Colonelwalrus: I wrote Shakespeare? Which bit was this? Thanks for the comments!

Alien26: Thanks dude. I'll look up Horus' description some time.

Disclaimer: I do not own Bon Jovi's lyrics etc.

We only had a few minutes to celebrate before the marines set us in search of a vid recorder. Apparently they wanted to broadcast the image of the Tyrant – or what was left of him – throughout the city's network. Grisly business. We rummaged through the Tyrant's quarters, which had been recently cleared by a taciturn terminator. He strode off into the other rooms without a backwards glance, an occasional boom marking the death of another of the Tyrant's servants. Jane and I were searching the Tyrant's offices while Sammo and Alaris were sweeping the armoury.

"Um, Lister, you know back there?" asked Jane, leaning back on plush black chair. "Back with the Jaegers. Did...did you really mean it?"

I felt my face burn as I thought about that kiss. I nodded hesitantly. "Yeah, Jane. Um, you don't mind, do you?"

She smiled, tension draining from her shoulders. "No, no problem. Well, was that because you owed me, or because – well, um, you like me?"

Oh Jovi, I've only seen these things in holo-vids. My face felt like it was on fire. I hoped she didn't see me blushing like an idiot. But she probably did. "Well, ah, both. You know, yeah?"

Jane flushed as well, and hopped off the chair. "So, since you don't owe me any more, would you?" She stood in front of me awkwardly, brown eyes fixed on me. Her hands fidgeted and twisted, and she hurriedly pulled them behind her back. Oh Jovi. Half of me wanted to do it, the other half didn't. I jerked forwards, closing my eyes. Aw, what the hell. Let's do it.

I was so nervous I nearly missed. As far as kisses go it was horrendous. I hit the side of her mouth and worked my way in. Her lips were soft. So damn soft. I'd remember it for the rest of my life though. I didn't get that many after that.

I pulled back after a few seconds, grinning like a maniac. Jane beamed back at me, brushing a strand of loose hair off her forehead. "That was the third time I've been kissed," she said quietly.

Hot damn. I felt jealous. "Third time?" I croaked. My brain cell count had been halved after that.

"Well, I decided to count our other two as well," she jauntily replied. Whew.

"That's good to know," I said, very relieved. A thump sounded from the other room. We dived for our weapons and crouched behind a solid looking wood desk. Damn Ginasians! They had to ruin a good time.

"We found it!" Sammo called triumphantly. OK, having our time wrecked by Sammo wasn't much better. We rose from behind the desk, and Sammo bounded in, followed by the captain. The marine looked distinctly worse for wear. He held a large recorder like a gun.

"Come, we have our objective," he announced, brandishing the recorder. He suddenly sniffed, nostrils contracting dramatically. He winked at me. Winked! What on Sayre for?

We filed out, the marine slowing down to stride next to me. "Glad to see you are taking your chances, Lister."

Oh great. Congratulations from Mr. Human Mating Behaviours himself. "How?" I whispered. I hoped Jane didn't hear. Nor Sammo. He'd never stop laughing at us.

The marine tapped his nose. "Pheromones," he rumbled back, lost in thought. He jerked and turned to me, asking in a normal voice, "Lister, have you ever considered becoming a space marine?"

We froze, Jane and Sammo staring at me. Jane looked on the verge of panic, and Sammo gaped at me. Blood rushed to my head, thumping in my ears. A marine? A space marine? I thought back to when I first met Alaris, the robotic space marines, their uncaring brutality – apart from the captain, and how badly wounded they got. A lifetime of war. Death. All that sort of crap. No thanks. Even Jovi couldn't make me be one. I had a life to live. One look at Jane made my mind up.

"No, cap'. I haven't, nor do I want to be," I replied. "Why don't you ask Sammo?"

The marine nodded, obviously disappointed. "Sammo is too old. An initiate must still be in puberty to receive the implants without rejection."

I glanced at Jane, and my heart leapt. She was grinning ear to ear, eyes shining. Well, that's another reason not to be a marine. They didn't get girls like we normal humans did.

"So...what will you people do after we leave?" the captain continued after a short pause.

"I'll be a mechanic," said Sammo. "I'm not good at much else."

"Watch out for the people in red," muttered Alaris grimly. "Those Mechanicus types are awfully tight-fisted when it comes to technology. How about you, Jane?"

