A/N:
First off I would like to give Thanks to:
Simpli - for some suggestions
souvikkundu0017 - for a lot of suggestions and checking lore related stuff
THANK YOU SO MUCH!
Ok now this story will be canon in terms of stats and other things, but this being fanfiction is not entirely canon. So no complaints pls! I know my lore! Ok... not all the lore... but still! Out of respect and love for both verses, I will try to remain as true to each as possible. Though in saying that... I know one verse will die a bloody death...
Which means this is kinda stompy... So if you don't like this type of story then don't read it, "to each, his own" as they say. I respect your choice. I am also doing this fic for my own enjoyment and if it pleases others, then I am happy for it. Also this is my FIRST fic, so any suggestions or constructive crits to improve the story is appreciated.
Also this will NOT be abandoned what so ever! It may take a while, but updates will come!
(If life doesn't become a female dog to pester me and cause delays...)
On another note... I must apologise for future deaths to any xeno lovers out there! I have played all 3 ME games and have "befriended" the xenos in my crew, so again sorry for later chaps... :'(
Now on with the fic to lay the foundations!
But first!
Disclaimer:
I do NOT own Warhammer 40k or Mass Effect
No profit is made from this story
- THIS APPLIES TO THE WHOLE STORY AND SUBSEQUENT CHAPTERS -
Legend:
( ) = Thought Bobble
~( )~ = Thought communication / Telepathy
" " = Normal speech / Dialogue
BOLD = Powerful/Otherworldly or as Specified
ITALIC = Words or Phrase with Emphasise
Underline = Different Language
[ ] = Note at Bottom or Other Description
Chapter I – Preparation and Departure
++It is the 41st millennium. For more than a hundred centuries the Emperor has sat immobile on the Golden Throne of Earth. He is the master of mankind by the will of the gods, and master of more than a million worlds by the might of His inexhaustible armies. He is a rotting carcass writhing invisibly with power from the Dark Age of Technology. He is the Carrion Lord of the Imperium for whom a thousand souls are sacrificed every day, so that He may never truly die.
Yet even in His deathless state, the Emperor continues His eternal vigilance. Mighty battlefleets cross the daemon-infested miasma of the warp, the only route between distant stars, their way lit by the Astronomican, the psychic manifestation of the Emperor's will. Vast armies give battle in His name on uncounted worlds. Greatest amongst His soldiers are the Adeptus Astartes, the Space Marines, bio-engineered super-warriors. Their comrades in arms are legion: the Imperial Guard and countless planetary defence forces, the ever-vigilant Inquisition and the tech-priests of the Adeptus Mechanicus to name only a few. But for all their multitudes, they are barely enough to hold off the ever-present threat from aliens, heretics, mutants – and worse, for in the grim dark future there is only war.++
++Imperial Palace/746.M41.++
Somewhere in-between the realm of the immaterium and materium, between life and death, a being antithesis to the madness of the warp, here the God-Emperor of mankind resides keeping vigil over humanity, the only light in the darkness. And it is here that He has guarded, helped, and guided humanity, although limited in influence due to his current state and the vastness of the task and the limitless threats that threaten humanity as a whole, He has stood by our side.
But over the millennia the Emperor has also seen the slow decay of the Imperium, of humanity without him to lead them forward and thus for millennia he has devised of a plan to come back and lead humanity once again into the light of the future as the masters of the stars…
Atop the Golden Throne, the nearly lifeless body of the Emperor suddenly glows golden with power. The ever vigilant Adeptus Custodes present in the vast throne room gather before the steps of the Golden Throne and kneel before their Emperor; for they know He is now in their presence. Then the Emperor spoke to them directly in their minds.
~(My Custodians, I thank you for your constant vigil over me as I have over humanity.)~ His words echoed with power as the Custodes themselves felt exalted at the thanks.
"It is our duty, privilege and honour to do so, my Emperor." Spoke a Custodian.
~(Regardless, you still have my thanks in remaining true to your duty. Now to the matter at hand for I cannot linger long as it takes a toll on my body. What I discuss here will not leave the palace or the Custodes unless I specify.)~
"By Your will, it shall be so." They answered in unison, the words echoing throughout the vast room.
~(The time has come to plant the seeds of my return.)~ The statement brought joy and excitement to all gathered in His presence.
~(This plan must remain a secret, lest the archenemy finds out, and thus for now I have chosen one among you to be the bearer of my will. You Septimus Artorias shall carryout the first part of my plan.)~
"It is an honour to be chosen, I will not fail you my Emperor." Septimus declared, his right hand in a fist brought toward his chest. The action ended with the sound of the impact of his fist.
