To the PDF that defended the planet until now, the sight of the Castigator Titan was a sight. The behemoth of metal and engineering picked up the Tyranid bioforms to crush them. Ichor flowed over the massive siege fist before a pulse of energy evaporated it away.
A small PDF contingent was sent with the Commander general to greet the leader of the Andromeda forces. The contingent was forced to wait as a path was literally burned for them and an escort. They were piled onto an armored transport and a convoy was hastily made. The marine commanders ran alongside the vehicles across the glassed land.
The general was amazed at the technology on display. All the vehicles were using anti-Gravity to glide effortlessly across the ground.
"Truly this is what the Great Crusade was like." He muttered.
The andromedan guard stood and moved toward him. The general stiffened not knowing what they were going to do.
"Hang on, a few stragglers are heading our way!" They pushed open a cap in the roof and settled on a Vulkite cannon. When the roof was opened the general could hear the screeches of the fell beasts.
Then came the now familiar crackle and warble of the Volkite weapons. The guardsman's upper half illuminated in the orange glow.
A loud explosion filled the air. The pressure wave entering the compartment. "By the Throne! What was that?" The general exclaimed. His retinue in various states of panic.
"Fear not. Three ancients are covering us." The Guardsman dismounted and closed the roof cap as he returned to his seat.
"Ancients?"
"Oh right, you wouldn't know. They are what is left of the original sons of Atlas. Their official title was 'The 700' now only one hundred remain active. All interred in either god engines or knights. The ones covering us are knights." There was a slight hum in the guard's voice. Like they were recalling a fond memory.
The general was still suspicious of the newcomers. Since landing none have removed their helmets. Not even the marines. Of course it would have been suicide and against regulations if it was done on the battlefield. But even their wounded in the medical tents refused. Threatening anyone who dared to try.
It was odd because even the Kreiggers he has heard about remove their masks, even if it is rarely. But the Andromedans, they eat separate from the rest of the guard almost as if they were making a clear distinction between the two. Some have tried to sneak into their areas only to be caught and sent back with a reprimand.
"Why don't you ever remove your helmet sir?" The general asked, his curiosity getting the better of him.
The Andromedan turned to him. The void armor helmet turned to face him. The expressionless eye slits giving him the feeling of looking into his soul.
"Because we are in a battle zone. We only remove them when we know we are safe." Their tone was matter of fact and left no room for further discourse.
"I see."
One of the more calm Imperial Guardsmen asked a generic question. "What are they saying sir? I am only understanding a few words here and there."
"Nothing of note, soldier. You have reminded me that high gothic is now an art."
The andromedan tilted their head. They were having trouble as well in understanding the common low gothic. The divide between the groups will soon stem from only the imperial officers understanding the Andromedans.
The transport slowed down to a stop. "We are here. Follow me." The andromedan guard stood and motioned for the others to follow as he opened the back of the vehicle. The general stepped out and was caught off guard by what he saw.
The hangar was filled with powered down tanks and various other vehicles. One was little more than an oversized open top troop carrier. But that was when he saw one moving a trio of Contemptor armored marines.
The whole place was abuzz with movement. He and his men could only stare in awe as people milled about fixing and repairing. Each bay with a small group of tech priests praying but not actually working on the machines. It was all backwards.
"Follow me we must head to the main hangar bay. I have been told that the Primarch will be back shortly. He just wants to stretch his legs more." The Guard led them through the bay, sparks flying as mechanics barked out orders to the others. Below it were the mumblings of the priest's prayers.
"This is so odd." One of the general's men said.
"I know. Normally the tech priests would go ballistic if anyone but them touched their machines."
Then they saw the heart of the ship. The large shutter door opened revealing the gargantuan Titan hanger. The god machines would be escorted to various bays. Spare armor plating held in place by armetures. Priests moved between them, placing blessings and burning incense.
"Brother Carmine is coming back in! Acid damage on the legs and right arm. Prepare his bay with replacements. He needs to be back in the ichor in 1 Terran hour!" The voice went through the intercom and this caused a flurry of action. Teams moved to a single bay working to get the necessary parts and tools ready. The priests removed themselves from the bay, their prayers halted.
"They can't just stop the Tech priest from their canticles!" The general said.
"Our ways were born of necessity. The mechanicus was split in our crusade. Now hurry, we must not be late." The andromedan guard motioned them to a lift as the end of the ship was shadowed with the incoming Reaver Titan.
