The Second Legion Part 5

"Black Crusade"



Elysia Judicator Fortress Base. A Month Later.

Flanked by his Honor Guard, Space Wolf Great Wolf Logan Grimnar walked up the broad walkway that led to the main hall of the Judicator Fortress. The Space Wolf stole surreptitious glances at the Dreadnoughts that lined the approach way. He had never seen so many ancients in one place, all decorated in the colors of their Great Companies-Battalions he reminded himself, they call them Battalions. The Primarch met him at the foot of the great gilded throne, in the Fernisian manner, a powerful hug and a crushing handshake. Then one arm around his shoulder he led the Space Wolf Chapter Master to the meeting table. Already there were 9 other Chapter Masters. With a start, Grimnar realized that all were first founding Chapter Masters.

" Welcome Great Wolf," Marenus Calgar greeted the Space Wolf Master. Grimnar smiled a little, acknowledging the Master of Macragge.

" Why have you brought us here?" Master Azarel of the Dark Angels inquired.

" I have brought you here, Son of Jonson," Krosfyah replied, all the earlier Joviality gone from his voice, " to inform you that The Despoiler moves."

Dead Silence.

" How do you know this?" Calgar inquired.

Fortress Base Lower Command Level. Same time.

The Massive beam groaned and shifted a fraction as the unyielding power of the dreadnought forced it back into position. Around the Tip of the Beam Techmarines manhandeled huge fusion torches to weld the beam back into place. " Well done" Master of the Forge Agaan complimented the Dreadnought. The war walker lowered its torso in an approximation of a bow, and ambled off to see to its other duties. The Master of the Forge continued to direct his thralls as they continued the last of the repairs to the room.

" Why are we making such a haste to refit this old place?" a 4th Company Techmarine inquired, as his servoarm deftly maneuvered huge powercells into place against the wall.

" Is it the nature of the Judicator to ask questions?" Agaan gently rebuked his subordinate. " We do as we are told."

The Techmarine nodded, and returned his attention to his task. This secondary command center was to be completed in a week. That left no time for idle chat.

Fortress Garage level one

When the lift snapped, the Excalibur turret was 5 meters in the air. There was hardly time to shout a warning as the one-ton turret fell straight down, landing with a crushing boom atop a Rhino that was being serviced in the next revetment. The servitor repairing the Rhino`s searchlight was crushed to a pulp, and the two techmarines inside the vehicle were knocked unconscious by the impact. Nobel Barov swore loudly in Fernisian and rushed to aid. A Sentinel Power lifter was already moving to lift the turret off the Rhino. A small crowd had gathered around the site, trying to figure out how to help.

" Veteran Sergeant, secure a hose to wash that sludge off the Rhino" Barov ordered, referring to the thin pinkish liquid running down the side of the Armored carrier. The Judicator nodded and moved off to do what he was bid. Barov watched as the Powerlifter grasped the turret by the rear and lifted. There was nothing he could do, except wait for the Chief Techmarine to come and repurify the vehicle. Barov shook his head at the waste and returned to his duties.

Judicator Fortress Base. Great Hall.

" You could be excommunicated for what you have just told us." Marenus Calgar spoke up.

" Indeed." Krosfyah replied. " That is why I did not present it to the High Lords. I presented it to you."

" You wish us to act on the Words of a Daemon Primarch?" Azarel snorted," This is obviously a trap! Angon will be waiting with his Legion on this Bolales V, to slaughter us!"

" And if he is telling the truth?" Pugh retorted, " Will we allow our fear of Chaos to keep us hiding under our beds as the Despoiler prepares to head to Terra?" the Imperial Fist master looked at the Marines around the Table with him,

" Tell me comrades, which of us have not distrusted the ways of the inquisition, and the motives of the Adeptus Terra? Dante you and Grimnar are old enough to remember the betrayal of whole population's by the Inquisition. My Chapter bears the shame of the Crimson Fists wanton murder of our incapacitated Brethren in the Marines Vigilant Chapter. Do we stand by and allow the Adeptus Terra to react late- again to a great threat to the Imperium which we serve?"

Pughs speech had gotten the attention of the Chapter Masters. Differences aside they were all devoted to the Imperium and a threat to her, was a threat to them.

" We lack the power to meet the Despoilers armies in open battle" Master Rigel of the Salamanders stated. " A fact," Krosfyah retorted, "but we need not face Abaddons minions in open battle. A series of devastating strikes against his forces as they attack in waves will serve the same end."

The Chapter Masters looked at each other, and Krosfyah could see his words were beginning to have an effect. Azarel looked distrustful, but then the Judicator Primarch doubted that the Dark Angel had ever trusted anyone in his life.

"So what is your verdict?" Krosfyah inquired.

" Let us put it to a vote" Master Khan of the White Scars suggested.

" Master Azarel of the Dark Angels? " In favor"

"Master Krosfyah of the Judicators?" "In favor"

"Master Dante of the Blood Angels?" " In Favor"

"Master Pugh of the Imperial Fists?" "In favor"

"Master Kahn of the White Scars?" "In favor"

"Master Grimnar of the Space Wolves?" "In favor"

"Master Calgar of the Ultramarines?" "In favor"

"Master Rigel of the Salamanders?" "In favor"

"Master Pericles of the Raven Guard?" "In Favor"

"Master Baelite of the Iron Hands?" "In favor"

" So we are agreed." Calgar said. " We will present a united front to the Despoiler"

" Do not forget, Calgar, that there are 1000 other chapters." Azarel pointed out. "We must also work to convince them that there is a threat."

