_RIP 22.12.21 в 14:50

"This is our business," the monk repeated, crossing himself with his aquila. "Everything we've been through is just a prelude."

Camrad_RIP 22.12.21 в 14:54

"Are you insane with worry?" Bertha hissed softly, trying in vain to speak so that no one else could hear.

Camrad_RIP 22.12.21 в 16:47

The priest turned to her and said:

Camrad_RIP 22.12.21 в 17:04

"Here is our main test. The choice the Emperor awaits."

Camrad_RIP 22.12.21 в 17:05

"What choice is there?!" Bertha shrieked, unable to restrain herself.

Camrad_RIP 22.12.21 в 17:06

"But there it is," the Priest said helplessly. "Here we stand before a child who is possessed by great power. We have two choices to make. Should we show mercy, but knowing that kindness today may well turn to terrible misery tomorrow. Or..." he swallowed noisily. "To be cruel. To kill a child whose only fault is that the wicked have done wrong to him. But maybe that cruelty is mercy for the archvillain's future victims."

Camrad_RIP 22.12.21 в 17:14

"What are we supposed to do?" Bertha asked. "What's the right thing to do?"

Camrad_RIP 22.12.21 в 17:15

"I..." The Priest looked lost, which was surprising and incongruous, considering the energy and courage with which he had behaved before. "I don't know... There are no omens, nothing... Perhaps the Emperor wants each of us to choose for ourselves."

Camrad_RIP 22.12.21 в 17:23

Essen Pale licked his lips and clarified:

Camrad_RIP 22.12.21 в 17:24

"What are your orders, sir?"

Camrad_RIP 22.12.21 в 17:24

"Wait," Schmettau grinned even more ominously. "Let the unstable in spirit and those prone to heresy mark themselves. Adepto Purificatum will thank us for cleansing the ranks."

Camrad_RIP 22.12.21 в 17:25

"I choose."

Camrad_RIP 22.12.21 в 17:26

Demetrius's second step was much larger and more confident than the first. The orderly marched past Kalkroit, accompanied by Essen Pale's sight, stood next to Kryptmann, adding:

Camrad_RIP 22.12.21 в 17:28

"She brought us here, protected us from the emanations of evil. She stopped the utter terror. If the Emperor did not lead her, who did?"

Camrad_RIP 22.12.21 в 17:30

"Mars thinks your choice is reasonable, young man," the head bobbed ceremoniously in Jennifer's palm.

Camrad_RIP 22.12.21 в 17:32

"And I'm not going to choose shit!" he told to the world, he stepped aside and sat down defiantly with his hands out in front of him. "The nose was enough. Now I serve and follow orders. From here to the Old Stars. What the commandant commander orders, I'll do."

Camrad_RIP 22.12.21 в 17:34

"I'm with the Inquisition," the Holy Man looked past Demetrius guiltily, as if afraid to meet his eyes. "They know better. If they say it's evil, it is. And we've all seen what nasty things this... thing has done. Maybe he didn't do it on purpose, but we can't bring Crybaby back. And the Sinner. The Madman again. And all the others."

Camrad_RIP 22.12.21 в 17:36

Radioman sighed heavily and retreated toward Schmettau, but not so much that the inquisitor considered it an insidious rapprochement.

Camrad_RIP 22.12.21 в 17:37

The Priest looked at Bertha; the Commandant mechanically ran her hands over the jumpsuit under which the Detachment's banner was concealed.

Camrad_RIP 22.12.21 в 17:38