Incendia ChordaIncendia closes her eyes wearily and says with sadness in her voice, "No, Xavier. Heresy is always heresy. And judgement always comes in its wake."
XavierAfter a moment's pause, Calcazar says quietly, "Your verdict is clear, Incendia."
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Incendia Chorda"How dare you! How DARE you!" Incendia's voice roars like the fire of the executioner's furnace, but then her rage burns down to coals, her tone becoming more akin to the rustling of ashes being scattered by the wind. "You have fallen to heresy, Xavier. And I condemn you."
XavierThe Inquisitor's face hardens. His eyebrows furrowed, he replies grimly, "I reject your accusations, Incendia. And I will forget your words... this once."
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Ulfar"It was a dark day when you dropped from under the tail of your rotten-wombed mother, you loathsome traitor! While we were fighting to exterminate the xenos, you were busy carousing with them... Had I known sooner, I would have ripped your pitch-black heart right out of your chest!"
Xavier"I readily believe that. Since we are being so candid, I must note that you proved to be a much less convenient tool than I had anticipated."
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UlfarUlfar stares coldly at him, the deadly frost of Fenris crackling in his voice as he speaks: "You will pay for this after we are finished here, Xavier Calcazar. Know that I will have my blood vengeance. I will have your death."
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Xavier"Coming here was hardly prudent of you, Your Lord/Ladyship. You and your dynasty have lost my trust, and now judgement awaits you."
YOU"I am here to help."
Xavier"I try to keep assistants like you a flamer's range away from my affairs."
YOU[Point at the xenoconstruct] "Is that what you are here for? What is it?"
Xavier"We call it a Shard. And yes, as you have noted quite aptly, it is the reason I am here. This construct contains an ancient, or rather, a pre-ancient being of cosmic power. They were called the C'tan. The entity is currently trying to escape, and I am here to collar it." Calcazar nods at the giant device, whose design clearly points to it having been brought into the crypt from outside.
YOU"What is this C'tan Shard? And what is it doing here?"
Xavier"A specimen of an ancient predator race, devourers of pulsars who feasted on star systems. Reality itself bent to their power, but many millennia ago, an ancient xenos race managed to defeat them, shatter them into pieces, and lock them away in prisons like the one you see before you."
YOU"What is this C'tan Shard? And what is it doing here?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"And you think you stand a chance against such power?"
Xavier"Do you mean to say that a human is not capable of such a feat? But I am not just a human — I am an instrument of the Emperor's will, one of many. And the Imperium is omnipotent. If I were to fail, another would follow in my footsteps. That is how Humanity makes the impossible possible: with the hands of particular people in particular circumstances. Your scepticism is unwarranted."
YOU[Point at the xenoconstruct] "Is that what you are here for? What is it?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How will taming this creature help save the Imperium?"
Xavier"Over my years of service, I have come to realise that the main problem that Humanity faces in this war is the imbalance in power. Our opponents are not races or nations, but incomprehensible monsters. And it is high time we acquired one of our own. My Yoke will bind this creature and make it a chained guard serving the Emperor."
Xavier"That is not the full extent of my vision. There are other Shards similar to this one, scattered across the galaxy. I plan on seeking them out and confining them all inside the Yoke. Each conquered monstrosity will bolster our defences."
YOU[Point at the xenoconstruct] "Is that what you are here for? What is it?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How will taming this creature help save the Imperium?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I still have many questions for you."
Xavier"Given the circumstances of our meeting, I do not see why I should hide anything. I seriously doubt you will share this information with anyone else... for one reason or another."
YOU"How did this thing end up in your possession?"
Xavier"Thanks to your predecessor. I arrived in the Expanse at the call of the Explorator Fleet to deal with Archmagos Amarnat's heresy. But I quickly came to the realisation that the Koronus Expanse's problems ran much deeper than tech-heresy. Unprecedented piracy running wild, blatant smuggling of xeno-artefacts, wilful and impetuous Rogue Traders, and growing threat of the Ruinous Powers — all this in a region that the Drukhari consider their domain."
Xavier"Frankly, I considered purging the entire Expanse: it would have been much easier to burn down this whole tangle of threats and corruption. But the web of spies that I had woven presented me with much more interesting and radical solutions. While investigating Amarnat's connections, I turned my eye to Theodora von Valancius, who ultimately gave me the Shard."
