The Julien Incident

Trouble on Callisto
Ten months Id been on Callisto III, Id been unfortunate enough to be in the area when
I received a message from the Planetary Govenor, a weedy man call Fornus Ciaphus. He
said the matter was urgent and insisted on inquisitional aid. Normally I would have
overlooked such a plea, my search for the Pyramidia Necronomicon always at the
forefront of my mind but his message had intrigued me.

Callisto was not a large planet by imperial standards but particularly outstanding in
many respects. The entire surface of Callisto was covered by a huge ocean of liquid
Mercury, being the third out of five planets orbiting Callisto it was the only planet even
remotely Habitable, Callisto I was barley a Planet at all, no more than a small lump of
rock in space, Callisto II was a large world made uninhabitable by the intense gravity and
Arsenic and Silicon Atmosphere with a surface Temperature well in excess of 5000
degrees. Callisto, although comprising of an atmosphere of Lethal Mercury Vapour was
habitable at least. The inhabitants of Callisto lived on one huge artificial continent, at
least 300 Kilometres in diameter. Made from a super-lightweight form of steel the entire
continent floated on the sea of Molten mercury moved by the gravitational currents
created by Callisto Star. Unsurprisingly the economy of Callisto survived entirely on the
collection of Mercury which was then shipped all over the Julien Sub-sector.

The Julien Sub-sector was fairly small, comprising of 8 Nearby Systems; Julien; the
Capital, Callisto, Narvo, Keledas, Meltar, Livi, Sullasd and Vapor. Callisto was the
smallest.

I had been drawn to Callisto, as I said by the Report Given by Ciaphus. It read For the
attention of the emperors most holy inquisition, loath am I to admit that the noble world
of Callisto suffers from the Seed of desecration that follows in the wake of chaos but it is
true, capable our arbites are in the art of swift execution and the keeping of order, no
strangers are they to the hunt for evil but alas a threat boils in the heart of our noble
world which they cannot root out alone, help from your most revered organisation would
be gratefully received. It is not uncommon for governors to request aid from the
inquisition to eradicate threats of chaos from their world but this seemed different.
Reading between the lines I could see that this Ciaphus feared that the corruption had
worked its way up the Callisto hierarchy. I felt compelled to investigate, after all, Ive
always loathed imperial politics and the thought of proving (more to myself than anyone
else) its in-effect was something I couldnt pass up on, besides I hadnt had any direct
imperial entanglement since the incident with the space hulk two years ago and I felt out
of the loop. In hindsight Id have preferred to have stayed out of it.
 I sat hunched in my study on board the Bailrigg looking over Data slats containing
information on all the hierarchy on Callisto, I was bored. Ten months Id been here and
come up with nothing, it had crossed my mind that Ciaphus was senile, seeing plots and
treasons where there were none, it had been clear that over the past three years there had
been more treason trials than in the previous fifty. Maybe the man was going mad but he
had a point. Despite his almost obsessive witch-hunting, which after I read the reports
ended up being complete shambles it had been noted by him and myself that not a single
member of the Noble family on Callisto, the Von Dusches had been convicted of anything
in the last 500 years. He was convinced that the Von Dusches were manipulating the
Government of Callisto around him until they could take over; it looked that way to me
too. For Ten months solid I had been looking at data slats dating back since the Von
Dusches rose to power on Callisto, by finally defeating the rival noble house, the Von
Gustenbourgs 500 years ago. Not one bad word, not one vice to be found. In my
experience everyone has secrets, everyone one has vices, EVERYONE. But according to
the records, they didnt, not one foot wrong in 500 years. I doubted that very much.

I rose and walked across my chamber to my cabinet, ancient it was, made from oak, a
tree native to Holy Terra Millennia ago, now long since dead, and it was coated in an age
resistant varnish which kept it fresh. I opened the cabinet and pulled a glass decanter
from inside and poured myself a drink of Kmsece, liquor from Delzan II. It was potent
stuff but my body could take it, I took a long swig from my glass, after all it was the only
thing in the universe I found I could still taste. Shortly there was a knock on the door,
before I could speak it opened and Payne strolled in. He was shorter than me, not by
much but defiantly of a bigger build. He grinned at me, his bionic eye adjusting to the
dim lighting of my chamber.
Found anything yet Vay? he asked in a tone that betrayed that he knew that I hadnt.
What! I replied, rather unnecessarily harshly. There was a pause.
Sorry Johann I whispered back, he smiled, he understood.
He knew that even though hed been in my services over 50 years I still sometimes had
trouble interacting with people on a personal level. Id been alone for so many centuries it
was natural for me to be a bit off-ish. Elros had changed me forever.
No I havent found a damn thing, its bloody useless, if the Von Duches are in control
theyll have altered the reports.
So were done then? Payne asked. Almost hoping, he was as sick of Callisto as I was.
Wed been out into the vast atmosphere domes many times, to me it was grey and lifeless
but Payne described it to me. The whole place was lit by brilliant white lights making it
almost impossible to see without reflective shades if you were an off-worlder.
No not yet I replied, just one more place to visit, get ready to move and pack your lasgun
we might need it.
Right oh Sir Payne smirked as he mockingly saluted and left. I smiled. I wasnt exactly
know for my sense of humour or my conversation skills but with Payne, more than
anyone I could talk to with confidence, in my opinion one look, one movement speaks a
thousand words. I had rescued him from his home world when it erupted into civil war
and had just managed to escape before Inquisitor Lord Praetus gave the order to use the
Exterminatus on the planet. Payne had lost his right arm that day but he was alive. He had
served me willingly and with utter loyalty for 50 years.
 I walked over to the small table by my bed on the top in an opened topped box
protected by a holofield was Ulros. Only when I was in my chamber was Ulros not at
my side, to leave him for more than a minute from my sight caused me extreme pain. I
tested my connection to him once. I left my room and went to the cockpit of the Bailrigg
12m away I thought I was going to die, my heart wrenched and beat faster and faster,
blood ran out my nose and I was shaking violently, to be soul-bound to an object is not an
easy thing to live with, none of what Elros and Ulros have given me is easy to live with
but that is the price I had paid for my curiosity. I took Ulros out of the container and
placed him in the loop I had made for him, he didnt like being confined in a scabbard,
and I didnt like it either.

I left my chamber and made my way to the cockpit. Nayhall was on the chair dosing. I
roused him from slumber as I often had too. Nayhall was from the secretive world of
Fiscearon. They specialised in creating symbiotic ships; Craft which were physically and
psychically linked to their pilots. The inquisition had closed the research down centuries
ago at the behest of the Adeptus Mechanicus but some Fiscearons still existed. Nayhall
was one of them. He told me once he had never left the chair in his life, which was a long
time. Nayhall had been the pilot for Gracus and his Master Inquisitor Eligh. That would
make him about 9 thousand by my reckoning, old indeed. He had no legs, his torso
directly attached to the cockpit chair and his arms were mechanically attached to the
flight controls of the ship, more accurately they were his arms. It was refreshing to know
that despite all the machinery he was wired into Nayhalls soul shone just as brightly as
everyone elses. When not flying Nayhall always slept. To be awake would kill him,
when active the ship pumps a constant flow of awareness enhancing drugs through his
blood stream, enhancing his senses and reaction time to unparalleled levels, almost
dangerously so. While flying he would be on constant alert, hyperactive even, an
unfortunate side effect was the incessant profanities and whoops of exhilaration that came
from his mouth. He lived to fly and when doing so he was in his element. When not in
flight he slept, slept for necessity. The dosage of stimms in his blood would kill him
eventually so when the Bailrigg powered down he would fall into a deep almost coma
like state while his body function returned to human levels.
Cmon Nayhall got some flying to do
Oh goody boss! Where too? he exclaimed, he often reminded me of an excited child.
Governor Ciaphus Palace I said.
No probs boss! Telepathically he opened a vox to the rest of the ship. Strap in guys this
ones gonna be fast! I went into the main living area, Payne and Eladan were already
strapped and BA5H was off line in the hold, we wouldnt need him today. I strapped
myself in as the Bailriggs ancient engines fired up, we rocketed off as fast as Nayhall
dared in the compact city spires en route to Ciaphus palace.

