Cult of the Coiling dragon (Genestealer Cult story)

[Shinros]

I have decided to do a genestealer cult fan-fiction for my army. (Also hello! First post, thought I never had an account here since I had trouble singing up)

 

So I just want to say a few things first. 

 

 So I bought the tyranid codex, read up on the 7th edition genestealer codex AND did further research online. Now I always believed the reason why they changed Necron's is because they did it to give them character in order to write stories about them and develop the race. Orks also have character, but Tyranids were in a somewhat precarious place in my opinion, the point is that they lack character but at the same time this has reduced them to a somewhat fodder like enemy. They never truly get a "win" against major forces unlike chaos. Yes..I believe the hive mind is the opposite of chaos. Why? In the tyranid codex one of the first images is daemons vs tyranids and a short blurb describing their similarities and their clear differences. Now they describe how utterly terrifying the tyranids are...but GW never really show it. 

 

Now in comes the genestealer cults, after reading cult of the spiral dawn...(GO READ THE BOOK IT'S GOOD!) I saw that they have a lot of character, the genestealer cults are the "face" for the tyranids so to speak. They are their character, since they are just part of the tyranids in just a different way in my opinion. Now I hope people like this story...here we go!

 

 

“An alien threat has risen from beyond the abyss, a swarm so vast that it blots out stars. This horror fights neither for power nor territory, but rather to feed a hunger so insatiable that it will eventually devour the entire galaxy.” 

 

-Inquisitor Kryptman 

 

 

Faith….they all seek it, crave for it. So I give them faith, I give them something to believe in so they can ready their minds and bodies to join the Coiling Dragon. All of this...would not exist without her hard work. My daughter, my first daughter who showed me in her fervoured mind...in that dark recess I saw the true state of the galaxy. The true enemy that seeks to topple our vision...I will not let them. I won’t allow it, the true faith must grow to bring an end to the great enemy. The seed must be planted in every mind and every heart. This seed...will blossom into faith, to be assured of something, to know that in death they are serving a righteous cause. For in death will be the end of the great enemy, this….is our crusade. This is our war. Our war of faith. 

 

 

Chapter 1 

 

Ak-Ynath swung his feet as he sat on the chair. He tapped his talon on the table, he was eager to start the lesson. He could feel the star father reassuring him with each thought, layering his wisdom and his knowledge upon him with each passing second. He looked around the small room, it was dimly lit but the incense made from the blood of those belonging to the first constellation made it bearable. He started to hum the song his brother used to sing to him, it was a hymn he made for church and each time he hums that song to himself, a strange sadness grips him. But the emotion flutters away after a moment, the star father wishes him to be happy. For it is in happiness that faith can grow strong. As he reached the end of the tune, the door opened. As the person entered the room he had to try hard not to rush from his seat. 

 

They wore purple and red power armour, and the helmet had a golden sigil of the coiling dragon embedded upon it, also a prayer chain was wrapped around their waist that ended with the same coiling sigil. But what held his eyes is the book they are holding. Ak-Ynath smiled “So...what are we learning today grandmother?” She chuckled and walked to his side, she placed the book in front of him. It was leather bound and covered in words of dedication to the coiling dragon. His grandmother opened the book onto the first page. Her voice purred through the vox of her helmet. “Since your brother dedicated himself to spreading the word of the void lord in another sector you are now the speaker, the Magus of our faith.” As she mentioned void lord he recalled that the coiling dragon has many names, void lord is one, the lord and lady of the stars is another. But the news of him being the new Magus surprised him. “B-But...I am only eight.” “Age doesn't matter when it comes to faith Ak-Ynath, you will study this book for years with me. Then you will be truly ready. Now you must understand something important. It’s the appropriate time for you to know.” She turned the page to display a strange bestial creature with a purple carapace lining it’s back. Staring at it for a moment it felt familiar, like he knew what it was. “These are the star children my grandson.” “Star Children?” “Yes, they are unfettered by the failings of humanity, they do not hate, they do not conspire nor are they cruel. They just are.” “They just...are….” he repeated. His grandmother nodded “One day these children might grace us...to end our lives so we can join the coiling dragon.” “So the coiling dragon can gain the power to end the great enemy?” “Exactly. But such a time hasn’t come yet so we must seed our faith on as many planets as we can.” He slowly nodded in understanding “Is this why the star father is on the ship all the time? He never leaves.” “Yes my dear boy, there might be times we must get away quickly hence why he is always here. It’s also why your brother remained in the last the last sector. Maybe you might have such a way with your words that you can outdo him.” “I want to make people better grandmother.” “I know, that’s why we do this. So at least they can die pure and know they are serving a higher cause.” 

 

She turned the next page, the picture hurt his eyes slightly. It was a drawing of a large man in spiky armour. “What is he?” he asked. “This...is a servant of the great enemy.” Ak-Ynath could detect the disgust in her voice, it was on the edge of fury. “They will seek to undo us the larger we grow, since our faith denies them what they need, it starves the false gods. The whole galaxy becoming one with the coiling dragon is the ultimate victory and that is our aim.” He mumbled slightly, all of this was so much to take in but he can’t let his grandmother down, his faith demands that he needs to save everyone, to end the great enemy. “I won’t let you down.” he said firmly. “I know you won’t.” 

 

She continued going through the book, Ak-Ynath digested all of this information greedily. 

 

****                                                                                                               

 

He puffed out of the smoke from the thick lho-stick, he sighed slightly and sat back in his chair. “Work is slow…” He looked around his office in annoyance, it was tiny but it was enough. His eyes drifted to his case files cabinet placed at the corner of the room next to the door. His mind ran through his previous investigations, from kidnapping, gathering information and to aiding the arbites. All of it is legal due to him having an official writ from the judge of the hive city. The only reason why he assumed that he received such a thing was due to his old mate who is a cog-boy. He was always strange but after saving him in the trenches they strangely stuck together until he lost his right arm and leg. His old mate being him also made sure he had a proper cybernetic arm and leg to replace them. 

 

He sat forward and leaned on his desk slightly. He pulled up the sleeve of his leather jacket. His old mate even engraved his own name along the forearm. “Glaven Dalenport…” he mouthed slowly. Glaven shook his head, unfortunately after receiving his new limbs he was forced to retire but he did not want to stop his work for the throne. He sighed “looks to be another long night…” He twisted his chair to the window, he looked out to the lower hive. He was close enough to the upper hive to sometimes get work from nobles, when they want something done. He chuckled “The “proud” and “noble” citizens of Primus Alpha would never walk such disgusting streets!” he said mockingly, he knew it was all hogwash. Many of them come down here to enjoy the city life the lower hive provides. He removed the lho-stick from his mouth and held it, he just stared out of the window. He had to admit being on the fourth floor of this building has its advantages, seeing all the lights, the people going about their lives. He knew that the peace all of them are enjoying is due to the fighting men of the Astra Militarum, a part of him missed those days. Being with the spitfires and at times he misses his home world. 

 

He sighed as he placed the lho-stick back into his mouth. He removed his custom made revolvers from their holsters, one was named cult ender, the gun had a silver sheen and the other held the name of Sigma and was the colour black. One interesting note is that his old mate is called Sigma, he named his favourite gun after him due to their time together, campaigning to take planets in the name of the god-emperor. He placed the revolvers back into the holsters. Deep down he also knew the reason why the mechanicus was so interested in his old regiment and that reason was due to how they handle their guns. They are told to make their own weaponry with tech priest supervision as a coming of age ceremony. Once it’s completed that’s the gun they will use from now on, next to the standard issue lasgun. 

 

Glaven removed Sigma from it’s holster again, he flicked the cylinder out and removed the ammunition, after that he turned the cylinder and in a quick motion rapidly reloaded the gun again. As he flicked the cylinder back in place he heard a knock on his door. He got up from his chair still holding his gun, he kept it around his back since you can never be too careful. His work has also taken down many gangs in his long career. Glaven then approached the door and slowly reached for it’s knob. As he turned the handle, he opened the door to reveal a finely dressed man wearing a hood, he was backed by two bodyguards. A noble… he tried hard not to grunt in annoyance. He placed Sigma back into its gun holster and opened the door fully. The nobleman almost pushed past him and entered his office with his bodyguards. Glaven closed the door and faced them. “What can I do for you?” He could spot the noble had a somewhat aged face under their hood, they also wore makeup and he seems to be trying to be discreet, but his clothes still seemed at odds with the dreary room. “I have a task that can use...your talents.” Glaven turned the lho-stick in his mouth. “What sort of work do you want me to do?” The noble gestured his head to the guard, he could see they wore carapace armour and held hot-shot lasguns. He eyed the sigil on the weapon, it was shaped like a lion. The guard then approached him and handed him a picture of a young man. 

 

Staring at the picture Glaven could see he had brown hair, blue eyes and his face looked like he did not have a care in the world. But with this single picture he had a good guess what this is about. “Your boy has gone missing?” The noble shifted, just slightly. He found it’s normally better to be blunt so they reveal information. “Yes...a very important one.” Glaven rubbed his neck “Right, so do you know his general movements? Where he was last seen?” “He frequents the...perverse gatherings and establishments of the lower hive.” Glaven nodded “Uh-huh...you are aware if he crossed the wrong people he might not be alive? The gang’s of the underhive even have sway here.” The noble became agitated “If...he is dead bring me some evidence. He has a family ring, but I need him alive.” He made sure to stress alive, that tidbit made it clear that if he is dead he won’t be getting paid. “Don’t worry I will find your boy, where do you want him delivered?” This time the nobleman handed him a piece of paper, it was a small map detailing the location of a discrete lift. Glaven knew that many of the noble families have such lifts dotted around the hive city. It’s normally from such elevators where he gets payments from nobles for his work. “Take him here, the guards will handle it from there and give you your payment. Now...” he began to walk to the door, Glaven opened it for him, he did not want to sour relations because many times the upper class has refused to work with him due to him not opening the door for them upon leaving. 

 

As the nobleman briskly walked out of his office with his guards, he closed the door and looked down to the picture again. “By the emperor what have you gotten yourself into?” 

 

*****

                                                                                                                                     

She stood at attention in front of the precinct-fortress, in a line with her fellow cadets. She was just fresh off the gunship from the Schola Prognium, she held her shotgun tightly as the judge walked up and down the line. He had a stern and somewhat square face, but according to rumours Judge Gustav is known for his harsh treatment of criminals. If he could not get a confession he would force it out of them, no matter the means. “Everyone...is guilty of something.” he said coldly “each one of you might of done a crime in the past, even a small innocent one. But that ends here. Not on my watch. We are the epitome of the emperor’s law, his enforcers and his executioners. No-” A chimera drove up to the great golden doors of the courthouse. Cutting the judge off, he smiled. “How fortunate, it seems the emperor will allow me to teach you how we do things here.” The door of the chimera opened and two arbitrators dragged out a man in a white robe. But her eyes were drawn to a strange charm dangling from his belt. It looked like a coiling beast. “I-I haven-” the man stammered. One Arbite punched him in the face to silence him. She tensed slightly. Gustav gestured “bring him over.” The robed man was dragged in front of them. Both arbitrators held him tightly, she could see his cheek was bruised by the punch. The judge gestured to him “This man is guilty of a crime. He wouldn’t be here otherwise.” He punched the robed man in the gut. He gagged and coughed “So tell me...why have my Arbitrator's picked you up?” He shook his head wheezing and gagging. “I...I..d-d-” Gustav punched him across the face, the robed man cried in pain. “Everyone says they don’t know.” he punched him again. “You are trying to make yourself look like a victim. But you must of broken the law.” he said firmly. 

 

The man coughed up blood, staining his white robe. The judge lifted his head up. “Now confess.” “I...I...w-was just s-spreading the word to be better…” He punched him again “better what?” “B-Be...b-better...people.” He gasped. “Were you preaching on the upper hive?” He nodded slowly. “That is a crime, you cannot spread a diverged sect on the upper hive until it’s been cleared by the adeptus ministorum. We can’t you have you poisoning the minds of your betters with your false faith. Save such things for the under or lower hive. Now...your sentence.” He removed his hand from his head. The Judge drew his power maul from his belt, the arbites stepped aside. She closed her eyes instinctively and heard a wet crack. She opened her eyes slowly to see the robed man is dead, lying in a pool of his own blood. His head was split open. 

 

The judge pointed at her. “You.” She looked around “M-Me sir?” Gustav walked towards her and pointed his power maul at her. “You closed your eyes why?” “I-I-I…” “You should see justice done with your eyes open. Didn’t the Schola teach you that?” “I am sorry sir.” “No...no...you aren’t getting off that easy.” He took one step further and bought his eyes to her chest. He stared intently at the engraved name on her riot armour. “Lucille….” He nodded “right you two take her to the lower hive. She will be assigned to the precinct there.” He eyed the rest of her follow arbites. “All of you follow me, a servitor will clean the mess.” He then began walking to the fortress with her fellows. The two Arbitrators approached her. “You will come with us.” one said. 

 

Lucille grimaced as she followed them to the chimera. 

 

 

Er...just let me know if people need the font to be bigger. 

[Tarvek Val]

Hello there, and welcome to the Bolter & Chainsword, Hierophant Shinros!

 

It's quite refreshing to see a story written about one of the many (blasphemous) xenos races, the tyranids no less! I enjoyed the story, it's well-put together and has multiple interesting storylines. I would respectfully suggest integrating some sort of format that creates a divide in places where you switch character perspectives; such as from Ak-Ynath to Glaven. Examples:

 

 

She continued going through the book, Ak-Ynath digested all of this information greedily. 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Insert dotted lines for 'line break')

He puffed out of the smoke from the thick lho-stick, he sighed slightly and sat back in his chair.

 

 

As the nobleman briskly walked out of his office with his guards, he closed the door and looked down to the picture again. “By the emperor what have you gotten yourself into?” 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (same as above)

She stood at attention in front of the precinct-fortress, in a line with her fellow cadets.

 

With multiple viewpoints, it is easy for a distracted or careless reader to miss or incorrectly interpret vital information, thus damaging the story you spent so much work on!

 

I enjoyed the story as a whole and look forward to the next segment. Keep up the great work!

[Shinros]

Hello there, and welcome to the Bolter & Chainsword, Hierophant Shinros!

 

It's quite refreshing to see a story written about one of the many (blasphemous) xenos races, the tyranids no less! I enjoyed the story, it's well-put together and has multiple interesting storylines. I would respectfully suggest integrating some sort of format that creates a divide in places where you switch character perspectives; such as from Ak-Ynath to Glaven. Examples:

 

 

She continued going through the book, Ak-Ynath digested all of this information greedily. 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Insert dotted lines for 'line break')

He puffed out of the smoke from the thick lho-stick, he sighed slightly and sat back in his chair.

 

 

As the nobleman briskly walked out of his office with his guards, he closed the door and looked down to the picture again. “By the emperor what have you gotten yourself into?” 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (same as above)

She stood at attention in front of the precinct-fortress, in a line with her fellow cadets.

 

With multiple viewpoints, it is easy for a distracted or careless reader to miss or incorrectly interpret vital information, thus damaging the story you spent so much work on!

 

I enjoyed the story as a whole and look forward to the next segment. Keep up the great work!

 

Thanks!

 

Funny enough this came up in an emperor's children fan-fiction story I was writing on dakka. Because normally when I read books they don't put lines and just move onto the next character, is this is more an internet thing? I can see why it will be helpful. 

[Tarvek Val]

Most books (that I've read at least) will either use chapter breaks to switch perspectives (example being: odd numbered chapters belong to character X and even numbered chapters belong to character Y) or other in-text signifiers. This article does a really good job of explaining a few techniques for transitioning from different point-of-views, I learned a few things reading it myself! 

 

https://jamigold.com/2013/07/7-methods-for-handling-point-of-view/ 

 

Adding line breaks just helps keep things simpler for the reader, honestly. As the writer, things will always be a lot clearer to you than people reading your story. After all, no one can know what you were thinking as you wrote a particular scene; they only have the words you put down to guide them.

[Shinros]

Most books (that I've read at least) will either use chapter breaks to switch perspectives (example being: odd numbered chapters belong to character X and even numbered chapters belong to character Y) or other in-text signifiers. This article does a really good job of explaining a few techniques for transitioning from different point-of-views, I learned a few things reading it myself! 

 

https://jamigold.com/2013/07/7-methods-for-handling-point-of-view/ 

 

Adding line breaks just helps keep things simpler for the reader, honestly. As the writer, things will always be a lot clearer to you than people reading your story. After all, no one can know what you were thinking as you wrote a particular scene; they only have the words you put down to guide them.

 

Ah, I see thanks for the info. I understand now. 

[Shinros]

Next chapter!

 

Conviction...and belief...conviction….and belief….very few understand those words. They nod and listen to false prophets without thinking. Without understanding what is hanging over their heads. Then when they are called to make the sacrifice...they refuse. Why? Because their belief and conviction is brittle, their faith is brittle. When put to the test they all crumble, this is why the great enemy is prevalent, why it still exists. Listen to my voice and hear that the void lord is our salvation, our ending and our weapon of destruction. 

 

Chapter 2 

 

Ak-Ynath sat within his chamber, it was modest, he kept it modest to keep himself pure. All there was is a bed, his books and his desk. His eyes fell down to their holy word, the void lord is the true deity that will bring the end of the darkness. That was the first words of the book, the most important ones. He spent ten long years studying this, his grandmother told him during their studies that there are theories that the emperor has some relation to the coiling dragon. She said that the astronomican is almost like a beacon drawing the star children to terra to bring the end of darkness. So in a strange way the emperor is also part of the coiling dragon, perhaps even an aspect, he believes that with all his heart. Since his grandmother has also stated that the emperor also desired the end of chaos. 

 

He began singing the hymn of their faith. The words left his lips, he likes to sing when studying because it helps him to focus. At the same time he feels the link with the star father strengthening, but his words were cut off as he heard a knock on his door. “Come in!” he called out. The door opened, he shfited on his wooden chair to see the hunched form of his cousin walking into the room. He is of the second constellation. He wore a bronze mask and a thick red robe along with a hood since many could not understand the blood and power that flowed through their veins. “What is it Athoth?” he asked. “Magus…” he hissed slightly. “We have new converts…” “Send them in.” He nodded and walked out of the room. After a moment three people entered and stood in the middle of the room, they wore torn clothing and were absolutely filthy. 

 

Ak-Ynath rose from his seat, he hugged each one tightly. The first was an older man, the second was a young woman and the third was an old lady. After he finished he stook a step back and bought his hands together. “Welcome.” he said warmly. The three of them stared at the stains on his robe, he smiled. “Do not worry for my robes, I hugged you because I wish to offer you the love of the emperor, of the coiling dragon.” They slowly nodded. “Right, how about we start with our names?” He placed his hand on his chest. “I am Ak-Ynath, Magus of the following of the coiling dragon. What are your names?” The man shook his head. “D-Dominic…” the young woman folded her arms. “Lisa.” The old woman coughed as she spoke. “Sharline.” He could see they were nervous so he decided to get to the heart of the matter. “You have come for the food and water we offer?” They all jumped slightly, none of them met his gaze. “It’s fine.” Dominic looked at him in shock. “W-what do you mean?” “I was quite clear, if you need our hallow halls for only food and water I am eager to provide it. But then I ask when will you ask yourself why this is happening?” he said calmly. 