YOU"How did this thing end up in your possession?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How was Theodora involved in all this?"
Xavier"Theodora's instincts were uncanny. She spent decades hunting for a key that could open the dimensional gate, as if she knew that there was something incredible waiting for her on the other side. Her Ladyship was lucky enough to discover the Shard during one of her expeditions. A trophy that was too much for her to handle. Archmagos Amarnat studied it on Theodora's behalf, creating weapons in exchange for access to the dangerous relic. But their research was too primitive and unambitious compared to the true power contained inside the Shard."
Xavier"I had one of my own acolytes, Tanakia, send her spies to Theodora. They infiltrated the Rogue Trader's retinue, earned their trust, and reported to me about this magnificent object. The rest was trivial: I seized Epitaph and laid down the conditions of our further coexistence. She was wise enough to concede defeat with dignity."
Xavier"I commenced Operation Precious Sentinel — I left a garrison on Epitaph, took the key to the dimensional gate from Theodora, sealed the gate, and started the creation of the Yoke. I kept Theodora and her heirs in my sights, just in case. Not long before her death, I assigned Heinrix to her and ordered her to rendezvous with him on Rykad Minoris. But Your Lordship/Ladyship inherited him instead. I admit I wasn't aware of you — Theodora managed to keep her secret heir up her sleeve."
YOU"How did this thing end up in your possession?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How was Theodora involved in all this?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What is the Yoke?"
Xavier"A containment device similar to this one, except... better. The Yoke was devised by the brightest minds of two races using the ancient wisdom of a long-gone xenos civilisation. A prison capable not only of holding the C'tan Shard, but also of controlling it while releasing fractions of its being. An instrument of obedience and destruction. A masterpiece whose creation required immense effort."
Xavier"It was made on Eufrates II. I captured Amarnat's student, Axiomantha, and she passed all of her mentor's drafts to me. And the one overseeing the process was none other than your acquaintance, the Tech-Priest Cubis Delphim. His fall was regrettable. It seems that the unorthodox, daring things he did at my behest drove him to break his vows and sink into heresy."
Xavier"But the human mind could never have comprehended the Shard... alone. And thus I appealed to the inhuman mind. I struck a deal with the Drukhari."
YOU"How did this thing end up in your possession?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How was Theodora involved in all this?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What is the Yoke?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You collaborated with the Drukhari?"
Xavier"Alas, the operation demanded it. Through the agents of one of my acolytes, Emelina, I contacted Archon Yremeryss and made a pact. I gave her access to the technologies contained within this relic and destroyed her rivals in the Kabal — she would relay information on their raids to my spies, and I would solve the problem. In exchange, her Haemonculus, Tervantias, forged the Yoke for me."
Xavier"Of course, I did not let him near the Shard itself, but rather set up a laboratory for him on Quetza Temer. It was safer that way. All the pieces were contributing to my plan, but none had enough information to comprehend the entirety of it."
YOU"Why do the Drukhari want the Shard?"
Xavier"It is one of the most complicated and perfect creations of a race much older than the Drukhari. It is no mere object, but a treasure trove of technology. A wise master could uncover many secrets simply by observing it."
YOU"Why do the Drukhari want the Shard?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"A sound strategy."
Xavier"Trust me, Your Lord/Ladyship, the threat of the alien pales in comparison to that posed by the Ruinous Powers. Yremeryss could plunder a thousand worlds, but she is no Uralon the Cruel. She was as great a danger to her own kin as she was to the Imperium. The disruption she caused among the Drukhari was only to our benefit. She intended to trigger a powerful dysjunction in Commorragh, thereby destroying her rivals and elevating her own Kabal in the process."
Xavier"Knowing full well how precarious her grand plan was, I made no attempt to talk her out of it. With a little luck, we wouldn't have need worry about Commorragh's influence."
YOU"How did this thing end up in your possession?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How was Theodora involved in all this?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What is the Yoke?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You collaborated with the Drukhari?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"And then, I take it, you decided to get rid of your xenos allies?"
