Maximus

That was the end of the interrogation, and they sent me to the medics. But I shouldn't have relaxed! These ghouls in white coats had dragged the soul out of me, not so much by examinations as by tests, conversations, and other Jesuit stuff.

- Can you use the powers of warp, Inquisitor? - the healer inquired at the end of a six-hour marathon of interrogations.

- As far as I understand from the books and instructions, no, though I am protected against the spoiling of the Deadly Powers," I answered. - How it was before, I do not know.

- This one's a demonologist," Doc said. - And now, Ro, an ordinary man. Impervious to psionic influences, however, up to Gamma level. Verified by the Grey Knights' Prognosticarius, no warp activity, no mind penetration or telekinesis," the healer said.

Hmm, so that's what all the swarming was about as Maximus and I made our way to the interrogation room. I admittedly mentally brushed it off as a buzzing insect, and it was a solid Gamma-level psyker, almost the equivalent of a shock tank, according to the qualifications in the textbook.

- I'd have taken you for a lost soul in warp," the healer said, making me shiver, "but you leave no ill-effects or shadow in warp. Well, that's more of an advantage than a disadvantage in your labors. I, Psychologist-Prima, Leon Chernigoff, affirm your fitness to bear the burden of serving the Imperium of Mankind, but I strongly recommend that you make up for lost knowledge and determine the possibilities of acquired protection.

- Where? And how? - I asked the question frankly, which made my eyes widen and the answer grumpy.

- You are the Inquisitor, not me! - issued a Doc, handing me several sealed sheets. - My report is for you, and it has also been sent to the Informatorium of the Order.

- Thank you, Medicus," I said with a chuckle as I made my way towards the exit from the healing chambers.

Maximus was waiting for me at the exit, taking me under his arm and immediately inquired, poking his hand in the sheets:

- How?

- Approved suitability," I answered, releasing my hand and handing over the sheets for review. - But the Medicus said he sent the data to the Informantium? - I clarified.

- So? - He stared at me in amazement, and then grimaced. - Memory, I see. In general, Ter, access to personal data in the Information Room of the Order is possible only through your insignia, or a commission of at least three Inquisitors, or an approved Lord Inquisitor. I strongly recommend that you refresh your memory on the Order's Internal Code. And we have no external," he said before my question, evidently aware of my question by his facial expression. - Yes, really hit you. Well, we'll get things sorted out, and then we'll get to you.

- I'd appreciate it," I bowed lightly. - What business is it, though?

- And the xenotech you brought? - The man was indignant. - You said it opened a pathway to a deeper layer of Immaterium, as your description confirms. But it contains no trace of warp! - He raised his finger. - And the chain you'll be returning," Maximus said, his moustache twitching. - "From Magnus the Primarch himself, even before he fell into heresy," he muttered, then went on hesitantly. - If they're telling the truth, it holds no worse warp around the ship than Geller's Hold.

- And how can I help? - I asked. - I don't know who needs to take that xenotech to. If you can take care of it, Maximus, I should be grateful, but if not, I'll give it to the guards at the fortress entrance.

- What will they do with it? - He asked the man not without a sneer. - I know what you said, and there's no point in them dragging you about. But I will take care of it," he handed me a glimpse of the pages he'd looked at. - You want to sit on the observation deck? I'll be done in half an hour," Maximus hummed when he saw the questioning look on his face: - So you do. Let's go.

He led me through several passages and descents, leading me to a wide balcony. The only passages I'd seen so far were metal corridors, though they were expansive, which made me think the fortress was no different from Forge World or the passenger deck of the Debauchery. However, the view from ten meters high on a hall of no less than a kilometer in size dissuaded me. After having heard from Maximus: "Sit and have a bite, I'll be right there", I went to one of the tables situated at the edge of the balcony, where I was served by the attendant. And, sipping a beer and eating something like sausage . And admired, no kidding, the sight that opened up. The whole kilometer was built up in white and black marble, in both Hellenistic and Neo-Gothic styles, which were surprisingly well matched - multi-columned single-story palaces interspersed with buildings in the Neo-Gothic style. In addition, no less than half of the observable area consisted of alleys and gardens, fountains and a man-made river. In general, it was beautiful as hell - yes, the inquisitor's brothers arranged themselves quite well, I stated.

And twenty-five minutes later, Maximus landed at the table, flashing a satisfied smile from under the mustache. Cyclistically loaded the attendant order, he relaxed, leaning back in his chair, proclaimed:

- "Ask.

- First, - I was not shy. - Your check with Konstantin and ... Vasily, - I remembered. - A few questions, which you can, if you want, can be interpreted as you like.

- The basis of our questions - the detection of malicious interference in your mind. The demons of Tzeentch are famous for it, and you may not have known it yourself," said Maximus. - "Holy Terra, Ter," he winked at me, thinking he'd made a good pun. - It makes me nostalgic, as if I try to put into your stubborn head the way when you were an interrogator.

- Yeah," I nodded sourly.

- Well, just like that time," the mustachioed man grinned. - Okay, let's go on. Well, the first stage was to find out that you're not a Demonhost. Only a God who moved into your body could resist the relics and psykers.

- And why not? - I wondered.

- A shadow in the Immaterium," Maximus said with a big grin. - Even Tzeentch could only shield a certain amount of warp space in a distortion veil. Which they didn't, hence, not them. That leaves," he said, taking a sip of the wine from the cup he'd delivered. - The Deceiver and the Cegorach. But the Deceiver cannot withstand warp power, and is only known by legends fifty thousand years old," Inquisitor sipped his wine again.

