But there was still plenty of room to maneuver over how to investigate and who would do it.
The procedural formalities could be filled in later. If necessary, they could apply directly to the Emperor for special authorization.
Although the Adeptus Custodes generally stayed out of such matters, something as serious as humans keeping Tyranids in the Imperium was not something they would ignore.
The main problem now was who to send.
Whoever went could not be too low-ranking, or they would lack the authority to handle the situation. Nor could they be too high-ranking, since those at the top were not on good terms with the Emperor's envoy.
A radical would not do; sending one was guaranteed to cause trouble. But they could not be too conservative either, or they would uncover nothing.
"And should the person we send bring an armed escort? How large an escort? Those are all problems."
Too many troops might antagonize Lin En. Too few, and if anything went wrong, they would not even be able to defend themselves.
"What if they refuse to let an Inquisition ship approach at all?"
"Why would he stop us? He's the Emperor's envoy, directly accountable to the Golden Throne. If he refuses to let an Inquisition observer inspect the place, he's effectively telling the Golden Throne he has something to hide. I'll take the complaint straight to the Throne Room!"
"Then it's settled. We'll send someone to investigate without offending him. Officially, it will be a routine inspection; in practice, a security assessment. The person we send should be a Grand Inquisitor, someone experienced, diplomatic, and unaffiliated with any faction. We'll discuss the candidate later. Once there, they are only to observe, not interfere, offer opinions, or clash with anyone. After they return, their report comes directly