Chapter Three: The Battle for Sol, Co-authored by Entilza.
The helmet designs belong to MGM.
When the shuttle carrying the president, senators and marine guards suddenly exploded in a ball of flame, it took barely a second from Horus' command of "shields" to all vessels under his command, which for the moment included both the Admech and Magnus's ships, to react. The next shot that came impacted against the void shields of a strike cruiser.
"Milords, Milords!"
"Yes, communications, what is it?"
"We are picking a global transmission emanating from…according to the data packet provided by President Comoros, Earthdome."
"Put it on the main viewer," Horus commanded.
"Yes, Milord."
The two primarchs stood silently watching the declaration of the new Terran Empire.
"This is what we wanted is it not, brother? This is our excuse?" Asked the Warmaster.
"Yes," agreed Magnus.
"Very well, since our agreement was with Comoros, we are honour bound to ensure that his murderers get swift and final justice," the Warmaster said.
"No, they have courts, we will rule as protectors not tyrants, brother."
"Of course, you are right brother. However what do you suggest, they won't just let us rule," Horus stated. "Their fleet is divided; by rights we should support those loyal to the former president, as he brokered a deal with us. As for the land operations…"
"I have an idea for that," Magnus stated. "I've recently come across a technique in my most ancient tomes regarding the creation of thunderstorms…"
"I think I see your plan brother. I will need to borrow at least ten of your most skilled psykers for teleports; terminator honours would be good."
"So you will be using terminator armoured men?" Magnus asked.
"We do wish to make a statement do we not?" Horus asked with a knowing smile.
"Yes, I will summon ten of my best to aid in your plan, but until we get into close orbit I will make no guarantees on their ability to find and make strategic placement teleports, especially not with nine terminators in tow."
"About their fleet Magnus; we can wipe out the rebels in a crossfire. Their ships will be firing on us soon enough anyway, but they'll start for real when we begin the advance. When we get into close orbit those railgun platforms will have to be dealt with before we can lower void shields and teleport an assault force."
"I'll take one of the stormbirds back to the Sword and organize my part of this little adventure. Oh and Horus, I saw those new helmets we decided on, they look very intimidating."
"Good." The Warmaster replied. As his brother left the command deck returned to his command throne. "All ships prepare to advance!" He called out. "Organize the fleet with heavily damaged ships to the rear. What's our tactical status?"
"We have 47 vessels at 60 battle capacity, the remainder are below," the marine manning the tactical station responded. "Our own Void Shields are at half strength and a third of our weapons are still functioning."
"Very well, what is the state of the human vessels in orbit?"
"Most of them appear to be exchanging intense communications with Earthdome. They are rounding on us and their weapons are charging. Orders Milord?"
"Prepare a volley from the forward guns. Target the first vessels to fire, and instruct the rest of the fleet to only target hostile vessels. I wish to win this battle with the minimal amount of losses on both sides."
"As you command Warmaster."
Slowly the Imperial armada moved on Terra, many vessels lagging behind as their damaged engines strained to maintain momentum. The first shots were fired from the Earth Alliance fleet, a barrage of railgun rounds and low yield nuclear missiles impacting on the forward Void Shields of the Fist of Horus and its escorts.
"Void shields holding Warmaster. Forward batteries, open fire!" From the bow gun decks of the Warmasters' flagship came a trio of lance shots and a volley from forward plasma cannons. The results were devastating; fifteen ships were torn apart, two of them larger heavy cruisers.
The few ships still loyal to the President, only numbering twenty ships, took the opportunity to open fire on the traitors to Earth. A barrage of fire tore into several vessels, but the largest traitor vessel, a heavy cruiser fitted with an inordinate number of missile launchers, obliterated the loyalist ships with a barrage of nukes. The Imperium fleet once again became the traitors' only target.
"Brave men," Horus remarked "fighting for their leader even if it meant their deaths. We shall avenge them brothers. Order all ships to move forward, best speed! All weapons fire at will! In the name of the Emperor!"
"IN THE NAME OF THE EMPEROR!" The bridge marines replied. Slowly but with gathering speed, the Imperium fleet moved on Terra, the traitor fleet gathering to face them. A massive barrage of solid, energy and nuclear weapons met shimmering Void Shields. One ship, the Strike Cruiser Stellar Nova, came apart as a trio of missiles passed through a rent in its hull and exploded within the generarium. The explosion only seemed to incite the Marines and Navy personnel to greater rage. Lances and plasma weapons tore apart the Earth ships, and a shot from the Fist of Horus's Nova cannon opened a hole which the Imperium vessels eagerly entered. The orbital defence net loomed before them. Now the real battle would soon begin.
"Orbital platforms coming into range," came the report from tactical.
"Analysis?" Asked the Warmaster.
"One large twin railgun mount and several missile launchers. Based on the data I am receiving they would normally be no threat to our ships. However with our Void shields weakened as they are some of our ships may be in danger."
"Order all ships to fire at any platforms in range. Leave the remaining Earth ships to our damaged elements." Leaning back in his command throne, Horus watched as the renegade human ships battered themselves against the Imperium armada. Though they were traitors, Horus could not help but admire their bravery. They were fighting against what must have seemed a nearly invincible opponent, but not once had they attempted to retreat. "Once the orbital battle is concluded, dispatch rescue craft to pick up any survivors. It should prove our sincerity to them."
"The orbital platforms are firing!" Tactical warned. A moment later the Fist of Horus shook slightly as twin volleys of railgun rounds slammed into the forward Void Shields. "Direct hit, Void Shield down by two percent. Forward batteries engaging." In retaliation for their attack, six of the orbital platforms were blasted to scrap metal by the Warmasters battle group. "Preparing second volley."
As the human satellites fired again, they found that this time they got lucky. One of the Navy cruisers, the Fist of Ardua, took simultaneous hits from ten of the surviving satellites. It's already failing Void Shields quickly collapsed, and a moment later a barrage of nukes impacted. Most detonated harmlessly against the armor, but a lucky strike found a damaged section of bow plating and punched through, detonating within the ship's magazines. The resultant explosion caused the ship to bulge slightly before vanishing in a roiling ball of plasma.
On board the Spear of Prospero, Magnus glared in anger at the platforms which had just claimed another of his ships. Closing his eye, he cast his gaze into space. Finding the platforms, he focused his power and created a small warp rift inside the platform's reactor. The effect was similar to a jump point, tearing the platform apart from within. Within moments a second platform detonated, then a third followed. By this time the Earth Alliance ships had been neutralized.
"We are in range for orbital teleport my Lord," one of Magnus's Commanders spoke. The eyes of the man's helmet, glowing a bright blue, showed that his powers were strong and focused.
"As soon as the last platforms are destroyed we shall begin," the Primarch replied. Once again he watched the guns of the fleet savage Earth's defences. Earth. He simply couldn't get over how different this world was from Holy Terra. Forests and seas covered much of the surface, and his mind could detect only a few billions souls compared to the teeming trillions on the world he knew.
