The story of the Triple Axes Chaper has ancient beginnings millennia ago. Few, except maybe a drunken space wolf could have predicted what feats would be accomplished by this legendary chapter. But we get ahead of ourselves. We shall start at the beginning, as all such tales shall...

In the wake of the news of Horus's betrayal at Istvaan 3, the imperium was reeling but vengeful.

Alongside the main force sent to Istvaan 5, a squad of Blood Angels and a squad of Ultramarines (both were on Terra by dint of getting lost in the warp on way to their own fleets, then appearing next to the Sol system just before the fleet muster) came along. They were further bolstered with a veteran unit of Iron Warriors. Given orders to take out a remote traitor communication post on Istvaan Extremis ("They'd be more useful there, trust me" said Alpharius) they embarked on a beginning of an almost impossible 10,000 year journey. But I am getting ahead of myself. We should start at the proper place. At the beginning. Sit comfortably listener, this is quite a tale indeed….

The old Imperial Frigate, Calth's Grace, had been on its way to Macragge for the Initiation ceremony, for most of the squad had been new recruits like Uther. But the Warp was perilous and barely making it through the journey, thanks to finally seeing the astronomicon, they found it had been six months later and themselves halfway across the galaxy at Terra.

There after two days of waiting aboard in docking procedures, they'd found out about the Traitor's betrayal at Istvaan 3 and been assigned to a Light Cruiser named Red Talon in the response fleet led by Ferrus Manus. Assured by the Custodes that gave them their order, that the Sigillite had made sure Gulliman would be informed of their absence,, they accepted. Not that, Diocletian, the Custodes, was going to give them the choice anyway. But the Sigillite had instructed good manners in this task and Diocletian even said thank you through gritted teeth to them after acceptance. A humiliation for a Custodes, but the Sigillite was the Regent and his orders were obeyed as if it was the Emperor's orders.

"I cannot be fucked fighting Gulliman and Sanguinius as well as the rest of the traitors, do you hear me Diocletian? It's not that Gulliman's a particularly brilliant fighter like the Lion, it's just he has so many troops and supplies ready in barely five minutes at any given moment. It just keeps going on forever with fresh troops that aren't particularly bad at anything, till you give up as its tiring as shit. The one weakness the traitors have is organisation and I won't give it them. As for the Angels, you know what bloodthirsty beasts they can turn into when roused. Sanguinius would pull even others to Horus's side through his presence alone!

SO, DO YOU HEAR ME DIOCLETIAN? WE CANNOT AFFORD TO PISS OFF THOSE TWO LEGIONS AND YOU KNOW THEY'LL SEND A REPORT TO THEIR PRIMARCHS. SO BE FUCKING NICE TO THEM WHEN YOU COMMAND THEM OR I'LL SEND YOU NAKED AGAINST THE DEMONS IN THE WEBWAY!" A harassed Malcador had screamed at him earlier, in between paperwork, an old whiteboard with lists of possible traitor assets, an overworked staff of menials and ten ringing vox communicators in his office as he was trying to coordinate the loyalist response.

Once in the hangar of the Red Talon Light Cruiser, whom they shared with the Blood Angels, Uther had felt it was finally real. Deployment. But what a horrible deployment it was. He thought he might get Orks or Eldar. But he had to be deployed against his own brothers. Former brothers he should say. The Legions were still reeling that Horus had betrayed them, along with such vaunted legions like The Sons of Horus and The Emperor's Children. Also, as grim as they were, World Eaters and Deathguard.

Still, he swore to serve his Primarch and the Emperor. He would do so, come what may. He was nervous, but he was not going to disgrace himself by being a coward. He would take a few with him at least.

"Private, pay attention! Where is your head at? Back on Ultramar?" A snarl suddenly emerged

He came back to reality. Sergeant Gaius was glaring at him.

"Sorry sergeant. It won't happen again" Uriel said, embarrassed.

"Focus damn you! I'm not just being mean here. If you lose concentration when I'm talking to you in combat, it'll get you killed. I'm not talking to you just for conversation. I need you to listen at all times. We won't have time for a tactical briefing in the heat of battle. Its bloody disrespectful anyway. If I see you doing it again, I'm sending you against the traitors without armour, bolter and with nothing but your undergarments and a combat knife" Sergeant Gaius growled

"Yes Sergeant" Uriel said. He didn't want to take the chance the Sergeant wasn't joking.

"Now take your wounded pride and imagine the target dummies have Horus's face, eh? Now Private Ganus, find the ship quartermaster and find out where we're supposed to be bunking. The rest of us will unload and join Private Uther in the target range. I want us to at least shoot properly before dinner. We won't get another chance till battle!" Sergeant Gaius ordered.

Uriel really hoped his aim was good. He would need it. He didn't want to disgrace the legion or the Emperor, like his former brothers had...

After being lost in the warp on the way to Kayvas Belt, the ship of Final Lament had finally found Terra. There they had learnt of the Betrayal on Istvaan 3 and had all but begged to warn their Primarch Sanguinius. But they had been given orders by the Sigillite and that was that. Besides their navigator had passed away from fatigue and a brain aneurysm from navigating the madness of the warp. Very well then, Sergeant Danvers of the Blood Angels had thought. At least they might take back Horus's head for Sanguinius. He would be devastated by it all, but he would be glad Horus had been brought to justice.

So, they found themselves in the Passenger Area of a main Terra Spaceport, discussing it all...

"WHY? The World Eaters have always been mad dogs, the Deathguard a ruthless bunch, but the Sons of Horus and The Emperor's Children were loyal to the core? Horus was almost second to the Emperor near enough? It makes no sense?" Corporal Arnius exclaimed to the Terra Astartes mess hall.

"It doesn't matter. They betrayed his brothers in the most cowardly manner and spat on the emperor" Private Biteus replied hotly

"Did you see the Iron Hands? They look ready to rip them all limb from limb, especially Fulgrim's legion. They were as close as brothers, Fulgrim and Ferrus Manus. They'll want blood. I'll take the rest" Corporal Barnus replied.

"I hear Ferrus Manus wore out five practice cages this voyage alone he's so angry. I will gut those traitors like fish, they'll put me in the Sanguinary guard my kill count will be that high" crowed Private Decius

"That's enough all of you!" A commanding voice rang out. "Now stop messing about. I know it's the first mission for all of you except Arnius, since ascension to the legion and goodness knows it's a tough one. But focus on the task at hand! If our Primarch were here he would tell you the same thing. If we don't kill these traitors, they'll kill us like those poor sods down on Istvaan 3 and there'll be no one to stop them before they reach Terra! We shall be joined in concert by our brothers in the Iron Warriors and Ultramarines. We will overmatch them. Just obey your orders and we'll make it through!

As for vengeance, that shall be meted out too do not worry! We are not sending this massive fleet to bring Horus a birthday cake! Now we shall take justice for those betrayed. We shall deliver the wrath of Sanguinius, our Legion and the Emperor!" vowed Sergeant Danvers, passionately.

He raised his fist and roared "For Sanguinius and the Emperor"

"For Sanguinius and the Emperor!" They all cried.

An approaching Diocletian smiled underneath his golden helm. This at least would be easy. He might not even have to say thank you...