When Regina Kasteen had seen her regiment's much beloved and respected Commissar come stumbling out of the Governor's palace after the 609th had been sent there by Lord General Zyvan to arrest Governor Grice, her first feeling was one of relief that she wouldn't have to lead the regiment without Cain's support and guidance. That was immediately followed by feelings of shock and outrage when she saw the manacles on his wrists and how the woman that she'd been told was an Inquisitor was manhandling him like he was a common criminal. Cries went up from the rest of the regiment upon also seeing Cain treated so, and it's likely that some of their better shots would have taken the Inquisitor out despite her proximity to the Commissar if not for Cain himself holding his hands up and bellowing for them to stand down. Then he called for her, and Kasteen came over at a trot, Broklaw and Divas at her heels; Illric she gestured to stay back, and keep a bead on the Inquisitor just in case.

When she stopped before them, she noticed that Cain seemed hearty and hale for having gone through a harrowing mission, albeit seemingly exhausted and sagging in defeat. Seeing the confident and wise Commissar like that… It was just WRONG. What in the Emperor's name had happened down there?! Still, she paid attention when he started speaking, voice subdued but steady.

"Colonel, the Genestealer Patriarch is dead. Gravalax should be safe for now, but civil disorder is still likely. The 609th will have to be prepared for it." Then he held up his chained wrists, meeting her eyes firmly, with conviction in his own. "I have willingly surrendered myself into Inquisitor Vail's custody. I would request that the regiment not protest this, and cooperate with the Inquisitor as much as possible. Finally, I must report that Trebek, Sorel, and the Tamworths died as Heroes of the Imperium, and I would ask that all honors possible be awarded in their memory. Holbeni and Veldade survived, and I'd ask that you send a squad or two down there to retrieve them; they were implanted by Genestealers, but I cleared that out. Kelp is also dead, and I would like the reports to note that he was executed for desertion, sabotage of the mission, attempted murder, and assault upon a Commissar."

It was all Kasteen could do to follow everything Cain was saying, nodding numbly even if she kept her face expressionless. The Commissar had advised her several times that it was vital that she always seem composed and in control for the sake of morale, especially when she was neither in control or composed. She turned her eyes to the Inquisitor, who'd been silent but glaring holes in Cain this whole time. Clearing her throat, noting Jurgen standing off to the side, she addressed the other woman. "Inquisitor?"

It was a long moment before the disheveled and somewhat wild-eyed woman nodded sharply. "Colonel Kasteen. You are to do as the Commissar said, and provide me an escort to the spaceport, where I will be taking the Commissar and his aide up to my ship."

The two women's eyes met then, and Kasteen stiffened as she saw her death in those partly crazed eyes should she refuse what was said next. The Inquisitor's command was delivered as coldly and sent just as much of a chill up the Valhallan officer's spine as one of the deep glaciers back home would have. "Then you are to have the entirety of the 609th regiment assembled and report for boarding to my vessel, informing Lord General Zyvan that your regiment is to be considered removed from active duty by my order. If you fail to do this, I will have every last member of your regiment arrested, interrogated to within an inch of their lives, and then executed. Including the officers. Do you understand me?"

Kasteen felt her gut roiling in terror and rage in equal measure as she mechanically saluted the woman who now held the life of Regina's regiment in her hands. Through gritted teeth, she gave her answer, even if she'd rather her response came from the end of her bolt pistol while it was pointed at that vile blonde head. But the Commissar had told her to cooperate, and she trusted him. "Understood, ma'am."

To Ruput Broklaw, it felt like they were right back to where they'd started at months ago, when the shattered remnants of the 301st and 296th had first met, before the 12th and Ciaphas Cain had been added to the mix. The troops were unsettled, shaken, and angry. Disgruntled murmurs and enraged looks were upon nearly every pair of lips and every face he saw. The difference though, was that the angry looks and mutters weren't directed at each other. This time, the 609th was fully united in their outrage, with all of it finding a singular target.

Inquisitor Amberley Vail.