The god machine shook the ground with each step. The right arm was hanging on by the minimum of structure. In the siege fist was the crushed body of a large warrior Gaunt. Someone ran and hit an alarm. Sending flashing lights and an alert out.
"Nemisis detected in Titan bay, promethium squads 9 and 15 report for cleansing." A female's voice said. A minute later two trucks with two squads of Contemptor Terminators drove in. Each of the marines were wielding two heavy flamers. They got to work and engulfed the damaged arm in fire.
To the General it was like watching The Emperor's holy work. But for every andromedan this was a serious issue. The Titan however never stopped his march. Entering his bay for repair. The Reaver skull was replaced with the facade of a crusade era Marine helmet. Once in the bay the floor turned to face the titan back out and the work commenced with a practiced speed. One mechanic was on a gantry in front of one of the 'eyes' speaking to it.
"This is all wrong."
"I'm going to stop you there General. Our ways were born of necessity. Do not question them." The Andromedan escort cut him off. The lift stopped and they made their way towards a throne-like structure at the back. The height of the ship rises with each step.
Near their destination was an armored marine in ornate contemptor armor. He had been waiting for them it seems. Once they were closer he greeted them. Saluting them in their odd way.
"Good to meet you. I am Catiel of the Andromeda Legion. Father has just informed me he is returning for maintenance."
Hearing a marine call their Primarch 'Father' was odd. Though not unheard of. A few moments later the ground began to rumble beneath them as a shadow was cast over the spine of the ship. At the opening was the sillohette of the Primarch's titan. The armor plating still pristine while the feet were dirty with soot, ash, and ichor. The massive body strided with regal purpose. The war horns of the nearby titans and knight blared their welcome as the people saluted the passing titan. Five steps was all it took for the titan to reach his throne.
The god engine was turned in place before it sat down. Gantries moving to lock it down for matinence. One gantry extended infront of the head. Catiel began walking to stand before the the titan. Vox in hand. "How was your jaunt Father?" The general quickly followed the marine.
All the sensors in the eye slits aimed at the two men. The general began to sweat from the preassure. The vox crackled to life as a deep voice emminated from it.
"Boring, nothing like Trellidin IV."
"That was a hive world in it's prime. This was only the start of a take over."
"Still boring for my first steps in five millenia."
This caught the general's ear. The primarch was entombed in the titan for some reason.
"I understand father. Onto duties, the local leaders have sent a General to deligate their grattitude and ask our intentions."
The general stepped forward now. His body feeling as if he was on a high gravity planet as all the Primarch's attention was focused on him.
"Thank you for the introduction my lord." He may out rank him, but he knew how to pick his political battles. He pulled out a sealed scroll and broke the wax. Pulling it open he began to read.
"Lord Atlas, primarch of the Andromeda legion, son of The God Emperor of mankind." There was a grinding sound that made the General almost bite his tongue. It had started when he said the word 'god' though he was too nervous to care.
"I, Lord Kathalen, Govenor of the planet Nix, of the Nix system, servant of the Imperium and Leader of house Kathalen, wish to extend my gratitude for your assistance in protecting the Hive world of Nix. I would have wished to meet in person for a formal discussion. Alas the whims of fate are fickle.
For the people of Nix may I be so blatant as to ask what are your intentions after the invasion is purged from the planet?
With respect and honor: Governor, Lord Nathaniel Kathalen."
The general lowered the scroll when he finished speaking. Aware of the silence coming from the vox. Only the sounds of distant battle and the repair bay below could be heard.
Just as the General's nerve was about to break, the sounds of machinery churning rhythmically. As if the Titan itself was laughing.
"The Governor is a bold one. Sending a General of his forces as a messenger."
Even Caitiel chuckled at the notion.
"Well General, my intentions are to make this system the home system of my legion in the Milky Way. Set up a gate to unite the two Galaxies. Bring my sons and our armies to reignite my Father's dream of a united Galaxy."
As much as it would step on the imperium' s toes to claim a system, Nix was not known for anything of note other than the basic tithe of manpower and food.
"I think something can be worked out between you and the Governor. If there is nothing else, may I leave?"
"No, I have a request."
The general stopped. "Yes my lord?"
"Dismantle the churches and Cathedrals."
Again there was silence. The General was stunned. What could it mean? Were they really traitors? Who would go against the Eclisiarcy? Was this really a primarch?
"My Father stepped into the void above after abolishing all religions. I have assisted in the scouring of planets for the same. Even re-scoured one when they started to worship my Father." The sensors whirred and clicked as they focused.
