A/N
BOOM! Chap 2 = Done!
This was kinda harder than I thought. ME lore is lacking in the Pre-First Contact human history, so I had to use the "Real" world as a reference.
I have also placed some "codex" info at the bottom for those who don't know 40k lore.
The info is taken from the Lexicanum: and as such I do NOT own it.
The info are also just snippets, so if you want to know more, look it up in the Lexicanum.
I have only placed 5 codex entries and will place a max of 5 (maybe 10) per chap. If you want more let me know.
Also, made-up stuff for the fic will have codex entries later and will be marked as "NEW CODEX"; normal codex is canon info.
Special Thanks to: souvikkundu0017 for all the help!
Thanks to all the Revs, Follows and Favs!
I also recommend checking out Atilas' and Simpli's fics. :D
Hope you all enjoy chap 2! Next chap will be the timeline/skip then after is the First Contact! :D
Ok, now on with the Fic! :)
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 II – Arrival and Contact
++Location: Sol System++
++Imperial Date: 746.M41.++
++Local Date: Unknown++
++Near Luna Orbit++
At the dark side of the moon a tear in reality appears in space, calm blue colored eldritch energy swirling in the void, as a ship exits the tear. An Imperial frigate now floating in space behind Luna, using the moon as cover, as a smaller vessel, a Fury Interceptor, around 60meters in length exited the hanger of the 1.6kilometer long Sword-Class frigate and made way for Terra.
As the interceptor rounded the moon's side the occupants of the small vessel were greeted with the sight of Terra, though not Holy Terra, it was still the cradle of man.
"So that is Terra? I always wanted to visit it." A smile gracing her lips. "The Emperor provides." Said the pilot.
"The Emperor provides. Sarah; it's blue too. A beautiful sight." Commented the gunnery officer, a smile also on his lips.
With a nod she said. "It truly is; and we shall protect it in the Emperor's name."
"For the Emperor and Imperium!" The object of their interest then comes into view. "We're nearing our objective soon; better report in Sarah."
Nodding in acknowledgement, she began to Vox in to their frigate.
"Razor, this is Shadow Talon reporting. Nearing our first objective."
"Acknowledged Shadow Talon; report back when you're done. The Emperor protects." Answered a Vox operator.
"The Emperor protects." Said the pilot as she switched off the Vox caster. Turning to her gunner she said.
"Rickard, are the servo-skulls ready in the airlock?"
"Yes ma'am, ready and waiting." Replied the gunnery officer from his seat.
"Good; we're almost to the satellite. The thing is kinda small and looks very flimsy…"
"Aye; I see it. Thing wouldn't last one las hit. That's what they use for communication?" Amusement evident in his question.
"It would seem so, yes. Slowing down now." She answered as she maneuvered the ship near the satellite.
"Alright, we're close enough." She said as she pressed some command runes to open the airlock and released the servo-skulls.
Zooming out of the ship and quickly reaching the satellite, scanning and drilling holes into its main body; after which they then began deploying small swarms of netflies. The netflies then proceeded into the satellite and began to tap into the multitude of networks catered by the satellite. Now done with their task, the servo-skulls returned to the interceptor.
"That's done. A few dozen more and we can head back to the ship." The pilot said as the airlock closed and they began to move to the next one, repeating the process several times before heading back to the frigate.
Meanwhile aboard the frigate, inside a room filled with logic engines a lone figure, an Infocyte observed the data feed coming in from the netflies, sifting through the information and sending all necessary data back to the fleet while also sending possible scenarios for future operations as compiled and derived from predictive engines.
++Location: Sol System++
++Imperial Date: 746.M41.++
++Local Date: Unknown++
++Near Mars Orbit++
Back in the fleet and aboard the bridge of the Herald of the Emperor Lord Inquisitor Hector Rex is going over the data-slate as it received the information gathered by the Infocyte.
"It seems that it is currently the 14th year of the 3rd millennia and the state of humanity is quite… pathetic." Said the Inquisitor, his voice modulated by his rebreather.
"How so, Lord Inquisitor?" Asked Admiral Roneko.
"Humanity is divided, there are multiple governments vying for power in one form or another, the amount of corruption is palpable; the populous is also quite lost in the notion of freedom. They are wasting resources on excessive amounts of pointless trinkets; and have placed greater importance on entertainers as if they were heroes of humanity. Most do not even believe that xenos exist. These are only but a few of many other… heresies."
"Hmm… yes, pathetic. From the sound of it, they are akin to an industrial feudal world." The Admiral commented.
"Freedom without guidance is chaos." Septimus stated, his voice amplified and modulated by his helmet.
"Indeed, honoured Custodian. We will show them the way and with the Emperor's guidance humanity shall prosper." Turning to the Admiral, Rex then said. "Admiral, please summon the Confessor from his ship and notify Inquisitors Evan, Livia, and Imran; have them all meet me in the meeting chamber."
"At once, Lord Inquisitor." The Admiral replied as he then began carrying out his orders.
Then Septimus also added.
"I shall be touring the fleet and as I do, Admiral, gather all Imperial Guard personnel to the assembly hall; for when I return, I have words for them from the Emperor."
"Immediately, my Lord." Roneko answered as he gave a short bow to the Custodian.
Then the Custodian and Lord Inquisitor proceeded to leave the bridge and go their separate ways to carry out their work…
Around an hour later, inside the meeting chamber, all gathered were about to begin discussing the situation of Terra.
"Before we begin, I believe introductions are in order." Lord Inquisitor Rex stated to the four people before him; all nodding in agreement.
