Scions of War flagship Normandy
Terminus System
High Warden William Hancock stared out into the void as the II legion fleet entered real-space once more, an air of cautious excitement hanging above them. For if the Sigillite was to be believed, they were arriving at the predicted location of their Gene-Sire! But the High Warden did not want to get his hopes up for nothing. "Are you sure we are at the right coordinates?"
The Sigillite's liaison then strolled to his side. Miranda Lawson was a native of this corner of the galaxy and wore a black-and-white bodysuit of local design that hugged her assets in a manner that drew the gaze of quite a few human crew members. "Yes, the Illusive Man should be here with Shepard soon."
The High Warden tensed up with indignation. How dare she speak of his Primarch in such an irreverent manner! But his temper cooled as logic prevailed, for how could she truly understand the importance of a primarch when little of the Imperium is known in this corner of the galaxy. So he settled for shooting her a hateful glare as he shouted out an order to a nearby crew member. "Tell the navigator to be on the lookout for Malcador's psychic signature, and to notify me when she finds it."
After receiving an acknowledgment, he turned back towards the woman who was merely surveying the bridge activity and asked her a question that had been on the High Warden's mind for so long. "What do you know of the extent of his injuries?"
That immediately got her attention as she turned towards him with a response. "I cannot say for certain, but from what I was told he was spaced, but there is little to no damage to the lungs. In fact, the worst of it is just a few bruises. I am still having trouble believing that to be the case."
This new revelation relieved Hancock of his fears. Although, now that he thought about it, he wasn't surprised. After all, he had heard that the XI legion Primarch, Eren Jeagar, survived getting eaten alive with minimal injuries. Compared to that, getting spaced was insignificant. His thoughts were then interrupted by a message from the navigator. "My lord, I have found the Sigilite's signature. He is aboard a 1km ship of unknown design that just entered the system."
The helmsman quickly confirmed the discovery. "New contact matches Cerberus designs from Ms. Lawson's files."
The High Warden then barked out another order. "Open a channel to that ship, notify them that Ms. Lawson and myself will be coming aboard."
"At once my Lord," was the communications officer's reply before he suddenly stopped. "Actually my Lord, a Ceberus shuttle has already been dispatched and is enough route to the Normandy."
Well, it seemed that the Sigillite was once again planning ahead. "Very well, direct it toward the hangar. We shall meet them there. Ship-master, you have command till I return."
As the respective acknowledgments rang through the bridge, the High Warden exited the bridge, the Cerberus operative following close behind. But despite his desire to arrive at the hangar relatively quickly, the Emperor-damned elevator had other plans. "We make faster-than-light ships but we can only make elevators that are slower than the Word Bearers."
Miranda chuckled at that and responded. "Well it looks like that trend is universal. We suffer from that plague as well."
Hancock chuckled in response as the elevator doors finally opened up at the hangar revealing the first company in the middle of one of their routine drill sessions under First Warden James 'Iron Head' Johnson. He was one of the blunter marines within the legion, possessing a dark complexion with chiseled features and 'the manliest mustache this side of the Gothic Sector.' However, he was most famous for his tendency to not wear a helmet in battle since he killed an Ork nob by caving it's skull in after losing his helmet. In its place, he wore an enlarged Imperial army Sargent's cap. It was also important to note that he was never seen without a cigar in his mouth. The marine then put on a smirk as he noticed his commanding officer. "You here to watch the show, sir?"
"Actually, I am here to meet with the Sigillite, who will arrive at any moment. Perhaps you could have the company form up to greet him."
"Understood, sir." Iron Head then turned towards the 1st company. "Alright, you heard him, boys! Parade formation! Double time!"
