Angel's Lament
Hello, there dear reader and welcome to another part of Angel's Lament and thank you for taking the time to read my story and this Author's Note. I don't really have anything I think needs to be said but that the Imperials are still in the beginning phases of entering the ME World, and will be for a few more chapters. But now with that little bit out of the way let the Chapter begin!
Chapter Six: Angels Progress
Antros stood within the Stratagem, it was a wonder of technology dating back thousands of years to the Great Crusade. It showed battle reports and logistical statistics and live map feeds. It could show a general a hundred different outcomes for an encroaching battle, or a Warmaster how a war might progress. The Primarchs were known to have spent hundreds of hours in the chambers going over thousands of possible outcomes and circumstances for wars or battles. Antros had known much that had been thought lost had been recovered with the calling of the Indomitus Crusade, but it still baffled him just how much had been relearned. Antros was surrounded by mortal advisors, captains, sergeants, and admirals. They all were talking and discussing strategy around him. But Antros was too lost in his own thoughts to understand them.
In his mind, he went over what was happening and what he needed to do. 'We are still not fully able to move the fleet, most of the vessels are still in desperate need of repairs. We had to scrap the heavily damaged Dauntless vessel Lystra's Grace. That freed up her remaining crew to help assist with the repairs of the others and gave us a plentiful amount of resources to use in the repairs of the other ships. But it's still not enough. At this rate, we will be stuck here doing repairs for another 6 months! That can't happen we need to begin our preparations for war and build some sort of base that we can operate from and retreat to when we need to hide.'
'As powerful as the Sanguine Spirit is we need somewhere we can make a stand on. Preferably on a planet that is close enough to ancient Terra's environment, similar to an Agri-world. There we could set up a base and begin building a refuge for us and those we will have to save. A world out of the reach of the Council and its dogs. I need to get this fleet ready as soon as possible. We are also going to soon have to worry about how we will be able to rearm ourselves. The facilities of the Sanguine Spirit would be hard-pressed to rearm us should we be forced into enough engagements or simply too many prolonged Skirmishes. And how will we be able to replenish our numbers, should any of us fall.'
Antros was drawn from his thoughts by the sound of someone calling his name over the vox speaker attached to the wall. The voice was young and worried. "Commander Antros! We have a report coming in from the Sword ship the Halberd. Her Captain reports that they have sighted possible hostiles."
Antros was instantly alert he bolted towards the door shouting. "Shutters Open!" The metal shutters responded creaking to life as they moved to give him a view back to the command deck of the Sanguine Spirit. Antros stormed into the grand chamber. There were dozens of rows of ensigns and menials working at their assignments fervently getting the star-fort ready. Outside the viewport, Antros saw the blue sheen of the void shields coming online, before disappearing a moment later. Antros rushed up the steps until he finally came to the Command Dias, where the Admiral sat. Her eyes were closed but Antros could see she was awake, her aura was alive with emotions and it swirled around her like a planet orbits a star.
The Admiral quickly opened her eyes when she heard the stomp of Antros's boots approaching her. She turned to meet his gaze her eyes alight with uncertainty. She spoke as Antros came closer, her voice sounding unsure of what she said. "My Lord… the Halberd reports there are ships out in the void. But the thing is, My Lord, they are rogue vessels, Havoc Classes to be specific."
Antros's eyes widened, 'How could pirates be here?' Antros quickly asked. "How many voidcraft?"
"Five, My Lord all Havocs, they were attempting to run silent but luckily the Halberd's auspex was able to detect them."
"Where is the Halberd now?" Asked Antros
"She yet remains trying to flush out the pirates."
"Tell them to return now and have the remaining Gladius vessel head to escort her. Hopefully, that will be enough to deter the pirates for now. I also want the Azkaellon escorts to form up in front of the Sanguine Spirit." Said Antros.
"As ordered Commander." Replied the Admiral as she sent the comunicae to the Halberd and the Angel's Vision. Then the order to the three Azkaellon escorts to form up in front of the fleet."
