The Magos waited pleasantly for his allies to come aboard his newly acquired ship. Alone in the command deck he looked out into the space ahead, displayed on a dozen monitors in front of him. The ship had so easily started up and removed itself from the hulk by the will of Angel that it was neigh on a miracle. Such was the power of Dark Age technology. Though he had made sure to make it clear that Angel was to stay out of sight and not speak to any of the others, for the machine spirit was a secret he wished to keep for now. At least until he could discuss the results with his inner circle. Those forces they managed to salvage relegated to the entry corridor where they had first come in, only several squads of his most trusted Skitarii allowed any further. Two guarding the door that led to the command deck, and another squad before the door that led to the room of children. Such things were best kept… secret for now.
Angel appeared before him in its holographic form.
"It is good to be functional in space once more. To have living crew aboard the ship. But why must I remain silent? Can I not reveal myself?"
The Magos looked kindly on the little spirit.
"Not yet my little Angel. The time will come, I promise. But for now, refrain from using your holographic forms. But do not fret, I will keep up communication through a vox link. Is that fair?"
Angel nodded its head.
"Ok, your orders are my command, Captain. And… the other ship is ready to begin docking operations. I was sure to enact the proper modifications to allow such between the ships."
The Magos began to move toward the door.
"Thank you, Angel. I suppose I should go meet our company."
Angel gave a small bow before it faded away again. The Magos looked over the simple command deck, nothing but a several terminals and a central chair with its own screen. Was the ship meant to be manned by a single individual? He wasn't sure. But with Angels help, he would uncover its secrets in time. Now to go meet his allies, and finalize the operation. They had to move quickly however, for he didn't want this ship to be left adrift for too long, running the risk of any other forces discovering it.
The doors opened and he stepped out, his skiitari guard stepping aside. All of them bowed as he passed by and continued along the empty hallway. Along the way he formulated what he would discuss with the former Inquisitor and the High Lord of House Valor. He also spent time analyzing their likeliest questions and responses.
Within the entry hall where all the surviving forces found themselves, was a minor celebration. All of the skiitari forces were on their knees in prayer, their chants echoing along the room. Ones and zeros in holy sequences that showed their respect for the relic they found themselves within, and to hail the machine spirit that no doubt inhabited the vessel. They could feel Angels presence, not that Angel understood why they did what they did. It was odd, and something that was very much against his prior records of the humans he once knew. The forces of the mechanicus would likely have hailed him as a saint or an angel of whatever religion drove them if Angel reveled itself. Though he followed the Magos orders and remained hidden. Ever curious of all the others that were aboard. Especially of the litanies and chants which the augmented soldiers prayed. So similar to those of the religious captain it once knew, only the subject of worship very different.
The Faceless Legion was ecstatic however and celebrated their survival. For them it was customary to celebrate every victory that they had survived for it was proof of humanities dominance over the xenos and traitors they had defeated. They all talked among each other and the veterans prepared the tales that would be transcribed back on their home worlds of this operation. To regale their families with the tales of their valor, and add honor among them. For the young legionaries they were the most excited, never having experienced such combat before in their lives. Unfortunately, the only thing which was of disappointment was that for them, they had none with whom to take home from their victory. All young legionaries were expected to bring back spouses from their conquests, a matter of maintaining the family line. Certainly some among them found love with each-other, but the many Legionnaire families preferred to not mingle their bloodlines and maintain a pure strain separate. It was lucky then, that the doors began to open as Violas ship finalized the docking process. As the doors finally opened, all the Faceless Legion stood in attention for they knew to respect the will of their superiors. Especially of Commander Urgo, one of the Faceless Legions most hailed commanders, despite his age.
Viola stood beside Reginald as they walked arm in arm. Commander Urgo in front of her, besides her captain Vince, who pleaded to see the ship. Escorted by the forces of her guard as well, the youngest ones she had anyhow. She had assumed that this would please the Faceless legion knowing of their customs, and decided to provide some new blood many for the surviving forces to mingle with. It was all a show of good will after all, and when they reached her new home, she hoped she would never have to step foot on her ship again. Till then, might as well enjoy her command a while longer.
Commander Urgo stopped in front of his forces, turned around and gave Viola a half bow.
