Ilithyia conflict

[MarcoSkoll]

While relatively close to the edges of what qualifies as Imperial space, the Carthax sector is not without its neighbours.

Major organisations such as the Pale Eye Confluence oversee exchanges between Carthax and the Kamal sector; troops from Carthaxian worlds are often assigned to duties in the Penral Sector; and since the discovery of the Entrax warp routes, Carthax has long been earmarked as a possible staging ground for an expansion downwards.

Up until most of a century ago, it also had strong ties to the Alykian sector - once one of the most prosperous and stable sectors in the Segmentum, the single safe warp route leading between it and the Ilithyian system in the Cuirian subsector of Carthax was a highly prized trade charter.
Billions of thrones worth of cargo were passed through the ports of Ilithyia III every year, millennia of levies making the world one of the most prosperous in the sector.

Like any other Imperial Sector, the Alykian sector was not entirely without predators, although none had presented a serious threat to its stability in the seven thousand years of Imperial colonisation. The previously indigenous Ralkarn species made occasional raids from the few worlds they still held, and the centuries of 700.M41 and 800.M41 had marked a small but ultimately insignificant increase in the rate of recorded/suspected Eldar raids.

As such, the Alykian Inquisitorial Conclave listed a mere thirty seven Inquisitors amongst its ranks, and its fortress on Ynaro existed through formality rather than necessity. In the rare cases more extensive Inquisitorial support was required, the larger Carthaxian Conclave was obliged to help under the M.36 Alscor-Ocrenhalmer Treaty, signed by the two sector Inquisitor Lords for which it was named.

To the pessimistic, the fall of the Alykian sector was an inevitable reversal of fortune. To most, it was lightning from a clear sky.
Amongst scholars studying the fall of the Alykian sector, 571914.M41 is known as the "Dies Fati", the first recorded contact with the forces of the Ruinous powers. An assault emerged from the Levigon warp turbulence, a route that had been assumed impassable, rapidly taking the Agri-world of Cuclen. Further strikes on alpha class worlds rapidly crippled the logistical structure of the Rannl subsector and it was lost in only eight months, providing the heretics with a formidable stronghold from which to take the remainder of the sector.

Despite a constant injection of troops and materiel from the Carthax sector, the remainder of the Alykian sector was slowly lost at the cost of many millions of lives. Officially, the Administratum records the loss of the sector as 835937.M41, although there are those who mutter under their breath that it was all but over years before.

Since that time, the once valued warp route between the sectors has spewed forth traitors and heretics, looking to take the Carthax sector as their next prize. Crudely converted into a fortress, the formerly prosperous world of Ilithyia now serves as the first line of defence, a war that has absorbed much of the Cuirian subsector's resources for over sixty years  - munitions supplied by the tonne from the hive world of Ismene; troops by the regiment from Pexir; fuel by the freighter from the Ienurbian asteroid fields; a small number of Inquisitors from the subsector fortress on Tarrag Quartus.
Many have disregarded the war as a necessary and inevitable bulwark against the ingress of Chaos, a fight with no end in sight.

For many, this changed with what arrived as an unassuming astropathic transmission at the Carthaxian Sector Conclave on Pillarus Prime; Inquisitor Solnes making brief mention on a report of rumour of a guardswoman who had been Killed In Action after single-handedly holding a position for seven hours until reinforcements arrived.

Two days later, his next report retracted the claims of her death. As the Confessor had read her death rites, she had drawn breath once again, rising from the slab of one of the regimental crematory wagons. Her first words were said to have been "Give me a lasgun. We're not done yet."
Moments later, the encampment was caught in a surprise assault - her actions in the following defence were instrumental in protecting the position, and leading the Imperial counter attack, the considerably more numerous assault force was killed to a man. On her return to the base, the regimental commissar saw her fate as a decision far beyond his station (or perhaps feared the wrath of the troops who had quickly rallied behind her), ordering that word be sent to the Inquisition.

