Hello again, everyone, and welcome back to my Warhammer/Mass Effect crossover.

I noticed that, recently, the amount of people reviewing each chapter has tapered off sharply. As such, I'm concerned that I might've done something wrong in one of the previous chapters. If so, could you inform me in the reviews please? Any constructive feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Also, I was wondering if you liked the links to the art that the artist I mentioned in previous chapters created. If so, please let me know. I'm eager to hear your thoughts. I am also adding another link for you all to look at. If you were wondering what Vladim's Makarov Mk. III Combi-Pistol looked like, along with the Krasnikov-Umbra mentioned in this chapter, here are the links. Just re-add the colon and periods.

https /www deviantart com/tatorosas/art/Makarov-Mk-III-pattern-Combi-Pistol-908539355

https /www deviantart com/tatorosas/art/Krasnikov-Umbra-M74-pattern-Bolt-Rifle-886024323

Also, the poll on my channel has officially closed. If you want to see the top three choices, then I recommend that you check it out when you can.

In addition, there'll be one more chapter of action. After that will be some exposition and world building. After that, the action'll pick up again, but we're going to have more exposition, now that we have almost all of the OC characters in play.

Either way, thank you very much for your support and feedback. I deeply appreciate it, and I hope to see more feedback in future chapters.

As always, leave a review and enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own the Warhammer or Mass Effect franchises. They are the respective properties and trademarks of BioWare, Electronic Arts, Games Workshop, etc. Any material original to the franchises belongs to their respective developers and publishers. Any material not original to the franchises is of my own invention. I do not own any music listed in each chapter. Any music listed belongs to it's original composers and/or artists. I do not own any art listed in each chapter. Any art listed belongs to it's original artists and/or designers.

SSV Normandy

Imir System

67.185.M3

A couple days later, Shepard and the others were having a discussion on what to do about the krogan that they'd brought onboard the Normandy. The fight two days ago had been exhausting enough that they had to put off some important things until today. Now, however, they had a chance to sort things out.

As he walked into the meeting room, Shepard could hear Miranda talking with Jacob, apparently about the krogan they had picked up. Tyrellus was inside, though he was deathly silent as the two talked. "Bringing the krogan onboard for study makes sense," Miranda informed Jacob, "but I have concerns about waking it."

"Yeah, you've said that a few times now," Jacob remarked.

"A normal krogan is dangerous. This was was created, and likely educated, by a madman."

"There's no way he's getting out unless one of us does so," Shepard reassured Miranda.

"Or unless Okeer installed some sort of failsafe," Miranda countered. "Or a malfunction causes the tank to shut down."

"I'm not saying we take a crowbar to it right now, but I'm not giving up a potential resource. Besides, if he does manage to get out, Tyrellus can handle him. Correct?"

"That I can, Shepard," Tyrellus nodded. "Krogan are strong, but they are not as strong, or resourceful, as a Space Marine. I can handle him without trouble."

"It's your decision, Commander," Miranda nodded. "Just be careful."

"I always am." Shepard nodded. "The cargo hold's safe enough until I decide what to do with him." With that, the others left, but Tyrellus remained with Shepard. "You thinking what I am?" he asked.

"That you intend to release the krogan right now," Tyrellus stated.

"Something like that," Shepard remarked. "I'll check in with the others and see how they're doing. I want you to head down to the cargo bay and remain there until I arrive. If our krogan guest is rowdy, you'll be there to keep him handled."

"Ah, I see," Tyrellus nodded. "I am going there immediately. I know where you placed him at." With that, Tyrellus left, moving through the corridors of the ship and to the elevator.

Coming out of the elevator, he proceeded to turn left and head for the port cargo room on engineering. The port cargo room was a small affair, made even more so due to the presence of cargo crates that were filled with spare parts, equipment, and other necessary things for a voidship to run. The room was well lit, and there was a window looking down into the main cargo hold/hangar bay.