Xavier"There was no more need for them, seeing as the Yoke was almost complete and the situation was escalating out of control. Theodora was dead, the Cult of the Final Dawn had reared its head and was preparing to strike. And Yremeryss had forgotten her place: she was putting forward too many elimination requests, and when I told her to curb her appetite, she retaliated. The theft of the Rykad star was timed to occur when Master van Calox would be on the planet. The Archon wanted to rob me of one of my agents and send a message."
Xavier(sequence)
Heinrix"What? Rykad's sun... vanished because of me?"
Abelard"I still fail to see the connection between the disappearing star and the Cult of the Final Dawn... How could the xenos catalyse the fulfilment of the Archenemy's prophecy?"
IdiraIdira shakes her head. "Perhaps... perhaps the powers of the warp knew ahead of time what was destined to happen. Before the cult infiltrated the planet... Before either Aurora showed up in the system..."
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Xavier"And then the Koronus Expanse was engulfed in flame. I had to rush the operation and declare sector-wide martial law. The Webway Gate that Yremeryss's warriors had been using was destroyed and the facility on Quetza Temer razed. I evacuated the half of the Yoke that Tervantias had completed, but was too late to retrieve the second half from Eufrates II."
Xavier"Cubis Delphim revealed to Uralon the Cruel where he should strike, and that almost spelt the end of Operation Precious Sentinel. I appreciate your efforts in resolving this problem. In fact, you turned out to be much more useful than Theodora ever was."
YOU"How did this thing end up in your possession?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How was Theodora involved in all this?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What is the Yoke?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You collaborated with the Drukhari?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"And then, I take it, you decided to get rid of your xenos allies?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"The denizens of the Rykad System, Santiel's Pride, and all the other starless worlds... You were the one who sentenced them to death by sending the Drukhari after their suns."
Xavier"Well noted. Yes, I acted as their executioner, as regrettable as those losses were. However, to overestimate their importance to the Imperium would have been folly. Every single day, Humanity pays a far more terrible price, and that must be brought to an end."
YOU"How did this thing end up in your possession?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How was Theodora involved in all this?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What is the Yoke?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You collaborated with the Drukhari?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"And then, I take it, you decided to get rid of your xenos allies?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"The denizens of the Rykad System, Santiel's Pride, and all the other starless worlds... You were the one who sentenced them to death by sending the Drukhari after their suns."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why did you call for the Astartes to come to your aid?"
Xavier"I needed a remarkably strong force to keep my xenos allies in check. The Emperor's Angels were just the weapon I was looking for, except... considering the sensitive nature of my operation, I couldn't very well risk requesting aid from my allies in the Deathwatch, could I? And then I remembered an old debt owed to me by a Space Wolves Great Company. So I decided to call in a favour."
Xavier"They were an asset at first. The Wolves helped me close the dimensional gate by overwhelming its security systems. I tasked them with hunting the xenos condemned by Yremeryss. But eventually they started prying, and that was unacceptable. I could control Thorbald by giving him more tempting targets, but the Baleful Howl pack..."
Xavier"They raided an outpost where my agents had been meeting with the Drukhari. The pack took prisoners but lost the esteemed Brother Ulfar. I hoped they would give their all to the search, but instead the Wolves forced this system's coordinates out of the captives and came crashing down on my head. They had no gate to transport them — they used nothing but their warp engines. Thankfully, they realised their situation too late, so Tanakia managed to neutralise them."
YOU"How did this thing end up in your possession?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How was Theodora involved in all this?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What is the Yoke?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You collaborated with the Drukhari?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"And then, I take it, you decided to get rid of your xenos allies?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"The denizens of the Rykad System, Santiel's Pride, and all the other starless worlds... You were the one who sentenced them to death by sending the Drukhari after their suns."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why did you call for the Astartes to come to your aid?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I see."
Xavier"You have come so far in pursuit of answers, [Name]. It would be too cruel to leave your curiosity unsatisfied."
YOU[Point at the xenoconstruct] "Is that what you are here for? What is it?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How will taming this creature help save the Imperium?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I still have many questions for you."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Seeing as the inhabitants of this place almost killed you, I gather that something went wrong with this plan of yours."
Xavier"Not at all. Operation Precious Sentinel is in its final stages. The increase in xenos activity is a vexing yet trivial development in the grand scheme of things. They were supposed to guard the device, but they slept through the intrusion, and only the C'tan Shard's emanations could make them stir."