"It is indeed different," his Commander said, picking up on the Primarch's thoughts. "And with the Emperor's blessing soon it shall join the Imperium."
The mention of his father drew a pang of regret from within Magnus. He knew there was a possibility he would never see his father again, nor the Imperium he and his brother Horus had helped build into the dominant force in the galaxy.
"The last platform had been destroyed my Lord." Came a call which broke Magnus out of his trance.
"Very well, signal the Warmaster and prepare to begin teleport assault," Magnus commanded. "Even if we cannot return, we can rebuild the Imperium in this place," he said to himself. "We can forge an empire which would make Father proud, and I shall see to it."
In the armouries Marines were mounting lightning claws, power fists and gathering their bolters, and three groups where outfitted wholly with power claws and assault cannons. Those few who were issued close combat weaponry were hefting great power swords or power axes; weapons which looked like they belonged more on Dreadnoughts then ordinary Astartes.
Several tech priests and servitors were readying and modifying the armours of the assault force. One of the higher ranked Tech priests assisting the marines, Menjus, a Techmarine of the Blood Angels, had arrived during the destruction of the defence net with carts marked as carrying helmets and shoulder sections for Terminator armor. He looked at the assembled Astartes and gave what appeared to even the most battle hardened as an unsettling grin of malicious joy. As he pulled the tarp away from the carts filled with "helmets and shoulder sections" and demonstrated one of these new "helmets" his expression was mirrored upon the faces of the one hundred men in armor.
The new helmets had been made by the Admech with plans provided by Horus and Magnus. They had modified the design for the newly introduced collapsible psychic hood and after removing the psychic aspect of the device had worked closely with the High Magos Talus to create something primeval, awe-inspiring and terrifying.
Menjus gathered the Brother-Sergeants and, using his four mechadendrites, started instructing the marines in using the advanced wargear and if the marines had ever doubted the usefulness of this new wargear they stopped right away when the new helmets array of auto-sensors, listening devices and droves of new comm. gear became apparent. As the final equipment was hooked up powered and tested, the Thousands Sons psykers arrived.
Brother-Lieutenant Hazarhun of the Thousand Sons 1st Company was deeply bemused with this turn of events. Not only were they doing a teleport assault on Terra, they were doing it to conquer the planet. He shuddered, for the very thought seemed like treason. He had left his Primarch standing in the psychic sanctum of the Sword of Prospero, but as he and nine other brother-lieutenants of the Thousand Sons entered the ready room, they were met by a sight that, had they not been Astartes, would have rendered them speechless. In the room stood a hundred battle ready Astartes of the Lunar Wolves in full terminator gear and wearing the new Horus-style helmets, and 16 Tech priests.
Hazarhun and the nine other Brother-Lieutenants were all powerful psykers, but though they all had terminator honours and were rated for tactical dreadnought armours, they would not be wearing them for this mission. They would be wearing normal power armor enhanced to the newly styled heavy assault armor, a middle ground between terminator armor and the Mk III Astartes power armor, and the new Anubis-style helmets.
The Thousands sons Psykers would be coordination with the fleet and psychic warfare personnel and as such would keep themselves at range from the siege of Earthdome. They had been ordered by the Warmaster to teleport the squads in then teleport to high ground. They had identified 9 skyscrapers well within range of immediate short jumps.
Hazarhun would remain at the TZ providing close support, and for that he was equipped with a set of bolt pistols as well as the same type of power staff that his brethren would be using. It was rather ornate and flimsy looking, but the tech priests had assured him that these staves would act both as close combat weaponry equal to the Crozius Arcanums used by the Word Bearers Chaplains and as focusers for psychic attacks.
As the somewhat unconventional assault force readied them selves for the assault, they went over quickly all their objectives and proceeded to teleport through the Warp down to Earthdome, Geneva.
T- 3 hrs to Assault, Earthdome:
Commander Hank Scorpio was a happy man. He finally had power, and it was thanks to his alliance with the powerful chairman of the Tactical Command Council C. Montgomery Burns IV. Burns was an aged and decrepit man, greatly resembling a vulture of some kind, but though looking old and crumbled, Burns possessed an inner strength common only to the greatest of men.
It was on Burns' initiative that two full divisions, nearly 10,000 men loyal to the New Order, had been moved to Geneva, just incase politics failed. Now it seemed they were all going to be needed, and though the ships in orbit hadn't launched landing craft, he had a feeling the fecal matter was about to hit the proverbial fan.
Suddenly his feeling became reality as one hundred massive armoured warriors flashed into existence before the defenders of EarthDome. They were massive things, at least three meters tall and their armor was painted grey for the most part. One of the company sergeants was abit of a history nut, and he was looking at something resembling Anubis and Horus, the gods of Ancient Egypt, but gods or not, he and his fellow marines would not let them pass.
Suddenly nine of the jackal headed creatures vanished in flashes of light. If anyone had been looking, they would have seen the psykers reappear on the tops of nine skyscrapers around EarthDome. The remaining armoured enemies marched on the massed Earthforce soldiers.
As the Terminators advanced, Magnus had begun his work in orbit. The skies darkened as glowing storm clouds formed. Multi-colored lightning struck, killing dozens of Earthforce troopers but not touching a single marine. The assault had begun.
The colonel in charge of the 4th division screamed into his radio for status reports as he and his command staff found themselves having to don nightvision goggles at 1500 hrs.
Brother-Sergeant Kernem readied his Lightning claws as soon as the teleport was complete. Around and behind his squad were the other 8 squads of Terminator Marines. Close Combat Power weapons of every kind available to the Astartes, Storm Bolters, Assault cannons and Torrent class Plasma cannons were all primed and ready. In the distance, the towering buildings of Earthdome were clearly visible against the storm racked sky.
Arrayed in front of the marines on the main avenue and in cover positions in and around the buildings were, his auto-senses informed Kernem, nearly 4900 men. Most were armed with long barrelled stubber weapons, with a sprinkling of energy weapons as well. The enemy soldiers were clad in what looked similar to Guard-issue carapace armour.
"Forward my brothers! For Horus and the Emperor!" Kernem cried, and with that the battle was joined. Kernem howled his glee into the warp-spawned night. They may not have been Fenrisian, but they were still wolves. Swaths of men fell to his lightning claws and storm bolter, to his right he saw what must have been a mighty battletank, but that had been before the Astartes came. Now its cannon was sheared in two by a powersword and the hull had been ripped open, most likely by a powerfist, and its crew stared in nameless horror at death. The adepts of death had come to Geneva.
Colonel Anders couldn't believe what he was seeing; 5 minutes ago it had been calm. Now he was emptying clips into these thrice damned demons ripping apart his company. Lightning struck one of the heavy tanks barricading the bridge to Earthdome, ripping the mighty machine asunder.