Man, this was the most talkative I'd seen of him in days. "I'll be a teacher," she said firmly. "A teacher at an orphanage. Perhaps I can make other kids' lives better, less like mine. I know it don't sound that impressive to you, cap', but I want to help people."

The marine shook his head. "To be a teacher is a high aspiration, girl. The children under you become your progeny, your legacy. Through them, you live forever. The lessons you teach shall be passed on through each generation. They will not remember you, as yourself, but they will remember your teachings. Lister, enlighten us."

I looked up at the sky, the stars fading as dawn grew close. "I want to be a spacer. I've always wondered what the galaxy would be like. Dunno, its been a dream for me since I was a kid. Perhaps I'll be one of those rogue traders, who go around finding new civilisations. Rogue Trader Captain Solas Lister, at your service."

"Ha! A dreary ambition, Lister. Only xenos and war lurk out in the cosmos. No, being a spacer would not be a good idea," mused the captain. "Perhaps you would join the Imperial Army? I could give any battle barge captain my commendations."

Hell no! I didn't want to be shackled to that Emperor forever! Not that I wasn't grateful for him coming to kill the Tyrant, but I wanted freedom. Jovi, I wanted to be a starship captain. A rogue trader had visited the orphanage one cold winter's day, swashbuckling his way through the gloomy orderlies and governesses. He had come to select the strongest and smartest children to serve as his crew. I could still remember puffing my chest out and trying to look impressive as he inspected us, and the sinking feeling as he tapped the kid on the right. That bastard. I swore to own a bigger starship than him when I grew up. It was my life ambition.

"Nah, I'd rather strike out on my own," I boldly replied. The captain gave a tired shrug and led us back into the hall.

"I have the objective, brothers," he called, waving the recorder. "Where is Lord Horus?"

A terminator turned to the captain. "Milord Horus has retired to the battle barge, brother-captain. He requests that you do the honours." Ha! Good riddance!

The marine grinned. "So I shall," he said, and turned to us. "And so we shall."

Sammo connected a lead from the broadcast array, and fiddled with some buttons on the console. "Set to roll, people!" he announced cheerfully. The screens burst to life.

A black terminator strode in, dragging the eviscerated corpse of the Tyrant. Even though I had hated the man, I still felt the gorge rise in my throat. An oozing slick of blood followed the marine.

"Brother-captain, you might need some decorations," came its synthesised voice. The marine dumped the corpse at the captain's feet like a sack of offal. Well, it was a sack of offal. Disgusting.

"Excellent. Lister, hold the camera. Jane, open the curtains," the captain instructed, grinning. "They used to have this saying on Ancient Terra. Lights, camera, action!"

I hit the 'record' button on the recorder, struggling to hold the bulky contraption upright. Jovi, it was heavy! The damn thing was meant to be mounted on a tripod. The captain looked into the camera, wearing his fiercest expression.

"People of Ginas, I am Captain Alaris of the Emperor's Luna Wolves. You are now subjects of the Imperium. Your Tyrant is dead, his palace is in ruins. Submit, and we shall show lenience. Or suffer the fate of your 'beloved' leader," he boomed mightily into the recorder. He wrenched the bloodied carcass of the Tyrant into view. "One hour to comply. Ave Imperator!"

I switched off the recorder, arms sore. Sammo's hands were a flurry as he fed the video into the city communication grid. Alaris pitched the Tyrant's body into a nearby chair, the corpse making a squelching sound. What the hell was he going to do with that bag of crap?

Obviously Jane was thinking the same thing. "Er, cap', what you doing with that corpse?" she asked hesitantly.

The marine blinked. "Posterity," he replied. "Some fools might claim we did not actually slay the Tyrant. Or say he is still alive. Rebellions start that way."

Well, that was grisly business, make no mistake. We averted our eyes from the body, trying to ignore the metallic tang of blood rising from the body. The marine tapped his earpiece, listening to reports on his 'vox' thingy. Slowly a smile spread across his face.

"My brothers report widespread surrenders," he announced gleefully. "A new world of the Imperium. Another jewel to the Emperor's crown! Long may he live!"

…...

