Thus Did The Imperium of Mankind Fight There

Part 27 Briefing

Ghota continued the briefing. 

The settlement was destroyed by the Xeno beast before it was repelled by the Reconnaissance Force. Subsequently, Second Lieutenant Minerva Antioch of the 31st Cthonian Wolves, CO of the detachment, organized the survivors to be escorted here by half of the detachment. She and the other half of the force disobeyed orders to warn a human-populated village of the Dragon. 

Imperial Agent Orval interjected, asking the question on the minds of all those present. 

"Where are these 'Elves' now?" 

Answering the Agent's query, Ghota replied

"They are currently being housed with the captured abhuman slaves in the non-combatant holding camp, numbering around a hundred." 

Manipulating the control on the holo-table, Ghota displayed a 3d image of an Elven man and woman. 

Upon seeing the projection, a sneer of derision and hatred could be seen on many of the command staff. The beings presented reminded them of a particular knife-eared Xenos race. 

Although a few Eldar Craftworlds worlds had formally recognized the Imperium's right of dominion over the galaxy, just as many members of that dying species resisted Imperial compliance with every resource at their disposal.

Noticing the negative expressions of some of those in the room, Ghota explained. 

"I know whom these newly discovered abhumans remind you of, but rest assured, gene scans and tests have shown them to be of human origin. Count Formal will now give more detailed information".  

Stepping forward, Count Formal received the regard of all the enclosure's occupants. Coughing to clear his throat, he began to speak. 

"The Elves normally live secluded in the forests and woodlands. Living in small self-sufficient communities, numbering around a hundred on average. They possess no meaningful industry and usually keep to themselves, only using violence when it is necessary. Sadly, due to the Saderan Empire's discriminatory policies, there is much distrust between Elves and humans here. The most notable attributes of the Elves, other than their beauty, are their incredibly long lifespans, almost making them immortal, and their powerful magic or 'psykic abilities' as you call them." 

After finishing his lecture, Count Formal nodded to Ghota and stepped back. Taking back the center of attention, Ghota spoke. 

"Thank you Count Formal. Now then, I know many of you have questions and suggestions you would like to make, but I ask that you put them forward after the end of this meeting. We have a considerable number of other matters that require our discretion."

Seeing that none objected, Ghota continued. 

"After warning the village, the detachment once more defied orders and escorted the evacuating people deeper into enemy-controlled territory. The part of the force that escorted the Elves went so far as to avoid entering the base to rendezvous with the refugee caravan."

All the military officers present raised their eyebrows at the Third Reconnaissance Detachment's blatant disregard for authority. The Discipline Master Captain's scowl only deepened as Ghota detailed the unit's actions. Turning his head towards Colonel Domitius Faustus who was attending, he questioned.  

"Colonel, the commander of this unit comes from your own regiment. Do your men all show such insubordination?"

There was a threatening undertone to the political officer's inquiry that clearly showed what he thought should be done to the 31st if his suspicions were proven correct. After all, the Imperium could always use more penal troops. 

Everyone in attendance looked to the Colonel, interested in what answer he would give. Domitius gave a small smirk in the Discipline Master's direction and answered. 

"Well, it's not just the men sir, the Cthonian Wolves are mixed-gender regiments. The Lieutenant in charge of the third is a fine young lass, besides, we Cthonians have never much cared for rules." 

The Captain slammed a grox-leather gloved fist onto the center table. Using his other hand, he pointed at the Colonel before declaring. 

"You dare to speak in such a way here Colonel! Perhaps I should execute you here and now for negligence, failure to uphold discipline, and ignoring military law!" 

The headquarters room became deathly quiet. None dared to breathe, much less move. Finally, the silence was broken by the general of the army himself. 

"Stay your hands, Captain." 

Balking at the Primarch, the Discipline Master attempted to protest. 

"B-But My Lord, he-"

Arik, however, did not allow him to speak any further. 

"Enough, the Colonel has not committed any offenses warranting his death and his soldiers have, although against orders, contributed greatly to our war effort here on this planet."

The Discipline Master fell silent, and Arik signaled for his equerry to proceed where he left off, signaling the end of this matter.

"When escorting the local villagers to safety, the force encountered a... surprising new individual. An Apostle named Rory Mercury." 

Instantly, everyone in the room felt the air around them become tense, and Count Formal, gaped upon hearing the information. 

Agent Orvus quickly asked with a trace of impatience. 

"Was peaceful contact made or did the Apostle show hostility?" 

Ghota turned to face the Barabarus native and informed.

"The apostle did not attack. In fact, she agreed to join the convoy." 

The information caught more than a few off-guard, with many shocked expressions on those present. 

Then the Mechanicum representative put forward his own question. 

"*It was stated before that each apostle serves one of the local deities, which one does this Rory Mercury serve?*"

Again, all attention was turned to Count Formal, waiting for his answer. Nervously, Count Formal informed. 

"Rory Mercury, also known as Rory the Reaper, is the Apostle of Emroy, the God of Darkness, War, Death, Violence, and Insanity." 

When he finished, everyone felt as if the temperature in the room had sharply dropped. The entity the noble had just described was far too similar to one of the four.  

Before anyone could give voice to their trepidation though, Arik spoke. 

"I am aware of your thoughts and I have considered the possibility. However, I do not believe this god has any link with Khorne." 

The mention of the Blood God's name made all present shiver and many made the sign of the Aquila while chanting softly. 

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