It was the tube in the room that had Tyrellus' undivided attention. Moving forwards, he peered at the pod, his preternaturally sharp eyes gazing inside of the tank. While Shepard's gaze was hampered by fog, as well as the glassy material, which hid the contents quite nicely for normal eyes, Tyrellus' view of the krogan was unhampered, his sharp eyesight piercing through the murky lid and inside.

The krogan, from what Tyrellus could tell since it was naked, was a prime example of it's species. It had a hump, though it was nearly empty, since the krogan hadn't had access to solid foods and liquids quite yet. It's body was well formed, though, with muscles bulging along every square centimeter of it's form. The head was plated, with the plates forming a silvery shield for it's cranium, while the eyes were closed, though the fact they were moving around indicated that it was alive, and dreaming.

A 'perfect' krogan indeed, Tyrellus noted as he looked at the creature. Still, it is not perfect by the Emperor's standards. A single bolt would be enough to put this thing down without a fight. In addition, it is not nearly as strong as a Primaris Space Marine. My gene-seeds are more than enough for me to overcome this thing. Already, his mind had devised nearly ten different ways to kill the krogan.

It wasn't long before Shepard arrived. As he did so, EDI reported in. "The subject is stable, Shepard. Integration with onboard systems was seamless."

"Can he see anything in there?" Shepard asked. "Does he know where he is?"

"Unlikely. Current neural patterns indicate minimal cognition. Barring ship-wide power loss, the nutrients in the tank could sustain him for over a year."

"So far, minimal cognition describes every enemy that has dared stand against us," Tyrellus noted.

Shepard, smirking at that, asked, "Any idea how dangerous this guy is?"

"He is a krogan, Shepard," EDI replied. "If you are asking whether he is actively hostile, I do not have the necessary data to answer. Okeer's technology could impart data, not methods of thinking. The subject may know of his views, but would not necessarily share them."

"What can you tell me about this guy? Anything unusual?"

"The subject is an exceptional example of the krogan species, with fully formed primary, secondary, and tertiary organs wherever applicable. No defects of any kind, aside from the genetic markers of the Genophage present in all krogan. I cannot judge mental functioning."

"I see," Shepard noted. "Stand by. I'm going to open the tank."

"Cerberus has very clear regulations regarding untested alien technology," EDI warned him.

"He's either a valuable resource, or a ticking time bomb," Shepard countered. "I'd rather deal with him now rather than later. Besides, if anything goes wrong, I have a Space Marine that can handle him."

"Very well, Shepard," EDI relented. "The controls are online. The switch – and consequences - are yours."

"OK, Tyrellus. Get ready." Shepard warned. Tyrellus, nodding, made sure he was ready in case a fight broke out. "Don't kill him unless I order you to do so."

"I will do my best," Tyrellus nodded. With that, Shepard proceeded to the tank and, hitting some switches, began the opening process.

There was a liquid hiss as the tank began to drain, with the krogan inside slumping over as the liquid drained out. A moment later, the krogan fell onto his knees, with the lid opening just as he fell out of the tank, hands hitting the ground. Already awake, the krogan coughed, before getting up and looking at Shepard. For a moment, his eyes were bleary, unfocused, then they blinked and focused. Getting up, the krogan let out a bellowing roar before charging towards Shepard.

Tyrellus, however, had been anticipating this. Juking to the right, he cut the krogan off, before smashing a fist into the alien's face. A blow that would've killed a normal human being only knocked the krogan back, who shook his head before charging, this time at Tyrellus. Dodging to the left, Tyrellus grabbed the krogan and, with a small amount of effort, threw the krogan into the window on that side.

There was a loud CRACK as the glass took the blow, a spiderweb of cracks forming on it's surface as it bowed, but held firm. Not letting the krogan fully get up, Tyrellus slapped the alien's earholes with both hands, before sweeping the krogan's legs out from underneath him, sending him crashing to the deck. Before he could get up, Tyrellus planted a foot onto his chest, pinning him in place.

