The Second Legion Part Seven

" Rites of Battle"

The Imperial Palace. Terra 2 Weeks after the Retreat from Keldis

Primarch Krosfyah stood before the dais in the center of the room, his face betraying none of the pain that coursed through his body. The spasms were coming faster and faster now, and the drugs that had been defeating them were running short. The only thing that seemed to be in heavy supply were the sedatives, and he disliked using them as they made him sleepy and dulled his senses. And he needed his wits about him now.

" Hydraphur is indefensible!" Vinner was shouting. " Withdrawing the fleet to the Terran System is the only way to provide credible dissuasion to the Chaos forces that threaten Mars and Jupiter!"

" If we withdraw from Hydraphur," Logan Grimnar countered, "we give the heretics our largest naval base, all the equipment and supplies to equip two whole Marine Chapters, as well as the ships in its repair docks. Withdrawal from Hydraphur must not be attempted."

" But can we hold Hydraphur?" Lord Arus questioned, his eyes on the Judicator as he gripped the edge of the dais in his armored gauntlet. " The Angels of Absolution and the Mantis Warriors are below 40% strength, and the two Imperial Guard Corps that were assigned to Hydraphur exist only in name now, and the Sisters of the Valorous Heart are barely at 50% strength. If we were to loose these units, Hydraphur would still fall."

"Since the Salamanders destroyed the temple on Borales V last month, there has been a lessening in the number of cultist in the enemy forces." Marenus Calgar countered. " The 77th Mordian and Elysian 78th Corps are scheduled to reinforce Hydraphur within the week, followed by the Crimson Fists a week after. The ships that bring them in will evacuate the garrison troops to Elysia for refit and rest. We must hold Hydraphur, and Bakka, to keep the Heretics in action, and give them no time to rest for another massive strike. If we do not, they will overwhelm our defenses."

Krosfyah ground his teeth as a particularly vicious spasm washed over his body. Next to him, Master Kahn of the White Scars cast a worried glance at the Judicator. "Are you well, Primarch?" Lord Arus inquired.

Krosfyah realized with a start that he had been gripping the edge of the dais so hard that he had shattered the metal rail. "I am well" Krosfyah replied, " I am merely concerned for my marines."

" Your Marines are the emperors servants," Vinner commented. "Their lives are his to spend." " My Marine's lives are mine" Krosfyah snarled," My father gave them to me 10,000 years ago, and I care for them still"

Sensing the confrontation could escalate, Logan Grimnar interjected. " Primarch, perhaps you should check on the latest situation reports from Argus" Krosfyah nodded and turned away. No one could mistake the effort he put into each step, not the pain it extracted from him.

Argus Segmentum Obscurius 8 Terran Days later

There was no light from the stars or the moon. The only light came from thundering bolters, and the lancing blasts of the Lascannons mounted on the 7th Battalion's Land Raider Excalibur's. The Emperors Children Predators of the 9th Company, out gunned, but not out numbered, surged around, trying to out flank the Judicator tanks to take advantage of their vulnerable broadside armor. Around the giant armored vehicles, Traitor Marines and Guard clashed with 7th Battalion and Space Wolf Marines. From the Turret of Force of Deliverance, command vehicle of the Battalion. Battalion Master Rennik Halgar cast a wary eye over the battlefield. Dust and smoke obscured the plain, making it difficult for gunners on the Marine tanks to spot their targets. Three Emperor's Children Predator Annihilators rolled out of the smoke, their turreted Lascannons swinging around to target the command squadron. Defiant Will, the number two Excalibur targeted the leader, shattering the Traitor vehicle in an incandescent fireball. The second Traitor tank fired back, and Armored Servant, the third Excalibur lurched to a halt, smoke pouring from its rear quarters. The rear ramp came down, and the squad of terminators dismounted, fanning out to cover the vehicle. Halgar ducked into the turret as the hull mounted hurricane bolters opened fire, sweeping a hail of explosive bolts a foot off the ground towards the second Traitor Tank. Explosions erupted all over the hull of the Slannessh consecrated tank as it tracked up, bolter shells having torn off its pintle mounted stormbolter, and shattered its lights. On the ground, Judicator Marines surged forward to engage the traitors in close combat. Bolters changed from ranged weapons to clubs as Judicator fought Emperors Children in the darkness of the Argusian night. Veteran Sergeant Mikal slipped in the ashy ground, going down on one knee and swinging his right arm up to block the furious down stroke from the traitor before him. Powersword and Force Sword met in a shower of sparks, both combatants staggering back with the force of their blows. Mikal recovered slower than the Traitor Marine, accepting a deep cut across the breastplate of his armor, as he recovered. All around them, Marines battled in the darkness, as giant Armored vehicles hurled fire at each other. A Space Wolf Predator lurched sideways, flame gouting from a shell strike on its turret, its crew bailed out, as the Predators secondary ammunition ignited, and the vehicle brewed up. A Squad of Terminators bounded towards a traitor Predator, lightening claws flashing as they rended through its armor. As the shattered vehicle lurched to a halt the Terminator Sergeant directed his men to engage a squad of Traitors as they moved to flank a disabled Excalibur. Stormbolters chattered and thundered, and Noise Marines went down in twisting patterns.

1000 meters away, on a raised knoll, a giant figure hovered over the ground surveying the battlefield. Clad in Blue and gold Armor, a full head and shoulders above the Terminators in his retinue, Fulgrim, favored of Slannessh, Primarch of the Emperors Children surveyed the battle, a slight smile on his face. One hand caressed the hilt of his sword; the other caressed the head of his son. Barely a teenager, Mammon had already tasted battle in his father's retinue.

" Note how the Judicator marines and their armor function as one" Fulgrim instructed his son. " Observe the way the tanks cover their squads, even when disabled. Observe the weapons of the Judicators, My son, see how each squad is a perfectly balanced tool of war." The admiration in Fulgrims voice was evident. " Do not also discount the Space Wolves. Despite their berserker fighting style and generally bestial attitude, they are ferocious opponents and not to be underestimated."

" My Lord, you show admiration to the Servants of the False Emperor?" Lucius the Eternal, commander of the Warhost that included the 9th company, questioned from his position to the back and side. Without looking, Fulgrim made a gesture and Lucius drew a short ragged breath and his windpipe constricted. Fulgrim kept up the pressure, until Lucius fell to his knees hands raised towards his lord in supplication.

" Take heed, Lucius," Fulgrim said in his soft voice. " You live at my convenience. It is I who besot my patron to give you his gift of recurring life, and it is at my behest to take it away if you displease me. Do not doubt my admiration for my Brother. It is founded on the cold obsidian rock of Gethsemane."

***Flashback***

Two months had passed since the first Marine from the Emperors Children had landed on the dark planet. Two months had passed since the first bolter shell had blasted through the flesh of the first traitor. Since then, over 1500 marines had fallen in the name of the blessed Emperor. Primarch Fulgrim sat wearily on an empty ammunition box, his head in his hands. His formerly gleaming blue and gold armor was scarred and dented, having lost its lusture over the last sixty days of Battle. Two Months had passed since the first marine from the Judicators had landed on the planet. Two Months had passed since the first bolter shell had blasted through the flesh of the first traitor. Since then, over 1300 marines had fallen in the name of the blessed Emperor. Primarch Krosfyah sat wearily in the mud, leaning on Fulgrims side, his head in his hands. His formerly gleaming black, silver and red armor was now a dull color stained with grime and grease.

" I really thought we had their lines broken this time." Krosfyah muttered. " I don't see how a handful of abominations can man a defense line against the might of two Space Marine Divisions."

" We have underestimated them, Brother" Fulgrim replied. " We have thrown ourselves against their lines expecting our numbers to tell. Then enraged by out failure, both you and I have continued to hurl our men at them. I think we should think this situation through." " What do you suggest?" Krosfyah queried.

" Let us adjourn to my command vehicle to refresh ourselves, and think the situation through. In the mean time, our Artillery will continue to hammer their position- Let them be awake all night."

The two officers rose and walked towards the Land Raider. Passion of Battle was parked twenty meters away; its glossy hull marred by bolter strikes and the soot black mark of a defeated hunter Killer Missile strike. The Tactical Marine guarding the ramp came to attention and saluted as the two Primarchs stepped into the belly of the Land Raider.

It always amazed Krosfyah how different the command vehicle of the Emperors Children resembled a luxury dwelling rather than a command vehicle, even after two months of battle. The Troop bay's only concession to the role as command vehicle was the holodisplay and the constantly manned bank of communication Equipment. Fulgrim walked over to a low stool, sitting down and unclipping his Force Sword, resting the blue blade against the side of the Stool. A yeoman appeared from nowhere, helping his lord unhelm, and taking the power pack to be recharged. A second Yeoman brought over a gold tray of fruit and a glass of wine for the Primarch, placing it next to the stool. Fulgrim removed his gauntlets, placing them on a table, and picked up a bunch of grapes.

Krosfyah smiled and allowed a second yeoman to take his bolter. Unlike Fulgrim`s Power Armor, his Terminator Suit had an integral powerpack, and its batteries were nowhere near dry. Another Yeoman checked and reloaded the twin barreled Stormbolter on his left arm.

" Do you not grow tired of all this ceremony?" the Judicator queried. "Do you not long for the simple things in life?"

"Simple, Brother?" Fulgrim responded, " We are not simple beings, Janus. We are Primarchs, warriors of our Father. I feel that just the merest of luxury is acceptable, don't you?"

" You have gold worked into the armor of this vehicle, Fulgrim, that's a little more than just the merest of luxury, I would say."

" It defeats Traitor Sensors, Janus" Krosfyah smiled, shaking his head. "So how do we crack this problem?" The 2nd Legion commander asked, taking a proffered goblet of wine.

