Stubborn Bones, a Heavy Conscience

After their encounter with the Drukhari, the rest of the journey passed without incident. They soon reached Sagan II, where the Lamenters were being held.

Sagan II was a dark, barren planet at the edge of the star system.

It lay too far from the system's star to receive any light.

The warship settled into orbit, and Lin En looked out through the viewport.

Sagan II was a drab gray world, utterly barren. It looked completely lifeless.

Calling it a planet felt generous.

It reminded Lin En of Pluto in the Solar System: small, pitch-black, and forever on the verge of being kicked out of the planetary club. One day, perhaps it would stop counting as a planet at all.

Lin En checked the Imperium's star chart. Its entry read: no atmosphere, no sunlight, no resource value. Suitable for use as an isolated detention zone.

The Maelstrom region was hardly prosperous to begin with. An outer planet like this was worse: the sort of place where even birds wouldn't bother to shit. There was nothing here.

The captain contacted the Minotaurs.

The Minotaurs had built a temporary spaceport in orbit around Sagan II.

A report came from the bridge's communications officer. "The Minotaurs have confirmed our orbital position. The synchronous orbit is stable, and the dock berth is ready. We can dock at any time."

"Take us in!" the captain ordered.

The Night Goddess eased toward the temporary spaceport.

Lin En was still watching when the commander of the Adeptus Custodes squad entered the captain's quarters.

He was not one of the two Tribunes, but the officer commanding the twenty regular Adeptus Custodes warriors.

He carried his helmet under one arm, revealing an unremarkable, square-jawed face.

The squad commander stopped before Lin En and struck his breastplate with a fist.