~(Step forward and touch the steps of the Golden Throne that I may anoint you with my blessing.)~
And so the Custodian stepped forth, kneeled and placed his hand on the step. After doing so he was bathed in golden light, feeling a fraction of the Emperor's power go through him, the light fades. Then the Emperor spoke again.
~(From this point on, we are soulbound and I shall relay my instructions directly to you, Septimus Artorias, Custodian of my Return.)~
Then the glow emanating from the Emperor's body began to fade. Septimus stood up, a golden corona now around him, and turned towards the doors walking and said:
"My fellow Custodians return to your sacred duty of guarding the Emperor, for I have His work to do."
His fellow Custodians stood up and acknowledged him with a nod and returned to their posts, their vigilance in His defence reinforced as they now awaited their Emperor's return.
Stepping out of the throne room Septimus heard the Emperor once again as he made his way through the vast halls of the Imperial Palace.
~(Septimus your first task is to once again dawn your armor and wargear. I will give you further instructions once you are ready.)~
And so Septimus made his way toward his chambers to dawn his ancient wargear that has not seen action since the Horus Heresy. For nearly ten millennia he and his fellow Custodians has kept watch over the Emperor's body, to keep Him safe, not to fail again and now he was given the task of aiding the Emperor's return, a task he will fulfil in His name.
Upon reaching his chambers, Septimus made his way towards his wargear displayed and mounted on the wall, turning off the power-field protecting it and began to inspect them one by one. Unused for many millennia, each wargear still functioned as if they were fresh from the manufactorum. Removing his currently worn gear of boots, leather breeches, long black cloak and brazen helmet to wear his ancient Custodes Power-Armor, its golden color shining slightly in the light while the black colored adamantine fibred cloth and cloak drank the light that touched it. The black reminding him of their greatest failure, the protection of the Emperor.
Now in complete armor, Septimus proceeds to the rest of his wargear still mounted on the wall, taking and placing his Gladius on his left side, then an ornate Boltpistol maglocked to his right, and the last of his weapons the Post-Heresy Guardian Spear, compared to the original Pre-Heresy Guardian Spear that had a Bolter mounted with the blade, this one is a laser weapon built in the shape of a spear thus removing the need for a clip and has the same power of a medium sized lascannon but also sacrificing rate of fire. With his preparation complete he said to the wind:
"My Emperor, I am ready." His voice modulated by his helmet.
Then the Emperor answered; His voice powerful yet comforting at the same time to mortal ears.
~(Indeed, your next task is to meet with Lord Inquisitor Hector Rex, I have given him a prophecy to meet you here in the palace through my tarot, meet him in the entrance hall. Once you do, have him assemble an Aid Fleet of around a hundred vessels and tell him I have ordered it, you may also notify him and him alone of my planned return, for now. You are to then gather a thousand of my Astartes from ten chapters, one hundred from each, ten from each of their companies; you will know which chapters to call when the time comes. You are to also bring ten different Imperial Guard Regiments to aid you in this task; I will provide their names later. I will also provide the priests and tech-priests that you will bring with you.)~
"It shall be done. Where are you sending us, my Emperor?"
~(I am sending you to another galaxy, a parallel galaxy. Similar to our own but vastly different. Humanity has only recently left Terra and has yet to leave Sol. You are to build a new branch of the Imperium away from the corruption of our archenemy and spread my influence to increase my power and in doing so aid in my return, for currently I cannot do so without leaving humanity defenceless against the darkness.)~
"Away from the archenemy? So their presence is non-existent in that galaxy?"
~(Yes, they are trapped here in our galaxy thanks to the last actions of the Old Ones, the creators of the Eldar and Jokaero. I have also been limiting their influence here in the materium, though they can still slip through the cracks. Chaos attempts to wreak havoc from within the Imperium and tries to batter downs its gates. I am doing what I can to protect humanity from within and without. Never the less, you must all be vigilant, for although they may be trapped here, Chaos and the enemies of humanity are endless and everywhere…)~
"They will all fall before us!" Septimus declared as he proceeded to leave his chambers and make his way towards the entrance hall to meet with Lord Inquisitor Hector Rex.
After moving through the vast halls of the palace and finally reaching the entrance hall, Septimus noted that the Lord Inquisitor has yet to arrive and the only other presences were his fellow Custodians standing guard in the hall and the multitudes of sentry turrets mounted on the walls and columns. And thus he stood in the middle, deciding to go over which Astartes chapters the Emperor would want for this task. Then the names came to him.
