Chapter 1: City of Lies

Hector Dracas, the mighty Primaris Psyker, watched up from the fading image of Inquisitor Killain to Valsarius Malge, the Magos Dominus. The mention of archeotech and xenos artifacts always seemed to be of particular importance to the Adeptus Mechanicus. Hector held no love for the Magos, even though the man, if he could be called such any longer, had saved his life. It had come at the price of extensive augmetic replacements that were plain for all to see, for the Lord Psyker's face was partly replaced, and many plugs into his brain ran like cables down his neck to control his new metallic limbs.

They hurt. They always hurt. Whether expected or not, very movement elicited pain. Combined with the incessant whispers of the Warp Hector knew not a moment of peace. Yet it was all preferable to death, for the daemons hungrily awaited the moment of his demise to tear his mighty soul apart. His existence was agony. He was mistrusted for his psyker nature, yet used for it continuously. If there was one small blessing, it was that he was no longer on the battlefield. A small mercy. As for the matters of Heresy, Hector had faced daemons in mind and body. Fools who fell to their temptation were idiots all, and to painfully excise them from the materium and sending their screaming, doomed souls into the Warp was one of the few pleasures that remained him. And on this mission, there was every chance he would face the nobility. Ahhhh, those self-righteous, pompous, spoiled wretches. They had it all, yet wanted more. Hector yearned to uncover them, to expose them for what they were, and to send them screaming into the fangs of hungry daemons..

Augustine sits proudly watching the briefing, his demeanour serious and his gaze intense and observant. He is tall with dark, greying hair and thick moustache set below a long thin nose. His face is framed with high prominent cheekbones and covered in small scars revealing many years of combat experience. Upon his head he wears a peaked officer's cap bearing a winged skull motif and dons a black great coat with gold and red epaulets, unmistakably marking him as an Imperial Commissar.

Beneath the jacket he wears a black undercoat, black combat pants, and combat boots which are covered by the dull-bronze coloured breastplate, gauntlets, and leg armour of the 17th Hestian Phalanx of the Imperial Guard. He also carries an intricately patterned Hestian shortsword, an ancient and symbolic weapon issued to all units in the regiment, as well as a standard issue bolt pistol and power sword.

He glares across the cabin at each of his companions in turn, scrutinising their reactions and their body language as the message plays. He holds his thoughts for a few moments, considering his words before speaking in a commanding and well-spoken voice.

"Well, that was a damning indictment from the Inquisitor. I have not encountered them before but I have heard tales of xenos-worshipping cults populated by abominations of hybrid human and alien forms. If this cesspit of heresy is as bad as he describes, then it won’t be long before we have to get our hands dirty. May the Emperor deliver us from the blasphemy of the xenos and protect us from their evil."

Valsarius' bionic appendages whirr slightly as they agitate around him like serpentine tentacles. He stands shorter then most of the assembled sentients due in part to his hunch, the weight of the installed Machinator Array causing his reinforced spine to curl downward to compensate for the added pressure and although his body is enhanced through gene therapy and augmetic surgery, the changes are mostly internal and not physically pronounced. Blue eye-lights shine through the shaded red hood of his Mars pattern cowl outlining the recesses of his face through reflection off the silver contours of his embedded mask.

The tech-priest leans heavily on a large cog shaped axe. The ubiquitous icon of the Mechanicum was held firmly in hand as if it's mere presence lent the aid of the Omnissiah to the devout disciple. A small servo-skull hovers silently within easy reach, red eye-lens glowing as it observes all within radius.

The Tech-Priest listened to the vox-cast recording of Inquisitor Killain, mechanical lungs humming with each intake of purified atmosphere, and said nothing. He glanced around the transport and his compu-brain registered the flesh beings who found themselves in his company. His mental nanotech retrieved the file on one Hector Dracas. The Tech-Priest's memory engrams brought forth the complete record of their initial meeting. Clear images of the Psyker broken and bleeding after leading a valiant charge against the overwhelming foe of the day permeated the tech-priests optic field, and if he wanted, a full report of the enemy was but a thought away. But Valsarius was not interested in reliving the past, even though that was an option. Instead he glance/scanned the others in the transport.

