A New Tale: A New Assignment

 Lord Commissar Mackay

You are hereby transferred from your current duties to take command/regain control of penal legion 1364. 

Penal Legion 1364 has had a tumultuous recent history. Known for one of the highest rates of prisoner on prisoner fatalities (even out of war zones) the unit was suffering for combat effectiveness, being too focussed on killing each other to face the enemy effectively. Lord Commissar Barrowclough was appointed and by the unprecedented step of spending individual time with prisoners to hear their concerns directly the rate of attrition steadily declined. His unusual methods seemed to be bearing fruit, as the rate of prisoner on prisoner attacked dropped to almost zero. That is until 2 months ago.

A massive riot flared up. There were seemingly no prisoner on prisoner attacks, they all united and focussed their efforts against the guards. Casualties were sustained on both sides, the situation was just about stabilised by judicious use of force by the riot brigade. As the dust settled, Barrowclough was nowhere to be found. At first we hoped he may be located, but we are now working on the assumption that he has been murdered (and possibly eaten.)

In the intervening weeks, there have been sustained attacks against the prison guards, to the point that they are now refusing to do their duties, claiming they would rather have the emperor's mercy than die at the hands of the convicts. After the first few accepted it with good grace and still no one volunteered to return to duty, it was decided they were not bluffing. So far the only ones willing to monitor the prisoners are the riot squad, who are either well trained enough to handle the situation, or too dumb to realise the peril... take your choice there. Of course, the trouble with not having the brightest of guards, we don't know what further mischief they may be brewing that would slip beneath the guards attention but may be picked up by more astute watchers.

Your task is to get this unit back to combat effectiveness as soon as possible. Good luck Lord Commissar, the Emperor protects.

Mackay put down the dispatch. "Eaten?!" He shuddered, then sent an acknowledgement, before turning to pack his things.