Viola walked along the catwalk past the two hulking knights, and looked down to see the guardsman, Emile and Eli still searching the bottom of the ship.
"Is it clear?"
Emile looked up at her.
"It is thus far, but until the main lights go on, we will stand ready."
Viola held down her cap as she remembered the only person she was wary of on the entire ship, which Eli brought on board. It did not bode well with her, that the High Lord of the Knight house was here with a Psyker he adamantly did not want.
"And our other… guest?"
Eli answered this time.
"She is here, resting. Do not worry, she hasn't been tainted by the filth from outside. She's currently sedated as well, as due to your request."
Viola sighed. This would be settled eventually, one way or another. Until then however, she had to make sure everything was settled. So she made her way back to the control deck, where the single pilot breathed heavily to themselves, vomit on the floor besides them as they stared onward at their task.
"Pilot, are we out of the atmosphere yet?"
The pilot only gave her a nod.
Viola walked to a smaller screen that projected the outside sensor under the ship, to see the city below them almost entirely swarmed. Well, today she felt merciful enough. If the governor hadn't already died, she would give him a swift death by bombardment before the vile forces got to him.
"Very well then, connect me to a channel to my ship, the Crusader King."
The pilot flicked a few buttons before a vox transmission appeared.
"You have need of us?"
Viola smiled.
"Yes. Begin exterminatus now."
A simply reply followed.
"By the Emperors will."
Without hesitation the planet beneath them was soon torn asunder by the power of thousands of World shaker Batteries. The very ground torn and shredded apart until it could no longer take the strain. It would come to an end by the time Viola and the others returned to her ship. The planet would soon separate, all of it at once ceasing to be. Another world lost, but not given, to the forces that opposed mankind. Such a waste, but there would be no way to clean that filth that now stained it. All the souls that still remained would not be save-able as long as they existed in un-death. This, was the Emperors mercy.
The trip back into space was a long one on the simple merchant ship they rode upon, and the added weight of two knights made the trip just that much longer. They had long escaped the range of the planetary bombardment begun by her ship however, and below them the surface of the world was being destroyed, pounded by enormous payloads of explosives, all of the heretics soon to be pounded into naught but oblivion. The thought was a simple matter in Violas mind, as she had called exterminatus on much more populated worlds before, but still even now she found herself relieved at the fact there were no civilians or soldiers left behind. This troubled her, as she knew that her nerve for such engagements began to crumble. She had become far too soft for this line of work, and she knew that any other Inquisitor might deem her unworthy of continuing her duties if she could not make such hardened decisions, as to let entire worlds burn in the name of the Emperor. Before that happened, she would have to either die, or leave the Ordo Malleus of her own volition. Yet, such was not an easy decision, but one that could not be avoided forever. Thankfully, she could ignore it for now, at the very least.
She left the Pilot deck, much to the relief of the overworked fellow, who was able to relax his tense muscles once she was gone. Outside, she saw at the other end Verdun and who she assumed to be the two Knights, out of their armor. Both dressed in silver and black attire, with a small number of hoses attached to the helmets they held at their side. The primary lights switched on, so that the entire corridor was brightly illuminated. On the bottom floor, the Guardsmen talked freely with Emile. Eli on the other hand was in the corner as he tended to the young girl who remained unconscious on a small cot procured from the pilot. For now everything seemed fine, but when it came to discussing business, she had much to worry about in regards to the girl. Still, perhaps if she invited the Knights to her ship, perhaps things could be settled over much smoother.
She kept that idea in mind as she walked to the end of the ship, where both Knights stood, Verdun still in awe of their machines behind them. He peered at them in a manner one would look at a lost lover. He was always fascinated by the things, and though he had knowledge of the ships and all that she required of him, he spent an absorbent amount of time studying these ancient machines in particular. She figured it was one of the quirks of being a Techpriest, though she also never assumed he would get the chance to see them. Regardless, she had to step in quickly before he did something he would most certainly regret.
"Hello, Knight Pilots, it is a pleasure to meet you. I hope that my Techpriest has not been a bother to you."
Verdun only glared at her for a moment, but returned to his awe inspired gaze of the Knights. One of the Knights was a clearly older man, in what she assumed was his early forties to fifties, an age not common among those she has known. The other much younger, probably around her age, whom she recalled as the one she had first spoken to over the vox channel. The High lord of the house, Lord Reginald.
