Chapter 78
The explosion of a planet was a brilliant sight.
The prison world tore itself apart from within, collapsing in on its own core before erupting into a blinding storm of fire and rock. The planet shattered into countless fragments, scattering across the void.
But don't mistake this as anything remarkable.
The Imperium's Exterminatus has claimed more worlds than one could ever count. In this dark millennium, the destruction of a barren world barely registers as a ripple in the endless void.
And yet—this one was dazzling enough that Captain Wade had to avert his eyes, the glare like the Emperor's holy starfire, impossible to look at directly.
Isis, however, stared unblinking into that light, her gaze intoxicated, as if lost in rapture.
Her expression resembled the awe-struck devotion of the Sisters of Battle when beholding the Emperor for the first time. The emotions stirring in her heart were complicated: not that of a woman toward a man, nor of a daughter toward her father.
If it needed a name—
Loyalty.
In the grim universe of Warhammer 40,000, that was the word that fit best.
"Praise Godzilla," Isis whispered.
She fell to her knees, bowing reverently toward the exploding world.
The other Lizardmen followed, dropping to one knee, their reptilian eyes fixed on the light.
Even the Inquisitors present—those sworn to despise xenos and psykers—crossed their arms across their chests in the Imperial aquila salute.
"Thank you for your aid, Lady Isis," one Inquisitor said solemnly.
"To purge this planet, profaned by Chaos, is the truest offering to the Emperor."
The Space Wolves nodded as well. Unlike the Inquisition, they were less rigid in their hatred for all things alien.
"An alien?" one of them muttered. "No. This is no alien."
"This is a loyal abhuman. A true ally of the Imperium."
Any who dared say otherwise, they would gladly silence with bolt pistol to the skull.
One of the Wolves—likely a pack leader—stepped up to Captain Wade, placing a gauntleted fist to his chest.
"On this ship we found the bodies of Ultramarines, and the corpse of your Chapter Master. You endured a hard battle during that rebellion. I honor you, warrior of ten thousand years past."
Wade gave a weary smile.
"You give me too much credit. You are the Emperor's Angels. We were but mortal soldiers supporting you."
"Then please accept my apology," the Space Wolf bowed his head. "If I failed to honor you and the Ultramarines, my gene-father would never forgive me."
"Very well. I accept."
The Astartes grew serious, their sincerity undeniable. Wade did not hold it against them—he had only just begun to learn what the Imperium had become after ten millennia.
For instance, this "Inquisition"—he had never even heard of such an institution. Clearly it was something born long after his own time.
The Inquisitor approached Isis.
"Can you spare us a few shuttles? We must make our report to the Inquisition."
"No rush," Isis replied flatly.
And indeed, there was no need for urgency. The Inquisition had likely written this strike force off as dead already. Their bureaucratic machinery moved at a crawl; whether they reported today or a year from now hardly mattered.
Then Isis spoke words that silenced everyone.
"We're heading to Cadia."
The Inquisitor's eyes widened.
"To Cadia? Why?"
"I don't know," Isis admitted. "But it's part of the greater plan. So we must."
"…In that case, we will go as well."
"Why?" Isis asked, amused.
"Because if you go to Cadia," the Inquisitor said, voice grim, "then your god goes to Cadia. And if your god goes, then a great and terrible battle awaits us there."
He was not wrong. Six Greater Daemons of Slaanesh had infested this prison world, but they were nothing compared to what stirred on Cadia.
Cadia was where the legions of all four Dark Gods gathered. Daemon hosts, Traitor Astartes, the twisted Dark Mechanicum—armies that made this battle pale in comparison.
"Then you're marching to your deaths," Isis said simply.
"So there is a battle on Cadia," the Inquisitor whispered.
"Yes. A great one. And Cadia will eventually fall. Not even Godzilla can prevent it."
The words stunned every Imperial soul present.
"Cadia… destroyed?"
"Is it happening now?"
"Not yet. There is still time."
Before the shock could settle, the ship's Navigator—a Lizard seer—suddenly gasped, eyes glowing as psychic power rippled from her. Isis too turned, sensing the disturbance.
"No more talk. Something comes."
"Lord Isis!" a crewman shouted.
"A ship is emerging from the Warp! Signal confirmed—it's the Indomitable Will… Death Guard!"
"No!" the Inquisitor's scream echoed through the command deck.
"They are traitors! Betrayers of the Emperor!"
"Filthy walking corpses! Those rotting shells!" another cursed.
The Inquisitors drew weapons, chambering rounds. The Space Marines present checked bolters and chainswords. Even the wounded female Inquisitor forced herself upright, refusing to be left behind.
"Let me stand. I can still fight."
Captain Wade staggered at the revelation. The Death Guard… traitors?
Had not only the Word Bearers fallen? How many Legions had turned? His understanding of the Imperium's betrayal was collapsing.
"Captain, the Indomitable Will is closing in. Orders?"
Wade hesitated—but Isis spoke first.
"Do not fire. Open the hangar bays. Let them think they can board. Set the ambush there."
The Imperial commandos obeyed instantly, moving to prepare defenses within the hangar corridors.
"Captain Wade," Isis added, her tone calm and certain, "wait for my psychic signal. Only then may you strike. Let them come to us."
Wade nodded grimly.
"As you say. My world has changed, and so has yours. The Death Guard… the XIV Legion… once loyal sons of the Emperor."
He clenched his fists. "I can no longer tell who is enemy or ally."
"It doesn't matter," Isis smiled coldly. "Just follow my lead."
For now, the Children of Nurgle had come to greet them.
And Isis intended to return that greeting—
With death.
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