The Inquisitor II

by Marutectz552

Years have past since one's entry into the Inquisition, cursed by sorcery and daemons. A neophyte see's the darkness seep within his soul as a damned man. Armed with hardened wit, steeled tested faith and an unyielding curse which is the greatest of dangers, a youth can longer ignore omens. For it is time, it is time and now Chaos calls, for it will not rest in the grim darkness.

2. Chapter I

The Inquisitor II

Chapter I

The silence made a private study uncomfortably uneasy, as a tension arose due to monitor's screen showcasing one bounded entity in utter solitude. Jalena Tartarus watched intently despite ignoring her Interrogator's uneasy expression, it'd been ultimately too obvious she'd made a possible rasher decision than her rebellious apprentice. A daemonic possession happens to cross over, no less disturbed or surprised by my apprentice's presence? Coincidence, or plausible exposure in order to keep him within distance for what purpose? Why now after years of little signs of our enemy, it'd be odd unless their long awaited preparations are beginning to take shape...finally.

On screen an entity seemingly remained froze in place due to a blessed dagger sequentially entrapping the daemonic creature. It wouldn't move, or be allowed too unless certain incantations that she'd instructed both to her Interrogator and apprentice, if a desperate measure was needed to buy time for far more effective banishment. And all too easily, Marcos had dispatched a freshly crossed over possession with exerting himself, another sign of rebellious intent for being disciplined in breaking mission parameters for justifiable reasoning. Years of constant oversight, shadowing and lessons had grudgingly instilled a sense of awareness in the now recent restless teenager, either arrogance or ego though had naturally followed up into a path of adulthood.

"There was no evidence indicating the governor's clandestine operations were authentic Chaos cultists, Interrogator Willen." An elder woman hummed rather exasperated in seeing an entrusted subordinate flinch due to internal belief of her own misgivings, "Nor did that man seem remotely aware of corruption until Marcos's intervention revealed all previous information, past histories and loyalties were compromised...sixty six months ago. And we arrived on the sixth month of their calendar to arrive at this conclusion exactly sixty six days...for an entity to crossover from the Immaterium for what specific purpose?"

A wry smile from an elder May Willen supplied an answer less than thrillingly, "According to my observations, it immediately recognized Marcos upon manifestation. It was host to a child, some orphan girl from what records could be dug up. Witnesses who were around in that slum, at least before being silenced, all indicated she'd been dying from exposure to toxic wastes when her birth parents died in a pool of acidic by-product...or so they claimed." Willen's blond hair had reached shoulders as sharp features pooled over one data pad, a series of images from troopers and informants who'd tracked down past histories on that world.

Jalena's frown remained when coming to a conclusion, "Similar origins, I'd suspect to foster some sort of doubt. I'd go further to say it's meant to entrap my apprentice, but he's no longer...susceptible to daemonic whispering. You're more aware he can hear them, or see them in great detail given your efforts into interrogating premature hosts that are being afflicted by certain properties into compelling an entity to cross into the Materium at will. Efforts and ambitions I'd fairly stake he knew, so hence our dilemma of a coincidental subject being offered to stay within reach at all times, if only for an unknown purpose pertaining to his presence."

No verbal, or psychic words were needed to be said. It seemed her eldest subordinate refused to humor a sly approval as it was only natural for one being territorial of their inheritable rank. Jalena quietly chortled due to Willen's bitterness in being gifted said manifestation, "By the Emperor I do believe he's always been reckless and creative in spinning coincidences into one's favorable hands, Interrogator Willen. Even for consequences, I dare say rewards are given for those who aren't keen on tainted ambitions...do well to know I tolerate it." The Inquisitor stood up idly brushing aside servo-skulls that had catalogued months of reports and information, she stared towards numerous monitors all revealing fresh alerts pertaining to possible Chaos uprisings. Or rather signs of cults growing too quickly in being quelled.

Speak your mind without consequences, Interrogator Willen. Jalena silently requested after hearing nothing but idle tapping of high-gothic lines on a data-pad. She never needed to turn around for a neutral tone to be hiding uncertainty, "I don't trust your apprentice, at least not fully when it comes to matters of internal secrecy. He's well known to be constantly flirting with exposing the Inquisition on numerous occasions to lesser stocks of humanity, forging supposed 'loyalties' of faith to be used as opposed to trained infiltrators who spend their lives giving themselves to the Emperor...and today they witnessed daemonic manifestation in plain view. I'm concerned he doesn't understand humans are capable in contending with their presences on the Materium's plane, he longer thinks like a human on some missions."

That revelation hardly made Jalena blink beyond smiling plainly aware of her apprentice's unique outlook pertaining to daemonic entities. Yes, it's a unique spectacle only being more pronounced after years of trying to quell this 'sorcery' damning his very being. Absently moving towards one table which had glasses and several bottles of reddish liquid, an Inquisitor poured herself two glasses of modest quantity. An unsavory habit yet one necessary whenever speculation pertaining to her apprentice's future came up in conversation, or idle thought. Whether from her own colleagues, or subordinates on growing frequent occasions in the past several months, if anything another coincidence of growth being noteworthy.

"Throne! Unique, or absolutely dangerous?" May retorted sharply not willing to make light of an admittedly difficult anticipation of how said sorcery kept affecting human perceptions, "Without daily reinforcement of incantations, rites of cleansing and purity, I'd believe any person who stares upon him without that mask would go...mad with rage, fear or outright do aggression towards in causing excuses for killing them. And do not state without his so called 'guardians', zealous uncontrollable women who influence him with unrestricted observation into enacting said actions aren't conveniently immune to repercussions!"

One glass came settling down in front of a desk as an Interrogator took a seat without bidding to partake in casual discussions. Jalena patiently drank taking in all grievances and would be issues responding mildly aware, "Yes, I agree in principle it'd be a cause for concern. But in practice his retinue and tutoring by them has sealed their loyalty, devotion and their joint faith of our Emperor is quite effective after years of cultivation. They have pledged themselves to be shepherds of sorts, on a pilgrimage across our Emperor's Holy Imperium...admirable yet ultimately a ploy for them to keep him in line without myself interfering too much." She leaned into an open palm gauging a younger woman's reaction to an undisclosed agreement that her apprentice, herself and a sister superior had come to years ago in private meetings.

You knew? May psychically questioned sharply as Jalena's wry smile indicated older conspiracies that'd been humored out of good sport, "Yes." There wasn't any hint of deception when admitting a less than savory method in correlating madness, "It's a necessary evil. I give grace to the Emperor in his mercy. More so for at least giving him plenty of authority and discipline in most missions, Alicia's influence no doubt is plain in witnessing results."

One glass swiftly became downed as an elder teacher and superior refilled it without second thought briefly humoring acquired habits. Yet a tired expression steadily eased itself forward from enforced stoicism, "But his recklessness isn't anything beyond vexing to witness. My apprentice has developed an unseen arrogance pertaining to daemonic entities, if he weren't so estranged I'd wager he'd have fallen to them years ago...more than likely. It's equally remarkable and suspicious in conversing with them unlike typical humans, who either lose their self-inhibitions or would die, I recall our lessons when encountering daemonic beings. Humans are not meant to combat Chaos, we're frail, fickle and absolutely drawn to their preemptive natures because of our own...it takes great restraint and faith to remain of sound mind."

May coughed lightly in a bid to soothe irritated muscles to remark sourly, "Converse? Inquisitor Tartarus, with all due respect?" She practically hissed out an envious revelation that made an elder woman smile out of sheer sympathy, "He does more than that! By the Emperor I've seen it when only he whistles loudly, or not, then somehow they go mad when he clicks his damned tongue and whispers back to them without an fear of corruption, or hint of dangers invoking their names so quickly...it's as if he speaks their own tongue. It's fecking unnatural, I swear that Xeno's witch did more than what those damned Mechanium priests state whenever we run his purity into their machines, I don't believe their wretched words."

The Inquisitor contently sipped upon her own beverage savoring flavor and exhaling lightly to reply again mildly humored, "You ask what myself, as well as others on occasion. No human naturally whose not an Astartes, or far more tested could withstand Chaos's presence, but he does." She admitted rather plainly when removing a wide brimmed hat to allow hair to freely fall, as knots were undone once leaning back into comfortable seating for relief. Her own Interrogator appeared again envious due to Jalena accepting a sly compliment despite being far older and experienced in matters when it came to Inquisitional protocols of studying marked specimens. And subtly intermingling among higher echelons of nobility on foreign worlds, as decades of experience made such acts quite humoring to appear seamless.

"Daemon's are far more attuned to the Immaterium, Interrogator Willen and our words hold power over them for they are not living, nor are tied to us yet the Materium is separate to which they cannot endeavor into claiming. My apprentice and your ward is unfortunately damned to be a line in which others may never understand...a weapon, barrier as such is a critical asset into unraveling beings that none who are human can drive back to the warp which spawned them." She admitted merely taking another pause to drink casually, as her eyes caught sight of May's grimacing expression in being scolded partially. After several minutes of silent deliberation she did reveal a humoring concern that held merit even after years of constant scrutiny whenever daemonic entities did crossover violently, "And yet I understand your fears of his reckless methods of banishment. Conversing with them, playing their game and twisting their purposes is a double edged blade that will inevitably cost him an equal price for effectively entrapping them into 'corner's as he'd gleefully proclaim ever since years ago embracing this...cursed existence."

Another pair of cups were swallowed gradually as Jalena refilled them both once her own observations were taken in attentively. Though her Interrogator pointed out uneasily, "I can sense it's growth, Inquisitor Tartarus. The way he speaks, acts and afflicts it's potency as it infects those whose ordained purpose is twisted into tolerating heresies...those damned Enforcers for one! Those women and Kriegsmen tolerate the ab-humans and mutations, to seemingly mold them them all into a unified force isn't possible. It shouldn't be even thought about at all."

Jalena's stoic expression returned fully when answering carefully aware of coincidences pertaining to the youth in question, "Yes, I know." Absently lifting up a wine to stare simply at swirling patterns of reddish liquid, "Whether it's a natural charisma, or perhaps tainted delusions for utilizing resources in an effective manner...normally, they'd never question until cleansing all impurities to the Emperor's divinity of humanity's image. But they are loyal, they are unwavering and are promised, if such creatures did step out line to be purged on sight. Action over words, do hold more power upon those who seek to aspire for true devotion to destroy Chaos, it is a necessary evil that is overlooked until such times are upon us otherwise."