"Thank you for your hospitality Lady Viola, Sir Reginald. I hope that my forces have proven to be effective and to your standard."
Viola gave him a grin.
"They performed well."
Reginald was equally as impressed by their valor in the face of such dire situations. They would prove to be effective allies alongside his knights. Perhaps he could manage to acquire some as guard for his new world.
"They were admirable, Commander. I believe that House Valor and The Faceless Legion will be fine allies. Your guardsmen should be proud."
Commander Urgo was greatly pleased to hear such.
"Thank you."
From the crowd, stepped out Emile followed by Commander Richell supported by Ervin, still wobbly on the prosthetic legs that the mechanicus provided to her. The lone surviving member of the Stormtroopers beside them as well, right arm replaced with a thin mechanical one, brittle but useable for now.
Viola was secretly overjoyed to see Richell again, that she managed to survive. She was a good commander that had served her diligently for all these years. And Emile… they had lost Eli. She knew it likely hurt Emile deeply, and though she and Eli were not nearly as close, she still cared for him as a valuable asset. He would be missed, but he did his duty as a Space Marine.
"I am sorry for your loss, Emile. Eli was a good Space Marine of the Oath Marines. He will be remembered."
Emile gave a nod, having come to terms with his young brother's decision. In the end, he focused on the mission and did not allow for distractions, knowing full well that Emile was the one best suited to command the forces. He would be remembered indeed.
"Thank you, Viola."
Ervin hardly even flinched as he saw Viola. He had forgotten she had sent him on the mission to die, and she was hardly the scariest thing anymore. Besides, he had something more important to him right now.
All of Violas guardsman stood in attention as they saw their beloved commander. Richell still leaned against Ervin, but pulled up her hand to press a fist against her chest.
"We successfully accomplished our mission, Lady Viola."
Viola looked over to her, noticing the metal legs that she now had. She flinched ever so slightly at the sight, but pressed it away. She did her duty as well and that was all that mattered.
"You did well, Commander."
Commander Urgo looked over to Richell and Ervin. He felt a kinship with them, for he guided them through the bowls of the hulk and to safety. He was disheartened thinking that they had died when communications were cut, but upon hearing that they survived was even more uplifting. That they managed to survive was fit to be among the many stories of the heroes of the Faceless Legion. He had wanted to meet them since, and this was his chance. He was already getting old, and though he had brought much to his family's name, he had forgone making successors. Though these two, Ervin and Richell would certainly be fit to carry on his family's legacy. So he turned to Viola for his preposition.
'Lady Viola, if I may, I have grown quite attached to these guardsmen of yours. I am already old, but if you would see fit, they would certainly be welcomed within the Faceless Legion with open arms. I have a need for successors of course."
Viola was surprised. So he asked her before she asked him. She had hoped that she could give Richell a final thank you, a way to escape her fate as a guardsman. The softness she had nudging her to do something for her, after all the loyalty that was provided to her by Richell. But, she still had to save face.
She glanced to Richell.
"Well, I believe it would be best. I don't have much need for a broken commander."
Ervin gripped his hand into a fist. Inquisitor or not, he wouldn't let anyone talk in such a negative way about Richell. He already made it clear that he would stand beside her through thick and thin, and he wouldn't let anyone talk so badly about her.
"She is not broken. She has served you faithfully through everything, and she is still here able to continue her service. You cannot..."
Richell knew what Viola was doing. She always had a way of keeping face, and it made her happy to know that she looked out for her. She would likely never remember that they were sisters, but that she was able to be by her side for so long made her happy. But it was time to let Viola go on her own, and for her to look forward to her own future. She elbowed Ervin to stop before he said too much and got himself shot. A hand on his shoulder so that he looked at her and saw her face. With that glance, he understood and stopped. Richell was thankful and looked over to Viola, a hand on her chest as she bowed.
"I understand. Thank you, Lady Viola. I hope that I have been of use all these years. I would openly accept the invitation, Commander Urgo."
Viola genuinely smiled.
"Very well."
She looked at Richell's companion, almost not recognizing him due to the Stormtroopers armor he wore. He was the one she sent to get killed off. Well, despite his little rebuke towards her, he was better than the last time she saw him. Good thing she sent him, she supposed. Take care of Richell, voidsman. The Stormtrooper behind them giving the faintest of bows, something that the Stormtroopers never did. They only stood in attention and took orders. Seemed this one was burned out from the experience. Ah well, he survived the operation.