"Confessor Jediah, these are Inquisitors Evan Lex, Livia Aran, and Imran Rhett of the Ordo Hereticus." The three Inquisitors each giving a respectful bow to the Confessor. "The four of you will be working together in our subjugation and annexation of this Terra. I will assign you all different tasks regarding different problems that may hinder our progress; for we cannot delay, the enemies of man can strike at any time.
Data-slates with all the necessary information and details pertaining to your assigned task will be given later, for now we shall discuss the more pressing issues on the state of Terra. Humanity is divided into countries fighting amongst themselves for what Terra can provide; they have also segregated these countries according to a world ranking system. The wealthy and prosperous are 1st world countries, 2nd world are those that lag behind, and 3rd are the poor undeveloped ones.
It is blasphemous to the Emperor; the way they treat and neglect their fellow humans! Bigoted even in how they discriminate according to race! Race?! Preposterous!" Anger starting to show in his voice.
"Truly these heathens need the God-Emperor's light to show them the way. How are we to take care of these heathens, Lord Inquisitor?" Confessor Jediah asked as a scowl began to show on his face.
"We shall start with the 3rd world countries; you Confessor shall give aid and subsequently convert the populous to the Imperial Creed; show them the Emperor's power through His miracles. I have no doubt that there will be fighting along the way; keep in mind that the Emperor doesn't want heavy casualties."
"Of course, His will be done." Confessor Jediah Answered as he gave a respectful bow.
"Inquisitor Evan, you shall be tasked with counter-intelligence; thwart any attempt at hindering our mission through any means, but keep them discreet; understood?"
"Yes, Lord Inquisitor. They will not see it coming." A smile on Evan's face as he answered.
"Inquisitor Livia, you shall handle the public aspect of our efforts. Secure our interests and undermine theirs; show them their folly."
"It will be done, Lord Inquisitor. The people of this Terra will know the glory of His Imperium and the folly of their governments." Inquisitor Livia said as she raised her fist in declaration, conviction in her voice and a smile on her face.
"Inquisitor Imran, you shall take care of any extremist factions, religious or otherwise. Eliminate them all; show them the Inquisition's hospitality for heretics."
"I understand, Lord Inquisitor. They will not know who killed them." Imran answered a grin on his face.
"You all now have your missions and here are the data-slates containing the information you will need. Coordinate your efforts with each other. Now, go and prepare, for we leave for Terra soon. For the Emperor!" The Lord Inquisitor said.
"For the Emperor!" They declared.
And with that they all left the chamber, some going over the data-slate as they walked.
Meanwhile, Septimus was touring the fleet, visiting each ship and subsequently boosting moral of the crews as they witnessed the chosen bearer of the Emperor's will. As the Custodian finished his tour and returned to the Herald of the Emperor a few hours later; he proceeded to the assembly hall where ten regiments of Imperial Guard gathered and awaited his arrival.
Whispers and small talk were happening all over the massive hall; then all went silent as the main doors began to open and all stood at attention as a lone figure strode in, black cape trailing behind, spear in one hand, and a golden corona around the large golden armored figure, the Custodian, and as he passed they kneeled; all gazing at the awe inspiring sight of the Emperor's chosen.
Now standing before them, Septimus began.
"Men and women of the Imperial Guard, children of the Emperor, I stand before you bearing His will." The Custodian now gaining the undivided attention of all present; all were hanging on his every word. "You have served the Emperor and the Imperium with faith and loyalty even if some out of penance; the Emperor has rewarded you all with a new home-world!" The volume of his voice amplified by his helmet and echoed in the vast hall.
Praises and thanks were given to the Emperor from the multitude of people in the hall and as the volume lowered, Septimus continued.
"Each regiment shall have a second home-world in this galaxy, the same as your original but yet to be touched by man. For some of you, like the warriors of Krieg and the last people of Tanith this is a second chance; men and women of Krieg, the Emperor also bestows upon you His forgiveness and is proud of your efforts in defending humanity."
At hearing this, the survivors of Tanith celebrated again, some shedding tears of joy, even their Commissar; Ibram Gaunt shed a few barely noticeable tears of joy and pride while having a smile on his face. And as for the soldiers of Krieg it was quite different; some collapsed on all fours, their bodies shaking as if crying underneath their masks, while others kneeled and offered prayers of thanks and devotion to the Emperor; emotions never before seen by their fellow Guardsmen. Septimus then continued.
"All of you were chosen by the Emperor to undertake this mission; He has placed faith in you to carry out this task so that He may return to us! So before we acquire your worlds, we must secure this Sol! FOR THE EMPEROR AND HUMANITY!" His voice boomed over the crowd.
"FOR THE EMPEROR AND HUMANITY!" Shouted all as they cheered; conviction and determination showing in each person.
With that Septimus proceeds to leave the hall; stepping out of the hall he is greeted by the Lord Inquisitor.
"Honoured Custodian, I have given my instructions regarding our first stage of contact to the fleet; we shall head to Terra via warp jump to serve as a grand entrance and I have already assigned tasks to the members of the Ordo Hereticus to take care of any resistance that is sure to come. The Ecclesiarchy will handle the relief and conversion to subsequently indoctrinate them to the Imperial Creed. All is ready; is there anything else before we depart for Terra?"
"There are still a few things the Emperor wants me to take care of; we leave when I am done. This will not be long."
"Very well, I shall notify the Admiral. In the meantime I shall go over more of the information coming in from the Infocyte."
As both parted ways, one heads towards the bridge and the other towards the section of the ship where the Astartes are located.