The Black Templars - Blood Angels - Dark Angels - Grey Knights - Imperial Fists - Iron Hands - Raven Guard - Salamanders - Space Wolves - White Scars
(Now that I have the chapters in mind, I must begin organising everything with the Lord Inquisitor as soon as possible.) He thought to himself. Then as if on cue, the massive doors of the entrance hall began to move, opening and bringing in the light of the sun to also reveal a lone tall figure, almost as big as an Astartes, clad in Artificer Power-Armor, the sigil of the Inquisition mounted on his back, short white hair, and experience evident in his features, striding in and moving towards Septimus who stood in the middle of the hall. When the armored figure came close enough; he spoke.
"Honoured Custodian I was led here by a prophecy that I discerned from the Emperor's tarot. I seek one of your member; by the name Septimus? [Upon getting closer he notices the golden aura around the Custodian] You have received the Emperor's blessing?" He said, with his voice modulated by his rebreather.
Before Septimus answered he placed his spear at his back, locking it in place, then proceeded to remove his Ornate Custodian helmet, revealing his clean shaven head, chiselled face, two dark brown eyes and the ever present corona of light, putting the helmet between his arm and answered.
"Yes. And you are Lord Inquisitor Hector Rex I presume. [The Inquisitor nods in response] I am Septimus Artorias, Custodian of the Emperor and chosen bearer of His will. And to answer you before you ask, we have been given a task by the Emperor Himself."
"The Emperor? [The surprise evident in his voice] Then the tarot prophecy was from Him."
"Indeed, this is to be kept between us for the time being. The Emperor doesn't want His plan found out by the archenemy."
"I understand. What is the task that He has given us?"
A faint smile appeared on the Custodian's face.
"We are to plant the seeds of His return."
Immediately the Inquisitor's eyes widened slightly at the realisation, the prospect of the Emperor's return. A moment later he regained his composure and spoke.
"Truly this is a great task, to help the Emperor in His return to lead humanity once again..!"
"Yes; and we shall not fail Him. Now our first task is to assemble an Aid Fleet of a hundred ships, complete from escorts to battleships with several support and transports, we will also need a Forge ship for supplies. We will also require several regiments from the Imperial Guard. And then we are to gather one thousand Space Marines, from ten chapters, a hundred from each and ten from each company. I will hand you the list of names for the Guard regiments and the Astartes chapters later. For now, let us continue this discussion in my chambers, for I require some parchment for the list."
"Very well, I will make the arrangements once I have everything."
And so they made their way towards Septimus' chambers, they walked in silence. Reaching their destination, Septimus proceeds towards a table, grabs a piece of parchment and starts listing the names of the Astartes chapters. Then as he finished, the names of the Imperial Guard regiments came to him.
The Armageddon Steel Legion - Cadian Shock Troopers - Catachan Jungle Fighters - Death Korps of Krieg - Elysian Drop Troops - Mordian Iron Guard - Tallarn Desert Raiders - Tanith First and Only - Valhallan Ice Warriors - Vostroyan Firstborn
Jutting down the Guard regiments into the list, he then received another set of instructions from the Emperor:
~(Septimus, you are to tell Rex to gather nine Inquisitors, three from each Ordo to join you. He is to be the head of the Inquisition in that galaxy. If he will need guidance, tell him to consult my tarot and I will point the way.)~
(Yes, my Emperor.) He answered with a thought. Then he turned towards the Lord Inquisitor and handed him the list and relayed the Emperor's instructions…
"Galaxy?" Hector asked surprised at the word and the promotion.
"Yes, galaxy. The Emperor is sending us and everyone in the Aid Fleet to a parallel galaxy to establish a branch of the Imperium and spread His influence. In doing this we aid the Emperor in His return."
"I see… I will make the necessary arrangements, everything will be ready. Where is the fleet to be assembled and where are we to falsely send them?"
Then instructions from the Emperor flowed into Septimus.
"At the northern edge of Sector Solar to head to Cadia. We are to also bring a few things from the Gene Vaults and the Emperor's personal vault with us before we leave. My presence will also be concealed to all but you until we reach our actual destination. There will also be a group of vessels from the Mechanicus and the Ecclesiarchy; sent by the Emperor to join us as well."
"Then let us begin, shall we?" A hint of excitement evident in the Inquisitor's voice. To do something for the Emperor Himself gave him pride and joy to be chosen for such a grand task as this! For the Emperor and humanity; he will not fail.