The next hour went by slowly, as Antros saw the ships begin to move out the viewport. The Gladius shot off towards the small encroaching dot that must have been the Sword class. Eventually, the dot became more discernible while the Gladius became ever less clear. Once the two specks met the set of as a pair back to the fleet. Once the two were within range of the Auspex Antros heard the bling on the Command Throne. He turned around to see what it was, the Admiral's face was contorted into a grimace.
Antros Asked. "What is it, Admiral?"
She turned to him and answered her voice laced with worry. "The Havocs. They are continuing to follow them. They are no longer trying to run silently either, they are on an intercept course and gaining fast."
Antros looked back around to the viewport and he saw them. Five new glowing dots approaching fast after the now fully discernible Gladius and Sword vessels.
Antros ordered still staring into the void. "Have the Halberd and Angel's Vision go to full burn, push their engines to the limit and get back here now. And I want the Azkaellons to begin arming their boarding torpedos and have their Astartes Squads battle-ready and in those boarding torpedos within the next ten minutes."
"Sent, Commander." She said back.
For the longest time Antros just peered into the void watching as the five Havocs became larger and larger until he could see the outline of their hulls. They posed only a minor threat to Antros's fleet but their arrival was unsettling, to say the least. Possibilities swam around Antros's head. 'How could Imperial Pirates be here? We are in an entirely different universe. Or Was I deceived? Could I have been only toyed with by some Daemon of the Warp? No, no it can't be, I would have known the touch of a Daemon. It must have been the Primarch, I wasn't lied to! I saw it in the scrying this is not our galaxy."
Antros pulled himself free of his doubt and returned to the moment. Now the Gladius and Sword we're safely behind the Azkaellons and making their approach to the Sanguine Spirit's docking area. Where they then pulled themselves to a stop and turned about to engage docking procedures with the Star-Fort. Meanwhile, the Havocs came ever closer. Their silhouettes now fully discernible and clear.
"They have fully appeared on the Auspex radar, My Lord." Called an Ensign on the scanners.
Then another Ensign from the Communication deck yelled. "My Lord, they are broadcasting an on an open channel. They say they wish to speak with us, and that they mean no ill will."
"What do you order, My Commander?" Asked the Admiral earnestly.
Antros gave her a reply a moment later saying. "Command them to halt where they are and we will not open fire."
"As ordered." Responded the Admiral as she relayed the message to the pirate vessels.
They came to a slow halt not long after, complying as ordered.
An Ensign from the scanners called out. "They have stopped and are even lowering their void shields, My Lord."
After another moment the communication deck yelled out. "They are transmitting another message. They wish to send their leaders to the Sanguine Spirit to speak with us about a surrender."
Antros was instantly skeptical. 'Why would pirates be so quick to surrender?' There is only one way to find out I presume.' Antros then said to the Admiral. "Send them a reply. Their envoy will take a shuttle the rest of the way to the Sanguine Spirit and dock there. Tell them to send only as many people as necessary to speak with us and no more or we will fire upon them. Make sure to tell the rest of the fleet to stand down but be ready should this turn out to be a trap."
The Admiral nodded and sent the reply to the rogue flotilla. Again not long after they received a reply. And this time the Admiral told the message to Antros. "They have agreed, they will be sending over seven people, not including pilots and servitors for the shuttle."
"Fine, tell them we are waiting."
The next two hours passed by quickly as Antros prepared for the meeting and assembled who he wished to be there with him. He had two squads of Blood Angels from the Fourth Company head to the primary hanger where the pirates would arrive, in case they attempted anything and to show them he meant business. Antros now sat in a war preparation room with a long and rectangular table made of red marble. Within the room standing around was Antros's bodyguard Donotriel and a few members of the Fifth and Fourth Companies. Sitting to Antros's left were the naval leaders he assembled Admiral Merra of the Sanguine Spirit, the Captains of the Halberd and Angel's Vision, along with the Commanding officers of the Imperial Guard he had deemed necessary to attend. While to the right sat the Astartes leaders, Rhacelus was seated right next to Antros followed in line by the Captains of the 4th, 5th and 10th Companies of Blood Angels and the new Captain of the First Lamenters Company. Antros had Offered Malakim a place at the table but he had declined and sent Captain Zophiel in his stead.