Broklaw squinted angrily, fists clenching as he watched the woman and a squad of the ship's armsmen march Commissar Cain away from the regiment and down a corridor towards what he assumed was a detention block. Around the edges of the hangar the 609th had just disembarked into, other armsmen watched the regiment warily, shotguns and other weapons clenched tightly in gloved hands and void helmets on and sealed. Broklaw was well aware that if they wanted, they could vent the bay and send the 609th out into the void to instantly freeze to death.

Just before he was marched completely out of view, Cain looked back over his shoulder, face worried as he stared at the assembled regiment. Broklaw caught the Commissar's eyes as they rounded a corner, Cain giving him an encouraging nod, and then they were out of sight. Trust Cain to be more concerned for the people attached to him than himself, even when he was in the hands of the karkking Inquisition.

When he'd first met Ciaphas Cain, he hadn't known what to expect. Certainly, the man looked fit and strong, with the causal grace of an experienced soldier. Still, he'd sought to test the man with a handshake, and promptly had his fingers broken by accident; and then, before he could even register the pain, they were healed and whole once more. By the Emperor, Cain's nearly unconscious and automatic action of healing those in pain had even straightened out an old fracture that had never set quite right! It was then that he knew something; Ciaphas Cain was not normal. And as Broklaw saw him work, that impression grew stronger, that Cain was not a normal Commissar. After all, a normal Commissar would've been in their rights to shoot Sulla for backtalking them and disrespecting a superior officer. A normal Commissar would've had everyone involved in the Mess Hall Riot either shot, flogged to within an inch of their life, or sent to a Penal Legion. A normal Commissar would be there at the troops backs, silently threatening, not at their front, loudly encouraging. No, Ciaphas Cain was not a normal Commissar, and Broklaw thanked the God-Emperor for that fact. But it was common knowledge that the nail that stood out either got pounded down, or pulled out and disposed of. The second-in-command of the Valhallan 609th just prayed that the Inquisition wouldn't punish Cain or the regiment for his blessed abnormality.

He was shaken from his dark thoughts by someone clearing their throat. Broklaw looked over at the sound, and saw a man next to him that could only be a Rogue Trader based upon his manner of appearance and dress. The man nodded politely to him, face otherwise expressionless. "Major Broklaw? My name is Orelius, and you are aboard my vessel, currently at the service of Inquisitor Vail. I wish to assure you that every possible courtesy and comfort will be extended towards yourself and your regiment while you are here."

Broklaw just stared at the Rogue Trader intensely then meaningfully flicked his gaze over to where Cain had been dragged off. Orelius followed his gaze and winced, looking back to the Valhallan with an uncomfortable expression. "Yes… that. I'll admit, Major, I'm not best pleased by this either. Commissar Cain did a great favor for myself and my dynasty, one I can never hope to fully repay. It is why you have my word, upon my House Name, that I fully intend to treat his regiment and friends as well as I possibly can, so long as you cooperate."

Orelius breathed in deeply, seeming to revel in the simple act, before continuing. "However I will say this. I have worked with Inquisitor Vail for quite some time, and I have always known her to be a sensible and thoughtful woman of reason, not prone to rash actions. For her to act like this, she must have been severely rattled by something. I have every confidence that this will all be revealed as a misunderstanding, and all will be made right."

The man seemed honest and hopeful, and Broklaw was inclined to believe his earnestness. But he wasn't sure if he trusted his judgment on the Inquisitor and their situation. He expressed his thoughts plainly, looking Orelius right in the eyes. "And if things don't turn out right?"

Another wince, followed by a murmured prayer. "Then Emperor help us all, Major."

"You knew."

Illric just sat back in the uncomfortable interrogation room chair, staring blandly at the woman that Ciaphas had been so enamored with during their dance. Even She-Who-Thirsts seemed to have approved, as Illric had sensed her touch guiding Cain's movements, outdoing even himself with his thousands of years of experience on the dance floor. Dear Regina and dour Broklaw had already been and gone from this room, each emanating shock, outrage, and stubborn disbelief as they exited. Now it was his turn to face the Inquisitor's piercing glare. He just gave what he assumed was in better circumstances a rather charming young lady a lazy smile, and crossed his outstretched legs. "I'm terribly sorry Inquisitor. I know many things. Would you mind narrowing it down for me?"

