Chapter X

It was almost midnight, but there was still activity in the gym. Usually the Acolytes or the Adrastos' security personal would train here hand to hand combat, but tonight two Astartes were caught up in their training. Their blades moved faster than a common human's eyes would have been able to follow. Nadim felt much lighter without his armor, or the heavy weapons he carried around as a Devastator, his movements more fluently and requiring less strength. It was not enough to get the upper hand on his opponent though. Cyrus deflected a swing, exposing the Salamander's chest briefly, but long enough for a bone-crushing hit with his elbow. Nadim stumbled a step backwards, and quickly blocked another attack. While he judged himself to be slightly stronger than the Blood Raven, he was not as fast or quick to react, in part a flaw that all Salamanders shared in comparison to other chapters. Their blades locked, and Nadim took this moment to study his adversary's face: Cyrus' expression remained impassive but concentrated, his brows knit. He tried to overpower Cyrus, and then Nadim thought for just a moment to see a twitch of a smile on the Scout's face. Suddenly the resistance was gone, forcing Nadim to catch his weight, Cyrus side-stepped, and brought his hilt against the Salamander's occipital. The pain was intense, and he lifted his sword to block another blow, but Cyrus caught the sword under Nadim's guard with his own blade, and wrenched it out of his grip.

"Good match." Nadim acknowledged, with a grin. "Couldn't even give you a shave."

Cyrus wiped away the blood from his jaw, some already dried in his heavy stubbles, though the single cut was already closed. "You seemed unfocused."

"My thoughts are on Victoria Primus." He admitted unashamed. "And what is happening to her people."

"You shouldn't dwell on it." The Blood Raven noted curtly.

Nadim paused, as he was picking up his sword. "Do you care so little for them?"

"There's just no point in doing so." At Nadim's disgruntled expression he continued. "As noble as your intentions might be, as deplorable as their fate is, it stands unalterable. To agonize over it, would only impair and aggrieve."

Nadim was Salamander; how could he not be concerned with the Emperor's subjects? Compassionately he regarded his brother. "You force yourself to be indifferent?"

"I don't need to. One adjusts over time." Cyrus replied plainly, as they sat down to clean their blades. Nadim wasn't sure, maybe just his hopeful imagination, but there seemed to have been a bitter undertone.

"I think I could never get to a point where the innocents' suffering no longer affects me. Have you never lamented such development?"

"When you've never lived among civilians, there is little sense of loss." Slowly he began to polish his weapon. "I guess the Salamanders are very much unique with their close connection to the Nocturnean people; which is why usually try not to criticize your sentiments."

Nadim considered himself to be rather patient and calm in nature, but this last statement hit a nerve. "Sentiments? Whether you think it a weakness or not, I dread the idea of no longer having this connection, more than the turmoil that may come from it."

"If you can handle it, it is all the more admirable. I couldn't." Despite knowing the Blood Raven for some years now, Nadim was surprised and perplexed by this confession. Astartes rarely admitted weaknesses especially to those of other chapters. Cyrus continued. "We are made to serve as weapons, to fight in the endless wars of the Imperium. Some of us live through hundreds, each of which alone could drive a normal man insane. We have been trained and conditioned to withstand it, but it only goes so far. Just a few days ago we lost three of our brothers, we've all mourned their deaths, and we would have felt those losses more keenly if they had been of our own chapter."

The Devastator nodded. "I know what you mean: the rage that builds inside you, when you see a brother fall, but your mind tells you to ignore, to suppress the sorrow…and the guild when it was a brother you'd led into battle, and were responsible for."

"What do think would happen if we felt like this for civilians? I know not even the Salamanders go so far, maybe not even humans do. You will have to admit it is simpler to have a certain amount of indifference and distance, especially seeing as we numb to the horrors through what we experience in any case."

"I understand, yet how is it with the people of your own recruiting worlds? If they were threatened? Certainly they are a lot closer to you than those on Victoria Primus."

There was a brief pause. "We'd defend them; perhaps more out of a sense of duty and necessity than sympathy…at least those loyal to the Emperor."

To Nadim concern, he saw him stiffen at his own words, subtle, yet noticeable so. Even his expression seemed grimmer for a moment. "What plagues your mind, brother?" Nadim asked, trying to make his blood-red eyes look as sympathetic as he could.

The Scout's movements came to a complete stop, yet he didn't detach his gaze from the weapon. Slowly, with a low and quiet voice he began. "Just as we were assigned to this mission, I received news from the Aurelia Sub-Sector." During the next sentence, Nadim saw his friends fist clench around the sword's hilt, though he kept his voice the same. "The planet Cyrene was found guilty of heresy, and suffered the Exterminatus."

Even if the Salamander had never seen that world, it was shaking news. Exterminatus: the destruction of an entire planet and its population. "Wasn't Cyrene your home planet?" Nadim didn't know how he would react when he were to learn of Nocturn's destruction.