Despite hearing an explanation which circumvented an intended purpose May questioned again simply, "You didn't answer my question, Lady Inquisitor. Is it really him, or is it Chaos's influence for converting all unwillingly?" An extremely uneasy Interrogator met her superior's gaze as swishing liquid ceased being physically swayed, as a hand remained steady in place holding a cup without any signs of exertion. They were both conversing about a potential heresy, danger and possibly an underhanded threat which could ignite into a nightmarish scenario. An unknown powerful cursed sorcery enacting itself through a youth who'd never consciously realize it, a ploy for genuine intentions into becoming monstrous disasters wherever they'd set foot.

Do you earnestly wish to know an answer to your fears, May? Jalena psychically stated to a younger woman who flinched visibly from being caught off guard. Both Inquisitor and apprentice held talents into piercing minds despite defenses meant for self-awareness were similarly mirrored in aspects of expertise. Marcos easily slips underneath your psyche because he's human, as I am, so both of us see through how typical mundane consciousnesses of our others can easily miss a chance to their flurry of thoughts. Blinding an opening to which am I any different for slipping 'whispers' of doubt from him presently?

Psychic resistance attempted to uproot her own efforts yet were easily deflected once speaking verbally to wryly smirk, "Do I believe Chaos is working through my apprentice, May?" The elder woman grimly revealed a theory which made Willen's spinal cord tingle in sheer terror due to an honest suspicion, "No...not necessarily. And yet it's also an old habit due to this recent incident in which I cannot ignore. For last time this happened...you met those results during your initial meeting years ago."

Another glass finished itself before she continued mostly humoring recent events, "I believe it is not him causing all such things intentionally, but it's involuntarily obvious in hindsight. It is formulating coincidences in which gives itself up to signs of it becoming aware. A curse will inflict itself on it's intended target twisting and uncurling what is entirely natural against intentions. More so an unyielding will meeting an equally stubborn obstacle only inevitably comes full circle, for only it will corrode an object until a crack is created and therefore exploited into crumbling...so, it's a question of not an if, but of simply when? When will this cursed sorcery breakthrough? And even though my apprentice's stubbornness is quite extraordinary until otherwise noted."

The lesson of daemonology hardly appeased practical and empirical observations as May exhaled loudly in sheer exhaustion, "Seeing theory and witnessing it in practice? It's...God Emperor, it's too disturbing. He's not human, naturally by it's infliction!" That commentary caused Tartarus into smiling plainly finding that somewhat crass assumption far too easily made when countering it, "He is human, Willen. Whether he continues acting humane is our conjecture given our purpose in fending off Chaos's incursions within the Imperium, for if we falter, billions of lives and numerous resources are lost keeping our survival in this galaxy."

Nonetheless their silence left room for herself to inform the Interrogator of an impending signs for their foes stirring, "For now put aside your grievances towards my apprentice, Willen. Years of observation have not relented despite all claims, nor have I deemed it to have seen significant evidence into pursuing plausible signs of Chaos corruption and acts of subverting the Emperor's divinity of his Imperium. For we're needed...imminently." Jalena's legs were crossed with arms folded over as her subordinate straightened immediately, a sign of respect and trust which had been fostered in their years since her value had grown. Value which even her apprentice, Marcos had voluntarily endeavored with her Interrogator's research in daemonology and it's potential applications of rooting out entities hosting themselves onto the Materium.

Screens that an Inquisitior faced indicated high-gothic coded transmissions being deciphered with various Servo-skulls compartmentalizing data into slates. Jalena waited patiently even though Willen looked eager despite their conversations conception, "Informants have always indicated when planetary populations are closer, or coerced into revolting against Imperial tithes. Many worlds do tether on that edge, or are put down long before any actions are needed by the Militarum. Yet this particular world which reached my eyes is...peculiar." She stated more intrigued than disturbed due to details being fore-forwarded over months of collection, reports and smaller disturbances disrupting a civil order on said planet.

"Our latest incursions have been leading our path astray, a lack of evidences and signs of Chaos's followers uprooting worlds until...now." Jalena gestured lightly towards May, or rather towards one monitor which revealed a chained figure, bound and gagged at all times. No visible signs beyond it remaining in frozen posture with one lone blessed knife embedded into it's forehead, a daemonic host being chained against wills and blessed incantations. It's eyes were staring upward yet static blurs indicated it'd been aware of imprisonment, "Why of all times isn't the question you must seek, or humor Willen. This is a case of certainty in: where!"

May spoke up recalling a task she conducted during their tenure at the governor's palace, "All those names of planets that materials were being shipped? If there's a consistent match of names, I'm beginning to believe the very same topic, Marcos reported upon a suspected clandestine dissident groups that was authentically verified to be...Chaos cultists?" An Inquisitor smiled plainly nodding in positive confirmation, an omen and spine chilling sign indicating that information was being aligned deliberately. Convenient excuses for a series of coincidences, abnormal daemonic presences and extensive records all indicating to their next plausible incursion all discovered so easily, after such a short amount of time?

The Interrogator had her faults yet she cleanly stated, "Chaos is planning it's latest vile attempt for clawing out a path of destruction. Based on our experiences it's going to pierce the veil of the Materium for an incursion on what world and we're being drawn out?" Tartarus nodded patiently when motioning to view said screen as May came about, if only standing behind with arms crossed behind her cloak viewing a daemonic host. Hundreds of incantations had been hastily chiseled, welded and utterly branded so many trace of manifestation was possible into afflicting others who'd ignorant gone about their duities on said vessel. Smaller pieces of information from stationed servo-skulls and servitors guarded every notable inch of an improvised cell, if anything dared entering then death would be an immediate result for such ignorance.

"Our enemy never ceases pursuit of humanity's soul, they learn and adapt despite being constantly flawed in their ambitions. And every effort is not two in the same in terms of accomplishment, it is why I am curious they intend to defile a world I'd not suspect." The Lady-Inquisitor humored aloud contemplating actions when absently pulling up a screen highlighting a planetary body. Several thousand reports from months prior, or even recent days gave May insight instantly when frowning to mutter, "What in the Emperor's name? Either this is indeed an oddity, or we're missing an important piece for them to commit themselves!"

The world being showcased had been listed for it's notorious ideals into remaining loyal to the Imperium of Mankind since an initial founding. No previous records of significant uprisings, it'd been for nearly centuries compliant to tithes and yet it's intended purpose, a true oddity for any Inquisitional agents to signal immediate attention. Tartarus hummed conversationally to remark rather intrigued considering secrets were possibly at stake, "Pleasure Worlds. Whole worlds dedicated for those to soothe themselves away from horrors of our galaxy, content, peaceful, perfect locations for dialogue among Imperial bodies who maintain the Imperium and native natural bio-spheres are preserved under extreme protocols. Odd...yes, but not because of it's purpose I suspect."

An Interrogator frowned noting logs of supposed dignitaries visiting said planet during an estimated time of arrival, "Annihilation of high ranking personnel, perhaps? The Astra Militarum specifically, maybe high catalogers of the Adepta Adminstartum or those who visit from the God Emperor's Ministorum?" Those were pragmatic targets of interest yet Jalena frowned trying to gauge value in eliminating a present generation of leadership which by definition wasn't irreplaceable in such vast mazes of ambitions. Yet in all actuality such collective gatherings were more scaled in priority on worlds far more guarded by battle-fleets, watched intently and held more weight in decision to the Imperium's ability in grinding warfare.

"Gaia." She spoke seemingly gauging it's intention for several moments, "Every piece of information mentioned this word as though it were an event, or a glorious awakening. And my apprentice's own informants mentioned increases of material being shipped...members whisked away on vessels, weaponry and other such raw resources in producing them. Do you recall your own findings pertaining to certain houses of this world loyal to the governor in traveling to said place, I distinctly recall those mundane braggarts unable to shut themselves up." May winced unable to quell migraines from actively repressing memories due to consistent attempts for local nobility offering themselves, or failing to subtle ask for time together on her willingness.

It'd been an entire day of unguarded minds not hiding their degenerate intentions, "Unfortunately by the Emperor, I do remember again. But if all those coincidences which slipped by our attention, I'd say it's clear Chaos will surge forth sooner than later on that world. Though I do well to fear whatever is orchestrating preparation's is deliberately aware we'll...investigate." An urge to smoke lho came close into appeasing caution as Jalena nodded once again. She apparently sent detailed vox transmissions towards more delicate hands who'd specialize in garnering them all appropriate alias, if to ward off suspicions when reaching said planetary body. It would take time until their arrival, but until preparation wouldn't be lightly ignored or done without extensive consideration to solidify objectives for select investigation.

"Interrogator Willen." Tartarus addressed a younger woman who remained rigid, "Inform the captain of my vessel to set course to our next destination immediately. All entrusted Navigators will issue urgent messages to others of our Ordos and they'll begin our insertion of aliases upon arrival. You, myself and my apprentice will have their own objectives and anything deemed vital for our mission's progress upon closer proximity to Gaia's location. Until arrival, I expect you and him prepare accordingly when more detail reports about the planet reach my eyes, see too it." She only glanced once in seeing Willen's grin signal an eagerness, a folly of youth she internally humored and yet seeing years of investment were paying off for future endeavors on later dates.

"By your orders, Inquisitor Tartarus." She lowered her head respectfully before moving quickly as Jalena hardly deviated from upcoming tasks. Still one potential issue had to be addressed, whether results or not came into consideration, it wasn't enough for even considering said reckless actions aside to not be ignored. If the youth wanted attention for questions, she'd oblige mostly out of exasperation in putting those matters until presently. Do not worry about informing my apprentice, I shall deal with that deliberate act, personally. Remember you, I and him all adhere to our Ordos and to the Emperor above all else what judgement is...enacted.

Blond hair running past shoulders stilled when her Interrogator turned to nod gratefully in not putting up with Marcos's latest stunt. Thank you, Inquisitor. She continued out past a sealed hatch as several troopers stood at attention into dutifully escorting their superior, a fortunately welcomed habit that veteran Kriegers established for routine in years past. But regardless of positive reinforcements setting an ever higher standard, Jalena casually typed in an encoded message to one specific navigator whose ties to Inquisitorial protocols were entrusted too. Perhaps it'd be wiser in garnering another who specifically knew how to deal with a wayward apprentice, for even youths close to adulthood needed authority to keep in line willingly.

---

The chiming bells tolled strongly as hundreds of passengers, crewmen or others who lingered departed from halls freshly cleansed. Glints of golden metal remained perfected in being polished, tended too and maintained with the Emperor's statue looming behind an altar of well lit candles, positioned attentively and a light odor of herbs wafted off columns. Torches burned strongly chasing away any shadows as silence gradually returned after hours of open prayer were called, for many heeded said call and faithful hearts renewed their daily duties upon a vessel. And it was here with my head lowered, I sat praying silently with my mask carefully set above where my forehead touched granite, I would dirty even one tile by hands I honed over years of rigid practice.