The last thing Colonel Leon Anders ever saw was a piece of glowing metal flying to meet him.
The Commander of the remaining heavy battletank stared in mute horror as the division colonel and six other men were vaporized by a giant PPG round fired by one of the advancing behemoths. He ordered his gunner to target anything moving, the gunner zeroing in on the one who had killed the colonel. Tank Commander Smithers quickly ordered him to fire.
As the 160 mm shell shot out of the barrel at velocities approaching mach 8, the targeted Battle-brother had no chance to move as the high explosive shell struck the energy cells, causing a devastating loss of containment, and a large section of the bridge was immolated in fire. As the haze cleared Tank Commander Smithers barely had time to cheer as a light grey figure screeched loudly before making an impossible leap onto his tank and slamming an inordinately huge axe through the turret and deep into the tank, killing the gunner. To his horror the monstrous being then proceeded to rip his tank open with its bare hands. When it had exposed him, he was ripped from his seat and found himself being held aloft as this creature that dented his tank with its sheer weight ripped the bloody axe free. It brought him close to its face and Smithers found himself looking into the cold lifeless eyes of the most powerful machine he had ever seen. And something had made this thing to resemble a great bird of prey.
The creature threw him down in disgust and, before Smithers had any time to run or react, the creature, the nightmare come-alive, had jumped off of his tank onto his ribcage, shattering it and crushing his heart and lungs. Tank Commander Allan 'Al' Smithers last thoughts were that he would never see his wife and two young girls again as he drowned in his own blood in front of the Gates to Earthdome.
The ten Brother-Sergeants gathered their squads in front of the might barricade gates of Earthdome; it was time for the second phase of Horus' plan.
At the marked time, the 98 remaining Luna Wolves razed their heads and howled, the synthesizers inside the helmet translating the howl and sending it out as a mighty falcon's cry. For the next few moments all was still, then the glowing figure of Brother-Lieutenant Hazarhun dropped from the sky, cracking pavement with his weight. The Lunar wolves then began stomping a cadence of war into the ground.
Earthdome; T-3 minutes to assault:
Commander Hank Scorpio was a very scared man, The 2,000 men inside the Earthdome compound, hardened marines all of them, had seen action and unparalleled success in the recent conflicts and so were the best and deadliest the military had, but now it seemed they were all trapped inside Earthdome, as the monsters weren't leaving. All over Earthdome the camera feeds from outside were showing the same things, a hundred falcon headed monsters stomping a rhythm, while a single jackal headed daemon was drawing glowing runes in mid air. Suddenly the jackal monster reached out a massive hand with clawed fingers, stretching out then closing them into a crimson fist.
A sound like a nuclear detonation echoed through the city of Geneva right before the mighty Titanium/Beryllium alloy doors, each weighing a massive 200,000lbs, ripped themselves free and were sent flying. One of the doors landed in the Palais des Nations; the other flew through the air before dropping and crushing much of the Watch Museum.
Time stood still in Geneva.
Thud, Thud and a final Thud sounded before Scorpio's mind truly registered what it had just seen. He had walked past those massive gates hundreds of times. They were meant to be able to hold off several shots from one the massive orbital defence railguns, yet he had just seen them ripped down by a single man without any obvious weapons. Terror gripping his heart, he looked over at Chairman Burns.
"Well old man, if they can do that, how do you suggest we stop them?" Asked Scorpio.
"Don't worry your empty head with that. I took the liberty of equipping all of the Marines in Earthdome with the new Heavy PPG rifles," answered Burns.
Scorpio sighed. He still didn't think it would be enough.
Brother-Lieutenant Hazarhun sent a mental signal to his Father-Primarch Magnus that the deeds were done. Only Earthdome now remained. The Psykers placed around the city began weaving and reforming reality to fit the plans of the Primarchs.
Inside Earthdome: Assault begins:
The marines of the 3rd army's 1st division were panicking. All around them were seeing ghosts, monsters and mythological beasts. It was as though each man's greatest fear had come to life.
Suddenly a great cry sounded and a ghostly copy of a falcon flew through the ranks of Earthforce marines, gripping their hearts in fear. Shortly after the falcon had disappeared, flying out through the ceiling, a great black jackal easily as large as a heavy tank came crashing through the ranks, and each man it touched knew the Fury of the Ancients. A few died instantly, their hearts stopping as the great predator flew through them.
While the marines were distracted fighting phantoms, the real monsters began their attack. The first barricades were torn apart as the armoured monsters advanced, a torrent of solid fire and energy weapons tore through the Earthforce men. In retaliation a wall of PPG fire lanced back into the marines. Scorch marks began marring the intruders' armor, but none of them fell. "Keep firing!" A Captain called, raising his rifle high. A moment later he was beheaded by the first marine to reach the EA's forward positions. The fountain of blood from his neck drenched the marines to either side of him. They had no time to panic, for a sweeping power sword cut them both in half before they could move.
Hazarhun sent a stream of warp-lightning streaking into an entrenched squad of enemy soldiers, burning the flesh from their bones in an instant. All around him a storm of weapons fire was steadily turning the ornamented halls and galleries of Earthdome into a cratered wasteland. Suddenly he sensed danger and hurled himself to the ground as a barrage of heavy slugs passed over his head. Using his helmet sensors he spotted a pair of soldiers manning a tripod mounted heavy stubber. Summoning his power, Hazarhun thrust his staff forward, launching a massive stream of warp fire. The multi-colored conflagration engulfing the two soldiers and left them nothing more than blackened husks.
"Forward bothers! For the Primarchs and the Emperor!" With a resounding cry the line of marines charged forward. A shoulder launched missile blew a marine's midsection apart, showering his brothers in crimson liquid and viscera. A burst from Brother Dalmov's assault cannon quickly reduced the missile man to a fine mist.
"Brother-Lieutenant!" A marine shouted, running up to him. "My auspex is reading a small group of life signs approaching from below us."
Casting his mental gaze towards the small group of enemies, Hazarhun felt the mental shock of psionic power. They were very weak; likely not even Delta or Gamma level. "Psykers," the Commander replied. "Continue the assault here. I will deal with this." Inside his helmet, Hazarhun smiled. He hoped these psykers could at least provide him with a challenge. Closing his eyes, he pushed his body a short distance through the warp, amazed at how calm it was. There were no gibbering daemons and no freezing wind eating into his flesh. Then he reappeared in a dank corridor he quickly recognized as a waste disposal line. The minds of his targets were approaching slowly. Cloaking himself from their perceptions, he moved in for the kill.
…
Damian Kelstren and his team of P12s slowly made his way through the waste disposal system, the last place the strange metal intruders would expect an assault from. The rest of the Psicorps squad spread out behind him. "Stay ready," he said with his mind, feeling the affirmatives from the other five PsiCops.