Reaching the section of the ship given to the Space Marines; Septimus proceeds to the area of the Dark Angels and has their ten Deathwing, ten Ravenwing members, as well as their Interrogator-Chaplain follow him. As they entered a private chamber, the leader of the Dark Angels within the fleet, Master of the Deathwing Lisandro spoke, his helmet maglocked to his belt.
"What is the meaning of this, chosen Custodian?"
"I bring His word for your ears, unforgiven." Septimus said as he stood before them.
All the Dark Angels in the chamber grew silent at the utterance of the last word. Septimus then continued.
"The Emperor knows of your secret and would have absolved you long ago had He been able to; for you have remained loyal to Him and that alone is enough in His eyes. I now bestow upon you the Emperor's forgiveness."
The last statement seemed to reverberate within their souls and relieving them of their burden. A few moments later, Lisandro spoke.
"I… We thank the Emperor for His forgiveness. We shall not fail Him again. We will also continue our quest to hunt down the fallen to bring them before the Emperor and face judgement upon His return." Determination evident in his voice at the last few statements.
"Yes; however, the rest of your chapter does not know of your absolution in the Emperor's eyes until our return upon His call."
"Of course, chosen Custodian. We shall await that time."
Giving a nod of acknowledgement to Lisandro, Septimus then said.
"You may all now return to your duties."
With that, the Dark Angels gave a respectful bow before leaving the chamber. Septimus now alone considered his task and said.
"One more task before we head to Terra…"
He then left the chamber and went searching for the Astartes of the Iron Hands chapter.
After some time, he found them in a work station tinkering with their gear and bionics. After gaining their attention and leading them to a large enough chamber, Septimus began speaking.
"Sons of Ferrus Manus, I bring the Emperor's word and a scroll from your Primarch."
The statement gained their undivided attention as Septimus continued.
"Your chapter is walking down a dark path, both the Emperor and your Primarch have seen this; though Farrus Manus failed to tell the Emperor before the great betrayal, he has left this scroll in the Emperor's vault, I now give to you."
After saying that, Septimus brings out the scroll and hands it to the Iron Hands Clan-Commander; Clan-Commander Carssen. He then began to read it out loud.
++ They are not my hands.
This fact is forgotten by my brothers – inexplicably, it has always seemed to me. The hands are strong, to be sure, and have created great things for us all, but they are not mine. And that counts for something.
They forget that the silver on my arms comes from a beast that I vanquished. It is the mark of a great evil that I ended, and yet it persists within me. It is alien, artificial; an uneasy corollary to the superlative physical frame given to me by my father.
I would struggle to remove it now. The problem is not one of surgery, for I have no doubt my father's chirurgeons could remove them entirely if he gave them the command. No, I will not remove the silver from my flesh because I have learned to depend on it.
The fault is with my mind. I rely on the augmentation given to me by my metal gauntlets, so much so that the flesh beneath them is little more than a memory.
It is a crutch, this silver. A day will come when I will strip it from me, lest I lose the power to master myself forever. Already my Legion's warriors replace their shield hands with metal in my honour, and so they too are learning to doubt the natural strength of their bodies. They must be weaned off this practise before it becomes a mania for them. Hatred of what is natural, of what is human, is the first and greatest of corruptions.
So I record it here: when the time comes, I will strip my hands of their unnatural silver. I will instruct my Legion to recant their distrust of the flesh. I will turn them away from the gifts of the machine and bid them relearn the mysteries of flesh, bone and blood.
When my father's crusade is over, this shall be my sacred task. When the fighting is done, I shall cure my Legion, and myself. For if fighting is all there is, if we may never pause to reflect on what such devotion to strength is doing to us, then our compulsion will only grow.
Already I see the madness that path leads to, and so I shall excise the silver from my hands. In doing so I shall absolve myself and my sons.
The hands are strong, and have created great things, but they are not mine.++[1]
As Carssen finished reading, Septimus spoke again.
"You see, Astartes of the Iron Hand, flesh is not weak; only when one's self begins to doubt their body and hate themselves, can it lead to weakness and corruption. This was your Primarch's personal mission, to teach you the right path; the path of humanity, the mastery of the stars and of ourselves as the Emperor has foreseen!"
Then all one hundred Astartes of the Iron Hands, including two Dreadnoughts, cheered and shouted their battle cry, though it was now different.
"THEIR FLESH IS WEAK!"
"THEIR FLESH IS WEAK!"
"Humanity is strong!"
"For the Emperor!"
"For Humanity!"
Septimus then interjected.
"Go now, children of the Emperor, and prepare; for the enemies of man are limitless and everywhere! But like all before them, They… Shall… Fall… For they are weak!" Raising a fist to the air as he declared.
"THEY ARE WEAK!"
"THEY ARE WEAK!"
"Ave Imperator!"
"Ave Imperator!"
Clan-Commander Carssen then neared the Custodian, offering a respectful bow and said.
"Thank you, chosen Custodian for showing us the true path that the Emperor and our Primarch wanted for us. And now it is our quest to show our brothers who were left behind, the error of their way as our Primarch wished."
"I am merely doing the Emperor's will."
"As will we; in the Emperor's name! Come brothers, let us prepare! And perhaps help our other brothers." Carssen said as they began to disperse.
Septimus, now done with his task made his way toward the bridge.
Almost an hour later, Septimus was now at the bridge and as he entered he was greeted by the Admiral and the Lord Inquisitor.
"Blessed Custodian." Admiral Roneko said with a respectful nod.
"Honoured Custodian, is your task complete?" Lord Inquisitor Rex asked as he also gave a respectful nod.