Septimus answered with a nod and they both proceeded to assemble all that was needed to carry out the task placed upon them…
++Sector Solar – Unspecified Location/746.M41.++
++Two Months Later++
In the void of space a fleet of around a hundred vessels were gathering for a mission; a mission quite different to what they know. Though rumours of what they were going to do and where they were going was circulating the lower ranks to pass the time, from Black Crusade Drills on Cadia to Assaulting the nearest damned planet in the Cadian Gate.
For why else would a Lord Inquisitor gather ten different Imperial Guard regiments and a thousand Space Marines from ten chapters, all of which were known to the fleet save for one which was an entirely new chapter clad in what some describe as silver power-armor, and then head towards Cadia? Then there was the Grand Cruiser that brought the contingent of the Ecclesiarchy and their Order Militant. And let's not forget the cog boys and their Battleship, said to also carry a number of Titans. A fleet like this just screams Crusade if you were to ask a Black Templar, who were also in said fleet…
Meanwhile aboard the Emperor-class Battleship, aptly named the "Herald of the Emperor", Lord Inquisitor Hector Rex was in the bridge going over status reports and other statistical files. Septimus right beside him doing his own observations; unseen and unnoticed by all save for the Inquisitor. Then the Captain of the ship and Admiral of the fleet spoke as he sat on his command throne.
"Lord Inquisitor Rex, when are we to mobilize the fleet? We have been waiting here for quite some time now."
"Patience Admiral Roneko; we are waiting for the signal to proceed." His modulated voice sounding calm and relaxed knowing their real mission.
"Yes, well, I can wait but some of the Space Marines aboard are getting rather… restless. The Dark Angels and Space Wolves are having duels with each other in their section of the ship."
"Ah yes… That is more tradition than restlessness Admiral. Nothing to be of concern, I assure you." Hector replied as he was still looking over the data-slate.
"Hmm… Very well then." Roneko then looked toward his second in command and gave his orders.
"Lord-Lieutenant Sterling, patch me through to the rest of the fleet."
"Immediately Commodore-Captain." She answered with a curt nod and proceeded with her task. A few orders to the bridge crew later.
"It is done Commodore-Captain Roneko." She stated, now standing at attention beside the command throne.
"Thank you Lord-Lieutenant. [He then connected to the Vox comm] To all ships in the fleet; this is Admiral Roneko. Maintain battle formation and alert level, we may be deep in Imperial space but by the Emperor we will not let our guard down! And also prepare for warp travel at any time; that is all."
Meanwhile in a far and secluded part of the warp two beings opposite to each other were having a meeting concealed to all but themselves…
"So You'Re SetTing iT In MoTioN?" Said the disembodied black and white skull to the orb of golden light.
"Yes, I am. To pull this off, you need to blind everyone's sight from my plan."
"shOulDn'T bE ToO HaRd, I aM dOinG iT AlReaDy, i Do It AlL tHe TiMe tO My bRotHerS…! [Hate evident in the last word] HoW eLse WoUlD mY FoRcEs aMbuSh TzEenTch'S? HahAhaHa…"
"Indeed, just do your part and I will do mine. When all this is done we will both win from this."
"YeSssS… hAhaHahAHa… wElL thE cHaOs gOdS WilL Be gONe, iT maTteRs nOt, SatIsFacTioN wiLl bE MinE AloNe! YeS… aNd It iS DoNe."
"Thank you. I will keep my word. And all that was shattered will be remade."
"Ah yEs; thE FoLlY oF tHe olD OneS AnD ThE wHoRisH ElDaR."
"oH And OnE lAsT ThInG. WheN YoU FaCe tHeM; MaKe ThEm SuFfeR!"
"Of course; they have yet to fully pay for turning my sons against me."
And so the two parted ways, one laughing maniacally as he disappeared…
Back in the fleet everything and everyone was ready to depart, all they needed was the go ahead. As Septimus was still in the bridge of the Herald of the Emperor he then received his instructions from Him.
~(Septimus, it is time. When you bring the local humans into the Imperium, show some restraint and tell my more zealous sons that as well, for you will need to prepare for a threat that lurks in the edges of that galaxy. I cannot provide all the details for my sight there is quite limited until you establish the link, but even then my presence will be limited to those with faith in me. You will find more details on this threat on Mars, within an alien relic.)~
(It shall be done, my Emperor.) Septimus answered with a thought, he then spoke to the Inquisitor beside him.
"Lord Inquisitor; the Emperor has spoken, it is time." His voice modulated by his helmet.
"Excellent! Everything is in place. [Still pretending that the Custodian was not there, he turned toward the Admiral] Admiral, I have received the signal, we can depart for Cadia."