This second report also offered a name. Corporal Aderyn Aeslin of the Theklian 327th.

The word quickly spread, creating an utter schism in the halls of the Conclave - many Inquisitors declared her a miracle or a fraud on mere nuances of Solnes' wording, even as others insisted upon further investigation. Some saw an opportunity to be ruthlessly exploited whether she was saint or sin, and a silent few saw a valuable distraction.
Whatever the truth, Ilithyia has just become considerably more interesting...

[Lacerto]

[MarcoSkoll]

+++ Accessing database +++
+++ User access code: LJR-0506-1-911 +++
+++ Clearance code identified: Dark Magenta +++
+++ Access granted +++

+Query: Ilithyia system

>>> Redirect: Cerestne system.

Cerestne System

The Cerestne system in the galactic north-west of the Cuirian Subsector of the Carthax Sector, and commonly known as the Ilithyia system after its only inhabitable planet, is a planetary system consisting of 39 planets and dwarf planets orbiting the A-type (white) giant star, Cerestne.

The system was discovered along with the rest of the Cuir subsector in the Nakt crusade in the 8th century of M32.
Initially, the system was disregarded as unsuitable for habitation, but further investigation found three planets within the star's habitable zone, one of which has since been populated.

Current Status: Officially in a state of war (status declared 007938.M41)

Cerestne data
Diameter: 8,534,000 km (6.13 Solar Diameters)
Mass: 6.670 x 10^30 kg (3.35 Solar Masses)
Luminosity: 206 x Solar

Spectral type: A2III
U−B color index: -0.06
B−V color index: -0.02
Variable type: Standard

Absolute visual magnitude: -0.63
Apparent visual magnitude from Cerestne XVII: -26.35
Apparent visual magnitude from Terra: +10.99
Variation: 0.003 magnitude over a period of 13.58 years.

Satellites: 923,613,298 recorded.
Most of Cerestne's satelittes are of little note, with over 900 million of them classed as asteroids or comets under (or suspected to be under) 1 km in diameter.

Of the remainder, 21 of these are classified as dwarf planets (all except Cerestne XXII have inclined and eccentric orbits that suggest they are captive), 18 as planets, and 184 as moons of the above planets/dwarf planets.

Notable amongst these are:
- Cerestne I: With such a close orbit to Cerestne, the radiant output of the sun means the planet is little more than a ball of magma and molten iron.

- Cerestne XIV & XV: The only recorded binary planet(s) in the system. Cerestne XIV is the more massive by approximately 10%.

- Cerestne XVI: While within the star's habitable zone for part of its orbit, this dwarf planet has a highly eccentric orbit and surface temperatures have a range of 230 kelvin between its two apsis.

- Cerestne XVII (Ilithyia): The only planet that has proved habitable within the Cerestne system. Formerly a port world, it has been reclassified as a fortress world within the last century and the loss of the Alykia sector.
See Cerestne XVII file for further information.

- Cerestne XVIII: This world cannot sustain an atmosphere, and while within the habitable zone, was ruled out for bulk habitation, although it does have a number of small sealed environments, most now abandoned.

>> DARK MAGENTA CLEARANCE <<
There are six Inquisition vaults on Cerestne XVIII. Specific details are to be found in File 673t.rqy.8r
>> DARK MAGENTA CLEARANCE END <<

-Cerestne XXXII: A large gas giant, this planet is considered approximately 6% below the mass threshold for stellar fusion. The planet was formerly "mined" for hydrogen from the moon Cerestne XXXII Beta and provided the system's primary source of fuel for starship plasma reactors.
This arrangement ended with the Beta's Exterminatus of M41.954 to avoid the facilities falling to forces invading from the Alykia sector.

Warp Jump points:
Six  known: Atipa, Iridene, Jiiri, Klae, Praan, Scaro

Two of these – Atipa and Scaro - display long term stability.