"Yes, but I remember nothing of my life before the Chapter; it is not relevant."

"It was still not just any world." Nadim reminded him.

"I know that the Exterminatus would not have been ordered without sufficient proof." At the Salamander skeptically raised brow he added. "But it does grieve me, and I wonder how it could have even gone so far. One ought to believe we keep a better watch over our main recruiting world." Anger and bitterness had returned to his voice, this time undeniably so.

In silence they finished the rites of purity, while Nadim thought about Cyrus' words. He rarely spoke openly like he had tonight, and though it was no option for Nadim, perhaps Cyrus had made the right choice for himself, even if not fully realized yet. To each his own, Nadim mused, putting the blade back into its sheath. When his brother left, the Salamander spoke one more time, remaining sitting on the bench. "The Emperor has them now, Cyrus."

The Scout paused in his steps, but didn't turn around. "Of that I have doubt." He spoke in a gloomy whisper, and continued on. Nadim leaned back against the metal wall, feeling it vibrating ever so slightly from the Adrastos' engines. Between his fingers he held a small, silver talisman, a hammer, the iconic weapon of his Primarch. It was one of the first things he had crafted as a boy, and he felt reassured and grateful that when, if he parted from the Deathwatch, Nocturne would still be the same.

Seth stood on the observation deck, just above the bridge, looking over Victoria Primus' main hive. The room was circular, more than half of its wall consisted of a window front, and the ceiling was rather low; even Brennan had been forced to lower his head here. Smoke was still emerging from the Underhive, sometimes small flashes indicated explosions or where piles of corpses, and buildings were burned, all from the still ongoing war; but the Acolyte didn't pay much attention to them. The sky had turned slightly green, the clouds now a sickly yellow. Even a week after the Genestealer attack, fighting had never ceased, and while several xenos had actually been killed, the panicking masses suffered the most. A necessary evil. Seth grimaced as if he'd tasted something foul. Sure, he couldn't think of another way to solve the Genestealer infestation, but thinking of what was currently happening in the Underhive made his stomach turn. Footsteps behind him tore Seth from his thoughts. Ship Mistress Vivian Sammael took her place beside him and looked out the window.

"We've received reports of the Hive Fleet; they've entered the system." While her voice remained calmed, her body seemed tense, her posture straight and stiff.

He breathed in deeply. "Any idea when they'll arrive?"

Her eyes kept focused on the planet, a commiserative look in them, she answered slowly. "At current velocity? Approximately three days, five hours, but it's difficult to be exact with the disturbance the Tyranids cause in the warp." Seth saw the fingers of her left hand drumming at the hilt of her saber.

"What will you do with the Adrastos? You'll stay, and fight with the Navy?"

Slowly Sammael turned to him, shaking her head. "My ship would hardly stand a chance, and I won't have her destroyed in the first hours of battle. No, I will bring her to the Seraphim Citadel; her ordnance work just as well from the ground." Her face grew softer. "How is Taylor, I've heard he recently woke up."

"He's fine actually, mostly exhausted, and not too happy about his shiny new leg. Jane and Cicero are planning to adjust it later today…just in time as it seems."

Another explosion light up the spire, making them both turn back to the window. "Go to your friend." Sammael said. "These calm moments for us will pass soon."

…

Seth was gone for only about ten minutes, when Sammael heard someone else coming up the stairs. She had expected Nicomedo much earlier than this. His sullenness was obvious as he approached, the appearance boosted by the equally sullen black robe, and tired eyes.

"Basil, how was the meeting?" She asked friendly, a warm smile on her lips.

It seemed he'd been expecting her usual and rather insolent forwardness, since he raised a suspicious brow. "Well enough, though the Governor has not yet quite grasped the seriousness of our situation… or maybe he doesn't want to."

"How come?"

"He wants to have the Governor's Palace defended, while his advisors and the Lord General Militant Giovanni of the Imperial Guard wish to concentrate our defenses at the Citadel."

"About the latter I've heard; I was planning to stay there myself with the ship. I hope you don't mind."

He shook his head. "No, you know the Adrastos better than me, and I trust your judgment. Do what you think is best for her." Almost weary, Basil looked over the planet. "Before I hunted down the Farseer Arhainceyl, basically all we did was undercover. We'd infiltrate cults, noble houses, merchants and Rouge Traders, exposed their dealings with xenos and brought them down. Simple, clean, inconspicuous and in secret. Having to fight head on, and organize this war…I have to admit I feel unprepared. I fear another Inquisitor would have done a much better job than I have so far."

"Yes, maybe." Her forwardness was having a little comeback. "Some would have done better, other even worse; however it doesn't matter, because you're the Inquisitor tasked with this mission. So the question isn't what others would have done, or would do, but how you will handle things." She winked. "If nothing else, your protégé might have learned something from it."

