Chapter 7: Revelations and Decisions

Over the vox Zephyrus tells Hoeth of their discovery, the physic signature is that of a lost primarch. Astrates are going to educate him on what that means aboard his flagship. As the Storm eagle gunship brings the warriors up into orbit, nervous tension fills the hold. Seeing how many ships remain Horus shakes his head in sadness, they will be avenged he promises to himself. Entering the hangar bay of the Archangel, The Storm eagle landed with a bulky grace. The assault ramped lowered and the Astrates marched out in perfect lockstep. As soon as they saw the first xeno, Ignis is his disheveled battle dress, they had their weapons at ready and poised to kill. Horus walks out and bides them to lower their weapons, the marine's response at once. "This is Admiral Ignis, he commands the 1st Fleet of the Knights Protectorate and is a close friend of mine. Come let us retire to my quarters to talk." The marines follow Horus to his cabin, each xeno they pass feels that their life has been spared a painful death.

As the marines and Horus settle into his solar both look uneasy. Horus begins, "Where do you and by extension I come from?"

Zephyrus replies, "The Imperium of Man. You were created by the Emperor of Man before the Great Crusade so that he may the finest generals, diplomats, statesmen, and leaders to realize His dream of a united humanity across the stars. Twenty were created, twenty sons made from the genes of the Emperor. Twenty Legions of Astrates were created their image. Before the primarchs were ready, a tragedy struck. They were scattered through the warp by the Ruinous Powers. Eighteen were found but two were consider lost for forever."

"The Great Crusade, what was it?"

"It was a time when the Emperor was with his people. He reforged humanity's place among the stars after the Age of Strife. He cleanse the galaxy from many xenos that threaten humanity. He with his sons brought illumination to countless worlds. It was two centuries of glory. Until a great betrayal." His favorite son, the Warmaster sided with the Dark Gods and sought to over throw his Father. He convinced eight of his brothers as well. It was a Hersey that split the Imperium asunder. It ended with the Arch-Traitors Death and the mortal wounding of the Emperor. He now sits in external watchfulness confined to the Golden Throne."

"You said I have nineteen brothers, who were they both traitor and loyalist?"

"Lion El Jonson, Primarch of the Dark Angels, the First Legion. The Primarch of the Second Legion is unknown. Do you remember anything about your birth Milord?"

"Yes, my adoptive father said he found me in a pod with Roman numeral for two on it."

"You are the Second Primarch."

"So it would seem. Now the rest of my brothers."

"Fulgrim, Traitor Primarch of the Emperors Children, the Third Legion. Perturabo, traitor Primarch of the Iron Warriors, the Fourth Legion. Jaghatai Khan, Primarch of the White Scars, the Fifth Legion. Leman Russ, Primarch of the Wolves of Fenris, the Sixth Legion. Rogal Dorn, Primarch of the Imperial Fist, Defenders of Holy Terra, the Seventh Legion. Konrad Curze, Traitor Primarch of the Night Lords, the Eighth Legion. Sanguinius the Angel, Primarch of the Blood Angels, the Ninth Legion. Ferrus Manus, Primarch of the Iron Hands, the Tenth legion. The Eleventh is unknown. Angron, Traitor Primarch of the World Eaters, the Twelfth Legion. Roboute Guilliman, Primarch of the Ultramarines, the Thirteenth Legion. Mortarion, Traitor Primarch of the Death Guard, the Fourteenth Legion. Magnus the Red, Traitor Primarch of the Thousands Sons, the Fifteenth legion. Lorgar, Traitor Primarch of the World Bearers, the Seventeenth Legion. Vulkan, Primarch of the Salamanders, the Eighteenth Legion. Corax, Primarch of the Raven Guard, the Nineteenth Legion. Alpharius and Omegeon, Traitor Primarchs of the Alpha Legion, the Twentieth Legion."

"You skipped the sixteenth legion, why?"

"That Legion and its Primarch were the arch-traitors but if you must know I will tell you." Seeing the Primarch nod Zephyrus continues, "The Primarch of the Sixteenth Legion was the Emperor's favorite son, known as the Brightest Star or the Warmaster his name was Horus Lupercal of the Sons of Horus. Upon hearing that name the Primarch in front of Zephyrus looks like he is going to go into shock. "Milord I am sorry to disturb with the name of your traitorous brothers."


