Dawn of Hope

by A.Islam.TMAX2021

'Battle-Fleet Halo' possibly one of the largest battle-fleets of the Indomitus Crusade is now lost in unknown space thanks to a freak storm surge in the warp. In search of a way to return back, they discover a new planet with a shattered moon - Remnant. Will this be the world where they find hope? Or is their destiny forever to be embroiled in war?

1. Chapter 1

"How to deal with an enemy who only relies on brute strength and too foolish to realize his own impending and inevitable Doom you say? For the sons of our Lord-Commander Guilliman, meet them tactfully, devise strategies and actions to whittle down your enemy's strength before the final blow and defeat them in honorable combat. For the sons of Dorn, be an impregnable wall and keep fighting tenaciously until the end, even if it means annihilating oneself in the process. For the sons of Sanguinius, descend upon them like crazed berserkers. For the sons of the Gorgon, engage with logical and methodic steps through and through. And, for some of the more boisterous ones like the sons of Russ or Khan, hit the enemy like a battering ram or like a spear with the near deafening war cries and never-ending cussing in case of the sons of Russ. For our fellow brethren; and us the sons of our Gene-sire Corax, it is rather simple: hit them from the shadows when they are not looking, getting the enemy to be confused and afraid. And, while they're still in the state of panic, descend upon them in silence, unleash the Emperor's divine wrath and when done, disappear within the shadows once again, leaving only death and destruction in our wake to let everyone know we were there."

- Arkas Tur, "Master of Shadows", Chapter Master, Rift Stalkers Chapter of the Adeptus Astartes.

The Immaterium, or better to call the Warp by most of the common folks. Possibly the last place for any sane living being to be. Especially, ever since the opening of the great rift by the end of Abaddon the Despoiler's accursed 13th Black Crusade, the immaterium has become an even more dangerous place. Even after three decades have passed since the return of the Avenging son Roboute Guilliman and the launch of the Indomitus Crusade. To reclaim the worlds that got separated by the rift, countless fleets of battleships of the mighty Imperial Navy sail through the perils of the warp. Each fleet bolstered in strength by the Mighty Chapters of the Emperors finest, the Adeptus Astartes; His Space Marines. Often, said fleets are bolstered even more by the inexhaustible armies of the Astra Militarum; Technologies of the Martian priesthood i.e the Adeptus Mechanicus; The mighty legions of the Adeptus Titanicus and the multitudes of Knight houses; the ever faithful orders of the Adeptus Sororitas or the Sisters of Battle and more. In spite of having such might, many worlds still remain out of reach, beyond any hope of being rescued by the armies of the Imperium of Man. While countless other worlds being rescued and brought into the fold of the Imperium once again, even though said process has slowed down to the point of crawling on all four limbs. Yet, the brave soldiers of the Imperium continues to push forward to make the stars inhabitable for Mankind to live on. One such massive fleet now sails through the warp towards its destination: the lost worlds bordering near the Halo stars of Segmentum Obscurus. Ever since the great rift, Imperial worlds within said segmentum have been on the receiving end of some of the worst invasions Mankind has ever seen: Be it by the myriad Xenos species such as Orks, Eldar, Tyranids, Necrons and like or incursions within and without courtesy of the forces of Chaos. And more the troops of said fleet thought about what is happening to said worlds, the more –

Darius: Augh… Emperor, no… (Groan) not that dream again…. for the Throne's sake, how long do we have to keep swimming in this thing?! Sitting inside the bellies of the ships while doing nothing but practice drills with each other, waking up with nightmares while worlds keep falling one after another in the hands of those Warp Spawn bastards!

Darius Till, an average looking person; average height of 6 feet, average build, an average face hovering in the middle of somewhat rounded and square, coupled with the typical features of a Cadian: Lilac Purple Eyes and Brown Hair. A veteran soldier of the 600th Cadian Regiment. A tenacious regiment even in Cadian Standards, when facing the enemy, soldiers of the 600th will ensure that the Imperium gets to win in the end and the valued citizens of the Imperium are saved from the clutches of the enemy. Even if said victory comes at a horrendous cost. Now, for obvious reasons: One. Loss of his family and his home-world Cadia and Two. due to not experiencing any sort of heavy combat ever since entering the warp, Darius's patience is slowly but surely starting to thin out. And worse, every night now he has to wake up after seeing horrible nightmares; nightmares of how he had to rescue his parents and both his sisters all the way to the Elysion Fields for the evacuation, horrified looks on their faces. Consoling them did little to improve their mental state before he got them to get on the first Valkyrie transport. However, as soon as it crossed the perimeters, a krak missile hit the craft right in the main engine sending it crashing down just a few yards near a rocky protrusion. He rushed towards the crashed Valkyrie, desperate to save his family only to watch in horror as enemy artillery started reducing the barren fields into scorched earth. One of the shells flying straight towards the still down Aircraft, and then…and then…. He had to wake himself up. He couldn't bear the shock of seeing his family dying.

Vittor: Trust the Flyboys of the Navy a bit will ya'? You know how the warp is, it takes time, and it never hurts to stay prepared. At least, once we get out and make planet-fall, we get to get our payback on the enemy for what they did to us at Cadia. Like we had in our other battles during the crusade.

Elias Zaitenn Karthus Vittor. A big mouthful name for a big, burly man. Broad Shoulders, well-defined muscles on the torso, the arms, feet, all heavily scarred by the way. With a decent height of 6 feet 6 inches with a square chin, a heavily scarred face no small thanks to the ongoing wars with a head full of crew-cut style brown hair & With the typical lilac purple eyes that all Cadians have was already quite a scary sight for any person who's not familiar with Vittor. Said appearance becomes a lot scarier and rugged looking thanks to his stubby beard and a very bushy mustache and for the fact that he's a Heavy Weapons specialist. In fact, if it wasn't for the purple eyes and the typical getup of a Cadian Shock trooper, anybody would mistake him for a Catachan Heavy Weapons specialist. But those who know him well, Darius being one knows for a fact; his anger is only reserved for the enemy. Outside of battle, when around his fellow squad members and friends from other companies of their regiment, he's pretty much a teddy bear. However, said side of him is now seen very rarely. The fall of Cadia by the end of the 13th Black Crusade has hit him very badly, as it did to every other Cadian Regiments on board.

Darius: Yep, that's what we've been doing, but this is nowhere near the kind of payback we're looking for. Only a little over some ten or twenty million soldiers and survivors… Out of over Eight Hundred and Fifty million Cadian souls! We practically got orphaned, lost our beloved Lord Castellan Creed, lost our only home in the hands of Traitors and Frakkin' Daemons and yet here we are, swimming in the warp at a snail's pace.

Vittor: You're not the only one who's feeling like shit. All of us, every Cadian on board this fleet feels the same way. Just wait for a few more days, we'll get our chances, and by the Emperor, we'll stomp their Frakkin' faces in.

For all it's worth, Vittor's assuring of getting a shot at retribution does little to improve Darius' mood. After all, when a man ends up losing his family, there is very little that can help him out, with haunting nightmares, it just kept getting worse.

Vittor: Look, I don't want to sound insensitive, but between everything that happened to us and everything that's happening, you need to calm down a bit. Cussing around and moping about the losses isn't going to bring your family back to life. But, what you can do, WE can do is keep preparing ourselves for combat. And by the Emperor, when we get that chance...

Darius: Easy for you to say. No matter how you think about it, no matter how we look at it, by the end of the day, we all got orphaned. We no longer have a family. We no longer even have a home to go back to. The bowels of the ships are where every single one of us will get to live until we die in battle.

At this, Vittor can only give out a weak sigh. The conversation wasn't making any positive kind of progress.

Vittor: It was that dream again, wasn't it. I am no healer, but at least I can tell you to get a drink of water or get you some amasec to cope with it. Many of the other guys in the regiment are having similar problems, and they're just trying to distract themselves from it using that stuff. Just try enough of that stuff to forget about it. At least for a while. At least until we get back to realspace. Don't forget; Me, Letty, Cole, Goose, Tanner, the Sarge, Pops; we're all here for you.

Darius: (Soft chuckle)… I know, but I just can't forget about it, no matter how much I try. Mom, Dad, Daisy, Sophie; they looked so terrified back then, I ran as fast as I could, but..

The atmosphere in the sleeping quarters was getting darker by the minute. Finally deciding on not to mope around it to sour the mood of everybody else, Darius made up his mind.

Darius: Right, moping around isn't going to solve my problems. Guess I'll pay a visit to the medicae for some more sleeping aids.

(…): Again?! This is like the third time in this month! Taking meds once is okay, but more than that? Going to get sleeping aids for three times in a row is something that begs for inviting trouble. The commissars will make a serious fuss about it if you keep going on like this.

Hearing that, both men turned around. Behind them, just a few steps away standing was Trooper Letty Noiya who just finished her exercise routine and getting ready to get some shut-eye. Compared to the rest of Darius' squad members of "Squad Terryl", Letty was pretty much on the shorter side: A normal, pretty face with a feminine build minus the lean yet well-developed muscle structures, and barely reaching the mid region of Darius' ribcage, she's a stereotypical image of a ginger-head teenager. And, many would consider her such, if it wasn't for the fact that she's one of the toughest troopers in Squad Terryl and in the Delta Company of the 600th and for the aforementioned muscles. However, these days, she has a terrible look most of the time, and rarely did she smile and showed the kind of energy she once possessed.

Darius: You know I don't talk about stuff like sleeping aids unless I really need it, Letty. Moreover, I don't like going asking for sleeping pills all the time any more than you do. But, it just gets worse every day… I just…

Letty: It's that dream again, huh? Look, just…. Just don't get into any trouble on the way, 'Kay? Right now, I don't want to see anything happen to anyone in the team. Everyone in the barracks are already on the edge after what happened at Bargheist III. Especially what happened to Sigma Company….

Said event was during the second decade of the Indomitus Crusade. In particular, during a disastrous battle simply known as the "Massacre of Bargheist III". A substantial army comprising various regiments of the Cadians (at least whatever regiments that were left anyway), Harakoni Warhawks and the Mordian Iron Guard, a near 10 million Imperial soldiers and nearly 3000 tanks sent in to aid the Planetary Defense Force against then encroaching Ork Waaagh! Led by the Ork Warlord Graggraz NoizeKilla. Said defense saw the complete annihilation of the 611th, 650th, 677th, 722nd, 801st Cadian regiments as well as the 150th, 211th, 225th Harakoni Warhawks regiments. And, saying the others fared better was too much of an over-statement: the 600th suffered horrendous casualties in the hands of the Greenskins. In particular, on the second month of the defensive battle, the 600th were desperately trying to keep the enemy at bay. The fights got more intense near the city walls on Bargheist III's largest hive city, there Sigma Company of the 600th were fighting tooth and nail to keep the Orks away, when unnoticed by the defenders, a mob of Ork Kommandoz sneaked past the defensive lines; and then let loose an entire pack of bomb squigs. A series of explosions and bone chilling screams later, the entire Sigma Company was all over the walls. A trooper's hand over here, another's leg over there, blood, viscera, bits of skin, eyeballs, disfigured torsos and lower halves splattered all around, heads of different people rolling all over the place. Overall, a complete nightmare followed by the breach of the walls. It was only by the arrival of ten regiments of the Mordian Iron Guards and Death Korps of Krieg, bolstered by strike team elements of the DragonSpears Astartes Chapter that the tide was turned. However, by then the damage was already done: over twelve thousand soldiers of the 600th, out of the regiment's twenty two thousand soldiers dead and nearly 3000 badly injured. Normally, losses like these shouldn't even bother the Administratum, if one had to ignore the overall aftermath of losing nearly 80% of the totally deployed troops and only a little over 100 tanks returning back from the zone. In fact, it was literally, the Emperor's Divine blessings that at least they managed to recover the Super-Heavy Tanks from the battle zone. As for all who died, their names recorded on the ever-growing list of martyrs for the Imperium. Only to be forgotten after a few years or so. Life as a guardsman is not one of glory and honor, rather one of brutal conflict and an untimely, ignorable death.

Darius: Yeah…. I know. I'll be careful. Try to get some sleep. You too, Vit.

All Vittor can do so at this point is give a weak smile and a nod of acknowledgment.

Vittor: Sure. Just get back to the quarters safely.

And with that, their little chat was over. Now, Darius was walking through the ship passageways all alone. Passing the living quarters of the other troopers as he hears muffled gossips about the latest things happening on board, some discussing about very depressing matters. Hell, he could even hear painful groans from some of the other quarters as he went along. A heavy, depressing atmosphere all around and there was very little he or anyone around could do to improve the situation.

(…): It's already over ten minutes since sleeping hours started, what are you doing outside of your quarters, Trooper?

Darius gulped, knowing very well that he was about to get into trouble. Then, he slowly turned around and the face that greeted him puts his mind to some measure of relief. Even though, said authority figure is pretty much a walking terror for any Guardsman who gets caught for so much as slightly disrupting the peace. However, now was not the time to show the face of relief, so Darius put on the best soldier persona he could show and greeted said figure.

Darius: Commissar Captain VanGorich, Sir.

Commissar Captain Gebbet "Eustass" Van Gorich, or simply Vangorich for Short. As if regular Commissars weren't scary enough, Vangorich was a whole another level of scary. He stood 6 feet 2 inches tall, with a well-developed physique & an elongated, semi-triangular face. Said face housed a permanent scowl, a long nose, almost like the beak of a hawk, a red-lens bionic eye replacing the left eye – a price to pay to take down a heretic squad leader back in the past, the right being the usual Cadian Lilac purple and a hideous scar running diagonally across the face from right to left. Said scar was created by a blade wound inflicted by a heretic rebel during the Artemis Reclamation Campaign – yet another bloody conflict that saw millions dead as the cost of victory. He was dressed in the usual attire befitting a Commissar Captain: the Obsidian Black double breasted Greatcoat and a black oversized Officio Prefectus Cap, with the left side of said coat filled with enough medals and honor badges to know about his accomplishments. On his left, hung a Chainsword, and on his right, hung a Sunfury pattern MK III Plasma Pistol showing that he's just as much as a terror to the enemy as he is to a wavering, disloyal guardsmen company. Yet, in front of such a terrifying person, Darius felt a little bit at ease.

VanGorich: Oh for the love of the Emperor, AGAIN?! This is the third time Darius, going to the medicae for sleeping aids this many times in less than one month isn't a laughing matter. Old friend or not, you need to stop this.

Darius: Sir, nothing would please me if I could solve the problems without the aids. Please, just this one time….

VanGorich: You having these "Nightmares" on a frequent basis is becoming a serious problem at this rate. You're lucky that it was me who caught you out here while going to the medicae. What would have happened if, a priest caught you like this? Or, some of those Higher ranked fanatics from the Ecclisiarchy? Worse, one of the Sisters of the Ebon Chalice? Or, even worse than that, one of the other commissars, especially the trigger-happy ones? Either we would have to toss your then dead body in the void, or worse have to scrape off whatever would be left of you on the floor after they're done with purging you under false accusations. You really need to bring this problem of yours under control.

Darius: I don't enjoy doing this at all, you know this, old friend. But, the nightmares…. My Parents, Daisy, Sophie… I can't watch them die every night, I… just… can't….

His eyes were getting misty. Seeing this, VanGorich let out a sigh, following a silent groan. He could sympathize with Darius. Hell, even praise him for keeping a straight face all the time while in the front lines in spite of the horrible things he had to face. But mostly, sympathize with him because they were friends; comrades of each other since they were kids. Even though their line of work took them to different stations, they remained loyal to each other. Loyalty and friendship like this is a boon in dark times like these. And, out of respect to said comradery, he pulled out the Officio Prefectus sanctioned Pad to hand out Chits and permits to those below rank; followed by writing a permit to go get some medical aid for sleeping for the medical staff. Finally, with a signature of approval, he tore off the paper and handed it to Darius.

VanGorich: Just this once. This permit will allow you to get 2 pills. No more. And, this is the last time I can help you out like this from within the limits of my post. After this, if anything goes wrong which I pray to the Emperor that it never happens, I won't be able to do anything for you. A final piece of advice from a friend; for this, let time help you out to fix this. If possible, try to meditate a little in the Chapels. Chanting a Prayer or two to the God-Emperor does wonders.

Darius: Thank you, sir. I give you my word, you won't regret it.

VanGorich: I hope so. As soon as you get your sleeping aids, haul ass back to your quarters before anyone else sees you.

Darius: I will, old friend. You have a Good Night. And May The Emperor watch over you.

VanGorich: And May He watch over you, Darius.

With the conversation ending right there, Darius headed towards the medicae, leaving the Commissar Captain to continue his patrol duties as well as coordinating with the other Commissars and Junior Commissars under his command regarding their side of progress.

Darius: Pray to the God-Emperor, huh?

Darius was no Heretic, not by a long shot. Any man born on Cadia is bound to be faithful and venerate the God-Emperor from the moment he learns how to talk & use his first lasgun until the final second of his last breath. Had he been a heretic, or for the matter if he showed any signs that hinges along the borders of heresy, he would've been weeded out long ago. Moreover, in these times, Faith in the God-Emperor is the one constant variable that kept the Imperium alive.

The Emperor is now the rock for all the troubled souls like Darius to cling on. Yet, Faith can only do so much. Answering the cause of his nightmares did not fall within the solutions that Faith could provide.

Walking down the wide hallways, many stain glass windows come into vision. All with multicolored mosaic artworks, each depicting a different figure of great importance. While looking, Darius' footsteps came to a halt at the image of a certain person. Not of the Emperor, but of a different person; a Demi-God, quite like, yet completely different from the Emperor in many ways. For starters, he had flowing long black hair & wore a Sable-Black Armor; behind said armor were a pair of black wings stretched out on either sides. On both arms, he wore a pair of elegant yet brutal claws that seemed as if they would tear apart the stars themselves. Spreading his wings, he took to the skies while the worlds and the countless masses of monsters, aliens and mutants cowered in fear as his shadow eclipsed over them.

Tracing down the image, Darius notices the name of the person written in Onyx Black on a pale white marble stone: "CORVUS CORAX, THE LIBERATOR".

A Primarch, a Son of the God-Emperor himself, who led the armies of the Imperium and brought countless worlds under the fold of the Imperium. His Stories, His Legends during the Great Crusade too many to finish in just one life. A being who struck fear within the hearts of the enemy, made them fear their own shadows. 'Boy, how great will it feel to make the Traitors and heretics to piss in their pants in the ways that He did during the Great Crusade'. Darius can only let out a small sigh, followed by a gesture that pretty much resembled a prayer. By the end of the day, he was just human. No way he could ever accomplish even a pinprick of the things that the Primarchs did, not even if he had a million years to live on. The only thing he was good at, is to charge the enemy head-on, fight until either the enemy is dead or he is.

(…): Standing in front of the Great Mountain, a pebble often questions the reason of its existence. Unaware of the fact that both will be swept away by the torrents of time and change.

Darius' heart was on the verge of jumping out of his mouth at that sudden comment. A low grumble, akin to a Leman Russ tank made him turn around. And, he immediately wished that his heart skipped out before he turned seeing the gigantic figure now standing in front of him.

A torso slightly wider than a thick marble pillar one sees in castles, now enclosed within a black cassock, and the first things that came in notice were the two pendants hanging down on it: The Imperial Aquila on the left, while a stylized silver raven which Darius is used to see in black.

Darius: M… M. My Lord!

Completely in panic mode, and out of instinct, Darius immediately drops down to a knee and bows before the figure in front.

This isn't the bad case scenario of a Priest or Cardinal of the Ecclisiarchy catching him, or a Sister of Battle noticing him out here, or a Commissar catching him out here; as mentioned before by the Commissar-Captain. This may possibly be the absolute worst-case scenario for him right now. Yet, his panic was replaced by surprise when he hears a chuckle.

(…): Rise, Guardsman. I'm not some boorish savage who would admonish a person reflecting on the image of Our Blessed Primarch.

Hesitantly and slowly, Darius started to raise his head. He was naturally afraid, even though there was not a trace of hostility or annoyance in the speaker's voice. Now, with his head raised, he has a full view of the Being standing in front of him and, he unconsciously gulped. The figure in front of him was many things, human definitely wasn't one of them.

Limbs as massive as logs, and a torso that looked like it was blasted out of solid rock-crete. Combine that with bulging muscles now hidden behind the cassock, but is definitely there to support a being of at least eight feet in height and at least 800 – 900 pounds in muscle weight alone. Armor or no Armor, an Astartes is always a frightening figure. The smile on his face is genuine, with kindness; but, the overall massive build renders it somewhat… unrealistic. A long & well-defined face, with ghost-white skin and long raven-black hair tied back in a ponytail, a sharp looking nose, a tattoo of the Imperial Aquila covering almost the whole forehead; somewhat thin eyebrows, under which one could see the pitch black eyes found in all Raven Guard Astartes and their Scions. Overall, a frightening individual, and combine that with the fact that the Space marine is also a Chaplain; a warrior priest of the Space marines, this is the last person Darius needs to confront.

Even though, he wasn't as dreadful as a Traitor Astartes.

The Chaplain in regard is Servaias, the Reclusiarch of the Rift Stalkers Chapter; a Space Marine Chapter entirely composed of Primaris Space Marines. The Primaris Space Marines in themselves are quite the enigmatic individuals due to them being the next generation for the Adeptus Astartes. Bigger, stronger, faster, more resilient than their predecessors – the firstborn Space marines, these individuals during the Indomitus Crusade proved without a doubt that they are just as deadly as any firstborn Space Marine is, if not deadlier. And, it goes without saying that Reclussiarch Servaias is one such deadly warrior.

