Reports

Reports of Investigations and Incidents in which the presence of the Cinquefoils played a prominent role.

Assessment: Evidence of Heretical Vitality Transference

First Encounter

-During the Maekla Combine False Flag Investigation, Preacher Doran survived a church bombing due to being absent from a ceremony he'd been meant to perform. Investigating the cause of his absence, we discovered that he had stopped in an Underhive neighborhood to perform a miracle that saved the life of a dying man. Follow up with the saved individual showed he had healed from all injuries with (accurately) miraculous speed and lack of complication. 

-However, in the same time frame and same area, an unknown hiver was discovered dead in a nearby alley, disposed of in a trash bin, and given to the local clinic for examination. His body had been drained of blood, and there was evidence that a device of some kind had been attached to his torso.

-This device was later recovered from children who had taken it from the corpse, intending to sell it. Though its exact purpose has yet to be determined, it bears similarities to blood exchange units such as dialysis machines. (We have since learned more about the nature of this technology: see Vigil Device)

-Though the victim remains unidentified, his physical appearance, including naturally pallid skin and dark hair, were noted at the time.

Second Encounter

-An attack on Preacher Doran in Spire Yarrick lead to moderate injury, including lacerations and a broken arm. Upon hearing rumors that Smythe was recovering much faster than the Chirgeons had anticipated, Logis Eizen requested an opportunity to perform a physical out of curiosity. I assessed that the Preacher was in remarkably good health, with vitals similar to those of a man several years younger. In addition, his healing factor proved to be nothing short of miraculous, with his broken bone already having healed within days of the attack. Doran acknowledged that his condition, while in part due to his own dedication to health, was a gift of the Emperor, to aid him in his mission of spreading His light.

-Upon exiting the church, my auspex alerted me to irregularities it had detected in a nearby waste pile. Investigations revealed a body similar to the first; bloodless, of the same phenotypes in hair and skin pigmentation, and with the modified dialysis device still attached to his side. In addition, this body had sustained injuries identical to those reported as having been dealt to Preacher Doran in the attack.

-After recovering the body, a full autopsy I had not been afforded the opportunity to perform on the first victim revealed the presence of inert, inorganic particles in the subjects bone marrow. These particles are similar but not identical to those that remain as traces in the bloodstreams of individuals healed by the Nemesis Device.

-It should be noted that no such particles were found in the blood samples taken from Preacher Doran.

Third Encounter

-Commissioner Neve Comata reported that one of her Arbites had been assaulted by hivers bearing tattoos of the same design as those worn by agents of Lady von Tarquinius; the attack occurred with no known provocation in the underhive of Spire Thor.

-Investigating the location in which this assault occurred revealed that the observed phenotype of dark hair and pallid skin was prominent in the local populace. Following this lead to the local hospital, Logis Eizen was able to obtain samples of blood from a living hiver that contained the same inert particles as those in the bone marrow of one (and likely both) of the prior victims. The subject also believed that he recognized the one of the dead men, though not with any personal familiarity.

Initial Conclusions

-The evidence indicates that the exsanguination procedure results in a transfer of vitality between a healthy sacrifice a injured/ailing target, who is restored/healed by the process.

-Presence of witnesses to the healing of these individuals suggests that there is no perceivable indication of the procedure affecting the restored target. Alternatively, such indicators may be detectable, but arouse no suspicion, or are perceivable only through utilities not available to the general public.

-The procedure involves a modified dialysis machine, and seems at least partially predicated on the presence of inert particles linked with the healing abilities of the Nemesis Device. Whether the Spire Thor phenotype is also a prerequisite to the success of the procedure is unknown. (Update: it is likely that phenotype was coincidental to availability of subjects in localized region.)

-The complicity of Preacher Doran in these events is at this time unknown (update; uninvolvement confirmed), but casts significant suspicion on his intentions and subsequently those of the Clerics Regular. Given the current tensions surrounding the religious disputes between the Regulars and the Eternalites, the results of this investigation may prove pivotal to Asterion's public safety and ultimate salvation.

