It Really Can't Go On Like This

"Brother, you've put it that way. What else can we say?"

This really left us speechless.

The Grey Knights had actually been convinced by him. The Grey Knight squad leader engaged the safety on his Bolter, and the squad members behind him simultaneously relaxed their combat stances.

Lin En smiled and breathed a sigh of relief.

Good. If they could avoid a fight, they should. The Grey Knights were the Imperium's precious assets against the Warp—every one lost was one fewer.

The Grey Knight squad leader looked at Lin En and said, "I need to contact the Inquisition."

Lin En smiled and raised a hand. "Go ahead."

The Grey Knight squad leader turned and walked to the edge of the deck, opened an encrypted communications channel, and contacted the Inquisition's acting inquisitor.

He did not go out of his way to avoid being overheard. At this distance, with the hearing of an Astartes, it was no different from speaking right beside them.

Maelstrom Inquisition Division, Hammer of Truth rapid-strike ship, bridge.

The call connected.

The Supreme Inquisitor stood before the tactical table in the center of the bridge. An entire row of Inquisition enforcers stood behind him, armed to the teeth.

He had no idea why the Grey Knights had suddenly contacted him. Had the operation gone poorly? Were they requesting reinforcements?

"Grey Knight squad, report your progress. Has the Lamenters purge been completed? Do you require support?"

He had been thinking along those lines, but the Grey Knights opened with, "My lord inquisitor, please forgive us, but we are unable to carry out the Lamenters purge mission."

He had refused the Inquisition's secret order.

Everyone on the bridge heard those words. They all looked up at once, turning toward the chief inquisitor.

The chief inquisitor's expression visibly darkened,