Chapter 36.
Life is stranger than fiction. That is what many of us thought when the Unification wars began. Laser guns and gods. Spaceships and a United Terra. We thought all that was fiction. But we were wrong. We adapted like we always do. The Citadel does not understand us. We are anathema to them. We have an Emperor. Yet we have multiple democratic systems. We have alternate technologies, and we never stop pushing the boundaries of reality. They have stagnated. We have multiple subspecies, and they do not understand that at all. But the Citadel has two things we do not have. Hot as fuck Asari and Quarians. They have it lucky there.
Ambassador Oleg Venchenko to Citadel space Phenex station Imperial border. M 3
Inquisition base Underworld.
Ren sits with Valeria at a bar here on base. The dhampir was wearing her armband developed by Inquisition tech adepts to counter her Longinus. Ren also has his robo eye. He enjoyed it because he can shoot lasers out of it. Scared a new stormtrooper with that and made Valeria giggle. They clicked so well.
Senpai had reassured them both that he understands the situation with them. Vali had grunted to Valeria that she better not hurt her bird magic man more. Or else. Valeria had nodded her head in understanding. Le Fay had started the branch and the two had easily fallen into the beginning of a friendly relationship. Ren squawks at Le Fay in thanks.
He was supremely surprised when Valeria had openly kissed his cheek. He had smiled at that. The rest of Team Vali was enjoying their leave. Team Slash dog was busy hunting the Serpents in Russia. But the two teams were bonded by Lavinia Reni and Le Fay. Vali was uncertain about the older woman she once called senpai.
Reni had been terribly upset when Vali went rogue. Their first meeting had been rough. But Reni had just asked in a small voice if their friendship had actually meant anything. Vali grunted and simply said that while she appreciates Azazel for being her pseudo dad for a time the Grigori were snakes in the extreme and she just wanted to fight. Not play watch as she expected betrayal from everyone but Reni's team and possibly Azazel. That is why she had left Grigori. Not because Vali hated Reni. The other Longinus user smiled before giving Vali a death hug and nearly choking the White Dragon Empress.
That started their sister bond again. The two actually had a gossip thing going on. Mainly Reni asked questions while Vali grunted. The conversations were funny to hear. Arthur had started being a little happier. He and Irina had easily found common ground on several things. She had revealed to the Brit that her favorite music was actually Death Metal. That got eyebrows raised. Irina simply said the beats, and everything was great for sword training. Arthur had tried that. He found that this was true for him too. They began exchanging band recommendations.
Akeno called the Team this time. The hybrid openly wore her ring. Vali grunted to the other congratulations. Akeno smirked before starting this off.
"Thanks. But I have a new mission for you all. It is Alpha Prioris in the extreme. The Emperor has informed us that an object of massive importance is held by the Cabal in a secret facility near Beijing. We need the objective recovered. The thing is massive. Ill be working with you on this. The Inquisitor High Lord wants this done as soon as possible. The reward is of massive proportions."
Agamemnon asked.
"What is the reward?"
"A ship. And an opportunity for a new warrant of trade. You will also be granted additional money for research documentation that the Cabal have."
That was a noticeably big reward. Warrants of Trade made people desperate. To start a void house for exploring. Only two others had that. Rias and a tengu man. A third warrant was worth so very much. Vali was getting a ship of her own when she became an Inquisitor. But she saw something. She grunted.
"Agg you get it. You say you are getting tired of frontline work. I am happy to help you get this. I have a possible replacement for you. I know you want peace more and more."
The whole team knew that. Agg had not spoken it aloud, but he was getting tired of killing. He was ready for something new. He nodded his head to Vali in thanks.
"Any favors you want from me are yours. I just am growing tired of blood. But I know I will never escape that."
"Do not need favors. Want my brother in law to eventually be happy. You did your time. The new one is a surprise, and they are willing to work with us. Just do not be surprised if I need map information. You were always good at that with Art."
Akeno nodded to the human.
"It and the ship are yours then. But this objective is very important. The Cabal have heavily fortified the base. You are getting lots of help. Many stormtroopers and several others. We do know one thing the objective is xenos in origin."
That made everyone gape. And understand more. Arthur did ask.
"Do we have any idea what it does?"
Akeno simply frowns and then said.
"As of right now. No, we do not. That is part of the reason this is desperate for us to get. Our RND is thinking of things. But we are shooting into the dark."
China new imperial city.
Daniel Jackson was many things. A failed college student. A third rate doctor in archeological work. An orphan. But he had continued life without fear. He had just accepted that he would be regarded as a loon. But Pia, who had been his roommate here first then his good friend said last evening he had a potential job offer. She had been excited about telling him that she had a new field of study and that she had a new patronage.
The Emperor of Mankind. Daniel had several thoughts about him. The first was that he was a stranger in many ways. The second part was that he disliked the title alone. But that was the American in him speaking that. The Emperor put his words into action and that had Daniel's respect. He did wonder what Pia had learned that had made her a very loyal follower of his. She had plenty of doubts. But he was curious. He joined his friend and they had walked to the old university here and Pia had shown a pass to a Guardsmen at a new checkpoint. She was an American and had greeted Daniel happily.
"Nice to see a fellow cheeseburger man here. Names Samantha Carter. I will escort you to see the Emperor. Said to me and another that we are important. Did not ask why. Nice guy but he is weird sometimes."
The three were joined by an older man and he was gruff. Snarky too. He was a tempestus scion captain and he was short fused. He had massive relief because he had learned that his kid had somehow gotten to his old service pistol and had fired it. It was loaded. But he thanked everyone in the Senate of the Gods that the bullet had not killed his son. His mother had grabbed the gun away from Charlie and then grounded him for three months. He had been short with Charlie. The bullet had simply scared him badly.