The Chase

The Bailrigg is an ancient craft, capable of holding up to 5 passengers with their own
quarters. It is about 40 meters log with a wingspan of about the same. On each wing are
mounted two heavy duty auto cannons. The most defining aspect of the Bailrigg is the
remarkable shielding device installed by my masters, masters tech priest, his name eludes
me. Nayhall tried to explain once how it worked; needless to say he lost me. Basically the
shield creates light proof field around it, no light can enter the field, and then microscopic
emitters assess the environment of the surroundings and projects an appropriate image
out of the field. The ultimate effect is that the ship appears invisible to all but the most
advanced scanning equipment and completely invisible to the naked eye. A cloaking
device I think experts call it.
With the cloaking device activated we made our way to Ciaphus palace, as far as I was
aware the Von Duches had no idea I had been investigating them, the silent run was a
precaution. Nayhall landed smoothly in one of the landing bays restricted to private ships.
After a brief thought I decided only to take Payne with me, inquisitor I may be but I
couldnt imagine Ciaphus appreciating an Eldar in his Palace, besides I had another task
for him.
The landing gantry opened and Payne and I walked down the ramp Ciaphus chief of
security, a hard nosed man called Uvis was there to greet us.
My master is pleased you have accepted this council inquisitor. He said.
Anything to root out the corruption on Callisto. I replied.
I agree Lord. He turned to escort us to Ciaphus private offices. Meeting with the
imperial authorities was always a tiresome task, I couldnt present myself as I look
obviously, during the flight I coated myself in a skinned toned synth spray to cover up my
grey skin and had put on a series of fake bionic eyes to hide their appearance. Payne
always finds it amusing and regularly calls me a fly when doing so, I dont blame him but
its an unfortunate necessity.

The palace was smaller than others Id been in, the population and building on Callisto
was always carefully monitored so as the artificial continent stayed afloat on the sea of
mercury. Uvis led us to Ciaphuss private chamber and opened the com on the door.
Inquisitor Vaitriani to see you sir. He barked into the com. It crackled and hissed for a
few moments before replying; Show them in Uvis. He tapped in the access code to the
door and it slid open. Suddenly a las shot flew out the room and hit Uvis square in the
chest, luckily for him he was covered head to toe in body armour and the shot just winded
him, he fell back behind the wall coughing up blood.
You ok? I asked. He just nodded obviously in pain. Payne with lasgun in hand moved
up to the edge of the door, he took a moment to look round, a series of bolts flew out the
door and impacted on the wall opposite, one only just missing his head as he ducked back
Theres 4 of them sir. he said
Is Ciaphus alive?
Yea I think so but he looks hurt, they must have beat him up pretty bad.
Recon you could take one out?
Did you have to ask? He grinned. With that he flung himself across the door way, firing
his lasgun as he went, las bolts scored the wall once more as he rolled clear to the other
side of the door way.
Fragged one for ya. He grinned. Excellent I thought this was my chance; I ripped off
those bloody goggles as Ulros flew into my hand. I casually stepped round into the door
way, I had only a second to gauge my surroundings, they were off balance from Paynes
shooting, one lay sprawled on the floor, his face blown apart, one, obviously the leader
was standing over the bloodied body of Ciaphus, he was dressed in the Von Duche
Colours; it was Hans Von Duche, the heir. The others were bodyguards of some
description. As I walked in the guards looked at me in fear, Hans didnt seem to care. The
window at the far side of the room was wide open with speeders hovering outside. The
guards aimed their guns ready to fire, drop them I willed at them, they dropped their guns
in confusion and I charged at them, with deft swirl of Ulros I beheaded one of the
guards, blood sprayed all over the room, the other guards reached for their guns as Hans
ran for the window, I kicked the gun away from the nearest guard and kneed him in the
face as he struggled to reach for it. Hans and the remaining guard ran out the window and
onto the two speeders parked outside, I put Ulros into his Holder and dived out the
window just in time to grab the back of the guards speeder, I was dragged along the floor
as the speeder took off, the guard veered it this way and that trying to shake me off but I
wouldnt let go, I needed to get to the bottom of this.
I changed my handing round so I was dangling on the end of the speeder facing
backwards, still the guard tried to shake me off, I looked down, we were about 100
meters from the ground, no way was I letting go. With all my strength I flipped my body
up round the guards head and landed on the seat facing him. I looked into his eyes and
willed get off! Without hesitation the guard dived off the speeder and fell 100 meters,
probably to his death, I turned round and assessed the controls of the speeder, good they
were straight forward, with my superior eyesight I could make out the Von Duches
Speeder in the distance, I accelerated to catch him. It took a while to get used to the
controls, if it hadnt been for my enhanced reflexes I would have crashed into one of the
many spires of Callisto easily, through a series of short cuts I caught up with him, we
were side by side, he didnt seemed particularly bothered that he was being followed by a
member of the Inquisition. I sent a message to Payne over my vox ear piece Get the
Bailrigg in the air, meet at Von Duche Mansion. I waited for the reply Roger Vay he
replied. At that point I cut the power in the speeder engines, slowing down and making it
appear to the Hans that my engines were failing, he smiled as he accelerated away; I
kicked in the engines enough so as not to lose him and followed him to the Von Duche
mansion.

I set down the speeder about 500 meters from the hangar where Hans Von Duche had
gone. The hangar was a huge open area next to the Von Duche gardens. The mansion
itself was the largest single building on Callisto rising about 50 meters into the sky and
was about 10 kilometres square; it housed all the Von Duche family, their staff and there
own personal Guard. I made my way round to the entrance of the hangar and stealthily
made my way inside. I crept behind one of the guards, unfortunately for him he heard me,
before he could raise the alarm I put my hand over his mouth and snapped his neck, I
dragged his body behind some oil drums and hid there myself, so I could see what was
going on. The members of the Von Duche family, Lord Otto, Hans and the youngest,
Mienrad were ordering their men to load their personal shuttle full of weapons and
supplies. I couldnt quite hear what they were saying so I moved in to get closer, I
stopped suddenly dumb struck. Out of a stasis chamber on the far side of the hangar a
series of troopers were guarding a perfect cube of a strange Black Stone, it glistened with
warp energy inside, and even more to my surprise floating behind it was a Daemonhost. I
knew it was instantly, the body of a man controlled by a daemon inside, bound to
someone with immense power, I had read of them before but in all my years I had never
seen one. I couldnt make out any physical details but from my warp sight it radiated out
an almost blinding light, I had to look away. Elros was whispering to me, he was in pain,
the cube was causing him pain and making me feel uncomfortable. Ulros too was
humming in the custom hoop I had made for him. I tried to catch my breath but the thing
had winded all three of us. The breathlessness subsided when the cube was in the ship. I
suddenly realised that my heavy breathing had attracted the attention of the guards who
were shouting and making their way over too me. The Von Duches saw me and seemed to
issue an order to the Deamonhost which proceeded to float towards me, an evil look on
its twisted face.
Just then the guards started yelling. I looked up and autocannon fire sprayed across the
deck of the landing area. 4 guards in front of me blasted apart as the shells hit them. They
started shooting rapidly at the source, it was the Bailrigg, hovering above the entrance of
the hangar, the ramp lowered and with Payne and Uvis leaning out firing into the guards,
I looked at the Von Duches shuttle its engines powering up, the Daemonhost was still
moving towards me it lashed out with a psychic attack I was totally unprepared for. The
blast blew me backwards and I crashed into the barrels behind me, blood squirting out my
nose. I rose to my feet and willed Ulros to my hand. The daemonhost smiled evilly at me
and spoke in sickening yet somewhat feminine voice; So Inquisitor are you ready to
die? Its you who will die vile abomination! I cried as I charged. I brought Ulros down
in a wide arc, his razor sharp blade slicing across the daemonhosts chest, it reeled back
with a look of annoyance on its face, I used my psychic bolts to blast it back from me,
there was no way I could fight it. I made a run for the Bailrigg. I nearly made it. A huge
psychic lightning bolt hit me square in the back, the protective field of Elros only
partially protecting me from the blast that would have immolated a normal man instantly.
I scrambled in pain to the Bailriggs landing hatch, Payne and Uvis helped me up as the
ramp closed behind me. Get us out of here! I yelled to Nayhall. Righto Boss! he
shouted back from the cockpit. He banked hard just in time to avoid the heavy fire
coming from the Von Duche shuttle and activated the Cloaking Device. We saw the
shuttle speed away into the Atmosphere, no doubt off world.
In the med bay of the Bailrigg Payne attended to a flesh wound on his left shoulder.
Uvis I learned had been assigned to me at the behest of Ciaphus to aid my apprehension
or eradication of the Von Duche family, I couldnt exactly decline. Uvis insisted on seeing
my wound.
Lets take a look at that sir he insisted.
No its fine honestly I replied.
But that blast should have killed you.
Yes it should have. I said flatly.
He looked down at my right hand, at Elros.
Whats that? he asked suspiciously.
That, mate saved the bosses life answered Payne.
If you want to stick with us you got to keep your questions to yourself. He added. Long
ago Payne realised the changes I had gone through was a real battle for me everyday,
from the authorities, from slipping down a path I shouldnt. He was fiercely protective of
me, he knew no-matter what anyone else thought I was doing I was always serving the
imperium. He told Uvis as such.
Whats the plan Boss? I heard Nayhall call from the cockpit.
Well were going to pick up Eladan then follow the Von Duches, make arrangements for
off world travel.
Sure Boss, no problem Boss. He chirped back.
Would you care to step into my study Uvis? I asked.
Of course lord. He replied.
Call me Vaitriani I corrected as I led him down the narrow walk way to the Study.