"Do not confuse this order to include the removal of my Father's effigies. Just the walls of stone and metal that encase them. Let all see his glory and revere it as they may. All guards will swear their loyalties before them. He is the Master of all. Not just those who can afford the sermons of the greedy."
The general calmed. Of course he wouldn't be a traitor. He is The Emperor's son. He just wanted everyone to bathe in The God Emperor's glory all the time. To build unity. Of course they purged other religions. It was to show The Emperor's Holy powers.
Sadly for Atlas, the key point of his words were missed as the General was finally dismissed. He went out with a sense of affirmation of his religious ways.
"It seems your words fell on deaf ears Father."
"I agree. It seems we will have to take this slow. They are loyal citizens of the Imperium. We cannot march against them like we did under The Emperor. Unlike the populace, we have time in abundance."
Like that the order to remove the churches and as an added change the Hive cities turned those major areas into Plazas for gathering. People came together to kneel and pray before the golden effigies. Andromedan Guards and Marines would kneel and swear their fealty before those statues weekly. Affirming their loyalty and devotion. Inadvertently starting a boom in those who wanted to join the Imperial Guard.
Recruiters were pleased with not having to draft men and women to join. The planet's planetary defense force flourished. The first class of graduating Guardsmen swearing fealty before a Statue of The Emperor erected outside the Hive city. Thousands of men and women knelt in reverence and awe. The oath given as they marched to the muster point for their next orders. Inside the city the news of the graduating class was mentioned.
It had been mere months since the Andromeda Legion saved the world of Nix. The landing zone of Atlas' Hope was turning into a space port. Reclamation efforts were underway to revitalize the planet by the Andromeda Engineering Corps. Though the Mechanicum would try to but in endlessly. The two factions had differing world views on technology.
Some areas were returned to normal and agricultural work was underway. Across the system the Andromedan were at work. A great warp gate was built, the two moon-like ships now orbiting the world of Nix. With this and the rebuilding efforts going smoothly, the common people's lives had never been better.
Though others think that it is all too good to be true. Shadows moved to learn all they can about the newcomers in the galaxy. To gain a foothold against them to hold power over them. These actors moved in the shadows. Looking for a moment to strike. After a few terran months they found it.
In an Andromedan barracks Brother Zacharius was looking for one of his guardsmen. He stopped a man walking by. He was out of armor as the building was sealed for them. The man had shoulder length dark hair and gray eyes.
"Yes Captain?"
"Where is Private Landra. She is requested for promotion."
The man looked at Brother Zacharius in his armor. "She is out on patrol."
Zacharius patted the man's shoulder. "Thank you. I can use the beacon in her armor to find her."
The man saluted before heading to the dining hall with the others.
Zacharius grabbed two other guards that were getting ready to doff their equipment. "Not yet soldiers, we have a private to find." The two of them sighed with a 'yes sir' before picking their rifles up again. Zacharius was only armed with deactivated power fists. The area was cleared of all hostiles a week ago.
After the major fighting the legion flooded into the various Hive cities. Purging all of those infected with the Tyranid gene code. Men, women, and children were reduced to ashes under the assault. Screaming in vain as their plans of domination and consumption were dashed to the winds. The operation took months and more than one Hive was left barren. In need of repopulation.
One such Hive city became a home of Andromedans. In their care the city saw a rebuilding. Many of the cruel and dirty facades and building structure was giving way to smooth and clean designs. The white walls of the city are almost bone like in color.
The natives moved in as well, aiding in the reclamation of the city. Many never wearing more than rags in their life were given a new purpose. Their pristine garments signifying a new lease on life as they were guided by their out of galaxy fellows. There were only Andromedan workers on the planet so there were no children from the far off galaxy. But Zacharius waved at the native children as he followed Landra's beacon. The children stood and saluted with their hand to their head. In the fashion of the legion. Zacharius could only smile behind his helm.
He saw the beacon around the corner and called out to Landra.
"Private, I know it has been a rough couple months but-" he stopped, on the ground was the bullet shaped helm of the legion guard. A small amount of blood on the ground. Zacharius was stunned for a moment. To him it was a few seconds but to the guard next to him it wasn't even half a second.
"Sound the alarm, lock down the city! A guardswoman has been attacked and is missing!" Zacharius barked his orders, sending the two running to follow them. Zacharius opened his comms to all of his brothers on the planet. Telling them of the situation.
"Understood, the veil is presumed to be broken. Sending a request to blockade the planet. All ships in or out will be searched."