Jack O'Neil did not understand why he was here. He had been a merc after leaving the Air Force black ops program in the United States. But he felt the catholic in him say he was needed in China once the Unification wars broke out. He joined up. The recruiter for him had been an African woman who spoke decently in English and had smiled upon seeing Jack and his friend Kowalski.
They were now both scions. They despised the Gould. Want the whole species dead. That feeling was near universal in the Guard. Many were intimidated by the enemy and their practices. But Jack had felt something different. Like he was always supposed to hate them. The four had entered a small Library section in the administration building and there three strangers became friends.
Issei had once seeing the three newcomers understood something. Their lines crossed so heavily in many trees. Jack was lucky here. Samantha was different because she had red instead of blonde hair. Daniel was a more bitter man here. The three new sit and Pia is about to leave when Issei stopped her.
"Stay. You are in too deep now. And I see how you interact with them. The new team. The forth sadly is not here with us because of fate. So become the new fourth."
Pia is surprised but sits next to Daniel. The three new are confused. Badly so. But Issei saw their trees now fully and the Stargate. What it truly did. He did thank Pia.
"Pia you were in fact correct in your assessment of the object. You will along with Dr Jackson be credited with this."
Pia smiled brightly and Daniel was now ultra confused. Why was he being credited for something he did not know of? Jack decided he was done being screwed with. He likes the Emperor because he was a fellow warrior and had been one since a very young age, so he understands his soldiers. But he was not interested in games.
"So, your royal ass. Why am I here? I have men to train and your interrupting that."
Samantha gasped and is about to apologize profusely to the Master of Mankind. But Issei surprised them all by laughing a belly laugh. Jack blinked. Issei finally stopped laughing and then smiled heavily.
"Never change Captain O'Neil. I will hazard a guess you each know bits of the newly accepted theory of the psychic potential of our species?"
Samantha was confused but nodded. She had met a psyker. A man who had helped with a memory that she had gotten during her first combat mission here in China. Jack looked on skeptical. Daniel had not yet heard the theory but that was because the Cabal denied everything the Imperium said as false information. Issei gently smiled and then a vision started for each of the three strangers.
They saw themselves. But they were different. Jack was bitter and angry. Daniel was more naïve. Samantha was blonde there and she was in an Air Force uniform. That was not her. Her dad had been in the army not Air Force. But they saw bits of the adventures they would have. The comrades they made. Their own dysfunctional family of four. Plus, the now not here last member. They would miss him. He who was like them now a harbinger. They saw the Gould more clearly and that was definitely not the ones they knew or had heard of. This world they saw was so vastly different. No supernatural. But they did have spaceships. The visions ended and the three looked at one another. Pia was not there in that tree. Jack snarked at Samantha.
"Your hair is better here. But I say that as an Irish man. Daniel you are still a big fat nerd. But we switched apparently. I get to be the happy one and you are the bitter old man."
Daniel just replied back to Jack.
"Fuck you. But you are right. Your grace. Was that real? Was anything shown real?"
Issei nodded.
"It is another tree. Where you three were great heroes. I did not see that till you three were here. I saw a thread with you Pia. I wanted to see where it led to. It has given me an answer to one question and a billion more new ones. Captain O'Neil you are now under new management. The four of you plus your scion squad are being thrown to the Inquisition and you will be in a new Ordo that is underneath the Ordo Xenos. You will have your adventures again. Incredibly different but they will happen."
Jack was unsure. But being an adventurer was exciting. Samantha just wanted to see technology. She had felt the call of the Mechcanicus more and more, but she had resisted it because she wanted to make her father proud with boots on the ground. He had been saved by the drug and he was a very loyal new Imperial. He was teaching at a new Guard camp in the States. The Guard was a place she loved because there was no prejudice here. It was a strict meritocracy and she had risen up the ranks because of her work ethic and her combat skills. Daniel had enjoyed the fact that he would be within in a new field of study with Pia. Xeno archeology. That was exciting and he wanted to leave the past behind. His theory in other places was right. But here he was wrong. It was partial vindication. Jack grunted to the Emperor.
"I am in, and I will just ask that my men get extra pay. Other than that. I guess I have you to thank for my boy. My wife is new to that whole Ecclesiarchy thing, and she said her pendant burned when Charlie did the thing. So, thanks. But your still an ass with your mysterious ways."
Issei smiled more. He liked the man.
"I would say not to place the thanks on me. Your wife seems to be a Sol Invictus worshiper. Thank that god not me. Sol's been extremely active with his followers. Said he wants to make people praise the sun more."
Samantha laughed. She was a secret soul's player. But she wants to understand the Omnissiah. Issei does understand her two desires.
"Be a skitarii. Sergeant Carter. Just do not desire to lose the limbs. Humanity is better than machine parts by far and you will regret it if you do. There have been many others who want that too. But they resisted and they are now ready for their first skitarii Alpha in you."
The others did not understand that. But Samantha did. She would be in the machine god's personal army. No limbs lost or desire to be a pure cyborg. The flesh was weak. But it endured.
"Thank you your grace. I see what they were now. Do not like the vast majority of it but they were good soldiers. I will make them proud. I will join."
Daniel finally caved.
"I would like to see civilizations long gone. I am curious about how close our galaxy is to that one. But we are vastly different in between the two. I am eager to learn. I will sign up."
The four humans were given new papers by Issei to have them directed to the Inquisition and to meet their temporary boss. They left and began bonding as a new team. Team O'Neil.
Sona had entered the room with Ravel after. They hugged their husband to be. He just smiled and kissed them each. They wanted to relax with him. Ravel perversely giggled. Sona sighed at her friend. Issei was just amused.
"You are worse than the other me. But I guess we can have fun to celebrate."
Ravel whooped in happiness and Sona just sighed again. But she would not say no to another night. But she was still split on her thoughts about Asari. Very badly. She was worried that she might not be enough. But Issei had pulled her into a hug and whispered he loved her regardless. Sona knows that. But the doubts are still there. Ravel pulled Issei to a nearby room and Sona just decided to wait on something that she was doing. A new plan for the school system to have a xenos archeology course.