Instead of grumbling, as any other opponent would, the krogan laughed. It was a deep, rumbling sound that echoed in the cargo hold, while the krogan's eyes held an unusual amount of mirth. "Ahahaha!" he laughed. "Now that is what I call a fight! Now, before I kill you human, I need a name."

"I am Marcus Tyrellus, Battle-Brother of the 3rd Company of Ultramarines: the Scourge of the Xenos."

"Not your name, mine," the krogan replied, a slight hint of irritation in his voice. "I am trained, I know things, but the tank… Okeer couldn't implant connection. His words are hollow." Mulling that over, he said, "Warlord, legacy, grunt… grunt. Grunt was among the last. It has no meaning. It'll do. I am Grunt. If you are worthy of your command, prove your strength and try to destroy me."

"I do not intend to do so," Tyrellus replied. "That authority goes to Commander Shepard."

"He means me," Shepard added. Crouching down, he asked, "As for your name, wouldn't you prefer 'Okeer' or 'legacy?'"

"It's short," Grunt explained. "Matches the training in my blood. The other words are big things I don't feel. Maybe they fit your mouth better. I feel nothing for Okeer's clan or his enemies. I will do what I was bred to do – fight and determine the strongest – but his imprint has failed. Without a reason, one fight is as good as any other. Might as well start with the big guy and you."

"No need to worry about that," Shepard shrugged. "I have a good ship and a strong crew, a strong clan. You'd make it even stronger."

"If you fight weak enemies, I will have to kill you."

"Our enemies are worthy. That much I can say for certainty."

"Hhhmmm, hmph! That's… acceptable. I'll fight for you."

"It is good that you saw reason, xeno," Tyrellus remarked.

Confused, Grunt looked to his right, where he saw the barrel of a massive gun being pointed into his face, with Shepard holding a gun as well. "Ah," he nodded. "Offer one hand, but arm the other. Wise, the two of you. If I find a clan. If I find what I… what I want, I will be honored to eventually pit them against you."

With that, Tyrellus allowed Grunt to get up. The krogan looked at him for a moment, before sniffing the air. A moment later, he said, "You're different from Shepard. Refined, enhanced, almost as though you were made like me."

"I can explain that bit," Shepard nodded. For a few minutes, he told Grunt about the place that Tyrellus was from, from what being a Space Marine was, to how he'd ended up here. The krogan was expressionless, though it was clear that the cogs and gears in his head were turning.

After a moment, he said, "Now that would be a worthy foe. Just who did you fight, anyways?"

"Xenos, like you," Tyrellus answered. "Orcs, Eldar, Drukhari, Tryanids, Tau. Sometimes even ourselves. The Imperium of Man has always been at war, for one reason or another. There is naught but war."

"Sounds fun."

"I am certain you would find it 'fun.'" As the duo left the cargo hold, Tyrellus looked at Shepard and said, "Shepard, I was wishing to speak with you about something."

"Sure," Shepard nodded. "Whatever you need."

"I found a weapon that I believe you will find most suitable," Tyrellus replied. "If you could follow me."

"Sure." With that, Shepard followed Tyrellus into the cargo bay. When they arrived, Tyrellus walked over to a crate and pulled out a weapon. "What's that?"

"A Krasnikov-Umbra Bolter," Tyrellus explained as he handed Shepard the weapon. To Shepard, it resembled what a Kalashnikov would look like if someone chopped down the barrel, made the gun much blockier and larger, and drastically increased it's caliber. "That, Shepard, is a Bolter that is designed specifically for use by unmodified Human beings, with the Kray Mirans having designed that specific one. While heavy, and having immense recoil, it is a powerful weapon that few can withstand. When we have time, I will teach you how to use it in battle."

"That would be nice."

Just as Shepard would've continued, the intercom pinged. "Commander Shepard to the Comm Room. Commander Shepard to the Comm Room."