***End Flashback***

Fulgrim smiled gently as a Judicator Excalibur blew skyward, cored inward by a Traitor Obliterator. There had been a time, when the Judicators, Emperors Children, and Sons of Horus had been the Warmasters shock troops, opening holes for the World Eaters and Death Guard. But the malady that had crippled the legion had taken them out of the forces the Warmaster commanded. He had no regrets, and he enjoyed the thrill of battling a worthy foe.

" My lord, the Judicators have overwhelmed the Squads on the 9th`s left flank. Space Wolf squads are behind our lines and heading this way."

A hulking Terminator reported. Fulgrim turned in that direction, his enhanced eyesight barely able to make out the hulking shapes of Judicator Armor as it rolled through the overwhelmed position.

"Mammon, take three Squads of Terminators and hold the flank long enough for Lucius to withdraw his center." Fulgrim ordered. His son nodded, saluted his father with his saber, and fired his Jump pack to soar towards the breach. His Squads followed more sedately, their weapons reaching out in the darkness to seek their foes.

The Rock

Dark Angel Fortress

One Terran Month Later

Three Days from Terra, the fortress base of the Dark Angel Chapter, all that remained of the planet Caliban led a massive Imperial fleet towards the mother planet. Comprised of ships from Three Imperial Navy fleets, and Thirty Marine Chapters, under the overall command of Grand Master Azarel, this was the last reinforcement due to arrive in the home system. In his office on the fortress monastery of the Rock, Grand Master Azarel stood before the giant view port, looking out into space. The Dark Angels had pulled out from their holding positions in the Segmentum Majoris to lead this tactical withdrawal. He had not agreed with this, but had little choice. Holding indefensible positions in planets that the Traitors were content to besiege would loose the war. What Abbadon wanted, Azarel knew, was Terra. And Terra was not going to be an easy target to crack.

"Grand Master" " Yes Interrogator Chaplin" Asmodai walked out of the shadows into the light of the office. He bowed slightly, as Azarel waved him to a chair.

" Spueak, old Friend," the Chapter master bid his old friend. " We will reach Terra in three Days" the Chaplin began. " Do we remain to garrison the planet, or do we strike out against the traitor penetrations?"

" We remain on Terra at the Emperors side" the Azarel replied. " It is the will of the High Lords. When the Space Wolves arrive, there will be fifty chapters and one million Imperial Guard defending the Emperors throne. Abbadon can come then, and we will send his dammed soul back to the cursed Warp."

Fernis

Space Wolf Homeworld

8 Terran days later

The Giant Wolves stepped off the Thunderhawk, sniffing cautiously at the frigid air. Sensing no danger, they walked two meters further, and turned back to the Thunderhawk, whining quietly. Two Gigantic Terminators stepped off the ramp, moving to a position to cover the front of the gunship and the wolves. Behind them came a huge figure, as tall as a Terminator, but clad in power armor. A Great Fernisan Wolf Skull adorned his helmet, and he carried a giant blue white blade in one hand. The other hand bore a powerfist. A Bolt pistol, holstered at his hip, completed his arms. Wordlessly, he signaled the two Terminators to advance. With the great wolves leading, the giant and his guard of Terminators started up the winding track that led to the Fang, the Space Wolf fortress. The arrival of the Thunderhawk had not gone unnoticed. When Logan Grimnar had left Fernis for Terra with six of the 12 Great Companies, he had left the 4 garrison Companies in the care of Bjorn the Fell Handed. Blood Claw scouts had tracked the party as they made their way to the fortress, and the great dreadnought, as well as 6 squads of wolf Guard, backed by an Armored Squadron had sallied from the gates of the Fortress. Bjorn was the first to see them, his sensors playing over the image and matching it with the memories now stored in his Memory Core. The height was right, the walk was right. Wordlessly the Venerable Dreadnought walked forward from the ranks of his troops, motioning them to remain at the ready. The figure did the same, his guard stopping and coming to attention as their lord strode forward. The Living dreadnought stopped five feet from the man. For a second there was no sound, save the low thrumming of the Dreadnoughts Systems. The Marine stood still looking at the huge Warmachine before him. Then he unclipped and removed his helmet. For a second there was no sound from either, and then the Dreadnought lifted its lift weapon arm, the one bearing the Power fist. The Marine did the same, Power Fist meeting Power Fist in a gentle touch that sealed the future and past of the Space Wolf Legion. Bjorn howled, his audio amplifier echoing the sound over the icy plains of Fernis, the rest of the Space Wolf force took up the cry, chanting a single name in a roar that engulfed the mountains and seemed to shake the Fortress of the Wolf to its very foundations.

Russ had returned.

Makan

Judicator 6th Battalion

Same Time

The Iron Warrior Lord bellowed in rage as lasgun fire chewed half his face off. A wild swipe from his Power sword rent the offending guardsman in twain, and he turned to face his next opponent. Before he could bring his weapon up to protect himself, Battalion Master Barov stepped inside his guard and exploded his head with a single blow from his Thunderhammer. The giant Traitor fell back, jet-black blood spurting from the stump where his head had been. Barov trampled over the body, swinging his power fist in a short arc that hurled an Iron Warrior Tactical into the hull of a wrecked Predator, half his chest crushed to a bloody pulp. The plains of Makan had become a charnel house as the Judicator 6th Battalion, assisted by the 60th Elysian Armored Guard division smashed their way through the Iron Warriors Blood of Titanium Brigade, dug in outside the main Hive city. Barov had long since dismounted his Marines, leading them in a wave that swept over the Iron Warriors line.

" Masters of the Siege!!" the Battalion Master bellowed mockingly, firing his Storm bolter at a trio of Iron Warriors in a foxhole. "You cannot defend against the Judicators!"

He brought his Thunder Hammer down on the head of a traitor Havoc as he bounded past. One of the three Terminators in his guard triggered a Mine and vanished in a yellow flash, only to re appear a second later, armor blackened and pitted, but unhurt. Further out, Squadrons of Elysian Leman Russ Vanquishers intermixed with Leman Russ Conquerors swept through the low shrubbery, pouring through the gaps torn in the Traitor lines by 6th Battalion armor. Barov blocked a down stroke from an Obliterator, and struck out with the Thunder Hammer. The Traitor staggered back, his chest crushed, into the path of an Imperial Guardsman who triggered his flamer, engulfing the Chaos Spawn in a blaze of white heat. A Salvo of Stormbolter Fire finished the Traitor Off and Barov dropped to one knee next to the Imperial Guardsman, wearing the uniform of a lieutenant in the 60th Armored.

" What news from the front, Lieutenant?" Barov questioned as he handed the guardsman a spare Magazine from his Web gear. The Lieutenant accepted the magazine, and made his report. " Our lead Regiments have caught up with your Excalibur's half a mile beyond the last strong point we viewed from Orbit. General Kushov wished to meet with you at his forward CP. I am to guide you there." Barov smiled, and then swung his Power fist up, firing short bursts from the Auxiliary Storm bolter at an Iron Warrior Defiler. The monstrosity, attracted by the explosive shells pattering off its armor turned and leveled its Reaper autocannon at the Trio. Barov and guard bounded forward as the Daemon engine fired, its volley missing behind them. The Guard Lieutenant triggered his flamer and bathed the Defilers left side in purifying fire as Veteran Sergeant Lomar cleaved through its left leg with a power sword. Barov struck with the Thunder Hammer, shattering the left claw. The stricken Defiler lifted its left arm and struck Veteran Sergeant Momec a resounding blow that hurled the Terminator fifty meters away. A krak grenade blasted a fist size hole in the Defilers armor, as Veteran Sergeant Goman bounded onto the Chaos beast, jamming his assault cannon into the rent and triggering the weapon. A Frenzied Scream erupted from the beast thing and it collapsed, interior rent by the explosive shells. A Anti tank shell from an Iron Warrior Predator glanced off the frontal Armor of a Judicator Excalibur. The Excalibur fired back, its Anti Armor lasers punching through the Predators hull and exploding its engine. Less than a second later, a Hunter Killer missile punched through the Excalibur's already weakened frontal armor and transformed the vehicle into a flaming charnel house. Four flights of Judicator Thunder Hawks roared low over the battlefield, HellStrike missiles dropping off their racks to explode amongst the reinforcing Iron Warrior armored Vehicles. Hydra guns raked three down in bright bursts of light, their fiery wreckage exploding amongst the battling troops. On the heels of the Thunder Hawks came Elysian Marauder Destroyers, their heavy nose mounted cannons strafing the Iron Warrior positions. Smoke and debris marred the sky, darkening the battlefield. Dreadnought Meridian lumbered forward, his assault cannon blazing. Around him, the members of his company were fighting in a wedge, pressing towards their objective. Captain Varishnov led, Power Sword singing as it tore through traitor armor and putrid Flesh. Overhead, three full squadrons of Imperial Navy Thunderbolts dove through the darkening sky, their wings pregnant with bombs and rockets.

Eastern Sector of Battlefield

Terminator Sergeant Grollard, eased his bulk through the shrubbery as he neared the bunkers that marked the flank of the Traitor Line. Grollard and the 4 squads with him had been dispatched to penetrate the underground complex protected by those bunkers, seeking the ancient relic rumored to have been left there by Horus himself. Grollard lifted his left arm, signaling his team to halt. His Augury system probed the area, seeking life signs. None. Grollard dropped his hand, and continued making his way slowly towards the near bunker. Strung out behind him in a fighting line followed four more Terminators, a Squad of Devastators, another of Tacticals, and lastly, two complete squads of Elysian Rangers, the most proficient and deadly of the Regular troops in the Elysian Army. Grollard paused, consulting his auspex for a second. The ancient device was blank, but it had been fooled before. The young sergeant lifted his Storm Bolter, tracking it slowly over the scene before him. " Terminator Sergeant."

