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Two weeks after Erasmus was released by the Inquisition
Erasmus strode purposefully towards his quarters. It felt like it had been ages since he had honored his war-gear, or fought in battle, but it had been a mere two weeks. He shuddered for a moment. What he had gone through to prove he was pure of heart and free of taint was horrendous. Physical pain, mental tests, even psychic examination, but no taint was found, and he was released from Inquisitorial battleship where he had been held.
Softly, he opened the door to his quarters and beheld his war-gear for a moment. In the far left corner of the room, his armor stood, empty and dormant, waiting for him to reclaim it. On the other side of the room, his bolt pistol and chainsword sat on racks set into the wall, calm and quiet now, but before long would be caked in blood and filth. It was good to be back.
Silently, he knelt in front of his armor, whispering a prayer to placate the angered machine spirits. For long minutes he prayed, and after his prayer, he began to clean the armor, even though it was immaculate. Slowly and carefully, he cleaned each piece, pouring oil and unguents over the surface. Then, just as slowly, he donned the armor, starting with his boots, and ending by donning the helmet he rarely wore. Turning sharply, he shifted to his weapons, cleaning those in the same fashion. Just as he was about to go to the firing-range and test his weapons, one of his Marines, Gunner Jorres, the plasma-gunner of his squad, stopped him.
"Sergeant, I am glad to see you have made it back, but an Inquisitor is asking for you." Jorres looked almost concerned, his face in a slight frown.
Erasmus cursed under his breath. The damn Inquisitor just wouldn't leave him be. "Where is he?" Erasmus said coldly, his teeth clenched.
Jorres lead Erasmus to an out of the way briefing room, where the rest of his squad was waiting, as well as Veteran Squad Topes. Standing in the center, next to a large holo-projector, was Inquisitor Mikal Kovash. All eyes were on Erasmus, and everyone, save Kovash, saluted him as he walked in.
His teeth still clenched, Erasmus spoke softly, "You summoned me, Inquisitor Kovash?"
"Ah, yes, Erasmus. I'm glad to see you well, after our little 'conversation.' But, this is far more important." With that, Kovash turned on the holo-projector. First, there was nothing but static, but Kovash struck the side of the projector with his fist. The image flared sharply into focus. It was a large building, shaped like a gigantic eight-pointed star.
"This is the Temple of the Chaos Light. Before I was reassigned to deal with Sergeant Erasmus's case, I was searching for this building. I have found it planet side. Inside the Temple is an alter; built on what my sources tell me is a portal to a daemon world in the Eye of Terror.' Kovash paused for a moment, as if trying to recall information, 'Most Inquisitors would just destroy the planet, but the orks, my sources once again tell, believe the alter to be to one of their twisted gods, and are offering it blood sacrifices. This fresh blood is opening the portal. Any questions?" Kovash paused again.
Erasmus spoke up, "What does this have to do with our squads?" he indicated Squad Topes as he spoke.
"Ah, I was about to go on to that. I plan to attack the orks at the Temple, and destroy the alter, sealing the portal. Since I do not have enough forces to undertake this operation, I am enlisting your squads to help. Now, you will find data-slates with more detailed information in all your quarters. Dismissed."