The captain of the Iron Hands Fourth Company was not wearing his full suit of power armour that day, only lightweight carapace armour.
But his height of over two metres and the oppressive presence unique to an augmented warrior left the civilians gathered there trembling.
Ten Iron Hands warriors followed behind him, spreading out in a fan.
Their hands rested on the grips of their boltguns.
Archimedes's face instantly went white.
"C-Captain Karon, sir."
"W-what are you doing here?"
He struggled to maintain his composure, his sceptre trembling slightly. "This is an internal matter for our hive city. The Legion has never interfered in planetary governance-"
"I don't interfere in governance."
Karon walked up to Archimedes and looked down at the tall, thin noble. "But I do interfere when people waste my time."
"Lord Ferrus Manus ordered me to oversee the smooth running of the Kent Hive City tribunal and ensure that the new governor, Cage Lawrence, can work without interference."
He paused, his eyes fixed on Archimedes. "Are you interfering right now?"
"I-I was merely requesting proper legal procedure-"
"Proper?"
Karon laughed.
"Archimedes Hissman," Karon said, exhaling a smoke ring, "do I need to remind you who Kent Hive City belongs to now?"
Archimedes shuddered.
"The Primarch spared you from wholesale slaughter and confiscated only sixty percent of your assets because you still have some use."
"But that doesn't mean you can keep bargaining."
Karon held the cigarette between his lips, freeing both hands, and patted Archimedes on the shoulders.
Archimedes felt an immense pressure bear down on him.
"Now, you have two choices."
"First, take your people back to the audience and quietly watch the rest of the trial."
"Afterward, I'll report to my father that the Hissman Merchant Guild has shown a cooperative attitude."
"Second."
Karon leaned