" I sense it too" Grollard whispered into his mic.

" Be alert."

Time stood still for just an instant as Grollard`s Auspex flashed to life. For once, the Marine responded as his old teacher had taught, firing immediately into the darkness. One of his storm bolter shells punched into a barrel of something and a fire ball blasted into the darkness, illuminating what had triggered the Auspex. Slavering Khronate beastmen charged from the bunkers, while heavily armored Marines adorned with the Mark of Khrone followed on their heels. Easily out numbering the Judicator forces, they swept over the short distance between the two forces. For a second the Judicator marines froze, and then they tasted their fear, and drew courage. Storm bolters and Ranger autobolters spat death at the horde, felling a dozen in moments. Then they were upon the Imperial Soldiers, who dropped their ranged weapons to their sides and brought up their close combat weapons. Four Rangers were too slow and died, bodies torn apart by the crushing blows of their attackers. The sheer strength of the Beastmen was too great for the average Ranger to take, and the other squad members learned their lesson quickly. Grollard had his own problems anyway. His first burst had shattered the chest of the first Beastman charging him, and a blow from his powerfist had smashed the second to the ground, twitching as it died. That had left a Pair of Berserkers charging him, and he'd avoided the wild swing of the first and slashed at him with his newly drawn power Sword, his Storm bolter hanging at his side, when a single swipe from the whirling chain Sword of the Second Berserker severed his right arm at the elbow.

The young Sergeant didn't cry out, to his credit as he swung around and pummeled the Berserker with his powerfist. As the torso of the Traitor exploded, his Squadmate, Leto fired his flamer, engulfing the second Berserker. The Traitor, who was not wearing a helmet bellowed in rage as his flesh charred and seared, and then plunged his sword into his own chest. Leto stepped forward, looking and the charred figure on the ground.

"Filthy Heretic" he snarled, ratcheting another drum of flame gel into his weapon. " How are you, Terminator Sergeant?" Grollard shook his head to clear it. The Suit was already pumping stimulants and painkillers into his bloodstream, dulling the pain to a raw ache. A Ranger Sergeant wrapped a medicated covering over the stump, while a second picked up the severed limb and placed it in his backpack. Sergeant Jalok, the Autocannon gunner in Grollards Squad, collected the Terminators Stormbolter.

" Your orders, Terminator Sergeant?" Grollard looked around at the assembled men. Time was of the essence. " Move out."

Thunder Hawk "Foe's Ram"

Approaching Armor Landing Zone

The Third Wave of 6th Battalion Armor was now arriving at the LZ, Thirty Predator Centurions, slung under the bellies of Thunder Hawk MkII transports, and twenty massive Land Raiders. The other Thunder Hawks carried the Troops that made up the infantry component of 6th Battalions 8th and 9th Companies. Foe's Ram glided to a halt over the designated area and the Crew chief released the grappling hooks, dropping the companies Command Vehicle, Land Raider Crushing Redemption the five feet to the ground. The driver gunned the engine, moving the war vehicle out of the way as Foe's Ram's Sister Foe's Gauntlet moved into position. Standing at the Troop Door of Foe's Ram, Color Sergeant Kamman allowed himself a grim smile. Once he had been a Tank rider in the 6th Battalion, until an Ork Stomper Gargant had torn off both his legs during the 6th`s assault on the Ork Space hunk on Tatar. The bionic replacements had never functioned properly, and as a result he had take a transfer to the 6th`s Aerial Company as a Gun commander on Thunder Hawk transports. A gun commander was responsible for the weapons of the Thunderhawk gunship, from the Battlecannon and heavy bolters on the Basic Thunder Hawk Mk I to the Missiles and bolters on the larger Thunder Hawk Mk II Vehicles transports. At the LZ however, Kamman had little to do and he amused himself by staring out the side door, as the pilot brought the gunship, now light and responsive around to deliver her cargo of TechMarines and Ammunition to the secondary LZ. A flicker of movement caught Kamman`s eye. If anything his vision had been enhanced by centuries of staring at airborne targets, and he was quick to make out the form skulking at the edge of the landing field.

"ALARM!!" the color Sergeant Shouted over the Com-Net, turning and lurching towards his station as fast as his legs would allow.

" Infiltrators on the Perimeter!!"

Land Raider Intractable Hope

The roar of the Orbiting Thunderhawk as it pulled out of the landing pattern brought Tank Sergeant Huan out of the confines of his Excalibur's turret. Looking around and up, he saw one of the Gunships Pivot in mid air, its nose mounted searchlight snapping on and transfixing a portion of the field in bright White light. Seconds later, the infiltrator call echoed over the net. Huan cranked the Pintle mounted Stormbolter into position, as the rear ramp on Land Raider Destroyer of Heresy came down and a squad of Terminators lumbered off. "HALT AND IDENTIFY YOUR SELF!" The amplified Voice of Dreadnought Orion echoed over the landing zone followed by the hissing whir of the dreadnoughts assault cannon spinning up. A Figure, as tall as a Marine stepped out from behind a crate. His hands were empty, but every one could see a holstered Sword, Plasma pistol and bolt pistol girding his waist. He wore long white robes, hood obscuring his face, but not the armored boots and shoulder pads of the power armor he wore.

" I am Captain Benedict Iscariot, 5th Company, 1St Space Marine Legion" The hooded figure spoke, his tone clipped, but the words clear in the sudden silence. " I surrender to the forces of the 2nd Space Marine Legion, and request a audience with Primarch Janus Krosfyah."

" Why do you Surrender to us, Dark Angel?" Haun inquired. " We are brother Marines, in the service of the Imperium, as are you." Captain Iscariot threw back his hood and every weapon on the field was leveled on him. Every Judicator had received extensive briefings on the minions of Chaos, and they all recognized the man standing before them. " I have information for the Primarch, pertaining to his Brother, called Lion El Jonson. I am the one who the Imperium calls Cypher"

Forward Edge of the Battle Area.

Command Element,

60th Elysian Armored Guard Division.

General Abram Kushov rammed his pistol into the mouth of the damonette before him and pulled the trigger. The heavy bolt exploded out the hell things head, and hurled it away from the turret of the Storm Hammer Super Heavy Tank. The twin hull mounted Battle cannon thundered, the shells striking an Iron warrior Leviathan broadside and piercing its already battered hull. One of the rounds must have triggered the Monsters Fusion Engine, and the Leviathan exploded, shooting a tower of smoke into the darkening night. Kushev bent over to shout orders into his comm., sending a Company of Leman Russ Conquerors forward to support the Marine Predator Centurions that were sweeping ahead of his division. Something thumped on the turret and the General swung around, bolt pistol coming up to point into the smiling face of the Marine Battalion Master. " Emperors Fury, Marine!" Kushev roared, turning his bolt Pistol aside to fire on an Iron Warrior who had emerged from cover.

" I could have killed you!"

" Unlikely," Barov grinned back, firing his Storm Bolter over the General's head, " How goes the Battle?"

" We've broken their lines in three places, Battalion Master" Kushev reported.

"7th and 5th Regiments are reporting no resistance as they sweep towards us from the west. 9th and 14th Regiments were tied up in the east for about an hour, but they wiped out their opposition and should link up here soon enough. What about on your side?"

" 8th and 9th Companies are down and forming up, and should join us within the hour. I've got recovery crews out hunting for our disabled vehicles right now. Once we take that line"

he pointed towards a row of hills, dimly lit with gun flashes, "We can get the hell off this Rock."

Judicator Command Post.

Same Time

Silently, Initiates extended the blue lines across the map. The Iron Warrior forces on Makan had been caught by surprise as they pillaged the planets Supply depots and Equipment pools, and most had been shattered by the speed of the Imperial Guard attack. Those that had actually forced a cohesive line of defense had faced the full might of the Storm Hammers and died for their belief. There were no prisoners taken, there never would be. Force Major Duane Haskell ran a tired hand over his helmet. Thirty hours of battle had left him hardly able to stand, but he had gone back to the CP to direct the operations of the Forces in the field.

" Force Major". One of the initiates, a bare headed man with the name Garvus under his imperial Eagle spoke from his position at the Communications panel.

" The Battlecruiser Revenging Angel is reporting that one of her Marauders is down between the PONR and the FEBA. The Wing commander requests that we attempt a rescue of the Flight crew."

" Confirm that" Haskell replied. " Whose nearest?"

"A Squad from 4th company is in the vicinity, recovering Land Raider Inexorable Bane" Gravis replied.

4th Company Recovery Squad

Land Raider Savior of the Fallen

The engine on the Land Raider roared and the chains strained, but Inexorable Bane remained immobile. The Techmarine working on her broken track smacked his thigh in disgust, and bent back to check the linkage. Color Sergeant Nisson was not exactly happy to be out in the middle of nowhere, and was certainly not to be a stable target. Still, he knew raging and cursing at his squad mates would not help, and besides, it wasn't the way of the Judicators. There were seven Vehicles in a circle around the disabled Land Raider. Inexorable Bane had taken a direct hit from a Iron Warrior Havoc on the right track, and then seconds later had had the same track penetrated by a Lascannon bolt. The housing of the track was peeled open like a fruit, its interior melted and ruined. The Tech Marine had tried for an hour to get the vehicle to move on its own, but now it would have to be towed. Already the TechMarine`s squad mates were dragging heavy chains from the lockers on his land Raider, preparing to attach them to the disabled vehicle.

" Color Sergeant" A voice from the interior of the troop compartment. "CP has a job for us." Nisson nodded and climbed out of the cupola into the troop cabin.

Two minutes later, Three Razorbacks, two Solons and a Stygia broke away from the group, and sped off towards the suspected location of the crashed bomber. The other Vehicles, Three Rhinos and the Savior of the Fallen continued their operation.

