Mountains towered, existing in harmony with the clouds. An Imperial Palace stood here proudly. But the filthy sky, like glass smeared with engine-oil stains, ruined everything; The Void was utterly repulsive. Fortunately, the sight soon vanished. Ten minutes later, they docked in a hangar located inside the mountain.
Sicarius stepped down from the Thunderhawk Gunship, his gaze passing through the hangar doors that had yet to close. Through the heavily polluted curtain of rain, he saw strange sights. It was only at that moment that he truly realized this place was completely different from the world he knew.
Just what kind of new duty has the Empire assigned me?
He smiled bitterly, Central Hub's explanation still echoing in his ears. He had accepted that new duty, but only seven hours later, he had been sent to somewhere both unfamiliar and familiar. The unfamiliarity here had traces he could follow, but the familiarity made his skin crawl.
His only comfort was perhaps the three who had come with him. Mephisto, Chief Librarian of the Blood Angels; Captain Saul Tarvitz of the Emperor's Children; and Elder Bjorn of the Space Wolves. They were the only familiar faces he had here.
But—
"So where are we going now?"
Bjorn's voice sounded over the vox-channel, a little hoarse. The previous rescue operation had done something to his throat. In fact, if not for the timely aid of a Space Wolves Heroic Spirit, Bjorn's throat might well have been torn open by several enraged Keepers of Secrets. All he had received was a hoarser voice; that was truly lucky.
Besides, he did not want to repair such an insignificant injury. In fact, he was proud of it. To the Space Wolves, recklessness was actually a quality worthy of praise.
"I don't know, Elder—"
"—Hey, Second