"Yes it is, Lord Inquisitor. What is to be our plan of contact with our brethren of this Terra?"
"The Emperor has provided us with the perfect time, as most of the world's leaders are gathering in one place for a meeting they call the G20 Summit; most of their so called media will also be there to report the events back to the people. A perfect opportunity, wouldn't you agree?"
"Indeed, it is perfect. How is the information coming along?"
"The Infocyte has already gathered a large amount of information from all of the major governments; this internet, while convenient is proving to be a weakness as it seems to connect almost all their cogitators and the lack of any Machine Spirit did not help either."
"Excellent. Then let us proceed to Terra. Admiral, show them the majesty of His Imperial Navy."
"It would be my pleasure, my lord. In the Emperor's name!" Roneko then accessed the Vox system. "This is Admiral Roneko to all ships assigned for Terra prepare for warp jump! For the Emperor!" He bellowed as he gave the order.
With that, around sixty tears in space opened before sixty ships of varying sizes, calm blue eldritch energies swirling in and around the holes in reality as each ship entered and disappeared into the immaterium…
++ Location: Sol System++
++Imperial Date: 746.M41.++
++Local Date: 014.M3. – 2014 C.E.++
++Near Terra Orbit++
In the space above the sun touched side of Terra, blue portals of different sizes started to appear and soon after, ships poured out of them, casting large shadows over the surface of the planet below.
The Imperial Fleet has arrived…
Meanwhile on the surface of Terra, the world was in a state of shocked surprise and some degree of panic as a fleet of ships suddenly appeared above the planet out of nowhere.
++Intercepted Transmissions++
++Access: ON++
- "Holy shit! Are you guys getting this?! Aliens!"
- "Sweet mother of God… Get me the Secretary of Defence! Now!"
- "Well fuck… So we're not alone…"
- "Shit man, one's casting a huge shadow over the city! This is unreal…"
- "Get me a camera crew now! This is big! First contact big!"
- "Aliens! They're here! WE ARE ALL GONNA DIE! DIE I tell you! You hear me?! DIE!"
- "Sally get the kids while I go get the guns, we're goin to the shelter."
++Access: OFF++
Back aboard the Herald of the Emperor the Custodian and Lord Inquisitor were heading towards the hanger bay. As they entered the bay the Confessor and his retinue were exiting their transport, they then greeted the two.
"Blessed Custodian and Lord Inquisitor." Confessor Jediah greeted as he and his retinue gave a respectful bow to the two.
"Confessor, Canoness; we have much work to do." Septimus greeted as he stated.
"That we do, Blessed Custodian. Our work is never truly done." Said Canoness Amina.
"Indeed. Will communication be an issue?"
"No, Blessed Custodian; the sisters of the Orders Dialogous have studied their dialects and say that we should have little problem understanding each other. But I have one of the sisters in my retinue should we require translations." Confessor Jediah answered.
"Good, then let us proceed to the transport."
Lord Inquisitor Hector Rex then spoke.
"I shall remain here to coordinate our efforts. Here are the coordinates of the G20 Summit and recently acquired information." Handing a data-slate as he finished.
"Very well, Lord Inquisitor." Septimus replied as he took the data-slate and continued towards their transport, a Thunderhawk Gunship from the Grey Knights chapter, the sigil of the Inquisition adorning the tail fin and several other marking belonging to the chapter as well as several purity seals around the hull.
Now with all the passengers aboard the gunship, the Thunderhawk exits the hanger bay and heads toward Terra's southern hemisphere, to the country of Australia…
Meanwhile on the ground in Australia, at the G20 Summit, the world's leaders were in a state of confused panic as information poured in from everywhere while their security teams scrambled to get them to safety; that was when the ship came, roaring and speeding down toward them at incredible speeds that would, should have been impossible given the shape of the ship that looks like a brick. Then as it came near, it slowed down and landed with little to no problem right along the path leading into the building where the G20 Summit was held, the world's leaders shocked at the sudden arrival.
Almost immediately, the alien ship was surrounded by security teams, police and some military; though still at a relatively far distance due to the number of visibly large guns mounted across the ship. The several thousand media personnel that were there for the meeting broadcasted the whole thing throughout the world for everyone to see. As the cameras zoomed in to the ship, they noticed a semblance of human iconography as well as… seals and scrolls? This threw everyone for a loop as a ship that made re-entry to have scrolls attached to the hull was crazy. And how did it not burn? Then the front of it began to open.
As the ramp touched the ground figures started to come out and when they did it shocked the world once more, as the figures seemed to be human. The first to come out were two rows of what looked like heavily armed and armored women, next was a man akin to a Christian cardinal or bishop only he had several skull iconography on his person, then there was another two women trailing behind him, one clad in a more ornate set of armor with a burning torch mounted on her back and the other wore a red robe while holding a staff with what looked like a microphone on top, the whole sight looking like a medieval spectacle only with swords and guns. Then just as everyone thought that, that was it, another figure stepped out to reveal a giant of a man who stood eight feet tall and clad in full golden armor with a black cape and a spear in hand, but what was most eye catching was the corona of golden light around him that seemed to inspire and awe all that gazed upon him.
The group now stood at the entrance of the building waiting, then the world's leaders stepped out, caution evident in their movements as their security kept guard and media cameras followed everything; then the leader of the free world stepped forth and said.
"Greetings… and welcome to earth. I am President Matthews of the United States of America." He stated with as much composure as he could muster after the sudden encounter.