Augustine nods in agreement at Bert's assessment "I agree, though perhaps it is wise to talk to some of the other nobles first to ascertain some useful information before we encounter him. We should be careful about divulging our broader purpose here outside of investigating the deaths but utilising the lies and intrigue that typically accompany the nobility to encourage whisperings about their rivals will be to our benefit. This may also give us the advantage of understanding and exposing more widespread corruption. Regardless, we should follow up with a visit to the Arbites to get more detail on the deaths as well as the artefacts."

He pauses for a few moments, deep in thought "Some of you may disagree, but I think we should be exercising our authority to get what we want and let people know we are here. It may draw out both allies and enemies which help us expediate our investigations. From my experience even the most pompous of nobles will become courteous when they know we are in the employ of an Inquisitor."

"Hmm. I will seek the Emperor's guidance by consulting His tarot, so He may show us the path."
The psyker retrieved a small intricately inlaid box from his coat pocket and opened it, revealing a masterfully worked deck of cards that was otherwise unremarkable. Countless so-called soothsayers and frauds would pinch coin from gullible citizens to read them their future, but in the hands of a psyker the tarot was truly a mighty tool, for the Emperor would guide their hand and give them glimpses of what might come to be. The fates of worlds had changed by a reading of the Tarot, but as with all tools of the Warp one had to take care, for the unwary might be lead astray by personal emotion or the interference of those that dwelled in the immaterium.

Hector took a deep breath and began to shuffle the deck. As he closed his eyes the temperature in the cabin sunk dramatically, to the point where its occupants began seeing their own breath. Hector's mind had opened to the Warp and drew on its power as the screaming vortex of the Warp howled at his mind but was held at bay by wards and his iron will. Hector focused on the guiding presence of the God-Emperor, the world below, and their mission to uproot the heresy within Hive Desoleum and Lans Guljian.

He drew his first card..

The sword, inverted. The first card spoke of the antithesis of battle. The second card, at its side, was the Young Warrior ascendant, an eager confrontation. Above them both stood The Executioner. Hector felt the need to stop the draw, and visions of the future filled him. A world lost to heresy. A world lost to fire. A world reclaimed. The path to the third was a path that started singularly, but always wound up at one of the others. But a path that led to doom would wind around to salvation.

Hector exhaled, relinquishing his grasp on the Warp. He spoke grimly.
"The Emperor guides our hand. Only by dividing our forces and keeping the lords of Hive Desoleum occupied while some of us act in the shadows will we succeed."

Augustine stares at the psyker, unblinking and expressionless "Very well, if the emperor wills it. We should decide how organise ourselves. Thoughts?"

"Stealth and deception aren't my fortes but conversation and... persuasion are. I will pay a visit to Captain Lucian and begin following up leads thrown up by this line of investigation."

Standing proudly, Augustine narrows his eyes slightly and furrows his brow as he austerely considers his mysterious companions request. "Indeed. I believe I know a couple of people in charge of logistics and acquisitions for the Imperial Guard who would be interested in new supply contracts. I suppose it wouldn't hurt to try but I would very much doubt they would let us negotiate on their behalf, at least not without something significant in return. Nevertheless, I will set up a meeting."

"As I mentioned, subterfuge isn't my field of expertise but perhaps I could drop my Commissar's attire and pose as a member of the Departmento Munitorum or an intermediary on their behalf? During my retirement on Nymora, I was working for the local government to organise training and logistics for the PDF so it is an area in which I have intimate knowledge."

Severian locks eyes with the guard who spoke and walks towards him stopping and making the sign of the Aquila across his chest.

