Raven Strategems

Inquisitor Michael begins a working relationship with the Raven Guard.

Communications

+++TO: Inquisitor Drake
+++FROM: Inquisitor Michael
+++SUBJECT: Raven Guard

Eidan,

I've been keeping abreast of things on Samalut IX from a Xenos perspective, monitoring the ongoing war with the Orks. I know you've been doing similar as regards any activity from the Thousand Sons.

It seems there are still some elements of the Raven Guard on Samalut, and they have reached out to me to proactively share information. No apparent agenda, but given your description of your interactions with them in the past I wondered if you had any thoughts?

I checked with Lord General Nayeli, as far as she is aware the Raven Guard have some kind of scouting force on the planet although she has not been appraised of the scale of their operations. They do share intelligence with her, although it seems to be as and when they choose to, and they do sometimes respond to her requests, however she has found it easier to coordinate via the small scout force of Blood Angels that are also planetside.

Sergeant Khira is known to her, at least by name. He was personally responsible for the rescue and return of Planetary Governor Suhaniya Singhe at the beginning of the counter-offensive against the Orks.

Message copied below.

Yours,
Gregory

>>>TO: Inquisitor Gregory Michael, Obelisk, Cetus Major, Achenar
>>>FROM: Sgt Khira, Raven Guard, Samalut IX, Achenar
>>>SUBJECT: Samalut IX Intelligence Report

Inquisitor,

I gather from General Nayeli you have been monitoring the war on Samalut IX.

I have attached an intelligence report. Most of this will match what you have heard from Nayeli. You may find additional information of interest to the Ordo Xenos:

• Unusual "Stormkommando" formations not seen in other Ork hoards
• Analysis of the political outcome of the assassination of Warboss "Skarrukk Grimsnik"
• Scouting reports of unusual behaviour in the forests north of Apis

>>>FILE ATTACHED<<<

V Sgt Khira

+++MESSAGE ENDS

---

+++TO: Michael
+++FROM: Drake
+++SUBJECT: Raven Guard

Gregory,

I take it you're asking me about their continued presence on the planet and whether we can trust them, rather than for any thoughts regarding the intelligence they're referring to.

I wouldn't say I trust them, but some time ago I executed a heretic Astartes masquerading as a Raven Guard, which leaves me uncertain as to whether my original conflict with them was truly with the Raven Guard, or if it was in fact with agents of the Alpha Legion. Someone aware of the particular... look of the Raven Guard would have little difficulty disguising themselves.

Given the very real threat of the Thousand Sons, along with the Dammerung and everything else we're dealing with, I find myself inclined to hope they're acting in our interests, and that the Blood Angels would take umbrage if they're up to no good. I rather suspect the Raven Guard would be as if not more wary of angering the sons of Sanguinius than of angering us.

In short, I daresay that all's well? Hopefully the future won't make a fool of me.

Sincerely,
Eidan.

+++MESSAGE ENDS