Most notable is the Scaro Passage, the only known warp route between the Carthax and Alykian sectors. An approximately eight month transit in either direction, the system made its name as a refuelling and resupply depot for Imperial ships.

Atipa heads out to the galactic east, and provides Cerestne with its main connection to the remainder of the Cuir subsector.

>> DARK MAGENTA CLEARANCE <<

Since declaration of Cerestne's state of war, knowledge of another stable warp jump point, Varina, has been struck from most records.
Only discovered in late M37, this route connects Cerestne with worlds towards the centre of the Carthax sector.

Use of the Varina route, or possession of Navis Primii or warp charts that show the route while within the Cerestne system are considered acts of high treason.

>> DARK MAGENTA CLEARANCE END <<

The remaining four show partial or intermittent stability.
As of 5655011.M42, the Iridene, Klae and Praan warp routes carry a low threat rating, all below or equal to Teal-Gamma. The Jiiri Route is listed as Jade-Sigma, with Navigators ranked below Class 4 not classed as safe for passage.

~~~~~

+ Query: Cerestne XVII

Cerestne XVII (Ilithyia)

Orbital characteristics
Mean Orbital distance:   2,327,000,000 km (15.56 Astronomical Units)
Inclination:   1.75° to invariable plane
Orbital period:   10012.058 local  days (12241.532 Terran solar days/ 33.516 Terran years)

Mass:   8.663 x 10^24 kg (1.45 x Terra)
Mean Radius:    7098 km (1.11 x Terra)
Equatorial Radius:    7106 km (1.11 x Terra)
Polar Radius:   7080 km (1.11 x Terra)
Oblateness: 0.003661732 (1.09 x Terra)
Equatorial gravity:    11.445 m/s/s (1.17 x Terra)
Escape Velocity:   12754.41968 m/s (1.14 x Terra)
Sidereal day: 105628.911 seconds (29' 20" 28.911)
Solar day: 105639.461 seconds (29' 20" 39.461)   
Axial tilt: 15.22937 degrees
Albedo: 0.308

Natural satellites:
Erané:
Orbital distance: 504,700 km
Mass: 3.242 x 10^20 kg
Average Diameter: 774 km
Orbital period: 28.05 local days (34.30 Terran).

Erané has no atmosphere and negligible gravity (~0.06 m/s/s) and is uninhabited. Rumours of a small Adeptus Mechanicus facility on Erané have existed for some time, but have always been denied by Mars.
Erané's orbital period is noted to be in a 5:1 orbital resonance with Ilithyia's larger moon, Scita.

Scita:
Orbital distance: 172,800 km
Mass: 1.659 x 10^22 kg
Diameter: 2221 km
Orbital period: 5.61 local days (6.86 Terran).

Scita has no notable atmosphere. However, having a low gravity of approximately 0.9 m/s/s, Scita was suitable for use to site one of Ilithyia's orbital ports.

Strong objections were made when the suggestion that Scita should be razed in the same manner as Cerestne XXXII's Beta moon, and it therefore remains an important defensive location, with most of its sealed enviro-domes still intact.

Artificial satellites:
9,372 minor, 31 orbital defence stations.
Ilithyia's orbital defence stations are repurposed from what remains of the planet's former 96 orbiting ports. Many transits to the surface involve docking at or orbiting near one of these stations and taking shuttles down, an option that does not involve leaving a lone ship to fend for itself in orbit.

Surface:
Ilithyia's surface is approximately 53% water, with the remaining 47% made up by nine continental landmasses, spread over twelve of the planet's twenty one major tectonic plates. Major seismic events are approximately twice as common as on Terra, although most buildings near fault lines are heavily reinforced against this eventuality.

Prior to 938.M41, with most of the ports in orbit, the surface of Ilithyia was similar to a moderately populated garden world – largely verdant terrain, although with some arid/desert terrain close to the equator and floating polar ice caps.
Due to the planet's tectonic shifts and geological development, the planet has a reputation for being mountainous, with several rocky mountain ranges between intersecting continental plates. The highest recorded altitude on Ilithyia, at 9,721 metres above average sea level, is Kjaro Peak on the Etoe continent, although this is only 39 metres above the summit of Mavant.

Since the planet's militarisation, a large quantity of the planet's forests have been razed, either to provide land for fortifications or to deny cover to the invading forces.

Climate/Atmosphere:
Average Atmospheric pressure: 126671 Pascals
Atmospheric composition:
Nitrogen: 82.47%
Oxygen: 16.53%
Argon: 0.88%
Carbon Dioxide: 0.07%
Other/Trace: 0.05%
