The Multiverse Project: Warhammer 40,000

Tangmo haven't done a spit take in a while, and boy, he couldn't have asked for a more perfect moment. Magenta wine burst from his mouth, the plumes would've made Hunter Hearst Helmsley proud, followed by a coughing fit that bend his back like a sickle. All in all, Tangmo's reaction was better than Henry who, after a wild squawking gesticulation, careened off his chair, legs kicking air as he landed on the floor. It was pandemonium, pure and simple.

"It's Shadowsun!" Yuki shrieked and stabbed her finger at the Tau commander. "It's fucking commander Shadowsun! Holy shit, what the fuck?!"

"To arms! To arms! Slay the Tau!"

"Wait, wait, stop! Don't hurt her!" Lita swooped in, arms spread heroically wide, barring the humans and Aeldari from dog piling Shadowsun. But despite the Mexican Warseer desperate attempt to shield their uninvited guest Bellona and Myorin were already lunging for Shadowsun, dagger and wakizashi brandished. Suddenly the dining room was consumed by blinding white light, so bright that Tangmo had to duck under the table lest his eyeballs got liquefied.

"Stay your weapons!" Tangmo blinked the world back into focus when normal illumination returned and found Celestine hovering above the table, majestic wings unfurled, the Saint neatly bringing the commotion to a swift end. Her evanescent white eyes glowing, Celestine fixed her gaze on Shadowsun, and for a nanosecond the Tau commander actually looked intimidated. "What is the meaning of this?" Lita flinched when Celestine turned to her. "Did you went behind our backs and arranged a parley with the enemy?"

"No! I mean, kinda, but I didn't go out looking for her!" Lita blurted, knees wobbling badly from Celestine's heated regard. "The scouts found her and a small contingent of Fire Warriors ten kilometers north of the town. She contacted me and asked to be brought before the high command."

"And you didn't tell us?!" Damien bellowed, even without his awesome Astartes helm the Canadian was loud.

"I had to make a snap decision and I took it!" Lita shot back testily, anger quickly replacing the sheepishness from before, "and she came alone, all her troops are well out of range and pose no threat to the battlegroup. Also!" Lita waved animatedly at Shadowsun, "she's in civilian clothe, not her battle armor!"

"This is actually a field uniform I wear when not on active frontline duty," were the first words Shadowsun spoke since the beginning of this kerfuffle, and Lita sighed in relief when all eyes shifted to the Tau. "I thought such ensemble would be better suited for the occasion."

"And what occasion would that be?" Sergeant Gallus of the Ultramarines demanded, like Antalok, Adelhard and Subutai, the Astartes had a bolt pistol in his hand.

"One of diplomacy," Shadow said, refusing to back down from the main characters, unbent by the forces arrayed against her.

"Diplomacy? What the fuck for?!" Having recovered from his coughing fit, and guzzling down the rest of his wine, Tangmo wiped his mouth and locked eyes with Shadowsun. "You made it abundantly clear that no more talk would happen."

"Me being here prove otherwise," Shadowsun deadpanned and folded her arms across her chest.

"And what the fuck else can we talk about?" Tangmo went on. "We tried to warn you about the Chaos shit and you went full retard on us with the fucking Tau propagandas."

"Ethereal Paxish is wrong," Shadowsun announced sternly, and holy fuck, it was the sort of bombshell that shut everybody in the room up.

"…I'm sorry, what?" Tangmo, and the Eight and the main characters too, were rightly flabbergasted by Shadowsun's declaration. "Did you just say your boss is wrong?"

"I did," Shadowsun exhaled heavily and started rubbing her temple, the admission disagreed greatly with her constitution, but the commander pushed through. "He would not, no, he outright refuses to see reason, despite everything that was happening around him," she shot Tangmo a crossed look then. "Did you not think that I needed to trick Paxish?"

"I had hope you were just playing stupid for that asshole, but the thing about hope in this fucking galaxy is that it's the first step on the road to disappointment, so I tried not to entertain it too much," Tangmo held up both his thumbs. "But hey, I'm super glad I'm wrong, but goddamn dude, you actually managed to trick me! You're a really good actor, you know that?"

"As much as I despise the suffocating mask of diplomacy, I have learned to endure and maximize its many advantages," Shadowsun sighed. "On such a dangerous battlefield, what can one do but try to survive?"

"And are you wearing a mask right now, commander Shadowsun?" Fanduin the warlock walked down the dining table to come and stand not ten paces from Shadowsun. The warlock was joined by Celestine, the Saint landing soundlessly beside the Aeldari, presenting a unify front for the Tau to see. "I must warn you that I can easily remove such mask."

"I do not doubt you, master Aeldari," Shadowsun refused to be cowered and held herself taller. She was a bit shorter than Fanduin and Celestine, Tau were not famous for their height, but it was formidable nevertheless. "And no, what you see is a face without a mask, and is it not true that the Immortal Spirit battlegroup operate absence stifling frivolity?"

"You are correct in your assumption, commander Shadowsun," none other than Ciaphas Cain, the Hero of the Imperium, swooped in to save the day, his dashingly immaculate smile and easy personality effortlessly elevated the tension from the room, everybody visibly breathing easier. "Let me be the first to say that it is an honor to finally meet you in person. I am lord commissar Ciaphas Cain, a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

"The pleasure is all mine, lord commissar."

"You have yet to tell us why you have come," Celestine waved away the Ardent Blade and clasped her hands behind her back, which convinced the canonesses to also sheath and holstered their weapons.

"I am afraid the expeditionary force is heading toward doom," Shadowsun told Celestine. "This thing, Chaos as you have called it, has blighted many within the army, with more succumbing to it every passing day."

"And why shouldn't we allow the entire expeditionary force to fall to Chaos?" Krillen spoke up and the guardsmen colonels and Aeldari captains all nodded their assent. "The way I see it, we can simply watch your army cannibalize itself."

"Because I have been led to believe by commissar Tangmo that Chaos corruption will have a wider ramification that will affect the expeditionary force and the battlegroup alike," Shadowsun shot Tangmo a look.