"Blessed be those who are by your side, God Emperor, may those who died being denied their right to serve be granted mercy." I quietly prayed with hands strongly gripping aquila's chained to wrists as their cold metallic brackets burned due to an internal hatred, a psychic surge threatened into igniting caldrons rightfully ordained rage. I may not save all, but I do bring forth loyal servants of your Imperium to stand vigilante against those who bring the darkness forth. Forgive those who go to your side eternally, may they be granted your blessing and my duty remains unfulfilled until more garner their courageous faith to stand as humanity's eyes in dark places.

Exhaling loudly I heard soft steps coming behind myself as I didn't bother moving in favor of doing daily penance for failures on ordained missions. Yet despite failures I rightfully shouldered, I knew someone else would state otherwise. And that particular person knelt below the Emperor of Mankind's statue pray in quiet reverence. I almost smiled tiredly though whispering nearly finishing a daily routine which I'd never willingly ignore. Unless I was physically off the vessel for extended periods of time due to the Inquisition's mission in locating Chaos's corruption, "Thank you for not disturbing my daily penance, Sister Alicia."

Whitened clothe covered a gentle smile behind the veil fabrics as Alicia spoke quietly, "There is no sin you willingly carry, Marcos. Your penance is your own, but remember not all who struggle against daemons can be expected to harbor secrecy...you destroyed their source for damnation and many others have been spared that horror. Have faith their deaths strength your resolve, but do not hold onto hope you can spare others for it will destroy you like a poison...foolish boy." She gently scolded myself as I grunted unwilling to allow self-imposed failure, I had failed a hundred souls who'd been readily aspire to give themselves to the Emperor's sanctioned duties.

Is my effort not enough for Tartarus to see value in cultivating resources from nothing? Is that not enough to conserve numbers without risking so much? I psychically questioned disdainfully unable to let go of a hundred minds I saw in their final moments. Quickened sensations of cold slipping them into strongly urged notions of sleeping, if only witnessing darkness with myself sending their souls to our Emperor cheaply. Adults, children, husbands, wives and friends who all jointly believed my words were now wasting away in grinding contraptions feeding starving millions, a pitiful end to lives which literally fed new generations of laborers on that world.

Alicia's hand came to settle gently over my own as I refused to let go of anger beneath my flesh, "Marcos." She said my name simply firm as I exhaled frustrated in allowing fingers to cup an aquilla casually, "You captured an entity few even dare in their nightmares, you effortlessly bond and subdued it without fear of falling to Chaos's corruption. You saved billions from ever making them realize, to fall and inevitably consume a world where an evil had crossed over, a hundred for billions is a victory. Pray for their sacrifice, I ask you praise their valor which wasn't expected, as you knew none were afraid to meet our God Emperor after discovering his Faith and being absolved of sins for that victory is not failure."

Another hand settled onto my shoulder gently squeezing to signal an end to rightful self-imposed punishment. But that warmth seeped deeply enough into my making myself exhale again, "In the name of our Emperor, protect them and may he protect us all. For the Emperor protects!" I made an aquila sign with eyes closed and got off knees, as hours kneeling had numbed my limbs to a point where pain radiated from internal joints. The veiled sister smiled patiently before gesturing towards empty pews where it'd be comfortable, a kindness I didn't deserve yet carried Saint Drusus's craved face when I'd needed to leave eventually.

"You performed expectantly, Marcos. Both my sister superior and Katherine send their praises for you swiftly crushing any chance of it influencing others." Alicia mentioned rather warmly due to seeing several other of her veiled sisters begin post-mass duties of cleansing a chapel. I hardly felt accomplishment beyond an internal thrill in crushing a daemonic being, it'd been too damned easy and I suspected because it literally wanted to be captured. Whatever purpose it found itself desiring, it'd remain frozen until my own will, or someone else broke incantations as it'd remain petrified bound in senseless prisons. Denied all feeling, all tastes, sounds and yet it's sight was allowed for it knew of it's damned arrogance.

Still I eventually retorted showcasing exhaustion, "Tartarus, or May can deal with it. They wanted an experiment to test some theories on it, so I just picked up their shiv from six months ago. Never said it was easy, or how unlucky I get." Rubbing temples soothingly, I leaned forward with hands pressed against my face warding off urges to rest again. I'd been praying for nearly twelve hours since returning to the vessel physically, I needed time to myself and silence for putting up with nearly millions of exposed minds on a daily basis. Every hour left alone inside a sanctum was Emperor blessed relief, I'd suffer migraines for eternity at this rate even with psychic dampeners enforcing control over natural wild growth spurts.

It's quiet, finally. After a few months I can think and hear myself for once! It's the worst migraine I've had being in a hive for so long, I almost wished I forgot what it was like being in a place I grew up in years ago. I sourly implied when Alicia asked gently, "Too many you could hear? You are gradually handling so many, Marcos. Time will provide you results, as the Emperor wills your patience remaining steadfast."

My natural urge to roll eyes couldn't be compelled enough as Alicia glared dubiously when I remained silent, "Fine, oh throne!" I grumbled acknowledging a sarcastic response, "I guess the Emperor is with me, even if I think otherwise. Trying to bring faith to those who'd give something from nothing, I'm just struggling...struggling a lot when it conflicts with my purpose as an Ordos Malleus neophyte on most occasions. It just seems as though I haven't found any answers when I began my pilgrimage years ago, as if nothing is providing me a sign." I leaned backwards with legs crossed trying to keep a mostly humoring composure in self-induced critiques of my capabilities, I always found relieving when I spoke to Alicia about every truth I withheld.

The white haired woman hummed firmly before speaking warmly, "You're a foolish young man, Marcos and impatient it seems. No sign is given by our Holy Father, or rather in your case an immediate hope when Faith is constant struggle for us to endeavor ourselves in duties most humans never imagine exist. Our Imperium's Inquisition's greatest strength is secrecy, whether a hundred die to preserve it is actually a small price, at least compared to millions of soldiers who die defending those who barely see the light of our God-Emperor." I found myself slouching backward unable to resist thoughts of guilt and self-doubt, but Alicia firmly gripped my hand to have an aquila placed back within an opened palm.

"I praise the Holy Father for his blessing in seeing you humbled young man...a far-cry from that little heathen of a ganger child. By the Emperor, I don't miss your sarcasm." She playfully exhaled in a faux relief as I snorted mildly amused, "I can always make you feel wanted, Sister Alicia. Should I pretend I don't have manners and say feck..." All too easily I got a solid slap over my head when mild glaring silenced any chance of humor's wondrous miracles. My coy smile couldn't have been more obvious despite making an aquila's sign in reflexive apologies.

You're sure about that, Alicia? I questioned simply to see the sister through closed eye-lids to appear mildly annoyed, "Hush! You wretched heathen!" She intoned sharply when I laughed quietly finding some months long deprived amusement, "Perhaps having you intone another twelve hours litanies of penance for that foul tongue of yours isn't out of the question, if that is your inclined punishment. Holy Father, help me!"

Nonetheless I lowered my head partially despite seeing an unseen smile form indicating I'd slowly recover from relative insanity. Her hand remained on a shoulder until I relaxed naturally, if only to allow long repressed relief seeping back into muscle and flesh respectively. Thank you for your advice, Sister Alicia. I...appreciate it, for the Emperor protects. A veiled sister hummed lowly until she lowered her own head smiling rather pridefully, as though years of drilled mannerisms were something akin to an Emperor blessed miracle. And it stung internally in putting up with it all, throne alone I grudgingly put up facades of politeness to most humans given it seemed to garner plenty of positive results on missions planet-side.

For several moments we sat in silence seemingly easing away from tension and I nearly found urges to sleep naturally in a place of security. May I rest within this sanctum, Sister? I'd honestly prefer silence until I'm somewhat sane, again. I inquired formally despite being redundant, but Alicia smiled knowingly to remark, "Foolish boy, dare I ask why you'd think otherwise? But as I have said to you over these years, Marcos...this holiest of sanctums is your place to rest." She leaned over gently pressing my own forehead into her own, as warm crept back up my spinal cord and I found myself slouching towards instinctive sensations of sleep.

Soon enough I relinquished myself into eased notions of napping as Alicia merely remained sitting by my side humming lightly. It was a hymn dedicated to souls of purity, who journeyed against darkened corners where enemies lingered and glorious zeal to the Emperor would provide an opening to victorious triumphs. The sisters often would sing sparingly on holy days dedicated to the Imperium's endured sacrifices of heroes, of soldiers and many others who'd be granted vengeance against the daemon, Xeno and heretic in fiery judgement. I found it comforting, it gave off security, strength and dedication for many who weren't capable into peering minds. And throne alone, I savored moments to inevitably know for every trial I endured, a thousand more would arise far more dangerous every day I breathed. I kept my faith after years, but I'd never cease doubting why I struggled in maintaining a flimsy sense of piety.

Although stronger sensations of warmth settled over myself as I could witness hazed outlines of wings pertaining to another who perched itself. I smiled contently when unseen wings protectively covered myself and Alicia, who twitched seemingly as though a weight found itself on shoulders despite continuing her self-imposed hymn to the Emperor of Mankind. Always an attention whore, aren't you bird? I questioned humoring when dual feathered heads which would manifest into the materium curled around my own neckline in warmth, a light nibbling of an ear signaled equal acknowledgement for being clingy in certain aspects.

However despite lingering in a brief lapse of comfort, I inevitably started placing my mask back on per natural routine. Alicia frowned momentarily due to glancing backward as a cool yet fierce presence made the warp ripple partially, "Lady Inquisitor." I never needed a verbal command, or reminder until I stood upright brushing off particles of dust which had lingered upon clothing since arrival twelve hours prior. Air sealed itself grasping borders of flesh and metal, as I turned around nonetheless staring at my Inquisitorial instructor. Tartarus stood with arms crossed at the chapel's entryway, if only glancing lazily towards various Sororita who wisely ignored the Emperor's sanctified agent who could judge entire worlds on whim alone.

I'll promise I will be present for opening mass tomorrow, Alicia. Keep an ear open please, I think several of May's troopers are going to confess 'terrible' sins about me, again. There was a sense of playful warning in those words but my most entrusted agent, teacher and who I confined in merely nodded appropriately aware of tension between us. She knew better in all aspects than questioning my recent actions pertaining to Tartarus, I'd dealt with far worse outcomes and friction amounted daily because I could do far better than any who'd take a brain cell in cultivating resources without sacrificing time for 'competent' bodies doing their purpose in efficient fashions for the Emperor's divinity.

