(This chapter will include a brief cameo for a character originally conceived by mr I hate znt nobles kill em, for a radical rival for Nathaniel. He is basically a creepy evil psyker Inquisitor who has no issues using his telepathic abilities for his own selfish, dark and twisted ends, with an unhealthy obsession with the Eldar. I have this idea in my head of representing everything that can go wrong with an Inquisitor, radical philosophy, abuse of power, overly cruel and twisted behavior for the sake causing pain and anguish, and no respect for anyone's life except his own. I hope to make good use of him later. If anyone else has any character ideas of your own that you would like to share or you think would make a good edition to the over arching story, I would like to hear about them.)

Byzantium Inquisitorial Records

Name: Jasmine Al-Amin

Age: 25

Ordo: Xenos

Rank: Astropath

Homeworld: Tallarn

Social Origin: Hawadi Alliance

Classification: Civilized/Desert World

Expertise: Communication/Strategic Planning/Divination

Assignment Level: Epsilon

Specialties: Astral Telepathy (Primary) Divination (Secondary) Pyromancy (Tertiary)

Combat Proficiencies: Only member of retinue not trained in some form of hand to hand combat

Philosophy: Anomolian Beholders

Reputation: Reliable Astropath

Operational Methods: A very clear support role, advising Inquisitor Clark with grand strategy, divining the enemies actions, keeping the communication channel open, and if need be she can burn those who want to harm her to a crisp.

Physical Description: Slim and petite, she doesn't eat much. She wears the full green robes of her profession, usually with a hood over her head and a veil across her face when she is out in the field; she claims it makes her more mysterious looking. She always wears a blindfold around her eyes. She has also dyed her hair to be the same color of her robes and blindfold. She has extensive wrinkles, an aftereffect of the soul binding process.

Bio: Taken from her homeworld at an early age, upon arriving at Terra she was immediately put into the Astropath program. She had strong powers but lacked the will necessary to withstand the forces of the warp on her own. She quickly absorbed everything they taught her, impressing her teachers enough that she was put up to the soul binding process at the young age of 17. Upon the completion of the issue she was shipped off to the Eastern Fringe, where she got taken in by Inquisitor Clark as a member of his retinue. His previous Astropath had sadly been devoured by a Baktu.

Personality: Jasmine has a calm, cold, analytical mind, with a few soft sides; she has a love for plush animals and drinking tea with her friends. She can look at a scenario from many different perspectives and help guide Nathaniel down the right path. She has a sixth sense for danger that Nathaniel has always found useful. Despite her young age she can be very wise, tempering the passion of Nathaniel enough so he can think things through whenever he loses himself. She is also a very moral person and is always the first to voice he distaste of Nathaniel's actions when she feels they cross the line. She does not like Methuselah at all, even surpassing Melissa in that regard, claiming that every time he looks into his mind she only see's sleazy womanizing greedy thoughts. She has a suspicion that he's hiding something from everyone but so far she hasn't been able to dig that deep into his psyche.

Jasmine is showing Tsubaki the astropathic choir of Byzantium, and all the astropaths working together to keep it up. The room they are in is a large dorm, with the roof painted like the starry sky. The choir takes up most of the room, forcing Jasmine and Tsubaki to observe from a platform.

"Do you know that this is one of the largest astropathic choirs in the Eastern Fringe, most others have been lost to Xenos like the Tyranids and Tau? We are like a last candle in the darkness, surrounded by enemies on all sides with all the others being snuffed out."

"Well that's kind of depressing."

"If Byzantium fell, communication with the eleven sectors we oversee would become far more difficult, and one by one everything would be snuffed out by the Xenos."

"Why is this only one in the region?"

"This is one of the best spots for one; since it's so important it makes sense to put it into one of the most heavily fortified planets. All of the other worlds and sectors are very much spread out, making defense difficult. Since we are right in the middle, it makes a good centralized location."

"Are there other Imperial bases around?"

"Of course, each sector has its own Imperial Guard and Imperial Navy forces, though we have become a quite thin in that regard. With so many threats attacking the Imperium, our forces have slowly been taken away to fight in those campaigns, leaving us vulnerable. The Imperial authorities do not view our Xenos neighbors as any threat, at least not to them. It is quite different here on the front lines. There is talk of a fourth sphere expansion from the Tau, Necron expansions from both the Horkhesh and Sautekh Dynasties, increased Dark Eldar raids into what they consider a vulnerable target, rumors of a massive Ork Waaaaaagh tearing its way through the Sentradi Hegemony and heading for the Drake Sector. There is a minor alien power that is currently on the rise, the Hordrey. They take prisoners from other races and genetically engineer them to fill out various roles, from miners to soldiers to cattle. They have become very aggressive recently with the discovery that humans work very well with their experiments. Even the Paratain Craftworld has become more aloof and hostile, due to the actions of a certain Inquisitor. Before we could rely on them in certain situations and against common foes, but now that isn't even guaranteed. I suspect one of the reasoning's behind making him an Inquisitor Lord was the hope that all of the extra paperwork would keep him busy and mellow him out. "

"They hate Inquisitor Clark don't they?"