" I propose that each of the nine first Founding chapters muster its successor chapters" Krosfyah suggested." That way, we can appeal to their gene heritage if nothing else."

"Who will lead this grand space marine army," Azarel inquired." You, Primarch?"

"No," Krosfyah replied, " Elect a leader among yourself. My legion will join you after the third wave is launched"

" What will you do in the meantime?" Baelite inquired.

" The Judicators will hunt down the forces of Chaos in the Imperium."

Krosfyah replied.

" Abaddons boldness indicates that he is confident, and that confidence stems from knowing how the Adeptus Terra operate. We will find the spies and traitors among us, and then we will kill them."

Imperial Palace

Outer Courtyards

3 months Later

The mere sight of the High Inquisitor was enough to have the ordinary servants scuttling out of the way. Apollyon relished the feeling of power he got from the sight of mere men and women scuttling out of his way as he walked through the ornamental gardens. Mere man should know his place, he mused, and they should know that it was the Inquisition that kept the Imperium from tottering on the edge of heresy.

Next to the High Inquisitor strode the be-meddaled High Lord of the Admiralty. Gustavus Peitan wore a furious scowl on his face, as he read from a Data pad.

" Twenty worlds, high Inquisitor. On twenty worlds uprisings have been crushed even before they start by those black Armored Monsters, on eighteen more worlds they have arrived, deposed hitherto loyal Governors, charged them with heresy and sedition, and then executed them."

" You sound displeased with the performance of our lost Legion" Apolloyon smirked.

" They spread dissent among the population" Peitan stated, " On Weald and a half dozen other worlds, the Judicators are heralded as gods, not the Savior Emperor."

" Let the masses have their heroes" Apolloyon said dismissively. " He will fade, like they all did, and then who will be left to save mewling throngs from the dark reaches of Chaos? You and I, my friend. You and I."





























Judicator 8th Battalion BattleBarge Wrath of the Faithful.

Nearing Eldar Craftworld YME LOC.

Captain Jessmai Falcorius suppressed the surge of apprehension as the two escorting Eldar destroyers pulled high and wide from their flanking positions on the Space Marine vessel. They had sat, 1000 kilometers on the flank for the last hour, since they had been detected, not communicating, only acknowledging the coded message he has sent them at first contact. The contents of the message he didn't know, but he had a feeling it was all that kept him alive for the last hour. Wrath of the Faithful carried the full 8th Battalion in her hull, Falcorius`s 1st company among them. The Battalions armor was still aboard the Elysian navy transports that remained behind in the Orbit of a small moon, 10 hours away. The rest of the Battalion fleet was also there, leaving the flagship on this lonely mission. " Make contact with the Eldar of Craftworld Yme-Loc" That had been the extent of his instruction from the Legion second in command. But then, given the relationship between the 8th Battalion and the rest of the Legion, Falcorius mused he was lucky that he had even gotten that much out of Force Colonel Clavius. The 8th Battalion was the only battalion not afflicted by the Primarchs genetic defect. That was simply because they didn't bear the Primarchs Geneseed. Falcorius didn't know the full story of why that was so, but he knew that the rest of the Judicators looked down on his fellow marines. No "true Judicator" would ever accept a transfer to the 8th, and likewise. It was a case of a legion divided against those who it felt were not its brothers. Not that that mattered in battle, Falcorius knew. In battle, Judicator was Judicator, no matter who's Primarch your gene father was.

" Status, Terminator Captain."

The dry whispery voice that spoke those words belonged to the Battalion Master. Tyfugen Kalos. Despite himself, Falcorius shuddered inside his armor.

" Approaching Eldar Craft World., Master. Shall I secure a honor guard to the Thunderhawks for your conveyance to the Alien Vessel?"

"Negative. Dreadnought 666 will remain on Flagship. Terminator Captain Falcorius will lead mission to Eldar Vessel."

"Master, I am hardly qualified."

"Carry out designated orders."

" Yes Battalion Master."

That was the problem with having a dreadnought as Battalion Master, Falcorius mused as he trooped through the hall leading to the lift that would take him to ThunderHawk bay one. Kalos could be maddeningly inflexible at times. Still, he was the Battalion Master, and his orders were to be followed.











Laertes

Segmentum Pacificus. Same time.