Notable Questions:

  1. Why, in the cases of both victims, was minimal effort given to hiding and/or relocating the bodies of the victims? Similarly, why were the devices not removed by the perpetrator? (Update: Solomon was unable to provide answers to either question, though given circumstances it may be safe to assume a lack of time or opportunity.)
  2. Is the presence of DeWonti agents in the same regions from where the victims were taken coincidental or connected to the matter at hand? (Update: it remains unknown whether Solomon was attacked for being a psykers; however, the two incidents may be entirely unrelated, as Clan Pelnikt was also kidnapping arbiters under command of a Procuratia.)
  3. Why do the inert particles appear in the victims, but not in those restored by the transference? Does the presence of the particles themselves indicate the existence of another Nemesis Device? (Update; Device responsible is Communior, but the use itself appears far removed from its intended function.)

Report: Investigation of Spire Thor Level Epsilon Zeta

[Aug 21, 2024]

-Initial Follow-Up involved another interview with the patient Jaem Tesserak, the Spire Thor hiver that Eizen sampled and was discovered to have inert particles in his blood. Located in Spire Thor Level Epsilon Zeta (Levepszet); works at a Las Gun Pack Manufactorum, along with his brother Fex who he lives with. 

-Discussion with Jaem yielded knowledge that Doran was scheduled to speak a few levels down in Spire Thor later in the day. He also disclosed that he previously had an illness that had improved into his current state of excellent health.

-Fex had apparently gone missing for the past several hours, and his brother was concerned, given his recent strange behavior. Jaem noted that he might be visiting his friend Madeliene, and/or her romantic partner Medicae Estagon Wheetle, who worked at the clinic. He also showed us a picture of his brother in a group of Spire Thor phenotype individuals, wearing athletic clothes for the game "Furnace Ball." In the picture, Fex was outfitted with a modified blood filtration machine, apparently provided by the clinic that Eizen previously visited. (We have since gained more insight about these machines: see Vigil Device)

-Quint's psychic abilities were somewhat distracted by the sense of psychic cleanliness in the general area.

-Estagon was in possession of an odd card device that had been given to him by Fex. He had no knowledge of the blood filtration machines being equipped in such a manner to any patients of the clinic, and had not seen Fex since the previous day. He indicated that Madeleine could be found at either the local slop house or with a fortune teller that she has been spending time with, Ysme. Locating this woman, of remarkably poor posture, we founds her using cards similar to the one held by Estagon, though these are painted with the Emperor's Tarot. Quint detected no psychic emanations from her or her customer.

-She was speaking to Madeleine, who was apparently experiencing relationship difficulties, and seeking advice. Verity approached to learn more about the situation, including more intelligence about Fex's possible location (like the others, she had not seen him since the day prior, and confirmed Jaem's mentions that he'd been behaving oddly). She also mentioned that he occasionally went to speak to Preacher Osten.

-The Church was built within retrofitted Legio Cybernetica facility. Preacher Enoch was able to connect with the priest of the Church, and gain further insight into the movements of Fex. We noted that a slot for cards containing written prayers was installed in the altar, with dimensions matching those of the previously noted devices; supposedly this was attached to an incinerator (though indication would later prove that the prayers were deposited elsewhere). Behind the church we located prayer booths, one of which had a similar slot installed. The movements of Fex, as well as predicted structural/storage elements of such a facility, indicated that one of these might have a hidden chamber attached.

-Preacher Osten further explained the sentiments of the Spire with regard to Preacher Doran (largely positive), including a particularly zealous follower, an arbites called Solomon (unusual, given that the arbites usually are referred to only by designation codes to remain anonymous to the public. Follow-up with Ysme indicated that some knew Solomon as a priest.

-After confirming that the cards previously encountered were used as a sort of premium prayer card, we requisitioned Estagon's card. Interfacing with the prayer booth's mechanisms and utilizing the card opened—as expected—a secret room. Previously a Cybernetica Dataforge, the chamber was now entirely dedicated to a Shrine to Preacher Doran, demonstrating massive obsession with Smythe. There were also a number of the blood filtration devices. Quinten was detected a psychic aura, as well as a "smell" that he recognized as something from a time-span of several thousands of years ago. Combined with the presence of the inert particles, it was predicted that something similar to the Nemesis Device might be involved.

-We also found:

  1. Drafts of litanies about "St. Doran the Kind." The poetry was somewhat amateur in its design, but the concepts evocative enough to prompt further analysis and synthesis.
  2. A many times folded letter that clearly contains a code within it contents, signed by a Brother Gideon. It has been written over in Solomon's handwriting with the words "coward" and "betrayer." The identity of this individual is uncertain; however, it is possible that this is a cover identity of Interrogator Gideon, similar to Interrogator Saends's identity of Brother Sands.
  3. A calendar of events marked in correlation with the miracles that occurred. These events seem to have begun a year and a half ago, similar to the time of Preacher Doran's meteoric rise. There were 26 x marks, and roughly 60 circles. Some dates were marked with circles without x marks, but none of the reverse circumstances were noted to have occurred.
  4. The aforementioned prayer cards, some tacked to the wall, signifying particular interest or importance.