"Wait!" Michael Inter mind-called. "Something's up ahea-" his thought was cut off as his head exploded, showering the others with blood and brain matter. The PsiCops drew their silenced PPGs and opened fire on a massive figure now striding openly towards them. The PPG rounds seared into his armor, but it appeared to be impervious to the weapons fire. Raising what appeared to be a staff decorated with bands of silver and topped with a golden winged silver skull, he shot a bolt of lighting which vaporized Melissa Evanston, her scream echoing down the passage.
Terror now began to grip the minds of the remaining PsiCops. They had been trying to immobilize the armoured warrior since he had first appeared, but he showed no signs of even struggling. Gathering all his strength, Damian sent a lance of mental energy into the thing's mind. What happened next he would remember for the rest of his life. A wall of mental energy met his mental assault and stopped it so suddenly he winced. The power of this thing's mind was incredible.
"Please, do not continue," the thing said, both in the minds of the PsiCops and verbally. "I wish to kill no more of you. My superiors would prefer to accomplish this mission with as little bloodshed as possible."
"I don't believe you!" Michael shouted back. "You killed two members of my team!"
"They were loyal to the false government which has taken over. My leader wishes only to return Earth to the hands of her people."
Michael could feel the power of the thing's mind. It was beyond anything he had ever seen. He could have easily killed Michael's entire team instantly. "Why should I trust you?"
"Because," the metal machine replied, reaching up and tapping a hidden button causing its helmet to fold down into the collar with a series of audible clicks, revealing a black haired, green eyed, human "we're the same."
"You're human?" Michael asked in disbelief.
"Yes. My name is Hazarhun, of the Thousand Sons Legion. Now please listen. Your leaders are corrupt. My men and I have been sent to take back control of EarthDome and return the rule of Earth to the hands of its people. If you need further convincing tell me this. Did your leaders shield their minds from you?"
The look on the man's face was all the proof Hazarhun needed. "I can break through that and allow you to scan their minds directly. You have felt the power of my mind. I could easily rip the information I need from you, but each moment we stand here more of your soldiers are dying. One way or another this conflict will end, but it is up to you to determine the cost."
Michael's mind worked overtime for several long moments. Then he made his decision. "Follow me. The Senate Chamber isn't far from here." Turning, the other two PsiCops followed him. Hazarhun kept to the rear.
"What are we doing?" Alex Deldren mentally asked quietly, unaware that Hazarhun could hear every word being spoken.
"The right thing," Michael replied. "Hazarhun may be right, and even if he's not this battle was over before it began. The army attacking us is far too powerful to stop. Even we couldn't do anything. If we can save the lives of more of our fellow telepaths, then that's what I'm going to do."
"A wise decision," Hazarhun spoke, to the great surprise of the Psi Cops. "The power you have seen here is nothing compared to that of my Commanders."
…
"It would seem the battle is turning against us," Chairman Burns remarked upon seeing the enemy warriors advancing steadily down the halls of EarthDome. Only anti-tank weapons had any effect at all, and those were few and far between.
"I assume you have a plan?" Scorpio asked.
"Of course I do!" Burns replied, insulted. He tapped his link. "Burns to shuttle; move in. We're getting out of here."
"Understood sir, we're on our way. ETA four minutes," came the reply.
Gathering an armful of folders and papers, Burns started for the carved oak doors to the senate chamber. "Coming?" He asked Scorpio.
"Right," the Commander replied, seeing, just for a moment, the look of fear in Burns's eyes.
As the two rushed through the halls towards the landing pad, the sounds of battle receded into the distance.
"I think we may just survive this," Scorpio said under his breath.
…
"Just a little further," Michael said. "We're almost to the senate chamber."
"Wait!" Hazarhun called, coming to a stop. He closed his eyes and reached out with his mind. There were fewer minds in this section of the building and he quickly found that of the men they were looking for. Sensing the men's intentions, Hazarhun smiled and quickly sent a thought message to Brother Minzel, the strongest of the psykers outside maintaining Magnus's storm. He soon got the reply. "Now we move on. Our quarry's escape has just been cancelled.
…
Brother Minzel, from his perch atop a massive skyscraper, saw through the still growing storm a small shuttle making its way through the buffeting winds towards EarthDome. Gripping his staff tightly in one hand, he thrust the other forward and began to have his fun.
On board the shuttle controls began sparking out and flight control became erratic. The pilots struggled to regain control but with a shriek of tortured metal the shuttle's tail section was crushed. The craft plummeted towards the ground, but Minzel used his mind to keep it in the air. He could sense the despair of those aboard the shuttle, and with a smile he felt it ease as he stabilized the flight. But this lasted only a moment before Minzel, with a powerful mental pull, ripped the shuttle in half. Fuel ignited and the shuttle was reduced to scrap metal which rained down on the blood soaked ground below where thousands of Earthforce marines lay in pieces.
…
Burns felt the folders drop from his suddenly lifeless hands. His shuttle had just been torn in half by thin air. "Dear god; what are we fighting against?" He asked, falling to his knees. The sounds of fighting were coming closer now. Burn's personal security detail stationed at the stairs suddenly stopped transmitting. Drawing his personal weapon, Burns turned and found himself staring up at a massive armoured monster. His armor running with rain water and his staff and eyes glowing as the man gazed down at him.
"You are fighting against me," the figure replied. "Your false reign ends here Chairman Burns." Suddenly Burns felt something searing into his mind with another, weaker presence behind it. "Are you satisfied now?"
"I am," came a reply from behind the behemoth as Michael stepped into view. "You've deceived us all Chairman. You have ended thousands of lives just so you and your cohorts could have more power. You mundanes disgust me." Drawing a PPG pistol, he took aim at Burn's head, and smiled when he saw a yellow stain spread across the front of the Chairman's immaculate white pants. "I should kill you, but Brother Hazarhun has convinced me that a trial is more appropriate."
"Brother…?" Was Burns's only reply.
"Yes," Hazarhun spoke, revealing his features to the eyes of Burns and Scorpio, who already had his hands in the air. "We have come to rebuild the Earth Alliance and restore honourable leaders to power." The massive man stretched out his hand to Scorpio, who shaking, took it, his hand looking like a toy in the massive metal gauntlet in clasped. "People who know when it is right to surrender." With a gentle thought burst, Hazarhun sent Scorpio the images he had taken from Burns's mind.
"Yes," Scorpio replied. Activating his link he selected the general frequency. "This is Commander Scorpio to all Earth Alliance forces. Stand down; I repeat stand down."
All across EarthDome soldiers lay down their arms and were herded together but not harmed. The battle for EarthDome looked to be over.
…
As Burns was led away, he smiled. It wasn't over yet, he thought as he discretely activated a transmitter built into the heel of his boot. The reason the intruders had made such quick progress was because they had only been fighting expendable troops. Burn's true army, with heavy armor support, was even now moving at his signal to bring the true fight to these humans who had dared to defile his perfect world. "Oh yes, the fun is just beginning," he said to himself. "Just beginning."