Basil gave her a humorless smile, and sighed once he turned his gaze back to the window, this time looking at the enormous crater left behind by the Battle Cruiser that had come down during the Genestealer offensive. Not only the Cruiser, but an entire hive had been devastated, and the spire accommodating the Demetio estate had been severely damaged. That offensive was probably the only reason the Kill Team had survived their attack on the Magus and Broodlord. And millions others had died meanwhile, and were dying still.

A few hours later Seth entered the medical bay's sickroom. "Okay, just one step now; hold on to your bed if you must." Jane and Techpriest Cicero stood beside the Untouchable, watched by a now conscious Storm Trooper. The Techpriest lifted his head, his face hidden beneath tubes and cables, and two green lenses focused on Seth. His bright red robes stood out from his mostly white surroundings, and was stained by oil along the fringes. "Acolyte Nelson." He spoke. "Have you come to supply 'moral support'?"

Seth smirked, when the Techpriest said 'moral support' like some alien term. "Ah, Cicero; sometimes I almost forget you're not a real boy, but then you always say things like that."

"Correction: I can assure you that I am real, and my last remaining biological sections are indeed male." While Seth shook his head amused, Taylor grinned and took a step with his artificial leg. As his foot was placed back on the ground, he staggered, his body leaning further forward than usual. "Adjustment required; insufficiently susceptible to commands."

"You feel anything?" Jane asked, as the Untouchable sat down again.

"Dull; I think I felt the ground."

On the empty bed next to them, Seth sat down, his eyes resting on the augmentation, where flesh and metal met. "How's the pain?" From his time in the Imperial Guard, he remembered soldiers complaining about constant pain or just itching, though they had usually been treated hastily in a MASH.

Taylor shrugged. "None to speak of. It itches now that my nerves receive signals again…"

"What the hell is that for?" Seth interrupted, pointing at a very long, thin needle in Jane's hand.

"Nerve stimulation." Jane put an orange ointment on Taylor's skin, which distinctly smelled of iodine. "Did you think, I'd cut him open for that? Cicero?"

"Adjustment complete: please proceed." His voice sounded like he was talking through a respirator.

Carefully the medicae put the needle into his leg, eyes kept on a small screen attached to the tool, yet Taylor didn't even flinch, only his eye twitched a few seconds later. "Do you know that feeling when you get a little shock from a metal surface?" He asked Seth. "It's a bit like that."

"So, any idea how long this could take?"

"Functionality will be achieved in approximately twenty minutes. Sufficient sensibility as perceived by patient in forty five."

Seth sighed. "He's really gotten worse since his brain got fried." Indeed a system malfunction only a few months ago had caused temperatures in the Techpriest's workshop to rise, severely damaging his remaining organic parts, especially the brain, which had almost been cooked. Ever since he'd been repaired by a fellow Magos on Ibelin, he seemed to have lost most of his humanity. "Speaking of being detached; how was your meeting with the Sisters Hospitaller?" Seth had never been fond of the Adepta Sororitas' zealotry.

Jane smiled amused. "Brief, thankfully. I gave them a pure sample of the Tyranid poison to make sufficient amounts of antidotes. Without it we would lose soldiers from mere scratches."

"I thought we already had some." Taylor was trying anew to walk. The movements were not yet fluently, at least his foot, but he stood straighter.

"A few vials, and their not perfect; we had less than two days to produce them. That's why we still get daily injections."

Seth chuckled dryly. "Who knew: I actually miss fighting Orcs."

Smoke emerged from beneath the door, along with the sounds of fired guns and the screams of people. Panicking, Alessia searched in the darkness of the room, until she found some dirty fabric, which once had been a blanket. With trembling hands she tried to block the gap between floor and the damaged door, the stench of burned flesh biting her nose, and making her sick to the stomach. When she was done, Alessia leant against the nearby wall, pulling her knees up to the chest, and wrapping her arms around them. Her eyes travelled to the two other people in the room. One was a middle-aged woman, at least considered so in the Underhive, and a very young boy, not even ten, which she held in a tight embrace, in a vain effort to protect him. Alessia looked over to her mother and brother, and fought to suppress a sob, her lip now trembling as bad as her hands had. Like herself the two were skinny to the point one could almost see the entire bone structure beneath the pale skin, and they dressed in grey rags. Her little brother also had an abdominal dropsy, and given sufficient light, one could see that his eyes had turned yellowish.