RazorBack Swift Ruination

The Judicator version of the standard Razorback was capable of speeds over rough ground of 70 miles per hour. Swift Ruination, a Styiga variant Razorback was currently passing 80 miles per hour. In the one-man turret, Squad Sergeant Avaon struggled to keep his eye on the surroundings as the vehicle sped along over the hard ground. Strung out behind the Stygia came the two Heavy Bolter armed Solons, their heavy magazines of bolter shells weighing them down as well as the Squad of Marines they carried. The location of the crash was almost five minutes away at full speed, but if the crash had been detected, they would have to fight their way in and out. The Squad Sergeant began to mutter a prayer for the safety of the bombers crew.

Crash site.

Flight Lieutenant Debra Vinner ducked as a bolter shell hammered off the armored nose of her bomber. The Marauder had gone in flat, ripping of her wing as she scraped along before coming to a rest at the end of a thirty- meter long trench. Two of the Crew had been killed in the crash, their bodies still in the wreck. The rest were huddled around the wreck, firing their sidearms at the incoming Squad of Iron Warriors. Vinner ducked around the nose of the bomber and fired. Her laspistol shot glanced off the breastplate of the Traitor, and his return fire drove her back under cover. Grimly the young woman prepared to die.

The Thunder of heavy bolter fire reached her ears and a pair of Razorbacks sped into view. Their weapons blazing, they cut between the crashed Marauder and the Traitors, pelting them with explosive bolts. The Iron Warriors returned fire, shot dancing off the extra armor on the Razorbacks as they screeched to halt, their cargo of marines disembarking and charging the Iron Warriors. A third Razorback pulled up next to the wreck, its gunner lifting an armored hand and waving in their direction.

" We have wounded who cannot move!" Vinner screamed. The Marine hopped out of the turret and ran over. Vinner pointed to the navigator, who lay in a crumpled ball next to the nose. The marine picked him up with surprising gentleness, and carried him to the vehicle. The rest of the crew helped one another to the Razorback, the last aboard being the gunner. Minutes later, the Razorbacks were speeding away, towards their rendezvous.

Underground Complex.

Eastern Edge of the Battle Area.

Terminator Sergeant Grollard ducked a fraction of a second too slowly and a lasrifle bolt caught him in the side of his helmet. The helmet saved his life, but the bolt shattered the ceramite cheek plate, leaving the wounded Terminator dizzy and virtually unconscious on his feet. A pair of Rangers stood next to him, covering the wounded monolith as Leto led the rest of his unit forward towards their target. The inner Reculusium. Nearing the end of the Galactic crusade, the Sons of Horus and the Judicators had blasted through the defenses of Solar Warlord Gammid Yu, and captured his shipyards in the Rubicon Straits. Yu had been constructing a gigantic warship, capable of planetary destruction, a warship that was over 90% complete when Horus had gutted the overweight Warlord on the bridge of the ship. Unable to move the vessel, Horus had ordered the ship placed in a static defense field, the controls to which had eventually ended up 430 feet underground in Makan. That was the objective of the mission. Breaching charges went off with a resonating boom, and three Rangers darted toward the door. One was cut in half by automated Lascannons, but the other two fired their grenade launchers, shattering the defense turret. 4 more Rangers, clumsy in their heavy Armor dashed to the door, and into the reclusium. There was a brief burst of fire, and then silence. " Captain Morah, Report!" Leto barked into his communicator. " This room's Empty sir!"

"Emperor Damn IT!"

Primary Landing Zone

8 hours later.

6th Battalion was setting a record for departing a planet. Everything that could be of use to either the Marines or the Guard division was loaded onto bulbous Transports; ad shuttled up to the fleet. Wrecked and disabled vehicles as well were stacked one on top the other in the holds of shuttles and landing craft, and shuttled to the fleet. The 6th had fulfilled its mission. The Blood of Titanium brigade had been crushed, and the spoils of Makan remained in imperial hands. And there was something else. Something carried by the Battalion Flagship Iron Will.

Iron Warrior Legion Flagship

Battle Barge Molten Heresy.

In Orbit,Bray.

The Skull shattered in the Daemon Primarchs grip, fine specks of dust flying in all directions. Perturabo heaved his bulk off the throne, sweeping past the Members of his guard and into the Command Center of the Battlebarge. A Squad of grimly armored Terminators followed. As he walked, the Primarch of the Iron Warriors fought hard to control his rage. A Whole brigade, almost 8000 Marines and Armor, all gone, lost to those.Bastard children of Krosfyah. Unconsciously Perturabo started flexing his fingers, joints cracking as he walked. It was a nervous habit, and a result of the therapy that the Churgions had ordered when they rebuilt his hand after the Judicator Primarch had destroyed it. He hadn't regained full use of the limb until his elevation to daemonhood, the chaos powers succeeding were the vaunted Imperiums best healers had failed. The Judicator\Iron Warrior clash on Terra hadn't been planned. It had truly started as a mistake, an Iron Warrior Hydra defense platform misfiring and crippling an over flying Judicator ThunderHawk, which had gone down a mile behind the Iron Warrior Fortress. Judicator Forces, encamped a mile away had immediately attacked the Iron Warrior Lines, in revenge for what they had seen as a deliberate act. His Warriors had fought back, but the dammed Land Raiders of the Second Legion, with their Excalibur lascannons had torn apart his entrenched armor at will. Furious at the Treachery visited on his men, he had immediately teleported to the battlefield, along with Sanguinus and a small Guard of Blood Angels in addition to his own men. Unknown to him, Guilliman, the Judicator and Horus himself had also teleported to the crash site. He still remembered the sight of so many of his fine Iron Brigade Warriors lying dead, as squads of maddened Judicators, who had obviously taken them by surprise crushed all that opposed them. Sanguinus had moved off to stop their rampage, and he, with a guard of Two Terminators had headed for the Wrecked gunship.

***Flashback***

Thunderhawk Artemis Crash site

Perturabo immediately realized that the fallen gunship was not one of the Judicators battle transports. It was painted white and blue; with red flashes on the wings and a Lightening claw Sigil on the nose. This was the personnel Transport of the 1st Battalion Master. Signaling the Two terminators with him to stand back, Pertuarabo walked closer to the wreck. The crew was obviously dead, their compartment voided by high explosive shells from the Hydra`s autocannons, and the passenger compartment was broken open by the impact. No human could survive that. A second later a look into the compartment confirmed that. The passengers, a brown haired Elysian Army officer and her staff were dead, pathetic bodies crushed and broken by the impact. The only ones still moving were two marines, a Terminator Suited Sergeant who lay across the far bulkhead, head awash with blood, and a Second Black haired Terminator hunched over in the near corner. With a shock, Perturabo realized who they were. This was the Battalion Master Laurent Grieg, and his wife, General Cora Axel. With out thinking or ever understanding why he did it, Perturabo drew his pistol and fired a single shot into the forehead of the wounded Terminator before turning his attention to the Battalion Master. Though grievously wounded, Greig was staring back at him with such raw hate that the Commander of the Iron Warriors briefly started. One hand obviously broken, was cradling something to his chest, but the other was extended downward, and with a hissing snap, Blue Lightening claws snapped into place. Perturabo smiled and fired again. The bolt caught Greig on the lip of his Suit and hurled shards of ceramite up to embed in his face, blinding the Judicator. Despite his wounds, Greig lurched up right, and slashed through the Bulkhead, despite the two shots that struck his armored shoulder pad. Perturabo followed, to find the Judicator Battalion Master staggering towards the tree line. Taking his time, Perturabo aimed and fired, hitting the wounded man in the ankle. Grieg ignored the hit, making his limping way towards the trees. Jalleth, one of the Guard Terminators moved in to intercept him, and died, as the blinded Judicator struck out, Lightening claws rending through breastplate to tear the Iron Warrior apart. The Effort was too much for him, and the Judicator fell to his knees, loosing his grip on what he protected. Now Perturabo could see that it was a child, a girl, wearing the Royal blue of the Elysian nobility.

"Iron Warrior" the words were strong and Perturabo turned to face the wounded Judicator. " Know that my death means nothing in the great scheme of the Emperors will, but if you harm the child of the Judicator, there will be no safety in Heaven or Hell for you and your kin from his wrath" Greig grunted, blood pouring down his face and pooling on the ground. Perturabo smirked, and fired a final round, exploding the battalion Masters head like a rotten fruit.

The dead body toppled backward, as Perturabo holstered his pistol and drew his combiflamer and Multi Melta, taking scant aim; he blasted the two bodies with a jet of incinerating flame, ignoring the strangled scream that rose from the smaller of the two bodies. Twenty minutes later an UltraMarine Land Raider pulled up through the trees, disgorging Horus, Robute Guilliman, and Sanguinus. The last man, off the Transport was the Judicator, clad in full armor, supported by his chief Apochethary.

" What has happened here, Brother?" Sanguinus inquired as Krosfyah and Horus entered the wreck. Perturabo shrugged,

" We arrived to provide assistance to the survivors, but in their wounded states they took us for hostiles and fired on us. My guard and I were forced to protect ourselves."

"LIES!"

The roar came not from Krosfyah, but from the Chief Apochethary. Stryker stood over the body of Greig, and the rage on his face was evident.

" Battalion Master Grieg was shot several times at close range and then incinerated with a flamer! And this." the Marine paused for a second..

" This is the Primarchs Daughter!, how many shots did she fire at you?"

"You challenge me, Judicator?"

Stryker didn't reply, instead drawing his Power Sword, and dropping into a fighting stance.

"NO."

The single Word froze the Blue and White Armored Marine in his tracks. He turned to see his Commander standing up right in the door of the wreck.

"My Lord.."