"I will have all communications not on our frequencies suppressed and monitored."
"Brother Zacharius." The last one to speak was lord Catiel. "We will find your guardsman."
"Thank you sir. But I mostly just want the culprit's head on a pike." Zacharius' voice was dripping with venom as he clenched his fists. The armored gauntlets sparkled with energy as they activated.
"Then find them marine."
The lines went dead as sirens filled the air. Andromeda and imperial Guardsmen flooded into the streets as Marines took the lead. I forming them of what happened and what to be aware of. Search parties fanned out everywhere. Zacharius called his men and led them in his own search. The citizens in the area were questioned for any information by his men. Zacharius was investigating the sight of the attack.
Looking around he noticed one of the old servo skull watchers was still active. He rushed to find the data link and access the feed. He ran back through the footage finding the incident.
Private Landra was drawn in by a wounded person. A second came out and stunned her with a shock baton. Shutting down her armor. They ripped off her helmet seaking to strip her only to look back at the alley entrance and drag her off.
Zacharius zoomed in on the two figures seeing cybernetic augments under the clothes. On one of their faces was a stylized 'i'. He took the footage and contacted Lord Catiel.
"I have a lead, sending the data over." He waited as his lord looked at the image.
"Zacharius, find your soldier." Lord Catiel's voice was dire. "They are part of the fanaticle church of The Emperor. They call themselves inquisitors and will try to bomb the planet at a moment's chance."
Zacharius moved quickly then, telling his men to follow as he began to trace the path the two inquisitors took. Sometimes there was no servo watcher but at least there was some evidence of a passing.
The squad quickly followed the trail. At the next watcher they found Zacharius saw why there was a trail. Landra had woke up and was fighting her kidnappers. Missing on purpose to damage the area.
"Good job, keep it up soldier." He said as he disconnected his armor from the data feed. He pointed in a direction and the squad followed him at a rapid pace to keep up with his stride.
He knew she was grabbed an hour ago. He had also given that information to the higher ups. He and his men continued the search until they found an aerial pad. Zacharius turned and found an empty guard station. Outside it was blood spatter. Drag marks led inside the post.
"Damn." He gazed at the dead Andromedan guard. A gaping hole in his chest from a Milky Way weapon. "You did your duty well soldier." He rewound the footage of the shack. Watching as the guard tried to stop the two men only to be cut down by a bolt pistol with no hesitation. Again Zacharius clenched his fists, causing more lightning to arc off of them. He wanted those men in his hands.
He activated his comms as he watched the dropship pick up the men and his squad member.
"All units be advised, targets may be in a void capable ship. Request that the jammers be deployed as well as fighter groups to disable their warp drive."
"This is Captain Janus, recommendation heard. Following instructions. Send a nav coordinate so that you may be picked up. You have a damsel to save."
The words were said in jest to keep a modicum of hope in the situation. The captain did not know how right his words were. Though they had the intended effect as Zacharius smirked under his helm.
"Send a storm bird to the following coordinates. I am bringing my squad."
"Coordinates received sending the bird your way."
In the void an imperial vessel that looked like a freight ship was getting ready to jump to the next system. The engines carried it away with their prize.
"Well color me surprised Marcus. You did it." The Inquisitor looked at the bound Guardswoman before him.
Landra looked back at him with fury. "The legion- umph!"
She was swiftly silenced with a kick in the face. Her captors were careful with the force. They wanted her to talk. "Silence filth. Your false primarch leader and his 'sons' have caused quite the problem back on Holy Terra. The Ecclesiarch wants you all dealt with. You two strip her. Have fun while doing so."
The inquisitor left as two of his men stepped forward with evil smiles on their faces.
The fleet surrounding the planet was boarding and searching all outgoing ships. The inquisitor ship was not spared. The communications operator was giving all sorts of excuses to try and bypass this security.
"Shut down your engines and warp drive or you will be fired upon." The Andromedan officer said.
The Inquisitor was starting to sweat a little he stepped forward to the comms station and took charge.
"This is Inquisitor Laiton. I was under orders to receive a shipment of food for a battle front before your occupation. Let us go and-"
The comms shut down and a vicious howl of agony came from deep inside the ship. The crew was on edge as Inquisitor Laiton got a message to come see his prisoner. He left the bridge, the door shutting as the captain got her reports. Two troop ships were on the way. Heading straight for their hangers.
In the brig of the ship Inquisitor Laiton was irritated by his men.
