A useful term is Coterie (a circle of persons associated together and separated from outsiders; an association for political or social purposes). Its a term used in another RPG for a collection of (often disparate) individuals who band together for mutual protection from the scheming of there betters and/or peers. And if any of you ever played VtM (or VtR as the reboot's called) you'll see the similarities

On a sidenote, checking back on GW's Inquisition fluff, I noticed that the term "cell" actually does exist even there - it only means a different thing (multiple Inquisitors working together)

It's a bit awkward that DH1 already deviated so far from that stuff, I guess, as it makes the apparent reapproach that DH2 seems to attempt somewhat difficult, especially when it stops halfway as a sort of compromise between both origins.

I rather like the term "Warband"!

'Wars' can be in the shadows, or 'cold': they need not be overt firefights.

It merely implies an outfit ready for combat.

As well, it may be reasonably less-used that other terms traditionally ascribed to such associations, and thus may make Dark Heresy more distinct.

'Wars' can be in the shadows

I have to say, that's a clever way of putting it.

Almost like a sort of "grimdarkmysm" labelling a controversial activity in a deliberately brutal manner because Imperium.

Then there's the war on drugs, and the war in Afghanistan, both of which have been demonstrably successful

"We're comin' to your town, we'll help you party down, we're an American warband."

I see it this way.

1. You are a Throne Agent (or "Agent of the Throne), the lowest ranking ones are Acolytes

2. You operate in a cell, a discrete unit capable of handling it's own separate missions and investigations, but due to your limited knowledge of your master (you may not even know what your Inquisitor looks like or their name) and his/her plans you can't betray them even if you tried.

3. Interrogators are the right hands of Inquisitors, some travel with the Inquisitor, others may handle side business, such as managing the cells.

4. An Inquisitor always travels around with their Retinue, which is their personal squad of ass kickers, specialists and extra. New members are drawn from cells (giving them a double purpose of incubating talent while still being useful) or other sources (contacts in the IG, Mechanicus, Arbites, etc. or maybe a straight up "you're hired" in desperation)

5. A Warband is a term for the debased servants of chaos, just like how Horus was "Warmaster" IIRC. It may still be used on occasion and in some antiquated language, but overall, it just doesn't fit.