"Commissar Tangmo is correct," Celestine stepped in, her tone more amiable than before but her posture retained its readiness in case Shadowsun tried something. "If left uncheck, Chaos corruption can be a catalyst for the fabric between realities to collapse. Unbeknownst to the Tau, this sickness could very well lead to the formation of a Warp portal. And since the nobilities of this planet has already forsaken the light of the God Emperor, it is likely that the Tau are being led to the slaughter."

"If only that was the case," sharp murmurs rippled across the room in response to Shadowsun's grim words.

"What do you mean by that, commander Shadowsun?" Celestine closed her distant with Shadowsun, the feathers of her wings rising.

"Before I say anything more, I have a request to make," Shadowsun held up a supplicating hand at Celestine and continued before the Saint can speak. "Where is the Water Caste diplomat Fio? I need confirmation that she is alive before any more discussion can continue."

"Who the hell is Fio?" Damien piped up.

"The Tau girl I told you about, the one that was hiding in the closet," Tangmo turned to Laura, who was frighteningly aloof despite the development, the gaze she gave Shadowsun can only be described as bored. "Laura, what happened to Fio after Verity and Alnelle took her away?"

"We tossed her inside one of the wine cellar in the basement," Laura said easily. "She's been moping since."

"And have you…you know," Tangmo went on slowly, very well aware of the blistering glare Shadowsun had fixed upon Laura, "start interrogating her and stuff?"

"No we haven't, not that we can given her condition," canoness Morelia of the Valorous Heart said, her stark apathy made Shadowsun's eyes narrow dangerously. "In that state of mind you can flay her back to the bones, lopped off every finger, scooped out her eyes with a burning rod, and she'll barely utter a sound. A shattered mind is immune to physical torture."

"The extremely unpleasant anecdotal aside, I for one I'm glad the woman have not been harmed, or killed," Henry adjusted the collar of his awesome general coat. "So to answer your question commander Shadowsun, Fio of the Water Caste is safe in our custody."

"I request that she be brought here," Shadowsun said, "the intelligence she had gathered in regard to the nobilities of this planet will greatly enhance what I am about to share."

"Do you wish for anything else, lady commander?" Canoness Galatea intoned with clear impatience and sufferance.

"A chair and a glass of the wine please," Shadowsun shot back, showing the room she was no neophyte when it comes to verbal fencing in polite society, although judging by Galatea's darkening glare, things won't remain polite for long. "The weather on this planet is very dry, and I find myself constantly needing to hydrate."

"Can someone tell Verity and Alnelle to bring Fio up here please?" Tangmo jumped in before Galatea can retort. "And what the hell, get her a seat and some drinks too, she's here in good faith after all, no need to be impolite."

"Thank you lord commissar," Shadowsun bowed lowly at Tangmo while Lita went about procuring the commander a chair, at the other end of the table Henry picked up a spare glass and filled it with wine. "Your reasonable behavior is very refreshing to see after the insanity I have to put up with, from humans and Tau alike."

"You haven't seen me fight yet," Tangmo snorted and low laughter rumbled from the Imperial Guards, the Sororitas were still frowning though, and the Aeldari were watching the event unfold with icy intensity. "You sure you can drink the wine? You're not gonna die on me because Tau can't digest liquid grape or something?"

"I have dined on mankind's delicacy before, lord commissar, I assured you that we Tau are hardier than we appeared," Shadowsun pointedly ignored the disparaging sniggers around the table. "I am sure lord commissar Cain can attest to the fortitude of Tau's stomach."

"Indeed I can, for I have dine with many a fine Water Caste diplomats throughout my career," Cain's pleasantry toward Shadowsun earned him sharp glances from the hardline main characters, more specifically lady commissar Raine and lady inquisitor Greyfax, both women more than likely planning an accident for the Hero of the Imperium. Kinda hypocritical, considering how they were already allied with the Aeldari, but hey, that's the Imperium of Man for you. "If the Water Caste can survive Militarum's cooking, then I do not foresee any problem with those of the Fire Caste."

"I shall do my best not to disappoint you then," Shadowsun was starting to crack a grin when Verity and Alnelle, with an extremely despondent Fio held gently between them, handcuffs still clanking on her wrists, strode into the room. It took a moment, but when Fio saw Shadowsun her eyes bulged so large that Tangmo thought it was gonna pop out of her skull. For her part, Shadowsun tried to appear calm, but her stoic demeanor faltered visibly, especially when she saw the cuffs and chain. "Is that truly necessary? Can she be removed from her bidding please?"

Verity already had the key in her hand, but nevertheless deferred to Galatea and Celestine first before acting on her altruistic impulse. The canoness and the Saint nodded, and with a click the handcuffs were removed from Fio, the Tau woman was rubbing her chaffed wrists when Shadowsun came to stand in front of her.

"Fio of the Water Caste, I am glad to see you unharmed, I hope that you have not suffered any indignation at the hand of the Immortal Spirit battlegroup…"

"Oh auntie!"

Tangmo would've done another spit take if he'd had any liquid in his mouth, because Fio jumping at Shadowsun and wrapping her up in a sobbing hug really qualified for another Triple H moment. And hold the fuck up, did Fio just called Shadowsun auntie, what the hell was that about, he thought Tau castes don't mix? Whatever the case may be, Shadowsun then surprised everyone by actually returning Fio's hug. Although lacking the Water Caste physical fierceness, it was still a heartfelt display, a very foreign softness now breaking through the commander's grizzled visage.

"I thought you left me," Fio sobbed, but unlike back at the mayor's study, it was one of relief and happiness. "I thought you had abandoned me to the battlegroup, I thought…"

"Think no more of that child," Shadowsun stroke Fio's back soothingly several times before gently breaking off the embrace. "I made a promise to always keep you safe, and it is a promise I shall never break."

"Thank you auntie – I mean, commander Shadowsun," Fio sniffed, quickly wiped her face and tried to affect a high back posture, not quite succeeding due to her disheveled state. "I am in your debt."

"Forgive me for being presumption, commander Shadowsun," Cain cut in politely, and boy, Tangmo had never seen the Hero of the Imperium this inquisitive before. "But you are of blood relation with the diplomat Fio?"

"…I am," Shadowsun said after a moment.

"How?" And it was Damien who put forth that question. "She's a Water Caste…and you're a Fire Caste, isn't it illegal for the castes to mix?"

"It is," Shadowsun said but refused to elaborate further, leaving Damien hanging for an answer that will never come.