TSB shipyards Canada.
Rias and her peerage were here thanks to a portal to see the Prometheus. The new pawns and Hanako had loved the ship instantly. It was almost done. They walked around inside it. The tech adept for the ship was introduced as Engineseer Morgan. He was excited to meet the ship captain.
The man was from Britain, and he was a new immigrant to Canada. He had been picked up and he had converted to the Cult Mechcanicus. He was eager to see the stars. Rias had asked several questions and Morgan had answered with what he knew. He would have seven other adepts with him, and they wanted to see the galaxy too. The ship crew would be three hundred and they had just finished almost all of the training for the ship. They were eager to fly. Rias introduced herself to each of them and the crew appreciated their future captain. She was friendly and they knew that they could go to her with concerns.
Kenji saw his medical bay. He understood most of the machines here. But he met the three other medical staff. They were interesting people and they got along well with him. One was a nature spirit who had experience in China before being transferred here. One was a woman name Varia Chakwas, and she was nice. The final one was a man named Gregor and he was a dour man but was great with his fields. The four talked about stuff. Chakwas was happy to know the head doctor was studying heavily to be as competent as possible.
Phoebe had finally returned to the group. She had a headband around her forehead, and it was weird. But Phoebe was in good spirits. Said she was going to need practice before a real jump but that was ok. She did unnerve a pawn, but Rias chased that away.
"She will make our warp jumps extremely fast. We will need that. You will always be a member of the crew Phoebe."
The first navigator had smiled and thanked her boss. The peerage broke up to check out spots. A pawn wanted to serve on a ground side team. She was greeted by several of the armsmen scions, and they began training him in hell guns. Another pawn wanted to make Star maps and he was given data pads and a star cartography chart. He began to work on that. Hanako grew fascinated with a lance cannon. She wanted to fire the kick ass gun. A crew of new ship gunners had begun to run simulated games with her.
The Prometheus had six large lance batteries and four smaller lance batteries. The ship had been made with enough armor and weapons to deter attacks from hostile forces. The batteries of lances had an easy three man crew per gun, and they were getting good at preparing their guns.
Shirone saw her office. She was really happy with her new life. Jiro and she had enjoyed the concert. She had kissed him, and they enjoyed the rest of the day. Her tail and ears had drawn a few curious glances, but the crew said nothing about it. She just dreamed of Jiro. He was amazing.
Kuroka had in a call told her congratulations. Shirone had congratulated her sister. Issei had made Kuroka better. Like he had her. Her sister was happier than ever before. She gushed about Issei. Shirone gushed about Jiro.
Rias sat on her command chair and felt completely comfortable in it. The bridge was near the front of the ship with heavy armor surrounding it. Her second in command introduced himself. He was named Frank and he was eager to work with his captain. He also asked a question.
"I am interested in becoming a devil. I read about it online. If that is ok?"
Rias had smiled and asked what piece. Frank said bishop. He wanted to learn magic too.
The world wanted to see the ship fly. Its launch was in two weeks. The Imperium wants to make the launch day a holiday.
Ardat Yakshi monastery.
Falere spoke softly to another new Asari that was curious about the new group. They were now five. The group never spoke openly about what they discussed in their chapel. They, however, were friendly and they never preached. The fifth to join was another Yakshi. The guards never had to raise their batons. Even the bitter one.
Falere was hoping so much for their meeting. He had won again in another city battle. The other four had asked about him who was becoming their greatest hope. She told his story. The others did not believe it. But the story was inspiring, nonetheless. Titus had come by several more times. He was curious about these so called humans.
They were similar to Turians. They believed in honor. Were meritocratic, and they understood solid foundation on society. Humans also made him feel weird. They were interesting. He was a xenophile. His marriage to his first wife had fallen through because of their daughter. The gene had driven them apart. His daughter was miserable. Her mother had been incredibly cruel. But he stood by his kid. He had gotten great news. The system was moving her here. He hopes being here with him will help.
Female humans were interesting. Incredibly soft. But seemed to be fierce. He was very curious. Falere had definitely improved since she saw her visions. He was beginning to send the troubled ones to her to try and get them help. The warden had started requesting from him information about the new cult. He gave crumbs and they were always honest. The warden was just amused by the ideas. Laser guns and a being who was like the sun was interesting, but the key message of hope was something she appreciated. This cult was fantasy, but she had seen the good that came out of it.
Russia Sisters of Battle front.
Jane prepared her jump pack. Her new Seraphim squad of five did the same. This was their debut, here in this town. The Russians were holding fast, and they were not retreating from the half of the town near a train yard. The Sisters were with several companies of Imperial Russians and the Chechens who had taken a new name. The Chechen First and Only. They had obeyed their Commissars to the t, and they were indeed a very big factor of the offensive going on.
Mark 0456
The Guard moved up mortars and began a barrage of shells to keep the enemy pinned. Irina was here with six squads of Sisters, and they had prepared their wedge. Two rhino Apcs had moved up and the Russians immediately tried to kill the vehicles. Their RPGs just hit like always and were deflected or did nothing. Irina leads the advance, and her sisters were helping their new recruits by keeping them in the back of squads doing work with running ammo to their more experienced people.
Jane nodded to Mulan and the five seraphim made their oath. They were slowly moving behind the main advancing sisters. Their chainswords ready along with bolt pistols.
The Guard made the creeping barrage end and then moved on the flanks. The defenders opened up with machine guns and their Aks. The sisters piled forward. Then the seraphim deployed. Five massive snarls of the jet packs and the five flew over their sisters and landed straight in the enemy forward trench. The Russians were horrified by that. Jet packs! The sisters coming up behind cheered and then the melee began. The first trench was cleaned, and the jet packs snarled again, and the second trench was landed on allowing steady pushing. By mark 0467 the town was mostly Imperial, and the Russians had surrendered or fled.