There is a common misconception that Tactical Dreadnought Armor is slow. Certainly when compared to Power armor, Marines in Terminator armor are a modicum slower, but compared to a human, they are still fast. The men fleeing the armored marines obviously thought they could out run the Terminators. Ten minutes later, they realized they couldn't. That's when they decided to fight. Sergeant Grollard had orders to capture the members of the Laertes rulership for interrogation. The thing about these orders was that, no one had told him how many of them to capture or the condition they had to be in, once captured. Newly promoted, on his first major mission, Sergeant Grollard lifted his Stormbolter and sighted on the last two fleeing men. The twin-barreled weapon barked; a staccato roar that hurled a cluster of explosive bolts on a low path that scythed the feet from the last two runners. Their bleeding bodies collapsed to the ground, and the Terminator ran past, leaving the two for the follow up team to collect. Three more fugitives dressed in the rich robes of Imperial officials stood, fifty feet away, laspistols in fists, firing away at the incoming juggernaut. LasPistol bolts spranged off the suit, as Grollard dropped his stormbolter and lifted his powerfist. Behind his helmet, the Judicator smiled. The powerfist smashed into the head of the tallest man, his robes marking him as an Adeptus Arbites commander. The enhanced gauntlet crushed his upper body to a bloody pulp as Grollard squeezed, lifted and dropped the twitching carcass. Grollard turned to the next man, but both him and his companion were on their knees, begging for their lives.

" Team Grollard, Report." The Sergeant called over the Team Net.

" Squad Aguis, Annex secure."

"Squad Parius, Hanger Secure"

" Thunderhawk Strike in Darkness, airway is clear"

" Land Raider Lighting Justice, Palace entrance secure."

Grollard checked his Sensorium. The other members of his squad were assisting the Imperial Guard Platoon in rounding up the last of the Laertes Ruling council. The operation was over. One of the captives was screaming at Nugan as the Terminator manhandled him over to the Chimera that would take them back to the waiting Thunderhawk. Grollard walked over, unclipping his helmet as he did so.

"....I will have your heads!" the man was ranting. He wore a red robe with the seal of the Inquisition on the shoulders and lapel." You marines have no right to do this! Laertes is not your purview! You have no right here! We have done nothing wrong!" Grollard made a signal for Nugan to stop. Then he dropped to one knee, bringing himself to eye level with the ranting inquisitor. The man subsided, mouth snapping shut like a trap.

" If you have done nothing wrong, Inquisitor" Grollard said softly, "Why did you run?"

Strike Cruiser Avenger Orbiting Laertes

Captain Claudius was deep in prayer when the door to his quarters opened. He turned to find Celestian Brody standing there.

" My apologies for the Interruption" the Celestian said, bowing, " but Commander Kilane sent me to tell you that a Dark Angel Strike Cruiser, Force of Absolution has just arrived in system. She does not respond to our hails, and has launched 4 Thunderhawks. The Gunships are heading toward the planet."

Claudius was on his feet before the Celestian was finished. He had heard of the Dark Angels, their agenda that only they knew, and their methods of carrying that agenda.

" Inform Sergeant Grollard to consolidate his Team and prepare to evacuate the planet" Claudius ordered. " I don't want our forces caught in the wake of the Dark Angels and their mission."

Judicator Fortress.

Elysia

Same day

Flanked by her honor guard of Battle sisters, the Prioress of the Orders Militant of the Adeptus Soritas marched up the aisle toward the presence of the Primarch. Her helm was raised, allowing her white hair to spill out over the back of the ruby red cape she wore and the upper part of her Ebony and red Armor. The Prioress's piercing blue eyes surveyed all before her, the massive figures of the Dreadnoughts and Terminators flanking the aisle, The Primarch standing at the end, his honor guard in their cursed heraldry, and next to him, her subordinate, head cast down, in proper abeyance of her presence.

" Welcome Prioress." The Primarch greeted her, saluting her in imperial fashion, " welcome to Elysia."

" I bid you thanks, Lord Primarch," The Prioress replied smoothly, returning the gesture. " It is good that I can finally find my self in the presence of one of the Emperors sons."

Krosfyah nodded graciously, observing the woman before him. The Prioress was tall, perhaps 6 feet in height, and she wore the foolish and ineffective armor that the Soritas favored, trimmed in red with the Imperial eagle on the left shoulder pad. A Master crafted boltpistol sat on her left side and a similarly crafted force sword hung in a scabbard on her right. She had the Eyes of a warrior, the Primarch noted as he turned away to signal Trask to dismiss the honor guard, but he could tell that there was a deeper reason to her presence here.

"Prioress, Will you consent to join me at a Banquet tonight in honor of Canoness Savitch`s Sisters?" Krosfyah inquired. The Prioress looked struck for a second and then she nodded in the affirmative.

" I would be honored, Primarch, but for the moment, I have matters to discuss with Canoness Savitch, and I crave you leave to begin the audience."

" By all means. The Canoness can conduct you to your quarters, and I will be at your disposal." That said, the Judicator bowed, and walked off into a side passageway, two squads of Terminators automatically falling into place next to him. The Prioress watched him go, then turned and made a gesture to her guard.

"Leave us"

The Celestian in charge of the guard nodded and made a sharp hand movement, leading the Guard off to a position to await their commander.

" Walk with me Aiesha" the prioress intoned. Savitch fell into place as the older woman headed out of the hall, off toward the Balcony.

" Give me a status report." The Prioress began.

" Of the company of Battle Sisters assigned to my command, 6 Squads were lost in battle on Weald against cultists and Chaos Marines." Savitch replied with out a tremor in her voice. " Replacements totaled 4 Squads and 12 vehicles, and since then we have lost 28 sisters in battle, and 9 in accidents. At present, our strength stands at 6 companies at full strength and assigned to operations with our brother marines. The Judicator Techmarines have graciously donated almost a company of Razorback Armored vehicles of the Scylla variant, armed with Flamer and Multi Melta to our force, which proved invaluable during our operations with the Imperial Fists 3 months ago on the Hive World Logenz"

" What have the Marines sought in return?"