Slowly, Alessia joined her family, and her mother looked up to her, the tears having cut bright lines in her dusty face. The daughter sat down, threw her bony arms around the two as best she could, her head resting on her mother's shoulder. Alessia listened to the quiet sobbing from the two, though it was almost drowned by the sounds of battle outside. Not long ago, probably two or three days, but it was almost impossible to count the passing time down here, PDF and Imperial Guard had come to the Underhive. In itself that wasn't uncommon, not with some sort of riot happening every few months, but this time it was unprovoked. Thousands of soldiers had come, and started burning everything down, executing everyone to cross their path. Of course, people had taken up arms, and their advance had slowed down. Now however the fighting was practically on her family's doorstep, and her only option was to pray to the Emperor that the soldiers would miss this little room, and move on. From what Alessia had seen before hiding, it appeared that many people had suddenly found faith, unfortunately not all in the righteous God-Emperor. On her way back here, she had seen several eight-pointed stars drawn on the walls: it would only encourage the soldiers to continue. Maybe, she thought, the soldiers had come for them in the first place. Yes, it only made sense.

A powerful kick burst the door open; her mother hugged her crying son tighter, while Alessia looked up to an archaic looking breathing mask. The soldier wore the sand-colored cloak of Victoria's Imperial Guard forces, a Lasgun in his hands aiming at her. Fearful she spoke her prayers louder, though it was still difficult to hear with all the background noises. "O Emperor, hear my cry: G..guide me through the bla..blackest nights. Steel my heart against the tem..temptations of the wicked. Make me to rest in your light."

Two more men appeared in the doorway, weapons were raised. Alessia closed her eyes, fingers digging into her mother's arm, the words spoken faster. "Lord Emperor, hear my cry: Seat me by Your side in death…"

Two days passed rather uneventfully, at least onboard the Adrastos. The crew kept the ship running, and the Acolytes trained, and fulfilled their regular duties. A few minutes ago however, Inquisitor Nicomedo had ordered Seth and Jane to prepare themselves for a short trip to the planet, and rejoin the Adrastos later at Seraphim Citadel. None of them yet knew what this mission implied, but it seemed relatively simply, if it could be accomplished by only two of them. Still, Seth was planning to leave in full gear, and put on his grey body glove, and black Carapace Armor with the Ordo Xenos' sigil upon it. He was just securing his weapons, when a pair of heavy boots made themselves noticeable.

From the corner of hid eyes Seth saw the Inquisitor storming through the armory, already in full gear. Other than his golden ceremonial power armor, this one was painted with the Deathwatch colors, black and silver; with the bulky shoulder guards he looked like a miniature Space Marine, a furious one at that. Seth got a bad feeling as he approached. "Sir?"

"The Governor." Nicomedo began, clearly restraining his voice into a growl. "He refuses to leave his palace."

"You're joking, right?" Nicomedo only gave him a devastating glare. "Yeah, didn't think so."

"He wasn't too happy when the Council decided that we concentrate out defenses at Seraphim Citadel, and now is defying my direct orders. You and Jane will get him, and bring him to the Citadel by any means neccessary."

"Us?" Seth didn't think he was the right one for the job, Jane maybe, she was more patient.

Nicomedo's voice made clear that he wouldn't change his mind. "Yes, I fear Mandrake would only waste time, trying to reach a compromise. You're lack of any diplomatic skills could be of greater help here, and Jane might stop you if you go too far."

Not sure whether I should be flattered or insulted, Seth thought, before adding. "I'll get Jane."

"Take the Aquila Lander, and make it quick; Emperor be with you." Without waiting for a reply, the Inquisitor left, as Seth attached a small Blot Pistol to his leg. He already carried a Shotgun across his lower back, fastened to his belt, and a Hellgun sat waiting for him in the armory. He wouldn't need the latter just to pick up that royal pain in the ass, so Seth left it where it was, and went looking for Jane. She was just down the room along with Taylor, picking her weapons from the locker; right now she was choosing from the four remaining Bolt Pistols in storage, most of which Techpriest Cicero had made himself for normal sized human hands. Like himself, Jane was wearing a body glove, and Carapace Armor, while Taylor had only bound together his usually messy black hair, to not get into his way.

Seth knocked against the wall, getting her attention as she turned around. "Jane, we'll be making a stop at the palace."

"What, did Nicomedo lost is wallet or something." Taylor asked.

"No, apparently the Governor rather stays at home to get eaten, than join us at the Citadel."

Jane rolled her eyes, and folded her arms in annoyance. "Remind me: why did we save him in the first place?"

Defensively raising his hands, Seth shrugged. "Hey, I'm just as delighted as you are about this, but Nicomedo wants us two to pick him up. You're coming?"

"Yeah, just give me a second." She attached the second Pistol at her right leg. "Okay, let's go."

"Enjoy; see you at the Citadel." Seth nodded, Jane waved once as they headed for the hangar, leaving the Untouchable on the bench.