Irina wants kick ass wings too! So do many of the new recruits. The advance continued and the Sisters continued progress. They liberated four towns and then settled in for a night.
Jeanne had greeted her fellow perpetual at camp that night. They settled and Jeanne began to heat tea.
"We are close to Volgograd. We might be in Moscow in a few more months. You heard from Xenovia? She has been weird lately."
Irina sighed before replying.
"She wants a Turian boyfriend. Says humans are. No longer sufficient for her. Damn Xenophile. But your one too so I cannot say much."
Jeanne was offended by that.
"Asari are better than Turians! I will beat her harder now! But Tsubaki is the best period. She has called me and said we can have fun with our nerdy scientist."
Liara T Soni shivered again. Someone was talking about her. She was nervous but in her heart she wanted to meet them. Her mother had quadrupled Liara's guards and also prepared for extra defenses on their manor. Liara, however, was not worried about the stranger. Something told her that the person was kind. Just very horny, but otherwise they were nice. Liara was a very strange Asari. She was deeply religious and loved Athame. A thing she had picked up from her grandmother before she had passed. Benezia was agnostic but she encouraged Liara to be her own person.
Liara did not understand much about why she sometimes could see motivation in people easily. Why there was a small feeling of ever growing dread. That had been decreasing recently but not by much. Her dreams had included two other people. They were clouded but looked like Asari. They just seemed to want to be close to her. Liara had prayed to Athame for an answer. She was just a little bit confused about a flash that showed Liara having a place on an unfamiliar planet that was like home. But she wanted that place. She shivered again. Someone was definitely talking about her.
"That cute doctor is ours! She will get a kickass warrior and an even more kick ass High Lord!"
Irina had largely tuned out Jeanne's rant about her and Tsubaki's weird fantasy, but the blonde was happy and that is all that mattered. Irina was equally happy. Arthur had agreed finally for them. They were working out well. But a strange thing happened.
A Guard soldier named Dimitri from a regiment known as the White Eagles was horribly wounded. He was remarkably close to death. He was seeing the black encroachment of the dark. Irina had left Jean and the brown haired woman had felt something from her pendant. She stopped at Dimitri. The light left his eyes. Then it came back surprising the nurse. The man started healing again. By himself. Irina widened her eyes before she looked at the angel.
"This is secret as of right now. By order of the Emperor. Understand."
The angel just nodded.
"Yes Sister Superior."
Irina then got the nurse out of the room in this house. She threw up a privacy ward and then waited for their new sibling. Dimitri looked around the room five minutes later. What the? Where was the pretty nurse? And why did he feel better? He saw a Sister of Battle here and was furiously confused. Irina gently said.
"Welcome back. I am sorry about that."
Dimitri was in a weird heaven. Why was it the same as his last life? He felt real. But he did not understand that. Irina took out a knife and then cut her hand. Dimitri watched as the wound closed fast. What the? He finally asked.
"What is going on? I died. This is."
"Your back. And you will keep coming back. But you are not alone. Names Irina. You and I are what is called a perpetual. We cannot pass on. You are the seventh one we have found."
Dimitri was horrified. He was immortal. This was horrible. His family had died in the Unification wars first days when the government had opened fired on a protest and his family had been just watching when stray bullets hit them. He had been neutral on the Unification party. Now he wanted revenge. Why he had fled to Vladivostok and joined the Imperial Guard. He had wanted to see his baby sister again. But he was here. Irina saw the new despair. She offered her hand to him.
"How bad do you want this?"
"I have long sought it. Why I always volunteered for the worst things. I miss my sister so much. And now I cannot see her again."
Dimitri broke down. He was weeping badly. He had nothing left but revenge. Irina grasps his hand.
"The first perpetual is working on a way for us to eventually pass. You're welcome to it when it is ready. Its almost here. And until then you're welcome to be with us. I will introduce you to the other perpetual here. She is nice. Just a big weirdo."
Dimitri wants to crawl into a corner and just fade from reality. But was a bit happier to hear that there might be a way for him to see Olenea again. He talked with the younger woman. Learned more about the first six. He is supremely surprised to learn the Emperor was one. But the Emperor is the greatest human who ever will live. His being truly immortal was to be expected. But the others were interesting. One was a magician. Another was an Inquisitor. Another carried Excalibur. And one was a sacred gear user. Irina explains that he will have family in them. That prewar they had a club that met often. That sounds nice.
The two talk and Irina sees the desire for death in the new. She will help the man as she can. Dimitri just wants his sister back. Why was he given this and not her? She had been better in every way. He was just a failure in everything he did. Jeanne joined halfway through the session, and she sympathetically said that she gets it. But she got better. Maybe he will too. Dimitri wants to believe. But he cannot. He was amused by the Asari ranting from the blonde. Irina just sighed and told him stuff about what she plans to do after the wars. Mainly kick someone called Akio's ass more.
Jeanne said she wanted a place in a new extra solar colony but her girlfriend was a high lord so that was not possible at the moment. Dimitri did not care about that. He was not many Russians. Jeanne shared her story. How she had the most deaths in the club at seven. But something she said was interesting. That the Emperor was a very personable person and had a harem that was more just a big extended family. Dimitri wonders if maybe he could have one. Irina sees the idea.
"It is common in the supernatural. But it is hard to keep working. Issei does it well because he does not play favorites and he has an inbuilt desire for one. You can try for one. But be ready to understand that it might not happen."
Jeanne agrees to that.
"Everyone has a say in it. I want one too. But my girlfriend said only one more and she is awesome and that is her stance so that is what I'm following. We want our Asari."
Dimitri had seen Asari depictions. They were pretty he could agree with that. But he wants a human. Life is stranger now a days. But the new perpetual learns about his potential brothers and sisters.