Race to Narvo
After briefing Uvis on all he needed to know I was convinced that he would remain
loyal to me. He possessed a cunning and dry wit that appealed to me, as I explained my
power and bonding to Elros and Ulros he listened intently, nodding occasionally.
Mean while Nayhall had secured transport on the star freighter Nautilus under the
command of one captain Perii Vellur, once an imperial captain he had turned his hand to
smuggling and proved to be good at it, he had amounted a small fortune. Many of the
shipping rights in the sub-sector were under the control of the Von Duches and Vellur
would be glad to be rid of the competition if we succeeded. As a result he asked for no
pay but I gave him some regardless, in my experience its always good to keep freighter
captains on your side, you never know when youre going to be stranded.
From looking at the Von Duche ships trajectory we traced the path to the Agri world of
Narvo. Narvo was the largest world in the Julien sub-sector and provided food for all the
surrounding systems bar Livi which was self sustaining. At present I couldnt ascertain as
to why they would be travelling there but it was bound to be for evil intent.
Uvis seemed to be mixing with Payne quite well, I imagine Payne missed other human
company. While I stood by the hatch way watching them chat about weapons, (Payne was
arguing the bonuses of las over solid ammo weapons) Eladan tapped me on the shoulder.
We must talk. He stated in his usually direct manner. Eladan was taller than me by half a
head and of very slight build, like all his Eldar kin his skin was pale and his ears ended in
sharp points. As I followed him to my study I couldnt help marvel at his grace as he
walked, such thought would be considered by many as heretical. I walked into my room
and closed the door.
What is it my friend? I asked, although I was almost like a soul brother to him, he
always spoke formally, as did I.
That black cube is full of such evil. He stated quickly.
We must destroy it; the Von Duches know not what they are dealing with.
I fear they may know exactly what they are dealing with. I replied matter-of-factly.
Either way it must be destroyed, it contains the spirit of a daemon.
How do know that? I asked.
There are stories of a daemon that was secured in a cube of flowing warp energy, it was
said he was a minor chaos god trapped for challenging Tzeench millennia ago.
Then it must be destroyed. How did you see it?
Well when you sent me to watch the Von Duche house I saw them loading it onto the
ship when you was in the hangar, I tried to snipe the Von Duches but I couldnt get a shot,
our kind cant afford to give away our position on Mon Keigh worlds.
Id appreciate if you didnt use that term. I snapped.
Its offensive.
To you Vaitriani Why?
I stopped, it was difficult to remember that I was neither human nor Eldar, the thought
made me feel uneasy, to aid humanity I had sacrificed mine; power comes with a price.
You can go now. I said bitterly. He knew that he had stung me; sometimes I think he
almost took pleasure in the fact that I wasnt human.

On the bridge of the Nautilus we met with Perii and his second officer, a man called
Giles. He informed me of the current politics of the imperium that he was aware of as
well as other famous imperial victories- and defeats of recent years. I was shocked to hear
how much Id missed while in the black library. Abaddon had launched his thirteenth
Black crusade during my time on Verdan and Rigel Alpha but I had no idea the scale of
destruction that lay in his wake. Even Eladan seemed saddened by the events as Perii told
them, I imagine he knew much of the future; maybe what he saw was coming to pass or
worse I couldnt tell. Uvis too spoke up;
Yes even here we have had insurrections from cults of chaos, I have personally had to
put them down myself.
A bad time for our great Imperium. Remarked Giles sadly.
I hadnt spoken for a while, preferring to watch and listen intently to what the others said
but I finally added;
These times are a test of every mans faith to the God Emperor who watches over us, if
we remain true to him we will prevail.
With that a cheer went up among all present, with the exception of Eladan unsurprisingly.
To be honest I was surprised he came at all; I guess it was for curiosity.The hours rolled
by and the talk turned many times, some which grabbed my interest, others not, during
which time I thought of how to bring the Von Duches to justice and destroy that accursed
cube. At the end of the evening I asked Perii and Giles if we could talk alone.

Periis study was a huge room decorate in large pictures depicting great victories in the
imperiums history, include the victories of Macharius and the defeat of hive fleet
behemoth by the Ultramarines.
What is it? Perii asked quickly, obviously nervous.
I would like your assistance further.
In what way would you require? Perii asked worried now.
Id like Giles to accompany me and my band on the surface.
Why me? asked Giles with a worried look on his face.
Well you seem to give the impression that youre good in a fight, you might get the
chance to prove it with me. I knew that Perii didnt like Giles and knew he would be
more than happy if he didnt return with us, this was kind of an unspoken pact that Perii
and I were arranging and Giles was the pawn.
I would be more than happy to lend you Giles services. Perii replied officially, he was a
shrewd man and had understood my arrangement.
Then thats settled Gentlemen. I replied quickly. I turned and left Periis study and
returned to the Bailrigg.

I dont know how long the journey to Narvo had taken but it dragged on, I must have
spent at least two days in my study going over the profiles of the Von Duches. The Von
Duches used to be a large family but had been shrinking in size for the last 150 years or
so. As such the last three remaining Von Duches were men of incredible power and
wealth in the Sub-sector. Hans Von Duche, the man I had chased through Callisto was the
eldest son of Otto Von Duche, head of the family. Otto was now an old man but through
several bionic implants was still a man of considerable strength, he possessed a ruthless
cunning and had an innate ability for getting his own way, Hans was cunning like his
father but even more so, he dealt with the politics through the sub-sector and even had
links in the whole sector. Mienrad Von Duche was the youngest son of Otto. He lacked
the brains and cunning of his father and brother but was more ruthless and cold. He
revelled in his job in controlling the Von Duche guard, 250 soldiers which accompanied
them everywhere, with these soldiers it would prove difficult getting to the Von Duches
personally. Then there was the Daemonhost. I knew that they didnt have the necessary
knowledge to create one of those vile creatures, this meant that there must be someone
even more powerful controlling the Von Duches, maybe he was on Narvo, we would soon
find out, though we nearly didnt