Xavier"Theodora's research destabilised the Shard's prison, and my project only made it worse. Whenever particles of the C'tan Shard's energy seep out, many curious phenomena occur. The destruction of the crypt, the warped reality... When I tame the monster, I will order it to stop disrupting the laws of the universe."
Xavier"However, you will not be there to see it, Your Lordship/Ladyship. I will have the C'tan Shard destroy your body so thoroughly that there won't be the slightest trace left of you. You may find it lamentable, but there is simply no place for the likes of you in the future that I am creating."
YOU"Listen to yourself! What you are planning is heresy!"
Xavier"Enough, [Name]. It will only be heresy if I lose. If I prevail, it will be a triumphant feat in the name of saving Humanity from the horrors of this universe. And I will not lose."
YOU"Listen to yourself! What you are planning is heresy!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Compared to this heresy, my work is child's play."
Xavier"Enough, [Name]. It will only be heresy if I lose. If I prevail, it will be a triumphant feat in the name of saving Humanity from the horrors of this universe. And I will not lose."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I will not let you bring this insane plan to fruition."
Xavier"Heinrix, eliminate the Rogue Trader." Calcazar gazes at the unmoving Interrogator.
YOU"Heinrix, he has gone mad. You don't have to listen to him."
HeinrixAfter a brief pause, Heinrix nods and responds gravely, "I no longer recognise your authority, Lord Inquisitor. My apologies."
Xavier"In that case... Heinrix van Calox, in the name of the Emperor, I hereby revoke your Inquisitorial privileges and declare you Excommunicate Traitoris. The punishment for your heresy is death. I bid you farewell."
XavierThe Inquisitor nods calmly. There is not a shred of hatred or disappointment on his face. "Farewell, then. I am glad to have made your acquaintance, [Name], despite everything." He glances at his retinue. "Eliminate the Rogue Trader."
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XavierThere is not a shred of hatred or disappointment on Calcazar's face. "And you showed such promise, too. I blame your heredity... Farewell, [Name]. I vow to find and destroy every single seed of corruption you have sown." He glances at his retinue. "Execute the heretic."
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YOU"He will do no such thing."
Heinrix"I'm afraid the Rogue Trader is right, Lord Inquisitor. I will not."
Xavier"In that case... Heinrix van Calox, in the name of the Emperor, I hereby revoke your Inquisitorial privileges and declare you Excommunicate Traitoris. The punishment for your heresy is death. I bid you farewell."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Glare at Heinrix] "Don't you dare."
HeinrixVisibly offended, Heinrix looks back at you coldly and mutters, "I had no intention of complying."
Xavier"In that case... Heinrix van Calox, in the name of the Emperor, I hereby revoke your Inquisitorial privileges and declare you Excommunicate Traitoris. The punishment for your heresy is death. I bid you farewell."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Say nothing]
HeinrixAfter a brief pause, Heinrix nods and responds gravely, "I no longer recognise your authority, Lord Inquisitor. My apologies."continues where this line first appears above
XavierThe Inquisitor nods calmly. There is not a shred of hatred or disappointment on his face. "Farewell, then. I am glad to have made your acquaintance, [Name], despite everything." He glances at his retinue. "Eliminate the Rogue Trader."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"First, I will kill you. Then I will claim your trophy for myself. And then... we shall see what I will do to your precious Imperium."
XavierThere is not a shred of hatred or disappointment on Calcazar's face. "And you showed such promise, too. I blame your heredity... Farewell, [Name]. I vow to find and destroy every single seed of corruption you have sown." He glances at his retinue. "Execute the heretic."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I am with you. Wake the beast, and let us shackle it together."
Xavier"So be it. Before we begin, I will say this... I am encouraged by your pragmatism, [Name]. You have surpassed Theodora and my expectations, and I am grateful to know that I will not determine the fate of Humanity alone, but with a dependable ally at my side."
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YOU"There is no need for bloodshed. Why don't we try to derive some mutual benefit by taming this creature together?"
Xavier"To put it plainly, [Name], I am averse to this proposition."