Malta Tizaca Academy.
Ingvild was with the first ten psykers who had joined her school. Six were children. The other four were adults. They were nevertheless nervous. But Ingvild had spoken with them. Everyone had translation beads.
"This school is not nor will ever be a prison. But we psykers can be dangerous if we do not get training. Things can happen that will hurt others. But here you are not freaks. Your heroes who will live regular lives. The first month here will be the hardest because of teaching mental control. It will be frustrating. But it must be done. If you are struggling badly please see me and I will help. If it is really bad we have a way to help. But that should be a last resort."
A brave boy from France asked.
"Will we serve the Imperium after the school?"
He was a teenager. Fifteen. But Ingvild shook her head.
"Not if you do not want to. We will need psykers for many things, but you are free to live normal lives after the school if you want. You will have to report to a local station every so often but only for check ins. We are dangerous. Each of us can do amazing things. But we can do horrible things too. The Emperor is a psyker. Be like him. I know that others who attend the school will not like the check ins. But it is for a good reason."
An adult did not like that. But the old medicine woman from China had understood. She had long accepted that there needed to be systemic things for them. The two Chinese twins had understood too as did everyone else. But the school started and Ingvild had begun to start building the mental walls. The class was not struggling too much. They did have one who was, however. A young boy from South America. He was not getting it. He was scared because he did not want to lose this free education and because he had nowhere left to go. But Ingvild sung a psychic song and the boy relaxed. She gently touched his shoulder.
"You will not be thrown out. We are not cruel. What is your favorite building type?"
"A castle."
"Then imagine that. But build it however you want. Whatever style you want. Just check with me and I will make sure it is sturdy. My building is called a hive city. What many people one day will live in."
The city was shown. The class was amazed that this was a thing. Ingvild told them a tale. About how in another tree there were once entire worlds that had held these cities. They were not great places there. But here they would be cities of the future. The class continued and the old medicine woman had after it was done thanked Ingvild. The twins were with her. They called her grandma. The cab driver had been happy too. He was interested in becoming a precognitive. He had seen Lint and was impressed by her record. The South American boy had liked the song of Ingvild and wanted to learn that.
The day ended but the troubled boy stayed with his teacher. He was nervous about being alone. But Ingvild took him and hugged the boy. Before taking him up the hill and showing him the newly finished wall of martyrs for the coven. He looked at the names. Ingvild gently told him their story.
"They were heroes. But there was another who was like us and wanted to teach."
"Who was he?"
"His name was Magnus the Red. He was a great man. But he was born at the wrong time. We honor him here. Because the school is named after his home city. The first regular school of the Imperium is named after his planet. Because he did remarkable things in the pursuit of knowledge. But also, terrible things because of arrogance. We must be humble. Never think just because we are psykers that we know everything. Magnus was many things. And we must be better than him."
TTS reality.
Magnus saw that speech. He saw the singer was right. The cyclops had in private watched further ahead. He wished he were like her. He had been born in the wrong time. He understood why he had such strong opponents. He was not as naïve as he once was.
Kitten saw the Unification wars and was surprised by how that was similar to his memory of their wars. More of the world in that tree followed the Emperor willingly. But that was partly due to not having a great collapse. They were beginning their Golden Age. The Imperium here had been out of it for over ten millennia. Still, he did not like how the Emperor there believes heavily in the goodness of man. Kitten had been around long enough to see the dark. Still, he was impressed by the hard work and the dedication the Emperor had put into his war machine. The Guard of the past fought just as hard as the Guard of the future. He was firmly in the singer's camp. She was exactly like glass mother. Her song and everything.
Dorn liked Father there. He was not an ass. He was nice to everyone and was teaching many of their hard earned lessons from here. He was disappointed that none of the Sigilites were a mother for him. And that the first loved Alpharius. But he saw the redemption. Did not like it but at least father there hated Konrad just as much as he did. The mad man was extremely evil and was a disappointment. He had never agreed with the Night Lords. Effective terror tactics. Shit people.
Vulken was immensely surprised that the forth was a perpetual and that she and father there had connected fast. But father understands the curse and he was working on ways to help those who want to pass on. The Ork part of his being loved all the daka coming. He was eager for that. He broke another knee bone on the father here.
Corvus had been depressed as usual. But this tree was fine. Not bad compared to here. But he wrote a poem about the first part. Kavan had clapped along with the rest of his sons. But Corvus knew they would do that regardless. He was struck however when a brave human had been in the room hiding and said in a small voice that she liked it too. That was honest praise. He felt less sad after.
Africa DxD 40000
Ophis was not being talkative much now. Red was worried for her. But the black dragon had just lay around and was just mopey. She felt horrible regrets. The humans nearby saw she was in a crisis and had left her alone again. The little girl still came around and would just leave pictures for her on rocks. Ophis was now just trying to return to the sleep.
Red finally asked after three days.
"You ok Ophis?"
Ophis did not respond. She just wanted the gap again. But her brave human would be sad if she left. Her inspired tank people would be disappointed. She was here now. The little girl pets Ophis and the touch made the dragon feel a bit better. Red stayed on his side. Ophis stays silent and that night finally spoke.
"He is right. I give dragons a bad reputation. I did terrible things. Allowed evil to happen. All because I did not care. Humans are not worms."
Red stays silent before saying.
"You did. You could have stopped much of what happened. But he also understands that you are new to life. That you were alone for so long. He is the greatest dragon of us all. He has surprised everyone here. He will one day be more powerful than us. But he understands why we are needed."
Ophis feels more than ever before. Regret and sadness. The fact she was guilty of much. She wants to help him. But does not know how. She just wished for the world to be better. For her to not feel all of this. But Red does something that shook both. He flew to Ophis and then shared his warmth with her. Ophis growled but he was there for her. Red just gave her comfort. The two slept in for the night. Ophis slept so well and peacefully that the next morning she growled to Red.
