In what is another one of the seemingly endless interruptions bent on destroying my already unrealistic deadlines, the anxiety I've always had worsened (for various reasons) two months ago and left me incapable of focusing on much of anything without having a panic attack. Luckily, I'm on my way to recovery. Unfortunately, my schedule is absolutely annihilated. This was supposed to come out about two weeks ago, and I was supposed to have two or three more chapters of In Someone's Name finished.
I honestly don't know what the next few months will look like, but I can promise I'll try my best to update either story at least once every few weeks.
This is intended to be a sort of filler for the time skip in-between the end of Volume 2 and the beginning of Volume 3. Not to jynx myself, but the first proper chapter is mostly finished and should be out sooner rather than later.
Thanks for reading!
Puella Magi Aeternum Bellum
In Her Holy Majesty's Imperial Inquisition
Prologue: Eight Years of Memories
For people who are capable of at almost any moment accessing a galactic network of information, it at first seems strange that they would be writing newspapers. It is certain that the history of the Adeptus Magica and newspapers is one of the most convoluted in all the ten thousand years of this Imperium's existence. The original intention was that the articles would be summaries of major events, for while the official reports could be read, sorting through such a great volume of information was, and still is, difficult even for the mind of a magical girl.
However, the proposals for creating at least Segmentum-wide publications for this purpose ran into immediate opposition. Many Inquisitors believed that such a practice would be open to any egotist who wished to make a name for themselves by publishing a sensationalist story, and could even be abused by traitors seeking to spread misinformation. However, it was pointed out that the same thing could be done in the official telepathic networks as well. Both sides refused to back down, and the argument dragged on for several years as committee after committee, each one supposed to make a final decision, was formed and abolished. During this time, the Grand Inquisitor stayed out of the affair, preferring to stay quiet rather than get engaged in a potentially-harmful controversy. When a firefight almost broke out between two arguing inquisitors and their retinues, she decided to step in.
Personally heading a large committee consisting of some of the most prominent individuals from the various Segmentum Sects, the Grand Inquisitor would finally lay the issue to rest. It was decided to establish a general newspaper for each of the Segmentums, for the sake of gathering the most vital information and passing it in simple packages to the wider force of Inquisitors.
Of course, time would only result in further complications as further diversity and specification was argued for and against, but such events are farther down the line from these events.
-Excerpt from A General History of the Inquisition
We've managed to trace the movement of the escaped vessel beyond the Western Fringe into independent territory. Based on what we've managed to learn about Ishna's movements, it's highly probable that she's secured the complete cooperation of a major ruler. A major assault would be ineffective, they'd have time to run and we'd be bogged down in an extended campaign. Should you approve it, I believe an Assassinorum detachment would be most effective, though given the information we've already gathered, it's likely that the mission would be highly risky. A more complete report on the capabilities of Asler Peryanna and the worlds under her control is included with this message.
-Message from Vigil Assassin Zifa to Grand Inquisitor Wilhelmina Schrader. M41.037.12
MILITA INCIDENT STILL A MYSTERY
Last week, the long-standing blockade around the Hadiens Sector finally concluded, but the reasons for it are still unclear. The Grand Inquisitor, who personally ordered the movement of ships, has not concretely responded to any question asked, and it appears that those who were present during the Incident either knew little or are under very clear orders to say nothing of what occurred.
What is known is that the Hadiens Sect has been momentarily disbanded due to accusations of heresy, spread throughout the entire sect it seems. Every member has been arrested under such charges. The forces of Inquisitor Theodora Magnissia have also been brought into custody for charges of heresy, though her relation to the sect and role in the incident are both still unknown.
Most agree that whatever happened had to do with the Hadiens Incident a year ago, involving the traitor Ishna Kleimar. However, she was believed dead at the end of that incident, with only her subordinates escaping. It seems that her legacy hasn't ended.
Erwine Braune, the focus of the Hadiens Incident, was once again at the center of events, adding further weight to the theory that this relates to Ishna Kleimar. Reportedly, both Inquisitor Estelle Adramartis, the lover of Adrianne Azure, and Inquisitor Nadine Edicossen, the mentor of Adrianne Azure, disappeared from Milita at the end of the incident. Their whereabouts are reportedly unknown, but both individuals have a strong connection to Adrianne, who was also at the nexus of events last year. It's clear that whatever happened, it has something to do with what happened a year ago, although the specifics are yet to be known.
