The Inquisitor II
Prologue
The bar's interior was filled to capacity as patrons raised glasses cheering in a drunkard howling to a woman dancing only with an aquilla on herself. Almost memorized upon seeing a coy smile, as she beckoned those daringly forward amidst chattering pieces of metal emblazoned for coins, an absurd amount was freely thrown as many howled in various states of inhibition. Glasses of liquid both illegal, or controlled cared not about those who consumed in sheer rampant joy. And yet among those gathered, a lone person shying away from cheering voices, for they entered purposefully seeking out someone specifically seated tonight. It didn't take long when another figure easily walked onto stage seemingly at ease with themselves smiling distinctly devious.
Wearing tightly fitted ragged looking leather which had seen better days, a shoulder length unbounded amount of hair was met with a coy yet playful pale face winking towards those who spotted said figure as well. Cheering, hoots and prayers to the God-Emperor all began when a dancing woman casually leaned back slipping an arm to drag the newcomer closer, almost tenderly despite several crowns being lightly placed in between teeth for seemingly due to their interruption. The interruption hardly deterred coins, or even promises demanding more alone. And despite hands slipping underneath a leather vest, a coy wink ended any hint of foreplay before said person moved away deliberating swaying hips to garner enough attention.
Staring absolutely wary of such a coy expression left little in being told obviously to follow further away from groans of a crowd. And yet the dancing figure on stage merely leaned backward exposing enough bare skin to have their attention returned immediately. Eying onlookers almost uneasily, a figure weaved between seats and various sounds of coinage being thrown onto tables, a few knifes were occasionally sported whenever games of chance turned sour. Dozens of players sported flak jackets bestowed by those who endured, or were given hardly little chance to unleash months of pent up boredom as was common among planetary defense garrisons. However sitting furthest away sported a group being eyed with utter disdain, or loathing due to their lack of a humane expression normally viewed in lesser hushed regions of an under-hive.
At least a dozen somewhat looking mutations who could have passed for human on normal days, if at all were seemingly dozing off, or were sporting leers due to somewhat attractive figures leaning strongly onto themselves. Glasses clanked together, as a hand dipped between near naked women as coins were placed innocently inside skimpy clothing and yet few shied away from being opportunistic to secure months worth of wage. But the figure who interrupted a main show easily sat down with legs propped onto a table wordlessly staring ahead. An ever coy, if not teasing smile beckoned the figure forward who warily gripped a sidearm underneath robes well aware of dangers being noted in plain sight.
Coming to stand at the end of a table as various mutants either glared, or grinned notoriously smug upon seeing a visitor, "You're early." One mutant gleefully exclaimed sliding over a full mug of liquid, "Didn't expect ya!" The robed figure refused to humor a lesser creature's word, more so eyed an expected attempt in being poisoned. Others hooted lowly, or outright began caressing flirtatious dancers all too aware of loathing in a gaze. It was simply their way of acting as though they were superior to rightful stigmas to sully humanity's divinity, or else they were simply spiting others who wanted their heads removed.
"They're moving material, sooner than expected for whatever reason." The figure informed a coy expression which hadn't changed beyond playful expectation. Every singular mutant looked to a darkened hair woman who was far more humane in appearance, or appeared too given envious and ugly scowls in being addressed. Yet none made any sudden movement, if only a glance keeping agitation at bay rightfully. Few, if not any dared to imagine a living nightmare underneath that smile which brought life to an end, in anyway deemed necessary upon the word given by something far more just out of sight.
The seemingly most humane expression hardly changed beyond raising a hand towards other mutants who quieted down immediately. She finally spoke revealing a confidence that none who sat dared to question willingly, "And you only now just come to inform me? Why wait for a day, am I that repulsive after everything we've done for your little gang?" The figure bristled in response not willing to humor rightful stigmas of a lesser creatures, if only made out for sport or best yet to be considered as target practice to keep one's skill honed.
An uneasy rise from seemingly around them sported leers who found sensations closer to an oncoming request, "They're paranoid." A less than believing expression followed one lone knife twirling point first into a wooden surface teasingly, "No one knows where they hide, I only managed slipping away when I realized they're planning something. Word is they're targeting the hive's grid for an entire block to take it over, or so what I gathered. Every other group is too damned on edge, it'll be a war between gangs on a massive scale!"
Mutations all grinned upon feeling a swift breeze settling behind as an animal of some-kind firmly perched itself upon the coy expression, "Oh really?" She finally remarked less than humoring as a pair of heads with eyes of another mutated creature blinked owlishly, "It seems you believe otherwise, after all..." A gradual pressure forced lungs to cease moving internally, as a figure wheezed out harshly unable to move limbs or resist an overt sensation of chilling dread. The knife came sliding through wooden splinters teasingly to cut into frozen fingers, "You stink of fear, as if you're hiding something from me of all people. And I will promise you, I'm very good at picking out lies when my boss was the one who sent you."
The figure whispered out words due to a familiar image placing itself into visual perception, "What did they promise you?" She asked sweetly allowing darkened hair to be brushed aside into exposing a naked neckline, "Me? To be your pet, if you distract us? Crowns perhaps, to pay your way to hear sins of vulnerable little children? Boss is not happy, nor willing to put up with your petty schemes to have me waste time for a little game."
Casually several mutants got up downing their drinks, or padding scantly clade women off them to pull back a robe and hood. Crude ink craved symbols were blatantly being obscured by ragged clothe as several star like designs all seemingly linked to eight points, "Oh!" She cooed gleefully as a creature with two heads clacked loudly, as saliva pooled to dip onto a wooden surface and began broiling upon contact itself. An auto-pistol rusted at it's barrel was crudely sharpened, to dig into tender flesh beneath a jawline and pressed all too tauntingly. Mutations whose very leers exposed filed down teeth, they showcased a savage desire and willingness to tear into human flesh, if only being restrained by one who they feared naturally.
Are you prepared to have your faith tested, friend? A whisper crawled within an almost fully terrified psyche as the two headed creature's wings extended to drape over darkened hair, "You really shouldn't let greed think you're above being useful. Boss made it clear, so..." She trailed off giggling almost happily to have a sharpened tip dig into an exposed palm. Crimson seeped upward yet no pain, or any feeling was hinted beyond a frozen figure whose jawline got cut into deliberately. Powerless, frozen and utterly helpless to note only warmth trickling downward as a simple meeting, it'd been a death sentence willingly walked into from the very beginning.
From behind numerous shouts of concern and panic arose due to doors being slammed open as uniformed figures surged without warning. Helmets concealed snarling expressions, as batons and auto weaponry sent patrons scrambling before being beat down into submission. You really thought your so called 'gangs' weren't known to me? The Arbites only needed for you to show up, friend. An almost delightful indifference was whispered, as mutations whose very appearance should've been killed on the very spot were ignored. Several helmet wearing figures scowled upon seeing a female's coy wave beckoning them forward, if only daring them to rein in on their self-control due to the mutants uncovering dissent in their area.
Outside flashing armored transports was met by loudspeakers declaring the hive block being on total lock-down, "You...bitch!" The figure rasped out seething as a coy smile only nodded their head fairly smug. None were spared when being dragged their scalps, or had their legs broken to be dragged screaming as auto-pistol shots sharply silenced screaming. Occasionally one was spared, if a prayer to the Emperor of mankind was heard and any shot, it'd been stilled abruptly to only be flung into an armored transport's interior. A two headed creature merely hopped off from it's comfortable perch to rear itself taller, as a pair of heads angled sharply. And those six eyes on each skull were narrowing in overt hunger!
"He's hungry, you know?" She mentioned conversationally while lightly stroking a neck to laugh rather sheepishly. Two heads came dangerously close, as though angling themselves into devouring widened eyes which took in sharpened teeth beneath beaks, "He's not a picky eater, but boss tries to say otherwise yet I'd say he's in for a real...treat. But by the Emperor's grace, I do so swear in his name I'd be a terrible liar!" An almost daring grin threatened to expose teeth themselves upon frozen horror, as she leaned in rather slyly and merely removed a knife back to it's proper sheath underneath leather covered thighs.
Casually glancing over towards armored flak jacket wearing Arbites who nearly had cleaned out an entire bar's worth of would be criminals, or dissidents. A surreal lull of silence was granted, if only by shuffling wings, "I think he's getting a pair of treats!" The woman smiled innocently as two heads struck forward causing a rasping gurgle of ear pitched screams, as flesh got torn asunder with crimson splattering freely. Droplets lightly splattered against a naked cheek, if only watching spasmed limbs for fingers and hands daringly remain in place. And the gruesome action merely endured for several more moments even as Arbites who'd unfortunately witnessed it, a few openly gagged to hunch over vomiting in sheer shock.
You'll live to suffer for your crimes for conspiring against the Emperor and his faithful, friend. It's only justice, if it's fairly distributed by those who judge! A whisper crawled amidst rasping cries as an almost catatonic eyeless man fell forward. And a pair of heads cocked themselves backward gulping down two lump fulls of flesh, if only hopping back onto a grinning woman's shoulder. One head partially dripping crimson playfully embedded itself into long strands of hair, if only for another to peer towards armored Arbites whose auto-weaponry nearly raised from sheer self-preservation. It was both a warning and promise, especially to those who'd stray away from rightful imposed consequences for believing otherwise.
Several mutants groaned before handing over clinking coins to a few who smugly embellished in their long sought prizes, "Throne! Bastard didn't last a minute before screaming!" One grumbled even though a coy smile winked inconspicuously to pocket an earnest amount, a never ending means to pass boredom after several days of patience. Absently downing one lone mug of potent liquor, a shuddering gasp of relief and earnest exasperation was met by stretching limbs. Joints and muscle alike were relieved despite gazes of either desire, lust or damning disgust made such attention entirely worth while in hindsight.
"Pack it in, boss says it's another false lead and we're heading back." She eventually voiced out yawning to see mutations lesser than herself, if by all flinch upon Arbites cautiously picking up an almost catatonic body. Teasingly stroking a creature's neckline, it all but draped wings onto shoulders as she nearly smiled warmly due to it's presence alone, "And he also says, next time if you don't want to lose? Then don't bet on stupidity, really I'm starting to see why it's just someone's insanity trying to play nice."
One mutation scowled considerably pointing out scathingly, "Says boss's favorite! Use that tongue for once..." Any further word got immediately choked off due to a pair of eyes coyly narrowing in all too apparent warning. And a being with several crooked eyes all went wide, as he fell grasping at his neckline clutching it in near primal horrific realization. His very skin turned pale, a gurgling followed as both knees buckled due to an unseen weights somehow manifesting to have flesh turn against it's originator's very will to breathe another lungful of air.