"What do you two want? We have a situation on the bridge and-" he stopped as his men moved away from the naked and beaten Landra. Her body shape and most importantly the details of her head made him smile. A manich yet happy smile.
"Well, it seems I have all I need in you, girly." He started to laugh. "My masters are going to love this!"
Landra just stared at him with unbridled fury. Wanting to break his neck in her hands. She failed her brothers and sisters. Most importantly she failed her captain.
Just then the ship rocked as something exploded. Alarms blared out forcing Laiton to stop his gloating. "I need to get back to the bridge and get this information out!" He ran back to the bridge. "Get rid of her!"
The two lackeys turned to each other. The same idea crossed their minds. What if they had a little more fun before they disposed of her?
They turned and saw her gone. They looked around and saw her running away as swift as a beast.
They gave chase as she nimbly moved through the corridors of the ship. Her lithe and trained frame gave her an advantage against her muscle bound pursuers. She passed many people who stared at her dumb struck before being shoved away by her pursuers.
She knew that she had to find her people. They would be looking for her, enraged by her kidnapping. She turned a corner and was sent sprawling.
"By The Throne you're quick. But I know this ship." The thug stepped out and above her. He smiled at her. "Could have had some fun before you died. But now I'm gonna make it hurt." He pulled out a laspistol from its holster.
"Good to know."
They both turn to the voice as the but stock of a volkite rifle slammed into the thug's face. A man wearing void armor stepped out from the maintenance corridor. Moving quickly he pressed his assault forcing the thug to the ground slamming the rifle into his face over and over. Blood spraying on the pipes, floor and walls nearby. Landra noticed something move out of the corner of her eye and lunged forward picking up the las pistol and fired.
The second thug hid behind the corner as the las bolts either flew past or flash melted the wall. The andromedan guard grabbed Landra, pulling her to safety.
"We need to find Brother Zacharius."
"He came?"
"You kidding, he led the charge. Can you stand?"
Landra nodded and the two ran down the corridors.
"Captain Zacharius, VIP found. Moving down corridor I-13. One assailant confirmed, requesting back up."
There was a pause and then the man chuckled. A light on his belt turned on. The two of them continued to run. A las bolt flying past. The guardsman pushed Landra in front of him. Her lack of protection forced him to be her shield.
They turned a corner and could hear quick rhythmic thuds coming closer. Above them the ceiling was torn open and as Captain Zacharius dropped down. The whir of his Cataphractii armor's servos loud in the sudden quiet. The visor slit glowed bright green, the glare making the thug freeze.
"You took one of my squad." Zacharius growled, the vox caster in his helmet emphasizing the barely contained rage in his voice. "Tell me why."
The thug and Zacharius looked at each other a moment more before the thug tried to run. Big mistake, the Space marine closed the distance in one thunderous step before the man could turn. Zacharius threw him into the wall before grabbing his leg. The man had just enough time to see this and comprehend what was about to happen before his leg was crushed. The man yelled out in immense pain as the bone was powdered and the meat turned to lumpy goo.
"Tell me who you are."
The thug looked back at the Space marine. Seeing his blood stain the white marks on the black armor hand.
"I serve the emperor! You and your lot can go to the Warp."
"A pity." Zacharius reaches out his bloody hand. Energy crackled as he closed his fingers. The man's head was turned to a fine red mist. Painting the area scarlet.
Zacharius turned around, his helmet hiding his features. Landra and the guardsman saluted.
"Good to see you alive soldier. Let us rectify your attire."
The three began to march through the ship. Finding the ship barracks they managed to find clothing for Landra. Afterwards they headed to the bridge. By now more Andromed guardsmen had arrived. Capturing the crew and holding them prisoner on their own ship.
On the bridge the crew was lined up for Zacharius. He walked down the line, each step a metallic thud and whir of servos. Landra remained at the door while her savior took position with their fellows. Zacharius' footfalls were thunderous in the quiet.
"We came back after more than ten millennia." Zacharius started, his voice filled with displeasure. "For that long we clung to our duty and fought. Defying odds that should have been a death sentence." With a shriek of metal on metal he turned on his heel. "For five hundred years I fought on that front line watching brothers, men and women die at the hands of those THINGS!" His voice rose to punctuate.
"Now, here we stand. A primarch has returned. His legion and people coming to the aid of the Imperium that the Emperor created and loved." He noticed Landra's eyes were on one man. He stopped in front of him, looking down at the frail being.