Presence of low molecular weight gases such as Helium and Neon is marginally higher than Terra.

Despite a lower fractional percentage of oxygen compared to the traditional Terran atmosphere, a higher overall atmospheric pressure means that partial oxygen pressures are similar. Similarly to on Terra, this balance appears to be defined by factors such as flora proliferation and severe natural fires.

Weather is mostly moderate, with only rare extremes. The arrangements of continents mean that large ocean storms are unlikely to form, and usually break up quickly on reaching land.

Average global temperatures are approximately 284 K, marginally below Terra. Seasonal variations are lower than Terra, due to Ilithyia's lesser axial tilt.

Flora and Fauna:
Life on Ilithyia appears to have undergone at least two separate abiogenesis events, as the efforts of the Adeptus Mechanicus cannot reconcile Ilithyian species into fewer than two phylogenetic trees.

The most evolutionarily successful of the world's native fauna are found in the class of Enstrodyna (In the dialect of the original settlers: Ens "internal"; tro, a plural prefix; dyna "jointed" – equivalent to "many jointed endoskeleton").
Notable for multiple elbows/knees (typically two, although on some species, the intermittent bones are very short or vestigial, which may mean they appear to have only one joint), endothermic metabolisms, hairless bodies and having two forms of perspiration – one, thick and mucus like, to seal in heat, and a second closer to its function in Terran primates, to lose heat.

Loosely equivalent in the Ilithyian biosphere to Terran mammals, this class is similarly versatile, with different orders and species capable of surviving in almost all of Ilithyia's environments.

Flora is remarkably similar to Terran, although the process of photosynthesis instead relies on the chemical Caphryin, which makes imported flora easily visible amongst the distinctive darker yellow/green colour of Ilithyian flora.

Notable History:
- 865.M32: Cerestne System discovered as part of Nakt Crusade
- 873.M32: Ilithyia discovered in orbit of Cerestne.
- 880.M32: An Explorator expedition declares Ilithyia habitable to humans.
- 902.M32: First colony ship arrives, largely drawn from the civilian populations of neighbouring subsectors. In this respect, Ilithyia is unusual amongst the Cuir subsector, where most worlds were colonised by the Imperial Guard regiments that conquered them.
- 902.M32 – 679.M33: Moderate urban development and the start of the political manoeuvring that set up the ruling classes – some families from which still exist to this day.
- 679.M33: Scaro passage first discovered by Navigator Scaro DeVega.
- 685.M33: Passage officially recognised as a stable route to the Alykia sector. Added to most Imperial maps.
- 693.M33: Heavy development of orbital stations begins. Continues to 6th century M34.
- 712.M33: Hydrogen mining process begins on Cerestne XXIX.
- 762.M33: Ilithyian tithe grade increased. First Ilithyian regiment of the Imperial Guard formed.
- 007.M34-022.M34: Civil war sees the ruling Delvane family replaced by the Unrick clan.
- 825.M34: The attempt to introduce a specific currency for the Cuir subsector causes mass confusion in Ilithyian ports. The attempt is later abandoned.
- 507.M35: Jante-class transport miscalculates warp jump and collides with northern polar ice cap. Ilithyian climate disrupted for most of a century. Vnral warp jump point declared an unsafe distance from the planet and removed from warp maps.
-Early M36: Age of Apostasy. Unrick family replaced by Inram, rising to power in support of Goge Vandire.
Following Vandire's death, Delvane family returns to power.
-324.M37: Scaro passage enters a twelve year hyperactivity, with journeys taking less than a third of the regular time. Ilithyian ports overwhelmed during this time.
-272.M38: Upsurge of economics in Alykian sector provides another unexpected boost to Ilithyian trade.
-962.M38: Delvane family killed by unknown virus – suspected genengineered.assassination weapon. Valpen family takes governorship.
>> DARK MAGENTA CLEARANCE <<
-341.M41: Archeological evidence suggests a state of previous Human/Xeno co-habitation on Ilithyia.
>> DARK MAGENTA CLEARANCE ENDS <<
-915.M41: Scaro passage begins shipping millions of soldiers a year into the Alkyia sector in response to the Warlord Imylosst's invasion.
Commercial freight begins dwindling over next two decades.
