The images swirled and eddied through Weishaupts mind. Images would drift in and out of focus.

Sweat began to bead up on his forehead. His brow furrowed as he concentrated and focused all his mental energy on divining the answers he sought. Kant stood by and watched as Chief Librarian Weishaupt writhed in agony. He had seen this scene played out many times as the answers to questions about the Illuminatis path often required Weishaupt to meditate deeply on things hidden and obscured from mere mortal sight. Kant knew the mental control necessary to navigate the deep recesses of the human psyche, all Illuminati battle brothers were required to make one such mental journey before being raised to initiate status. Kants mind wandered back to the time of his initiation. He could almost feel the rough spun neophytes robe against his skin. He had spent many years in preparation for this moment, countless battles against the forces of Chaos as a scout, yet still he was worried about this final step before illumination. As he entered the chamber the smell of incense hung thick in the air. The chamber was ringed with battle brother. The rooms center was dominated by an unfinished pyramid. Weishaupt stood at the base and said arcane words. Even though he had never heard the incantation he knew he was to climb to the top and meditate as he had been taught to do every night during is initiation. As he reached the top of the pyramid he saw Illuminatus Goethe. He stood holding the holy book of arcane knowledge and began to recite holy invocations and blessings. Kant kneeled before him. Goethe then instructed him in the final illumination. Kant recoiled from Goethes words. Madness, to touch the taint of Chaos is to be consumed by it. Be still neophyte, Kant. Goethes voice was soothing and Kant relaxed a little. Ours is an ancient order. For years we have practiced the arcane secrets of illumination, there is a danger but the danger of Chaos unchecked is far far greater. Tonight a top the God Emperors unfinished pyramid you will take the final step of initiation. Your courage and prowess in battle is unquestioned, that is why you have been called to accept the final blessings of illumination. Goethe paused and looked deeply into Kants eyes. Martial battles comprise a small part of the Illuminatis overall mission. The battle for the soul of mankind is the largest part of our mission. To this end all battle brothers of the Illuminati must know and fight off the foul taint of Chaos. Goethe motioned and a bright point of light glimmered to life over the pyramid. Kant shied away from the light, that emitted no warmth and yet glowed so brightly. Goethe and the other battle brothers stood unafraid of the unholy light.

Brothers tonight we raise another into the bonds of illumination. The battle brothers cheered as Goethe spoke to the crowd. We who have already trod the path of illumination know the dangers that lurk. All present have fought the inner struggle of illumination that await Neophyte Kant tonight. We fought and came out the other side better able to wage our unending war against the foul presence known as Chaos. Shouts and cheers erupted. Goethe silenced them with a wave of his hand. We have all witnessed initiations of those unworthy of receiving illumination. The threat to all is real. So all Illuminati present must remember their sacred vow to be ever vigilant to the taint of chaos and to snuff out the foul light wherever it finds a home. This is our vow and sacred pledge. The assembled brothers bowed their heads in silent reflection. Goethe then turned to Kant. Brother, approach the light and gaze deeply into it. Do not turn away, ours must be the unwavering faith in the Emperor that protects all mankind from Chaos unholy light. Kant rose as commanded and approached the light. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Goethe raise the ceremonial blade high above his head. Kant moved forward unflinchingly and gazed into the light. Kants body was wracked with pain as he looked into the light. Instantly he was assailed by all manner of foul daemon spawn and he fought to keep his sanity. The images swirled in his vision. Waves of Chaos threatened to drown and choke him. Violently Kant thrashed attempting to find his footing to keep his head above the rising tide of Chaos. Slowly Kant felt himself sinking deeper and deeper until he was finally adrift in an ocean of foul images and daemons. As he sank Kant remembered his training, he began to meditate on the Golden Throne and the god Emperor. Suddenly Kant could feel himself filled with the Emperors holy light. The foul denizens of the warp began to flee from the light emanating from his body. The tide of Chaos began to recede and Kant once again found himself standing atop the unfinished pyramid. Goethe stood with the ceremonial blade raised high above his head. The light was gone and Goethe relaxed his stance. Goethe approached Kant and grasped the sides of his head. Kant felt power surging through his head as Goethe searched for the lingering taint of Chaos. Goethe released his grip and said, Rise battle brother Kant. Today you are illuminated and forever shall Chaos fear you. Chaos tried to drown your righteousness, but was repelled by the Emperors holy light. Stand and take your place among your illuminated brothers.

Suddenly Wieshaupt let out a blood curdling scream. Kant was jolted awake from his day dreams of his initiation day. Weishaupt writhed on the ground and convulsed. Kant raised the ceremonial blade ready to strike should Weishaupt be corrupted by Chaos. Kant knew it was necessary to be ever watchful of the warp, but found himself glad that he has never been asked to return to the perilous warp. He was glad to stand as honor guard for Weishaupt as he navigated the warp for answers from the God Emperor. But thanked the Emperor during his nightly meditation that he was not called to serve as Librarian. Kant did not fear the warp or its foul denizens, but was happy to keep his mind clear of the tainted warp. Kant stood steadfast watch over Weishaupts writing frame. The ceremonial blade poised ready to deliver the coup de gras should the Chief Librarian fall victim to the perils of the warp. Suddenly Weishaupts eyes opened. He stared wildly around the room. Kant debated on if today was the day Weishaupt had traveled to far into the warp and had come back tainted. Then Weishaupt ritually knelt before Kant. Kant placed the blade aside and grabbed Weishaupts head in both his hands. Power surged into Weishaupts head. Kant felt none of the sickly ooze of Chaos in Weishaupt. He had returned pure as he had a thousand times before. Weishaupts voice was thin and weak Kant knelt to hear what he had to say, Take me to Goethe, there is much I have seen. Warnings, signs and portents abound in the warp. Our path is clear. Kant helped Weishaupt to his feet and led him down the corridor to Illuminatus Goethes chambers. As they approached Kant heard Weishaupt whisper to him, Faithful Kant, it is ominous news I bring to Goethe. Please keep this secret. Soon all will know but until then best not to get the brothers too agitated. Traitors most foul abound on this planet. Our mission to purge the taint of Chaos is clear. Our success is far from certain. Know that our fight is righteous and just. With that Weishaupt hobbled into Goethes chambers. Kant stood watching as he walked away. His words echoed in Kants head. Traitors most foul abound on this planet. Could it be true? Thus far satellite images report no Chaos on the planet. Many Xenos species but no sign of Chaos. Weishaupt had never been wrong before. Many times Kant had stood honor guard for Weishaupt and never had Kant seen him racked with such pain. Truly the taint of Chaos is present, but where.

His oath reminded him that he was to be ever watchful for the corruption of Chaos. Kant couldnt help but fear he would slide into the depths of paranoia if he did not exercise some caution and judgment. For seeing Chaos around every corner was surely madness. As he sat to begin his nightly meditations he was glad that he didnt have to root out the corruption, just stand ready to act when called upon by the Illuminatus.