Summary/disclaimer: Time for another chapter of Iron Cross. Enjoy the 5000-word chapter. I do not own Warhammer, Gameshop does.
The next three days went by quickly. Halius was able to return… To where he had been born, to where he had been before now.
He looked upwards and into the sky. The planet was not any different from what it had been before.
The Primarch had left. he had set off for Terra while the Admiral and his men debated. Forge had sent him a message requesting they meet on a planet to debate the coming war.
In the meantime? Their fleets were restocked, resupplied, and refueled. He could hope the coming war was on their terms, them setting the dinner table was where they would shine.
"Sergeant? Captain Titus would like a word with you." Halius heard.
"He does?" Halius questioned, eyebrow raised. "I will meet him where I usually convene with the officers," Halius stated.
"Yes, my lord." The serf stated as Halius hummed.
"Go and rest after you inform the captain," Halius stated as he sighed.
Halius turned and grabbed his helm. The skies of the planet were just as vibrant and just as grand as they were before…. Which amused him as he rarely removed his armor to walk upon it.
Halius hummed, making sure that his entire armory was presentable for the captain. He knew of tales of this man and what he had done.
Titus and his brothers had stared down an entire ORK army and fought them, Titus had led from the front, shattering their forces, and allowing them to land.
He had heard the guardsmen present had held their own to the end and then there was the fool.
'Leandros… The fool who believed the Codex came before duty and honor.' Halius thought.
It was known the young Astartes had thrown his brother under the bus. It had soured plenty on him. it was through this he had learned of Titus who had been the man who plenty looked up to as much as the Chapter Master and Primarch.
Halius walked through the groups of citizens and serfs. Their homeworld was quiet without their master and it was in this he believed at times that something was going on.
Halius knew something was wrong with it all, however. There was more to this tale than he had wished there to be as he rounded the corner, knowing what was going on and dreading it now.
He looked upwards and into the stars once more before the familiar voice of someone cut him off.
"Sergeant?" He heard as he looked over at the figure of someone encased in armor.
"Sir?" Halius asked before they spoke.
"I have heard many things since I have been here…. And many since I have been freed… Are they true at this moment?" He heard.
"They are… I have been in talks with these humans and they seem to not lie… I have not believed you would return after the inquisitor visited you… Not even Astartes are spared from their rules." Halius stated after a moment.
"We have much to discuss, Sergeant, walk with me," Titus stated.
(CPV Class Heavy Destroyer 'Sinaris Pattern' 'Proclamation's Tithe)
Arbiter Ripa Moramee was not happy. He had heard plenty, PLENTY of his men had been killed. Granted? He cared not for their worthless lives… But he was willing to when it suited him.
Dozens of Covenant soldiers had been butchered by not only the humans but by soldiers clad in blue armor. They were certainly not demons but they fought like them, dicing through the Covenant warriors like an energy sword.
They were quick, ruthless…. And not once did they show fear. Sangheili that charged them were met and dispatched with their blades.
If the Humans had allied with these soldiers? It might damn the Covenant, their forces had beaten his fleet as well, and 2 of his destroyers were shot down by this fleet.
No matter… There was another project he had to deal with. he would see what the humans did next… And then he would butcher them as they had his men…. If they could.
"Sir, we have found something."
(With Halius)
Halius glanced upward at the skies where the entire fleet of their home seemed to lie. It was so long since he had been home, so long since he had taken the desire to get off this home to defend it.
"You are to be under my command…. Captain Cutter has spoken of a planet where the coordinates he found pointed to." Titus stated.
"He was willing to share so soon?" Halius questioned.
"They realize we may help them…. The Primarch speaks with their council at Terra… While the rest of the legion prepares for war." Titus stated.
"I will serve as I have for years, Captain," Halius stated. "You… Care much for the warriors we fight with?" Halius asked.
The question was loaded and Titus knew it. Halius was rigid and carried himself like many of their brothers… But it was clear he cared for the soldiers as much as an Astartes could.
"I do… Every man and woman within the Imperium fought to defend it… And it is clear this 'UNSC' does the same. I will stand and defend it so long as I can… Provided the Primarch does not make them our enemy." Titus stated.
"You… Are not like the brothers I work with… You have care for them as well." Titus stated. "Your Captain was willing to share reports on you while I requested a transfer…. Considering you fought alongside these marines first." Titus stated.