"We represent Inquisitor Killian and the Emperor's Light. Oath Captain Lucian is expecting us, summon him at once if you would be so good..... oh, and a little advice for you Guardsman. You would do well to adopt a more reverential tone in greeting visitors to the Sanctionary Bondsmen of the Oath Inviolate, for doesn't it stand to reason that visitors strolling with purpose to these gates and attired as we are, are likely to have been invited here as guests?" Severian pauses, his gaze undeviating, to allow the rhetorical question to sink into the agitated cogitation of the guard, and then he adds, "There is no need to answer the question, but every need to ruminate upon it".

Turning his head towards the second guard, Severian nods sharply in the direction of the gate.

Hector cares little for Sevarian's pomp. He broods within his hood as the man tries to bully his way past the guards. To speed their way, he reaches within his cloak and produces his badge of office, the stylized eye of the Adeptus Astra Telepathica..

Augustine stands nobly beside Bert, looking noticeable less severe having left his commissar's attire and power sword back in the lander and changed into something more befitting a merchant. His dark hair, grey at the edges was smartly slicked back and he wore an elegant colourful top and trousers along with a finely embroidered long jacket which hid his bolter and ceremonial shortsword beneath. He musters a weak smile and a nod at his comrades words before imitating his bow and patiently waits to be admitted.

Severian bows his head slightly towards Lucian and makes the sign of the Aquila before striding towards the plasteel desk his hand held out in greeting.

"A pleasure to meet you Captain, I am Severian and this witch here...", Severian pauses, and corrects himself, "I beg your pardon, Hector is a sanctioned psyker. We are here to investigate the recent spate of deaths in the upper hive and would be grateful for your perspective and insights.

Hector glanced at Sevarian with disdain as he once again blundered about. Did the man think before he spoke? He began to think that was not the case.

"Primaris Psyker Hector Dracas" He corrected his companion.

"A full history on cultist activity in the hive and its surroundings will also be required."

The acolyte turned to glare at the witch. Twice, within minutes, this wretch had interupted him, and disrespected the Emperor's Holy Inquisition. The smell of warp taint filled Severian's nostrils. This creature would need to be dealt with...

"You may elaborate."

Hector was ready to hear what the authorities had to say. He would make his own conclusions when he could see the actual evidence that had been gathered. As the captain had already admitted, her priorities were with the high and mighty. But if there was a cult of heresy, it could dig its roots deep into the hive's populace. How many of those billion souls had been infected? That was what he needed to know..

Standing formally with one hand behind his back, Augustine gestures towards his companion as he speaks to Dresden "Perhaps my associate and I may be able to help you with the acquisition of these items? We have contacts both here and across the Askellon Sector in all of the major business divisions, including both the government and the military. We believe that we can be of service."

"All signs that may well point to an incident about to get out of hand. You had enough reason to conduct a full search of his premises. I trust you did so?"

Severian nods, "yes, the inquisition will oblige. This Guljian, one presumes he has some form of retinue guarding his person and assets. Perhaps you might assign us some manpower in case we meet with any violent resistance. Is that likely?"

"I'm sure you are right, Captain, nonetheless we would be glad of the Santionaries assistance. If you had seen what I have seen, you would know oaths count for nothing amongst the heretical and the tainted". Severian smiles, bows his head slightly, and makes the sign of the Aquilla. Then turning to Hector, he says "will there be anything else, or shall we pay a visit to Lans Guljian?"

The former commissar bows respectfully to their host "Thank you very much for your time Mr. Rosa, we shall take our leave." He turns sharply and signals to the servants to escort them back out of the house.

After they have been led outside the door closed behind them, he turns to Bert "That wasn't as fruitful as we may have hoped. Still this name of Lans Guljian was mentioned again... We should contact the others and find out if they've had greater fortune in their dealings."

Hector took in the news that Guljian's person or premises had not been searched with a sour look. It likely meant politics were at work, hampering the captain from carrying out her duties.
"You seem eager to pass on your duties on to the holy ordos, captain. Has anyone forbidden you from carrying out this investigation yourself?"