Xavier"Heinrix, eliminate the Rogue Trader." Calcazar gazes at the unmoving Interrogator.continues where this line first appears above
XavierThere is not a shred of hatred or disappointment on Calcazar's face. "And you showed such promise, too. I blame your heredity... Farewell, [Name]. I vow to find and destroy every single seed of corruption you have sown." He glances at his retinue. "Execute the heretic."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Compared to this heresy, my work is child's play."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I will not let you bring this insane plan to fruition."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"First, I will kill you. Then I will claim your trophy for myself. And then... we shall see what I will do to your precious Imperium."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I am with you. Wake the beast, and let us shackle it together."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"There is no need for bloodshed. Why don't we try to derive some mutual benefit by taming this creature together?"continues where this line first appears above
Xavier(sequence)
Abelard"That's the second time you have threatened the Lord Captain."
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IdiraIdira's eyes widen — the cold light of prophecy shines in them. "The future... the future you are creating — it blinds... it burns... It is filled with the suffering of millions... for the sake of the phantom salvation of billions... salvation... in the bosom of a xenonightmare."
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XavierYou hear Trazyn's voice again — devoid of even a hint of the ringing mirth from moments ago. "Our agreement. I am ready to fulfil my part."
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Xavier"And that brings us to the most interesting part of our conversation. You know my plan, so now I want to know yours. Will you admit that I am in the right and join me in this undeniably ambitious act, or will you try to stop me? I will be upfront with you: if it is the latter, I will be forced to remove you. But I am sure you realise that already."
YOU"Listen to yourself! What you are planning is heresy!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Compared to this heresy, my work is child's play."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I will not let you bring this insane plan to fruition."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"First, I will kill you. Then I will claim your trophy for myself. And then... we shall see what I will do to your precious Imperium."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I am with you. Wake the beast, and let us shackle it together."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"There is no need for bloodshed. Why don't we try to derive some mutual benefit by taming this creature together?"continues where this line first appears above
Xavier(sequence)continues where this line first appears above
Xavier(sequence)
UlfarUlfar stares coldly at him, the deadly frost of Fenris crackling in his voice as he speaks: "You will pay for this, Xavier Calcazar. Know that I will have my blood vengeance. I will have your death."
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YOU"I see."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why did you call for the Astartes to come to your aid?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I see."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"The denizens of the Rykad System, Santiel's Pride, and all the other starless worlds... You were the one who sentenced them to death by sending the Drukhari after their suns."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why did you call for the Astartes to come to your aid?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I see."continues where this line first appears above
Xavier(sequence)
Marazhai"You underestimate the Dark City's size and its resilience. It has survived thousands of dysjunctions and will survive thousands more to live on as fuel for your nightmares."
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Ulfar"It was a dark day when you dropped from under the tail of your rotten-wombed mother, you loathsome traitor! While we were fighting to exterminate the xenos, you were busy carousing with them... Had I known sooner, I would have ripped your pitch-black heart right out of your chest!"
Xavier"I readily believe that. Since we are being so candid, I must note that you proved to be a much less convenient tool than I had anticipated."
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Pasqal"This new information about a pact combined with the astro-observation data collected in this star system resolves the inconsistencies identified earlier. Unit Xavier Calcazar stands accused of stealing the astrographic records of the Cognisance Fleet."
Xavier"I am amazed by your analytical prowess. Yes, I needed stars to feed the Shard. The Kabal of the Reaving Tempest could steal them and bring them here, but it was imperative to preserve the exact energy parameters so as not to trigger the object's premature detonation. I procured the necessary information on suitable stars from the Explorator Fleet's data-scriptorium."
Pasqal"Registering a Category One blasphemy. Unit Xavier Calcazar is hereby sentenced to intravital dissection and study. Upon the cessation of vital functions, the unit's remains must be disposed of in disgrace."
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YOU"Nothing can excuse consorting with inhumans."
Xavier"Trust me, Your Lord/Ladyship, the threat of the alien pales in comparison to that posed by the Ruinous Powers. Yremeryss could plunder a thousand worlds, but she is no Uralon the Cruel. She was as great a danger to her own kin as she was to the Imperium. The disruption she caused among the Drukhari was only to our benefit. She intended to trigger a powerful dysjunction in Commorragh, thereby destroying her rivals and elevating her own Kabal in the process."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"A sound strategy."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Nothing can excuse consorting with inhumans."continues where this line first appears above
Xavier(sequence)
Marazhai"So in the end..." Marazhai's smile is not his usual triumphant and scornful one. He looks almost tired. "In the end, I was right about Yremeryss and the mon-keigh. I was right all along."