"Okay, can we maybe drop the topic of Shadowsun and her family and move on with the meeting please?" Tangmo stepped in when the pervading silence stretched beyond the point of politeness. "We released the girl, now can you tell us why you're here? This have something to do with the Chaos corruption, yes?"

"Indeed lord commissar," Shadowsun steeled herself, knowing full well that she was about to commit treason against her own species. When Tangmo thought she would back out, Shadowsun pressed on quickly lest courage abandons her, "I believe the Tau high command is responsible for nurturing and unleashing this Chaos sickness upon the expeditionary force."

Third time, this would've been the third time Tangmo did a spit take if he hadn't already swallowed the little sip he took, because holy shit how many more bombshell was Shadowsun gonna drop on them tonight? Tangmo thought the dining room was gonna burst out laughing or threw hails of admonition at Shadowsun, instead her statement was met with a silence so heavy that it seemed to suck every sound into an inescapable vortex, so yes, this was very, very serious.

"Why don't you have a seat, commander Shadowsun?" The Chris Hansen reference was totally unintentional as Tangmo waved at the chair Lita had brought over, "looks like we're in for a very long conversation."

"Thank you, lord commissar," Shadowsun bowed and sat down at the head of the table, Fio coming to stand beside her. Celestine stared at the Tau commander for a moment before walking back to her own chair, picked it up one handed, and placed it down not five paces from where Shadowsun was seated, forcing Celalira, the Farseer of the Solace Sun, to move a couple of inches to the right with a very audible grumble. Then the Saint of the Martyred Lady summoned the Ardent Blade and placed it on the tabletop before her, causing Shadowsun to frown. "Is that really necessary, Saint Celestine? As you can clearly see, I am unarmed."

"I always take precaution when making parley with the enemy," Celestine said easily as her wings disappeared in scintillating silver mist, more than pleased with the awe and fear plastered upon Shadowsun and Fio's visages. "I have been criticized for being too lenient toward those who come before me in apparent good faith. Truly, such failing had been the cause of my death many times."

"…What?"

"You were about to tell us how the Tau high command spread the Chaos sickness to the expeditionary force?" Tangmo cut in before Shadowsun can start asking question, because seriously, trying to explain Celestine's many resurrections to the Tau commander would take way too long. "And when you say high command, you meant that dainty sum bitch Paxish, correct?"

"Indeed," Shadowsun nodded and sat up straight, her posture prim, exuding nothing but confidence, unmoved by the Ardent Blade humming just an inch away. "Unlike others of the Ethereal caste I had the displeasure of working with, he constantly meddles in the affair of the Fire, Water and Air caste, many times over stepping his bound and taking direct command."

"As was seen by the Fire Warrior's lackluster performance?" Brother Sergeant Antalok of the Salamander asked innocently, but the barb was more than apparent, impolite chortles echoed across the dining room.

"Of course Brother Sergeant, I don't imagine we would be having this conversation if I was given unrestricted command of the Fire Caste," Shadowsun fearlessly retaliated to Antalok's incendiary remark, the Tau commander gave no shit as she took a big swig of her wine, drawing an impressed grin from Celestine. Sighing indulgently after finishing the drink and placing the glass back on the table, Shadowsun shifted her attention to Cain. "Lord commissar Cain, you have had many interaction with the Tau Empire, and I know for a fact that you, through both legal and illegal means, have procure anecdotes about myself, my tactics, my strategies, and my many campaigns against the Imperium. Can you truly say with purest honesty that I am responsible for the atrocious performance so far?"

"No commander Shadowsun, the poor showing the battlegroup have witness cannot in any way be associated with someone of your military caliber," Cain was more conservative with his wine, even taking a moment to admire the swirling liquid. "But if I was being honest, I had hoped that your renown was a lie. Imagine my relief when I saw how easily the Immortal Spirit battlegroup made short work of your troops, of how quick our advances have been. Alas, my hunch warned me to be extremely careful."

"And your hunch was correct," Shadowsun went on. "The Fire Caste less than stellar performance was due to Paxish meddling, as he was the one who dictate how the troops were to be used, all the while sidelining my input, and in many cases overruling me completely."

"A likely story," colonel Lingxin of the Dragon Blood spoke up, like most people around the table she wasn't convinced by Shadowsun's convenient testimony. Tangmo was withholding his judgement for the moment, his Gendo pose revealing nothing, but personally he didn't think Shadowsun was lying. He's from Thailand and spotting bullshit had become second nature to him, and right now the Tau commander doesn't stink. It was only after Shadowsun turned to her sharply that Lingxin continued. "Let us assume that what you are saying is true, and indeed the Fire Caste is being hampered by deliberate mismanagement from the expeditionary force's higher echelon, what would be the purpose? The Tau Empire seeks to expand its border, why would an Ethereal of all people try to sabotage it?"

"Because I believe the expansion of the Empire is not Paxish, or the Ethereal caste, true objective," Shadowsun pressed on, every word coming harder and harder, the weight of what she was doing suddenly becoming too much to bear. It was only after Fio gave her shoulder a firm squeeze that Shadowsun found the strength to continue. "Me and my allies went over the classified exchanges between Paxish and the Ethereal council on our homeworld, the transcripts dating back to when the Six Expansion was still in its infancy, and found that this incursion was made because they were…summoned to perform great deeds, a deed that will elevate the Greater Good to its rightful place in the galaxy."

"What do you mean summoned?" Galatea now asked. "Who summoned you here?"

"The lord governor of this planet seems the most likely culprit," Shadowsun said. "Although I was given vague description of our destination and what to expect upon arrival, it is clear that Paxish and his followers had specifically plotted the course of the Startide Nexus so that the expeditionary force arrives at the Entimion system. Many were interrogated on my order, and they proclaim to hear voices during transit, soothing whispers that guides and calms them."

"Impossible," Fanduin said, "all research into the Tau race ends at the same conclusion, your species are unable to interact with the Warp. The mental physiology of your people simply does not have the capacity to perceive the Empyrean."

"Actually, that is not quite correct," like meerkats, every head in the room swerved to the person dramatically stepping out of the shadow behind Cain. It was Amberley Vail, dashing as ever in her high heels and immaculate inquisitorial uniform, not a single speck of dust marring her person, a stark contrast to Laura and Greyfax more grimy appearance. She took off her hat and bowed with a flourish at Shadowsun. "A pleasure to make your acquaintance commander, I am inquisitor Amberley Vail, of the ordo xeno, at your service."