"Honour guard, present – ARMS!" roared a marine. We stood at the top of the stairs that led from the front entrance of the palace. I gulped, and Jane clutched my arm in fear. Sammo gave a nervous cough. A vast cheering crowd had assembled behind the two lines of marines that formed a pristine white corridor leading to the gates. The noise hit me like a hammer blow. Clack – SLAM! The marines swiftly drew back their bolters and stamped to attention in perfect synchrony. The sun started to rise, as if in salute.

"Hail, brother-captain! Honour guard ready for inspection!" called the same marine.

Alaris slammed his hand against his breastplate in response. His chipped armour was a battered grey to the other marine's ivory. He tilted his head towards us.

"Fear not. This is the honour you are due. Stand tall and proud!" he whispered, as we started forward. The terminators marched in a box around us, their footfalls precisely matching the captain's. The crowd roared its approval as we descended the stairs. Hell, I would probably wet myself now.

"Ave Imprato!" yelled a man. Jovi, he got it wrong so bad. The honour guard stood as still as statues, twin lines of glowing red eyes guiding us. A rain of flowers showered down on us, thrown by the ecstatic crowd.

Then a voice called out. "Look! The Freedom League! Three cheers for our heroes!" We ducked our heads down in embarrassment. "HUZZAH! HUZAAH! AGAIN! HUZZAH!"

"Chin up! This is your reward!" came the captain's amused comment. A trio of girls ran out and draped flowers around my neck, raining kisses on my face. I saw another group run out to Sammo. I felt myself flush, mortified. I turned to look at Jane, who was glaring daggers at the giggling girls, who had been prodded back into the crowd. She didn't have any flowers. Damn, if Jane wasn't my girl I'd have enjoyed the attention.

"Hey Jane, here," I said, drawing close and draping some flowers over her neck. She smiled at me in response. No, her attention was better than the whole of Sayre's.

"Thanks, Lister," she said gratefully. My heart warmed at her praise.

And we marched on out the gate and through the city to a cheering Ginas.

…...

"...and the great Bon Jovi descended from the heavens, bringing His blessings of Rock and of Roll through His holy 'lectric guitar. And humanity cheered as He lit up the sky, His glory igniting the stars that shine today. The great drums and keyboard beat their tune into the cosmos, creating the universal tune. And finally the base guitar spoke, creating the firmament. My children, the Tyrant sought to enslave His work, to yoke His loyal subjects to his will. But Bon Jovi is with us! I am living proof of that!"

A figure paced on the stage, booming his terrific oratory to the entirety of Ginas. The giant mane of wild hair and ball-bustingly tight pants marked his status as High Priest of Bon Jovi. He had been imprisoned by the Tyrant as a deviant and malcontent for preaching Bon Jovi's philosophy of freedom and independence. The first thing he did when he had been freed was to call a congregation that very evening. Jane stood next to me, holding my hand as we watched the priest. Sammo had disappeared with a crowd of swooning girls. Good luck to him. As for the captain, he had boarded a gigantic space plane straight after the parade.

"The eternal Jovi taught us the meaning of free will and liberty through the hallowed chords of his venerated music. Tonight, my children, we shall honour Jovi!"

The crowd gasped as the stage lit up in lights and smoke, the priest disappearing. Five flashes of light, and the crowd boomed its joy. Flash! The holy drum kit rose out of the floor, and a man settled down behind it. Flash! A figure stood up, carrying the blessed base guitar. Flash! The sanctified keyboard appeared. Flash! A man brandished the divine 'lectric guitar. And Flash! The High Priest flew onto the stage with a microphone, the crowd going wild. A concert! Blessed by the great Jovi! The sparks started to cascade from the stage, and strobe lights shone out into the night.

"People of Ginas! Let me tell you his words, through the one and only way of ROCK AND ROLL!"

And the divine chords of Jovi rang out from the speakers, washing over the cheering throng. It was Livin' on a Prayer, the song me and Jane had sung when we had first went. I held her close and we sung with the priest.

...She says we got to hold on to what we've got

'Cause it doesn't make a difference whether we make it or not

We've got each other, and that's a lot for love

I hugged Jane tighter, her arms wrapping around me.

We'll give it a shot!

Then the world-famous chorus rang out, to the cheers of the audience.

WHOOOA—OOOOH!

LIVIN' ON A PRAYE – ER!

TAKE MY HAND WE'LL MAKE IT I SWEAR

OOOHH – OH! LIVIN' ON A PRAYER!