Any attempts at questioning have been denied, and Lord Inquisitor Juno Eskel seems intent on tightly controlling what is let out. As such, the members of this newspaper will not continue to pursue this story after this article. This is clearly a matter of Imperium-wide security, and information will come out on a need-to-know basis. The editors and writers recommend that others follow this course of action, curiosity has killed far more than cats.
-Article from the Tempestus Herald, by Caitlin Afreya, M41.038.03
Appraisal of the potential locations continues fruitlessly. Given the cryptic nature of the text, the massive number of potential planets, and the time it takes to fully search a planet for such a vault, I doubt we'll have any success for years to come. However, we shall of course continue to try. Currently, Ixias, Monacia, Kerig, and Oyllon are being surveyed, and we expect all four operations to conclude next month.
-Message from Lord Inquisitor Juno Eskel to Grand Inquisitor Wilhelmina Schrader, M41.038.06
We were unable to confirm the presence of Ishna Kleimar. No evidence was present to suggest that she was there, but at the same time it is clear that she expected us. They were prepared for an attempted infiltration, and I imagine that even now the target is relocating. The Venator was unfortunately lost, but otherwise we escaped intact.
If you desire my personal opinion, I believe that further pursuit of this target is a fool's errand, at least until we have more resources. However, I imagine that time is not something we have much of in this case.
-Vigil Assassin Zifa to Grand Inquisitor Wilhelmina Schrader, M41.038.12
Ashiri Maleno: "Are we certain this is the best choice, given the instability of Adrianne Azure?"
Egnia Toella: "This is a personal recommendation from Lord Inquisitor Eskel, we also can't overlook the fact that her record is shining in comparison to Ms. Azure's."
Catirin Akhme: "In her statement regarding the Milita Incident, Ms. Braune explains that she doesn't intend to pursue further investigation for the moment, given the lack of leads and her inexperience. That's a sharp contrast to the maniac who chased a ghost for twenty years."
Lola Opin: "That's correct, and there's little to suggest that will change. Everyone in her retinue has connections to Ishna, but I think it's all the more remarkable that she's united them around her own cause."
Ashiri Maleno: "A little skepticism has never hurt anyone but…you're right, we can't deny that there was an extensive investigation conducted by the Grand Inquisitor herself. If this was another Adrianne, it would be made clear."
Egnia Toella: "Then shall we approve the promotion? I see no clear reason not to. We can increase surveillance on her as necessary, of course."
-Excerpt from Tempestus Four Toella Multi-Sector-Overwatch-Committee Emergency Meeting, M41.039.03
If anyone besides Ishna Kleimar had produced this document then I would be convinced this is a wild goose chase on the grandest scale possible. We've cleared another set and are moving on once more. I can't help but wonder if there was never any point to any of this. Really, I think it's something to be considered, if this is naught more than a red herring, and somewhere she's carrying out her true plans.
But even if we assume that, we've nowhere to start from.
-Lord Inquisitor Juno Eskel to Grand Inquisitor Wilhelmina Schrader, M41.039.03
LATEST RISING STAR PROMOTED TO INQUISITOR
Even as an Interrogator, Erwine Braune was an excellent operative. From cleaning up the last traces of Ishna Kleimar's extensive heretic networks to assisting in the restructuring of the Hadiens Sect, the past year and a half have been nothing but diligent work. Many probably already know the girl, purely from the Hadiens and Milita Incidents, where she and her mentor were targeted by Ishna Kleimar.
Despite her young age, only sixteen, she's been through more than many girls. However, while others might have broken under the pressure, it appears that Erwine has only become stronger. The dedication shown to her work equals that of some of the bigger names, and though she's young, Erwine is still determined to succeed no matter the odds.
When questioned about what she planned to do with this promotion, Erwine replied, "I doubt I'll join a specific sect. Although Siothea is my home and I value it highly, I don't wish to be tied down to a single area. Assuming the rest of the girls agree, I'll most likely go wherever I'm needed, doing whatever I can to help."