"I may not be here presently." The woman's mouthed moved despite it sounding lower pitched with a creature curling two heads around to glare dangerously hungered for another set of fresh organs, "But Slithe has earned her place, if not more to have me trust her. You are extremely expendable as opposed to someone else, friend. Don't be envious, because you'd die faster than you'd believe to have a chance to live with them knowing everything. To question her, is to question me and do you really want me to question your usefulness to the Emperor?"
Slithe turned seemingly to draw a knife as it seemed too quick for anything humane at best. It was sudden, sharp and utterly eye catching to see long hair being brushed aside, "Do you really believe not being on a vessel changes anything?" A woman grinned cruelly sending those standing beside her to look away all too aware of crossing lines. Lines which frequently were warranted to never be willingly humored, or attempted as their very presence allowed them to walk on any world until their service ended upon their own doings. Many looked to Slithe who'd been once a fragile, broken and utterly nameless body years ago to have become handpicked to reach something many only dared to dream in drunken stupors.
"She has earned the right to die by my, or her own choosing." Slithe's voice became conversational despite allowing a gleaming knife's edge tapping against frozen flesh, "And in doing so, to be considered one of the faithful to our Emperor. Who shall naturally welcome her for doing her unquestionable duty to serve humanity in it's darkest of times, all in order to bring forth his divinity, through his ordained agents and for the Imperium to stand against our enemies. Which is her, but for you?"
The nearly humane face which held traces of scale like flesh only crinkled due to a cold smile being a puppet by one whose very expression could instill madness, "You. Are...nothing!" Chilled tremors racked a mutation who fell onto knees as pressure lifted itself, as Slithe tapped a knife patronizingly against inflamed cheek bones. And feathery wings draped themselves protectively around a woman who turned away humming merrily. None dared to assist a mutant who rose uneasily, as it became clear for warnings to be heeded in good faith alone. Their so called boss notoriously hated wasting resources regardless of circumstances, a saving grace and blessing bestowed by the Emperor of Mankind for such generosity at best.
Always remember, I may not be around but Slithe has my blessings to be my voice, eyes, ears and if necessary...my entrusted hand. That fading whisper crawled over every singular mutant who kept their gazes lowered upon Slithe, if only waving forward scowling Arbites into dragging an eyeless man for an interrogation on a future location. Gangers who'd survived in less than enduring conditions all jointly quivered due to seeing a woman slightly stumble, to only yawn tiredly and coyly wave them forward seemingly without an issue. Absently wiping eyes did she move without any sign of worry among parting Arbites who allowed the group of obvious mutations passage, if only out of grudging acceptance.
"Should've keep your mouth shut." One mentioned almost pitifully to the trembling mutant who nearly had his own mind liquefied, "Last guy who tried mouthing off, Slithe cut it and fed it, to him before slitting his guts open for them prowlers. You'll learn, or we take another bet!" Laughter from another ganger was met with another agreeing all too expectantly, as if it were a routine game for seeing who survived another day. Despite being only half a dozen in numbers, they all wore leathery patched armor and had welded plates meant for stopping auto-rounds, a far-cry from wretched slum like conditions of an under-hive that still seemed luxurious to a resource strapped vessel's deck they all considered home on most time not on assignment.
Setting foot into a gloomy fog infested street, a series of looming structures being constantly torn and welded together sent waterfalls of sparks trickling downward. Servitors, workers and thousands of servo-skulls all weaved distantly upward as no singular stream from a natural star broke through trillions upon trillions of sheer volume of metallic beams. Slithe inhaled deeply savoring such an aroma of somewhat uncleaned air, it tickled her throat partially and yet it felt far more natural than a stale recycled oxygen on board their own home. Lightly pressing a metallic bead she sweetly requested watching flashing armored carriers loading up screaming dissidents who plotted to set an entire hive block into sheer anarchy, "Corporal, is our transport ready? Boss says we're going back to our original rendezvous, how copy?"
One vehicle stood out rumbling from a side alley as headlights were flashed three times in accordance to subtle answers being provided. Armor plates partially hid windows as it rolled forward seemingly without interruption by helmet men and women who sorted out those being loaded up into transports for varying degrees to be delivered justice by the Emperor's law itself, "Understood, proceed on board and we'll commence our route. Over!" A static infused voice responded clipped, if only for doors to be opened towards an interior where two more masked soldiers started them silently gauging every action for scrutiny's humor alone.
"Miss me?" Slithe coyly winked towards two soldiers who remained silent by habit alone, "Oh? Not even a little by our Emperor's grace?" Veterans who'd seen enough battlefield in years hardly took an expected bait beyond weaponry nudging seats accordingly. They hardly twitched despite eying mutations who stiffened upon seeing enforcers, or rather familiar masked cleansers who held no sympathy or remorse, if they were ever given an opportunity to cut them down for even the slightest disobeyed command. Despite armors, or plates covering their chests, they all wore iconic greatcoats signaling their origins to the Death Korps of Krieg, if anything the cleaned coats always hid heavier armaments to give an illusion of light firepower to a naked eye.
"We're delaying our arrival for our objective, either get in or be left behind." The corporal driving simply looked over a shoulder pad, he'd spoken less than humoring as if using as little words as possible. More so undisturbed Slithe pouted rather to exclaim in a faux hurtful tone, "Not even a simple please, or 'Good to see you too?', boss said..." Another word was met with a Krieger's knife tapping in clean, methodical and humoring what little patience against glass indicating an end to playful bantering. The almost humane woman smiled deviously when slipping into a passenger seat huffing resigned with hair being whipped back, if only for a pair of heads upon the avian creature to peck twice impatiently on her scalp in clear warning.
Do not antagonize him, you're running late...Slithe. A whispering voice stated dryly before all piled in cramped and utterly tense with three masked soldiers who returned to their rigid routine. Indifferent and alert while eying coverings in potentially gunning down an enemy, or would do so upon being held up any longer in a crowded street. Exasperation filled the woman who smiled sheepishly retorting lowly when a vehicle began moving through barricades of Arbites forces locking down an entire block further along, "But I like them, boss. They're nice to me!"
Not a singular soul, body or mind dared to question whenever she replied seemingly aloud at random intervals. Either expectation, or internal dread was met once examples were made whenever interruptions forcibly instilled discipline. Even after missions, worlds and encounters few hardly considered it appealing beyond knowing they were on borrowed time. Service and actions were rewarded, but failure was met with replacement, or cleansed for disappointment that impeded their missions entirely. It simply came, or not, if such decisions were to be enacted for any who'd been selected to go onto a world by chance and skill. Stop lying Slithe, I'd rather not deal with your sense of 'playing' with him...he's not exactly fond of you trying to sleep with him even after these months for a bad joke.
Absently humming a tone to smile somewhat embarrassed, "Well, I didn't think they were that handsome underneath all their masks, boss. Can't blame a girl for smelling something good and wanting a taste." The Krieger driving only looked over mostly likely concealing a cringing expression in being subjected to a conversation, even though a bolt pistol was tethered to his waistline accordingly did it hardly appease disgust alone. Most of the masked men were indeed quite unique visually, more so to attract gazes with their glinting eyes that sparked akin to gems in darkened environments. Slithe wasn't so vain to not humor a fancy, if only passing boredom and playfully riling up a few for sport's sake in hindsight.
Slithe! A whisper stated once as minor pressure radiated underneath her skull to draw an unspoken warning. One word quelled anything to be thought, spoken or humored in favor of lines being crossed deliberately. Enough! Sharpened talons dug lightly into padded clothe, as a head peered around cocking itself to fix a glare of warning. Outside windows were smog like clouds were pouring overhead, if only for headlights to pierce through density as roads led downward after several weaving turns for their destination to go further underneath a hive's massive underground. It stilled made herself curiously wish to venture deeper into new locations, it never ceased to leave herself content by observing and witnessing world's she'd never imagined existed.
"As you wish boss, I'll see you soon." Slithe spoke respectfully upon closing eyes enjoying a soothing ride towards their destination. Absently feelings a rusted yet sturdy cool piece of an aquilla, she only whispered a genuine prayer. Even the Krieger who drove remained vigilant eased away from a lone loaded bolt weapon, "The Emperor protects." As a pressure lifted itself, only silence and tension fading allowed a woman to smile contently enjoying opportunities that faith alone provided after dedicated service for their lives. It was simply too exhilarating to actually be human after pretending to be something else for so long.
The low murmuring along an entire table front continuously hinted unease as time progressed once among festive moods. A young woman stood indifferently holding liquid within fine hand crafted glass native to said world, "My lady, we've got news." Casually brushing away hair did a vox bead crackle to life of eyes being posted. Despite being aware of conversations did a report filter through verifying yet another waste of effort, resources and finding little hint of a foe, "Your ward has sent word, it's a false trail again. Aribites forces have cleaned up another group of dissidents, no signs of corruption and politely sends his regards to his ever 'all knowing' mother for her sense of foresight, it seems our Lady Inquisitor..."
An interrogator swiftly cut off expected irritation from a mouthy subordinate, "I shall inform her personally, trooper. And do not aggravate my ward, I'm in no mood for games because of his sense of boredom." May Willen nearly exhaled out of sheer exasperation, if only keeping face to smile charmingly towards several lower ranked bureaucrats that found themselves no short of the Emperor's grace to garner her attention. Among higher ranked servants who governed this world, a scant few were remotely civil and had little expectation, it'd been a countless cycle of subtle hints to be invited into their private circles, chambers and on occasion being potentially liberal with bribes to garner pleasures in degenerate habits!
Further seated near a governor personally, sitting upon a marble throne amidst aids and servants who shielded him for anything physically harming. It was here she spotted a slickly glittering dress and trinkets hanging from an exposed neckline, her superior, teacher and mentor expertly slipped herself into circles beyond most who'd imagine. An almost coyly expressive woman leaned forward whispering words into an elder man's ear as he shifted uncomfortably. It seems the governor is a loyal servant to the Imperium, Inquisitor. The supposed 'taint' was just a typical self-bought and controlled group to instigate his authority over this hive city. And it's been eradicated ahead of schedule, I do believe Marcos is annoyed...as always.
Jalena's smiling outward expression hid a cold aggravation yet nothing slipped beyond one alone hand clenching the governor's limb rather aggressively. Psychic tendrils floated lazily through unsuspected minds, bodies and were ignorant unaware of one who'd be able to send them into agonized ends upon a thought alone. I shall speak words to him, my interrogator. You must quell his recklessness which is his sense of impatience, this is a problem or else it shall lead to consequences you, or I would not ignite it anew. An Interrogator inwardly grimaced upon realizing she'd have to personally visit, or rather be enforced to answer boredom from a youth who'd intentionally wanted an update pertaining to their mission entirely.