"It is not your fault but I seem to share a name with one of my brothers, my name Zephyrus is Horus as well." The Space Marines are stunned, they don't know if they should attempt to kill the Primarch or accept that he is different.

"Milord I may be overstepping but we must know if you are tainted. Septentrio gently probe his mind. Eurus take a sample for his blood and analyze it for mutation." Both marines bow to the Primarch and do their tasks with efficiency and respect. A quick jab from Eurus's Narthecium has taken the necessary sample and begins analysis. As the Narthecium hums quietly Septentrio places his hands gently on the Primarchs temples. He channels his power into hunting for any signs of trace of chaos. After several minutes he slides back into his body and announces that the Primarch is free of any taint.

Eurus compares the gene-seed of the Primarch with all of the blood samples in his gauntlets memory. It shows that it is clear of mutation and that it shares much in common with their own Chapter's Gene-Seed. "Brother-Captain the Machine-Spirit of my gauntlet is convinced that we share the Gene-Seed with the Primarch. I have rerun the test three times already and I can conclude that our Lordship is free of any mutations and we are his Astrates."

Horus and the Marines are relieved. For the next several hours the Astrates educate the Primarch on the history of the Great Crusade, the Imperium, and the Space Marines, the other branches of the Imperium government, and most importantly his brothers and his Father. Digesting all this information as it is presented, Horus feels a part of himself grow. The small groups of doubt and worry he had since childhood melt away in the knowledge that he has a family and a higher purpose. "My sons," Horus kneels, "Take my oath. In the name of my Father, the Emperor of Man and ruler of the Imperium, I pledge my honor, my live, and my service to his dream. I will create a version of the Imperium in this universe. This Legion will be known as the Knights of Storm. You Zephyrus will be my first Captain. Now let me met the rest of my army, for I have much to learn."


The marines accept his pledge in the name of the Emperor. Rising they head to the hangar bay. Zephyrus voxes Hoeth and lets him know that the Primarch of the Second Legion, the Knights of the Storm will be arriving shortly. Horus has Ignis join him as well. Turning to the marines he adds, "Any Xenos that swears their allegiance to the Imperium and my Father may live and serve. Those who do not will be dealt with." The marines accept the command of their Gene-Father with no reservations. "Ignis you swore your oath of service to me and my vision. I have learned of a vision similar to mine but larger, to unify a galaxy under the same ideals. I was created to do this by the Emperor of Man, the pinnacle of Humanity in a reality far away. I know that this sounds unbelievable but I can prove it you. I want you to renew our oath but to My Father."

Ignis is swayed by Horus's powerful oratory. That and the power that the strange vessel wields. He feels a small part of being, soul he is not sure warm. "I have always trusted you Castellan Horus. I pledge my service to the Imperium, You, and the Emperor." The marines look confused yet pleased. Horus goes on to address the whole crew and shortly they all drop to a knee and swear their loyalty and service to the Imperium and the Emperor. The strange group enters the Storm eagle and flies to the Sword of the Asgardia.

Hoeth has the entire ship cleaned to inspection status since he learned that they have found a son of their Undying Lord. In the Hangar bay he stands with is senior staff in full dress uniform. Behind him are the serried ranks of the Sky Reavers, Kasrkin, Cadians, Elysium, and the ships company. All of them stand at rigid attention as they watch the Storm eagle approach. It flares and lands with a gentle grace. The hatch opens and the Command Squad forms an honor guard. Next comes a giant, everyone can feel his presence and power and they kneel at his coming. "Ave Imperator, Lord Primarch. I am Lord Admiral Militant Tiberius Hoeth. I am in command of this vessel the Sword of Asgardia, its crew, the members of the Adeptus Astrates present, and the Imperial Guardsmen. I hereby relinquish my tactical command to you."


"Rise my brothers in arms. We are warriors for my father. Lord Hoeth, I am Horus." This announcement sends waves of fear and outrage through the assembled ranks. Sensing this Horus quickly explains his origins and how he has sworn to Emperor. "I name you Lord Solar of the Second Imperium. It consists of the former Knights Protectorate and its vassal states. I need all relevant information about the Imperium so I may educate myself. In addition I would like to introduce to your new Lord Admiral Militant, Ignis come forth."