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HeinrixHeinrix cringes at Calcazar's words. "You disposed of Emelina like unwanted rubbish. Like... waste material. After all her years of faithful service to the Golden Throne..."
Xavier"Unfortunately, I had to send Emelina away and remove her from the board. A shrewd woman of principle — I used to value those qualities of hers, but suddenly, they started to get in the way of my plan. It would have been safer to eliminate her before she could figure out what was going on, but... I must have grown miserly over the years and was loath to part with a good agent. Or perhaps I was simply being sentimental."
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YOU"And then, I take it, you decided to get rid of your xenos allies?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"The denizens of the Rykad System, Santiel's Pride, and all the other starless worlds... You were the one who sentenced them to death by sending the Drukhari after their suns."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why did you call for the Astartes to come to your aid?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I see."continues where this line first appears above
Xavier(sequence)
Pasqal"Theft of sacraments and secrets of the Adeptus Mechanicus: registered. Inciting a devout Tech-Priest to commit heresy: registered. Blasphemous merging of sacred technologies with forbidden ones: registered. Further transgression registration discontinued." The drill on Pasqal's mechadendrite screeches in fury.
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YOU"You collaborated with the Drukhari?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"And then, I take it, you decided to get rid of your xenos allies?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"The denizens of the Rykad System, Santiel's Pride, and all the other starless worlds... You were the one who sentenced them to death by sending the Drukhari after their suns."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why did you call for the Astartes to come to your aid?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I see."continues where this line first appears above
Xavier(sequence)
HeinrixHeinrix's lip curls. "It is unfortunate that I was not privy to all the details of this plan."
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Argenta"So instead of eradicating Theodora's misdeeds, you chose to inherit them?" Argenta's voice rings with righteous steel.
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Argenta"So instead of eradicating Theodora's misdeeds, you chose to inherit them?" Argenta's voice rings with righteous steel.
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AbelardGritting his teeth, Abelard says quietly, "In the old days, House von Valancius would have declared war over something like this. And fought until the offender was dead."
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YOU"What is the Yoke?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You collaborated with the Drukhari?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"And then, I take it, you decided to get rid of your xenos allies?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"The denizens of the Rykad System, Santiel's Pride, and all the other starless worlds... You were the one who sentenced them to death by sending the Drukhari after their suns."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why did you call for the Astartes to come to your aid?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I see."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How was Theodora involved in all this?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What is the Yoke?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You collaborated with the Drukhari?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"And then, I take it, you decided to get rid of your xenos allies?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"The denizens of the Rykad System, Santiel's Pride, and all the other starless worlds... You were the one who sentenced them to death by sending the Drukhari after their suns."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why did you call for the Astartes to come to your aid?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I see."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Seeing as the inhabitants of this place almost killed you, I gather that something went wrong with this plan of yours."continues where this line first appears above
Xavier(sequence)
UlfarUlfar stares at the Inquisitor with wide eyes, saying nothing. It seems you were not the only one unaware of Calcazar's plan. He finally breathes out, his voice heavy, "Morkai howls for you, Inquisitor."
end of branch
Kibellah"Fear. I hear nothing but fear in your words. It was fear that made you believe that His grace alone is not enough to stand against the rising tide of darkness. It was fear that convinced you to seek salvation in the abyss of xenos filth. You are no guardian of the Imperium. You are just a greedy old coward."
end of branch
Solomorne"The protocols dictate that the Inquisition is beyond the authority of the Adeptus Arbites. But not only have you put yourself above the Lex Imperialis..." An angry growl creeps into Solomorne's voice. "You are playing god! I swore to keep order in the Imperium, and now, I'm just supposed to stand by and watch you do this? No."
end of branch
XavierTrazyn's laughter assails your ears — the ancient, heavy laughter of a creature of untold centuries. The Necron appears before you in the now painfully familiar projection. "How... audacious. And how unspeakably naive. Of all the people I've encountered on my journey with you, this little human — this mad, grandiose maniac who pursued his plan to the very end — has come closest to earning a place in my collection. And yet I am here for something else."
end of branch
YOU"I still have many questions for you."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Seeing as the inhabitants of this place almost killed you, I gather that something went wrong with this plan of yours."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I see your ambitions are on a truly cosmic scale."