While on the bridge talking during dinner with Eladan, Payne, Uvis, Perii and Giles at
the end of our journey the astropaths informed us that we had left warp space and were
approaching Narvo. Just then we received a vox message; This is Admiral Wirral of the
Battle fleet Sercuius prepare to be destroyed! The message was followed by violent
shake as a huge missile flew past the bridge window.
Evasive Action! screamed Perii into the computer monitor.
We were already on our feet in the confusion.
Why are they firing? shouted Uvis.
Who gives a damn we need to get out of here! Payne shouted back.
A missile hit the ship hard and we were all thrown to the floor.
The void shields are gone! Were finished! We go to go NOW! screamed Perii.
We made our way as fast as we could to the Bailrigg, there were fires all around and we
heard rumbles of explosions in other parts of the ship. I sent a vox message to Nayhall;
Nayhall wake up! Start the engines we need to get out quick!
Almost at once the reply came;
No probs boss. Got an ETA?
Just be ready to go when we get there! I barked and closed the link.
All round the light were flashing as we ran along the narrow corridors, broken pipes
were hanging from the ceiling and gas was blowing all around, making it difficult for the
others to see. It was another 100m to the cargo bay where the Bailrigg was waiting.
Eladan was way ahead of us in the distance and Payne lagged behind helping Giles along,
who was having a hard time with the run. Crewmen were running with us, just behind us
a huge chunk of the wall blew away in an explosion, three crewmen were blasted apart
instantly and another five were thrown over our heads and landed in charred heaps all
around. We reached the door to the cargo hold and Perii tried to open it.
Its jammed! Shit its jammed, the damn door wont open!
Step aside. I said calmly. I produced my Micro pick from my pocket, this little trinket I
picked up on the world of Blesach II could open any door. This time however the door
was most defiantly jammed.
Shield your eyes. I said as I drew psychic energy from the warp, I had to concentrate
very hard, what would usually be effortless was made difficult by the fluctuations in the
ships Plasma drive. I closed my eyes and blocked out the noise and heat all around. I
opened my eyes and bolts of pure Psychic energy hit the door blowing it inwards.
Lets go. I shouted above the noise.
We all ran into the cargo bay just as a huge explosion racked through the ship. One of the
support joists of the cargo bay wall broke off in one place, the joist swung down right at
us. I dived out the way just in time and looked back to see the joist swing right into Giles
and smash his body to pieces against the opposite wall. We all ran up the landing ramp of
the Bailrigg. Just as the Plasma drive suffered a direct hit.
Nayhall were here; activate the cloak and get us the hell out of here NOW! I shouted.
There was no reply but the Bailrigg thrust out of the cargo bay just in time as a huge wall
of flame blew out the bay wall and would have destroyed us. We just got clear of the
Nautilus when the Plasma drive exploded and the ship was blown apart in a huge atomic
explosion, we were thrown all over the ship as Nayhall struggled to regain control.
Eventually he stabilised the ship and shouted back;
What the fuck was that all about!
Thats what Im going to find out. I said coldly.

Ambush

We had safely made it onto the surface of Narvo and I was determined to find out
who had ordered the destruction of the Nautilus. We had gained a new ally in Perii Vellur
in its destruction but we had nearly all been killed. We landed on platform 3 of Narvos
huge cargo port and uncloaked the Bailrigg. I, including Perii, Uvis and Payne made our
way fully armed to the head quarters of the ministorum on Narvo. We had learnt that
admiral Wirral had landed on the planet to dine with the planetary governor, a one
Maximal Druudg. I was in no mood for subterfuge now. Years I had moved silently
amongst the stars keeping away from imperial contact precisely for this reason. No one
knew we were on board; my best guess was that they had discovered the Von Duches
heresy and thought they were on board but this seemed unlikely. I half expected to see
that fool Lucius waiting for me. What awaited me was much worse. Payne was armed
with his custom las gun old faithful, Uvis carried his heavy combat shotgun and Perii
wielded his short sword and an ornate las pistol. We walked up the marble steps to the
doors of the palace; three guards armed with auto rifles barred our way.
You cannot enter. stated one raising his gun. Leave now.
I am Inquisitor Vaitriani and I demand to come in. I said enforcing my will slightly.
We have orders to not let anyone in. stated another.
Would you deny me? I asked slyly. Very well, lets go gentlemen. I said to the others.
As we turned I winked at them, the signal to be ready. I swirled round and let out the full
force of my psychic impel; hurling the guards hard against the door. We ran up to them, I
kicked one hard in the face, breaking his jaw, Payne punched one in the chest with his
bionic arm, I could feel his ribs break from the impact and Uvis shot the last one in the
leg blood coating the floor.
Guess theyll let us in after all. Payne joked.
It was so nice of them to accept our invitation replied Perii.
I produced the micro pick from my pocket and put it next to the control panel, the door
opened with a hum and we went inside guns drawn, I had a feeling we were expected.

We advanced cautiously alone the wide entrance hall, it was a massive majestic
passage way at least 20m wide and the same high, the walls were painted gold and the
carpets was a deep purple. As we approached the entrance to the main dining chamber I
got a feeling we were being watched.
Ready yourselves gentlemen. I said, unnecessary really all three of them were ready.
With my micro pick I unlocked the door to the dining hall and stood back. I kicked the
door open and we ran.
Vaitriani! boomed a huge man at the far end of the long dining hall.
You are under arrest for heresy and will be executed! It was Syrinx. Damn, this was the
last thing I needed and I had walked right into the maniacs trap. Syrinx was a raving
monodominant, believing that man was the one true ruler of the galaxy and even human
psykers were to be burned. As you can guess he really didnt approve of me. We first
crossed paths on Rigel Alpha several years ago then again on the space hulk incident
when Syrinx, Lucius and I had to work together to destroy a tyranid infested space hulk
bound for holy Terra. We had eliminated the threat and the two of them, especially Lucius
gained the most credit for it and he was promoted to Inquisitor Lord. Syrinx on the other
hand was far to crazed to care about promotion and had a fierce reputation as it was.
The power armoured monstrosity raised his bolt pistol and fired, the shot took me by
surprised and punctured my thigh. The doors slammed behind us and the others whirled
round to be confronted by 7 arbites barring the door. Scatter! shouted Payne to the
others and they split off in different directions, Payne primed a grenade and hurled it at
the arbites. It detonated with an ear splitting explosion, I doubt it harmed any of them but
my men were now all in cover. Syrinx fired another shot me, bolt after bolt flew in my
direction, with my enhanced reflexes I swirled and dodged all the shells. My leg had
healed quickly and I raced towards Syrinx Ulros drawn, I jumped up onto the massive
long table and ran straight at him, he just stood there and smiled, I stopped dead. He
knew my combat abilities, knew he was no match for me up close yet he just stood there.
Then it came at me, from the shadows at the back of the room, an arco-flagellent with
razor sharp power claws came at me with inhuman speed, its first lunge was for my head,
I just managed to get out the way I whirled round behind it a smashed it across the back
of the head with the butt of Ulros. As it stumbled round in a daze I moved towards
Syrinx his bolt pistol was trained on me again, he fired. I dived under the shot and threw
Ulros straight at him, the sword penetrated his thick power armour at the top of his leg
and he came crashing to the floor with an almighty thud. I was above to finish him off
when the acro-flagellent came at me again, its claw slashed across my back, a fell to the
floor in pain, it raised its claws to slice me in two just as I lunged forward and plunged
Ulros into its groin, the thing fell to its knees and my return stroke severed its head. I
could feel my wound on my back beginning to heal, I looked round and saw that the
others and fought their way out of the palace, good, at least they were safe. I turned round
to face Syrinx again, I shouldnt have let my guard down. He fired his Psycannon straight
at me. The bolt his me straight in the chest, I felt me ribcage shatter under the impact and
several of my organs were pierced by bit of my exploded bone. The impact blew me 5
meters off the table and I landed hard on the floor, I looked down and my chest has a
mess of blood and bone. Just before I passed out I caught a glimpse of Syrinxs scared
face. The bastard was smiling.

Interrogation
I dont know how long I was unconscious but when I awoke I found myself strapped to
a table in a small dark room. Directly opposite was a large steel door, closed firmly. The
wound on my chest was healed but it stung still from the pentagrammic wards. I had
discovered over the centuries that anti daemon weapons also had a negative effect on me,
probably due to my increasing insurgences into the warp with my mind. I was in
immense pain, Ulros was not in the room, I had trouble breathing Elros was calling to
me; get him back, you must get him back! Early on in my life I was plagued by the voice
of Elros in my head, it could have driven me mad but eventually, over time he had
become an extension of my own mind, mine and his, thinking and working together. Now
he was screaming at me. We could not be parted from Ulros, though he was silent my
soul felt stretched when we were parted; as did Elros.