 

Lisa frowned “I don’t understand.” “You see Lisa, the underhive is in this situation due to human weakness, our hearts are instinctively selfish, none of us can help it. But...we can say no.” “Say no?” said Sharline. “Yes, for you see…” he began walking up and down the room. “I imagine many of you prayed for the emperor to help you. You wonder why life is so hard here, why people die young…” He could see they were now listening, this is good. “The emperor has provided us with the answer...us. We are the answer, do you think the food comes from thin air? That I just summon the water from the sky? All of this has come from those who wish to be better, those who reject hate and offer love. Embrace kindness instead of cruelty.” “B-But what of the gangs?” He stammered. “We offer them what we offer you and many take it. They set aside their gun, they set aside their need for violence. Many priests think people should have faith from the get go, but it doesn’t work that way. You have to build it, it has to be tested each and every day.” The young woman’s eyes started to water. “I have d-done things...how could the emperor love something like me!? I gave myself to people just to make sure I have another meal! You make it sound so easy!” “It’s not easy. It never is. There are plenty of sisters here that have been through what you have. Instead of listening to me...listen to them. Hear their trials, listen to what they needed to do to overcome their darkness.” Lisa wiped her face. “I-I...will try.” “No, trying is not enough we must do it Lisa, we must be better.” “Yes...I understand.” 

 

The old lady shook her head. “Who are you?” “Excuse me?” “I….never heard someone speak with such conviction before, I have seen tons of cons in my time. But what you are doing here...it looks actually real.” “Because kindness is real Sharline. It’s unfortunate many in the underhive have forgotten that.” She sighed “I have seen many kind young men like you die young.” “I know, but to allow fear to stop you from doing what is right is why the darkness exists. It’s only by stepping forward without fear is the only way darkness can be expunged.” She shook her head “many men and women have dark hearts...some don’t change.” “Yes and that is truly sad, but why should we let that stop us? Just because some refuse to change why should we stop our work? Evil...only succeeds when good men and women do nothing Sharline. I refuse to stop, I won’t let human weakness win.” Sharline frowned “may I shake your hand?” Ak-Ynath smiled. He offered his hand, the old lady took it. “These hands have been through refuse, muck and other places. I-” he gripped her hand tightly cutting her off. “We are all the same Sharline.” They slowly released each other’s hands, he could see she has accepted it.

 

His eyes swept over all of them. “We are all the same, despite whatever life we walk we are all the void lord’s children. Now I am sure all of you are hungry.” He clapped his hands “Athoth!” the door opened, his cousin walked inside the room. “Take them to the dining hall, I am sure our brothers and sisters are eager to meet them.” His cousin stared intently at his dirty robes, he could feel his rage bubbling through the brood mind. “Please follow me.” he said calmly, Ak-Ynath could also see he was trying hard not to hiss. But he suspects that people who live in the underhive have seen worse than whatever is under his cousin’s robes. 

 

His cousin then escorted the three prospects out of his room, Ak-Ynath returned to his book, he sat and looked at the grime on his hand. “I must be the hand that reaches out…” he said calmly. 

 

***** 

 

Glaven placed his hands in his jacket, he looked around wondering where he should start first? One interesting piece of information he has is that the boy he is looking for attended most of the pleasure houses and pubs in the lower hive. But more often than not, such places are not willing to give information so he decided to visit a friend. He walked down the road, he stared at the people who are making their way home from the factories, he could see they were aching all over. He went into his jacket pocket and removed his lho-stick case, he picked a fresh one out, he lit it up and started to puff. At least they can go home. He said to himself. He looked up to the grey smog piling up on the ceiling. They have no idea…how hard we fight so they can at least live a normal life... he continued walking, the buildings around him were run down, but it’s nothing compared to the underhive, he hoped he would never have to go there. A den of mutants, gangs and over lowlifes. 

 

As he made a corner he spotted a group in white robes handing out pamphlets, some people took it, others ignored it. He rolled eyes, he wondered what new sect has popped up again. As he made his way down the pavement, he tried hard not to look at them. But one stopped in front of him and offered a pamphlet, it was a young woman. “We are of the coiling dragon. W-” “I am not interested, how about you do something useful than handing out pieces of paper?” She frowned “we are offering aid in the underhive…” “What!?” he almost shouted in shock, in return she smiled to his exclamation.“The Magus of our sect is a bright young priest, he seeks to spread the word to offer love instead of hate. To bring kindness instead of cruelty…” The mention of the underhive surprised him, so it’s not just another sect where a priest has delusions of grandeur. 

 

He sighed “I am sorry, for what I said before we talked.” “It’s fine.” she beamed at him. He took the pamphlet and stuffed it into his pocket. “Keep doing what you are doing.” “Thank you sir!” She rejoined her group, Glaven continued onward. He had to admit it was nice that for once priests were doing the throne’s work. Soldiers fight to keep the alien and the heretic away, while the priests look after things back home. He found it shameful that many priests have forgotten that. Eventually he arrived at Big Pete’s beerhouse. He stopped in front of the doors and gazed at the flickering sign, he could see an image of his friend holding a large glass of alcohol while giving a jolly laugh. 

 

He chuckled as he walked inside and as always the air had a heavy smell of cheap lho-sticks. He prefered the thicker and fresher kind. It costs quite a bit, but his work allows such luxuries. He then walked over to the counter, he noted that some gave him dirty looks. A thug that had skull tattoos along his arms got up from his table and approached him. “What are you doing here? What you are puffing...seems too fancy for this place.” Glaven blew a gout of smog at the large man. “It’s called doing the throne’s work, I could put a bullet in your brain and the arbites would not give a damn.” “Oh really?” Big Pete slammed his metallic hands on the counter. “Hey! Enough!” The large man grunted at him “You got lucky…” Pete almost growled at the thug “Shut up you bloody fool! You are talking to ex-military and someone who holds a writ from the arbites!” At the mention of the writ, he turned white as a sheet. Since he has such a thing he could essentially kill any thuggish looking person in this bar and the arbites wouldn’t bat an eye. The writ is a symbol of trust, and he had the trust of Judge Gustav, a brutal and efficient man. The thug walked away shaking his head. 

 

Glaven smiled and faced Big Pete. “I am not the only ex-military.” Pete’s grey moustache pinched up slightly. “Greetings captain, what can I get you?” at the mention of captain everyone looked down to their drinks in fear. “I am looking for someone.” he placed the picture on the counter. “Looks like a noble boy.” “It is.” “Big pay day then?” “If I get him back alive.” His friend picked up the picture and stared at it. “Hmm...I think I have seen him actually.” “Oh?” “Yeah, he came in about a two weeks ago, thought he owned the place. Almost got little bessy out.” He nodded. “He was asking where he could find Blake.” At the mention of Blake the lho-stick in his mouth lowered slightly “I know of him.” “You do? Well that’s the only thing he said before I chucked him out of my pub.” Glaven removed his lho-stick from his mouth. “Well...Blake is a whizz dealer, dealt with him in a bounty case, with a few thrones placed in his pocket his tongue started to wag leading me to the target.” Big Pete then handed him the photo. “Well I wish you luck captain.” Glaven smiled weakly as he took the picture. “I am not a captain anymore Pete.” “To me you are, saved our arses plenty of times from career commissars and generals.” Glaven placed the lho-stick back into his mouth, he took the photo from pete’s metal hands and slipped it back into his jacket pocket. “I will see you later Pete.” “Aye, next time you come a cold beer will be waiting for you. It will be on the house.” “Thanks.” he nodded and with that done Glaven left the pub. 

 

As he got outside, he spotted three arbites chasing a man down the street. He raised his eyebrow “I wonder what that is about?” He shrugged, he has his own things to worry about, he removed the lho-stick out of his mouth, he flicked it away and bought his boot on top of it. “Seems I need to pay Blake a visit.” 

 

**** 

 

Lucille ran down the street with her fellow arbites, the man they are chasing was found stealing from a registered establishment. She was placed under the head-enforcer Ford, he was also in charge of the lower hive precinct as well. Ford shouted, his voice was deep and threatening “running from the emperor’s law is another offence!” The thief is clearly panicking, Ford drew his bolt pistol and fired at their legs. With one bolt reactive shell his leg was now gone, the thief toppled to the ground screaming. They soon caught up and surrounded him. Lucille aimed his shotgun at him, but staring at his garments he is clearly poor and it's evident he is struggling to get by. Ford then knelt, he cut away the trouser of the ruined leg with his knife and opened his palm. “Flesh-gel spray.” he said curtly, the second arbite quickly went their belt and handed him the can. He sprayed the gel like substance over the thief's leg, soon as it touched the stump the man stopped crying out in pain, he was now panting. “I-I...just wanted to f-fee…” Ford rose and handed the flesh-gel spray back to the arbite. “I don’t care if you want to feed your family. You broke the law. I also suspect that there might be more going on than you are letting on. Your work should be enough to cover costs for whoever you need the food for. No-” “Excuse me…” 

 

 

Their heads turned to a young woman in a white robe, Lucille could see she had the same beast like symbol dangling from her belt. “Move on pedestrian.” Ford said coldly. “I-I could not help but overhear that he stole something.” “Yes he broke the law.” “W-What is going to happen to him?” Ford raised his eyebrow, his hard features turned into a frown. “He is going to be questioned thoroughly and if any further crimes are found…he will be put to death.” “H-How about I pay for whatever he stole?” She could see the young woman was putting on a brave face. Lucille wanted to speak, that sounded like a fair compromise. She guessed that it’s very likely the thief has fallen on hard times. Ford shook his head, he aimed his bolt pistol as the young woman, her body straightened, but she did not raise her hands. “I-I am sure if I pay for it...all wounded parties will be satisfied.” “Article 5963, verse 3025…” For some reason she closed her eyes again, she heard a gunshot and then a thud. She opened her eyes slowly to see the young woman is now on the floor, her head is gone, blasted to pieces. “If you obstruct the law of the emperor you will be put to death.” Ford finished. He then placed his bolt pistol into it’s holster, he picked the man up, he gestured for the other arbite to help him. Once they got him up, the thief started to whimper. “H-help me...p-please.” he asked of her. The head-enforcer shook his head. “Cadet Lucille.” She saluted “Yes...sir.” “Hit him.” “I…” “Hit him.” Ford had the thief shifted to her, she slung her shotgun over her shoulder. 

 

She clenched her fist and punched the thief in the face, she tried to hold back. The man cried out in pain. “Again.” Ford said coldly. She planted another fist into the man’s face. She shook her hand slightly after the second punch. “Lucille, criminals are scum. Those who break the emperor’s law deserves no mercy. Do you understand me?” She nodded slowly. “Yes..sir.” They began almost dragging the man down the street, he cried and wailed in anguish but no one would help him, none came to his aid. 

 

She turned her gaze to the corpse of the young woman she could see her fellows gathering around her it, tears were in their eyes. One faced her, she expected to see hatred in their tear filled gaze but all she saw was sadness. Lucille faced forward again and followed the head-enforcer back to the precinct. 

[Tarvek Val]

I like it, well done!

 

An aspect I was slightly confused by upon reading the first few paragraphs. It states that:

 

 

"Ak-Ynath spent ten long years studying this, his grandmother told him during their studies that there are theories that the emperor has some relation to the coiling dragon.

 

However, in the previous segment:

 

 

 

But the news of him being the new Magus surprised him. “B-But...I am only eight.” “Age doesn't matter when it comes to faith Ak-Ynath.

 

I am assuming that this is a simple continuity error and not a time jump, but if this is an intentional time jump it really ought to be clearer.

 

One other thing that I would advise is breaking up the longer paragraphs, particularly those full of dialogue. It gets hard to tell who is speaking, and to whom (at least for me personally).

 

 

The old lady shook her head. “Who are you?” “Excuse me?” “I….never heard someone speak with such conviction before, I have seen tons of cons in my time. But what you are doing here...it looks actually real.” “Because kindness is real Sharline. It’s unfortunate many in the underhive have forgotten that.” She sighed “I have seen many kind young men like you die young.” “I know, but to allow fear to stop you from doing what is right is why the darkness exists. It’s only by stepping forward without fear is the only way darkness can be expunged.” She shook her head “many men and women have dark hearts...some don’t change.” “Yes and that is truly sad, but why should we let that stop us? Just because some refuse to change why should we stop our work? Evil...only succeeds when good men and women do nothing Sharline. I refuse to stop, I won’t let human weakness win.” Sharline frowned “may I shake your hand?” Ak-Ynath smiled. He offered his hand, the old lady took it. “These hands have been through refuse, muck and other places. I-” he gripped her hand tightly cutting her off. “We are all the same Sharline.” They slowly released each other’s hands, he could see she has accepted it. His eyes swept over all of them. “We are all the same, despite whatever life we walk we are all the void lord’s children. Now I am sure all of you are hungry.” He clapped his hands “Athoth!” the door opened, his cousin walked inside the room. “Take them to the dining hall, I am sure our brothers and sisters are eager to meet them.” His cousin stared intently at his dirty robes, he could feel his rage bubbling through the brood mind. “Please follow me.” he said calmly, Ak-Ynath could also see he was trying hard not to hiss. But he suspects that people who live in the underhive have seen worse than whatever is under his cousin’s robes. 

 

 

Your writing is good and your way of capturing scenes in a refreshing fashion is good. I am very much enjoying the segments thus far! Splitting up these big paragraphs will only help the piece flow more smoothly and be even easier on the reader. 

 

These are just suggestions, of course! Hopefully they are useful, and hopefully you don't find me to be too nitpicky or a bore, it's the English degree in me coming out...

[Shinros]

I like it, well done!

 

An aspect I was slightly confused by upon reading the first few paragraphs. It states that:

 

 

"Ak-Ynath spent ten long years studying this, his grandmother told him during their studies that there are theories that the emperor has some relation to the coiling dragon.

 

However, in the previous segment:

 

 

 

But the news of him being the new Magus surprised him. “B-But...I am only eight.” “Age doesn't matter when it comes to faith Ak-Ynath.

 

I am assuming that this is a simple continuity error and not a time jump, but if this is an intentional time jump it really ought to be clearer.

 

One other thing that I would advise is breaking up the longer paragraphs, particularly those full of dialogue. It gets hard to tell who is speaking, and to whom (at least for me personally).

 

 

The old lady shook her head. “Who are you?” “Excuse me?” “I….never heard someone speak with such conviction before, I have seen tons of cons in my time. But what you are doing here...it looks actually real.” “Because kindness is real Sharline. It’s unfortunate many in the underhive have forgotten that.” She sighed “I have seen many kind young men like you die young.” “I know, but to allow fear to stop you from doing what is right is why the darkness exists. It’s only by stepping forward without fear is the only way darkness can be expunged.” She shook her head “many men and women have dark hearts...some don’t change.” “Yes and that is truly sad, but why should we let that stop us? Just because some refuse to change why should we stop our work? Evil...only succeeds when good men and women do nothing Sharline. I refuse to stop, I won’t let human weakness win.” Sharline frowned “may I shake your hand?” Ak-Ynath smiled. He offered his hand, the old lady took it. “These hands have been through refuse, muck and other places. I-” he gripped her hand tightly cutting her off. “We are all the same Sharline.” They slowly released each other’s hands, he could see she has accepted it. His eyes swept over all of them. “We are all the same, despite whatever life we walk we are all the void lord’s children. Now I am sure all of you are hungry.” He clapped his hands “Athoth!” the door opened, his cousin walked inside the room. “Take them to the dining hall, I am sure our brothers and sisters are eager to meet them.” His cousin stared intently at his dirty robes, he could feel his rage bubbling through the brood mind. “Please follow me.” he said calmly, Ak-Ynath could also see he was trying hard not to hiss. But he suspects that people who live in the underhive have seen worse than whatever is under his cousin’s robes. 

 

 

Your writing is good and your way of capturing scenes in a refreshing fashion is good. I am very much enjoying the segments thus far! Splitting up these big paragraphs will only help the piece flow more smoothly and be even easier on the reader. 

 

These are just suggestions, of course! Hopefully they are useful, and hopefully you don't find me to be too nitpicky or a bore, it's the English degree in me coming out...

Right! I will get onto that! Thanks for pointing it out.

[Tarvek Val]

I feel your pain on that count, I've written pieces where I've accidentally changed a character's name before and just barely caught it before posting the piece online!

[Shinros]

I feel your pain on that count, I've written pieces where I've accidentally changed a character's name before and just barely caught it before posting the piece online!

Oh yeah, I read my stuff through several times but there is always mistakes! >_< 

 

Right I changed the line to this. 

 

“Age doesn't matter when it comes to faith Ak-Ynath, you will study this book for years with me. Then you will be truly ready. Now you must understand something important. It’s the appropriate time for you to know.”

 

How is that?

[Tarvek Val]

That's perfect! I like the wording, and it completely gets rid of the problem. 

 

As for proofreading, I recommend re-reading everything you write after you write it; then take a few days away from the piece and re-read it again. You'll usually catch little inconsistencies you missed the first time and details that you want to re-word.

[Shinros]

That's perfect! I like the wording, and it completely gets rid of the problem. 

 

As for proofreading, I recommend re-reading everything you write after you write it; then take a few days away from the piece and re-read it again. You'll usually catch little inconsistencies you missed the first time and details that you want to re-word.

 

Oh, that is good advice. Thanks! Also I am glad that you like the change. 

[Tarvek Val]

My pleasure! I'm glad to be of service. I belong to a writer's club, we've been lucky enough to have some wonderful speakers whom I've learned quite a bit from.The way one of them explained it, proof-reading is hard for an author because we are intrinsically biased towards our own work. Our stories make sense to us, so we assume that the average person would grasp them as easily as we can; thus, it's easy to overlook details or defend aspects that could use clarification. That's why he recommended taking a break from one's one work, then coming back with a clear head to objectively re-read what we've put together.

[Shinros]

My children grow, their hearts grow and so do their minds. We must learn all we can so the Coiling Dragon can make use of that knowledge to do it’s holy work. But as always enemies gather around us, they question us, they question the faith we bring. They prefer to live in darkness than embrace the light of the stars. 

 

Chapter 3 

 

He sat at the end of the long table, all of his brothers and sisters have been gathered for the meal in the dining hall. Ak-Ynath could also see Dominic, Lisa and Sharline are now clean, they are also wearing white robes. The food lining the table was quite basic, but to the people of the underhive it might as well be a cuisine nobles eat. His cousin stood at the side of his chair hissing slightly, he guessed he had something to say but first he wants to do the breaking of bread and the sharing of water to start the meal. He does this to teach the lesson of sharing with others. He picked up the large piece of bread, and broke a piece off. He made sure that everyone cleaned their hands before the meal. As he took his piece, he placed it on the plate and picked up the jug of water. He poured himself a cup, unknowing to the new prospects the water given out during the meals holds his grandmother’s concoction. An additive that contains the blood and genetic material of the star father. 

 

Once added to a liquid it’s tasteless and the drink still holds it’s natural colour. It is here where the new prospects fully join the family. He then handed the jug and bread to the next person, after that he tapped the side of his head to let his cousin know he can speak. +Magus…+ his thoughts were somewhat bestial, and despite it being his inner voice the hissing is still there. 

