Author Note 1.0: Hey everyone this is SaibotReaper here just incase you all didn't know something was apparently wrong with the update so I have just now uploaded the chapter and along with this update is just incase you guys are unable to read the chapter due to whatever reason on what is going with the site so just to inform you all in advance and thanks for contiuing to support this story and make sure to favorite and follow as we continue Orius's tale down the path of Warmaster.
Chapter VI: Know Your Enemy
The forging of Dantooine was no small undertaking, new walls and fortifications were needed and built upon as the many manufactorums the Iron Warriors alongside the Dark Mechanicum had created, pumped out a constant stream of metals and steel to building the fortress and city the Warmaster had desired.
Automated turrets and defense systems were the first to be in place then followed by extensive and heavily reinforced walls made of obsidian like metal. The ships loomed over Dantooine a constant reminder to the people who are now under the "protection" of the forces of chaos.
Orius looked on watching as the fortress was built and a door to his chamber opened seeing a member of the Dark Mechanicum enter, one of the many Hereteks of their ranks was robed in long crimson robes with wires hanging from the openings. The figure approached the Warmaster as it began to speak in a voxed guttural voice.
"Warmaster." The Heretek stated as it lowered its head in respect. "The rest of the Mechanicum wishes to meet with you in preparation for the viewing of the Titans and Knight units of your army."
"Very well." He said nodding his head in acceptance. "Inform them I shall be there shortly to begin my inspection."
"Of course Warmaster." The Heretek took its leave allowing the Warmaster to remain in his silent domain.
The journey to the newly constructed forges of the Dark Mechanicum was a solemn and quiet one, even amongst the ever-growing facilities being built by the Iron Warriors and cathedrals of the Word Bearers. His arrival was greeted by a host of Hereteks, Adepts, many others who had joined the new Warmaster after the end of the Horus Heresy, and all that followed.
"Greetings Warmaster Orius." A member of the mechanicum sputtered out. "The Titans and Knights are prepared for your inspection."
Orius simply nodded in agreement with the members of the Dark Mechanicum, following them inside the facility the smell of molten metal and crafting of the forges was evident.
He looked on seeing the hulking constructions of twisted metal and chaos infected adamantium stand before him, hundreds of Titans and Knights stood before him as he watched them all march forth.
The Mechanicum along with their Servitors were hard at work preparing the corrupted forms of the Titans for their eventual use in the war against the galaxy. Orius himself turned his attention to all of the Knights marching forth alongside several dozen Reaver-Class Titans that marched in unison for the population of Dantooine to witness the might of what Chaos had brought to protect them.
"I would assume all of our forces within the Mechanicum division are prepared for use in our war against the Republic and Separatists yes?" Orius asked.
"We are running at eighty-nine percent efficiency Warmaster." A Heretek stated. "Within another cycle or so we will be operating at one-hundred percent, due to the minerals gathered from the moons you bequeathed to us."
Orius accepted this response with a simple nod. "Ensure all preparations are indeed fully received. Coordinate with the Warsmith and Iron Warriors on where all our metals are going once we commence."
"At once Warmaster." The Heretek bowed it's head as Orius departed from the foundry.
/Coruscant/
The journey back to Coruscant was a tense one to say the least, from what they saw on Zygerria to the body they were bringing back to the capital of The Republic, Ahsoka kept the body locked away in the back of the shuttle.
While the shuttle exited hyperspace they journeyed to the surface and were greeted by a contingent of Senate and Coruscant Guard who came to take the body away.
Ahsoka looked on as the body of the dead Noise Marine was carried away, her arms crossed in concern but she turned to back looking for her master who was with Senator Amidala as they spoke away from the others.
"I'm fine Anakin. I promise." Padme's hand rubbed his left shoulder gently as she stared into his eyes smiling at her.
"After what we saw it's just... I don't like you being in the middle of this war." Anakin held her hand gently as he kept her gaze. "And now with this new... things or whatever they are please just stay on Coruscant."
"Ani," Padme whispered as she spoke up. "You know I can't do that."
"Y-" Anakin was cut off as Ahsoka and Obi-Wan walked over to the two who quickly backed away from the other. "I take it the council wants us to inform them about what happened on Zygerria?"