Just then the door swung open and two hooded men entered the room. One was tall and
lean, he lowered his hood to reveal a pale complexion, one eye was replaced with various
sensory devices. The other robed man sat at the far end of the room and remained quiet.
The lean man spoke.
So, Vaitriani. What heresy brings you to Narvo?
None I replied. I do the emperors work.
Im sure. Sneered the man, sarcastically.
Shall I ask you again?
Wheres Syrinx? Wheres you master? Didnt he have the courage to question me
himself?
Oh he has but my master believes I need practice, training.
Training in what? Being his pet dog? I growled, by white eyes meeting his.
How dare you mock me heretic! he shouted and spat on my face I am Interrogator
Bjores and you will answer my questions.
But you have asked only one, and I have answered it. He did need practice, the buffoon.
You see this table? he said pointing to wear I was lying. Well it is connected to an anti-
psyhic generator, if I switch it on you will be in immense pain. I already was but he
didnt need to know that and I was doing a good job of hiding it.
You dont frighten me. I said frankly. I have been in worse torture situations than this
with worse- and more capable men than you Bjores.
We shall see. He said and smiled as he turned the lever on the table. I tensed in pain as
negative Psychic energy flowed into my brain, I couldnt help it, and I let out a scream of
agony.
Not so tough now are we? Now what are you doing on Narvo? I explained it all to him,
my affair with the Von Duches, the daemonhost, even the cube, in truth I had nothing to
hide about why I was there, he didnt seem impressed.
Damn it Vaitriani, you are a heretic and we all know it, you are a hunted man. Syrinx has
been after you for a while now.
What after I saved his life? That took the little shit aback. Yes believe that Bjores, on
Rigel Alpha I saved your masters life, he was as good as dead but I brought him back to
do the emperors work and hes screwed me over. I am no heretic you fool, its the Von
Duches your after! He didnt know what to say. The revelation that I, a heretic had saved
his masters life seemed like an alien concept to him.
II he stuttered.
I turned to the robed man in the corner and said. Syrinx, this is insulting, not only do
you lack the spine to conduct this interrogation yourself but you get this moron to do it
for you. Get him out of here! I didnt even need to use my will, the room was almost
certainly psychically shielded but no matter I had taken him apart, and under my mental
condition that was good. Syrinx rose and lifted back his hood. He was a grim looking,
bald-headed man, with wires coming out the back of his head, he never smiled the
miserable bastard. He nodded to Bjores and the weasely interrogator shuffled out of the
room, closing the door behind him.
He walked over to me and looked straight into my eyes.
Now listen here heretic! he spat. I will find out what youre doing here then you will
burn. With that he turned and walked out.

It was 10 days before Syrinx returned. He must have figured that the isolation would
break me, more fool him. I had worked alone for 350 years until Payne joined my
services I was used to being alone. I wondered if the others were ok. I hoped they were.
When Syrinx came in we pulled up a chair by my table and sat down, my pain was eased
instantly; he had brought Ulros with him.
So youre not a heretic eh? he began. So whats that blasphemy on your arm? He
pointed to Elros. We took scans of you while you were unconscious, seems that gauntlet
his actually part of your body, no skin no flesh, just your skeleton just completely fused
with it. Dont you find that interesting?
I couldnt be bothered with this; I had been through it so many times before I said
nothing and let him ramble on.
And this sword. He said, producing Ulros from his robe. Xenos if I not mistaken?
Face it Vaitriani your corrupt and you know it, everything points to it, your skin, your
eyes, your weapon, YOUR DAMNED REGENERATION! YOU ARE A HERETIC AND
YOU WILL BURN FOR YOUR CRIMES!
No. I said. He stopped.
No?
No. I am not corrupt, changed yes but my soul is pure, I do the emperors work as you
do, let me go and I will bring the Von Duche family to justice, they are carrying a weapon
of great evil and it must be destroyed!.
Taken and used for your own ends you mean? He smirked.
You are a bloody fool Syrinx, you monodominants are all the same; tarnish everything
with the same brush. I am not one of those fools who believe in turning chaos on itself
THATS heresy. You have the wrong man.
He rose. Well see. He whispered and turned to leave the room. Just then I heard a huge
explosion and the lights went out. The power was down. I felt the Psychic field go down,
summoning my will I sent a message into the surprised Syrinx head; untie me! He
couldnt stop himself. His power armour was inscribed with runes which nullified
psychic powers but now he was vulnerable, he couldnt help it, he undid the safety
harnesses and I leapt free. Ulros flew in to my hand and I prepared to sever Syrinxs
head. No, whispered Elros into my head, I stayed my hand. I let out a Psychic force
which threw Syrinx into the heavy metal door, forcing it open, his bones cracking under
the impact. He fell to the floor unconscious. I ran out of the room and found myself in a
long metal corridor, I knew the lights were out because I saw Bjores feeling his way
along the corridor, no matter to me though, my warp sight granted me perfect night
vision, I slipped past the useless Interrogator and looked for a way out.

Escape
I made my way down the corridor with Ulros in my hand, by now the lights had come
back on, either power was restored or the emergency generator was on. Three guards
came towards me, their lasguns ready. Put the guns down, I willed they seemed reluctant
but did it steadily. They looked past me and smiled. I whirled round only to see two more
guards ready to open fire. I dived down and hit the deck, las bolts seared over my head
and hit two of the original guards; the other had picked up his gun and was aiming at me.
I sent out bolts of psychic energy which lacerated his body, the other two fired at me
again, this time I was in the arm but Elros offered a lot of protection there. I threw Ulros
straight at one of them, the mighty sword impaled him in the gut and he slumped to the
floor, the last remaining guard trembled as I approached him, with one punch from Elros
I flung him 7 meters up the corridor, he coughed and spluttered before passing out, I
pulled Ulros from the belly of the dead guardsman and sprinted further up the corridor,
looking for a way out.

I eventually came to a heavy metal door, next to it was a small rack of pistols, I
grabbed a stubber and slammed a clip into the handle. I reached into my pocket for my
micro pick. It was gone, Had Syrinx taken it or had I dropped it in the fight I didnt know.
I summoned up all the psychic energy I could muster; the air became cool and sparked
with energy. I released the full force of my impel at the door, it groaned and creaked
before blowing off its hinges. I advanced cautiously through the door. Several las shots
whizzed past my head.
Shit, sorry Vay! It was Payne, behind him stood Uvis and Vellur. I couldnt have been
more pleased to see them.
Was the explosion your doing? I asked Payne.
No actually it was Uvis who came up with that one. Uvis smiled and I nodded back at
him, he was proving his worth more and more.
You encountered much resistance getting in here? I asked
Only a couple of guards but we handled them. quipped Perii.
Theyll be more heavy resistance soon Syrinx is still alive.
You didnt kill him? asked Payne. Why?
I dont know Johann, Elros told be not too.
That damn things playing tricks on you.
Maybe so but whatever the case we got to be on our guard.