"He lives to foster misery, God Emperor help me!" She muttered as an Inquisitor's presence began temptingly enforcing itself over those unguarded by a psychic wave. Still smiling charmingly to wave off another dead lead of a suitor, May bowed rather apologetically to excuse herself as Jalena eyed her actions rather sternly. Several figures emerged, as guards dressed hid several storm troopers whose very loyalty weren't in question. Yet their predecessors had learnt extremely well, if at all whenever standing in the presence of another who used...unorthodox individuals to flourish in places no human dared to imagine in their worst nightmares.
And if he takes it out on my men, Inquisitor? May questioned simply as a reply came swiftly with a woman standing with the governor off his throne, if only being lead to more secluded area of the palace for potential exchanges of information. Then they are fools, if they cannot overcome their own petty fears of my apprentice, Interrogator. Lately these newer recruits cannot have discipline learned, if they do ever encounter our enemies beyond. And as much I loathe his behavior Willen, do not forget he shall only grow until his full grasp emerges once those discovering their gifts to defend humanity from it's foes.
The younger woman partially withheld an urge to retort, if at all considering it wasn't entirely unfounded by whimsical hatred. Marcos had unfortunately found newer troopers less than humoring when many couldn't last several months, or at all longer given they irked him due to an favored opinion influenced by those who loathed their presence. His deadly so called enforcers, silent masks or soldiers of Krieg hadn't lost their zealous oaths of service, they'd only grown hardened to enemies on several worlds exceeding expectation and never once fled from enemies of both heretic, daemon or mutations regardless of authentic confrontations. And the Inquisitor had found them useful bulwarks against those on occasion if they were needed to push stubborn obstacles aside, if not including others who hounded heretical thoughts alone!
An incident not even a year prior had placed several arrogant troopers who were ignorant of dangers and had attempted to intermingle to foster relations. And two lost their ability to walk, as another was killed for attempting to flirt with one of the Sororitas...damned idiot! Those who survived such folly were met with her subordinate, whose very presence sent one man bashing his skull until his very brain matter splattered an entire deck. Marcos's presence alone whenever he stood in person, it never ended well for those to not secure their intentions and thoughts, or else they'd be nothing less than corpses for daring to harm others underneath his own service. Or else she humored morbidly, it'd have appeased an ever increasing boredom which had manifested over the years apparently!
"Emperor give me a miracle!" She grumbled softly pushing past several as a pair of guards escorted her towards an anticipated means of travel. A private transport that would fly them over the hive's vast expanse, if only to be awaited by localized vehicles into getting them unhindered to a lower destination filled with mutation, filth and lesser savory sorts of humanity. How those Kriegers and servants of our Emperor tolerate such conditions, I dare not imagine or I'll regret it! Disgusting sub-humans, mutants and they have the gall to build a mere church devoted to the Emperor's 'faithful' in a place that doesn't deserve an once of effort.
It'd been an expected routine whenever a world would be deemed as priority, if they landed to seek out signs of their enemy. Yet more often, it always lead to either her wayward subordinate taking up 'shop' as he'd once playfully coined that term, in rooting out potential resources whenever no signs of daemonic, or heretic were discovered. The Inquisitor tolerated such practices considering it kept the youth busy, entertained and entirely stood firm to seeking out opportunistic individuals who miraculously believed in the God Emperor's divinity. Not that I envy such a unique skill, but by the Emperor why is it always either mutations, murderers and other such scum of humanity? Resourceful, vicious and utterly subdued whenever he directs them...as well as that wretched mutant seeking to be a purer human after years of testing my patience!
May outwardly exhaled upon bringing any notion of seeing that mutation of a woman coyly whispering suggestions into her subordinate's ear. Even though it was all for show, it still was vexing considering even their Inquisitor kept an aloof eye on that matter entirely, devotion or loyalty mattered naught, Slithe was just an expendable mutation yet had some talent in learning skills to prove resourceful despite her rightful hatred of said sub-human. An Interrogator absently jerked her chin towards a secured set of doors further along, as two more troopers met herself halfway fully intending on securing her own safety. And despite their numbers growing gradually, May wasn't keen on testing her latest batch of recruits assigned by Tartarus so quickly. But these newer additions could plausibly withstand seeing a sizable amount of force on display, if they did encounter her wayward subordinate's retinue at full strength.
"Bring my armor and weapons to our transport, I am beginning to tire of wearing this flimsy gown, or whatever this wretched planets calls for clothing." She ordered tiredly waving off salutes of two fresh storm troopers, as she made way past toward bulwark doorways. Nonetheless it'd be a tiresome journey, but a welcomed one to vacate the upper echelons of those pertaining to nobility, wealth and lackluster promises into bring one into their private chambers. Another sub-standard world, another ball and gathering, but at least I'm not keeping an eye on him all the time! By the Emperor's sense of humor, I swear the last time you were among these people Marcos? Throne I dare say it still makes me laugh after these months!
Whether laughter in it's own action was her personal sign of tolerating madness, it'd been an extremely humorless excuse with Tartarus's innate fury. Witnessing centuries of humane aristocracy falling onto their knees, blundering for forgiveness upon Marcos uncovering heresy and intentional dissidence towards the Imperium's ability to muster forces for their planetary tithes for men, weapons as many other resources were demanded? Not even a thirteen year old boy, but you managed with our Inquisitor's permission to send them into terrorized comas, I don't think many will ever recover when you showcased your damned curse. The young woman shuddered involuntarily upon reaching doors sliding aside to be greeted by a relatively azure skyline reminiscent of ancient Terra, or so what local myths of this planetary system held dearly.
Massive towering structures of pearl polished white, cleaned glittering pools of liquid and numerous other achievements were on platforms floating high above darkened clouds. While this planet alone was a crowned jewel among many, it'd been technologically maintained and numerous wealthy populations lived above the supposed trillions down below, a typical standard of the Imperium and despite it's strange ways of concerning gowns alone? May grudgingly accepted it'd been a pivotal piece of supplying materials, manpower and it's planetary system alone had metals integral to the Imperial Navy who maintained an incredibly presence of security at all times. And for every platform housing an entire city's worth of humanity?
Five hive cities for floating palace, as all below supply it with everything needed, as numerous sub-hives are where you find your calling Marcos. The Interrogator lightly acknowledged a private vessel opening bulkhead doors to have herself traverse up an extended ramp, as several masked storm troopers awaited with locked crates housing her personal attire, equipment and other readily needed munitions to where they ventured miles onto a polluted surface of thickened smog, miles of industrial poisons and potentially millions of mutations seeking their own petty needs for sustenance. And somehow, I can't imagine what you're doing by having some many wretched ab-humans flocking to your word as if you'd become their bloody saint!
Unlocked latches hissed with escaping air as May casually disrobed once a rampart returned underneath with engines thrumming externally. None of the troopers willingly stared, or averted gazes beneath metallic goggles as she outwardly smirked. Very touching, but expected! The entire vessel shuddered quickly due to external forces propelling them upwards, if only sharply descending leaving little to wonder as azure skylines faded into murky wafts of brackish coloration. It wouldn't take too long until landfall, if given the circumstances upon seeing thousands of fleeting glints of metal flying back and forth to floating cities with everyday needs. The sheer volume of vox communications sent a pilot into immediate muted frequency, as chatter ceased upon several secured channels were hundreds spoke in clipped reports. It seemed the God Emperor's grave to somewhat keep an overtly tense flight relatively quieter, May ideally slipped into clothing after clasping gloves to smoothy shake herself from once flimsy attire.
"Lady Interrogator!" That said inquisitorial individual briefly hummed glancing towards a co-pilot who informed her rather blandly, "We're getting no response from our designated landing pad, nor our vox communications being hailed by...them." She hadn't even needed to be a psyker in hearing that loathing and bitter resentment, May coyly smiled knowing this particular man had escaped her wayward subordinate's wrath by sheer chance, mostly in being petty for infringing on an ab-human's privacy once. She'd beseech her Inquisitor for allowing clemency, if only for it being a waste of skill and resources for pilots to be killed despite Marcos's cold intention in having the man experiencing his own brains being liquefied.
You may not harbor affection for most of these mutants, but you are quite territorial and vindictive when you don't get your way, boy. May fondly chuckled quietly enjoying a few rare slights that often irked the younger teenager at times. Whether it was out of good humor, sport or rarely an actual intention being thwarted wholesomely. Internal matters pertaining to retinues, resources and authority were always determined by their Inquisitor, even if Marcos had his own ways into enforcing cooperation in his unique mannerisms, Tartarus had interjected in having her swiftly use the intended dead man in a bid to put the teenager in his place soundly.
"Proceed on course, I'm sure they're aware of our arrival." She ordered casually after donning a cloak over leather armor meant to stop smaller caliber rounds, "And if there's no response by the time we land the vessel? Send word on secured channel to the landing zone, state that we need to meet due to mother being rather angry to the one manning it. Disobeying her will garners dire consequences into being equated for one whose spurring the Emperor's faith, or else heresy will be determined with silence alone. Understood?"
An entire vessel jostled roughly upon sharply descending past structures which loomed above smog infested clouds. Rugged and rusted spires clawing upwards past even thicker obscured fogs were consistently swarmed by servitors, or lesser criminals whose very lives depended on maintaining the hives were met by waterfalls of sparks. Thousands upon thousands of primitive, or far more effective welding torches were constantly repairing infrastructure as descent consistently exposed the true extent of how deep mankind had endured on this world's history. May firmly adjusted straps on each foot, if only awaiting a response from the pair of pilots who seemed to have been hailed not even a mere moment of sending that transmission.
"Confirmed escort upon landing, Lady Interrogator." A man informed herself as they'd be meeting some admirable soldiers apparently, "Corporal Wulf has arranged a transporter to rendezvous with the Neophyte's retinue...and?" The man strained to hear a low accent that had distinct origins pertaining to the Krieger's native language. May absently snorted upon hearing a toothless threat as her subordinate's retinue members tended to act out, if they ever perceived threats to their master as loyal dogs were trained after years of servitude.
"And he states breaking radio silence over mundane hindrances are not welcomed, or to be humored by any of them. Patience is a virtue only when the Emperor's faithful foresee heresy." He finished rather unsure to have an Interrogator scowl partially irritated. Aren't you ever clever, Marcos? Yes, no signs of chaos and heresy, but you still ruin potential resources and contacts for our Inquisitor to call upon a later date! God Emperor help me, I swear you're only becoming more insufferable and impatient because of your damned sense of boredom.