Reginald held a hand over his chest. The Inquisitor was a truly beautiful woman he thought, and in truth he already admired her from the small time he knew her. Few Inquisitors showed the honor she had displayed to him on this day, and it was rarer still that they displayed such compassion for the common citizen. Something that every knight had, but so few others of the Imperium did, which was something that was pleasantly shared.
"It is also a pleasure to meet you, Inquisitor, and the Techpreist has been sufficient. Though I believe, you have yet to tell me your name."
Viola smirked.
"The name is Viola Virdreich the III. And your friend?"
Lord Hektor gave a small bow.
"You may call me Sir Hektor, and I was a Freeblade. However, as of today I have joined myself with House Valor. It is a pleasure to meet you."
Sir Hektor, she thought? Viola was certain she knew the name from somewhere, and as she thought about it, she remembered; The Chainbreaker. She had heard of him in her travels, though she didn't expect to find such a legendary figure here.
"Ah, the fabled Chainbreaker. I am glad you found a place you could persist."
The old man gave a small smile, though he did not entirely like her remark.
"It is nice to be recognized, at the very least."
Reginald was happy to hear that his new noble was one of renown, which meant he would easily integrate with the others. They respected the titles that others had earned on quests, and Lord Hektor seemed to have gained quite a reputation as a Freeblade. So, his worry on the matter was lessened. Though, he felt that this Inquisitor had much more to talk with him.
"Well then, Lady Inquisitor. I believe you have more you wish to discuss?"
Viola nodded.
"Yes. In fact, I would like to extend an invitation to my ship to discuss… business if you would."
Reginald always dreaded the political side of being a Knight, but he had trained extensively in the art growing up, so he knew how to handle himself. Besides, perhaps this was the chance he needed to push things forward for his house.
"Very well, I will inform the others."
Lord Hektor interjected.
"Lord Reginal, if I may ask, I need to return to my ship so that I may inform my sacristans and those aboard of our new status. I am sure that you would allow us to dock our ship within your cruiser as well, if it would please you."
Reginald nodded, grateful for the request.
"Don't worry, they will be a welcomed addition to our house as well. Sacrastins are difficult to come by in the vastness of space, and so the more that are willing to join our house, the better. Inform them they are all welcomed into House Valor, and any others aboard your ship are extended the same offer. I will inform the others of my court to be ready for your arrival."
Lord Hector placed a hand over his chest.
"Thank you, High Lord. I am glad I met you on this day."
With that Lord Hektor made his way back to his knight to patch in a vox communication to his ship. Viola and Reginald left on the catwalk with only Verdun behind them.
With his servo arms he extended one to Reginal, and the others longingly towards the knight.
"Excuse me, Lord Reginal, but it appears that your Knights have been damaged severely. Though I lack all of the materials to repair any of the armor, I can make minor fixes to the wiring that has been strained within the leg joints."
Reginald knew the Techpriest's of the Mechanicum were always incredibly fond of machines, and would go to extreme extant for them. But he disliked the idea of one so close to his Knight. Still, the machine spirit of his knight did not seem to dislike this Techpriest, which was rare as only few Sacristans were allowed to work on it without angering the noble spirit. Besides, if he denied his request, he was sure the Techpriest would attempt to do so regardless, and he did not wish to cause such conflict. However, he would not speak for Lord Hektors knight, and as long as the Techpriest was satisfied working on his, he hoped he would not interfere with Lord Hektors unauthorized. The work a guarantee to be genuine as well, given the Techpriest's upmost care for the holy machines, so he did not have to worry about any uncalled for damage.
Viola on the other hand was internally furious with Verdun, who had stepped over the line repeatedly with these guests. Important matters had to be discussed, but still he pushed his own intentions forward. Yet she managed to hide her anger beneath a calm face, and only waited for the answer Reginald would give him. Thankfully, it was a good one.
"Very well, Techpriest. But only my knight will you work on, unless you get express acknowledgment from Lord Hektor as well."
Techpriest Verdun bowed, with all of the hands he could.
"Very well, as you command, Lord Reginal."
With that, the Techprist took off with an aura of glee, hidden beneath the plethora of machine and flesh he was, and began the repairs on his Knight. The only two left on the catwalk now Reginald and Viola who looked at one another, and for a moment each found themselves attracted. But that was a distraction to the task at hand, and both of them knew they had to maintain on track if they were to accomplish what was to be done. Still, such things could wait at least for now, until they reached her ship.
Reginald spoke up.
"So, Inquisitor Viola, might I ask about yourself?"