The sun was rising over the Seraphim Citadel. The enormous hive was truly a city in itself, the spires reaching far above the cloud, and massive walls enclosing its outskirts. From above one could see the walls form a six-pointed star, a reference to the six-winged Seraphim. It once was surrounded by veld and forests, used by the nobility for recreation and hunting. A few days ago it all had begun to turn into a fast growing jungle, the sky was turquoise, and the clouds were of a sickly yellow. The air traffic was drastically reduced: the Navy had already deployed to meet the Hive Fleet in space, and ever since the planet had been aware of the coming threat, the nobility, about everyone with a ship, and who could afford a passage, had spent the past week fleeing Victoria Primus. The rest, who was lucky enough not to life in the Underhives, had migrate to Seraphim Citadel. Despite this sudden overpopulation things had remained surprisingly peaceful; it seemed the coming threat created solidarity to a degree, and most were willing to deny themselves many comforts, while others had even joined the PDF and Imperial Guard. Of course in these times, thousands had been drafted as well. The Adrastos descended, the hull burning bright at her entry into the atmosphere. Shipmistress Sammael had an ill feeling, like she would never fly again.

The Aquila Lander cut through the thin yellow cloud ceiling, as Seth piloted it into the palace's hangars. Aside from a few transporters and speeders it was rather empty. Apparently during the Genestealer attack, anything that could actually be used in battle had been destroyed, and so only few fighter hulls still remained in the hangars. Seth brought the Lander down, stopping it rather abruptly, making them both jerk forward in their seats. "Smooth." Jane commented as they opened their seatbelts.

"Let's just get this over with." Squealing the doors opened, almost drowning his words. Seth would later have to tell the Techpriest about this.

A guard approached them, as soon as the two Acolytes exited the Lander, Servitors rushing to it to refill fuel, dragging with them a large hose. The guard was in full blue uniform, and saluted. "Honored Acolytes, Captain Pericles has asked me to escort you to the Governor's study. Please, follow me." Not waiting for an answer he turned around again, and marched for the door with a swift pace.

"Curt kind of guy." Seth noted.

"Maybe, but have you noticed how he said 'honored'?"

"Well, we've helped save this place and rescued the Governor. So, any idea how to convince his royal highness, if even impending doom didn't make the cut?"

"No; I'd been hoping Pericles would talk some sense into him; he ought to be the one person Governor Lazzaro might listen to, but after the Genestealer attack." With a weary sigh, she rubbed her temple. "The Captain's fallen from grace."

"That's sounds encouraging."

"Hey, a third the planet ran off about a week ago, another seeks now shelter in Seraphim Citadel, and the last is busy killing each other. If he wants to stay here, let him. Someone of the noble houses will take his place upon their return."

"Assuming we win." He briefly smiled. "You know, you almost sounded like me there."

The elevator door closed, and their conversation took a break, now that they were within earshot of the guard. Jane noticed that there was no longer any classical music playing, even the lighting seemed dimmer, as if running on backup. "Please note that the palace has been all but abandoned." Seth and Jane looked at each other, both failing to be astonished by this news. The door opened again, to a familiar corridor, painted and tiled white, with a red carpet, dulling every footstep they made. No servants, no Servitors crossed their way, and the small trees at the pillars were in desperate need of some water, their yellow leaves scattered around. At a closed door to their right, the guard suddenly stopped.

"Something wrong." Seth asked.

The man frowned. "One of my comrades should be stationed here. I just hope he hasn't deserted like some others."

"Some others?"

"Yes; after the Genestealer attack, the discovery of the Hive Fleet, and our Lord's refusal to leave his palace, some guards have left. As far as I know, most of them are now with the PDF or the Imperial Guard."

"Leaving us even more shorthanded." Captain Pericles was striding down the hallway from the other side. He was obviously in a fool mood and except for his lion-head helmet in full armor. "Medicae Pravin, Acolyte Nelson; I'm glad you've come."

"Couldn't drag his Lordship away yourself?" Seth teased.

The Captain pursed his lips annoyed. "I was hoping to avoid it, but if you cannot persuade him, my demureness will have run out." He growled.

With half his mouth pulled up to a grin, Seth nodded approvingly. "Glad to hear."

"Sir, Alessio seems has left his post. I fear he may have deserted us."

Pericles frowned. "Unlikely; he's reported in not five minutes ago."

Jane turned back to the door and opened it, to the guard's obvious discontent. "Wait, you are not allowed in there!" He yelled at her to no avail.

It was the Governor's bedroom, dominated by blue and gold, with a massive and pompous bed in which an entire family could have slept, and paintings, commemorating his achievements in battle, several decades ago. Something else though seemed out-of-place. "Has there always been a hole in that wall there?"

Pericles' eyes narrowed. "No: this room was among the first to be restored after the Genestealers attacked."

"That blood here looks relatively new as well." Kneeling at the luxurious and soft carpet, Seth ran his gloved fingers through the red spots upon it. The blood wasn't even dry yet, and he looked up at Jane. "Vanguard creatures."

"You think Genestealers?"