Although the soldiers of Krieg who survived the Masque and hoards of daemonic creatures had only become ever more zealous and unforgiving. Ironically their faith alone was unquestionably innate to stand against those materium bending horrors, both skill and reinforced exposure to Marcos's own presence had them compelled into slaughtering chaotic influences, if they were ordered then few apart from most humans had little to imagine their demise. May pushed aside familiar sensations of bitter envy and jealousy that hounded her own attempts into at least meeting a high quality of soldier that constantly feel flat, if Tartarus's own appraises in utilizing them on her own objectives on worlds were indeed noteworthy. While it was insanity at times into pitting storm troopers against veteran kriegers, she still daringly attempted to forge an edge against a growing youth, a youth who only was becoming aware of his own power in frighteningly capacity.
"It seems we'll be expected." She inevitably remarked after tying her hair back into a pony-tail as wisps of blond hair were idly brushed aside when turning to motionless troopers, "All of you will hold your tongues among those mutations, I do not wish to replace some of you so soon. And I will stress this extremely clear, do not make eye contact with those women who will burn you to ash, if they even suspect you for doubting their faith to our Emperor. They're not fond of those unproven, or untested in their extreme views."
Several soldiers who'd been fortunate in surviving past excursions among her subordinate steeled themselves accordingly. Yet far more were too naive in their thoughts, as if being sanctioned troopers would allow some sense of misguided leeway. Though they were fodder in grander schemes, or less so did they stand out compared to common rabble in principle for their training and time required for sanctioned troopers of the Inquisition. May had learned years prior, Marcos's ability of unorthodox practices melded dangerously into an effective force that made supposed mutations garnered off and on ship into mirroring blades with his own veteran core of Kriegsmen and armored sisters that had jointly wiped out larger contingents of enemies. Both of heretic, daemon and worse for those who stood in their way in achieving results in such quickened manners, a trait that even their Inquisitor approved upon times called.
Not entirely sated in her words warning others, "Captain." She called over to one trooper who'd been eying greener troopers snapped to attention, "Keep them in line, or else you'll risk being in your predecessor's place. While the Lady Inquisitor and I have favor in your capability, I will not see you waste that potential by thinking your thoughts are safe from...him. Any slight, or attack on his retinue will be met with absolute force that garnered you an enforced promotion from months ago, I cannot safeguard incompetence from anyone."
An officer of the storm troopers nodded warily before shuffling towards fresher faces who'd yet survived six months. May eventually adjusted her last piece of attire, a blessed chain wrapped similarly around one growing tome that would be added with incantations of blessed protections, daemonic wards to prevent from crossing into the materium and numerous other gathered knowledge over years to tested into trials by fire. Her armor remained firmly in place as she stared upwards in witnessing a descent into densely compacted smog clouds, a gloomy reddish and orange flickering of lights indicated the landing pad. And beneath lung corroding conditions, a distant gloom of yellowed light from thousands of welding servitors met above to awash flaking embers akin to the waters of other worlds once seen in less darker days.
The transport vessel shuddered with an audible groaning as pressurized hydraulics dampened to settle onto a crude platform. May only glanced over an entire compartments worth of masked soldiers who readied their weapons, but it was a dull reflex due to most ignorantly assuming they'd be welcomed from another who served alongside herself. In reality it wasn't even close to a traditional role of subordinates following chain of commands, Marcos Eius was simply buying time due to him unable to hide a presence exerting off his very being. And she inwardly prepared herself, a boy had become closer to a man and the man was less likely in humoring requests. Somehow by the Emperor himself, she'd have to tolerate in not having him remove a mask that had actually made some daemons shriek out of envy alone.
An over whelming chiming of bells thundered over a near desolate section as lights from the armored transport squealed to a resounding stop. The Interrogator glanced across noticing a distinct lack of humane life, or activity despite multiple hive blocks had been jam packed with humans, mutants and other lesser existences. He's already frightened so many, or are they all endeared to having many 'faithful' attend a crudely constructed chapel? Typical! She snorted viewing an impressive structure which had possibly demolished older centuries rusted corpses for buildings, it mirrored a cathedral with rust induced columns supporting high angled towers looming overhead. The large aquila was glinting golden of metals, or anything smelted down to emulate a blessed icon of the Imperium, but in the gloomy smog it'd been relatively depressing at first glance.
The lack of any holy sites had always been corrected one way, or another with extended stays on worlds given their own objectives. May often sourly wondered how, or even why her wayward subordinate was allowed clemency in constructing obvious churches, chapels and various other means yet it always called to a routine. Bells thundered sending an echo as she stepped out with her troopers securing an area, an area long since cleansed, blessed and absolutely controlled by those who eyed them from shadowy positions. Kriegers...they see as well in the light, but find home in the dark to spot us naturally. Pieces of loose debris swept past an eeriely quieted block of a hive, again an extreme feat to accomplish as bells clanged together sending echoes overhead signaling a massive gathering due to prayers being heard behind near welded closed doorways.
Behind doors were slammed shut as a masked Kriegsman who'd never uttered one singular word drove off as intended. Their driver had remained oddly tight tipped, even among Kriegers she'd been privy in observing for years. A bad sign indicating he'd been given orders, which were willingly obeyed, an overt awkward silent drive aside effectively unnerved storm troopers who only witnessed one veteran soldier. The obvious fact only one was sent indicated a lack of respect, or any urgency as it took nearly an hour of bypassing highways into side streets, mostly roundabout routes and local Aribties forces had occasionally allowed them passage, but they'd been left taking in a deliberate scenic view for another lack of an intention.
Internal bells continuously clanged together as May absently exhaled almost unwilling to breathe in less than clean air in these slums. Whisking away an urge to view into the warp itself, a lho-smoke was needed as her hands ideally lit one much needed habit for sanity's sake. I am not wasting my time again for a pitiful excuse of mass for lesser humans, or mutants! Not again! She vowed venturing forth to glance upwards noticing stilled forms eying their approach, a multitude of shadowy observers who she'd feel their internal willingness in opening fire. It seemed as always, to her nonexistent disbelief no one would be allowed to damned to disturb a protected gathering of worship to their God Emperor of Mankind.
The uneasy storm troopers hardly made her deteriorating patience humor freshly minted concerns of a hive block's silence. She walked up cleaned stairs which were a blend of concrete, metal and appeared fused together in certain intervals well beyond atypical welding servitors, another sign of Marcos's presence of utilizing psychic conjured flames in building up the 'faith' of their Emperor in such disgusting holes for lower humans. Open these doors... She internally ordered projecting words towards a pair of veteran soldiers who'd been viewing them from slits on iron clad windows, as welded pipes and crude barb wire deterred any from throwing stones, or withstood meager auto-weaponry from drugged up hiver gangers.
Neither signature moved after moments as an Interrogator scowled vividly to verbally bite out two words, "Slime...Gut." An old phrase which made two minds inevitably concede against iron disciple, as doorways groaned and creaked open exposing internal details. Stone and metallic beams greeted an interior waiting reception, or rather housed crude yet immaculate statues of the Emperor anointed by blessed waters bubbling at each stone base. The smaller golden polished aquila loomed over each as a smaller set of doors were tightly closed, but voices could be heard with one female preaching zealously and utterly passionate through muffled confines.
From concealed positions did a pair of masked men remain in place, if only silently breathing through their respirators gauging herself. She hardly gave them a passing glance informing them rather irritably, "Take me to where he's at, Korpsmen. Our Lady Inqusitior is not amused, nor am I for being forced to travel to this pathetic excuse for a church..." External coloration's shimmered from once neutral gray in a flickers of reddish aggression, a passive look at them concluded they were indeed humane enough to foster hatred for spurring zeal and dedication in their eyes. Yet quiet vox communications were exchanged apparently on open channels as a side doorway was opened, if only for sharp gazes inclining herself forward.
An Interrogator was informally led past hundreds who'd been packed onto obvious constructed pews and benches given a speaker's ceremonial prayer echoed. She disdainfully noted haggard clothing pertaining to local denizens, a few were possible local criminals and dissidents, if not consorting with lesser stains of humanity's divine appearances! Skirting around an interior was quite frankly startling in some aspects, an internal bordered with iron clad windows and all provided a defensive position if an attack from anywhere locally could be easily repelled, defended and those stationed were capable in turning the tide into counter-offensive tactics, as the Kriegsmen were all veterans who openly viewed siege warfare as their expertise naturally. May's bitterness arose compared to fresher storm troopers who remained uneasy due to not hearing words, or any sign of acknowledgement from loyal servants to their Inquisitor's purposes.
Being lead up crude constructed staircases fitted with rusted supports and rotten wooden beams entwined with metallic rods, an Interrogator winced at such rugged rigging. Months and months of idle time still were turned into an effective habit, another trait which her own troopers lacked severely and results couldn't be adapted quickly compared to these soldiers. She followed two Kriegsmen who kept their weapons honed, ever vigliant and uncompromising discipline of silence as one pointed ahead sternly. And what greeted herself, as well as hushed whispers of the storm troopers were a pair of cyan orbs glowing externally. Amidst shadows at a second floor stood one massive power-armor blending effortlessly, but a palpable disdain emitted from vox speakers crackling to reveal her own words had been heard obviously.
"Choose your words carefully when slandering the Faith of the Holy Father...girl." The young woman snorted particularly unfazed in seeing a fully armed and armored Adepta Sorrorita clad in their order's coloration. A bolt weapon hadn't lifted itself as of yet, but May humored in peering at an aggressive reddish mist seeping off the fairly infuriated sister of battle. And all knowingly she retorted less than pleased at said reception, "Do not press my patience either, woman. Lady Tartarus is most vexed at you and your handler's actions for disrupting the governor's feast, he prematurely eliminated useful idiots meant to secure a legitimacy for another decade!"
The armored woman's gaze must've been seething as cyan colored eyeholes glowered once in apparent warning as troopers watched uneasily behind. Further behind another doorway opened revealing a similar clad woman in power armor. An elder voice pertaining to a Sister Superior made May's growing irritation peak upon being lectured, "Perhaps weakness of faith is indeed true, if such an esteemed blessed governor of this planet resorts to trickery and treachery to toe a line of faith to be considered a heretic for consorting to cause unrest in the Emperor's name, Interrogator. And you have an audacity to come here to speak to a holy son...for enacting signs to bring those whose faith was tethered to become true servants of the Holy Father?"
Psychic will empowered a low tone to have it rippling across air itself, "Where. Is. He?" Three words were grounded out as two Sorrorita remained blocking a way forward, if only for Kriegers to stand beside them with weapons passively readied. Yet reddish lights flickered in making several troopers whisper harshly in alarm, as she stared unimpressed in seeing half a dozen, if not a fully squad of reddish dots tracing every trooper and herself fixated for kill shots. Tension arose from anxiety ridden troopers who found themselves potentially being caught in a cross fire, as more pairs of cyan helmet eyes glowered across an internal pathway gauging their actions.