So the nobility would protect one another. That was in itself quite unsurprising.
"And the Planetary Governor?....."

"The Planetary Governor? Hamstrung?" Hector replied incredulously. If that was so, the Inquisitor would have her head.

Hector's face betrayed his sour mood. If the Planetary Governor was too weak to maintain order or indeed, hold on to her own position, then he would make sure to have the Inquisitor know of it. This planet would be a breeding ground for corruption if Imperial authority was so weak, an unforgivable mistake due to its value as a hive world. But for now there was little he could do directly, so Hector relented.
"Very well. We will inform you if we require your service."

Augustine pulls out his vox-caster and switches to the channel shared with the rest of the team "Come in team. Our source was a dead end. I propose we rendezvous and discuss our next steps forward. I think it may be time to pay Lans Guljian a visit."

Hector raised his hand to his ear, pressing the comm-bead.
**"Understood."**

That left the captain that seemed to wing-lame.
"There is no mercy for those who fail in the Emperor's service. Should we call for it, we expect you to be ready."
He gave a nod to the captain as a departing gesture.

The Primaris Psyker stepped forward and laid out his thoughts in a militaristic fashion, a tone Hector had often used to brief command officers in the Astra Militarum.
"What we have learned is interesting, if concerning. The Planetary Governor's authority is weak. She has no firm control of the nobility who seem to be in a position to undermine her. As such, this entire affair was allowed to unfold until someone was brave enough to warn the Inquisition. I fear that these xenos artifacts are but one of many issues that may be at hand. I therefore propose we send an astropathic message to the Inquisitor to inform him that the planetary government has failed to uphold its duties. We are not in a position to replace it ourselves with our current resources. While the Inquisitor handles that matter, we can uproot this particular heresy. Hopefully, we can also find where these Xenos artifacts came from. As such, I would suggest interrogation of the subject before we move to execution."

Augustine scowls disapprovingly at the dilapidated state of the manor. "Hmpf! This looks like it's seen better days... Would any of you like to knock?" he adds sardonically.

"Subterfuge is a viable option but personally I am of the opinion that we should we dispense with subtleties and kick the door in."

"If Bert gives us the all-clear, I’ll take the Sanctionairies and cover the rear of the property"

"How about we knock? I can get us far, as long as the mind meeting us is weak."
Hector was a veteran of war. The prospect of facing some meager house guards did not phase him in the slightest. But sometimes the subtle way was just so much more effective..

Hector stepped up to the door and gripped the coiled serpent knocker strongly and gave it a good three swings, the booms resounding to announce their presence..

"Hear me."
The commanding words resounded in the old man's mind, echoing to a thunderous crescendo overwhelming the senses. The Psyker Lords of War were not a subtle tool, their immense powers used to break down the wills of the commanders of the Arch-Enemy and to counter the foul magicks of the Warp. For such a weak man to be inflicted by such might was like the tolling bells of doom.

Hector smiled. It was not a kind smile. The man's mind opened before him like a book. He began to sift through it, not caring that the knowledge's vessel would suffer for his intrusion..

Hector looked down at the writhing mass of the servant, then entered the mansion. He cared not if the man would recover as he led his companions to their objective. He explained as he walked.
"He has locked himself in his office. He seems to be in thrall of an artifact. It appears as a black orb and may be psychically active. Steel your minds."

Augustine levels his bolter pistol at the security guard "We are here to see Guljian under the authority of Inquisitor Killain. In the name of the God-Emperor, lower your weapons and step aside or you will be put down for obstruction of His divine justice!"

Hector exhaled with disappointment that it had come to this. He did not move, but there was a spark in the cables running from his head. Then a wave of crushing force rushed the guard guard to turn him into paste on the wall..

The commotion begins to ring out, and the acolyte makes his way towards its source commanding the Sanctionairies to arm themselves and take point and rear.