Darius remembered who Servaias was, and why he was onboard the ship. The Rift Stalkers Chapter, alongside their cousin Space Marine chapter - The Dragonspears, were assigned by the Lord Commander Himself to escort this fleet. The Dragonspears were also a Primaris Chapter like the Rift Stalkers – fully composed of Primaris Marines. This battle-fleet, codenamed: 'Battle-Fleet Halo' was carrying many precious cargo & important personnel. So, it was only fitting that two Space Marine Chapters would escort it safely all the way to its intended destination. It may be coincidence or it may be the Emperor's Grace, both chapters were Primaris chapters, fleet based, so they deployed their entire chapter for this escort mission. Well near three thousand Space Marines; Imperial Guard troops drawn from different regiments; Adeptus Mechanicus Skitarii forces & Cybernetic troops; Imperial Navy Armsmen & warrant officers numbering at least a hundred million; A full Preceptory of one thousand Sisters of Battle of the Ebon Chalice; Several thousand Arbiters from the Eccliasiarchy. Finally, the deadliest of them all; a three member squad of Hyakanatoi Custodians – warriors of the Adeptus Custodes. And, this is just counting the soldiers & warriors. Combine that with the armored columns, super-vehicles, walkers, aircrafts and the warships in this fleet; the enemy challenging them has to be all or at least, one of these three: Stupid, have balls of Adamantium and/or in the unlikely event of evenly matched.

Servaias: Although… I am afraid that I must enquire as to find the reason for you to be outside during the sleep cycle. Perhaps you could shed a little light on the subject.

And… there it was. Darius had to snap back to reality. Stalling the Reclusiarch won't be of any good. So, he explained:

Darius: A-A-Apologies, My Lord. I was having trouble trying to get some sleep…. I-I have been experiencing nightmares ever since the fall of Cadia. I-I have a permit from Commissar-Captain VanGorich to go to the medicae to get some sleeping aids. P-Please have a look.

Poor Darius. He was a stammering, clumsy mess as he handed the paper to the Chaplain. He watches as the Giant carefully observes the permit note to see if there was any sign of forgery or not. 'A suspicious mind is a healthy mind' is the unspoken ironclad rule for the Imperium, and this rule was a double for a Space Marine, triple if you're a Chaplain or a Librarian.

Servaias: Very well. Here you go.

Darius: T-Thank you My Lord.

With the checking finished, the Chaplain returned the permit to Darius, looking satisfied for the fact that the permit was legit and had no signs of forgery. However, after hearing the trooper's reason, Servaias concluded, that Trooper Darius needs the kind of help that sleeping aids cannot provide. And so,

Servaias: Although, I must say: I'm afraid that sleeping aids are only a temporary stop-gap measure for your troubles. And, in the long term will do very little to help. Perhaps… I may be of assistance to you.

Darius was clearly stunned at this development. An Astartes, one of the Emperor's finest, willing to help him to overcome this problem.

Darius: You….Wish to hear about my problems, My Lord? I-I'm but a mere-

Servaias: We are all soldiers and warriors bound by Honor & Duty in service of the Emperor. There is no need to sell yourself short, Guardsman.

The Voice behind his reply was stern, yet very cordial, and somewhat caring. Servaias knew what all the Cadian Guardsmen Regiments on board this fleet were going through. Losing your home planet is nothing short of a crippling blow that damages the moral of the survivors of said world. Had they been someone else, things would have devolved into despair and misery long ago. Yet, the survivors and regiments stationed outside of Cadia in different war-zones pushed onwards; driven by anger and hatred towards the alien & the abominations of the Archenemy. This kind of one-minded focus earned a healthy amount of respect and commendation from everybody. However, by the end of the day, humans like Darius had their limits. They could go on so far.

Servaias: I am an Astartes, a warrior of the Emperor. But at the same time, I am a Chaplain. While I do fight the enemy in the front lines, I also am responsible for healing the spirit and faith of both my brothers and my allies. So, to your question: Yes, I would like to hear about what troubles you. Come with me, Guardsman.

Motioning towards following him, Servaias turns around and starts walking along the hallway. Forcing Darius to break out of his stupor and jog to catch up to him.

Servaias: Also, I would like you not to refer to me as 'My Lord'. Like the rest of my brothers, I believe such a title is too grandiose. Simply referring to me as 'Reclusiarch Servaias' or 'Brother Chaplain Servaias' will suffice.

Darius: Understood My L- I mean Reclusiarch Servaias.

The Chaplain couldn't help but chuckle a little bit. It may take a while to get used to it. Many of the firstborn chapters are too strict and demanding as far as titles go. But not the Rift Stalkers. Its Warriors have embraced the teachings and beliefs of the Emperor, even more so than their parent chapter, the Raven Guard: It is in respect and compassion towards humanity that will bring salvation to the Imperium. Although, trying to convey that to the people on board so far wasn't going so well, so to speak.

They kept walking in silence for the time being; with the only sound that one could hear was Darius' boots. Which, in no small measure baffled Darius himself. Footsteps from someone the size of the Reclusiarch is bound to make some noise, yet his steps were silent, as if he wasn't walking on the ground at all. Soon, they reached their destination: the Chapel of the ship. And as they stood in front of the Chapel doors, Darius could hear the Song, the Chants of Liberation; a song telling to liberate the Spirit of Man from the Temptations of Sin and a crooked path of Heresy. And despite the coldness of the Warp, despite the dark tones, the song started to fill Darius' Heart with hope and commitment.

Servaias: In here, we shall have our talk, Guardsman Darius Till.

A moment of confusion and trepidation filled up the Cadian's mind, and he almost went to ask how the Reclusiarch knew his name, and on that moment it dawned on him: his name was written on the permit for Authenticity. Realizing that, he decided not to push the matter any further and simply responded with a simple 'Yes, Reclusiarch' as Servaias opened the door with his thick arms and proceeded to enter. Darius simply followed behind and soon, the doors shut down with a slow thud.

The inside of the Chapel itself was beautiful and pristine, yet, somewhat unnerving in a way due to the Dark atmosphere inside, courtesy of the lighting. Almost twice the size of the Dorms back at the regimental quarters; it has 6 formations of pews on each side. Each half started from the back of the Chapel by the door, all the way close to the Altar in the middle. Eight massive pillars, each made of marble and steel stood in perfectly measured gaps: four pillars marking the pathway to the Altar, while the other four stood at the corners of each side holding a roof big enough to support at least 6 Leman Russ tanks. In addition, right in the center of the roof and on the floor were a pair of large images of the Aquila beautifully carved. The walls on the sides and the front housed multiple Mosaic Windows, similar to the ones Darius saw while he was heading towards the medicae: each window depicting a legendary figure of the Imperium's Golden and Dark Ages. There was quite a significant number of incenses and candles lit on top of the altar as offerings. The only sources of light within were the flaming torches hung on the sides of the pillars, on the walls of the room itself placed in perfectly measured gaps in between, and the aforementioned candles & incenses. However, the most eye-catching sight was obviously the object standing right behind the altar: a roughly fifteen feet tall statue of the Immortal Emperor. And, seeing that, Darius has to admit, whoever crafted the statue was one hell of an artisan: The facial features, the Armor, the seemingly flaming sword that the Emperor was holding, the platform He was standing on where masses of people were venerating and worshipping the Emperor, all of it. Absolute perfection to the last detail. Anyways, first, both figures inside the room first performed the rites and rituals of using the Chapel; which was getting down to a kneel, lowering their heads to offer a Prayer. In case of Darius, he knelt down on both knees and clasped his hands together while his eyes remain closed as he offered his Prayer to the Emperor. Then with the rituals completed, Servaias motioned the Guardsman towards his left. Which Darius nodded in acknowledgement and followed the chaplain towards the pew that was sitting on the second row on the left side. Then they took their seats, which the pew itself had to protest a bit because of Servaias' weight, but held on nonetheless.

Darius: I-I don't know where to begin with Reclusiarch. This… is all so strange for me…

Servaias: There is no need to rush, simply take a little time to calm your mind. Then, tell me about the dream that you have seen so far.

With that, Darius took a moment to take a breath in and let it out. Now, Feeling calm, Darius began, how his regiment was charged with storming the still intact blocks of Kasr Kraf, rescuing the civilians and getting them back to the Elysion Fields safely for Planetary evacuation. While 600th, 605th, 800th regiments were assigned to evacuation duty, others fought back with steel, fire and unyielding will, desperately holding the armies of heretics, mutants & Daemons led by their Traitor Astartes masters. By the time the last of the civvies were evacuated and he got on the last Valkyrie headed to the rendezvous point, the defenses already buckled in, the horde was pouring inside en masse'. The Cadians fought back like they always have for the last 10 thousand years, but with the numbers the enemy brought along this time, it only amounted for so much. Urskaar Creed wasn't around to lead, and any chances of getting reinforcements was zero. The original battle plan to "Keep the enemy away from the walls" slowly morphed to "Get as many survivors off this world as possible". As the horde poured in, the last remaining soldiers of the 800th regiment stayed behind to cover the escape of the other aircrafts. Someone had to stay behind, and the 800th volunteered. It was literally committing suicide, but they went ahead nonetheless. Darius watched helplessly, as the soldiers marched to hell's front door. How, by the time he and his regiment reached the evacuation zone and began to get the civilians off the planet via Valkyrie transports all the way to the evacuation ships on orbit. How he had to get his parents and his two younger sisters to calm down, and get them on board the transport. Only for an enemy projectile to knock it back down on the ground. How he desperately ran towards the crashed Valkyrie in an attempt to get the people inside it out as enemy artillery fire started raining down. How, he saw in horror as an incendiary basilisk shell was coming down, right on top of the Valkyrie. And, it was at this point, he could not continue anymore as tears began to fill his eyes. He quickly wiped it off with the sides of his uniform, and then looked at the Reclusiarch, and what he saw genuinely surprised him. Servaias had a very solemn expression, who then closed his eyes in deep thought with his arms crossed. Darius started wondering what was going on within the Chaplain's mind, and at that moment his eyes opened again, now a contemplative look on his face and he looked at Darius.

Servaias: I see why the dreams have been bothering you; the pain that you are experiencing right now is one I've seen too many times on too many occasions.

Servaias took a breath in, to put it in the right words.

Servaias: Pain and guilt, both born from the loss of your family. Further made worse by the destruction of Cadia. I've seen it manifest within the ranks of our neophytes and young-blood battle brothers who suffered a recent loss. Loss of someone close to them, or they've known for a long time. While, they did not suffer from witnessing…..the kind of nightmares you have, all of them have the same feelings as you do; Regret, Self-loathing, Shame & Frustration.

Reaching out, Servaias gently placed the palm of his right hand on Darius' shoulder. His fingers were more than long enough to reach the Guardsman's other shoulder.

Servaias: The human mind is a fragile thing. It is only normal that you would try to escape from your sorrows, suppress the pain by using…sleeping aids. But you mustn't give in, you must not submit. Now, do tell me, Darius: have you experienced these nightmares before or you are experiencing these since warp transit?

Darius: …..Since we entered into warp transit. Is that supposed to relate to my nightmares?

He admitted honestly. Hearing his answer, the Chaplain nodded his head knowingly. Because, this was an answer he was expecting.

Servaias: As I thought. The warp always attempt to try corrupting a person's mind, making them easy prey to bring to its side. When you are awake, it is easy to repel such thoughts. However, when you are asleep, your mind becomes vulnerable, and…..well, that explains the cause of your nightmares.

Darius blinked in confusion as he takes in the information. Not many people know about it, but Darius is a religious person. After all, a distant uncle of his was a priest of the Ecclisiarchy. His uncle always told him about the vagaries the warp could instill on an unprepared & unprotected mind. And as such, said uncle in question taught him all kinds of rites, prayers and rituals for mental protection against the warp. It came in handy during his time learning in combat doctrine; after all, they stood right in front of the Eye of Terror. Guarding the Cadian gates till its fall at the hands of those despicable heretics. The loss of his family and his home planet caused him to forget all the rites and verses.

Darius: An open mind is like fortress, with its gates unbarred and unguarded.

The Chaplain nods in agreement.

Servaias: That is correct. Forget about the sleeping aids, they won't help you at all for this. Tell me, Darius; Are you aware of Saint Theoscarma's Catechism of Protection against the Daemon?

Darius: …As in the 'I sing the Hymn of the Incorruptible soul, for I hold the shield of light against the foul abominations of Darkness. And may none of you enter the sanctity of the Faithful Mind?'

It took a bit of time for Darius to search through his memories. Saint Theosacarma's Catechism was one of the longer verses of Prayers to the Emperor, the whole thing actually covered a full paragraph. In response, the chaplain nods in agreement, with a low rumble of satisfaction. The boy is well learned.

Servaias: That is the one. Remember to Chant the entire Catechism first once. Then repeat Sebastian Thor's 'Benediction of Deliverance' three times before you go to sleep. In addition, light some incense near to your bed before you sleep. I think our hosts won't mind at all for taking an incense stick or two. Make sure to repeat this process every day while you are on this ship and right before you leave for your campaigns.

At the idea of taking an incense stick from the chapel, Darius couldn't help but smile a bit. After all, said idea came from an Astartes, of all people. However, he was not done.

Servaias: And remember: Focus. Perform every rite of maintenance for your wargear and every benediction to the Emperor. Eventually, these dreams will pass away, as all things do. But only if you focus your mind on it. I cannot guarantee that the dreams will go away, but they will become less frequent with each passing day.

Darius: … Thank you, Reclusiarch. This will be enough for me.

Darius replies with a smile, grateful for the help. He was going to ask where the Reclusiarch was originally heading before meeting him. However, he couldn't, as a jolt shakes the entire ship for a few seconds, which stopped as suddenly as it started. It left both of them in high alert, as the 'Chants of Liberation' suddenly stopped playing, silence suddenly shrouding the whole chamber.

Darius: What just happened?

There was no reply. But, that mattered not, because Darius was now checking every nook and cranny that his eyes could see. He was expecting Daemons and mutants pouring out into the room any second now. A jolt of this scale was not a good sign. It could mean one of the two things or in the worst-case scenario, both. Either, the ship has suffered a serious malfunction, or there is a breach in the Gellar fields; either one of which is a catastrophic event in the middle of warp travel.

On the other hand, Servaias stares at the eagles hanging below the torches on each pillar. While, they work as speakers for playing plainsongs and prayers for the faithful, in the case of either one of the aforementioned catastrophes, they will sound off. They will simultaneously send emergency warning broadcasts to the crew and special vocal words to stave off any sort of Daemonic presence. However… there was only silence. And, that was getting the Chaplain agitated with every passing second. After a full minute later, which felt like an eternity to him, the speakers resumed playing the 'Chant of Liberation' from the last verse it was at before the interruption. It felt almost as if nothing happened. This was even more unsettling for the Reclusiarch.

Servaias: That….is…quite peculiar. This does not feel anything like a Gellar breach. ….apologies Guardsman Darius, but now I must leave to investigate on this matter. Return to your dormitory and your fellows, and be prepared for combat at a moment's notice. And, remember what I instructed you to do.

And with that, the chaplain quickly strides out of the chapel, leaving Darius alone there. Right now, the only source of comfort here is the plainsong broadcasted through the speakers. However, now that he got the answers he was looking for, it was time to go back ASAP. Right before he started to leave for the barracks, he decided to snatch a stick of incense, and then he quickly exited the chapel, with the incense stick in hand. Looking around to see that all is clear, Darius makes a run for the barracks.

Experiencing a Gellar field breach is one thing and one can back it up with lots of excuses. But, there is no excuse for not following spiritual advice given by an Adeptus Astartes Reclusiarch.

---

Striding down the corridor of the ship, Reclusiarch Servaias moves with the gait of a man used to giving spiritual comfort and words of encouragement during harsh times: a simple task but with purpose. Passing by various Voidsmen, Armsmen, Ratings & supervising commanding officers, he gives out words of faith, telling them to remain strong and faithful. Instructing the armed ones to remain vigilant at their stations and telling the unarmed to seek shelter somewhere safe within.

Even without the armor, the physical stats of an Astartes is much higher than several dozen elite, trained, unenhanced soldiers. So, within a short time he reaches the elevator that leads to the command bridge. Standing guard at the elevator was a five-man fireteam of Navy Armsmen. Leading the four members is their assigned Seargant-At-Arms. Wearing pressurized carapace armor & equipped with Naval Shotguns and Carbine weapons, the Armsmen are experts of Void combat and are the rough equivalent of the Navy's Special Forces.

Servaias: Sergeant-At-Arms. Status report.

Sergeant: My Lord. Admiral Adrastia is on the command bridge with Vice Admiral Aldridge and the other senior personnel. They are eagerly waiting for your arrival.

Once again, he wanted to let the people around him not to refer to him by title, but now wasn't exactly the time or place to do so. So, he went along.

Servaias: Excellent. Remain on your stations. And remember, Look to the Emperor, and look to your wargear. For He is your rock in these dark times. Your Faith shields your soul, while your armor protects your body. Honor them both, and you shall prevail.

Inspired by his words of Faith, the five Armsmen stand together and gives a salute before returning to station as the elevator door shuts down. And the transport carries the Chaplain all the way to the command bridge.

The doors open with a 'Ding' and the warrior-priest steps right into a complete mess of activity that was going on the bridge. Senior commanding officers of the Navy, donning their emerald green-white uniforms running from one station to another, consulting & comparing various data slates, charts and graphs. While the hardwired servitors assigned to each station slaving away, completely blind and deaf to everything that was happening. In the middle of this turmoil, stood the only two people who maintained a state of calm.

Servaias: Admiral Adrastia, Vice Admiral Aldridge.

The stern voice of the Chaplain was enough to get everything to quiet down, as every single pair of eyeballs present within the bridge turned towards him. No one says a word. Well, except for a sigh of relief coming out of the Vice Admiral, which sounded very loud in that atmosphere.

Adrastia: Reclusiarch Servaias. Thank the Emperor you're here. Please, join us.

The voice behind the reply was equally stern from the Admiral. However, one could notice the subtle hints of joy and relief within, as she stood at the command dais.

The staff clears a path for the Reclusiarch, allowing him to reach to the Admiral's command dais. Right before remembering that they all had their own stations to attend. And with that, the atmosphere once again changed back to the turmoil that it was before the Reclusiarch's arrival. While, reaching the dais, the Reclusiarch was greeted by the sight of the Admiral looking at the holographic image of the ship's schematics. While, the Vice Admiral explains the current condition of the vessel and updated status reports received from the crew.

If anyone ever asked ten sanctioned officers who knew both Admiral Sumeri Adrastia & Commissar-Captain VanGorich about the Admiral's appearance and personality; all ten of them will give the same answer: The Commissar-Captain is a lot less intimidating than the Admiral on any given day. Incredibly tall in human standards, at a height of six feet nine inches. Although, in front of the Reclusiarch, she didn't stand out that much. Her skin was a fair Alabaster white, with a tinge of pink, with the marks of age barely starting to form on it, a slender yet sharp looking face with a sharp chin, a small but pointed nose, a pair of Amber eyes, and long, flowy scarlet hair that reaches all the way to just a little above her waist. With a slender, feminine frame, she was what people called 'A Perfect Beauty'. But, if one added her uniform, wargear and the sharp, unyielding form she maintained, she was more of a 'beautiful, unsheathed blade'. She wore the usual Emerald green-white uniform underneath a black overcoat worn by the Admirals, the left side of her uniform displaying enough ribbons and medals to let everyone know why she was worthy of her position. On the left side of her waist, hung a pair of master-crafted power swords, currently in sheath. The swords in question, the twin rapiers were masterpieces coming all the way from the forges of the Red Planet itself. And to compliment such weapons, on her right, was a Godwyn-De'az pattern Bolt Pistol. In simpler terms, she was as much as a gifted fighter, as she was a gifted Tactician & Military Leader for her age.

Compared to her, Vice Admiral Adrian Aldridge fell into the 'Average Jimmy' category. For starters, he stood a full 5 inches shorter than his commanding superior did. A Somewhat round & freckled face, yet one could notice the sharpness in it. Which, came with a pair of ocean blue eyes and a head full of Curly Black hair. Probably the only thing that made him look sharp besides his uniform, overcoat & the baroque looking power-sword hanging on the left side of his waist was his oddly silver colored sideburns. However, as simple as he looked, he was no pushover; the collection of medals and ribbons hanging on the left of his uniform were proof of that. Servaias has seen him take command of small fleet detachments during the Cerbal Re-conquest campaign, as well as the battles of Gathalamore Secundus & Gathalamore Quintis and delivered swift, unforgiving retribution to the enemy battle fleets. They boy was a master of his craft. Servaias couldn't help but think of the Vice Admiral as a boy. How could he not? He was only 32 years old. Of course, everyone in this battle fleet, Except for his fellow Battle-Brothers, his cousins of the Dragonspears and the Adeptus Custodes who were on board were younger than he is. While it is true that he was in active service for a little over 3 decades, it was also true that all the Astartes currently in this fleet were all fully ready for battle and remained in stasis since the 32nd Millenium, making them almost ten Millenia old. Barring the Primarchs, the only Astartes warrior in existence who lived that long while in active service, instead of being in stasis sleep was Bjorn the Fell-Handed of the Space Wolves, their very first Chapter Master since the disappearance of their Primarch. Now a dreadnought in active service.

Back to topic, right now, both gifted tacticians stood in front of the Command Dais with their wargear in tow. It is a good thing to stay prepared for unexpected Trouble. And, it was because of this mindset that these two had, that the Reclusiarch has a healthy amount of respect for them. But, prepared or not, the looks on their faces was not very optimistic. In fact, the Vice Admiral is barely hiding his panic behind the stoic mask of duty. Noticing this, Servaias knew he needed to do something about this. But first and foremost-

Servaias: Admiral Adrastia, Vice Admiral Aldridge, what is the current situation?