"I have heard of you," despite Amberley's diplomatic overture, the hardness on Shadowsun's face did not lessened. "You are responsible for numerous incursions into Tau's territory, with the targets being our many research facilities. I do not believe it is an understatement to say that you have more Tau blood on your hands than lord commissar Cain."

"Alas, that is the nature of war, because we are at war," Amberley went on pleasantly, immune to Shadowsun's accusatory tone. "But from that bloodshed, I was able to learn an ample more about your people, the knowledge I have procure might even exceed what your scientists and doctors currently possess."

"Considering how your raiding party managed to capture Ethereal Shi'wra and her entire entourage, it would be more surprising if you did not uncover anything of worth," funny, Shadowsun appeared more irked by Amberley's attics than the current war. "It was a diplomatic mission if you didn't know, hence the reason why it was so under guarded."

"Oh I know, I always pick easy targets," Amberley shrugged. "I assume you are also aware that Ethereal Shi'wra's mission was unsanctioned and all information regarding her venture was stricken from every record within the Tau Empire?"

"I am aware of the clandestine nature of Shi'wra's mission," Shadowsun said. "It was a mission of peace into Imperium held system, was it not?"

"No it was not. Like Paxish, Shi'wra was looking to expand her understanding of the Warp," at a little tap on his shoulder, Cain evicted his seat for Amberley, the lady inquisitor seating herself with the gracefulness of a pampered princess while the Hero of the Imperium went to stand beside her, "which leads us to our current predicament."

"About time," lady commissar Raine muttered loud enough for the room to hear and Amberley pretended she did not heard the jab.

"Autopsies were performed on Shi'wra and her entourage," Amberley's nonchalant statement shocked Shadowsun and Fio, the two Tau struck silent by the brutality easily confessed. Good god, he'd almost forgotten that beneath the carefree and high class façade, Amberley Vail was still an inquisitor. Tangmo made a mental note to be nicer to her in the future. "They resisted when their transport was captured, the gun fight that followed was quick and surgical, they did not suffer needlessly."

"What did you found, inquisitor Vail?" Celestine spoke up before Shadowsun can voice her admonition.

"The Ethereal's medullar neuron receptor, the organ that we thought to be inert to the reception and interaction with the Warp, is active and extremely strong, the synapse readings we've done on the cadaver showed that it had seen heavy and frequent usage," Amberley let the words sunk in, continuing only when revelation dawned on Shadowsun and Fio. "Yes ladies and gentlemen, the Ethereal caste are psyker, Tau psyker."

"T-That is not possible," Fio stammered in disbelief while Shadowsun stared blankly at the tabletop. "The Ethereal are not psyker."

"My research says otherwise, and I am the best when it comes to xeno biology," Amberley went on. "Not only that, but I've discovered that her honor guard, an elite cadre of Fire Caste warriors who have been assigned to Shi'wra three decades earlier, have also shown sensitivity to the Warp. I believe being near the Ethereal triggered a physiological change within the Tau, a slow opening of a barred gate that allowed more and more of the Empyrean to seep in until eventually operancy is achieve."

"Can this happen in other ways?" Shadowsun reentered the conversation, her face hard, like how one would brace for a punch. "Can the usage of the Startide Nexus trigger this inert latency and make us Tau more aware of the Warp?"

"It can," Amberley responded with confidence. "While the Ethereals indirectly affect others around them as a secondhand smoker would, using the Startide Nexus would be the equivalent of diving head first into the roiling ocean of the Warp. By mathematic law, I wouldn't be surprise if more than half of the expeditionary force had achieved operancy without them knowing it."

"Have my latency being shattered then?" Shadowsun squared her shoulders, the posture reminding Tangmo of how a samurai prepare himself for a seppuku. "Am I infected by the Warp? Is my fate the same as what had befallen Aun'la and his soldiers?"

"It's kinda unavoidable, I mean, if you jump into a pool you're gonna get wet regardless," Tangmo made his comment, earning nods from around the table. "As for you being infected…yeah, I don't think so, because you haven't gone into a murderous berserker rage even after all the sass and aggravation we gave you. But if you're still skeptical, Verity and Alnelle can perform that thing they did with Fio. Can you guys help the commander out a bit?"

Before the two medics can even move Celestine was suddenly on her feet and striding purposefully toward Shadowsun, Ardent Blade in hand. Fio squealed sharply and, in an impressive display of valor, placed herself between Shadowsun and Celestine, shaking badly all the while.

"No Fio," grabbing her niece's arm firmly, Shadowsun pulled Fio out of the way and stood up, chin raised as Celestine came to stand in front of her. Tangmo and half of the table have also risen, but what can they hope to accomplish if confrontation was to happen was anybody's guess. "This is not your fight."

"No fight, commander Shadowsun, but I advise that you stay still, as to prevent any accident from happening," Celestine's eyes glow a radiant white as she placed the tip of the Ardent Blade on Shadowsun's left breast, above her heart. She gasped when bright blue light shone from the arcane sword, sending an aura of translucent power rippling across the dining room in glittering waves, warm and serene, the sort of ethereal touch that heals, not burn. A minute must have passed before Celestine pulled her sword back and locked eyes with Shadowsun, the Tau commander unsuccessful at hiding how rattled she was. Then with a sharp nod, Celestine placed the Ardent Blade back on the table and casually returned to her seat, legs cross as she made herself comfortable. "There is no trace of Chaos within her, she is clean."

"Disaster avoided then, thank the God Emperor, but holy shit I need a drink, that was way too fucking intense," Tangmo plopped back down and poured himself a glassful of Sidonius vintage. He then gave Leilatha and Bruce, both of whom were seated beside him, a generous serving before handing the bottle to the Grey Watch colonel so it can be passed down the table. For the minutes that followed the Eight and the main characters just drank, taking a moment to simply relax after Celestine performed her miracle on Shadowsun, the Tau commander was visibly shaking as she took slow, little sips. When the mood of the room more or less stabilized, Tangmo continued. "Let's take a moment to go over everything we've learned so far. The Tau as a species are now becoming attune to the Warp, thanks to the introduction of the Startide Nexus. However the Ethereal had always been potent with the interaction and manipulation of the Warp, and could possibly be using said power to influence the Empire since its inception all those thousand years ago. And now, for some goddamn reason, they're teaming with a buncha heretic to do…what exactly? Make the Chaos Gods notice them and get in their good grace?"

