TheodoraHaving scanned the surface, officers report the remains of an exploration camp, to which a team of scouts is immediately sent. The scouting party is confused: all the equipment bears the von Valancius coat of arms, but there is no trace of anyone other than the Rogue Trader's servants.
YOUFind out what happened.
TheodoraThe scouts find traces of gunfire on the field equipment. A single unharmed data-crypt is found in one of the cogitators. A group of Tech-Priests successfully decrypt part of the data including an order to eliminate the exploration team, signed by Theodora von Valancius. Not far from the camp is a pit full of charred bones and fragments of armour bearing the Rogue Trader's coat of arms.
TheodoraThe scouts' report leaves Abelard with conflicting feelings. Despite his certainty that Her Ladyship Theodora would not give such an order without very good reason, Abelard's expression is sombre like a missionary who lost his faith.
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TheodoraHaving learned of the fate that befell the servants of House von Valancius in the camp, Idira Tlass retreats into herself for a few minutes, as if listening to someone unseen. According to her, one of the officers considered the expedition heretical and wanted to betray Lady Theodora. Unable to single out the traitor and wanting to keep her research secret, she ordered the whole squad to be eliminated.
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TheodoraSister Argenta listens to the Tech-Priests' report, calmly crossing her arms over her chest. Her face is a mask of sorrow and contempt. The Sister claims that she is not surprised by such a massacre.
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TheodoraA few incomprehensible curses burst from Jae Heydari, but she quickly catches herself. While Theodora's cruelty may seem excessive, the cold-hearted trader suggests that those who know too much are often not long for this world.
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TheodoraKibellah wanders among the remains for a long time before announcing that she senses the presence of the departed souls. She says that they are angry, terrified and cursing their killers, reliving the moment of death over and over again.
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TheodoraWhatever motivated Theodora von Valancius when she gave the cruel command, it is no longer relevant. Her Ladyship's secrets died with her.