The Sister Superior only replied sternly as always, "He's in prayer and will not be disturbed even by your own presence." Theresea hadn't changed beyond being cold hearted and iron willed to a point where May wanted to vomit in remembering this sister of battle turn a blind eye to old wounds years past, "Others are seeking comfort, words of the faithful and his efforts into aspiring others to take up a mantle to rid these streets of heretics, mutants and cowards. It is remarkable for so many considered lesser humans to congregate in darker times, I will not allow disruption of the Holy Father's messages until we're free of our duties."
An inquisitorial Interrogator exhaled out smoke before speaking directly in minds intent on sending them onto their knees. I could care less, I'm not wasting time on you. Move aside! She thundered those two words psychically which should have sent their nervous systems into total chaos. And as her psyonic signature arose, they remained in place after moments due to an audible shimmering rising from behind. A shimmering shield seen only through warp induced eyesight, it rippled akin to water as a pair of wings emerged with an iconic avian perched on one sister of battle's pauldron. Two blackened feather heads with six eyes all were narrowed as teeth exposed themselves naturally when something far, far worse had been provoked.
Both Sorrorita stiffened when noticing an avain creature standing upright as they turned peering further into a secluded room. Within moments of a figure standing while casually padding themselves down, an entire dozen red markers vanished just as quickly and both power armored sisters of battle made space for someone to inevitably appear. Finally, you show yourself and I hope you have a throne damned explanation for causing the Inquisitor to lose a potential resource. I am not happy either at your attempt for boredom, Marcos. May's gaze remained stern upon projecting a tendril which struggled naturally into seeping towards a figure, as said individual apparently adjusted something on their face naturally.
Quiet steps came first across metallic floor, once emerged when a figure turned walking casually and seemingly unbothered by rising tension emitting by armed parties. An avian creature's wings flapped once, if only to appear on a shoulder where wings draped themselves over protectively, as hissing heads exposed an internal sign of potential hostility. Darkened coloring tailored by Inquisitorial neophyte's came into view, as metallic bracers suppressed psychic signatures and they were burning hotly nearly in white sweltering coloration. Leather armored remained visible despite a robe trailing behind with a cowl framing one unique heavily blessed death mask, a mask which looked daunting and intimidating to troopers sucking in breathes upon seeing it finally.
The youth who'd once been a boy had grown rather quickly over years and years of supplemental diets being routinely ad-heeded too. Saint Drusus's engraved and carved out face stood in open view of flickering lights and torches from below. Blackened clothe from a pair of finger less gloves flexed themselves, golden aquilas were engraved on them and clinking metallic chains hung from hips lightly transcribing holy incantations in High-gothic as a smaller, but clear reddish purple tome of daemonic rituals for suppression were on display. May internally lamented he'd been taller than she, or Tartarus by his twenty first year at present rates, for he was already at her eye level and not even sixteen compared to meeting in that elevator long ago. They both had changed much in many aspects, if by the Emperor's graces in not just becoming polar opposites in many habits and tactics pertaining to their Inquisitor's missions.
Marcos Eius had gradually changed from an impulsive ganger who lived for blood, manipulation and joy for fighting dirty and became something far worse off. She need not witness a smile when he spoke in a charming voice nearly becoming musical to send a spinal cord's alarm unnaturally, "Hello to you too, Interrogator. What brings you to church...oh, is it maybe..." A masked youth leaned forward with an unseen smile ear to ear in teasingly asking, "Are you here ready to finally confess your sins for once?"
The elder woman and superior went rigid upon hearing such a coy temptation that eerily marked him as a cursed being. Enough of your games, Marcos. She seethed upon seeing a teenager merely tilt his head innocently enough, "What by the throne were you thinking! Those dissidents were the governor's personal ploy, to secure and utilize for a staged assassination to justify measures for increasing tithes to Imperial overseers. And you eliminated them...Inquisitor Tartarus demands an answer, as well as I for your fecking annoying attempts for attention again!"
Marcos's hands came coyly folding as thumbs twirled around lazily to respond indifferently, "Six hundred and sixty six." May blinked owlishly at first, if not outright growled out words as her patience had little humor, "What does that mean? Your word games are not being humored now, Marcos and as such speak plainly...that's an order! I tire of your fun already."
An unseen ripple trailed within the immaterium around themselves when a teenager's sheer snarky voice implied dryly, "Six hundred sixty six members of Tartarus's supposed pet governor's group. Sixty six months ago they all met on sixty sixth street on the sixth month, at the sixth hour at six locations with this one being it's center on this hive's sixth block. How odd...right?" Eye lids which glowered due to an internal anger, an actual visible sign of Marcos's intentions on sending someone who wasn't apart of his retinue into the ground became too much. May Willen threw up her own psyonic signature clearly intent on defending ignorant storm troopers, they had weapons raised immediately in nearing causing a fire fight to break out!
"Chaos." He stated absolutely sickened to gesture down below, "Notice something off on every sixth tile on the sixth row and where it all leads? Look for yourself..." All too coyly Marcos apparently stopped himself by laughing gently as if showcasing an old grox how to learn a new trick. May bristled viciously once a youth stepped forward causing internal instincts into rearing upright, she didn't need to witness a smile given his tone savored that'd come next, "Or better yet? Why don't I show you, I think it's clearer to pretend your ignorance isn't just for laughs!"
With arms folded behind his back did the youth stride forward casually peering below as sermons continued without interruption. There's no signs of corruption! Or have you lost your senses to create heresy? The Interrogator projected disbelievingly to a younger psyker, if only to have said being freeze mid step. A lone eye hidden apparently peered over a shoulder through Saint Drusus's craved face as an audible synthesized voice module cracked, "Creating heresy? Could you care to repeat that by the Emperor's graces, throne alone I swear you just gave an answer without me for once in a few months, without having to feed you crumbs."
Only herself and her own storm trooper retinue jolted themselves into staring at a masked Neophyte who started chortling loudly. You've got to be joking! The Interrogator rebuked who she considered nonsensical by scowling, "You're really using that excuse? All I'm hearing is you conjuring your own self-induced conspiracies after months of being down here, Marcos! Don't you dare squirm your way out of consequences you pulled. For Emperor's sake there was no sign, or anything to suggest our Inquisitor's agents and connections were ever compromised."
The mask of Saint Drusus's face turned slowly revealing entombed cheeks of metal hiding a gaze capable to make a sane man babble. Ever deliberately a voice whispered within her own mind as Marcos's psychic signature within the warp bloomed gradually. Who said you need to see signs, or evidence at first glance when Chaos was already in place...blinding said signs. While you got off on having 'men' giving you some tongue and cheek... Immediately May bristled indignantly due to a youth's hand making a devious gesture out of boredom. Almost annoyed he then pointed ahead where two power-armored Sorrorita awaited less than patiently.
"This useful idiot for a group was funded, supplied and sponsored by our local Emperor blessed governor?" The youth commented dryly when he moved past quivering storm troopers that refused to make eye contact, even though it'd been moot for their lives sake, "Sixty Six months of preparations, sixty six victims and sacrifices who all share an exact six days of birth? Throne alone no one's that methodical in what they're trying, and answer this little coincidence for Tartarus's and your own damned sense of getting off whenever your whores for attention. How old is the man, today?"
An Interrogator nearly tempted herself at lashing out at obvious spurs and vexing suggestions until regaining internal control. Exhaling out lho-smoke in a bid to ward off a headache, Willen recalled an answer saying, "Six hundred and sixty...six?!" Her voice lowered into a groaning as Marcos stared from behind a blessed mask to hum conversationally. An avian creature's wings flapped several times as heads hissed loudly, as if mockingly chortling upon the Interrogator's heated glare for daring itself otherwise.
Have I got your attention now, or are you that impatient for tongues and cheek? Marcos's voice implied tauntingly to walk casually with power armored guardians eying an entire gathering. He got several paces until a youth motioned lazily to have herself follow rather clearly. Remember couple years ago, you and I were researching as to how Chaos 'masks' itself, Tartarus was clearly pissed at me because of a stunt I pulled. And she figured it'd waste my time, but take a guess! As to how I learned to spot things through the warp where daemons live naturally when we were seeing signs of corruption and their influences?
Grudgingly putting up wither her subordinates sense of interested for humoring questions, May proceeded to follow a youth into over-viewing an entire mass of people down below. His back remained straightened and stood with both arms crossed with fingers rapping against clothed forearms. Marcos appeared at first to have been intently peering at them as though debating which were a possibility, "The Materium and Immaterium are like mirrors, Marcos. And yet any actions taken here do reflect beyond due to our innate connection for being human, our emotions and our souls do emit to to the Warp...as I've taught you."
In years past a snark remark, or sarcastic praise would've been uttered yet the youth simply shrugged indifferently confirming boredom. Despite once again retaining an enforced patience, May waited with a lho-stick inhaling deeply, "What are you trying out? Daemons being baited by this cult and it's use for particular numbers?" She hazarded an assumption into gleaming an insight in his intentions, Marcos's own capability had grown naturally and the only individual she'd seen penetrate a mind of steel was their Inquisition due to tutoring sessions for years of familiarity. Years of experience influenced when tutoring waned yet daemonic beings still were dangerously clever into picking their way into any psyker all too hungrily.
Out of everyone this cult has abducted, all but one willingly embraced their goal. And this lone person is our 'guest' of honor tonight. She heard Marcos reciting from memories, encounters and entire weeks of investigations rather mundanely, as though all that effort were merely annoyances denying an inevitable conclusion. Every person down there is a potential cult member, they all joined and we invited them into a ceremonial mass for the Emperor's faith. Hence why every single member of my retinues are observing, quietly, eager and I sent word to you...to tell you and Tartarus to watch your asses up in that 'high castle' for an excuse of a city.
May's eyebrows were raised at such a large gathering until she stated, "You mean only sixty six are members? Right?" Out of hundreds crammed into a relatively large area, even though the once warehouse had been painstakingly remodeled, Marcos's smile couldn't have been more obvious when nodding humming absolutely entertained. Apparently more either had been prepared during his time within a hive city into discovering a potential danger, or rather she suspected it'd been a coyly offered half truth.You've already figured which of these several hundred were conspiring to unleash Chaos inside this hive...or are you pretending again?