"Well, duty calls," Shepard shrugged. "Mind if you come with me?"

"Very well, Shepard. I look forwards to meeting this 'Illusive Man.'" With that, they made their way to the Comm Room.

Walking inside as the table lowered into the floor, both Shepard and Tyrellus walked into the holographic cylinder, the latter more gently so as to not break the device. A moment later, an image of the Illusive Man appeared. Tyrellus, before the conversation began, scanned over the man's features, noting his blue eyes, black hair and the expensive suit he wore.

The Illusive Man had seen him as well, as he looked Tyrellus over before speaking. "So, Miranda Lawson's reports were true after all," he noted. "A superhuman being onboard the Normandy that is presumably from another universe. Quite interesting."

Changing the subject, he turned to Shepard and said, "Shepard, I think we have them! Horizon - one of our colonies in the Terminus Systems – just went silent. If it isn't under attack, it soon will be. Has Mordin delivered the countermeasure for the seeker swarms?"

"Not yet," Shepard replied.

"Let's hope he works well under pressure. There's something else you should know. One of your former crew members, Kaidan Alenko, is stationed on Horizon."

That got Shepard's attention. "Last I knew, Kaidan was Alliance. Why is he out in the Terminus Systems?"

"Officially, it's an outreach program to improve Alliance relations with the colonies. But, they're up to something, and if they've sent Commander Alenko, it must be something big. I suggest you take it up with him."

"The Collectors just happened to pick a colony with one of my former crew on it? I don't buy it."

"It shouldn't be a surprise that the Collectors are interested in you, especially if they're working for the Reapers. They might be going after him to get to you."

"We should send a message to the Citadel. The Alliance can give us reinforcements."

"I doubt that," Tyrellus countered. "From what I have gathered, Cerberus and the Alliance are quite hostile to each other due to their differing methods. They would just as likely use the opportunity to arrest you."

"A good point," the Illusive Man noted. "I will inform them, but not until we have investigated the matter personally."

"Send the coordinates then. We'll head straight there."

"This is the most warning we've ever had, Shepard. Good luck." With that, the comm call ended.

Moving into the lab, Shepard noticed that Mordin was hunched over the samples container. Just as they came in, the specimen, a Seeker Bug that the team had captured, smashed into the container, fracturing part of the surface before it flew around inside. "Is that something the Collectors use?" Tyrellus asked.

"Yes," Shepard replied. "They operate in swarms to incapacitate their victims. Not sure it would work on you."

"No, it would not," Tyrellus nodded. Looking at Mordin, he asked, "So, do you have the ArcheoTech we need to ward these things away?"

"I do," Mordin nodded.

. . .

Caligari Sector

ISS Emperor's Shield

250.042.M42

While Shepard, Mordin and Tyrellus were busy making a countermeasure for the Collector's Seeker Swarms, a decidedly different event was taking place in another Universe, on the space station known as the Emperor's Shield. Inside one of it's grand halls, numerous Chaos Cultists worshiping Khorne, the Blood God, were desperately fighting to fend off a foe. That foe, in particular, was a single human being that was fighting them with the very element that such Cultists both worshipped, and feared: the Immaterium.

For Corvæven Mortellus, it was just another day as a Primaris Psyker in the Inquisition. Noting the movement of several Chaos Cultists with a calm, but focused, expression on his face, his left hand lashed out with bolts of bio-lightning that streaked through the air with supernatural speed. Those cultists promptly froze, screaming as their muscles contracted so hard that their brass bones shattered, before each of them exploded in a cloud of gore, bones and blood. Some of it splashed harmlessly against a Void Shield that he'd conjured up using the Warp.

They will never learn, won't they, he thought as he used his Force Staff to blast even more cultists into oblivion. None can stand against an Inquisitor, much less so a valiant and noble protector of the Imperium. In addition, the God-Emperor of Mankind is with me every step of the way, guiding my actions in accordance with His will.