Of course, the girl is not without her baggage. Her mentor was Adrianne Azure, infamous for her twenty-year pursuit of the believed-to-be-dead Ishna Kleimar. The list of crimes that have been leveled against Ms. Azure is quite extensive, including the rape of Erwine herself. However, the girl doesn't seem to let that past control her: "Adrianne was a person who knew herself to be correct yet was confronted by a world that told her she was wrong. There have been, and there will be, many misguided crusaders who actually do evil, and while many of her actions are inexcusable, I do not believe Adrianne Azure is one of those people. I want to remember her as someone who fought for what she believed in, no matter the cost."
Indeed, Erwine is a girl who doesn't let past actions control the present. She herself admits to having made mistakes in her life, especially in the case of the beginnings of the Milita Incident, "I don't think there's any shame in admitting that I was wrong. My actions caused people to die, and I haven't forgotten that. But I've learned from my mistakes and have grown as a result. I know that the only way to prove that is to show it, and that is precisely what I intend to do."
Erwine's retinue consists of Wei Huang, Mila Gorec, Sechylia Najina, and Ileve Nashiandra. Wei Huang is a magic programmer who originally met Erwine Braune at the beginning of the Hadiens Incident. Her exact relationship with Erwine is unclear, but the consistent closeness of the two leads many to believe that they are in a romantic relationship. Neither has commented on the matter directly, and when asked insist that people are reading too much into the issue. Case reports will reveal friction between the two in the past, but the last year and a half portrays them as a spectacular team. It appears that it is safe to assume that whatever their relationship, it is only pulling them together further.
Mila Gorec is one of the few survivors from Janicelle, and appears to be the second closest to Erwine. When asked about her relationship with the now-Inquisitor, she explained clearly, "I serve under her, that is what I do. Wei is certainly closer to Erwine, but I think that I am still trusted. We're close friends and comrades, we most certainly have each other's backs, but I can't say that our relationship goes any deeper than that."
Ileve Nashiandra's story is a mysterious one. It's known that she is a telepath, but not much else is. The files on her past are blank. She appeared shortly after the end of the Milita Incident, but a bit of digging and an inside source reveal that she was one of the members of Inquisitor Theodora Magnissia's ill-fated excavation project on Vasillica. According to these sources, she died there. Of course, there could have been a mistake, but many suspect that there's bigger forces at work here. Nonetheless, the Grand Inquisitor herself conducted the follow-up operation after the Milita Incident, and it's doubtful that any heretic slipped through her grasp.
Sechylia Najina formerly served under Inquisitor Estelle Adramartis, and truthfully it is not clear why she didn't transfer to Inquisitor Celestine Luminesce. Ms. Najina was once close to Justinia, another girl under Inquisitor Adramartis, who unfortunately lost her life at the end of the Milita Incident. When asked to explain her choice, Sechylia was a bit sorrowful as she replied, "I felt that a change of…surroundings, was for the best. Even though I know Sanae, Celestine, and even Laelia and Ayelen, better than I do Erwine and the others, those people I knew well just reminded me of Justinia. I felt it was best to remove myself from such an environment, and try to find a new start, so to speak."
Since the Milita Incident, Erwine has been traveling aboard the former Navy cruiser Yslevia, under the captaincy of Elle Langnesse. She formerly worked for Inquisitor Estelle Adramartis, who disappeared at the end of the Milita Incident, but hasn't moved to work with Inquisitor Celestine Luminesce since, instead sticking with Erwine. The reason is unknown, but perhaps it is similar to Ms. Najina's.
It is clear that the new Inquisitor's team is no shoddy force, and expectations are apparently set high given Erwine's record so far. She seems to combine the passion and dedication of Adrianne with a healthy dose of patience and calm. It's almost certain that one way or another, the headlines will be talking about her for a long time to come.
-Article from the Tempestus Herald, by Caitlin Afreya, M41.039.04
This will be the final report on our investigation. I can safely say that we have consulted every available archive and record possible. If you wish, we can personally go to confirm every single one, rather than trusting the MSOC reports, but the time that would take is unreasonably massive.
The point is, there's no trace of what's been reported by Inquisitor Luminesce or Interrogator Aemilina. Your description of the one in black certainly matches what is known of Ishna, but there's nothing about a girl in white. Absolutely no trace of her presence, not in any official report at least. I've included a few statements from girls, older ones, who state that they've seen ones like her, ones in cloaks, but I can't fathom who this group could possibly be. Nevertheless, the statements are there, and they were most certainly telling the truth.