"I think the hole is too big for those…" He stopped as something dropped on his forehead. With a finger he wiped it off, though having seen Jane's reaction, Seth could guess what it was. All four looked up at the same time. Pericles drew his Hellpistol and fired, Jane her Bolt Pistols, jumping to the side and Seth launched himself backwards, landing on his back, his own pistol in hand. Only the guard, who had never seen this thing before hesitated for just a second. It had already detached itself from the ceiling by then, the bullets aiming for it missing the xeno by inches. Long mantis-like claws stabbed effortlessly through the armor, reappearing at the man's back, drenched in blood. The tentacles it had for a mouth ran over his face, drawing blood there as well, while its yellow eyes studied the other three.

"Lictor!"Seth barked, as he got back on his feet, and Jane and Pericles resumed firing.

The Tyranid let go off its victim, a bullet only scratching the scorpion-like tail. Its hooves were astonishingly quiet on the carpet, as it headed for Pericles. His Hellpistol burned off half the tentacles, causing the Lictor to hiss in pain. Nonetheless it leaped forward. Now for the first time Seth shot, and Jane could hear the bone-breaking impact. One of the mantis-claws had almost been completely severed by the bullet, the impact knocking the Lictor off course, and so it missed the dodging Pericles. It growled, and all three froze when it was answered. There was more than one.

"To the study!" While firing at the wounded Tyranid, the Captain moved towards the door. "Some of my men have already gathered there: move!" Jane was the first out the door, not before looking briefly at the dead guard's bloody face. At the punctures, the skull was broken, deforming his head quite a bit. Passed the door she turned left, almost crashing into another guard, probably lured in by the gunshots. Pericles was right behind her, activating his vox. "Tyranids in the Palace! Protect the Governor! Celeste, Adamo, Gaio: secure the hangar."

From the corner of her eyes, Jane saw Seth joining them. It wouldn't take long for the Lictor to catch up, as all four rushed down the hallway, the study being just straight ahead. Only about a hundred meters lay between the rooms, and Jane could see two guards waiting, weapons drawn. The medicae did a dive roll through the open door, as they fired at the Tyranid behind them.

The Governor practically jumped off his chair. "What is going on here?!" Being too focused on the hallway, everyone ignored him, as Seth and another present-minded guard slammed themselves against the door.

It closed not a moment too late, a mantis-claw striking against it not a second later, leaving a huge dent in the metal. "Now why the fuck didn't I bring my Hellgun?" Seth asked no one in particular, when another hit shook the door.

"The door can't hold forever." Captain Pericles noted, Hellpistol still aimed at the Lictor behind the door.

A frown played on Jane's face as she reloaded her Bolt Pistols. "If they are coming through the door."

They could hear what seemed to be another breaking door, somewhere upstairs. The Governor was hiding behind his desk, his personal guard, with the Captain eight men, nervously following the sound of the Lictors outside, scratching against walls and the ceiling. Pericles walked over to his Lordship, as he reached the desk, activating his energy sword; it hummed peacefully, a blue glow surrounding the blade, and began to leave black burn marks on the desk's wood. Shots could be heard from above.

"We have to get out of here!" Seth's shout seemed to knock the stunned guards back to reality. "We'll regroup with the Inquisitor!"

Governor Lazzaro was quick to interject. "No, the palace must not fall! It is a symbol of the Emperor's might, and its value as such…"

Jane felt like she could punch the Governor, and Seth looked like the same though had crossed his mind but instead just angrily interrupted. "It is conquered!" There was no denying Seth's words, though the Medicae doubted he could convince the Governor. "Those Tyranids are here for you. This place has been overrun before, and you, my Lord, have been kidnapped from here just last week!"

A scream from the room above seemed to only affirm the Acolyte. Hair standing on end, Jane remembered the first Lictor she'd seen, slaughtering one of the Astartes, Lord Maccius, as it defended the Magus. Words could not describe how much she wanted to get out of this spire, her Pistols aimed at the ceiling.

"Then we've wasted enough time here." Pericles activated his vox. "To all personal in the Governor's palace: retreat immediately to Seraphim Citadel."

"Captain Pericles, I order you to revoke your command!" The Governor had reappeared from behind his desk, his fearful face blushed red.

"With all due respect, Milord, but it is my duty to protect you, even against your orders, and I won't let my men die defending an empty palace." In the faces of the guard's men, Jane could see their approval. "Domitian, I want your flamer in front…"

Whatever Pericles' plan was, he didn't get any further, as the ceiling broke. Two Lictors, standing as tall as Space Marines, appeared in their midst, covered by dust, forcing those too close to them to cough, and shield their eyes. Taking their advantage, the Lictors cut through three guards before the humans fired the first shot. Screaming the Governor disappeared beneath his desk, as Pericles deflected a mantis-claw with his sword, and while it cut deep into the Tyranid, he was thrown over the desk against the window; it cracked, but didn't break at the impact. Everyone else backed up to the walls, while one guard swung his halberd at the other Lictor's torso. The beast leaped up, and pushed itself off the ceiling. It landed on the desk, the wood breaking beneath the weight. If he had any air left in his lungs, Governor Lazzaro would have certainly screamed again, but with half his desk and a Lictor's hove on his chest, he could only stared frightened at it. Jane fired along with the others, for a moment forgetting about the second one, but the Lictor wasn't about to waste any time, and dug both his mantis claws and talons into the man's body. With one motion, it tore him apart, covering the Lictor's front in blood. It all took about ten seconds.

