Night fell.
As with every mission he completed, Vic boarded the transport ship to return to the fleet. Chuck, as usual, spared him only a glance before returning to his own duties.
Vic meticulously filtered and recorded his observations from the Hive World, ensuring the inquisitors could grasp the situation in the Tyron system.
In the past, he would often highlight details that might harm the system's reputation, including traces left by heretics long purged. But this time, he was resolute—he even embellished the Hive's condition somewhat.
After completing his report, Vic left his quarters, heading for Chuck's location as was his routine.
The vastness of the ship's interior resembled a small city, with generations of families born and raised onboard, unaware of what life on the surface might be like.
As he walked the ship's corridors, Vic found himself in a dark, deep passageway.
The hallway trembled slightly, a familiar sound emanating from the shadows.
Vic stood still, waiting in silence.
Soon, a giant figure emerged from the darkness, clad in a signature red robe, his abdomen a maze of twisted metal, a long metallic axe in his hand.
"Archmagos," Vic immediately greeted the giant with a cogwheel salute, "When did you arrive?"
It was none other than Belisarius Cawl, the Archmagos of the Mechanicum.
Behind Cawl stood another man, an old figure completely hidden by the towering magos until he stepped forward, as though seeking a conversation with Vic.
Though Vic had never met the elder before, he could surmise that this man was likely Inquisitor Horst.
Cawl approached Vic, his cold, mechanical voice resonating from his vox-grill, "I departed the moment you set off for Tyron."
Vic was taken aback by Cawl's presence. He hadn't expected the Archmagos to personally visit the Tyron system, especially since no Mechanicus Ark had been seen before this encounter.
"What information have you gathered about the system?" Cawl inquired.
Vic's electronic eye flickered briefly as he transmitted a backup of his data to the Archmagos.
Though Cawl kept his gaze fixed on Vic, he was actually reviewing the records.
The information Vic had shared was thorough, but he had omitted any mention of the STC discovery and his time spent with the planetary governor. If his suspicions about the true identity of the Omnissiah were revealed, the consequences would be dire.
"How many STCs did you find on the Hive World?" Cawl asked after reviewing the data.
"None," Vic replied calmly.
The Archmagos wasn't angered by the unsatisfactory answer. He observed Vic for a moment before nodding. "It seems this system lacks STCs. All their technology is heretical."
Vic remained silent, choosing neither to affirm nor deny the statement.
Cawl's comment was clearly intended for Horst. Turning his attention to the Inquisitor, Cawl asked, "What's your assessment?"
Horst finally spoke, "I'll reserve judgment on whether they are heretics until I complete my investigation."
Vic felt a growing unease. Cawl's presence alone would have been manageable, but Horst's swift arrival, prioritizing the Tyron system over investigating the plague, was troubling.
"While you conduct your investigation, may I visit the Hive World and meet this governor?" Cawl asked.
"Why are you asking me?" Horst retorted.
"Then I'll go myself," Cawl said, glancing at Horst before moving forward. "If the governor is a heretic, he'll order the fortress and fleet to obliterate my ship, and you'll have your proof."
Horst silently watched as Cawl departed, then turned to Vic, "Come, priest. Brief me on the situation."
"Yes," Vic nodded.
Moments later, Horst sat in Chuck's quarters, reviewing the records of the system.
Chuck, Rena, and another inquisitor had already been dispatched to deal with the plague, acting under Horst's direct orders, which none dared defy.
But as a member of the Mechanicum, Vic had not been sent away. Though anxious about the Inquisition's methods, Horst had neither interrogated nor tortured him. Instead, he invited Vic to sit beside him.
"A man who led the people to overthrow the former governor and unified the entire system..."
"And a dutiful soldier," Horst remarked while scanning the records on Qin Mo. His voice was devoid of emotion, making it impossible for Vic to discern whether he was praising or criticizing the governor.
In truth, Horst felt neither. His mind drifted back to distant memories.
In his youth, there was a tyrant on his homeworld—a cruel man who sought approval for every marriage, his oppressive rule seeping into every facet of life. Those who defied him were torn apart by steel hounds.
Then came a man named Eland Brandt, who joined the resistance. With both martial prowess and psychic gifts, Brandt overthrew the tyrant and later joined the Inquisition.
So long ago had these events transpired that Horst had nearly forgotten. Only after the memory resurfaced did he recall that it was he who had killed the tyrant.
Horst recounted this tale to Vic, waiting for his response.
Vic simply said, "You and the governor of Tyron share a similar past."
"No," Horst shook his head, "How could I be like one who recklessly employs unverified technology? The people of this system knowingly shelter a governor who is an unlicensed psyker, and still they follow him. That is wrong."
"But... but... if you had displayed your psychic abilities as a youth and were taken by the Black Ships or executed, would you have still been able to lead the rebellion?" Vic asked in surprise.
"I've considered that," Horst replied after a moment's pause. "I should have been sanctioned first, then returned to overthrow the tyrant."
Vic was left speechless.
Horst smiled faintly and shook his head. "You needn't worry. I'm not declaring the governor of this system a heretic outright. In fact, I rather admire him. If my own world's governor had been half as competent, I'd have been content to remain a common citizen."
Hearing this, Vic let out a sigh of relief.
Horst noticed the change in his demeanor and immediately questioned, "It seems you're sympathetic toward this governor?"
"No, never," Vic replied, shaking his head.
"Even if you are, it doesn't matter," Horst said, tucking the parchment records into his cloak. "All of mankind faces a great reckoning. We need the strength of the Tyron system."
Vic was taken aback. "What? Please, wait, I—"
"You know the governor, don't you?" Horst placed a hand on Vic's shoulder. "Tomorrow, you'll accompany me to the Hive World as my liaison. I have some important matters to discuss with him."