The priest and guitarists rose in the air, still singing and playing. The people in the crowd yelled in joy as the priest and his retinue swept over them, touching their up-stretched hands. I felt Jane stiffen in shock as the High Priest flew towards us.

"Hail to the heroes of Sayre!" he roared in a gap between the lyrics. He clasped our hands warmly, and glided on. We opened our palms and found a gold medallion with the inscription: 'Walk with Jovi'. I gaped in shock. It was like being touched by the great Jovi himself. The song continued to the delight of the crowd, and then finally ended. Damn, so quick? We sagged in disappointment, thinking it was over.

"No! I have not finished!" shouted the priest, who had flown back onto the stage. Then the rough voice of the guitars sounded as It's my Life began. That's more like it! The holy song reminded me of our time on the trucks. Jane and I jumped and danced in time to the beat with the entire of Ginas.

"Comon Lister! Comon!" Jane yelled joyfully, as I held her hands and leapt up and down. A giddy rush filled my head, and I swung Jane around and around. She laughed and her eyes sparkled.

I don't know when the ethano came in, but it did. It seemed like an hour before the priest began the love song Always. It was pash time. The crowd stilled and calmed as everyone paired off, swaying with the divine tune.

...You see I've always been a fighter, but without you I give up

I can't sing a love song like the way it's meant to be

Well, I guess I'm not that good any more

But baby, that's just me

And I will love you, baby - Always

And I'll be there forever and a day - Always

I'll be there till the stars don't shine

Till the heavens burst and the words don't rhyme

And I know when I die, you'll be on my mind

And I'll love you - Always

Jane held me tight as we danced, her body comfortably pressed up against me. She looked up at me.

"Lister, don't leave me. Don't be a spacer. Stay. Stay here with me," she murmured, eyes burning into mine. My heart went out to her. Fearlessly I bent down and kissed her mouth.

"I'll always be with you, Jane. All the galaxy couldn't stop me," I replied. I felt a small pang of guilt, as I said that. I hadn't really decided. But Jane smiled adoringly at me, and on we danced. The ethano created a warm fuzzy feeling in me, and in the sultry light Jane looked even more beautiful. Perhaps there was a future with her.

...I'll be there till the stars don't shine

Till the heavens burst and the words don't rhyme

And I know when I die, you'll be on my mind

And I'll love you - Always

The song ended, the crowd slowly separating. The priest called for silence. We stood in silence as a hush fell over the crowd. Then in a choked voice, he said, "Let us remember our loved ones long past, and to think of our loved ones now. Rejoice in their company, and – and remember this night."

A haunting guitar melody rang out from the stage, rising and falling. The priest drew in his microphone slowly, and began to sing. A shiver ran through the crowd. My heart began to pound at the raw passion in the words. I glanced at Jane. She licked her lips and looked back at me.

...While we're talking about all of the things that I long to believe

About love and the truth and what you mean to me

And the truth is baby, you're all that I need

Which was exactly what I felt about Jane. I turned to Jane and locked lips with her again, pressing up against her. She gasped as I enfolded her, and hugged me tighter. I don't know whether it was the ethano, or maybe Jovi acting through us that night. I remember stumbling along with Jane into a deserted warehouse, filled with primal desire. I remember the way we kissed passionately, fumbling with each other's clothes. I remember the way she looked into my eyes, and how I drowned in their liquid depths.

"Lister, are we?" she whispered, voice hoarse. She was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen that night. I never wanted to leave. We collapsed on a dusty wooden bench.

"Shh, Jane. I – I love you," I replied softly, bending down to kiss her. She smiled and closed her eyes, stretching out.

Through the cracked windows Bon Jovi's words came filtering through, the poignant words stirring our passion. I kissed Jane harder, and she responded in kind.

...I want to be just as close as the Holy Ghost is

And lay you down...

On a bed of roses...

And slowly, softly, the dust began to shake off the wooden bench and settle gently on the floor.

I won't go further than that. There's some things in life that you keep to yourself, and that's one of them.

Firstly, I want to acknowledge Bon Jovi and Co. for the use of his lyrics. I also hope that readers enjoyed this chapter. I have never seen any fully-fledged celebration scenes in 40K stories, so I decided to write one. I hope you enjoyed this chapter. For the marine fans, the next chapter is the last on Sayre (damn!). From then on its FOR THE EMPRAH! See you laters!