"They remind me of guardsmen… But they lack the gear and conviction. Still? They fight to the death and their Sergeant seems willing to aid us." Halius stated.
Halius was too curious as to how it was. There was a lot more to see and do next, there were a lot of soldiers whom he fought against. He had been thrown for a loop, a very interesting one but still, a loop that round around him in waves he could only process.
He looked over at Titus, he needed to fall silent and think for now, think of an option where he did not wish to fight much.
He was silent a moment before Titus broke it with his baritone.
"They are not our enemy; I will not treat them as such unless given a reason… Now then, we suspect an attack on this planet if the enemy knows…. We need to prepare." Titus stated as he sighed.
Halius hummed as the two Astartes walked along the planet, passing dozens of buildings that reached into the sprawling sky. Both shared looks at one another as Halius spoke up a second later.
"If they strike? We will be on the defensive… Attacking usually means attacking a defended position… Which spawns more losses." Halius stated.
"Captain Cutter has already informed Arcadia… The problem is finding…" Titus started to say.
"Where they will strike?" Halius asked. "Yes. The vexing question, damn painful one." Halius stated.
"We will handle it together… Come, we must see the chapter master before anything further." Titus stated.
"He is here?" Halius asked. "Apologies… I have not been home in years." Halius stated.
"Neither have I," Titus stated. "You have not once shown fear around me…" Titus stated.
"You fought a traitor and killed him, damn the charges…. I have heard reports. I do not care." Halius stated. "You are a brother…. That is all that matters if you were not. The Chaplin should have been told; the fool does not even know what the Codex says yet he screams it like we are slaves to it." Halius stated.
"You are not?" Titus asked.
"Maybe once… But I fight for humanity, I fight for my brothers… That is where my faith is, with my brothers and all who stand with them…. If you were tainted? I would strike you down… But I will not kill a brother simply for favoring results over fealty." Halius stated.
"That sounds like an old friend of mine…." Titus stated.
"I have lost many friends, sir…." Titus heard. "Let us go… And hope we lose no more." Halius stated in a tone so low it sounded almost like it was broken from the stress alone.
It was then Titus watched and slowly followed… As Halius refused to meet his gaze and instead alternated between the skies and the dirt they trod on.
'I have forgotten that some of us are still human…. I will not fail you Halius, not like I failed Sidonus.' Titus thought.
The two respectfully left the other to their thoughts as they walked, both knowing whatever it was. they would have to face their demons themselves.
Well, the ones that they did not butcher themselves as there were plenty of problems at the end of the day, something to consider when push went to shove.
It was all going to hell and when it did? They were all going to crash and burn knowing it would not burn out so easily, the fight would consume everything.
(On Earth)
Macragge's Honor arrived above Earth only 3 days after the Ultramarines had arrived here, the Primarch aboard its bridge as he glanced outwards.
The planet looked much more different, still similar… And still with humanity reigning upon it…. But different, there were still dozens of warships but they were not the elite of the Imperium's fleets, they were this 'UNSC.'
If it was most? They would lash out, bathe the UNSC in blood for not bowing, for not being like how they wanted…. Centuries upon centuries had tempered the Primarch, despite having 8 Strike Cruisers and both Battle Barges. He held his fire.
The Primarch cleared his throat, a deep booming noise that echoed across the bridge and all who stood upon it.
"I wish to speak to your commanders… I am aware how what this looks like… But I wish to speak to the leader of this organization. I speak with the invitation of Vice Admiral Cole." Gulliman stated.
There was all manner of weapons pointed at him. it did not surprise him, despite everything. Humanity feared and lashed out… And he had a 26 Kilometer flagship which easily dwarfed and outgunned everything on the battlefield.
"Uh… Please hold for a moment." He heard from a surprised human officer.
"Whelp…" One of the Astartes stated only to be silenced by a glance from the Primarch.
(With Titus and Halius)
Halius cleared his throat as he looked at Titus.
"What do we know about the Covenant?" Titus asked as Halius hummed.
"Numerous, organized, zealous…. I have noticed a clear command structure in their troops to exploit." Halius stated. "The Marines I was next to referred to the reptilian Xenos in more colorful armor as 'Elites.' They appear to have both some sort of shielding and command over the others." Halius stated.
"We have heard from one that the figure in silver armor appears to be their commander or at least an officer… He departed during the fighting, perhaps to coordinate the assault on Arcadia." Igaros stated.
