Rae van Daleon – The Roots of the Storm
by Lea von Löwenstein
Chapter 46: The New Staff
The air in the Scola’s grand hall was tense with anticipation as the novices gathered, the room filled with the low hum of whispered speculation. The rebuilt institution had already proven itself a far cry from the broken halls they had left behind, and now it was time to meet the new staff—the individuals who would shape their future in service to the Emperor.
Rae stood with her team near the back, her arms crossed as she observed the novices around her. Many faces were familiar, though a handful of new recruits stood out, their eyes wide with curiosity—or fear.
The heavy oak doors at the front of the hall creaked open, silencing the murmurs. Inquisitor Kael entered first, her imposing presence commanding the attention of every soul in the room. Behind her followed a line of individuals, each dressed in the distinct garb of their position.
Kael stepped onto the raised platform, her gaze sweeping over the crowd. “This Scola is reborn, and with it, its leadership. These instructors have been chosen not just for their skill, but for their unwavering loyalty to the Emperor. They will shape you, mold you, and ensure you leave here ready to face the horrors of the galaxy.”
She turned slightly, gesturing to the figures behind her. “Now, meet your new mentors.”
Commissar Varn: Discipline Personified
First to step forward was Commissar Varn, his black greatcoat pristine, the golden Aquila on his chest gleaming under the lights. A deep scar ran from his temple to his jaw, and his steely gaze seemed to pierce through anyone who dared meet it.
“I am Commissar Varn,” he said, his voice sharp as a blade. “Discipline is the foundation of strength. Without it, you are nothing but rabble waiting to be slaughtered. Under my watch, you will learn discipline, obedience, and resolve—or you will not remain here.”
His gaze swept the room, lingering on a few of the novices who dared to fidget under his scrutiny. “The Emperor does not tolerate weakness, and neither do I. Fail to meet my standards, and you will not receive a second chance.”
Rae exchanged a glance with Marcus, who muttered under his breath, “Not exactly the friendly type.”
Magos Omnitek: The Tech-Priest
Next to step forward was a towering figure robed in crimson and gold, their form obscured by an array of mechanical limbs and servo-arms. The faint whir of servos and the crackle of static accompanied every movement.
“I am Magos Omnitek, envoy of the Omnissiah and custodian of knowledge,” they said, their voice an eerie blend of human and synthetic tones. “Your understanding of technology is woefully inadequate, but I shall rectify this. You will learn to respect the sacred union of machine and flesh, to maintain and wield the tools of war with reverence.”
Their glowing green optics scanned the room. “Failure to adhere to the rites of the Machine God will be met with consequences most unpleasant.”
Tyren’s eyes lit up with curiosity. “Finally, someone who gets it,” he whispered to Soren, who rolled his eyes.
Sister Verena: The Spiritual Guide
A tall, stern woman in the white and red robes of the Adepta Sororitas stepped forward next, a gilded rosarius hanging around her neck. Her presence was commanding, but her eyes held a flicker of warmth beneath their intensity.
“I am Sister Verena,” she began, her voice steady and clear. “It will be my duty to ensure that your faith remains unshaken. Chaos preys on doubt, and only through unwavering devotion to the Emperor can you hope to withstand its temptations.”
Her gaze softened slightly as it fell on a few novices near the front. “You have seen the darkness, but it is through the Emperor’s light that you will find strength. Together, we will ensure your soul remains pure.”
Celestine leaned toward Rae. “I like her better already,” she whispered. Rae nodded faintly but said nothing.
Drill Instructor Halek: The Blunt Hammer
The next figure was a grizzled man in a worn flak vest, his arms crossed over a barrel chest. Scars crisscrossed his face and hands, and his expression was one of perpetual irritation.
“I’m Drill Instructor Halek,” he barked, his voice rough and gravelly. “You’ll get no speeches from me. My job is simple: to make sure you don’t die the first time you see combat. If you think that means I’ll go easy on you, you’re dead wrong.”
He stepped closer to the edge of the platform, glaring down at the novices. “I’ll break you down, strip away all that useless pride, and build you back up into something that might survive out there. If you can’t take it, there’s the door.”
Marcus chuckled quietly. “He and Varn should have a competition for who’s scarier.”
Archivist Lira: Keeper of Knowledge
The final figure was a slender woman in the muted gray robes of the Adeptus Administratum. A data-slate was tucked under her arm, and her sharp eyes darted across the room, cataloging every detail.
“I am Archivist Lira,” she said, her voice calm and measured. “While others teach you to fight, I will ensure you understand what you are fighting for—and against. Knowledge is power, and ignorance is death.”
She tapped the data-slate with a finger. “The enemies of the Emperor are cunning, and understanding them is as important as defeating them. Pay attention, and you might learn something that saves your life.”
The Challenge Ahead
Kael stepped forward again, her gaze sweeping the room. “These are your mentors. Learn from them, listen to them, and above all, trust that they will prepare you for what lies ahead. This Scola is no longer just a place of learning—it is a crucible. Only the strongest will emerge.”
Her tone sharpened. “If you think you can coast on past accomplishments, think again. This is a fresh start, and no one is exempt from the trials to come.”
The room fell silent as the staff exited the hall, their presence leaving an almost tangible weight behind. The novices began to disperse, their hushed conversations filled with equal parts dread and determination.
Rae’s Resolve
As Rae and her team made their way toward the barracks, Celestine broke the silence. “Well, this is going to be fun.”
Marcus snorted. “Fun isn’t the word I’d use.”
“Doesn’t matter,” Rae said, her tone firm. “We’ve faced worse before, and we’ll face worse again. What matters is we don’t stop.”
“For Talia,” Soren added quietly.
Rae nodded. “For Talia. For the Emperor. And for us.”
The new Scola was more intimidating than ever, but Rae and her team had been forged in fire. Whatever the next trials brought, they were ready.