Xavier"I am not in this for my own sake. I am doing my duty. And as for the scale... Do you know what ensures the indomitability of every member of the Inquisition? The knowledge that they are personally responsible for the survival of the Imperium, and that the fate of billions hinges on their actions. Do you understand? Personally responsible. Compared to that scale, do you think I am daunted by the gravity of this mission?"
YOU[Point at the xenoconstruct] "Is that what you are here for? What is it?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How will taming this creature help save the Imperium?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I still have many questions for you."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Seeing as the inhabitants of this place almost killed you, I gather that something went wrong with this plan of yours."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You have gone too far, and your actions will lead to disaster!"
Xavier"No, [Name]. The disaster is already unfolding — it is just that you and people like you are blissfully unaware of it thanks to me and others in my position. The Imperium is being pierced by a thousand daggers, every day, everywhere. It is bleeding. Weakening. One day it will grow too weak, unless radical steps are taken. I am not trying to foment disaster — I am trying to prevent it."
YOU[Point at the xenoconstruct] "Is that what you are here for? What is it?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How will taming this creature help save the Imperium?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I still have many questions for you."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Seeing as the inhabitants of this place almost killed you, I gather that something went wrong with this plan of yours."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"A fine plan, apart from it being an insanely audacious one that will almost certainly get everyone killed."
Xavier"I commend your ability to face the facts without fear or prejudice, Your Lord/Ladyship."
YOU[Point at the xenoconstruct] "Is that what you are here for? What is it?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How will taming this creature help save the Imperium?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I still have many questions for you."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Seeing as the inhabitants of this place almost killed you, I gather that something went wrong with this plan of yours."continues where this line first appears above
Xavier(sequence)
Yrliet"The Yngir are no mere predators, mon-keigh. They are not just another sentient race. The ancient tales speak of a great war between the Yngir and the Old Ones. And in that war, the Yngir found allies to whom they promised unbounded gifts. You have seen them, elantach. Your species call them Necrons. The Yngir granted them everything they needed to fight their enemies, but their largesse came at a price. Tricked into a state that was neither life nor death, the metal warriors served the star devourers for aeons, until they finally rebelled and confined their masters to prisons such as this one. Do you wish to be tricked by their power too?"
Xavier"Your unsanctioned xenos has a point, Rogue Trader. Which... isn't the same as saying she is right. The Imperium will harness this creature's power. And turn it against our enemies."
end of branch
YOU"And you think you stand a chance against such power?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I see your ambitions are on a truly cosmic scale."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You have gone too far, and your actions will lead to disaster!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"A fine plan, apart from it being an insanely audacious one that will almost certainly get everyone killed."continues where this line first appears above
Xavier(sequence)
MarazhaiMarazhai half-closes his eyes as if he has just heard something incredibly inane. "Grand spires of stupidity and unfathomable depths of opportunity is a dangerous combination for a single mon-keigh."
end of branch
Yrliet"No one in this world is capable of taming the power of the true Yngir, the star devourers. And if you think even a small and imprisoned part of one of them is going to yield to you, you are mad, mon-keigh. Mad and short-sighted."
end of branch
Jae"Of course the Inquisition wants to collar it. How typical." Jae's honeyed speech dissolves into soldierly crudeness: "Throne damn it, even I can see that no good can come of this groxshit crazy plan!"
end of branch
YOU"How will taming this creature help save the Imperium?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I still have many questions for you."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Seeing as the inhabitants of this place almost killed you, I gather that something went wrong with this plan of yours."continues where this line first appears above
Xavier(sequence)
HeinrixHeinrix looks at you with icy calm but does not utter a word.
end of branch
ArgentaArgenta, in the full glory of her battle focus, is reciting a prayer in an ardent whisper.
end of branch
UlfarThe red-headed giant gives you a menacing, exhilarated grin. "We meet again, you two-faced worm! I've had this feeling gnawing away at me, as if I haven't yet fulfilled my duty to the Allfather... As if I haven't yet killed someone I should."
end of branch
Xavier"Let us suppose that it is so. I cannot say that I am completely convinced of your sincerity, but you are off to a good start with your choice of words."