Same Time: Geneva: Switzerland
Brother-Sergeant Hirvell had finished his assigned duties and was currently on Overwatch. It was just finishing in Earthdome, but it looked like it was going to start back up in the city. But this, this was interesting; his long range auspex had picked up a large convoy of armoured vehicles heading into the city and making straight for EarthDome. He used a quick mental impulse to start the nearby comm. gear and reported the approach of nearly 160 armoured vehicles of varying definitions, most fitting medium by the Imperium standard of thinking.
Command Centre: Orbital Deployment: Fist of Horus
"Report received Brother Hirvall," one of the bridge crew marines stated.
Horus, Magnus and High Magos Talos quickly gathered around a conference table, observing the mass of hostile icons pouring into the city of Geneva.
"I suggest we dispatch fighters and take them out," Magnus suggested. "They have little to no anti-aircraft defences remaining."
"No, the collateral damage would be too great," Horus replied. "We should use our own tanks to destroy them. Our Predators and Land Raiders could destroy them in short order."
"I believe I have a better idea Warmaster," Magos Talos stated. "If we wish to impress the people of this world with our power, I have just the forces to do it." He told them of his plan, and the two Primarchs smiled.
Aboard the Sword of Mars:
Tech Guard were running around in orderly patterns, getting everything prepared for 20 of the heaviest tanks they had would be going into battle; 10 Stormsword siege tanks, and 10 Baneblade superheavy tanks. General Halvorsen observed it all from his perch on a railing overhead.
A career tanker, General Alexander Halvorsen had fought on dozens of worlds against enemy armoured vehicles. His tank force, nicknamed the "Black Hammers" for their tactic of pounding one section of the enemy to pulp at a time, were among the most decorated forces in the Imperium. To him, his crews were family, and he would risk anything for them. He also respected his enemies and once, in a case of misdirected orders, he had risked his own life to save a group of refugees from death by another tank platoon. To the families and followers of the platoon, he was regarded almost as a father figure.
Most outsiders would not take this young looking man coming up to them and introducing himself as General seriously, but that was because at the age of 89 he still looked and moved like a man in his thirties thanks to his use of Juvenat Drugs. Commanding from his Baneblade, the Lord of Destruction, he was widely considered one of the deadliest and most able commanding officers in the Army.
The Black Hammers' most famous victory was the destruction of a force of fifteen Ork Gargants when ten of their number was stranded on Emphelas after their transport was shot down. After being rescued the crews, six of which survived, had received the highest honours available. The transport pilots made it as well and were now considered part of the platoon.
And now his men and his tanks were being readied to invade Terra.
…
In another section of the Sword, Magos Fellcourt was supervising the preparations for embarkation. A long-serving member of the Mechanicus, Fellcourt was nearly unbeatable in close combat. After nearly being killed while saving the life of a High Magos on Tellas Prime, he was elevated to the rank of Commander and placed in command of the Tech Guard regiments attached to the Lunar Wolves Legion. At 125 years he was fairly young for his position as Regiment Commander, but none dared dispute his skills.
In combat he used his bionics to literally run and jump circles around his enemies. His weapons, a power axe and a plasma gun as well as a personal force field, frag and krak grenades, made him useful in both personal and armoured combat. His personal shield, a gift from the Magos he had saved, afforded him protection from even plasma weaponry but shorted out quickly under sustained fire.
Unlike most of the Tech Guard, Moreth had a respect for the abilities of organics, and regularly spared with the marines and Guard troops around him. He has been beaten only twice, both times by Lieutenant Hazarhun. He was greatly respected and admired by the men under his command.
Currently Fellcourt was outfitting the 300 Tech Guard with anti-tank weaponry as they boarded their transports. Fellcourt and his men were taking part in the invasion of Terra so they could rule Mars. Once the planet was theirs, the Mechanicus would rebuild it in the image of the Omnissiah. From there new titan legions would be razed and new ships and weapons built. Soon Mars would become the backbone of the Imperial war machine in this place.
As the Heavy Dropships were taking off, Lightning class strike fighters were already coming back up from the surface where they had burned most of one of Geneva's largest parks to create a viable landing zone, and now a fresh group was escorting 4 Valkyrie transports carrying Admech Leman Russ Executioners to secure the LZ.
As the first dropship launched from the Sword of Mars, tank crews were confused to see a second heavy drop ship taking off, but figured it must have been more Tech Guard. The truth however, was that the second ship carried only 3 Tech Priests and a single war machine of unrivalled power.
As the assault transports entered the atmosphere, the men either began praying to the Gods or checking their weapons and ammo. This assault would be different than any other, for they were preparing to land on Holy Terra itself
The ride went far smoother then a normal contested landing usually did, mostly due to the fact that there was no defences left, so the smooth ride ended with a landing and a regulation disembarkation. As soon as the last of the superheavy tanks had rolled out, the transport quickly took off back towards the Sword of Mars
The second transport landed and General Halvorsen quickly ordered his tanks to form up and clear the perimeter as the folded up form of a massive Mars pattern Warhound was revealed. The transport slowly split its roof, allowing the Titan to disembark.
"This is the Titan Garmr to General Halvorsen; you have command of the operation. We will be providing fire support and tactical Overwatch."
"General Halvorsen to Garmr, transmission copied and received."
…
The 160 Tanks and 30 Apc's belonging to the Earth Alliance's 3rd army's 1st and 4th divisions were rolling steadily into Geneva towards Earthdome.
Colonel Jason Mordon, a veteran of the past conflicts that had plagued Earth, was in command of this massive tank force. The latest battle reports stated that Earthdome had been completely overrun by "daemons," but this man knew the true value in any battle was not taking a location, it was holding it against focused assaults. "Taking it was easy holding it is hard" he remembered one of his old COs saying.
Unfortunately for the Colonel, there would be no focused assault of any kind, at least not from his troops.
…
As the powerful sensors of the Warhound watched the rebel tanks moving into the city, Princeps Ingalis was directing tanks to ambush positions while the Warhound and its four Executioner escorts moved toward the main force of enemy vehicles.
As the rebel tank forces were splitting up to move down the three main avenues leading towards Earthdome, they had no idea that positioned in parking garages, between buildings and off to the side of intersections, there were 40 of the most powerful tanks to ever roll on Terran soil, just about ready to pounce.
The leading edge of the rebel formations had spotted the Warhound and was desperately firing at the Titan while still keeping to their advance. Princeps Ingalis smiled as their petty weapons were effortlessly absorbed by his god-machine's Void shields.
…
As the first 10 tanks had rolled past his position, Captain Hollander requested permission to fire, it was denied. He was ordered to wait for the main body of tanks before unleashing the full fury of his Baneblade.
As the last elements of the rebel assault force rolled in past the seventh block of houses, the net closed and hell itself came in behind them.