-Inquisitor Istia Merantius, Chief of the Ordo Archivus, to Grand Inquisitor Wilhelmina Schrader, M41.039.06
I didn't think anyone would care about this…it's been forty-seven years since I last saw it, and I haven't forgotten in the slightest. It was back when I was part of the Ordo Finibus. I was on Iglam, exploring a series of old caverns that wound through the planet's crust. We weren't sure who made them, but we were interested in seeing what might be in them.
I was waiting outside of the caverns, keeping the shuttle safe. They had a teleporter, and could have been out in an instant. We were following the standard procedures, we knew what we were doing and we knew that we were safe. They found something down there, I was linked to them telepathically and I was receiving everything in real-time. They died before I really understood what was going on, the links severed completely. I don't know what they found, but it was something that somebody else didn't want them to see. All I know is that whoever did it was a magical girl, dressed in red. In the final messages, I saw none of her features, only a deep red cloak.
I left the planet as fast as I could, and didn't look back. I made a report, submitted it, and then it disappeared. I looked, and it wasn't there. It just disappeared. Like whoever did that didn't even exist. According to the records, my team died in an encounter with an incredibly dangerous hostile alien lifeform, which is why Iglam has not been returned to since. That's not the truth. The truth is that someone, a magical girl, killed them all, and made a record that went into the galactic network disappear.
I don't know why I'm alive. She could have silenced me, but perhaps this is what they want, to make people scared. I don't want to speculate about this, nor even really to talk about it, because I'm scared. I hope that this is of some use to you.
Please, find some kind of justice for those who've died.
-Statement of Inquisitor Tamilla Kennens
I can't believe it's already been over three years since Milita. In that time, we've accomplished nothing, save for confirming that our guesses are nothing more than guesses. I've no intention of calling off the search, but I'm just wondering how much longer this will continue for. Luckily, the list is being narrowed down. Sooner or later, we'll find what we're looking for.
-Lord Inquisitor Juno Eskel to Grand Inquisitor Wilhelmina Schrader M41.040.11
BRAUNE WRAPS UP ANOTHER ONE
Only seven months after her apprehension of rogue Inquisitor Lylla Oike, Erwine Braune has brought another investigation to its conclusion. For months, the Leximina Sector was plagued by a series of mysterious murders, believed to be linked to a Chaos cult operating in the region. Erwine not only confirmed the presence and obtained valuable information on the operations, but successfully wiped out the cult's leadership and sent the rest scattering to the four winds.
Starting in the shadows, she first stalked individual suspects before bringing them in for questioning, being sure to keep careful control of what was and wasn't remembered. Her power is a unique one that comes in handy in such affairs, a type of telepathic suggestion that induces the target to follow one's orders. For those unfamiliar, it lacks the subtlety of proper telepathy but more than makes up for that with brute force, being able to break through even well-constructed mental barriers with the proper application. With this technique, Erwine was able to more effectively interrogate any suspects apprehended, and more easily gain information.
After confirming the presence of a structure leadership on one planet, she moved to several others and gathered evidence that pointed to a central authority managing the operations. Furthermore, there were hints that all this was building towards a grand dark ritual to plunge the entire sector into chaos. Tracking a senior cult member to the feral world of Utellia, Erwine launched a sudden attack on their remote stronghold, and secured it in a stunning display of courage. After gaining the location of their central command, a derelict space station drifting in the outer reaches of the Gutierri system, Erwine mobilized local Navy forces as fast as possible and launched an overwhelming assault on the base.
In the ensuing battle, Erwine and her retinue battled several other traitor girls, as well as a heretic knight. However, they emerged victorious unscathed, and managed to capture several of the traitors, though the knight unfortunately ended her life before they could stop her. With the information gleaned from these prisoners, Arbites forces throughout the sector are already beginning mop-up operations of the remaining cult groups.
This spectacular success has made the name Erwine Braune the latest buzz across this corner of the Segmentum Tempestus. Already several requests have been made for her presence from nearby sectors to resolve some matter or another, and there's talk of her being nominated for appointment to a Multi-Sector Oversight Committee. It's likely that she won't go far, as hype dies down quickly and she hasn't the age to really garner the support for an MSOC appointment, but it appears that Erwine herself doesn't mind that: "I don't want to serve on an MSOC. If others believe that I can best serve the Goddess there, then I shall consider it, but I don't believe that it's the right place for me. They certainly do good things, and I don't hold my achievements and ability over that of any committee, but I prefer to be in the field."