"Prioress?" Savitch queried, " I understand not the Question" " There have been rumors, On terra," the Prioress said, turning to face her subordinate, " that the reason the Marines support your Order so readily, because you have allowed your sisters....physical relations with Battle Brethren."

Savitch went white for a second but controlled her anger. When she replied, it was in the disciplined tone of an Imperial Officer.

" No Prioress. There is no truth to these rumors. If you wish, I will subject myself and my forces to detailed Interrogation to satisfy both yourself, and those who question the faith and chastity of my Soritas."

" Your tone is needlessly curt, Alyssa" the Prioress replied," but such measures will not be needed. I doubt not the chastity, devotion or faith of your Soritas, and even as we speak, 2 more companies are enroute to

Elysia to bring your numbers up to 1000 Sisters. Also, Canoness Alberta of the Order of the Valorous Heart and Canoness Isabella of the Argent shroud are both on their way here with 5 companies each, They will be assigned her indefinitely, and will be sharing our Abbey."

"It will have to be expanded" Savitch said, "but that is easily done, if I give the orders now"

"Then do so" The Prioress said. She looked out at the vista sprawling below the fortress walls. In one of the courtyards, a company of Judicators went through close combat drills with Chainswords, their Blood Angel instructor casting a critical eye on their motions.

" What are your thoughts on them?" the Prioress inquired. " Their valor is undisputed, their Bravery undaunted." Savitch replied. " Their devotion to the savior Emperor is without question. They are cursed, and blessed at the same time."



The Eye of Terror Base World of Abbadon the Despoiler

Darkness steeped his surroundings. It touched his skin, whispered to his heart, and lay behind his eyes. He didn't sleep because to be awake was to be surrounded by the darkness all the same. Eight feet tall, weighing close to a ton without his Terminator armor, and near to two tons with it, the man sat on a throne of blood red Brass. His pale skin glowed faintly in the poor light of the chamber, giving him a luminescent look. A huge sword stood next to the chair, its blade pulsing with ethereal fire. The Man's mind was wandering, as it often did, to another time, eons before. In specific to an orbital Battle Barge over a planet he had once called home.



***Flash Back***

Horus`s Flagship Orbiting Terra

The Stormbolter shell caught the Imperial Fist Veteran in the throat and blew his head off his shoulders in a Spray of ceramite, blood and brains. The yellow armored figure dropped straight down, the uplifted Thunderhammer that had been poised to crush his killer crashing impotently into the wall. Abbadon laughed. The Terminator captain ducked back around the bulkhead, as return fire sunk impotently into the walls of the Barge. Around him lay the bodies of his command squad, killed by the desperate press of Loyalist Terminators. Only their commander remained, and he laughed. Abbadon stepped around the corner, bringing his right arm around to bear on the incoming Blood Angel Terminators. Slung from the vambrace was a long barreled assault weapon, a Reaper Auto cannon. Abbadon however had long modified the twin-barreled weapon with a flamer replacing the underslung barrel. It was this weapon he trigged, a hail of heavy slugs tearing through the upper torso of the Lead Blood Angel,and the flamers hellish blast engulfing the next Terminator behind him. Still Abbadon laughed. The 1st Company commander spun around to cover the other hallway. His Stormbolter spat death at the two Imperial Fists that had ventured towards his position, One took hits in the chest and went down, the other ducked and twisted out of sight, blood spraying down his armor from a hit in the side of his chest. And Still Abbadon Laughed.

" Come one Cowards!" the Son of Horus commanded bellowed into the Suddenly quiet hallway, " Come out, and die, you pathetic weaklings!"

Behind him lay the Battle Barge's bridge. Within in waited his commander, his lord. His father. It was his duty to prevent Loyalists from reaching the bridge before Horus was ready. He would carry that duty out. None would pass! And Abbadon laughed. Within the Bridge, Abbadon knew, Horus was engaged with the Winged Primarch of the Blood Angels. In his wisdom the Warmaster had separated the Angel of Baal from his troops, to appeal to his true nature, for were the Blood Angels not renowned as masters of close combat? Were they not second only to Angrons World Eaters for sheer ferocity? But the attempt had failed. From his mindlink to his father Abbadon could see that Sanguinus had refused the Warmasters offer. He caught flashes of the Duel as the wounded Sanguinus died by his father's hand. And still Horus laughed.

" Blood Angels!"

the Terminator Captain shouted. The Blood Angel terminators would have felt their Father's death scream, and a little taunting should be enough to goad them into rash action.

" Your pretty little Birdman is dead! Such is the Fate of all who oppose the NEW emperor of mankind!"