-All evidence was confiscated prior to leaving the area.

-Solomon was likely to be present at Doran's sermon; our team went to the location—Thor Level Epsilon Theta—to apprehend the target. Upon our arrival, Quint located two key points of psychic emanation to be investigated. One proved to be Fex, currently experiencing the process of vitality transference and thus a rapid deterioration of his health. The other was Solomon, posing as a beggar with the name "Old Saul."

-Under Ambassador Lethe's direction, Quint and Logis Eizen were able to sever the psychic connection between the two targets and stabilize Fex's condition. Preacher Enoch and the Major were able to successfully apprehend Solomon without causing collateral damage, though not without causing some discord in the crowd of the assembled faithful. The psyker was also deal an injury that under most circumstances I would consider fatal; however, investigation of Solomon's affects and body yielded the predicted discover of a prismatic five pointed star device is embedded in his neck; this is almost certainly a variant of the Nemesis Device—however, the distinct differences in its design and apparent capabilities warrant an alternative designation, and it shall hereafter be referred to as the Philotes Device.

-While the patient and the prisoner were transported back to Bluehull-92, Kelle liaised with Sister Yvestina to explain the conflict, utilizing a cover story that we had learned of a potential threat to Preacher Doran and moved to apprehend the target. Avarast was understandably displeased that we had not sent her a communication to inform her of the possible assassin, but Ambassador Lethe was able to provide both an explanation and gain additional insight by claiming that we had evidence of possible traitors to Preacher Doran within the Clerics Regular, and inquired after her knowledge of Brother Gideon. She has no knowledge of this individual, though an absence of acquaintance is itself a possible lead. Kelle eventually managed to calm the crowd enough for Doran's sermon to continue as planned.

Conclusions:

-The miracles performed by Preacher Doran are likely all caused not by holy intervention of the Emperor but use of the Philotes Device by Solomon, an obsessed and dedicated zealot. It would appear that Smythe is entirely unaware of this fact. Through the Nemesis Device, we should be able to continue providing the illusions of these miracles and aid the Clerics Regular in maintaining their growing popularity over the Eternalites. It should be noted, however, that the Nemesis Device has been known to purge certain individuals as well as heal them, and that this addition to the miracles may prove to alter the perception of Doran and possibly the philosophies of the Clerics Regular.

-Other variants of the Nemesis Device may exist and be present on Asterion (Update: Existence confirmed); it will be of paramount importance to learn where Solomon acquired the Philotes Device, and whether others are aware of its existence. The possible link between Solomon and the Inquisition is disturbing, as is a hypothesis that the psyker may have once served on an Inquisitorial Retinue. At the time of writing this report, Solomon's status as a sanctioned psyker has yet to be determined, but evidence indicates enough control over his abilities to suggest such training.

-The assault on an arbitrator in Spire Thor may be linked to Solomon's presence; whether he was the individual that fell under attack by Lady von Tarquinius's agents has not yet been determined, but the Navigators interest in acquiring psykers is compatible with such a hypothesis. Should this be the case, it may well be true that Solomon is an official member of the arbites, or that a different arbitrator was attacked due to incorrect identification conflated with false intelligence of the psyker's occupation, or that the attack was unrelated and solely motivated by the Procuratia who ordered the Arbitrator Abductions.

The Lava Tube Xenotechnological Investigation and Incident

Context:

-During a soiree at the Traquiel Estates, Archmagos Sojourner Wakes entered the premises uninvited and demanded to see the Planetary Governor (Anvephone Traquiel), who was not present and had been absent for some time due to her own investigations. Archmagos Wake was only swayed to leave due to a separate incident involving a heretical device that cast a blood-like image of an Aquila upon the wall—he and Sister Yvestina Avarast attempted to pursue the owner of the device deeper into the Palace, after which the Archmagos apparently was persuaded to return to Mechanicus Headquarters.

-Dehvon revealed that he too was concerned over his sister's absence; Ambassador Lethe was prompted to open an investigation into her whereabouts.