"That would be unwise in the extreme," Galatea spoke up. "Drawing the attention of the Ruinous Power can only invite calamity of the most catastrophic scale."

"Ignorance and naivety is the cause of all great downfall," Farseer Celalira added. "The Tau trifle with power greater beyond their comprehension, they have been lured toward annihilation by the whispers of the Empyrean."

"How much of the expeditionary force have been infected, commander Shadowsun?" Nikki now put forward her question.

"Almost half of our numbers are now under the sway of Paxish, while the rest, those under my command, have not shown any symptom," Shadowsun turned to Fio. "You have been sent here to observe how the humans interact with the Warp. What have you found?"

"Troubling things, commander Shadowsun," Fio said. "The high echelon of Kyzon have all adopted a religion that is definitely not the Imperial Faith, a worship done in secrecy until the expeditionary forces arrives. They have now cast down every religious leader of the Imperium and replaced them with the worship of the Eight Pointed Stars, as they have taken to calling themselves."

"And you believe they are responsible for inviting the Tau to the Entimion system?" Canoness Bellona of the Bloody Rose scowled, the woman's radiating animosity made Fio flinched visibly.

"It is more than a belief my lady, for I know this to be a fact," Fio pressed on valiantly. "I have conducted a little espionage on the nobilities and had successfully infiltrated their communication networks, not a hard task by any means considering how primitive their machines were. But I digress, I found the logs of interstellar transmission that showed multiple exchanged messages between the Entimion system and the western fringe of the Tau Empire, mostly about timetables and supplies and readiness of the troops. I confess to not understanding how this was achieved, but it has something to do with…astronomy and lighthouses of some sort?"

"The Astronomican, the Emperor's psychic energy that shone through the Warp, it is used by the Imperium to travel and send emails to each other," Damien explained then shifted his attention to Shadowsun. "There are definitely human helpers working with Paxish, have you checked with those sons of bitches yet? What do you call them again, Gue'vesa?"

"Gue'vesa, and yes, I have spoken with their captains, discouraging them from doing things that could affect the overall morale of the expeditionary force," Shadowsun grunted with no small amount of displeasure. "I would have done more but didn't want Paxish to get suspicious."

"Are the goals of the heretics and the corrupted Tau aligned?" Captain general Tanrion asked. "Are they attempting to create a Warp storm? Turn this planet into a daemon world? Or transform this system into a launching point for deeper incursion into Segmentum Solar?"

"I am not sure sir," Fio said sheepishly but her face lit up a heartbeat later. "But from what I heard talked amongst the high echelon of Kyzon, I think they are attempting to…summon something from the Warp."

"What kind of something?" Laura asked. "Daemons? Chaos champions? Those four bitches? The Chaos Gods themselves? Detail Fio, detail!"

"I-I cannot be sure!" Fio blurted. "But judging by the scale of the rituals that were performed inside this manor and across the planet, I doubt it would be small in scope."

"Okay, let's assume Paxish and his bands of retards are actually attempting to summon one of the Chaos gods," Tangmo held up his hand, calling for calm when the table got loud.

"Fuck that, let's go with the absolute fucked scenario and say that the Tau are about to summon all the Chaos gods, totally undivided," Nikki piped up, doing little to ease the tension in the room.

"Okay good, that way we'll be ready when the apocalypse arrives," Tangmo nodded, better to be over prepared than under prepared. When the hubbub died down Tangmo looked at Fio. "Did you manage to get a closer look at the grimoire they were using? Or the other miscellaneous items like daggers, bowls, and chalices?"

"I tried lord commissar, I truly did," Fio said. "I inquired about the grimoire on many occasions and was rebuffed every time, quite rudely I might add. But I know for a fact that a great number of people, who I later learn were prisoner of wars and citizens still loyal to the Imperium, were slaughtered in macabre sacraments under the manor and in the surrounding garden."

"I can verify her testimony, Herr commissar," Hildebrandt spoke up. "We have scour the ground and found one hundred and thirty seven dead bodies, hastily buried, all of them bearing wounds of ritualistic nature, with organs remove and desecration done upon the corpses post mortem."

"So basically it's the same Chaos shit, but now with Tau thrown into the mix," Henry made a less than impressed face then pointed at Shadowsun, "and not the exciting kind too, because all the Fire Warriors who can fight are aligned with her."

"What you have fought were scums, lord general," Shadowsun said sharply and fixed Henry with a challenging glare, "the dredges and wretches Paxish deemed expendable to further his unnatural goal."

"Yes…the Ethereal's goal is indeed unnatural," Tangmo felt ice frosted over his veins when he saw how troubled Celestine had become, her gaze cast at the floor, brow furrowed in rictus concentration.

"My lady Saint, you suspect something more is afoot?" It was Verity of all people who asked Celestine.

"I cannot be sure," Celestine shook her head, "but I will be honest, it feels as if we have just become aware of the ocean beneath us, and although the murk had been removed the depth remains out of our reach, a black unknowable we have yet to perceive in totality."

"Do you believe we are in greater danger?" Lady inquisitor Greyfax spoke up, hard yet kindly eyes locked with Celestine's worried own.

"I do," with that little admission, doubt and tension evaporated from Celestine, to be replaced by determination and surety as she turned to Lita. "Lady Warseer, please inform the air force that I wish to return to the Immortal Spirit at the earliest convenience. Preferably, I want to depart immediately, if that is possible."

"Sure, we can get a Valkyrie here in about twenty minutes," Lita nodded. "Why do you want to return to the Immortal Spirit?"

"I need to discuss this latest development with Isha," Celestine's statement caused a stir amongst Sororitas and Aeldari alike. "Perhaps she will have some insight into what is happening, the Tau easy collaboration with the heretics is telling us that we are not seeing the bigger picture."

"You will not involve her eminence in this," Celalira hissed sharply. "I will not allow her to be put in jeopardy."