The roar came from his left, and Abbadon turned in surprise to see Two Imperial Fists Terminators, both armed with Lighting Claws charging in his direction. Abbadon swung the reaper around, and blasted one yellow armored Veteran apart with a hail of Explosive shells. The second Imperial Fist, with the name Alexandr emblazoned on his right should pad threw himself out of the path of the shells, and caromed off the wall. He swung at Abbadon, and the son of Horus brought his arm up to protect his unhelmed head. The Claws tore the autocannon apart, and ignited the flamer fuel. A Ball of flame surrounded the two terminators and when it dissipated, Abbadon stood, Power Sword and Storm bolter at the ready facing the Imperial fist Veteran. " Come Loyalist." Abbadon taunted, " Come on my fine Canary, Come and die" Alexandr attacked in the classic close combat style of a Terminator fitted with Lighting claws, short sweeps, and slashes, alternating with Lunges, as the Loyalist terminator kept advancing. It was an attack calculated to give his opponent no space to use his Stormbolter or sword, and it was effective. Except that Horus had developed it, and taught it to all the other marines, and Abbadon knew how to counter it. As the Imperial Fist swung his left arm in a backhand swipe, Abbadon stepped into the arc of the blow, bringing his Stormbolter up to pin the Left arm claws against the bulk head. Then he slashed off the right arm claws before they could slice him in two, and brought his sword around in a fearsome blow that tore the Loyalist's armored head off his shoulders. Abbadon watched the decapitated carcass drop to the ground. Taking a step forward he arched his neck and spat onto the Imperial Eagle. And still Abbadon laughed. He was still laughing as he struck out psychically to explode the minds of the two Blood Angel Terminators behind him. As their Bodies hit the floor, Abbadon continued laughing. A sound behind him made him turn, and for the first time, the laughter died. Striding towards him, a great silver sword in hand was a figure in Terminator armor. Slightly shorter than Horus, the warrior approached, and as he did so, waves of Psychic power emanated from him. Abbadon had to fight an urge to kneel in his presence.

" Terminator Captain Abbadon!" The Emperor said as he drew near. " I seek your master, to answer for his crimes on this Barge and on Terra. Tell me where he is, NOW!"

" You do not command me, Weakling!" Abbadon sneered, " Like my Father I have mastered Chaos! You will serve our reign! Drop to your knees like the Dog you are and worship my father!"

That said, Abbadon raised his sword and charged. It felt like every nerve of his body was on fire. Dimly he was aware that he wasn't moving, caught in the vortex of the power of the Emperors mind. And Abbadon stopped laughing. And started screaming.

"SLIENCE" the Emperor roared " Silence you Filthy Traitor! I will not waste my time, MANKINDS time to fight you! You are beneath my contempt! I have fought Orks with more worthiness than you! Now GET OUT OF MY WAY!"

With a quick gesture the Emperor hurled Abbadon`s body into the wall and then into the opposite wall. The Terminator Captain felt his ribs shatter inside the armor as he rebounded off onto the ground. Through waves of pain he forced himself into a kneeling position, only to meet the Emperor's boot in his face. The force of the kick hurled him on his back meters away. When he opened his eyes he saw the master of mankind towering above him, a white glow surrounding his body.

" Run Abbadon" The Emperor growled, his eyes glowing with barely controlled power. " Run far away, and never return"

Abbadon ran. As he ran he never saw the Emperor blow open the doors to the bridge and charge inside. He never heard the despair and rage as he called the name of his favored son.

"HORUS!" ***End Flashback***

Abbadon, Warmaster of Chaos came back to reality with a low moan. The humiliation of that day still rankled in his mind, driving him further and further into madness. He had abandoned his father, and moreover he had deserted his post. He was to blame for Horus`s Death. No, the voice whispered in his mind. Horus was a fool, you are the true favored of Chaos If you are the true favored of chaos, then why were you unable to so much as touch the Emperor when you met him? "I am the favored of Chaos" Abbadon muttered.

Then, Abbadon, despoiler of worlds, Bane of the Imperium. Why was Horus able to nearly kill the Emperor and you ran whimpering from his presence? Abbadon roared, smashing his fist on the armrest of the throne. The frenzied blow shattered the iron rest to dust. The throne went over and the massive Black armored figure stood. One hand reached out and plucked the massive sword out of its resting position. Abaddon swung the feared blade in a short, Savage arc, and the Throne shattered apart. The Door to the chamber flew open, and the towering figure of Mortarion, Primarch of the Death Guard Legion entered. Demon Scythe in hand, The Daemon Primarch surveyed his erstwhile commander.

" Your Orders, Warmaster?" Mortarion inquired in his monotone whisper of a voice. " I have no orders for you!" Abaddon shouted. " Why have you entered my quarters unbidden?"

Any ordinary underling would have fled for their life, but Mortarion was Primarch of the Death Guard, and mostly dead himself. His emotions had long been submerged under the pain of being the master of pestilence, and all that remained was an emotionless, fearless automaton.

" I entered because of the commotion." The Death Guard Commander replied. " I was on my way to report that our fleet stands ready to move at your disposal. My legion as well as Alpharius`s 6th Division has been Embarked on our transports. We move for Cadia at your command."

The Dull voice cut through the waves of doubt and self-loathing that had engulfed Abbadon. His plan was ready. Now he could prove that he was the One favored of Chaos.