"Of course Anakin," Obi-Wan stated.
"Masters, do you believe we will have to face those things again?" Ahsoka asked as both Obi-Wan and Anakin turned to her.
"Snips if we do." Anakin's hand reaching out and placing it on her shoulder. "Will face those things together ok." A smile present on his face.
"Gotcha." Her smile was a bit brighter as the three left to report to the Jedi Council.
In one of the lower wards of Coruscant, a cloaked figure walked alone through the under-city passing by many aliens and humans alike with only a few criminals taking notice as they followed. The cloaked figure made its way to an alleyway as several of the criminals followed halting the cloaked person from leaving.
"Where you going little lady heh." One of the thugs said as they all pulled their blasters. "Now I think it's time to give us whatever credits you got heh."
"P-Please." The hooded woman back further into the darkness of the alley as the thugs approached her. "I have nothing to give."
The thugs chuckled to each other as the leader spoke. "Oh, there are things you can still give us lady heh."
"So can you." The woman stated.
"What?" The thug stated as he got closer tearing her robe off.
What stood before them was a pale almost inhuman looking figure with scarred flesh and wavy translucent hair that smirked as the figure bared its razor filled mouth and grabbing the nearest thug to her.
Bringing her mouth crashing down into the man's mouth, his eyes widened as he felt his very being leave him as Harmony pulled back as small wisps from the now-dead thug entered her throat. Harmony's eyes ignited in a firey violet coloration as she spoke up.
"Mmm who's next to taste heh." Her grin grew wider as she rushed toward her prey with reckless abandon.
The light of the blaster fire continued for another three to four seconds, till Harmony stepped out from the alley undamaged or neither bothered by what had occurred as she walked on having had her fill with souls to drain.
Harmony's journey across Coruscant was one of importance as Astrean sent her to investigate the planet the capital of this so-called Republic. Even by her Daemon possessed standards this Hive World teemed with human and Xenos of every caliber to her it was a melting pot waiting to explode if given the right fuse for the job.
Her view of how life on Coruscant went for those who didn't live on as it was called the "levels" as at the top being level one where the politics and wealthy lived free from the smog and dirt of industrial and diseased lower levels.
As she viewed upward toward the wide hole leading to level one, her eyes flared slightly at the sight of how the people of Coruscant lived yet she kept moving on. While she walked she could see many of the Coruscant Guard and mechanical droids patrol as well as she looked on.
The true sight of how easily to corrupt Coruscant was unmistakable, it in her mind would be to damn easy which brought a smile to her face. As she stood still she vanished in an instant between a large group of people appearing on level one of Coruscant and just outside of a peculiar area indeed. A large temple over a kilometer in height which was in her mind only minuscule in terms of impressive to her along with the golden statues lining toward its entrance.
"So...this is the esteemed Jedi Temple." Harmony looked over the statues slightly even though several Temple Guard who lined the perimeter looked on. "So..dull I must say, unfortunately."
Harmony's presence within the temple went unnoticed by all as she walked about wearing her robe. Her presence was hidden as she resembled her once human form allowing her to hide what she had become beneath the surface.
As she passed by padawans and knights and Temple Guard they barely noticed her almost, as if she were simply apart of the many shadows that occasionally dotted the less than illuminated halls of the order.
Making her way toward the library she looked over all she could gaze upon she tilted her head a bit saddened as she took a seat to look through one of the terminals in the Jedi Archives. For the next several hours she would remain there, time to her was nothing absorbing as much knowledge as she could for her master as her mind, however, wandered back before all that occurred.
"I...I'm sorry Astrean."
"Hold on Harmonia it will be alright I'll get to my father he can help me with healing you I promise you will be better."
All she could feel was the numbness of her wounds, the loss of blood too much for her as she could not look at what the wolf had done to her. She kept her eyes focused on the only thing that mattered to her, the only man whom she saw as she rubbed his cheek as his helmet was removed.
"A-Astrean my friend..my dear, dear friend. Never submit to fate don't ever let it rule you for t-they control it."
