Deep within the Cogitator Temple aboard the Law of Faith, the soaring ribs of the vaulted ceiling vanished into the dimness. Countless streams of data scrolled silently across the enormous pillars like flowing scripture.
The air was heavy with incense, old parchment, chilled metal, and an almost stagnant solemnity.
Lorgar Aurelian stood before the immense star chart table, the holographic glow casting shifting shadows across his thoughtful face.
On the star chart, the scattered crimson points marking potential contamination and heretical activity around the Colchis Star System had all gone dark. Only the steady pale-blue glow of purification and control remained.
An unseen force had reconnected and reinforced the Star System's shipping lanes and principal worlds.
Measured footsteps sounded at the far end of the empty temple, drawing closer. Every step was precise and firm, carrying the unquestionable rhythm peculiar to an Inquisitor.
The sound echoed through the vast chamber before stopping several paces behind Lorgar, respectful and solemn.
"My lord," the newcomer began, his voice level and free of unnecessary emotion, as though reading out a verdict.
"The purge of all identified Cabal contact sites, infiltration nodes, and potential sympathizer networks within the Colchis Star System and a three-jump radius was completed seven standard Terran hours ago. Here are the final operation report and purification register. All data has been archived and is available for review at any time."
The speaker was Gian Pietro Carafa, supreme head of the Colchis Heresy Tribunal.
He wore heavy black robes edged with silver-gray trim, their hems embroidered with an emblem of burning scriptures intertwined with swords.
His face was gaunt, his cheekbones high, and years without natural light had left his skin pale. Yet a cold, unquenchable fire burned in his deep-set eyes.
Every extinguished red point on the star chart might