"Can come over. But still an ass. But you have been strange. Why?"
"Because I like you. I never lied when I said you look beautiful with your scales. I want something with you. But I messed up badly and will never be able to take it back. You can have me when you want."
Ophis did not understand feelings for this. But happy was there. She remembered her other self and her happiness. Maybe she could have that. Red just shared warmth and did not intrude otherwise. The little girl had clapped softly seeing her two favorite people together. Ophis started feeling less sad. Her life was now easier. The Imperial man had regretted to inform them both that the war was coming back. The imperials had set up lines near them to this time protect the dragons.
The fight was remarkably close, and Red had put up a silence bubble for them. Ophis watched the battle. Humans fighting and dying on both sides for ideas. The imperials were holding fast. But Ophis saw how she could help. She made a decision here and then stood. Red tried to stop her. But Ophis growled.
"Will help humans with the Eagle. They are nice. Will be better."
Ophis flew out of the bubble and heard the battle. Tank fire. The snap hiss of las guns. But also, the humans shouting for the Emperor or death to a tyrant. She roared and the humans stopped in many places to see her. Ophis charged the non-eagle humans and then crushed many vehicles underneath her claws. She roared again and that made the imperials cheer. Awe inspiring glances at Ophis. At Red when he came to help her. The enemy began to flee, and the imperials gave chase. But Cormac stayed. He and another Custodian bearing the Aquilla moved to the dragons. Ophis had helped. Her first act of redemption. Ophis saw how she could help more. When Cormac stopped before them with his second Ophis growled to the other.
"Will help eagle people. You smell of him. Tell him I am sorry. Am bad dragon."
"I will and he already knows. He has news for you both. He bought the area around your place up to the nearby villages. It is yours. Just do not eat the population nearby."
Red had known that. But Ophis did not. The Emperor had been protecting them. Like he protected everyone who wanted a peaceful life. Ophis growled then began to fly after the enemy. Red with her. They gave chase too.
Central China.
The Imperium moved slowly up a severely damaged road that was uneven. Issei was with Sona and Ravel. They talked and spoke with the Alpha Legion. The marines were in great spirit. Issei had sat and talked about their plan. Said the negatives and the positives. The marines had known that. But they still thought this could help. Issei had softly said he backed them but did not want more dead. He loved humanity. He asked that they be careful and consider the micro too.
The peace was broken by an ambush. Seven deadly assassins that had finally made their move. They were supernatural in origin. Hired by the Cabal and the OSF. Both had called a temporary truce for this. The first fired an anti material rifle at Issei. The shot hit his stomach and badly dented an armor piece that had not been replaced fully yet. The second triggers an explosion that cuts the three off from help for a bit. The Custodians are horrified and try to get to the Emperor as do many Guard.
The remaining five now emerged from the shadows and strike. The lead assassin draws a magic sword and charged the Emperor determined for the kill. But Ravel guts him with her sword. The Alpha Legion lost a man to the explosion. A new recruit. He is dead. Aldman is badly hurt but two of his brothers immediately put him in stasis. Victor and Wilhelm moved to defend the Emperor.
The sniper fired again. This shot blows through the damaged armor piece and into Issei. He prepared a third shot. But loses his head to a counter sniper and the first assassin is down. The second runs confidently to report this. But the four remaining ones go for the confirmation. They pushed and the leader was a devil. A personal assassin for Rizevim. He sees another comrade die to a bolter. The three left charge faster and they draw ice picks. Sona drowned one in a whirlpool. Victor crushed another with his thunder hammer and the last assassin hits Issei with the pick. He will not fail the true Lord Lucifer. He kills the Emperor. The pick being enhanced for this. Ravel roars and launched a psychic scream that makes the assassin begin to bleed from his ears. Sona thrust with her sword and the power weapon slices the last assassin in half. The body falls.
Issei does not move. Sona runs to him and cradled his head followed by Ravel. They know he will be back. The marines do not. They think they have failed as do the new Custodians. The Guard sees their Emperor dead. They want to weep. Lint was pissed because she had not seen this line. So was Xavier. But Sona just held her lover. Ravel kisses him. Issei gasped and came back. The marines look on in shock. As does everyone else. Sona kisses him and nearly kills him again with lack of oxygen. But she lets him breathe. She silently asked.
"Why?"
"Because this helps the plan they have. And if we did not move up we would have lost more than if I died. I am at three now. I am in second place. Please do not be angry with me. I am sorry."
Sona wants to be mad. But chess requires sacrifice in order for moves to be made to win. She does punch him and breaks his nose. Before she kisses him again and mumbled he is a noble idiot. Ravel saw why he did that. The explosion would have killed more marines. Plus, half a regiment command staff. Lint would have died violently. Xavier would have lost both legs. Ravel breaks his shoulder with a punch. But then kissed him again. He did something that Sona finds extremely hot. He purrs. Ravel smirked now she has blackmail material. Sona glared at her friend.
"The growling is forgotten as of now."
"Nah I am using this. For two months. I like it too."
Wilhelm and the Custodians move to their Emperor as do two guard commanders who would have died had the explosion gone off differently. Issei reassured them.
"I am good. I will continue coming back after this. But you all didn't fail in anyway. More lives live because of this. You all would die for me in a second. I would do the same for you. Your my subjects and how can you follow me if I am not willing to do the same for you."
Wilhelm is angry for his dead brother. And for Aldman. But Issei gently said.
"Aldman will live. The dead marine was too close, and I tried to push him back. That is my fault. Break an arm of mine Will. I will not resist. Diep you and the others go clean up the bodies. Search for papers. The Cabal and OSF will not like what they did."
Diep and Hadrian know their Emperor. He always played the long game. They knew he had a good reason for doing this. Biwko just begun to clean up. The Guard commanders are given a vision by Neoth of them dying in horrible pain. Their Emperor loved them. He would always protect. They began to reassure their men. Wilhelm does break the arm. But Issei takes the blow without screaming. The Hetman does get mollified.