The youth chuckled underneath a mask as static emitted from it's vocal modulator, "Only one of these sixty six will draw out what's been lurking, Interrogator Willen. Anyone else whose fortunate to witness one of our Emperor's despised enemies, will learn they are not alone on this world. And you're only here for Tartarus to verify my theory...or rather, it's for your gain. It is your research coincidentally being put into practice by myself, so what else is there to do when opportunity arises?" A gloved hand got waved lazily upon masked eyelids peering downward into witnessing details brewing within the warp itself, as May Willen followed suite not hiding an inward curiosity into actually being credited for a potential means of uprooting Chaos's persistent influences.
Taking another lungful of lho-smoke did alleviate prior expectations of an obvious ploy in aggravating herself and their Inquisitor, "Very well..." She exhaled allowing sensations of fluttering shivers to give him explicit permission for an over-viewing of a said daemonic theory, "Proceed and I'll observe whether your theories, or conspiracies hold merit, Neophyte. If time away from an established mission is going to happen, at least make it interesting for future endeavors." Reluctance kept pulling internal desires of nonrecognition over cautious suspicions, but even after years Marcos Eius hadn't shown ambitious signs of claiming the title of Interrogator, for he'd been clearly forthright in advancing once time allowed himself into gaining said position by their Inquisitor's word.
The youth's sheer psychic signature had bloomed brightly when she peered noticing a distinct unease creeping up her spinal column. It was human, but at times it felt inverted and potency alone could possibly blind those unfamiliar in sensing psykers unleashing their full potential. Their Inquisitor had tolerated on occasion, Marcos's unique ability in deciphering Chaos's presence and her own research into prematurely drawing out possible heretical, or daemon entities, both were entwined in safeguarding the Imperium's divine destiny in retaining their position for the Emperor's light to remain against all their enemies. And yet despite such an effectively combination, May internally remained bitterly aware he'd only grow naturally. Whether it was an authentic growth, or traces of Xenos influences would always be scrutinized among those outside their coven due to a powerful curse of sorcery that remained unworldly persistent.
"Slithe." She heard him speak into a vox bead pleasantly, "Have yourself and others ready to cut down those try to leave! Master Corporal Wulf..." A youth's covered head turned towards masked men across with weaponry being readied, "Secure all entry points and station yourselves for a kill box with Sister Superior Theresea's own contingent, by the Emperor's graces you will not let anyone move from their seats and if they do upon this mass's conclusion? Kill them. Am I understood, or do you have any questions?"
Kriegsmen hardly deviated from their tasks as subtle shifting of weapons and braced positions were all what had been needed. Beside him a pair of armored Adepta Sororita moved swiftly, as groaning metal indicated haste in their steps as they adjusted flamers, or bolt weaponry already blessed and outright ignored an observing Interrogator. Have your own men watch and learn, May. Keep them up here, or else I can't guarantee they'll be sane after witnessing what I think is lurking. I'd rather not deal with Tartarus bitching at me, again so soon.
For several moments bodies either masked, or encased in armor moved swiftly in joint exhilaration upon slaughtering would be heretical and daemonic foes. Despite repeated outbursts of sating boredom on various worlds? May Willen bitterly acknowledged her subordinate had a certain zealous inspiration in those he'd utilize to foster unquestionable loyalty, no hesitations were seen openly and his retinue had become formidable against Chaos's lesser influences. Repeated exposure created veterans attuned to themselves whether out of luck, deliberation or outright familiarity with him leading them into the fray with no second thoughts. Being overshadowed by an unfair unorthodox creativity, an Interrogator pushed down natural envy and disgust to instead oversee whether years of research would pan out into credible outcomes.
Below on crudely constructed pews did a mass's ceremonial ending begin with the speaker whose white veil brightly gleamed against candle lights, "For the Emperor protects! Heed these words as though they were your life's beginning and end, for the darkness of our foes linger inside our hearts, minds and souls." Gowns of whitened clothe cleaned, blessed and well made linen allowed gloved hands to ascend towards a golden aquila high above them all. Golden metal remained glistening from freshly polished hands, as May watched Marcos in particular make a sign of an aquila with his head lowered in apparent prayer.
She nearly snorted disdainfully upon seeing an unseen leer behind that death mask, "You cannot hide what brings you joy, boy." Whispering tiredly as a youth departed towards an entry way, steps which were measured and utterly confident upon what would be unleashed. Lazily gesturing towards her troopers whom were uneasily viewing signs, she only shook her head telling them in remaining passive for an open view. They would learn a lesson in not to underestimate their own value, or safety against effectively deadly associates as an Inquisitor had consistently turned a blind eye whenever the common consequence of collateral was crossed...without hesitation against foes that would make any human turn to madness.
The hundreds of people who'd arrived for ceremonial mass of worship began stirring once ending sermons faded away. I stared smiling a bit amused in finally seeing signatures of reddish tint emerge as darkened wisps congregated, "Where are you?" I had hands crossed until allowing psychic will into peering through unguarded psyche, I could see so many inconspicuous lives of would be faithful humans. So many and so little mattered, but it was truly a blessing and curse upon witnessing the birth of a daemonic entity seeking entryway into the Materium. So many sacrifices of pain, agony and joy of succeeding had earned attention...unfortunately.
Sister Katherine! I spoke mildly grateful as a white gowned Sorrorita turned from muted praises and blessings from potential heretics. Waiting at the doorway, I tilted my head once wisps of darkened coloration solidified around one particular individual. I should have been expecting something far more obvious, but alas what would be the joy and desire in using innocence to spread corruption without any ignorant human asking questions. That six year old girl with brown hair, she's sitting on the second pew directly in front of your position, she'd the third one between those gangers. By the Emperor's graces, I'd move away from her quickly.
Walking forward in between shifting masses did psychic tendrils slither forth and all those who'd dare invoke daemonic forces were selected. Sixty five confirmed cult members, as their selected 'host' is what I figured. Sixty six as their sacred number, even Chaos can be predicted as long as no one gives away their game until a trap is sprung! My fingers flexed watching a shimmering wave darken over the form of a supposed child, a girl whose expression beamed with unrestrained pride and joy once Katherine gave a pleasant praise for their Emperor. Yet her hands remained close to a bolt pistol and knife strapped underneath whitened gowns, I smiled since I imagined an anxious Sororita in hindsight would be too damned otherwise tempted in not enacting a rightful cleansing of an actual daemonic influence.
Months of routine and mundane boring objectives had finally worn themselves out as events panned out finally into my favor. For once, I only had to look at half-assed attempts for subtly yet Chaos's very influences were being birthed onto a world, I'd never understood how it'd slip from the Immaterium and years of mind numbing theories from May, Tartarus and my own sense of damned patience attributed to the very realm beyond our senses who weren't psykers. The warp gives meaning to all thing, it folds, bends and wraps itself to mirror the Materium beyond a veil. And someone whose resources that are plentiful decided to 'play' Chaos into coming onto this world, I hope you're enjoying yourself getting an ass kissed for ignoring me...Inquisitor.
The freshly sponsored cult had grown from a predictable group for justifying power and became a legitimate threat to all humans stuck on this world. Whoever practiced such lines of expendable means to an end, had intentionally crossed lines of being a heretic to the Emperor's divinity for ruling over lesser humans on a world needed by his Imperium's tithes. It wasn't a shallow trail, but a cult had extensive connections ranging from internal moles, corruption and ties to logistical hubs within this hive particularly. Communication infiltrators monitoring vox traffic, noting down ships and vessels for smuggling in needed 'cargo' for their rituals, a few gangs along with lust filled Arbites who'd been removed upon my own investigations months prior. A tedious task, an entirely effectively network and it'd been uprooted when one individual refused to believe their original goal of overthrowing the planet's governor's dynasty of ruler-ship. And as by the throne's sake, it'd been an annoying trail of bodies to follow up until this point!
I see you... I stared intently seeing wisps shrouding a small child's entire body as a white gowned woman stepped away immediately. That childish innocent smile would've normally worked on an ignorant human, especially in humoring wonder when said girl wanted a hug and a blessing for being one of the Emperor's blessed subjects, it'd have worked save for one minor detail. Blessed aquia's wouldn't burn at all, unless Chaos's presence came within an arm's length to warn those capable of signs. And back away now, Sister Katherine because I'm going to reveal to the faithful our enemy which is from the beyond.
Walking forward past crowded pews did several in attendance bow their heads as I'd been a scribe who maintained the church's interior. All knew an alias of a being blessed caretaker, a son or anything and any who attempted to deface said place of worship...none were seen again. Fear kept those who'd dare such actions away, those who were enamored with such became respectful and loyal gatherers to worship the Emperor's divinity all too zealously. It was heart warming on some days, but overall it was a means to an end of drawing out an enemy which would do far worse in their nightmares if allowed a foothold on this world. And even though it wasn't like my old world, I did have slight fondness in at least giving the hive blocks a chance for keeping their blood. It was simply good sport, as well as doing my inclined responsibilities of eliminating Chaos's premature influences and I had the Emperor's divine mandate around my neck for legitimacy.
Eying multiple humans whose very coloration's in the warp indicated a growing desire of aggression and excitement left little doubt in their intentions. They'd been waiting unaware of a dozen Kriegers and Adepta Sororita who'd cut them all down, if they saw anything out of the ordinary or if I ordered it naturally. It'd been a game of waiting, a trail of signs and omens which allowed Chaos into entering the Materium itself after constant efforts. But unlike other worlds, I found their methodical rituals in summoning warp entities far too...specific. It'd been dangerous in noting each particular aspect of Chaos aligned themselves to certain numerical properties, intentions and designs which gave me a modest assumption of cultist mindsets. Years hadn't changed either their stupidity, or shrewd initiative in garnering foot hoods in any hive block, yet alone an entire city's worth of billions unaware of how close they came to an infection of madness.
Moving towards where an aquila was illuminated by cauldrons, torches and makeshift pyres where one could preach the Emperor's divinity. I merely side stepped those offering local currency, or asked for blessings for their faith as I'd been ordained under watchful eyes, traditions and was granted clemency by my tutors who'd never allowed any slack of learning proper prayer. With hands folded behind my back, I walked forward unfazed by growing whispers of excitement and curiosity, as I turned staring down almost hundreds of would be faithful worshipers. Sixty six may fool the ignorant, but those who are vigilant become too obvious. And my curse is my greatest weapon, if you see me...I'll always see you long before you get a chance to emerge!
Gradually sensations of warmth settled over my shoulders, I hardly blinked when protective wings and guarded talons unseen to all grasped clothing comfortingly. I smiled internally grateful for a companion who never allowed me to be alone, nor did I stand alone against foes who'd send humans into sputtering insanity. Inhaling slightly did my mask's modular vox crackle briefly before it filtered into the crowd's abrupt silence, "Those who begin their pilgrimage as holy sons, daughters and others shall be ordained by our Emperor's light into you who came here today. At great risk, at great cost and for that your faith will be rewarded...for the darkness within us all, it reflects our own dangerous natures to which cannot be hidden any longer."