The marines of 1st company then fanned out with the same discipline they were known for, taking up formation along both sides of the primary hangar bay. The companies Terminator squads took position up front just in time as the Cerberus shuttle then made its way through the field barriers and landed at the head of the company's formation, disgorging its load of passengers. Malcador the Sigillite was the first to exit, and the Scions almost did not recognize him, his stature was that of a man far younger than Malcador. His raven-black hair was cut short instead of the usual shoulder-length, and he wore a crisp black suit. The only item on his person that enabled the marines to recognize him was the ornate staff that he always carried. What followed the Sigillite left them breathless with nervous anticipation, a duo of servitors carried the unconscious form of their gene-sire. The High Warden was so entranced that he did not notice the Sigillite walk up to him and only did so when Malcador cleared his throat in order to get his attention. "Apologies my lord, I..."
The Sigillite merely waved it off as he spoke. "Considering who I have brought with me, it is perfectly understandable. In the meantime, I suggest we bring him to a more manageable area before he awakens, which should be very soon."
"Of course. The apothecarium should suffice, in the event of further injuries."
Very well." He then turned towards Miranda. "Ms. Lawson, report back to base."
As the Cerberus operative departed the ship via the shuttle craft, the two individuals made their way towards the apothecarium, Commander Jason Shepard in tow.
*****Space Wolves Battle Barge Herfankle
In orbit above Harvest
Leman Russ awaited the arrival of his father, the Emperor, with his Wolf Guard at his side. He quickly noticed the golden shuttle as it entered the hangar and landed, quickly disgorging its passengers. The first to disembark were the shimmering golden figures of the Adeptus Custodes who quickly vacated the ramp to make way for the towering form of the Master of Mankind, his companion Constantine Valdor by his side. It seemed to be an eternity as the two super-humans stared at each other before they embraced each other as father and son. The Emperor was first to speak, "It is good to see you again, my son."
"The feeling is mutual father, although I must admit that your arrival was unexpected."
"The events that led me here, as well as your presence here, are both unexpected but welcome. Now, tell me what you know about this new human civilization."
The Wolf King perked up in curiosity. "What exactly clued you in?"
"The fact that you weren't bombarding the planet into oblivion."
Russ let out a boisterous laugh as a certain Alliance Marine walked up toward them, prompting Russ to speak. "Well, I feel that it would be easier to hear it from the source. Allow me to introduce Ashley Williams, current representative of the Systems Alliance Colony of Harvest."
Upon hearing this, the Emperor offered a handshake to the awe-struck marine. "It is a pleasure to meet you Ms. Williams. I am The Emperor of Mankind, but if it's easier for you, than you may refer to me as 'sir'."
This seem to put her at ease as she accepted the handshake, her hand sbeing/s completely engulfed by the emperor's giant golden gauntlet, it's owner gesturing for them to depart. "Perhaps we can find a more comfortable place to continue our discussion, the great Hall should work." As the group left the hanger, the Emperor continued the conversation, "Ms. Williams, what can you tell me about the Systems Alliance?"
Well sir, the Alliance is the governing body of Humanity within Citadel space, the area that is governed by the Citadel Council. The council is a group of political figureheads representing the most influential races in Citadel space. Humanity has only recently received a representative seat on the Council."
Leman Russ shot a glare at her upon hearing that. "You told me that they ran things here, Ash."
Her retort was quick and to-the-point. "I was drunk. Besides, with the way they act like they know everything, it's easy to get that idea."
The Wolf King merely resorted to quiet grumbling, the only discernible sentence being directed at Ashley. "You're still drunk, you idiot."
The Emperor then interjected by snapping his fingers which had the desired effect of sobering Ashley up, "now that we have that out of the way, should we expect an ambassador from this Council?"
Williams' response came with a lighthearted chuckle. "Well, there happens to be one on the ship. Leman actually just got done talking with that Asari bitch."
"Is she still present aboard the Herfankle?"
Then it was Leman's turn to answer the Emperor's question. "Yes she is. In fact, the xenos lass is probably still in the room I left her at just three floors below the great hall."
Uponn learning of that location, the Emperor turned towards a nearby Custodes with an order on his lips. "Find her and bring her to me."
