Horna watched the distant mansions burn from behind a window at Outpost 23.
Every so often, a building exploded, spewing flames. Rising smoke obscured the clear night sky, and each blast drew frowns and cries of alarm from her subordinates.
This might attract the Ork air force, but they flew relatively infrequently at night, so the risk was worth taking.
At last, she nodded.
"Should I notify the Grand Inquisitor?"
"Yes."
The tall, slender figure standing behind her said:
"Of course, I will submit a report myself, but you should be the first to bring him this good news."
Horna turned away from the window.
"Thank you, and thank you for your work."
"This battle is not over yet. There is still much to do. The Blood-Worship Cult's corruption of the city runs too deep. For now, we can only contain them temporarily; eradication is absolutely impossible. The only thing we can do..."
"I understand."
Then the person hesitated, as if unsure whether to speak.
"We may not work together again, Colonel Horna."
The words caught Horna by surprise. She blinked and was about to speak when the other party interrupted her.
"I have two things to say. First, we do not have much time. Second, the Blood-Worship Cult's conspiracy goes far beyond this. They have a greater and more terrifying plan, one that we cannot stop. It has entered a realm mortals cannot touch. The only option now is to carry out the existing plan. The Civic Temple has plans of its own. You can rest assured."
"I never knew about that," Horna said in surprise.
"The Civic Temple's plan? Do you mean the Codex Keeper's operation? I have only heard a little about it, but he and his organization are extremely secretive. Even the Civic Temple's own undercover