Plasma flew between Executioners and the few modified Plasma tanks of the EA assault forces before the massive plasma blastgun of the Garmr fired and quickly reduced four tanks to molten slag. But as the tanks belonging to the EA retreated, waiting for the counter advance of the enemy forces, then realised the tanks weren't moving and neither was the massive Walker.
It was ironically in the moment of clarity just before the scream of "AMBUSH!" sounded that 10 Baneblades closed in and unleashed hell with their massive battle cannons. The first salvo struck and 20 of the 50 encircled tanks exploded in brilliant plumes of smoke, flames and ammunition. Desperate calls for assistance and then mercy came from the EA tanks, but none came or was given.
As turrets swivelled to face the new threats, the Baneblades were already firing, twin-linked Lascannons and Demolishers striking and reducing the rest of the tanks to slag. It had taken all of 2 minutes from the first shots fired at the Garmr to the last round fired by the Baneblade Warspite. The Imperium tanks slipped quietly through to the secondary positions nearer to Earthdome.
The second group of EA tanks contained a large force of plasma armed vehicles and the most fanatical of Burns' supporters. As such they also had advanced sensor equipment and so were able to pick up on the locations of the Stormswords waiting for them. Lead elements accelerated, turned their turrets and fired a devastating salvo, nearly vaporising one of the Stormswords, but immediately after came the counter assault and the 30 plasma enhanced tanks vanished in roaring explosions, taking most of other tanks with them in a huge explosion of nuclear fury. The 13 surviving tanks fled as fast as possible. Fear now gripped the defenders of EarthDome, but knowing they would likely die either way, chose to regroup and fight.
The third and final group included the 40 armoured personnel carriers of the armoured brigade, carrying nearly 450 heavy assault troops. But this group had only 20 old Mk III Merkava tanks. They were swiftly annihilated in a crossfire supplied by the 10 baneblades present. When the APC's rolled into the large 6-way round about they found themselves surround by massive tanks, and their retreat cut off by another pair of massive tanks. On the far end of the roundabout stood 300 cloaked and hooded men with an assortment of knifes, axe and swords. Then, when all was calm and quiet came a loud proclamation from one of the tanks.
"This is General Alexander Halvorsen of the Imperial Army to all Earthforce Personnel. You now have two options; either Surrender or face these men in close combat. I urge the former. We have no wish to kill you, but if you leave us no choice we will. "
The reply came swiftly from all the APC's. "No Surrender and No Retreat!"
The 450 armoured men of Burns' Own ran out of their APC's and charged with knifes drawn and bayonets fixed into the ranks of the Tech Guard. It was a slaughter. Plasma, melta and flamer weapons reduced dozens of men to charred ashes before they even entered melee range. There things deteriorated even further as the bionic enhancements of the Mechanicus troops proved their worth.
Magos Fellcourt entered the fray explosively. His power axe sheared through two men before he was reunited with the ground. His plasma pistol sent out blasts of superheated matter which incinerated a missile launcher team. His bionic limbs allowed him to move and fire with unerring precision. He bounded into the midst of a squad and he broke a neck with his first punch and carved three bodies in half before the others could respond. Jets of blood soared through the air as the Magos landed. The first enemy warrior raised his rifle, but Fellcourt kicked out and sent the man flying, his chest caved in. Moving faster than the eye could follow, the Magos turned and punched straight through the chest of a man aiming at him. Twisting his body around Fellcourt threw the man's body into his friends, knocking them down like pins.
…
Captain Jason Aslan watched as his men were cut down by the crimson cloaked warriors. They moved so fast and their weapons were far more powerful than his own. Nevertheless, he had sworn to defend Earth, and he would do so. "Forward men. For Earth!" He cried drawing his PPG and firing a pair of shots into the back of one of the enemy who was bust gutting Private Mlerrt. The rounds punched into the soldier's back armour, sending him sprawling to the ground. "See, they can be killed! Now fight!"
The EarthForce marines began to rally, but then a tall man with silver plated limbs landed near them. "Stand down and you will live," he said.
"Not a chance! You'll never conquer Earth!" Jason replied, bringing up his PPG and firing. To his complete and utter horror the shots were absorbed by some type of personal shield which flared around the man's body. In reply the man's own weapons spat a pulse of blue energy which vaporized both Jason's gun and his left arm. He fell to the ground as pain enveloped him like a blanket of needles. Through his tear stained eyes, he watched as the rest of his men were either cut down or captured. His blood was pouring out of him, but suddenly he felt himself being hoisted up. The last thing he saw before blacking out was the black mouth of one of the invaders' transports opening up to swallow him whole.
…
It was over. EarthDome was now firmly in the hands of the Astartes, and the Aquila banner fluttered from every tower and flag pole. The remaining senior military officers of EarthForce were gathered under guard, including Scorpio, who was the only one permitted to stand with Hazarhun.
"What is going to happen now?" Scorpio asked, indicating the captive Burns, who was now shackled and shivering in the cold morning air. His dark ringed, bloodshot eyes showed his despair. His gaze mostly lingered on the massive war machine Hazarhun had said was called a Warhound scout titan. The only thought which ran through Scorpio's mind when he saw it was that he certainly didn't want to be on the Astartes' bad side now.
"The former Chairman will be taken up to our battlebarge until a date is set for his trial," Hazarhun explained.
"What is a battlebarge if I may ask?" Scorpio politely inquired.
"Allow me to show you Commander." Hazarhun raised his staff and spoke a few words, causing his staff to shoot a bolt of brilliant azure light into the clouds. Slowly the black clouds overhead parted and vanished, revealing the clear blue sky, and the massive vessel hovering over the city. The ship loomed over the entire city, the morning light reflecting off its gold lined hull and glinting from adamantium spires. "The Fist of Horus," the Brother Lieutenant stated proudly. "One of our command ships and flagship of Warmaster Horus himself.
"My god," Scorpio whispered. Off to his left he saw Burns fall to his knees, cutting them open on the debris strewn ground. "And you have more of those ships?"
"Indeed. Now stand up straight Commander. You are about to meet the three men who will decide the fate of this world."
Slowly the shuttle landed, its thrusters sending debris skittering across the pad and blowing up a massive cloud of dust. When the turbulence faded the dust seemed to come together, form small pebbles and fall to the ground. The marines formed up into two lines, one grey and the other crimson.
Commander Scorpio wondered briefly which of the two lines would win in an all out engagement. Though there were only 10 crimson figures and nearly 100 of the whitish grey ones, he had not seen any of the grey ones rip two 200,000lb barricade gates from their place and send them flying nearly 3 miles. he HAD seen one of the crimson ones do that.
The shuttles ramp slowly lowered and the grey armoured marines fell to one knee with a sound like a thunderbolt. "HORUS!" They bellowed as a massive armoured figure emerged from the shuttle. He wore grey armour like most of the marines but far more ornamented. A golden falcon's head helmet concealed his features, and a massive sword was strapped to one hip, looking large enough to bisect a tank.