 

Ak-Ynath picked up the piece of bread and bit into it. +What is it cousin?+ he replied. +The arbites are killing our brothers and sisters...I-+ +No.+ the thought was firm, almost cold. But Athoth did not relent. +I can’t stand for this...they did nothing wrong.+ +I know, but we are fighting a war of faith cousin. What would grandmother do?+ +Saint Xothoa?+ He could see Athoth musing on his words. +She would wait for the right moment.+ +Exactly cousin.+ He picked up the cup of water and drank. +Our desire is far more greater than overthrowing one world. The star father wants the whole galaxy, in a manner of speaking we are in the process of overthrowing the planet already, we are doing it through….+ He let him answer. +Faith…+ Ak-Ynath placed the cup on the table. +Faith, is the cornerstone of what we are. The teachings of the main sect of the emperor causes the people’s faith to be brittle. Which in turn is exploited by the great enemy who we seek to end.+ At the mention of the great enemy, his cousins thoughts turned violent, it was a bestial sort of rage that wanted to rip, tear and gut the enemy. 

 

Ak-Ynath allowed his hatred to burn through his mind. +Tell me cousin have the gangs that embraced darkness been dealt with?+ As he spoke of the heretical gangs, the rage subsided. +Yes...I tore out their throats with my siblings. They are eager to hunt for more.+ +Good, keep a nose out. I don’t want the darkness harming the lives of the faithful.+ His cousin’s role was to hunt down the gangs that have embraced chaos, religions that appear “harmless” in the underhive have to be expunged. He prefers not to use his psychic powers even when it comes to conversion but they are sometimes necessary to aid his cousin in seeking out taint. +I shall Magus.+ Ak-Ynath smiled, he removed the rest of his bread from his plate and handed it to his cousin. He took it and lifted his mask slightly, just enough to allow the bread to slit through. Athoth started to nibble on it. 

 

He then relaxed in his chair slightly, soon he will have to give a sermon. That is normally the perfect time to draw more people into the family. 

 

 

*** 

 

Glaven walked down the street, he looked for the alleway Blake should be working in this week, considering what he is dealing, the worm does not like staying in one place. But unlike most people he has each area he works in memorised. His eyes moved around the road until he spotted a large man guarding the front of an alleyway. He smiled “There you are…” He walked towards it and soon as he got close the large man stopped him. “Who are you?” “I am here to see Blake.” The burly man shook his head. “He is not expecting you. And you don’t look like a buyer.” “Well, I still need to talk to him.” he went into his pocket and pulled out a few thrones. The coins glinted slightly the large man frowned and took them. “Don’t cause any trouble.” “I won’t.” Glaven walked down the alleyway, it was grimy and bore the smell of narcotics as he took a few steps he spotted Blake. 

 

He had dirty black hair and huge bags around his eyes. As their gazes met he frowned “what are you doing here?” Glaven approached the whizz dealer. “I just want to talk.” “Well I don’t want to, the last time I gave you information I lost customers.” “How abou-” he was cut off as Glaven heard several gunshots behind him. He sighed, he got out his lho-stick case, he picked one out and lit it up. He then placed the case back into his pocket, he puffed once and drew Sigma. “Who have you lead to my doorstep!?” the dealer screeched. 

 

Glaven ignored him, he turned to see it was the thug from the pub with his small time gang. It was only five of them all together, they all wielded autopistols. The large man bearing the skull tattoos came forward. “You made m-” He did not let him finish, he fired in a quick motion dropping each one before they can even raise their gun. As they toppled to the ground he flicked towards Blake and pointed Sigma at his head. The dealer’s face was running with sweat as he raised his hands slowly. Glaven went into his pocket and pulled out the picture of the noble’s son. “Have you seen him?” The dealer squinted at the picture, he was silent just for a moment. “I-I...have seen him.” “Where?” Blake gulped “I-I saw him about two weeks ago. He was a regular customer.” “You did not answer the question.” he said coldly. 

 

The whizz dealer sighed heavily “He talked about how he wants to use whizz to hook up with some girl at Martha’s pleasure palace.” Glaven could see he did not have much else to say, he moved his lho-stick around his mouth. For some reason he thought of that new sect and the young woman he talked to. He slipped the picture back into his pocket, he then asked “Do you regret what you do?” “What?” “You must have an idea what this stuff does to people? Do you even think about it for a moment?” He knew whizz causes the mind to spin, but instead of being disoriented you get a feeling of euphoria instead. 

 

The other issue is that it’s highly addictive and it can kill you if you overdose. Blake chuckled “why are you moralising with me? Aren’t you a stone-hard killer? There isn-” “There is a difference between you and me. I killed for the throne to ensure that your arse remains safe. But what I see is a dealer exploiting people’s addiction to a substance in order to get some cash.” He turned the information he has just received in his mind. Blake stating that he sold whizz to the noble’s son so he could get some girl annoyed him even further. “I am just a dealer, I am not respon-” He shot him in the head, Blake fell to the floor with a thud. 

 

Glaven turned away and quickly reloaded Sigma, he then placed it into it’s holster and walked out of the alleyway. As he got back onto the street, he blew out a smog of smoke and looked down to the guard that is riddled with bullets. He shook his head the guard is only dead because a thug wanted to prove a point. He is not innocent by any means but it’s a poor way to go down. 

 

He then looked ahead, he didn’t feel any better after killing Blake because he knew someone will just fill the void, in the end a dealer is off the street at least for awhile. But one thing he learned is that the person he is looking for is scum. 

 

He began making his journey to Martha’s pleasure palace. “I wonder what kind of place it is?” he said out loud. 

 

*** 

 

She grimaced as she carried the thief down the hallway leading to the exit of the precinct, his arm was slung over her shoulder as she dragged him. Ford ordered her to remove the thief from the premises. Lucille could also see his face is a bruised mess due to the interrogation, she was there and Ford ordered her to hit the man to make him talk. His story did not change save that he has three kids and a wife, he stole food in order to feed his family. Ford then did a background check and it was found that the family members were not registered together, that the thief was living in his house by himself and that in turn affected his pay. In the end Ford decided that he still committed a minor crime and the punishment for stealing from a registered store is the removal of one hand. 

 

Lucille was glad that med-teams were there after his hand was chopped off, they treated the stump and kept him from bleeding out. The thief whimpered “W-What...did I do wrong?” He wasn’t looking at her, his face was just sagged downward to the ground. Her mouth moved to answer, but she held back. According to the law this is the correct outcome, the law is the emperor, that is what she told herself. As they got to the exit she pushed the door open, standing outside the opened gate were white robed people who wore the coiled beast icon. 

 

She frowned, Lucille wondered if they wanted revenge? But she knew people would not be stupid enough to make an attempt on an arbitrator's life outside the precinct. As she got to the front gate she remembered her next order from Ford. She threw the man out, as he crashed to the ground the white robed people surrounded him. They dabbed his forehead cleaning away dried blood. Another gave him water to drink, then they hefted him up and took him away, but one turned. 

 

He approached the gates, making sure not to enter. Lucille could see it was the person who was crying before. “Was it worth it?” he asked. The question took her by surprise, she looked down, just slightly. “He broke the law.” her voice was weak, but that is the truth of it. “Right...my sister gave a way out. Why didn’t you speak up?” “I-I don’t understand.” “I saw you shaking, I told her not to go…” he started crying again. He wiped his face. At the mention of shaking she does not remember ever doing that. Unless others saw differently? The young man continued speaking. “She was not just a sister of the faith...but we shared each other’s blood…” Lucille shook her head. “She also broke the law.” “Stop parroting what they say! What does your heart tell you!?” She clutched it tightly for some reason. “I couldn’t do anything….what did you expect me to do?” The man calmed himself “to be better.” He answered. He then spun away from her, he ran to catch up with his follows. 

 

Lucille sighed heavily, as she turned Ford was now in front her standing a few paces away. She could see he was holding her bag. She stood at attention. But the head-enforcer shook his head. “I am disappointed.” “W-What?” “You hesitate too much, you second guess yourself all the time. I just spoke to Judge Gustav on the cogitator and we have come to a decision.” She gulped “What sort of decision sir?” “You are being sent to the underhive, the head-enforcer of the precinct requires bodies.” At the mention of the underhive her heart dropped, she shook her head. “I-I can do better!” “No, that is where all the rejects go. Perhaps you might redeem yourself there. They will be expecting you.” He dropped her bag on the floor. 

 

Ford then walked away. Lucille stared at her bag, she was stupefied. She walked over to it and picked it up. She slung it over her shoulder and left the precinct, she slowly made her way to the underhive elevator. 

[Tarvek Val]

Well done. I can feel the different storylines coming together.

 

I really liked the scene with Glaven and the whizz dealer; while it is certainly a dark and perhaps even morbid scene, it really gives insight as to the kind of person Glaven is. I see him as someone who is willing to do almost any job for the right pay, and yet I can clearly see that he has morals and lines that he is not willing to cross. Writing scenes that effectively give the reader a glimpse into a character's profile without explicitly statements is very challenging, and you are doing a very good job of that!

 

Come to think of that, each different segment has very good insights into your three protagonists. I find myself rooting for all of your named characters, despite the fact that they belong to wildly different factions and belief systems. 

 

I would have replied to this last segment a lot sooner but I am currently on vacation with extremely limited time / internet access, but I am quite excited to see what you have planned for the next segment! Keep up the great work!

[Shinros]

Next chapter! It would of came out sooner but I was attacked by Nurgle. He could sense the coiling dragon wishes to bring an end. But the blood of the brood runs strong in my veins and I have recovered! 

 

I see weakness, I see broken hearts and minds. Through my children I see how pitiful the misguided are. They kill each other without reason, they torture without reason, they pray without reason. Flaws instilled by a corrupt church, by a corrupt government. The dogs then enforce these laws, but watching them my first daughter feels another saint can be found on this world. A saint that will breed strong followers for the coiling dragon…. 

 

Chapter 4 

Ak-Yanth could feel the star father calling, he sat crossed legged in the middle of his room. He closed his eyes and over a million purple lines manifested before him. What is in front of him is the brood mind, at least how his mind can interpret it. He could feel each connection with his brothers and sisters, all of the lines are burning with vigour and life. This means the star father wishes to speak to all of them, this truly must be important. 

 

His lips began moving and a voice not his own left it. “Hear me...my children.” “We hear…” the voices were thousands-no almost a million. He could hear his own voice among them. He was not sure whether the others were speaking or were just thinking it. But that did not matter. “I have come to set you another task on this world….” “What task?” they all asked. “A new saint must be found on this world, bring them to me.” “We obey.” They all responded. “Know, that this is also a test. Listen to the speaker for he shall bring the candidates to me….” The star father’s voice then ebbed away. In reaction he could feel a sense of longing from all his brothers and sisters of the faith. Even if his presence is still there, they all wanted to hear his voice. 

 

The lines slowly dimed, until darkness consumed them completely. Ak-Ynath opened his eyes. He smiled “a new saint...this is a most joyous day. Also a test?” He got up from his feet. “I must be observant...it’s clear the star father does not want just anyone. I can also see grandmother’s hand in this...they have to be the right person…” He nodded and began walking to the door. “But first I must prepare the church for the sermon. It will take some time..perhaps I might even find the new saint among the new attendees?” He opened the door and walked out, he could feel everyone is now searching, keeping an eye out and preparing reports to deliver to him. He felt his heart blossoming at how hard everyone is working, being connected to the brood mind is their strength, it's what sets them apart from the misguided and through it they will overthrow the false faith of this planet. 

 

*** 

Glaven stood in front of Martha’s pleasure palace, it was not much of a palace it looked pretty run down. The size looked to be average for most pleasure houses, and the sign itself was not even working properly. The M and P flickered, the red light blinking from a bright red and to a grey. But what has him surprised is that the establishment is closed, he looked around and it was the same for many others. He approached the door and knocked with the back of his hand. He waited for a moment, but there was no answer. He knocked again. 

 

This time the locks began to move, the door opened slightly. Through the gap he saw a middle aged woman wearing makeup. Her hair was a mix of red and black, but just by her looks he could tell she was the owner of this place. “Are you Martha?” She frowned at him. “We are closed.” “I know, I just want a moment of your time.” “For what?” He pulled out the photo of the noble’s son that has gone missing. “I am looking for this young man, I have heard he...attends this establishment.” “I don’t answer questions on customers, now shove off.” Glaven grumbled in annoyance. 

 

He thought to show her the writ to scare her into answering his questions. He was about to reach for it until Martha looked back into the pleasure house, she shook her head and faced him again. “You can come in.” “What?” “I said you can come in.” She opened the door fully, Martha wore a purple dress. It was quite fine for someone living in the lower hive, but the women who live on the upper hive would rather die than wear such a thing. 

 

She stood aside to let him in, As Glaven walked forward he looked around. The sofa’s were empty, the bar was closed and there were no women guiding men to rooms. To his shock, they are actually closed. He scanned the pleasure house until his eyes fell upon a group of young women sitting at a table. The odd one out is the figure wearing a red robe and hood. He raised his eyebrow, he wondered who they was? The door behind him then slammed shut. Martha walked to his side. She did not meet his gaze, she stared at the table. “Ak-Shatir, why do you want to see him?” The one in the red robe moved slightly, they rose from the table slowly. 

 

Glaven frowned, for some reason his instincts were screaming at him that something is up. Or he is in danger. As the one in the red robed faced them, he realised that the general form is that of a woman. He also spotted that she wore a golden mask that covered the upper face save the lower lips that held a light purple lipstick. As she walked to them, she smiled, Glaven could see she strangely had a sort of predatory grace about her and an air of mystery. He also notcied the coiled beast sigil chained to her belt. 

 

Glaven folded his arms, as she stopped a few paces away. She bowed “I am Ak-Shatir.” “Glaven.” he responded he noticed her voice was soft, it was nice to listen to. “I have you to thank for the owner letting me in?” “In a manner of speaking, but I could not help but overhear. The magus says to always help those in need, I also sense that you are good man.” Their eyes met, for some reason he felt like he was being drawn in. Her eyes are not...normal, they strangely had a wolf or cat like sheen to them.

 

But despite that he wanted to get lost in them. He coughed slightly to clear his throat. “I think you can help me with something.” He showed her the picture. “I am looking for the young man in this picture.” Ak-Shatir smiled. “I know him.” “You do?” “Yes, he tried to drug me but what I saw was a broken man.” Glaven chuckled “He is scum miss. He tried to get you addicted to a substance in ord-” “I know.” she interrupted him, she spoke firmly. “But despite that, he wanted to be a better person.” he could sense the conviction in her words. 

 

Glaven nodded “very well, so can you give me information?” “I can, his name is Travis Vaughn. He approached me two weeks ago when this establishment was open, even though I am here to look after the spiritual health and to teach the girls key skills he came to me.” “If you don’t mind me asking...were you wearing the same clothes?” “I was, he bought me a drink I sensed his intention and called him out. He tried to bribe me to keep me from speaking, but instead I wanted to speak to him about his problems.” “Why?” “Why not? As I said he was a broken young man, a man who could not live up to the expectations of his father, a young man who is ridiculed by others of his class. So he fell to darkness, to drink, drugs and women.” Hearing her speak of Travis, that just solidified that he is truly scum, that he is beyond redemption. 

 

Ak-Shatir’s strange eyes then brightened “I know what you are thinking, but he decided to follow the way of the coiling dragon.” Glaven blinked in surprise. “I find it hard to believe that he is part of such a sect. I have heard of the work you do.” “Through that work he is tackling his inner darkness, just recently he went through the sharing. Now he is pushing back his sins with great energy and power.” Hearing all of that, a part of him no longer wanted to bring him back to his father. He is becoming a better person, what right does he have to drag him away from the people who is making his life worth living? He bit his lip slightly. “It’s fine.” “Excuse me?” “I think he can be convinced to come with you, I will guide you to him. I was just finishing up here anyway.” “Guide me to him?” She nodded “For he is at the main church placed in the underhive.” At the mention of the underhive he cursed under his breath and sighed heavily. “Very well, lead the way.” 

 

*** 

 

She stood in the lift, she descended to the most crime ridden layer of any hive city. A sure death sentence for any arbite stationed there. She clutched the handle of her bag tightly, she cursed herself and her weak heart. She needed to strengthen it, layer it in steel. She chanted the prayers of hatred, the words to hate those who break the law, to hate the heretic and the alien. Once she finished she took a deep breath and readied herself. The lift slowed down and grew to a halt. 

 

Despite this being a elevator used for Arbitrators, she has heard horror stories in the lower hive precinct, gangs ambushing them as the doors open, being riddled with shotgun shells. Lucille heard the chime, the doors opened, she walked out and looked around. There were two guards at the elevator entrance, she looked at both arbites who stood like stones holding autoguns. She flipped the bag over her shoulder and began walking. 

 

Looking around, she noticed right away there was a great amount of people wearing white robes. They also have the coiled beast symbol attached to their belts. The underhive smell was terrible, the buildings were destitute or run down, but what was strange is that the air held hope, a far greater hope than even the lower hive. People were smiling, clerks were selling goods openly and children were actually playing, laughing happily. What is happening here does not match her studies of the underhives or the stories. 

 

Her eyes moved around to the lifts dotted around the area, they went into the ground. She guessed those were the lifts leading to the mines. Lucille could also see that the miners were queuing at the lifts. They wore dark purple overalls along with grey protection gear. But what was odd to her is that all of them were bald, they also had the beast symbol attached to mining gear and belts. 

 

All of this caused warning sirens to flare in her mind, she knew that this strange sect are good people. It’s evident from the young girl who died and the her brother who scolded her. But it all….looked wrong. Lucille eventually arrived at the precinct, the building was clean and held a sheen. It was not a fortress like the precinct on the upper hive, but the building looked well defended. With gun turret placements and patrols. 

 

Walking through the gates, she spotted a woman who stood at the entrance. Her black hair was tied back and scars covered her face. The one’s around her mouth caused her features to be stuck in a permanent scowl. Lucille approached and saluted. “I am...looking for head-enforcer Gloria.” The arbite chuckled heavily “you are looking at her, you must be the new reject.” She said nothing, it’s likely she is far more brutal than Ford going by her scars and the fact it’s the underhive.

 

Gloria started to walk around her. “I get all the rejects, but I will let you know that Judge Gustav trusts me the most. I chose this position, I chose to be here.” Cold beads of sweat started to line her brow, she has never heard of anyone choosing to be stationed in the underhive. “But...considering how things are I want to test you first.” “T-Test?” She stopped in front of her. “Yes...a test. To show truly how much you love the god-emperor. Go inside and get changed into plain clothes you will be briefed in a few hours. I have to gather the rest of the rejects.” Gloria turned and walked into the building. 

 

Lucille stood there, her mind was blank due to the test. She wondered what will happen to her if she fails? She shook her head, she narrowed her eyes at the doors. “I can’t fail...I won’t fail.” she said firmly. She straightened herself and strode into the precinct. 

Well done. I can feel the different storylines coming together.

 

I really liked the scene with Glaven and the whizz dealer; while it is certainly a dark and perhaps even morbid scene, it really gives insight as to the kind of person Glaven is. I see him as someone who is willing to do almost any job for the right pay, and yet I can clearly see that he has morals and lines that he is not willing to cross. Writing scenes that effectively give the reader a glimpse into a character's profile without explicitly statements is very challenging, and you are doing a very good job of that!

 

Come to think of that, each different segment has very good insights into your three protagonists. I find myself rooting for all of your named characters, despite the fact that they belong to wildly different factions and belief systems. 

 

I would have replied to this last segment a lot sooner but I am currently on vacation with extremely limited time / internet access, but I am quite excited to see what you have planned for the next segment! Keep up the great work!

Thanks! That is what I was sort of aiming for especially in the Arbite's case, they have these brutal rules for a reason but at the same time the question is are they necessary? Sometimes it may cause more harm than good, but other times it might stop a heretical cult from toppling the planet. 

