//------------------------------//
// The Daemon of Tartaurus 
// Story: PonyHammer 40,000: Magic of War II | Redemption 
// by Dragon Heart 
//------------------------------//

	The Blood Phoenixes managed to teleport back aboard their ship, which received a call as soon as they boarded.

"There is an incoming transmission from Inquisitor Rarity, Captain." said Spike.

Helios answered the call, and Rarity came through, sounding relieved.

"Philosophies, finally an answer!" said Rarity. "It seems I still have some allies left..." She regathered her composure and continued. "In your absence, I contacted Michael Pegalos once more, and, his response was most... disturbing. I will play it back and let you hear it for yourself.'

She played the recording for Helios and the others to hear.

"Inquisitor," Pegalos's voice spoke, "though it was the daemon Nettor who rotted the heart and mind of Traytus... it is with another daemon the Chapter Master currently treats. This is the daemon of Tartaurus; of the Maledictum. Unwittingly, it was set free... with a blow from my own hammer. It seeks to offer up the skulls of the slain to Khorne so it may open a warprift that swallows the sector... In order to achieve this genocide, Traytus has orchestrated the arrival of the Inquisition and the Exterminatus."

"We learned as much from Traytus himself." said Helios. "It seems every last one of us has played a part in allowing this tragedy..."

"Regardless, this confession does far more to damn the Blood Phoenixes than redeem it." said Rarity. "I cannot halt the Exterminatus while Traytus still breathes, Captain Philosophies. You and Pegalos must act soon, before the Ordo Stalleus plays completely into the daemon's grasp. Rarity out."

Pinkie stepped up. "Philosophies, on the Space Hulk, I asked you what our next move was and you faltered." She said impatiently. "Like a fool, I ask again... What is our next move?"

"It is true that even if we should defeat the traitor, we face condemnation and death." said Helios. "But it is not for pride or favor that we serve, but for the Empress herself and the purpose she has granted us. If we shall die fulfilling that purpose, so be it. None will find us wanting!"

"Hah! To death, then!" said Pinkie. "If Traytus' plan is to succeed, he will need a place to wait out the Exterminatus. There is only one place in the subsector that the Ordo Stalleus will not bring their guns, a world that died long ago..."

"Cyrene."

"The Teleportarium is already configured to take us there." said Spike. "We can leave immediately."