Author's Note: Hey everyone Reaper here apologies in advance for taking a literal two month hiatus with thanksgiving and than christmas happening and with no update or anything apologies but I really needed to take some time away with family and breath. Plus was having alot of issues with how I wanted this chapter to be made, along with my co-writer ensuring we had new characters written up that are apart of Orius's war council for the story and the future arcs for the story I want to thank you all for your patience and understanding. Plus we have been thinking over other ideas regarding warhammer crossovers and the like. seeing as how this one has been doing well. And we wanted to see what you guys would like if we used the loyalists for another story either in Star Wars again or Mass Effect so just let us know. But make sure to let us know what you all thought of this chapter and enjoy the new year everyone :) _From SaibotReaper Productions_
Chapter VII: Rust And Steel
Over the planet of Dantooine, the forces of the Iron Warriors and Death Guard had been mobilized and ready for departure to begin the invasion of Nal Hutta. Three Battle-Barges were prepared for the invasion, alongside them were six Hades-Class Heavy Cruisers and three Iconoclast Destroyers as escort vessels.
The Chaos Marines themselves had already boarded their vessels and prepared for the assault alongside the hundreds of renegade Astra militarum who joined during Horus's rebellion. The Warp itself tore asunder once more as the vessels entered and space returned to normal as the ships departed for the invasion.
In the sanctum, Orius stood at his hologram caller as he signaled for an infiltrator of the Alpha Legion. The man stood before him his face resembling greatly of that of the twin Primarchs who nodded to Orius.
"Warmaster." The infiltrator bowed. "All is prepared as per your orders on Nal Hutta and Nar Shaddaa, all we await is for your order."
"Granted," Orius stated as he continued. "Ensure no communications are transmitted out from the planet. The Hutts may control these criminal worlds but soon they will answer to us and the Hydra's heads shall grow."
The infiltrator gave a slight bow as the communication ended and with it, he took a moment as he sat upon his throne. Orius's eyes felt heavy and his mind fogged by thoughts of different things, some of his people on Dantooine others of the gravity of the situation that was occurring.
He knew that this wasn't going to be easy he was declaring war on the galaxy itself against two massive powers but his hearts calmed as his eyes opened, slightly knowing the reason why he was doing this it would be for her and for the better future he would build for those below the rich and powerful. All who had become pawns in this war for who's beliefs and governments were right to rule.
The door to Orius's sanctum opened as the sight of Astrean appeared alongside Harmony who floated alongside her master at a steady pace as they approached the Warmaster.
"Astrean, Harmony what do I owe the time of such a visit?" Orius asked turning to walk to the sorcerer.
"Harmony here has been busy and away from Dantooine for me Warmaster," Astrean stated as he extended his hand as Harmony took it with ease. "She has spent time among the people of Coruscant since our arrival on this planet. And those among the Jedi as well."
Orius though calm at this news, his eyes revealed how he felt about this to Harmony the Warmaster was surprised and shocked yet content and a feeling of amusement washed over his face. Orius spoke up as he looked to Harmony his tone calm as always in Astrean's presence.
"Tell me what did you learn while among the people of Coruscant Harmony?" Orius asked.
"The people, every level of that hive-world cries for an end to this war." She stated. "People living in squalor and even more preying upon others for credits and supplies, yet those above the rich and powerful care, not Warmaster."
"What of the Jedi Order?" Orius asked. "Have they not sought to aid those on the planet?" His question piqued Harmony's curiosity as she spoke up. "No Warmaster, there has been no sign of Jedi aid to those in the lower levels."
Orius's eyes looked out the stained-glass window to the streets below, his thoughts ran back to parts of his past as he heard the voices echoing even now in his mind.
The smell of the ocean the strange sight of the glimmering tree's almost made of silver, twining together reaching for the sun. Laughter and voices echoing as he heard them yelling out.
"Don't go too far ahead Orius!" A woman's voice echoing with a hint of laughter.
"I won't!" Orius yelled as his feet carried him far running through the tall grasses of the planet, his heart raced and his veins filled with adrenaline from the happiness he felt in this moment.
"Son." A voice echoed out.
Orius looked around to see a shadowy figure looking down at him as the sun beamed from above the figure obscured all he could see was the metallic shine of something hanging from the figure's waist as he picked Orius up.
"My special boy. You will find your way, just as I did remember never let anyone or anything hold you back from your dreams. Live free and happily." The voice echoed out to Orius.
Harmony stood in front of Orius as she spoke up again. "Warmaster? Is everything alright?"
Orius broke out of his memory as he looked up. "Yes..yes everything is fine. What else is there to report?"