Almost immediately weight lightly became physical as wings were draped over my shoulders when staring at Tartarus specifically. My most loyal companion and gift loomed protectively when moving quickly past an already quietened interior, I felt eyes from all observing with varying degrees of caution and anxiety indicating a tense confrontation, "Apprentice." Jalena spoke my title expectantly before turning her back on my gaze indifferent, "Walk with me, for we have much to discuss and I will not put up with rustics trying to be subtle in my presence."

Again an interior within the warp rippled due to psionic tendrils swiftly deciphering intentions and tried in vain hiding their internal warnings. I merely answered all the while enclosing exposed psyches to moderate make my statement, "You need not ask me, Inquisitor. Unlike others, I do not hide my intentions and pray the Emperor gives them strength to learn." My teacher paused upon steps to glance back rather stoically, if only humming lightly due to significant psychic wills keeping pressure in place for anyone within moving without affliction. I never stopped walking, or hesitating save for waiting at her side for permission to continue a private conversation and possibly, a punishment for doing something unexpected all too naturally.

Staring ahead we both heard chapel doors closing resoundingly as an empty corridor greeted both of our facades of indifference. I wasn't surprised hearing Tartarus's voice inside my skull casually, if only showcasing a mild annoyance for our by-play of psychic lessons honed over years. Has your latest imposed confession given you clarity for insignificant lives, apprentice? Or have you an audacity to over step yourself? I didn't react physically beyond shrugging partially accepting accusations, I expected far more extreme measures of her so called disciplinary lessons. It wasn't without fault that unexpected opportunities came a mixed bag of praise and warnings.

"Wasting cultivated resources isn't overstepping boundaries, Inquisitor Tartarus. Ordos Malleus needs every human who shall, or willingly serve the Emperor in rooting out our enemies. Insigificant civilians die in untold millions in their service to the Imperium, but they are numerous and easily made into networks for Chaos's presence." I stated more aware when following behind my teacher who turned mostly in exasperation for such straightforward justifications. It was neither rebellious, nor overreaching save for a practical mindset in which she grudgingly accept on various occasions for making objectives beyond attainable for foreseeable futures in any case, if Chaos or any cult dared to invoke daemons onto previously cleanses worlds.

Secrecy is vital, but vigilance without breaking pace is invaluable for official resources to be allocated on later dates without too much integration required. My eyes burned involuntarily when remaining locked ahead inside an empty corridor, Tartarus hardly broke stride leading us both to an elevator lift to get towards higher decks. She replied verbally not so amused by actions which had gained her and May a specimen for their supposed 'research' into daemonic manifestations, "And they outlived themselves the moment a daemonic host festered within that location, apprentice. They have no privilege, or right into harboring memories of Chaos which would've spread among them, as such liquidation is prudent in maintain absolute secrecy from infecting general populations. Humanity does not have an entrusted history of maintaining...sanity."

That argument was met by myself retorting irritably, "Only if they're taught and build themselves from exposure, a selected few over those who go mad whenever a psyker is found. I am not naive to the gullibility of humans, Tartarus. Those who are found, honed and molded into reliable eyes on native worlds are invaluable to actual Inquisitorial informants who've as I recall, now had a history of missing critical information lately. Especially...that host yesterday." An unseen rippling of psychic energy rippled across my own sight as an Inquisitor came temptingly close into enacting disciplinary actions, if only for that slight jab at her own methods.

Both of us came to stop at a lift as she activated one lone panel into descending machinery. I remained slightly behind with arms folded behind my back, "Recklessness is not a rewarding trait, boy." Tartarus commented rather aware of coincidental outcomes which made things incredibly eccentric, "I'd expect arrogance not from you, but I suppose a youth at your age wasn't above natural selection. You are not powerful, nor anywhere proficient dueling entities who break minds of men so easily." I raised an eyebrow cocking my head over, as it was odd deflection of her own lessons and teachings which had provided an opportunity for future endeavors. Either she was trying to bait myself into rage, or else I'd imagine it was exhaustion for putting up a logical defense to simply boil down to excuses for my growth entirely.

I'm confident, not arrogant Tartarus. Do well to remember, I've had these 'gifts' for years and I can never stare at anyone without our points proven...I remain humbled and ever alert to do worse to our enemy for this fecking curse. The lift's opens opened with an audible squealing as she stepped inside facing towards myself, if only motioning for herself to be joined. And I do so without question, if only standing nearly eye to eye to see her indifferent expression crack. I witnessed a frown emerging due to that honest admission, I never claimed arrogance or acted pompously aloof, I maintained vicious determination in order for eradicating any daemonic entity which believed itself a natural predator to humanity's souls.

"Indeed, boy." She quietly agreed resigning ourselves to a stalemate of debates as it wasn't so easily simple to act rebellious towards her intended orders. I simply improvised in ways to reach intended objectives utilizing all available resources without over-stepping boundaries of established parameters for any environment I'd uphold, "It is why I'm forbidding you from ever interacting with that specific host. It desired your presence, it as you've stated, wanted you for whatever purpose and it's the first daemonic possession we've encountered...after many years of faux rituals. You and I both suspect is pertains to your unique ability of discovering humanity's grip for sanity. We will not play in our enemies hands regardless without any information, signs or credible threats in which may expose their movements."

Momentum pulling us upwards hardly deterred my immediate response, "I couldn't give a feck about what it babbles, Inquisitor. It's May's pet project, so Emperor help her in that regard. It's odd, but I'd rather find out more about our next destination." I implied more indifferent as an elder teacher snorted fairly unconvinced, "Apprentice, do you take me for a simpleton? Your bi-monthly visits to the Navigator guild on board receiving messages, tasks and possible favors for coincidences you come across don't sound oddly...questionable?"

My smile naturally widened finding her annoyance too much to humor, "It's hardly a secret, Inquisitor and I wasn't hiding when you turn a blind eye to it. I've never hidden my ambitions, I will find what I seek as I vowed before the Emperor's divinity for humanity." Tartarus's psychic aura literally seeped outward causing a mechanical lift to strain immediately, sparks and bending metallic gears squealing by unseen forces. Unnatural weight settled over even myself, but I withstood it compared to greater enemies and foes who'd broken me years earlier, Tartarus used to be terrifying when I knew nothing amidst being absconded yet I still never crossed lines willingly for her power wasn't anything less than scary.

Marcos, I am tiring of your half-truths...speak out of line, again or I will enact my disdain until others pay for your folly. Her voice remained casual in name, if only showcasing mild annoyances for my well prepared answers to reply easily, "Understood, Inquisitor. I'm merely uncertain when daemonic entities constantly try to whisper lies, I tend to pretend I'm humoring humans who don't understand what they flirting with...damnation. Whatever that host intents on desiring, I don't think it just let me bind it without expecting something getting me to answer it."

Tartarus's expression remained stoic despite pressuring lifting itself away as a lift surged upwards clearing numerous decks in apparent relief. These confrontations bordered on debates which clashed with her expectations of my actions on missions, I chose my own improvisations and it never ceased to be an internal irritation for being reprimanded over fundamentals. Your bi-monthly meetings with my colleague Augustus is concerning, I've repeatedly told you to never assume his whimsical tasks aren't apart of grander schemes. Do not by the Emperor's sake just entrap yourself willingly in his games for whatever far flung chance, I trust you're at least aware it's going to come full circle in having you regret it, apprentice.

Despite hearing some genuine concerns I wryly smiled to bark out chortling, "Unless you know of another who has ties to a Xeno, I'm choosing to take chances on that search. I hold no secrets pertaining to my quest in killing Esdainn, after I have that Xeno beg for death." I promised all too easily turning away as wings of an avian protector perched itself soundly. Not even an Inquisitor who could have forbid my interactions humored a fool's gambit, I barely had anything after years of patiently digesting lessons, disciplines and seeking for signs of the Eldar. Not one damned world had any traces pertaining to their kind, yet alone Dark Eldar as Augustus Octavian had mentioned years past during his little ring-led games for political closure.

You're certain you are not treading a path to damnation? She inquired merely affirming I'd not lost my sight in being blinded to ambition. If I'd allow it to consume my ability to operate, I'd have no chance of seeing another month without extreme repercussions. It was a wait and see approach, I had no resources into funneling for finding signs and that was one key reason for cultivating disposable human agents whenever I left worlds. Someone would notice anything out of place, Chaos or Xeno, it'd all circumvent glaring loop-holes in Inquisitorial protocols pertaining to Ordos Malleus's mandate in combating our enemy beyond and within.

Regardless I answered plainly humoring another danger on board, "I'm not one who divulges into daemonic rituals and conceptions, Tartarus. Willen is someone whose desperate, if they can be proven right of course. I chain, bind and annihilate daemons, I don't want to pick them apart and torture them to unravel how they come to be...it's a headache." The elder woman hummed less than amused yet acquiesced to that point of actual concerns, even if it was a sanctioned subject that Ordos Malleus loosely enforced on most cases. I'd still be branded as extreme radical by most terminology, even others weren't so pious into fecking mutants when they themselves were hypocrites to levels even our Emperor would spite them.

"Your Interrogator can and will order your assistance, apprentice. Do not make an already thin line for results and issues arise, I trust you in that regard." She admitted mostly with a coy smile as I rolled eyes already seeing years of planning coming into fruition. But I wasn't going to spoil an obvious beneficial relationship which would make it worthwhile. Even when May garners three recommendations into becoming a sanctioned Inquisitor, I'll bet Skit's eye that she'll never stray far and pool resources with you for future endeavors to tip the coven's scale of power. Throne alone I fecking called it years ago, but really if it gets Willen capable to get her started off, then I'll beg the Emperor to bless her for all I'd care honestly.

Less than humoring in pointing out a contradiction to her supposed orders, "And if I'm ordered by her to converse with that specific host? You well know as I do, it'll happen eventually." Tartarus hardly missed a beat crushing all speculation when the lift began slowing after minutes of ascension to where we'd traverse, "She'll have no authority on that matter, apprentice. One's capture is incredibly abnormal yet I will not allow an oversight in ambition by convenience to poison natural experience, one doesn't allow shortcomings without journey from start to finish...am I clear? An obvious ploy doesn't excuse laziness, or ineptitude for growth which has lessons of failures and successes."

I smiled plainly despite it being unseen to retort all too easily, "She honestly believes I have a talent for deciphering daemonic tongues! Emperor bless me with an irony, I can never make sense of them until I shut them up." The Inquisitor's wry grin allowed a sly humor, if only briefly when doors squealed open revealing an almost different scene from previous corridors. Reckless are you, boy, I do have faith you're not too far gone to see reasonable cautions in place. Perhaps with time, I may humor more entrusted responsibility when times are ripe for your own progression, I rarely have luxury in selecting individuals without knowing their intentions.