Finally the guard with the halberd reached the Lictor, which due to its kill had no time to evade properly, and the ax-like blade cut deep into the leg, causing it to stumble. It had already taken several shots, its exoskeleton smoking from las-fire, and covered in holes from Jane's and Seth's bullets. The Tyranid hissed in agony, striking out at the guard. He tried to deflect the long mantis-claw, but the staff broke, and many of the thorns cut into his armor. Red blood began to run through the openings, however he was still alive, drawing his Hellpistol. Now its head was turned towards the humans: three las-shots, and four bullets tore through the Lictor's softer head and neck. Having found flesh, the bullets exploded on impact, leaving nothing but a stub where the head should have been, and purple blood that was pumped out the artery a few more times.

Despite this kill, the other Lictor did not remain dormant; it rushed away from Pericles, who seemed to be knocked out, maybe dead, at the six survivors. Just when passing the wounded guard, its scorpion-tail sliced through the throat, finishing him off. It dodged most round, gaining nothing but scratches. However now, the path was clear, with no danger of friendly fire, and Domitian fired his Flamer, his sword ready. Jane saw Seth change to his shotgun. Just as the Lictor leaped over the flames, Seth fired, the impact actually knocking the Tyranid to the ground.

Once more, several things seemed to be happening at the same time. The Lictor's flesh hooks were launched from its chest, grabbing Seth, and pulling him to it. He lost his shotgun in the process, and it slid away, out of reach. And just as his feet had left the ground, the door busted open, allowing the third Lictor to enter the fray. Jane was forced to dodge said door, and ended up close to the destroyed desk. A guard was immediately killed, Domitian swung his sword, finishing what Seth's bullet had begun, and severed one of the mantis claws. But Jane had no time to watch their fight, and jumped back on her feet, raising her Bolt Pistol. She saw Carapace breaking, and blood spray.

There was this look of utter shock on Seth's face. He coughed weakly, red blood running over his lips and chin, dropping down. The Lictor's mantis-claw, pulled back, making his body jerk uncomfortably, before collapsing to the ground. For just a second, Jane was paralyzed, in just this second, the Lictor leaped at her…

BAM! The Tyranid was thrown backwards, sliding over the clean floor, leaving a trail of purple blood, head missing. Jane was deaf, the shotgun looming close to her head, as an arm was wrapped around her torso, pulling her back.

"Jane." The voice sounded so quiet, so very far away. "Jane!" Louder this time; it was Pericles. He pulled her back. No, not yet.

"Seth." She whispered, still shaken. Suddenly, frustration and anger boiled in her, making her fight Pericles' grip.

"Jane, you cannot help him. He's gone."

"I know that!" She snapped, and adding startled by her own words quietly, almost regretfully. "I know."

Determined he pulled her backwards. "There is one left."

Her head turned; Domitain was still fighting, the only survivor aside from them. She fired, her bullet hitting the flesh beneath on of its arm, and the round exploded, rendering the talon, and effectively its right side useless. It wasn't enough though. Domitain lifted his sword to deflect another strike, but this time the Lictor sliced through his wrist, before it cut open his chest, extinguishing a scream. Pericles' sword stabbed through the Tyranids ribs, and it let go of its victim, stumbling backwards. Quickly, Jane rushed to the wounded guard, who was still alive. Standing between the Lictor and the two, Pericles lifted the shotgun, and finished it off. He fired three times before it no longer moved.

But there was nothing Jane could do for Domitian. His lungs were injured, and blood was flooding them, drowning him slowly. Pericles kneeled down next to him, and put the barrel of his Hell Pistol over the heart. Domitian nodded, and his Captain pulled the trigger. The smell of burned flesh filled her nose, and Domitian's face relaxed, Pericles' staying grim. "Let us leave." He said, his quiet voice sounding surprisingly loud in the now silent room.

Without a look back, he headed for the elevators, but Jane hesitated, and walked over to Seth. She had the urge to take him with them. No, it was bad enough she saw him like this, chest ripped apart by the hooked mantis-claws, organs bare. Jane only took his dog tag, and put a hand on his shoulder. "I'll meet you at the Emperor's side."

None of them talked on their way down to the hangar, both restless and covered in blood. When the elevator doors opened three guards pointed their weapons at them. "Captain Pericles." One of them said. "What happened?"

Coldly he looked at them. "We were attacked by xenos, Lictors as they are called. They killed the Governor, and our comrades." Pericles looked around. "Has no one else arrived here since I gave the evacuation order?"