"Armenius, you are the best healer in my legion. Think of the Hundreds who will die because your gift is lost. If you attack Primarch Perturabo, you will die, just as my Friend, My daughter and Her mother have died."

Krosfyah attacked so suddenly that Perturabo had no time to defend himself. Lightening claws stuck down, and The Iron Warrior Screamed in agony as the burning Plasmic energy slashed through his powerfist and cut his right hand in three pieces, followed by a thunderous blow from the Judicators Powerfist that smashed the Iron Warrior on his back, half his skull caved in. His surviving guard, Ra`Mah charged the berserk Judicator, who avoided his blow with a chains Fist and cut him in half with a fearsome blow from the black axe that seemed to leap from his scabbard unbidden, finding its way to Krosfyah`s hand. Krosfyah turned and took a step towards Perturabo, and then collapsed, his body not able to sustain the violent action it had been put through. Stryker caught him as he fell, easing the Judicator to the Ground.

" Robute, Sanguinus, Take Janus back to the Med Ward were he can be properly tended." Horus ordered.

" I will stay here and judge this matter."

Guilliman nodded and stepped over to assist Stryker as he struggled with the bulk of his primarch. Between the two of them, they managed to half carry- half drag the Judicator to the Land Raider.

"Perturabo" The Voice was soft, whispery in the silence. Perturabo lifted his head, to stare into the eyes of the Judicator twenty feet away.

"Let none of your Marines cross the path of a Judicator Henceforth. And know that if I am to ever come upon you in any situation. I will kill you. This I promise." Krosfyah continued. In the darkness of the Land Raiders Troop Bay, his eyes glowed deep Green.

***End FlashBack***

The Daemon Primarch growled low in his throat as he entered the inner Relcusium of the Command Center. On the central holodisplay, the positions of his forces were displayed. Perturabo surveyed them for a second, and then turned to one of the Tech Priests.

" I want all information on Judicator Battalion movements that are interceptable by our forces." "Yes My lord." The Tech Priest droned, sightless eyes turning to the console before him. Perturabo nodded as the Tech Priest commenced his task. He would have his revenge.

6th Battalion flagship Iron Will

Same time

The deck beneath his feet hummed and vibrated as the tech adepts pushed every Iota of power they could from the engines of the Indomitable Class Battleship Iron Will, driving the massive warship through the warp. On the Bridge, Captain Iscariot had completed repeating his story to Battalion Master Barov, Inquisitor Jaccman, and the other commanders of the 6th. As he fell silent, Brother Ancient Meridian was the first to speak. " If what you say is true.We have the means to stop.to counter Abbadon" "Do we trust him?" Barov asked, turning to Jaccman, " Can we trust him?" " For years I have head of Cypher as a minion of Chaos" Jaccman. "I know of the Dark Angels quest to eliminate him and the rest of the fallen, despite their best efforts to keep it from the inquisition. It is my belief that we trust the Words of this man, insofar as we can prove them. Let us take him to the Golden Throne, so he can make his absolution to the Emperor himself. If he is lying, then gladly we shall turn him over to the Dark Angels"

Barov nodded. " Til then, Captain, you will be quartered in the training Bay, weaponless, and without armor, guarded by 6 Terminators and 6 Dreadnoughts." The Battalion Master smiled wickedly.

" If you should try betrayal, I'm sure Meridian would be glad to tear you apart."

3rd Battalion Flagship Battleship Indomitable

Transiting to Nemesis Tessera

3 Days Later

By all rights, Ivanov Van Lien would have preferred to be directing his fleet towards safe docks around Elyisa Prime, or Terra, but he was sworn to answer all calls for assistance from servants of the Emperor. The Message from the Inquisitor Fortress had been scant, but enough detail had been transmitted for the 3rd Battalion, returning from unsuccessful operations against the World Eaters at Thranx to be diverted. Communications through the warp were increasingly bad, but the Head Astropath has revealed that two other Judicator Battalions were enroute, one was the 9th, under Gregoir Forge, the other seemed to be the 7th, but their signal was garbled. Still in a few hours he would know who was with him in this mission. 3rd Battalion, The Lords of Destruction was at 48 percent capacity, after fighting in the Invasion of Keldis, and the Evacuation of Bray in the space of 6 months. Its attending Imperial Guard Division, the 47th was down to less than a Brigade of Men and Tanks, and only the attached Titan Company gave him any thing to feel confident about. Hopefully the 9th was at full strength, meaning that Forge would get a chance to test his new tactics, after all these years. In the meantime, Ivanov began the prayer rites, preparing himself for the upcoming battle.

The Fang

Fernis.

Same Time

Ignoring the cold wind lashing his face, Primarch Leman Russ, Progenitor of the Space Wolf Legion stood on the highest Battlement of the mighty Fortress of the Space Wolves, watching as the last of his troops completed the loading of the ships that would take them to Terra. Six Great Companies and over 1000 Thralls and servants, all were ready to be moved to the heart of the imperium. The twelve ships he had brought back from the Eye of Terror as well as the 8 ships that the new Wolf Lord had left with the Garrison force were all ready, just awaiting his command to depart. It felt good to command again, to know where his path lay, and how he was going to get there. Millennia in the Eye of Terror, fighting against daemons, Traitors and all manner of beings too unspeakable to recount had taught him control. He had tamed the wolf within. And in all that time he had never forgotten his father, or his brother. Leman Russ shook his head sadly. The last time he had seen El Jonson, their worlds had been ones of rage. Both warriors, both had arrived too late to save their father from entombment in the golden throne. Their shame had turned to rage, and on the eve of the Emperor's ascension, vicious words had been passed.

****Flashback****

The Imperial Palace.

Throne Room

Two Weeks After the Conclusion of the Siege

"REPEAT THAT", Leman Russ roared, his Frostblade pointed at the Dark Green Power Armored Figure before him. The Fernesians Eyes flared with rage, as they bored into the cool blue eyes of the one before him. " I said your dammed sentiment cost my father his life" El Jonson replied, quietly, his seemingly calm words masking the rage that simmered below the surface. " Had you heeded my words, and left those Worthless colonists to die, we would have reached Terra as the Warmaster dropped on the palace. My Father would still be alive!" " If your plodding monks had done their jobs, we would not have taken so long to rescue the Settlers!" Russ roared in response, " They fight so slow it is as though they fear the heat of battle!"

Even as he said it, Russ saw El Jonsons face shift, and recognized the impact his words had had upon the Dark Angel Primarch. El Jonson went purple, his eyes flaring wide, and then he charged, Lion Sword slashing in a overhand strike that would have shorn Russ`s head from his shoulders had it landed. Russ brought Frostblade Mjolnir up and parried the blow, swinging in and landing a heavy blow to the Dark Angels Chest with his powerfist. Armor cracked, and El Jonson staggered back, swinging his other hand up, the one bearing the paired Stormbolter. Russ`s eyes went wide and then he dove away, and the Weapon fired, explosive shells smashing one of the statues of Sanguinus to dust. In shock Russ looked upon the face of his brother- Never, Never in all the duels they had fought, had the Lion used a ranged weapon. It was obvious that by repeating the words of Horus, said all those Years ago, that Russ had driven his brother to the point that he would kill.

"Lion"

Russ`s Voice was hoarse, almost drowned out by the thunder of running feet as a Squad of Blood Angels, leaderless since the death of their Primarch and with nothing to do, except obey his last orders, to Guard the palace, raced into the room. One moaned as he saw the shattered remains of his Progenitors Statue, the sound cutting through the rage that clouded El Jonsons Mind. He looked at Russ, his eyes haunted, and saddened, and then turned and walked away. Russ stared at him go, unable to say anything. The he too turned, and took a step before his boot struck something. Looking down, he found himself looking into the blue Diamond eyes of the likeness of the Winged Angel of Baal. Dropping to one Knee, Russ touched the Marble face and it all hit him at once. The light Angel was dead, and would never return. The Dark Angel was maddened with grief. Leman Russ knelt on the Floor of the throne room and cried.

***End Flashback***

Russ shook his head to banish the memories. Jonson was dead, but he would make a pilgrimage to his tomb to seek his forgiveness when this was all over. But first, he would lead his Wolves to the Emperors side. "Great Wolf" Russ turned. It was a Blood Claw; nervous and awed, standing a good distance away that sought his attention. "Yes" "Great Wolf, the loading is Complete. The Fell Handed one wishes you to know we await your command to depart." " Very well then" Russ turned to follow the Blood Claw." Tell Bjorn we lift at once, and I am not to be addressed as Great Wolf. That honor goes to your Present Commander. I am General Leman Russ, Commander of the 6th Space Marine Legion."

Battleship Indomitable

3rd Battalion Flagship

Far Orbit, Nemesis Tessera

" My lord, The Commander of the Inquisition Fortress insists that his fortress sent no signal for assistance."

The Chief astropath reported. " He repeats his warning that if we attempt to burn in system he will order his defensive stations to open fire on us"

"Is he insane?" Van Lien wondered aloud. " Rennik, Gregoir, your thoughts?"

" We go down" Both officers replied simultaneously. Van Lien nodded and turned to the Commander of the 47th. "What do you think, Nacen?" Colonel Nacen Hamarstair shrugged.

" We all got the messages, I see no reason to believe that this is a ruse, or a fluke of the Warp. We go down to investigate and if it is all a misunderstanding, we leave the Inquisitors and their Grey Knight Protectors some of our surplus ammunition and supplies, and we go on our way." "Fair enough." Van Lien agreed. " Astropath, Inform the Inquisitor that we are moving in to scan the surface, after which I will meet him to see to his replenishment needs. Then we shall be on our way." As the Astropath turned away to carry out his orders, Van Lien rose to walk to the command bridge of the Indomitable. "Standard Battle formation, Screens and Shields up, all crews at their stations, Fighters on ten second notice." He said to the Rear Admiral in charge of the Battalion Fleet. In a long line of Thirty Two Warships the Judicator fleet moved in system. Van Lien drummed his fingers on the armrest impatiently, as he willed something, anything to happen.