Adrastia: I…..we…have no bloody idea what just happened? Not even a single clue. In all my years of service, this is the first time I've seen such a…bizarre phenomenon.

This admission, and use of such informal language catches Servaias by surprise. To the point, where his eyebrows raised in shock when the Vice Admiral nodded in agreement to her statement, as he looked at both of them. Noticing that the Reclusiarch's gaze was clearly on her and her junior officer, she turned to look at the Astartes, before she sighed and gestured Aldridge to explain.

Aldridge: Well, the ship is intact. All active personnel at their stations just finished running diagnostics on all key & auxiliary systems sent their reports: No hull breaches, no damage to structural integrity. The main plasma engines as well as the auxiliaries are all running at 100% operation ceiling parameters. The munition storage is full to the brim; the weapons systems are working perfectly. And, none of the personnel on-board are missing according to the personnel data logs.

Servaias: What of the Gellar Field?

Adrastia: If the field went down, or any breach had occurred, we would definitely notice it by now. This is a fact that you know just as well as we do. So far, none of that happened either.

Servaias: Then what happened?

Even though nothing bad occurred like the aforementioned catastrophes, the very fact that there was no credible information to analyze, was not sitting well with the Chaplain. In response, the Admiral simply turned off the hologram on the dice and turned towards a certain area near the Dais. Amidst all the advanced control systems, computers and other sophisticated Hardware, this area stood out like a sore thumb. Thickened with the near suffocating amounts of smell from burnt candles and incenses, this area was screened off from the rest of the bridge by a delicate frame of fabric and wood depicting various images of the Emperor and Saints, along with a disturbing number of wards and words of protection on all sides. The theme behind the design was simple. Yet, it worked as a very potent barrier against the powers of the warp, now currently in the hands of the only means of Guidance for the ship to travel into the Empyrean.

Adrastia: Navigator, What can you tell us?

The answer that came in response, was very unsettling for the three commanding personnel present. A bubbling, snorting sound comes from behind the frame, as if his throat was clogged with water, then the voice of a man, weak but uncharacteristically clear was heard.

Navigator: …We…drifted…so far away.

Servaias: What do you mean, Navigator?

Aldridge noticed that the Reclusiarch was slowly reaching for the back of his cassock, possibly to keep his hands on whatever weapon he brought along. His posture shifted ever so slightly, but the Vice Admiral noticed that the Astartes was now getting ready to pounce on the Navigator should he to display naught but a hint of corruption. A predator, getting ready to attack at a moment's notice. Seeing that, Aldridge couldn't help but shudder in no small amount of fright. Armed or not, how long will it take for someone like Servaias to massacre the whole bridge if he finds a hint of corruption, and said corruption manages to spread? The admiral is truly a gifted fighter, yes. Yet, in front of this Beast, she was but a frail little thing. All he can do right now, is to pray to the Emperor & hope that the Navigator can explain what is happening with the Ship.

Navigator: …The light…of the Astronomican….it…is…so far. It is….even smaller than a pinprick… almost… as if it will disappear if I blink. I-I am sailing blind.

The answer now genuinely unnerves the Reclusiarch. While he has no fear, he also cannot find any decent explanation for this phenomenon either. So, he had to take a chance at this moment. Theoretical: Maybe there was some kind of freak storm surge that hit the ship, resulting in the ship drifting off-course. Practical: If it is a freak storm surge, then it definitely hit the other ships. There was only one way to know for sure.

Servaias: Contact the `Raven's Talons' immediately. While at it, establish contact with all the other vessels to see the status of the fleet. I need to see if it was only us or if it affected the fleet in whole.

Adrastia: Understood, Reclusiarch. All bridge crew, establish vox links to all recorded vessels of the fleet! I need sit reps on all vessel stats & positions within the next minute!

It takes a few seconds to carry out the order due the nature and difficulties in establishing ship-to-ship contact in warp transit. But the order is carried out nonetheless, and the messages are sent.

Within seconds, the display flares into life and an image of a figure is displayed. Said figure has many similarities to Reclusiarch Servaias, yet had several differences. First, the hair is short and spiked upwards; a brutal looking scar adorns the right side of the face all the way from the top of the eyebrows to the edge of the chin, and on top of his left eyebrow, two metallic studs poked out. Next, while Servaias was now dressed in a simple cassock, the figure in the image was dressed in the full panoply of a Primaris Astartes Captain. The formidable, expansive Adamantium plates of the Mark X Tacticus Power Armor, joining with flowing curved ceramite, a skull depicted on top of the Aquila, was emblazoned on the cuirass. While various tokens and glyphs hang from a pair of chains over the insignia. Another Aquila was emblazoned on his right Shoulder Guard, with the number IV carved right under it. And, on his left Shoulder Guard, one could see the mark of their chapter: A stylized black raven centered on a field of white. The raven itself is identical to their parent chapter; the Raven Guard. Finally, the armor is adorned with a mantle made of adamantium thread and steel wire mesh hanging in the back.

Servaias: Brother-Captain Qrodin. Praise the Emperor, for it is good to see you.

Servaias bows his head in respect to the figure, which both Admiral Adrastia and Vice Admiral Aldridge copies the gesture. The figure in the holograph, Brother-Captain Qrodin is the Captain of the Rift Stalkers Fourth Company, and holds the title-position of 'Watcher of the fleet'. Qrodin returns the gesture with a bow of respect of his own.

Qrodin: Brother Servaias. We are glad that you contacted us when you did. I was about to make contact with you myself. However, I have an understanding regarding the reason for your message.

Aldridge: This phenomenon…..it affected the whole fleet then?

Qrodin responds with a nod.

Qrodin: I am afraid that is so, Vice Admiral Aldridge.

Servaias: Any news from our Librarius? Were Brother Soukhon and the others able to ascertain what has happened?

Qrodin responds with a firm shake of his head from left to right.

Qrodin: I am afraid not, Honored Brother. Whatever hit us in the warp, it got everyone at the Chapter Librarius…unnerved. The Astropaths & navigators on board the `Raven's Talons' and all our Barges, Strike Cruisers & Frigates have described the same phenomenon. The 'Hunter's Chariot' and its fleet ships reported the same: "The light of the Astronomican is-

Servaias: "Even smaller than a pinprick. Almost, as if it will disappear if you blink". …This is a troubling matter.

Qrodin: Indeed, Honored Brother.

It was a solid practical. Whatever the phenomenon was, it affected every vessel in the fleet. And, it got every single individual sensitive to the Warp….very spooked: in a crooked term. In the middle of this, the only positive aspect so far is that the Rift Stalkers & the Dragonspears Chapter fleets were still in one piece. Now, to find out if all the vessels are still within contact range besides the two chapter fleets. A communications staff approached the Vice Admiral and delivered the reports. After finishing his report, he returned to his station.

Aldridge: Admiral, My Lords. We have received messages from Vice admiral Roann, Rear Admirals Macmillan, Staliv, Tupolev, Mirrenn & Whitmore. All imperial Navy vessels of 'Battle-Fleet Halo' are intact and waiting for further instructions. This phenomenon has hit every one of our vessels. And-

The same communications staff retuned back. It seemed there was a new update.

Aldridge: Apologies for the interruption. It seems we just received messages from the coalition of ships under the Adeptus Mechanicus fleet. According to their reports, all nine ships of the Mechanicus Fleet are intact with their Cargo and personnel. And, like the others, they have encountered the same phenomenon.

Adrastia: At least, that is assuring for now. Not to sound disrespectful My Lords, but right now, I believe we should make preparations & arrangements for a hologram conference to find out more about this and what to do next.

Qrodin: None taken. In fact, I agree with your opinion, Admiral. We should…..please wait a moment…

Right now, Brother-Captain Qrodin spoke to someone who was not visible in the holo-image. After a a nod of acknowledgement, he spoke with a firm tone;

Qrodin: Pardon the intrusion. I just received word. Chapter Master Arkas and Chapter Master Rah'z just finished speaking to the Custodian Captain of our Hyakanatoi hosts, and they have come to a decision. As of this moment, Chapter Master Arkas is ordering all vessels to drop out of the warp and enter realspace. He has ordered for a meeting aboard the 'Raven's Talons', all senior officers and adepts are required to attend; Astartes, Navy, Militarum, Sororitas, Mechanicus, Legio Metallica, House Raven – everyone. Shield Captain Aadilus will be present in this meeting; In Person.

Adrastia: It will be done with haste, My Lord. Vice Admiral Aldridge, get the communications staff to open a conference vox channel. Notify all Imperial Navy vessels to maintain comm link with 'Eternal Revenant' and await for my orders.

Aldridge: By your will, My Lady.

The Vice Admiral immediately shouts an order to the communications hangar. As soon as the order is given, he immediately turns back to the dais.

Servaias: I shall see to it personally, Brother Qrodin.

Qrodin: I shall leave it to you then. May the Emperor Guide you. Brother-Captain Qrodin, Out.

The Reclusiarch, and the two commanding officers made a sign of the Aquila on their hearts as the holographic image winks out. A new officer walks up to the three people, and as soon as he reaches them, he whispers something in the Vice Admiral ear. Aldridge nodded in response, and then he spoke-

Aldridge: My Lady, the channel is set. All ships awaiting your orders.

The Admiral nodded in acknowledgement. She closes her eyes and takes a deep breath, and opens her eyes again; brimming with focus and determination, she gives the order. Her voice, now like a Vox amplified Boom, completely out of place for a woman, yet perfectly fitting for her. The reclusiarch had to admit; now THAT is impressive.

Adrastia: Attention, all Imperial Vessels & personnel of the fleet! This is Admiral Sumeri Adrastia, Commanding Officer of the Imperial Navy forces assigned to Battle-Fleet Halo. On my command, prepare your vessels for Translation into realspace! Commanders of your ships, get your gunnery crew to their stations and prepare for possible combat situations! All armsmen and warrant officers, keep your wargear on and remain on Maximum Alert! Pilots of the Aeronautica Imperialis, attend to your Aircrafts and be ready for aerial void combat! May the God-Emperor be with you all! Honored Navigators of the Navis Nobilite, whenever you are all ready.

The navigator wheezes out something before he speaks:

Navigator: It…will be done!

Servaias: Expecting trouble, Admiral?

The Admiral responds with a smile.

Adrastia: With all due respect, Reclusiarch, I didn't become an admiral by 'not expecting trouble'.

'Proceed with caution' is her motto. In the Imperium, this motto helps many a soul to live to see the next day instead of suffering a painful death.

Servaias: "A suspicious mind is a healthy mind".

Adrastia: Indeed.

Both nod their heads in agreement. The Reclusiarch has a healthy amount of respect for the Admiral and her retinue; all of them people of immediate actions. Each is a gifted strategist and leader, as well as good fighters. Masters of their craft who kept refining their skills with each passing day. He respects the Cadians, for he knows their reputation. And he has seen them in action. He respects the Catachans for their grit and determination that they have shown in their recent battles. He respects the Kriegs for their absolute fearlessness and dedication towards serving the Emperor. He respects the Armsmen, Ratings & warrant officers of the Navy for their skills in void combat, for their fights are always hard ones, yet they fight on.

In turn, Adrastia has genuine heartfelt respect for the Reclusiarch and his retinue. For during his stay, he helped everyone on board the 'Eternal Revenant' by bolstering their faith and healing the minds of the scarred. She herself defers to Servaias regarding spiritual and matters of faith, and in turn she lets him hold cermons in the chapel for the crew and the Militarum, and allows him to broadcast his readings on the Emperor, Duty & Honor every time he feels it necessary.

Two equals, divided by their stations, yet standing as one in Duty.

Adrastia: Do you have any suggestions? A reading or a prayer? Or perhaps a song we can play to calm the people on board?

For a moment, Servaias emerges into deep thought. This situation at hand is not something he has encountered before, or at all. And thus, within his mind uncertainty starts brewing. It takes a full ten seconds of thought, before he finds the right options for this situation.

Servias: Broadcast the Hymn, the 'Litanies of Terra' to all quarters of the ship, couple it with the 'seven principles of honor and virtue' and the plainsong 'Divinity of the Faithful'. As for yourselves, the 'Prayer of the Lost and Endangered' and the 'Prayer of Safe Return' will suffice.

Nodding their heads, both officers smile, as they watch Servaias turn around and begin to walk away from the Dais.

Adrastia: And where might you be going, if I may ask, Honored Reclusiarch?

Servaias responds with a small smile on his face. To them, it was reassuring, but to an enemy, that small smile was enough to instill incalculable terror. For, since their founding, those who have seen the Rift Stalkers in action have all come to a frightening conclusion: many people will die in the near future whenever the Rift Stalkers start smiling at their enemies.

Servaias: To prepare for trouble.

---

001.10.033. M42. 23:00 hours. Imperial Calendar

Galactic Region: Unknown.

Segmentum: Unidentified.

Silently, a tear opens up in the fabric of space. The tear keeps getting bigger as it starts to light up the cold, black void of space: Multi-colored, brutal bolts of lightning lashes out of the rift as it expands to the size large enough for the ship that made it to pass through. The energies lash out on the ship, all being rebounded by its near impenetrable Gellar Field. The lightning strands put up a desperate attempt to ensnare the ship and drag it back into the Domain of the Immaterium, but it was all for naught. With Plasma Engines on Maximum Burn, the 'Eternal Revenant' tears away from the warp energies and enters into realspace.

The 'Eternal Revenant' is an example of the true pinnacle of Imperial Technology. A heavily modified and upgraded Retribution-Class Battleship, made to be similar in design to the much rarer Victory-Class battleship, she is a Brutal Machine of War. A Heavily modified & armored knife-headed prow carves a path through space for fifteen kilometers & Quadrillion Gigatons of battle scarred, warp pitted heavily reinforced steel & Adamantium. Equally impressive was its weapons systems. Series of Plasma and Lance Turrets decorated both sides of its dorsal hull. While overlapping layers of Torpedo tubes, Missile Batteries, Orbital Bombardment Cannons and Heavy Lance ordinances decorated its broadsides. While the prow itself was much thicker than the standard issue heavy armored prows of other retribution class ships. And it required at least that much, for it housed four front mounted torpedo tubes, and a massive Ryza-Pattern Nova Cannon – another example of the pinnacle of Imperial Technology. Coupling with its heavily upgraded Plasma reactor systems and improved Void Shields, the Eternal Revenant could take on a medium sized flotilla of battleships all on her own. Yet, two squads of Shark Assault Boats & three entire wings of Fury Interceptors and Thunderbolt fighters further defend her internally. In short, she all on her own was a floating, plasma drive propelled impregnable fortress.

And the fact that she didn't come alone makes her even more terrifying.

The rip in realspace behind her barely closed behind her, as three more rifts opened up on her starboard side, just a few dozen kilometers away. And through those rifts, three metal behemoths entered into realspace; two standard issue Retribution-Class battleships: 'Banespear' & the 'Ivory Fury'. Both battleships designed with the sole focus of withstanding enormous punishment while dishing out unforgiving amounts of it through their plating & broadside weapons arrays. The third battleship to enter realspace along with the two was an Emperor-Class Battleship: the 'Night Princess'. As the trio of battleships finished entering realspace, the rifts behind them closes away. But, not before six more being formed on the port side of the Eternal Revenant. Through the first rift, the Apocalypse-Class battleship 'StarFury' entered into realspace. This ancient battleship, out of all the ships of Battle-Fleet Halo probably possessed the highest amount of firepower and range. For its dorsal hulls, wings, broadsides bristled with Heavy and Super-Heavy Long ranged Lance ordinances. And its prow, similar to the Eternal Revenant was armed with a Ryza-Pattern Nova Cannon. Two Oberon-Class Battleships followed it, and entered realspace through the second and third rifts: 'Vindication' & 'Rosethorn'. Both are Ancient war machines in Imperial standards, yet highly treasured by Imperial Navy Admirals. For these battleships are the perfect all-rounders: they could deliver and withstand ungodly levels of punishment, carry an impressive number of Aircrafts within their chambers & had enhanced Augur sensor systems to complement their individual combat strength. Following them, three Overlord-Class Battlecruisers entered into realspace, which then like a trio of silent looming guardians floated around 'StarFury'. These Overlord-Class cruisers are fast attack crafts boasting the range and firepower of a battleship. As the six vessels finished their translation into realspace, nine more rifts opened up just a few dozen kilometers behind and above the Eternal Revenant. While most of them were on the small side, one was big enough to spit out something in between a Battleship and a Heavy Cruiser, while the remaining two were truly enormous ones. Through the smaller six rifts, six Lunar-Class cruisers enter into realspace. These are the backbones of every Imperial battle-fleet alongside its cousin variant, the Tyrant-Class. Fast, Maneuverable & packs decent amount of firepower, the six cruisers slowly spread out and took place around the Eternal Revenant. The next ship that entered however, could only be described as a sort of pocket-sized battleship. This Avenger-Class Grand Cruiser; 'Striker Omega' while fell short compared to the 'True Battleships' at only 6.9 kilometers, it was no less deadlier than any of them. Bristling with Macrocannon batteries on both the broadsides and the front prow, the design of this ship screamed 'Line Breaker' all over the place. Striker Omega then proceeded towards moving in front of the Eternal Revenant, standing as a shield in front of her. And as soon as the Grand Cruiser assumes her position, the final two rifts then slowly began to close as they deposited two enormous Nemesis-Class Fleet Carriers into realspace. Bigger & Bulkier than even the Emperor-Class Battleship, these ships sacrificed most of their weapons arrays in exchange for massive transport capabilities, and they are very good at that job. The two metal behemoths; 'Augustus' & 'Festus' slowly maneuver themselves right behind the 'Night Princess' Soon, another above two dozen rifts opened up simultaneously; some opened up just a little over 3 or 4 dozen kilometers away from the main battleships, some a little further. Through these rifts, scores of smaller vessels entered into realspace and with hastened speed joined the main fleet. And, almost as quickly as they opened, the rifts closed away. Now, with the already impressive numbers of Battleships and heavy cruisers, 26 more vessels join the fray: 2 Lunar-Class Cruisers, 2 Tyrant-Class Cruisers, 7 Dauntless-Class Light Cruisers, and a mixture of 15 escort ships: the Sword-Class Frigates and Cobra-Class Destroyers.

45 Imperial Navy Battleships of varied classes now have entered realspace. Just the number of ships present right now is enough to reduce a small sized star system into scorched, barren rocks. Yet, more battleships begin appearing through new rifts.

A full dozen of new warships emerge into realspace, their colors being vastly different from those of the Imperial Navy. First, comes the three Battle Barges. Blunt prows, armed with massive macrocannons on each sides, each is a massive metal behemoth measuring over 13 kilometers long. The Dorsal hulls of the ships bristled with heavy ordinance weapons, while a healthy number of broadside armaments adorned their sides alongside massive launch bays, their defenses are further enhanced with oversized void shields. However, the most prominent feature of the three ships are the marks that they display on each side of their rear wings: A stylized Black Raven carved on gothic silver. The three barges then slowly move into suitable positions: The Flagship 'Raven's Talons' moving right beside Striker Omega, while her sister barges 'Blade of Corax' & 'Shadow Avenger' slowly took positions right behind the Eternal Revenant. Following right behind the two barges, three heavily armored and modified Vanguard-Class Strike Cruisers loom in the space like three Praetorian Guards. And, acting as escorts for the six aforementioned ships, two trios of Gladius-Class Frigates move in close proximity on each side of the new fleet. All nine ships bore the same Stylized Raven symbol as their parent Battle Barges, so it goes on without saying that these were the ships of the Rift Stalkers fleet.

A new set of rifts open up just 30 kilometers behind the flotilla of Imperial Navy ships led by 'Vindication' & 'Rosethorn'. And through those rifts, 14 new ships enter into realspace. This fleet, while had similar compositions to the Rift Stalkers fleet, had several differences. For starters, instead of the Raven, they had two black, crossed, upright spears centered on a white shield. Next, the three Battle Barges leading this fleet: Each was a Colossal War Machine in terms of size. The two Barges 'Obsidian Drake' and 'Spartacus' stood at close to 14 kilometers, and with the heavy armoring, weapon batteries and void shielding, they looked even bigger. While the leader Barge 'Hunter's Chariot' dwarfed over even the Eternal Revenant and possessed the capabilities of both carrying 3 entire companies of Primaris Marines plus their chapter armory and had enough weapon batteries to deliver punishment that would give StarFury a run for its money. In similar nature to the Rift stalkers fleet formation, 4 Heavily modified Vanguard class cruisers follow the Barges into realspace. The cruisers then split in two pairs, each pair Guarding the Obsidian Drake and Spartacus like the watchful Drakes of Nocturne. Seven escort vehicles emerged into realspace next: six Gladius-Class Frigates led by a heavily armed Sword-Class Frigate. This escort squadron remained close to the 'Hunter's Chariot' like a shoal of small fish with a shark. All 14 vessels sporting the symbol of the black spears crossed on top of a white shield summed up the Chapter Fleet of the Dragonspears Astartes.

Finally, like four massive whales, four great ships of the Adeptus Mechanicus enter into realspace, their black and brass hides displaying their loyalty to Mars. These four ships were another example of the pinnacle of Martian Technology: three modified Ark Mechanicus Transports, each over 18 kilometers long and much Bulkier than the 'Augustus' & the 'Festus', these ships served more as resupply and repair transports than combat vehicles while being guarded by a heavily armed and armored main line Ark Mechanicus of the Basilikon Astra, 'Mordeka'. Five Mars-Class Battlecruisers entered into realspace next: small warships that work as fast attack all-rounders, carries a lot of firepower yet easy to maneuver. And as soon as they entered, the Battlecruisers immediately took a defensive formation around the Ark Mechanicus transports.