"You and your eight men will wear my personal Aquilla. For your deeds today. I understand the pain. Please forgive me."
"You are an ass here. But you did try to help Allen. Fuck you grandpa."
Ravel giggled as did Issei. But the order is given.
"Execute Plan 27." We will have this over soon."
Beijing later that day.
Zhou was preparing a food truck to head to the center of the beast. He had been informed that the plan was now active. He and six newly hired workers packed three trucks for a banquet that the Cabal were hosting today. They were all going to be there. The entire ten major committee members. The trucks were prepared and ready. They have the Surprise.
The three drivers are Alpharius. As are the workers. They each have prepared this. The trucks move. They each reach the banquet hall and then began to unload their cargo. Food is brought in and then prepared. The ten leaders are happy with the riots being squashed by the newly arrived loyal troops. They are happy too because their chief scientist on their las guns has reported that they have almost made a breakthrough. The war looks a bit better.
The ten sit and begin to enjoy the food. But then the surprise started. The three food trucks had secret magic runes drawn in them invisible to the naked eye. They activated. Six marines are portaled in. They wear their helmets and are eager to get blood for their dead brother. Assassins work both ways. The final circle is a squad of tempestus scions from the Iron Dragons. They and the marines charged into the building.
The hydra had made everything ready for this move. They disabled what they could in terms of security. Iroh had bribed several party troops who would have been security with extra rations cards. Zhou had made the food a little bit off so the Cabal would be a little more sick. Another had delivered the food a little late. The harrowing struck fully.
The roars of chainswords and bolters plus snap hissing form hell guns fill the building and the final Alpharius played their part. They cut off retreat for the Cabal by having bars drop over doors. The ten who control the vast majority of the operations cannot escape. They see they fell to the hydra. They and their few guards pull guns. But the roars are getting closer.
Meanwhile many of their seconds in the government buildings are finally showing their true colors. Food trucks for them had brought more troops in via portals in trucks and the Imperials began to spread out and captured many lesser people in the Cabal. The seven secret Alpharius's in the party troops activated too and began to cordon off streets and hampered their once allies.
The Cabal sees a door blown open and the Alpha Legion and the Iron Dragons entered the only way out. Wilhelm and Victor smile beneath their helmets. The Cabal is horrified by the red eyes from the marine helms. And the green from the scions. Wilhelm activated his sword. But chuckled through his voice grills in Chinese.
"Hydra Dominatus. Your all dead."
The roars drown out the screams.
The Imperium kicked off five offensives and they take advantage of a jammer placed by an Alpharius in the communication lynch pin and they quickly clean up many towns and villages. The mobs in the cities of the disgruntled people launched again. They had enough and this needed to end. The Imperials had released over the tv stations video footage of the man killed by party troops and of others of being held at gun point. That pissed off the population.
Beijing sees its first riot. Zhou helps gather people. He reminded them of the random executions and strip searches. And Iroh speaks how the most recent people had not confessed under torture that they were imperials. The transcripts of their final plea filled words were released. This pissed off more people. Especially the families of the victims of each execution before. By the evening most of the city is in the hands of the Imperium. The few remaining points are held by die hard party troops. Issei entered the city and speaks to a crowd of civilians.
"We will try to end the war as fast as possible. I understand the frustration here for all of you. You who made things in the factories will not face reprisals. You who however did the witch hunts for people and the party troops who conducted crimes will be tried by a third neutral party court. We will show our evidence of war crimes. The jury there will decide not I. But we will try immediately to get you all back to normalcy as fast as possible. The war is not over yet. But we are in the last stage here. The Imperium is a confederation not the old Chinese empire and you will have votes set up after the war. We will not rule you again in the century of humiliation. I swear this to you as the Emperor of Mankind. Believe that because I do not break my word."
The population is happy there is an end in sight. And the new Unification front began to set up new authorities. Issei stays and with his Custodians in sight answers questions from the civilians. Another assassin tries but this time he is slammed by several pissed off civilians to the floor. The assassin is hauled away by new guard forces but the videos of Issei not running makes many respect him more. Especially when he stopped a pissed off woman from killing the assassin. She had lost her son to an execution. But Issei says to her that her boy would not want blood in his name. The woman was sad to know that was true. But Issei helps her saying she had a good son. The war in China sends a message to Russia and the African dictators. The Imperium will get reinforcements soon. They are down the strongest of their possible comrades.
They launched massive offensives early. Several dictators in Africa form a collaborative effort to drive the Imperium from the continent.
The remnants of the Cabal split into hundreds of smaller factions each with new objectives. They were warlords now. The Imperium would clean them up gradually. But there were still a few places where the Cabal had minor officers and party people rally. They tried to form a united front but were now like the Imperials in the first days of the war cut off and isolated. They dug in and prepared guerrilla warfare.
The Alpha Legion had been happy their plan worked. But Issei showed three weak points in it. One was a man not yet fully an Alpharius who had gotten drunk and had leaked a hint to party troops. The troops had not taken him seriously. The others were more minor, but they could have ruined the operation. Aldman had pulled through. He did lose an eye but chose a new robo eye. He, unlike Wilhelm, was not mad at the Emperor. He understood. Ravel had smothered her marines and Sona had joined in too. She had grown fond of them. The marines were given relaxation time and then would go to Russia.
Ravel had called up her family and her mother and father had been delighted to hear that they had won mostly up here. But they wondered about the wedding. Issei told them that they can have one soon. He wont be needed as much here. He does plan on going to Russia as that where the stiffest resistance is next. Africa had two new things changing the tide there.