-935.M41: On a wave of public opinion, the relatively unknown Natalia Krux deposes Horiatio Valpen from governorship. Immediately begins developing Ilithyian defences.
-936.M41: Gragon system at far end of Scaro Passage captured by Ruinous Powers.
-938.M41: State of war declared. Ilithyian tithe grade reassigned as Aptus Non.
-940.M41: Troops from Pexirian and Theklian regiments deployed on Ilithyia.
-942.M41: First recorded contact with Chaos forces in Cerestne system.
-968.M41: Between the increased deployment of external forces and additional militarisation, number of Imperial troops on Ilithyia is doubled within six months.
-970.M41: Attempt by the collaboration of one thousand navigators to seal the Scaro Passage fails.
-988.M41: Portions of the Solemne Titan Legions arrive on Ilithyia.
-001.M42: Inquisitor Kalius Solnes takes charge of Inquisition contingent.
-427007.M42: Corporal Aderyn Aeslin first arrives on Ilithyia.
-515011.M42: Corporal Aderyn Aeslin dies after a lone defence of Zulu position.
-519011.M42: Corporal Aderyn Aeslin resurrects.
-825011.M42: Scheduled date for the High Conclave at the Inquisition fortress on Tigguo Cobauc.

Population:
Approximately 3,100 million citizens; 730 million auxiliary troops.
44% of the citizen population is under arms.

Given the number of immigrants to the world over the millennia, Ilithyians closely conform to Carthaxian averages for measurable traits such as height and muscle mass. The only notable deviation is the comparative rarity of light eye and hair pigments.

Culture:
With a population that spans six of Ilithyia's eight continents and with the degrees of planetary immigration common in the past, there are few sweeping summaries that can be made of its once rich culture.

Ilithyia has felt the attrition of war like everything else, and many nuances of its past have been lost in only a short few decades. However, as a relatively young fortress world, some elements of its old culture still show through.

Society is still stratified like many Imperial worlds, although many of the world's former noble families have left the planet entirely. Only a few remain, most with strong ties to the military.
It is typical for the first in line to a noble title to take the prefix of "Jun". With the violent situation on Ilithyia, these titles are passed on regularly, either through the death of the patriarch or former Jun.

Relatively few of the working/fighting classes can still remember a pre-war Ilithyia, so the financial divide that once existed is largely forgotten by those unable to afford rejuve.

The lower classes are noted for their pride in the fact that when the call of war came, their world was not found wanting and that they have thus far held over three times as long the entire Alykian sector.
(Note: It is not recommended to point out that this success is more dependent on their prior warning and the depleted resources of a traitor warships after a many month journey than the courage of Ilithyians. This may antagonise the locals.)

Planetary Capital:
The heavily fortified planetary capital of Ilith Nova is found in the southern hemisphere, with an approximate population of 17,000,000. Most centres of the government and major Imperial organisations can be found here.

Its defensive features include a thick adamantium perimeter wall mounted with thousands of Earthshaker turrets, making ground assaults on the city near impossible, although this defining boundary has also forced the city to start developing upwards, turning it into something of a proto-hive.

Built in to the city wherever space allows it, the network of massive anti-air turrets are said to have the firepower and targeting abilities to be capable of destroying even Astartes Drop Pods in descent (although the veracity of this claim is questionable). This formidable defence is supported by a large compliment of Imperial Navy fighters.

To date, only the assault of the Chaos Warlord Titan E Tenebris has yet posed a serious threat to the city. One of the Solemne Titan Legions has since been deployed against this possibility.

Dramatis Personae:

Inquisitor Kalius Solnes
Inquisitor Ordinary, Kalius Solnes has been in charge of the Inquisitorial presence on Ilithyia for a little over a decade.

Standing at five foot six, and of a slight build to go with it, his dominating personality makes up for his physical stature. He expects control over the situation within what he sees as his jurisdiction, and will not welcome Inquisitors who have their own plans.