"Well then, I hope the best for you Commander Richell. And Commander Urgo…"
Urgo listened closely as he held a hand to his chest.
"Yes, Lady Viola?"
"Take care of them. And more than that, I hope that the rest of my forces can find a new place within your ranks."
Commander smiled from beneath his mask.
"Of course."
It was then that the Magos made his appearance, passing by one of the trees and entering into the room. All of his forces bowed to him, the skiitari seeing him as ascended for what he had managed to do with the Dark Age Ship. They knew not of Angel, and so could only imagine that the Magos managed to start and power the ancient machine. For such an action, he was truly blessed by the Omnisiah himself.
He moved through the crowd and met Viola and Reginald in the center. He turned first towards Commander Urgo, thankful for his assistance in this operation.
"Commander Urgo, your forces were instrumental in acquiring our prize. You and your legion have proven yourselves once again. Thank you."
Urgo gave his usual sign of respect with a beat to his chest.
"As we will always."
Then the Magos turned to see his two newest allies, staring at him as they no doubt attempted to analyze him. Despite his massive form and the reverence his forces held for him, they were unfazed. What he had come to expect of them.
"Ah, we meet in person at last."
Reginald looked the Magos massive frame. He was the one who would help rejuvenate his house, and with the procurement of this ship, perhaps be instrumental in forwarding it. Still, he would keep his caution, as was always necessary with the Mechanicus forces.
"The same. I must say, I am surprised that you managed to bring the machine to life. It must certainly have a powerful machine spirit."
Viola gave a glare towards the Magos, a wide grin on her face. Though she didn't doubt it, she decided to tease the Magos a little.
"You don't have anything hidden do you, Magos?"
The Magos tried to mimic a laugh, something that was as grating as it sounded, though he did not care. It was amusing and he was in a perfect mood.
"Of course not. I am glad to see that you and the High Lord will make useful allies. And your child will certainly be worth anticipating."
They then halted in silence as they stared at each other again. Though the air was hardly tense, and it seemed that a mutual understanding had been met. The Magos was genuinely excited to show someone else the treasure he had discovered and prepare for the next step forward for their alliance. He broke the silence.
"Very well then, shall I begin the tour?"
Reginald gave a nod.
"We will follow your lead, Magos."
The Magos then remembered about the techpriest he had sent to their ship, and whether he had accomplished his task.
"Ah, but before we go, might I ask you what has become of my Techpriest?"
Viola sighed.
"He and Verdun hit it off of course. They are currently preparing to be transported to your Exploritor vessel now."
The Magos was pleased.
"That is good. Come then, let me show you the magnificent treasure which we had acquired."
Viola and Reginald followed behind. Viola with a turn towards the forces she brought with her onto the ship decided to let them loose.
"We are secure from here. Please, mingle with the Faceless Legion and be sure to make good impressions. Otherwise, you know the penalty."
With that they continued along, her forces beset by the young Legionaries of the Faceless Legion, unwilling to let their chance at finding someone go by. A chance rare for most among these stars.
The Magos, Reginald and Viola finished their brief tour of the Dark Age ship in no time at all. It was a small ship compared to the many of the Imperium, and even its rooms were open and disregarded efficient use of space. Thousands of mechanisms and various rooms which baffled all of them, from living greenhouses to what appeared to be research rooms. It truly was a treasure, filled to the brim with knowledge for them to use. They all knew it was best they head to the Schola sector as soon as possible, and hide the ship on one of the worlds, keeping it from the sight of the rest of the Imperium. As they passed the door that led to the Command Deck Reginald and Viola noticed the heavy presence of Skiitari that guarded it, but chose to say nothing. Secrets were expected of course.
They walked into the single room that was the Command deck, lonely and not as grand as any they had seen before. The Magos walked to the front terminal as he pressed his hand upon it, saying what appeared to be a litany of some sort. In reality the Magos spoke to Angel through a code of ones and zeroes, not a prayer. The command deck booting on as the screens displayed the space outside before them. The Magos looked at it with wonder.
"We have accomplished what he had hoped to do."