" The order is given Primarch" Abbadon replied. " Let the Crusade commence"

The Cadian Gate. Near the Eye of Terror

The Cadian gate is the most strategic part of space in the Imperium. Guarding this narrow corridor of space is over 500 ships of the Imperium navy, and two full Space Marine Chapters. Like most Imperial Forces, they are rotated frequently. On this day, the Fleet is commanded from the deck of the Imperator Class Defense station Royal Fortitude, by Admiral Kurt Halleck. At his command Halleck had 550 ships, including 20 Mars class Battle Cruisers and 10 Emperor Class Battleships and over 100 Strike Cruisers from both the Angels of Vigilance and Executioners Chapter Fleets. The Ships were deployed in Task forces orbiting each of the Planets in the system. Despite the high alert of all Fleets near the Gate, When space yawned open and vomited the first units of the Chaos fleet, the Imperials were still caught looking the wrong way. Fire From the Despoiler Class Battleship War and Pestilence shattered the Hull of the Mars Class Battle Cruiser Faith and Piousness. As the Stricken Imperial Warship spun away, her Cobra class escorts darted ahead to deliver their Torpedo Loads to the Chaos Ships. The Faiths Sistership, the Will of the Savior Swiftly targeted the Pestilence and launched her own Weapons. Armageddon class Cruisers swept in, closing the leading Chaos ships, and within minutes the space around the ninth planet was filled with masses of ships battling for leverage. But the Chaos fleet numbered in the Thousands, and the Imperials were surely, but surely overwhelmed. Still, they fought valiantly.

Elysia Judicator Fortress Base 3 Days after the Initial Chaos Push.

The Wail of the Battle alarm jolted every Judicator from his rest. There was no hurry, no running. Each Marine took his time, donning his armor, and then heading to the Chapel for prayers. In the command center, The Primarch stood in the center of the room, eyes closed, waiting for the report from the Astropath. It was not long in coming.

" Chaos has breached the Cadian gate. They move towards Cadia. The Defense Fleet reports severe losses, but they are fighting on."

The stooped old man reported. " Master Kalistus of the Executioners Chapter is calling for support."

" Thank you old friend." Krosfyah said, resting a concerned hand on the Psykers shoulder. " Go rest now, let the young ones handle the situation now."

The aged Psyker nodded and turned to go, two tactical marines on either side. Krosfyah looked up at the assembled officers of his command.

" Available deployments, Nius?" Force Colonel Cardell stepped over to the holodisplay. He touched his fingers to the glowing blocks and printed information scrolled up the screens. " Battalions 1 through 8 are at full readiness. Battalions 9 through 15 are at 80% readiness. The Legion is ready to deploy."

"Very well." The Primarch said. " I must go to Terra to speak to the High Lords. Until I return, hold the Line, Judicators."

Space. In the Cadian Gate 5 Days after Chaos Incursion

The Strike Cruiser gyrated, seeking to evade the waves of Dreadclaw assault boats launched from her pursuer. Her wounded Engines strained, trying to force the damaged hull to safety. Martyr's Sacrifice was the Last. The sole survivor of the Executioner Chapter Fleet, the Cruiser had fought in each of the four battles for the Cadian Gate thus far. She had received her orders to flee even as the last Battle Barge Uncontested will and Faith trigged her warp engines in the midst of the Traitor Troopships, taking five mammoth hulks with her. Her sacrifice cut in half the Chaos Forces bound for Cadia, but still left 14000 Imperial Guardsmen and 677 marines facing over 200,000 Chaos Minions. Point Defense fire tore through the closest Dreadclaw pod, dumping the remains of its cargo of Chaos warriors into the void. The Cruiser kept maneuvering, not giving up even as three more pods attached themselves to the hull and their cargo of Burnt brass armored berserkers began bludgeoning their way through the hull. There would be no relief for the Imperial Forces on Cadia. Not yet at least.

Holy Terra Imperial Palace 22 days after Chaos Invasion.

The Doors to the Council Chambers opened and the hulking form of a space marine Dreadnought Strode through the doors. Wearing the gold sigil of the 2nd Legion the war machine came to a halt 4 meters from the door, a position which allowed its Assault cannon and Stormbolters to cover the entire council. But it never raised its weapons, instead the Cyborg spoke.

"My lords, Primarch Janus Krosfyah is here to address you."

As the Dreadnought fell silent, Krosfyah walked into the room. He did not salute the twelve lords, instead coming up short and facing them.

" A chaos Crusade ravages the Cadian Gate." The Primarch began without preamble. " The Imperial Navy Fleet is hard pressed and the forces in the system are heavily besieged. What are your provisions to meet this crisis?"

" You forget your self, Lord Primarch" Lord Vinner sneered, you not just barge in here and.."

Vinners speech was interrupted by the harsh sound of the Primarchs Lighting claws snapping down out of the top of the gauntlet. " Be silent, Vinner" the dark visaged Primarch growled. " You risk my ire. I ask again, what steps has the High Lords taken to protect the Imperium from the Despoiler?"

" We are moving Imperial Guard Regiments to reinforce Cardia," Lord Arus said, "and the Black Templar chapter has mobilized to hit the chaos flank." Krosfyah nodded. "Nevertheless," Arus continued, "Surely you know that it takes between eight and ten weeks to muster Imperial Guard regiments, Primarch The defending forces will have to hold on until they are relieved."