No matter the outcome, it's certain that Erwine Braune won't be forgotten for a long time. It's safe to say that everyone's looking forwards to her next exploit.
-Article from the Tempestus Herald, by Caitlin Afreya, M41.041.03
We found it. It's confirmed.
It's on Oxete, an uncolonized world in the Segmentum Obscurus, but one with definite traces of Golden Age ruins. The planet was scanned before, but with what we've learned from Theodora Magnissia, we were able to more easily locate the presence of the vault, deeper below the surface and heavily shielded. The recon team has settled in to secure the site, and nearby assets are already being mobilized. An excavation team should be present in a few months, but we'll refrain from trying to get the thing open until a sizable presence is on-world, given what we've found in these things before.
-Lord Inquisitor Juno Eskel to Grand Inquisitor Wilhelmina Schrader M41.041.05
ANOTHER VICTORY FOR BRAUNE
Erwine Braune's dedication to her work only becomes further defined with this latest victory. Called to the Pivell Sector, she was tasked this time with rooting out the force behind a terrorist attack on the major shipyards around Cigef. Setting to work immediately, she first swept through the shipyard personnel, before discovering the guilt of a member of the Port Authority. Tracing a trail of money, she was able to follow it back to the Ystreni Group, a trading organization with long-suspected traitorous ties.
However, things didn't go as planned when she launched a surprise inspection of one of their vessels around the planet of Weskeia. The abilities of Ileve Nashiandra, a telepath, allowed them to discover the enemy intended to fire hidden weapons point-blank when docking for inspection, so instead Erwine, with her subordinates Wei and Mila, moved out in a shuttlecraft to launch a forceful raid.
Upon clearing the vessel, Erwine and her girls were surprised to find the crew detonating explosives in an attempt to scuttle the ship. Weskeia is a mostly uncolonized world, with only a few outposts around the equator. The Ystreni vessel fell into the atmosphere, and while Erwine survived the breakup, any information to be gained from the ship was lost.
It appears that a trap was set for the young inquisitor on Weskeia, for she immediately came under attack by traitor girls. Ileve and Sechylia rushed to assist, but the brunt of the battle was fought by Erwine, who only barely forced a stalemate and escaped the planet's surface. However, she refused to be daunted by such odds, and called in the assistance of Inquisitor Celestine Luminesce, who led a full investigation into Ystreni while Erwine struck at their headquarters on Signiem.
Another brief engagement with traitors amid the towering starscrapers of the hive came to a conclusion when local PDG arrived to assist, and with the apprehension of some higher-ups, a proper crackdown could begin, but across the sector heretics were trying to flee. Erwine chased the fleeing conspirators long and far, and eventually confirmed links with Hydra Legion operatives, leading to a wider investigation by the local MSOC.
Seemingly completely unfazed by the hardships faced during this mission, especially the grueling several-month-long hunt through dozens of light-years of open space for the fleeing traitors, Erwine is as determined as ever to fulfill her duty to Her Holy Majesty. Whatever she does next, it's certain that the whole of the Segmentum will be talking about it.
-Article from the Tempestus Herald, by Caitlin Afreya, M41.043.02
We've fully excavated the surface layers above the top of the vault. It appears that this construction was intentional, for the doors are facing upwards. This particular site is far larger than anything discovered previously, and it's likely that the security will be worse as well. We will not be attempting to open the doors until the nearby detachment of Scythes of the Goddess arrives. We already have a full squad of Deathwatch, five Inquisitors and their retinues, and six companies of Stormtroopers, not counting other Adeptus Magica forces on site, but it can't hurt to be safe.
Given what Ishna has talked about before, I have a very strong feeling that whatever ancient weapon Erwine is supposed to awaken has to do with this vault. Whether this vault is the weapon, or has some connection to it, I believe that we've found the end of all her prophecies. As such, I've worked as hard as possible to ensure absolute secrecy. No one knows why they've been dispatched here until they arrive, and while I doubt it will do much to deter her, any time we can buy will be valuable. Furthermore, a total of ninety-seven Navy vessels surround the planet at all times, and further reinforcements are scheduled for the next several months.