Then the armored giant stepped forth as well, his group parting and bowing before him as he passed them. Now standing before the President, he spoke.
"I am Septimus Artorias of the Adeptus Custodes of the Imperium of Man. We are here at the behest of the God-Emperor to lead you down the right path towards humanity's destiny as the masters of the stars." He said in odd accented English; his voice modulated and amplified, resonated throughout everyone that heard him as each word seemed to inspire and awe.
Shocked faces and silence was the reply. But some politicians managed to blurt out.
"Imperium of man?" Said the US President.
"God emperor?" The Chinese President said in mandarin.
"Humanity's destiny?" Questioned the Russian President.
"The Imperium of Man is the empire of humanity, united by the God-Emperor; the patron god of mankind."
"Patron god of mankind? What ludicrous; and you expect us to believe you?" Said a politician.
As the politician said this, the women in armor raised their weapons but only to be stopped by the giant man when he raised his hand. Then suddenly golden wings of light sprouted out the back of the giant man, the sight striking fear into the hearts of the corrupt and inspiring righteousness in the pure.
"Humanity here on Terra has grown complacent, divided and corrupt. We are here to change that, and with the God-Emperor's guidance humanity will prosper as one. Many will doubt, but through our deeds shall we show you the way. And we shall start with the neglected, the poor, and the sick; for you, the leaders of this world have failed to do and care only for yourselves; judgement will come to the wicked and the corrupt, in time. To all who seek salvation and prosperity, seek us and be blessed in His light!" He said as everyone watching took every word, his wings retracting and fading. He then addressed the world leaders.
"An Imperial representative will arrive at the United Nations building once you have all gathered, to further discuss the future of humanity."
Then they turned and left, heading back to their ship, leaving behind stunned world leaders. The people of the world unsure what to think, simply watched on as the visitors left in their ship.
++Intercepted Transmissions++
++Access: ON++
++Intercepted From: /Local News Network/++
- "As you have seen, these imperials seem to be human save for the armored giant... Was he an angel; an actual angel? … They also say that they care for humanity. Can we trust them? What will be their next move? Or will they really bring about prosperity for mankind? This is Damien Sully reporting for CNN."
++Marked and Sent to: Inquisitor Livia++
++Intercepted From: /Pentagon/++
- "What do you mean STAND DOWN?! Are you mad?! Clearly they're planning to takeover! We need to strike now! Nuke ET back to space damnit! They could be like those aliens that look human! … I understand that sir; but we can't just let them takeover! … I… yes sir. Very well sir. Everyone will be here when you arrive, Mr. President."
++Marked and Sent to: Inquisitor Evan++
++Intercepted From: /Mobile Location/++
- "Now we have not just the west to worry about but these imperials as well?! They are infidels to Islam! They insult Allah! Gather the leadership! Allahu Akbar!"
++Tracking…++
++Marked and Sent to: Inquisitor Imran++
++Intercepted From: /Mobile Location/++
- "This emperor is an evil demon, the personified power of hell opposing God! We must stop him and his vile servants in our Lord's name! Gather our brothers and sisters, we must prepare!"
++Tracking…++
++Marked and Sent to: Inquisitor Imran++
++Intercepted From: /Iraq/Remote Location/++
- "This is in accordance with the words of Almighty Allah, 'and fight the pagans all together as they fight you all together.' and 'fight them until there is no more tumult or oppression, and there prevail justice and faith in Allah'. This new imperium wishes to topple our faith and steal our lands; we will fight it till our last breath! Allahu Akbar! Allahu Akbar! Allahu Akbar!"
++Tracking…++
++Marked and Sent to: Inquisitor Imran++
++Access: OFF++
Now back aboard the Herald of the Emperor Septimus gave the order to Confessor Jediah to begin their mission on Terra; then made his way to the bridge. Reaching the bridge, Septimus is greeted by the Lord Inquisitor and Admiral Roneko.
"Welcome back, my Lord."
"Ah, Honoured Custodian, the influx of information and chatter has significantly gone up. Right now they are unsure what to do, though the seeds of rebellion have begun to sprout, I trust the Ordo Hereticus will take care of the weeds before they spread." The Lord Inquisitor said as he gazed over the holo-map showing the different drop teams heading for the poorer regions of Terra.
"They will submit, in time; but we must not linger, we should finish this within five years so that we may begin expanding the Imperium."
Suddenly, beeping came from a data-slate next to the Lord Inquisitor. Picking it up and going over the urgent information; his eyes widening at what he read. Immediately he gave orders to the Admiral.
"Admiral Roneko, notify the Inquisitors of the Ordo Malleus at once! Have them meet me in the meeting room as soon as possible."
"Immediately, my Lord." Roneko answered as he began carrying out his task.
Septimus then questioned.
"What is the problem Lord Inquisitor?"
"The Infocytes have been sifting through information regarding the presence or influence of daemons; the vast majority of the information was complete rubbish or fiction, but they have uncovered scattered cases of possessions and other immaterial incidents. Mostly minor thanks to the absence of the archenemy, but even so we cannot let this pass." He said, hatred showing in his modulated voice.
"Indeed. We can also use this to show these lost sheep the truth that they seem to ignore."
"Indeed, I shall show them that myself when they gather at the United Nations. These children have been spoiled enough; time for them to learn." He answered before proceeding out of the bridge and towards the meeting room.
Sometime later, in the meeting room. Lord Inquisitor Hector Rex awaited the arrival of the Inquisitors of the Ordo Malleus. As they then came into the room, the Lord Inquisitor greeted the three.