"Use no lethal force unless absolutely necessary"

Angry at the guard's refusal to stand aside, Augustine fires a barrage from his bolter pistol to swiftly end his resistance.

The former commissar draws on his military training and tries to defend the attack with a hand-to-hand combat manoeuvre.

"Emperor, damn them! Sanctionaries, fire at will - take them down". Gritting his teeth, Severian unholster's his bolt pistol and aims a body shot at the guard attacking Sgt Banter

0 Positive, 2 Blank, 2 Negative - Total: -2 (+4) = +2

Hector began to wonder what was going on, standing perfectly still and observing the battle apart from his prior attack. How could one man dodge psychic attacks and manage so long against overwhelming odds? Had this man been augmented somehow? It was not unheard of, and a man of sufficient wealth who could acquire xenos artifacts certainly would be able to get their hands on some of these precious but rare specialists.

Well, if physical attacks were no use, he would go directly for the mind and shut the foe down from within..

Augustine follows closely behind with his bolter pistol and power sword drawn, ready to fire on any potential hostiles.

Hector follows, but not without a slight look of disappointment at his companions at the trouble they had felling one guard..

The scene was grisly but not unsurprising to Hector and as a veteran of war, he had seen a shocking amount of bodily horror. Such was the price of hubris. Such damnation came from meddling with the Warp.

"I will handle the artifact!"

He stepped forward, his hands raised in a warding form as he tried to weave a psychic barrier around the Xenos artifact..

Augustine stares at the scene in front of him....

+1 +1 (Will) = +2

"It's worth a try, though I suspect your observations are well founded. I will try to talk him." Augustine levels his pistol at the distressed man and continues into the room, scanning it for any danger as he edges forward.

"Hello, your are badly injured and look in distress. I can help you. My name is Augustine, what is yours?"

Augustine draws on his emergency first aid training from the military to see if he can help aid the maimed man.

Composing himself, the Acolyte bends over the poor creature, "Lans, is it? My colleagues are going to try and ease your pain. What do you mean by the 'the orb! The Black'?"

Augustine stares at the corpse, frowning with a look of both scorn and pity. "Well... this is what happens when you turn your back on the light of the God-Emperor and seek solace in the corrupting arms of chaos!"

He folds his arms and breaths in heavily, lost in his own deep thoughts. "Those words of his could just be the ravings of mad man, but perhaps there are clues in his ramblings that we can piece together and discern meaning?"

As the life leaves Guljian, Severian says quietly, "God-Emperor save us, be our shield against the night of chaos". Standing once more, the would-be inquisitor gazes intently at the corpse whilst ruminating upon the final words uttered from within the web of warp-tinged madness - pale child at the wheel that wails…. A city of glass…. gibbering black. They are coming.. who is coming? .. what does it all mean?

Severian nods and smiles,"hard to argue with that plan"

"I agree that following this lead would be the best course of action for us to pursue. We also need to secure the artifact and hand it over to Inquisitor Killain for safe keeping. No doubt he has specialists in his wider retinue or friends within the Ordo Xenos who can ascertain the purpose and capabilities of the orb. After seeing what it did to poor Mr Guljian, it is clear that it holds great power and must not find it's way into the wrong hands."

Before picking up the artifact and leaving, Augustine paces along the bookshelves with his arms behind his back and carefully scanning for any books which may relate to the orb...

Yes, I believe so

Severian's eyes dart from one patron of the cantina to another. Each time he makes eye contact, he holds it until the other party looks away. The acoloyte makes no attempt to blend in; he intends for his presence to unsettle the locals.

Augustine strolls in making no attempt to disguise himself or his purpose. He orders a drink and stands stiffly, scanning around the bar for any persons or activity of note.

Hector followed Augustine. He had decided not to stray too far from the artifact. He declined a drink however. Such libations would only invite peril when consumed by those who channeled the Warp.