"UNIDENTIFIED VESSELS INCOMMING FROM AFT!" "DEFENSE STATIONS OPENING FIRE!" Van Lien froze. An Ambush! "Engage! All units engage!" he shouted.

7th Battalion bored straight in, increasing speed as they did so. Their fleet, composed of 4 Magnificent Class Battle Barges, 3 Repulse class Shock Cruisers, 4 Eagle Class Strike Cruisers and 3 Cobra Class Destroyers began launching its Thunderbolt fighters and Marauder bombers to strike the orbiting stations, while the battle barges and Strike cruisers closed to launch their troop Transports. Strike Cruiser Avenging Angel scored the first kill of the battle, her lance batteries piercing the armor of the center defense station and igniting its reactor. The explosion damaged the second Station, which was finished off by the attacks of Marauder bombers and fire from the Battle Barge Dominus Ultimus. The third Station fell to a boarding attack by 7th Battalion 1st Company Terminators. Meanwhile, Van Lien found his ships best by eleven vessels sweeping in from the cover of the Asteroid belt. His forward vessel, the Cobra Class Destroyer Assassin was struck and destroyed by the massed lance fire of the enemy ships as she maneuvered to release her torpedoes. Her sister, Spectral fired her torpedoes, as the Strike Cruisers Destructive Falcon and Battle Wing unleashed their lances on the lead enemy Murder Class cruiser, Indomitable and her escorts the Mars Class Battle Cruisers Sword of Elysia and Excelsis Argenta fell into line, their massed lance batteries slicing through the center of a massive Despoiler class Battleship. The Traitor vessel staggered, and then exploded as Spectral launched her remaining torpedoes into her hull. Lance fire crashed into the Indomitable`s shields, not penetrating as the Judicator battleship spun away, its heavy lascannons swiveling and spitting bolts at the hideous hull of a Vengeance Class Grand Cruiser. Off to the port beam, the Imperial Navy Assault ship Probate Maximus took fire from a Chaos Battlebarge, her hull sparking and flaming as bombardment cannon fire penetrated the defense screens. Indomitable spun on her long axis, pointing her bow mounted Lascannons at the Battle Barge. Fire lanced from the weapons, cleaving a fiery swathe through the Chaos Vessel, which obligingly exploded and broke in half. To the port of the doomed Chaos vessel, Excelsis Argenta was cleaved apart by a mega lascannon hit from the Traitor flagship, a horribly modified Despoiler, which shuddered a second later as the Battle Barges Adept of Faith and Glorious Resurrection poured fire into her flank. Above the planet, the first of the Drop Pods from the Judicators Mace burned through the atmosphere, on the heels of the Suppressive Strikes from Imperial Navy Thunderbolts and Marine Valkyrie gunships. Any defensive positions that opened fire were devastated from orbit, even as the Drop Pods slammed into the ground, and released their squads of Marines. Marine Armor followed, Rhino's and Razorbacks slung under the bellies of Thunder Hawk I, and Gull Winged Thunder Hawk II`s carrying the Land Raiders and Dreadnoughts. Above, on the captured station, Battalion Master Halgar led his Troops through the command section of the Station. The original Crew of the station lay dead on the floor, and those who had fired on his men next to them. Halgar keyed his Com-Link.

" Halgar to Van Lien, We have Traitor Guard here, Iron Warrior heraldry."

On Planet.

Second Company

7th Battalion

Thirty-Six Armored Vehicles stood motionless in hastily dug fighting positions. Two Hundred Fifty Marines stood next to the Vehicles, waiting for the rain of Fire to begin. Veterans identified the sound first, and leapt up onto the hulls of the Armored Vehicles. Engines were gunned and tanks revved forward out of their holes as the sky turned red with missile trails slashing downward. Thirty Batteries of Missile launchers had been aimed at the Judicator landing Zone. All fired in seconds, hurling over a thousand rockets at the Landing Zone. It was a Tactic that had utterly obliterated the Salamander Landing Zone at Istavann III and paved the way for that legions eventual decimation in the Drop Site massacres. However, it was a tactic that worked best on static forces. The bulk of the missiles missed, falling behind the Advancing 2nd Company, and under the Swooping Thunderhawks of the 3rd and 5th Companies.

The Armored Drop was a wholly Judicator innovation. Dropping an armored vehicle from height was dangerous to the Vehicle as well as the crew, but it was skill the 2nd Legion had perfected. While the Devastators of the 5th company were dropped short of the Traitor position, the Tanks of the 3rd landed before the Traitor Gun positions. The Iron Warrior commander had deployed mostly static artillery, and they were mowed down in seconds by the 3rd`s Tanks and Armor. 2nd Company caught up with them just then, rolling through the Artillery Position, and 5th Company moved up to occupy the well built bunkers and redoubts of the Traitor Legion. In twenty minutes three companies of the 7th had occupied a defensive line built with typical Iron Warrior efficiency. The 4th and 8th Companies joined them, as Imperial Guard Transports swooped in to the makeshift landing zone.

3rd Battalion Flagship Indomitable

Forward Landing Bay

Battalion Master Van Lien locked his helmet into place with an audible click and hefted his Bolter. His wargear lay around him on the dias, his ebony metal bolt pistol which went into his Holster, his web gear, containing 3 Frag and 3 Krak grenades, and his auspex. His Power fist, with its auxiliary twin barreled Stormbolter, the Assault cannon which he would wield and his Sword, lying in its clear scabbard, its red blade pulsing faintly. " After we drop, I want the Battalion fleet standing by constantly. If we need to evacuate, we will need your ships ready"

"Yes Battalion Master"

Van Lien and his guard of 4 Terminators walked up the ramp of the Thunder Hawk. The ramp's motors wined as it closed. The Rear Admiral watched as the Thunder Hawks engines flared with power, and the black trimmed gunship lifted off and launched out of the bay, followed by the other twenty-five, that carried the rest of the 1st Company.

Battlements, Inquisitor Fortress

Captain Isaiah of the Grey Knights 5th company had long consecrated his soul to the Emperor. The Traitor attack had caught his Grey Knights and the Inquisitors by surprise. Strangely, they had not killed the loyalists, merely kept them penned in the lower levels of the Fortress. The thunder of beam weapons striking the void shields of the Fortress reverberated through the walls of the basement Dungeon. His chains rattled with the force of the impacts. " It would seem that we have attracted the ire of some force." Chief Inquisitor Arrad growled. The dark haired officer shook his head as plaster rained down from the roof.

" Or maybe those foul cowards are bombarding this fortress as a way to take our lives"

Outside

Imperial Guard Valkyrie and Vulture Gunships swooped in through the light mists, releasing Hellstrike missiles, which detonated against the shields. Wings of Thunderbolts and Mauraders. followed adding their fire to the wave of energy battering the Void Shields. Further out, Thunder Hawks and Imperial Navy Transports released their cargoes of Tanks and Artillery vehicles, which formed up and commenced bombarding the Inquisition fortress. The Traitors fought back. One of the Fortresses massive Lascannons cleaved through an Imperial Guard transport as it descended to the landing zone, destroying the Transport and its 600 troop Cargo. A Second Turret vaporized a Marine Thunderhawk as it swooped in. But as the Transports and Gunships dropped below the elevation arc of the batteries, they were safe. Only the suppressing bombers were threatened, and they moved too fast for the giant defense guns to track. 9th and 7th Battalion Marines stormed towards the fortress, laying down a hail of bolter fire on the Traitor Guard in the Fighting positions before the Fortress. Gregoir Forge led from the front, twin belt fed Storm bolters blazing in his hands, and the servo arm attached to his backpack firing a combiMelta\bolter. Squads of Attack bikes, their heavy bolters spitting death, roared around the Lines flank, slaughtering black garbed Traitor Guard. On their heels were the Predator Tanks of the 9th Battalion, their anti bunker weapons exploding pillboxes like ripe fruit. The intensity of the Marine fire built to a crescendo as the giant Leviathan Mobile Fortresses rolled forward, their Doomsday cannons hurling 2000lb explosive shells into the shield. The Fortresses screens began to hiss and flare, as their generators began to overload. 6th Company Land Raiders punched through the line, running over gun pits full of live Traitor Guards, and their weapons. They were almost the shields now, and Captain Jurgenz ordered his tracks to full speed. When next the immense void shields flickered, 6 of the eight land raiders dashed through. The Prometheus Command Vehicle, Able Attendant weighed down with Communications gear, was too slow, and crashed into the barriers and exploded. Jurgenz and two of his Guard staggered out of the wrecked vehicle, the Captain wounded in the side and back, and one of his guard missing his left arm. The Second Land Raider, an Excalibur titled Way of the Law erupted in a volcano of flame and smoke as an Iron Warrior Leman Russ Executioner scored, ripping through the Battle Tanks side armor and igniting its engine. What signaled the end of the Shield was the arrival of Titan Battle Group Chronus. Three Warhound Titans, two fitted with Plasma Blast guns and Vulcan Mega Bolters, the third fitted with a Multiple Launcher and a Inferno Gun; a pair of Reavers, both armed with Vortex Cannons and Laser Burners, and a single Warlord, stalked towards the Fortress, spitting fire into the screens. With a thundering flash, the void screens failed, and Eighty Eight Thunderhawks, Forty Nine Vultures and Fifty Valkyries swept towards the walls. The 6th Company had already blasted their way through the Main Gate, and its Marines were fighting their way up the main ramp. With Captain Jurgenz incapacitated, Veteran Sergeant Maora led from the front, twin lighting claws cutting through all that opposed him. 9th Company ThunderHawks roared overhead, pivoting and deploying their cargoes of Marines and Dreadnoughts on the upper bastion of The Fortress.