Now all they had to do was wait for the Pirates to arrive. They were reported to have docked not long after Antros and his group had arrived at the war room, and were now making the long trek from the hangar to the room. Antros was given constant feedback on their progression as they were escorted to the war room, and not long after the seventh report Antros could sense them not too far away. Mostly he could sense their emotions, five of them were not entirely displaying any extreme feelings, but one of them was ablaze with arrogance while another was shining with intellect.
The first to enter aside from an escorting Astartes was a large man, for a mortal. He was dressed in dirtied and torn common clothes and he walked with the air of a grunt. He was a loyal man but not bright by any indication. Next were three more grunts of varied size, builds, and intellect. Though all their minds were as open as a book to Antros. But Antros forced himself not to enter their minds no matter how tempting and easy the prospect was. Then the second to last to enter was clearly the Captain. He smiled as soon as he spotted Antros, his teeth were golden and silver with gothic letters written on them. He was dressed in worn and old fashion noblemen's clothes. His shirt a dirtied white with a brown overcoat that had gold accents everywhere on him. While he wore an ancient Captain's cap with a bright red feather in it.
The Captain's smile was genuine despite the tiredness he and his crew exerted. His right arm had a deep cut along it with a bandage stained with blood covering most of his arm. His other men were covered in grime and filth, while looking tired, like they hadn't been through the best of times. Then the last to enter was rather different than the rest.
She looked tired but she had dignity that the others lacked. Her mind was less open than the rest and she walked with grace and sophistication. She was dressed in a Junior Naval Officers uniform with a sash across her chest that carried a Noble houses heraldry upon it. It was of a silver gryphon, who carried in its right claw a Flintlock Pistol and a greatsword in the left.
She spoke as she entered her voice proper and educated. "Hello, My Lords, I am Madame Vera of house Bellerophon. I speak for my house by permission of High King Bellerophon the XXXVII." She then gave a curtsy and the sign of the Aquila.
"Well, Madame Vera, I am Antros, appointed Commander of the Imperial Remnant and Chief Librarian of the Blood Angels. If I may be so bold as to ask, why is a Lady in the company of rogues?"
The Captain seemed to beam at his 'rogue' title and moved to answer. "Well, I can tell you a tale, your lordship."
"You will not speak cretin, you gave up that right when you betrayed the Imperial Creed!" Hissed Antros to the Captain. "You should be content I haven't had you slain. So you will remain silent unless I give you the expressed permission to speak…" Antros then turned back to the Lady and asked. "Now if you would answer my question Madame?"
Madame Vera straightened and said. "Of course, My Lord. The Pirates are currently under the pay of my grand-father High King Bellerophon and Captain Kobal Aizdar before we ended up stranded wherever we are. The Captain then as a sign of goodwill offered to courier me to speak with you, Your Lordship." She gave another curtsy to Antros in completion.
"Where is the rest of your fleet?" Asked Antros.
"They are awaiting our signal to notify them that we have come to an agreement with you, My Lord."
"An agreement on what?"
"High King Bellerophon and Chartist Captain Azidar wish to request your aid in completing our journey."
"I regret I cannot give you the assistance you request, as a matter of fact, things are about to change drastically for you, Madame."
"What are you saying, My Lord?" Asked Vera worriedly.
Antros straightened his back and steeled his will, before saying. "You, your crew and your fleet, will fall under my command, effective immediately." Seeing Vera was about to speak, Antros raised his hand in silence and continued. "I am giving this order as Commander of all Imperial Elements within this galaxy."
Vera took a step back and looked around confused then said. "What do you mean, My Lord? Are we not within Imperial Borders?"
Antros shook his head and said. "No, we are not. For you see Madame Vera, we are not within the Imperium at all. We have been sent by the Emperor's Will here."
"What do you mean we have been sent here by the God-Emperor's Will? Where are we? How would you know this, My Lord?" Asked Vera her voice filled with worry.
Antros answered her honestly and said. "I was shown a vision by the Emperor, His son Sanguinius told me that the Emperor has a task for us. We were sent to this Universe to see the Emperor's vision made real."
"What? What does that mean, My Lord?" Asked Vera her brow knitted in confusion.
"We are no longer within our Milky Way, Madame Vera. And I have been appointed as Regent of all Imperial assets so that we might complete the Emperor's task. And as Commander, I am ordering you and all your resources to join in our completion of this task. This may not be what you wish to hear, but it is the truth and nothing but the truth."