He follows a moderate form of Monodominantism, showing restraint and consideration for collateral damage in his actions.

Governor Natalia Krux

Now 154 years old, Governor Natalia Krux has overseen the Ilithyian war since it began, although she still retains her youthful figure.

Making a name for both herself and her family by deposing the unpopular Horiatio Valpen from governorship through "inspired" politics, she has a reputation as a fiery woman with a keen understanding of the plebeian masses.

She has thus far taken a neutral, reserved stance on the Corporal, but her political savviness will doubtless come into play in the coming weeks.

Lord Jezemiah Scribton
Considered at best to be controversial, but by some to be a loud, obnoxious personality, Lord Scribton is the head of what used to be one of the most major trading houses in the system.

Approximately six foot five, he is in rejuve middle age, with balding and greying hair.
Largely unaware of the concept of tact, he uses his public position to proliferate his controversial and often borderline anti-establishment views.
He is currently heading a movement that says there is a conspiracy to not retake the Alykia sector so as to cripple the power of the noble families.

While there are those who wish he would just shut up, his local popularity could prove useful in establishing public opinions on the Corporal.

Major Luther Vanhoven
Angular in every aspect of his body, Luther Vanhoven appears more akin to a frontline trooper than an officer, although his manner leaves little doubt about the matter.

As Corporal Aeslin's Major, he has been the subject of much attention in recent weeks, although he claims to know relatively little of Aderyn, one of some hundreds of troops he has commanded over his decades of troops.

Commissar Haron Vane
Commissar Haron Vane holds the questionable honour of being the man who first reported Corporal Aeslin's supernatural nature to the Inquisition.

Considerably older than he looks, despite a lack of rejuve treatments, he is a generously sized gentleman with a bushy but neatly kept beard, and a voice that is said to be the loudest thing short of a Leman Russ' battle cannon.

Popular amongst the troops as one of the less immediately judgemental commissars, Inquisitors will doubtless be keen to question him as to his version of events.

Regimental Confessor Darius Balnot
The most direct witness to the Corporal's resurrection, reading her death rites when she awoke again, Darius Balnot has disappeared.
He is of average build and was last seen wearing Ministorum robes. Identifying features are his large chainsword, and a long scar horizontally across the left pectoral from lasfire.

Lance Corporal Owyn Kane
The Lance Corporal from Corporal Aeslin's squad.
As he was ordered to retreat from Zulu position by Corporal Aeslin to deliver word of the attack, he is the only other survivor.

Anything he can say about her actions or behaviour during the assault could prove vital in determining her true nature.

Corporal Aderyn Aeslin
Born 379990.M41 on the hive world of Theklae to Cefin and Eilwen Aeslin, two Admistratum adepts, Aderyn Aeslin is a charismatic and likeable woman with both a gift for inspiring others and a cynical sense of humour. Noted for flashes of intellectual brilliance bordering on the omniscient, she was a candidate for promotion to Sergeant despite her young age.

She is described as having a toned build of a little over five and a half feet tall, and conventionally beautiful with a soft face and features, blue eyes and cropped blonde hair.

Prior to her recruitment at the young age of 16, records show she was a competent student in her school classes, with particular knowledge of the area of military history.

Arriving on Ilithyia a little over a year later, she hugely and immediately exceeded expectations, rapidly earning promotion to Lance Corporal (917008.M42) and later Corporal (372010.M42).

Events of particular note include leading her squad in a counter ambush versus traitor forces at Kanne gap and the extraction of the wounded Captain Jhanson underfire (technically a breach of orders which earned her twelve lashes).

Since the events of Zulu position (Engagement record Ilith-1831.23b.yur.8pq) and an apparent resurrection, Aderyn has been watched closely by almost everybody. However, thus far, only three recorded contacts have been made between her and members of the Inquisition, likely due to Inquisitor Solnes.