Numerous bodies pertaining to crewmen of her vessel were quickly aware of our presence. Naval uniforms of both old, or newer tailored clothing indicated drills were being practiced pertaining to boarding invaders. Other mechanicus members in crimson robes placated machine spirits as we walked forward, a series of servo-skulls floated linking their own spirits and alarms were routinely tested with prayers to the Omnissiah upon their activation. You're not obvious enough for that lie, Tartarus. The only luxury I provide is when I'm sticking to my corner, anywhere else you never lose eyes on me, if I decide to do what I intended too. Dozens of naval crewmen immediately made way when Tartarus continued towards an opening, a massive command deck operated by hundreds as a distinct figure stood center peering over an entire void of space. Flickering stars greeted our entry, as I followed her to junction with tapestry invoking a Navigator house which guided her vessel into the spiraling madness of warp travel.

Spiraling shapes melded jointly with an aquilla indicating a long dynastic herlad pertaining to Navigator Houses who Tartarus held sway over. The years I'd spent learning how vast the Inquisition held roots into every aspect of the Imperium's very body, I'd severely never would imagine in my surreal nightmares who much they had truly in place. And despite being unclear, I knew only power was what any aspect of the Imperium feared, or respected given circumstances in which resources were pulled upon moment's notice. Ordos Malleus had quite an extensive history pertaining to any sanctioned psyker whether they were Astra Militarum, Navigators, Astropaths and numerous others from Tartarus's historical lessons on our Ordos's founding. Ten thousand years held immense rigid adherence in being secretive, if only to a selected few who ruled over trillions within systems in any Segmantum.

Doors inwardly slid open revealing stations of figures attached to machinery, or were in a non-responsive state seeking the Astronomicon within warp space. Psionic pressures ranging from skin crawling sensations to nothing at all saturated an entire deck's, but Tartarus and my own presences were enough to startle several out of their honed purposes. It wasn't entirely clear why they reacted curiously, or were intrigued given I walked past several sickly looking Navigators whose third eyes brightened upon witnessing myself in physical sight, I swore they appeared submissive in refusing to even stare at all. Their signatures glowered strongly yet were thin comparably to Tartarus whose very restraint lessened in signaling strength, power and clear hierarchy as to who they adhered too within this vessel's confines. It was her territory and realm of ruler-ship through sanctioned protocols, by extension of the God Emperor of Mankind and I wasn't immune into cautiously fearing consequences either.

Lanky specimens whose hallowed faces stared from positions meant for receiving messages across the warp and several appeared too thin. Their very flesh drooped from cheekbones yet their eyes were brightened by exposure to the warp itself, a sign of Astropaths who were burning themselves from staring at galactic beacon which was Holy Terra itself. Your frequent visitations have earned you a rarity from any who set foot inside their house halls, apprentice. My teacher's voice sounded utterly exasperated as though she'd been constantly ignoring and avoiding any reason for traversing to a specific individual who maintained long distance messages through psionic deciphering. And it didn't take long before I immediately realized, as years of persistence were going to be heard for once after I knew inevitably for ulitizing their abilities.

A trio of Astropaths were huddled amidst an opened circle as we stopped upon seeing one's eyes glowering brightly. Sickly flesh paler than frozen liquid, lanky arms whose bony protrusions indicated extremely anorexic traits and yellowed fingers tips curling in mockery of talons. Half grayed out hair fell into frayed tips as I inwardly cringed upon seeing a wheezing feminine voice greet us, "Welcome Lady-Inquisitor, young Neophyte, I see our request might be answered. Excuse our appearances as the warp has become in recent days...tumultuous." I witnessed a third eye opening through both in the materium and warp jointly, as tendrils tediously tried in vain from snaking their way towards us yet were rebuffed effortlessly by our sheer aura.

"Lady Uthena." Tartarus responded blandly when glancing at two lower ranked family members who strained upon receiving images from another Astropath possibly hundreds of thousands of light years away, "While I am less than pleased as your own concerns for any urgent travel, I do require an immediate charting towards a planet and sector that my Interrogator will place upon your house sooner than later. Do not hesitate to take risks, I will not tolerate delays but I sense you're intrigued on other matters. You may speak your request since you have been patiently awaiting an answer from...my apprentice's visits."

Limbs which resembled more akin to a creature's tentacle slid over itself in disgusting similarity to folding arms. I sneered partially seeing these mutants far more removed from humanity's divine form of purity, I withheld snark retorts upon seeing a humoring smile. The Matriarch of these Navigators questioned me rather genuinely, "We've kept track of your apprentice's psychic signature since he's come aboard years ago, Lady-Inquisitor. Those within my family formally request a breeding bond with one of our lesser branch members, we are seeking new bloodlines and despite his lacking of our forefather's genetic trait...it's simply a fascinating opportunity for an offspring to inherit his gifts among our own for more effective navigation trials."

That inherent request made my stomach churn violently as I resisted gagging in sheer disgust. Uthena's scale like hands motioned towards one individual who had a respirator attached to their jawline, as a somewhat relatively humane appearance for any Navigator bowed respectfully to Tartarus's stoic expression. Darkened hair entwined with augments to interact with machinery, a bond of spirits from metal and flesh for traveling the warp itself. This vile mutation was indeed a woman, or rather someone just as young as myself left little imagination for them offering an inbred specimen. Inbreeding alone is fairly frowned upon, but these things barely pass off as human. Throne, Slithe was better off compared to these people when I first met her and that's an Emperor forsaken truth I'll admit to anyone on my better days.

Still I kept my mouth utterly closed as Tartarus raised an eyebrow accordingly, "I understand." She mirrored an elder Navigator whose age dwarfed almost everyone on board, "It's a fascinating quandary, Uthena yet I am not convinced for consummating a theorized bloodline. However pertaining to your specific request whose at your attention to answer, I leave that responsibility for my apprentice to determine for your house's lineage as I can relate to his growth, it is an oddity but is a decision worth humoring on later dates." Her half-truth answers were distinctly neutral into passing off any consequences onto my own flesh, I inwardly knew it appear humoring yet I was keen on maintaining my purity at all costs due to a cursed gift I endured daily.

Warmth eased itself onto my shoulders when an avian companion made itself known, if only causing an old mutant to blink several times. Tartarus lightly moved aside when raising a hand to gesture for myself into speaking, "You may formally ask him, Ulthena. I withhold any formal judgement, or divine favor when it's a potential union of a house's sub-branch." Two heads lowered threateningly to a Navigator and another whose eyes widened sensing growing aggression, I imagined psychic auras were sweltering over considering I kept my expression stern. And my voice remained verbal regardless of gifts as I wanted no part, or desire in even being anywhere close inside their psyches by the God Emperor's blessings.

Absently stroking a pair of feathered necks as serrated teeth exposed themselves in hissing warning to them both, "I would rather piss out fecking glass." Neither member outwardly of an inbred mutant house seemingly reacted save for an elder one smile partially amused, "I see, young one. We do not simply offer, or lightly suggest a bonding without merit attached. It is an opportunity to be inducted into good standing among the Navis Nobilite, for we are fluent in our resources and your contribution to our bloodline would be well compensated."

In hindsight while gaining a nobility title was enticing even though it was purely ceremonial and utterly worthless, "I'd rather stick my dick into a promethium exhaust pipe, Navigator Ulthena." I declined absolutely without hesitation just to catch a glimpse in n seeing her third eye half opened remaining passively entertained. It's solid surface only showcased a thin bright pupil as she nodded unperturbed by crass metaphors, "You hide your disgust of us well, Neophyte Eius. I'm sure your kindness would be an unfortunate trait to harbor, yet it would have been a pleasant match considering this young one here is seeking ways to avoid responsibility."

A half-surgically implanted respirator hid an uneasy facial expression when I stared over gauging one potential mutant who'd avoided their role to the Emperor's Imperium. The Inquisitor hadn't shifted beyond silently appraising a small driblet of rumor, "Unlike others who are alive, I am not afraid of dangers when I've survived horrors even your third eye bleeds upon seeing...mutation. Pray you don't cross a line, if something amiss happens in our journey." I stated in seeing a younger mutant female lower their gaze in clear frightened realization, I never needed to invade a psyche in seeing treachery possibly allowed for lesser games of duty.

Yet oddly enough I didn't press an issue mainly out of impatience to ending years long annoyances which had relentlessly refused to die off. Still I glared towards the eldest mutant who dropped their civil facade due external heat radiating off my flesh, "Will you end your charade, or must I show you what's underneath this mask? I'll suggest you not tempt me, I'm late already sending a message for Inquisition protocols. And by extension, obstructing the Emperor's divinity for safeguarding his Imperium from our enemies..." I trailed off allowing inflamed flesh into cooling off, as a mask's exterior wasn't burning a sickly orange from holy incantations being burnt off yet again so sooner after recanting them.

Tartarus voiced herself after finally finishing humor's natural course to have any offer heeded upon a later date officially, "It'd be best, if we discussed your House's offer to my apprentice. Ulthena, I'm sure better circumstances can alleviate your intrigue, but he has given his answer as clear as our Emperor dictates his will through us." The Navigator's smile seemed placid yet a nod of agreement was met when both lowered their heads formally to leave our presence. And the duo of heads settled on easing their aggressive posture, so I fondly stroked feathered necks all too relieved in not dealing with petty ambitions.

The stoic Inquisitor turned her face and expression towards my own in allowing a faint smirk, "Crass words as always, apprentice. But they do the Emperor's work in...timely manners." I nodded all too humoring faint entertainment in seeing Navigators who believed themselves the Emperor's divinity manifest, an irony we as Inquisitorial agents were granted as per rights. I'm not one to ignore an opportunity, Inquisitor as I've learned there's always one within sight. If one knows how to learn, I guess I have my ways maintaining your trust on my personal matters. And I know a shiv when I hear one is being dropped, so I'll humor it.

We both proceeded further into an inner-sanctum for the Astropaths as we weren't obstructed at all from anyone within. Mechanical tethers were implanted in some who were bonded to machines as their psyches were infused with narcotics dampening pain, or started screaming silently from viewing the warp too intensely. Yet no signs of abnormal behavior's stood out, if only something to justify putting these mutants in their place for acting out of line. They had no right, or daring audacity in ordering anything from any who were within Ordos Malleus. We defended them, they served us and not the other way around by the Emperor's divine mandate for safeguarding humanity in it's bid for survival in this darkened universe. The Imperial Truth alone was enough to state an obvious warning in suffer not the mutant, or xeno to live, for we judged their actions regardless of their critical need to humanity and others would be available in stepping in as loyal servants.