The Inquisitor, Amberley he believed Ciaphas had called her, were that her true name and not an alias, grit her teeth and spat out another accusation. "You knew about Cain."

The Ranger blinked slowly, laid back smile expanding as he uncrossed and recrossed his legs, with the other leg on top this time. "Oh yes, I know Ciaphas quite well after all those many long, hard months out in the desert, getting sweaty…" He sighed, dramatically. "Alas, I didn't get to know him as intimately as I believe you may have, miss." Here he waggled his eyebrows, his smile turning lecherous as he gave her a knowing look. Amerley flushed crimson, and if he was any judge of emotions it was only partly due to rage.

"NO! I mean yes… But still no! I mean that you were around Cain for months, the better part of a year! Surely you must have known about him!"

Nodding languidly, Illric smiled wider. "Oh yes, I know all about Ciaphas. Let's see, where to start?" The blonde leaned forwards, awaiting his report. Heh, too easy. "Well, he's taller than any base human has any business being, and you could cut meat on that jawline. He's a deft hand at cards, though has several obvious tells; please don't tell him I said that, he's quite proud of his tarot face." Illric uncrossed his legs again as he started ticking off points on his fingers, all while Amberley gawked at him open mouthed and wide eyed. "He appreciates a bit of mess in his quarters or office, thinks it makes it look like actual work gets done there; possibly why he doesn't mind Jurgen's own untidiness. Whenever he can, he has his tanna scorching hot so he has to slowly blow on it and savor every sip, inhaling the aroma. A few of my fellow Rangers could pick up marksmanship tips from him, 'cause he can shoot the wings off an insect at fifty paces with his laspistol. Despite himself, he actually does like and care about the people around him, working hard for their benefit. He's intelligent, witty, dutiful, and has a keen sense of humor."

Now his grin turned saucy again, and he leaned towards her whispering. "Now, every morning, the first thing he does is work with his sword…"

"ENOUGH!" The Inquisitor snapped and slapped her hand against the table with a crack, near frothing in rage. Illric sniffed and turned his nose up at her, turning to the side so she wouldn't see how the other side of his mouth was curled in amusement. How rude of her to interrupt. Ciaphas after all was so very diligent in practicing with his chainsword and polishing his swordsmanship, even if the man didn't realize he was likely the finest swordsman in the sector; and Illric was including his own kind and the Imperium's Astartes in that estimation. The Inquisitor continued to rage. "I don't need to know about Cain's qualities like you're trying to set us up on a date!" Oh, there was a bit of additional red in her cheeks again, how adorable. Still she went on. "Tell me about the daemon!"

Illric just chuckled. "Now while he's certainly impressive to a young maiden my dear, I'd hardly call him a…"

Then the merriment faded at Amberley's next words, heaved out in frustration and rage. "Another joke, and I will have Colonel Kasteen brought in here and have members of my retinue begin cutting pieces off of her right in front of you."

The Eldar stopped mid sentence, hooded eyes meeting Amberley's own, judging her. While his sense of people said that under more normal circumstances this woman, Inquisitor though she may be, would hesitate on and reject such tactics, at the moment she was off her game and near the edge. Ciaphas' big reveal really had shaken her badly. That's about the only reason he didn't lean over the table and snap her neck before she could blink, and no amount of gadgets would save her from him. It also seemed like she was sharp enough, even now, to have caught onto his interest in Regina. It seemed like the time for games was over.

Illric's face went stoic as he planted both feet on the ground and sat upright in the chair, hands clasped in front of himself on the table. The Inquisitor took a few minutes to compose herself, and he caught a flicker of what looked like regret on her face before her features smoothed out into an icy mask once more. Then she began again.

"You are an Eldar, and as such a Psyker of at least some limited ability. Your people have also been bound to the Dark Goddess for over ten thousand years. You were around Cain for months. As such, there is no possible way that you couldn't have picked up on at least a hint of his true nature. So again, you knew that Ciaphas Cain, assuming that's who he is, is a Daemon Prince favored by Slaanesh. Correct?"

