What lies ahead for the desert world of Morkai if a Genestealer cult is responsible for the mutant rebellion?

Somewhere in a forgotten star system of the Corvus Cluster, Lady Georgene Serillian of the Inquisition sat within the confines of Watch Station Vigilia.

Vigilia was an ugly, armored bastion on a deserted planet. Yet it also was a key outpost of the Ordo Xenos and the Deathwatch, the Space Marine chapter that defends the Imperium from the threat of xenos.

Sitting at her desk, she studied the report of one of her operatives, Sarida Bex, who was investigating rumors that the mutant rebels of Morkai showed signs of xeno taint

INQUISITORIA 30283/13.92
MISSION REPORT BY: Acolyte Sarida Bex
FILE: Morkai xeno threat
CROSS FILE: Genestealers, cult activity
INPUT DATE: 6 361 744.M41
INPUT CLEARANCE: Throne Agent Level
SUBMITTED TO: Inquisitor Serillian

Your Ladyship:

In response to rumors of a xeno taint among the mutant rebels of Morkai, I have infiltrated the senior command of the Morkai Planetary Force (PDF), as well as gained access to the confidential files of an Adeptus Mechanicus inquiry of the remains of various mutant corpses obtained during military operations against the rebels.

It is my conclusion that evidence supports the theory that a number of mutant rebels are xenos—or are a hybrid life-form of human and non-human parentage, or a human contaminated with xeno genetic material.

Evidence supporting this conclusion:

Artefact #1: After the Battle of the Bazaha Wadi (early 740.M41), Tech Priests attached to the 4th Cohort of the Charcharoth Home Guard collected a number of skeletal samples of the most hideous mutant soldiers killed. 

This artifact, illustrated at right, reveals an elongated-shaped skull, with prominent crests above and below the eyes, and a box-shaped depression around the auditory canals that are a severe variation from standard-human skulls. The skull also has a unique grayish tone inconsistent with a calcium-based bones or keratin.

This variation is so profound that magos biologis on the planet cannot discern any way that such severe malformations could be explained by normal genetic mutation.

Artefact #2: This four-fingered hand, with massive claws, was reportedly recovered by an Adeptus Arbites squad that encountered what Enforcers described as a hideously mutated creature in the underhive of the capital city of Golgenna.

Although the pict lacks colorization, you will note the parallel muscle cords visible through fissures in the mutant’s flesh. This feature matches closely to Inquisitorial Report 176a-82-X (738.M41) regarding a xeno classified as a Ymgarl Genestealer (Corporaptor ymgarli).

That specimen reportedly was found aboard a void-freighter whose crew had been implanted with xeno genetic material and had taken on distinctly non-human characteristics, including oversized claws and an elongated skull. (Ship and crew subsequently destroyed, Case File M19-37398-ap1-9.)

Artefact #3: Genetic analysis of a three-armed mutant killed during a gunfight at the spaceport of the hive city of Charcharoth. 

This mutant was encountered during a raid by an Enforcer patrol against a smuggling operation in the spaceport. Killed by gunfire, the smuggler’s corpse was taken to Golgenna for an autopsy by the chief biologis of the Adeptus Mechanicus.

Genetic testing revealed a mix of human and xeno genetic coding, most notable for the DNA’s organization into a triple helix (human DNA is organized into a double helix).

Although the senior biologis in Golgenna has not come to a definitive conclusion, I have obtained a genetic sample of this corpse and forwarded it to you for analysis. I suspect its genetic coding will indicate the creature is a variant of the Genestealer species.

Cultural Evidence #1: As best as I can determine from mutant rebel propaganda that permeates the underhives of various Morkai hive cities, the leader of the mutant rebellion is known as the Haruspex.

There are two symbols commonly associated with the worship of this leader: a red “H” and several variations of a long-bodied creature with ridges upon its spine that echoes (however vaguely) the form of a Genestealer.

It would be a statistically unlikely coincidence if such an icon—that has been identified on numerous worlds with a Genestealer infestation—did not indicate a xeno presence on Morkai. 

Conclusion: A Genestealer cult exists on Morkai, with activity in various hive cities. This cult also has influence—if not control—of the mutant rebellion.

My recommendation is that the threat level of a xeno threat on Morkai be raised to Beta level—and that the Adeptus Arbites on Morkai be instructed to take a more aggressive effort to extinguish cult activity. 

In the meantime, I shall turn my attention to identifying the most active cult activity on the planet, so that we can develop a more coherent strategy to deal with what appears to be a more insidious threat than previously realized.

+ END REPORT — BEX  +

INQUISITORIA  83673/834.74.w
RESPONSE: Inquisitor Serillian
FILE: Morkai xeno threat
CROSS FILES: Genestealers, cult activity
INPUT DATE: 6 364 744.M41
INPUT CLEARANCE: Throne Agent Level
SUBMITTED TO: Acolyte Sarida Bex

I concur with your recommendations. You are authorized, under disguise, to present yourself as a representative of the Ordo Xenos and order the Adeptus Arbites to make a priority of identifying and eliminating mutant cult activity.

Under no circumstances are you to extend your investigation to rebel-held territory surrounding Ungolath.

Although Inquisitor Inquisitor Gideon Locke survived a reconnaissance mission into the city, what we need at this moment is to smash cult activity in Imperial-held territory and ensure that the Morkai PDF have a secure base of operation in the hive cities.

Let’s focus on what we can learn from captured cultists before we risk a more dangerous intelligence mission.

I will require regular reports. Let us try to head off this threat before the planet ends up in turmoil.

— Serillian

—

The Corvus Cluster is a Warhammer 40K blog documenting our gaming adventures in the fantastical sci-fi universe of Games Workshop.