Attempts to break the seal should begin in a month, but they are expected to last up to a year. We will win this.
-Lord Inquisitor Juno Eskel to Grand Inquisitor Wilhelmina Schrader, M41.043.03
It's been just over four years and one month since Erwine Braune was promoted to inquisitor. With an impressive record of five cases already under her belt, the girl is sure to continue her astounding track record. Recently, Erwine agreed to an interview from this newspaper, for a more personal article on herself.
Caitlin: "Would you agree that your current track record is impressive, especially for an inquisitor of your age?"
Erwine: "I definitely would, although I can't discount the other experienced individuals who assisted me."
Caitlin: "You seem humble, do you not take pride in your accomplishments?"
Erwine: "I certainly do, I just don't wish to forget about those who helped me. A single girl can only do so much."
Caitlin: "So you care deeply about your subordinates?"
Erwine: "I would say so, yes."
Caitlin: "How much of how you act as an Inquisitor is related to how Adrianne Azure acted, would you think?"
Erwine: (Brief silence) "I admired her dedication to her duty, but at times she was unaware of the feelings of those around her. I attempt to balance her passion with more level thinking."
Caitlin: "By all accounts, Adrianne had a merciless attitude towards traitors, do you share that?"
Erwine: "I…I've known people who were traitors…I believe that there are some who are simply misguided, and who can be redeemed. But there are also those who cannot be forgiven for their actions. I show them no mercy."
Caitlin: "How do you discriminate between the two?"
Erwine: "It's a difficult task, and there's no simple way, I merely try to use my best judgment."
Caitlin: "Would you say that your attitude on this matter has been affected by your relationship with Ishna Kleimar?"
Erwine (Brief silence) "Ishna Kleimar was a…she was not a good person. She was evil, and she did terrible things and sought to ensure that more terrible things would be done. If anything, she taught me that there are some people who…can't be saved."
Caitlin: "Is remembering Ishna painful for you?"
Erwine: "Yes, you can read the records of the Hadiens Incident. I don't like talking about her."
Caitlin: "I apologize, are you still alright with speaking further?"
Erwine: "I am, just please, keep the questions more current."
Caitlin: "Of course. How much do you value your work as an inquisitor, do you believe that you're an absolute necessity?"
Erwine: "Interesting question…I think that if I wasn't there, then someone else would do it. However, I try to do the best I can, so I hopefully say that I did it faster and better than anyone else could have."
Caitlin: "Do you enjoy working as an inquisitor?"
Erwine: "I do, very much so. I remember once when everything was so incredibly scary, but now doing all of this is almost easy now."
Caitlin: "You don't find the work difficult?"
Erwine: "Not at all, I think that at times I'm challenged to push myself, but so far there's been nothing truly challenging."
Caitlin: "Given what you've been through, I imagine that not much is going to shake you."
Erwine: "I imagine that has quite a lot to do with it, yes."
Caitlin: "Any special plans in the future, or will you continue on going where you are needed?"
Erwine: "So far I'm finding this work to be fitting, so no, I have no intentions of changing how I operate in the near future."
Caitlin: "Alright then, I think I've asked everything I came to ask. If you've nothing more to say, then we can conclude this."
Erwine: "I've nothing."
-Transcript of the interview between Inquisitor Erwine Braune and Tempestus Herald Senior Writer Caitlin Afreya
We've yet to locate any of the three who disappeared from Milita. I can't imagine where they might be hiding, unless it's on an uninhabited or non-Imperial controlled world. There's no trace of them anywhere, and while I'll do my best to conduct wider surveys of every planet possible, it will take a long time. I understand the importance of the matter, however. If they're hiding somewhere in this galaxy, I'll find out where.
-Message from Ana, Master of the Vigil Cult to Grand Inquisitor Wilhelmina Schrader
BRAUNE ENDS TERROR IN AGNITHICA
The Agnithica Sector was struck recently by a series of disappearances of senior PDf officials. Most believed that some sort of subversive force was preparing for a largescale attack, and were striking the older members of the defense forces, veterans of a Chaos assault several decades ago.
