Author's Note: A single planet guarding an ancient secret, a
rivalry in the chamber of the High Lords of Terra, An Inquisitor with a
holy mission. Whatever the outcome, there will be reprisals that will
shake the very foundations of the Imperium.
Might and Mechanism
"Be seated Lord Inquisitor, your proposals have been heard," the voice of the High Lord of the Administratum grated through the chamber.
The tones of the next man to speak, the Ecclesiarch, were violent and loud, "They are obviously heretics, and heretics with a fleet presence must be exterminated immediately and without hesitation," he turned to the Paternoval Envoy of the Navigators, "have the Navis Nobilite mobilise."
"Ecclesiarch," the voice of the man who spoke next came through the machineries of an ancient vox set, every head turned, if the Fabricator-General had something to say then the issue was obviously important, for once the minds of the High Lords of the Adeptus Terra turned away from political conspiracy and focussed on the Magos Mechanicus, "do not be so hurried in destroying heretical fleets, as you know, the Cult Mechanicus has the long held right to investigate any lead which my point in the direction of the Gift of the Omnissiah."
"I agree with the lord Fabricator General," declared the Paternoval Envoy, "if these heretics should possess STC then the Fleet would sustain heavy casualties and might even prove unsuccessful in any attack. At this moment the Ultima Segmentum is in no condition to be fighting massed fleet battles for the sake of a single planet."
"Nonetheless, these men are heretics," cried the Ecclesiarch as the minds returned to their schemes, "and heretics must be dealt with without a moment of mercy."
"Do not be foolish enough as to confuse my search for the Gift of the Omnissiah for mercy Ecclesiarch," said the Fabricator-General, if anyone else in the galaxy had said that he would have died, slowly.
The Ecclesiarch was gathering himself to make a threatening reply but was stopped by the Master of the Administratum tapping his quill and calling, "Order, gentlemen order."
The Inquisitor Lord decided to speak, "Before making any final decision we must ascertain more information about the planet in question." He was backed up by six other voices including the Fabricator-General's. All the Ecclesiarch could do was grind the implants that had long since replaced his teeth.
"Very well," he muttered grudgingly, "I will see that the priest assigned to him ensures your Inquisitors faith in the Emperor. I trust that you are intending to send an Inquisitor."
"Yes," replied the Inquisitor Lord, it was now his turn to look sour.
"Will there be anyone else apart from the preacher and one of my Magosi to aid this inquisitor?" asked the Fabricator-General as the Inquisition representative wondered why he was inviting more interference.
Soon each of the High Lords had pledged their support to the venture that would decide whether the souls of a planet would live, or die.