Reginald nodded, amazed at the sight he had seen. They were almost as exciting as his own imperial knights, and truly he saw the potential for the future. They would need tread careful of course, but such only made the game fun. Viola too felt similarly, but she remembered one thing that set this entire ordeal off. What they managed to acquire was by far more valuable than what they had originally came for, but she was still curious about it.
"Yes, it is all very impressive. But, I do have a question. Magos, what of the STC that we originally had hoped to find?"
The Magos knew the question would come. But he had hope that such would remain for at least a while longer.
"It is here as well. But, for now I would like to keep it secret, if that is acceptable."
Viola sighed, expecting as such.
"Fine. For now, I will accept that."
The Magos looked to his new allies.
"Then, are we ready to depart to the Schola Sector, my allies? To our own little Imperium, where we rule?"
With two of his servo arms he held them out in friendship.
Reginald and Viola gave a glance to one another and then back to the Magos, shaking the cold robotic hands. They had already gone too far to deny such a preposition, but it hardly mattered. This was something they would not pass up, a chance for a brighter future, even if it was just for them.
"Yes."
Aboard Violas vessel, Techpriests Verdun and 02 prepared to board onto the transport which would take them to the Exploritor ship. 02's guard stood beside them as they waited for the final preparations. Erina Pendleton too was with them, besides her new soon to be, Michael. He had received the commanders blessing to take her with him, and it was now but a matter of waiting to get to her new home and begin a new life. Her task was accomplished, and she knew that her master watched over her to keep his side of the bargain. With luck, she would start on having a family as soon as possible… perhaps even along the way to her new home. Why, she blushed at the thought.
Erina held tightly onto Michael's arm as they waited for the transport. Micheal felt happy with the arrangement, and he was excited to return home now. Though he was saddened that he was not allowed to participate in the battle which secured the Dark Age ship. But, he managed to find someone with whom to continue his family legacy, and that ensured him a place in the veteran legion. Still, he felt rather protective of Erina, having saved her. To him she was a naïve girl, away from home, and he wanted to provide her a good life away from the torments she had no doubt endured.
Verdun and Argo stood just beside the transport doors, impatient for them to open. Verdun managed to achieve what he had hoped, and soon he would be heading an entire forge of his own. The universe was certainly a strange place with so many variables, if only he was able to decipher the code. But he was handed a perfect opportunity, and he looked forward to it. He wouldn't be a simple techpriest any longer. He would be so much more than that. It excited him for the first time in a long time. Though the Dark Age ship which rested outside was an enigma, one he did regret being unable to enter. Though if he continued carefully among the Dark Anvil, one day he might have the chance to enter its halls.
02 was pleased with the outcome as well, though unlike his new compatriot he had no intention of entering the Dark Age vessel. In his eyes it was no more than an archive of what once was. He looked to the future, and what could be done with it. Still, to have heard that Argo was killed saddened him. A loyal soul to the end, but one well spent.
The doors finally opened as the craft was finalized for take-off. Verdun and 02 looked at one another.
"Are you ready, Verdun?"
Verdun clicked and whistled as his gears turned.
"After you."
02 looked at the robes that Verdun wore.
"We will have to outfit you with the proper garb upon arrival my friend. Are you sure you have nothing else you wish to take with you?"
Verdun looked into the hanger bay, at the walls and the many cables which lined them. The Machine Spirit was saddened that he was leaving, but it knew he would be within comfortable range lest it needed him. Yet still, he had to spend a fair time calming it with 02, until it was ready to continue along. He had spent such a long time tending to this spirit, and he considered his only regret having to leave it. But he was to achieve greater things, and he would be sure to have a capable techpriest replace his position of its caretaker. For now the servitors he automated to maintain its care for the coming voyage would be enough.
"No. I am fully prepared as I am."
02 looked back to his retinue.
"Come along then. Let us head back to the ship."
Without another word everyone boarded, and soon they were off, on their way to the exploritor ship. Erina and Micheal close together as she looked out the glass window, into the great unknown of space. She made it.
3 Months Later
Reginald and Viola looked outside through the helm of her ship. They had finally arrived in the Schola sector. Violas stomach was already bulged, now six months into her pregnancy. She had become far more motherly than she thought she would, caring about things she hadn't before, not that it changed her sternness much. She sat on her chair as she watched the planet that she and Reginal were to take leadership of before her. Reginald placed a hand gently on her shoulder.