"Nothing else Warmaster." Harmony stated as she floated from his presence.
"And you Astrean?" Orius asked as he turned slightly. "Do you have something to say?"
"There is one thing Warmaster." Astrean walked over as he spoke up. "Recent reports from some of the Alpha Legion given to me have heard rumors of the Jedi encountering the Emperor's Children on Zygerria."
"And?" He asked. Astrean continued as he spoke. "And it would seem the three Jedi were by the names of Anakin Skywalker, Ahsoka Tano, and an Obi-Wan Kenobi. They managed to kill several of the noise marines, and have taken a body back to Coruscant to analyze."
Orius's eyes looked on toward Astrean as he spoke. "Do you believe the Jedi can fight back against our forces?"
"They possess unique abilities to aid them yes." Astrean started. "But our forces and my unique expertise will be more than a match to handled these muddled sorcerers."
"Good." Orius nodded. "Is there anything else?" Orius asked as Astrean looked over everything he had. "There is one thing Warmaster."
"That is?" Orius asked. Astrean looked up as he spoke. "A member of the Alpha Legion intercepted a unique signature along with a broadcast from a republic vessel."
"Play it," Orius stated.
Astrean looked down activating the transmission as he did it played somewhat garbled but clear as the voices spoke through muffled blaster fire.
"Unknown hostiles! Repeat we have unknown hostiles aboard our vessel, requesting republic assistance someone anyone send aid no-AGHHHHH!" The transmission ended as a noise followed by what sounded like metallic skittering as Astrean cut the transmission.
"Did this transmission make it back to the Republic?" Orius asked.
"No Warmaster." He assured continuing. "Alpha Legion members managed to intercept the broadcast no one either Separatist or Republic know of what's occurred."
Orius slightly paced his chamber thinking about what exactly could have happened. This development was unforeseen to him and the plan, in his mind it could ruin everything.
"Astrean." Orius turned to look to the Pysker who stood silently as he answered. "Yes, Warmaster?" Orius approached him as he took a look back at the city below being built. "Prepare a ship at once. I will require you to accompany me on this matter as I will need your expertise."
"At once Warmaster." Astrean bowed slightly as he left to prepare.
Orius's face slightly frowned and his temper calm yet as he looked down on what he was building he couldn't risk losing it all. Turning from the city he went to prepare for his departure from Dantooine to find what exactly was happening.
/Nal Hutta/ Outer Rim
The planet of Nal Hutta, homeworld of the Hutt's, and many other criminals and bounty hunters who lived amongst the people that lived under the shadow of the crime family for centuries was now drawing to a close. The skies around the planet trembled and expelled electricity which for the people who saw this was unusual and somewhat terrifying but it wasn't till the vessels of Chaos emerged from the Warp Storm.
The civilians of Nal Hutta quickly withdrew into their homes, meanwhile, inside the Hutt Cartels fortress, they were shown images of the vessels along with the display of pods deploying to the surface.
Multiple Thunderhawks deployed from the vessels alongside other transport vessels bringing the might of the Lost and the Damned as the ground forces to cut the path through.
The red lighting with the Thunderhawk flickered to life the appearance of the Renegade Guardsmen differed greatly due to each in their own respected right. Some wore gas masks with plated metal armor with the symbol of chaos painted on.
Others had the symbol carved into their forearms and wearing metal helms in the style of skulls and others wore the normal simple armor of the Astra Militarum but painted red and black to distinguish their change of allegiance.
Arming their weapons consisting of either Lasguns and chainswords to bolt pistols and bolters. The vessels had quickly landed the troops could feel it and as the loading ramps lowered they quickly deployed onto them muddy swamps of the planet opening fire on the resistance they received.
Which consisted of pirates and what forces the Hutt Cartel had on the planet, the Renegade Guardsmen continued to push suffering minor casualties though when a blaster hit the mark they went down the same as any other person in a firefight. Inside the fortress, however, those of the Hutt Family who were on the planet looked on in fear as the holograms showed the approaching force.
Killing their security and mercenaries without remorse. Those trapped on the planet of the family consisted of three of the five high council members.
While Jabba was on Tatooine in his fortress. Once the final set of doors had been breached several guardsmen quickly secured the Hutts, lazguns trained on them as they were approached by two members of the assault force consisting of the Warsmith and Captain of the Death Guard.
Several known Bounty Hunters appeared at the side of the Hutts these consisted of Dengar, an Iridonian named Sugi, and Embo. Each was prepared to fight against these massive people who broke into the Hutt Cartels HQ, but they all remained still as the Warsmith approached.
