In the Grimdark Sector with a System

Author Notes: Salutation to Private William Huffman for being the newest member to support the Belkan Reich and the Imperium!

Now then, before you all start to enjoy a bit of world building, may I interest you all in a monthly discount that will be running for the next few days? :D

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In the Imperium's culture, the Sisters of Battle are highly respected figures, receiving respectful bows or salutes whenever they go. Yet, there can be no one more revered than a Space Marine walking among mortals. Accompanying the Salamander Chapter Master and his Chief Librarian, Canoness Superior Elyzabeth Fortier amusingly noted how the common Cadian civilians and soldiers went on their knees, making the holy Aquila signs, much to the wryness of the Salamanders near her. Though the Salamander Space Marines try to return their deferent gesture with kind nods, it does get bothersome for Tu'shan and Vel'cona with how many people are paying their respect.

"It would seem that you two are famous." Elyzabeth dares a jest, much to the chagrin of the two towering Space Marines.

"That is putting it mildly, Canoness Fortier." Tu'shan replies with a kind smile, though one can see that it's a tired one.

"This is why I like my library more than this... Public setting. If I had a Crown for every time I have greeted the Cadians back, I would have been a hundred Crowns richer." Vel'cona sighs. "But alas, we are the Salamanders, it's ingrained in our blood to be upstanding figures."

Passing through another row of saluting Cadian Guards, whispering 'His Angels', the group of three make a turn toward an open-air proving ground.

"It's a shame that Archmagos Cawl can't join us today. I thought he would have found it in his interest to spectate young Ein in her marksmanship competition. She does seem to be special in his view." Tu'shan says as their armored steps echo across the matte pavement of Cadian infrastructure.

Elyzabeth replies. "The Archmagos Dominus is taking an interest in some of Ein's works with the local Techpriests. I can barely translate their speech, but it goes along the line of upscaling some of her theories and designs to see if they can apply them to the rest of the Astra Militarum and the Navis Imperialis at large. It's nothing short of ambitious, and will properly take some time, however, so the Archmagos properly decided to start the endeavor immediately."

"A fascinating development." Vel'cona comments. The Salamander Chief Librarian looks skyward while saying. "With the Ark Mechanicus Iron Revenant in orbit of Cadia, it's safe to assume that any and all manufacturing effort will be swift and effortless. It appears that this is one of the many reasons She has brought the Dominus here."

"It's highly likely that is the case, brother." Tu'shan nods. "Whenever Belisarius Cawl goes, the Iron Revenant follows. If we're to modernize an entire planet's worth of soldiers, the Ark Mechanicus will be indispensable, both as a fighting force and a mobile forge world."

"I reckon that the Archmagos Dominus' presence will be instrumental in quickly updating the Cadian Shock Regiments' arsenal. His and his flagship's presence will surely influence the power scale in the Cadian Sector, and perhaps even beyond." Elyzabeth gives a conjecture as they come up to a raised platform that overlooks the Cadian Guards' proving ground.

"Since Cadia Prime is so close to the Eye of Terror, supplies are in constant demand." Tu'shan hums. "Huh. Now that the Iron Revenant is here and is no doubt manufacturing everything a fighting force would need, Cadia will soon become a focal point for many military units to convene. Imperial Guard Regiments, Battlefleets, and even Space Marine Chapters will henceforth use Cadia as a strategic logistical hub, thus bolstering the planet's already impressive defenses. I don't know about you two, but I see this development as not just an opportunity, it's also the first signs of a troubling time to come."

Both Elyzabeth and Vel'cona nod seriously. After their honored meeting with the Emperor, they've come to terms with the monumental task at hand. If there's trouble afoot, then they will be ready to safeguard the Imperium's future, even at the cost of their own lives.

Now that they're on the platform, however, it's time to stop this train of discussion and start a new one. Coming to a stop in front of them is the current Colonel of the Cadian 8th Regiment, Ein's superior officer and a Colonel with clear martial prowess in his posture.