Upon reaching an overtly secured doorway did Tartarus cease walking to inform me ever aware of what I'd do, "Do not take too long, apprentice. Augustus will suspect your attempts, so be mindful and mention your coincidence...it'll be enough to entice him." She offered vaguely as I lowered my head respectfully grateful for stepping on a path I'd long awaited to find signs off. Years of patience, putting up with lessons and eliminating daemonic entities who had no connection to the very one who cursed myself to loathe humanity entirely. I formed an aquila praying silent for strength and resolve in hunting down a Xeno Psyker, one whose name I'd sworn as my vendetta as a crusade amongst the stars to repay it so generously. As such my only lead was a man who had alleged dealings with their disgusting kind, so I hoped Augustus Octavian would finally humor a game of hide and go seek.

---

The densely packed crowd seemed particularly rowdier than usual as patrons were hollering due to a pair fighting brutally. Gangers congregated outside between makeshift barriers, as chairs, steel pylons and sheets made no effort in making crudely caged animals battle for first blood. Watching from above rather bored did an almost humane woman exhale, "Is boss back yet?" She questioned into a vox bead somewhat sullen when glancing across in seeing a fortified makeshift guard tower, or rather an overlooking position primed with enough explosive devices to kill any creature daring enough to reach masked soldiers manned.

"No." An accent gothic voice replied clipped as Slithe grinned pegging it's owner to be a Kriegsmen who'd been promoted a year ago. Her eyes dully tracked fists slamming into one mutants face, a blood mix of saliva and flesh from teeth got knocked lose effortlessly. Topless female forms were cheering above on extended decks as drinks were tossed upwards, if only wetting lustful gazes as carefully selected entertainers hungered for rumors. If any were brave enough to wet their tongues, or their cocks given the choice of laid back activities. Deck sixty nine remained as ever, a cesspool of sex, drugs and murder with more carefully allowed restrictions maintaining an honestly human friendly from naval crews who ventured often enough.

Leaning against rusted metal did she starve off anxious awareness in being told of another mission where she'd serve all too readily. It's always been home, but it's so...dull now. I hate coming back here when every world I set foot on...it's different. She mused somewhat happily comparing dregs of supposed hive-worlds to her own aboard a vessel, they were similar yet so vastly different it was beyond exhilarating blending seamlessly among foreign humans. Every new hive city, under-hive or even cleaner pristine worlds were beyond an Emperor blessed miracle, it gave clarity and a chance for something to be right for a future rightfully ordained.

Still ever relatively upbeat she mentioned absently, "Anyone ever tell you have that voice which gets a girl to quiver, Master-Corporal?" Static remained crackling over a vox as Slithe lazily grinned to lay onto her back, if only viewing inverted masked Kriegsmen who naturally remained stalwart in their patrol post's observation. With legs crossed and light humming a hymn to the God Emperor, an ever dutiful servant withheld optimism due to being closer than ever into being pull purified and cleansed of mutations that scarred her a lifetime of grievances. And all too happily, a knife came twirling with herself expertly flipping it over several times due to lessons which she honed due to a young man who'd given her opportunity for service.

I only need a few more treatments by those machine people, a few times to cut me open and remove this...this stain of being mutated! She gently closed her eyes smiling hopeful, if only wryly admitting it'd take more service to the Emperor and to Marcos, years of work and sacrifice paying off for loyalty earned on every world. And when I am fully pure, I don't know what I'll do next! As long I have faith in our Emperor, I'll do what I must to achieve absolution for no longer staining humanity's pure image to born anew.

Down below in a crudely constructed cage did cheers devolve into groans of anger, or disbelief as she stretched further getting glimpses. One ganger had fallen to their knees, if to shriek due to a bite sized piece of flesh missing from their jawline. Slithe hummed slightly realizing desperation had brought out instincts she'd herself still held restrained, "Smells like rancid shit. And to think I never tasted grox steaks at all!" A faint repugnant odor made boredom pass over again as her leather boots clacked together, a habit similar to her boss who tended to find such mirroring development grudgingly annoying. Even after all these years, she fondly remember a unique scent and his kindness wasn't entirely unchanged, even though he had a self-defeating bad habit in itself to lie for others he provided to be useful resources.

Still all in all deck sixty nine had been cleaned up for quite a long while and home only seemed mundane when it'd been cleansed of troubled folk. I hope you rot, my sister. Dying two years ago isn't enough, I hope our 'family' bred you dry. Savoring in disposing of an old corpse brought warmth back into fearsome dedication, a warning to any who corrupted themselves in the name of faith. And those offspring were kept in check by Kriegsmen who practiced fire discipline on routine days, a shame they never allowed gangs to get in for good sport. A few in months recently past thought themselves equals to masked soldiers who silently observed them all, as Slithe herself momentarily whistled remembering remains being incinerated by hell-guns towards those misguided mutations. They had no earned a privilege standing shoulder to shoulder with pure humans, nothing less of sacrifice paved a path forward to rewards earned through blood, sweat and unwavering loyalty to service of the God-Emperor of Mankind.

"Ab-human." A vox channel crackled to life when an overt cold order came through as Slithe's eyes opened immediately, "Your presence is requested in the 'nest', two minutes." Adrenaline kicked started rapid reactions, she grinned eagerly upon looking up at scaffolding being manned by pairs of Kriegsmen as well. Within darkened shadows on sturdier scaffolding a figure barely illuminated could be seen casually moving. Glinting metal from flickering lights revealed Saint Drusus's iconic facial expression due which she replied happily, "Copy that, Master-Corporal! I'll buy you a drink and bring any of your kin with one of Vera's girls, if you happen to say please."

The vox channel only emitted static despite nimbly jumping up to quickly leap onto adjacent metallic slates for roofs. None below cared to look upwards, or rather couldn't hear it over cheering mutants seeing blood being spilled and two combatants came streaking towards each other. Grappling limbs and grunts of blunt punching sent drunkards bellowing for a fight worthy of their down time, but Slithe skidded to a halt reaching one ladder going upwards and swiftly flipped over an edge revealing the opened area beneath fortified eyes. A locked hatch mimicking one normalized metallic door held one lone panel signaled security measures, if only waiting by one doorway glancing upward in seeing a servo-skull descend ahead of it's owner. She smiled warmly greeting the floating machine despite it's lone red eye brightening to scan herself, "Hello Skit. Emperor praise your auspects, am I that noticeable for you?"

The servo-skull's eye ceases canning to emit one monotone acknowledgement, "Acknowledged Ab-human designated as Neophyte Eius liaison for retinue. Neophyte Eius requests your immediate presence for imminent priority mission. Stand by for security clearance!" Mechanical protrusions extended from it's floating base, a series of sharped points and wiring all went towards a secured panel as flashing binary numerals and lettering garbling in it's own tongue successfully unlocked an entry way to an established private quarters settled above Vera's brothel and bar. She giggled fondly enjoying how even a creation of the Omnissiah had accepted her, even if few alive noted subtle signs of it's own grudging appearance.

Casually brushing hair aside did Slithe wait warmly upon hearing something shuffle from above and flapping of a lose cloak. She viewed Marcos lightly jumping down from scaffolding despite getting crisp nods from a pair of Kriegsmen who lowered weaponry, they seemed relieved given their gazes swept back to vigilance in eying crowds of mutation below. Gripping hands firmly together did her head lower respectfully while smiling affectionately, "Welcome home, Boss. What's the news?" She asked simply curious as Marcos's masked face turned towards her seemingly indifferent, if only opening a hatchway gesturing for herself to follow wordlessly.

Both servo-skull and master entered first with the former hovering towards plated windows allowing slits for lighting to peer through. Slithe immediately noticed terminals pertaining to private information pertaining to her boss's plans, leads or anything involving rumors. A sizable list of data was being downloaded by Skit for security's sake alone, "Boss?" She asked quietly seeing lights being flickered revealing a cleaned area for casual usage, an almost made bed with various pillows and pieces of bolt pistols meant for cleaning, knives carefully sorted to a few mounted blades that were capable in slicing off limbs and various other tools. Tomes of carefully researched incantations were sorted beneath cleansed shelves as a light remained loosely swaying, as a string of sorts got pulled revealing one small table meant for three individuals at best. All in all what had been a nightmare for herself and others living on deck sixty nine, it'd been dutifully cleaned into becoming a meeting involving those who were selected for exterior missions.

Marcos's silence wasn't entirely unusual given exhaustion for mental and physical constraints weighed him down on worse days. Yet he began taking off gloves when sitting on a cleaned mattress to emit an overly relieved grunt, "Are you...okay?" Slithe hesitantly inquired seeing signs of the growing teenager who normally remained stalwart, or cunningly sly to anyone else outside of their conversations. The wide brimmed hat came off with a cowl and cloak being set aside on hooks once his legs propped themselves onto iron bars to finally rest in sheer blissful privacy. And clattering chains were slowly unraveled from whitened bands along wrists, a sign of voluntary restraint for stern psychic dampeners into forcibly stunting natural awareness.

"Look away, Slithe." Marcos finally spoke up gruffly when hands began unlatching a mask as she turned around obediently due to dangers long witnessed. Clothing being ruffled indicated something be tied briefly, only for him to yawn tiredly, "You're fine, so relax." The elder relatively almost human woman turned seeing a white blind fold obscuring eyes which overtly glowed, as a series of yellow incantations illuminating a surface burned viciously. An organ called a heart beat too quickly due to how ineffective a sensation of dreadful anxiety filled herself, a sign of holy protections fading against powerful curses sending anything humane into madness itself.

The teenager stretched allowing muscle and bone to pop loudly when he exhaled contently while sinking into softened fabric. And yet he wryly smirked, "Apparently everyone is going to be needed for something big, or until May sends me a vox with updated details. Something big is going down somewhere and that's all I know." He honestly revealed simply when having hands rest above his chest, as it rose steadily in perfect rhythm allowing relaxation. Slithe inwardly smiled knowing he'd finally allowed himself into acting normally without someone eying him, a rarity she privately enjoyed in being trusted without doubt.

Lightly taking a meager welded chair and hanging over it's top, Slithe used forearms to cushion her to cheek to lightly tease, "Everyone boss? Am I not enough for you?" She cooed aloud feinting hurt as a teenager's eyebrow rose less than amused, "Knock that fecking shit off, Slithe. I have enough nightmares whenever I hear anyone try that card, Emperor help you because I might make you regret thinking it. And my answer is no..." He stated firmly making her pout partially, as they'd been together for years and once had been childish reluctance, Marcos had ended once grudgingly allowed instances of her sleeping beside him for warmth.