Her eyes were hard and offered no give, so for Regina's sake Illric just nodded, voice even. "Yes."

Finally getting somewhere Amberley asked her next question. "So why didn't you report this as soon as possible to the Imperium you claim you're loyal to now?"

Illric just sat, face not even twitching as he responded. "Because whether he believes it or not, whether he's a daemon or not, Ciaphas Cain is something rare in this age; a good man. And a loyal one too, prone to self-sacrifice for the sake of others. By his actions, my people found Salvation, and Ynnead has been well served." He leaned forward again, eyes boring into hers with intensity, meaning and sincerity in every word as he repeated himself. "Ciaphas Cain is a good man, and a true servant of the Emperor. Were he not, he wouldn't have put that Aquila back on and we wouldn't be having this conversation, Inquisitor."

Then he sat back, and refused to say another word until Inquisitor Vail was finally done with him and called in the next person.

Divas just glared his hatred at the bitch that had his friend in chains somewhere on this ship. "So the God-Emperor's Most Holy Inquisition can't find a single Khornate cultist making his way into the Commissariat, but can somehow capture a frakking Daemon Prince, who just so happens to have saved Throne knows how many Imperial lives? Pull the other one lady, it has karkking bells on it. Now stop feeding me this groxshit about my best friend, and let Cai go already."

After two hours of Jenit Sulla telling the Inquisitor every virtue, every moment of heroism and faithfulness, and how much she'd been inspired by the Commissar and this was surely a mistake, she was let out of the interrogation room and returned to her troops. Within her breast, Sulla's heart thundered with growing determination. She'd cooperate as she'd been told the Commissar wanted, but if this Inquisitor didn't straighten her mess out soon, Sulla knew where she stood on the matter of Ciaphas Cain.

Miss Vail was staring at him like a fish after he'd answered her question. She shrieked, pulling at her hair. Ferik was worried, as the hair pulling reminded him of when Mama Jurgen would get unhappy at how she couldn't find anyone willing to babysit him, just for a bit so she could get away. Jurgen cared about his mother, knowing she'd done the best she could for him. After Illric had explained some more about this 'Blank' stuff, and thankfully including visuals, Jurgen knew he was lucky she hadn't just left him out on a glacier after he'd been born. Still, he didn't think his answer warranted the fuss the Inquisitor was making as she screeched at him. "What do you mean he told you he was a Daemon Prince?!"

Why was she repeating what he'd said? Maybe she really was a bit slow, despite what the Commissar had said. Still, Mama Jurgen had done her best to raise him to be polite. "Just as I said, ma'am. The Commissar told me as soon as he knew, after he was calling for Mulenz and Grear even though they weren't there. Well, I suppose they were there since they were in the Commissar if I understand things right, and the Commissar was there. But they were dead; Mulenz and Grear, not the Commissar I mean. Are you alright Miss Vail? You look a bit parched; I could get you a nice cup of tea if you like."

The pretty woman that looked even better than the actresses in his pornoslates just stared at him blankly, then placed her face in her hands, shaking. Hmmm, maybe she was tired or upset? Her voice softly came to his ears through her hands, and Jurgen idly cleaned one of them out with his pinkie finger. "Sorry ma'am, I didn't quite catch that. Would you mind repeating yourself?"

Her head thumped onto the table, confirming that she was probably tired. "Jurgen… Just… WHY?! Why didn't you report that your Commissar was a Daemon Prince?!"

Jurgen shrugged, not seeing why this was so hard to understand. "He's the Commissar. He serves the Throne, so I don't see why what he is should matter. I mean Illric's an alright sort, pointy ears and all." For some reason her eye was twitching at the mention of the Eldar; she really needed to relax and have a nice cup of tea before taking a nap. Jurgen continued, trying to explain things so the obviously tired and possibly mentally challenged woman would understand. "Besides, if the Commissar were a heretic, he'd arrange a firing squad for himself. It's his job, innit? Did you have any other questions Miss Vail?"