" If the case was merely the Chaos Forces in Cadia, I would be mollified," Krosfyah replied, " but this invasion is far more wide spread." The Primarch turned away, signaling the Dreadnought. Anton made a beckoning gesture with his left arm, and a Tech marine and three servitors entered the council room, carrying a holomap projector. They set the instrument down on the floor and activated it, bringing up a display of the Imperium. The Chaos invasion Force was a red arrow pulsing through Cadia, but there were other red pinpricks erupting throughout the imperial held regions of space.

" Over the last months, Judicator forces have stamped out multiple pockets of Chaos and cult activities. My senior officers have concluded that there is at least a brigade of Alpha Legion special warfare troops fermenting disunity within the borders of the Imperium."

The Council exploded in a storm of shouting voices.







Cadia Chaos Invasion Plus 23

Master Jerome Kallistus wiped the sweat off his face with one hand. The other one ended at the wrist, a gift from the whirling axe of a Khrone Berzerker. Wearily the Executioner commander looked around him at the 12 survivors of the 1st company. They all looked back, their faces lean and hungry. Less than 200 of the chapters Battle Brethren remained. In the last 22 days the chapter had taken horrible losses from the blood mad warriors of Kharn the betrayer, falling back constantly, killing more than they lost, but always retreating. Now there was nowhere else to go. Chaos controlled the skies, and they had no compunction about bombarding their own forces to kill Imperials. That was how Captain Ivor`s 5th company had been destroyed, bombed from orbit as it was locked in action with renegade armor. Too the left, Kallistus could see the grim faced soldiers of the Cadian Storm Trooper Division that had been assigned to hold this sector of the fragile line that surrounded the last spaceport still in Imperial hands. The conduct of the Cadians had been beyond reproach in this campaign. They had fought toe to toe with the Berserkers, never giving ground, dying to the last man. The chapter master took purchase on his sword as he got to his feet. The wound to his wrist was sealed over, but the fresh one he had received in the battle two days earlier hurt terribly, and his advanced Physiology wasn't dealing with it.

" Master, are you well?" The question came from his ancient, Standard Bearer Lorimar. The scout had been promoted to the prestigious position when he had slain a chaos dreadnought as it attempted to tear the Chapters standard from the dying hands of the former ancient, Kormal. Kallistus looked up and smiled wearily.

" As long as I serve the emperor, I am always well" the Chapter master replied, then changed the subject. " What of the defenses?"

" Colonel Javier reports that he has shortened his lines by placing Armored Fist Platoons in Sectors Iota A and Iota B. In those narrow confines his Chimera's and Russ tanks will be lethal against the Khronate horde, until they are overrun, and then he has a penal Battalion to plug the gap. Beyond that.nothing has changed Master."

Kallistus nodded slowly, running his good hand over the blade of his force Sword. " Call the Chaplin" the Chapter master ordered. " Let us prepare ourselves."







Eldar CraftWorld YME -LOC Operating with Judicator 8th Battalion Fleet

Farseer Fayldean closed his eyes, allowing the tide of the futures to wash over him. In meditation he sought the answers that plagued him, and the strategy he would employ in the up coming operations. Working alongside the Mon-Keigh was normally unheard of for the warriors of Yme Loc. Among the smallest of craftworlds, they kept out of the path of all, save their brother Eldar. However, as the tomes said, there was a debt of blood between the Warriors of Fir Ulandweethwe- Warriors of Indomitable Will and the Judicators of the 8th. Eons ago, The 8th Battalion had been all but destroyed by dark Eldar raiders on the planet Bargel, until the arrival of the Yme Loc forces. They had driven off the Dark Eldar, and rescued the scarcely 100 survivors out of a full strength battalion of 1000, then, unsure of what to do with the humans, because at the same time the Judicator 1st Battalion was mounting an assault on the Saim-Hann Craft world, Farseer Hardeen had gone to the aid of his brother Eldar, intending to use the remnants of the 8th as hostages to force the Judicators to call of their attack. That had not occurred. Caught in a warp eddy for 122 years, the close proximity of the Marines and the legendary beauty of the Eldar women had had a profound effect. By the time, YME-LOC arrived in Elysian space to deliver the survivors of the 8th as a show of good faith; the Judicator\Eldar treaty had been in force for over 100 years. Of the 89 original survivors of the 8th, 79 had fathered children with Eldar women, and these Children bore the gene markers of Both Eldar and Marine. They had serves as the base on which the battalion was rebuilt. The Farseer continued to skrye, seeking the way to accomplish the mission that his brothers had bought him.