Suddenly a bolt of lightning to the right and slightly behind Horus, who paid it no mind, as though he had expected it. The crimson armoured figures slammed their staves into the ground then fell to their knees with a bellowed "MAGNUS!" As the lightning dissipated, where it had struck now stood a crimson armoured giant bearing a golden jackal headed helm, armed with only an ornate golden staff. The air around him seemed to bend and distort, as though he was being seen through a heat wave.
The final man to arrive stepped out of the shuttle, but without the thunderous ovation of the first two. He was of average height and swathed in a robe of purest black; the only visible pieces of him were a glinting arm of solid steel and a pair of glowing red eyes.
"High Magos Talus of the Adeptus Mechanicus!" One of the tech priests called out.
Commander Scorpio, looking up, was very surprised when the massive Warhound made something akin to a bow to this man; he hadn't thought it could do that.
As the first two figures neared to where Scorpio and the contingent from PsiCorps stood, Scorpio understood what Lieutenant Hazarhun had meant when he had spoken of the power his commanders had. First of all they were huge men, easily 5 feet wide at the shoulders and both of them must have been breaking 9 feet tall. They looked extremely intimidating in their helmets, but then he surmised that those helmets were very indicative of the status the men must have enjoyed, for as far he could see they were solid gold.
The huge helmeted men looked at Scorpio silently for several moments before he remembered himself. After having made introductions for the guards, he led the way towards the senate chamber where 80 senators were waiting for whatever was to come next.
…
Horus was enjoying the feel of Terran air, though he knew from speaking to Magnus that several things were not right in this place. First was the Immaterium, though now that he thought about it, the Immaterium issue didn't need solving, just exploration. But it begged the question, what else was different? They had recovered fragments from the sensor blip that had disappeared when they completed transition, and since those fragments were fist deep into the prow plating of The Fist, he had inklings about what had happened to the ship. Among the debris found was a ship's log that, with a little help from the Admech, they managed to analyze, revealing the ship as the Primus belonging to the Centauri Republic, and that it had been destroyed during a hyperspace transition, though the crystals used were exceedingly primitive.
As the group neared the Senate chamber the two Terminators posted as guards, one from the Luna Wolves and one from the Thousand Sons, wearing the new stylised helmets and looking for all the world as representations of ancient gods, opened the doors and announced into the chamber "Warmaster Horus, Legion Master Magnus and High Magos Talus Arriving".
As the three men entered the large circular chamber the whispered conversations between seats quickly stopped, leaving the room in complete silence except for the ringing footsteps of the Imperium delegation. The two massive armoured giants and the much smaller robed individual stopped in the centre of the chamber.
The grey armoured man was the first to move. Reaching up, he touched a point near the collar of his helmet, causing it to retract and exposing the man's human face to all. "Greetings honoured senators. I am Warmaster Horus of the Imperium of Mankind. I know many of you have questions, so let me begin by stating that we have no intention of militarily conquering your world. Rather, we have come here to form an alliance between us." The muttered conversations returned as the Warmaster continued.
"My fleet was on its way to our homeworld when we were caught in a hyperspace storm and blown far off course. Until we can find a way to return to our home, we intend to establish ourselves here. When your President was killed, we took it upon ourselves to find the guilty and bring them to justice. Even now they are aboard our flagship awaiting transportation to one of your courts."
"What are your plans for Earth?" Senator Kensy asked.
"We intend to construct defences and industry which will allow us to begin construction of starships and begin exploring the surrounding space," Horus replied. "Many of our vessels are also damaged and in need of repairs."
"Ok, but what about the rest of the solar system?" Senator Claidsdayle questioned. At that Magos Talus straightened and stepped forward.
"My people and I wish custodianship of Mars. From there will intend to construct the industry to begin work on new warships and weapons. Any currently living on Mars are welcome to stay and work alongside my men or be taken back to Earth," Talus answered.
"Now wait just a minute!" Senator Marcela, the ambassador of Mars began, but was interrupted by Kensy.
"Will you also be making more of those 'titan' machines?" Kensy asked. He had been an admirer of mecha ever since he had been a child, and now he had the chance to oversee production of weapons beyond anything Earth had ever seen.
"You are referring to the Warhound outside?" asked Talus.
"Yes, I am," stated Kensy.
"The Warhound is merely a scout titan. It is not meant for prolonged fighting. We have other models for that," Talus replied, enjoying the look of shock on the Senator's face. "But our first concern is the construction of defences. When our fleet first arrived we briefly detected an alien vessel near our emergence point. The contact was too brief to get a definitive classification, but we are certain it wasn't human."
"Could it have been a scout for an invasion fleet?" Senator Martel asked. Her father had claimed to have been abducted by aliens several times over the years. Could he have actually been telling the truth?
"It is a definite possibility," Horus replied, regaining control of the conversation. "Now then, we must reach a solution which will benefit both our peoples. My forces are very powerful as you have seen, but we are isolated, with no staging area to repair and rearm. You have the manpower and will to become a powerful force in this galaxy. Together we can explore the stars around us and humanity can change from a small one planet race to the strongest species in the galaxy. That is what happened on my world."
"And where is your world exactly?" Martel asked.
"Magnus, if you would?" Horus asked.
The crimson armored giant nodded. Extending his staff, he drew a glowing rune in the air. A moment later there came a flash of light and when it vanished, three red-robed men and what looked like a projection device stood in its place.
Immediately whispers and questions filled the room. Many Senators now spoke quietly of what level of technology this 'Imperium' had access to.
"What you have just seen is a demonstration of the power my brother Magnus posses, as do many of our marines. Now, allow us to show you the future we can achieve together."
At a motion from Horus one of the tech adepts activated the holo-projector, giving birth to a massive 50 foot high map of the galaxy. Most of it was dominated by a double headed eagle and colored a clear blue. Other portions were colored bright green, bright crimson and a hue of other colours.
"This is a tactical overview of our galaxy," Talus explained. "The blue area you see is under the control of the Imperium. Our Emperor was in the process of bringing the entire galaxy under mankind's dominion. The other areas are controlled by races such as Orks, Dark Eldar and other enemies too terrible to speak of."
"Do you believe those same enemies exist here?" Senator Rollino asked.
"For some it is possible, but I would have sensed the presence of the greatest threats," Magnus replied. "Threats to us that is. Every major enemy the Imperium has fought has been powerful, and in some cases entire fleets have been lost to them."
"You mean there could be races out there that are a threat even to you?"
"It is certainly possible, and yet another reason our people should cooperate with each other. If you would like, we can show you the enemies we have fought," Magnus offered.
"That would be helpful."
"Very well. Magos?"