He really didn't think the crying from the woman was necessary. Maybe it was that time of the month? He was sure he had some chocolate somewhere in his pockets.

O'Ran Shui'sassai considered himself a calm and even tempered being, and as one trained in diplomacy their entire life an excellent ambassador. He was skilled with words, vague promises, and leading statements. Rarely was he ever blunt or direct in important dealings, especially ones that could easily lead to a war he wished to avoid. This was one of those times, as he stared blankly at the human woman's face through the holographic call.

"Inquisitor, we understand that you have reason to believe the Vel'na Vesa has done wrong according to your laws. Please, understand me very clearly when I tell you this. WE DO NOT CARE. It is by Vel'na Vesa Cain's word and will alone that we do not free him by force. Consider that carefully when you weigh the wisdom of continuing to hold him, especially for reasons you refuse to disclose to us."

Under more normal circumstances, he'd be concerned for how haggard and worn the Inquisitor appeared to be, but he was too angry to care for all that he did not show it. He'd been angry for many days now, ever since the event that his people had taken to calling 'The Unveiling'. And truly, it had been like a veil had been torn from his eyes, revealing the sins and errors of the Ethereal Caste. He had already begun to have certain doubts, as he saw more and more of the Humans and the wider galaxy, but this had taken away the haze he hadn't even realized he'd been wandering within. Yet he knew that he'd been fortunate, as it had been so much more drastic and traumatic for the Fire Caste. It was a marvel, how much more fluidly and with purpose their warriors moved now, more than they had while under the sway of what the T'au upon Gravalax were calling 'The Greater Lie'.

And to think, this exposure to the 'Greater Truth' of the galaxy had come about because of the human political officer to whom O'Ran owed his life, and now also owed his freedom to. When Cain had emerged in chains before the regiment the humans referred to as the 609th, the T'au forces also there had still been too stunned and confused to protest it. They hadn't known what had happened, and to whom they owed this newfound freedom of their minds. It was only when the survivors of the team sent underground were recovered, that things became clear. And by that time, Ciaphas Cain, their Venerated Helper, was already firmly within the custody of what appeared to be the human Imperium's secret police force, this Inquisition. Though perhaps if threats like these Genestealers were truly so prevalent and hidden, such an organization was necessary albeit distasteful.

Even immediately upon discovering Cain's role in freeing their minds, the T'au upon Gravalax were in no position to oppose the Imperium's will. The Unveiling and exposure of The Greater Lie had caused chaos and discord within their ranks, paralyzing their ability to act as one. Some were frozen with indecision, doubt, and sorrow, with the worst cases just laying down and weeping. Others, despite what had been revealed to them, denied the Greater Truth and clung desperately to the Ethereals; they had grown to love their chains. But the vast majority, which included almost all of the Fire Caste, embraced their freedom and were united in their anger at how the Ethereals had used them all. It was only by O'Ran's clear thinking and impassioned words for justice, not vengeance, that the Ethereal assigned to the Gravalax mission had been spared from being hanged. Of course he doubted the Ethereal would thank him, as once Cain was released he intended to hand the enslaver over to the Inquisitor as a peace offering; he wondered what the humans would discover about the Ethereals and their plans with a living one held within their grasp.

The Inquisitor sighed, running a hand through disheveled hair in an effort to smooth it out. "Ambassador, I understand, and I appreciate your patience. I understand that the individual known as Ciaphas Cain has done you a great service, and confirmed something my organization had long theorized about concerning your species and its governmental structure." It was chilling to realize that the humans, looking from the outside in, had caught glimpses of the truth whereas those within had been so blind. Was this perhaps the reason the legendary Commander Farsight had over a century ago split off from the T'au Empire, something that O'Ran knew of only due to his high ranking and security clearance? Had the venerated warrior discovered the truth of the Ethereals' insidious control? O'Ran forced such thoughts to the side for now as the Inquisitor continued speaking, her voice strained.

"But please, I can not release Cain into yours or any other custody except for that of the Inquisition! We aren't even certain he is who he says he is, as I haven't been able to find any records of his homeworld or information of his past! We don't know what actions he may have taken against the Imperium! How many subversive elements he may have created!"