"And Nathaniel hates them, with a passion. Most Puritans would agree with the radicals in this regard that it's for the best not to go around whacking the hornets' nest, especially when the hornets' nest keeps the wasps away and leave you alone. But he had to have his revenge, and while he received praise for his piety and skill, he alienated and enraged a valuable asset. When they retaliated and killed 350,000 humans, I was there when the then Mistress Agatha gave him the tongue lashing of a lifetime, about his reckless disregard for the needs of the Imperium in the region letting his own feelings get in the way and ruining a delicate balance of power. Nathaniel responded by calling her loyalty into question, and whether or not she had grown soft in her old age. They haven't really been on good terms with each other sense then. She was his masters second and most important master, he used to look up to her as a respected grandmother."

"Inquisitor Clark does not show proper respect to his elders?"

"Nathaniel doesn't show respect to anyone who doesn't live up to his standards. He has many Puritan allies to protect him, like Master O'Peak and Inquisitor Lord Lankester Karras, appreciating his aggressive and active approach to handling the Xenos. Even a rival of his, Inquisitor Evangeline Marie Bellerose would come to his defense in most situations. They don't like each other, but they have learned to respect and appreciate each other. But if he goes too far, or they discover something damning about his past, then the wolves would descend and tear him apart."

"How bad was his past?"

"Really bad, he doesn't like anyone but himself to share the full details, which I am sure he will with you one day, but he spent ten years in Commorragh. Even ten days in Commorragh would be too much for most humans. Something happened there, something he feels great shame for and strives to keep a secret, living in fear of the day when it becomes public knowledge. I don't know what it is, but I do have a talent for reading people, and it's pretty obvious that whatever happened there could ruin him, I suspect it has something to do with either the Tau or the Eldar, considering his obsession with their destruction."

"Let's move on to a less dark subject, is it true you met the God-Emperor?"

Jasmine smiles at this, "Indeed, the creation of an astropath requires us to be brought before him and have him reshape our binds, to soul bind us to him."

"What is it like touching the mind of God?" Tsubaki sounds very hopeful about learning what it's like to be close with the Emperor.

"It was absolutely the most terrifying and traumatic experience of my entire existence. I still wake up shivering in fear with nightmares over the incident. There are some days when I wish that I had never been born. Having your soul bound is probably one of the most terrifying and traumatic experiences one could go through outside of Commorragh. I lost my eyes to the process, underneath this green bandage are just two empty eye sockets."

The look of youthful optimism on Tsubaki's face is replaced with horror. Even though Jasmine can't see it directly she senses that she has just shattered one of the girl's misconceptions.

"Come on Tsubaki, enough of this, I have to get you over to Margaret who wants to test out your physical abilities, I'll put Amara on standby for the inevitable injuries."

Nathaniel left the rejuvenation chamber, feeling younger than ever. Looking in the mirror he looked like his 18 year old self again. He was wearing his green and blue Tianese hanfu. "Of course Melissa would grab this for me." He has a smile on his face as he heads out and towards the Byzantium Inquisitors Lounge, where Inquisitors would come, have a drink, and relax. He would have some fun for a few hours, allowing his retinue more time to attend to their duties. Nathaniel is smiling at all of the strange looks the people in the hallways are giving him. It doesn't help that he is wearing his Mantanyan cowboy hat with this fancy outfit. It wasn't his fault he had so many Tianese outfits, Inquisitor Wei had originally done the clothes shopping for him, and she only got him Tianese outfits. By the time he was on his own, he was used to wearing them, though he knew how to mix things up with his suits as well. It also helped that every time he visited New Tian they showered him with presents. They had not forgotten that he was instrumental in saving them and finding them a new home. They had even built a small mansion for him to retire at. In fact, this particular outfit had been a personal outfit from the planetary governor himself. He had also worn an Alban kilt around Byzantium one time, a gift from Angus, and no one seemed to be distracted by that. He entered the lounge and discovered that while it wasn't crowded, there was a good turn out with a lot of familiar faces, he waved to them and headed over to the bar, where he discovered Master O'Peak drinking some whiskey and flirting with the pretty female bar tender. Nathaniel walks on over and sits down next to him.

"Careful Angus, this girl is young enough to be your granddaughter."

Inquisitor O'Peak looks over and recognizes Nathaniel. "I see that you've finished lad, ya definitely look much young, and that rejuvenation chamber is no doubt a wonder. What will ya have, my treat."

"My usual", Nathaniel could always rely on Angus O'Peak to buy him a drink.

"One Mojito lass, extra mint. By that way, that's a fancy outfit you got on, did Huian give it to you."

"No, the New Tian governor did, that world has kind of adopted me. One of these days I should wear that fancy kimono I got, see how many heads I turn with that. But I do find Tianese fashions to be very comfortable, even if I look like I am wearing my bathrobe to the average viewer."

"Speaking of New Tian, we got a new Inquisitor from there; she will be under your jurisdiction. Hey Jun, come on over, I have someone you need to meet."

The young woman walks over, appearing to be in her early twenties with a smile on her face. The most striking thing to Nathaniel was the strong similarity she bore to Chun in appearance, which only opens up the wound of losing her. She bows to Angus and says, "You called for me Master O'Peak."