Nodding in response. "Lord-Lieutenant you know what to do. [Receiving a nod as well, he addressed the fleet] To all ships in the fleet; prepare for warp travel."
As the order went out, around a hundred tears in the fabric of reality appeared in space, one for each ship, and as one they all went in to the warp, tendrils of eldritch energy whipping out and onto the ships hitting Gellar fields as the fleet disappeared into the warp…
++In-Warp Transit/746.M41.++
The Aid Fleet was sailing through the warp; when suddenly, out of nowhere, a warp storm appears. Though this was no ordinary warp storm, for it swirled with golden energy and the denizens of the warp retreated from it or were destroyed utterly.
Meanwhile in the bridge of the Herald of the Emperor the crew were going through the motions of status reports and coordination with the other ships.
"What in the Emperor's name?!" Admiral Roneko exclaimed as the storm appeared to surround them all entirely.
"No Admiral; it's By the Emperor." A hidden smile underneath the Lord Inquisitor's rebreather.
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Admiral! The storm is forcing us out of the warp!" Said one of the bridge crew.
Then the entire fleet exited the warp, the warp holes being a golden color instead of the sickly pink and dark purple closing behind them.
++Location: Unknown++
++Current Date: Unknown++
++Last Date = 746.M41.++
"Report! I want a Sit. Rep. Now!" The Admiral Bellowed.
"Admiral, all ships accounted for, no damages to any what so ever." His second in command, Lord-Lieutenant Sterling reported.
Then the astropaths started shouting about being lost and as suddenly as they began, they all calmed down. That was when a presence was made known to everyone in the bridge. The initial reaction was the reaching of weapons, but all stopped at seeing the individual before them. Clad in ornate golden power-armor a black cape, a long ornate helmet, a spear and a corona of golden light around him. Rarely seen outside of the Imperial Palace but known to all loyal Imperial citizens as the guardians of the Emperor, a Custodian, but this Custodian was also a Living Saint.
The Custodian then turned to face the Admiral and spoke.
"Honoured Admiral, please patch me through to the entire fleet and all Vox casters as I will address you all."
"I-Immediately Custodian. [He stuttered slightly out of shock and surprise, holstering his weapon he gave his orders] You heard him! Get to it!"
The bridge crew immediately snapped out of their shock and awed state and went to work getting everything organised.
Moments later.
"Everything is ready my Lord." Admiral Roneko stated.
Nodding in appreciation, he then spoke to all.
"Men and Women of the Imperium, sons and daughters of the Emperor, hear me. I am Septimus Artorias, Custodian of the Emperor. You may be confused or even fear that we are lost. I am here to tell you that we are not lost. We were sent here by the Emperor Himself! All of US have been chosen by Him and He has given us a task! To spread the Imperium and His influence, and in doing so we aid in His return! We are currently in a parallel galaxy, similar to ours, except our fellow humans have yet to leave the Sol System. We will show them His glory and the glory of humanity!"
Cheers and praises to the Emperor and the Imperium echoed throughout the fleet as Septimus ended his address. He then spoke to the Admiral.
"Now, Admiral Roneko up until our arrival here it was only the Lord Inquisitor who knew of the Emperor's plan other than myself to help prevent the archenemy from getting wind of it."
"O-Of course, I understand. [Stuttering slightly again from the resent revelation of their true mission] I will not fail the Emperor! What is our first step my Lords?" Roneko said, addressing both Custodian and Lord Inquisitor.
The Custodian spoke first.
"We are to proceed towards Sol and begin establishing the Emperor's vision of the Imperium here. Upon reaching the system part of the fleet with the elements of the Mechanicus will head to Mars to turn it into a Forge World like ours. The rest will continue towards Terra. But before we make contact with our brethren, assemble all the officers in the fleet, we will need to brief you on what the Emperor has instructed for us."
Then the Lord Inquisitor added.
"Indeed, we will also have to make new star-maps. Everything is roughly the same as back home so we know where the resources are, so all we need is more manpower, but before that, let us proceed to Sol. For the Emperor!"
"For the Emperor!" Everyone in the bridge cheered then proceeded with their duties.
"Lord-Lieutenant, notify the fleet." Roneko said to his Second.
"At once, Admiral." She replied as she went to carry out her orders.
And thus the fleet made their way towards Sol, and a second Terra and began their true mission. By His will this galaxy now belongs to the Imperium and any who would stand in their way will feel His wrath through them.