"Then you go and thank us for doing your job by kidnapping one of my soldiers." Zacharius reached out with one hand and forced the man to stand. "Who are you to do such a contemptuous thing? To steal a protector of a planet after its liberation from a xenos threat."
The man spit on the faceplate of the helmet. "Silence heretic! I- aaahhh!"
There was a dull crack as Zacharius put a little more effort in his grip. Breaking the man's collar bone.
"How crude." He forcefully put the man back on his knees. "Here is how this will go. You will tell me who you are and why you have wronged us so. Then you will have a merciful quick death."
"Just like a heretic. Violence is the only answer."
A guardsman stepped forward butstock raised. Zacharius halted him with only a raised hand. "Or I can have my engineers fiddle with your systems. Locking you out. Ejecting everything you need to escape and send this ship into the warp unprotected. I have heard that no ships return if they do that."
The bridge crew's faces turned pale as all the blood left. Locked into a ship with no gellar fields. That was worse than execution or torture. The horror of even the thought had one man faint. They knew what would happen. Their duty with the inquisitor forced them to know. The knowledge made sure they could never leave his service. All they could hope for was a quick death. Now they were threatened with the worst fate imaginable.
The still conscious crew began to beg and plead. Asking to be given The Emperor's mercy instead of such a hellish fate. The Andromedans were taken aback from the display. A few of the deck hands had crawled over to the guardsmen and were actively pressing their heads to the Volkite rifle barrels begging for them to pull the triggers.
"What fell display is this? Are you all mad?"
"They are not mad. We just know what you threatened us with."
Zacharius looked at the leader. "Explain yourself."
"Fine since you seem to want to court annihilation. I know what she is. As a member of the inquisition it is my duty to have her executed not only as a heretic, but as a filthy xenos!"
Landra flinched as her hair moved. Showing the subtle shape of her ear. The slight point on the tip showing her heritage.
"So space marine. If you don't want to have your legion excommunicate traitoris, execute her in the name of The Emperor!" The inquisitor smiled as he had a feeling of victory.
Zacharius turned to face Landra and his men.
"Do it Marine! Do your duty to the imperium. Kill the Xeno whore!"
"No!" The singular word was quiet yet deafening.
"What did you say marine?"
"I said no." Zacharius lifted his arms and removed his helmet. The environmental seal hissed as the pressure was released. Around the bridge the rest of the Andromedans followed suit.
"Because I would never execute my own little sister." He turned around revealing his face. Behind the changes brought on by the surgeries and scars of training and combat, the inquisitor could see a semblance of the woman. The marine's ears share a subtle point with her as well.
"No!" He shook his head. Unable to accept what he was seeing . "No, no! That is impossible. You have tainted his holy work." He looked around and saw that all of the andromedans had that one distinct feature. He was in utter denial now.
"When the inquisitorius hears of this you and your ilk will be sentenced to exterminatus. Your galaxy will burn. You-"
He was silenced by Zacharius' gauntleted hand. "No, I don't think we will. We have been acknowledged by the Emperor. We will complete his will." With a twist the upper half of the inquisitor's body was misted in a crackle of energy. Across the ship executions were completed. Landra was handed a face mask as ash began to filter through the air system of the ship.
Zacharius turned to face her. "Private Landra. I came to find you earlier as your actions in the liberation of Nix warranted a promotion. Stand tall Corporal."
They both saluted each other. After all the andromedans left the ship. Once clear of the ship it was destroyed by the nearby Andromedan ships. Lance and vukite weapons turning the ship into slag. In the distance, Andromedan salvage ships were on the way to clean up the debris.
Across the galaxy a woman was playing regicide. Her opponent was shaking in fear. The hand holding the piece trembling as he feared her impending wrath.
She was frowning at a data sheet. She handed it back to the messenger. "A failure like the rest." She turned her attention back to the game. "Are you going to snivel all rotation, or are you going to play?"
The man made his move, the woman's frown deepened. "Such a simple mission and they couldn't even get me something to work with." She moved her queen. "Now I have reports of a man jumping system to system aiding the common folk and The Imperial Reagent is making a point to go visit his brother."
"C-c-checkmate, mistress." The man stuttered.
She looked down and saw that she was indeed in checkmate. In the blink of an eye a bolt pistol was in her hand and pressed against the man's head. Before he could beg his head was a fine mist and bone fragments spread out across the room.
"Send someone to clean up the mess. "
Sitting back down as cleaning servitors entered she grabbed the report again this time an idea forming in her head.
"Oh I can use this." She chuckled to herself.