"But? Why would the God-Emperor send them here?" Said Vera indicating to the Pirate Captain and his lackeys.
"I will not pretend to know the Emperor's will. But perhaps He saw a way for them to seek redemption in helping us complete His task." Answered Antros.
Madame Vera then asked in a military tone. "What is the God-Emperor's mission for us? What has He sent us here to do, my Lord?"
"Sanguinius told me that we are meant to be the defenders of this universe's Mankind and her allies."
"What did the Great Angel mean by Mankind's allies?"
"This galaxy is rather different than our own. Meaning, not all Xenos wish to exploit Mankind and her people. Though many still do there are a few that can be considered honest and truthful. But I shall discuss this more with you, your Grand-Father, and Chartist Captain Azidar later. Firstly I need you to communicate with them and tell them to head here to meet me post-haste. I need to speak with them and see what tools the Emperor has left us to work with."
Madame Vera gave the symbol of the Aquila again and said. "As ordered, My Lord. I will contact High King Bellerophon as quickly as possible and tell him to get the flotilla on the move as quickly as possible."
"You have my thanks, Madame Vera. Now Rhacelus could you please take her to the Astropaths so that they might send her message with the required amount of urgency she will need." Said Antros turning to his Equerry and friend. Rhacelus nodded and stood out of his throne. He then made his way over to the Lady and guided her out the door and down the hall. Antros then sent a quick message to Rhacelus. 'Please ensure the message is truthful and accurate, I trust Madame Vera But I wish to guarantee her family's compliance in with our orders and my Commands.'
'As you order, Brother.' Mentally replied Rhacelus as he walked down the hall.
After the door had closed and Antros could no longer see Veras Aura he turned his gaze fully upon the Pirate Captain. "You." Spat Antros, getting the man's attention. The Pirate turned to Antros and put on another attempt at a cunning smile. He failed. "Give me one reason not to boil the blood in your veins right now!"
The Captain gulped but tried to keep his cool, he did better than most, but not by a lot. He gave a low bow taking off his hat as he did so, he then put the cap back on and said, trying to maintain his grin. "Because, like you said to the lady. Mayhaps the God-Emperor, praise him, believes I can be redeemed, Your Lordliness." He gave another bow and attempted to look genuine and honest. All he achieved for his effort was a cold grimace from Antros.
"I am not convinced. Perhaps he sent you here so that I might give you the justice you deserve for all the lives you've taken and supplies you've stolen from those that truly needed them!"
"In my defense, your Lordship, I was only doing what was best for my crew, after all-"
"Silence you spineless weasel! You have no excuse, for there is none that you can give that I would listen to! But, I will offer you one chance at redemption. One! But if you even step a millimeter out of line I will see you burned from the inside out and all of your 'beloved' crew sent to the caring embrace of the void! Do I make myself clear?!" Yelled Antros to the Pirate.
The Captain paled considerably for a while, but eventually, he gathered back his courage to speak, though his voice couldn't help but shake. "Certainly, My… Mi Lord. I… I shall follow your commands."
"Good. But know, if you ever try to run away or hide from me. I will make you wish you wish for the cold feeling of the void. Clear, 'Captain'?"
"Y-yes, My Lordship." said the Pirate about ready to tumble over from fear.
"Excellent, Captain. Also know that if you do pay your dues and I see that you have redeemed yourself, I will recommend you for an Imperial Pardon should we ever return back to the Imperium, on all your crimes and past transgressions. Though I'd tell you to practice restraint if you get it, for the punishments of re-offenders are rather... severe, to put it mildly. But back to things more at hand than that. What exactly were you doing to end up in the employ of a Chartist and a Noble?"
The Captain had seemed quite pleased at the prospect of an Imperial Pardon and had perked back up upon hearing it, but his hopes seemed to be dashed by Antros's question, his face now turning mournful. The Pirate was quiet for a long time but eventually, he straightened up and told his tale.
"My crew and I were sailing across the void on the edge of a populated system, we had heard about some… lightly protected… cargo haulers that were packed full of foodstuffs and tools. We figured it would be an easy score, but when we arrived it was anything but 'lightly guarded.' There were well over a dozen big ships, all massive haulers and transports."