++Location: Sol System++
++Current Date: Unknown++
++Last Date = 746.M41.++
As the fleet entered the Sol System they made their way towards Mars. Upon reaching Mars and before the fleet divided itself, all the high ranking officers of the Guard, Captains of the ships, members of the Inquisition, Ecclesiarchy and Mechanicus, as well as the leaders of the Astartes chapters in the fleet gathered aboard the Herald of the Emperor.
Whispers and talks were happening all around the large assembly hall as they awaited the arrival of the Custodian, the Lord Inquisitor and Admiral Roneko.
Among those in discussion were the different groups of Astartes.
"To be chosen by the Emperor Himself; to be a part of this task is a great honour indeed." Commented Sword Brother Killian of the Black Templars to his fellows.
"That it is, Sword Brother. When all this is done the Emperor will stand with us once again; to smite down the enemies of man and lead us forward into glory!" Spoke Castellan Mekhi, Commander of Black Templars in the fleet.
"Indeed, none will able to stand before our righteous fury in carrying out His will. This galaxy now belongs to Him and as High Marshal Helbrecht once said "The galaxy is the Emperor's, and anyone or anything who challenges that claim is an enemy who must be destroyed"." Stated Chaplain Kian of the Black Templars, his voice modulated by his skull-shaped helm.
Meanwhile in another, slightly louder, group of Astartes.
"Ha! So the Allfather is coming back! This is great! Hahahah…!" Wolf Guard Gunther Thunderfang enthusiastically exclaimed to his group of fellow Space Wolves.
"Hahaha… Aye! When the Allfather returns we will have the final battle and the Great Wolf will return; I can feel it! Smell it even! Hahahaha…!" Wolf Lord Falk Grimjaw bellowed as he laughed.
"That indeed, brothers. We shall venture forth into the eye, with Russ and the Allfather! [Looking around and spotting silvery clad Astartes] And it also seems that the Grey Knights have been chosen for this task as well." Wolf Priest Shor Bonecrusher stated, his wolf-skull helm gazing across to the Grey Knights who were merely observing everyone else.
"The Knights? Well this should be interesting; I would love to see them in battle. [Looking around] Though it seems that the Ultramarines where not invited." Falk commented.
"Those stuck-ups? Last I heard they're still recovering from the Tyranid invasion of Macragge. The Allfather probably didn't call for them due to that." Gunther answered.
"Ah, were their losses really that bad? [Receiving a nod as a reply] A shame, they may be a bunch of rule followers but they are still our brother Astartes; it would have also been like the legions of old doing the Allfather's will." Falk said.
Many other similar conversations were had among the different chapters.
Then there were the members of the Ecclesiarchy.
"For the God-Emperor to contact me in my dreams Himself! Words cannot express my feelings! To be among the chosen to carry out His will! We shall spread His light and illuminate this galaxy, in His name!" Confessor Jediah stated and proclaimed to his retinue.
"And by His will we cannot fail! For the Emperor is with us! Confessor Jediah, this galaxy will submit to His will or burn in the fires of damnation!" Canoness Amina of the Order of the Sacred Rose exclaimed.
"That, we will, Canoness; that, we will." The Confessor replied, a smile appearing upon his slightly aged face.
Then everyone looked to the entrance as the doors opened and Lord Inquisitor Hector Rex along with Admiral Roneko stepped inside, but what gained most of the attention of all those gathered was the figure that wasn't far behind the two, the Custodian, who was also surrounded by a golden corona of light which shone even in the dim.
Seeing this, all those gathered paid their respects by kneeling or bowing to the Custodian. As the three made their way to the front, Septimus notices some tension between some Astartes and some of the members of the Ecclesiarchy.
(That will be rectified soon enough.) He thought as they reached the front of the assembled crowd of officers and leaders.
Stepping up first to address the crowd was the Lord Inquisitor.
"All right everyone; we are gathered here to discuss the Emperor's plan and our mission in this galaxy. [Stepping aside, bowing and gesturing to Septimus.] Custodian."
Stepping forward and giving a brief nod to the Lord Inquisitor as he spoke.
"Thank you, Lord Inquisitor. [Now turning to the crowd] Fellow servants of the Emperor, we have a great task ahead of us; we have all been chosen to carry this out by the Emperor Himself! And we will not fail Him! [The crowd answered with a mix of nods, cheers, and praises.] Now I shall elaborate His plan…"
And so he began to explain to them the Emperor's plan of establishing the Imperium that is in His vision here, spreading humanity and the Emperor's power to further His plan; to prepare and defend humanity from all threats that lurk in this galaxy, and to come when He calls them; the absence of the archenemy evident by the calmness of the warp as well as other smaller details…
"The Emperor has also given me and will be giving me instructions for us, for He has chosen me to be the bearer of His will. And as such, He has instructed that everyone must be united, right now we are united in Him but not amongst ourselves. We are to work together; the Adeptus Astartes and the Ecclesiarchy are to act in coordination with everyone else. There will also be changes in the Mechanicus to allow for the advancement of humanity's knowledge." There were no protests to his words, merely silent acceptance of his instructions.
