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Chapter 59 - Chapter 59: The Black Ship of the Inquisition

When Alex returned to the 40K universe, three months had passed.

Though he could adjust time to a 1:1 ratio, Alex usually maintained a 1:100 flow.

In those three months, Rostov II saw little change beyond two new cities under construction. Everything else remained as it was before he "logged off."

The only notable difference was the absence of the four Imperial Navy light cruisers previously docked at the starport.

Though Rostov II had been added to the Imperial Navy's patrol route through the Ecclesiarchy's efforts, gaining their protection, the Navy's patrols spanned entire sectors and were perpetually understaffed. After resupplying with food and water, the four cruisers departed.

Now, only the Ecclesiarchy's ship carrying Pavel, the transport that brought the Lingguang family, and Alex's own frigate remained in orbit.

"Hm? Why's there an extra ship in orbit?" Alex looked skyward. Thanks to the massive size of Imperial voidships, even from the surface, he could clearly see the hulking starship in low orbit.

"That's an Inquisition Black Ship," a servo-skull promptly informed him.

"An Inquisition Black Ship? When did it arrive? What's their purpose?" Alex pressed the skull for more details.

While "offline," his character operated in a托管 state, and upon "logging in," he received text briefings about events, but they lacked specifics.

"The Inquisition came for the Holy Blessed Wine and to elevate your Inquisitor rank," the servo-skull replied.

Relieved they weren't here to cause trouble, Alex relaxed slightly.

Though he held an Inquisitor's title, the Inquisition was the Imperium's most reviled institution. Crossing them never ended well, even for fellow Inquisitors.

Infighting among the Inquisition's factions often surpassed the Imperium's external conflicts. Some factions were close to the Ecclesiarchy, while others saw its faith as a poison to the Emperor and sought its destruction.

The Inquisition bore the blame for many of the Imperium's baffling decisions.

Confirming he'd arranged to receive the Black Ship while "offline," Alex braced himself for potential trouble.

"Honored Inquisitor Alex," a young Inquisitor in a similar greatcoat addressed him, "per the sector Inquisition's council, the Grand Master Inquisitor has promoted you to Lord Inquisitor and allocated a cruiser as your new flagship. Additionally, a Deathwatch team will arrive to construct a Watch Fortress on your planet to defend against xenos incursions."

What? The Inquisition's giving me a ship?

Alex's first thought was disbelief.

The Inquisition wasn't short on ships, but they didn't hand them out freely. Typically, only full Inquisitors could secure one through their own means. Black Ships? Even Lord Inquisitors rarely got one.

Of course, exceptional performance and favor from Grand Masters or Master Inquisitors could warrant such a reward.

The Lord Inquisitor title, however, barely registered. It was an honorary rank, attainable with just three Inquisitors' endorsements.

"What have I done to earn the Grand Master's attention?" Alex eyed the Inquisitor, hand resting on his power dueling sword. "Is there a mission I need to undertake?"

The Inquisitor smiled at Alex's wariness. "No misunderstanding, Inquisitor Alex. Your promotion and rewards aren't tied to a dangerous mission or some conspiracy. This is simply the Inquisition's boon. The Holy Blessed Wine is vital to us, and we need to secure its production and our share."

Alex half-believed him. The Inquisition's interest in the wine and its production was plausible, but no schemes? He'd have to be an ogryn to buy that.

"The Holy Blessed Wine's yield is limited by current vineyard space. The first batch is only 7,000 bottles," Alex said, understating the true 12,000. "The Ecclesiarchy's involvement is essential to the brewing process, with the convent playing a critical role. They claim 60% of the yield. I can allocate 30% to the Inquisition."

The Inquisitor frowned, clearly dissatisfied with the share. "Inquisitor Alex, can't you spare more for the Inquisition? We face the Imperium's enemies and need the wine to purge and identify them. The Ecclesiarchy uses it for rituals—a waste of the Emperor's gift! As an Inquisitor, you should uphold your duty!"

"Look, I'm not the one calling the shots," Alex said, feigning helplessness. "The Holy Rose Convent produces the wine. The Ecclesiarchy invested heavily—ten million thrones and an entire Battle Sister convent. They demand their share, and I can't cross them. For the sake of our Inquisitorial bond, I'll give you half of my share, but that's it. I need some for tithes. Please understand."

(End of Chapter)

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