Harmonia's vision faded as the psychic wave from Astrean engulfed all around them destroying those who took his companion's life. The burning of the once great City Of Light was complete, Prospero fell to the Wolves Of Fenris and their deceived Primarch Leman Russ. All to plan in the ever-growing scheme of Chaos and the deceptions of the Warmaster Horus Lupercal.
Harmony blinked back to reality as her thoughts of Prospero were a strange one to be reminiscing about as she had not been there herself. Yet she felt as if she had along with seeing Astrean and feeling the places where the scars were under her robes as she carefully inspected and traced each scar softly.
This moment was interrupted however, the doors to archives opened. Harmony quickly placed her robes about herself to ensure no one could see them or her face if anyone was able to sense her presence. Turning to see who was entering she saw two Jedi one with a beard and white armored pauldrons with the order's symbol upon it, and the other a rather handsome Jedi to Harmony's standards and a young girl an obvious Xeno if ever there was one.
Getting closer behind one of the many large shelf casings she listened in on the three Jedi as an elderly Jedi woman approached in golden and blue robes to speak with the three.
"Ahh Master Kenobi, what brings you to the archives today?" Jocasta Nu asked as she had a sincere smile while she bowed slightly. "I thought you three were on a diplomatic mission last I heard."
The three Jedi looked to each other before Obi-Wan answered for them as the matter was now "under control."
"Ahh yes, Madame Jocasta it has," Obi-Wan stated. "Yet we had some complications and those will be addressed with the Council once we look over some things here in the archives."
"Of course Master Kenobi." She said with a bow. "If you require anything inform me at once have a good day Knight Skywalker, Padawan Tano."
Jocasta took her to leave, while Harmonia herself had fully listened in on the conversation before vanishing into the shadows of the library as she could see the thoughts and memories of what the three Jedi saw on Zygerria. With this information and that of which Legion they faced, she departed to return to her master and creator on Dantooine.
/Inner Sanctum/ Dantooine
The Warsmith of the Iron Warriors was called in to attend a meeting the Warmaster had currently in session. The Warsmith was greeted by the sight of a dark room with only the red holographic light slightly illuminating the faces of those present, besides the Warmaster there stood Astrean of the Thousand Sons. A member of the Alpha Legion and one of the captains of the Death Guard.
"Good of you to join us Warsmith," Astrean stated as he kept his gaze fixed on him. The Warsmith rolled his eyes in annoyance as he spoke up. "I don't report when you wish sorcerer keep to your books and me to my building and siegecraft."
"Enough," Orius spoke up as he looked to the two of them. "I have spoken to the Mechanicum they have seen all have been placed according to our initial stages." He stated. "The fortifications, defenses, and all are now in place we must turn our gaze outward from Dantooine."
Orius pulled up the star map of the galaxy and marked all locations both in control of the Separatist Alliance and The Republic. Then showing a portion not dedicated to the war this was the Neutral Systems, once the display was fully visible for all to see each took long glances and memorized it by heart as Orius spoke up.
"These are the territories marked accordingly." Orius pointed out toward both the Republic and Separatist controlled territories. "Those belonging to the Hutt Families, and these here." As the map changed it marked Hutt controlled space and finally those of the Neutral Systems. "These are the Neutral Systems a vast swath that has refused to join either side of the war. It consists of over one-thousand-five hundred star systems."
"A vast amount indeed to take and, I would assume us simply showing a display of might is not what you have in mind Warmaster?" Astrean asked, his tone somewhat sarcastic as all looked to him.
"No Astrean," Orius stated. "We cannot simply force worlds let alone ones of the Neutral Systems to simply bow. We may have a substantial force and ships to back it but until we are all united. We will need the World Eaters, Emperor's Children, and Sons Of Horus if we are to win."
"Good to know you are thinking strategically Warmaster," Astrean said with an amused tone as he gestured. "Please do continue."
"Nal Hutta," Orius states as he pulls the planet up. "Nal Hutta is the heart of the Hutt Families crime syndicate, control the Hutts, control the underworld." He continued as he looked to his council. "Along with this, we can cut the supply lines between the Republic and the Outer Rim where they have bases set up for the inevitable taking of the Outer Rim.