A hologram appeared of Jabba along with the other members of the Hutt Council as Jabba spoke the droid spoke for him in galactic basic for the invaders to understand as he yelled.
"The mighty Jabba wishes to know who you are?" The droid stated as Jabba continued. "He also wishes to know why you have attacked unprovoked on his homeworld of his people."
"We are the Iron Warriors. I am the Warsmith of my men." The Warsmith stated taking out a hologram. "We bring a message and word from our leader the Warmaster himself."
The Hutt's looked to one another as they never heard of this "Warmaster" as the Warsmith activated the hologram. Orius appeared looking on at the Hutt's, who themselves were not too impressed beside the massive armor Orius wore as he spoke up to them.
"Hutt's you may not know me. But I know you all too well." Orius stated. "You all have run the galaxies underworld for centuries one if not the biggest crime syndicate besides, the Pykes and Black Suns. Yet that time is at an end."
The Hutt's chuckled while the droid listened as Jabba talked. "The mighty Jabba says you have no claim and no place to take over the Hutt Cartel."
Orius smiled slightly as he spoke. "I have no intention of taking control of your cartel Jabba."
Jabba spoke once more as the droid spoke. "Jabba says if you do not want control of the Hutt Cartel then what is it you want?"
Orius's smile faded as he looked to his men and back to the Hutt's. "Its destruction and your deaths."
This was followed by the guardsmen blasting the Hutt's presence killing three of the five members while the holograms of Jabba and the other Dajar The Hutt vanished with fear in their eyes. The bounty hunters Dengar, Embo, and Sugi were halted by the Iron Warriors pushing them to their knees as the Warsmith looked to Orius.
"What about these three?" He asked.
Orius looked down at the three bounty hunters. "Are you loyal to the Hutt's?" Orius asked.
"Hey, hey we are simple bounty hunters alright." Dengar stated. "We just get paid to protect or bring in our targets alright."
"You two?" Orius asked looking to Embo and Sugi.
Both said nothing as they simply nodded in agreement with Dengar on them only being hired-help for the Hutts. Orius looked to the Warsmith and gave a simple wave of his hand as the hologram of Orius vanished.
"You're very lucky this day scum." The Warsmith stated as he pushed them on. "Leave before The Warmaster changes his mind."
Heading toward the balcony the Warsmith looked out over the planet seeing the Death Guard begin setting up defenses and placing the people into line as this planet was now under the control of Chaos.
/Nar Shaddaa/ Lower Wards
In the dank underbelly of the scum ridden city, several hooded figures stood at attention as a hologram of Orius appeared to them. The figure's hoods and tattered cloaks kept them from being fully visible but they were space marines who listened closely to Orius.
"Is everything prepared operative?" Orius asked. The figure removed his hood revealing a member of the Alpha Legion. "Yes, Warmaster. The systems of this planet may be remarkable in a sense are easily hackable and subjected to many probes of infiltration."
"Indeed. Now it is time to begin operative." Orius looked on as the Alpha Legion members viewed their handy-work. "Once the cities power goes out and comms lost there will be panic, looting, and rioting. Then it will be time to recruit those treated so wrongly by the Hutts."
The Alpha Legion activated the trigger. Once done the power systems exploded everything went out across Nar Shaddaa, the fires of the bombs began to make their way to the upper levels. The streets and below, and many levels above people were in a panic over what was occurring many scared and even began to riot. One member of the Alpha legion spoke up as he looked over the chaos to them.
"Now we begin phase two brothers. HYDRA DOMINATUS!" The operative yelled. Followed closely by his brothers. "HYDRA DOMINATUS!"
/Mid-Rim/ Naboo System
The tearing and shifting of The Warp came about as a single vessel exited with a deep blue hue of its hull's coloration along with the hints of red and gold to it. The vessel personally belonging to the Sorcerer Astrean.
The vessel with its gold, blue, and red coloration gave it a distinct look along with the symbol of the ouroboros in white paint below the vessel's hull for those to look upon whom conquer them. The vessel was dubbed by Astrean as the "Farseer." On the bridge, Astrean sat looking out at the vast expanse with Harmony at his side while many Dark Mechanicum experts were maintaining the ship.
Being brought along brought to see exactly what they would be dealing with at the Warmaster's request. Upon exiting The Warp, Astrean and Orius saw the three Arquitens-class light cruisers docked with the scuttled ship.
Astrean instantly recognized the vessel it belonged to the Imperium Of Man but more specifically it belonged to the Adeptus Mechanicus of Mars. The vessel itself was an Ark Mechanicus vessel the largest in their fleet available to them, aboard the Farseer members of the Dark Mechanicum confirmed it indeed was but to whom the vessel was commanded they were unsure.