Viola smirked.
"Well, you go right for the personal don't you? But, only if you do the same."
Reginald made a very small bow, so as not to give too much ground to the inquisitor before him. Was the first mistake he saw many take against inquisitors in his time questing.
"Agreed. Then might I ask, what drove someone like you to become an Inquisitor? Such is the job of the cruel and relentless."
Viola gritted her teeth. So, it wasn't simply herself which noticed.
"I wasn't always so forgiving, Lord Reginal. There was a time I would have sooner destroyed that planet than attempt to save anyone."
Reginald stared on at her. She made him curious, in a way few outsiders did. Such a stark contrast from those of before. Still, he should have assumed that she was like most Inquisitors, at least at one point. But what could have caused such change?
Before Reginald had a chance to ask, Viola asked a question of her own.
"Well, how did someone as young as yourself become High Lord of a Knightly house?"
Reginald frowned at the question. In truth, his reign as High Lord had been short. Exceedingly so, but that had not meant he didn't rule over his people with upmost care and diligence. No…
"Well, Lady Viola, my father died two years ago in the destruction of our planet. He was a sickly man, and I had ruled for him in the years prior, but it was not till his dying breath that he donned the title of High Lord upon me. And so, that is why."
Viola thought about his words. It must feel so different. To have kin. She never had a father, a mother, siblings; no-one. What she did have was the priests and the Abbots of the Schola where she was taught. Trained to become what she was now, never allowed to think of such things as family. That was not the job of the inquisitor. Day in day out, the doctrines and combat disciplines drilled into her head made sure she never did. But once… once she became a full Inquisior, released out into the Imperium, from time to time her mind would wonder. Then she met Emile and Eli…
She grabbed hold of the railing as she looked at the Knights.
"I never had those whom I called family. I envy you for such things, High Lord. Though we are both bound by duties, we each have things which… I have lost out on so much of the human experience which I fight so hard to preserve. Which I had to cut short myself. That is the life of an Inquisitor."
Reginald stood closer beside her as he held onto the rail.
"From my own experience, you would have already been excommunicated from the order for such things."
Viola laughed.
"The Inquisition is so spread among these stars, that they can't control even a fraction of those they send out. Such idea is merely the cause of Imperial propaganda. In truth, we are nothing more than Humans with a goal, forced upon us from birth, by destiny if you would. But yes, you are right. I am not sure of my own life as an Inquisitor anymore, and the fact that I even speak to you of such things shows such."
Reginald sighed. She was nothing like the Inquisitors he had known after all. But, that was not a detriment, nor was it wrong. He saw her as something he never did among those he knew.
"How do you see the suffering among the Imperium, Viola?"
Viola grinned.
"No 'Lady' or 'Inquisitor'?"
Reginald shook his head.
"As you said, Viola. Despite our place within this vast universe, we are nothing but humans. The authority we have over others nothing but constructs put in place long ago. I despise these political facades I am forced to don when I deal with most of your Ilk, but with you, I can see you understand there is more to humanity than merely surviving. What is left in the end matters as much as that which carries on."
Viola found herself genuinely surprised by his words, unable to respond. Something that had only happened long ago during her days in the Schola. Truly she had lost her edge. Still, the admiration she had for this man was real. Something she did not have to fake as with most Governors, those of the administratum or even other Inquisitors. This was…
Viola gripped the railing tightly.
"I can only agree with you, Reginal."
Reginald smiled.
"No High Lord, Inquisitor?"
Viola laughed, loudly as she for the first time in countless years gave a real laugh. For these moments, at least she could enjoy herself, in this small transport away from her ship, from the authority of her peers. With someone who could understand her, and was not afraid of even her mere presence.
Of course, not everyone could enjoy themselves on this crammed little ship. Eli stood perilously over the woman he had saved, as she slept soundly. Uncertain of what he was to do.
"I promised."
From a short distance away, Emile watched his young brother. This was a lesson of its own, but even Emile did not wish for it to be so drawn out, so punishingly tragic. Regardless, the presence of a Psyker was dangerous in the most calm of scenarios, but here, and when she was so badly hurt, was even worse. Though Emile would never wish for harm to befall an innocent person, he could not stand by forever and put everyone in danger. He would watch from a distance, let Eli wonder his options, and dependent on the girls condition, if she did not recover, he would have to kill her himself. A task not easily done, nor looked forward to. He would simply want for her to recover, and be allowed to persist unimpeded. Such things weren't guaranteed however, and all he could do was be realistic. Be within reason. As was taught by those of the Oath Marines.