The arrival of the Mars-Class Battlecruisers, marked for the rest of the fleet to reorganize its formations, and prepare for battle. And, with the reorganizing complete, one can now see the fleet in full view:

'Battle-Fleet Halo', a worthy name for perhaps one of the largest fleets to ever come out of the Imperium of Man in the 42nd Millenium. Consisting of 80 Imperial Warships of the Imperial Navy, two Space Marine Chapters and the Priesthoods of Mars, this is a fleet capable of reducing an entire Segmentum into molten glass, delivering the Emperor's Judgement on the enemies of Man. And, whenever you look at a battle-fleet of this colossal size and strength, one can easily admit like Trooper Darius Till: To attack this fleet, the enemy has to be either one or all three: To be Stupid. To have balls of adamantium, and/or in the worst case set, which had a one in a billion chances of happening, to be evenly matched.

And now, this whole fleet is lost. With its formation complete, all ships slowly turn down their plasma drives. Now, the vast war machines simply float in the void; silent yet menacing. Then, one by one, small shoals of small boarding crafts detach themselves from the ships: Aquila Landers, Arvus Lighters & a squadron of rarely seen Thunderhawks & Overlords glide in slowly towards the cavernous launch bays of the Raven's Talons, all guarded by Fury Interceptors, Thunderbolt Heavy Fighters and Primaris Lightning Strike Fighters.

Raven's Talons, Inner Sanctum. Strategium Chambers

Slowly but surely, the entire strategium fills up as the commanders of the mighty Battle-Fleet Halo starts entering the large chamber one by one. First to enter were officers wearing the typical Emerald Green uniforms underneath the commander's overcoats; the Officers of the Imperial Navy elements of the fleet led by their commander, Admiral Sumeri Adrastia. Following her lead was Vice admiral Adrian Aldridge. The officer walking along the right next to Aldridge was a man of a quite an impressive look: Sleeked, yet puffed up brown hair, with black dyed sideburns, and the eyes were covered by a pair of sharp glasses sitting on top of a sharp long nose. And the physique of this person was also pretty impressive: any newbie soldier glancing at him for the first time would think of him as some high ranked noble. This was Vice Admiral Tyrione Roann. The officers following right behind the two Vice admirals looked just as impressive. First was Rear Admiral Derrek Macmillan: A stoic looking man, with a physique similar to Roann, and said physique housed what looked like a box shaped head. Said box shaped head housed a pair of sharp brown eyes covered by thick white eyebrows, a sharp eagle-beak nose and the various scar marks of his face tells lots of stories & finally the top was full of buzz cut white hair. Next to Macmillan was Rear Admiral Staliv Volstoy: a native of the hive world Belsarus secundus. Straight as a sword, with an impressive build, almost as tall as the Admiral. Almost. With a head full of flowy blonde hair, a pair of crystal blue eyes and a sharp looking face overall; he was arguably one of the youngest Officer Cadets in the Navy to become a rear admiral. Beside him was Rear Admiral Vladimir Tupolev: another Belsarus Secundus native. However, while Staliv was young, Tupolev was a senior veteran of many battles. With a face similar to Macmillan, only sporting a thick, burly moustache that connects both his sideburns together. And the blonde hair on top of his head has begun to thin out a bit. His crystal blue eyes not only looked sharp, but also displayed a hue seen only in Officers that have seen too many battles for one lifetime. Finally following them were the two last senior officers of this precession. On the left was Rear Admiral Serena Mirrenn; the youngest member in the entire group, and, probably the youngest ever individual in the history of the Imperial Navy to hold the title of Rear Admiral. Looking no older than 20, her presence felt odd within this group, but only a fool would think that way. Beneath that youthful appearance; beneath the slate blue eyes, and the long white hair tied back in a bun, along with bangs that flowed along the right side of her pretty face; lied a dangerous and cunningly brilliant tactician. Equally strange was the officer on her right; Rear Admiral Roswald Whitmore. But, not in the way Mirrenn did. He was definitely on the fat side of the human physical spectrum, not to mention a full 3 inches shorter than Serena Mirrenn, who herself stood at 6 feet 4 inches. Next, comes his face; very round, almost like a pumpkin, which housed a mole on his left cheek, a small & flatly pressed nose, a pair of small brown eyes, and red hair combed in neat tidy fashion, which also felt out of place because of his face. But, like Mirrenn and the others, underestimating Whitmore is a mistake that will take his enemy to an early grave. Whitmore was recruited from the infamous hive world of Necromunda. He was a naturally gifted brawler and a brilliant strategist, as opposed to his appearance.

Each of these individuals is a decorated officer & skilled commander. And, in between them, they had enough accolades to put even some of the most decorated Lord Generals of the Astra Militarum to shame. To be able to command such decorated officers, it spoke volumes of Adrastia's leadership skills. The Imperial Navy Commanders simply take their seats and discuss matters regarding the meeting amongst themselves.

Following the officers of the Imperial Navy, the Commanding officers of the Astra Militarum elements aboard the fleet enter the chambers. The members of this group were just as impressive as the first. The first of this group was the Newly promoted General Jairinho Stein of the Cadian Shock Troops regiments; A stoic individual, he was one of the more popular members of the current Cadian Regimental Command. And after his recent accomplishments in the Indomitus Crusade, it was only natural that he would get the promotion. Like his fellow Cadians, he shared the fair skin, Lilac purple eyes and the brown hair. Next was Colonel Yohvaunn Kleist of the Armageddon Steel Legion regiments; a perfect example of the word "Tough". Tall, Well built, donning the uniform that displays the colors of his regiment, Kleist was a gifted leader, both in mind, and in body. Next was Colonel Tito Sanders of the Catachan Jungle Fighters Regiments. The first impression everyone gets after looking at him was "Rugged", heavily muscled, his tall frame was barely contained within the garbs of his regimental commander uniform. And like all Catachans, he wore a red bandana that kept his curly shoulder long hair in place. Sanders was without a doubt a very dangerous fighter, and when one realized that he used to be one of the deadly "Swamprats", there was a good reason for being so. The next figure however, was a beast on an entirely different level. In fact, he was the one Non-Astartes personnel in the entire chamber so far, whose martial glory eclipsed over everyone, rivalling the likes of Urskaar E. Creed, Lord Solar Macharius, Sly Marbo and such. For this man was none other than THE legendary Marshal Karis Venner "The Thrice-Martyred" of the Death Korps of Krieg regiments. This man always led the Korps from the front lines. Truthfully, he died many times. Only to be found barely alive few days later, which is nothing short of the Emperor's Miracles. Once, he got badly burnt to the point of death, yet somehow he managed to cling onto his life, dragged himself all the way back to base, got himself treated and went back to the front lines, again. Another time, he got cut off during a campaign and was declared KIA; only to be rediscovered after 3 days alongside survivors, and a veritable mountain of corpses. And, during the Orphean war, he and his Death Korps beat the ever non-living shit out of the Necrons and win the war for the Imperium. A genuine badass. And, THE most dangerous man in this group. Next was Brigadier General Ismael Havar of the Elysian Drop Troopers regiments; a full on Daredevil, who earned many accolades as a part of the 16th Drop Troops Regiment. Following his & his regiment's outstanding performances during the Crusade, he eventually rose to the rank of Colonel. Similar to Havar was Colonel Adis Ikin of the Harakoni Warhawks regiments; yet another full on Daredevil, but at the same time, he was a brilliant sharpshooter slash assassin and a very cautious strategist. His story of promotion to Colonel however, was a bit anti-climactic. Said promotion came after the events of the disastrous "Massacre of Bargheist III", he was a Lieutenant in the 224th back then. And during the campaign, both the captain of the 224th and then overall acting commander of the regiments, Colonel Tarkoune got eighty-sixed along with the 150th, 211th, 225th Harakoni Warhawks. After returning to the fleet, the surviving senior officers gathered together to figure out who will be the next commanding officer, and unfortunately, Adis drew the short straw by being the senior most and the oldest veteran at that time. So, before long, as the campaigns went on, he eventually rose to the rank of Colonel from the acting commander. Next was General Kraiug of the Mordian Iron Guard regiments; stoic, disciplined, unyielding. He was the perfect poster-boy for the Mordian Doctrines. Next to enter was, General Rah-Aziz of the Tallarn Desert Raiders regiments. A master of vehicular warfare, and an unmatched genius amongst his peers as a hit & run warfare specialist. Yet at the same time, he was also the smelliest person in the chambers, largely credited due to the disturbing hygiene standards of the Tallarn tribes on his planet. Next came Colonel Regina Kastorrf of the Valhallan Ice Warriors regiments; a cold, calculated, ruthless individual. Yet, her devotion towards the Emperor, and her display of tactical skills & unyielding willpower in battle leaves no room for doubt regarding her capabilities. The next member of the delegation was Colonel Nikolai Kabanov of the Vostroyan Firstborn Regiments, a man as stubborn and unyielding as they can get. And, if the Commanders of the Astra Militarum are here, so are the officers of the Commissariat, with Commissar-Captain VanGorich being the representative – so to speak. Along with him, he brought Commissar Mo'reau of the Mordian Regiments, and Commissar Dominic of the Cadian Regiment. This kind of meeting often serves a great educational purpose for both Junior and Senior Commissars. As they entered the strategium Chambers, they started discussing on who should be the spokesperson of their group. And after several agreements & disagreements, it was decided that General Stein will be their representative slash spokesperson for most cases. Because, as experienced & venerated as Marshal Venner was, he wasn't exactly the brightest tool in the shed when it came to social & formal interactions; he was a bit too straight forward, both in speech and in thought. Or, at least that was everybody else's opinion.

The Next group that entered the chambers drew the attention of everyone present at that time, which also prompted many of the officers of both the Navy and the Astra Militarum to stand up and bow their heads in respect. The group in question, returned their respect with a small bow of their own and moved towards their seats. A Sororitas Command squad of the Order of the Ebon Chalice, each member was an elite warrior within the Preceptory as well as the order itself. All women, these warriors fought the enemy with unbreakable, unshakable, incorruptible faith and zeal. This, along with some of the finest weapons, armor & equipment, their capabilities were almost on par with the Adeptus Astartes themselves. Although, they come up short in the end when compared to an Astartes, that doesn't make them any less potent. On the contrary, they were just as deadly as the Emperor's finest. And leading them was Canonnes Preceptor Aescara Muriele. If Admiral Adrastia was tall in human standards, then the Canonnes was essentially a Giant of a woman; standing at a staggering seven feet two inches tall, she was as intimidating as a Canonnes can get. She wore a heavily reinforced Sororitas Power Armor sanctioned for a Canonnes. Black, covered with white vestments. The Vestments had red pipings and lining. Both the armor plates, and the vestments were heavily stamped with different kinds of purity seals & a long, red cloak hung beneath her armor's power pack. On her neck, she wore a Chaplet-Ecclesiasticus showing a count of the acts of penance she has undertaken in her 300-year long service as a Sister of Battle. Her face, although now signs of aging are slightly visible even from a distance had a certain charm to it. But said charm got marred by the stony and sharp look that she had. Her sharp silver eyes, her neatly tied silver hair in a ponytail, with bangs covering the right side of her face, with a stand or two running in the middle of her eyebrows, and the tattoo right underneath her left eye made her look even sharper. She, in fact was figuratively an 'Unsheathed longsword'. And equally potent were the wargear she was carrying. On her neck, right under the Chaplet-Ecclesiasticus she wore a potent, and newly upgraded Rosarius Amulet. On her back, she carried a massive storm shield, and on the left of her waist, hung her signature weapon: an obscenely massive Power Mace, 'Star of Redemption'. Her companion sister Celestians were also heavily equipped; Black Power Armors with white and red vestments, power weapons hanging from their waists, while in their arms, they carried Master Crafted Godwyn-De'az Pattern Bolters fitted with Drum Magazines, painted in Red. These armed and armored warriors neatly carried themselves and took their seats within the chambers.

Next to enter the Chamber were the priests, Deacons and other personnel of the Ecclesiarchy. They were led by the Arch Deacon, Augustine Pallor; a crone of an old man. His hunched, withered form was hidden under layers upon layers of silk and leather garbs, which got weighed down even more with all the gold he was wearing. As a matter of fact, he had to be carried on top of a palanquin, which was carried by four Ministorum Servitors. The ones entering before were all warriors and tacticians one way or the other. So, what purpose the Deacons and Arch Deacons serve in this meeting? In truth, as much as they can sway the common public with the words of faith and devotion, they are almost useless in every other regards, barring politics. Decripid, overfed, and practically covered in all sorts of lavish clothing & ornaments. While, those ranking from normal preachers to the Firebrands were fine, they are fine warriors as well as fine priests of the Imperial Truth. The problems start with the ones ranked Deacon and above, due to many of these individuals being power-hungry bureaucrats. Many of the officers present have a certain amount of disdain towards such individuals. As for the Celestians and the Canonnes herself, they were the Chamber Militant of the Ecclesiarchy. And so, they shouldn't harbor such feelings. Yet Muriele has seen many so called Puritan Deacons, Arch-Deacons, Cardinals & Arch Cardinals revel in acts of Vile Debauchery and Hedonism, all disguised under the honey & sugar-coated words delivered to the people as "The Emperor's Will made Manifest". It was these kinds of people that Muriele & her fellow sisters despised even more than they despised Heretics. Liars, Degenerates, Hypocrites – people who use the Emperor's Name to satisfy their personal desires. Yet, now was not the time or place to express such feelings. The situation at hand was bad enough to warrant some kind of positive suggestions. Even if said suggestion comes from someone like Arch Deacon Pallor. So, she kept her usual stoic look on her face, while the delegates of the Ecclesiarchy take their seats within the strategium's second row.

The next group that enters the chamber however, elicits a different kind of emotion within the members present: Respect mixed with revulsion and silent nervousness. These group of men & women, although there is neither a way of telling who's who, nor if there is anything human left at all underneath all the cybernetics and metal augmentations, were the commanders of the forces of the Adeptus Mechanicus. In particular, the Main Priesthood. Leading them, was Arch-Magos Dominus Anarchir Sydrax III; there was no way of telling if the Magos was a male or a female, because of the Androgynous form and the red robes. The back of the Magos was hunched because of the massive power pack they were carrying. Different kinds of servo-arms, cables, mecha-tendrils sprouted from all over the damn thing, and in the gauntlet covered arms of the Magos, was a two handed Omnissiah's Axe of Prodigal size. Instead of normal human legs, the Magos had eight metallic, spider-like legs, with which they used to scuttle towards their seat. Finally, as if these augmentations weren't repulsive enough, almost the entire face under the hood was covered with what looked like some kind of augmented Bio-mask. And, finally in place of the eyes, there were integrated Visors fitted with Emperor Knows how many lenses. Equally repulsive were the rest of their subordinate Magos and Tech-priests; either half of their whole body was completely augmented, or almost entirely. Hell, some of them were so heavily augmented like the Magos, that if anybody were to call them "Robots with a Brain, Nerve Bundles & a spinal column" they wouldn't be too far off.

Next, a group of people donning matching uniforms, similar to the coterie of the Imperial Navy entered the chambers. However, there were key differences: Fist, their uniforms were long, silver overcoats. Next, they wore a golden vestment with red and white linings on top of said coats. Finally, the symbol emblazoned at the center of the vestments, a skull wearing a helm in the center of a gear, marked that they were officers of the Metallis Mars Demi-Legion of Legio Metallica; one of the largest & most ancient legions of the Adeptus Titanicus. Leading this group was veteran Princeps Gauvanas, the pilot of the Venerable Imperator-Class War Titan 'Metallis Mars' that led this Titan Demi Legion of Legio Metallica. He was a man of literally unbreakable will. For such a requirement is a must have to control such a massive and ancient war machine. Coincidentally, his Demi Legion also consisted of one of their infamous Warmaster-Class Titans, the 'Doloris Dominus'. This Demi Legion of Legio Metallica consisted of the following numbers: 2 Imperator-Class Titans, 2 Warmaster-Class Titans, 5 Warlord-Class Titans, 3 Warbringer Nemesis-Class Titans, 2 Venerable Reaver-Class Titans & 11 Warhound-Class Titans. Only a fool would dare to oppose such martial might. The Veteran Princeps and his coterie of his fellow Princeps and some of the moderati that accompanied them exchanged greetings with the already present officers and proceeded towards taking their respective seats within the chamber.

The group that followed the Princeps of Legio Metallica, were of a similar profession to them. Yet, they were different. For starters, their garbs and outfits were the kinds you would find the Dukes, Duchesses, Counts, Vis-Counts, Barons, Baronesses to wear in social gatherings – Formal yet luxurious. Leading the group was a young man dressed in a luxurious suit of black, with black hair tied into a ponytail. His long, well-proportioned face was heavily scarred, had a sharp, well-defined nose and a pair of emerald green eyes. He was one of those stereotypical face one would imagine when asked what a noble looks like. But, he was in the same boat as the decorated officers of the Navy and the Militarum present: A deadly, veteran warrior and a gifted strategist. For he was the current head of Knight House Raven, Lord Grevan. On behest of the Lord Commander, and out of respect of their long time bond with Legio Metallica, the Lord of House Raven has chosen to lead the elements of his Knight House personally. And, he brought a substantial number of walkers for this purpose: Nearly 70 Imperial Knights of the Dominus and the more numerous Questoris- Pattern Knights. Like their allies of Legio Metallica, the Head of the Knight house exchanged greetings with the officers present, then led his group towards their seats in the Chambers 2nd row.

The next group that entered, drew everybody's attention towards them. The Generals and Colonels of the Militarum, the Officers of the Navy, The Canonnes and her Sisters, The Officers of the Collegia Titanica, The Nobles of House Raven, even the Tech-Priests of Mars stood up and gave their respect. The Priests and Cardinals, while most of them stood up and bowed their heads, Arch Deacon Pallor did not. That alone earned no small amount of Scorn and angry glares from the other groups. This was an act, which the Arch Deacon would come to regret deeply very soon, as well as in the future, but that is another story for another time. For now, let us focus on the present: In response to the bows of respect and greetings, the members of the group themselves gave a small bow of their own, but one showing gratitude towards the honor they got from everyone. The first thing that comes to mind whenever someone looks at the members of this group was "Giants". This group was made of 10 members, 9 of them stood easily over 8 feet tall and they wore the standard issue Mark X 'Tacticus' Power Armor. Their armors were painted light green, and three of them wore red helms with a black stripe in the middle. The front of their cuirass were emblazoned with the symbol of the Imperialis, while the red helmed ones had the golden Aquila. Said Aquila was also emblazoned on the right Shoulder Guards of the three giants, while all of their left Shoulder Guards had the same symbol: Two black, crossed, upright spears centered on a white shield. All of their armor plates adorned with various purity seals, symbols and decorations signifying their accolades, and designs similar to the Imperialis insignia could be found on the left and right knee pads of the three red helmed giants. Finally, the three giants were adorned with black cloaks made of Adamantium and steel wired meshes. While the weapons of the three giants were mag-locked to their waists, the other six members were all carrying Mark II 'Cawl-Pattern' Bolt rifles: potent weapons of war and a symbol of Mankind's divinity. Finally, the one leading the giants was an even bigger giant. He stood well over nine feet and unlike the rest of his brothers, he wore a heavily plated Mark III Indomitus-Pattern 'Terminator Armor'. Massive layers of chainmail draped around the inner sides of the Shoulder Guards like flags and purity seals, around his waist and on his left Knee Pad, and a thick, chainmail mantle adorned the back. The Chapter insignia was painted on his right Shoulder Guard instead of the left, because the left one housed the 'Crux Terminatus', a symbol and a relic of irreplaceable value. His carried his helm in the crook of his right arm, showing his face to everyone. It is a good thing that everyone was familiar to it during the journey, otherwise most of the weak-hearted ones might have fainted just from looking at him the first time: Onyx-Black skin, with buzz cut hair adorned the head, his face was well-proportioned, a thick but sharp nose, a well-built chin, Cauliflower ears. All that would have been just fine. But, what made those features frightening besides the Onyx-Black skin, were a myriad number of scars covering his face, and the red, glowing orbs that were his eyes. These contrasting features made him look like a human-shaped demon. The other thing about this giant that caught people's attention was the weapons he was carrying. On his back, an enormous glaive, with a tip bigger than a basilisk's shell fused with an axe like protrusion remained holstered. While, on the right side of his waist, hung a Massive Thunder Hammer: 'Storm Anvil'. This giant of an Astartes was Rah'z Hyu'van, the Chapter Master of the Dragonspears Space Marines. The Dragonspears were a descendant Chapter born from the Genetic Lineage of Vulkan, so it was needless to explain that the Dragonspears were scions of the Salamanders Chapter, which also explained the onyx black skin and the red glowing eyes of their master. Accompanying the Chapter Master were the Captains of the Dragonspears' 2nd, 4th & 5th company: Brother-Captain Ko'rtai, Brother- Captain Fulcrum Arga & Brother-Captain N'karis, and Intercessors drawn from Ko'rtai's 2nd Company.