"Very observant for a scout." Halius quipped.
"Thank you, brother. I try." Halius heard.
"If they are headed there? They will be looking for something and an entire planet is too much land to cover." Titus stated.
"What do you suggest?" Halius asked in a tone that suggested more than interest. "The legion is scattered and if they are that well organized? They have plenty of resources to throw at us." Halius stated.
"Agreed, very much… Halius? I require you to lead men at Arcadia's main city…. Captain Cutter wishes for you to work with Sergeant Forge again." Titus stated. "I will lead forces here, ahead of the main force… If we get there first? We should have at least a day to be prepared for their assault." Titus stated.
"How many of our brothers shall I lead?" Halius asked. "I am not your type of Astartes," Halius stated.
Titus looked at Halius. The Astartes only seemed to have scars… No studs so he was not active as often as the others. Still? It amused him his helmet was barely scarlet.
"We will decide when we arrive." He stated before he looked to the side. "We need to move or else we will not arrive anytime soon," Titus stated.
"You do realize we are not with their military yet… They will have issues working with us." Halius stated.
There was a moment before he looked to the side, glancing over at his brother before he spoke up.
"When we arrive? We will deal with that, then, and until then? We go." Titus stated. "Though, it is an apt question…. I assume the Primarch will answer it. Until then? Humanity needs Astartes… I am sending you and Igaros to meet with Captain Cutter, you are going to be our envoy." Titus stated before Halius hummed.
Halius turned and looked at Igaros who sighed, knowing this meant bigger problems for the both. The Astartes chuckled and then looked at Halius who sighed.
"We will deal with this later… For now? Let us greet the Sergeant." Halius stated before he crossed his arms.
"Send us the coordinates…. Honor and courage, sir." Halius stated before he turned and departed as he paused to get going.
There was something else in the way, an idea that needed to be done and dusted once more. He had been written into such a horrid thing that it cut him into a bone-dry monster.
Halius was silent, eager to get into the action, either he would be able to find some peace or he would suffer alone. Either or? He was not to stick around and feel what it was to become.
Halius sighed and looked downwards, pressing a hand on the wall as he realized that he was going to be in the thick of battle again… And he had to be able to try and relax.
Halius leaned on the wall, knowing what was going on. They had plenty of words to have with the rest of them…. And part of him was tired.
(On Earth)
The Primarch was too interested in what was happening on Earth. There were no high lords of Terra, no emperor…. Nothing about this Earth was the same as their version of Earth.
Still? All he cared about was trying to help their race… Their version of Humanity was different but it abided by something he could respect.
He looked at them, knowing what was happening and dreading it, knowing the next way it should have gone was all they could have done to have fixed it.
The last time he had been to his father? He had blamed the man and jeered at him for constructing a monument to all their hatred and fear. Humanity was meant to have a leadership they trusted… But instead, they worshiped a corpse that was not even wishing to be bowed to.
It would sicken him if he was still around… Knowing what had been done with it to exist.
(With Halius and Igaros)
Halius sat in silence as Igaros looked at him, he always kept his helm on for most of the time so there was nothing to comfort him and he knew it.
Igaros cleared his throat at the soldier, he knew more and more at the end of the day. He was not willing to deal with much and he knew it.
Halius sat in silence, pausing to think of their next move as his friend, his brother? Looked at him before he glanced through his helm.
"You are always this quiet when you are bothered…. Something is cutting you, yes?" Igaros stated.
"It was the first time I have returned home in 6 months," Halius stated.
"I have forgotten you are younger than the majority of our brothers," Igaros stated.
Halius simply investigated the void, thinking of something which he needed to deal with for now or for good reason.
"Do you remember the siege?" Halius heard before he sighed and then glanced to the ground.
"All I remember is the siege… Where our brothers realized the damn book is not perfect. Our father did not intend us to be mindless drones." Halius stated.
"You've always been the most compassionate since the siege," Igaros stated.
Halius let out a chuckle with some warmth. Igaros knew him, he did not slay traitors in the siege of Earth, he did not see the emperor fall from power… Halius was young for an Astartes but he was a soldier still.
"We are the shield of humanity. Not a sword in their back, not a hammer… I am willing to try and figure out how to defend them…. But I am not willing to do something that will damn us…" Halius stated before he sighed to himself.