"Calm yourself Celalira, I merely seek her counsel," Celestine shot back. "I am powerful and knowledgeable on the topic of the Warp, but Isha eclipses me in experience and insight."

"This Isha is an Aeldari…sorcerer, yes?" Shadowsun cut in, finding the fantastical word less than tasteful.

"She a god. Yes Shadowsun, you heard me right, she a goddess of the Aeldari, the last living one too," Yuki grinned toothily and the Tau commander downed the rest of her wine in one massive gulp instead of arguing.

"That's a good idea, we need more information before we can formulate a plan to counter this new threat," Tangmo said then glanced at Shadowsun. "Do you have anything more that can help us with this?"

"I do, lord commissar," Shadowsun pulled a rectangular USB drive from her shirt pocket and placed it on the table. "This is all the data I have managed to gather in regard to Paxish's clandestine operation, the communication between his collaborators, the resource manifests, and his interference of Fire Caste's operations since the beginning of the campaign. Beyond that, I have nothing else."

"I think we got more than enough, thank you," Tangmo folded his arms across his chest and leaned back into his chair. "Not that I don't appreciate you doing this, commander Shadowsun, but I think I need to remind you that you're committing super treason against your own people. This will definitely make our job easier, but I have to know, why are you doing this? I thought you were supposed to be ultra loyal to the Tau Empire?"

"I am loyal to the Tau Empire, commissar Tangmo, and I do not need to be reminded of the betrayal I am committing," Shadowsun snapped at him and took a deep breath to calm herself before continuing. "And protect them I will, even it means allying myself with the Imperium of Man. I see now that the true enemy had taken root at the very core of the expeditionary force, and left unattended it will mean the death of not only myself and my soldiers, but a prelude to greater suffering for the Tau Empire."

"What is it exactly that you expect from the battlegroup?" Colonel Evangeline of the Mordian Iron Guard said sternly. "In what capacity do we play into this noble undertaking of yours?"

"Press on as you have before, make no change to your tactic, Paxish must not suspect that anything is amiss," Tangmo smirked as Shadowsun started talking to the main characters like they were her own soldiers, many of the humans and Aeldari blistered visibly. Damn, the woman got balls. "I will return to the expeditionary force and put into effect the contingency plan I have drafted. When that is in place, we shall hold counsel again and plot our next course of action."

"Oh? So this little rendezvous is gonna become a common thing for us then?" Laura asked cheekily, her canines gleaming.

"Indeed it will," Shadowsun quirked a brow at the British inquisitor, "how else do you expect both side to strategize?"

"Communication through our radio channel should suffice," Sergeant Subutai of the White Scars said sharply, his timbre unfriendly.

"I do not wish to risk our conversation being intercepted by Paxish and his allies," Shadowsun said. "The Ethereal's influence grows rapidly while my own dwindle, the chances of him discovering this undertaking is too great."

"Understandable, and yeah, I don't mind more meeting, you're actually a lot more preferable than the other Tau we've talked with. All of them are fucking idiots," Tangmo finished his wine, ignoring the dark look Shadowsun shot his way. "What are you going to do now?"

"As much as I enjoy this conversation, I must return to the Tau's line," Shadowsun glanced at the digital watch on her wrist and relaxed her posture somewhat. "This went better than expected, with time to spare." The Tau commander got up from her seat and nodded at Fio. "Come along, we're leaving."

"I do not recall the battlegroup relinquishing the prisoner back to your custody," canoness Bellona glared at Shadowsun and Fio. "We might have entertained this parley, but that doesn't mean we are allowing the diplomat to return to the expeditionary force. Since no interrogation have been conducted, it is possible she is withholding more information from us."

"I've told you everything I know!" Fio cried out and Shadowsun placed herself protectively in front of her niece.

"Maybe," there was a sadistic gleam in elskerinne Eldul's eyes, her canines gleamed wolfish and hungry, "but why take the chance?"

"Wait, hold up, you two are really related?" Damien butt in before things escalated, the sudden change of topic was enough to stun everyone into momentary inaction. "As in, you two are blood related, and not some sworn sisterhood thing?"

"…We are, Brother Captain," Shadowsun nodded hesitantly.

"I'm sorry, but how is that possible?" Damien went on, truly and genuinely flabbergasted.

"I would think that they fornicate like we do, laddie," colonel Bruce of the Grey Watch smirked, around the table the guardsmen and Aeldari started laughing. "They probably have families and marriages also, how else would one continue their bloodline?"

"The castes don't mix," Henry fixed his attention on the glowering Shadowsun. "It is against the law of the Tau Empire for various castes to mix and mingle, so that no impurity will come to the new generations of Fire, Water and Air castes. Everyone has a duty, prerequisite from birth, and there'll be hell to pay if anyone dares to disturb the social structure."

"Basically if you're in the infantries, you can't marry clerks, or nurses, or pilots, because everyone need to stay separated," Tangmo added and nods bobbed down the table. "Or if you're a Black Guardian you can't go out with an Aspect Warrior. Or if you're a guardsman, you can't hook up with a Sororitas."

"Like we'll sink to that level," Galatea snorted, earning low growls from the colonels in attendance.

"You sure about that Galatea? Because last I heard the guardsmen and the Sisters, Martyred Lady included, are getting very cozy with each other," Tangmo fluttered his lashes at the wide eyed Galatea, her canoness buddies turning away with whistles and coughs.

"…What?"

"What?"

"Fio is indeed of my blood," Shadowsun put the conversation back on track, her exasperation of the battlegroup's antic barely held at bay. "To be more precise, the Kiru blood flows in her veins, she is the living legacy of my family, a burden I thought I alone bear."

"She's the descendant of Oru'mi, or Ty'res, your decease sisters," Amberley was smug as all fuck when Shadowsun snapped her head at the lady inquisitor. "And Fio isn't the only one, is she?"

"You know too much," Shadowsun said darkly.

"Alas, not enough to quantify how many of the Kiru offspring are currently active within the Tau Empire, and in what capacity," Amberley daintily waved off the shocked Shadowsun. "Come now commander, do you honestly believe I wouldn't find out? It was a simple matter of looking at you from every possible angle, which includes your family, and your two sisters were not good at hiding their eloping with Water and Air caste gentlemen. If it makes you feel any better, your sisters are hardly the only people in the Tau Empire who breaks the taboo of inter-caste relationship."