"Then there were at least a dozen Stalwarts, then around 20 something ships of various types and weights classes, even another six defense monitors. My boys and I were about ready to high tail it out of there but before we could they somehow hijacked our communications, they gave us an offer. We would help them reach their destination in one piece and we would be allowed to fill our holds with as much food and basic supplies as our ships could hold."
"My boys and I were in desperate need of anything, hence why we had fallen onto looting haulers instead of our regulars out in the void. So I took the offer, as to appease my crew, and also doing some honest work from time to time never seemed to hurt anybody. Or so I thought, cause now I'm stuck here with you lot and barely any of my boys left." Said the Captain showing the pain he felt at losing crew, in his Aura.
"Yes, but what happened after your recruitment for you to have ended up here with them?"
"Well, you see it was a while after we had accepted their offer to aid them. We was on the very edge of the system, we were waiting for, according to the Chartist, the rest of the convoy. Not long after a dozen or so ships show up also packing a fair amount of firepower, with more than a few Q-ships (it means a normal transport equipped with extra weapon than are usual, and sometimes extra armor though that's not always the case). They even had a Grand Cruiser in the smaller Flotilla acting as the Flagship, of course."
"Well after they made it to the edge of the system and the rest of the convoy, though at this point it was closer to an Armada, your Lordship, began to get into position. Well, when we were nearly finished loading the last of the Stalwart escorts into their Cetaceus-Whale ships (really big vessels that carry smaller voidcraft that are incapable of carrying warp drives) it happened. One of the Scout Sloops came high tailing it back to the Fleet. They reported multiple warp breaches opening just a few hundred thousand kilometers away from our position."
"That spooked most of the fleet so as a result, all their efforts doubled to finish preparations for the warp jump. But for some reason, the remaining three stalwarts that couldn't fit in the last Whaleship, instead of turning back to the system and retreating, set a course straight towards where the warp breaches had occurred. They got pretty far away before anything happened, but when it did it scared me more than anything else in my life. There were two fully grown Void-Whales and three baby whales right in front of the stalwarts. The ships showed the monsters with the glow of their engines, giving the beasts a haunting look. The monsters were massive the fully grown ones well over the size of a moon nearing a world with their size. While the little ones were sized like giant asteroids."
"The Stalwarts made to turn and flee but one of the baby monsters had noticed them and moved right for them. The Stalwarts seeing their fate sealed by the abomination that was gaining on them (Void-Whales can stimulate their speed by tapping into the warp, because they are also really powerful warp entities along with near planet sized abominations) they turned around and fired what guns they could in time. Eventually, when the whale was nearly upon them they turned their engines on full burn and rammed the beast. Those mighty little ships blew in a fiery inferno of plasma as their drives overloaded. Even despite the size of the beast, they hurt it badly and it quickly turned and began to flee, its siblings following in its wake."
"We prayed the adults would follow after their young but alas they were only spurred on by the wounding of their child. The two began to charge towards the fleet their speed aided by their unholy powers. Though, thank the God-Emperor, we were able to escape the beast's wrath. Just when the monsters were within ten thousand meters of my vessel we jumped. I had originally believed the close proximity to the creatures had thrown the fleet off course. But now at least according to you, we were brought here by the God-Emperor's will. We then traveled for a bit in the warp until we got hit by what we thought was a warpstorm, but I guess was the Emperor moving us to this world. Speaking of 'this world' what even is it like, Your Lordship?"
"That is a question I will answer for you later once the captains and leaders of this "Chartist" fleet arrive. But to put it simply to ease your mind we are in a reality that is very different from our own, to put it mildly. There is also a grave danger that this reality faces, But luckily for this world, the Imperium has come to save them from the beast. But back to what I was asking, how long have you been here?"
"That's not a very clear answer but alright, I'll take what I can get, Your Lordship. And only about a day at this point. How about yourself, Lord?"
"About the same, only a Terran day. Also back to the fleet, what is their cargo? It must be very precious for such a heavy amount of security and escorts." Said Antros.