We went back the way the others had come, we encountered no resistance for a while,
only the odd guard who proved to be no problem. We came to the main hangar where
Payne told me Nayhall would pick us up. We ran into the hangar and waited. I was
nervous; we were right in the open and would be easy targets. There were three doors to
the hangar, one on each wall, three ways they could come at us. And they did. The door
we came through blew open and arbites stormed through wielding powerful auto rifles.
We all dived for cover, behind anything we could find and fired back. I admit I wasnt a
good shot but every now and then a shot from my stubber hit home. The door to my right
swung open and five more arbites ran in, guns blazing, they had our flank and I had to do
something. I yelled to Perii who was closest to me;
Cover me! He swung round and fired his las pistols into the arbites and they fell into
cover. I let off my last stubber shot into the face of one of them as I ran towards them.
The speed at which I moved took them completely off guard. By this time it was 6
against one. I dived at them with controlled force, my training as a master swordsman on
my home world of Nectar VI many millennia ago in full effect, in one whirling spin I
cleaved two of the arbites in half, brought my sword round, deflected a shot to my head
and sliced the firer in two from head two groin, I kicked one half way across the hangar,
impaling him on a crane and beheaded the last one. Although Payne joked about my
inability to shoot straight he was always astounded when he watched me in combat. Perii
stared at me and the carnage I had just reaped, 6 men dead in 6 seconds. I was only just
warming up. I ran back to Perii and shouted over the fire;
Cover that door, if anyone comes though shoot them. Payne and Uvis were losing their
fight with the Arbites, though they had felled at least 20, another 40 guards had come in
through the other door. Now it was 50 against 2.
Report I said to Payne.
Well were horrendously outnumbered but on the bright side I just received a Vox from
Nayhall, hell be here in 5.
We may not be here in 5 Clicks! shouted Uvis Im down to four shells.
Well better make them count. I remarked. I turned back to Payne.
Did you bring Him I asked?
Shit I forgot about Him!
Well activate Him damn it! I shouted at him.
He leaned into his Vox piece and said the trigger word. Virtuous
A crate by the side of the arbites exploded and BA5H 906 lunged out, his massive bulk
bowling over three guards, his power claws snipping two more in half in a cloud of blood
and gore. BA5H or the dumb machine Payne called it. I had stolen the behemoth 40 odd
years ago on Mars form under the noses of the Adeptus Mechanicus. It was rumoured that
it was a failed experiment to create a space marine legion entirely loyal to the Adeptus
Mechanicus using new genetic methods, the experiment failed and BA5H was one of the
surviving failures and my most potent terror tactic. It stood 2 meters tall and was armed
with two massive power claws on each arm. It scared the guards alright. They started
firing at it wildly but its built in refractor field deflected most of the shots. Now I saw
my chance I leapt over the crate and sprinted over to the guards, Payne and Uvis laid
down a covering fire as I ran. I unleashed the full force of my combat abilities. I loathed
killing so many loyal servants of the emperor but it was them or us and the Von Duches
need to be brought to justice. I leapt 5 meters into the air, flipping as I did so and threw
Ulros straight at the guards. As I flew over them Ulros almost followed me in tandem
and slashed though 6 of the guards before they could react. I landed hard on the head of
an arbite, breaking his neck and slide down his body to the floor. I whirled round and
kicked a nearby guard in the face with a spinning kick; catching Ulros as I did so. Payne
told me what he saw afterwards. Apparently I became a blur, he and Uvis watched in
disbelief as guards and arbites came apart in a whirlwind of death killed by a blur faster
than the eye could see. I didnt know what was happening. I was at one with the Sword
and him with me, enhancing my speed and strength. When I heard the roar of the
Bailriggs engines I stopped. I looked around and surveyed the damage. 25 men lay dead
in a circle around me. The others were running from BA5H back out the far door. I
turned; the Bailrigg was hovering just above the ground, its bottom gangway open.
Eladan was kneeling on it helping Perii on board, he looked injured. I ordered BA5H
back to the ship with my will, once active he only responded to my orders. Payne and
Uvis were already running to the Bailrigg. In my folly I had turned away from the door. A
bullet from Eladans long rifle whisked past my head, I turned and saw Bjores right in
front of me a knife in the air. He slumped to the floor, a bullet hole in his right eye. I ran
to the Bailrigg leaping aboard just in time to see Syrinx stride through the door screaming
curses; probably something about me being a heretic. The ramp closed and Nayhall
banked hard pulling the Bailrigg into the air and activating the cloak.
Whats the plan Boss? he chirped.
We got to hunt the Von Duches and bring them to justice. I remarked.
Well sir we werent idol while you were captured. Payne smiled. I smiled back.
What have you got?

Tracing the Von Duches

I had been briefed by Payne as soon as we were safe aboard the Bailrigg. They had not
been idle while I was incarcerated. While Uvis and Payne planned the rescue Perii had
gone in search of the Von Duches. As it turned out they had only been on Narvo four
days. I needed to find out what they were doing and what they could have achieved in
only four days.
The Bailrigg flew across the vast landscape of Narvo and set down in a small farming
village about 300 kilometres from the capital. I knew that I shouldnt risk exposing
myself knowing Syrinx was at large but I needed answers. I walked down the landing
ramp with Payne close behind me. Perii had been wounded quite badly in the shoulder,
Uvis and Eladan tended to him on board, BA5H was offline again. The village seemed to
be in a post black powder state; the buildings were made of wood and had thatched roofs,
a big departure from the imperial palace in the city. I had made my face up again and
wore a pair of dark glasses, covering my eyes. Payne wore his normal cloths but covered
his bionic arm in a full-length jacket and a glove, there was little we could do about his
metallic face except cover it in cloth. The people of Narvo were simple and we didnt
wish to alarm them. Paynes las gun was concealed in his coat.
The village square looked like a market place; there were men and women on stalls
selling food, clothing and other items. At the back of the Square was a tavern. I figured
that there was the best place of getting some answers. We made our way across the
square, all the while being pestered by sellers at their stalls. I opened the door to the
Tavern and we went inside. Walking up to the bar we ordered two drinks. The barman
was big with a balding head and a full beard. Payne commented on how surprisingly
good the local ale was but I said nothing, to me it was bland and flavourless, like
everything else in the galaxy, bar Kmsece, the liquor I kept back on the Bailrigg. We sat
and talked idly for a while before Payne asked;
So what we waiting for exactly?
I dont know. Anything, any hint or reason why the Von Duches would come here.
The gambit paid off. After ten minutes an old man in the corner of the room, who had
been watching us since we entered, came over to our table and sat down. His cloths were
dirty and so was he, the working of the land meant that the people of Narvo were always
dirty.
You from the sky. He stated. It was not a question.
Thats right. I said, why do you want to know?
You wont take anyone? he asked hesitantly.
Why would I take anyone?
Others did, they came from the stars and took Meag.
Who took Meag? Who is Meag? Payne said before I could ask.
I dunno, rich men came and took her.
Who is she? I persisted
The healer, the magic healer.
Where did they take her from?
Her house in the woods. He said quickly.
What were you doing in the woods? Payne asked
Looking for her, I have a broken foot. He did indeed; it was tied up with a bandage and
looked swollen.
Can you take us there? I asked.
Ermm he didnt want to.
Please. I said stroking his mind with my will.
Ok, I take you.

The walk to the house took about half an hour, when we got there the house was a
mess. It was built in what looked like a natural glade but very little light managed to get
through the thick trees. The door was wide open, as we walked inside, I could tell at once
that it had been forced, the lock had been ripped away from the wood. The cottage was
small and all on one level, the table was overturned and foodstuffs were all over the
place, there was an odour of psychic presence here.
Both of you, outside. I said to Payne and the old man. And close the door. I needed as
much concentration as I could get, auto-sances were usually conducted by astropaths,
but seeing as I had never had one I had learnt to do it myself. Although it was never easy,
if I calmed my mind I could look into the future with ease but the past was much more
difficult for me. I produced the Staff of Elros from beneath my robe, it is a beautiful
artefact, a deep purple psy-conductive substance that ends in a triangular symbol with the
face of the long dead Elros embossed on it. It was this staff that allowed me into the black
library and also enhanced my psychic abilities. I placed the staff on the floor in the
middle of the cottage and knelt down in front of it. I took a moment to calm my mind, I
could feel my breathing, even Elros was silent as I calmed us both down. Ulros was
sleeping soundly by my side. The room grew colder, my breath producing condensation. I
took my mind back, back to when the cottage was occupied. I felt a sting of psychic
power as soon as the vision appeared; an elderly woman was sitting at the chair in the
corner reading a book. Her soul shone brightly, she was a psyker, and a powerful one at
that, the old man referred to her as the healer, obviously she used her powers to heal the
injured or sick villagers. She looked up towards the door. I couldnt hear anything so
turned to face the door. It was locked but was shaking violently. It burst open with force
and three men ran in, two were guards and ran to restrain the woman. She put up a hell of
a fight, kicking and screaming, eventually was hit hard round the head and passed out.
The guards left. The other man looked straight at me and smiled though I knew he
couldnt see me. It was Meinrad Von Duche. I ended the sance and slumped to the floor,
only holding myself up on the staff. It was then the Elros spoke clearly to me There
going to Sullasd.
How do you know? I asked.
I saw it in his mind when he looked at us.
Do you know what there planning?
Yes.
We better get moving. I said, more to myself than to Elros.

I stepped out of the cottage and went up to Payne and the old man, I turned to him.
Youve been very helpful, thank you for your assistance.
Pleasure. he said and hobbled back to the village.
Well, whats the plan Vay?
There going to Sullasd. Were going to follow them. Get Nayhall on the vox we need a
transport.

