Entering the Orbit of Mars. What lies under the Sand of the red Planet?

"Admiral. We have reached Mars. As expected, we have found no traces of any Adeptus Mechanicus equipment. It's like Mars has been wiped clean." Said his second-in-command when she came into the admiral's personal chambers. At the moment, besides the Admiral, Lieutenant Kolar, Inquisitor Soria, Tech-Priest Itram and another woman and man wearing the uniform of the Imperial Army of Cadia were present.

"Does this mean that we've really made a time jump?" the admiral asked Vanessa who looked smilingly towards Soria.

"Forgive me Admiral. With all due respect. You should ask that question of Inquisitor Soria."

"Well then I ask you!" the admiral smiled and turned to the young woman leaning against a wall.

"Have the sensors detected any energy on the planet?" she asked without responding to the admiral's question. Vice Admiral Vanessa clenched her fist when she saw such disrespect, but the Admiral nodded at her.

"The sensors didn't, but the new navigator believes he saw a dark patch on the surface. His third eye was not able to explore this place. I recommend sending a squad to the planet to investigate!"

"That won't be necessary!" smiled the agent of the mysterious Ordo Chronos and simply smiled. Although the woman was breathtakingly beautiful, she looked cold and calculating.

"Forgive my presumption, Inquisitor, but this is no longer your decision." Vanessa smiled and defended her superior in this way. Officially, the "Holy Mandate" was under the command of the Inquisitor, but the mission conditions had proven to be no longer feasible. Therefore, the command was now back in the hands of the Admiral. However, it was always dangerous to tell an inquisitor that her power had ended and it was her duty to protect him.

"You think so?" the woman smiled and looked at the Admiral. "I must applaud you for choosing your second in command, Admiral. She has a fine sense of danger and is willing to protect you from any danger. However, I'd like to know what you think about who has authority on this ship."

"Under Imperial Decree, our mission was to take you and your strike team to the target. However, that goal is no longer viable and we are in an unknown situation. According to the statutes of the lmperial Navy, it is my duty to use this ship on behalf of the Emperor. If my navigator discovered something suspicious on Mars, I will investigate. Unless you have a persuasive argument to stop me." The older man smiled calmly and there was no sign of fear in his eyes.

"Is this enough?" asked the inquisitor and went to the admiral's desk and put a small gold coin on the desk. Her body covered the coin so that only the Space Marine and the Admiral could see it. The effect the coin had on him was clearly visible to everyone in the room.

While the Space Marine raised only one eyebrow and looked astonished, the Admiral jumped out of his chair and saluted.

"The ship is under the command of your commanding Inquisitor Soria." Said he with pride swollen chest. Vanessa raised an eyebrow in surprise, but her trust in the admiral was complete. Whatever the coin was, it was clearly a sign the Admiral accepted.

"Very well. Now that that's settled, I'd like to hear about the ship." She smiled, put her coin back in her pocket and went back to the wall. After some general information about the ship, the soldier finally got to describe a situation picture. Apparently a large part of the crew had forgotten their duties and turned away from the light of the Emperor. While the Deathwatch was busy fighting the cult and destroying the demons of Khorn, more cults had formed all over the ship. Like a disease, the stain of chaos had spread over the once-proud ship. While battles had broken out everywhere, there were reports of warp creatures scurrying through the corridors and seeking victims.

After all present had listened to the report of the woman, the inquisitor nodded and asked smiling.

"What do you think you should do about it, Major?"

"I have deployed the loyal regiments of Cadia in defensive positions around this deck."

"Was that her decision?" Soria asked curiously and the Major looked down briefly before she looked the Inquisitor in the face.

"No."

"Then it must have been her order General Argna?" asked the inquisitor calmly and looked at the older, pot-bellied soldier who was sitting comfortably on the couch smoking a cigar.

"That is correct. We will wait until the traitors have slaughtered each other and then we will take back the ship."

"I understand." Nodded the woman and smiled gently. Her blood-red lips formed a disgusted smile as she pulled and pulled the bolt pistol in a lightning-fast movement. The thundering sound of the gun worked like a cannon beat in this room as the massive explosive bullet pierced the General's skull. The eyes were still wide open in shock when the skull exploded. "In the name of the Holy Senate of Terra, I hereby relieve you of your command, General." She smiled calmly and then looked at the soldier. "Congratulations Major! You have just been promoted. I expect them to have control of the ship before we reach Terra. Is there a problem with that?"

"No!" said the young soldier and saluted sternly. It was clear to her that she was very happy about this order. The soldiers of Cadia were relentless in their fight against chaos and it was not their style to use such cowardly tactics. "With your permission, I would like to return to my troops and inform them of the new chain of command."

After she was gone the admiral nodded. "That's how it should be! Cowardice will not be tolerated on my ship. Had they not acted, it would have been my job to kill this coward. "However, I would request that you not do so in my office."

"Why?"

"Because the carpet is getting dirty!" the admiral nodded and rose. "Vanessa! New course Terra! Maximum speed!"