Inciting Lead:

-Some weeks after this initial event, a man wearing the uniform of the Traquiel Guard emerged from the Lava Tubes near the Dock in the Underhive. Notably, despite his ability to walk, the man was brain dead. His serial number indicated that he was a member of the Planetary Governor's personal guard. 

-Dehvon provided us with a deployment of the Guard to further investigate the Lava Tubes.

Within the Lava Tubes:

-Spiral cut patterns were noted on the walls of the cavern; each displayed a grouping of three score marks, equidistant and precise. These markings are considered irregular and not within expected parameters of natural formations nor known drilling methods.

-Eventually we arrived at the Governor's encampment (well secured with provisions and armaments), stationed next to a "wall" of energy. Viewing the wall was uncomfortable due to unidentifiable properties of its energetic spectrum; this likely correlates with the massive amount of energy present, as indicate by other sensors. The wall also appeared to be psychically active, reacting to the presence of Quinten; this may also be connected to the discomfort experienced in viewing.

-The Governor explained that the was studying the wall and attempting to bypass it. During their studies, through accident of volunteer, members of the exploration that had touched the wall went mad—one was shot, and another fled (being the individual we had discovered near the doc).

-Her next plan of action was to attempt an overload of the field by shooting it with a las cannon, providing a large spike of energy. 

-Upon determining that the wall did interact with inorganic materials, a pict recorder was affixed with improvised extensions and pushed through to take images on the other side. These images revealed a xenotech device on a pedestal (See Nemesis Device), a 33 pointed star of crystalline material. Anvephone seemed to have research indicating that the device had healing properties.

-Images also showed what could be a Xenos figure in an alcove; this was later confirmed to be a living specimen of a Cinquefoil.

Extraction:

-The wall's responsiveness to Quinten's presence prompted an additional test of its psychic nature prior to firing the las cannon at the barrier. According to the psyker, the wall "scanned" him when he reached out, testing for some variable of purity. He responded by reciting litanies learned in his training. This seemed to be acceptable, and an aperture of Quinten's exact silhouette dimensions—scaled up by 1/33—opened at the base of the wall. Traquiel ordered him to retrieve the device on the other side, but not to touch it.

-Quinten entered the aperture and engaged in a psychic dialogue with the Cinquefoil. Such interactions are difficult to translate into gothic, but I am given to understand the essential themes of the conversation was in establishing Quinten as a champion of sorts, thus allowing him to take the Device without resistance.

-However, upon returning, Quinten touched the Device with his bare hand, causing it to instantly fuse with his body. This prompted the Planetary Governor to shoot him—fatally—in the chest, and the Cinquefoil to attack her and her guard in turn.

-Quinten miraculously recovered from his injuries within minutes of sustaining them.

Official Story:

-Despite our efforts to defeat the Xenos and protect the Planetary Governor, Anvenphone was killed, and the Cinquefoil retreated behind its field once again. Explosives were thrown through the barrier, but it is unknown whether they affected the creature in any way.

-Following this occurrence, Quinten was dispatched by Gamma Star and left for dead, along with the artifact and the Xenos, to burn in an explosion of Prometheum fire to cleanse the location of all heresy.

-The survivors returned to the surface with those bodies we could recover, and the tube collapsed to prevent further dangerous encounters.

Accurate Portrayal of Events:

-Quinten was shot by Gamma, but not killed, and used his abilities to escape undetected prior to the Prometheum detonation. He has taken on a new persona, Specialist Lazarus Quint, in the wake of these events, to allay suspicion.

-Anvephone's death was not unsatisfactory to the desires of the Company, and was aided by the efforts of Gamma Star, who assessed that the team was already under threat of neutralization for simply having been witnesses to the Planetary's Governor's efforts. In addition, her passing has allowed Ambassador Lethe to move into a position of power as the consort to Anvephone's successor, her brother Dehvon.

-It is the opinion of Logis Eizen that neither the small ordnance nor the Prometheum explosion are likely to have caused significant damage to the wall, the Cinquefoil, or the technology within the Lava Tubes. Re-opening the investigation in the future may prove prudent.

-Archmagos Wakes was willing to exchange an endorsement of the Magos Biologis to serve as his temporary successor for the location of this incident; it is likely the he investigated the site, as he immediately summoned Logis Eizen for interrogation upon his return. However, the method of his interrogation being direct neural interface has apparently compromised his memories of his discovery, due to the contracting the scrap code of VIIR, whose behavior suggests a vested interest in the survival of the company, or at least Logis Eizen.