"Lord Space Marine."
Emile turned to face the guardsmen who were with him. Commander Richell stood beside him as she held a hand to her chest. Emile never could get the voidsmen in Violas service to acknowledge him as anything less than an angel of the Emperor.
"What is it, Guardsman?"
Richell lowered her hand.
"Thank you for watching over Lady Viola on this day. I am sure the battle was intense."
Emile only nodded, his helmet as expressionless as always, but such an acknowledgment everything to the common human.
Richell smiled.
"Truly, you were angels sent to protect her by the Emperor himself."
Emile knew this commander had a past with Viola, though he never asked for more information. She had always been loyal to her, and stood steadfast beside her even from before she found himself and Eli. Though, what was it that drove this loyalty?
"Richell… might I ask you a question?"
She tensed up tightly as she straightened herself, as if she was naught but a recruit, and looked at Emile. He very rarely if ever asked any of the others questions, let alone talked with them. Such was not the place of most guardsmen, and she was no different. But this time, he wanted something, and come hell she would answer.
"Y-Yes Lord Space Marine?"
A small static sigh came from his helmet.
"Tell me, how long have you known Viola?"
Richell was surprised by the question. Though she could have sworn he had already knew, it was a shock to her that he would ask such. Still, she had to answer as directly as possible. If he asked, it was for an important reason after all. Not that she could, or would, disclose everything.
"I have known her since we were children, my liege."
Emile was silent for a moment. Since childhood? Such should have been impossible, due to Viola being brought up within a Schola. Then again, it was not uncommon practice for the initiates to have their memories erased. To be dragged away from their home worlds and the life they had once knew, and remade.
"You are aware she was sent to a Schola?"
Richell swallowed her fear, but maintained an adamancy that was not lost on Emile.
"Yes. I am. But we knew each other since long before she was taken to that accursed place—"
She stopped herself as she became flustered. She had just called a holy order of the Imperium an accursed place, something she had known Commissars killed for much less. But if it had to end here, so be it.
Emile on the other hand, agreed with such an assessment. The Scholas were not good places, and most teetered on borderline vile. They were institutions of pain, suffering, dogmatic indoctrination and a disregard for the life of its own students. Not that he could ignore the cursed necessity of such horrible institutions. But that did not change that it was something, the Oath Marines had never agreed with, and likely, never would. Always accepted as necessary, and silently condoned. Still, he had soon answer the woman before she shoot herself for a perceived slight.
"Do not worry, I will not dispute such an accurate view of the Schola. You have said no wrong and I will not punish you for it."
Richell bowed, hand over her chest.
"O-Of course, liege."
Such a display was not ignored by her fellow soldiers who watched from a distance. All of the voidsmen under her command admired her greatly and at a moment's notice would sacrifice themselves for her. Though they weren't nearly as dogmatic in their belief to the Emperor, though they too believed in him, they would stand even in the face of a Space Marine if it meant defending the honor of their commander. This is what made it difficult for them to watch their usually stoic and fearless leader weak at the knees in the face of this Space Marine. It was a slight to her, and to them, but they would not voice their opinions. She viewed the Space Marines highly, and made it clear she would not hear of such things. Though, they were always tense with the Space Marines, and stood always ready. This was by no means lost on Emile either, who had grown to distance himself from Richell and her soldiers because of this. This time however, he wanted to know.
"Then, you may continue."
Richell nodded as she stood straight again.
"Very well. Viola and I were young, the children of imperial officers on a world that was colonized by Guardsmen of the Tallarn Raiders. We were friends. Of course, when the Orks had attacked, the planet was ravaged and we were separated. Her parent died, and because of it, she was sent to a Schola somewhere far away. It was not until I grew up and became a prominent member of the Guard, that I discovered the reality of the Schola. Of course, I never thought I would see her again. That is, until she arrived on the battlefield of AgrariaIV in a nearby system where I was positioned. It was besieged by the same orks whom had attacked our planet long ago. Me and my men fought bravely to avenge it, but we were overrun, nearly entirely killed off when she arrived on her ship. Though the battle was soon to be over with her orders for exterminatus, she still came down and offered me and the remainder of my men service as voidsmen aboard her ship. She could have left us to die, yet she came down and told us she was proud of our fight. Something she had told us, she did not want to get wasted dying on a lost world. Since then, I have always stayed by her side and I do not intend to leave it until I die."