Dressed in his ceremonial armor Ignis steps on to the deck of Asgardia. Hoeth cries, "Xenos you have sealed your fate." He draws his laspistol and takes aim.

Horus orders, "Stand down." All movement stops. "These are my edicts, Any and all xenos that have sworn to follow the Imperium and pledge themselves to my father, the Emperor, may live. Those who do not or resist die. Ignis has pledged his service, understand Lord Solar."

"As you wish my lordship." The rest of the soldiers quickly acknowledge the Primarchs authority and salutes.

"Now for your orders. You and Ignis will plan a crusade in the Abyss. Conquer it in the name of the Imperium. I will be going into Citadel space to demand recognition from the Council. Also I am going to contact our allies. I will persuade them to join or I will take them by force, Cerberus will make a powerful Inquisition. Now we must return to Matanuska."


For the rest of week Horus has been in his cabin reading everything that the Asgardia has sent from its world. He learned of the dangers of the warp, of the enemies of the Imperium, the Imperial Cult, and forty thousand years of history. By the time the Archangel has entered its home system he has gotten a general overview of his former home. His doubts he has harbored from childhood melted away. While he has been studying the men of the Imperium has been reconciling this discovery.

The arguments of the truth behind this discovery raged for two days straight but were settled with the unanimous decisions of the Hoeth and Zephyrus that this was the will of the Emperor as shown by the Tarot. Once this has been settled, Hoeth has the Senior Magos and Brother-Techmarine Skeiron fashion a set of power for the Primarch. They labor for weeks using two sets of Terminator armor given to them by two of the assault marines.

As the transfer of technology continues Hoeth is working with the xenos admiral in planning the crusade. Hoeth would rather just shoot the thing and be done with but he will not disobey a son of the Emperor. Ignis feels the waves of hatred coming off Hoeth, resigned to this hostility he knows that he must prove his worth before the battle-hardened captain. Using the large amount of guardsman and Astrates, Hoeth feels that they can take a planet every few weeks. He also wants the locations of targets that won't surrender or bow to the Emperor. Wipe them out first and others will be more likely to join. By the time they reach Matanuska, they have plans to take ten planets as the opening of the crusade.

Horus has the entire company of Astrates join in the grand hall of the Guards Keep. Standing before them in the form fitting Cerberus Assault Armor, his personality and size fills the room. He begins, "Warriors of the Sky Reavers, Your ancestors were part of the Second Legion and I am its Primarch. From this day forth we will the instrument of the Emperors will in this universe. Where ever Humanity and its Allies stand threaten we will be their shield. Where ever a foe plans to defile Humanity's purpose we will be their sword. We will forge My Fathers dream, we are now the Knights of the Storm. We are the Shadow of Death, Descending from the Skies. Ave Imperator." The Astrates kneel and pledge their loyalty to their Primarch, to their Legion, to Emperor. "Stand my sons. For the Great Crusade begins in the Abyss. I want as many of the Knights of this world to be trained and modified to stand with you. With my blood, the gene-seed wrought by my father, we shall recreate the Second Legion and expand our brotherhood." With the speech over a feast begins. It last for entire week of boasting, drinking, eating, and contest of honor.


Miranda has been summoned to the Lord Castellan briefing room. Upon entering she is greeted by the sight of Zephyrus and Hoeth. The rest of the company is out testing the various knights to see which will become Neophytes. "Lord Horus, who are these people?" she asks.

"These people are from the same reality I am from." With that starts an hour summary of the Imperium and why Hoeth and his ship has managed to appear in this universe. "What I want from you is a meeting with the Illusive Man."

"He won't agree to that. There are security risks," begins Miranda.

Hoeth cuts her off, "Miss you will agree to the Primarchs command or will we get his location from you the hard way."

"I would like to see you try," retorts Miranda.

Zephyrus moves with the speed of a lightning bolt and pins her to the wall, "Septentrio shift through her mind and be gentle about it. She will learn what happens when you defy a son of the Emperor. Septentrio enters and quickly enters Miranda's mind and extracts the pertinent information. He writes it down a data slate and hands it to Horus.