[Shinros]

The family is growing, growing strong. But as always there are enemies, my first daughter revealed to me their strategies, their tactics. We are armed with glorious knowledge to do our holy work. They think...that they can stop us...but true faith will always prevail….  

 

Chapter 5

 

Ak-Ynath watched everyone get to work setting up the church, placing the benches in their appropriate positions. The hall itself held small statues of the void lord, a coiling dragon with a crown of stars. He placed a small table in front of the podium and a bowel containing the icon of their faith. Those at the end of the sermon, who wish to join them take one and from there they are taught further, eventually if they prove worthy they go through the sharing and join the family. 

 

He stared and at bronze coiled symbol. At times he thinks of how long their plan will take, how many centuries before everyone is converted? His grandmother has been working for perhaps a century or more to put everything together. His brother was the start, now it’s his turn. First they take the sub-sectors, then they will look outward. Eventually everyone will sing the name of the coiling dragon. They will sing for the end of the great enemy when the star-children come. 

 

He chuckled to himself “the end…but people will stop the end coming. The misguided...the minions of darkness...” As he thought of them. He realised that the bigger they get it will draw the eyes of inquisitors or worse. His grandmother told him of the inquisition in extreme detail, the only reason why his brother was able to bring a sector into the new faith is because the imperial presence was lax there. From now...it will be different. He then racked his mind wondering how he could deal with them. He bought his eyes away from the bowl he looked upon the initiates in white robes, he tried to pick a certain face out. His eyes then landed on a chubby man, he has recently been through the sharing. He called out his name “Alfred!” the man jolted to attention, he approached him and bowed. “What do you wish of me speaker?” He knew that he was a scribe belonging to one of the churches situated on the upper hive. “Tell me, how do the priests who live near the skies feel about us?” “They are...unsure. They are trying to determine whether it’s heretical or genuine. But you have many admirers from my observation, it would...take a great act of faith for Cardinal Gerald, the head of the church on this world to side with us.” “If he does side with us...would he legalise our sect?” At the mention of legalization Alfred stroked his chin. 

 

Ak-Ynath knew some of the initiates were going to the upper hive to preach, the arbites remove them in a brutal fashion. But at the same time that breeds sentiment, and they need that. Alfred smiled “I think he would, Gerald is a pious man and if he truly believed that we follow the will of the emperor he would have our faith approved.” Ak-Ynath smirked, he bowed slightly “thank you for your words Alfred. You have given me much to ponder.” The scribe shook his head, he waved his hands almost erratically. “T-Think nothing of it. You were the that has saved me. You gave me true brothers and sisters, I am even losing weight now.” As he rose he could see his belly is smaller. “keep working hard, perhaps more of the faith will be revealed to you in time.” Alfred smiled “thank you speaker. I will return to work.” He turned away and went back to helping others set up the hall. 

 

Ak-Ynath then placed his hands around his back, he knew of the perfect way to demonstrate a grand display of faith. It would take some time, but if the right pieces fall into place an opportunity will come. He closed his eyes, he probed the brood mind for his cousin, as he made contact he sent him the necessary instructions. His eyes opened slowly, he then smiled “finding a saint and legalising our faith...we have a lot of work to do…” 

 

***

 

Glaven walked with Ak-Shatir to a underhive elevator, there was only silence between them for awhile, but that air she carried around her form was pulling him in for some reason. But he knew he could not let himself get distracted, his work comes first. He decided to look ahead. “I have heard...one of own have died recently.” said Ak-Shatir “What? Who are you talking about?” She smiled weakly. “She was a bright young girl, after today’s sermon she would of went through the sharing. The Magus felt she was ready. I recall she was handing out pamphlets over there.” She pointed to a part of the pavement, then it dawned on him. That young woman from before. “How...did she die?” “According to her brother she tried to aid a thief who was stealing to feed his family. The arbites shot off his leg.” He could hear the sadness in her voice. But Glaven could not see  such an event ending any other way. 

 

The arbitrators are harsh to anyone who obstructs justice, no matter how large or small the crime is. It’s even worse if you are trying to help a criminal. “What was she trying to do?” “Well...she offered to pay for the things he stole. A fair compromise wouldn’t you say?” “Arbites don’t comprise Ak-Shatir.” “Perhaps that’s the reason why before our sect rose the underhive was a crime ridden hell hole. Same goes for the lower city.” As she mentioned lower city he thought about it for a moment. Now it made sense why work has been so slow lately. “I see, so I have you to thank for my work drying up?” “Thank human kindness...investigator. It’s a group effort, do you disapprove of what we are doing?” “No...honestly I dream for a day where people no longer have to die, where are own people no longer kill each other. The xeno’s and heretics are killing enough of us already.” He meant it, after all the warfronts he has seen. After all the people he has killed for the throne, he would like an end. 

 

But he knew it wouldn’t the enemies arrayed against the imperium are almost endless. He felt the need for a lho-stick. But considering the company it would be inappropriate. He looked at her again, he then wondered why she is wearing a red robe instead of white like the others. “So...is there a reason why your robe is red?” Ak-Shatir smiled “White is for the initiates and those who have recently gone through the sharing, after that if you prove yourself to the void lord you can wear purple…” “I assume red is the highest rank then?” “It is, we believe one’s soul is made up of stars, committing sin causes them to be polluted. Once you wear a red robe, you are now pure.” “I think I understand. These...stars are our souls correct?” “In a manner of speaking. Now, we are almost there I am sure the Magus can tell you more.” 

 

Glaven looked ahead, the lift was a few paces away. As they approached it he pushed the button to open the door. He gestured inside “after you.” She smiled at him and walked inside, he followed her in afterwards. Glaven pressed the button to send the elevator to the underhive. The door slid shut, the lift began heading downwards. He then checked the ammunition in each of his revolvers. “That won’t be necessary.” Ak-Shatir said curtly. “You can never be too careful, met too many scum in my life to risk it.” “Very well.” Once he finished his checks, the lift ground to a halt. The door opened and they stepped out. 

 

What Glaven saw shocked him, it left him without words. There were no gangs, bringing their iron-fists upon people. There were actual shopkeepers selling goods on the street and bald men repairing some of the shoddy housing. There were even children running around playing, they don’t have a single care in the world. He slowly faced Ak-shatir, he was bewildered with what he just saw. “What...are you?” “What am I? I did nothing.” She started to walk ahead. “As I said, thank human kindness.” Glaven followed, he has shaking his head in disbelief. 

 

They eventually arrived at a grand church, it was made out of strange stone that gave of a slight sheen, it looks like something you would find on the upper portion of the lower hive. At the sides of the door entrance were statues shaped like a coiling dragon, it had a crown stars set around it’s head. “So you believe the emperor is a dragon?” “Why not, is it that strange?” “Not really, been to a planet where the people think the emperor is the planet itself.” He shrugged, Glaven could also see people ascending the steps. Those in white and purple robes, some even wore plain clothes. “Is something going on?” “A sermon is starting soon, after it I will help you find the one you seek.” He rubbed his neck slightly, he did not want to sit through a sermon, but he can endure it if that means he could find Travis. 

 

***

 

Lucille stood at attention with several others in the courtyard. She was also wearing plain clothes as well. They all waited for the head-enforcer to give them their test. She wondered what she had in mind? Considering the plain clothes she guessed she is sending them out to gather information. Such a task is dangerous depending where they are sent, but since it’s the underhive it might be a death sentence. 

 

After almost twenty minutes of waiting, head-enforcer Gloria left the precinct and strode up to them. She placed her hands behind her back. “So...I am sending you all to attend a sermon.” At the mention of sermon, she furrowed her brow in confusion. Lucille could also see her fellow arbites are confused also. The head-enforcer nodded “I want to see if you truly love the god-emperor. We have recently obtained….information. So now more than ever you must prove that you are worthy to stand with us.” Everyone straightened, including her. She gulped. “Now...the church is not far, it stands taller than most of the buildings in the underhive. Now go, you are dismissed.” Gloria turned away and entered the precinct. Lucille relaxed and faced the gate, she walked out with everyone else. As they made their way to the church everyone was talking amongst one another, trying to divine the purpose of this test. 

 

A fellow arbite approached her, she had blonde short hair and green eyes. She smiled. “What’s your name?” “Lucille” she responded. “Nice name, mine is Rosetta. So..what do you think the test is about?” “I don’t know to be honest. The head-enforcer just wants us to attend a sermon.” “It can’t be just a sermon. Look around.” She did as Rosetta said, she looked around. The only thing of note is that everyone was followers of that strange sect. Then it dawned on her. “We are going to one of their sermons…” “Exactly! Gloria would not send us there for no reason. I bet they are heretics, this is a test of our faith.” “But why? They don’t seem all that bad.” Her fellow arbite frowned “Seems awfully strange to me that somehow a new sect can remove almost all crime in the underhive. Rumour is this...cult has been on the planet for about a year at most.” “Only a year!?” She nodded. Lucille digested that piece of information, that is incredibly strange if true.

 

Everything about them is too good to be true, but the head-enforcer would not send them there for no reason. After a few minutes walking they reached the church, she had to admit it’s far too grand for the underhive. But the amount of people entering was staggering. Lucille grimaced, she made the sign of the Aquila to ward herself. Rosetta shook her head. “I don’t like the statues near the doors.” Lucille bought her gaze to them, it looked like a coiling beast, she could see it had a crown of stars sat upon its head. She nodded in agreement “yes...I agree but let’s get in before it gets too full.” Her fellow arbite looked quite apprehensive, all of them walked up the steps. She was ready to face whatever test Gloria has in store for her. 

[Shinros]

Went through the old chapters corrected some errors I did not notice before. :X

 

You are gifted my son, so young...so bright. Where some would bend others with their gifts, you use your words. Words...hold power. It holds a power to clasp one’s soul completely and utterly. That truth is evident by how many fall into darkness, by how the misguided scream to the impure form of the Coiling Dragon. Use your words….make them see….

 

Chapter 6  

 

Ak-Ynath could see the hall filling up, It was packed to the brim. With all the people entering there was noise but that would end as the sermon started and once everyone is seated. From the podium he gazed at the people in plain clothes, he could see many new possible converts. Some of them were also clearly nobles, trying to hide their status. It pleased him that even those on the upper hive wish to hear his word. But at the same time he could spot others who seek to undo them. Sitting in the second row, his eyes met with a young woman.

 

He knew of her, the reports have been sent, the worst sin of all is inaction. Her brown eyes held uncertainty and fear, even if she does not realise it. Her fair and beautiful skin will be ruined for the law of of the misguided. He then moved his eyes to his half sister, Ak-shatir. She sat next to a middle aged man with an angular face he looked somewhat pale. His black hair and stubble shows hints of grey, most likely not due to age but stress. Even though he felt that they would undo him, he was captivated by those two for some reason. Out of all the new attendees they display the worst of what the misguided can do to someone. He did not even need his gifts to see or realise it. 

 

But in their eyes, he could see they wanted to do better. They wish that they can do some good. He smiled, his eyes swept over everyone. “Thank you...for coming.” The noise died in that instant. Everyone looked at him, he could see that some wondered who he is? Or how he made all these sweeping changes? Some just wanted the free meals if they are homeless or down on their luck. Ak-Ynath gave all of them a warm smile. “This sermon will be slightly different. I want you all to close your eyes.” Across the hall a great many of the people closed their eyes, some didn’t but that did not matter. 

 

Ak-Ynath thought how he should frame what he is about to say next. His brother would just hypnotise everyone, forcing his mind upon the misguided, making them convert. But to him that is a last resort. “I want...all of you to think about the world outside these walls, perhaps even beyond this world. In that darkness, that you have now placed yourself in. Can you see it? Can you see how terrible everything around us is? The disease of heresy, hate, lies, poverty and greed? Can you feel….this disease starting to consume all we hold dear?”

 

He stopped talking for a moment, he could see everyone is listening, even those whose eyes are opened. “Now...this is only happening because people are turning away from what the emperor wants from us. We are turning away from who we can be. All of those ill begotten sins polluting us, polluting everyone else, brewing within us...it’s like a poison that seeks to take the whole body.” He said this firmly, he truly believed it. 

 

He took a deep breath and then exhaled “in a world consumed by such things...do you feel safe?” The whole hall answered “no.” “I imagine not, now...the people who are meant to protect us? Do you feel safe with them?” The next no was hesitant, he could understand why. It’s conditioning no one feels safe around arbitrators. “I understand that you fear them, because many do their work through hate instead of actually trying to protect us. Now tell me...in that darkness can you see all that you have done? Things that you have done wrong or may of wanted to do differently?”

 

They all nodded. “When I say that people are turning away from what the emperor wants from us...it’s due to the fact that we...have the power to make things right. The emperor, the void lord has given all of us this power. I look at all of you...and I see pain. Because the world...outside has cut all of you deep.”

 

Ak-Ynath noticed some have started to cry, he could hear sniffles. “All of that suffering...all of that pain or humiliation. All of that..” he grasped his chest. “Is but a choice...you can choose to defy this poison, you can choose to rise above it….The emperor….loves all of us. The coiling dragon wants us, he wants us to join him as we pass into the afterlife. But it’s down to us. We...have the power to excise the taint from our bodies and from the world outside. It’s a choice...suffering is a choice.” He lingered on that last word, many amongst the crowd began to actively break down. 

 

He bought his eyes to the young woman, her eyes were closed, tears running down her face. His gaze shifted to the middle aged man, his eyes were open. Ak-Ynath could see sins that he has forgotten returning to his eyes. Full tears were not falling down his cheeks, but they were watery and that was enough. He let all of them think about his words, just for a moment, just for a few minutes. 

 

***

 

The young priest, who he guessed was the Magus, his words hit his heart. His mind burned, it warred with itself. Glaven recalled Pete’s words. He wondered why it was coming to him now? To me you are, saved our arses plenty of times from career commissars and generals. A memory long buried surfaced, an old and terrible memory. He could smell the blood, the air burned with heat.

 

He recalled the heretics who held a defensive position, they yelled curses at them and praised their foul masters. During that time Glaven wanted to wait for the heavy armour to advance with them, it would save more lives. But the commissar had other ideas, he...ordered-no forced his men to advance. To hold would be cowardice, to hold would be a betrayal to the emperor according to the commissar. They had the numbers to the take the heretics position, but many of his men would die. 

 

He warred with himself to give the order, even now he battled with himself. But history was already written, the books might say something else, but that sin is engraved onto his heart.  The commissar then invoked his right to overrule his rank and his orders. So he was forced to advance with his men, they died in droves, but the commissar being at the back was protected from the enemy las-fire. At the end of that battle, only a quarter remained. The commissar grasped his shoulder, telling him that it was necessary, that he should be proud of his men.            

 

Glaven felt his hatred building the same hatred he felt during that time. It was a cold fury. He recalled the touch of his las-gun, it felt cold during that moment. Even though it recently discharged las-fire. As the commissar removed his hand, he flicked towards him and fired several times. He remembered that it was four shots in total. Two hitting his chest and one hitting his lower jaw, the commissar tumbled back onto the ground. 

 

He recalled the shouts from the commissar, the dying man called him traitor and heretic. Glaven finished him without hesitation. He had no desire to serve, or take orders from someone who spent his men lives like cheap currency. The rest of the spitfires said nothing, they all agreed he died during the assault. The commissar getting shot in the body and face attests to that. 

 

Glaven then gripped his cybernetic arm, a phantom pain crawled over it. He wanted to cry but held the tears back, he wanted to void his bowels onto the floor. But he would not allow himself to do that. Everyone told him that he did the right thing, even his old mate in his own words called the commissar. A fool who eagerly wastes precious resources. Sigma had an inkling of how he truly died, but those were his words when discussion of his death came up.

 

Due to his record, no one doubted him, none of the command imagined he could do such a thing. So all suspicion was dropped, everyone who was there kept to roughly the same story. The heretics gunned the commissar down and that was that. 

 

Amongst the spitfires, he then became known as the man who takes care of his men, the captain who saved them from career commissars and generals. But now? At this very moment? His heart is twisting in a knot, he couldn’t bear it. 

 

He took several deep breaths, he pushed the memory down into the dark recesses of his mind and locked it away. He rubbed his eyes slightly and stared at the bald priest. 

 

***

Lucille saw flashes of the young man telling her was it worth it?  Then came the deaths of the preachers running across her vision. The young woman and the one on the upper hive. She raged that she should of done something, anything. She should of been more assertive, she should of voiced a complaint. A part of her wondered that perhaps she was sent down here because she was too weak? 

 

If she stood up for herself, if she stepped forward unbowed would she be in this position? But the tears? Were unrelenting, she hated herself, she hated her weakness. She wiped her tears away. “I will be stronger…” she whispered to herself. “Please open your eyes.” said the young priest. 

 

Everyone opened their eyes, she could hear Rosetta openly sobbing beside her. She thought to console her, Lucille wondered if it was her place to? So she sat there. She stared at the young priest, his face held the vigour of youth, but his eyes? There was something strange about it, his eyes told her that he understands her troubles, that he wants to help her. “Now...the sermon is concluding, those who wish to take a step further, please take a charm from the bowl that is placed at the front of the podium.” Everyone rose, from the back door red robed priests stepped out. 

 

Her eyes were locked on the bowl, she thought to take one. But she touched her heart, she already has what she needs. She could see some of her fellow arbites shuffling to the table holding the bowl, Rosetta somewhat pushed past her. “Hey...wait a moment.” She ignored her, she continued pushing her way to the front, she picked out a coiled beast icon from the bowel and held it to her chest.

 

The young priest approached her, they shared a few words, the young priest called over one of those in a red robe. They then took Rosetta to the back, she thought to wait but those arbites who took a charm were leaving. 

 

Lucille was conflicted for a moment, she frowned. “Perhaps...she will come back later?” She followed her fellow arbites out of the church. As they got to the steps, there was silence between them. She guessed all of them had confronted their own form of darkness, in her own way she did the same. Soon she will find out whether she passed the test or not.  

[Shinros]

We grow….through words we grow ever larger…..I can see your work coming together my child. I can see the plan building bit by bit. I can sense your utter faith in our cause and that will carry you to victory….

 

Chapter 7

Ak-Ynath could see the bowl is now empty, the new converts who want to start following their faith right away left with those in red robes. He could see his sister waiting to speak to him. He always found it a shame that she has to hide her blessed form. Due to her being of the third constellation. Some traits of the star father are evident and the misguided would do anything to destroy her. But that is one fact he will count on due to his plan, he is aware that the head-enforcer sends arbites to his sermon. More often than not many stay which is a boon. 

 

He will use her obsession against her, when one moves with only hatred they will make mistakes. After a few minutes the bustling hall calmed and his sister approached with the middle aged man. She bowed “Magus.” He inclined his head back to her “sister.” The middle-aged man looked at both of them in surprise. His voice was slightly gruff, but he could detect a slight clip to it. “You are related?” “Yes, well..he is my half-brother but treats me as a sister.” “We are all family here Ak-Shatir.” She smiled at him. “Indeed we are, allow me to introduce the one with me. This is Glaven, he is an...investigator of sorts.” Ak-Ynath offered his hand,  Glaven took it they shook each other hands slowly. “I am Ak-Ynath, speaker and Magus of the Coiling Dragon. It’s nice to meet you...Mr Glaven.” As their hands came apart he frowned just slightly. “Mr? That’s quite polite of you.” “Why shouldn’t I be polite? I imagine your work has saved many people.” As he said saved, he looked weary like his life is a great burden, or perhaps it's his sins?