"Milords and Lady!" The Colonel with dirt brown skin and distinctive scarred head salute. "Colonel Mustahim of the Cadian 8th, at your service!"

The Salamanders nod at him, with Elyzabeth stepping up to say. "At ease, Colonel. I can see that the Regiment is in a very spirited mood today."

The Colonel nods, turning to look down at the proving ground where a variety of competitions are taking place. The contests are not limited to only marksmanship as expected but are expanded to encompass a wide range of field activities and scenarios. "To ensure the 8th are always fit for duty, we regularly host such competitive events to hone our tradecrafts in between deployments. Sometimes, we even invite other Regiments to participate to exchange valuable experiences."

"It's good to see such devotion in upholding the light of the Imperium." Tu'shan gives his sincere compliments, seeing the dedication the contestants display in the field.

Members of the 8th compete in fairness, bringing out all of their will and inner strength in a display of martial arts, athleticism, dexterity, and many more. It's rare to see such a cohesive sight of humanity's most beautiful elements in a galaxy full of wars. Yet, there's an uncanny wrongness to it, a missing element that is validated by Palatine Tsavorae stepping out from behind the Colonel.

"I believe there's trouble afoot, milords and lady." Tsavorae directly says. "Ein's unit is not in the proving ground, And the Corporal herself is nowhere to be seen."

"What?" Elyzabeth frowns in alarm while the Salamanders tense up in attentiveness.

Before Colonel Mustahim can wonder about what's going on, Elyzabeth swiftly asks. "3rd Platoon, 1st Company of the 1st Battalion, are they on the roster for today's QRF?"

Hearing the seriousness in Elyzabeth's voice and the chilling looks of the Salamander Space Marines and Palatine near him, Colonel Mustahim nods swiftly.

"They're deployed as part of a QRF Patrol to investigate one of the anomalous sites that appeared a couple of days ago. So far, none of the sites report back anything of notes, and today the QRF units should done investigating the last of such sites."

Elyzabeth steps forward. "And you don't think that this should be known by us in advance?"

"Orders from the Governor Primus, milady. We're not to inconvenience you with some unknowns after your recent arrival and return to Cadia." Mustahim answers bitterly. "The Guards are to handle everything silently."

"And why is that, Colonel Mustahim?" It's Tu'shan who speaks up this time.

"Milord, I would like to say that I do not know but the facts stand that this reeks of politics. If you don't mind me speaking crudely, then I will say that my men and women are stepping into the unknowns with little to no backup." Mustahim replies with a clear distaste for his directives. "I have safety nets for the QRF Patrols, but I fear that this ain't a normal rodeo for them and the safety nets alone won't be enough."

Vel'cona nods. "The close proximity to the Eye of Terror means that each and every single anomaly should be carefully scrutinized by everyone. The Governor Primus' strange directive could spell a series of misfortune for the Cadian Guards."

"Now that we're in the known, does the Governor intend to interfere with us again?" Elyxabeth questions Mustahim.

"Given that there's no instruction about this scenario from the man, I believe I can immediately brief milords and miladies with all the detail we have." Colonel Mustahim says. "I can also immediately arrange for transportation if needed."

"Depending on the situation, we will use my Chapter's Thunderhawks for redeployment." Tu'shan interjects.

Colonel Mustahim nods. "Of course, Milord. I can also have our Valkyries escort your gunships if required. Please, follow me to the Regiment's control room. Since you have asked for the 3rd Platoon, we can view their progress there."

Respectfully, Mustahim leads the group away, with his aide running ahead to prep the area for the VIPs' arrival.

Elyzabeth asks while on the way. "Do we have a pict link with the unit?"

"We do, Milady. We can project what they see on one of the screens." Mustahim replies dutifully.

"Good, we can track their situation easier that way. If there's nothing wrong, then we can rest assured. If not, we can immediately sortie." Tu'shan nods as their footsteps disappear into the Regimental Headquarters.