"Your group wants to see Humanity rise to its proper place. Serve me and that will happen. Now I must be off to Cronos Station."


As he leaves Zephyrus tells the Primarch that Lord Hoeth wants to see him. Detouring they go to one of the larger shuttle bays. Hoeth bows as the Primarch approaches, "I have good news Milord. We have adapted the turbolaser found on the thunderhawk gunship to the main weapons on your ships. It will have slightly longer reload times once every five seconds instead of every two but it has the same range as those pitiful macro-cannons. In addition we present you with this." Hoeth snaps his fingers and four Servitors walk out bearing a large pallet. "We have created for you a true set of armor. One that is befitting a Primarch. Looking at the heavy plates Horus grabs the pallet and steps out of sight. The Servitors help him assemble the war gear. Once complete he steps out, he towers over them even more. The dark storm blue of the armor goes well with its gold and silver trim. The joints are a dark red and a black cloak hangs from his shoulders. On the left shoulder is the Aquila embossed in pure gold and the right has a storm cloud priced by a sword and two lightning bolts. He looks like a Primarch should, the embodiment of the prefect warrior and leader.

Taking Miranda with them Horus and his command squad board the Deus ex Aquila, formerly the Archangel, it has been modified with several large scale turbolasers that the Techadepts assigned to the ship have hesitantly calls them lances. Along with the upgrade in firepower its colors have been altered to reflect the Second Legion. Its hull is a deep blue, the leading edges are sliver, and the prow has the distinctive golden eagle of the Imperium. It heads to the relay network and Cronos Station.

"Send her security codes as soon as we leave the relay," commands Horus. The communications officer acknowledges his orders. Over the intercom the VI begins a short countdown to leaving the transit. With a flash of light the seven hundred and fifty meter long battlecruiser enters the Anadius System. It contains a cold, dying star and a single space station hidden in its radiation field. As soon as the Deus ex Aquila makes its way in system they are being hailed. Horus greets the strange blue eyes of the Illusive Man. "I am Primarch Horus and request an audience with you."

"Very Well Horus. We have been good business partners and trustworthy allies in the Abyss for me to honor your request. One other person besides Miss Lawson."


The screen turns off as Horus as Zephyrus and Miranda accompany him to the Storm eagle. The craft leaves the hangar bay of the Deus ex Aquila and follows the navigation markers to one of the many fighter bays of the Station. After they land they are escorted by a group of Centurions and another operative that Miranda names Ki Lang. Just before entering the presence of the Illusive Man they are asked for their weapons. Both warriors refuse, an impasse is created until the doors hiss open. The Illusive man is sitting in his with a glass of Johnnie Walker Blue Label and a cigarette. "Come in. We apparently have more business to discuss then creating your little empire in the Abyss."

"We do. When I am done with the Abyss. I want the rest of the galaxy. I will forge an Empire where Humanity is supreme. The rest of the xenos species will bend the knee or die. From you I want your allegiance and organizations. Right now we are just partners nothing changes except I want information on how I can impress the Alliance and the Citadel."

Taking a puff of his cigarette, the Illusive Man considers his options. He goes over what he knows about the Protectorate military and the Demon ship that is now a part of them. He considers what Miranda told him about those giant soldiers and their abilities. He doesn't have a choice, but they want the same thing in the end. Also Horus has proven just as if more ruthless than himself. "Very well I agree. As for information, head to the Virmire system. I was going to pass that along to the Council and have Shepard stop Saren there."

"Thank you. We will take our leave now. Ave Imperator." With that Horus and Zephyrus turn to leave.

"Wait," says the Illusive Man, "I want Miranda to stay on with your Imperium, as my personal representative."

"Fine. Your terms are acceptable."


The Council received a garbled transmission from an STG team on the planet Virmire. It concerns Saren. The Council passes the information on to the Normandy. Shepard and Horus are both racing to the planet. One to stop a galactic threat, the other to plant the seeds of one.


Authors Note: This chapter may feel rushed because it is mainly filler that comes into play for if/when I make to Mass Effect 2. Sorry if it is a boring read but it had to be done. Also keep the reviews coming I appreciate them a lot.