Vex Chronicles 4: Zeal

Shadows over Welllight

Factory-City-2, cathedral of Welllight

The armored cab took the exit from the main highway and left the stilted road behind. The ecclesiarchy complex of the cathedral of Welllight soon came to view. The cathedral itself was a massive building of Imperial architectural mastery. Around it was a labyrinthine district of interconnected buildings, satellite churches, chambers and hab-blocks.

The difference to the factory world's housing was stark. Where the regular habitats were ugly blocks of ferrocrete, the ecclesiarchy lodging was decorated with statures, curved arches and oriels. The only element that stood out like a sore thumb was the functional looking towers of the air-pollution warning stations. The only leftovers from before the ecclesiarchy had bough the land from the Mechanicus.

The expanding ecclesiarchy complex had swallowed old and abandoned factories. It was a clear indicator of Codra Minor's shift from forgeworld into shrineworld. The tech priests needed the riches of the faithful to keep their world running.

When the driver stopped at a buildings that looked like both a place of worship and reinforced bunker, their 'host' already waited for them. Carmino's robes were expensive. But up close if was more apparent that they also doubled as body armor. Armored segments were well hidden underneath decorations. And his large stub revolver looked nearly out of place with its functional design and heavy caliber.

Despite the decorated robes, Carmino didn't give off the aura of a man of faith. For an arch-confessor he looked tame, not like a revered warrior of faith and more like a slick and trained politician. Carmino was a man with "down to earth" charisma, even more captivating than what the video feed could translate.

What the video transmission hadn't shown was Carmino's limp. His right knee was stiff and he had to use his mace as a walking cane.

"Inquisitor Ilvex! It is good that you came." Carmino mustered Vex's men. His eyes lingered longest on Hasthia. "You have a... colorful fellowship. Your troopers will also arrive soon."

Carmino turned around and waved them to follow. "I have prepared quarters for you and your men. I think your stormtroopers will be delighted to have a more comfortable lodging than that narrow gunship of yours."

"Quarters?" Vex furrowed his brow. "I haven't planned to stay for long."

Carmino smiled back. "Why not operate from the cathedral? Nice quarters, well secured and with landing platforms for your gunship."

Carmino sighed and his smile lost some of its edge. "I think we gain most by honesty. I invited you to gain influence against the Mechanicus. Codra Minor is in decline and the ecclesiarchy is eager to fill the gap. The world has many holy sites. Many forgotten and buried below the Mechanicus' factories. The most renown example is the recently rediscovered grave of our world's patron."

Carmino's words filled with both pride and reverence. "If not for my extensive support, St. Antonius grave would have never been found and returned into faithful hands." Carmino's words again turned sharper. "An inquisitor siding with us would strengthen our claim over this world. Then we can finally end this defilement of our holy ground."

"Men of metal againzzt men of faith." Hasthia grumbled and the plastic bauble on her staff rustled annoyed. "Intriguezz to entangle uzz in..."

"We are here to find our missing agents," Vex replied. "Any support will be a boon. But I have no interest to be dragged in political struggles."

"Lets discuss what you can and won't do once you dropped your luggage in your new quarters."

Arch-confessor Carmino lead the group through an armored and spacious tunnel towards the main complex. And as Vex passed underground offices and halls, he was again reminded why he wasn't a fan of the ecclesiarchy as an organization. The Mechanicus, despite its many shortcomings, would never waste so much resources on making their place a grand spectacle in every corner. And the presence of noble metals on walls and furniture only grew when they reached the quarters Carmino had prepared for them.