He fell into a trance, looking out the window as they prepared for the operation. Halius could tell the Covenant would not fall as easily… Like Orks? They learned as they fought, and they would find the Ultramarines to be an enemy they might not overcome.
But he would not find fear in them. Halius paused and looked at his brother for a moment and then looked to the side.
Halius knew the work was almost done and looked to the ground. Halius was eager to be amongst battle… For it was where he could work and where he was able to shine.
Their Strike Cruiser finally seemed to drop out of warp space. It seemed it was less hazardous here…. And that both sides could move without warp space.
If it were up to Halius? He might have wished they had this technology; it would cause fewer problems.
Halius nodded and went to board the Stormraven as Halius looked at his brother.
"Gather the group…. We head out and meet with the Sergeant… He is taking us to the Spirit of Fire… And you already know how different they are from the Imperium and its navy." Halius stated before he sighed and looked to the side.
He had been able to try and figure out what to do when and if they arrived and it was not going to help, it was not going to help but that might be for the best, it might never get better and it might never work, whatever was done and dusted next? Such concerns were second.
They finally were able to leave several minutes later, their Stormraven flying towards one of Aracadia's moons. He could see several cruisers or at least something like them orbiting the planet… Perhaps they had expected the attack and prepared… Well, it would be clear they would be.
He sighed and checked his bolter, knowing they had given them fresh gear and supplies to deal with this, it was a good thing they had serfs and such to mass-produce their supplies.
Halius and his team all shared looks, all interested in what lay below. Whatever the Covenant threw at them? They would wait, they would allow it only for a second and then fight better.
He cleared his throat as the men behind him all seemed eager and ready to fight. Halius spoke as their craft crossed through the clouds.
"Do not fire, attempt to kill, or otherwise cause issue for the Sergeant. We are merely here to work so we shall work." Halius stated in a tone not too off from a father scolding his children.
He sighed as the craft finally landed; it was odd… But they had arrived, it was then as they did so they were met by a familiar sound.
"All, Christmas came early." Halius heard.
The man they had come to see finally appeared from behind the stones. He stepped towards them, arms extended yet a weapon on his back and hip.
"Sergeant Forge… It is pleasant to see you again." Halius said in a pleasant tone. "The captain will be here soon… Our commander, not yours, I mean." Halius stated.
"Good… Seems we got some time before the fireworks…. Captain is expecting us if you would follow me." Forge stated as Halius nodded.
"These are the warriors the Sergeant fought with back in the agricultural world? I expected something… More." They heard.
Halius snorted.
"If you would like, Brother Curos? You may stay here…. I will arrange transport back in the next 3 days." Halius stated as he crossed his arms.
"I must warn you? You are not the only super soldiers here…" Halius heard. "Brass mentioned Spartans down there," Forge stated.
"Spartans? Do you have Spartan Assault tanks? Hmm, we could use those." Igaros stated.
"I believe Forge refers to the supersoldiers he compared me to… I am fascinated by them." Halius stated before he sighed and looked to the side.
"Well, we got a day according to what the eggheads said… Covenant is bringing an entire fleet, might not do a lot to you guys… But it will hurt the planet." He heard.
Halius was silent, guessing that they wished to do something, anything now to try and bring hope here, he would help bring it.
They boarded what looked like a Pelican but larger as the craft took off, flying through the depths of space towards the Spirit of Fire.
"How have your men held up since the last battle?" Halius questioned.
"Plenty of wounded… We will live, we aren't leathernecks for nothing." Forge stated only to be met with silence. "You don't know what it means, do you?" Forge asked.
"Nobody in the 41st millennium uses that term, so no," Halius stated.
"41st…. Yep, confirms you boys aren't from around here… It is 2531." Forge stated.
"Just another thing for the Chaplin and Chapter Master to debate," Igaros stated as the craft put down in one of Spirit's hanger bays. "I'll remain here and keep the squad in check, brother… Sergeant Forge? Please do try not to overexcite the commander, he's very…. Long-winded." Halius heard.
"About as long-winded as you are talkative, brother," Halius stated to which Igaros laughed.
Halius followed Forge down the ramp and into the bridge, pausing only to take in the architecture.
"This does not look entirely like a warship," Halius said.
"I would tell you why but ONI would have my head," Forge stated.
"Sergeant Halius?" Halius heard as he looked at the face of Captain Cutter.