O'Ran snorted, unimpressed. "Subversive elements, you say? Such as T'au freed from the Ethereals' control? Odd that you should mention subversive elements, as they also enjoyed using such excuses to justify their crimes."

Vail shut her eyes and took in a deep breath, obviously struggling for control. "Ambassador… PLEASE. I CAN'T tell you why Cain is imprisoned; not won't, CAN'T. I have many powers and privileges, but releasing that information to you isn't one of them. And that's assuming you'd even believe what I told you rather than dismissing it as human superstition." At that, O'Ran felt a chill go down his spine. He'd told Cain in that bar when they'd first met that there were things he'd seen that were beyond the explanations the Ethereals gave for them. Was this one of those things, something that was currently beyond his people's understanding? Was Inquisitor Vail suggesting that Commissar Cain was one of these unexplainable things? But such made no sense, as everything O'Ran had gleaned said that such forces were malevolent, and Ciaphas Cain was without a doubt a servant of the True Good that the Gravalax T'au were now embracing.

The ambassador likewise closed his eyes and breathed in, forcing his anger and outrage over Cain's treatment down. He knew Cain, like himself, did not desire a war here between their peoples, so he would go along with this farce. For now. "Understood, Inquisitor. I will wait for you to receive instructions from your superiors, preferably those who CAN tell us the real reasons behind the Vel'na Vesa's captivity. I will attempt to keep my people calm, but they grow ever more agitated. I understand that you will not allow us to see Cain in person due to security, but I request another recorded message from him to prove he is still alive and still wishes us to refrain from freeing himself. And before you protest, this is a non-negotiable requirement for our continued good behavior, Inquisitor. Give us proof of the Vel'na Vesa's continued wellbeing, or prepare for us to come take him."

The two stared at each other through the call for a long moment before the Inquisitor gave way, sighing in defeat and nodding tiredly. "I'll have a recorded statement from Cain sent to you within the hour, Ambassador."

O'Ran nodded, knowing that this truly was a compromise as neither side was entirely happy with it. "Good. Until next time Inquisitor Vail, O'Ran out."

Amberley could have just screamed and flung her dataslate through the deactivated pict screen as the T'au terminated the connection; that is if she had any strength left to do so. It had been nearly a week and a half since she had seen what Ciaphas Cain truly was, and it had been the hardest time of her entire adult life. She worked constantly trying to keep this situation from getting worse, she'd eaten only sparingly, and what little sleep she'd gotten was fleeting at best and often plagued by nightmares. Of course, the nightmares were perhaps preferable to the… other dreams she'd had. The Inquisitor groaned, placing her face in her hands once more. Throne, Cain must have corrupted her by his influence, it was the only thing to make sense for why she was having these thoughts. It was why she'd included the fact that she herself was likely tainted in her Astropathic message to the Inquisition pleading for help, even though she knew that admitting to potential corruption was signing her own death sentence.

What was she thinking about again? Right, the Astropathic message she'd sent. She hadn't received a response yet, and while Astropathic communication could take time, with every day that passed without a reply she became increasingly concerned that her desperate cry for assistance may have been lost to the tides of the Warp. After all, if Cain was truly so favored by the youngest of the Four, it would be simple for one of the Chaos gods to delay or intercept such a message. And with every day that passed without further instruction on what to do, keeping Amberley in a holding pattern, the situation became more tense and more rife with potential flashpoints.