"Indeed, I have Inquisitor Lord Nathaniel Clark here with me, he'll be overseeing you." Jun's eyes light up as she fervently bows to Nathaniel.

"It is an honor to meet you my Lord, upon New Tian you are held in the highest regard, along with your former teacher and adopted mother Inquisitor Wei."

Translated from Tianese to Low Gothic for your convenience. There is no need to bow young one, I am happy to hear that the people of New Tian remember my old teacher so fondly. I also try to remember the good times with her.

If you don't mind me saying Lord, I expected you to look a bit older; I wasn't even born when the original Tian fell.

That makes Nathaniel feel old. I have recently undergone a rejuvenation treatment, I am actually 56. I can't serve the Emperor properly if I am not in peak physical condition.

I understand my lord; I hope to meet with your expectations.

If your skills are as potent as your beauty, I doubt you will have any trouble. Jun blushes at this compliment, smiling at him in return.

"While I am glad to see the two of you getting along, it's kind of rude to speak to yourselves privately in a different language when there's another person present who doesn't understand it." They both suddenly remember that Master O'Peak is still there.

"Indeed, well it was a pleasure to meet you Jun, I am sure we will work well together."

"I have no doubt about that Inquisitor Lord Clark." She gives him one last smile before she walks away.

"Isn't she a little bit young for you lad?" Angus has a wry smile on his face.

"I have no idea what you are talking about, besides I'm not that old." Nathaniel is the one who is blushing now.

"Anyway I got the files here of the Inquisitors you will be in charge of supervising now that you are an Inquisitor Lord." Angus pulls out a stack of data slates from his satchel, Jun's is on top.

"She's the youngest and least experienced of the group, getting the position after you got promoted to Inquisitor Lord." He looks at her full name, in standard Tianese fashion, her family name was first. "Lin Jun, or Jun Lin for the Low Gothic naming conventions, it says here that her master was Inquisitor Turpin. Good, Inquisitor Turpin is a good man, a strong Puritan." Nathaniel continues to look through the various names, having no objections to any of them, until he comes to the last one. "You can't be serious; I have to deal with HIM". Nathaniel see's the name of Achilles Troy, a long time rival of his. Nathaniel had brought charges against him in the past of being a xenophile, but somehow he kept slipping away.

"I know the two of you have your differences."

"The first time we met, it was on a Freeport, and he loudly proclaimed my identity to all those present to draw attention away from himself after cheating a Sentradi and causing a commotion."

"You got out just fine."

"I was nearly killed, and his only excuse was that he was sure I would make it."

"You see, this is the perfect set up, you can keep an eye on him for us, and we know you will do it due to how much you hate him."

"So you also suspect him of xenophilia."

"Suspect, but since he's an Inquisitor we need more than suspicion."

Meanwhile on the on the Inquisitorial Blackship, The Myrmidon, Achilles is cursing up a storm. He stands at 5ft 6 inches, with greasy unwashed black hair, yellow rotting teeth, scraggly unkempt beard, a foul body odor indicating that he has not bathed for a week or so, one eye larger than the other, and he walks with a limp. His face is almost skeletal in appearance, with him not being an active eater. He wears a simple black robe with Inquisitor symbols on it. His private study is filled with Eldar artifacts and books dealing with the Eldar. On a shelf he has a collection of exotic female Eldar statues, all in highly suggestive poses, which alone would be enough to damn him in the eyes of the Inquisition and the Eldar. "They must suspect me of heresy; there is no other explanation for this decision. Briseis, you whimpering slave girl, get in here now." She walked in; she was a beautiful young woman with fair skin, long black hair, and dark blue eyes. She wore a suggestive outfit with an iron collar around her neck.

"You called my lord."

"Yes, I have just received a bit of disturbing news and I will need some comforting tonight, go to my chambers and wait me there."

"My lord, I really don't feel like comforting you tonight."

Furious, Achilles uses his mental powers to take control of her body, forcing her to pick up a knife and put it over her heart, ready to have it stabbed into her chest. With tears bursting Briseis begs for mercy. "I am sorry my lord, it wasn't my place to question you."

Achilles smiles and lets her go, but not before altering her mind a bit to make her more submissive. "I am sorry that you force me to be so cruel to you, but it's for your own good. It was your father who decided to have trade relations with the Tau, making you guilty by association. I had every right to kill you then and there for heresy, but I spared your life. All I asked for in return was your blind obedience, my dear you are not a person anymore you are a slave, my property. This is atonement for the sins of your father." He has a gentle tone to his voice now.

"Of course my lord, forgive my impudence." Now completely under his control again, she heads off to his chambers to await his arrival. Smiling Achilles walks over to the desk and picks up an image of an Eldar Farseer by the name of Selena, who he had some twisted plans for. "You may be free now my beauty, but in the end everyone sees things my way. And no one, not even Nathaniel, will stand in my way."

Meanwhile back on Byzantium Nathaniel gets a chill running down his spine.

"Are you alright lad?" Angus asks.

"I'm fine, it was just a chill, I am sure it's nothing."