~~~~~

+ Query: Engagement Ilith-1831.23b.yur.8pq

Engagement Ilith-1831.23b.yur.8pq

Date: 5514011.M42
Location: 54025235A-79246821R-301G, Cerestne XVII, Nicá rail station.

Imperial combatants: 2nd platoon, 3rd company, 1st Battalion, Theklian 327th Regiment.
Imperial losses: 26 infantry
Enemy combatants: 2 traitor companies with Leman Russ support.
Enemy losses: 147 infantry, 1 Leman Russ tank & 6 crew.

Honours: Corporal Aderyn Aeslin (Medallion Crimson, awarded posthumously)

Nicá rail station, since referred to as Zulu position, is designated as a point of minor strategic importance in the Ilithyian war, with occasional use transporting munitions and armoured vehicles, and is designated for platoon level defence.

Shortly after dawn on 5514011.M42, the position was attacked by a company sized Chaos assault force with a Leman Russ tank in support.
After the first hour, the Imperial defence force was reduced to only Corporal Aderyn Aeslin and Lance Corporal Owyn Kane. As the platoon vox had been destroyed in the opening minutes of the assault, Corporal Aeslin took the decision to order Lance Corporal Kane to retreat and take news to command.

On the arrival of the Imperial counter attack seven hours later, the assault force, including a second traitor company that had been brought in from reserve, had been all but destroyed, the remainder quickly overwhelmed by the Imperial forces.