"Now that you all know your true mission, it is time for me to give you, your individual instructions. Members of the Imperial Guard and Navy are dismissed; you will receive your orders later. [Receiving respectful bows from them before they proceeded to leave] Members of the Mechanicus are to proceed to the meeting room; the rest of you shall follow when summoned."
Septimus along with the Lord Inquisitor and members of the Mechanicus proceeded towards the meeting room. As they gathered in the room, Septimus began first.
"Now, Magos Tezla, the Emperor has some changes for the Adeptus Mechanicus."
"Of course chosen Custodian; I have received such instructions from the Omnissiah when I received a message directly from Terra. I and the rest of the Mechanicus with me will obey the Omnissiah." Magos Tezla spoke through his rebreather, his voice modulated and mechanical.
Giving a nod to the Magos, he then continued. "When we establish the Imperium, the Emperor has instructed that a new Adeptus be established; to be called the Adeptus Scientia, this new Adeptus will specialize solely on research and development to relearn what was lost and develop new technologies for humanity, the Mechanicus will work alongside them as you safeguard the knowledge for the Imperium. But for now your task is to turn Mars into a Forge World as well as search for an alien artefact that is somewhere on the planet. The Emperor has said that this artefact holds the information we need regarding this galaxy.
There are also some artefacts that we have brought from the Emperor's personal vault; one of which is a Prototype Psychic-beacon, you are to modify it to serve as a direct link to the Golden Throne; the Emperor has provided blueprints for this, as this was done before the Webway Project."
"It shall be done. We will begin immediately." Magos Tezla replied.
"Magos Tezla, the Emperor has also appointed you as the head of the Adeptus Mechanicus in this galaxy."
"The Omnissiah as chosen me to lead the Mechanicus? I will not fail Him." A rare showing of emotion came over the Magos as he spoke.
"[Replying with a nod] Yes; you and your brethren were chosen due to your more forward thinking ideals compared to the rest of the Mechanicus. [Receiving a nod from the Magos] You are dismissed Magos Mechanicus."
And so the members of the Mechanicus proceeded to carry out their task.
When the room was emptied the Lord Inquisitor then spoke to Septimus.
"So, who shall I send for next; the members of the Ecclesiarchy or the Astartes?"
"Send for the Ecclesiarchy." Septimus answered; his form unmoving.
With a nod, hector spoke as he left. "This shouldn't take long."
Minutes later the Lord Inquisitor returns with the Confessor and his retinue. The Inquisitor stops beside the Custodian as the members of the Ecclesiarchy gather in front of the Custodian and kneel before him; with Confessor Jediah speaking first.
"Blessed and chosen Custodian, what is the God-Emperor's will?" He said with reverence.
"Rise Confessor, members of the Ecclesiarchy, we are all servants of the Emperor."
And so they rose; reverence still evident in their eyes as they looked upon the Custodian. Septimus then continued.
"Now then; before we reach Terra we will observe the local humans to better understand the situation and act accordingly; for we cannot afford many casualties. We will show them the path that will lead humanity to greatness as the Emperor envisioned."
"We will spread His light! They shall flock to Him and receive salvation!" Jediah exclaimed.
"Yes, they shall, in time. We will also be establishing an Imperial government and Ecclesiarchy void of corruption through His instruction. [Receiving silence at the notion of corruption, he continued] The Emperor has chosen you because of your faith and purity."
After saying that, some of the Sisters, priests and even the Canoness began to shed tears. Confessor Jediah then spoke, water gracing his eyes.
"Rejoice! Faithful children of the Emperor! For we are the bearers of his light in this dark galaxy! [He joyfully exclaimed to his retinue, he then turned to Septimus] Blessed Custodian; We shall carry out His will. And We shall not fail Him! We shall extinguish corruption in all its forms; in His name!" Confessor Jediah declared out loud.
"The Emperor knows, Confessor; the Emperor is watching." Septimus replied.
"And we shall be worthy of His gaze."
"Now, go forth Confessor Jediah; return to your ship and spread His instructions to the other members of the Ecclesiarchy."