As the chosen Custodes proceeded with his task, the Emperor then turned toward Ashley once more. "You still haven't provided me information on the Alliance."
"Oh right. Well long story short, the Alliance is the representative body of Humanity here and generally posses the support of our home world's most powerful nation's. It is also humanity's military, exploratory, and economic spearhead and is governed by a Parliament based on Arcturus Station, which also serves as the capital."
After the Emperor accepted the information with a nod, Valdor launched an inquiry to Leman Russ. "Well, you and Ms. Williams seem to be getting along. Would you be able to explain how you two got so chummy?"
Leman chuckled as he answered, "Well that is an interesting story. See, it started out a bit rocky due to the situation, but over time we..."
Ashley then took the opportunity to interrupt the Wolf King. "We related over how much we hated the Batarian assholes."
The Emperor raised an eyebrow in curiosity upon hearing that. "Batarians? I am unfamiliar with the name."
pThe Wolf King was the one to explain. "They are a xeno race of slaver scum."
The only response given was the slightest tensing of the Emperor's body that almost went unnoticed by the transhumans present. But before anything else could be said on the matter, the Custodes that was sent off before returned to the Emperor's side, the ambassador in tow. "Here is the xeno ambassador you requested, I encountered her making her way towards her transport."
The Emperor merely nodded in acknowledgment as he responded. "Thank you, that will be all."
With that out of the way, his attention was focused on the ambassador who shrunk considerably under his gaze. The tense silence lasted for only a moment before he donned a smile before speaking. "Greetings, I am the Emperor of Mankind and leader of the Imperium of Man."
With that, the xeno seemed relax enough to speak, albeit with a stutter. "L-l-lynryta L-l-leora of the As-s-sari R-r-republics."
"You do not need to be afraid. If I wanted to kill you, you'd already be dead."
This assurance seemed to have done the trick as Leora regained her composure. "Well then on behalf of the Citadel Council, which the Republics are a part of, I extend an invitation to the Citadel in order to meet with the council."
The Emperor took a moment to decide before speaking once more. "Very well, notify your councilors that I will meet with them in a solar cycle."
Leora then nodded in acknowledgment before departing, leaving the three alone. But before anything else could be spoken, the Emperor suddenly tensed up as he received a psychic message. As the immediate effects wore off, Ashley felt it safe to inquire about it. "What happened, just there?"
"I have received a message from the Sigillite, he has found the last of my sons."
The Wolf King gave no response except to just stare at him continually, prompting him to wave his hand in front of Russ' face. "Hello, are you there Leman?"
With no response given, Ashley offered her input. "I think you broke him."
She was quickly proven wrong as the Emperor smacked Russ upside his head, snapping him out of his trance. "Apologies, father, the revelation took me by surprise."
The Emperor smiled, nodding his head in response as he turned towards Valdor. "Valdor! Once you receive the Citadel's coordinates, notify Guilliman of the arrangements that have been discussed and tell him to meet us there!"
"It shall be done milord."
Russ then got the Emperor's attention once more. "Father, what name is he known by? So that I know for the future."
"Huh? Oh, he is known as Commander Jason Shepard."
This elicited a small gasp of shock from Ashley, catching the attention of both transhumans. "Sheppard's alive?! Everyone told me that he was dead!"
The Emperor then asked in response, "Do you know him?"
With a face redder than a Blood angles armor, she answered with a whisper that could still be heard. "We're kinda dating."
I originally wasn't planning on making the Sigillete and the Illusive Man be the same guy, but when the idea was brought up, I figured, 'why not?'
I was going to put up a poll on which girl Shepard would have, but decided on Ashley.
Despite the arc being over, legion submissions are still up for what Shepard will make it. As of right now though, I own it and the 11th. Submissions will be closed on the 20th
I do not own 40K or Mass Effect.
Thanks to my beta-reader thatguy1796 who put up a good point regarding Kitten, so from here on, Constantine Valdor will be the Emperor's companion.