"The Warmaster is correct." The Alpha Legion infiltrator stated. "These Hutt's have a treaty between their crime syndicate and the Republic." Pulling up several images of the Hutt's themselves and the Republic representative for the treaty. "The fat one is the leader of the Hutt Clan's, his name is Jabba as for the woman she is a senator of a planet called Naboo. Her name is Senator Padme Amidala."
Astrean listened closely alongside the Warsmith as the Alpha Legion continued to speak about the Hyperspace route.
"Cutting the supply lines between the Republic and their forces will drastically damage their cause to fight in the Outer Rim. This will give the Warmaster the time he shall need to put in place his traps to capture and disable Republic vessels." The Infiltrator stated as he nodded to the Warmaster.
"Once Nal Hutta and its means of communication are cut." He brought up a map of the city and its defenses given over by some reluctant criminals belonging to the Hutt's. "A two-pronged invasion shall occur, consisting of the Iron Warriors and Deathguard,
Both the Warsmith and Captain of the Death Guard nodded in agreement as both continued to listen to the Warmaster.
"The Death Guard shall deploy first." The map pulled points of interest to land upon. "From these points, the assault force shall push further in on the only major city on the planet Bilbousa. I want the Hutt's alive so I may speak with them Warsmith."
"Of course Warmaster." The Warsmith bowed his head. "What about the populace of the planet shall I bring a contingent of Word Bearers to spread the faith."
Astrean paid close attention the entire time especially at what the Warsmith just asked as he wanted to see if the Warmaster would give in to bringing in the fanatics to convert the populace.
"No. This move does not require the Word Bearers." Orius stated. "I already have several factors in place with the Alpha Legion, for now, it shall be consisting of only your two legions Warsmith. The people of Nal Hutta will pose no true threat to you or your men, and the Hutt's are cowards at their core."
"The Grandfather chose wisely indeed heh." The captain of the Death Guard stated.
Orius only gave a small nod to the captain as he turned his attention to the members of the Alpha Legion Infiltrators. "Once communications are cut ensure are forces on Nar Shaddaa are prepared at once."
"Of course Warmaster." The infiltrator bowed his head. "The Hydra grows in the weeds of despair." The Alpha Legion members took their leave to begin. Once all the members left only Astrean and Orius remained as he looked up to see the Thousand Sons librarian standing there.
"I assume you are still here Astrean due to having found a flaw in the plan?" Orius asked as he kept analyzing every detail.
"No." Astrean stated. "I am only surprised you did not wish to send the zealots to do all the hard work this time."
"Astrean if you have something on your mind speak it now." Orius's eyes fixed on the helmeted Astrean who could feel the Psyker's eyes fixed on his as he walked around to his side.
"All I am saying Warmaster is you should not put faith at the head of every operation. The Word Bearers have their uses, yet they are radical and...zealous as I'm sure you are aware?" Astrean kept his gaze fixed on Orius.
Orius stood slightly towering over Astrean due to his Terminator Armour, but they didn't want to intimidate the Psyker. Only assure as he spoke up his tone calm and assured about what he would say.
"I am fully aware of the benefits and risks to the Word Bearers. Apothecary Bile has informed me of much since me taking the reigns as Warmaster." Orius said. "Just as I am aware of why each of these legions must be shown the proper respect but not be soft in their presence.
Astrean was silent for a moment as he took the measure of Orius it felt a long time between the two. As the librarian finally spoke up, his tone calm and somewhat less cocky as he relaxed.
"Of course Warmaster. I shall attend to my duties and if I find any knowledge of use to our cause I shall inform you at once." Astrean gave a slight nod of his head.
Orius nodded back as he walked off to handle matters on his eventual invasion of Nal Hutta and the disruption of Nar Shaddaa. Astrean himself was not alone for long as Harmony appeared at his side and began to whisper in his ear of all she had uncovered while on Coruscant and all Astrean could do was nod in response. A smile slowly but surely crept over his lips at this development.
/Mid Rim Territory/ Republic Patrol Fleet
In one of many Republic controlled spaces of the Mid Rim, three Arquitens-class light cruisers patrolled their routine routes for any signs of Separatist activity yet there was nothing like usual.
"Captain Adomedes." A clone officer saluted as he approached the captain of the patrol fleet. "Speak please," Adomedes said.
