Jupiter, the trade tower of the Haysen Trade House, a mercantile dynasty.
The Haysen Patriarch sat upon a resplendent throne carved from golden-thread nanmu wood, studded with one hundred and ninety gemstones of varying colors from different worlds:
Blood-red rubies, luxurious purple gems—
He turned the Golden Scepter and smiled at Kion, the Shadow of Order in black armor below.
"Kion, welcome to my domain."
"What are Lord Nimrod's orders?"
"Haysen Patriarch." Kion, clad head to toe in black armor, radiated an icy aura.
"I need you to send the Shadow Guard and me into Thule Shipyards."
Seeing that the Haysen Patriarch remained silent, he quietly activated Spirit Sight.
The Haysen Patriarch's thoughts glowed blue, while gray doubts lingered in his heart.
"You will gain Thule's shipbuilding facilities. With them, the Haysen Trade House can build more powerful voidships and leave every other mercantile dynasty far behind."
"It is a tempting apple, but one filled with poison," the Haysen Patriarch said slowly.
"They are Kelbor-Hal's assets. Even Lord Nimrod should carefully consider the consequences of provoking the Fabricator-General."
"The Warmaster has betrayed The Emperor, and Kelbor-Hal has taken his side." As Kion spoke, he took out a Data Slate bestowed by the Black Emperor.
He walked over to a cogitator, connected it to the data port, and projected a holographic image.
"I am Arkan Land. The Fabricator-General has betrayed the Imperium. He has unleashed Abominable Intelligence and launched attacks against the information network."
"He has also dispatched fallen disciples to command blasphemous creations, attacking many locations, including Gu-Blach's munitions factories."
"We need the Haysen Trade House's help."
After watching the hologram, light flashed in the Haysen Patriarch's eyes.
"Kelbor-Hal has betrayed the Imperium. I will follow Lord Nimrod in striking down the traitors."
"We need the strength of the Jovian