Please? She thought earnestly swearing to keep any physical contact to a minimum as she genuinely found comfort in holding him close during their younger days. It was a wound which refused to heal despite time offering skills, lessons and confidence yet being close to her savior was beyond any Emperor blessed miracle granted. Marcos hardly hesitated to repute that plea, "We are not children anymore, Slithe. I've told you numerous times, I will not put up with it as it was a mistake when I tolerated your nightmares, I understood your reasons considering Alicia and Tartarus found out. Mine have only become worse and I'd rather not waste years of making you into a capable tool just disappear because of...instinct or Emperor knows why."

The woman's smile softened hearing that steel resolve hide an annoyed reluctance, "Men fear being alone, Marcos. Emperor alone I'll say, we women aren't shy about it, Vera showed me ways." A teenager's expression frowned when shaking his head easily, "And that's why I keep someone to make sure you don't get any funny ideas. Find someone else whose purity is of human stock, throne I trust your treatments are coming along regardless, it'd be a real shame and pity to not ruin any chance of a future."

Above them a shimmering haze descended when an avian creature landed softly onto Marcos's chest as dual heads eyed herself shrewdly. Her heart raced as it rested allowing hands to gently stroke feathered necks in calm and clear tempting motions, a shiver of heat went up her spinal cord. You've been inside me, Marcos. There's no secret I hold, I am not afraid. Phantom sensations indicating another pressure within her thoughts lifted momentarily, as though it'd been hastily withdrawn when Marcos's blinded expression twitched visibly uncomfortable. She still smiled through throbbing migraines fondly to showcase that resolve despite everything, Slithe would give anything if he asked, she'd die for him willingly and everything more if there was a slight miracle to be granted for service's rewards to the Emperor's light.

"Don't ruin yourself over me, woman." He rebuked her internal intentions flatly as his sharp gaze moved towards an unlocked hatch, "Corporal Wulf will be joining us. Alicia is being escorted by him to meet for future...expectations. Like I said, something big is happening!" Marcos's tone humored a familiar exoneration that made even herself smirk viciously, if anything he hadn't lost that eccentric ability in kick-starting bloody trouble. All too easily she sat up surrendering anymore effort into convincing him otherwise, he hadn't lied about ties going beyond what they shouldn't have naturally pushed. It was awfully kind and sweet of him to warn her repeatedly, but alas it was that genuine effort to keep herself aware.

The two waited in eased silence for roughly ten minutes at best as muted thuds of bodies landing above on a metal sleeted roof jolted an overhanging light. Marcos didn't even twitch, or move from his resting position when hearing latches unlocked in squealing effort, Slithe however frowned in seeing a face she privately dis-tasted at times. Zealous...bitch. A gray gowned sister of battle sporting the stern face of another who competed with her own closeness to another inside the room. Alicia of the Blood Rose and potentially her killer, if acts were ever caught wind and enacting the Imperial Truth upon her mutated flesh wouldn't be second thought.

Another entered behind fully geared and had a weapon stowed when closing the entryway as a masked face lowered towards the battle sister. Calm and paced breathing was all that was heard, as a Kriegsmen who effectively commanded an entire fire-team of veteran soldiers saluted Marcos who nodded accordingly, "At ease, Master-Corporal Wulf. You can stand down, I've got potential news about our next mission and we'll need everyone prepared." Slithe lazily allowed herself to settle into an open palm as she leaned looking at the man's behind, if only whistling akin to a canine in making the Krieger stare less than rigidly.

"Control your wretched tongue, mutant." Alicia stated disgustedly without preamble when settling in on a chair closer to the teenager who gestured towards an empty seat. The Krieger merely obeyed nodding despite keeping a loaded hell-gun pointed away from potentially muzzling flashing those were purely human. All three key figures to the Neophytes retinue either as teachers, liaisons or oath bound soldiers awaited for Marcos to begin comfortably explaining expectations. While they were fresh off another world, it wasn't entirely surprising to begin preparations immediately in case of deployment on a moments notice by the one who command him.

Although these meetings tended to be less than civil considering Slithe faced extreme disdain and utterly loathing from others save for her boss. Alicia and herself despised each other, if only pertaining to the teenager who'd essentially taught her skills to survive and inadvertently lessons from a sister of battle reflected it, but a contradiction of disgust meant said woman knew her own influences had been utilized with mutations. Cry the Emperor a miracle, you stuck up cunt! She smugly grinned into making what was once nearly impossible tolerance from an Adepta Sororita naturally lean into favored temptations for aggression, if restraining violence due to the only Kriegsmen eying the two of them patiently aware of threats. Blood would've been spilled except unseen weighted pressure exerted itself onto their shoulders rather quickly.

"Slithe don't antagonize..." Marcos warned rather tiredly when he yawned lazily, "And you know damn well she's not going to stop, Alicia. Just ignore her, Emperor knows I do. So I'll make this quick, if only until Willen sends word. All I know from Tartarus, we'll be hunting leads due to our latest incident with that daemonic possession...it's the only one which wanted to be imprisoned aboard, so pray to the Emperor it doesn't get ideas."

The Kriegsmen non-commissioned officer spoke softly in an accented rasp as though he hadn't used his vocal cords in weeks, "This trooper requests...I request, details Neophyte." He slowly accepted gradual responsibility in being a senior enlisted towards his brothers in arms, "Do we know what environmental geography is confirmed, potential adversaries or anything relevant for the area of operations you can offer? Sooner I know, sooner I can prepare your fire-teams for maximum battle ready responses." He finished straight to every point as Slithe whistled lowly in sheer amazement. It'd been a long time since she heard him speak so many words without psychic conversations subverting expectations of Kriegers being silent emotionless soldiers.

"Unknown until Interrogator Willen sends me details, I got the impression Tartarus doesn't know too much either. So stick to standard expectations, urban environmental details, hive blocks and if necessary subterranean combat." Marcos remarked earnestly in making the Kriegsmen nod crisply, "Get everyone ready for deployment, I'm not exaggerating when I say everyone is going to be needed. Sister Alicia?" The blind folded teenager turned to a sitting mentor asking politely as a fond amused look came from the gray gowned sister in seeing equate put into rewarded practice, "Can you please convey a request to Sister Theresa for having her entire contingent prepared as well? We'll bless ourselves with foresight of the Emperor in needing plenty of additional firepower, blessed armors and having enough force to assist Corporal Wulf's troops if things ever get...aggressive."

Overhead a servo-skull's eye began glowering brightly as Slithe noted it'd been an impending sign of vox communication. Looks like someone's calling, so right on time boss. She eyed a machine cease previous actions to allowing it's external modulator to echo substantially louder gaining all within the meeting's attention, "Warning Neophyte Eius! Immediate communication request by Inquisitorial protocol, Interrogator May Willen... this unit is establishing stable connection for live transmission! Wait for confirmation!"

The youth yawned loudly when sitting upright to cracking his neckline and inevitably came to get off a brief disruption of comfortable fabric. Both arms were crossed leisurely when leaning against a bed's metallic frame into lazily responding to a said warning, "Bring it up, Skit." Everyone within sight found themselves being allowed into witnessing a normally enclosed meeting between Inquisitorial matters, "And don't bother with protocols in my little home, Skit. There's no need to play coy, Emperor help us all, if Willen's going to come clean about where we're all heading and sooner the better to get some shut eye."

Slithe half expected a servo-skull into canceling said vox feed yet it replied, "Acknowledged, Neophyte Eius. Vox communication has been established!" The machine hovered briefly in front of closed off windows and an audible squealing of static came next, as a pale image flooded dim shadows into bluish obscurity. Yet within moments she along with the Kriegsmen, a stuck up pious sister and Marcos observed the still cute scented woman. Her boss's secondary superior whose expression seemed aloof noting their presence, an oddity into ignoring supposed risks to exchanging official matters of Inquisition information.

"I see you've already gathered your retinue's liaisons, Marcos." The woman's less than humoring tone indicated subtle disapproval as her boss retorted easily, "Don't be jealous too much, Willen. Envy is a sin after-all, so ignore them and get to the point. What did Tartarus tell you about our next planet drop, sooner I get details and sooner we're prepared for whatever throne are you'll just throw my happy fecking ass into to get results for...our Inquisitor. Sound like a deal for both our sakes, or what else for a pet project?"

An Interrogator's vox image showcased bristling irritation which could be heard clearly, "Watch your tone, Neophyte Eius. But to your suggestion, since there are not so trusted individuals in this briefing, I'll share basic facts pertaining to our next destination." Slithe innocently smiled waving all too fondly in remembering an almost tempted scent, it'd been of fear and disgust, but in her defense? That young woman wore some extremely scented perfumes and herbal remedies that got her blood all too curiously invested for physical sampling. And by the Emperor, it was a real pity she never ventured down here in person after the boss had cleaned house on deck sixty nine for normal humans into alleviating their frustrations for warp travel.

May's eyes narrowed disdainfully in sheer reflex as another loathing glare settled on a gray clothed sister of battle personally. Alicia's composed and patient expression cracked due to a small smirk enjoying suspected discomfort, "I share your opinion, Interrogator Willen. But I do believe faith can reward even supposed unworthy into compliance for their efforts. And others who supposedly find it as shallow words is indeed concerning." Marcos's expression remained indifferent despite his hand reaching towards one metallic pouch clipped onto a belt line. Hands nimbly swept out a lho-stick to which a psychic flame burned an end, as smoke got exhaled through nostrils in an obvious bid for tolerating words being stabbed into those speaking.

"Fascinating beliefs, Sister of the Bloody Rose." The blond haired woman commented sneering ideally aware of insinuations, "You and that mutation share a common cause, I fear your dedication isn't as pure in the Emperor's faith. Still it's such an example of discipline in having your retinue speaking to their superior's, Marcos." An insult made Slithe's blood boil momentarily in sheer vicious fashion got crushed to puffs of lho-smoke being lazily blown around. A thin haze of smoke lingered before being dispersed hardly showcased any anger, or infuriating sighs beyond him remaining in place waiting for expected details.

After several moments of a lack of forthcoming details did he eventually leer gleefully, "If you're gonna act tough up there, May? Take a walk on my turf, I guarantee Master-Corporal Wulf's troopers and Alicia's fellow sisters can humble your own misconceptions. Hell, I'll swear by our Emperor even Slithe won't bother being a guide this time around. I hope your experienced storm troopers can last an hour. So do me a blessed favor..." He actively lowered his voice staring ahead, visibly standing upright with an arm at his side, if only another series of fingers flicking ash on metallic floors rather annoyed for petty pissing contests.

"Stop fecking trying to drag me into your pissing contests when you can't win. Either get your problems in line, or I'll fecking have you start over from scratch..." Within a confined space lights overhead flickered as an unnatural weight settled in air itself. May's vox image strained as though she could see something they all couldn't rear it's head in a warning, "Remember my Kriegers will see your men to be what they call: expendable fodder. Now shut up, tell me what Tartarus is letting me know so I can sleep tonight...you get me?"