- And Cegorach? - I asked.

- The hell with him," Maximus grinned. - He is not an enemy of the Inquisition, but an ally, so we may survive his jokes. And besides, I doubt you're the Laughing God avatar," Maximus said thoughtfully. "you are too dull, and they would have detected him by shadow," Maximus drawled. - And now, Ter, my friend, when we established you were neither Demonhost nor Holder of the Daemons, you passed...

- Test for the rank of Inquisitor," I filled the pause with my conjecture.

- Exactly! - The mustachioed one was jubilant. - Remembered, or guessed?

- I guessed," I admitted.

- That's even better," Maximus said. - So we have a man who is generally friendly to the Imperium and the Inquisition, suitable for the job and has done it quite well. Yes, judging by the report, the situation on Tellorum was not too significant. But your behavior is quite consistent with the Order's demands. And the xenotech that was taken from under the nose of gears," the interlocutor cheered and clapped me on the shoulder. - You're good! - He diagnosed me.

- And yet...

- And yet, Ter, there are very few of us. - He sounded serious. - Millions of Imperium schols produce no more than a hundred candidates a year. The death rate, the change of personality," he went on. - Even not from the Xhal had to recruit people for the Order, and not with the most pleasant consequences. There's a library here and I'll lend you mine too, since you were already familiar with it before you forgot it. And there should be much in my gift... Don't you remember, too? Jokaero's Cogitator Auspex. The monkeys pumped information into it from just about every informatorium in the Imperium. No access, you furry Xenos," Maximus said angrily.

I was in the library, wondering who the hell they were, hacking into all the libraries in the Imperium, and working, or at least taking orders from the Inquisition. Instead of being burnt alive by fire.

- He," I said affirmatively, pulling out my clipboard, to which I nodded. - I was probably thankful, but I'll say 'grateful' again.

- The first time was enough for me," Maximus grinned. - What else did you want to know?

- Rather to get some advice. A number of norms and general truths known to everyone I do not remember. For example, how to look after women, how to behave at the table...

- You can't forgive me?! - Inquisitor snapped, but staring into my eyes full of affliction, even embarrassed. - Okay, I forgot Claudia, too. I'll tell it to you... Well, you had an affair, back when you were an interrogator. An Arbiter girl, on my team. Killed by a demon doing my bidding. A justified and necessary order! - He raised his voice and his finger. - I neither slept with her nor was I jealous. I was glad for you! - He almost shouted as he leaned back in his chair, exhausted.

- Maximus, I think you care a lot more than I do," I replied flatly. - I don't remember Claudia, and I don't remember any story about her.

- I'm sorry, Ter," the Inquisitor sighed in an old man's way, "I suppose you're right, I can't forgive myself. Ah, to warp, everyone! Well," he shook himself, "you must go to schola. " said Maximus briskly, and he laughed at my face.

- Not as an apprentice," he continued with a laugh", "an instructor, or a lecturer, or a guide for the youngsters. Maybe you can get yourself an interrogator, though I admit it's not very timely in your position," he commented on my skeptically raised eyebrow.

- And what kind of lectures am I going to give, you forgetless one? - I inquired. - And how will lecturing help me to fill in the gaps in my memory?

- Lectures... about the fear and terror of the Warp Powers, if you can't remember them yourself you can memorize them from scratch," Maximus brushed them aside. - And it can help both communication and mentor something. Veterans teach in the halls. Commissars, Arbitrators, even Inquisitors, though rare. And live communication - learn how to, as you put it, with the "ladies" to get acquainted ... Oh, I can not! - Jerking, almost rolled under the table this ryan. - What were you thinking,you Slaaneshite ?

- Schola. Children," I said succinctly.

- Stop thinking about children! said the man with a stern voice. - They'll tear you off... They'll tear everything off, there's almost always a couple or three sororites teaching in the halls. I mean the fifth and sixth round... Oh, you don't remember. Anyway, in the senior circles of learning are not children, and mentors come after rejuvenation. Anyway, in your situation, half a year in the fold is the best option. Then half a year in libraries, not neglecting training, and in a year you'll be as good as new.

- I thank you for your advice, but libraries first," I said. - But where would I live?

- Ask any attendant with the coat of arms of the Order on the chest, he will place and escort, if you apply. Busy will call a free, so it is solved in a few minutes, - waved Maximus. - You on auspex my TECHNO-PRIEST will send coordinates of my apartments, workshops, and on communication if necessary. All right, Terenty, I see it in your eyes, you're aiming for the books," he smirked. - Well, something does not change, so good luck to you and see you.

With those words Maximus got up and left me. And I was left sitting and thinking. At the very least I don't understand a damn thing. A grimdark universe of endless war - and some amateurish, at first glance, actions. Although... not necessarily amateurish, given the brainiacs. And who says the tests are over? For example, the same theoretical Claudia in a vacuum. It's not at all certain that such a person existed, or that her name wasn't Vasya. All in all, keep the sensory organs on the sensory organ landings and learn, I reasonably concluded.

The attendant on the balcony, notified of what I wanted, nodded, and a couple of minutes later, attendant number two appeared and escorted me to a Hellenistic insula of several apartments. The library, designed in the form of a Gothic cathedral, was no more than two dozen meters away, so after dumping my bag in the dwelling, I went to the repository of knowledge.