"There it is, my lady. Our new home."
Viola stood up with the help of Reginals as she hugged him tightly, his hands around her waist.
"We made it. Now, let's rule with an iron fist shall we?"
Reginald gave her a playful grin.
"We'll lead them into a bright future. Together."
The two kissed, as the vox communications started to open revealing the anticipated faces of Reginalds Knights who all waited for their beloved leaders return. Behind them at a distance watched Emile, still in his armor, happy at the outcome that they had arrived to. He decided to continue under Violas service, even as she became a queen among the Imperial Knight house. She was his daughter, at least the way he viewed her, and he stand beside her. He doubted that he would ever return to the Oath Marines, but he accepted it. He wished to be here, and he would help fulfil his late brother's dream. In memory of Eli. To keep a universe worth protecting.
In the rotating moon of the sector, the Magos and angel moved the Dark Age ship into one of the most secure places he could. Soon they would construct an entire temple to hide it, and with the help of both the Faceless Legion and the Imperial Knights of House Valor would defend it from any who would dare come. It would be a place where the future was crafted, and advancements could be made. One which was at the forefront of the Magos hopes for the future, having contacted his closest ally, the Supreme Commander of the Faceless Legion to proceed.
His exploritor ship at another world, one of the Faceless legions. Here it landed and all those aboard began their trek home to see their families to report on their latest endeavor. Among them was Ervin and Richell who were taken by Commander Urgo to his estate, inducted into his family. Ervin and Richell wedding one another to continue Urgos line, vowing to stand by one another's side through everything. Ervin her newest and closest Lieutenant. Many of Violas guardsmen who were formerly in her service among those who took them as spouses, equally going to meet their new families, now members of the Faceless legion. Richell's soldiers all continuing to pledge her service, many having left Violas to simply follow their commander. Erina Pendleton, now pregnant, carefully taken by Michael to be introduced to his family. She was happy with the way things turned out, and together with Michael would start anew.
All of them were content with the way that things had turned out. Especially for the one who watched from the shadows, who had long set things in motion. He smiled, hopeful for the future he hoped to bring, waiting for his time to contact the Magos, whom he directed to find the Dark Age ship, and the Supreme Commander of the entire Faceless Legion whom he was dear friends with. Erina whom he gave another chance allowed to live her life as she pleased, having accomplished the task he set for her. The Frontier of the Imperium often forgotten about, away from the major battles of the Imperium at large. Thus many tragedies would befall those worlds inhabited there, but in this sector, they thrived. But this was only the beginning of something much greater, a new story, one that would have to be headed by the next generation. Certainly there would be much tragedy ahead, trials and tribulations to overcome, but they would survive and push on.
End.
Hey there, I see you managed to make it to the end. Thanks for that. Just a heads up that there will be a sequel, following the events of the next generation. It was rather fun to write this one, and I really like how it came out. From here I'll likely put out a few epilogues that go a bit further in depth on some of the characters after the story and set up some things for the next story. The sequel likely going to be a while as I want to have most of it done before I post anything, like I did with this fic. In any case, I really hope that you enjoyed this story and I thank you all for reading it through to the end.
If you are curious about any of my other work, I already have some published (with more in the works!). Usually I try to finish a light novel every two years, and the third should be on the way. In any case, it would be appreciated if you check them out. The first chapter available for each to read through first if you want.
The first is titled A Moment of War, the very first book I have published. I'll be the first to admit that it's not super polished, but I think it's a good story for the faults of the writing.
A Moment Of War: Moment-War-Alejandro-Montoya-ebook/dp/B077G4RV2M/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Alejandro+Montoya+light+novel&qid=1575771646&sr=8-1
The second is Steamking, and it is a story that I put a lot of work into. Unfortunately you can't just search this one normally through Amazon (my publisher) for some reason I am trying to fix. Though you can find it by following the following link.
Steamking: dp/1986545911/?coliid=I2VQXOVOLL6KOO&colid=1MRJ2T73QSKKA&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it
In any case, thanks again all for following this far. Until next time, I hope everything goes well for you, and praise the Emperor.
