Chapter 12 – Dead World Investigation
As soon as the dimensional portal opened, the expeditionary force stepped into tactical formation. The ground beneath them was dry and cracked, hot winds sweeping across the dust and ruins of the dead city.
Sergeant Bastonne scanned the area with his thermal vision. "No signs of life. But… I don't like this silence."
Magos Explorator Delphan Gruss turned on the atmospheric scanner. "The level of virus particles in the air is above normal. The genetic structure… is not of this world."
Magos Biologist Lirae crouched beside a rotting corpse. "Interesting… these cells aren't completely dead. Some sort of bio-mechanical agent is reactivating the tissue. Perhaps a form of local biological weapon."
Tech-Adept Toren recorded everything as he murmured, "This data will be very useful for the development of vaccines and anti-viruses—at least if we want to expand our presence in this world."
Meanwhile, Sister Superior Veridyan led a team through the ruins of the hospital. They found a breached isolation room, dried green liquid on the floor, and a faint umbrella-shaped logo.
"This logo is strange. Not imperial, not xenos. Probably a local faction. We'll keep it for further investigation," Veridyan said.
Scout Marbo, who had explored the inner city further, returned to the troops and tossed something—a still-moving human hand.
"That thing can't die from ordinary wounds," he muttered coldly. "I shot it twice in the head. It stopped."
Lord Inquisitor Cotaez, reviewing Lirae and Marbo's scans, nodded slowly. "Not a significant threat to the Imperium… but interesting enough to develop. This world is worth securing as an off-site laboratory."
Creed, from his main post near the portal, gave his final orders. "Clear the area around the portal. Establish an observation post. Send a full report to Kent. This world will be the beginning of our galactic expansion."
Meanwhile, the portal continued to spin slowly, reflecting purple light on the sand.
The troops returned… calm, calculating. To the Imperium and the Mechanicus, a world of viruses and the undead was not a threat—it was an opportunity.