Path of Fire: The Broken Blade

by SpartAl412

Duty is a concept known to many races of the galaxy. For some it is a path to rise above one's station, for others it merely something expected to be done with little asked for in return. For those of the latter some stoically carry out their duties and ask for nothing in return. Yet sometimes, duty become a heavy burden which can break the warrior's spirit or forge it anew.

1. N7219-A83

Inquisitorial Report: N7219-A83

Ave Imperator, Ave Dominus, Ave Humanitas.

To my Lord Inquisitor

As requested by the Conclave of Nurena, I, your loyal servant, Rikar Sereven have completed my oath-sworn task in compiling the information regarding the heretical domain of the Palladian Stars. Located in the far east of Segmentum Ultima, the people of benighted worlds within the Palladian Stars have committed the gravest of heresies, Betrayal and Apostasy by turning their backs against the holy light of Him on Earth, in favour of the blasphemous faith of the xeno species known as the Tau. Judgment has already been passed by the most noble, High Lords of Terra, that those souls residing within the Palladian Stars have been branded, EXOCOMMUNICATE TRAITORIS.

Although righteous judgment has been passed, it has yet to be delivered due to far more pressing concerns within the Imperium. As my lord is already aware of, the most hallowed realms of our Empire, are rife with conflicts against forces within, without and beyond, thus leaving our valorous legions stretched thin across many fronts. It is by the infinite wisdom of our Immortal Emperor and his appointed officials that military assets are to be focused on where they are needed most.

On worlds such as the mighty fortress of Cadia, the dread forces of the Archenemy still maintain their foothold, acquired during the recent 13th Black Crusade. On the world of Armageddon, the brutal and savage Greenskins continues to wage their ceaseless wars of barbarism against the valiant defenders of the planet. And perhaps most dreadfully of all, are the many invasion fleets of the Tyrannic Swarm whose bio-constructs are capable of leaving entire worlds as barren, lifeless rocks and have time and time again proven capable of infiltrating the highest echelons of Imperial society.

It is most understandable that while yes, the holy armies of the Imperium should focus their attentions on these greater threats, to turn a blind eye against the Palladian Stars is to court a future destruction. While agents of the Holy Ordos of the Inquisition have performed a most exemplary service in suppressing information about the Palladian Stars from the greater Imperium, there have been reported and verified occasions where knowledge of this heretical state has leaked with disastrous results. If such dangerous knowledge were to further spread, then the Palladian Stars could potentially be seen as a rallying point for various rebellious insurgents as well as for secessionist factions across the eastern reaches of Segmentum Ultima.

To understand how these far flung worlds could pose such a threat to the greater Imperium as a whole, one must know the history of the Palladian Stars, which I will be covering on my next report.

With Humble Respect

Rikar Sereven, Lore Master in service to the Ordo Xenos

There is only the Emperor,

And he is our Shield and Protector.