"How very well informed, I expected nothing less from the famed Amberley Vail," Shadowsun had that look on her, the one people wore when they're about to throw a verbal haymaker. "It makes me wonder if you yourself have had any intimate relationship with the men of the Water Caste, for I have heard that humans find us attractive, in a strange fetishistic way. Given how well inform you are I must assume you have experience in this matter?"

The Eight were supposed to be on the Immortal Spirit side, but holy fucking goddamn shit Shadowsun just dropped an atom bomb on Amberley, leaving no survivor. It was unavoidable then that the Eight let out a very loud, and very obnoxious 'OHHH' like it was a Call of Duty meme montage. The main characters were more subdue in displaying their reactions, with many heads turned away to hide barely concealed chortles, while lady commissar Severina Raine, Amberley Vail's nemesis, flashed her canine in a rare display of unguarded pleasure.

"Holy fuck! Burn! Jesus Christ Amberley, do you need an ambulance?! Oh wait, Verity and Alnelle's already here, yo, give her a cold cream or some damn thing, shit!" Tangmo knew he was enjoying himself way too much when Amberley fixed him with one of the most evil looking glare he had ever witnessed. Getting his shit under control, Tangmo offered the blonde inquisitor an apologetic bow. "Okay, chill dude, I'm just having a bit of a laugh, that's all!"

"Such a thing can be easily misconstrued, lord commissar," beneath Amberley's sweet smile Tangmo can see acid roiling.

"Just don't strangle me in my sleep, and we'll be A-Okay," Tangmo returned his attention to Shadowsun. "Don't worry about the whole sibling thing, we don't give a fuck."

"You will not give this information to Paxish?" Fio asked, hope gleamed in her eyes.

"Why the fuck would we do that? We don't like that asshole, so your secret is safe with us," Tangmo shrugged then swept his gaze around the table. "Anybody got anything else to add? Questions? Accusations? Mean words about the Tau?" Shake of heads answered him. "Alrighty then, I guess we're done here I suppose."

"We are free to leave?" Shadowsun asked.

"I don't see why not, so yeah, Emperor speed both of you, have a safe trip home," Tangmo waved his goodbye and gazed over the less than pleased main characters. "Who volunteers for escort? Anyone? Come on guys, she a VIP, have a heart!"

"I'll take her to the edge of our encampment," Lita stepped forward, chin up and chest out, managing to be both smug and stern at once. "Seems only fitting, since I was the one who got her here in the first place."

"That settles it then," Tangmo and the Eight leapt off their seat, standing at attention with strict postures fit for parade ground, the main characters following suit with clear reluctance. The Eight then proceed to snap off sharp salutes, to which Shadowsun reciprocated with equal finesse. "Good luck commander Shadowsun, hopefully something positive can come from this."

"So do I lord commissar," Shadowsun offered Tangmo a melancholic grin. "Thank you for listening."

"Right back at you," Tangmo tipped his awesome commissar cap. "Good luck."

"Good luck," Shadowsun turned to Lita, the Mexican Warseer had summoned her Singing Spear so that she was more regal and badass in presentation, "after you, lady Warseer."

"Thank you commander, stay close now," Lita was about to take off when Celestine joined her, the Ardent Blade magnetized to her hip, the Saint resting her hand easily on the pommel. "Oh, Saint Celestine, will you be joining us?"

"I have contacted the navy, they're sending a transport down right now," Celestine shot Shadowsun a sideway glance as the four marches passed the tall double doors and into the corridor beyond. "And I thought it would be prudent to give your escort extra protection."

Shadowsun shook her head exasperatedly and any comments she might have made was lost as the doors swung closed. Letting out a breath he had been holding, Tangmo walked to the end of the table and picked up the USB stick Shadowsun left behind. He tossed it up and down a couple of times, spun around to face the main characters, then held the device up for them to see.

"Let's turn this on and see if Shadowsun is full of shit or not."

"I'm sorry auntie, I didn't mean to put you in this position."

"You have nothing to apologize for child."

Fio nodded weakly, but there was a smile on her face, now that the worse was at last behind her. Well, not quite correct in hindsight, for it was clear she and O'shaserra, the famed commander Shadowsun, was heading into a future both unknown and perilous, but it was nonetheless good that their current predicament was resolved without any loss of blood. The bruises hurt though, that brunette inquisitor woman was most unkind.

"They have kept their promise it seems," Fio turned around to look at the battlegroup's base that had bloomed around the town, a bright orderly settlement created within the span of a day, mankind's industrious approach to warfare was both impressive and frightening to behold. "I honestly thought they were going to gun us down the moment our backs were turned."

"I entertained the idea, but if they had wanted us dead, we would have already been killed back at the manor," O'shaserra said as they strode on to the tarmac highway that led to the planetary capital, Hive Xyvon. The thousand kilometer stretch of road was void of life and traffic, flanked on both sides by great towering firs. Thankfully, O'shaserra's escorts were hiding nearby, which will greatly reduce their travel time. "No, I have known that the battlegroup was unique, and they have proven it with our conversation tonight."

"Was what you said true?" Fio asked. "That Paxish is plotting with the cultists on this planet. That we as a species are now embroiled with that unknown dimension the human called the Warp? Are the Ethereals truly betraying us to further their own benefit?"

"I see that captivity have not dampened your inquisitiveness," O'shaserra chuckled and Fio blushed, "but to answer your question my dear, I do not know. I truly hope that I am wrong but…" her aunt sighed lowly and shook her head. "My instinct is telling me otherwise. Yes, I know, doctrine of war requires us to rely on quantifiable data and the strict application of tactics and calculations, but you will be surprise how accurate gut instinct can be."

"I trust you auntie," Fio grinned and O'shaserra rolled her eyes at the familial title. "Again, thank you for saving me."

"I will never leave you behind," O'shaserra slowed her steps as the outline of Devilfishes started appearing at the far end of the road, their black lightless shape clearly visible in the moonlight. Voicing a thank to the Greater Good, Fio quickened her steps, only to be stopped by O'shaserra's out stretched hand, the grip on her arm was firm, almost painful, and in that moment her aunt was gone, replaced by commander Shadowsun. "Something's not right."

"What is not right?" Fio asked and scooted closer to O'shaserra. "Is that not our vehicles?"