Communion with the dead

We managed to book transport of a cargo cruiser called the Furion, the trip to Sullasd
would take about three days. I gave order to my band not to converse with the ships crew,
we need to travel incognito, the last space voyage proving to nearly be the death of us.
While Eladan kept to himself and the others talked and played drinking games in the
main cabin I decided to reflect on the run in with Syrinx. There were several questions on
my mind; how did Syrinx know I was on board the Nautilus? Why did he not believe me
about the Von Duches? Most confusing was; why did Elros tell me not to kill Syrinx?
There were a number of ways he knew I was on board, he could have traced me from the
space hulk, finally catching up with me on Narvo, the Von Duches could have alerted him
to me and this would also explain him not believing me. If they told him about me he
would most likely have not questioned them, they are after all a powerful political family.
To find the reason why Elros told me to stay my hand I would have to ask him.
 In my study I sat on the floor, cross legged and calmed my mind.
Why did you tell me not to kill him? I asked.
Much has been revealed to me that you do not yet comprehend.
He wont stop hunting me.
He will.
I dont see how, the mans obsessive, he wont stop until he kills me, after the death of
Diablo he just will not stop.
Diablo is not dead.
What? How can you be sure?
He is a man of great evil, I know he lives.
But how do you know?
I can still perceive the strand of the future.
And I cannot Why would you deny me this power?
I did not.
Then who did?
I cannot say.
Fine. So how do we get Syrinx of our back?
I have sent him a dream, a dream of Diablo. He will continue his search.
Very crafty.
Thankyou.
But why did you tell me not to kill him, I have killed many who would kill me before
why is he do different?
He and Lucius will play a part in your future.
How so?
One day they will save us.
I cannot believe that.
It is true Vaitriani. They will. Like it or not those two are entwined in our fate.
This is disturbing; at least my efforts to befriend Lucius have not been in vain.
Indeed.
Now what of this Cube.

Well?
ItIt is evilTerrible EvilThey want to unleash it but they must not. It will kill
millions.
Then we must destroy it. How?
I do not know.
Great. Looks like Ill have to improvise.
You must not use Ulros.
Why?
It will kill us.
I understand. Just then there was a knock on the door. It was Uvis.
Vaitriani? Weve just arrived on Sullasd. You also have a private Vox message.
Do you have it with you?
Yes, here it is. I stood up and took the Data slate from him.
That will be all Uvis thank you.
Sir. He said as he closed the door. As I scrolled down the data slate my hopes lifted.
This is what it read;

My dear friend it has become clear to me though thorough investigation that the Von
Duches and the Cube are indeed a great threat to the imperium and they must be
destroyed. My sources inform me that the cube is a device that was created to contain the
essence of a mighty daemon and must be destroyed or millions will die, I assume your
sources have confirmed this to you. Once again it seems that our paths cross for the good
of the imperium. It was been many years since we have been in contact with each other, I
will bring weapons sufficient to destroying the Von Duche threat. I have requested One
hundred imperial stormtroopers under the command of Captain Carrion. They will be
enough to destroy the Von Duche guard. The daemonhost too, can be dealt with. I have
also enlisted the help of Inquisitor Yui. Though puritan he will not pose a problem to you.
I have enclosed coordinates for you rendezvous. See you soon.

Youre Friend

Titus Varo

Titus Varo was my only true friend in the Inquisition and had recently become head of
the Ordo Malleus for the whole of the Segmentum Tempestus. We had met about 700
years ago when he accused me of killing his master, the two of us were forced to work
together and we built a firm friendship. It was a miracle of imperial science that he was
still alive. The man had always been scarily frail, succumbing to the slightest illness
easily, the doctors numbering his days on several occasions. Amazingly he had always
pulled through. He was also severely physically weak and most of his bones had been
replaced with metallic alloys centuries ago. His physical frailness was easily countered
by his immense psychic powers.
Inquisitor Yui was a man I didnt know, we would soon see if he was like the others.

The Cell of Three

The Bailrigg set down in the desert 500km from the capital hive of Sullasd. Sullasd
was an arid hive world that seemed so serve no purpose in the Julien subsector. It was the
first world to be colonised, millennia ago. Thousands of years of industry had all but
destroyed the lush landscape. Although the industry was now long gone the scars on the
planet remained, the whole world had been reduced to an arid desert, thousand and
thousands of kilometres of sand dunes. The planets population lived in three massive
hives, evenly spaced around the planet, it was hot. Very hot, the atmosphere was
breathable but the temperature was always about 50C, the hives themselves were
permanently cooked by the sun.
All of us, bar Nayhall left the Bailrigg and made our way across the sand dunes until
we reached the base camp. Forty tents had been erected in the desert and housed the
storm-troopers and their equipment. We made our way to the command tent. Inside was
cooler but muggy. Varo, Yui and Carrion were sitting at a table discussing tactics. They
rose when I entered. Varo came over to me, his bionic wheezing as he did so. The others
rose.
Excellent to see you my old friend. Varo said, clasping my hand firmly.
Likewise. I smiled. The man was blinding, the radiance of his psychic power eclipsed
the glare of the planet.
This is Captain Carrion and Inquisitor Yui of the ordo Malleus. He introduced.
I walked up to Yui and took his hand warily. His grip was reassuringly firm.
My Lord Varo has told me much about you Vaitriani, although more radical than I deem
healthy I have faith in you as Varo does.
That comes as a comfort to me. I replied. Having an ignorant fool as an ally could have
proved costly.
I have briefed Yui on your life and works. Varo said.
I dont know whether to thank you or not. I replied.
I have been briefed enough to know your powers do not stem from chaos, and with that I
am satisfied.
Im glad. Yui was a big man in dark brown robes, I guessed him to be in his one
eighties. The had a long grey ponytail and his lower jaw was replaced his a metal one. He
was imposing to say the least.
All the preparations are made. said Carrion.
The Von Duche camp is 5km from here; we can walk the distance when it gets dark.
Varo stated.
Why did they come here, into the desert? I asked.
This is the most secluded part of the julien subsector, they wont get interrupted. replied
Yui.
Except by us. I quipped. They both smiled. One more problem though. How do we
destroy that cube?
With this. Replied Varo. From beneath his robe he produced a small rapier, it was about
2/3 the length of Ulros and half as wide.
What so special about that? asked Yui.
The blade has been inscribed with 1001 tiny pentagrammic runes, each one capable of
destroying a daemon. This will annihilate the daemon in the cube.
And how do you suppose we get near it? That daemonhost will fry us. I commented.
We will use my secret weapon, fight fire with fir as it were. With that the back end of
the tent came open and a hooded figure walked into the room, I recoiled immediately.
A deamonhost! I cried.
God emperor! shouted Yui.
Calm yourself my friends, it is subdued. Tonight we will advance on the Von Duche
camp and eliminate the threat. Are we together? Yui and I looked at each other hesitantly
for a moment.
Yes were in. I replied.

Blood on the Sand

 We advanced on the Von Duche camp as soon as the sun went down, we had been split
into three groups, each led by an Inquisitor, I had 30 stormtroopers with me as well as
Payne, Uvis, Perii, BA5H and Eladan. I was on the left flank, Varo advanced up the
centre with Carrion and 40 troopers, he didnt seem to have a warband but his daemon
hostfloated by his side, my friend had surly changed since I last saw him. Yui and his
retinue, four of them in all, took the right with the last troopers. If we attacked them from
all sides then we stood more chance of eliminating them. During the preparation Yui and
I had gotten along well, while I was expecting to talk with Varo he kept to himself and to
my surprise Yui had proven to be good company. Rarely do I encounter fellow inquisitors
who would tolerate me. We had both showed our concern about Varo utilising
daemonhosts to each other after the briefing. We didnt know whether to report him or
not, he was, after all one of the most politically powerful inquisitors in the imperium and
possessed enough clout to squash any accusations made against him.