An inquisitor, one Cynthia Adelenacos, had already been called in to investigate the matter, but her own efforts were proving to be fruitless. Despite her investigation of multiple possible locations of traitor strongholds throughout the many feral worlds of the sector, no evidence was turned up.
Erwine was originally called to the sector in secret in the belief that there was a traitor amidst the ranks of the leadership, either the PDF or the bureaucracy. To this end, she transferred her soul into an adult body, switching with a senior office aboard the Yslevia, and masqueraded as an Imperial Navy official dispatched to the sector for the purposes of security, taking up residence aboard a battlecruiser, with her actual body hidden waiting on the ship.
The trap set, Erwine waited for an attempt to kidnap her, and when the bridge was suddenly stormed by what had been thought to be loyal soldiers, switched her soul back. Easily dispatching the opposition, Erwine was able to interrogate one and discover that they had been convinced to do this by an unknown contact promising wealth and status. Tracking down this individual revealed only that they were a middleman for a higher power.
However, the information provided was enough for Inquisitor Adelenacos to track down an official in the government of the capital world, Setteca, who had been recently been accused of embezzling funds, some of which matched up with the amount promised to those hired to kidnap the Army officials.
With this information, a thorough investigation of the government, in which every single senior official was interrogated, caused several to flee before their time came. Apprehended by a blockade set up beforehand, the traitors took their own lives by crashing their shuttle rather than be interrogated, and while Inquisitor Adelenacos considered this the end of the case, with every one having a clear grudge against those kidnapped, Erwine thought otherwise.
She believed that several signs pointed to the presence of another power, most obviously the fact that the heretics committed suicide, when it didn't seem characteristic of the individuals based on their psychological profiles. Erwine concluded that there had to be someone else involved, and thus began a complete telepathic sweep of Setteca, hoping to find a magical girl who might have silenced the traitors.
No one was discovered on the planet, but examination of the records produced a list of vessels that had exited the system since the incident. With telepathic scans confirming the lack of any unknown magical girls aboard any present ships, Navy vessels were dispatched to apprehend those that had left. The ensuing month-long chase eventually resulted in every one being caught, but with nothing to show for it. Despite accusations that she was going too far, Erwine chose to conduct investigations of each ship, and questioning of a certain trading vessel revealed that they had taken on an unknown passenger at the last minute. Though the man wasn't a teenage girl, Erwine hurried to the hive world of Thicar, where the passenger had been let off, and resolved to track him down with the assistance of the local PDG, choosing to lock down the system at the same time.
An extensive investigation of the planet revealed the presence of several rogue magical girls. They were hunted down and captured, and interrogation showed that they were engaged in a long-term plan to destabilize and seize control of the sector, while giving off the appearance of external Chaos forces at work.
Her capture of this group has put another victory on the record of Erwine Braune, but it seems that this time not all has gone well for the young Inquisitor. Some observers to the operation speculate that Inquisitor Adelenacos feels slighted by the ability of Erwine in comparison to her own, but only time will tell if anything comes of this. Furthermore, in the process of her investigation, Erwine was unable to prevent the death of another high-ranking official, but is nevertheless praised for bringing the investigation to an end.
-Article from the Tempestus Herald, by Caitlin Afreya, M41.044.12
As expected, the telepathic silence enforced by Lord Inquisitor Eskel is working. To the best of our knowledge, no one is aware of what is occurring in Oxete, not even the best traitor networks. Should anyone come to know, it is most likely because of a leak from a source in our ranks, not the result of their investigation. As such, a psychological profile shall be compiled on every individual with knowledge of Oxete, and they shall all be kept under constant surveillance.
-Ana, Master of the Vigil Cult, Adeptus Assassinorum, to Grand Inquisitor Wilhelmina Schrader, M41.044.12
You've been on my trail since the Milita Incident, don't think I haven't noticed. Everywhere I go, everything I do, you're always ahead of everyone else. I'd suspect something strange if it weren't for the fact you're a diviner, though I must say that using such a power for the purpose of writing news stories is a little selfish. Though, I suppose it's more my name that's being elevated, rather than your own. So I guess this is a 'thank you', though I have to say I don't particularly like the affection. What's the reason for it, anyways, I can't imagine it's out of the goodness of your heart.