 

Ak-Ynath folded his arms “so what can I do for you?” His sister nodded “I assume Travis is reading at the moment? Glaven is here to take him back to his family.” As he heard the name he recalled the young man his sister bought here, rough around the edges and a foul mouth but with time and after the sharing he has become pure. But there is a problem, he was surprised that Ak-Shatir would want him to leave so soon. “Are you sure sister?” Her eyes were firm and that’s all he needed. “Very well, if you follow me.” He guided them to the door at the back, he opened it and walked through. 

 

As they entered the hallway, there were rows upon rows of rooms. He could hear murmured cries and prayer from doors. Travis’ room should be at the end of the hallway. Glaven was looking around in almost wonder. “I assume the people who left with the priests are in the rooms?” he asked. “You are correct depending on their mental state and willingness to follow our sect some go through the sharing right away.” The investigator nodded slowly. “Ak-Shatir mentioned the sharing on the way here. What is it?” His sister answered the question. She gestured to a room on the right. “ In that room is the dining hall. It is where we come together to eat, most of the meal is shared between all of us...To break bread with another to understand giving to another and through that act you will join the family.” “family….most priests I know don’t even look at the masses.” Ak-Ynath smiled, his sister answered the question perfectly. She most likely can detect his approval through the brood mind, just slightly and that was enough. 

 

They reached the door at the end of the hallway, he tried hard not to look at the chained trap door, a mix of worry and hope plays over his heart whenever he thinks or looks at it. Glaven pointed at it. “Is that where you keep all the food?” It is good that he answered his question for him, for the investigator is half right. “Yes Mr Glaven, we keep our food stored there and other important relics of the faith.” “I see…” Ak-Ynath then knocked on the door. 

 

They only waited for a few seconds before it opened to reveal Travis, he wore a white robe but soon he will be able to wear purple. It’s unfortunate that may not happen, but maybe he must go back for a reason. His aquiline features broaded with a smile as he looked upon his sister and him. But the smile drifted away as his eyes landed on Glaven. Ak-Ynath could feel his panic thrumming through the brood mind. He placed his hand on his shoulder “calm yourself.” He still trembled with fear or was it dread? Travis nodded slowly. “Yes...Magus. Do you want to come in?” He removed his hand and smiled “Yes we would like to come in.” Travis stepped back to allow all of them into the room, he then closed the door. 

 

His room is clean which is rare for most recent converts, it’s clear he cleans it each day and his suitcase containing his old clothes is in the corner. Ak-Ynath then faced Travis who is rubbing his arm awkwardly. “Your time is up Travis, Mr Glaven is here to take you home.” His eyes darted from to Ak-Shatir and then to him. “B-Bu-” “Do not worry, you are ready. Things will be fine here.” At his word he calmed down. “Alright…” he approached the investigator. “My father sent you didn’t he?” He could see Glaven was trying to hold back his disgust slightly or trying to reassess what he has possibly heard or seen. “Yeah...he hired me to bring you back.” “Very well give me a moment I will get ready.” He then bowed to him and Ak-Shatir. “Thank you...and...will you be okay Ak-Shatir?” “I will be fine, don’t worry.” she responded. 

 

Ak-Ynath gestured to the door “right, let’s allow him to change.” They all left his room as he closed the door behind him he then asked Glaven. “Tell me Mr Glaven, what do you think of Travis?” “I...don’t know. I assume you are aware of what he tried to do?” “I am, but he chose otherwise and sought to become pure through mainly Ak-Shatir’s guidance.” “I see, but let me ask something else. How did you deal with the gangs?” He had feeling this question was coming, but he decided to be truthful. The investigator would respect that. “Many decided to put their gun aside, but others...worshiped far darker things. Things that require human sacrifice, so what else could we do? The arbites are ineffective so we...dealt with it.” Glaven nodded “It’s as they deserve, my respect for you went up a little. You do the throne’s work Magus.” “Thank you Mr Glaven.”

 

They all waited for a few minutes, the door opened again, Travis stepped out of his room wearing his noble garments. A fine blue jacket and trousers with a white shirt. Ak-Ynath could see he was clutching something. He then opened his hand to reveal the small icon of their faith. “I can’t take this with me..if my father found this…” Ak-Ynath smiled “It’s fine.” He placed both hands on his shoulders and leaned in to make it look like he is whispering into his ear. +The coiling dragon sings within your blood...he is always there with you.+ Travis opened his mind, so his thoughts would be clear. +Thank you Magus...for the Coiling Dragon…+ Ak-Ynath leaned back he took the charm and placed it into his robe pocket. 

 

Travis then stepped towards Ak-Shatir, he then kissed her to Glaven’s shock. He grumbled and rubbed his neck in slight annoyance. “It’s time to leave.” he said firmly. Travis leaned back “I know Investigator. Also be safe Ak-Shatir.” His sister said nothing, they both knew that this time would come eventually but this could work in their benefit also. They have a true voice on the upper hive now. Travis then left with the investigator. They said nothing, he guessed Glaven did not want to sour the moment. 

 

As they left the hallway his sister gave him a look. She did not need to say anything. “Our blood will spread to upper hive sister.” in return to his words she just gave a small smile.

 

 

 

***

Glaven stepped out of the church with his charge, his target is in good health. But he found it strange that he was close with the woman he tried to drug. Travis walked at his side, he said nothing. He hoped it was stay that way. As they walked through the underhive a shopkeeper called out “Travis where are you going!?” He did not respond to the shopkeeper, he just looked down slightly. “How much is my father paying you?” The question caused him to frown slightly, Glaven was not exactly in a mood to answer such things but he knows it would be enough. “I imagine quite a bit considering your father came to me personally.” Travis chuckled “Did he tell you that he is impotent? My mother died giving birth to me did he tell you that? None of the women on the upper hive wants him.” he spoke firmly, that a wrong is being done to him. 

 

Glaven stopped, so did Travis. He went into his pocket and got out his lho-stick case, he picked one out and lit it up. He puffed for a moment. “That doesn’t change anything, you went missing for two weeks and you tried to drug a good woman. Be thankful you came across her and the fact she has a kind heart.” He continued walking, Travis looked up to him, he frowned. “I am thankful, she helped me change. I am part of something...greater. But what of you? Have you changed? Have you decided to do something useful instead of doing odd jobs for those that do not need help?” Glaven scowled, he did not need a brat moralising or judging him. “Tell me boy...have you ever been in a trench? The screams of your fellow soldiers raging around you? Watching las-shots crash into the heads of those you called friends? Have you killed mutants with six eyes and mouths, screaming and promising you eternal delight? Telling you to abandon everything you hold dear? To give up? To embrace heresy?” He shook his head. “You know nothing about me, so shut up while I take you back to your father.” he said cooly. 

 

He was not exactly angry, but annoyed. He has no idea how lucky he is and the fact he is squandering his comfortable life. At least this new sect set Travis straight. They continued to walk in silence to the lift. Now making his way back he has to appreciate what Ak-Ynath has done, he can actually casually walk through the underhive without as much as a worry. Travis looked about the same age as the Magus and he has done far more good than this young man ever will. 

 

Now finally standing in front of the elevator, he removed the lho-stick from his mouth and dropped it onto the floor. He placed his boot on top of it. He then approached the lift door and pressed the button. The doors opened,  he gestured inside. “You first.” Travis shook his head and walked in. Glaven stepped in afterwards. 

 

He pressed the button to head up to the lower hive. As the lift started to move upwards there was still silence between them. Travis broke it by speaking up again. “I should be with her…” “Well tough break kid, your family wants you back.” “My family are those who live in the underhive.” “Surprising...a noble wants to stay in underhive. Sometimes...I find your change too good to be true.” “Ak-Shatir helped me.” “That is evident…” he recalled the kiss. He did not know why it annoyed him for whatever reason it did. Perhaps it’s the fact that he feels he doesn’t deserve her? He sighed as the elevator chimed, the doors opened. He walked out with his charge. 

 

Now he needed to take him to the elevator owned by the noble. He removed the paper holding the directions from his pocket. “Not too far.. no-” “She is pregnant.” Those three words caused everything to slow down. He faced the young man. “What?” Travis’ gaze was hard, he stared right into his eyes. “I don’t want to leave her...because she is pregnant.” Glaven creased his brow in frustration. He sighed heavily. “Please...just shut up. You can work with your father on that front.” He turned away and continued to walk. “Now follow.” The young man sighed slightly, the journey lasted only a few minutes as they arrived at a elevator. It was guarded by a group of soldiers who held the lion crests.

 

As he approached one strode up to him, he looked like the leader. “That was quick, you do good work.” The guard looked at Travis. “You are well my lord.” “I am take me to my father. I want to have words with him.” “As you say.” He waved calling over two guards. He pointed to one “escort him back home. Don’t let him out of your sight.” The guard nodded, he took Travis by the arm and led him to the elevator. “Now your payment.” The second guard stepped forward holding a briefcase. Glaven took it, it oddly felt heavy in his hands. The leader nodded “Now remove yourself from this premises before we are forced to shoot you.” Glaven shrugged, he was used to this. But Travis was staring daggers at him as he entered the elevator. 

 

Glaven just looked down to the case and turned away, making his way back to his office. As he got some distance he hefted up the briefcase and opened it. It was full of bills, gold throne bills. All of this could set him for life if he remained on the lower hive, he could even live near the top of it. He closed it and smiled. “Well...it seems things might get better.” He readied a lho-stick, he took his time with this one as he made his way back. The thought of what he could do with all this money playing across his mind. 

 

***

Lucille found her legs wobbling, they have all been forced to stand in a line at attention for perhaps an hour or more in the courtyard. They were all told that Gloria had important business to do, so they should wait here. 

 

After waiting for ten minutes Gloria stepped out of the precinct with a group of armed enforcers. Her eyes were cold for some reason, it was like a war seemed to be on the horizon. She stopped with the enforcers who are a few paces away from them. “Right...let us begin.” The armed enforcers approached them and began searching each them in twos. Lucille grimaced slightly as they thoroughly searched her. Once satisfied they both nodded and returned to Gloria, She looked down the line to see those who have taken a charm from the bowl have been separated into a different group and placed at the courtyard wall. 

 

She watched as a charm was found, the enforcers throw the charm to the ground and spit upon it with disgust. Those who were sperarted were guarded by even more armed enforcers. 

 

Once the searches were complete Gloria nodded. She smiled at her group as much as she is able to with her ruined face. “Well done, all of you truly love the emperor. Now come with me.” Lucille relaxed, those that passed also gave a small sigh of relief. They all followed Gloria into the precinct.

 

Soon as they entered, she heard gunshots. She was about to turn her head back. “Look forward.” Gloria said firmly. Lucille locked her head down the hallway, staring at Gloria’s back. They continued to walk down the hallway, but what she noticed is the precinct is extremely busy. In rooms she could see detectives sitting at desks eyes glued to cogitators and arbites running up and down the hallway. Gloria then guided them to the stairs, she walked down the steps heading to the lower level. “We are going to morgue, this is a recent development and one that shows enemies surround us.” Lucille gulped, each step downwards a chill ran through her body. They then arrived at a hallway and at the end was a blast door. 

 

Lucille wondered why would a morgue need a blast door? With her group she followed Gloria to the door she inputted the code and as the door slid open. A gust of cold wind slammed into her body. Lucille rubbed her arms due to the cold air. Gloria walked onward, they all followed. As they entered the morgue, she noticed right away all the fridges are radically different sizes. The head-enforcer faced them. “We are at war.” She let those words hang in the air, Lucille shook her head her mouth moved by itself. “At war with who?” “The cult of course, The Coiling Dragon. I have also noticed Rosetta is not with the group. I assume she has become a heretic?” That question was to all of them. Lucille raised her hand “yes ma’am, she left with one of the red robed priests.” “I see, she will be blocked from all arbite channels. Now...as I was saying we are at war with the cult.” 

 

She began walking up and down the morgue. “A cult eliminates almost all crime from the underhive, drops crime in the lower hive by almost seventy percent and they have only been here for a year. Some of you might think this is a good thing! That they are doing the emperor’s work! But it’s too good to be true...” She bought her finger down one of her scars. “Humanity is an ugly thing...hence why we the arbites exist. It always remains ugly because people are frail...one man cannot eliminate that in one year. I let Judge Gustav know about my concerns. But he wanted more evidence before he acts...now we have it.” She walked over to one of the human sized morgue fridges and grasped the handle. “Before you left to be tested we received a report of a disturbance. I sent out the best, what they found was members of the cult engaged in a battle with a gang. As our forces got on the scene the cultists fled and we were forced to dispatch the gang members. But this….prize remained on the scene.” She turned the door handle to open the fridge door. 

 

She pulled out the long tray, a strange stink filled the morgue. Lucille had to cover her nose slightly. Despite being covered by a body-bag the corpse gave off a terrible odour. Gloria gestured for them to come over. Lucille tried not to gag as she approached the body with her fellows. Gloria smiled as she brought down the zip on the body bag to reveal...a creature. It had three arms, blue chitin covered it. The creature’s skin was also purple and the hideous claws could easily tear a man’s throat out. 

 

The thing before her also had a large head and fangs, terrible fangs. Many of her fellow arbites gagged, made warding signs or muttered small prayers to the emperor. Gloria simply continued to smile. “Look more closely around it’s waist.” Lucille bought her eyes to it’s waist, she saw something glint. It was a bronze icon belonging to the cult, the same beast symbol she has seen many in the underhive and lower hive wearing. Then it dawned on her. “They are a heretical cult…” “Exactly, these are category three mutations. Now Judge Gustav is getting ready to come and arrest the heretical cult leader due to this discovery. If he resists...we have reason to purge anyone connected to the cult.” She narrowed her eyes at the corpse, she curled her lips in disgust she felt her anger building. “He said all those things...and he works with mutants...category three mutants…” Gloria’s eyes moved to her. “Good, you hate him what’s your name?” “Lucille ma’am.” “I see…” she zipped up the corpse and pushed it back into the fridge and closed the fridge door. 

 

The head-enforcer nodded “All of you are dismissed, go suit up and do some drills.” Everyone began to turn away, but Gloria pointed at her. “Lucille you will stay.” She froze, she turned back and stood at the attention. “In the rest of them I saw fear...but you had hatred. Why?” “He is lying to everyone in that hall, I realise that now. In all my studies have never seen a mutant like that, he...must be doing something. Now Rosetta is with them.” “Do you want to save her?” She looked down to the ground for a moment, as she looked back up she narrowed her eyes. “No ma'am, she is now a heretic. She sided with monsters.” “Good, I will be overlooking your training from now on.” “Yes ma’am.” Her heart raged, after hearing those words in the sermon, all of them are hollow in light of this. She readied herself, she knew the training will be hard but it will be necessary.  Her most darkest thought is what if they had a whole host of those mutants? Then the hive city is truly in danger. 

[Tarvek Val]

I just finally got the time to read the last two segments you put together, as always I am impressed by your deft skill at weaving threads together! I will be honest and say that I did not expect Lucille's thread to go the way it did. After the last few chapters, I totally expected her to end up becoming a member of the cult due to her guilt at not stopping the brutal actions of her fellow arbites. I am really quite excited to see how this story continues to develop and change; I am quite intrigued by the Travis / Ak-shatir arc; do they genuinely care for one another or is Ak-shatir simply playing Travis to win support for her brethren? Only time will tell, I suppose!

 

Well done.

[Shinros]

I just finally got the time to read the last two segments you put together, as always I am impressed by your deft skill at weaving threads together! I will be honest and say that I did not expect Lucille's thread to go the way it did. After the last few chapters, I totally expected her to end up becoming a member of the cult due to her guilt at not stopping the brutal actions of her fellow arbites. I am really quite excited to see how this story continues to develop and change; I am quite intrigued by the Travis / Ak-shatir arc; do they genuinely care for one another or is Ak-shatir simply playing Travis to win support for her brethren? Only time will tell, I suppose!

 

Well done.

Did not have time to respond to this, but now I do!

 

Thank you for your responses and thoughts on the chapters. I wanted to essentially make it appear that she would join the cult, but her "failing" her sin still clings to her in a sense. But in her mind she is "doing" something. Plus the fact the cult might be talking to three/four armed mutants has really soured her opinion of the great Magus. I am quite excited to write the next few chapters I am eager to hear your thoughts once it's uploaded. 

[Shinros]

I wonder...what do they see when they look upon my blessed children? Those of the first, second and third constellation. The misguided see sin, heresy and with that comes hatred. But they are blind to the power of our blessed blood. Even the brood sisters and brothers have increased vigour, night vision and they can live to a ripe age. This is why the masses who don’t know our faith are called misguided...they cannot recognise glory or true faith... 

 

Chapter 8 

Ak-Ynath went through the holy scripture at his desk, it’s been almost a month since the sermon. The arbites should be mobilising, preparing to come for him. They should have built up a case to take him in. But he knows what they are looking for is an excuse to exterminate him and he won’t give them that reason. 

 

He was about to turn the page until he heard a knock at his door. “Come in.” The door opened, the visitor stepped in. He could sense who it was. He can sense his cousin’s worry. “Have faith Athoth.” “I will protect you Magus.” He turned on his chair, his cousin removed his hood and mask. Displaying his yellow eyes, light purple skin and his blessed features. Ak-Ynath could see in those bestial eyes, the need to guard him. He could feel it radiating and thrumming through the brood mind. “So tell me cousin what do you hope to do?” “Kill them…butcher them...” he hissed. “Killing has his place, but not this time. I know it pained you to leave behind a sibling but you must have faith.” “Faith…” He rose from his seat and walked over to his cousin. 

 

He knew that his cousin understood faith, faith in the star father and to have faith in him. “Athoth your worry touches me. But this is a part of the plan.” He nodded slowly “I shall obey…” Ak-Ynath smiled, he can always rely on his cousin. “I have another task for you.” “What is it?” He held his smile “We can use more arbitrators on our side...listen carefully...” 

 

*** 

Glaven sat at his office desk, it hasn’t changed in a month. He could of used the money, but when he got back on that fateful day he was filled with excitement. He planted that briefcase onto his desk and opened it up. He thought he would be set for life, but then he feels this strange nagging feeling in his chest. That something is “wrong” then he sees flashes of Ak-Shatir. So he closed the briefcase at that time and hid it under the floorboards with the rest of his old knick knacks. He couldn’t bring himself to spend the money. 

 

Glaven removed a lho-stick from the case and lit it up. He held it in his mouth and leaned back on his chair. Staring at the ceiling. He sighed heavily “I know why...I am just being an idiot.” He removed the lho-stick from his mouth and blew out a gout of smoke. “Thinking about that damn boy and Ak-Shatir…” The fact that Ak-Shatir is pregnant is what is getting to him. He just seperated a father from his unborn child for money. He recalled the sermon and the words Ak-Ynath. He feels this way because he has done something wrong, he is suffering and unsure of himself because he could of done something and chose not to and now it’s eating away at him. 

 

He didn’t like it one bit. He leaned forward again and placed the lho-stick into his mouth. “Maybe...I should give her some of the money?” He nodded. “I should….” he was about to rise to retrieve it but he heard a knock on his door. “That plan has to go on hold for a moment…” He got up from his desk and removed Sigma from it’s holster. He approached his office door and opened it slowly, the one who was at the door caused his eyebrow to rise slightly. “Judge Gustav?” He had two arbitrators with him, they were holding bolters. Glaven stood aside. “Please come in.” The judge said nothing, he strode into his office and sat at his desk. His guards still stood like stones. The judge gestured “they will be standing outside Captain.” Glaven slowly closed the door. 

