Father kept his hands folded beneath the sleeves of his long, white-and-gold robes as he wandered up the ancient, black, reflective stair. At his side, Mara- his favored second-in-command walked in silence, having just delivered the morning’s horrid report. Another three Purged had been brought to the brink of insanity due to the Rift’s toxic effects and with the fall of Pilta, three more would not take their place this day.

In the eerie silence of the Tower, the Purged walked determinately back-and-forth between the shifting halls, climbing and ascending stairs- always aware that something needed doing in the conversion of more Ungodly.

Father and Mara arrived on the plateau connecting the administrators’ wing to the barracks. Upon their arrival, the magical crystals at their end of the smooth, black platform came to life to light their way. At the distal end, the pair saw that the crystals glowed a dim green- illuminating another, recently returned shape. Lita- the Purged who had accompanied Bartholomew and Titus back from Pilta, stood and conversed with two fresh converts, bobbing her hooded head while forming a curious symbol over her pelvis- touching her thumbs and index fingers together to form what appeared to be an upside-down heart. After muttering something, the other two repeated the gesture and bowed their heads- signaling the completion of their meeting.

Lita watched them walk away as Father turned towards his Purged companion to ask: “Mara... what do you know of that woman? She is the one from Pilta, yes? I believe I had a hand in her conversion, but I fail to remember what, exactly.” Mara nodded.

“She is Lita- psychomancer, second class. She is on the night shift, securing the Rift. I am told her arrival has increased the morale of the others and, so far, she seems wholly unbothered by the toxicity.” Father listened intently to the report and spoke: “Truly? How rare. Psychomancers are usually sensitive to the effects of the Rift. She must be a devout believer in the Cause, yes?”

“Yes, Father, I am certain she is.” Intrigued by this mysterious woman, Father journeyed across the platform- passing by the Purged to speak towards Lita’s back.

“Lita, was it? You have returned from Pilta, yes?” Inside Lita’s robe, her hands clenched at the sound of that voice- the voice that had laughed as they pinned her down and... She turned around and bowed down low.

“Father. It has been some time, but I thank you for welcoming me back. It is good to be home in Capita.” Father smiled- pleased to see that, despite her lengthy stationing in Pilta, she remained subservient.

“Yes... yes, I am certain it is. I welcome you back, Daughter. I am glad to see that you survived the ordeal- I am most certain you must have been party to some unpleasantries.” When she rose, he could see a still, faint smile on her luscious, red lips. She shook her head and clarified: “Yes, Father. The plague ran rampant through the populace, but the First Legion cleansed the interior of the city efficiently and swiftly.” Father was pleased that she had been both trained and briefed on what truly happened in Pilta- at least in regards to what the populace was concerned.

Mara spoke up: “Even after all of that, you have devoted yourself to suppressing the Rift. Are you not worried of overexerting yourself?” Lita sternly shook her head at that and said: “No, I would rather help where I can and do my duties to serve Father, the Emperor and the High Inquisitor.”

Father was pleased- so rarely did he see someone so dedicated to the cause that they would willingly walk into the Rift containment chamber. As much as he wished for her assistance in inspiring the youth, her resistance to the effects of the Rift meant she was an irreplaceable asset, at least for now.

“I apologize, Father, but I have an appointment with Bartholomew Sargerrei and I must get to it. General Ingvard has requested my presence in his chambers and I-” Father raised his palm and signaled his understanding with a nod.

“You needn’t explain yourself to me, my child- not when you have proven so trustworthy. Please, go in peace and serve the Empire. We will see one-another again, soon.” This time, Lita’s smile was genuine as she promised: “Yes, we will, Father.” and made her way for the descending stairs.

When she had disappeared from ear-shot, Father turned his head to command his underling: “Find me more information on this girl. I wish to know everything there is to know about her. And find out what that gesture meant.” Mara attempted to form the gesture over her lower abdomen and studied her hands- as if it would somehow relay to her what it meant. Nodding, she accepted her order and watched the platform’s crystals’ green fade to regain their usual, white radiance.