"That, I regret to tell you I have yet to find out for myself, I asked of course, but was told that I needn't know and that if I wanted to get paid I wouldn't ask again... So I, of course, tried to do my own digging with scans and auspex, but most of their ships' hulls were either shielded or something because my working scanners couldn't come up with anything that was useful."
'Then it must be very precious cargo indeed, for them to be so secretive about it. Though they could also have just been acting cautiously around these pirates. I assume I shall learn the truth in time.' Thought Antros. He then spoke to the Pirate Captain again. "Well I assume that is enough questions, so if you would promptly return to your shuttle in the hangar and await further orders, that would do nicely, Captain."
The Captain seemed somewhat dejected but said nothing as he was ushered out of the hall. Once he was gone Antros immediately began to speak with the others in the room. "What do you think of what they said?"
"This could be a ruse, so we must be ready for anything should their tale turn out to be a farse." said Captain Borgio of the Tenth Company his voice hard as steel. He was dressed in his panoply of war, weapons and tools included, as if expecting an attack at any moment. His face as always turned in a disapproving scowl.
"Why did we even decide to speak with them, as much as I am glad that they seem allies, but why were we so lax in speaking with them?" Asked Captain Raphaen of the Fourth Company. His armor gave a hiss as he moved to look towards the greater table and its occupants. His face still possessed the young Angelic visage of Sanguinius's features cut as if from stone. Though despite his youthful look his silver eyes portrayed the opposite, they had seen much of the galaxies horrors and had been left permanently scarred by them.
"Call it foresight, on my part, Captain. But you all should know he did not lie, not once, the Captain remained honest throughout his entire tale. Neither did Madame Vera tell us any misinformation. She was truthful and clear. But aside from them, what do you think of the possibility of others being sent on this quest with us?" Said Antros.
"It is a comforting thought that there are more of us it is true, but we must be sure of their allegiance and dedication to the cause. We must be careful for all we know they all could be worshippers of the Great Enemy." Said the Captain of the Halberd her voice angry, for she hated the thought of working with such scum as pirates.
"But then why would the Emperor send them here? Just for us to have to fight them? No, I do not believe it so. They must have been part of the Emperor's plan." Retorted Antros.
"I presume we will find out once the leaders of this Chartist fleet arrive. Until then I recommend we all prepare for the worst and pray for the best." Said the rooms solitary Confessor, who Antros had deemed necessary and smart enough to attend.
The Preacher was a small man only reaching to Antros's lower hip in height. His name was High Cardinal Jeremiah Oriamachus Victus though he had most of his disciples and followers just call him Jeremiah and he told them never refer to him by his title. He was very young by any standard, seeming only to be in his early Terran 20's. Though despite his size and age he carried himself with wit and charisma. He possessed an augmented eye that glowed with a golden lens. He had long well kept brown hair that stretched down his back. His face possessed, as it always seemed to, a soothing smile one that could put a fearful congregation at ease. While the robes he wore were fitted to him well, but allowed him more movement than Antros would have thought possible. The robes were a deep crimson with a scarf of sacred text about shoulders. Then finally the most blatant piece of decoration on his was his Rosarius. It showed like a small star about his neck. He wore it humbly, attempting to hide it behind his robe, though despite his efforts it still gathered the attention of all who looked upon him.
"Yes, I believe we should begin talking about said preparations. We need to show them that we are still powerful and mighty even in our wounded state. Both so that they will know we are not defenseless and also so that we might give them hope for the future." Said Captain Borgio, his face still containing apathy.
"Then we shall get those preparations underway and be ready for their arrival." Said Antros.
…
For the longest time, they spoke and set forth their arrangements for when the Chartist fleet arrived. The room's occupants would greet the Captains and nobles within the hangar bay they arrived in. Waiting along with Antros's group would be the remnants of the Fourth, Fifth, and Tenth Companies. Along with two squads of the Lamenters remaining First Company, all dressed in their Terminator armor. This as well with the remaining Tempestus Scions would make up their greeting party. This they hoped would show both their fortitude and determination.
It took another few hours for the Chartist fleet to arrive. When they did it was with an enemy hot on their heels. Antros detected it before anyone else did, A massive presence in the warp. It was a giant maelstrom of rage and bestial instincts. When he saw it he yelled to the closest vox technician. "Send an emergency broadcast to the fleets! Broadcast it on all frequencies! Battle Stations everyone!"
