The Dark Future
Night fell over Meridian. Far to the south of the Imperials' stronghold in Angel Hive, Urizen Hive teemed with activity. Millions upon millions of workers toiled away, building weapons and storing them for the day when their chaotic masters would rise up. For now, the Archenemy was content to wait, using the lull in the Imperial offensive to gather strength.
From Urizen's palace spire, two beings oversaw the massive project below. The first was an astartes, towering over his companion. His face was obscured by a half mask that distorted his figure. He was adorned with armor black as midnight, and he carried on him an assortment of knives and lethal blades. His name was Zephus Hassan.
The second figure was a small man, his appearance hidden by a heavy robe. The figure nervously looked up at the astartes. The marine had turned his gaze northwards, in the direction of the capital.
"I assumed he would last longer than that." said Zephus. "Crowley was a fool, and his arrogance was his undoing. He is no great loss. He served his purpose."
"Are you sure of that, my Lord Hassan?" said the hooded man. "In every way, his plan failed utterly. What do we gain from his delusions?"
"Without Aleister, he was nothing but a pawn." explained Zephus-Hassan coldly. "I let him think he was on his own, the last great hope for the Black Legion to turn around a failed crusade. Crowley's demise only serves to strengthen us. It was sufficiently distracting for our Imperial neighbours. The panic caused by his little escapade drew back their forces watching Spire Legis. What they took from us by the lives of thousands, we took back without effort."
"You are quick to use your brothers to your own ends, my lord." said the robed man.
"He was not my brother." snapped Hassan. The robed man recoiled. "I do not share that misguided sense of kinship with others."
"What of the Imperials, my lord? Will they not react by deploying further forces against us?"
The faintest smile crossed Zephus's lips. "Let them gather. Let them lick their wounds. The Imperium will not move against us for some time."
"Of course, Hassan," the robed man said, bowing.
Zephus turned on the man, giving him a warning look. "Listen to me, worm. I want you to be ready when I call, understand? You will be used, just as he was. And when I call, you will answer, and you will play your part."
"Yes, my lord. For what you have offered me, I would give nothing less than my life. It is a small price to pay."
"Good. Then I leave you to your games. Everything that transpires from this day forward is merely a means to an end. And unlike fools such as Crowley or Vandis, I have the virtue of patience. Go now, I wish to be alone."
The robed man bowed, and retired from the balcony. Zephus-Hassan looked down over the ruins of the Spire. Whether it took a single spire or the entire planet, he would attain his goal. The target was in his sights. Only the field needed preparing.