Callidia remembers the early days with the baggage train. Both her parents were Guardsmen and she spent her days with the other children of the Guardsmen. Life was simple and good, if grim. When the Commissar came for her, Callidia did not need to be told why; as a Guard child, the reality of war was already well known to her. Still, the voices of the adults faded into a near-meaningless hum ...
.. pincer trap .. saved hundreds .. heroes .. an honor .. for the best, really .. Progenium ..
She did not cry when they told her that both of her parents had been killed.
She did not cry when they told her that she would be sent away from the only life she had ever known.
She did not cry when they shipped her off with seven others whose parents had also died.
She did not cry when they could see her.
Her mother's words, "never let them see you hurt," served her well.
A model student. A shining example. Prefect. The praise of her instructors meant nothing to her. Only one thing mattered: her mother had been a firm believer in the Emperor, and Callidia did not want to dishonor the memory of her mother. What was done out of duty and honor slowly came to be done for its own sake. Habit became truth. By the time she was in her teens, Callidia was perfect for the Sisterhood.
Another move, but this one eagerly anticipated. Callidia could not believe she had made it into the ranks of the Adepta Sororitas. Her faith was strong, her belief absolute. She found happiness in serving with her Sisters, in serving the Emperor of Man. At seventeen she was reprimanded - again - for fidgeting during the many ceremonies; Callidia preferred to venerate the Emperor on the sparring ground. At eighteen she was sent to the militant order, and at nineteen, she cut down her first heretic.
There were many after that. Before each battle, Callidia prayed to the Emperor to guide her hand in his righteous service. After each kill, she begged the Emperor to take pity on the misguided souls.
Now another change comes. She is to be sent away from her sisters and the comfort of a clearly identified enemy. An Inquisitor has need of the talents of a Sister of Battle, and she will answer the call with no hesitation for in this too, shall she serve her Emperor...