"A glory not seen since the days before the Horus Heresy," Astrean stated. Walking toward the image was trailed by Orius speaking. "You know this vessel Astrean?"
"Know it? No." Astrean reached out at the image. "But it's value to the Imperium, to the Mechanicus I indeed know. This vessel is of a complete strategic import to our efforts Warmaster."
Orius said nothing but the way Astrean spoke of the vessel and the almost urgency to his tone was proof enough to Orius that they would need to reclaim this vessel at once for the Forces Of Chaos. Taking the Farseer closer in was dangerous but as the docking clamps locked onto the vessel it was time to enter this abandoned vessel and see what exactly had occurred while other marines searched the Republic Cruisers to see if there were any survivors.
The pressure of the vessels engaged as the docked ports opened the massive mechanized doors, Astrean alongside Orius and a contingent of Rubric Marines and Word Bearers entered.
The vessel's interior was damaged, scattered debris, and architecture was either crumbling or breaking apart due to the amount of damage the Mechanicus vessel had suffered. The only sound that resonated throughout the endless halls were those of Orius and Astrean and their men, but as they grew deeper into the ship blood trails could be found.
Some weapons but not belonging to the Imperium but Clone Troopers and pieces of their armor either shattered or cut into pieces. Astrean could feel the resonance of The Warp throughout the vessel yet showed no outward signs of corruption from The Warp.
Further within they found the bodies of the dead troopers and officers from the Republic Cruisers, some had been dissected others mauled and torn asunder, and even more placed in tubes for future study.
Orius and Astrean knew someone was aboard, Astrean could sense many eyes watching yet behind the many eyes only one stood at the center. Aboard the Arquiten Cruiser, several Chaos Marines along with Dark Mechanicus examined the vessels finding blood trails and nothing else the ships were derelicts.
Deeper within several of the vessels had been stripped for parts and even the engine's core had been removed entirely bit-by-bit and part-by-part. In one of the dimly lit screens, a mechanical hand-activated showing Orius and Astrean growing closer as the voice began to speak to itself as the sound of skittering could be heard.
"Guests. Yes, guests indeed. Come allies I shall see you all deeper within my home, see that you are taken care of yes." The stuttering voice uttered as the sounds of skittering grew more distant.
Upon reaching a massive door leading to one of the central hubs within the vessel a voice uttered outward booming in the base as it spoke to Orius and Astrean.
"Designation...Thousand Sons, Astrean Shando. Cult Of Pyrae. What brings a prominent member of the Thousand Sons to my home?"
Astrean's grip upon his staff tightened he recognized that voice all too well as he looked toward a floating servo-skull that analyzed both he and Orius.
"I see you have not changed much...Kelbor-Hal," Astrean stated staring at the servo-skull his tone full of distaste for Hal.
"You know this person?" Orius asked in confusion
"Yes. Kelbor-Hal was the former Fabricator General of the Mechanicus before he sided with Horus and created the Dark Mechanicum." Astrean stated. "He's an..acquired taste."
"And you are still as curious and narcissistic as the last time I met you, little sorcerer. Tell me how is Prospero these days heh." Kelbor's voice chuckled through the skull as it was forced into Astreans hand.
"I wouldn't know Fabricator-General. Tell me this how is Mars?" Astrean rebuked staring into the skull's sickly green eyes being met with silence. "Being so far out of your reach after you lost it. To be so far from your precious Omnissiah?"
Silence filled the void for what felt like an eternity till Kelbor spoke up. "What is it you want sorcerer?"
"For you to let us through. We need to discuss matters and for you to meet with someone." Astrean put it simply.
"Very well. Though I take it no more intrusive meat will be bothering us during our conversation yes?"
"No, it is only us. Now get this door open." Astrean stated as he let go of the servo-skull.
The skull slowly floated toward the door and opened it allowing Astrean and the others to pass through they were greeted by the sight of combat servitors with weapons disengaged. Astrean and Orius entered seeing many Servitors both old and new being created using the bodies of the clones from the Republic vessels.
Yet at the center of the massive chamber stood a large looming figure with an elongated centipede-like apparatus to allow him to walk, a pale milky-white eye poking out from the hood as the figure turned. This was Kelbor-Hal former Fabricator General of Mars and leader and founder of the Dark Mechanicus.
"Welcome sorcerer Astrean. I see you bring your automatons with you and...Word Bearers?" Kelbor's tone slightly intrigued as he turned to Orius. "Whom might you be little meat?"
