Ghota continued the briefing.

Ghota: The settlement was destroyed by the xeno beast before it was repelled by the reconnaissance force. Subsequently, Second-Lieutenant Minerva Antioch of the 31st Cthonian Wolves, CO of the unit, organized the survivors to be sent back here by half of the detachment, while she and the other half of the force, disobeyed orders to warn a human populated village of the Dragon.

Imperial Agent Orval interjected, asking the question on the minds of all those present.

Imperial Agent Orval: Where are these "elves" now?

Answering the Agent's query, Ghota replied

Ghota: They are currently being housed with the captured abhuman slaves in the non-combatant holding camp, numbering around a hundred.

Manipulating the control on the holo-table, Ghota displayed a 3d image of an elven man and women.

Upon seeing the projection, a sneer of derision and hatred could be seen on many of the command staff. The beings presented, reminding them of a particular knife-eared xenos race.

Although a few Eldar Craftworlds worlds had formally recognized the Imperium's right to rule the galaxy, just as many members of that dying species had resisted Imperial compliance with every resource at their disposal.

Noticing the negative expressions of some of those in the room, Ghota explained.

Ghota: I know what these newly discovered abhumans remind you of, but rest assured, gene-scans and tests have shown them to be from human stock. Count Formal will now give more detailed information.

Stepping forward, Count Formal received the regard of all the enclosure's occupants. Coughing to clear his throat, he began to speak.

Count Formal: The elves normally live secluded in the forests and woodlands. Living in small self-sufficient communities, numbering around a hundred on average. They possess no meaningful industry and usually keep to themselves, only using violence when it is necessary. Sadly, due to the Saderan Empire's discriminatory policies, there is much distrust between elves and humans here. The most notable attributes of the elves, other than their beauty, is their incredibly long lifespans, almost making them immortal, and their powerful magic or "psykic abilities" as you call them.

After finishing his lecture, Count Formal nodded to Ghota and stepped back. Taking back the center of attention, Ghota spoke.

Ghota: Thank you Count Formal. Now then, I know many of you have questions and suggestions you would like to make, but I ask that you put them forward after the end of this meeting. We have a considerable number of other matters that require our discretion.

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Seeing that none objected, Ghota continued.

Ghota: After warning the village, the detachment once more defied orders and escorted the evacuating people deeper into enemy controlled territory. The part of the force which escorted the elves, even going so far as to avoid entering the base to rendezvous with the refugee caravan.

All the military officers present raised their eyebrows at the blatant disregard for authority the Third Reconnaissance Detachment had shown. The Discipline Master Captain scowl only deepened, turning his head towards Colonel Domitius Faustus who was attending, he questioned.

Discipline Master Captain: Colonel, the commander of this unit comes from your own regiment, do your men all show such insubordination?

There was a threatening undertone to the political officer's inquiry which clearly showed what he thought should be done to the 31st if his suspicions were proven correct. After all, the Imperium could always use more penal troops.

Everyone in attendance looked to the Colonel, interested in what answer he would give. Domitius gave a small smirk in the Discipline Master's direction and answered.

Colonel Domitius Faustus: Well, it's not just the men sir, the Cthonian Wolves are mixed gender regiments. The Lieutenant in charge of the third is a fine young lass, besides, we Cthonians have never much cared for rules.

The Captain slammed a grox-leather gloved fist onto the center table. Using his other hand, he pointed at the Colonel before declaring.

Discipline Master Captain: You dare to speak in such a way here, Colonel, perhaps I should execute you here and now for negligence, failure to uphold discipline and ignoring military law.

The headquarters room became deathly quiet. No one even daring to breathe, much less move. Finally, the silence was broken by the general of the army himself.

Arik Taranis: Stay your hands, Captain.

Balking at the Primarch, the Discipline Master attempted to protest.

Discipline Master Captain: B-But My Lord, he-

Arik, however, did not allow him to speak any further.

Arik Taranis: Enough, the Colonel has not committed any offenses warranting his death and his soldiers have, although against orders, contributed greatly to our war effort here on this planet.

The Discipline Master fell silent, and Arik signaled for his equerry to proceed where he left off.

Ghota: When escorting the local villagers to safety, the force encountered a... surprising new individual. An apostle named Rory Mercury.

Instantly, all in the room felt the air around them become tense, Count Formal, gaped upon hearing the information.

Agent Orvus quickly asked with a trace of impatience.

Imperial Agent Orvus: Was peaceful contact made or did the apostle show hostility?

Ghota: The apostle did not attack, in fact she agreed to join the convoy.

Then the Mechanicum representative asked his own question.

Magos: *It was stated before that each apostle serves one of the local deities, which one does this Rory Mercury serve?*

Again, all attention was turned to Count Formal, waiting for his answer. Nervously, Count Formal informed.

Count Formal: Rory Mercury, also known as Rory the Reaper, is the apostle of Emroy, the God of Darkness, War, Death, Violence, and Insanity.

When he finished, everyone felt as if the temperature in the room had sharply dropped.

Before anyone could give voice to their trepidation though, Arik spoke.

Arik Taranis: I am aware of your thoughts, and I have considered the possibility, however. I do not believe this god has any link with Khorne.

The mention of the Blood Gods name made all present shiver, many making the sign of the aquila and chanting softly.

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