Numerous faces seemed to glow within the warp of a dim whitish coloration as hope and happiness surged within the ignorant souls. I smiled despite it not being visible to lower hands, "Many seek a blessing worthy of our Emperor's divinity, I can only offer to one who shall and will be enlightened for all to bare witness in these hallowed halls that were built by zeal, loyalty and uncompromising hands for all to freely give praise to the Master of Mankind. Our Holy Imperium, our God-Emperor and to the Golden Throne upon Terra!" I swept across with a motion as an aquia formed by a resounding cheer which thundered within walls of a once desolate warehouse, it'd become a church and sacred ground for those to aspire into being worthy of defending humanity.
My own voice bellowed out as those cried out in return, "For the Emperor protects!" Looking downward I saw the blackened coloration of wisps angrily swirling around a supposed child, who smiled beautifully and I pointed to her, "Our journey and faith begins and ends with those who are born to receive the blessing for a glorious future! Come forth, girl and earn the rite of passage for all to witness what faith's rewards are received, for you are chosen...you are chosen to show to all who risk themselves aspiring to desiring faith. Will you ignore such a call, or will another stand for you to aspire above all today?"
Within the warp itself did an aura darken into purplish lust and darkening red as though I'd insulted it's very existence. Yet the child in all but appearance smiled coyly to stand up, as applause and hushed eager words of encourage fueled an internal presence of Chaos's corruption. A shimmering appearance threatened to boil over due to a weakened veil tearing itself inward, as the entity within this child was unable to resist temptation's invitation. Come forth! A child stood up walking happily past teary eyed cult members who all believed they'd be allowed to succeed, a child and fool's hope, an insult to all who died defending the faith from threats they willingly sought after in vain desperation for a thing called freedom.
They wanted freedom from responsibilities and holy ordained duties all of humanity must endure, does this world truly believe they are exempt from this universe? Are you all so arrogant, I can only imagine when I see your petty ambitions... I withdrew from exposed minds which were all filled with a collective desire to unleash violence, horrors and excessive desires that would've become vile debauchery rightfully done by heretics. Heretics who'd not live another moment in the Emperor's holy Imperium and were to be judged, as the Ordos Malleus commended all who consorted with daemons in every aspect of thought.
Calmly reaching down towards a tome which had an infused seal of blessed metal and inscriptions of high gothic lettering. They were incantations meant to obscure all who'd view them, "What is your name, child?" I spoke up warmly when a creature stood beaming positively within an arms reach, I could suspect it was too eager in tearing my heart out. One too many insults, or tempting offers weren't unable to be ignored yet alone restrained. And despite everything, it couldn't lie outright due to it's purpose of anchoring itself into the Materium itself.
It replied almost confidently, "I am Gaithe." My mask tilted upward after silently musing over incantations to reply almost too entertained, "Are you lying?" It blinked owlishly not expecting such a casual question, I nearly chuckled yet I remained in place reading passages. Warmth and heat began simmering underneath finger tips, I was all too prepared until it repeated that same answer unable to understand itself.
"I am Gaithe, holy son." It reiterated as I immediately replied again, "Are you lying? What is your...name!" The childlike entity stilled immediately when facial muscles twitched, it shuddered visibly as various people began shouting angrily. Almost as if they'd been told too, a wave of threats and others who weren't apart of said cult where uneasy eying those instigating for a blessing to have been promised. My smile remained in place unable to quell months of long anticipated retribution to enact on these disgusting heretical creatures, they weren't human nor were they worthy of my attention beyond idle whims.
What is your name! I whispered psychically in having an entity freeze absolutely still as broiling air became visible. The girl's face remained angelically innocent, although it's eyes began bleeding over into blackened pits as skin stretched above where a hairline met flesh, "I...am Gaithe. I am...Gaithe, cursed man." It's words slurred immediately as eyelids widened when I smiled absolutely pleased upon hearing it speaking truth's unalienable weight, it knew who I was apparently and I was all too willing in playing a game of how.
"In the name of Emperor..." I intoned when I began clicking my tongue and a few sharp whistles of sounds made it freeze in sheer amazement, "Speak your name and truth." Daemons had names well beyond language of mortals, I'd learned even sounds and word blended together for an effective knife to their proverbial beings. Humans weren't capable in learning them without butchering even a singular syllable give a way out, or rather a chance for them to be turned into creatures far worse than a hell was imagined. And if they couldn't outright say it, then all one had to do was a use what many deemed as aggressive persuasion.
From behind cultists rose out of their seats accordingly as if something had instructed them to disrupt an obviously unexpected problem! Knives, shivs and crude rusted excuses for auto-pistols came out fully causing a panicked crowd of faithful to either flee, or outright jolt away from those who exposed themselves. I only tilted my head less than humoring, "Master Corporal..." Not even a slight hesitation came as an orange crackling shot tore through one man, a heated infused line struck one and his chest melded inwards striking another as two bodies fell effortlessly. Inflamed flesh burned rightfully as numerous shots followed, all accurately striking and piercing human bodies in a brightened ovation of colorful hell-gun volleys.
Bolt shots thundered from behind tearing through cultists who cried out as limbs were torn asunder, crimson mists of muscle, bone and less obliterated due to a line of grinning mutants who'd taken up cover behind makeshift beams of rusted metal. Behind myself a white gowned Adepta Sororita snarled to bellow aloud, "No mercy for the heathens! For the Emperor!" A heated brushing of air from close proximity discharging shells of bolt pistols struck without mercy, cutting down any who stood up as many others cowered clutching their ears in natural blistering confusion. An honest shame in hindsight, they'd probably either regret witnessing what I kept my casual gaze on at all times, or rather no witnesses were to be upheld per Inquisition protocols.
"Do you really want to play this game?" I questioned mildly humoring an entity as flesh began unraveling as a shimmering circle formed between us both, "Or better yet? Show yourself in the name of the Emperor and speak your name...or I put you in a hell you'll never realize exists." The tome's pages burned brightly, a sickly orange and golden light emitting as incantations along my forearms glowered in conjunction with psyonic will. And without warning a flash of light emitted followed by ear rupturing shrieks as the entity inhabiting what was once a human child, all but screamed angrily due to burning links of metal entrapping wrists to the blessed floor itself.
The creature's flesh morphed from humane textures toward stretching outward, as a horn split a scalp open and reddish fluids boiled away into blackened mist itself. It's face lengthen with pincer like teeth and fingers blending together in halves met with blackened pits for eyes staring upward. Yellowed sulfur like pupils narrowed into deviously hungered desires for all to witness, "I am...impressed, cursed man. You cannot hide either, I want to taste you...so much!" It proclaimed guttural purring aloud despite being chained to psyonic chains, a sickly orange and reddish blend of coloration far removed from purity of the Emperor's faithful, it was all due to my own curse of sorcery that kept me chained to memories years past.
"Speak your name, daemon." I spoke softly when it laughed outright as though it'd been told politely apparently, "Oh, I feel so loved. Such power and perfected demands, a shame tis body is far too young for me to indulge you. But alas..." It's tongue hissed akin to serpents rattling together, it struggled standing yet I waited due to a fact it'd been oddly humoring. Almost as if it'd been waiting for a chance, if I could decipher it's coy expressions.
Pincer like hands clacked together capable in severing limbs and crushing bones effortlessly remained openly submissive, "I am not here to whisper lies, I am here for you." My curiosity wasn't so tempted as chains tightened causing a yowling when knees gave way. It remained kneeling almost cooing in sheer bliss as shimmering waves clashed unseen within the warp, it offered literally no resistance or cared not too. And regardless, I frowned immediately realizing it wasn't lying unlike others I'd encountered on several worlds.
"I am here, as a guide as one who is pride, if I need to confide for thy within strides." Behind numerous dead, or dying cultists did several humans who watched a gruesome spectacle begin whimpering as a looming dread filled over those who stared uncontrollably frightened. Children cried, parents shielded them and numerous other sensations became apparently as this entity twisted an entire neck towards them all! Bone snapped, flesh curled inward and a sickening cooing echoed endlessly, "It is time, it is time and rage shall overly engage to be encaged against with you, or I! Is that not what you, or I see, or maybe it is time that see's all that it seems?"
This daemonic possession certainly wasn't abnormal considering any signs were extremely unnatural, if anything it was being far too civil. None to my experience had a willingness to portray it's earnest desires, or outright admit it's entire purpose of crossing over. This thing wanted me to find it out, it wanted my attention and I wasn't keen on giving it a benefit of doubt, "Speak your name." I stated again as it cooed while shaking it's head all too coyly ignoring a command, "Am I host who boasts, or am I a host whose a hoax? Almost I am your host, but uttermost do I surrender myself...to you, Marcos Eius. Do with me as you will, for I will be loving and nothing, if your will is my ending. For it is time, it is time and will alone is thy of an end."
Limbs which were legs lengthened splitting muscle, causing bone to crackle and snap as intrusions split themselves into curling figures. They curled over flesh as bloodied chunks withdrew inward, as a smile coyly revealed an earnest temptation. I surrender myself to you, cursed man. This is no lie, this is what I must do, if you seek my name...I'll give it...freely. What was once a small child, it'd grown and contorted itself into a twisted mockery of adulthood. Scalera for pupils daringly settled on where my own met equally, if anything I was pleasantly disturbed that such an entity had appeared unexpectedly on this damned world.
"And your price for this prison you'd walk into freely?" I retorted blandly despite psychic will beginning to smother an entity as it hissed suspiciously amused, "You. When time is needed, I shall guide you, if not you encounter rage as it encages you. If I must lie, it is only I." Standing taller than any living human I'd imagine, it knelt down allowing bloodied horns curling into a crown of crimson as it's face remained innocently angelic. It look more grotesque with half features of a beautiful woman and an ugly beast, it's very skin looked wrinkled yet pure to give off perfected detail alone.
Glancing around numerous humans were staring in absolutely horror as a daemonic possession's skull circulated in place. Bone long since turned into splinters yet flesh remained in place, a tongue hissed akin to serpents before returning it's gaze upon myself. Mounds which hadn't been exposed, almost grew from within as bared breasts covered in coated slime and bloodied strands were offered immediately for all. Do you think I'm a fool, daemon? I intoned noting Kriegers and Adepta Sorortia who had weapons trained onto the lone threat capable of uprooting reality, every thought and desire enacted was to obliterate such a hellish creature back to where it'd been birthed. And yet I humored an offer due to a convenient...excuse for opportunity.