Spotting a group of Chaos Cultists that were moving to swarm him, he unleashed a powerful Warp power that he used whenever many foes came after him. A bubble of Warp energy formed around him, while a series of geometric patterns and runes formed around him in a 20 meter large dome. As soon as the Chaos Cultists entered, their movements slowed down until they froze in place, just ten meters from him.

Mortellus smiled. That was one of his most powerful powers: the Stasis Dome, as he preferred to call it. Once he cast it, anyone that tried to approach him was frozen in time, allowing him to deal with them as he saw fit. While it took a considerable level of energy, he was more than powerful enough to sustain such a Stasis Dome for a very long time.

It also had a side effect, though one that he had already planned for. Using his powers, he concealed his presence in the Warp, hiding himself from the swarm of Neverborn that were attracted by the carnage of battle. You won't be claiming these skulls or blood today, monster, he thought, referring to the Chaos God the cultists worshiped. I will bleed you dry until you are but a mere skeleton of your former self, all because of what you took from me when I was but a child.

That deep seated rage inside of him was still present, even as he wiped out all of the cultists before him and advanced into the chamber. Inside, he could see a tall creature that had a face like that of a skull, along with red skin, horns and a bag of skulls that it carried. A normal mortal being would've wailed in terror at the sight of such a beast of Chaos.

To Mortellus, however, it was a creature that he'd dealt with hundreds of times before, a creature he called a 'Skull Hunter.' These creatures were servants of Khorne, and worked tirelessly to provoke conflict wherever possible, and to collect the blood and skulls that came from such conflict. As the mantra for them went, 'Blood for the Blood God. Skulls for the Skull Throne.'

The rage Mortellus had inside of him flared up even more when he saw the Skull Hunter. Seeing him, it laughed cruelly, before it said, "Well, well well. What have we here? A sorcerer of the Imperium? Hhmm, too bad. The Blood God despises wizards like you. Still, you will make a nice trophy for my collection."

"You will not be claiming me today, foul creature of Chaos!" Mortellus roared, the anger inside of him amplifying his voice. "Your masters murder, rape, infect, and pillage without restraint! Monsters like you do not even deserve to exist! You, like all the other Chaos entities, will die at my hand! Die, in the name of the God-Emperor of Mankind!"

"So be it," the Skull Hunter snarled. "If that is what you want, then you shall have it, though you will scream for mercy when I claim your skull and blood."

"We shall see." With that, the two began going at it with each other, Warp energy being tossed between the two as they sought to destroy each other. Blocking a series of Warp Bolts that the Skull Hunter launched at him, Mortellus barely flinched as they impacted his Warp crafted shield.

Once the assault ended, he pulled out his Power Sword and, charging forwards, began cutting and slashing at the Skull Hunter. Now, it realized that it was dealing with a Psyker that was far more powerful than the vast majority of them in the Imperium. "An Alpha Psyker!" it gasped. Then it laughed and said, "All the sweeter then. When I kill you, I will resurrect you and corrupt you into the ultimate sorcerer!"

"I will die before that happens," Mortellus growled. A moment later, he began to chant in an imperious voice, with words of power beings spoken as he reached into the Warp. The Skull Hunter, hearing those words, began to have an expression of terror form on it's face. As to why, it as simple, really: Mortellus was reciting the Word of The Emperor. Something else began to happen, though, as clearly became evident moments later.

"No! NO!" the Skull Hunter screamed as Anathemic energy began to eat and consume it's flesh. "The Anathema! THE ANATHEMA HAS COME!"

Hearing this, Mortellus was confused. That's odd, he noted, even as he recited the Word of The Emperor. He was about to continue when he watched the Skull Hunter disintegrate, a loud shriek of fear and agony echoing from it's mouth as it was banished back into the Warp. At the same time, the Chaos cultists let out a loud scream, before falling to the ground, dead.