"Welcome Inquisitor Irving, Estrella, and Arlo." Giving each a respectful nod, which they returned as well. "I have summoned you here to discuss urgent matters involving the presence of daemonic activity on Terra."
"What?!"
"On Terra?!"
"Unacceptable!"
They each stated at the same time. Hector raising his hand to silence them, then continued.
"I thank the Emperor that they have been minor and relatively isolated, but also because of this, the people on Terra believe them to be unreal; which is undoubtedly their plan in order to remain hidden. But they cannot hide from the Emperor's Inquisition!"
The three Inquisitors nodding in agreement as Hector continued.
"You three shall take care of this problem, here are data-slates containing all relevant information as gathered by the agents of the Vanus Temple. Purge the daemons by any means; but do try to minimise the damage as much as possible. Also try to capture a few of them, as the people of Terra need some… convincing."
"In the Emperor's name and for humanity, it shall be done." They said as they gave a short bow with the sign of the Aquila before leaving the room.
Meanwhile on Terra, in the region of Africa, the contingent of the Imperial aid force made land fall and begun aiding their fellow humans who were neglected by most of the world. At first they were met with fear and suspicion but the members of the Ecclesiarchy and of the Orders Hospitaller quickly changed that to gratitude and open arms.
As Confessor Jediah and Canoness Amina walked through the refugee camp that they were in, it was almost a sea of tents and many, many neglected and malnourished humans; a disgusting sight.
"These people could have been serving His will and humanity; had the rest of the people here on Terra simply aided them in force, none of this would happen." Canoness Amina commented.
"Without the God-Emperor's guidance they have become aimless and materialistic, and from that spawns corruption. The people here are blessed, Canoness, for they shall be the first to see His light and receive salvation. All has a place in His Imperium." Confessor Jediah said.
As they continued through, they were greeted by children, who at first were hesitant but then felt somewhat calm in their presence as if there was another presence that calmed them, the children then offered different signs of respect to the two Imperials and gestured them to follow.
After following the children through the maze of tents, they were led to one tent in particular. It was isolated from the rest for in it were the terminally sick of the people in the camp, some in excruciating pain while others were nearing death.
As Confessor Jediah looked upon the sight, he felt power surge through him and at that moment a smile graced his slightly aged face, for he knew the God-Emperor was smiling upon him and these people; he then moved closer to the ill. A local aid worker dressed in some form of protective suit tried to stop him, but the Confessor simply smiled and moved him aside.
Now in the middle of the sick, the Confessor began to pray to the God-Emperor, everyone in and around the tent listened and tried to watch the Confessor.
"God-Emperor, loving father of humanity, hear my prayer,
I stand before your lost children, who are sick and dying,
extend your divine hand and heal them,
that they may serve Your will by aiding their fellow man."
Then all the sick and dying within the tent were bathed in golden light, everyone who saw it were awed by the sight. As the light faded, the sick began to stand as if they were never ill to begin with, they first looked at themselves then to the Confessor, who had a kind smile on his face, some broke into tears, some kneeled before him while others moved closer and kissed his hand or robe and bowed before the Confessor, thanking him.
"It is the God-Emperor you should thank, not I, for I am but a humble servant. Thank Him through faithful service to humanity; go forth and spread the word that your salvation has come!" Confessor Jediah exclaimed with outstretched arms.
The new faithful giving a last bow before they left to spread the word; those who witnessed the event were awe struck, some of the local aid workers doing religious acts like making the sign of the cross, others removed their head gear, shock and awe evident on their faces, as they came near the Confessor asking for blessings.
"Rejoice! Lost children of the God-Emperor, for you are blessed in His sight! Continue aiding your fellow man, be content with your duty and have faith!" Jediah answered.
As they listened they felt renewed and fulfilled. Giving their thanks, they then proceeded to give aid to everyone they could, a new sense of purpose burning within them.
Canoness Amina then came and stood beside the Confessor, a smile on her face, and spoke.
"Purity in purpose, faith and duty."
"Indeed, Canoness. Indeed. As Ecclesiarch Deacis the IX once said 'Men united in the purpose of the Emperor are blessed in His sight and shall live forever in His memory.'"
Meanwhile a news crew, who were there reporting about the local relief effort, caught the whole thing and in turn the rest of the world; bearing witness to a miracle. Many were still sceptical but many more began to believe…
++Two Days Later++
++Intercepted Transmissions++
++Access: ON++
++Intercepted From: /Local News Network/++
- "In the two days since their arrival, the Imperials have managed to stabilize Africa and provide for the local populace. There have been raids from the local rebels and warlords, all attempts ended with failure and the Imperials immediately retaliated in force and subsequently annihilated the rebel forces, firmly establishing their presence here in Africa. The locals celebrating in the streets as peace reigns, the sick healed, and necessities provided.
The Imperials have also improved the agriculture in Africa with their advanced technology, medicine has also improved. They are prospering here as well as the other countries and regions aided by the Imperial forces."
- "We are now live at the U.N. Building as the world's leaders gather to meet with the Imperial representative to discuss the future of mankind."
++Access: OFF++
At the U.N. building's exterior, a Thunderhawk landed and lowered its loading ramp allowing the Imperial contingent, led by Lord Inquisitor Hector Rex, to proceed to the building; his retinue bringing a man-sized container marked by runes and seals with them.
Now within the U.N. assembly chamber filled with leaders and news crews, Hector stood upon the podium and began.
"Greetings people of Terra, my fellow humans, I am Lord Inquisitor Hector Rex." He said, his voice modulated by his rebreather. Whispers and hushed voices began to spread among the gathering at the mention of Inquisitor.