Lastly, a lone figure entered the chamber, and the moment he arrived, all officers and adepts, Astartes or no Astartes immediately bowed their heads in utmost respect and reverence. Chapter Master Rah'z was already gigantic enough, but this figure, was even bigger. Standing more than a gargantuan ten feet tall, the figure wore an elongated golden helm, with white face plates & a long red plume hanging from the back, making him look even taller. Next, was the absolute masterpiece of a power armor that the figure was wearing: Auramite alloy reinforced armor crafted specifically to fight while on the move, akin to a hurricane of metal. While, within the armor itself, arrays of proximity sensors were fitted for taking in and processing all sorts of data. While, a master crafted refraction Field Generator further enhanced its already near impregnable defense. The Imperial Aquila was carved intricately on the right Shoulder Guard. And for Custodians, this was a mandate to enact the Emperor's Will – by force if necessary. Countless precious gemstones adorned the Cuirass of the armor, while a red mantle, made from mesh blends similar to that of a Space Marine Captain, but far more potent in defensive capabilities hung diagonally from the left shoulder guard, covering a large portion of the figure's right side from both the front and the back. On his waist, the giant wore another red garb, that looked like a makeshift quilt at a glance. Finally, on the Left Shoulder, a Sable shoulder pauldron and white pteruges signified that said giant was a Hyakanatoi Shield Captain of the Dread Host of the Adeptus Custodes. A true instrument of the Emperor's Wrath and Divine Will. And this person, Shield Captain Aadilus was by far the single strongest, most ancient and certainly the deadliest individual warrior of Battle-Fleet Halo. Yet, as unstoppable of a warrior as he is, Aadilus was also a gifted diplomat, tactician and a capable statesperson. Unlike many of the people present in the Strategium, he did not bring any weapons. But that was only if you saw him from a Human's point of view. Chapter Master Rah'z, unaware to everyone else clearly noticed that there was a pair of short-swords holstered in a crisscross style right behind the Shield Captain's Quilt. As for the Shield Captain himself, he simply returned the greetings with a small, yet curt nod of his own, and stood near a stone pillar along right side of the rows, positioned near to the strategium Table for the officers of the Rift stalkers use for planning and assigning missions, and making strategies for future wars and missions.

Watching the procession of characters and all the events unfolding thus far is Brother-Captain Gorath Corvidan, the Captain of the Rift Stalkers First Company. Even in Primaris standards, Gorath was unusually tall. Standing a full head taller than his own battle-brothers, motionless, he looked like an ancient wraith from Fairy tales. The ghost-White skin coupled with a long, sharp nose, a long, heavily scarred face, and the pitch black eyes enforced that notion even further. Long hair that reaches slightly below the shoulder plates now tied up in braids and dreadlocks along the direction of his hairlines, coupled with a goatee would make him look like an underworld thug, were it not for the aforementioned ghost white skin and his overall gigantism. And, coupled with the White painted, Modified Mark II Indomitus-Pattern Terminator Armor he was wearing, he looked even bigger, almost as tall as Chapter Master Rah'z of the Dragonspears. The design pattern of the armor was also pretty similar, with some key differences of course. First, the modification on the armor focused on maximizing Gorath's mobility in the battlefield: Speed was the attack mantra of the Rift stalkers. Hit them fast & silent, then vanish leaving nothing but dead bodies and wrecks as proof. Next, instead of the chainmail, fine adamantium fabric, was draped around like vestments, quilts and similar clothing. A black cape adorned the back, while like Rah'z, the whole armor was stamped with lots of purity seals and marks. On his left Knee Guard, a small avian wing protrusion was carved on, colored in black. His right Shoulder Guard sported his chapter insignia: the Stylized Black Raven in White along with his company and squad symbols, while the left Shoulder Guard housed the Çrux Terminatus'. At the moment, he was not carrying the dual lightning claws that he wields in battle. But, that was hardly of any consequence. Barring the shield captain, and his cousins the Dragonspears, everyone else in the room posed little to no challenge at all. Neither could they match him in speed, nor in Power. Well, maybe the Canonnes can give him a decent challenge. But that was well within expected parameters.

While he watched the procession, his face displayed several emotions: most of the time it was just neutral, it morphed into an angry scowl when the Arch Deacon did not greet the Chapter Master of the Dragonspears. True, the Rift Stalkers must have compassion and respect towards humans, but said respect needs to be returned in kind. He was planning on showing up in front of that Pompous old crone. But then, he stopped when the Shield Captain entered the chamber. There, his scowl morphed into somewhat a smug satisfaction, when he saw that Wretched deacon prostrating in pure fear facing the Custodian. Deacons and Cardinals may be the face of the Ministorum slash Ecclesiarchy, and may believe that by being the agents of the Imperial Cult, they were above showing respect to people. But none dares disrespect a Custodian, much less a Shield Captain. For they are the elite brotherhood of Demi-Gods that guard the Emperor's physical body, as well as all his secrets. Doing so, has dreadful consequences stored for the offender, and none in that room were insane enough to put that fact to the test. Later on, his expression returned to the usual neutral one, while he emerges himself in deep thought regarding the people that are with them right now, with his arms crossed. Which was interrupted mid-way by a familiar voice:

Qrodin: Something on your mind, Brother?

Gorath turns around to see the new speaker, and got greeted by the form of Brother-Captain Qrodin. The color of his armor is the same bone white ceramite as Gorath's own, except it was the usual Mark X Tacticus Pattern used by the Captains. And the Trims on his Shoulder Pads being green. Both brothers greeted each other with a nod, before continuing.

Gorath: Many things, not just one. Would you laugh if I told you I am trying to figure out what goes in their minds? Or how we managed to unite as one?

Qrodin let out a light chuckle before he responded.

Qrodin: Don't we all try. However, many of them have gone through pain & suffering more than they were supposed to. Yet they keep on going. Suffering in the hands of a common enemy often creates the most…unlikely of coalitions.

Gorath: That both baffles me and makes me feel curious. Take for example, the Cadian General over there. He and his fellow Cadians lost their homeworld a little over three decades ago. Then six of their regiments got massacred down to the last man, other regiments suffered horrendous casualties, lost many vehicles and important personnel on Bargheist III. Yet, they keep moving on. Then, there is the commander of the Harakoni Warhawks. What was his name again?...Ah. I Just remembered. Colonel Adis Ikin. He is in the same boat as the Cadian General….

Qrodin: Stein. Jairinho Stein.

Gorath: Yes…Oh, so that is his name. How do they keep moving forward? Having unshakable Faith and Devotion towards the Emperor is a good thing. But in the end, they are….just….they. Just Humans. Faith and courage can only take you so far.

Qrodin: True Faith in the Emperor often does wonders. Take Canonnes Muriele over there for an example. She and her sisters often displayed feats against impossible odds, feats that the Priests of the Ecclesiarchy labelled as 'Divine Miracles' outright.

At the mention of the word 'Ecclesiarchy', Gorath's expression looked as if he chewed on a bitter lotus root. Qrodin noticed that and figured out why, well in a way. Theoretical: Perhaps, bad memories of certain events that took place while reclaiming several Shrine-Worlds. Actions of the Arch Deacon that did not sit well with him. Practical: That Decrepid Old Crone siting over there must have done something just now that got him aggravated. With said old crone being Deacon Pallor.

Qrodin: I understand your reservations against the Bureaucrats of the Ministorum. But, for now, let us just leave the matter for the Shield Captain over there to handle. After all, they directly represent the Emperor, and not even a High Deacon or for the matter – an Inquisitor can say otherwise.

Gorath can only let out a light chuckle before he responded.

Gorath: ….I Suppose. Even then, I still wish I could go over there and get the concept of respect through that diseased skull of his. But….that is just pointless thinking, and now is not the time for infighting either.

Qrodin: Indeed, Brother.

Gorath: Well, then we joined along. Alongside Master Rah'z and his brothers. I saw many of these people in action. And the Valor they displayed, the ferocity that they had in each of their battles, it is truly something to wonder about.

Qrodin: How so?

Gorath: How not so? Look at those officers of the Navy over there. Barring that one Rear Admiral Vladimir Tupolev, everyone else are children. Not a single one of them have crossed forty, yet they have fought enough wars to reach their current station.

Qrodin could only shrug in response. If a space marine recruit can start at the age of nine or ten, it does not feel that much out of place for the Navy Officers in the room to be that young.

Gorath: Sometimes….a part of me keeps telling me…they have done enough. Don't let them suffer anymore.

Qrodin: Barring the Deacons of the Ecclesiarchy in the fleet, everyone over there is an accomplished warrior. Pain of loss is something one must experience at a point in life. And, at some point, they all experienced the pain of loss. For some, it was recent. For others, quite some time ago. But they all suffered nonetheless. That, along with Faith towards our Emperor, and hatred towards our enemies, is driving them to move on. Making sure that others don't have to suffer like they did.

Gorath: Is that not why we're here? To make sure that they don't have to? No more? To help them out? To defend humanity? Yet somehow, here we are.

Qrodin: Here we are. In the middle of nowhere, with no knowledge on where to go, or which direction for the matter?

Gorath simply nods in acknowledgement.

Qrodin: It is as it is. Or so I heard an expression in the Militarum Go: "We're here because we're here because we're here".

Gorath lets out a small chuckle

Gorath: Poetic. But simple. I suppose they have a point.

He understood to a degree what it was like to lose your family, lose your home, left with nothing. He may not have experienced it because of being a part of a fleet-borne Chapter. But, he has seen it manifest within those who have. And, most of the time, they break into despair and misery. He has seen Brother Servaias, Brother Nouron, Brother Torisian – the Chaplains aiding such people. In a way, he felt…satisfied. Satisfied with the fact that, by helping people to get out of their despairing states, they were doing the Emperor's work. Uniting humanity together against its enemies. Yet, part of him remain grim: the sacrifices they were making, the wars that they wage, all the efforts they gave to unite the worlds lost from the Imperium's light since the Great Rift; it just wasn't enough. His thoughts were interrupted again by Brother-Captain Qrodin's next words.

Qrodin: These men and women have gone through much. More than anyone in the universe has been. Or should go through. It is by the Emperor's Grace, they have been placed under our charge.

Gorath: …And our cousins.

(…): And in the Emperor's Name and the Ravenlord, we will deliver Justice for them.

A third voice comes from behind the two Captains. Turning around, the owner of the voice comes into full vision.

Equipped in his full wargear, Reclusiarch Servaias was both an awe-inspiring site, as well as a frightening one. His Mark X Tacticus Power Armor was a true masterwork, black as the void in space. Gold trimming and decorations adorned his Greaves, Gauntlets & his Shoulder Pads. A White Robe with the hands cut off draped over the armor, covering almost the whole body. Only the Cuirass, the Shoulders, Arms and part of the boots were exposed out of the robe. The Cuirass itself was a dreadful sight, designed to look like an exposed ribcage. Combine that with the massive Crozius Arcanum holstered on his waist, his skull faced helm that he was carrying in the crook of his right arm, the Iron Halo equipped on his Power Pack and the hood that draped over his head, he now looked like a specter of Death. Oddly enough, for some reason, Servaias and his fellow Rift Stalkers have ended up with the title "The Emperor's finest Boogeymen" amongst several Guardsmen Regiments. At one point, he even began to wonder if it was because of the armor that he was wearing. Unknown to the chaplain however, he was not the reason for being titled as such. It was an entirely different reason.

Qrodin: Honored Brother

Gorath: Honored Brother

Both Captains greet the Reclusiarch, placing their fists over their hearts as a Salute. The Reclusiarch returns the salute with a nod of respect.

Servaias: Brother Captains. Indeed, they have gone through much. Brother Gorath, we do what we can, the rest we have to leave it to them, and the blessings of the Emperor.

Gorath: Hmm…I suppose that is what we can do. Nonetheless, the resolve of these men and women has amazed me on many occasions.

Servaias: And they will keep on doing so many times later on. It is just a gut feeling, but I always feel that way when I see them going to campaigns. In spite of the horrors that the younger ones over there have seen, they did not cower away. They…met…the horrors head on. You would do best by not to look down upon them. Then again, with your height… I don't see that happening anytime soon.

Both the Captains let out a low, inaudible grumble of laughter.

Gorath: My height is something that is completely out of my control, Honored Brother. It is just….part of me worries about them…worries about how much longer can they keep this up.

Qrodin: You're not the only one…

Servaias: I understand what both of you meant. Our cousins shared the same thoughts while they were onboard some of the other ships. Regardless of their origins, they are all going through the same feeling. All the losses that they have suffered so far, those did more damage to their minds than anything that damaged their bodies. Most of them are on the verge of breaking. The only thing that keeps them sane of mind is their faith in the Emperor, and their burning hatred for the enemies.

Qrodin: I cannot say I blame them. Any other person in their place might have gone insane. Anybody would, if they saw everything that they believed in, stood for & fought to protect for millennia, only to be reduced to dust in a matter of days.

The moods of the three Marines become sullen just thinking about it.

Gorath: Over three decades have passed. Yet, the times keep getting darker instead of getting any glimpse of hope. And with all that, now we are all stuck in this bloody mess.

The Rift Stalkers, ever since their founding have been fighting in the front lines as vanguards for the last three decades, with every battle, they mustered new forces. On behest of the Lord Commander's orders, with every re-conquest, they marshalled at designated rally points, further reinforcing themselves. Somewhere along the lines, they joined forces with the Dragonspears. They kept collecting more soldiers and allies for the re-conquest and reconnecting of all the worlds cut off from the Light of Terra. At the beginning of the third decade, they amassed enough ships and armies to retake and rebuild entire sub-sectors.

Yet somehow, a freak storm surge managed to hit them of all people, and tossed them into Emperor knows where.

And whenever Gorath looks at a chronometer, he wishes that the damn thing was incorrect.

001.10.033. M42.

Well, no point in worrying about it unless everyone knew what actually happened. This meeting right now might as well be the best place to start looking for clues. And possibly, find practical solutions. Moreover, he knew that the rest of the brother captains have also gathered near the second door of the Strategium.

Gorath: By the looks of it, all our guests have arrived. And, the brothers of our council have gathered.

Servaias: Come, Brothers. Let us take our places.

Without a word, the three Astartes walk towards the staircase going through the rings of seats, all the way to the strategium table. As they walk down the stairs, every attendee within the chamber falls silent, and immediately takes their seats. Both Brother-Captains and the Reclusiarch have taken their respective positions around the table.

Soon, the door opens wide, pushed open by two Veteran brothers in Indomitus Pattern Terminator armor. Both brothers then step aside to allow entry into the room, and one by one the members of the Council Enter.

First to enter was the Captain of the Second Company, Brother Therrin. Also heralded as the Hero of the Spyral Nebula Star systems. Following him was Brother-Captain Mordis of the Third Company, one of the best hit & run tacticians in the Rift Stalkers Chapter. Next to enter was Brother Captain Thane Kraeon of the Fifth Company, perhaps the quietest individual Gorath has ever met. Then entered Brother-Captain Razresz of the Sixth Company, famous for using assault bike teams to launch surgical strikes; each hit the enemy like a battering ram out of nowhere, and they vanish into thin air almost as quickly as they appeared out of nowhere. Next, came Brother-Captain Rakhaed Valar of the Seventh Company, he and his company specialized in Vehicular Warfare, and without a doubt, the best operators the Rift Stalkers had to offer. The Seventh Company fielded an abnormally large number of Fast attack skimmers and Invictor Warsuits. Next, Brother-Captain Ardaric of the Eighth Company entered the room. Now, the Battle Brothers of the Rift Stalkers Eighth Company, they were an entirely different breed of warriors. Even in Primaris standards. This company housed a large number of Reiver kill-teams alongside their Inceptors and regular Assault Marines. The Inceptors and Assault marines in question, kept a design motif similar to the Pre-heresy specialist squads utilized by the Raven Guard – The Dark Fury Assault squads. While the Ranged Inceptors maintained their ranged weapons, the Melee Inceptors fully mimicked the Dark Fury Legionaries. In fact, all Melee Inceptors within the chapter utilizes Dual Lightning Claws as their primary weapons, as opposed to the twin Assault bolters or the bolt-pistol / Chainsword combo. Even the Reiver teams utilized the same tactic and gears. And, to further take it over the edge, all jump packs of the Rift Stalkers were customized with a pair of Raven Wings on each side. Thus giving the impression that they were like massive Avian Predators, sweeping down from the skies to tear the enemy apart. This design motif, combined with the ability of the Rift stalkers to move around undetected and without making any kind of noise, earned them the title "The Emperor's Finest Boogeymen" from the Imperial Guard regiments on board. And who wouldn't? A genetically enhanced super-soldier, who moves around as if he doesn't even exist, while slaughtering everyone around you. Only to vanish by the time you even notice that something is horribly wrong. That concept in itself is the ultimate terror tactic. And, the Eight Company accomplishes this feat on every single mission they're deployed in. Next to enter was Brother-Captain Aajax Solari of the Ninth Company. The Rift Stalkers Ninth Company, due to their combat doctrine greatly emphasizing on speed, had to incorporate an unusually large number of Suppressor and Aggressor Kill teams. Both formations allowed the usage of Modified Variants of the Mark X Power Armor, with the Suppressors utilizing the Omnis-Variant, while the Aggressors utilized the Modified Land Version of the Gravis-Variant Mark X Armor. The Gravis Variant, due to the lighter weight, allowed for maximum mobility and was favored by the Assault teams. It was only natural that the Ninth Company Aggressors would go for a modified version of this suit. For, not only it grants them the capability of mounting heavy firepower, but also allows them to move around without sacrificing a single bit of their mobility. In addition, the suppressors became the long ranged variant of the Dark Fury Assault Squad – Heavy gunners with Winged Jump Packs. And should the need ever arise, the entire Ninth Company can equip all its battle brothers with the widely known Devastator Centurion Warsuits. Next, the last of the Brother-Captains, Captain Rhenes of the Tenth Company enters the room. The Tenth Company, like the Eighth and Ninth Companies was another strange anomaly. Yes, the Rift stalkers were a Codex Compliant Chapter. However, during their times in the battlefields, they had to revise certain tactics of the Codex to favor their combat methods and skills. The results: the deviations found in the reserve companies from the Sixth to the Tenth Companies. The Tenth Company of the Rift stalkers was much less a scout company, and more of a specialist company. While, it did train the neophytes of the Chapter and turned them into full battle-brothers, certain neophytes develop unique traits to say the least. Traits found in Saboteurs, sharpshooters and full on assassins. The neophytes turned into full battle-brothers who develop these traits, choose to stay in the tenth company. This led to the building of its abnormally large number of Infiltrators, Incursors & Eliminator Kill Teams. Yet Another reason why the Rift Stalkers ended up with the title "The Emperor's Finest Boogeymen". Now, with all the Brother-Captains and the Reclusiarch present at the table, the more enigmatic members of the chapter enter the Chambers. First to enter was the Chief Apothecary Daimas, the Brother responsible for recovering & collecting the Gene-seeds of the Rift stalkers to ensure the supply of recruits and future battle-brothers. And compared to a first-born Apothecary, he was better equipped for the Job. He carried both the usual Narthecium Reductor Gauntlet as well as a Reductor Pistol. And he was also equipped with and absolver bolt pistol. The extra servo-arms connected to his Power Pack were also well equipped for providing fast and potent medical aid to any badly wounded Astartes.

Next, with metallic thumps, the Master of the Forge, Techmarine Korpho'des entered the chamber. The Techmarines of a Space Marine Chapter are a strange yet irreplaceable asset. Due to their indoctrination within the Martian Priesthood, they have to maintain a double faith: one towards the Emperor, and the other towards the Tech-Priest's Machine God. And these enigmas were responsible for maintenance of all the Machines and Equipment utilized by the chapter. Korpho'des was easily among the tallest members within the Chapter, although said height was because of cybernetic modifications rather than natural biology. Both his legs below the knee are akin to the legs of Imperial Knights: four toed, Metallic, massive. Next, at least four different servo-arms, all equipped with A combi-Pincer: Combination of Pincers & Auxiliary rivet tools, as well as one arm with a Fyceline Torch and one with a Plasma Cutter stretched out of his servo-harness. His Armor, like all Techmarines, is painted red to symbolize their relation with the priesthood of Mars. The Right Shoulder Pad displays the insignia of the Adeptus Mechanicus: A metallic skull in the center of a Gear, while he displays his chapter insignia on his left. Entering the room, he does move towards his designated position. But not before greeting the representatives of the Adeptus Mechanicus present in Mechanicus Binary. The Arch-Magos Dominus, Anarchir Sydrax III and the rest of their group return the greeting in kind with reverence and respect.

The next person that enters the room got many of the attendees to stiffen up and focus their attention on him. The fear towards Psykers due to their innate capabilities, as well as the nature of the warp itself, is a common thing within the Imperium. And, the level of fear just keeps going up the more powerful the psyker is. In case of Chief Librarian Soukhon K'eal, it was something that he will have to accept, and live with it for the rest of his life, no matter how much he tries to be gentle. After all, an Alpha-Level Psyker is essentially a walking cataclysm: he can more than just destroy an entire army with but a single thought. Although, Soukhon is trained in the way of a Primaris Vanguard, as displayed by the Mark X Phobos Pattern Armor that he was wearing, should the need arise, he can resort to brute force. And if necessary, is capable of completely obliterating the very soul of a living creature by just simply pointing at his target. His innate psychic capabilities puts him on par with individuals like Librarians Tigurius of the Ultramarines, Memphiston of the Blood Angels, Ezekiel of the Dark Angels and such. Anyone trying to invoke Soukhon's wrath has to be either stupid beyond redemption, completely insane or brave on the level of ignorance. Now such a mighty figure slowly walks towards the table, and takes his place on the right side of Reclusiarch Servaias, right next to Korpho'des.

Thirteen out of the fourteen spots reserved for the senior officers of the Chapter are full. With that, now all eyes are focused on the entrance door, as the final attendee, and the most important figure amongst the Rift Stalkers enters the large room.