The Genestealer Cults had all been put down and purged, although for some reason those that had been recently implanted like Holbeni and Velade had been cleansed of Xeno taint, confirmed after strenuous testing by Amberley's agents and Orelius' skilled medicae; she suspected Cain had something to do with that. The T'au on Gravalax were still disorganized after apparently being freed from the control their Ethereal Caste had over them, but were making their intentions to spread this new 'Greater Truth' to the rest of the T'au Empire and oppose the will of the Ethereals clear. This boon was offset by the fact that they now venerated Cain, and were willing to go to war with the Imperium if he wasn't released soon. Speaking of Xenos influenced by Cain, now that she knew that their precious Slavhreenur was actually a Daemon Prince, she feared that perhaps there was corruption within the Oathsworn Eldar. That would be a nearly unspeakable tragedy if it were the case, as they had integrated beautifully into the Imperium over the past year, and their support had bolstered Mankind's cause significantly. Which led to the OTHER potential schism within the Imperium over this; the Adeptus Mechanicus. She had wanted to interrogate Feleica Tayber as a close associate of Cain, but her own Techpriest had given her a very firm "No" on the matter. When she'd tried to press the issue, the Adepts of Mars aboard Orelius' ship had backed them up, and threatened to send their own Astropathic message to Holy Mars saying that the Inquisition was meddling in Mechanicus affairs. Apparently while she'd been down in the tunnels with Cain, the young Enginseer had rediscovered an STC; not an STC fragment, but a complete and functional STC of the water purification plant they had seen down there. Needless to say, the Mechanicus saw this as a sign from their Omnissiah, and considered Tayber herself to be holy and sacrosanct. Any attempt to take her into custody or interrogate her against her will could potentially lead to a war with Mars itself. And that wasn't even considering the case of the 609th Regiment which she was holding, which Lord General Zyvan was pestering her about every other hour, or that every planet and place Cain had stepped foot on was potentially corrupted.

She sobbed brokenly into her palms, stress getting to her. How had it come from that dance, that beautiful dance, to this in such a short amount of time? It didn't help matters either that she genuinely wanted to deny what she'd seen, to shut it away and believe that Ciaphas Cain was simply a particularly blessed man. But she couldn't; she was an Inquisitor, it was her duty to pursue the truth, to face the horror of the galaxy, and protect the God-Emperor's dominion. Even if Cain didn't act like a damned Daemon Prince outside of that moment where he faced the Patriarch. He was humble, kind, and self-sacrificing even if he had a scoundrel's flair. He had saved the T'au ambassador, and potentially saved the Imperium from a pointless war. He had healed Orelius, her trusted associate and friend, for seemingly no purpose other than it was right to do so. Orelius had undergone test after test, and not only was he now in perfect health but there was no discernible trace of daemonic taint. Even the taint on the planet from when Cain had nearly torn the Materium apart was fading, and seemed benign in the meanwhile. Above all else, Ciaphas… No, Cain, much better to think of him as Cain, had surrendered. He could have so easily disposed of her, leaving nobody else the wiser, but instead he had willingly surrendered himself into her custody. Since then he had been a model prisoner, sitting in his blessed cell in apparent prayer; where that prayer might be going to was the issue. He'd even repeatedly pleaded for those wanting him released to cooperate with Amberley and leave him where he was. It was maddening how contrary he was being to everything a karkking daemon should act like!

With a sigh, Amberley pushed her emotions down and stood shakily, swallowing a stimulant to keep herself going. Throne damn it, she was an Inquisitor of the Ordo Xenos, not the Malleus or Hereticus! Why hadn't this mess fallen into their laps?! But she was here, she was the boots on the ground as it were, and she would do her duty as best she was able. Right now, that duty meant taking a recording slate and going to see Cain. She'd only seen him sparingly, relying on the reports of others and those she'd assigned to watch him. She hadn't even had him interrogated yet; perhaps she feared what answers he would give, or maybe she feared that she'd desperately believe any lies he told. Regardless, she'd been avoiding Cain as much as she could, and now she had to get him to make another recorded message to keep the T'au in line.

Trudging through the corridors of the ship towards the room where Cain was being held, she was stopped outside the door by a crewman. "Excuse me, Inquisitor? We've received an Astropathic message. Inquisitorial ident signifiers present."

Suddenly invigorated, Amberley took the dataslate the crewman was holding with a hurried thanks, then started reading even as she stepped into Cain's holding room. But when she read the message, her heart froze. No… they… They couldn't be serious! Gravalax was set to blow, and they were sending HIM?!

Still, the letters before her tired and panicked eyes did not change.

MESSAGE RECEIVED. LORD INQUISITOR KARAMAZOV EN ROUTE.

Emperor, help them all.