A Different Teacher

The hundreds of adepts, officials, and other occupiers of the enormous Terran structure all, regardless of their task, slid out of the way in deference to a giant moving through the hallways. The giant’s almond-shaped, emerald eyes swept over the many mortals, always with respect. The eyes sat above a thin nose and small mouth. Above, the giant’s head was almost neatly bald but for a thin, fuzzy layer of raven hair.

Tenzin strode through the halls of the Imperial Palace. Its flawless marble walls had become a second home to him. Two years under the tutelage of the Emperor of Mankind had allowed him to become familiar with the labyrinthine layout of the mammoth structure.

It was coming to an end.

The Emperor could no longer afford to delay his attention away from the Great Crusade. Tenzin would be the first of the Primarchs to not enjoy the traditional three years of scholarship with their great father. Tenzin understood the necessity and harboured no ill will toward the Emperor.

However, neither would he waste his remaining time. True, a great deal of it was being absorbed his incoming duties as legion master, but his interests expanded beyond his legion.

Which is where his steps lead him toward to today. Stepping through a door of ancient mahogany, Tenzin saw his guest of the day standing next to a pair of chairs, overseeing the mountains which held the Imperial Palace.

His guest was not relaxed. He was tall, for a human, and enhanced that height with his rigid posture. His mouth formed a thin line above a strong jaw as the Grand Provost Marshal regarded Tenzin. Tenzin understood Udr Drej was a hard man, but the distant descriptions hadn’t captured the man’s bearing. It was akin to adamantium itself. Unrelenting and cold. What’s more, Tenzin detected a faint sense of undirected dissatisfaction from the man.

“Thank you for meeting with me,” Tenzin began as he walked toward the man. “I understand your duties are many.”

Drej grunted, his eyes hidden behind a black visor set into a metal helm. Even this deep within the Imperial Palace, the Provost Marshal adorned himself in full Arbites combat uniform. No doubt it was a second skin to him. He saluted Tenzin as the latter approached. “It is what the Emperor requires.”

“Of course,” Tenzin answered before meeting the salute. Then he gestured to the chairs. “Would you like to sit?”

“Only if you command it,” Drej replied, nothing but bluntness in his mien.

“I do not,” Tenzin said as he remained standing. “I see that you are a direct man and will match it in kind. I want you to describe your organization to me so I can better serve the Imperium.”

Drej nodded. “The Adeptus Arbites is the supreme law enforcement organization of the Imperium. Most cases of crime are handled by local officers and organizations. More efficient that way. The Arbites steps in when matters are beyond the locals to handle and for ensuring the execution of wider Imperial law.”

“A simple enough mission,” Tenzin commented before his gaze settled over Drej’s arms and armour. “Yet, one that seems to require considerable resources to be invested.”

“Necessary. Any situations that require an arbitrator’s involvement have already lethally escalated.” There was a challenging gleam in Drej’s demeanour. “Any response meted out by an arbitrator is well deserved.”

Tenzin was not quite convinced of the declaration but merely said, “Tell me more.”