From Inquisitor Erwine Braune
-Message from Inquisitor Erwine Braune to Senior Writer Caitlin Afreya, Tempestus Herald, M41.045.01
Consider it a personal interest. Your story's a rather unique one, and I'd like to see where it goes, no matter where that might lead you.
-Caitlin Afreya
-Message from Tempestus Herald Senior Writer Caitlin Afreya to Inquisitor Erwine Braune M41.045.02
The process is proceeding smoothly so far, no incidents. However, I am forced to admit that it's likely because of the incredibly slow speed with which we're progressing. We hope to have the vault open by next year, but there's no telling what complications might arise. We've had no accidental visitors at all, and our work is heavily disguised, as well as the fleet hidden. Should anyone randomly pop in, they shouldn't find anything of interest. The next message will likely come when we breach the current layer of magical barriers.
-Lord Inquisitor Juno Eskel to Grand Inquisitor Wilhelmina Schrader, M41.045.06
Dear Erwine,
It's been almost seven years since you were promoted, and ten since you first contracted. I understand what occurred between you and your old friend back home. Since you're just finishing up another investigation, I figure it's a good time to tell you this: Take however much time you need, but go back home and make sure that she knows how far you've come. Don't worry about anything, I'll make sure anything that comes up is properly taken care of. You deserve this.
Sincerely, Juno Eskel
-M41.045.11
Hadiens Sect (Post Milita Incident): Following the Milita Incident, the Hadiens Sect was almost entirely replaced. A few individuals, mostly those in the PDG, would be allowed to return to their former posts, but officials from neighboring sectors were brought in to form a new command structure. The operation was carried out by the Toella MSOC with the assistance of Lord Inquisitor Juno Eskel's detachment, as well as assorted loyalists from the Incident itself, most notably Erwine Braune. The new sect commander would be the recently-promoted Lord Inquisitor Leithica Helenie, from the bordering Orstan Sector. Under her would be both recently-promoted Inquisitors, as well as two transplants from the Marcostas sector. Celestine Luminesce and Sabula Abrieu were both promoted to the rank and joined the Sect, while Inquisitors Adwi Ilure and Yuko Tianama were transferred from the neighboring sector. Their retinues formed the core of the sect's forces, while the rest was bolstered by transferred PDG. Lord Inquisitor Helenie expressed an immediate interest in purging the rest of the sector's PDG of any potentially traitorous elements, a task that took roughly a year's time. When it was concluded, two dozen girls had undergone telepathic reprogramming, a measure considered extreme by some, but due to the potential for total disaster present throughout the entire Milita Incident wasn't heavily criticized. After eight years, the Sect's structure has yet to change, save for the addition of Inquisitor Laelia Aemilina, promoted from under Inquisitor Luminesce's command.
-Excerpt from Sects of the Segmentum Tempestus (Milita Incident Update)
Ordo Archivus: Formally established in M35.331, this group was designed to maintain the records of the Adeptus Magica. Previously, this task was handled by a group within the wider Adeptus, but some believed that various pressures, anything from paranoia of traitors to rampant politicking, were having an impact on the veracity of these recordings. As such, the Ordo Archivus was made separate from the hierarchy of the Adeptus Magica. Transferring to it means one dedicates their life to its work, and cannot expect promotions or recognition for their service in this Ordo. Due to this, the Ordo Archivus has ensured that the Imperium's history is well-kept, and one can travel back through thousands of years by combing through their records.
Ordo Finibus: After the reorganizations of the Thirty-eighth millennium, the Imperium was finally at a state of consistent internal peace, and the Inquisition found its eye turned more and more towards its borders. Independent-minded inquisitors set about creating a variety of specialized organizations for exploration and expansion of the Imperium's boundaries, working ahead of normal colonization efforts. The Ordo Finibus specializes in exploring new planets, and has developed extensive first contact procedures in case any new life is encountered beyond the fringes of Imperial rule. With the increasing establishment of independent polities beyond the Imperium by rogue magical girls, the Ordo's work decreased for a time, until steady petitions lead the Grand Inquisitor, in M40.679, to quietly grant the Ordo special permission to negotiate with these independent systems to explore beyond even their boundaries. As of yet, the current Grand Inquisitor has not rescinded this special permission, and rumors stir of a movement to write the Ordo's freedom into official Inquisitorial law.
-Excerpt from A Guide to the Ordos of the Inquisition (M41.001 Update)