For an entire minute silence reigned between Interrogator and Neophyte with no signs of immediate deescalation at all. Slithe inwardly counted until May's expression soured, "Only thing I'm allowed to say in untrusted company, Marcos is that's a pleasure world. Peaceful history, no historical precedent for rebellion, stable natural preservation and consistent management of urban development yet no hives are established. More information will be forwarded to you, if I deem it so and our Inquisitor made it clear it's on a need to know basis until arrival." Tension evaporated so quickly, too much so as a blind folded teenager hummed rather loudly in shock, as he leaned against a bed frame pondering that fascinating destination.

Eventually he blurted aloud laughing absolutely exasperated, "What by the throne and feck's a pleasure world?" Slithe now earnestly blinked finding a genuine confusion, as it was mirrored by a Krieger who tilted his masked face somewhat dumbfounded. Yet among them all a gray clothed sister's sharpened intake of air followed by groaning of a resigned exhaustion. The elder Interrogator's less than humoring expression didn't exactly alleviate genuine ignorance, "Sometimes your lack of awareness astonishes our Emperor's miracle you breathe, kid. Either way, I'm not in a mood to discuss it's purpose as your 'educator' can fill you in on those detail. Be prepared once we travel into the warp, I do suspect it'll take time until specifics are ironed out."

Marcos seemed dubiously disturbed due to a fact his superior found an almost hidden enjoyment in that ignorance. She merely gazed over them all before finishing a briefing, "The Inquisitor and I will inform you when details of infiltration and alias are secured. Until then, prepare yourself to your own devices and be expected to serve with every available resource...despite our grievances, I'm wary to admit something's amiss from recent events. If you wish for private discussion, I'll allow you entry into my own inner-sanctum's study. Be prepared!" The vox live feed cut out immediately as a servo-skull's eye dimmed to it's usual reddish hue, if only returning to re-ordered protocols of sorting out information from their latest visitation to a world and that left silence among those who took in that'd been stated soundly.

Slithe watched the teenager exhale loudly when flicking an ember aside tiredly, "She's in a good mood for once, Emperor be praised." Glancing towards a masked Krieger who sat up expectantly did Marcos suggest mildly optimistic, "You got a rough idea of our assumed area of operations, Master-Corporal. See to it that you and your firearms with our Emperor's blessings are drilling appropriately, as always I trust your judgement with free reign utilizing deck sixty nine's full capacity for live fire, coordination and entrenchment...considering if there's underground infrastructure? I have faith in the Sons of Krieg to enact deadly force for all foes to the Imperium."

The young Kriegsmen saluted crisply replying in a clipped approval, "By your will, Neophyte. For the Emperor protects!" Marcos nodded attentively forming an aquila in response, "And we fight, or die! For it's the Krieg way, Wulf. May we die well, or die atoned in our upcoming days ridding ourselves of mankind's enemies."

Another subtle nod indicating one son of Krieg smiling all too willingly as he made his way out with a firearm stowed leaving them in typical fashion. Such a cute face and ass too... Slithe thought idly catching glimpses of crisp uniforms, it seemed lately in making many a female mutant envious when gossip about the silent Kriegers were seen with masks off, as a result were rather less bashful, if they spotted masked men over-watching their steps. She had no guilt in spreading those rumors personally for find them too taken aback when exposed to those flaunting asses, tits or more whenever they ignored most of the deck's populace.

However day-dreams aside did her name be invoked, "Slithe!" Smiling pleasantly towards a younger teenager who appeared again exasperated, "Start rounding up any Psycho's who you know are capable blending into familiar faces, if they're close to being freed from their servitude...I'll allow them a chance attaining it. And for the love the Emperor..." Marcos wryly soothed an oncoming migraine due to witnessing her own unabashed fantasies, "Don't even dare antagonizing the Master-Corporal's and his kin, or else you'll regret me putting an end to it. I cannot say how much longer they'll withhold fire from gunning down you and Vera's girls for flashing them...they are very disgusted, so do not push your favor anymore."

The mutant raised a hand all too casually, "It was only in good sport and fun, boss." The blessed incantations within a whitened blind fold hid glowering smoulders for pupils which made her spinal cord quiver beneath flesh involuntarily. Don't think to overstep your place, Slithe or by the Emperor I promise you. If you persist to disobey me, I'll make you watch when I order them all to have Corporal Wulf gun everyone down. You're really fecking with not so humoring people, I'm finished with warnings and I'm getting really tired of putting up with grox shit. Her innate anxiety returned due to how severely irritated his psychic tone came off, a rare warning which seemed amusing but she looked downward genuinely chastised.

Thick lho-smoke burned strongly as an odor oozed in an enclosed private quarter, "Do not ruin yourself over petty affections, Slithe. Stick to your ambition and reap the rewards for unyielding faith to the Emperor for safeguarding humanity." Marcos finished verbally when he gestured sharply towards another hatch leading to lower levels of a busy bar and brothel below their feet. Staring absently Slithe nodded sufficiently acknowledging both an order and threat, "Understood...boss. I'm sorry." Reflexively making an aquila did her head lower submissively to a blind folded psyker, who nodded before turning towards a coyly entertained sister of battle.

As a silent dismissal stung both pride and envy, Slithe could only catch a glimpse of the youth sitting back down. With hands rubbing what appeared to be severe migraines, a pair of clothed hands gently inspected holy incantations sternly taking in details. Envy alone wasn't capable in holding a candle to that natural desire, instinct or willingness, it mattered naught when even the smallest of hopes remained out of reach indefinitely. She had earned rights to be his entrusted hand, his weapon, confidant, subordinate and being pushed aside by another who simply was human fostered resentment for not being allowed to be humane at all.

Walking towards an unlocked panel in letting herself out did tears form mainly out of bitter truth revealed itself routinely. I am human when I'm off this ship, but here I'm still a mutant who can never be accepted. Does the Emperor reward his servants who zealously serve, if not only be allowed to be apart of humanity's divine image in his Imperium? Her questions weren't ignored considering Marcos's form stiffened due to a lho-stick burning viciously bright, a few embers were crushed in one of his hands rigidly. And faint burning flesh could be smelt making her stomach churn in seeing such self-inflicted principles remain unchanging. Nonetheless the young never once turned away from a Sororita who lightly brushed the clothe murmuring litanies of protection, resolve and blessings bestowed known to her own sisterhood.

Deliberately delaying from leaving a place she considered both home and safety in being allowed to be human stung deeply. Yet despite everything a warmth settled over onto her shoulders, a pair of sharpened talons perched themselves firmly onto leather. Her smile only partially found solace due to a pair of blackened feathered necks peering on opposite sides, those dozen eyes blinked together as two gentle pecks struck her scalp sternly. And in the end as she closed a hatchway behind herself, Slithe knew silently Marcos still looked out for her safety because she knew resoundingly. If she could earn her right attaining humanity, then the Emperor's faith alone provided rewards for anyone who never flinched from their duty to earn that privilege. For there was only duty, faith and loyalty to endure trials to be truly human in the Imperium of Mankind.

End Chapter One

Author's Note: Couple things to mention, why this slight build up for starters? Well, it's groundwork in chasing how our characters have changed in their own ways from events of the first story, so the lack of action or combat isn't necessarily a negative. There's plenty of that coming, I can assure anyone and most of you readers enjoyed the psyker battles, fire-fights and generalized battlefields when we moved across worlds. Mostly there are strengths and weaknesses to anyone within the Inquisition, particular to what I call...methods to their madness. Pending on the Ordos we are getting into, so Ordos Malleus is quite an interesting manner pertaining to retinues which is what determines how effective agents/Inquisitors are on various situations pertaining to Daemons/Chaos manifestations.

Now here's the question, what makes an effective retinue/supporting individuals who assist the actual Ordos Malleus members who banish daemonic influences when they do crossover. Considering infamous/famous examples lore-wise, there's quite an extensive entourage or lack of them, as it is based on covens who do allocate resources for recruitment, or how are they utilized? I can hazard a reasonable assumption that Interrogators who are underneath the Inquisitor are their own retinues of bodies, whether they're allowed isn't stated...so I'm assuming they make do with what they get, or are favored by their superiors in being allocated opportunities for potential additions. So here's the crux of this issue, at least to my view.

I'm aware lower ranked members of the Inquisition can have retinues by chance, opportunity and make do, so how can they assist on larger scale operations? In this case, eyes, ears and multiple bodies in places that are allocated akin to objective based responsibilities. Obviously how rounded, balanced or strength leaning these groups are is up for debate, so I do juggle the organic appearances in how they interact, note the tolerance in extreme exceptions, but do showcase there's dynamics within them. Case in point: A Sister of Battle, A Krieger and Mutations walk above into a bar...hilariously doomed for practical reasoning and yet group cohesion is enforced by the Neophytes/Interrogators for their Inquisitor's needs if they're called upon on moments notice. It's all give or take, hence this character heavy and depth influenced chapter establishing stakes/relations from different perspectives.

Another topic of contention: Tartarus's views pertaining to her subordinates...the friction and self-imposed distancing of them. It's how human nature is, competitive and selfish to retain authority/favor in normal situations. Yet in this instance, Marcos isn't afraid or remotely intimidated by his superior May Willen, ironically she's closer to becoming her own Inquisitor by being very streamlined in respecting authority, orders and putting up with a lot of dangers that are rightfully reasonable (again hilariously questionable) pertaining to young Neophyte whose got some arrogance and over-confident issues, again not out of realm of humoring when teenagers act up in their own phases. And as such, we do have conflicting views on whether it's the correct action, hence you will notice how it does trickle down with instigation in maintaining an aura of command, fear or respect in most situations.

Onto Slithe of all people, there was going to be consequences for allowing her growth and existence. Marcos's influence is what I call, his younger reflection being rubbed off too much and it showcases a drastic change from the first story. Is she naive, I'll say yes but for sake of an argument, not without cause considering it's a delicate line he emits and it's not exactly tolerated by any stretch with the Imperial Truth. Like I mentioned, friction and dynamic perspectives with their own ways of goals and ambitions, relations etc. But overall it adds more depth that even with a Mutant getting genetically treated, scrubbed or cleansed, they'll always be on the back foot pertaining to xenophobia for good damned reason in the Imperium of Mankind. To which I'll end this note on a far more amusing and for others, a grin to be held.

The Navigator Guilds, or the Great Houses and Holy Inquisition have frequently clashed, because both Astropaths/Navigators are vital to warp travel and yet both are clearly mutated humans. So more obvious than others, as funny as that interaction was...not everything is all tongue and cheek. Friction and power go hand in hand, so humor that thought. Until next time, leave a review and let's keep this journey going.