Private Flame and Ash

[Cesare Demici]

Iria de Germania

Location: Small town on the planet Grenik

Theme

The air was thick with suspicion as the ship touched down upon the planet's murky soil. The Agri World had certainly seen better days, though Cesare could likely say the same about many of the planets within this stretch of the Imperium. It seemed like an eternity since the Inquisitor had known any semblance of peace, his great work jumping him from world to world as he did his best to keep the heretics at bay. Yet, somehow... they always found a way to bounce back. Their uncanny ability to sustain their blasphemy was infuriating, inconvenient, but most of all... it was exhausting. It was only through his faith in the Emperor's guidance that Cesare could even dream to keep up with the need for his judgmental hand. Thankfully, he didn't have to do it alone.

"Sir, we have received a vox from the Sororitas. They await your arrival."

Cesare's offered a quiet nod, his focus still very much on the task at hand.

There were several reports of potentially heretical activities coming in from Grenik over the past couple of months. They began quietly, as heresy often does. Whispers from villagers came trickling into the offices of the Ordo Hereticus, but due to their recent decline in manpower, they had to choose their priorities carefully. They could not be everywhere at once, and unfortunately, that caused some cracks in certain communities to grow. Such was the case on Grenik. Whispers became accusations. Accusations became pleas for assistance. Now the voices were too loud to be heard, prompting the quick dispatch of Cesare and his retinue to the planet. The man had no idea what he may encounter there, so he had requested the presence of the Adepta Sororitas in case the worst should occur.

He stepped out of the ship, his body clad in black armor as he stepped into the unknown, his mind ready and his wits sharp. As he proceeded to the rendezvous, he got a familiar feeling creeping up the back of his neck...

Today would be one of cleansing flame and ash.

 

[Iria de Germania]

Iria waited on the landing pad, having marched up as the vehicle settled atop the flat stretch, with her squad arrayed behind her. Everyone in their pristine white armor with silver detailing, save Iria herself who possessed gold due to her rank, waited patiently though not in a formation. Eyes scanned their surroundings, helmets on again save for Iria. Her brown hair and eyes were evident, her helmet tucked under her arm, as she waited for the Inquisitor to appear with a description of how she and her Sisters would be serving the Emperor today. Sometimes it was merely presence, others it was fire and ash. But always song, at least when the Singing Sisters were present.

She was practically bouncing on the balls of her feet when the ramp lowered and a black armored figure appeared. "Inquisitor," she said by way of greeting. "Rejoice, for this is the day the Emperor hath wrought! Blessed are we who serve His great plan in the shadows of His mighty works. It is an honor to join you in your duties. What brings us here today?" She was all smiles and pleasantness, as if the specter of heresy and death were little more than items on a picnic menu scheduled for some vague time after the noon hour. Her eyes sparkled with amusement, her voice light and airy though with a husk to it that suggested it had a yet unrevealed depth.

Cesare Demici,