YOU[Point at the xenoconstruct] "Is that what you are here for? What is it?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How will taming this creature help save the Imperium?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I still have many questions for you."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Seeing as the inhabitants of this place almost killed you, I gather that something went wrong with this plan of yours."continues where this line first appears above
Xavier(sequence)continues where this line first appears above
YOU"The line you are treading is a dangerous one, Calcazar. Stop this madness!"
Xavier"You are the one who is attempting something mad and dangerous by acting with insolence toward me. By the Emperor, [Name], I am in no mood to squabble with a Rogue Trader. Not even with Your Recently Installed Lordship/Ladyship."
YOU[Point at the xenoconstruct] "Is that what you are here for? What is it?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How will taming this creature help save the Imperium?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I still have many questions for you."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Seeing as the inhabitants of this place almost killed you, I gather that something went wrong with this plan of yours."continues where this line first appears above
Xavier(sequence)continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have come for your head, Calcazar."
Xavier"I value your bluntness. Let me match it: while my head will remain firmly on my shoulders, I will remove yours with the utmost pleasure. I tire of your arrogance, [Name]."
YOU[Point at the xenoconstruct] "Is that what you are here for? What is it?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How will taming this creature help save the Imperium?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I still have many questions for you."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Seeing as the inhabitants of this place almost killed you, I gather that something went wrong with this plan of yours."continues where this line first appears above
Abelard"That's the second time you have threatened the Lord Captain."
YOU[Point at the xenoconstruct] "Is that what you are here for? What is it?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How will taming this creature help save the Imperium?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I still have many questions for you."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Seeing as the inhabitants of this place almost killed you, I gather that something went wrong with this plan of yours."continues where this line first appears above
Xavier(sequence)continues where this line first appears above
Xavier(sequence)continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What are you doing here?"
Xavier"Exactly what my duty dictates: saving the Imperium. Isn't it obvious?"
YOU[Point at the xenoconstruct] "Is that what you are here for? What is it?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How will taming this creature help save the Imperium?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I still have many questions for you."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Seeing as the inhabitants of this place almost killed you, I gather that something went wrong with this plan of yours."continues where this line first appears above
Xavier(sequence)continues where this line first appears above
Xavier(sequence)
Abelard"With all due respect to you, Lord Inquisitor, I shall ask you to refrain from any further threats directed toward the blessed Rogue Trader. Lest you face repercussions from me."
Xavier"How courteous of you to warn me, Master Werserian. I will remember your words."
end of branch
Xavier"Master van Calox, I am pleased to see you. How was your journey?"
Heinrix"Illuminating, Lord Inquisitor." Heinrix's tone would have frozen anyone else solid, but not Calcazar.
end of branch
Cassia"Your actions have been questionable too, Lord Inquisitor. You may be within your rights to judge and punish bearers of the sacred Warrant, but here, among the uncharted stars, a Rogue Trader may easily find themselves executing an Inquisitor who is steeped in heresy." Cassia's clear and confident gaze turns to Calcazar. "I see the canvas of your soul... and it is tainted with the gory hues of dried blood."
Xavier"Enough! I will have a separate conversation with House Orsellio."
end of branch
Entry point 20 of 21
Xavier"I see that you did not heed my warnings, [Name]. Your decision to come here in spite of them may have consequences. But we still have a chance to turn it to everyone's advantage, if Your Lord/Ladyship listens to me very carefully."
YOU"I am here to help."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"The line you are treading is a dangerous one, Calcazar. Stop this madness!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have come for your head, Calcazar."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What are you doing here?"continues where this line first appears above
Xavier(sequence)continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 21 of 21
Xavier"You came at just the right moment, Your Lord/Ladyship. I sometimes regret that timeliness isn't a virtue recognised by the Emperor. It truly deserves the honour."
YOU"I am here to help."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"The line you are treading is a dangerous one, Calcazar. Stop this madness!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have come for your head, Calcazar."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What are you doing here?"continues where this line first appears above
Xavier(sequence)continues where this line first appears above