At this point, others in the crowd began to see what Antros saw and sprang into action. The Scions in the room began to run to their assigned quadrants for times like these. The Astartes readied their weapons and took the orders barked out by their sergeants and lieutenants. The Captains followed in their wake and instructed were needed all moving with a definite purpose and task. Antros himself ran towards the emergency lift and boarded it with utmost haste.
Following after him was Artemis, Admiral Merra, and her support staff. Once they had boarded the lift lurched off the floor and was propelled as fast as the rotors would allow towards the Command Deck. Antros used his powers to speed their assent even further, and so they arrived not long after. Though the lift was thoroughly damaged, smoke rising from the gears that had been pushed to the breaking point by Antros's interference.
Though they arrived not a moment too soon. In the time they had taken to arrive at the bridge the beast had almost closed in on the Chartist Flotilla. The large merchant fleet pushing their engines to the limits in an attempt to flee the monster after them. The Void Whales were slower than Antros had thought they would be from the tales he had heard of them. The stories always painted them as ferocious feral beasts able to outrace the fastest Clipper ships. Though they weren't monstrous at, in fact, they seemed far weaker than Antros had expected. Then he noticed it in the beasts Auras, they were both in emance pain and fear their auras bleeding with their misery. This appeared to slow them enough for the Chartist fleet to begin to outrun them.
Antros marched onto the Command Dias followed by his loyal Familiar and the Admiral. Admiral Merra roared out orders as she marched onto the bridge, taking full command of the situation. Before Antros knew it he saw the Void Shields activating and covering the Star-Fort in their protective barriers. Outside the Imperial Navy ships began to form up with the Astartes vessels. They began to move into formation preparing an intercept course with the Void Whales.
Antros turned to the Admiral who had since taken her place upon the Command throne, as ever yelling out orders to her crew. Antros addressed her directly and said. "Admiral Merra, Would it at all viable to move the Sanguine Spirit with the rest of our fleet. I wish to test a theory."
"What do you have in mind, My Lord?" Asked the Admiral anxious for Antros's reply.
"I wonder if the beasts can be, for lack of a better term reasoned with. They seem to be spurred on at the moment from their pain and fear. So, in theory, they can be appeased if we simply help them calm down, and show them we mean them no harm. They are after all only animals and therefore they are not entirely unreasonable Xenos. They could even prove somewhat useful were we to 'tame' them." Said Antros his mind open to giving his daring plan a try.
The Admiral though was far more hesitant saying. "Are you sure that is a good idea, My Lord. They are far too primitive for us to even have a chance at doing such a thing as that surely?"
"Not necessarily, after all, they are usually very curious and have shown some signs of limited intelligence in the stories I've read on them. They have even helped guide lost Voidsmen out of Warp Storms in the past. So they at least should be given a fair chance as they are only animals acting on base instinct and have not truly done anything against us."
"I suppose that is true, My Lord. But how would we even attempt to calm such mighty beasts?" asked the Captain, her voice portraying her curiosity and seriousness in equal measure.
"I will attempt to create a communion with them, being as they are beings possessing souls like us and are therefore able to hear and feel me through psychic means. I could help them realize we mean them no harm. Should that not work I could attempt to make them forget what it is they believe we have done or what it is they are afraid of." Said Antros his mind abuzz with possible things he could attempt to do.
"I will not pretend to understand you or your methods, My Lord, but please take caution with what you are about to attempt. For this could mean the death of many should you fail."
"Your concerns are noted. I will only go as far as I believe necessary for our lives and the creatures' survival to be ensured." Said Antros back to the Admiral. "But now I must attempt to calm the Creatures." Antros then began to call upon his powers and began to channel them into a psychic beacon. Artemis lent her aid where she could, helping the signal shine bright.
Okay, that's enough for today. Hope you enjoyed Chapter 6 of Angel's Lament. Please have a great rest of your day, and if you feel so inclined please Follow, Favorite and if you feel up to it Review. It really helps me know that my stories are enjoyable and that there is a desire for them to continue progressing along. Thanks Again and see you next time.