"I have gathered that you have had an organization with a similar name in the past, and while the name is shared, the purpose is quite different, for it is our sworn duty to protect humanity from all threats within and without. The universe is not a kind place that most of you have come to believe; it will throw anything at us to hinder our destiny! Be that be xenos, traitors or worse…"
"Xenos? As in aliens?" Asked a few leaders and media personnel.
"Yes, aliens. They are out there, we will meet them eventually and until then we must prepare! Should you require proof, we shall provide; for we have fought countless horrors the universe could muster for almost ten thousand years."
Again whispers began to circulate but were interrupted by a single question.
"You mentioned 'worse', what could possibly be worse than aliens or traitors?"
"Daemons."
"Demons? You're serious?" Asked another.
"Yes, I am quite serious. I knew your mollycoddled upbringing would make most of you sceptical. Daemons are also cunning and very deceptive; for that I bring proof!"
As he ended his statement, his retinue entered bringing a large container and placed it in the center of the room. The Lord Inquisitor then continued.
"Within this anointed box lies a daemon that we found here on Terra, hiding among you, feeding from your ignorance. You will know the truth of the universe."
His retinue then opened the container, everyone in the room flinching or seeking cover as they were unsure of what lied within. Then as the content was revealed, they all saw a girl, possibly in her early teens, strapped to a chain on the base of the box.
Most then began shouting in different languages that basically meant: "That is a little girl!"
"Truly gullible… That is merely a shell, deception it is the daemon's primary weapon. Let me show you…"
The girl then began crying, pleading to everyone in the room.
"SILENCE! DAEMONIC WITCH! I COMMAND YOU IN THE EMPEROR'S NAME; SHOW YOUR TRUE FORM!" The Lord Inquisitor bellowed with power in each word.
The girl then started convulsing, seemingly affected by the command, as she began screaming first in a normal voice then it started to change to something different, otherworldly and soon her body followed, morphing into a leathery bat-like creature and sprouting bat-like wings. Everyone in the room socked into silence as they and the rest of the world bear witness to an actual daemon.
"As you can see, that is no girl. Fear not, for you are protected from this daemon, this particular one is a vampyre and does not cause insanity upon gazing their true form."
"A-a vampire? T-they're real?"
"As I said before, they will deceive you and to be considered unreal is a perfect way to hide."
The daemon then spoke.
"Curse you human! My kin will avenge me and you will all submit before our power!"
"Hahahaha… Daemon, you have no power, and against the servants of the Emperor, you are nothing. We have already purged your ilk in the region of Italy and soon we will hunt and purge the rest of your vile kin, in the Emperor's name."
The Lord Inquisitor then moved closer to the daemon, sword in hand.
"I believe you have lived long enough, daemon. I condemn you to oblivion!"
He then stabbed the vile creature in the face then in the chest, the runed sword glowing with power as the daemon was engulfed in golden flames, screaming in pain as it died, the flames eating everything, not even ashes were left as the daemon was erased completely both body and damned soul.
"As you have all seen, the enemies of humanity are everywhere and only as one can we weather the storm, and only with the Emperor's guidance can we move through it."
After what they saw, each word seemed to resonate with power as the statement roused everyone in the room, and possibly those watching across the globe, as they began cheering.
"The road before us will be rough, but as one, we shall persevere! With His guidance we will prosper! For humanity!"
"For Humanity!" Almost everyone cheered, some still having doubts. This did not go unnoticed by the Lord Inquisitor as they continued to discuss further regarding the future of humanity...
Several hours later, aboard the Herald of the Emperor Lord Inquisitor Hector Rex entered the bridge.
"Welcome back, my Lord." Greeted Admiral Roneko as he made the sign of the Aquila from his command-throne.
"Admiral." Hector greeted back with a respectful nod.
"Greetings, Lord Inquisitor, I trust it went well." Septimus greeted, his helmet still on.
"Better than expected. But it is still early and the road is long, honoured Custodian."
"That indeed, Lord Inquisitor. This will be an eventful few years."
"True, for the blood of martyrs are the seeds of the Imperium."
++Codex Imperial++
Fury Interceptor:
- The Fury Interceptor is the most common starfighter used by the Imperial Navy for space combat, having replaced the older Wrath Starfighter by the end of the Horus Heresy. With some variants reaching 60 to 70 metres in length, the Fury is significantly larger than most atmospheric fighters, and carries a pilot, navigator and gunner, although a pilot and gunnery officer are more than sufficient on scouting missions. On occasion, an Astropath will also be aboard, to provide greater communications capability. The crew of a Fury Interceptor often wear suspensor wire pressure suits and specially contoured helmets to prevent the side-effects of rapid-acceleration.
The Fury's reinforced hull contains an extensive network of circuitry and life-support systems including pumps that cycle super-oxygenated blood into the crew's body through spinal connections, a chemical toilet and sleeping compartments. Furies are normally equipped with multiple forward-firing banks of lascannons and anti-starfighter missiles and its twin engines are able to put out sixty thousand pounds of thrust.
Sword Class Frigate:
- This class is a very old design, dating back to the earliest days of the Imperium. All its components have been redesigned, refined to a high level, tried and tested in innumerable engagements.
Its laser-based weapons batteries provide equivalent fire power to those of the less reliable plasma-based alternatives, and are able to fire to both sides, or forward with full strength. Its engines are powerful, yet simple enough to be maintained by an artificer with minimal training. They are regarded as reliable even in extreme conditions.