It is a saying in every Space Marine Chapter, be it the firstborn, be it the Primaris: A Chapter Master is the measuring standard of virtues and skills of the Chapter. A paragon and an ideal among his brothers. Then the person that entered the room just now was the very embodiment of those beliefs.

He was not as tall as First Captain Gorath. Yet, he exuded a kind of silent charisma that garnered respect from his brothers, and all the people present. His Mark X Armor was a cross between advanced technological marvel and ornate artwork. The white plating of the cuirass, the trims of the gauntlets, the kneepads as well as the the mid-section of both of his greaves were intricately decorated with gold and obsidian black marble stone. Like most of the veterans, his Aquila was also made of gold and it adorned both the Cuirass and his right shoulder pad. Intricate runes were carved on the top of the Cuirass Plating, and at the bottom of his left Shoulder Guard. Said Cuirass and Shoulder Pads were also decorated with several small, avian feathers. Each of a different color. A pair of Large, Black, Metallic wings fashioned like those of the Avian Predator their mark is based of decorated his left Shoulder Pad. Almost like an ancient combat shield. And his power pack sported another Pair of Black wings similar to the Raven Guard's Dark Fury Legionaries. Finally, instead of a typical Chapter Master's Adamantium Mantle, he wore a Chameleonic Cloak, same as Chief librarian Soukhon, in a similar fashion as Shield Captain Aadilus. This cloak, due to its unique build had a myriad of stealth-based capabilities. Coupling that with his strength, speed, wargears, his capability to use wraith-slip, to move around without any kind of sound, to blend into the shadows and to render himself invisible into the light – without the cloak's aid no less, Chapter Master Arkas Tur was far more dangerous than anything the Imperial Assassin Temple can ever produce. Or, any race that favored stealth based combat styles for the matter. The only things that could probably come close to him were probably the Culexus Assassins – the Pariahs of the Human race. Other than that, the only time people will ever get to see him is whenever he wants to be seen. His helm, sleek & ornately designed to look like the head of a raptor had two feather like protrusions carved on each side of the helm, and was decorated with a golden olive branch like pattern. Said helm was equipped with highly advanced optics, targeting & motion sensors, scanner probes, advanced Auditory sensors and olfactory filters. Which not only allowed him to fully observe and analyze a target down to a sub-atomic level from a very healthy distance, but also let him see through advanced stealth and camouflage systems. In short, you won't be able to see him, but he will definitely be seeing you, no matter how invisible you are within all known visual spectrum. Right now, such an advanced piece of equipment was gently tucked in within the crook of his left arm, allowing everyone to see his face. Shoulder length Raven Black hair flowed at the back of his head, with six braids – three on each half decorated the sides, from above the black sideburns all the way to the middle. His face was long, well-defined, sharp looking and sported a "X" shaped scar covering parts of his forehead, his sharp, long nose and some parts of his cheekbones. And within the pitch-black pupils of his eyes, one could notice the unfathomable intelligence of a Demi-God like being.

Walking around the circle of warriors, the Chapter Master says nothing as he passes the Company Captains. He acknowledges no one, not the Astartes present, not the Imperial Officers, not even the Shield Captain. The Officers of the Rift Stalkers, the delegation of the Dragonspears & the Custodian Shield Captain knew why he said nothing. For that reason, they just simply remained silent. All Space Marine Chapters have a certain ritual or a ceremonial rite to perform when all the senior officers of the Chapter gather in one spot. The Rift Stalkers were no exception to this. He takes well-measured strides and reaches his spot: right between Reclusiarch Servaias & First Captain Gorath. Then, once he takes his position, he mag-locks his helm to his waist, and initiates the ritual by putting both his fists on his Cuirass in a cross pattern. All the Rift Stalkers present do the same. Then he closes his eyes, gives a small, curt bow and begins:

Arkas: May the Emperor guide our hearts, and May the Ravenlord Guide our blades for Humankind's Prosperity.

His voice was more of a low-pitched hush than the usual loud voice and tone found in almost every Chapter Master. Yet, it was clearly audible to every single creature present. Moreover, his voice exuded such a charismatic vibe that made all the officers present, especially the young ones to look at him with Awe.

Servaias, Daimas, Korpho'des, Soukhon & the Captains: (In Unison) May the Emperor guide our hearts, and May the Ravenlord Guide our blades for Humankind's Prosperity.

And with that, the Ritual ended. Now, Arkas his attention towards all the other attendees. Before he started, he gave a bow of respect to Shield Captain Aadilus & his fellow Chapter Master Rah'z. Then, he widened his focus on everybody present.

Arkas: I thank you all for honoring our Chapter's Traditions and bearing along with us. It is an honor to have you here, and a blessing. Especially during these dark times.

A wave of positive responses and noises of acknowledgements sways all over the room, as the people present, nodding their heads or were making the sign of the Aquila. In case of the Martian Priesthood, they showed the sign of the Omnissiah. As the voices slowly whittle down, a new kind of sound fills up the room: the whir of augmetics and someone trying to stand up. Drawing everyone's attention, Deacon Augustine Pallor pushes himself up from his seat, and tries to stand in an upright position.

Pallor: My Lord Astartes….if I may be allowed to say a Prayer….for our survival in the warp.

The deacon's voice, once strong now became frayed and broken due to overuse.

First Captain Gorath takes this moment of opportunity to take a glance at the Chapter Master. His eyes twitched very slightly, to the point it was impossible to notice. However, he showed no signs of emotions. Then he simply nods his head once.

Arkas: Very Well.

Pallor clears his throat. Then, in a loud and clear voice for everyone to listen, he spoke:

Pallor: Oh, Our Lord on Terra, Master of Mankind. Father of the Imperium, our Guiding Light and Salvation. We offer our thanks to you on this day, for delivering us from the Perils of the Warp and its abominations. We offer our Gratitude, our lives and our souls to you, for we are forever Your subjects and servants. Please continue to watch over us as we devote ourselves in Your service to You. Ave Imperator Inexcelcus Terra.

A chorus of 'Ave Imperator Inexcelcus Terra' echoes through the strategium, as each and every Imperial Officer offers their own thanks to the Emperor. For the Magos and Tech-Priests of the Adeptus Mechanicus, it was a small burst of binaric cant.

Qrodin: Huh…that was a first. All the time that old crone was with us, we never heard him say a Prayer that short, simple and clear.

Gorath just rolled his eyes. While, Servaias did not show it outwards, he almost ended up face palming himself. While most of the other officers ignored the joke, some of them, like Soukhon & Korpho'des stiffed a chuckle inside. Praise the Emperor nobody noticed that. If somebody did, now that would completely ruin the Chapter's image. Finding humor within certain actions of a Human? It is a 'Yes'. Being Rude about it by showing their humor in Public? Definitely 'No'. No Rift Stalker, conscious or unconscious will ever lean toward that 'No'. As for Arkas himself, he just ignored the joke like some of his brothers, and decided that it is better to get down to business:

Arkas: Let us cut to the chase. Namely, why we have all gathered here, and how we ended up in our current predicament….any information that we can glean on to solve this is warmly welcomed.

It was a rhetorical question. Of course, everyone here is trying to figure out the problem. His eyes flicked all over every single occupant in the chamber. Even the useless, decrepit group of Deacons led by that crone of an Archdeacon. And in moments, a rustle of fabric draws everyone's attention, as Admiral Adrastia stood tall from her seat. She then began delivering her report:

Adrastia: Lord Arkas, I have cross-referenced every data-log on all Imperial Navy Ships, as well as run thorough crosschecks through every updates on the schematics and crew logs. Which I then cross-referenced with the data from my coterie. So far, none of the ships have shown any sign of fault or defect by the crew. Even the crew count is the same as it was prior to entry into the warp. Therefore, I am willing to place my Honor on the lines to state the fact that this cannot be a fault due to the Imperial Navy commanders in charge.

Arkas nods his head. Practical: The crew cannot be given any fault here, they were simply performing their duties as their stations required. Moreover, knowing the reputations of the Navy commanders here, giving the Imperial Navy any sort of fault is just borderline stupidity, ignorance and arrogance for one's part. Unless it is a blatantly obvious one.

Arkas: If I were to blame your coterie and the officers under your command, then I would be needlessly placing the blame on the Navy itself. This…..phenomenon occurred with all eighty ships, so we all doubt that it was solely one party to blame. Wouldn't you agree, Brother Rah'z?

Rah'z: Indeed, brother Arkas. This is a…..phenomenon that caught all of us off-guard, as much as I am ashamed to admit it. The Imperial Navy has no fault in this for this no matter how we look at it.

For a giant that looked like a demon, Rah'z voice was surprisingly human. And also, very comforting. Arkas nods his head in acknowledgement. With the approval of her report by both Chapter Masters, Adrastia simply gives a bow of respect and takes her seat. Which was followed by the sound of whirring gears, piston clamping, and cybernetic pulses as the Arch Magos Anarchir Sydrax III stands upright. A burst of Binaric static fills the air, as the Magos starts speaking in Cant mechanicus. The noise they emitted caused every unenlightened and Non-Astartes personnel wince in shock & pain. Some of them practically eyed the Magos in Dumb confusion:

Kraeon: (in a low voice) Aaugh…For the love of…

Qrodin, Razresz & Gorath Instinctively spun their heads towards Kraeon in surprise. The hitherto quiet Captain of the Fifth Company actually talked. Even though it was in a near inaudible voice, Thane Kraeon actually spoke in public for once. While, the other Captains, Daimas, Soukhon and Servaias remained neutral, the Master of the Forge Korpho'des could only respond to that with a wry chuckle. Arkas, on the other hand decided that he needed to do something about this. So, he decided to interject:

Arkas: In Low Gothic, Please. Not everyone here speaks in Mechanicus Binary if you haven't noticed, Magos Anarchir.

In response, a small liquid bubbling noise could be heard from the Magos' bio-mask. Then, the priest speaks in a stilted and synthetic voice. The people in the chambers who had doubts about the Magos' identity now breathes a sigh of relief. The priest was a male after all.

Anarchir: Apologies. My Lord. It has been. A while since. I have used. My Flesh Voice.

The Magos, now using his real voice continues to give his report.

Anarchir: As. I was explaining. I have conferred. With every Magos. and Tech-Priests under my command. in the Mordekan Detachment. I have also run cross-references. And double checks. on the data catalogs. Provided by the Tech-Priests. On the ships of. The Imperial Navy. And data catalogs. Provided and approved. By Lord Korpho'des. And Lord Ma'Haluk Ta'ar. For the Holy Ships. Of the Adeptus Astartes. Analysis completed. Conclusion. No fault lies. On the Ships. Or their engines. Their Machine Spirits. Have been properly mollified. All Pertinent Rites. Performed properly. As in accordance. To the rituals. Of the Holy. Mechanicus. Each Engine. Was properly cared. For and repaired. The failure does. Not originate from. The machine. Nor the flesh.

At the mention of Korpho'des and the Forge-Father of the Dragonspears, Arkas simply glanced at Korpho'des and Rah'z. Which, both Astartes returned with a firm nod of approval. Well, the crews of the Navy and the Martian Priesthood have given their reports. With all the analysis reports showing their records clean, there was now only one kind of suspect. And, in there lies the slight: fear of the psyker. And who it was directed at was now obvious to see. All the Astartes, as well as the Shield Captain felt it heading towards the source, and couldn't help but feel a little infuriated: Is this really the time to be paranoid about our psykers? Gorath instinctively clenched his fist in silent, faceless anger as he saw the looks of suspicion within the officers present.

Soukhon: "Peace, Brother Gorath. It is just their way, there is no need to bear any anger towards them. And besides, I am already accustomed to said looks".

Librarian Soukhon requests to Gorath Telepathically. It was clear, he wanted to avoid any sort of incident. And explaining the phenomenon to everyone over here right now seems to be the best course of action. So, he explains to them as best as he could. In a plain and simple tone:

Soukhon: First of all, let me assure you about your concerns. It is as many of you suspected: this was indeed caused by the warp, first and foremost. After consulting with my fellow brothers of the Librarium, as well as the Librarium of our Cousins, the Navigators aboard all the vessels of the fleet and the primaris psykers from the Militarum Regiments, I believe I can explain what happened to us…In loose terms, however, I am afraid.

Waves of concern and confusion wash all over the chambers at this information. Probably for the first time in this meeting, some kind of credible information can be found for a possible solution. Which is why Arkas chose to ask

Arkas: Can you elaborate further, Brother Soukhon?

Soukhon: If I am honest, It is…I am at a loss myself to say what happened. Without a doubt, we got knocked off-course. It is the way that we got knocked off that left us flabbergasted. Normally, a wave of this scale would see our entire fleet scattered all over the place. Followed by Gellar-Field breaches and we would all be preyed on and be lost in the Ethers. But, this time it was clearly not the case, we….just got pushed off-course slightly and didn't get flung all over the place. As for proof, the data slates say it all: all eighty ships are intact and in full function.

The whole room falls silent at this revelation. It takes some time for all the officers to take in the information. A moment later, Colonel Regina Kastorrf of the Valhallan Ice Warriors stood up and asked:

Kastorrf: My Lord….I feel I have to ask. Is it possible that…it was some sort of a ploy or….any deception tactic orchestrated by the Arch-Enemy?

The atmosphere was already cold enough as it is. Now, with the mention of their hated foe, the temperature seemed to drop several degrees lower. In between the Thirteenth Black Crusade, the Fall of Cadia, the Birth of the Cicatrix Maledictum a.k.a the Great Rift, the Age of Witches, and the Indomitus Crusade, the Imperial Guard & Navy leaders were already pissed off at the Forces of Chaos. And, let us just pretend no one noticed the cold rage within the Astartes and the Sororitas, barely contained beneath stony, neutral expressions. And, the very thought of this mess being the result of some kind of machinations caused by them made it even worse. However, a voice of disagreement interrupts that thought processing.

Rah'z: I find that very…unlikely to happen. If it was truly the work of the Arch-Enemy, then none of us would be here now to discuss this matter…or be here at all.

The Chapter Master of the Dragonspears just established a crucial point with the statement. Theoretical: some cabal of psykers somehow misfired some kind of a ritual and the fleet got hit from the resulting backlash somewhere in Realspace. Maybe, Abaddon's forces are trying to split the forces of the crusade to weaken its pace. Practical: splitting the forces of the Crusade in this manner is nothing more than a waste of energy, time and effort. And, if it really was the work of some maniacal psyker or a greater daemon of Chaos, then the most logical result would be them getting scattered everywhere, unable to contact or muster their forces. Or getting slaughtered wholesale.

Soukhon: Agreed, Chapter Master Rah'z. The Forces of the Arch-Enemy have a decent amount of control over the Warp. And, as much as it shames me to admit…even better than any of their counterparts within the Imperium. If it was truly the work of a sorcerer or any of that Bastard Abaddon's Cabals, we would either be scattered right now. Or worse...dead. Apologies for the language.

Gorath: None of the two happened to us. The whole fleet, all the personnel are intact, all our warships are in full function and 100% combat capability. The facts are clearly evident towards our current status.

Gorath's conclusion earns a nod from the Chief Librarian. But, as soon as they finish giving their opinions, the Arch-Deacon's loud, pitched voice echoes through the chamber, making everyone, even the Astartes present flinch and look at him in shock. The old crone was now standing upright, with his arms stretched out above his head.

Pallor: THIS IS A SIGN! A TEST OF OUR FAITH BY THE GOD-EMPEROR HIMSELF!

The whole delegation of the Ecclesiarchy devolves into frantic chanting and praying. Arkas was about to ask them to calm down. However, he could not; as a heavy, deep pitched voice cut right through, making the priests to abruptly stop their chanting almost as soon as they began.

(…): This is a strategic meeting, not a religious gathering spot. If you cannot provide a logical solution to the current predicament, you are free to leave, priest. None in this room has the time or patience to be confusing logic with your fanaticism. And, the Emperor knows that fact better than you ever will.

Everybody looked right at the source of the voice. The Shield Captain of the Adeptus Custodes, Aadilus, who was standing beside one of the pillars finally decided to break his silence and enforce his authority. He has been serving the Emperor for well over ten thousand years, and knows more than enough secrets about his Master to openly warn the Ecclesiarchy on what they have been doing wrong. And right now, he knows that the problem needs to be solved in a more, logical approach rather than simply chanting Prayers.

Pallor: A-a-a-apologies, M-m-my Lord. I didn't mean to –

Aadilus: The entire fleet got stowed nobody knows where. Not to mention, there is that possibility that we are completely separated in a different plane of existence, with little to no chances to return to the warp and use it to get back to course. In the middle of all of this, instead of a possible practical theory, all you could bring up is this being "a test of faith" given by my Master. You of all people need not to question the faith of the people present here. Their faiths are a lot stronger than yours ever will be. Which brings me to my point: 'Either be helpful within this meeting, or maintain your silence unless you are asked to speak'.

Pallor: I-I-I-I U-u-understand, M-m-my Lord.

Poor Augustine Pallor. During his little over 40 Terran years reign as an Arch-Deacon, the kind of benefits and service that office room and palace bureaucracy he got kind of went into his head. At one point, he even started believing that He was a True Emissary of the God-Emperor himself. Said belief, being further reinforced by the Inquisition at times, he felt he was above reproach by some of the higher ranked individuals. At least until now, when he got verbally brutalized and brought to reality by one of the God-Emperor's personal Bodyguards. And, to make matters worse for him, neither his Superior the Cardinals, nor the Inquisition would dare reproach a member of the Adeptus Custodes. Thus, the Deacon had no choice but to remain fearfully silent in his palanquin. The Deacons and Priests under his office also fell fearfully silent. As for the others, many of them looked at the Shield Captain with an Awe-struck expression. While, many maintained a more neutral expression, but smirking in smug satisfactions inside. That old crone needed to be put in place, he was getting out of hand ever since the Agathan systems Reclamation, and the recovery of several Shrine-Worlds during that campaign. In fact, Gorath was mentally relishing the whole moment as if it was a Divine Providence mandated by the Emperor Himself. With the event now over, Aadilus resumed:

Aadilus: Now then, Rubicon Arkas. With your permission, shall we resume the meeting from the point before the undesired interruption?

There was a solid reason for the Shield Captain to address Arkas as a Rubicon. He was a Primaris, true. But before that, he was also one of the several firstborn Space Marines that underwent the Rubicon Primaris prior to going into stasis sleep, all the way back in the 32nd Millennium. Which, Arkas did not mind at all. If the Rubicon Primaris Surgery allows him to serve the Emperor better, then so be it. Now, back to the present, Arkas simply gave a nod of acknowledgement, which also conveyed his gratitude towards the Shield Captain for lending a helping hand in the meeting. Aadilus returned a nod in kind with one of his own.

Arkas: Well, let us get back to the topic in hand. As much as I want to believe that this is a simple 'Test of Faith', no offense to the Priests, the matter is a lot more complicated. Brother Qrodin?

Coughing slightly, Qrodin took a step forward in the circle, as he raises his left arm up to his chest level. In his left hand, he held a small data-slate integrated to his armor systems. Then, he began explaining.

Qrodin: Since the minute we dropped out of the Empyrean, I ordered all vessels of the Rift stalkers to launch scanner drones and utilize the probes and sensors available to run scans of our surroundings and form a map of all the local stars and star systems nearby to us. Which I then ordered to be compared with all known constellations & star formations within our records.

A beam of green light projects down from the ceiling right on to the strategium table. Qrodin, then takes the data-slate in his hand, and connects it to the table's built-in display interface. The beam, within this time form a three-dimensional holographic image of Battle-Fleet Halo. As the images formed, all Eighty Ships are now in perfect schematic display – down to the torpedo tubes of the Cobra-Class Destroyers. Then he sort of 'grabs' the image, shrinks it down and moves it to position to show a score of stars and star clusters. All of said stars appeared in the image as bright green balls of light, all around the fleet.

Qrodin: I, then compared this mapping data with the one provided by Brother-Captain Fulcrum of the Dragonspears.

Qrodin taps the image once, as more green balls of light appears on the map. Arkas, takes a look at Rah'z's group. The Captain standing on Rah'z Left side gives a nod of confirmation. The Rift Stalker then returns to look at the holographic image in front. All the while mentally commenting, "So, that is Fulcrum Arga, the fabled 'Sledgehammer of Bargheist III'. He definitely looks the part." All the while, he maintained his focus on the next part of Qrodin's analysis.

Qrodin: Then, I compared the mapping data received from Rear Admiral Tupolev. And compiled the data with the one sent by Magos Z'yphestroi. Their Mapping data was compiled based on the scan results collected from all the vessels of the Imperial Navy and the Adeptus Mechanicus.

Qrodin taps the images a few times, with each tap, the number of stars increased exponentially. Soon, a well-detailed map displaying all nearby stars numbering at hundreds appears in the holographic image. Each of the dots are placed at different positions, with varying distances and heights. However, one thing becomes abundantly clear to everyone watching the Map. And, Canonnes Preceptor Aescara Muriele was the first to voice her observation for the first time.

Muriele: By the Emperor…Either my eyes are playing tricks on me, or something is terribly wrong with the map data here.

And she wasn't the only one to notice the problem.

General Stein: (In a low voice)…I'm afraid you're not the only one, My Lady.

Gorath draws the attention down to the main problems that people have noticed in the map.

Gorath: Three things, among other problems. First, there are no planets nearby, inhabited or uninhabited. Second, no traces or signs of any vessel of any make other than the ones in our fleet. And, third…

Adrastia: The stars on this map does not match with any known star-chart within Imperial Records.

