From: Interrogator Namin Bellister, Ordo Xenos, Calixis Conclave
To: Lord Inquitsitor Aegult Caidin, Atellus Ravion
Date: 942 816.M41
Classification: Dark Omega
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Mylord,
firstly, I again must apologize for the delay in completion of this final report. The lava storms typical for this time in Zel Secundus' annual cycle, aggravated by the heightened Osedex activity most probably to be attributed to the aftereffects of the recent incursion on the planet (as detailed below), have made our survey of the incursion sites tremendously difficult.
Our ex post facto investigation following the Acolytes Ravion and Cromwell's successful efforts in thwarting what seemed to be the attempt to launch an invasion of Slaugth ships onto the Calixis Sector have largely confirmed your initial suspicions. A planetwide sweep revealed there to be four camouflaged sites in total, each one containing a portal similar to the one discovered by Ravion and Cromwell. Upon arrival of our survey teams on these sites, however, no personnel was left and the main cogitation cores had been removed, preventing the extraction of any information about the ultimate intentions or even the actual point of origin of the ships which were transported here by means of the portals. Several high-ranking members of the Adeptus Mechanicus both on-planet and as part of an off-world consultation confirmed the portal to be of thoroughly alien technology but could not discern any other information about its mode of operation.
A survey of the compounds themselves revealed that they each contain living quarters for no more than 6 humanoids (at least judging from Terran standards). The precision with which the surrounding rocks were carved out and replaced while completely avoiding detection still leaves both me and the on-site AdMech adepts astounded. A geophysical analysis of the edges of the camouflaged compound revealed that the rockface has been replaced sometime between 804.M41 and 807.M41, proving true our suspicions that this incident was in fact a thoroughly-planned and possibly explicitly timed operation. As to why the portals were activated at precisely the time they were, we have no further information. Although this is mostly based on speculation, though, I would like to once again point out the more than curious coincidence in timing to whatever classified event happened on the relatively closeby world of Piety.
As to the personnel stationed on Keratine and the inhabitants of the illegal mining settlements around the planet, most of them remain completely oblivious as to what exactly happened on 707 816.M41. Base commander Ephraim Golding and the few members of the security staff who have witnessed the actual invasion attempt have been persuaded to keep this information to themselves.
The traitor Bal Nomen has, after thorough interrogation, admitted to having worked with the Slaugth for over two years now. He is adamant about the fact that he has been working alone, and has been promised safe passage off Zel Secundus and to a world of his choice in exchange for his cooperation.
As of now, mining operations on Zel Secundus have largely gone back to normal. The remains of the Slaught compounds have been quarantined off and are currently being guarded by an array of automated combat servitors and other defensive measures. As a further precaution, a constant Imperial Navy patrol has been placed in orbit around Zel Secundus until further notice.
Your servant,
Namin Bellister