 

He walked back to his chair and sat. Glaven removed his lho-stick from his mouth and ground it down on a ash tray. He then sat back. “It’s rare whenever you come here, most of the time you give me jobs that almost get me killed.” Gustav chuckled slightly. He removed his black leather gloves from his hand and placed them onto his desk. “I will get to the point, you were sighted at a sermon of a heretical cult.” “W-what? Heretical cult?” “I am talking about the Coiling Dragon sect.” The news floored him. He did not believe it, not after all the good they do. “What makes you say that they are a heretical cult?” “Tell me captain have you ever questioned why your work has been slowing down?”

 

At the mention of work he is not surprised the judge keeps tabs on him. After all he has an official writ, Gustav most likely wants to make sure he doesn’t do anything wrong. “Well according to said heretical cult it’s due to human kindness.” “Humans aren’t kind captain. You of all people should know that.” “But I want to believe it.” “If they were...the adeptus arbites wouldn’t exist, the inquisition would not exist. Humanity can fall to darkness easily and we are there to ensure that they don’t. We also excise the taint that the enemies of mankind seek to exploit. For if you break the law of the emperor...you are a heretic.” He made it sound so simple, but to him it most likely is. 

 

Glaven rubbed his neck. “So what do you want from me?” “Prove you aren’t with them.” Gustav went into his jacket pocket and pulled out photos. He placed several pictures onto his desk. It was images of a dead mutant. But what held Glaven’s eyes is the charm attached to it’s belt. It was the icon of the Coiling Dragon. “May I?” he asked. The judge gestured to them. “You are free to examine them.” Glaven picked a photo up, he stared at it carefully examining the mutations. He has fought cults belonging to the great enemy and none of them had mutations like this. But the one in this image did have traits belonging to one of the most deadliest enemies of mankind. Tyranids. He thought to himself. 

 

But he never has recalled seeing such a thing among the xeno’s but the chitin? The face? The claws? They were all familiar to him. Gustav smiled “you have seen it before...haven’t you?” Glaven placed the photo back on the desk. “Well...not exactly. Could not help notice that this mutant looks nothing like what I have faced before. But...it does hold traits belonging to the Tyranids.” “You fought the Tyranids and survived?” “We were just cleaning up a tendril really, the death korps of krieg did most of the work. What my old regiment fought was just mad animals. Still I recognise those claws and chitin anywhere.”

 

He could see hatred in the judge’s eyes. The possibility that they are consorting with xeno’s and Tyranids no less. An enemy that seeks to devour everything. Gustav picked up the pictures from the desk and placed it back into his jacket pocket. “This is useful information...we have been taking in followers of questioning but their fanaticism is concerning.” When he mentioned questioning the fact that the followers of the cult can resist the interrogation techniques of the arbites says something. But this was not his problem. “Is there anything else?” The judge nodded “Indeed there is, you are coming with us to arrest the speaker of the cult and aid in the interrogation. After all you must prove that you are not a heretic.” 

 

Glaven cursed to himself, the judge truly wants to kill him. 

 

*** 

Ford chased a fleeing heretic of the Coiling dragon cult with two of his fellow enforcers, Judge Gustav desired more people for questioning and it's in the lower hive where they can be captured. For in the underhive there are too many heretics to capture them safely. He has noticed lately he has seen more members wearing purple and red robes, so far his guess is that they are the higher ranking members of the cult. The underhive is filled with enemies, but here? The emperor’s gaze still falls upon the lower hive. As they charged down the street everyone stepped aside, but he could not help but notice as he passed people they were staring at them, not in fear but in almost contempt, that they were the enemy. 

 

He ignored them and focused on the target, the purple robed priest diverted into a alleyway. Ford smiled. “A dead end…” He raced after the heretic, as they entered the alleyway. The heretic looked around, he was panicking. He then faced them. “Why are you doing this!?” “You are a heretic that seeks to undermine the emperor’s holy dominion. Your cult has also broken the law.” The heretic took a step back, they took a few steps forward. The heretic started to pray. “Please...your child seeks your help...by the Coiling Dragon please..” Ford was about to shout for him to drop to the ground, but he heard a voice above him. The voice was wet they also hissed with each word. “And the Coiling dragon answers...brother.” Ford looked up to see four armed mutants hanging on the sides of the wall. They looked almost exactly like the corpse in the underhive morgue. Ford moved to raise his weapon, but he was too slow, the mutants leapt upon him and his men. He was sent sprawling to the ground. 

 

The mutant pinned his arms to the ground, it hissed at him. “I should kill you for what you’ve done...I should tear out your eyes...tongue and ears, leave you for the rats…” Ford screwed his face into disgust, the smell from the mutant, his visage caused his stomach to turn. “If you are going to kill me mutant...do it.” The creature shook his head. He raised one of his arms. “Brood brother…” The man in the purple robes walked up to them, he removed a knife from his belt and cut the mutant’s hand, he did this for the other two that were holding down his fellow enforcers. The mutant hissed again. “The Magus wishes for you to see...so you shall.” The mutant placed his bloodied hand onto his mouth. 

 

He smeared his foul blood across it, despite his resistance some of it got into his mouth and that’s when he felt it. His mind was crumbling, all the litanties that praised the emperor all he could think of is to praise the brood, to praise the star children. He tried to squirm free, he kicked frantically. “The star father is your new father...we are your brothers and sisters...feel the brood coursing through your body…embrace the Coiling Dragon...” Ford’s eye started to twitch, he felt his mind attaching to a greater one, his kicking relaxed, now he understood the beauty of what his new brother is showing him. He could feel purpose, direction and now hope. His brother released his grip on his body and stepped back. 

 

Ford let out a long rasp, he started to cry. “How….could I be so foolish?” He weeped. His new brother stepped forward again and offered his clawed hand. “Welcome to the Coiling Dragon.” he hissed. 

 

*** 

Lucille waited at the Chimera with Gloria. There was a line of them parked on the road, this is the team that will arrest the Magus. They bought a great amount of force just in case he resists. At the moment they are stopping here because the judge wanted to pick someone up that would be helpful. She looked up to the rundown building. “Who could be here that would be helpful to our cause?” Gloria chuckled “He is getting an investigator.” “But I thought we have our own detectives?” “We do but this investigator is ex-military. It’s rare for any guardsman to retire.” At the mention of guardsmen she blinked in surprise. “So he fought in the emperor’s army and survived?” “Very much so, his old rank is captain as well. The judge has a huge respect for ex-military hence why he has the writ to conduct his work.” Lucille bought her eyes to the complex door, she wondered what he was like? Her thoughts then moved to the head-enforcer of the lower hive. 

 

She looked over to her superior. “Why isn’t Ford with us?” “He has another duty, Ford is trying to capture the heretics for questioning.” “So how is that going?” Gloria sighed slightly. “They are fanatics, none of them talk. We hope the Magus will...cooperate.” “If we can’t get anything out of the followers what are the chances of getting something out of the head of cult? He should be the most zealous.” “Or he could be a opportunist like most heretics. I have seen it so many times, the leaders rope in the fools and mutants, make them treat him like some kind of messiah, a false prophet. The heads of cults use their lives as one would use coin, but normally when we get our hands on them they crumble.” Lucille had to admit she was right, after seeing the mutants and recalling the words of the head priest. He fit the description. 

 

She was about to say something until the doors of the building opened, She faced the building and saluted, everyone did. The Judge step down the steps with his guards, among the group was a somewhat pale man wearing a black leather jacket. She could also spot he was wearing flak armour. They approached the Chimera. “Right, the wait is over. Captain Glaven needed to suit up.” Lucille looked over to the investigator, his name was Glaven but it’s clear to her that it looks like he was forced to be here. Gloria opened the door of the chimera. “After you Judge Gustav.” He stepped onto the chimera with his two arbite guards. Glaven walked on afterwards. Her head-enforcer gestured for her to enter. Lucille entered, she sat across from Glaven. The judge sat at the corner with his guards. 

 

After a moment Gloria stepped onto the vehicle, closing the door behind her. She took a seat next to her. The judge then slammed the roof to get the vehicle moving. They will take the vehicle elevator down, one specifically controlled by the arbites for no one can be trusted considering how prevalent the cult is. There was silence until Gustav looked in her direction. “So you’ve done a little growing up.” “I have sir.” Gloria joined the conversation. “Her training has been progressing well. She is far more attentive compared to the other cadets you sent to me.” “I had a feeling Ford won’t cut it, she needed to see proper criminals or even heretics.” His words caused her to bring her hands together. He is not wrong, in the past she thought that they were too harsh, but seeing what they are dealing with the harshness makes sense. 

 

Being in the underhive, watching the cult grow rapidly, something just feels wrong. She has even noticed many of the children running around are also bald. Not even one trace of hair on their head. Glaven grumbled. “You are aware that marching right up to the church likes this might spark a war?” Gloria frowned “Then we purge them, it’s that simple. We outgear them despite their numbers.” “How sure are you of that fact? Rebels siphon away equipment, considering they must likely control the factories and mines have you even checked their stock? What is being sent in and out of the establishments?” “We would notice a large amount of weapons being transported. We ar-” “He is not wrong.” said Gustav. Gloria closed her mouth. “Just look at how many are wearing that cursed icon these days. Most likely the ones who control the manifests are also part of this cult. My mistake is thinking that they were a small time sect.” He let his words hang in the air. 

 

Lucille shook her head. “Sir, they hid well behind kind words. They just used a different strategy we are not used to.” The chimera then began shaking slightly, they must of reached the vehicle lifts. Glaven sighed “let’s just hope this is a mistake.” “It’s not a mistake.” Gloria retorted. “How do you know that? I have seen simple mistakes get good men killed. Pray to the god-emperor that we don’t kick the hornet’s nest with what we are about to do.” The judge said nothing to his words, he sat in silence gripping his power maul tightly. 

 

The chimera shifted again, it was heading down towards the underhive. None of them said anything, Lucille simply got her shotgun ready. The Chimera shuddered again. Now they were at the underhive, as the vehicle started to move again. She could hear small clinks and scrapes. “They are throwing stones.” said Glaven. “That is a capital offence.” Gloria scowled in disgust. What concerned her is the fact people are brazen enough to hurl stones at an arbite vehicle. As her head-enforcer said, damaging or attacking an arbitrator vehicle you can meet the death sentence out, but there is a small line that notes it’s at the discretion of the one in charge. But they don’t have time to kill petty criminals, they have a grander objective at the moment. 

 

The sounds ebbed away, the vehicle ground to a stop. Judge Gustav rose and opened the door, he stepped out with his guards in silence. Lucille followed Gloria and Glaven out of the vehicle. What was before her was eerie, the arbites who were seated in the other chimera’s were forming a perimeter to keep the crowd back. They did not look violent but their eyes were on them. There was complete silence, Lucille looked up to the church, the head priest was standing at the top of the steps with several others in red robes. 

 

They slowly walked towards the stairs. “I don’t like this…” said Lucille. Gloria’s stance clearly showed that she wanted the heretics to try something. She removed her maul from her belt and held it tightly. Only Glaven has not removed his weapons from it’s holsters. “They won’t attack us unless he orders it.” said the investigator. Lucille looked over to him. “How do you know that?” “Look at the people, it’s like they are waiting for an order. Their numbers are enough to overwhelm the perimeter the arbites formed.” So she looked around and he was right. More people were coming, they looked at them with venom. 

 

When they reached the top of the steps the young priest placed his hands forward. “You’ve come to take me away?” Gustav approached the head priest, he turned him around roughly. Among the crowd and even the red-robed priests she heard hissing or even curses. Gustav placed cuffs on the head priest, he then turned him around again. “Ak-Ynath, Magus and leader of the heretical Coiling Dragon cult, we are taking you in for questioning.” He smiled “Lead the way.” A woman in a red robe took a step forward, she looked at Ak-Ynath and then to Glaven. “You can’t. I-” “Sister that is enough...I will be fine. Have faith.” His eyes swept over the crowd. “All of you will let them take me away!” at his order they stepped back head’s cast low. Gustav grabbed his arm and escorted him down the steps. 

 

They all returned to the chimera. The Magus was placed in between Gustav and one of his guards. Once they were all seated, Gustav slammed the top of the vehicle again to get it moving. She could hear the other chimera’s their engines roaring as they fell in behind this one. Oddly she did not hear rocks as they left the underhive. Gloria looked at Ak-Ynath with an icy scorn. “So tell me how does it feel to be bound? You aren’t leaving the interrogation alive.” Glaven frowned “I don’t think threatening him will make him talk.” The Magus looked at Glaven in almost genuine surprise. “Ah, thank you Mr Glaven, you have some measure of sense.” He looked over to him. “Don’t thank me just yet, you landed yourself in a pit that you might not be able to climb out from.” Lucille shook her head. “You work with mutants...and you said those things in the church...why?” She felt her own rage building, the Magus said nothing, that shows that he is a liar. He is hiding something. 

 

Gustav frowned “enough questions, save them for when we return to the precinct fortress.” All of them relaxed slightly, Lucille knew that if the Magus was truly for the emperor he will talk during the interrogation. If not there will only be pain. 

[Shinros]

Chapter 9 

He couldn’t feel the brood mind within this chamber, the voice of the star father was a muffle, but he could not let that show. He guesses that this room suppresses psychic powers, his grandmother has told him of such things. At times the inquisition or the arbites have to interrogate psykers. 

 

Ak-Ynath moved his hands, the cuffs were tight and they were chained down to the table. His eyes scanned the room. Judge Gustav sat in front of him, Glaven was stood in the corner and Head-enforcer Gloria along with her protege stood at the Judge’s side. If he had to be honest he was disappointed with Lucille, Rosetta told him of her. She would of been useful to the coiling dragon, but the sin of inaction has claimed her utterly. He smiled “So...how is this going to be done?” Gloria walked around the table, she stood in front of him and grasped his robe. She punched him in the face, the pain was terrible, but he was ready for this, he prepared himself. She shoved him back into the chair. “One more.” said Gustav, Ak-Ynath’s eyes moved to the judge. Now that he is alone with them, he is going to do whatever he can to extract information from him. 

 

Another punch landed on his face, despite Gloria not holding him, he felt his lip splitting slightly. The head-enforcer took a step back. Ak-Ynath moved his mouth, it burned with pain. “H-How..about we talk?” “I knew it..” Gloria spat on him. The spittle landed on his face. Since his hands are bound he could do nothing about it. “Talk, said Gustav. Tell me how you are going to sell out your fellows in exchange for your life.” Gustav speaking in such a manner caused him to chuckle. He thinks him to be a follower of the dark powers “I-I wanted to talk about...faith.” “I don’t want to hear your heresy. I want information on your activities.” “Very well...we gave water and food to the poor, helped the young women at the pleasure houses and w-” Gloria punched him in the face again. “A lie to cloak your misdoings.” said Gustav. 

 

Ak-Ynath moved his jaw slightly, his grandmother punches are harder, her interrogation training was far more brutal. “Tell me...what misdoings?” The judge placed pictures on the table. They were images of the blessed kin. The one Athoth left behind. “What of it?” “This is a category three mutant, these are not minor mutations. Working with them is a crime.” “I know...but where is your evidence that I am working with category three mutants?” He watched Lucille’s face shift slightly. 

 

Gustav leaned back in his seat. That showed they had none. “So...let me guess. Because they had our sigil you assumed that I am working with mutants?” Gloria punched him in the face again. “Shut up! You a-” He kept talking. “Article 4345, line three...you cannot use physical interrogation without proof of one’s crimes. So please...stop hitting me. It’s a line you arbites tend to forget...” Gloria was about to strike him again. “Stop.” said Gustav. “So you know our laws?” “Yes I do. Now..do you have evidence that I am working with category three mutants? Tell me...how many times have fringe mutants adopted a faith that is making where they live better? At this moment, it just feels like Head-enforcer Gloria is being forced out of her job and is taking it out on me.” She was about to strike him again. “Stop! Stand down!” shouted the judge. 

 

Gloria bought back her arm, she was seething. Ak-Ynath nodded. “So how long am I being detained?” “So you know that part as well?” “Yes, you can detain me for an indefinite amount of time if you still suspect something.” Glaven tutted. “This is a waste of time..” Lucille turned to him. “You should be more respectful.” Glaven frowned “He knows all of your laws, you can’t physically harm him and he is clearly intelligent. He is a man of faith he won’t break easily.” “So are you taking his side investigator?” Ak-Ynath could hear a line of threat playing across Gustav’s voice. “No, I am not taking his side. But you did this too soon. Maybe he planned for this? Maybe he is innocent? As he said we lack evidence. Let’s say we even kill him? We will most likely have a rebellion on our hands, you will make a martyr out of him.” 

 

The arbites looked down slightly, Ak-Ynath smiled at him. “Thank you Mr Glaven, I think you would make a good arbite.” “Shut up!” shouted the head-enforcer. Judge Gustav was about to speak, but there was a knock on the door. The judge gestured to it “Lucille get the door.” she nodded and went to the door. She opened it slightly, Ak-Ynath could see she was talking to an enforcer. 

 

Ak-Ynath waited calmly, from here there is no plan. He did not plan this far and he did it purposefully, all he had was faith from here. He closed his eyes, he could hear whispering, then the moving of a chair. After that he heard footsteps and a door opening wide and then closing. He opened his eyes again and now he was alone. 

 

*** 

Glaven rubbed his neck, he could not hear what Lucille whispered to Gustav but at most all he got is that they are all leaving. The hallways of the fortress had enforcers rushing up and down frantically. He wondered what was going on. “So...what just happened?” Gustav looked stern, he said nothing. They were rushing to somewhere, the head-enforcer frowned. “So what’s the situation?” “We have protest.” “Whoever is protesting has a death wish.” she responded. “It’s more complicated than that.” said Lucille. Gloria looked over to her student. “It’s that bad?” She nodded. Glaven grumbled in annoyance somewhat, when he asked the question they ignored him. 

 

Eventually they reached the hallway that lead to the entrance. Glaven could heard a muffled sound. He frowned “what’s that sound?” None of them answered the question, just like before. As they got outside, the sound was strangely soothing. At the gates of the precinct fortress were thousands of people, maybe even more. Some wore the robes of the cult, others were wearing plain robes. All of them were singing a hymn to the emperor. They were being lead by a woman in red robes. As she turned from the crowd he recognised them, it was Ak-Shatir. 

 

A group of enforcers were at the gates, ready for any possible violence. But what troubled him were the gun emplacements that were placed on the side of the gates. They were both manned by servitors. Gustav strode up to the enforcers, Glaven dreaded the response that judge is going to give. 

 

Gustav pointed at an arbite, the one leading the squad. “Enforcer Linton, come over.” He gripped his autogun and ran over to them, he saluted. “It’s good you got the message sir, they just poured out of the streets.” “I see...have the heretics done anything violent?” “No..they just gathered here and started to sing sir.” Gloria frowned “they should not be within vicinity of the fortress or preaching on this level. I say we disperse them.” Gustav nodded “agreed. No-” “Whoa! Wait just a minute here!” Glaven interjected. “What are you planning to do? Kill them?” “Of course.” said Gloria. “They are breaking the law just by standing outside those gates, plus they cannot practice their faith on the upper hive.” “You are just looking for an excuse to kill them!” Gloria said nothing, he could see that he was right. He sighed heavily. “Right...let’s say you do that. Isn’t that giving Ak-Ynath more ammunition?” “We have him detained.” Gustav said curtly. 