-It is likely that the Archmagos recovered the body of the Guardian Asteri during his initial investigation, and during his experimentation converted it into a servitor, which he used as part of his combat retinue during his attack on Fort Orpheon in the final throws of scrap code degradation.

The Personal Logs of Anvephone Traquiel

Entry 1: Discovery of the Traquiel Mausoleum
By the Emperor's grace, I have found it! The hallowed halls of the Traquiel mausoleum stand before me, a testament to our lineage's greatness. The strange devices that control the gates still open for my blood. As I walk these corridors, I can almost feel the presence of Melicdoche Traquiel herself. The very air seems charged with the echoes of her command, when she led a Company of Astartes against the foul Archenemy. My heart swells with pride and purpose. This discovery will change everything.

Entry 2: Astartes Records and the Null Field
Today's findings have left me in awe. I uncovered records from an Astartes Captain Orpheon, detailing a dire period of the war and the fortress's construction. The attached document speaks volumes of the sacrifices made. But what truly struck me was the null field permeating this place. It brought back memories I thought long buried – the feeling when Palinea was in my womb, and just after her birth, before her... Changes manifested. I must confess, I've never understood others' revulsion towards Blanks. Here, in this field, I feel a strange connection to her. Not as she is now, but how she was and may yet be again.

Entry 3: The Condemnor Device
In the first chamber of the Descent, we found it – a Condemnor device. My initial excitement was tempered with disappointment; While this discovery is great, my need for this device is much less than that of a Redressor. The Condemnor is a curious thing, a five-sided gemstone set in a 33-pointed metallic star, absorbing all light around it. Its power is undeniable, yet terrifying. I'm hesitant to install it in any of my underlings. Who among them is both loyal enough to trust with such power, yet expendable enough to potentially lose to its effects? The device creates null fields capable of destroying souls, and its users face a limited lifespan unless... Well, there are clues toward a method that the Condemnor Archivists and the Fifth Order Champions utilized to survive, but the lack of details on this technique leaves our research wanting. The implications are concerning to say the least.

Entry 4: A New Lead
Incredible news! I've found a lead on a Redressor device, of all places, beneath Hive Asterion. I'm setting out immediately. The power to heal, to cleanse corruption... it could change everything. For Palinea, for our bloodline, for the Imperium itself. The Emperor guides my path, and I will not falter.


Supplementary Notes on the Asterii Devices
During my research, I've gathered some information on these enigmatic artifacts. Some information is from my Mentor, other pieces of information I have recovered myself or traded for with Archmagos Wakes. Their true purpose and even their very workings are presently beyond my comprehension. It sometimes feels like trying to understand the mechanisms of a god’s tools.

The Communior: Can be known by its prismatic visage, reflecting its surroundings in negative. It is said to allow for a melding of minds and bodies, creating a bridge from soul to soul. I hypothesize that its intent was for communication, possibly even granting control over soldiers.

The Augmentor: Can be known by its core of shimmering liquid metal, spinning at a variable rate. The simplest of the devices, it apparently enhances the bound user's physical abilities.

The Redressor: Can be known by its clear gem with an opalescent center. It’s gemstone darkens near corruption. It heals, resurrects, and cleanses. This is what I need to regain Palanea’s status as my heir.

The Voiddelver: Can be known by its crystal clear gem with a painfully bright point of light within. Legends tell that it shields its bound user from the taint of corruption and seems to have other mysterious abilities for dire situations. According to my Mentor’s research it is the rarest of all.

The Condemnor: As mentioned, it reflects no light. Its soul-destroying capabilities are as terrifying as they are alluring. My Mentor cautioned that, once bonded, they will drink deep of the soul’s very essence.

Research of Archmagos Sojourner Wakes

-We have traded knowledge of the Asterii with Archmagos Wakes (who has in addition revealed that his cognomen is an indication of his dedication to seeking and comprehending their technology. So far, we have learned:

-The Archmagos has independently reached the conclusion that, based on their technology and philosophies, the Asterii were followers of the Omnissiah.

-He has collected an array of probabilities on where to find other artifacts; he has yet to supply us with coordinates, but has expressed interest in collaboration.

-All remaining intelligence will need to be parsed from the data recovered from his mind after his death.

