"That mutt ain't gonna do you much good unless y'all are plannin' on usin' it as a distraction. “I’m thinkin’ you’re gonn’a need to fuck this one too, Josey, since it ain’t like you’re gonn’a bag a proper bitch in this crowd.” Merle dragged himself to his feet, blinking away the disorientation caused by the impact to his helmet, though his arm was still curled protectively around his abused stomach.
"Pass it off to Josiah, he can deal with the wretched thing as he sees fit." "Good job Vizkop." Tomas turned and nodded to the tech-assassin. "I've always wondered if you can use jelly beans to train those things to roll over." If desired, I can wipe the preset protocols and owner imprint if anyone wants an attack dog.” I can dig deeper if needed, but I'm not sure I'll find anything useful. They were set into a low-power scan mode to guard the post. She left them here fifty years ago when the tech-priests abandoned the post. “The pack belonged to an Enginseer Koskynen. “Nothing too impressive within the mastiff,” Vizkop reported. “Our prisoner was choking on an obscenity.” “That was a medically necessary procedure.” the sister stated, almost glibly. Smashing the crate shut on Merle had been entirely for her benefit. Sapphira inflicted one blow for each of the Sisters from the Marioch cell, and another for Sister Kiana. She’d learned of the heretic’s repeated slights towards the Silent Vigil after the fact, and so had availed herself of the opportunity for a measure of retribution as soon as it presented itself. Sapphira exhaled the breath that she’d been holding as she turned to face the others. Merle moaned a curse as he slumped to the ground. While he was keeled over, Sapphira sharply kneed Merle four times in his exposed gut – and then slammed the crate shut on the scuffed dome of his threadbare environmental suit for good measure. The convict briefly collapsed to his knees, before he was driven face first into the crate by a blow from the Sister’s armored elbow. Merle’s latest insult turned into a pained shout as Sapphira stomped on his calf, and at the same time yanked violently backwards on his manacles. “Which I’m figurin’ ain’t too dif’rent from the gran’ ol’ broad’s cun-” “Did’ja think of lookin’ somewhere where that fucker’s ever actually been? I’m guessin’ that ain’t nobody been in here for decades, seein’ how it’s a dusty an’ neglected this hole is.” He turned to offer Sapphira a sneer, baring his gold teeth. “Yeah…” Merle looked thoughtful for a moment, and then snorted down his nose. Or anything we should be looking for if we want to pick up Arcolin’s trail." "A mechanicus listening post guarded by a significant pack of Cyber Mastiffs, but otherwise seemingly long abandoned. Cogitator parts." he played his stablight over the components as he listed them. Tomas gestured for Merle to be brought over and gestured to the crate of raw materials they had found. “That’s unfortunate, sir." Sapphira said, without taking her eyes off the convict. I will have to insist on holding out for 90% intact I'm afraid." "Sapphira," Tomas broke in, "If you could manage to keep Merle mostly alive while he is in your custody, I would appreciate it. “So…you want me worryin’ like when you’re feelin’ the need to piss or shit?” Merle sneered bitterly. I’m old after all and my speed isn’t what it used to be.” “And do consider that perhaps, next time, I won’t get there in time. “Keep it up Carson, I’m sure insulting the Sororita in charge of your well-being will do wonders to improve your survival odds.” Solvan said coldly to him, not waiting for Tomas to answer. “I’m guessin’ you ain’t about to be reprimandin’ the holier-than-thou whore for almost gettin’ me killed, huh Tommy?” Merle growled.
She graciously tilted her head toward Solvan while her eyes locked on the convict. “The role of terrified bait does become this miserable wretch.” Sapphira agreed. “That is the best use we have gotten out of Carson yet.” “I have to say, Sapphira.” The priest told the sister with a smile.