Corporal Aeslin was found alive near a window on the second floor of the main building, surrounded by spent lasgun cells, an empty heavy stubber later found to have been taken from the traitor Leman Russ outside, and a discharged missile launcher.
Mortally wounded, she died shortly after Imperial forces re-secured the position, and was posthumously awarded the Medallion Crimson.

~~~~~

+Command: Disconnect

+++ Disconnect Confirmed +++
+++ Thought for the day: The wise man knows war is necessary +++
+++ Closing Data Stream +++
+++ Powering down connection +++
+++ User status: Inquisitor Lyra Joandra Rhodes - Disconnect complete +++

[Lacerto]

The Blood of Martyrs

The face of the Saint shone with the radiance of the sun. Her enemies were scattered, their faces twisted in pain. Gothic lettering described the triumphant battles of Saint Reila. The saturated colours of the stained glass continued for a thousand meters above them, telling a thousand tales of martyrdom and sacrifice. The bright swathes of colour washed into the vast nave, only to be choked by the swirling mists of incense, pyre smoke and industrial exhaust. The murmur of the faithful, far off in a public sacristy were just audible over the droning psalms of the cherubim, roosting on every flat surface as far as the eye could see. The glorious flock of St Kostis was the most famous wonder of the Aegean system. Pilgrims and the rich came to marvel at it from across the Carthaxian sector. The floor was slick with their droppings, despite the army of menials, forever mopping. 

Hierophantus reached out and held a match to the devotional candle in his private alcove. The wax beaded around the wick, the wick blackened, glowed, then joined the match in flame. The alcove was decorated with exquisite inlay, showing thorns choking a bleeding heart. The blood flowed into a gold chalice. He had been gifted with this alcove, one of only a thousand private alcoves in the Cathedral, as a reward for his efforts in saving the souls of the poor unfortunates of Raustios. In addition to turning the coven against Rinta, the heretic ring leader, the resulting witchhunt had greatly strengthened the trading position of the Holy Order of St Kostis.

"The blood of martyrs is the seed of the Imperium, brother. In these dark times it is only the truth of the Emperor that sustains us, only His truth guides us."

Cardinal Resquis, dressed in the somber robes of the Kosticians, appeared silently at Hierophantus' side.

"Warriors of the glorious Emperor serve him as well in death as in life. The greatest miracle of St Reila wasn't the slaying of the Dark Beast of Skest, or the cleansing of the Etruscan hives. No, inspired by her relics here in Accentis, Vobochan regiments have slain xenos in Judda, crushed heretics in Thrace, founded colonies at the galactic fringe, spreading the glorious light of the Emperor."

"St Reila was not without her detractors in her time. Heretics attempted to bear false witness against her. The righteous fury of our forebears silenced their pathetic mewling with cleansing fire. There will be those who seek too to discredit this Aeslin. These lies must be drowned before they do harm. You will direct the sword that cleaves the head from her detractors."

"It is the fate of all men to pass, and if we are fortunate, it will be in the service of the Emperor. When her time comes to be lifted into His arms, you must claim her remains on behalf of the One True Way."

Hierophantus nodded imperceptibly, bowed the decreed angle for his rank, and turned to leave. A little way off Castor Pollux fell into step behind as he passed.

[MarcoSkoll]

After the events at the High Assembly, and the Corporal's subsequent disappearance, there were widespread riots across many worlds in the Cuir Subsector, arising from the religious tensions which arose between believers and unbelievers.
Exact death tolls are unknown, but the extent of the violence on some of the hive worlds may mean the number was measured in the millions by the time the Arbites and PDF had restored control, itself a costly process.

The full extent of the possible societal damage was however limited by the relatively new Sector Cardinal, Tobas Kiedrow, who declared the death of the Corporal and the destruction of Orbital Defence Station 23 the obvious work of Chaos saboteurs. This act successfully rallied large swathes of the populace into the wake of the Corporal's death.

This remains the official line and, currently, her future posthumous canonisation seems likely, if simply to provide a martyr for the Ilithyian defenders.

Amongst the Inquisition themselves, rumours that the Saint has not been killed persist, and will likely dominate the Conclave halls on Pillarius Prime for many months. However, for the proponents of her assassination, some consolation can be drawn from the fact that, so far, there is no evidence of her survival.

The exact events of the High Assembly itself are also hotly debated.

The presence of Xenos, rogue psykers, and ultimately the full scale breach of the boundary by a massive traitor force and a stolen Valkyrie have meant that many have questioned Inquisitor Kalius Solnes' competence and called for him to stand down from his role in the Ilithyian Conflict.

There are also those who suggest that the unexpected failure of the Valkyrie was an act of the Corporal, as this and the craft's subsequent detonation almost certainly delayed the traitor force for long enough to allow almost all Imperial forces to evacuate before the site (and the enemy force itself, which has been speculated to have contained several high ranking leaders) was destroyed by Station 23's orbital las-lance.

Numerous reports have also come in regarding of the heretic Zophar, with information from the few survivors of Station 23 suggesting that he may have even been instrumental in the station's firing and subsequent destruction. Given these fresh reports, Lord Calleia has ordered the allocation of further Inquisition resources to tracking this notorious heretic.

In any case, it is certain that these events, and the extreme rivalries that came to light as a result, will be leaving their mark on the Carthaxian Conclave for years to come.