"I am Orius Karr." He stated. Standing his ground the Warmaster watched as Kelbor nearly enwrapped him with his centipede apparatus as he spoke. "You are not of the Legio Astartes, yes you have the implants yet bear no mark of any legion. Your geneseed yes, Horus Lupercal."
"I was made after. From this galaxy, Fabius Bile was the one who implanted me with the geneseed of Horus." Orius stated calmly as he could smell what little preserved flesh of Kelbor remained as the Fabricator General stared at him.
"I would suggest having another apothecary look at your implants. Bile is not known for his generosity without him getting something out of it. Or the least heh getting something he wants out of you." Kelbor stated.
Orius eyed the Fabricator General closely showing no fear in the face of this mechanical hybrid as he spoke. "How long have you been stuck here?"
Kelbor's cybernetic eyes zoomed in and out as he responded. "Too long after Horus's demise, I fled Mars aboard my vessel. The Primarch Rogal Dorn scoured all we had secured, but I managed to succeed where many others failed in my Mechanicus. My ship nearly crippled drifted upon an emergency Warp-Jump."
"How long has it been for you here when you exited the Warp?" Astrean asked.
"One-Hundred-Fifty years. Pirates and others would happen upon my vessel to salvage heh. They have more brain-cells now than they did when they tried to salvage my vessel they are better as Servitors and tools to rebuild it. Yet the systems of theirs still elude me." Kelbor stated.
"Not to me, however," Orius stated. "During my time with the Zygerrians I was asked to do more than shovel away in the dirt with my kin."
"You can ensure my vessel can achieve flight once more fleshling?" Kelbor asked as he encircled Orius.
"More but I'll need time and will need all those repair droids on those cruisers to be brought here," Orius stated.
Orius departed heading back toward the Republic Cruisers with the Word Bearers while Kelbor stood silent for a moment till he spoke directly to Astrean on the matter of this new member.
"Whom exactly is that man?" Kelbor asked as he stood next to Astrean. "He bears the geneseed of Horus. Yet he is untouched by Chaos or the Chaos Gods. Whom is he to us exactly?"
Astrean turned toward Kelbor. "He is the future Warmaster of Chaos. Chosen by the gods themselves or so they say. For now, however, focus on ensuring this vessel can move I know you too well Kelbor whatever you have aboard is more valuable than yourself understood."
A moment of silence filled between the two as Kelbor spoke. "Perfectly sorcerer."
Astrean left the room while Kelbor returned to ensure the engines would be operational for the vessel to move.
/Hyperspace Route/ Naboo Sector
Aboard the Venator Star Destroyer "Resolute" generals Skywalker and Unduli along with their respected padawans Ahsoka Tano and Barriss Offee had made their way to the Naboo Sector. They had received word that the latest Republic patrols hadn't reported into Naboo and due to this both Anakin and Luminara were sent to investigate.
"General Skywalker, Unduli we are approaching the Naboo Sector now," Yularen stated. "The patrol was last reported nearby."
"Thank you Admiral Yularen. Let's hope whatever happened to those patrols we find them soon." Anakin said as he rubbed his head.
"Patience. Skywalker." Unduli stated as she meditated standing next to him. "Have you and Master Kenobi learned the identity behind those creatures from Zygerria?"
For Anakin, the thought of those things was hard to stomach as he thought back to when they brought the body back to Coruscant. Members of the Jedi Council were present for the examination of the dead Noise Marine, several medical professionals were present as they performed the autopsy.
Slicing into the dead marine. The examiners found parts of the armor were fused to the warrior's flesh on an almost painful level.
The slicing of bone and flesh showed the body was heavily mutated, organs were drastically altered and distorted. Yet the signs though heavily distorted showed this person was human or at least at one point was.
Anakin's silence was though brief, Master Luminara could tell what they learned was not comforting. "Well..the person was human or partially whatever experiments and mutations he went under they were extensive and painful."
"Well let us hope Skywalker they were merely a minor group," Luminara stated with some relief. "Whatever they were is inconsequential for now let us worry about our patrol fleet."
Upon exiting hyperspace at the coordinates both Anakin and Luminara stood eyes slightly widened at the massive vessel along with the three missing Arquiten Cruisers. Anakin though not seeing this vessel before recognized the design and it to him was a bad sign as both he and Luminara told Yularen to prepare for boarding and to alert the fleet for backup.
"We are going to need more help here master," Anakin stated.
"That Skywalker we agree on. May the force be with us this day." Luminara stated her tone somewhat hiding her fear.