Invasion Day 30 Segmentum Pacificus

The Red Corsair Fleet consisted of 3 Murder heavy cruisers; a single Despoiler Class Battleship and 12 Slaughter class Light Cruisers. Its mission was to deliver supplies to the Alpha Legion Battalion operating in the Segmentum. After making the warp jump in system, the Chaos commander expected a leisurely run to the meeting point. After all, the imperium was not reacting with any kind of speed to the threat of Alpha Legion forces within its borders. Already, Alpharius`s legion had taken 14 worlds in the segmentum, 11 without firing a shot. As it cleared the gravity well of the Planet Udemor, the Small fleet was suddenly beset by a imperial Fleet, 5 Marine Strike Cruisers, 7 Fury Class Frigates, and two Mars Class Battle Cruisers. They appeared from aft, made a single concentrated firing pass, and burned out system as fast as they could. Furious at the loss of two of his powerful Heavy cruisers, the Red Corsair commander gave chase, intending to wipe out the loyalists. Less than an hour later, his fleet was destroyed by 6 waves of Bombers from the Imperial Carriers Intrepid and Gallant Martyr followed by attacks from the Ultramarine Fleet led by the Battlebarge Maxumius Rex

Cadia Dusk, Invasion Day 30

The attack came out of the thinning mists, thousands of brass armored World Eater berserkers storming toward the undermanned Imperial Lines. Grim faced Stormtroopers hunkered in their holes and leveled their bolters as the few remaining Basilisks and bombards began to hurl their payloads of high explosives into the horde. The Cadian troops in the center of the line opened fire when the Chaos Traitors were less than 200 meters away. They had fought on Elysia against the Tryannid invasion and had Hellfire ammunition in abundance. This they fired into the charging Berzerkers, killing hundreds in seconds. The Charge faltered, and then Hellhound and Thudd Guns lashed them with fire. Still, they came on, crashing into the Imperial lines, with the chilling and familiar battle cry.

"BLOOD FOR THE BLOOD GOD!!"

The Storm Bolter clicked on empty and Kallistus discarded the weapon and drew his sword in one move. He brought his injured left arm, the one bearing a Storm Shield up, and blocked a chain sword away from his face, and slashed with his right. The Force sword tore through the Berserker's chest, opening his Putid insides to the air. Kallistus whirled away, slashing, weaving and cutting, his moves a ballet of death, as the Executioner Chapter Master and his guard carved their way through the center of the traitor line. Behind them came the last of the Chapters Dreadnoughts, Luther, Malcolm, and Dorian, their Assault cannons and Flamers slicing through the blood crazed traitors. Kallistus ducked under an axe swipe and disemboweled his opponent with a swift blow. As he came to his feet, bringing his Storm Shield down in a vicious, short arc that shattered the face of World Eater Marine. Then he saw him.

"Kharn!"

Kharn the Betrayer had faced the Executioners Chapter twice before. Once aboard a derelict space hulk, the Betrayer had killed 7 Terminators before with drawing from contact. 78 years later on Fulear IV, he had fled in disarray as Captain Kallistus of the third Company had led the repulse of his forces. The two warriors faced each other amid the swirling chaos of battle.

Judicator Flagship Warspite. Orbiting Elysia Triax

Around the giant warship, 600 ships, three full Imperial Fleets assembled. Comprised of warships from 4 sector commands, and 8 marine chapters, the force carried 4 Imperial Corps, and the full strength of the White Counsuls, Red Counsuls, and Crimson Fist Chapters. Their Destination was the Segmentum Pacificus. The Alpha legion had shown itself, along with the Death Guard. The Blood Angels and Ultramarines had already mobilized and were en route, but the Judicators were bringing the main force.

Warspite Command Deck

Inquisitor Debeers had never seen The Judicator Primarch as a tactician. But looking at him now, he understood why the records noted him as a master strategist, on a par with Gulliman and Horus.

" Alpharius has over stressed him self." Krosfyah said, as he stared at the Holomap, " He still is eager to prove himself, and takes unnecessary risks. By dividing his forces he has left a gap in his lines."

" Where is the Gap? Master Burnett of the Red Counsuls inquired. " I see no gap, from your projections all I see is a line of Alpha Legion Forces."

"Most of the planetary insurrections are cultists," Krosfyah clarified. "Its how he operates, leaving a company at most to oversee the operations of thousands of irregulars" The Judicator smirked. "General Sigel will clean them out, Planet by Planet, but the Key, the main concentration of Traitor forces will be on this planet." One armored finger stabbed out, causing ripples on the Holomap. "Keldis Ultimus"

"Why there" Master Hurroc of the White Counsuls asked. " Because it anchors the flank of the Death Guard Legion." Krosfayah replied. " Mortarion is a very rigid Tactician- he will not move unless it's a slow plodding move, smashing each of our deployments one by one. If we hit Keldis Ultimus, destabilize Mortarions flank as Dante and Calgar hit the left at Tomail Drift, I am willing to bet that we can stop this part of the crusade here."

" Any news from Cadia?" General Sigel inquired. " Contact was lost 2 days ago" Krosfayh replied. " Master Pugh is leading 4 Chapters and two Corps of Imperial Guard to relieve the planet as we speak, but for our Brothers in the Executioners, It may be too late."

Cadia. Invasion Day plus 39

A light rain was falling, washing the blood from the shattered armor. Bone weary Imperial Guard troops sat on wrecked Leman Russ Battle Tanks, staring dully into the gloom at the dull row of earth that marked the World Eater line. For thirty-nine days, the Imperial Guard and the Executioner Chapter had resisted the press of World Eater forces. Over 8000 Imperial Troops had died thus far, taking in the process over 30,000 Traitors with them. These 6000 survivors had faced the most ferocious Traitor forces in known history, and forced them to do something that they had never done before. Entrench. The Battle would go on.