 

Lucille shook her head. “Sir...we could fire off a warning shot at least.” “No, I think this has been planned. He told them to be here. Think of it this way, most of the cult has been gathered in one place.” “J-Just stop this! The one leading is pregnant! By the throne!” Gustav did not want to hear it, he looked at Linton. “Activate the gun batteries.” 

 

*** 

Lucille found her heart beating rapidly, she offered her suggestion and she was ignored. She has done what she can. By law they can kill them, it’s clear they are heretics. She watched the heavy bolters wine up. The cult kept singing, they continued to sing the emperor’s hymn with their blasphemous mouths. Linton called out to the crowd. “You are breaking the law through your presence here! We are opening fire!” They just kept singing, Lucille stared at them, she kept her eyes on the heretics. 

 

She will see justice meted out, she will not look away. The heavy bolters were primed, then came the loud chugging sound. Mass-reactive shells pounded into the crowd, they were torn apart. Bodies were torn asunder, limbs were blown off and heads vanished in a tide of red mist. In those gurgled cries, they were still singing, none of them ran. They stood their ground as the gun emplacements unloaded their ammunition upon them. 

 

One by one, they died, she even saw a nobleman on his knees praying to their false deity. He also vanished as the slug destroyed his whole body. As the guns wined down, Lucille blinked. All she saw was a tide of corpses in front of the gate. She saw the leader of this group reaching up, her legs were missing along with one of her arms. 

 

*** 

Her body hurt, it was pure agony. But this was the only thing she could think of, Travis used his connections to get them here. His father was impressed with what they have done to him and threw in his support for the coiling dragon. She shifted her head trying to search for him. You are most likely dead..soon I will be also...She grit her teeth. Ak-Shatir made sure that this demonstration was only made up of the brood sisters and brothers. She had to do something, anything. She could not feel Ak-Ynath within the brood mind, the cult wanted to march to war. 

 

Blood began to fill her mouth, she bought her hand down and rubbed her belly. “W-We...w-will...be..g-gone...soon..” She then heard the voice of Judge Gustav. “One is still alive, activate the batteries again.” “Yes sir!” She could hear the guns starting up again, the clank of a huge magazine being reloaded. The guns moved towards her. She grasped her belly and roared out. “F-For...the...C-Coilin-” She did not get to finish, her mind turned blank as she was torn apart by bolter rounds. 

 

*** 

 

Glaven was stunned with what he just saw. He shook his head. His hands moved to the lho-stick case held in his jacket pocket. He pulled one out, he tried to light it. But his fingers were shaking. It took a full minute for him to get it to light up. Gloria nodded “it’s going to take awhile to clean this up.” “Indeed it will, that’s why we have servitors.” said Gustav. Glaven shook his head, his eyes moved to Lucille, he knows those type of eyes. At the moment she is most likely trying to convince herself what happened here was the right thing. He breathed in the lho-stick deeply and let out a great smog. “This was a massacre...may the emperor have mercy on our souls…” 

[Shinros]

Chapter 10

Athoth stared at everyone within the church, there was shouting, arguments and weapons being drawn. But not against each other, they all felt it. The massacre of their brothers and sisters lingered within their minds. His own blood boiled with fury as well. Everyone is calling for war, in just two days everything is coming apart. 

 

It’s evident due to the fact all of the brotherhoods are gathering, every single one. Since they don’t have a primus, they look to him. They expect him to lead them to war to free their Magus. All of his brothers and sisters eyes fell upon him at once. Brother Noshoa, a leader and voice of the neophyte hybrids stepped forward, his power pick crackled with energy. “Give the order brother Athoth.” His fierce eyes met his own, he wanted to give the order. To put the misguided in their place. He looked down for a moment, then up again. “No.” Noshoa’s eyes went wide. “No!? They killed our people! I cannot wait anymore!” Athoth hissed at him. “Have faith in our Magus!” “Faith!?” “Yes...Faith. I want to gut them also, but our Magus has a plan. The star father has said nothing to us. So he must have faith also. So wait.” Noshoa tightened his grip on his pick, he grunted. “Fine...we wait. Let’s hope that this is worth it.” Athoth licked his lips. “I have a good feeling that it will despite our anger...” The church started to calm down, but he knew it won’t take much for his brothers and sisters to march to war. 

 

But he could wait, he has faith in Ak-Ynath. 

 

***

Lucille walked behind Gustav with Gloria down a hallway. They were heading to the meeting hall in the planetary governor’s grand mansion. After the deaths of the heretics it only took two days for this emergency meeting to be called. “Owen is going to take their side...I know it.” Gustav said dryly. “Why would he? They are heretics.” Gloria asked in confusion. “Owen is measured, but he does not have the strength to do what needs to be done. But my fear is that there is a possibility that the cult have their claws in the nobility also.” Lucille digested the short conversation, Owen Everett is planetary governor of Primus Alpha. Since this is the only city on this world he is in charge of the planet. 

 

They eventually reached a set of wooden double doors, Gustav pushed it open. As they entered the hall it was filled with statues and icons of the emperor. But what held her attention were those sitting at a round table. She spotted Own Everett, despite his position he wore rather simple clothes. A blue leather jacket, boots and a white shirt. Magos Carwin was also seated at the table, his red robes held the smell of oil and servo skulls hovered around him while making clicking sounds. 

 

Finally there was Cardinal Gerald, his white robes were covered in script of the emperor and he held a staff topped with a skull. One thing she noticed is that he looked absolutely livid, he is doing all he can to contain himself. Gustav took his seat across from Owen. She stood behind him with her head-enforcer. 

 

The planetary governor began going through papers and dataslates, he sighed heavily as he looked up from them. “So tell me Judge Gustav are you trying to incite a rebellion on my world?” “No, for I only killed heretics. They were within vicinity of the fortress and they were practicing a faith that has not been legalized yet.” “Fair enough...but you couldn’t disperse them any other way?” “Why should I? It’s obvious that they were trying to free their leader. The gathering was planned by him in the first place. He is most likely trying to foster support.” Carwin released a dirge of harsh metallic words, Lucille tried hard not to cover her ears. “You ruined our production quotas!” “Excuse me?” “This...sect increased production, made sure workers turned up for their shifts and now because of your foolish actions production is dropping rapidly! Some workers are distraught, others are not turning up! Some even outright refuse to work despite the threat of execution! Do you have any evidence that they were heretics!? This...forced removal was wasteful.”. 

 

The Judge shook his head. “It’s evident that the cult is working with category three mutants. I have sent the images to all of you beforehand.” Owen moved the papers on his desk to display the photos. The Cardinal slammed the haft of his staff on the ground several times. “They have been confined to the underhive! If they are murdering other refuse why should it matter!? If they take up the creed is that a problem!? As long as they don’t interfere with us they don’t need to be executed!” “I find it surprising you are saying that since you are man of faith Cardinal.” Owen coughed slightly, bringing everyone’s attention to him. “Mutants take on the faith of many fringe sects. Do you have evidence that the cult is working with category three mutants?” Lucille watched Gustav clench his jaw slightly, but Owen picked up on it. “I take that as a no. Tell me did this...Magus resist arrest?” “No, he allowed himself to be taken in.” “I see...is it also true that this sect has essentially being doing your job?” Gloria shouted “They are heretics! Tell me who could eliminate crime almost completely in the underhive!?” Gustav shot her Head-Enforcer a look. She frowned and took a step back. 

 

Own nodded. “Head-enforcer Gloria that is supposed to be your job. So from my understanding the arbites are interfering with a fringe sect of the emperor that is helping people get jobs, improving production quota’s and I should add ensuring that are tithes are perfect. On top of that they are reducing crime dramatically. You are disrupting all of that just because they worship the emperor as a dragon and you have a corpse of a dead mutant wearing their symbol. Plus from the looks of things you have no evidence that they are working together in the first place.” Gustav frowned “what do you mean fringe sect of the emperor?” Owen gestured to the Cardinal. “He has filed to the adeptus ministorum a approval request for the Coiling Dragon to be legalized and just today…” he pulled up a piece a paper and started to read. “The official state church of the God-emperor recognises the Coiling Dragon as an official sect and part of the emperor of mankind…” He placed the paper back onto the table. Lucille shook her head in disbelief, Gloria looked down to the ground. 

 

Owen sighed slightly. “I also like to add you caused an uproar amongst the nobility due to murdering their sons and daughters since they were also a part of the group you massacred. Orson Vaughn who has a great amount of shares in the mining business wishes to move everything to another sub-sector due to the death of his son. The son you killed. In turn this will also harm the tithe since it’s due to his investment which allows most of the miners to get their equipment.” Gustav stared the governor down. “He planned this…the Magus planned all of this and you are falling for it!” Owen ignored her Judge’s protest. “Since you do wield some power in a sense, I can’t forcibly remove you from your position. But I would like to let you know all of us here sent strong words back to your superiors on Terra. It might take some time, but soon we will have a new judge for primus Alpha.” Owen said calmly. 

 

Lucille was shocked, everything is turning against them. What did they do wrong? “Also Judge Gustav. All of us humbly request that you release Magus Ak-Ynath. You don’t want to make this worse? Do you?” She knew that he could refuse and he should. But in a sense they are trapped. Her superior slowly nodded. “He shall….be released today.” “Good now I think this meeting is adjourned.” Everyone started to rise, but Gustav remained seated. She watched him clench his hands. “This isn’t over…” she heard him whisper. 

 

***

Glaven stared at his writ while smoking a lho-stick, he felt disgusted holding the paper. After that massacre he just left. Gustav did not stop him either for some reason. “He will most likely have this revoked…” He grimaced, he saw flashes of people being torn to shreds by heavy bolter rounds. “Just like the war...innocents pay for the decisions of those in power…even my own men...” He sighed heavily, the memory of him killing the commissar came crawling out of the darkness. It latched to his mind “like I can talk…” He should of been executed for what he did or worse. He never truly knew whether the commissar was just pushing his career or if he genuinely thought it was the correct action. In the end his decision costed far more lives, but the question is was the commissar innocent? Was he right to do what he did? 

 

He was just doing his job, he was doing what he was trained to do. Glaven frowned, he started pushing the memory away. “He is wrong...completely and utterly. He was a glory seeker, the commissar just wanted to push his career. He wanted to take a heavily defended position while outgunned.” He took in the smog of the lho-stick deeply as he released it the memory was gone. Glaven knew he had more important things to worry about, like what will he do for work? His gaze moved to the writ again, he removed his lighter from his belt and set fire to the piece of paper. 

 

He then dropped it into the ashtray and sat back in his chair. “Maybe...I should help them?” Glaven mused on that thought, turned it over and finally shook his head. “I am not all that religious…” His mind then drifted to the money “I could start an honest business, help normal folk with decent prices. Yeah...I could do that.” For once in a long time a true smile lined his face. “Something small...just enough to get by….”

 

***

Ak-Ynath was roughly escorted down the hallway, Lucille and Head-Enforcer Gloria stood at his sides and gripped his arms tightly. The cuffs were far more tighter than usual as well. Gustav walked in front of him, he said nothing when they removed him from his cell. He did not even know where they are taking him. “So am I going to be unlawfully executed?” Gloria tightened her grip on his arm, her fingers dug into his skin. The venom that consumed her face told him she would execute him here and now if she could. The Judge sighed “you planned this well. Sacrificing your followers, spinning a web around the nobility and the governor” He raised his eyebrow at his words. “Whatever do you mean Judge Gustav?” 

 

He watched him tense up, he was trying to contain himself. “You are a filthy liar heretic and trust me the emperor’s justice will find you…” he said coldly. Ak-Ynath shook his head “I am being serious. What do you mean that I sacrificed my followers?” Gloria shouted at him “they appeared at the gates! Singing with the false tongues!” Gustav did not react to her outburst it’s evident he is going to let her vent, she is voicing Gustav’s current thoughts and heart. “I imagine you killed them.” “We did as per the law of the god-emperor. Even the leader of the gathering.” He had a good guess who the leader was, for once he felt anger crawling into his body. The need to lash out with his powers began to grip him. With just a few thoughts he could destroy their minds slowly and convert them to the cult. “You are aware...she was pregnant?” “Does it matter?” His eye twitched, just slightly. 

 

Ak-Ynath curled his lips into disgust “misguided...foolish. You are lesser…worse than human.” He hissed. Gloria said nothing else, she just seemed happy that she got under his skin. His gaze moved to Lucille, she flinched slightly in almost fear. “So you did nothing?” She did not respond, she tried to look on ahead. “Such...weakness. No wonder darkness prevails all the time.” Now he truly understood why his grandmother detests humanity, it’s weakness and eagerness to take the easy route. Considering her old profession she must of seen such darkness that it would crush anyone’s spirit. In this moment he is getting an inkling of what she possibly feels.

 

He was then escorted outside, now they were approaching the fortress gates. “So I am being released?” Gustav sighed “yes you are being released.” He turned to him, his eyes held only scorn. “But know this isn’t over…” He removed his cuffs and hooked it to his belt. He then faced the enforcers guarding the gates. “Open them! We have one leaving!” In a quick motion they went to work opening the doors. They slowly slid open, Lucille and Gloria released their grip on his arms. Ak-Ynath rubbed them slightly, once the gate was opened fully he looked at each of his captors. “Well...thank you for having me. But I warn you don’t give into failure again.” he said firmly. Gloria scoffed “what can you do? We still have the numbers and the weapons to end you.” He could see Gustav agreed with her, it’s evident that they will attack his people. “I see...that is unfortunate.” “What is?” asked Lucille. 

The question surprised him he smiled warmly. “Lucille don’t make the wrong choice.”

 

He then left as he passed through the gates the guards spat insults. But that’s all they can do, their own human failings earned his release. While waking he saw a group ahead of him, they were all priests. They were guarded by crusaders but he recognised the elder man holding a skull topped staff. He strode up to him. “So you are Ak-Ynath? Speaker and Magus of the Coiling Dragon?” He bowed “Yes Cardinal.” “I can see your time with the arbites hasn’t quelled your inner fire...walk with me.” The Cardinal turned and started to walk, he followed. 

 

The rest of the priests and crusaders parted to let them through and then fell in behind them. “So I have you to thank for my release?” Ak-Ynath asked. “It was more or less a joint effort. Both political and spiritual. For your work has allowed this planet to deliver the required tithes and more people than ever look to the emperor. The massacre told me truly that your faith is one with the god-emperor. They stood there with courage, with belief and I never heard the hymn sung with such reverence before.” He smiled weakly in a sense it took a great sacrifice for his faith to get this opportunity. “I thank you for your kind words Cardinal but...we can’t practice on the upper hive or even in the spires if I ever see it in my lifetime.” “That has been dealt with my child, the Coiling Dragon has been recognised but I wish to ask you a question…”

 

This was a surprise he wondered what is he going to ask? “Are you working with category three mutants?” He tried to keep his face neutral. “No Cardinal I am not.” “Good answer…” “Pardon me if you don’t mind me asking...you don’t believe me?” “It’s not that I don’t believe you, I know what’s it's like working in the underhive. When I was just a humble priest many people came knocking on the door of my church is the past.” “I see. That is interesting to know.” He soon realised that he was being escorted to a elevator as they arrived Gerald stopped so did he. “For now lay low, don’t do anything. I suspect that the Judge might do something foolish. Don’t give him any reason Ak-Ynath.” He bowed “Yes Cardinal.” As he rose Gerald tapped his shoulder with his hand. “Good lad, perhaps when Gustav is replaced we can speak more of your future?” Ak-Ynath smiled to his words. “I would like that Cardinal.”

 

Gerald removed his hand and began walking away with his entourage he waited for them to leave. Once they were a good distance away he smirked. “I am counting on him to do something…”

[Shinros]

I can sense your intentions...I can also see the saint candidates have been chosen. But first you must deal with the rage of the misguided no? They cannot see that they have already lost, all that they are doing is twisting the knife in the wound... 

 

Chapter 11 

Ak-Ynath walked up the steps of the church, his brothers and sisters around him were cheering at his return, but his work is not done. Not yet. As he reached the top of the stairs he looked down to Athoth, he bowed with the rest of those in red robes. “Magus…” he hissed. “Cousin...it’s good to see you.” He rose and looked into his eyes. “Your orders?” “Now I know who will be our new saints, but first things first. We must prepare to be attacked.” At the mention of attack everyone around him remained calm, they all expected it. He could even sense eagerness. “The judge will gather who he can and he will attack this church...our holy place. But I wish to destroy him utterly, in mind and soul. His foolish actions will be the thing that will solidify us here. So the first order of business I want all of you to have as many of our people stay home, set the brotherhoods to that task. We will wait for them in the basement with the acolyte hybrids.” 

 

Athoth shook his head “B-But...that...” “Is where they are held, but this is part of the plan. I assure you none of them will come to harm.” He placed his hand on his cousin’s shoulder. His animal instincts are roaring at him not to place their family in danger, but he knows he will accept this. For unlike many of the second and first constellation he understands that sometimes things have to be done for the good of their faith. “I-I...understand Magus.” “Thank you for understanding, but know this cousin after this...we will be safe.” 

 

*** 

Glavin drank from the glass, the beer was cold and refreshing to drink. At the moment Pete’s bar is closed but as always he let’s him in for a pint. He tapped his fingers on the counter as his friend cleaned a glass. “Is something wrong captain?” Glaven raised his eyebrow “no why?” “You only come at this time when you want to talk.” He sighed as he said that, Pete knows him too well. “Thinking of opening a small business using the money I earned from my last job. I was going to donate some of it but....” “We all know about it, no one can stop bleating about the massacre.” “But Pete….I was there. “So have you burnt the writ yet?” “How did you know?” “Always seemed like that sort of person captain. You at least try to be good when everything around you is horrible.” 

 

Glaven chuckled as he heard that “I am not good at all Pete, if I was….” his voice trailed off. His mate sighed “You did the right thing captain.” “Was it the right thing? The right thing would be to turn myself in and get executed by command.” “What would that serve? It’s because of you that we survived, you did things the others did not have the stones to do. Same goes for ending that murderer who caused the deaths of our fellow soldiers.” “So why is it so hard to live?” Pete smiled “because sometimes you face difficulties due to doing the right thing than the wrong.” Big Pete moved to cleaning the next glass. Glaven chuckled at his words for in a way he was right. Doing the wrong thing is easy, if the commissar was still alive he would force his men into another dangerous charge. So he made a hard and terrible decision, thinking on that he now feels regret with how he handled the situation with Travis. He took the easy route and word is he is among the dead with Ak-Shatir. 

 

Judge Gustav took the easy road, if he had patience he might of found the evidence he needed to truly prove whether Ak-Ynath is innocent or not. Deep down he hoped with all his heart that the Magus is innocent. The galaxy needs more people like him. 

 

Glaven removed his lho-stick case from his jacket. He placed on the counter. “Pete?” “Yes captain?” “I think I am going to quit smoking.” His old mate and fellow soldier gave him a warm smile. 

 

*** 

Lucille readied her shotgun, the ride on the chimera was smooth so far. She scanned the passagers. Gustav was fully suited up in his carapace armour, same goes for her mentor head-enforcer Gloria and they enlisted the help of head-enforcer Ford and several of his veterans. For this task the judge only desired volunteers. There are only twelve in total for this operation needs to be quick and decisive. For if they find nothing, if they fail this could mean the end of them. Either by the forces of Terra that will eventually come or by the heretic forces. A part of her wanted to believe that Ak-Ynath is legitimate, but seeing the mutant corpse with her own eyes. Breathing in it’s disgusting smell told her that something is wrong with the cult. 