Being an escort, the Sword is expected to come under fire, and so is designed with this in mind. Its bulkheads are thicker than would be expected, and the beams and supports that hold the ship together have redundant copies nearby, that will take the load if the primary beam or support fails. Due to this, the Sword can take more punishment than would be expected for a ship of its diminutive size.
Technical Specifications:
Dimensions: 1.6 km long, 0.3 km abeam at fins approx.
Mass: 6 megatonnes approx.
Crew: 26,000 crew; approx.
Accel: 4.5 gravities max sustainable acceleration.
Servo-skull:
- Servo-skulls are drone-like devices fashioned from human skulls - often those of pious Imperial servants, low-ranking tech-adepts, or loyal adepts of the Adeptus Terra - and then given a small Machine spirit, support systems, and anti-gravity engine to allow them to hover and drift bodiless through the air. Presumably this chance to continue their work even after death is a great honour in the Imperium.
Servo-skulls are most strongly associated with the Adeptus Mechanicus, but are used throughout the organizations of the Imperium to perform specific tasks for which they are installed with the basic equipment required, usually a pair of simple manipulator pincers, a weapon, a pict recorder, surgical implants, stab-light, loudhailer, or various other devices for the many roles that exist.
The roles they fulfill include Librarium functionaries, medical assistants, lumen-bearers, proclaimers or scroll-carriers. Some are designed for military roles, and among these some are built with enhanced optical sensors to allow them to fulfill a scouting role.
They are also often used by Inquisitors as Familiars. In this case they are often mentally linked to the Inquisitor, allowing him/her to control them and see and hear through their senses. In general, Servo-skulls are useful for their ability to enter otherwise inaccessible or hazardous areas because of their small size and great maneuverability.
Infocyte:
- Agents of the Vanus Clade or Vanus Temple of the Officio Assassinorum. They make use of predictive engines in order to base their calculations on all available data as well as prognostic simulations in order to determine the success rate of the operations.
The Infocytes are essentially human computing engines that are far different from mindless automata such as servitors as their skills were unparalleled in matters of strategy and tactics. Their presence cemented their Clade's role as being the intelligence-gathering arm of the Officio Assassinorum and it has been said that they have never been known to make an error in judgement though some considered this disinformation. Despite this being the case, the Clade is well known for the creation and dissemination of propaganda which is noted as being its greatest strength. Infocytes are said to hold the same relationship with raw information as an addict had with their chosen vice in the sense that they are enraptured by the idea of new data as well as what they could do to not only gather it but know it as well.
In terms of equipment, Clade Vanus are known to possess cogitator gauntlets that projected hololithic panes that floated in the air for them to access data.
They could also send small swarms of organic-metal netfly automata that can tap into opti-cables and parse through the rich data which they fed back to the operative. Each of these netflies was by itself a relatively unsophisticated piece of technology but, en masse, their networking skills allowed the information they transfered to be condensed into a coherent picture of what occured in the immediate surroundings of the Vanus Assassin. This allowed them to generate maps of nearby structures, traffic and place monitoring beads throughout any given zone. This the netflies accomplished by boring into the deep sub-web of imaging coils in the area.
When entering into an information system, Clade Vanus assassins are able to unleash data phages and blackouts designed to subvert the enemy.
Operatives of the Clade did not have obvious weapons and tended to be armed with devices such as an electropulse projector built into their cogitator gauntlet as well as made use of their menagerie such as psyber eagles, eyerats and netfly swarms.
Additionally, they made use of Imperial bionics such as mechadendrites that served as potent interface tools with other pieces of technology with the information present being projected by hololithic displays.
Thunderhawk:
The Thunderhawk gunship is a multi-use aircraft in wide use by Space Marine Chapters. Each Chapter of the Space Marines maintains its own fleet of Thunderhawks. Normally reserved for large-scale battles, time and time again its use in the various fields of war has been proven. With such might like this, only a great threat to the Imperium can demand use of these mighty craft.
The Thunderhawk is armed with a large number of weapons, though the configuration varies. Its primary weapon is fitted on a limited traverse dorsal mount and can mount either a Turbo-laser Destructor, powerful enough to strike down even a Scout Titan with an accurate shot, or a modified Battle Cannon useful for ground bombardment.
It also has two Lascannons mounted on either attack wing and at least four Heavy Bolters in hull-mounted twin-linked sponsons, with room for four additional Heavy Bolters under the main wing tips.
In addition each wing has three bomb pylons, each of which carry one Hellstrike Missile, three Bombs or Smart Bombs, or an external fuel pod, for a total of six missiles/pods or eighteen bombs. All of the Thunderhawk's weapon systems are controlled by the gunner through remote multi-spectrum surveyors from the flight deck with assistance provided by the Machine Spirit.
Armour for the Thunderhawk is constructed in a similar manner to that of a Land Raider, giving it an unprecedented level of protection. An adamantium inner hull is layered on top by titanium rolled plates, followed by a thermoplas fibre mesh, and then two layers of ceramite, the second of which is ablative. The ceramite and thermplas fibre layers are increased in depth to provide the craft with additional protection in order to perform repeated atmospheric entries, making them thicker than those on a Land Raider, at the expense of thinning the titanium and adamantium layers. These armour layers makes the Thunderhawk very well-protected and particularly resistant to Melta Weapons.
In addition to its armouring, Thunderhawks also come equipped with a Decoy Flare Launcher located in the lower rear fuselage, along with additional electronic counter-measures used to jam enemy sensors and tracking equipment.
A/N
[1] - This excerpt from the Neimerel Scrolls is from the book/novel Wrath of Iron; though some words were changed.