"I had drones deployed amongst the trees, they were to emerge and escort us the rest of the way," O'shaserra was hunched like a predator about to pounce. "I cannot see them anywhere, and the troops that came with me used Piranhas to travel, not Devilfishes and Hammerheads."

"…Paxish found out?" Fio started to tremble when lights flared from the heavy tanks, the bright illuminations swooping fast across the nocturnal landscape, searching for them.

"Hide Fio," O'shaserra pointed at a thicket of bushes clustered around the base of a great tree. The pounding of booted feet echoed from down the road, heralding a column Fire Warrior, they did not look friendly. "Hide!"

Fio tried to protest but O'shaserra was strong, the shove sends her barreling into the leafy cover. Too late to run, Fio instead settled herself deep inside the thicket, stilled her quivering limbs, and watched as a high ranking officer stepped up to O'shaserra, no respect shone as he pointed a flashlight directly at her face.

"Commander Shadowsun," the man sneered as the Fire Warriors moved to surround O'shaserra, who stood her ground unwavering. "We have been expecting you."

"Captain T'olku," O'shaserra said easily, polite but bored. "I don't recall requesting you for an escort."

"That is because this is an unsanctioned venture, but when does rules and laws ever apply to the venerated Shadowsun," captain T'olku went on, making no attempt to hide his contempt for O'shaserra. "But that is coming to an end, tonight in fact."

"Where are my men?" O'shaserra demanded as she swept her gaze across the highway. "What has happened to them?"

"Those who betray the Greater Good deserve no mercy," captain T'olku was very pleased with himself and Fio clasped her hands over her mouth. No mercy? This wasn't how things were done within the Empire, every accused have the right to tell their side of the story, yet here was T'olku confessing to killing O'shaserra's troops without due process. "Their leader especially, deserves no clemency."

"You have overstepped your bound T'olku," O'shaserra raised her voice. "Paxish will hear of this, and your crime will be met with swift retribution."

"The Ethereal have no wish to sully himself with a traitor," T'olku nudged his head at O'shaserra. "Seize her."

Before O'shaserra can react the Fire Warriors closed in on her, and although she was fit and strong she cannot hope to overcome six heavily armed soldiers. Within moment O'shaserra was subdued, her arms and waist held tight by the Fire Warriors, her teeth barred at T'olku who now stepped closer, fearless once he was sure no danger was eminent.

"Did you think we wouldn't find out about the files you stole? Or that you made secret meeting with the Immortal Spirit battlegroup?" T'olku went on with the pomposity of the victorious. "Like Farsight, you are a stain upon the greatness of the Tau Empire, villains masquerading as heroes, traitors who would associate herself with lowly humans."

"Truly T'olku?" O'shaserra grinned, canine gleaming. "Your infatuation with the humans on this planet is no secret. Tell me, how many warm human beds have you slithered into, or do you wait for the Ethereal to be done before snuggling with the leftover?"

The punch, encased within an armored gauntlet, came quick and fast, snapping O'shaserra's head savagely to the side, blood streamed from her mouth, the blow would have knocked her to the ground if the Fire Warriors were not holding her up. Tears streamed down Fio's cheeks as the beating continued, one fist after another, each landing harder than the last, every blow making a bloody mess of O'shaserra. Soon enough T'olku backed away, panting heavily, while O'shaserra rolled her head in his direction, and spat.

"Seven against one T'olku? Why am I not surprise?" O'shaserra rasped and Fio didn't know whether to be proud or horrified by her aunt.

"Shut up!" T'olku snatched O'shaserra's hair and yanked it up at a painful angle until she was grunting. "Where is she? That little Water Caste spawn from your accursed bloodline? Where is she?!"

"…Dead," O'shaserra rasped after a moment, hopefully enough to trick T'olku into believe how despondent she felt. "The battlegroup kill her during their raid on the mayor's residence."

"And yet you would converse with those who murder your own blood," T'olku shook his head with a flat chuckle, teetering between amusement and disgust. "You got what you deserve. This is the fate that awaits all who betrays the Greater Good."

"I am loyal to the Greater Good, unlike you and Paxish and – argh!" A kick aborted O'shaserra's sentence into a tortured croak and the Fire Warriors unceremoniously dropped her face first to the ground.

"Since you are so curious, I will show you the future of the Tau race," T'olku kicked O'shaserra three more times, brushed down his trouser, and waved dismissively at the Fire Warriors. "Take her."

Within heartbeats they had bound O'shaserra's wrists behind her back with a heavy manacle, fastened a bag over her head, and dragged her toward the waiting vehicles. Fio trembled, tears poured down her cheeks as she watched the last of the Devilfishes and Hammerheads disappeared down the road until nothing but ebon silence remained in the woods around her. Taking a few minutes to steel her mental and physical faculties, Fio slowly emerged from cover and strode onto the highway, staring at the blackness. When her legs finally stopped wobbling, Fio spun around and sprinted back the way she had come.

"Holy fucking shit, Shadowsun wasn't lying," Tangmo exclaimed as he, the Eight and the main characters took in the data the Tau commander had given them several hours ago. No more wines on the table, only water and coffee now, the latter for those anticipating a long night. "This is big, real fucking big, as in daemon world big."

"It would appear so," Galatea conceded with a nod. "Me and the canonesses must convene with Saint Celestine once she return from her meeting with Isha."

"How do we proceed from this point on?" Fanduin spoke up.

"As Shadowsun suggested, I suppose," Tangmo took a sip from his cup, latte, nice and soft for now. "We continue to push at an optimal pace, but I think we should shift our strategy somewhat…"

"Lord commissar, we have an intruder on the manor ground – oi!"

The Black Guardian blurted as a petite shape bulled passed him and stumbled into the room. It was Fio, the Water Caste diplomat that had left with Shadowsun. Now she has returned, alone and bedraggled, fresh trails of tears marred her cheeks. Shit.

"Please!" Fio cried desperately, the Black Guardians behind her stopped their approach when Tanrion held up a halting hand. "You have to help O'shaserra, they have taken her, they know about the meeting!"

Tangmo stared at her for a moment then drained his latte in one big gulp, "alright, I'm gonna go make myself a blend of espresso, Coca-Cola, and Thai Red Bull, because shit just got fucking real."