Emile was both warmed by the story he heard, and deeply saddened. True, it was neigh impossible for those who knew each other to ever find one another again when separated in the vastness of space, but for an instance in which it occurred to be so tragic was nothing but a hallmark to the state of their universe at large. He remembered Viola had once told him the story of that planet. Something he would now never disclose to this woman who so looked up to her. She only saved those guardsmen that day, because she had lost the rest of her military assets in an ork raid, and needed them replenished. If it had not happened, Emile doubted she would have ever saved them, and set the planet to burn. At least, back before he knew her. She had clearly changed much since then, as she had grown to care deeply for those under her service, whether she would acknowledge it or not. Regardless, Emile knew all too well how hurtful the truth could be.
So he said nothing of that subject and merely bowed his head. An act that both shocked Richell and her Guardsmen.
"You are an excellent commander, Richell, and a loyal guardsmen. I admire such things, and you have given me hope in our fight that we have such loyal and capable soldiers. Thank you for explaining to me what I asked of you. Now, I believe you ought to return to your men. We should be arriving shorty to the ship."
Richell bowed herself.
"Ri-Right liege! Thank you for such words."
Quickly she rose and made her way to her guardsmen, who were happy to see their beloved commander acknowledged in such a fashion by a Space Marine. Something that made Richell's day, and likely the next solar century, entirely.
Emile was glad to see this. At least, he had garnered some respect from the other guardsmen because of it. Still, he was happy to learn more about the Inquisitor. If it had not been for what she had told them before they arrived, he may have never thought to seek such answers. It was him and her in her office, where she pondered on whether or not they should intervene on the world. She knew what he would have told her, and before he could say a word the only response she gave was;
'I wonder if I am fit to wear this insignia, this I. Because despite all I was told, all the dogmas I know, I can't bring myself to disagree with you.'
He had suspected it for a long time. She did not desire to be an Inquisitor any longer, and the more she played the role, the more she grew apart from it. Whether it was merely a matter of herself, or a defect in the usually rigid process of the Schola she entered, Emile did not know. What Emile did know, was he had to convince her to leave such life behind. Before her fellows caught up with her and removed her from the Inquisition on their own, which was bound to occur eventually. Not all of the Inquisitors were terrible people, but many were, and more than that, many were so devout in their faith to the Emperor they believed whatever they did to be right. Then again, many were also self-serving traitors who used the Emperors name to further their power.
Emile had grown fond of Viola, despite the differences they shared, and in some ways, since he had joined her crew… felt something he knew shouldn't have been. A fatherly instinct, that long ago should have been carved away with the rest of the parts within him that were altered; in the process that made him the superhuman that he was.
The vox systems above them clicked on, as the pilot managed to speak.
"We are entering the… the space around the Inquisitors ship soon. E-Expect to dock within the hour."
At that, everyone within the cargo area set themselves to work as they prepared to debark within the confines of the ship. Reginald sent a message to his court that he would be meeting with the Inquisitor aboard her vessel, and to set up preparations for Lord Hektor's and his ships arrival. After that however, he remained beside Viola as they continued to talk of many things about the worlds they have visited, the experiences they have had, and things of themselves neither had previously intended to disclose.
The Techpriest Verdun finished his repairs on the holy Knight before him and only stood before it as he bowed. He had hoped to work on the other knight as well, but its pilot, Hektor refused him such honor. Still, he was content having worked on even one of the machines. Lord Hektor still within his Knight as he thought back on his old Knight House, and the people he once knew. He would ensure that this new house would endure and prosper, something he was unable to do with his own. In this new house, the spirit of his original would prosper, and he would bring into the fold new generations of Knights that would go out as champions of the Emperor into the galaxy.
The Guardsmen and the space marines held fast to the straps along the very edges of the ship as they readied themselves for the rough reentry process. Eli still besides the young girl, lost in thought, as he kept her secure. Emile as always just behind him, ready for whatever came.
*Authors Note*
For those Curious, this Fic is almost entirely written already. Nearly done as well, but then why haven't I uploaded all of it? Simple, I wish to keep it Episodic in a sense, (and give me time to make grammatical edits if need be). As for the release schedule of each chapter, I intend to release a chapter every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday until completion. Anyhow, hope you have been enjoying the fic! Iv'e put a lot of time into it, and a lot of thought, as I really like the 40k universe. Well, thanks for reading, dear reader, and I hope you stay with me till the end.