Glancing upward towards a second floor scaffold did my immediate superior remain transfixed in stunned disbelief. I dourly wondered if my so called Interrogator, who'd spent years and years of trying in vain to capture one daemonic possession would be given one so easily. What course of action are you going to do, Interrogator Willen? You're observing, so your choice is your authority and I can't disobey...right? Psychic tendrils met an elder woman's mind all too easily, as though her own defenses weren't too tedious in circumnavigating, I highly doubted she'd take that effortless act well down the line in all honesty.
Returning my full attention to a daemonic host whose very body lengthened fully to a monstrous lanky build, it remained kneeling despite it's eyes reaching to where I stood. There was no hesitation, build up or deception beyond an invitation into it's own psyche. It cooed delightfully, if only for a moment until I spoke sternly, "Skit!" Calling out a name was met with hot air being pushed out of an exhaust of a Servo-skull, I could gauge his eye remained bright red as recordings were sent through a vox channel for secured transmissions. And another companion who'd I painstakingly prayed to the Machine God for it's blessings, numerous placation for the machine spirit had been blessed over years of service.
"Is Tartarus watching what is going on down here?" I questioned sincerely curious as psychic chains burned into a daemonic beings flesh. Cries of pleasure and pain emitted when it leaned away basking in sheer adoration for extreme measures. I waited barely moments once he replied, "Acknowledged Neophyte, Eius. Warning! Imminent Inquisition Protocol has been deemed necessary to uphold, all non-essential retinue humans will be silenced, questioned and liquidated upon capture upon Interrogator authority. Inquisitorial decree confirmed, do you understand these acknowledged parameters of Lady Inquisitor Jalena Tartarus...Neophyte Eius?"
The deafening surreal nature of those orders left a bitter taste growing within my mouth. I scowled immediately retorting, "Liquidation of non-retinue humans, Skit? Tell Tartarus I'm not wasting months of selection..." My servo-skull's vox modulator crackled upon a emitting high piercing static as a live transmission interrupted myself. It's sheer volume made many wince, or cover their ears yet a daemonic host cried out happily embracing such extreme agony. I nearly banished this creature outright, if not withholding intentions due to a bluish image of who'd ruin every piece of effort I'd been building from literally nothing years prior.
Scowling now outright infuriated upon seeing an Inquisitor's projection left little doubt on any matters I'd hope in avoiding. Jalena Tartarus wore an expensive gown with arms crossed over a scantly covered chest as I cringed when she spoke flatly, "I will not repeat myself, apprentice. Your fun of building expendable covens for our own is not going to be tolerated. Liquidation, or I will have you lashed until I grow bored of your own screams...Marcos. Once again, I see your recklessness has both damned and benefited you by chance alone." Her expression remained stoic yet a frown remained in place despite being hundreds of kilometers up in some floating palace of a city, I almost groaned out of sheer disgust for wasting potential informants.
Unwilling to allow tedious weeks of uncovering informants for this cult, I questioned with a singular word, "Why?" I refused any notion I'd be cowered by torture, I'd endured far worse and those who dared scarring my back weren't immune to others who'd take that personally. Tartarus was an exception because she knew I wouldn't attempt it, but the warnings were getting old after years of doing more in giving the coven additional infiltrators without wasting Inquisition resources. It'd garnered myself plenty of favor with others who picked up low risk and high reward eyes, or ears on worlds where similar events occurred. And an answer came back immediately stern, no traces of sympathy or empathy for humans who watched wide eyed in seeing individuals who'd end them in various methods beyond all imagination.
The Inquisitor's voice remained unnaturally indifferent, "You know why, boy." I sneered briefly at an insult despite being twice of who I was physically, mentally and spiritually years ago when damned with curses beyond human sanity. Yet my teeth gnashed together tightly, "Do not waste any more damned breath on your consequences of these ignorant rabble, apprentice. My decree stands: it is liquidation of all non-essential humans for secrecy, or you will face me upon returning to my vessel...personally." That damned audible silence loomed over when Tartarus's eyes glowered with apparent psychic energy, powerful and all too willing a sign for an actual blind man to hear and witness without mercy.
They fear you, they envy you and such bitterness to a kind heart. A daemonic host intoned seemingly enjoying uncertainty in a hundred frightened humans who'd been listening. It remained kneeling though it's very skull circulated around taking in every aspect of humane emotion, it'd been feeding off the anticipated agony and shock of being declared effectively expendable wastes of resources. The Inquisition only selected those capable in getting an objective done, or were worthy candidates for denying themselves to Chaos's potential influences. And this small group of worshipers who'd been freshly aspiring to faith were neither, I hadn't expected such a confrontation which had skewered my intentions.
Heat along shoulders dissipated when wings had curled around my neckline, I heard two heads clacking their beaks as air was hissed viciously. Every fiber within my blood, flesh and muscle were tensed as Tartarus eyed an avian creature well aware of internal reactions, "As you wish, Inquisitor. And may the Emperor judge you when they have greeted him, someday." I finally retorted less than happily in seeing my teacher glare due to a line being crossed, or rather it was resistance without outright stating I'd hold it against her. Turning aside I stared at exposed minds, a hundred or so ignorant and once desolate citizens of this world. Weeks of effort, months of searching and it all lead to them unluckily being exposed to a daemonic presence...all that effort to mold them into another network of eyes and ears!
Do not waste your munitions on these people, Master Corporal, Sister Theresea and you too Slithe. There is no vindication, or faith rewarded for doing this... I reached outward slipping into minds who could saw my hand raise their eyes, I barely blinked when an exact hundred would be servants of our Emperor frozen immediately. Their minds, nervous systems and muscle refused to move by their wills alone and I ended them. There was no pain strung out, no prolonged misery and no idea to horror of second thoughts when their brains were cut off from their spinal cords within themselves, as if they were puppets.
One hundred bodies dropped where they stood, some hunched over grasping each other and smaller frames indicating children only appeared sleeping. Yet small signs of blood trails dripping from ears, or nostrils gave away their sudden deaths. My expression remained indifferent after gauging no witnesses were allowed to live another day, a life-time denied of serving the Emperor and doing far more effective trials that millions in his hive sector would never dreamed in achieving if given the right incentives. Months of effort, planning and rewards all taken away by a damned unlucky coincidence of a daemonic host laughing joyfully when hands were raised in surrender, it'd enjoyed silent pains within souls once it was over. It'd been a death sentence for everyone within this chapel, if only for those who had hope and desire for freedom from a world clogged with smog, metal and rust to never come close to enlightenment.
My internal anger found an outlet when something dared to speak, "Such wonderful..." I snarled to immediately draw a blessed knife and it's serrated tip came quickly stabbing the daemonic host center of it's forehead. It remained frozen half leering and shock yet it wouldn't twitch a muscle, as psychic chains wrapped around it's mouth keeping it perpetually silent until otherwise unbound. The tome's pages were flipped when orange sickly incantations in high-gothic burned strongly, but parchment remained unwilling in catching a flame as I ended my hold over an imprisoned daemonic possession which had gotten it's intended goal. The goal in being imprisoned on Tartarus's ship, to be close by in mocking myself and despite everything I'd no longer humor something critical in return for those who denied my efforts for resources to assist in a never ending war against Chaos.
Without even looking up at stunned storm troopers with May observing, "You can clean up the mess and deal with your new toys to question it, Interrogator." I sneered out a title when gesturing for all who'd been my protectors, guardians and teachers to follow myself out of a stained chapel. It was no longer blessed, or holy, it'd be a stain of sin for blackening the Emperor's light being spread to others who'd carry it. All that potential in those brave hundred souls for believing in faith, it was now destroyed and utterly forgotten like billions on this damned world. And despite having Tartarus watching my departure from behind my back, I resisted to lift one finger if only moving towards doorways where all my retinue gathered.
You both can figure out it's name for the Emperor's sake. Because you take away my rewards for this work, I take away your hope until I feel otherwise. I knew only one lesson which imparted wherever I traversed, as vast as the Emperor's Imperium stretched over stars. Even as billions went about their lives never knowing what lay beyond, I smiled placidly to know only one thing which was factual in every bit of meaning. In the grim darkness of this future...there is only war. And no one was spared once it appeared in their reality for the results were always absolute, for there was no hope and no chance unless power decreed it so, if only to give some time to prepare for darkness itself.
End Prologue
Author's Note: Welcome to the start of the second installment of the Inquisitor, whether you enjoyed, despised or simply took a whimsical fancy in reading the first story is on your own effort. There's no need to build up characters from the first story, you have a basis for their character and I'd rather not waste time, or your own capability in knowing who is who. This is not myself being lazy, I see no need to hold hands when the first story is your own tastes to continue, or go from there on out, as the opening Prologue set's the stage...in short five, or six years have past since events in the Inquisitor. Roughly speaking Marcos Eius is around fifteen to sixteen years in age, if I had to put a place holder for someone's interest just in case for questions. This is quite a route for myself to undertake, I'm certain fewer stories don't go further beyond what their initial premise is made out too be.
Daemonic rituals are quite a strange, if not vague indicator of cults which spring up from seemingly no where on any given hive world. And Chaos has on occasion noted in being drawn to sacred meanings, numerical values and anything ritualistic to reflect into the Immaterium from the material universe. Every action is a reflection, every metaphor literal and so the Warp is quite an insane spectrum when trying to decipher it's meaning. Research, theories and experimentation aren't out of the realm for those within the Inquisition. And case in point? Daemonic Possessions/Hosts of mortal shells being captured, interrogated and being inflicted in said context isn't entirely...out of bounds. Ordos Malleus is an extensive portion as one of the main three Orders forming the central pillars of said Inquisition, it's an extensive network and power is literally uncheck-able.
Plenty of examples of Inquisitors going beyond themselves is well known, so a daemonic host being 'captured' isn't entirely far-fetched. So I'm not entirely concerned about why, or how it happens, if it does...it does. Now regarding said event, it's not without doubt you can trust lies of any creature especially a daemon entity. However given events of the first story, our dear Neophyte is not entirely traditionally blessed, or cursed. And deciphering names of a daemon, if it wants to offer itself freely...I'd be wary, more so any self-aware person wouldn't even bother hearing it. Marcos understood one thing, "nothing is freely given...', hence the last section of him sending a blessed blade to place said entity into stasis with psychic will chaining it frozen.
There's a long way to go, a long way to explore and reach to where I intend to have as an ending. Will it be quick, doubtful due to issues in life as we all realize when growing older. Hopefully it'll take time, but as a hobby, it's going to be questionable given a lot of events and experiences have made myself a different man over the years since starting many, many moons ago. Nonetheless, welcome to the Inquisitor II, leave a review and I'll see you on the next update. May we journey well and may we make it to the end, together.