"Of course," Talus replied, his mechadendrites extending and programming the holo-device. He map of the galaxy vanished, replaced with a snarling visage of a green skinned alien. Its skull was small, with the eyes sunken in, and a jutting mouth with large protruding tusks. It was garbed in tattered cloths and metal armor. In its hands it carried a massive pistol and a large machete. "This is an Ork. The Ork race is currently the greatest threat to Imperial expansion. They are a race of scavengers and inventors. They can create machines which should not be able to work, and indeed don't unless operated by Orks. Their starships are ramshackle collections of parts, but are still comparable in power and durability to Imperium warships."
"Show them a Gargant," Horus suggested. Talus nodded and the image of an Ork Gargant appeared. "This is what is known as a Gargant, an Ork equivalent to our Titans."
"Are they stronger than your titans?" Senator Kensy asked.
"No," Talus replied. "But the Orks can build them extremely quickly. Talus, show them a size comparison."
"Yes Warmaster," the High Magos replied. He quickly brought up an image of the different classes of titans in order, starting with the Warhound and a Reaver then moving up to a Warlord and finally an Imperator, which was so massive its holographic shoulder towers nearly touched the roof of the chamber. Beside each was its Ork equivalent. "These are the various classes of titans in production; Warhound, Reaver, Warlord, and finally Imperator level."
"My god," Kensy said. "Can you build all of these?"
"With the necessary recourses yes," Talus replied. "Now then, I believe the Dark Eldar were next. Primarch Magnus?"
"Our fleet had recently cleansed a world of Orks before being brought here," Magnus said. "Now, next we have the Dark Eldar. I suggest you be prepared; some have been known to loose their lunch when seeing this. Magos?"
"Very well," Talus replied, his thin tendrils of metal twitching as they sent data into the projection matrix. The Ork disappeared, replaced by a tall humanoid in light black armor and carrying a bladed rifle. Severed heads hung from his belt and a necklace of fingers was around his neck.
"This is a Dark Eldar warrior," Magnus explained. "They are a breakaway faction of a larger race known as the Eldar. They are pirates and slavers, taking civilians from their homes and either killing them or making them into slaves. Little is known about their culture, only that they come from a dark place they call Commoragh. Only two slaves I know of have managed to escape. I will make their journals available to you shortly. There is only one more enemy the Imperium has faced and fears, but the files on them are restricted."
"Why is that?" Marcela asked.
"Because people have been driven insane by seeing them," Horus replied, the tone in his voice leaving to room for argument. In his mind he could still see the forces of Chaos he had fought of Dorinnden 7 and Halcon 3. Chaos was the most insidious enemy the Imperium had faced, and its Greater Daemons were extremely tough opponents to defeat. If Chaos existed here it would mean great peril. Fortunately Magnus had not sensed Chaos in the Warp, which he had since learned was referred to as Hyperspace here. "Now, are there any questions before we move on?"
"If you really have the amount of power you claim, why are you even negotiating with us? Why not just state your demands and take what you need?" Senator William Clark asked. Several other Senators sighed. Clark was well known as a troublemaker, and had only gotten his senate position because of his family connections.
"Because," Horus replied with a stare which made Clark sweat "we are both human, and as such I personally think we should be united, not warring with each other. It has been proven in my galaxy that wars with human against human are always the most devastating. And even if we did conquer you, the resulting terrorism would delay our plans significantly. However, if other senators feel as you do Senator Clark, perhaps I should take my fleet and army and seek an alliance with one of the alien races in this space. Surely at least one of them would be interested in our power."
As Horus had expected, the senate chamber immediately erupted into shouts and insults, most of the latter directed at Senator Clark.
"Warmaster Horus, please ignore Senator Clark. He does not speak for all of us. We would be eager to begin negotiations to formalize our alliance," Kensy spoke. He and Clark would have a few words later.
"Excellent," Horus replied. Gesturing to Talus, a map of Earth was displayed, with the Imperial Aquila hovering over the South Pole. "My forces will base ourselves in Antarctica, keeping us out of the way, while Magos Talus and the Mechanicus will establish themselves on Mars. Once we have constructed enough facilities we will begin work on defences and new vessels which will have joint crews. Is this acceptable to you Senators?"
"We will debate your proposal Warmaster, but for now you may begin landings in the Antarctic," Senator Kensy replied.
"Thank you," Horus replied. "Contact me when you reach your decision. Magnus!"
"Of course brother," Magnus replied. Summoning his power, he teleported the Imperium delegation back up to the Fist of Horus above the city.
"What shall we do now?" Magnus asked.
"They gave us permission to land," Horus smiled. "I intend to do as they ask. Helmsman, take us into orbit and then prepare for an arctic landing."
"Yes Warmaster," came the reply as the Fist of Horus slowly ascended into space.
"It is strange Brother, seeing Terra like this," Horus commented as the green and blue orb of Earth became visible in its entirety.
"Indeed," Magnus replied. "Perhaps, if we ever find a way back to our home, we can bring the Imperium here. I'm sure Father would be pleased with it."
"I'm sure he would," Horus replied. "But for the time being we must accept the fact that we must rebuild the Imperium in this place. Helm, commence landing sequence."
"Landing sequence initiated Lord Horus." Slowly Earth grew in the view screen. The ice continent of Antarctica became larger as the Primarch Battlebarge descended, obliterating clouds in its wake. As the last vaporous barriers melted away the massive expanse of ice and snow was revealed. "
"All hands brace for landing," came a voice over the ship's speakers. Several moments later there was a deafening clang as Fist of Horus made contact with the surface. Massive networks of cracks spread out from the impact point, but thanks to the solid rock underneath the ship didn't sink into the sea. "Landing sequences complete Warmaster."
"Excellent. Begin unloading the supplies and setting up all of the surface facilities we have. From what I see in your mind Magnus we will likely be here a while."
"Only until Magos Talus is able to construct a full scale fortress and transport it here from Mars," Magnus replied with the hint of a smile on his lips.
"Very well," Horus sighed. "I'll be in my chambers if I'm needed."
…
The senate chamber was once again dominated by shouts and recriminations. The main screens were all dominated by the massive flagship of Horus making landfall in Antarctica. None of them had believed something so large COULD make a landing.
"SILENCE!" Senator Kensy shouted into his microphone, timing it just right so that the piercing ringing noise caused the other senators to cover their ears and stop their bickering. "Now then, I for one believe we should act to support Warmaster Horus. After all, he's the reason all of us are still alive."
"And how many loyal Earthforce soldiers are dead because of him?!" Senator Clark asked in reply.
"They were traitors who followed corrupt men. If we had been able we would have launched a counterattack of our own. And besides Senator Clark, if you would look over the Warmaster's battle report you would see he indeed tried to keep casualties to a minimum. We're all human too, even if the Warmasters fleet comes from another place in the galaxy."
"I say we take it to a vote," Senator Calderdale proposed.
"All right, let's vote," Senator Juntao agreed.
Ten minutes later the vote was decided. A 70 to 10 resulted in the approval of the Alliance Bill. The specifics would be decided on later, but for now humanity had taken the first step in becoming the rising star of the galaxy.