The Admiral points out the biggest problem. The implications here to say is grave would be an understatement. Every single face inside the chambers become grim-looking, while both the Vice Admirals and all the Rear Admirals all voiced their opinions on this matter to attest for the Admiral's statement. Finally, Gorath decides to ask, it never hurts to do so.

Gorath: Between the Astronomican becoming bleak, the unfamiliar Star-Chart and our current position, where does it leave us?

Roann: In simpler terms? Perhaps…we truly ended up arriving into Uncharted Space.

Adrastia: As much as I hate to admit this….this is possibly the worst-case scenario. We…may have ended up outside the boundaries of the Imperium itself.

The implication was very bad to say the least. But, there was no point in denying it. Somebody had to say it out loud.

Arkas: Based on the map data here, and the data from the Navy & the Holy Mechanicus, we have to prepare for every step from now on with these two facts. One, we are completely lost in unknown space. Two, although, this is a possibility, but we should prepare expecting the worst. We are permanently cut-off from the Imperium.

Pained groans could be heard from many of the attendees, along with low murmurs of "Can't believe this is happening" or "We got cut-off from the Emperor's light". It is Official: 'Battle-Fleet Halo' is marooned & lost. In the middle of nowhere no less. This is possibly the most disastrous, yet the most hilarious situation they could be in, if the humor didn't get killed by the fact slash possibility that they're cut-off from the Imperium for good. Outside of the boundaries of the Imperium means there is no possibility of contacting with known civilization. There will be no support from any Adeptus Mechanicus Forge-Worlds around, and there is no option to even call for reinforcements now that they're cut-off from the Astronomican.

Servaias: The Emperor Protects.

Arkas: Indeed, the Emperor Protects. But, sitting here and doing nothing will not take us anywhere. We must act. Theoretical. We are far away from the Emperor's light, bereft of any aid from our allies. We may have to face Xenos and Mutants far worse than anything that we have faced. Or worse, encounter new forces of the Dark Powers.

The Chapter Master decides to take a pause, for his words to sink in.

Arkas: Practical: This does not change our mission. Our purpose or the reason for our very being. We were tasked by the Lord Commander Roboute Guilliman. We were chosen by the Emperor to unite and defend all of Mankind. A holy mission given to us by the Master of Mankind and the Primarchs since the birth of the Imperium. A mission that we have been carrying out for over ten Millenia. A mission that we will keep on carrying out. We march forth, all arms of Humanity united as one peerless blade, with one purpose. To carve a path for Humanity's place in the stars, and to ensure that our people can live safe for now. AND FOREVER MORE!

As soon as Arkas finished, the whole chamber erupts with into deafening cheers of acknowledgement and Joy. The Astra Militarum, the Nobles of Knight House Raven, the Princeps and Moderatii of the Adeptus Titanicus, the rowdier bunch of the Imperial Navy Officers, the Sisters of Battle all stood up cheering, stamping their feet, clapping in applause. The Priests burst into reading from the Lexicanum Divinatus and High Gothic chants. Even the Tech-Priests of the Adeptus Mechanicus voices their own approvals: By Binaric Chants, their Servo-Arms waving in cheering motion. The loudest noises of Approvals came from the Rift Stalkers themselves and the Dragonspears. All the Astartes present beat the cuirass of their armor with their right fists, the sound of adamantium hitting adamantium in a rhythm drowning out their own roars of approval. Gorath was having the moment of his life; this is the reason why he follows and admires his Chapter Master so much. While quiet, calm and silent for most of the part, when it push comes to shove, very few can match his Charisma. It was also evident on the face of Rah'z, as he looked at Arkas with a wide smile and felt proud of the fact that such a man was his brother in arms. As for the Shield Captain, he simply watches from the sidelines. Although no one can see it, he was smiling. Guilliman chose wisely. As for Arkas, he simply holds up his hand to ensue silence for announcing their next course of action. Slowly, the noises fade down and silence starts to take its place.

Arkas: But, we must not be blind to the facts around our situation. Even now, we walk along a thin line between salvation and peril. We cannot act brashly, nor can we be too lax with our preparations.

Rah'z: Walk softly, and carry a big gun it is then.

Arkas solemnly nods in the affirmative.

Arkas: It is as Brother Rah'z implied. While at the same time, we must remain prepared to face the eventual fact that we might meet Human civilizations who may be friendly to us. Our Imperium is not the only place where humanity has prospered. Give it the right time, place and conditions, humanity can flourish in the unknowns of space. And it would do well to guide them back to the true path.

VanGorich: ….For Mankind to exist outside the boundaries of the Imperium. Is such a thing possible?

Aadilus: Not only is it possible, it is a fact. Humanity ventured for the Stars long before the birth of the Imperium. Many vessels left Terra during the Dark Age of Technology and during the Age of Strife in search of new worlds to colonize, to build new civilizations.

At this, everybody focused their attention on the Shield Captain. He was more than just simply the oldest warrior in the entire fleet. He was a connection between Humanity before the Imperium, and Humanity after the Imperium. Now was a very good time to hone one's focus and listen to every word Aadilus had to say. Words of experience from one as ancient as him holds immeasurable value.

Aadilus: Before the Great Crusade could truly take to the stars, my Master first had to clean off the mess of rebels, mutants and outlaws that plagued Terra within the Sol System. Not to mention several Xenos species that lived nearby. After the cleansing was done, then we took to the stars. With the aid of your predecessors, we discovered and claimed new worlds and ushered them in under Imperial Compliance. I still remember when we discovered the Paramar System for the first time. That was our very first expansion into Segmentum Obsurus back in the Thirtieth Millenium. There were peaceful compliances, like when we discovered the Civilizations in the Osiris Cluster, the Fenris system, the Inwit Clusters, Mezoa, Lethe, Chogoris, the realms of Ultramar, the Systems of Kiavhr, Cyclops cluster as well as the worlds around the Halo stars – the worlds that we were heading towards to aid and reclaim. Then, there were violent ones. Like 02-34, Proxima, Praxil, Sarosh, the Galaspar clusters, Nova Shendak, Indra-Sul.

Aadilus shuddered a little at the mention of the Galaspar. Back then, the whole cluster came under Imperial compliance, with the inhabitants there childishly agreeing to every demand the Imperium made. He saw the terrified faces of the diplomats, nodding their heads to everything the officials asked for. Then again, it didn't feel that surprising knowing that the now traitor XIV legion butchered more than half the population of the Hive World Galaspar as an example. Those poor souls, all they wanted, was to be spared from Mortarion's wrath.

Aadilus: While millions of planets colonized by Humanity came under Imperial Compliance, be it peacefully, or be it through conflicts, many remained undiscovered. We could have made contact with such worlds, brought them under the Imperial Flag were it not for Horus' Treachery and the accursed Civil War of the "Horus Heresy". Many regions of space remains unexplored. And, it won't be surprising at all, if we were to encounter such a world. A world inhabited by Mankind long before the rise of the Imperium.

The attendees could only listen to him in absolute awe and wonder. Stories of Holy Terra long before the Imperium, the Great Crusade, the Triumphs of the Imperium up until the Horus Heresy. How glorious it was during that time to be a citizen of the Imperium. But more importantly, about existences of Worlds colonized by Mankind spread across the stars long before coming of the Imperium.

Aadilus: Now, to the matter at hand. I believe, deploying a small vanguard detachment to discover planets nearby would be the wisest options.

Arkas had to break out of his stupor. He, like everyone else was awestruck listening to the recollections of the Shield Captain.

Arkas: …Agreed. Finding an inhabited planet, or just a planet, even a planetoid right now is a good sign. Not just for the fact that we can make contact with civilization. But also the fact that we will inevitably need materials for fuel and other supplies. Our existing supplies can only last us a few decades at most if we use conventional methods of travelling. Isn't that accurate, Magos Anarchir?

Anarchir: I am. Afraid that it. Is the inevitable conclusion. I have run. Calculations and run. Checks of our current. Available materials. And through logic. And final analysis. Prolonged space travel. Without the aid. Of the Immaterium. In current manner is highly ill advised. In order to. Sustain throughout. The travel cycles. Discovery of bare minimum. Planetoid bodies is a. must. Required step for. Survival. Discovery of. Planets will be optimal. Our fleet at. The moment lacks. The materials and. Equipment required to. Harvest energy through. Destruction of stars. As such. In accordance to. Performing rites and rituals dictate. We have limited. Options other than. More traditional. Methods.

And there lies the fourth problem: they cannot keep sailing forever without supplies. Sure, they can travel for 40 – 50 years without refuel or resupplying anything. But what will happen after that? Granted they have lots of ships, but accommodating essentially almost half a billion souls (soldiers, astartes, civilian staff etc.) for stasis sleep will drain the fleet even faster. The mechanicus ships and 'Augustus' & 'Festus' can maintain small flotillas for that kind of time. But resupplying an entire fleet of this size was completely out of questions. So, the best option of survival is to deploy in a fast striking vanguard fleet, which can look for planets or similar bodies for resupply slash salvage materials from. While the main fleet will follow close, but maintain a healthy distance. Once, a planet or planetoid body is found, they can simply use the Good, Old-Fashion 'harvest materials for sustenance' approach. And if it is a civilized world, inhabited by humans, even better.

Rah'z: Then I suppose we should start organizing the Vanguard Ships and troops. For scouting, observing and discovery purpose, I believe a Main line Battleship, several Escorts, three to four Main Line Battle Cruisers should suffice for combat capabilities.

Adrastia: In that case, we could use this formation: Let us use 'Vindication' as the command ship for the Vanguard Detachment. Coupled with 'Augustus', Vindication will be the core of the Vanguard. As for security and clearing details, three Lunar-Class cruisers, two Sword-class Frigates and 4 Cobra-Class destroyers. Rear Admiral Mirrenn will be in command of the Navy elements. As for security details from your Chapter Fleets and from the Mechanicus, I leave it at your discretion, My Lord. The presence of the Astartes & the Sisters of Battle, as well as the small display of the formidable might of the Mechanicus Skitarii, Legio Cybernetica, Adeptus Titanicus and House Raven alongside the regiments will work wonders during early stage diplomacies.

Serena Mirrenn couldn't help but jolt a bit in surprise. The responsibilities given to her now is of the utmost importance. In many ways, the survival of the entire main fleet depends on her actions from this moment onwards.

Anarchir: Logic. Approved. Recommendation: Magos Domina Syroda. Will be well. Suited for the. Objective. She currently. Commands one of. Three combat ready cohorts of. Battle Automata. Along with 8 Skitarii. Regiments and servitor detachments. Syroda and. Her coterie of Artisans and. Tech-Priests, would make. For ideal and optimal. Combat strength and technical capabilities. With permission of. My Lords and blessings. Of the Omnissiah, I would like to add one of our forge ships 'Gifts of Iron' and one of. Our cruisers. They are. All yours to command, Rear Admiral Mirrenn.

Huh, well that is a surprise. The supposed, somewhat narcissistic Adeptus Mechanicus was now afraid of the Unknown. A Magos, sitting on the right side of the Arch-Magos just two seats away stands up and nods her head. Now, the silent Veteran Princeps Gauvanas stands up and speaks:

Gauvanas: I agree with the Admiral's propositions. Although, I understand the mission of the Vanguard is to establish initial, and possibly peaceful contact with any civilization we encounter; it is safer to field a bare minimum amount of large-scale firepower on the grounds. While the Astra Militarum will definitely bear its tanks & super-tanks for said purpose, having a Titan or two around never does anybody any harm. With your approval, My Lords, I would like to add two Warhounds to the forces.

Anarchir: Logic. Approved. Presence of the. Omnissiah's God-Machines. Is truly a wondrous sight for. The forces present.

Arkas: It is an honor to have your aid for this purpose.

Gauvanas: The Honor is ours. We are but loyal servants devoting ourselves to the Emperor.

Everyone nods their heads in agreement. Even if it is just a scout class, a Titan is no joke in the battlefield. Now that Legio Metallica has committed a part of its forces for the Vanguard, Grevan Raven could no longer sit back doing nothing while everybody else pull the weights. So, he decided to commit the forces of House Raven to the Vanguard.

Grevan: I share the same sentiments as Lord Princeps Gauvanas. With the Emperor's and your approval, Lord Arkas, I would like to commit 12 knights of my household to the Vanguard.

Rah'z: At this rate, you will make us all look bad, Patriarch Grevan.

A wave of light chuckles spread throughout the Strategium. It is good to have a little bit of humor every now and then. The sounds slowly fades away like usual. And, they continue.

Arkas: We Graciously accept your aid for the cause, Patriarch Grevan. Preceptor Muriele, if possible, could we ask of you to lend a suitable amount of your warriors for this mission?

Muriele: By The Emperor's will, I would be honored to do so, My Lord. I can commit a Commandery of 150 Battle-Sisters under the command of Sister Lunari. You will find her a capable lieutenant.

Rah'z: Well, that concludes the forces of the Navy, Mechanicus, the Ebon Chalice, Legio Metallica and House Raven. Now, for the Astra Militarum. For the Mission, it would be preferable to draw the majority of regiments from the Cadians, the Steel Legion, the Death Korps & the Elysian Regiments. While a mixed regiment consisting of the others will suffice. Honored Commanders?

First to answer was General Jairinho Stein.

General Stein: For Infantry, 599th, 600th, 601st and the 710th Cadian regiments. As for Heavy Armor, the 9th and the newly rebuilt 24th are ready to deploy, My Lord.

The 24th Armored regiment "The Emperor's Hammer" was a symbol of righteous defiance against the forces of Chaos. The regiment fought tooth and nail against the Despoiler's Forces in the 13th Black Crusade. By the time, the regiment was evacuated along with the remnants of the 9th, 89th, 131st and the 142nd Armored regiments, the 24th was but a shadow of its former strength. With their numbers reduced to a measly 90 tanks, all the remnants of the Cadian Armored regiments had to be rebuilt from scratch. But they got up to their feet nonetheless, no matter how badly they got beat up.

Colonel Kleist: For the Armageddon Steel Legion, I can immediately marshal the 400th, 410th, 511th Infantry Regiments, along with several platoons from our 8th Heavy Tank Company.

The Armageddon 8th Heavy Tank Company was one of the more relatively intact armored companies within the Astra Militarum that fully boasted different variants of the Imperial Super-Tanks. Rugged, fully battle tested since the second and third wars for Armageddon, the 8th Heavy Tank Company is arguably one of the best group of 'Titan Killers' in the Imperium.

Marshal Venner: The 140th, 143rd Heavy Infantry Regiments, 262nd Seige Regiment, 138th Mechanized Regiment, My personal 111th Tank Regiment and the 14th Heavy Tank regiment are ready to deploy. As for Artillery, the 3rd, 4th, 7th and 8th Seige Artillery regiments are ready to deploy at a moment's notice.

As expected of the "Thrice Martyred" & the Dearh Korps. They really know how to contribute to vanguard armies. Then again, finding a Krieg not ready & eager to get to the front lines is as believable as an Ork understanding compassion, reason and logic. Now, it was turn for Brigadier General Ismael Havar of the Elysian Droop Troops to report.

Brigadier-General Havar: The 16th, 92nd, 100th, 110th regiments are ready to mobilize.

Arkas: A formidable Militarum force for the vanguard. Enemies would think twice before attacking without any plans whatsoever. As for the mixed regiment, I ask the commanders of the Militarum to prepare in this manner: 4 full companies each from the Catachans and the Valhallans, while 3 from the Harkoni Warhawks and the Mordian Iron Guards. Which needs to be bolstered by 3 armored and mechanized companies from the Tallarns, and at a minimum of 5 Heavy Artillery companies from the Vostroyan Regiments. Is it possible to arrange such a formation?

Colonel Sanders: Not at all, My Lord. Making a makeshift regiment like this is easy, done that lots of times. All we need is someone who's gonna command them. Someone, all the men can trust.

Arkas nods his head in approval. Barring the crude mannerisms of speaking, Colonel Tito Sanders is an understanding individual. With that in mind, he then spoke:

Arkas: Agreed. And from the interactions I have seen so far, for the Militarum Forces, a command circle is required. General Stein will be in overall command, and to aid him in running the operations on surface, Colonel Sanders and Colonel Akin will join him. And, it goes without saying that VanGorich needs to join the Vanguard for obvious reasons.

The commanders chosen for the mission salutes in acknowledgement. Although, while rest of the commanders accept the decision, a slight grunt of disapproval could be heard from Marshal Venner, it couldn't be helped.

Aadilus: We understand your frustrations for not being able to join the Vanguard and be on the front lines, Marshal Venner. However, as the Vanguard needs inspirational figures like General Stein, Colonels Sanders and Akin; the Militarum forces on the Main fleet will need you along with Kraiug, Aziz & Havar and Colonels Kleist, Kastorff and Kabanov. And should we encounter a formidable foe, you will get your chances to unleash your fury upon them.

Venner: I understand My Lord. And I ask for your forgiveness for showing such an unprofessional side of mine.

Aadilus: No need to apologize, Marshal. We all serve His cause.

And with that, the Imperial Guard forces have been designated for the Vanguard. Arkas was thankful to the shield captain for lending the much needed strategic and mental aids for the meeting at times.

Arkas: Sixteen Infantry Regiments, Five Armored and Super Vehicle Regiments, Five Heavy Artillery Regiments, Eight skitarii regiments, a full cohort of the 'Legio Cybernetica', Two Warhound-Class Titans, 12 Imperial Knights, and a Full Commandery of the Ebon Chalice. Further bolstered by 13 battleships of varying sizes. A formidable force on its own right.

Rah'z: It is as you say, Brother Arkas. However, as the Admiral proposed: having elements from both our chapters is a requirement for various roles. Brother Fulcrum, what can we deploy to support the Vanguards?

On cue, Brother-Captain Fulcrum responds. While the leaders were organizing the other forces, he ran a quick discussion with Brother-Captain Qrodin of the Rift Stalkers regarding their own deployments. Both of them were in charge of maintaining their respective Chapter-Fleets.

Fulcrum: Well, I can immediately mobilize Strike Cruiser 'Bloodied Scales' along with 2 of our Gladius frigates. All three ships will carry the third company, as well as a demi-company composed of elements from the Reserve Eight, ninth and the Tenth Companies.

Arkas: That makes about a Hundred and Fifty Battle-Brothers. Brother Qrodin, what about our side?

Qrodin: Strike Cruiser 'Kiavhr's Dagger' is ready to deploy. The full might of Brother Kraeon's Fifth Company, alongside two-thirds of the Tenth, led by Brother Rhenes and elements of the First Company. As for security and transportation details, I can spare two of our Frigates.

Rah'z: Well, with that now we have close to three Hundred and fifty Battle-Brothers, fully armed, and armored ready to deploy as the Vanguard.

Arkas: A formidable force overall. Not excessive, yet has optimal capabilities to handle all varieties of enemies, even after taking unpredictable elements in account. As for the Ministorum, I suppose a few rational minded Firebrands, and priests popular among the ranks of the Militarum will do.

A Priest, from the garb he was wearing, one could tell he was a deacon responds in the affirmative.

General Stein: ….My Lord, apologies for the interruption. We were discussing with Rear Admiral Mirrenn, the Magos Domina as well as the other commanders of the Vanguard. And, if you'd allow us to make a request…

Arkas' eyes widen slightly. It is not often someone requests something from him. However, he perfectly hides his surprise, and gestures the General to go ahead.

General Stein: My Lord….Lord Reclusiarch Servaias is one of the most popular individuals from your esteemed chapter. Perhaps, even more so than most of the priests of the Ecclessiarchy. If it is not of any problems, could we ask him to be our Senior Advisor for the Vanguards? Most of the Guardsmen owes their lives to him for healing their minds. And having Lord Servaias around as a spiritual leader would work for a great boost in morale.

Now, even the Shield Captain is a little surprised. Until a few months ago, the soldiers of the Imperial Guard were terrified of the Primaris Astartes. And now, they practically see them as a beacon of strength and hope. As for Arkas, he felt satisfied inwards; Having three seniors from the Chapter is a good thing, and a safe precaution. He then looks at the Reclusiarch, who nods in agreement.

Arkas: I fail to see how that should be a problem. I leave them in your care, Brother Servaias.

The General Bows his head in Gratitude. His fellow officers mimic his posture as well.

General Stein: We thank you for your kindness, My Lord.

Servaias: I will look after them within the best of my abilities, Chapter Master.

It was at this moment, the Commissar-Captain stood up and asked.

VanGorich: My Lord….Apologies for interrupting you again. But there are just two more matters to address. First and foremost; what do we tell the men?

It was a crucial matter to address. While the Commanders, the Warriors of the Adeptus Astartes & Sororitas, the legions of the Adeptus Mechanichus and its allies can be convinced, the same did not apply to the general troops and service men. Their morale was already in the dumps, and if they learned now that they're all cut-off from the Imperium for the rest of their lives, nothing will be able to heal the mental damage. Therefore, being tactful was the most obvious solution.

Arkas: For now, none of you will tell the men and women of the Astra Militarum and the Navy Armsmen the exact details of our predicament. Simply tell them, due to the unpredictable natures of the warp, the fleet is having difficulties navigating. And for the safety of the personnel we had to resort to the more traditional, painstackingly slow method of sailing through realspace. Whatever happens, we cannot let the morale of the soldiers be destroyed. Use force and extreme prejudice if necessary.

VanGorich: Understood, My Lord.

Arkas: I do not wish to take any of the harsh steps to maintain discipline, but often a paranoid soldier spreading rumors all over the place does more harm than gunshots. I hope I conveyed my reasoning.

All the Commanders present nodded their heads firmly in approval. The last thing everybody present needs is the whole fleet getting paralyzed by fear and a loss of morale.

Arkas: Now to address the second matter of yours. I think I have a general idea on what that is. The matter being, in which direction should we begin to search, Correct?