Upper Bastion

Inquisitor Fortress

Veteran Sergeant Crispus Maora roared as his claws hacked through a black- coated Guardsman wearing the insignia of a Commissar. How this normally staunch follower of the Emperor had been turned, he didn't know, nor care. He was an Enemy. He would Die. Maora ducked a sword strike and ripped half the chest out of the wielder. He trampled over the body and staggered as a lascannon bolt struck him full on in the chest. The Bolt didn't penetrate, but it stopped him cold. Next to him, his Squad mate discharged his flamer, swiping a jet of purging flame over the throng at the top of the Bastion. Maora lunged forward, silent. Ahead, the Windblast from a hovering Thunderhawk knocked milling traitors off the wall. Two yellow-flanged Dreadnoughts walked off the ramp into the midst of the Enemy, Power fists and Chain fists reaping a dreadful toll on the Traitors.

" 6th Company!" Maora yelled. "Consolidate on the 9th. Take the turrets!!"

Upper Quadrant

Mega Lascannon Turret

A flash of White light and the stink of Ionization accompanied the arrival of Battalion Master Rennik Halgar and his Command Squad behind the Traitor Positions guarding the Turret. Assault cannons and flamers hissed and thundered and 40 traitor Guards died in seconds. Halgar and his Chief Techmarine placed breaching charges on the airlock and blew their way into the giant turret. The explosion stunned the six guardsmen manning the Turret, and they were slow to react. The once closest to the door never knew what killed him as Halgar brought his Power Fist down on his head. The next one was cut apart by the Battalion Masters Auxiliary Stormbolter, and the other four hurled themselves into close combat with the Battalion Master. Halgar tore the first one asunder with his Power Axe, batted the second into a wall with his power fist, and caught the third a crushing blow on the head with the butt of his Axe. The forth he slammed into the wall, Power Fist wrapped around his rib cage.

" Who are you?" The Judicator rumbled.

" You will not gain knowledge of my mister's plans, Servant of the False Emperor!" the wild-eyed man screamed. Halgar paused a second to look at the Insignia of the Man in his fist. He wore the markings of a Sergeant, superimposed over the Star of Chaos. Halgar nodded thoughtfully, and quick as lighting cut off his left hand with his Axe. The man's scream echoed in the confined Turret. " Tell me of your Master!" the Judicator bellowed. " Who of the Cursed Powers do you serve!!"

The man whimpered and said nothing, until the glowing power axe sliced through his foot. The heat of the weapon cauterized the wound, but the pain was raw. " Who do you serve!" " Lord Perturabo of the Iron Warriors!" The Traitor screamed.

Halgar nodded. He tightened his grip on the Prisoner, hearing ribs shatter as he did so. "No tell me where your Bastard lord is" Halgar growled. " Tell me and your death will be painless and quick. Fail to do so, and you will live the duration of our time here, in agony, and I will leave you here for your master to find." The Traitor Guard Sergeant spoke quickly.

Inquisitor Fortress.

Lower level

This was what Terminators were designed for. Ivanov Van Lien exulted., fighting in narrow corridors, that they could barely lumber through. His assault cannon had long since run dry and been discarded, and he wielded his Pistol. Prudence mandated that Veteran Sergeant Furiz led the column of Terminators, his Flamer and Assault Cannon driving the heretics before him.

The narrow Corridor opened into a wide sanctum, and the 40 Terminators, finally with room to move, unleashed a heavy barrage on the defenders. Lascannons and cursed weapons spat fire, answered by Flamers, Assault cannons, Storm Bolters and the devastating Cyclone missile launchers. From the hall beyond strode five hulking figures, confirming exactly who was behind the taking of the Inquisitor fortress. Iron Warrior Terminators, three bearing Reaper Autocannons, the rest storm bolters and powerfists. For a second they stared at their loyalist counterparts from twenty meters away. And then, Van Liens eyes fell on the Company Insignia emblazoned on the Heretic Juggernaughts left Shoulder pads. The shoulder Pad, which in times past had borne a representation of a skull, had mutated into a metal skull, bearing a gold sword superimposed over the numeral 1,To complete the identification, curved horns grew out of either side of the mouthpiece and the mark of Chaos Undivided decorated the right Shoulder pad. If he looked hard enough, Van Lien knew he would see the words Blud en Bloden inscribed on the lip of their armored helms; Blood and Iron- the Insignia of the Iron Warriors 1st Brigade. The Iron Brigade.

" In the name of out Lord, Forward! Blood and Iron! "

"Lords of Destruction!, Forward for the Emperor and Krosfyah!"

Brother Abal went down a victim of a Reaper autocannon burst, his killer's Torso vanishing under a hail of shells from Brother Namod`s Assault cannon. A second Traitor vanished in a wave of fusion fire, punctuated by a hail of Storm Bolter fire. The third took revenge, his reaper blowing off Veteran Sergeant Aran`s left leg, even as the Sergeant's Thunder hammer exploded his head like a grenade. Van Lien closed with the Fourth, dodging a shrieking blow from the power fist and slamming his sword into the Iron Warrior's chest, through his armor and the bone case protecting his vitals. Both Terminators tumbled to the ground, Van Lien twisting his sword within the body of the traitor.

" You will never win, Minion of the False Emperor" the dying terminator whispered." This planet will by your grave." Van Lien turned his head slightly as he inched the blade a few centimeters up into the Traitors chest. " When the darkness comes for you," Van Lien replied, "See if your gods will save you."

With a final effort he send the blade of his sword through the bone case that protected the marines two hearts. The traitor stiffened and went limp. The Judicator got to his feet slowly, feeling the increased pumping of the drug dispensers that supplied the drugs that rebuilt his atrophied muscles. The strain of physical combat had torn and shattered muscles and tendons, and he needed a second to rebuild his strength. " Are you alright, Battalion Master?" Veteran Sergeant Fruiz inquired. Van Lien nodded, standing upright and holstering his sword.

"Onward" he ordered, glancing at his bolt pistol.

Sergeant Kulich kicked in the door and the Terminators entered the dungeon. The Room was filled with Men chained to the walls. One, wearing the breastplate of a Grey Knight Captain turned his head to look at them.

" Identify yourselves, Marines!" "Veteran Sergeant Kulich, Judicator 3rd Battalion 1st Company." Kurlich replied. " We answered your distress call"

"What distress call?" " The one stating you had been attacked by Traitor Forces?" "We sent no such message Judicator" Captain Isaiah replied, nodding his thanks as a Sergeant cut his bonds. " We were taken in the night, by Teleport attack, we had no time to send a alert." " It was a trap." Chief Inquisitor Arrad said. "That is why they kept us alive. To lure a rescue force here." " The we must leave" Van lien spoke from the rear ranks of his troops " We must leave now"

" We cannot" Arrad replied. " The data, the lore, the artifacts stored in this fortress are too numerous to move in a day. It would take months to move but a part to safety on Terra."

Battalion Master Van Lien nodded as the truth in the words of the inquisitor hit home. The Fortress could not be abandoned, nor could it be held, not with the damage it had taken in the Judicator assault.

" We have to hold." Van lien said it slowly the words heavy on his tongue. " We have to hold."

Nemesis Tessera

Inquisitor Fortress

Techmarines from the three Battalions as well as Adepts from the Titan Companies labored to repair the huge generators for the Fortresses void shielding. Others worked on the space defense lasers, three of which had been disabled by Judicator grenades. They could be repaired, but there were too few Tech Marines and too many tasks. Finally, Van Lien set sixteen of the Thirty-eight to work on the Generators, and divided the rest amongst the defensive turrets. Hours passed, and Thunder Hawks shuttled between the ships in orbit to carry the rest of the ammunition and vehicles to the fortress. Other Thunder Hawks carried the wounded and valuable data cores up to the fleet. Devastators pitched in, preparing weapons positions on the Ramparts. 10 hours had passed when the commanders met in the Fortresses courtyard. One Void Shield generator had been repaired, a second was nearing completion. Three defense lasers were back at 100% capacity as well.

" We need to decide right now who will stay to defend this Fortress." Van lien opened the discussion.

" My command had a operative strength of 2350 Marines and 17901 Imperial Guard before we came here, and we had been in heavy contact for six months before hand. The 9th on the other hand is fairly fresh." "Then we shall remain" Forge said. A Great jovial man with a Bionic Eye, he had seen little combat in the Great crusade. Van lien smiled and shook his head, clasping his comrade on the shoulder. " Your marines are the freshest, and will be best used by Primarch Krosfyah on Terra, Gregoir" Forge's eyes flickered with disappointment for a second but then he smiled even broader, and nodded. " At least let our guard regiment remain here to assist in the defense" Forge suggested. " Colonel Van Hallad`s Super Heavies are slowing us down any way- No offence, Custos" The Bald headed Imperial Guard officer nodded and shook his head. "None taken" "Very well Then." Van Lien continued. "The 9th will return to Elysia along with the rest of the Ships, and the 47th Division" Colonel Hamarstair opened his mouth to protest, but Van Lein cut him off. " Your men need rest and refit, and you need to get that arm looked at by a proper churgion." After a second, Hammarstair nodded.

"Very well." Chief Inquisitor Arrad said. "We are grateful for your assistance, Judicator"

Eye of Terror.

Nearing Nemisis Tessera.

Iron Warrior 1st Brigade Fleet.

