We come once more to the tale of the Techpriestess, continued from https://archive.4plebs.org/tg/thread/96627780/#q96647607

>In the grand ballroom aboard the 'Argentum Omnipotens' were gathered a hundred of the most infamously corrupt aristocrats in the Imperium, surrounded by marble and gold filigree that seemed to embody the very decadence of the waning days of M41.

>At once, heralded by a fanfare of trumpets, Rogue Trader Cassius von Nassau-Mendoza strode out onto a balcony overlooking the hall, greeted with thunderous applause.

>"Good evening, Lords and Ladies, Admirals and Bishops, welcome to my home!" he gestured broadly to the crowd, "I know that you have travelled across an ocean of stars to join me here, and for that I am truly honored. But you did not make that journey to hear my idle pleasantries! So without further ado, let me introduce to you our guest of honor: You have all heard the stories, some of you even helped write them..." at this, an uneasy laughter came from certain clergymen and Administratum officials "...so behold the Omnissiah's most wayward daughter, worker of wonders technological, and my very dearest friend, Magos Salafié Al-Faiz!"

>At this the Priestess strode out onto the balcony at the Rogue Trader's side, resplendent in finery that put to shame any of the noblewomen in the crowd below. Yet as the crowd greeted her with applause, two among them turned their backs and departed, a pair clad in red robes that marked them out as the delegates of the Adeptus Mechanicus.

>The Trader paused, looking after them for a moment that stretched slightly too long before he continued; "Alas, that I have business to attend before I might joint you for the night's festivities. But until then, I leave you in the Magos' very capable hands!"

>And so, as Cassius slipped from the hall, Salafié made her debut among the nobles, scarcely noticing the hooded figure of Inquisitor Corsini among the crowd, his gaze fixed upon his target...