The Emperor’s Angel of Death

Bahram knew that the Achilus Crusade was a messy affair, not only distant but also facing the onslaught of the Tyranid Hive Fleets. A new Hive Fleet had been ravaging the Jericho Reach for over a hundred years without a solution, and it was only growing stronger. The Deathwatch had deployed significant forces there, yet they couldn't prevent the situation from deteriorating. The Imperium had invested countless resources and wasted enormous amounts of tithes in that region, but to no avail.

He could understand why the Relictors Chapter was unwilling to go there.

Going there might cripple or even destroy the entire Chapter.

At that moment, Artaeus spoke up.

"When the Achilus Crusade began, the Chapter sent the Third Company to provide support, but not a single battle-brother ever returned! We have already shed blood there!"

In response to his words, Alexei simply sneered:

"Bleeding is your duty, and more importantly, your glory. This is the first time I have seen an Astartes Master, Alarsh, disregard even honor. By accepting such individuals, you are only tarnishing the reputation of the Anguish Concord."

"You--"

"Inquisitor Alexei!"

Bahram raised his voice, interrupting Artaeus's impending outburst.

"Our Chapter Master, the High Lord of Terra-appointed Lord Commander Solarian, has always respected the Inquisition. He has repeatedly emphasized the importance of respecting the authority of Inquisitors. One of his most frequent sayings is that having one more friend is always better than having one more enemy, because the Imperium already has enough enemies, and there's no need to create new ones. What do you think?"

Alexei looked at Bahram, his eyes slightly narrowed. The other party's words contained not only persuasion but also a hint of threat.

The Relictors Chapter might become an enemy of the Imperium, and he, Alexei, might also become an enemy of the Imperium.

In fact, he was being so polite precisely because he was wary of that Solarian.

This individual's political and diplomatic skills, demonstrated during the Great Warp Storm Expedition, were extremely rare among all Astartes. Moreover, he had extensive connections, not only with Astartes Chapters but also with the Adeptus Mechanicus, the Ecclesiarchy, and even the Inquisition, all of whom were rumored to have various allies of his. This person could be said to be the most influential individual in the Storm Region, so much so that even a Grand Inquisitor like him had to be cautious.

The isolationists of the Storm Region had held several secret meetings to discuss how to handle and control such a nearly "out-of-control" figure, but so far, no good solution had been found.

After all, his reputation as a hero of the Imperium was too prominent, and he had high-level titles granted by Terra, as well as strong military strength and a large number of allies.

After a long while, Alexei nodded slightly.

"So I gave them a chance. Now, as long as they carry out their crusade mission, their past will be forgiven."

Bahram smiled slightly.

"Jericho is too far away. The Anguish Concord has already made the decision to accept the Relictors Chapter as observers, and we will also be responsible for the supervision. We are responsible for our actions."

"Do I need to remind you? They are on a penitent crusade."

Bahram turned to the side and raised his hand.

"They will continue to fight. The Storm Region is full of enemies now, Genestealer uprisings, Ork invasions, everywhere. There's no need to run so far."

"They cannot escape the supervision of the Inquisition."

Looking at the Inquisitor's tense face, Bahram suddenly realized something and smiled.

"Inquisitor Alexei, have you encountered any troubles recently that need resolving?"

As soon as Bahram said this, the Grand Inquisitor's eyes widened slightly, and then he carefully examined him before praising in a low voice:

"Well said, Tenth Captain of the Astral Knights. No wonder this Chapter has risen so quickly."

"So I'm right? You need the strength of the Relictors Chapter to assist you in doing something, or fighting a battle."

Hearing this, Artaeus finally reacted.

"You're blackmailing us?!"

The Inquisitor smiled slightly.

"How can responsibility and obligation be called blackmail?"

"So, Inquisitor Alexei, what do you want the Relictors Chapter to help you with?"

"A derelict ship, it has been out of the Warp for some time and may return at any moment. Inside is a blasphemous technological relic, which is very dangerous. It must be destroyed or sealed. We have been trying to explore the interior, but we are hindered by the monsters that have grown inside, and progress has been very slow. Recently, a group of priests from Gryphon IV discovered it. Those tech-obsessed individuals are trying to recover those technological relics, which is not surprising, and they have ignored our warnings and mobilized a large force of the Adeptus Ministorum and fleet in an attempt to achieve their evil goal. To find and destroy that thing before them, we must rely on professionals, that is, the strength of the Astartes."

After listening, Bahram nodded, said nothing, turned around, walked up to Artaeus, and said in a low voice:

"Chapter Master Artaeus, you have also heard that this is the only option to get rid of the Inquisition's entanglement."

Alarsh also followed up:

"Help him this time, and you won't have so much trouble operating in the Storm Region in the future."

"I've heard of that derelict ship, the Mechanicus calls it the Twisted Anvil."

A voice made everyone turn their heads. It turned out that Mazar, who had not spoken for a long time, suddenly spoke. He stared at the Inquisitor meaningfully and said slowly:

"Gryphon IV extended an olive branch to us, hoping to assist in exploring this derelict ship and find the high-value relics inside. Their offer is not low, they can even afford Terminators."

As soon as Mazar said this, the Inquisitor's face changed slightly, and Bahram finally realized that they were still being led by the Inquisitor's nose.

He valued that derelict ship so much, and this was his weakness. After all, the existence of competitors meant that the Space Marines as a third party had greater "choice" and threat - if the Relictors Chapter were forced to go to Jericho, then the Anguish Concord would fully assist Gryphon IV in seizing the creations in the derelict ship.

Mazar's words seemed to burst the bubble supporting the Inquisitor's confidence. Although no one spoke, they could feel the change in his emotions.

Finally, he squeezed out a reluctant smile.

"Chapter Master Mazar, you are old and strong, and you are very knowledgeable. You must know how dangerous those blasphemous technologies are."

"Ha, we don't understand technology, that should be handled by the Mechanicus."

Seeing this situation, Alexei knew that his negotiation had basically failed, so he sighed softly.

"Give me a company, and I will no longer pursue this matter, but I also hope that the Anguish Concord can take good care of your observers."

Mazar turned to look at Artaeus, who also nodded.

"The Fourth Company will fight for your goal, but I hope you can deploy our battle-brothers with caution."

"Let's leave it at that."

The Inquisitor turned around and left directly.

When the Relictors Chapter's Fourth Company followed the Grand Inquisitor to deal with the derelict ship affairs, the rest of the Relictors Chapter, after simply repairing and replenishing some equipment and supplies, also left the Victory's Scar. They were going to a world attacked by Orks to assist the local Imperial Guard. Bahram and Alarsh saw them off and prayed in their hearts that this Chapter could truly change their past "bad habits."

Afterwards, at Mazar's invitation, he led the Tenth Company and the Penitent Chapter's Fifth Company to a mining world attacked by Ork pirates to continue their training mission.