“First, here are the planet’s five broad challenges.”

“Aelos IV, catalogued in the Imperial Record as SPSW230F4, is an unstable gas giant composed primarily of nitrogen and oxygen, with shoals/clouds of complex organic compounds in gaseous form. This atmosphere is breathable, but poisonous. Unfiltered exposure for too long– from a few minutes to a few hours, depending on the composition of the clouds in your vicinity– can lead to the buildup of dangerous or deadly levels of Propraxis Nitrite in the aveoli and bronchi.”

“The relative stability of these shoals of gasses is due to the inconsistent internal temperature of the planetary environment. By some mechanism which we have not yet determined, temperature of the planet’s gasses varies by region, with bands or points of extreme cold or hot that move erratically, forcing elements to group together somewhat by atomic weight and relative density. Thus, the most notable atmospheric condition of Aelos IV– the famous shoals of gasses and gasseated liquids– is generated by the same mechanism which creates the second most notable atmospheric condition– specifically, that the entire planet is in a state of violent movement. It is, basically, an eternal, infinite hurricane of flammable clouds and acid raid.”

“In addition, the size of the planet itself represents certain problems. The immense mass of the planet gives it a gravity roughly two and a half times the Terran standard. Without specialized equipment, non-ogryn humans can function for a very limited period of time in these conditions. Aside from the issue of fatigue and loss of strength, unprotected exposure over excessive periods can lead to tissue damage of the kidneys, lungs, brain and other soft organs.”

“The size and shifting nature of the planet makes navigation extremely difficult. There are no landmarks. In fact, there is no land– the closet Aelos IV comes to this are structures referred to by our planetologists as Gasseous Corpuscles, structures of speciated gasses forced into liquid or crystalline form by extremes of pressure and temperature.”

“The last challenge that Aelos IV represents may be unique in the Imperium. Due to the existance of clouds of various weights of gasseous or liquid promethium, suspended in an atmosphere consisting primarily of nitrogen and oxygen, may regions within the planet are flammable or explosive. Ignition may be due to human activity or accident, or even to the celestial environment through which the planet’s orbit takes it. You may have noted that Aelos IV has in excess of 2,500 satellites in stable or semi-stable orbit. This number does not include those whose orbit is not stable… from time to time, such wanders fall into the planet’s gravity well, and as they are pulled toward’s the planet’s core, generate enough heat via friction to ignite clouds which they might pass through.”

“To deal with these challenges, the God Emperor of Mankind and the Machine God of Mars have gifted us with specific measures. Over the next week, you will be introduced to these measures and trained in their use. Please pay the closest of attention, as your survival relies entirely upon understanding the tools with which we have been provided.”

“First, we will be introducing you to the Mark XVII “Vultan Pattern” Environmental Protection suit, called a Vultan for short. The Vultan consists primarily of a reinforced environmental body glove with rebreather and protective hood, integrated with a modified Mark V Grav Chute. The body glove will protect you from many of the extremes of temperature that you will face on Aelos, as well as filtering the atmosphere to prevent poisoning or suffocation. Though these are the most advanced features we can provide, they are not infallible– you would do well to avoid exposure to any of the planet’s extremes.”

“The grav chute plays two roles… first, it operates at a constant low level state, decreasing your specific gravity from 2.5 times Terran standard to something you can comfortably handle for moderate to long periods of time. Without this function, it would be impossible for you to function. Second, a failsafe in the chute triggers whenever the atmospheric density in your region changes rapidly enough to cause decompression sickness. If the change in density is in the direction of greater compression, your the chute will lower your specific gravity enough to life you out of the region of danger. If the change in density is in the direction of lesser compression, your gravity will be increased, to pull you below the danger region. The chute can also be used as a standard gravity chute, though the shifting environment of Aelos IV makes this dangerous in the extreme. Third, an emergency transponder built into your suit’s hood will allow you to signal for extraction, should you encounter insurmountable resistance or danger.”

“The second piece of equipment we will be introducing you to is the Windstorm Gravity Sled, a transport similar to the Landspeeders used by the Adeptus Astartes. The Windstorm is the primary form of small-group transportation within Aelos IV, as standard atmospheric or spacefaring vehicles pose a danger of accidently atmospheric ignition.”

“The Windstorm can safely carry five crew, plus appropriate supplies and armament. In addition, the vehicle that you will be supplied with is equipped with an experimental weapon provided by the Adeptus Mechanicus, a sonic lance. One of you will receive specialized training in the use of the lance, and another will receive specialized training in operating the vehicle. For the rest, there will be exercises in safe embarkation and disembarkation, as well as the use of communications, navigation and life support equipment.”

“The final piece of equipment we will be briefing you on are the cloud barges which represent the sole reason for the occupation of Aelos IV, which is the extraction of valuable gasseous resources for the Crusade war effort. Hopefully, the information which we provide you with an understanding of systems and operations within these vehicles which will allow you to determine if anything is amiss, when investigating or traveling within one.”

“Now, before we begin with an in-depth presentation of the Vultan, does anyone have any questions?”

Jake, how do you feel on times?

Apparently the Ordos may know information concerning my father’s whereabouts. I’ll have to speak with our Inquisitor concerning this fact after a conversation with the Navigator on the station. Apparently his life was marked to end, but our Astartus initiate thwarted that.

Everything on this station links back to some ethereal figure, apparently a part of some infernal and twisted Inquisition working for the Enemy. The people of these Sabbat worlds exist just as we do, but invoke the Enemy rather than the Machine God and Emperor.

The blissful ecstasy that one experiences when channeling the wrathful anger of our God against those that would subvert and corrupt the machine spirits He protects… cannot be described in words. May He provide me the appropriate tool to destroy the heretics when traveling in the gaseous atmosphere of the planet below.

Are we looking to get a game together for this weekend?  I should be free on Saturday if that works for everyone.

Jake

I’m gearing up to move into my new place in San Leandro this week. I’ll be out of commission for a while as we get settled in our new home.  The soonest I’d be available to game again is the weekend of September 24/25, but that’s very tentative at this point.  Might have to wait until October.

Jake