30 hours later

The decks of the Chaos Vessels rang with the sounds of thousands of armored boots as company after company of Iron Warrior Marines filed onto burnt silver Doom Hawk Transports. Others marshaled the roaring possessed war engines and Dreadnoughts onto their transports, chaining the latter to the floor lest their berserk rage damage their fellows and themselves. On the Bridge of the traitor Flagship, crew gave Primarch Perturabo a wide berth. As battle neared the Giant figure became increasingly agitated, pacing the command pit like a wild animal, gripping and releasing the hilt of his holstered war hammer, Forgebreaker and activating and deactivating his lightening claws. Around him, the crew of the Molten Heresy did their jobs, beseeching all the Chaos gods that they might not attract the attention of the Daemon Primarch.

Inquisitor Fortress

8 Hours later

The last of the Thunderhawks had long since vanished into the darkening sky. Van Lien stood on the highest battlement, staring into the sky. Behind him stood 1750 Marines, wearing the insignia of the 3rd and 7th Battalions, and the Grey Knights Chapter. A low wind was blowing, causing the Marines cloak to billow and swell. Van Lien was praying. Never an intense member of the Imperial Cult, he was praying to his native gods-Asara, mother of life, Baeil, Father of life, and Raptor, god of War. He prayed silently, in the fashion of his Home world. Prayers finished, and feeling some relief from the pain that wracked his body, Van lien lifted his head, and put on his helmet. The helmets optics blurred and then refocused, showing a sky alive with descending trails of fire.

" Turrets, Report!"

" All Battery Turrets locked on, Battalion Master!" Van Lien drew his Sword, pointing it upward towards the fiery trails. He had never seen this before, had never experienced a planetary assault from the groundside. He turned, looking backward at his men, seeing them standing resolutely, helmets on.

" Shields On! Fire!"

Luna Orbital Docks

Even before the Iron Will slipped into the orbital docks, she launched three small craft. A Thunder Hawk II and two Thunder Hawk I`s burned towards Terra, slipping by the Rock at full speed, heading for the Imperial Place. Forty Minutes later, the Three Thunder Hawks glided in for a smooth landing in one of the palaces upper docking bays. Even before the engines ceased firing, the rear ramp came down, and Inquisitor Jaccman stepped off. Casting glances left and right to make sure that there were no Dark Angels in the bay, he made a signal to Barov, who turned and gestured for the rest of the passengers to follow him off the Thunder Hawk 4 Terminators, and two Dreadnoughts did so, surrounding a figure covered in a thick brown shawl. Led by Jaccman, they hustled towards a lift, dragging their captive with them.

Imperial Palace

It was a game, really, that outside of the cauldron of battle would have been laughable, comparable to the Smurfurling incident before the Great Crusade. There were Dark Angels all over the palace, Supervising the construction of Defensive positions, and well as Yellow armored Imperial Fists; that chapter having returned from its relief mission to Cadia, replaced by the Silver Skulls, Flesh Tearers and Relictors. Barov and his small retinue dodged down narrow corridors, rode lifts to floors they didn't want to go and spent sixty minutes roaming the palace on a task that would normally take twenty.

Frustrated as he stood at a corner waiting for a Squad of Dark Angel Devastators to march by lugging a Lascannon between them, Barov wished he could put on his helmet and simply call the Primarch. However to do that, he would have to break a singular tenet of Judicator Battle Lore- A warrior could only put on his helmet before a battle, and not take it off till the battle was concluded. The Battalion Master shrugged, The laws of the Warrior could not be broken- and certainly not because of his impatience.

"Battalion Master?" Barov turned. The voice belonged to Canoness Alberta of the Valorous Heart, whose battle sisters had aided the 6th Battalion during its reconstruction of the devastated World of Thierry just before the Chaos Crusade had begun. Immediately he bowed, as did every other Judicator in behind him. Only Inquisitor Jaccman didn't bow, and he nodded in greeting.

" Your mission to Makan was a success I trust?"

the Canonesss inquired " Completely " Barov replied; " Tell me pray, where is my Commander?"

"Primarch Krosfyah, Masters Azarel, Pugh, and Calgar are reporting to the Master of Mankind, and are sequestered." The brown haired Canoness tossed her head, distracting Barov momentarily.

" You can see him after, if you wish"

"Thank you Canoness" Barov replied, saluting and bowing again. After the Canoness had walked off he turned to Jaccman.

" Follow me."

Imperial Throne Room

Outer Sanctum

Impatiently, Barov shifted his weight from foot to foot. He was taking a risk, but time was his enemy. The inner sanctums doors snapped open, and Barov looked up, coming to attention as Grand Master Azarel strode out of the room, followed by Marenus Calgar and his Primarch. Azarel strode past him, accepting his salute, and then stopped as his eyes fell on the cowled figure standing between Ancients Meridian and Abel. Perhaps it was the way the man held his shoulders, or the tilt of his head triggering some long forgotten memory, but Azarel stepped back and grasped the hilt of his sword. "Traitor!" What happened next was a blur, Azarels Sword flashed in the light, cutting towards Iscariot's head, but Dreadnought Meridian intercepted the blade with his Powerfist. The blade sliced through the massive fist like a hot knife through ice, dropping the weapon on the adamantinum floor with a thundering boom. The Dark Angel swore and made a second strike at the prisoner, but Abel intercepted the blow across the left side of his sarcophagus. The Dark Angel reversed his blow, swinging back towards Iscariot, but Krosfyah`s Axe intercepted it. "WHAT IN THE EMPEROR`S NAME ARE YOU DOING?" The Judicator roared.

"THAT IS THE DAMMED TRAITOR CYPHER!" Azarel bellowed in response, " HE DIES HERE!"

Krosfyah strained against the Dark Angel for an instant, feeling his muscles and sinews shatter and burst as he exerted force. Pain racked his limbs but he mastered it and hurled the Dark Angel against the Corridor wall. Marenus Calgar stepped in to pin the Chapter Master, before he could move further. The Master of Macragge turned to look directly at Barov.

"Explain yourself, Battalion Master"

" Our Operations on Makan were successful, resulting in the destruction of the Iron Warriors Blood of Titanium Grand Company" Barov began "During our withdrawal from the planet, this man, Captain Benedict Iscariot surrendered to my forces and was brought aboard my flagship. I have heard his words, and feel that his presence on Terra is vital to our effort against the forces of the Despoiler"

" And who are you to decide that!" Azarel all but spat at the Judicator officer.

" I am a servant of the Emperor and my Primarch!" Barov roared back, his voice echoing for a hundred meters in all directions, " I will do anything, even die to ensure that chaos never touches Holy Terra! This man has information that can aid us- and I demand that you listen to what he has to say!"

Calgar released Azarel, and turned to face Iscariot. " Speak" the blonde haired Ultramarine said. " Speak now.and quickly"

" In the last hours of the Battle of Caliban, my brothers of the 5th company were assaulting the position that I, and others of the rebellious 7th Company were defending. Realizing that our position was hopeless, I regrouped two squads with me to the lower level, and awaited the attack that I knew was coming. It was then that I fully understood the enormity of my crime, as I fired upon the battle brothers that up to a month earlier, I had led in action. I turned and left my position, following twisting halls as the followers of Lord El Jonson blasted their way through our barricades. I do not know how long I wandered the halls and corridors of the monastery, praying to the Emperor that I might die and my sin be absolved thus. It was as this that I came upon the battle between Luther and Jonson, saw Luther treacherously strike down the Primarch, and then realize the weight of his betrayal, and fall, mind twisted and shattered. It was then that I entered the chamber, hoping to seek the Primarchs forgiveness, or take my life with one of the discarded weapons. I stood next to the body of the Lion, looking on his visage and suddenly I realized that I was not alone. Before me stood a figure, clad in robes of white and with a start I knew that it was the Emperor, and I feel to my knees, beseeching him to absolve me of my great sin. But he raised a hand and struck me mute- and then he spoke. He told me that while my sin was great, few others and I had seen that I had been deceived, and because of that he would grant me a quest. As he spoke, I beheld a watcher in the dark, bearing the great Lion Sword, shattered in two pieces. The being placed the weapon before me, and then the Emperor Spoke, telling me that though I would soon be cast through the whirls and eddies of time and Space, there would come a time when chaos would overrun the Imperium. At that time I should seek the Forces of his son, and return with them to Terra, placing this sword before him, the master of Mankind, my wandering kin and I would be granted forgiveness for our sin."

Iscariot stopped talking then and silence reigned. It was Meridian who spoke. "Lord Primarch" "I agree." The Judicator said, his voice heavy.

" Grand Commander Azarel, take Captain Iscariot before the Emperor. Let him fulfill his quest. If he is lying-Kill him." Azarel looked for a second like if he would question the instructions, but then he nodded. Grasping the fallen Dark Angel by his left arm, and followed by the Master of Macragge, he led his charge into the Sanctum, as Krosfyah turned away, towards his two damaged Dreadnoughts.

Imperial Palace.

Quarters of Primarch Krosfyah

40 Hours Later.

The Primarchs eyes opened suddenly and he sat up in the bed where he had lain for the last 22 hours. The Drugs that Stryker had given him had done their jobs, and the pain in his arms and chest had eased to a dull ache. Krosfyah swung his legs off the bed, standing to his full height. There was little pain, and the sleep had been natural, not drug induced. Turning, he saw his Battle Gauntlet lying on a side table, glinting in the soft light, next to his helmet. His Axe lay next to it, its blade glowing ever so faintly. His bolt pistol and Autobolter were still aboard the Warspite. With a start Krosfyah realized he was not alone. He whirled, his Axe leaping from the table and flying to his hand as he pivoted.

" You can still do that, even after all this time."

The voice came from the corner of the room, Krosfyah frowned as he squinted. His enhanced eyesight made recognition easy. Between Warriors on Elysia, displays of emotion were unlikely. Facing death with a battle brethren made emotions moot. Still, the stress of the moment made Krosfyah react uncharacteristically. He took several strides across the room and embraced his Brother. And outside, the Darkness lifted, ever so slightly.

Finis