"No, sir. You're the first."

Captain Pericles grew tense, as he tried to reach his men in the palace. Nobody answered him. "I fear we are the last."

"How many?" Jane asked carefully.

"I had fifty-three men stationed here." Suddenly he stormed towards the Aquila Lander, ordering his men and the present servitors to get onboard.

…

The Aquila Lander had left behind the palace, and was closing in on Seraphim Citadel. Jane was piloting, while Pericles tried to find out where the Adrastos was stationed. The air-traffic controller led them to a smaller spire of the hive, part of the Imperial Guard's Administratio. On a well secured platform, Jane spotted the vessel, and began the descent. The hangar doors opened and cool light flooded the cockpit. Just as the Lander's feet hit the ground, she could see two figures, apparently waiting for them.

Pericles walked at her side as they left the ship, a welcomed support, and the surviving members of the Guard behind them. A certain gloom had settled among them, and during the last hour, there had been little to no talking, and even then only little more than whisper. Now Jane could see that Inquisitor Nicomedo was talking to someone in the blue uniform of Victoria Primus' PDF; seeing as they were under the Governor's command, they wore the colors of House Lazzaro. It could be safely assumed that this man was Captain Militant Giacomo. His craggy face was clean shaven, and his brown hair was becoming white at the hairline. Jane watched as the relief in their faces turned to concern.

"Acolyte Pravin, Captain Pericles." His voice betrayed no emotion, but the medicae could see in her Lord's eyes that he already knew the answer to what he was about to ask. "Where is Governor Lazzaro?"

Thankfully, it was Pericles who spoke for them. "My Lord Inquisitor, Governor Lazzaro has been killed by Tyranids your Acolytes identified as Lictors, three like the one we faced when we were confronting the traitor Demetio."

With closed eyes, Captain Giacomo lowered his head, while Nicomedo nodded barley noticeably, accepting. "And Seth Nelson?" He knew, Jane could see it, and still he wanted her affirmation. All she did was lift her hands, covered in Seth's dried blood. Upon seeing this, the Inquisitor took a deep, almost sharp breath, but he didn't seem surprised. "Tend to your wounds, and make your last preparations; Lord Admiral Darius has encountered the Hive Fleet, and we suspect the first ground assault at dust. Captain Pericles: you and your men will now serve under my command. We'll rally here at 16:00, standard time. Captain Giacomo will lead the PDF, now that the Governor can no longer attend to his duty. Dismissed."

…

Jane walked into the armory, where the remaining Astartes and Storm Troopers were making ready for combat. She spotted Taylor on one of the benches, and headed straight for him, not even noticing that she passed Lord Nadim, who stopped in his preparations, surprised by the amount of blood on her. It was then that Taylor turned his head, and saw her, his eyes widening shock.

Jumping off the bench he rushed over to meet her, his eyes regarding her concerned. "Jane, are you alright? Please tell me this is not all your blood." His words attracted the attention of everyone else in the armory, Astartes and Troopers alike; she couldn't care less at this point.

"No it is not, I'm…fine."

His following words were a lot calmer, sounded even deeper, like a father who was asking his child a very serious question. "Jane: where is Seth?"

Did they really have to ask when they already knew? Looking directly into his eyes, she once again lifted her hands, focusing his gaze shortly at them. "Lictor."

His reaction was similar to Nicomedo, though Taylor face briefly grimaced with anger, before turning mournful. So shortly after Brennan, this was a hard blow to take, for them all. He lifted a hand in an attempt to give her comfort, as Jane suddenly closed the gap. Baffled he stared at her. Sure something like a handshake, a pat on the back was no problem to a non-psyker, but an embrace? Such exposure was usually uncomfortable for anyone. Yet nonetheless Jane hugged him, arms around his torso and cheek against his shoulder. Slowly and rather awkwardly, the Untouchable laid his arms around her. When was the last time he'd done this? It seemed a lifetime ago. As he looked at her, Taylor could see the hair on her neck standing on end, and slowly, though admittedly a bit reluctantly, he detached himself from her.

"We knew something like this would happen before this ends, didn't we?" Jane asked, her voice sounding stronger than Taylor would have expected.

"Yes; doesn't make it easier though." It was too soon to have this talk again. Had it happened later, in the battle that about to be unleashed on this world, their task would have kept them occupied, but now, given this break, they felt the entire impact of their loss. "Was it quick?"

She nodded. "His chest was pierced, it couldn't have taken long."

"You'll be up for battle?" He hated to ask her this.

To his delight her eyes narrowed, her sadness being wiped away by her anger about his doubt. "Of course, but I'll need ammo, and a heavier weapon."

"I think I have just the thing." Jane followed him through the armory to an unoccupied bench. When Taylor turned around he held a Hellgun in his hands. Seth's Hellgun.

Homo sum, humani nihil a me alienum puto

I am human; nothing human is alien to me