The Chief Astropath of the Expeditionary Army, representing the Adeptus Psi, anxiously inquired.

Chief Astropath: A-And why do you conclude so my lord, do they not represent the same aspects?

Arik gave a pointed look at the psyker before answering.

Arik Taranis: Other than the obvious fact, that if this apostle truly serves the Blood God or one of its many proxies, then this Rory Mercury would have never even entertained the Third Detachment's attempts of diplomacy. It is possible for an entity in the warp to share a concept with another that although may seem similar, are in reality completely at odds. A fitting example of this would be the Eldari God of War Khane and Lord of Skulls itself.

Then the Imperial Agent Orvus cut in.

Imperial Agent Orvus: I concur with Lord Taranis's assessment, Khornate worshippers are not known for their restraint. Since this apostle has the ability to show compassion, then clearly this "Emroy" is not the same as the Blood God. Nonetheless, Warp God Constructs are rarely benevolent, therefore, My Lord, I recommend extreme caution in dealing with these "Gods" and their representatives.

Arik nodded in agreement, then continued.

Arik Taranis: I believe I need not mention that all that has been said in this room is highly confidential and not to be known to the lower ranks.

Arik aimed a meaningful glare at the iterators and remembrancers in attendance. Their lot was not known for their discretion and silence after all. The civilians gave weak smiles and bobbed their heads, showing they understood.

With this matter settled, Arik again signaled to his equerry.

Ghota: After joining the host, the convoy continued on its course unabated until the evening, when it was once more beset by the Flame Dragon. The recon force requested air support and four Vendettas were sent to eliminate the xeno beast. Unfortunately, the two Night Lords assigned to the Third were killed in the engagement before they could arrive.

There was a moment of silence as all in the room lowered their heads in respect for the honored dead.

Ghota: A request for replacement legionaries has already been sent after the confirmed loss. Their deaths were avenged when the monster was slain by the gunships. The detachment is as of now returning with refugees who were abandoned by the locals and the apostle as well as two elf guides.

Eyebrows were raised upon hearing that the apostle was right now heading towards their location. Agent Orvus voiced the concerns of all those present.

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Imperial Agent Orvus: What is to be done with our new...guest once she arrives.

Arik Taranis: She will be allowed in. The apostle has not shown outright aggression towards us, on the contrary, reports from the Third indicate that she is friendly, almost too friendly. Nevertheless, a sufficiently secure room etched with wards by the Adeptus Psi, guarded by rotating squads of Astartes, the Night Lord Librarian and a platoon of Solar Auxilia will be arranged specially for our it's soon to be inhabitant, at least until we can discern whether her cooperation will continue.

Looking to Castillon Brocious and Agent Orvus, Arik continued.

Aik Taranis: Castillon Brocious, Agent Orvus. I will leave the preparations to you, though avoid showing outright hostility towards our new friend. We do not need new enemies, especially not ones who hold unknowable powers.

Pausing and looking around the meeting room Arik spoke again.

Arik Taranis: With the matters of the Third Recon now settled, let us move forward with other concerns.

Manipulating the controls of the holoprojector Arik brought up a map of the Saderan Empire. Constructed from high altitude flights and documents taken from the two defeated Saderan armies.

Arik Taranis: I have decided on launching an operation to raid the Saderan Empire's slave trade centers. This will coincide with a rescue operation in the very capital of the enemy for a local sympathizer. Shortly after, the army will move to capture Italica and all the lands in between it and our current location.

The military officers looked at the map skeptically. They did not doubt that the city of Italica could be captured as it was close, and they possessed adequate manpower to hold it and the land shaded on the display for conquest. Nor did they doubt their ability to save a single individual, even in the enemy's capital.

However, what they were unsure of was the feasibility of raiding the dozen or so slave hubs marked on the map.

The Solar Auxilia Tribune gave voice to these worries.

Solar Auxilia Tribune: My Lord, forgive me for doubting your capabilities, but are these objectives accomplishable?

Arik stared at the Tribune for a moment, then looked to all the commanders. He straightened his back, bringing himself to his full height and an expression that seemed as if it could melt ceramite fell over his face.

All present who had heard of the apocalyptic battles fought during the Unification Wars, felt as if they'd traveled back to that first great triumph of the Imperium. Arik Taranis exuded the aura of a leader who'd seen all the myriad of horrors and types of hell the universe had to offer.

His gaze was stern, as if it were cast from adamantium, with not a trace of uncertainty upon it.

Then he spoke.

Arik Taranis: Victory is not achieved through half-measures; I hope you all understand that, or you have no place in my army, save as a fresh penal soldier.

Everyone felt sweat begin to form on their backs as Arik made his declaration.

Arik Taranis: However, I understand your hesitancy. Rest assured that I am fully aware that we do not have the manpower to hold every city we will strike. That is why these will only be raids, to send a message to that despot who arrogantly calls himself Emperor of this rotting primitive excuse of a state.

None dared to speak for what seemed to be ages, before it was broken by the static of the Mechanicum representative's artificial voice.

Magos: *My Lord, I am unaware of any person of import that would be in the enemy's primary municipality, the Quest for Knowledge, compels me to ask as to the identity of this individual.*

Arik nodded and turned to his son.

Arik Taranis: Escort our little princess in to introduce herself.

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