"Sir our routine patrol has shown no signs of Separatist activity." The officer said as he handed over his new scans. Adomedes saw it was indeed like the last. "Ah very well thank you, officer," Adomedes stated.
"Shall I inform the patrol to set course for Naboo?" The officer asked.
Captain Adomedes rubbed his chin before finally speaking up. "Very well, lieutenant set course for-"
"CAPTAIN ADOMEDES!" another officer yelled out. "We have a ship signal unknown!"
"Separatists!?" He asked.
"Unknown we are coming into view of it sir." the officer stated.
The three Arquiten Cruisers came into view, what they were viewing was something they never thought to find. A massive vessel came into view floating dead and adrift the hulking mass, pieces of it ripped asunder with floating debris as the lights from the Arquiten's viewing the vessel from a distance.
It was massively bigger than anything in the Republic Navy but it felt almost wrong simply looking at this derelict.
The ship itself was of an unknown design and make as no lights or signs of life could be seen aboard. The vessel was in the view the Republic Patrol a derelict and to them, it was something that needed to be reported at once.
"Any life signs?" Adomedes asked.
"It's...hard to say sir." the officer stated. Adomedes looked on as he looked at the screen for himself. "What do you mean?"
"I'm picking up trace life signs yet it's all around that vessel. I can't pinpoint anything only this message that came from the vessel itself."
"Warmaster audiunt me: et ego vivere Kelbor-Paul. Ipsi petistis statimque eiecti sumus de mars, Ego perdidi in plures dicere. Audivi in interitu vestro ridebo, spero enim me inveneris comede hoc non est verum Horus. Qui de imperio privatus et stultos volutpat. Vivo ego Kelbor-Paul!"
Captain Adomedes couldn't make heads or tails of the language as he looked to his crew. Looking back to the vessel itself he had a decision to make, report in on this vessel and wait for Republic reinforcements or board and find any signs of life as the message broadcasted in his mind seemed like someone indeed needed help.
"Prepare boarding parties, men," Adomedes stated. "We are going to investigate than report into the Republic once we reach Naboo.
"Understood Captain." The officer saluted as they all returned to their stations to begin boarding.
The three Arquitens boarded at three possible entry points, troopers deploying to investigate. The troopers along with Adomedes boarded the vessel rung and echoed as they walked forth the halls of the ship appeared to be ancient and almost foreboding to them. All as not a soul could be found only ruined halls and statues of unknown half mechanical half man figures which creeped the clones out.
Yet in the shadows of the vessel, something watched them, slinking through the darkness like an ever-encroaching predator upon its prey that entered its lair without being welcomed. Five shifting sickly green eyes watched from beneath a tattered and sickly brown cloak as its voice sputtered to life in a low tone that the invaders couldn't hear as it spoke to itself with a slight chuckle.
"Unwelcomed, not of Horus nor The Emperor. Sleek and clean you slink in my home like thieves. Impose upon me you may but won't I am all there is, General I am. Fabricator to all there is for the Mechanicum."
The figure slinked away deeper into the darkness luring its prey and soon it will strike but some measure in its mind hopes the Warmaster will find it. Find it has remained loyal after so long alone guarding that which is more precious than all the water Terra once held in its oceans.
Author's Note: Hey everyone sorry I wasn't able to get this chapter published on Halloween like I had hoped but that's ok first day of the month is better than not at all lol. But seriously though well it appears the Republic has found a ship belonging from the Horus Heresy and soon the invasion of Nal Hutta shall begin with the next chapter being titled "Rust And Steel" with the Death Guard and Iron Warriors.
I really wanted this chapter to be heavy on dialogue between people important to Orius's inner circle like Astrean as he is a key defining character to the Thousand Sons and to something that defined them as to what they are now. So you all will be seeing more of him in future chapters, along with this I just wanted all you to know I just moved back home so that's kinda why this update took abit longer due to flying a plane. Also chapters for Chaos Chosen shall being coming back out on regular week or so basis till I start work and if they are slightly delayed its due to chores and the like i due so I hope you all understand.
Also if you all want to know what the transmission the Republic intercepted is and what the translation is lemme know and I'll place it at the start before the chapter begins have a great day guys and remember the Gods are watching you FOR UNDIVIDED!
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