Utam Luna Hesh Udar watched as the soldiers connected the nutrient dispensers to the cell interfaces.
When the interface's recoil interacted with the engine's static, a container fell to the floor.
Nataji of the Ural Storm Lord Regiment cursed as he fell, the overlapping stasis fields making him lose his footing.
"Keep your ass steady, and you won't slip," said a veteran of the Kitanin Cavalry.
"Quiet!" Udar barked.
"No nonsense while on duty."
"My apologies, Adeptus Custodes," Nataji said. "It will not happen again."
"Once today's task is complete, you will return to the surface to collect your wages and dismissal notices," Udar said.
"I have never shown mercy to those who disobey orders."
"Adeptus Custodes?" Nataji pleaded.
"I do not tolerate dissent. You do not understand how dangerous the prisoners here are—" Udar abruptly stopped, his stim gland instinctively detecting anger and surging violence.
He tightened his grip on the Guardian Spear. "Follow me."
Udar led the soldiers through the cells, confirming that every prisoner remained confined.
The first one he needed to verify was Tagore of the World Eaters, who had slaughtered three hundred and fifty-nine elite Auxilia Warriors before being subdued.
Udar watched the World Eater pace like a beast inside his cage, his jumpsuit ripped to shreds.
His muscles and jaw were taut like those of a crazed Wolf, and his body was covered in blade and axe wounds.
A metal plate was embedded in the back of his skull, radiating a mad desire to kill.
"Traitor, stay away from the door," Udar warned.
Tagore glared at him. "One day, I'll kill you and make you watch as your spine is ripped out through your chest."
"But you're in a prison. I hope you can manage it," Udar said.
He shook his head and walked