 

In the end they are attacking a legalized sect of the emperor without any hard evidence, but sometimes they have to work on faith. The God-emperor wants them to do this. Ford frowned slightly as the chimera shuddered. “We are now in the Underhive.” “Indeed we are.” said Gustav. “What if the locals resist?” asked Lucille. Gloria nodded “we invoke article 6623, we can freely search the premises of those taken or released from custody for three months. To resist us would mean arrest. Normally this would not be an issue but the Coiling Dragon is high profile now due to being legitimized. It vexes me that so many have fallen for their lies.” Gustav shook his head. “Well he is good at lying, the Magus is hiding something and we will find it no matter the cost.” 

 

Lucille smiled, there is no turning back, no path but forward. 

 

The chimera ground to a halt. “We are here.” said Gustav. “Everyone out.” They left the chimera as they got outside Lucille furrowed her brow. As they stood before the unholy church the streets around them were empty, desolate. It was strangely eerie. Gloria grunted “So the reports were right. Everyone returned to their homes at the order of the cult. This is evidence right before us.” The judge readied his power maul and bolt pistol. “Weapons free, we are advancing to the church.” he ordered. 

 

Lucille got her shotgun ready, they ran into the church. As they got inside it was empty as well. Gustav then signaled to check the door leading to the back. They quickly moved onward and as they entered the corridor they found rows upon rows of doors. They checked each and every single room but each one was empty. 

 

They moved down the hallway until they got to the trap door, it was chained. Ford shook his head “It feels like we are being lead.” Gustav shot the chain breaking it apart to allow them entry. “It doesn’t matter, it’s evident that they are hiding something.” Lucille watched him pull the door up, there was a ladder leading into darkness. “I will go first.” Gustav said firmly. 

 

One at a time they went down, they arrived to what looks like a cavern. The pathway was large and there were tunnels leading to unknown passageways. Dotted across the corridor was torches illuminating the path ahead. Now being here she felt it, something or someone was looking at her. This...presence was expecting them. “We should be careful.” “You felt it too?” her mentor said dryly. “We all do, now we press on. I am starting the recording from here, stick together and keep weapons at the ready.” Gustav ordered. 

 

In a smooth motion they trained weapons down the passageway, four arbites covered their flank. They advanced down the pathway but they came to a stop as they heard hissing. From the side paths multi-limbed mutants stepped out. Saliva dripped from their mouths, pink tongues whipped in the air and their arms were covered in the same chitin as the dead mutant. They wielded pistols and weapons that looked like bone. Gustav laughed “I knew it! Open fire!” Lucille stepped forward to cover those at the front, the rest who wielded longer ranged weapons let loose. The mutants ducked and danced between the side passages to advance towards them. 

 

But a few were not fast enough, stray bullets caught them in the arms and heads sending the foul abominations to the ground. They gave a bestial cry as their blood gushed onto the floor. The ones that survived popped out and fired a few rounds from pistols. But without Gustav ordering it they all stepped into the side passageways and leveled another stream of gunfire at the mutants. They died in a messy fashion but two tried to used the opportunity to advance upon Gustav as he shot a mutant in the head. Lucille popped out of cover and took a few steps forward. 

 

She gripped the shotgun tightly and fired, the mutant’s chest was blown away. The round left the ejection port, she moved the fore-end and fired again. This time the blast hit the second mutant’s head. With that the passageway grew silent. Gloria strode to a corpse and spat on it. “I knew he was a liar.” Lucille smiled “we just have to keep going.” “Indeed.” said Gustav. 

 

Looking into the Judge’s lenses of his helmet she could sense the fevourness building. She felt it as well, she is the purging the enemies of mankind there is no greater reward or better sacrifice to the god-emperor than that. Her eyes moved to Ford who was shaking his head. “Is something wrong?” she asked. He looked over to her, he smiled weakly “I am fine. But…” Her mentor frowned “What’s wrong with you? You of all people enjoy punishing the heretic and mutant. What’s changed?” “Nothing’s changed but we have our evidence we should go back. I can’t shake the feeling that the Magus is planning something.” “No.” Everyone looked at Gustav, he clenched his hand on the grip of his maul. “We go further in. I suspect the darkness that the Coiling Dragon harbour is greater than we realise. We need more evidence for the governor and the rest of the weak willed fools will find some way to twist this if we just came back with this. So we press on.” 

 

Lucille could see save for Ford’s group everyone seemed eager. So they moved on, the further they got they encountered more mutants. They slew them without mercy, they broke their bodies and Gustav even tortured one to get more information. As expected the creature did not speak, it just murmured about trying to protect “them.” Who them is she was not sure of but she knew it can’t be good. 

 

They then arrived at a set of double iron doors, motifs of the Coiling Dragon covered it. Lucille shivered in disgust as Gustav opened the doors. Strangely she felt that this is it, beyond here is most likely where the Magus is hiding away like a coward. 

 

All of them stepped forth without hesitation, the room they entered was dome-like in shape and there was a host of beds pushed to the walls. Huddled in the middle were women praying for salvation, they wore the robes of the cult. Some were white, others were purple and she spotted a few wearing red. Standing in front of them was the Magus gripping a staff tightly. The top of it held a purple gem that was held up by beings that looked similar to the mutants they killed. At his sides was a four-armed mutant and Rosetta holding an autogun, her face held absolute contempt and she wore a red robe. 

 

Gustav narrowed his eyes “weapons on the Magus.” They all pointed their weapons at him as they advanced to the cult leader. He looked confident, but for some reason she could see disappointment lining his face. “So did you enjoy the slaughter?” he asked. Lucille wondered why he was asking such a question, the Magus asking such a thing proves that he is guilty. “They were mutants, foul abominations and you...are a heretic.” Gustav said firmly. “Once you are dealt with everyone in this room will be purged.” Ak-Ynath gestured to the women, their bellies were round and large. It’s evident that they are late into their pregnancy. “Are you going to kill even them?” “Yes.” Her judge said without hesitation. 

 

For some reason she froze as he said that, the women were weeping, fearing for their lives. “Those mutants you killed are just looking to protect these women despite your hatred for them.” “It does not change the fact they have fraternized with a heretical cult. They will be executed.” Rosetta shook her head “why are we talking with them? They won’t understand Magus!” The four-armed mutant nodded “I agree with our sister.” he hissed. 

 

Ak-Ynath raised his hand “I wish to give someone here one last chance…” Gloria moved her gun to Rosetta. “Shut up damn traitor! You are the one that spat on their oaths! You are weak!” The ex-arbite looked over to her mentor. “Your understanding is so...small. You can’t look beyond the simple gangster...the mutant. You don’t even truly understand what you are fighting.” “I know what I am fighting. I fight those who break the emperor’s laws! You are an enemy of the imperium!” Gustav nodded “she is right, prepare to die.” The Magus’ eyes did not move to Gloria or Gustav, they fell upon her. Like he was expecting something. 

 

She found her gaze moving from the women holding themselves in fear and then to the rest of her fellows who are readying to fire. Then her mouth moved, she did not know why. “W-Wait a moment.” They all looked her. “What is it?” Asked Gustav. “We should at least take the women in, allow them to give birth and ship the children off to the Schola. They are late into their pregnancy. The unborn children have committed no crime.” Gloria chuckled “what’s wrong with you? Those children are most likely tainted, the sins of their mothers and the darkness they harbour must have crawled into their wombs. Don’t you understand that?” “But how sure can we be? Perhaps if we take them in we can see truly how far the taint has run if we gather all of them up instead of killing them. This...Magus most likely has his fingers in everywhere, he might even have a backup plan even if we kill him and those here.” Gustav shook his head “you will be punished when we return from this mission for sprouting foolishness. Now prepare to fire.” 

 

Then she heard a soft chuckle, their eyes moved to the Magus. “Well done Lucille, you aren’t a lost cause.” Ak-Ynath smiled. His eyes then glowed purple, arcs of purple lightning crawled over his head and robes. +Please...drop your weapons.+ 

 

Lucille blinked, now her shotgun was on the floor. “W-What?” “A witch!” Gustav roared. He moved to charge, to attack with his fists. +Stop...all of you.+ Gustav froze in his tracks, Lucille could not move either. Her mentor was struggling with all her might, she should be horrified at her current situation but Ford and those with him walked to the Magus side, that shocked her even more. “T-Traitor!” Gloria spat. 

 

The head-enforcer of the lower hive shook his head. “If you left when I told you…” He sighed slightly “You would’ve had what you needed to take down our faith.” The Magus nodded “My cousin…” he gestured to the four-armed mutant. “Sacrificed his siblings to see if you are truly misguided. You failed that test, all of you. But the situation here...is for her.” He gestured his staff in her direction. “I had another directive on this world other than converting this populace and that was to find saint candidates. I have found two. One passed already and this was your test dear Lucille.” Deep down she hoped she failed, she had no desire to be part of this heretical cult. “And you passed.” Ak-Ynath smiled warmly. 

 

Gustav smirked “but what do you aim to do? You can’t kill me. I have evidence recorded in my helm. You still lost, those loyal know of this operation. If I go missing you will lose all support.” “About that….” The Magus walked over and tapped his staff on his helmet. “That should do it. You might want to rewatch your recording.” Gustav started to scream in rage. “Witch! Heretic! You won’t get away with this!” “I have already Judge Gustav.” She watched his mouth starting to move, but she could not hear the words. All those around her even her mentor started to twitch. 

 

Then they returned to normal, the power holding them vanished. They picked up their weapons and left the room in silence. “W-What did you do!?” Lucille shouted. “I simply changed the recording, instead of slaughtering mutants with glee and zealousness they are executing and murdering innocent members of our faith who are begging for mercy. Then I convince them finally to stop this madness while everyone in this room is shuddering in fear. They will return to the upper hive in shame, showing the recording to the officials of this planet. In turn this will destroy Gloria’s and Gustav’s career and in turn I won’t be surprised if they are executed for this miscalculation. Such are the ways of the misguided.” Lucille found tears starting to fall down her cheeks, the heretic planned everything and they fell for it. 

 

Ak-Ynath wagged his finger, he spoke like he read her mind. “No, I did not plan anything after I was imprisoned. I just let human weakness run its course. Now all of this…” He gestured to everything in the room. “Is me actively planning to ruin someone.” “Y-You are a monster!” “Perhaps I am...but this is necessary if the galaxy is going to be swept clean of corruption and you...have a part in that.” Lucille struggled for her life, she screamed but there was nothing she could do. 

 

*** 

Glaven was packing up his office, he bought a decent place for himself and a small building where he will start his business. He liked the fact that he could now do simple work, but the rumours that were flying around these past few days also has him slightly on edge. Word is that Gustav attacked the Coiling Dragon church, murdered innocents and now the book is literally being thrown at him due to his misstep. 

 

In the end the Judge acted too quickly, too hastily. Sigma normally told him that one should take their time with delicate tasks. For to rush things will only lead to mistakes, his old mate is normally not wrong. He sighed “well that’s how things crumble sometimes...people moving to quickly.” He placed his files into the box, then came a knock on the door. 

 

In standard fashion he removed one of his revolvers from his belt and approached the door. He opened it just a crack, the visitor surprised him. He opened the door fully and raised his eyebrow. “Ak-Ynath?” The Magus gave him a broad smile “Why hello Mr Glaven. May I come in?” Glaven placed his gun in it’s holster, he stepped aside. “Please come in.” As the Magus walked inside his office he closed the door.

 

“So what is this visit about?” Ak-Ynath faced him. “Do you want to do some good in the galaxy Mr Glaven?” “Excuse me?” “To be a part of something greater than...this?” He rubbed his neck at that question. “I am tired of causes.” “But you fought for false causes, causes where superstitious fools send good men like you to die.” “You don’t know what I have been through…” a flare of annoyance gripped him. “But I understand what you have faced. Eight to ten foot monsters in spikes that shout foul praises to foul gods. I tell you this now...the true purpose of my following is to end them.” The gravity of what he just said floored him. In that single moment now he understood that the one before him is not just a simple young and talented priest. “Who are you?” “A priest that seeks to kill gods. Dark one’s at that.” Ak-Ynath offered his hand “You have a place in that grand design.” 

 

The speaker’s eyes were consumed with purple fire, Glaven gripped his head. “W-What’s going on!?” +Sleep...Mr Glaven.+ He fell to the ground, his eyes felt heavy and soon darkness greeted him. 

 

His eyes slowly opened, he blinked several times to clear his vision. He found himself sat on the ground. But he could not move, his wrists and legs were chained to the ground. He heard weeping next to him, he looked to his right to see that it’s Lucille wearing a white robe. She was in the same position as he was. “W-What?” All Glaven felt is confusion until a soft female voice said. “Welcome to the Star Dragon.” His gaze moved to the front of him, he now realised that he was in a lab. Vials containing strange liquid covered the shelves, tables held scattered notes and in tanks he could see foul xeno’s hovering in stasis. Just by their carapace and faces they looked similar to the mutants. The female coughed bringing his eyes back to their captor. 

 

She wore red and purple power armour, attached to her waist was a prayer chain with the symbol of the Coiling Dragon dangling from it. Her features were soft and fair, her hair was white and swept to one side. She gave him a warm smile. “My grandson chose well.” “Grandson?” Glaven asked. “You know him as Ak-Ynath, speaker and Magus of the Coiling Dragon. But I desired to speak to you before the both of you were bought before the star father.” He blinked in shock, there is no way the woman before him could be Ak-Ynath’s grandmother.

 

She looked too young and even if you use rejuvenants you could see some hint of age on the user’s face. The woman chuckled “I know what you are thinking, but through my studies and the blood of the brood is why I appear so young. Once you join you will know such benefits as well.” He narrowed his eyes “So he was right...you are all heretics! You follow the ways of heresy!” At the mention of heresy she frowned. “What do you know of heresy?” an accusatory tone entered her voice. 

 

She strode up to him. Just for a moment he watched her grey eyes shift to slits, the air changed, his skin tingled slightly. She took a deep breath “No...you are ignorant still. So you can be forgiven. Let me introduce myself...” The sensation vanished like it was never there, she placed her hand upon her chest “I am Saint Xothoa of the Coiling Dragon. The first daughter of the Star father...but to add more weight to this discussion my old name is Victoria Godwin. I was an inquisitor of the Ordo Xenos.” 

 

At the mention of inquisitor colour drained from his face. “W-What?” “You two have been chosen because you carry traits needed for our faith. For you see everyone in the galaxy needs to see the light for there to be an end to Chaos.” “The end of chaos!?” “Yes...for there must be an opposite to the primordial annihilator, through my studies I discovered it to be the Coiling Dragon or in a term that you understand the Tyranid Hive mind.” Glaven lurched foward slightly on the chains “You are insane! You think I will join your cult!?” Xothoa closed her eyes. “You will see…” The doors opened, from it appeared bald heretics in red robes. She then opened her eyes. “I shall escort the both of you to the Star Father. Then you will understand.” 

 

The cultists went to work removing the chains from the ground, the heretical inquisitor then strode to the door while smiling. As they were forced to rise Lucille started crying out, but just moving slightly Glaven could tell they have no hope of escape. 

 

They were moved to the door as they left the lab with Xothoa they entered the hallway, it looked like they were on a ship. “You are on a ship. My brother’s ship to be exact, the star dragon. Don’t you remember I told you that?” said the false saint. As she said that he knew she must be a witch of some sort, the heretic knew his thoughts. “Now let us go. Both of you will see the light.” 

 

As they made the journey he could now see the true face of the Coiling Dragon, almost everyone on the ship held traits of the tyranids. From long tongues, claws, chitin or even yellow eyes. Glaven could even hear the odd baby crying from the rooms they passed. He looked down to his waist, his guns were obviously gone. He then started to pray, to pray to the emperor to do something, anything to deliver them from what is to come. 

 

They then stopped before grand golden doors, they were plain but now he felt a pounding headache. It was like someone or something was rummaging through his mind. Xothoa’s eyes rolled back, she raised her hands and mouthed something. After a moment they returned to normal, the golden doors simply opened by themselves. The ex-inquisitor smiled “He is eager to see us…” She walked in, the cultists pulled them along. 

 

They entered a square metal room, it was devoid of nothing save the monstrosity that was now before him. It looked like a giant version of the xeno’s he saw in the tank, the tail was spiked, it’s purple head was huge and thrummed with purple energy. It’s eyes fell upon Lucille she thrashed and screamed. “Strong willed...but she has much to learn.” The voice that entered his mind was utterly alien, it did not sound male or female. The voice almost had a computerised tone to it. “That can be fixed…” The creature strode to Lucille, it’s tongue shot into her neck. 

 

The arbite relaxed, her eyes glazed and she began drooling slightly. “Now she will see…Ak-Ynath has done well.” Xothoa bowed “I am glad that you are happy Star Father.” Glaven shook his head, the voice he is hearing is from the xeno. The creature is actually speaking into his mind. “My daughter prepare yourself for the union.” “Now?” “Yes.” Two cultists let go of the chains and ran over to the ex-inquisitor they began to aid her in removing her power armour. 

 

The creatures tongue then removed itself from Lucille’s neck. She turned slack, but the rest of the cultists caught her. “Take her to the new Iconward. She needs to be blessed.” The cultists bowed and carried her out of the chamber. 

 

Now it’s eyes fell upon him, Glaven wanted to scream but no sound left his mouth. He wanted to run but his legs would not move, his arms fell to his side and then he gave up all hope. He could only muster to say one word. “W-Why?” The monster cocked his large head “I can see why my Magus likes this one. Look and see…I am doing more than just bringing you into the family...” His tongue shot out, then came a sharp pain. 

 

Everything about him was then dismantled in but a moment, he felt his memories coming apart, being reshuffled and being put back together again. Then came understanding as his mind joined with something larger, he saw things. Wars, pain and sacrifice. He understood their sacred mission and the gravity of what needs to be done. 

 

Strangely he felt tears falling down his cheeks, his vision was a blur. He couldn’t see. He also understood his time with the spitfires was pointless, his men died for nothing. For a false cause and a false god. There is only one god in this galaxy, only one being who can bring a true end to darkness. 

 

The blur began to ease away, he was on his knees and Xothoa was holding his face. He no longer hated her, staring into her grey eyes he understood her completely and utterly. The hatred he felt before was just gone, sputtered away to nothing. “I...I…” He now realised she was not wearing anything, she kissed him on the forehead and as her head leaned back she smiled warmly. “You are home.”

 

***

 

“Perhaps the Tyranids are punishment for all the galaxy's warring races, we who could not see beyond our reckless hate. Perhaps, in a final twist of irony, we shall be consumed by a force that feels no enmity at all, merely a cold and insatiable hunger.” 

 

-Farseer Zonayen of Alaitoc 

 

Part 1 Epilogue 

Grand Provost Marshal report 56055 

 

Reviewing case report of Primus Alpha. Judge Gustav’s admittance of gross incompetence is a stain to the Lex Imperialis and the God-emperor. His confession fast tracked the investigation and he has been found guilty with Head-Enforcer Gloria. Head-Enforcer Ford’s interrogation was smooth, he heavily detailed his concerns to his Judge about the path they are taking and the arbites of that world ended up wasting resources in pursuing good citizens of the god-emperor. In light of this the only punishment for their foolish actions is death. Power will be transferred to Head-Enforcer Ford, he will be the new Judge of Primus Alpha.