Issei still did not like Ophis. But the dragon was helping and that was a start. Red had told him what had happened. Ophis was still a brat. But he saw that the Infinity Dragon was trying to be better. He had heard nothing but good things about the tank regiment inspired by her. He will have to sit down with her at some point. The other him with the Ophis mom had been talking to him. The pure dragon him was cool. Was funny to hear how he and Akeno had beaten Sona and Tsubaki in their latest game.
There was a better thing that had happened. His SCP self had given a hopeful lead. They had started developing a possible indoctrination counter. His counterpart had been optimistic but said he was close to a positive result. His Shirone had also said hi.
Ravel was bouncing up and down again. Issei sighed. Sona was just shaking her head. Ravel was becoming something else. Issei sighed again.
"Fine. You are worse than me. Sona gets first this time if she wants."
Ravel whined but Sona was curious about the purr. Issei was interested in why. Sona blushed before admitting.
"Had a cat as a kid. Liked her a lot. Oh no."
Ravel giggled pervertedly. Issei sighed.
"Welcome to the club Sona. Kuroka is going to be ecstatic. I would be happy to do that for you. I love you."
Sona blushed but was happy. The two went off with Ravel giggling pervertedly. Sona will become a mood kindred eventually. She followed after them.
Zhou was talked to by the claw. She thanks him again.
"Be proud. You will be remembered for this. As of now our hydra is dismantled. Everyone has rewards set up for them. But you have a gift from the Emperor for your work. You and your family have three tickets to Mars and a sizable land grant. And you cannot say no to that. He insisted on it."
Zhou blinked. But then smiled happily. He was going to see his kids again too. His daughter was married now. To a nice man from Western China. His son had revealed to him that he was a devil now under his new commander but said he asked to do that. But they were shocked to learn he had been the one to make the war less bad. His son and daughter were ecstatic to learn that they had tickets to Mars. His son said he had one already, so the new ticket went to their new family member. Zhou did not regret becoming Alpharius. He was also given a vision from Sun Wu Kong. His wife said of how proud she was of him. And begged for his forgiveness. He just said he missed her.
Iroh, for his part, was given amnesty. He was told that he too had a ticket to Mars. Zhou said he was welcome to start a town with several other Chinese families who had gotten into contact with the Hero of Beijing. Iroh will get his wish to open a tea shop. He will call it the White Hydra.
Issei laid on this rental rooms bed with Sona curled up with him happily. Ravel was here too. She had joined in. Sona had indeed become a mood kindred. She was now in with Asari. And others. Issei looked at Ravel in suspicion. Sona however soothing that.
"Damn horny bird. I am in now. I see why this is a thing. Ise I am just expanding my horizons. Thank you for that Vel."
Ravel laughed maniacally. She will have the harem too! Sona just huffed in amusement. Issei does not understand this. Why was Ravel the massive pervert? He likes it on the one hand, but this might get crazy. Still, he was ready to marry them both. Melancholy hits him. He does not have his parents here for this. The rare depression hits badly. Ravel stopped laughing and saw the big sad. She tried to cheer her dear up. Sona tried too. She wraps her hand around his.
"Ise. We are closer now. The ship is in two weeks. The Imperium is coming. Russia will get help now. We are winning. We can marry soon."
Issei did a new thing. He trilled sadly. Ravel awed but held him closer. Sona hates this. He had been improving so much. He stayed that way for a while. He wants his mom there. His dad to be there for the after party. But he gets a bit happier. Ingvild had touched the shard of him in her and sung to him. That plus Sona and Ravel whispering things to him. He finally left the pit.
"Sorry. Just wanted my parents there. I will not do that again."
Ravel shook her head.
"It is not healthy to suppress that dear. You are not alone anymore. We are here now. Let it out with us."
He did. Ten years of bottled up emotion. He cried for his mommy. He missed his parents so much. Ravel and Sona held him. He finally passed out from exhaustion. He did purr again.
The two held him. And realized this might be a deeper issue. They had looked at one another before nodding. He needed a psychiatrist. Ravel thankfully knew one. She would get her mom to contact them for a meeting tomorrow. Sona understands more of how broken he was from ten years of near isolation as a social dragon. How much she had saved him. That day in the alleyway played back. She now saw how he was prepared to go back to being isolated. To leave and not return if she turned on him. He would have left her and the peerage alive. But would have lost it more. She feels so bad for him. The Sigilites need to have a meeting. Ravel nods when that is said.
"All of us do. Even Asia. I am getting him a psychiatrist. This could become worse if we do not do anything."
"It could. But I think the meetings with his parents are helping. But you are right he needs this. I will contact Daliea and see what else we might have missed. He is good at hiding things."
The two cuddling him more. They just want him to be happy too.
An. China is now mostly wrapped up. The warlords are still a big problem, but they should be wiped out easier than the Cabal. Plus, old faces in StarGate. The dragon aspects are more prevalent now because of the social aspects being fulfilled more often. Plus, the Stargate retrieval soon. Then plan twenty-seven. That was something. To the reveiw from Saturday fair. but having a dragon and an immortal asshole in your body plus knowledge of 40k makes the gould nothing. Will be a fight and uphill battle but yes.
The inquisition having trouble with indoctrination as having been pointed out by the recent review. yes and there is hints and the answer is coming. Its a plot point but yes very true. Cant really study Reaper tech when not space faring. plus there is something more about indoctrination. you will see. And as always yes to Neoth and his defense. Will never deny this. Best possible hand he had. the only thing i will never agree with him on totally is Angron. Very much not hard to help there and just slaughter the slaver armies with your Custodians plus you and the War Hounds thats an ultra easy clap and Robot gorillaman would understand why he has to build up another world. might like that honestly. Mortarian was fine but could have been done better. Magnus and his crap goes both ways.
Ann. sorry for the absence, been busy reworking things and doing back line work with a possible beta reader there is disconnect because of different shifts and more problems. The biggest is that they don't know 40k or DxD at all, so I have to explain so many things and concepts. Updates should return to normal soon hopefully. thanks for the patience.