Just as he noted this, Mortellus felt the ground drop out from underneath him. Seeing the Warp on the other side, he immediately used his powers to shield himself from the madness of the Warp. What he didn't know, was that he need not have worried.

Moments later, everything fell silent, save for a calm wind, as a dome of gold energy formed. Sensing this, Mortellus searched the Warp in all directions, but was surprised to feel a warm energy that calmed his thoughts and soothed his soul. A moment later, he lost consciousness, but not before he heard a voice booming in his mind.

"Coræven Mortellus," the voice said. "Few have suffered as greatly as you have at the hands of Chaos. Yet, in spite of this, you have overcome the horrors of the past, and now endeavor to ensure that no child loses their parents in the manner that you have lost yours. You are a prime example of what I aspired for Humanity to become.

"Now, as I shelter you from the horrors of the Warp, I have a mission to give to you, one that is worthy of your abilities as an impartial and just Inquisitor. I am sending you into a Universe where the galaxy that you know and call home is being threatened by an evil force known as the Reapers, who seek to destroy all life in the galaxy, life that must be protected.

"Their foul servants, the Collectors, seek to abduct Human beings from a colony known as 'Horizon.' You are to destroy the Collectors and to prevent them from achieving their aim, or at the least, save as many innocents as you can. Once that is done, assist the man that will come to investigate the attack. His name is Shepard, and he is to be your Commander in the days to follow.

"Now go, my child. Know that your efforts are not in vain. Know that I will always be watching over you." A moment later, Mortellus fell unconscious, and knew no more.

. . .

When he came to, Mortellus felt that he was lying on something cool and rough to the touch. Opening his eyes and looking down, he found that he was lying down on some grass, with his armor, Force Staff, Force Sword and Tome on his person and intact. Looking around, he found that he was in some kind of colony, though the buildings were of an architectural style he didn't recognize.

Then he remembered what the Emperor had told him before he fell unconscious. It truly was the God-Emperor, he thought as he got onto his feet. There was none of the taint that is a key attribute of the Neverborn. I only felt warm, soothing energy that banished all traces of Chaos with a touch, and sheltered all that was pure.

That beings said, I remember His command to me. If the God-Emperor wishes for me to assist this 'Shepard', then I will do His will. Getting up, Mortellus was about to move when he spotted something. Walking over, he investigated the place.

It was a person, with the man being fully dressed in armor, aside from his head, which showed that it was a man. The man's hair was black, and well trimmed, while his eyes were a green color and his face quite exquisite. However, Tyrellus could feel the man's terror and confusion in the Warp, and it wasn't hard for him to see why.

A blackish mist surrounded his body, while insects of some kind swirled around him, keeping the black mist in place. What manner of Chaos is this, Mortellus wondered. With that in mind, he expanded his reach in the Warp and searched outwards. The first thing he noted was that the Warp was much calmer than before, though it wasn't perfectly calm.

The other, which was what horrified him, were the minds that he sensed. Most were Human, and all of whom were terrified beyond belief. HELP ME, one mind screamed into the Warp. I CAN'T MOVE! HELP ME! All of the minds were shouting this, but it was the second set that Mortellus felt that horrified him.

All he sensed from those minds was an overwhelming desire to serve, and to 'uplift' these Humans. The Cycle shall continue, the minds said in unison. At the same time, Mortellus saw visions of what had happened before on this world, visions that legitimately terrified him. For the first time since his childhood, he screamed.

It wasn't a scream of horror, as that horror had morphed into an emotion familiar to him: rage. Psychically amplified by his powers, Mortellus screamed; a deep, long roar of rage and hate that was directed at those minds. The scream, while sounding normal up close, was much louder at a distance.

All across the colony, the Collectors could hear this psychic scream of rage and hate. Confused as to what was going on, they all stopped, before looking around in all directions to find the source of the rage. A moment later, it stopped, then a voice reached into their minds and simply said, Leave those people alone, in the NAME OF THE GOD-EMPEROR!