When we reached the dune hill we saw them, all 250 of their troopers were there, I
could make out the Von Duches by the Cube, I could also make out the figure of the
Healer women from Narvo and they were planning to use her as a host for the daemon in
the cube when they released it. Eladan set up on the dune crest, his long rifle would be
able to take anyone from their, Uvis wielded his combat shotgun and was covered head to
toe in carapace armour; Perii wielded his las pistols and short sword. BA5H stayed close
to them, he had been ordered not to attack the strom-troopers or Yui and Varos men.
I glimpsed Varo and the daemon host on the far ridge, I couldnt see Yui, he wasnt a
psyker. Our voxes crackled into life as Varo gave the order. Attack he whispered down
vox. We advanced down the sand dunes and the storm-troopers fired as one. Hellfire
shots tore through the guards bellow and they went in to a state of confusion, Ulros was
already in my hand as we ran down the dune wall. They fired back at us, las shots
flickered all round, some of the troopers went down but they wouldnt break they were
disciplined. All of our groups reached the camp at once, the place became a blood bath
and shots were lacerating men all around. Next to me a troopers head exploded as he was
hit by las fire. The Von Duche guards were highly trained too.
I saw Payne, Perii and Uvis run off towards cover, theyd be dead if they didnt. I
uttered BA5Hs trigger word and the monster ran off into the guards. I heard there
screams as it tore into them. Suddenly a bolt round tore into my side, I was spun off my
feet and my face hit the sand. The wound was healing but I was in pain and couldnt
move. I looked up and saw Meinrad Von Duche. He was standing over me his bolt pistol
aimed at my head, even I couldnt survive that. He laughed at me and said;
Look at this, bagged me that Inquisitor from earlier. He didnt have time to finish, a
high velocity shell had hit him in the forehead and he slumped to the floor. I looked him
and saw the Eladan, gun aimed near me on the dune above. I raised my hand to him and
he did like wise before I ran off to find the others.
Four guards ran at me guns blazing, I ducked under the shots and threw Ulros at them,
my swing was perfect and he flew like a boomerang through the air, decapitating all four
of them where they stood before returning to my hand. I caught sight of Uvis and Perii
out of the corner of my eye. A trooper with a grenade launcher fired at them before he
was shredded by fire. I couldnt warn them in time. The grenade hit their cover and
exploded, Perii took the full force of the blast and was blown apart, Uvis was thrown 7m
away and landed in a bloody heap. Payne appeared by my side.
Fuck! Did you see that! There gone. There Fucking done this is mad!
Get to Uvis! If hes alive cover him, you hear me! I shouted.
I got you sir. And he ran off to help.
I advanced further, each sweep of Ulros cutting more guards down until I came to Yui.
He and his retinue were battling a daemonhost. They were losing. The vile creature let
out a burst of psychic energy and incinerated one man, a huge brut with an auto cannon.
Theyve got two! shouted Yui to me. They have two bloody daemonhosts! They must
have some serious backing!
How do we kill it? I asked.
Beats me!
Arent you ordo Malleus?
Yes but I never had to fight one of these before!
It swooped down out of the air and picked up a tall slender woman, she looked like a
death cultist of some sort. He carried her up in the air and made her explode in a fountain
of blood.
We just got to go at it! I shouted to him.
We charged at it. Foolish really. With a wave of impelling energy it flung as across the
sand. We were on our feet in an instant coming at it again. It fired bolts of energy from its
eyes. I deflected two of them, one rebounding back and hitting it. It lurched back in pain.
You are out of league puny mortals it cried.
Well see abomination! shouted back Yui.
He produced a grenade from his pocket and pulled the pin out. RUN! he screamed at
me. Its a psykout grenade! Shit if I was caught in its blast Id be done for. The grenade
exploded and we were blown off our feet. The daemon host was knocked to the floor and
lay still. We rose and went for it again. I floated up, injured, warp energy pouring from a
huge gash in it chest. Yui leaped forward and rammed his power sword into the gash. The
daemon screamed in pain and in response shoved his clawed hand into Yuis chest. He
coughed and spat blood as the daemonhost ripped his heart for his chest. I roared in rage
and charged at it, still weakened from Yuis efforts it couldnt dodge my attack. I cleaved
the blasted thing in two from head to groin. It immolated in a burst of power that sent me
hurling across the clearing. I stood and gauged my surrounding briefly, Elros spoke to
me;
Do not do that again.
Well did you have a better idea? No? Well then. That bloody thing would have killed us!
he didnt reply. I fought my way through to Varos position; the whole area was covered
in bodies. Before I could react the other daemonhost, the one I had fought on Callisto
came at me. It would have had me if BA5H had not crashed into the back of it. Stunned
the deamonhost picked up BA5H, all 700kg of it and hurl it across the dune. It crashed
hard into one of the tents and was impaled by one of the poles. The monster turned back
to me and smiled.
So we meet again, you escaped me earlier, my blast should have killed you, you are
strong.
Stronger than you think. I spat back, barley controlling my fury. It raised out its hand
and bolts of psychic lightning leapt from it fingers, I held out Ulros in front of me and he
absorbed the bolts.
Clever human. Youre a tricky one, but now I will have to stop playing and destroy you.
It came at me again, I was defenceless, Ulros was no use against this daemonhost, who
was more powerful than the other one I had destroyed earlier. I was dead until Varos
daemon host dived in front of me and attacked the daemonhost intent on killing me. They
screamed an evil scream and soared into the air, blasting each other with psychic attacks
and tearing chunks out of each other. I ran towards Varo, he was surrounded by 10 Von
Duche Guards. He let out a burst of Lightning, frying several of them but more came. I
ran to him.
Go, destroy that blasted Cube, Ill hold them off! He nodded to me ran off towards the
Cube. It was guarded by Otto Von Duche and 5 Guards. His psychic fireball melted the
guards and went head to head with Otto, compared to him Varo was a small stick but he
was quick, Blade met blade, Old man against metallic giant. With deft of hand which
impressed me he swept round and sliced into Ottos mid section the giant toppled forward
but not before swinging out and making his heavy blade connect with Varos shoulder. He
slumped down, holding himself up on his sword. I wanted to help but 12 guards were on
me, Hans von Duche laughed behind them as he ordered my death. What happened next
surprised him. I charged. Ulros spun like an extension of my own arm, his razor shape
blade connecting with a guard with every sweep, dismembered bodies fell to the floor as
more exploded in front of them. Once again I became a whirlwind; rarely do I unleash the
full force of my combat abilities. In a matter of seconds all the guards were in pieces. I
ran towards Hans Von Duche, he saw the holy fire in my eyes. I sent him a massive
Psychic message that stunned him; Youre going to DIE heretic! I saw the fear in his eyes,
he believed it. He drew his stub pistol and fired, he hit me. I didnt care, he fired again
and again, I was hit in the leg, stomach, arm and even Elros was hit. I was bleeding
profusely and the wounds were healing slowly, still I came. I was right in front of him
now. I must have looked a mess, a bloody pulp. He was so busy looking for a clip for his
gun he didnt see Ulros. Hans Von Duches head left his shoulders and rolled to the floor.
I felt the psychic impulse as Varo plunged his potent sword into the heart of the Cube; the
ripple sent all three of us into Psychic Shock. Ulros, Elros and I passed out.

I opened my eyes, I was back on board the Bailrigg. How long have I been out? I
asked Payne as he watched over me.
Three days. The wounds healed within a couple of hours but that Psychic shock
knocked you for six.
Youre telling me. The others?
BA5H is in the hold off line. I can fix him in time, it will be difficult. Eladans fine too.
I could detect the hatred in his voice; he didnt like Eladan in the slightest.
Uvis?
Hes in a bad way, lost an arm and a leg. Still unconscious but hell live.
Good. Varo?
Hes in a coma, after all hes a more powerful psyker than you and he took the brunt of
the psychic blast, Im surprised hes still alive.
What about his daemonhost?
I dont know, its all been kept very quite, let me just say this, none of the guards
survived. If you dont mind me venturing my opinion Varo went in under manned, he
knew that he would have to use his daemonhost and didnt want witnesses so he
undermanned the attack.
The thought had crossed my mind to my friend. I smiled back. You should be an
inquisitor.
Me sir? No bloody way, Im not of the right stuff, I try to keep the thinking to a
minimum.
I dont blame you. When can we leave?
When ever you want, Id like to go to one of the hives round here, pick up some pieces
to patch BA5H back together.
Of course, can you pass me a Vox slate I wish to send Varo a message?
No problem. Is there anything else Vay?
No thank you Johann, you can go now. He rose and smiled, he walked with a limp, I
could see he too had been injured in the battle. I sat up and stared writing my message on
the data slate.

My dear friend

It has become clear to me that you are riding close to the edge, you are my greatest
friend in the inquisition and as a friend I must say that I cannot condone the use of
daemonhosts. You cannot fight chaos with chaos my friend without corruption. I am no
nave young inquisitor so do not dismiss my words as such. You are a wise man and will
always be my friend As a friend I advise you this get rid of the daemonhost.

Your dear friend

Inquisitor Vaitriani