Report: Exploration of the Asterii Cathedral

-Preparations were made to travel to the Asterii Cathedral via Warp Travel; to act expediently without alerting unwelcome authorities, we contracted an independent vessel anchored on Port Lysander: the Absence of Decorum, captained by Mallie Krallendi. Though we had initially intended to maintain full secrecy regarding our own identities, Krallendi proved difficult to deceive—however, we were able to establish a positive relationship via the charismatic abilities of the Ambassador and Preacher Enoch, and she agreed to entering into an ongoing contract with the company. That said, she also stipulated that she be able to record our endeavors on the Cathedral, to use as defensive blackmail. I remain concerned about this element of the agreement.

-King Quinque encouraged our mission to the Cathedral, adding an intriguing and concerning element to our exploration. He has specifically requested that we retrieve, for him, a Communior and a Voiddelver, the two Asterii Devices that he currently lacks.

-Warp transit to the Cathedral took 3 subjective days; we disembarked from the Absence of Decorum by shuttle. Ambassador Lethe signaled the station via her Communior device, and was given permission to dock via an apparently automated system. See primary documentation of the Cathedral for detailed blueprint and descriptions of assorted structures.

-Through the course of our investigation, the "voice" of the station became increasingly conversational, purportedly due to accumulating understanding of our language. Initial communications indicated that the Heart chamber could not be accessed until the other chambers had been activated; lacking a Voiddelver champion at the time, we were able to activate three of the four chambers, which proved sufficient for the Heart's Iris to be partially opened and allow entrance.

-The Station's voice implied that it was a cybernetic organism of Asterii origin, and an ally that viewed us (humanity) as a successor race to the Asterii. For it to properly aid us, it required that the central controls be brought online.

-Doing so proved to be a mistake; the reactor shielding had prevent the demonic nature of the entity from being recognized until, upon the activate of main systems, it began to break containment and attempt to seize control of the Cathedral. Techsorcist protocols slowed its advance somewhat, as did the aid of VIIR, but it sent out a warp signal that summoned a chaos ship to its aid.

-By taking manual control of the Cathedral's systems, we were able to evade destruction, protect the Absence of Decorum, and ultimately destroy the demon. This latter task was almost entirely due to the efforts of Preacher Mantra, who—despite his adamant refusal to engage with xenotechnology prior to that point—bonded with a Voiddelver and seized control of the Exclusion Field and Portal systems, allowing him to contain the demon's presence and, with the aid of the Guardian units activated by Ambassador Lethe, cast it into the heart of a star. Major St. Ardentia also managed to use the Cathedral's weapons to destroy the chaos vessel; however, the incurred weapons damage combined with this shrapnel and debris necessitated immediate evacuation.

-Several Asterii Devices and a great deal of knowledge were acquired during this operation. Our obtaining of a Redressor and Communior has been reported to Lord Captain Keojrah-Glynt.

-Preacher Enoch's demands that the technology be reported to the Ordo Xenos following this mission required his execution.

Report: Lazarus Dream/Vision of Redressor Capabilities

[April 16 2025]

-Lazarus experienced a strange dream seemingly related to the capabilities and nature of Redressor.

*Note: The Golden was psychically present during the course of the dream, but seemed unfamiliar with it contents.

-Began by falling into an alien landscape, grey-mudded ground surrounded by a forest of gargantuan blades of grass (60-100 stories in height). These growths undulated not with wind, but apparently under their own power/direction, and specifically bent toward a more distant point, where Lazarus glimpsed a red glow. Approaching this point gave him the sense of undergoing time dilation, with the world moving slower around him.

-The source of the glow shifted in color upon approach, and resolved as a large (boulder sized), jagged cinder with a flickering pearlescent core and crystalline shell. This description matches that of the Nemesis Device, though considerably larger. Lazarus has previously noted that his device's core flickers in the presence of corruption, as the Cinder was currently doing, and that this seemed to be correlated with the grass structures reaching toward it.

-Lazarus touched the Cinder and communed with its presence; it greeted him "warmly" and "with relief." The empathic connection enabled Lazarus to be guided into a more effective mastery of the Purge/Purify Protocol, using an internalized mantra/thought process/meditation that would allow him to "become flame." Lazarus was able to use this enhanced power to destroy the grasses around him and the Cinder, for which the presence thanked him,

-A final sense imparted that a foothold remains. I am uncertain at this time whether this means that an Asterii foothold against the Archenemy remains, or that the Archenemy managed to gain a foothold within the Asterii technology.