"It will be done, blessed Custodian." Jediah answered as he and his retinue kneeled and left the room.
"That just leaves the Astartes then; I'll be back shortly." Hector said as he made his way out.
A short time later, ten different groups of Space Marines made their way inside and showing their respect by bowing to the Custodian. Septimus then began.
"Astartes; chosen sons of the Emperor. You may know that the Emperor does not see Himself as a god, even with the power He wields now He does not consider Himself as such. But over the millennia He has watched humanity without His guiding hand and has seen that humanity is still too young to move forward without a hand to hold; and as such He has decided to allow the religion and worship of Him and He shall slowly teach humanity to be self-sufficient upon His return.
You, His chosen sons will know the truth but shall keep it secret. You will work and act with the Ecclesiarchy as one, there shall be no disputes; petty or otherwise. Should there be a problem, let it be known."
There were different variations of the answer but all meant the same. "By His will. We shall obey."
Then Lord Inquisitor Hector spoke.
"Now for introductions; I believe not all of you know each other." He said looking across the gathered Space Marines.
"Grand Master Covan Leorac." Hector called.
Stepping forward along with his retinue, Covan began his introductions.
"Greetings brother marines, I am Grand Master Covan Leorac; keeper of the Inquisitions secrets and currently former commander of the 7th Brotherhood of the Grey Knights chapter. [There were some looks of confusion at the word former] I say former due to my chapter thinking I am dead; for I faked my death under orders of the Emperor to participate in this mission. It was quite the surprise for my brothers in the fleet.
Now to my right is Justicar Anval Thawn [Thawn then gives a respectful nod] and to my left is Brother-Captain Darig Tegvar. [Tegvar then also gives a respectful nod]"
The Lord Inquisitor then said.
"Thank you Grand Master Covan. [Receiving a nod of acknowledgement he then continued] As the Grand Master said, they are from the Grey Knights Chapter founded during the Second Founding and are the Chamber Militant of the Ordo Malleus. Their existence is a secret to all but the Inquisition and a few others, including some Astartes chapters who are currently with us; the Black Templars and the Space Wolves.
The Grey Knights are known as the Daemon Hunters for it is their sacred duty to purge chaos wherever it may be and are also solely comprised of psykers. [There were some whispers among the group at the notion of an entire chapter of psykers] The Grey Knights also hold the honour of bearing the Emperor's Gift; His Gene-seed, making them anathema against the denizens of the warp. None of their member has ever fallen to chaos. Information that can be disclosed shall be provided to the commanders of each chapter."
Hearing this, all the Astartes felt honoured to fight by their side and by extension the Emperor Himself.
Septimus then spoke.
"Sons of the Emperor. [Gaining the attention of those gathered] The Emperor also has plans to repair all damaged Gene-seeds in the future. But for now our task is to secure this galaxy in His name!"
The room then erupted into cheers.
"You are all dismissed; for now we head for Terra!"
The gathered Astartes then made their way back to their brethren, leaving the Custodian and the Lord Inquisitor. The latter then said.
"Shall we head to the bridge, honoured Custodian?"
Receiving a nod, they began to make their way towards the bridge.
Moving through the corridors of the vast Battleship, they began to discuss other details.
"So Lord Inquisitor Rex; we have all that is needed to establish the Imperium?"
"Yes, I have consulted the Emperor's tarot before acquiring the necessary personnel to establish the Imperial government in this galaxy. I have also requisitioned several members from each of the assassin temples along with their agents; to also establish the Officio Assassinorum here."
"Yes; we will be needing their expertise to protect the Imperium from the shadows. I would also like to test some of these agents as well as future assassins myself, as I am well versed in anti-assassin measures." Septimus commented.
"Very well Custodian."
After a while they then reached the ship's bridge. The Admiral greeting them as they entered.
"Ah, welcome Blessed Custodian, Lord Inquisitor; part of the fleet along with most of the elements of the Mechanicus has proceeded to Mars, others to remain in orbit while the rest make planet fall."
"Excellent Admiral Roneko; have a vessel ready for reconnaissance, I will assign an Infocyte to it to gather information on this Terra before we move out." Hector ordered.
"At once, Lord Inquisitor." The Admiral replied as he began to carry out his orders.
Both the Custodian and the Inquisitor were now looking over the holo-table showing the Sol system and the fleet's position. Hector, placing both hands on the table, spoke to Septimus.
"So… our mission begins; eh Custodian?" A hint if excitement in his voice.
"Indeed it has, Lord Inquisitor. It has only just begun." Septimus said, a smile hidden underneath his helmet.