The Commissar-Captain Nods his head in the affirmative. The Chapter Master then decided to turn towards the Custodian Shield Captain, advice from an ancient has its wisdom.

Arkas: Lord Captain Aadilus. Perhaps you could give us sort of an advice on this matter.

At this question, the Custodian Shield captain shortly immersed himself in thought. He began to recollect the times when his Master, the Emperor of Mankind personally led the expedition fleets of the Great Crusade. At one point, a certain memory came up. A very inspiring one, and will be very handy right about now. With that, he focused on the attendees, who were now ready to listen to every word that he is about to say.

Aadilus: …In order to properly advice on this matter, perhaps, recalling a certain event will help us. It was during the Seventh year of the Great Crusade. We were then ready to take to the stars to bring the millions of worlds that make up the Imperium today. Back then…we did not have the astronomican like we do now. To take to the stars then was the same as sailing blind…(chuckles). I was but a newly indoctrinated Custodian within the ranks of the dread host back then. On the day the 'Bucephelus' would take to the stars, my commanding superior at the time, Shield Captain Oldorian Mefistal asked our Master, "Which direction should we take, My Liege?". In response, I remember the words He spoke that day –

Not a single sound could be heard other than the Shield Captain's voice. Every single ear eagerly listening to the next words he spoke. Words spoken by the Emperor Himseif. How many times, just how many times does an Imperial Servant have the monumental opportunity to hear quotes spoken by the God-Emperor while he still walked amongst his subjects? How many times people have the opportunity to become an ear-witness to one of The Greatest moments in the history of the Imperium, nay. Of Mankind? The Sisters of the Ebon Chalice, the Priests of the Ecclesiarchy, The Princeps of Legio Metallica, The Nobles of House Raven, the Priests of Mars, The Generals of the Imperial Army, The Commanders of the Imperial Navy. Even the Rift Stalkers and the Dragonspears. They were now all the same: witnesses. Missing a single syllable Aadilus speaks right now is nothing short of Heresy for the over-zealous members in the meeting. Then, he spoke:

Aadilus: He spoke, "Oldorian. Today, we take to the stars. Today, we set forth to discover the unknown. To unite all of humankind under one sovereign body. This is the dawn of a New Age. Terra and the worlds of Sol System have remained separated from the rest of the Galaxy for a very long time since the end of the Dark Age of Technology, and the Ages of Strife. Yet now, all the worlds of Sol are united. Now, we have the opportunity to seek out the countless worlds where humanity have flourished or are surviving in the unknowns of space. In Truth, I do not know how many there are. I do not even know where to start. But, I know how to start. And that is: To Move forward. To Jump into the unknowns of space. To keep moving forward and discovering the worlds along the way. So, to your question, Oldorian, we sail forward. To unite the worlds of Man." That was what he said. And, soon we sailed forth.

As the Shield Captain finished, so did everyone returned to reality. To them, they felt like they went through a time warp. Being witnesses of that moment. As soon as they returned to reality, the Shield Captain continued.

Aadilus: So, to your advice, Rubicon Arkas Tur. We are now in unknown regions of space with no clue to where to begin. So, why not we just move forward? There is literally no point in thinking about which direction to pick.

A solid practical advice. Theoretical: certain directions may lead to another warp-storm, or worse, enemy forces. So, taking a rash decision is not a wise thing to do. Practical: The whole fleet is stuck in unknown space. What's the point in worrying about what lies ahead when you don't even know anything about it? You can only figure out after you start moving forward. And with that, the course was set.

Arkas: My Thanks, Lord Captain. Well, there you have it. We sail forward. To all of you: May the Emperor be with you. And, may He guide your hearts and minds to accomplish your missions.

Everyone: (In Unison) The Emperor Protects.

With that the meeting ended. And the attendees began leaving the chamber in ordered fashion. During the procession, Arkas watched as they left. And he wondered, "Unknown Regions. I wonder, what can we find out there"?

---

1100. April 10. 80 A.V, Altas Mean Time

City of Atlas, Kingdom of Atlas

Continent: Solitas

Planet: Remnant (Previous Name – Unknown)

Star System: Unknown

Galactic Segmentum: Unknown

(42 minutes prior 'Battle-Fleet Halo' entering realspace)

The City of Atlas. The Capital of the Newly Named Kingdom of Atlas. It is a display of ingenuity and a testament to the Kingdom's progress in application of Technology. After the Great War on Remnant 80 years ago, the Kingdom formerly known as Mantle, eventually dissolved as the kingdom entered the age of technology and progress, and renamed, Atlas. Now, with the Capital City of Atlas, which is essentially a floating city, the city that used to be the Capital of the Now dissolved Mantle, along with many settlements and smaller towns surrounding it, the Kingdom itself stood above the other Kingdoms, Mistral, Vacuo and Vale as the single most advanced sovereign nation on Remnant. It singlehandedly revolutionized propulsion technology, metallurgy industries, mineral industries and communication technology on both national and on continental levels. The Cross-Continental Transmission System or the CCTS, Aircrafts, Military, its warrior recruitment process, its research facilities were living proof. Atlas Academy was one such proof. It was both the nation's top academy for training warriors; huntsmen and huntresses to combat the threat of Grim, as well as the Headquarters of the National Military: The Atlas Command Center.

Atlas Academy, 51ST Floor, Research and Development Laboratory

The 51st floor is the place, where the biggest and brightest minds in all of Atlas dedicate themselves to take the technological progress of the Kingdom to new heights. Right now, a pair of scientists are working to put the final touches on their latest project: A Terrestrial long distance scanner that can be used to extend the range and security protocols of the CCTS to a new height. At the same time, it can be used to pick up energy readings, atomic compositions of matter, as well as intercepting any non CCTS encrypted messages & calls. Right Now, the head of the project, Doctor Pietro Polendina is trying to figure out a way to increase the scanner and data harvesting range. If he and his group can pull it off, it could mean endless possibilities: discovery of new species, materials. Analyzing said materials, finding a possible alternative for Dust, and although this geeky part of his is because of his obsession with Sci-Fi Movies and Television series, finding life outside of Remnant. The Doctor was an elderly man with Dark skin and short, balding white hair. He wore a green cap with oval-shaped glasses. He used to be a healthy man, after the approval of "Penny Project" and subsequently using up his own Aura to create his own daughter, it finally took a toll on him. Now he has to move around on a specially built chair with four moveable limbs; another one of his creations. Doctor Polendina was one of the handful of geniuses: A pioneer who specialized in Infrastructural Science, neuroscience, Bio-mechatronics, AI construction and anatomy, Astrophysics and so much more. His intellect rivalled the likes of the now dead Pioneer of Software Engineering, Arthur Woods, Alice Lockwood aka Atlas's top Biologist, inventor of some of the most potent bioweapons in history, as well as a leading expert in Grimm Anatomy. To keep up with such a mind, it was only natural that one of his colleagues, Doctor Richard Nicholas would have a hard time.

Richard: Doctor, don't you think we should take a break right about now? The detection and analysis range of the Scanner is already at the peak.

Polendina could only Guffaw at this statement. For over half a century, people have been obsessed with the idea of obtaining surface to orbit travel without the Dust fuel being rendered useless. It was because of the SDC's near billions of Lien in Investment on advanced propulsion technology, that right now Atlas could actually dream about being the first of the four kingdoms to attain space travel.

Pietro: Nonsense, we're this close to obtain a breakthrough. We can't just call it a day yet. Come on, just a few more calibrations.

Richard: Doctor, you're practically wasting your health away at this rate. You really need a break from this.

Pietro: I'll be just fine, if I could just….

Richard: Doctor, while I'm happy that you're enjoying this, you should know better: this will eventually become another one of Ironwood's weapon projects. Atlas already has enough weapons as it is. We created his Knights, Paladins, Aircrafts, Air-Ships. The SDC is already doing a fantastic job at making WMD's, what else does he need?

At this, Pietro's facial expression becomes sour. True, the Military Leader of Atlas, General James Ironwood is maniacal when it came to national security, and would turn virtually anything into a more, weaponized version of its original version. All under the sugarcoated disguise of "For the betterment of the Kingdom of Atlas". However, the device they were working on didn't have any such upgradeable capability. It was a pure civilian-grade equipment. For that reason, he looked confident.

Pietro: This is exclusively for Civilian Purposes; I won't let him turn this into a weapon….Ah! there it is! Give me a hand, will you?

Richard could only give a defeated sigh, as he helped the Doctor out.

(10 minutes prior 'Battle-Fleet Halo' entering realspace)

Both scientists now look at the device. It looked like a semi-circular dome with a transmitter pole and a satellite dish pointing at an angle & it took up considerable amount of space in the room. On the control panel of the machine, there was a large Holographic Image Display device. It worked in a similar principle as his scroll would during video calls. Only better, as upon analyzing the data collected by the scanner, it was capable of rendering a fully detailed image of the object it detected and scanned. Followed by providing a schematic data on the target object's dimensions & material composition. Finally, the device was big enough to occupy half of the whole research hangar. Pietro and Richard were exhausted, but looked satisfied nonetheless. Ever since the success of the 'Penny Project', Doctor Polendina has always been in a happy mood whenever a project works. Now, was one of those happy moods, all they need to do, is give a test-run.

Pietro: Here's the moment of truth. Don't let me down sweetie. Please, don't let me down.

He then gives several command inputs into the operating module. Which in turn takes some time to process. Before long, the device activated with a humming noise.

Richard: YASS. You've done it Doctor.

Pietro: No, Richard. WE have done it.

The labour of 3 years of over-times, sleepless nights of research, construction, prototype tests, subsequent failures and later on redesigns finally paid off. The first object that the device scanned was the renowned Beacon Academy of Vale, located all the way on the Continent of Sanus. The Architectural details, Building Material Compositions, dimensions of every infrastructural components, room layouts, software and electric grids, all coming in picture perfect details. Satisfied with the first test, Pietro decided to run a second test. He then put some new command inputs, and directed the transmission pole towards the planet's one and only Natural satellite. The Moon was always an interesting topic for any scientist on Remnant. Myth, or no myth, there is always some kind of mystery hiding in the shattered Moon of this world. As the device began scanning the moon, the entire landscape of the whole thing came down in perfect details: area, available atmospheric conditions, gravitational pull, material composition, stability of the Moon's core and so on. Both men could only look at the details with the awe and wonder of a child who saw an Atlesian Military parade for the first time in his life.

Richard: So, what next?

Pietro: Want to try seeing what is beyond the moon?

Like excited children trying out their new toys, they put multiple inputs on the module and boosted the transmitters scanning range exceeding 20 light years.

Richard: Aw….Man! There's nothing but stars all around the place. And here I thought maybe we could find a world full of other life forms.

Pietro: We will. We just need to run a few more tests after tonight. After we can increase the signal range, we can see even deeper into the void of space. And maybe find some other life forms like you said.

Richard: Mm..Hmm. Although, part of me wishes that they're the peaceful type. Imagine, creatures from other planets coming to invade Remnant. We already have our hands full with the Grimm.

Pietro laughed at that statement. Part of him thinks that way too. Most of the time, life forms from another planet are more or less described as horrible Alien creatures that either tries to enslave Mankind or try to destroy it. But that kind of thing is only for movies.

Pietro: Relax, Doctor Richard. Bloodthirsty aliens are just that, movie monsters. They were made for movies, they stay in the movies. It would hardly make any sense for any creature that simply wants to end humanity to exist. Who knows, maybe there are humans that live in outer space, and our world is one of the many worlds colonized by mankind.

Richard could only snort at that.

Richard: Not much of a believer of the Religions I see.

Pietro: My Friend. I always believe in Science than some my-

And then, IT happened. The operating model started sounding of multiple alarm systems. Which immediately prompted both scientists to check the reason for the Alarm. Once they checked all the warning signals, they decided to look at the data compiled from a long distance test scanning.

At a distance of around 1-2 Years (Not light-years, mind you) from Remnant's Moon, the scanner picked up an unknown energy surge. On analysis, both scientists got baffled with the energy not matching with any known spectrum or variant on Remnant. And equally baffling was how the energy surge was taking place. It was almost as if something was trying to tear open a hole through the fabric of time and space. After multiple spikes and drops in the energy readings, it finally stopped. And now the device began taking in new data, and it began processing to form the image of what was responsible for this.

And what Pietro saw, was possibly the single, most terrifying thing he has ever seen. His face began to pale with every data now the device was gradually collecting. Equally frightened was Doctor Richard, who looked like he was about to have a seizure.

The Holographic display panel now showed crafts. Space crafts of varying design patterns and styles. Numbering a total of eighty such crafts, it was obvious. It was a fleet of spaceships. The materials and alloys used by these ships were completely unknown to him or anyone on Remnant. Even the designs of these ships were utterly alien to him and his Colleague. Not to mention, the propulsion system of these crafts were something Atlas could only dream of replicating – massive thruster panels connected with tunnel sized tubes and venting systems. They didn't look anything like the ones he saw in the movies: like the flying saucers, tubas, or those flying Pyramid looking ones in that movie called "The Remnantoids". These ships looked more like massive swords, lances or sort of like Battering Rams. However, all the ships shared some common features. First, they were MASSIVE. Even the smallest one within their numbers were over a Kilometer in length, with the largest ones being almost as big as entire cities. Even the Largest Capital-Class Airships of the Atlesian Army measured less than a kilometer. And, that was counting in General Ironwood's Personal Flagship. Ironwood's Command ship was an impressive Air Vehicle on its own right: it was big enough to take on pretty much anything the other kingdoms had to throw at it. Even after tanking all that, it could still mow down the defense forces of the Kingdoms and come out winning. But, in front of these things, that Massive Airship looked no bigger than a tugboat. Second, they were heavily armed. And by heavily, they were really heavily armed. For a moment, Richard had to clear his eyes with a handkerchief, and slap himself in the face hard enough to check if he wasn't seeing things. But, reality said otherwise: all of them has their dorsal hulls loaded with gun turrets, with the ones designed more killer looking were packed with rows of Weapon batteries along their Broadsides. Even, their damn prows were equipped with a either a massive gun, or ports that looked like projectile launchers, or both at once. Even the prows looked deadly, as if it was designed to ram its target and gut it like a pig. Finally, they all seemed to have some sort of a symbol: a two-headed Eagle with its wings spread out carved either on the prow, or the top of the dorsal hulls. For a moment, the crafts just sit still in space. During this time, the two scientists just stood in front of the screen with bated breath. After around 18 – 20 minutes, which felt like an eternity, they saw some of the ships splitting up from the main body of the fleet. Around 19 of them, arranged themselves into a smaller fleet. Then, the color of their faces drained down seeing that small fleet starting to move ahead of the larger fleet. Which followed the small fleet after the smaller fleet gaining a certain distance. And, both fleets had the same trajectory.

Richard: Oh Gods…..T-t-they are heading right for us!

Pietro could only nod in agreement. He was shaking, in both fear and excitement. The excitement being that he knows now that life exists outside of Remnant. Fear being for reasons that are more obvious: the size of the ships, and the guns they carried – they definitely were not the friendly type. He had to make a judgement call. Between the fleet's size, and at the sheer speed that they were sailing, they would be flying over Remnant's skies within the next 10 – 11 Days. And ships like that are bound to cause panic. And where there is panic, there is –

Pietro: Richard, call Ironwood. This is beyond anything that we could ever handle.

Richard: But, right now Ironwood is-

Pietro: Just Call Him! You're seeing this, aren't you? They will be flying over our skies within days, what do you think will happen.

Richard: I know what will happen! But you know the Tin-Man. Whenever He, and that pompous twit of a business associate of his, Jacques Schnee are in a meeting, they hardly pay attention to anything else. Not to mention, both of those idiots brush off anything related with space-

Pietro: Oh, he won't be brushing this one off. In fact, after seeing this, he will wish that he wore his brown pants all the time. Give him the call. Tell him, it's a code red.

Richard hesitates for a moment, but he pulls himself together nonetheless. He, then pulls out his scroll, there he searches in 'Contacts', there once he scrolled down and reached at the bottom of the list, he found the contact. Richard sort of disliked General Ironwood for his habit of turning good civilian purpose equipment into WMD's or some other demented project. So, he decided to write him as 'Tin Man Psychopath' in the list. Within a few moments, he gives the call, which after ringing for a short time connects to the recipient. He then speaks:

Richard: Good Evening General. It's me, Doctor Richard from Atlas command R and D Department…yes, sir, me and Doctor Polendina are here. Sir…please stay calm, and try not to panic. First and foremost….the good news is Project 'Eyes of Solitas' is a resounding success. And…yes, yes, the device is fully in operational status. Yes, yes sir, you can now spy and analyze anything within a 20 light year radiusl….Yes, thank you sir. Now for the Bad News….the successful tests led to a completely….unexpected discovery…Sir, we may be dealing with a 'Code Red' Situation...Yes sir. And No sir, we're not hallucinating from overtime. Please sir, just hear me…Augh, for the love of….I think it's better if I sent you a picture-

Richard quickly turned on the Camera on his scroll, took a photo, and then sent it to the other end of the call

Richard: Now do you believe me? Yes…Yes…We're waiting sir. Understood sir. We'll meet with you soon. May the Brother Gods be with you.

Richard ends the call. Which prompted Pietro to ask-

Pietro: So, what did he say?

Richard: He thought we were hallucinating from overtime. It actually took a picture to make him believe.

That was obvious. Why wasn't he surprised? As if someone like Ironwood would believe in Aliens, of all things.

Pietro: Typical. On a side note, what are the chances that they are friendly?

Richard hesitates a little to answer.

Richard: Between those 19 ships, and the rest of the 61 following them, there's enough guns with enough firepower to turn all of Remnant into molten glass if they so much as think about it. 'Friendly' is the last term we should be associating with them. Then again, who knows, maybe they are coming in peace or something. I'm no diplomat, or have a degree on Psychology, so I have no idea.

Pietro: Let's just hope that they are. It never hurts.

They can only hope that these 'Heralds of the impending Apocalypse' won't unleash their wrath upon the people of Remnant.

---

1150. April 10. 80 A.V, Altas Mean Time

Cliffside Forest, Island of Patch

Governing Body: Kingdom of Vale

Continent: Sanus

Planet: Remnant (Previous Name – Unknown)

Star System: Unknown

Galactic Segmentum: Unknown

In the middle of a large clearing inside the forest lied a gravestone. Upon it, a symbol was carved: a Rose, and below it was written "Thus Kindly I Scatter". Not far from the gravestone, one could see the bodies of several lupine creatures lying down, slowly disintegrating into dust. And standing in the middle of the carnage, was a little figure: A fair-skinned little girl, looked no older than fifteen. Who was wearing a black long-sleeved blouse with a high collar and red trim on the sleeves, over which is a black waist cincher with red lacing up the front, and a matching skirt with red lining. She also wore a pair of thick black stockings and black combat boots with red laces, red trims around the top, and red soles. A Red-hooded cloak topped over her outfit. Said cloak was fastened to her shoulders by cross-shaped pins. A silver, beautifully carved rose buckle decorated her wide black belt, which is slung around her hips on an angle. Attached to her belt are a pocket and a row of bullets. In her right hand she held a makeshift mechanical scythe of prodigal size: The 'Crescent Rose' and her Silver eyes, though looked sharp right now, oozed with all the innocence amidst this cold, uncaring Galaxy. This little girl, Ruby Rose decided to pay her older sister Yang a visit at her new place of study: The illustrious 'Beacon Academy' of Vale. So, right before she decided to start off on her journey, she decided to pay her mother a visit. Her mother, Summer Rose vanished while she was just a little child, and later on was presumed dead. So, this gravestone was all that was left to remember her by, besides the photographs her father had. She was supposed to go to the visit the grave, wish for luck to her mom and be off with her journey. However, due to the nature and abundance of these lupine Grimm, called 'Beowolves' & the fact they thought she was easy prey, she ended up fighting and killing a few dozen of them. Now that they are out of the way, she could finally start her Journey.

Ruby: All Righty then….I'm off, Mom. Watch over me. Ooh, thisissoexcitingohmygosh…..I'm finally going to pay Yang a visit at Beacon Academy. THE Beacon Academy! I can hardly wait! (giggles)….Yang! Beacon! Here I come!

And with that, she rushed off towards the only port on the Island of Patch to catch the next ship to the Mainlands, leaving a flurry of rose petals in her wake. Little did she know, in the next three months, events in her life were going to take some drastic turns.

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Author's Notes: And with that, here you go, this is chapter one of my Fan-Fic. This is actually the very first time I wrote a fan fiction, much less anything of this size or scale.

Now, I would be lying if I said I wasn't inspired by many of the other popular Fan Fiction crossovers for Warhammer 40K X RWBY on this site. In truth, this was heavily inspired and the theme in itself was almost entirely based on nightbringer24's "A Light Against The Darkness" and plenty of ideas drawn from Garviel's Token's "In the shadow of the Aquila", The Angry Medic ON HIATUS's "The Bulwark Against the Terror" and M'Shen's "The Curze of Remnant". I was trying to figure out how to approach the story, so I kind of hoped nightbringer24's stories would give me a few ideas. And before I realized, somehow I ended up kind of copying the whole thing. Minus the few subtle changes of course. If somehow I offended the author with this, I wholeheartedly apologize in advance. Next, English isn't my First language at all. So, you guys might end up seeing a lot of grammatical errors, and I mean a lot. So, your opinions and criticisms are warmly welcomed, so that I can improve my own story writing skills, and make the second chapter better than the first one. And finally, I really hope you guys would give this fic a try and let me know what do you think in the comments section.

.TMAX2021

Author

Dawn of Hope