The Sisters of Battle returned to the Drop Church, limping and battle-scarred. Mere hours earlier, The Albion 77th Light of Foot, a heretical regiment of the Astra Militarum*, had desecrated a shrine and cathedral. In
the process, a large portion of the Sister’s munitions and personnel had been wiped out, leaving them short on both troops and firepower. At this rate, they would not be able to backfill their missing ranks, meaning
their last stand was approaching. Complete martyrdom was on the horizon for the Order of the Triumvirate.

*According to Order of the Triumvirate researchers, 21% of all Astra Militarum regiments are estimated to be heretical. This research is not peer-reviewed.

Canoness Marika knelt at the altar within their base of operations, opposite Canoness Roxanne who had recently suffered a tank shell directly to the sternum. Bones were broken, but she was alive. “Sister Roxanne, it is a miracle you survived.” “Indeed, my Aegis of Belief was shattered, but this old power armour has some
strength left in it,” Sister Roxanne replied.

“I am thankful for your good health, as Canoness Titania’s martyrhood against the Harlequins haunts us still,” Sister Marika said. “However, we do need to talk about your fervour towards taking on heavy dreadnoughts and tanks by yourself.”

“If I see no tanks or artillery available on our side, I lead the charge. If all that’s left is this thrice-blessed chainsword, then that’s what the enemy will receive,” Sister Roxanne answered. “On this occasion, I went to have a gentle word with Commander Reginald Hargrove.”

Sister Marika shook her head. “How did that go?”

“He rammed me with a tank and then used said tank to shoot me,” Sister Roxanne reminisced. “I think there was a spark between us.”

“Please use caution. I can’t lose you too, not while our crusade is still afoot,” Sister Marika said. “That said, we should talk about promoting someone to complete the Triumvirate. I would nominate Sister Jeanne. Her devotion to the Order and record of reclaiming relics* speaks for itself.”

Canoness Roxanne stood up and lifted her Holy Eviscerator over her shoulder. “We both agree here, she is a Saint Potentia and has completed two trials of faith already. Her injuries only further her cause. In suffering there is enlightenment and enlightenment is what we need right now.”

*This record of reclaimed relics mentions the word ‘miracle’ 43 times and ‘heavy-losses’ 4 times.

Sister Jeanne received the message of promotion. Sister Jeanne declined. She needed to complete her trial of purity, and based on her previous battle, she was not yet pure. She sat atop the drop-church, whispering a prayer to The Emperor. In response, she received an unwelcome vision of bloodshed and the Order of the
Triumvirate’s final stand in the Pariah Nexus. Atop a flaming church stood Canoness Titania, visibly not-martyred, sprouting hellish wings. Jeanne left the vision in a cold sweat. Was the Martyrdom near? Was this
vision a premonition or a warning? Had Chaos entered the Pariah Nexus?

Suddenly, a small dust cloud which permeated a strange light appeared below her. The previously martyred Canoness Titania emerged, sobbing. Out of exhaustion or relief, the MIA third of the Triumvirate sank to her knees. Sister Jeanne clambered down, letting her power armour take the brunt of the fall, and warily approached the Canoness. Flickers of her vision burned away at the edge of her mind. She drew her
Blessed Blade as a precaution, before seeing the desperation in Titania’s eyes as she clutched a small box.
“You’ve returned,” Jeanne said. “We thought you martyred!”

“I was saved and captured by those Leering Fools. I have learned a terrible truth of the Universe, heresy by nature. Nyx must not be breached,” Titania replied. “I must speak with Sister Marika and Sister Roxanne
immediately.”

Sister Jeanne helped the Canoness onto her feet and together they limped into the drop-church.