"Captain Cutter, pleasant to see you once more," Halius stated. "What is the tactical situation? The bulk of our forces are… Headed to Arcadia, I was sent to greet you on behalf of the chapter's command." Halius stated.
"All quiet so far… But we know they are going to hit here, the coordinates on the map led here." Cutter stated.
"About 4 UNSC Halcyon class cruisers, 1 Epoch Class heavy carrier, and one Phoenix Class against the full might of the Covenant navy? Sounds like splendid odds." They heard.
Halius started at the AI, but part of him still did not trust her… But he was not a tech priest, a tech marine and his focus on her was singular to the damage possibly inflicted… However? If Captain Cutter was correct and her mind spliced from a human? It served as a machine spirit in his book.
"Not used to seeing something like me, are you?" Selina stated.
"No… But I would suggest you hide yourself from my brothers, they may not be satisfied with the explanation of your existence. We have… History with machines that is unpleasant." Halius stated. "Sergeant Forge mentioned we are not the only Astartes here, that there are warriors like us stationed on this world," Halius stated.
"Technically we can't mention Spartans…" Cutter stated. "But he is correct… There is a Spartan team below." Cutter added.
"You will like them, best of the best, super soldiers…" Forge stated.
"Astartes?" Halius asked before Forge gestured towards the hanger.
"I will introduce you guys…. Sir, he said his friends are right behind him…" Forge stated before several blips appeared on the map. "Must be his carpool." Forge joked.
"Captain Titus and the rest of the Second Chapter… I would open a channel; Titus will want to coordinate defenses while I and my brothers await him at the command center." Halius stated before he sighed.
Halius turned and departed with Forge as Cutter looked at the fleet of warships…. Whoever they were? They were strong, disciplined, and had been at war before.
Still? It was not his place to judge as he needed help. The covenant had been beating them the entire time, beating them so hard it hurt.
He sighed and looked at them as both departed on a pelican towards the planet. This was going to be a very damn long day; a very damn long day and it was not going to be dealt with today.
(Onboard the Pelican)
Both Halius and Forge and his squad all shared looks as they paused, thinking of the next move, every little inch of it. they looked at the other as Forge fell quiet before Halius spoke up.
"I have fought plenty of battles alongside soldiers when it came to war… This will not be any different." Halius stated. "I still do not know these Spartans but if they are as skilled as you say? I will not have any problems fighting alongside them." Halius stated.
"I simply hope they can fight equal to an Astartes…." They heard.
"I begin to believe you compare everything to us, brother. They are not us and yet they fight… But it still is not good." Igaros stated.
"These Spartans… Are they anything like me and my brothers?" Halius asked.
"Well, I cannot tell because I have not had a peek under the hood… But seems like it." Forge stated.
"Hmm… Seems we will see." Halius stated. "Igaros? When we arrive? Take the group to the command center. I will join you after I speak to the captain." Halius stated.
"You want to see these Spartans, don't you?" Halius heard.
"I am curious of their caliber…." Halius stated before he exited the craft.
What greeted them was not a vibrant Imperial world… But one made of buildings still, buildings which rose above the skyline, decorating it in color and vibrant desire.
It reminded Halius of home… A bastion for humanity, an oasis in the sand.
And the covenant wished to destroy it…. Not on his damn watch, not while he was able to deal with it now.
There were cars and dozens of humans moving around as Halius turned to Sergeant Forge.
"Which direction is the command center?" Halius asked before an M12 Warthog revved up.
The soldiers on it dismounted… And Halius guessed they were whom they were talking about.
They stood around 7ft which put them in the ballpark for being equal to Astartes… And their armor, green with golden visors, reminded him very much of old-school Astartes.
They moved with purpose, coordinated and swift as Halius and his team. The leader, denoted by the red stripes on his helmet, looked at Halius.
The two supersoldiers shared a look before the leader spoke.
"Sergeant? We were told to be prepared for your arrival." The Spartan said as he looked at Halius. "You must be the Ultramarines." The Spartan added.
"I am…" Halius said in a gruff tone, not unlike the Spartan.
He finally stepped forwards, extending a hand in welcome to their ally.
"Sergeant Halius of the Second Company," Halius stated.
"Spartan 092." They said as they grabbed his hand and shook it for now.
Both soldiers felt strength and power come through their hands as they realized the other was a Supersoldier and they both looked to one another with interest.
"I can see why Sergeant Forge spoke of you as equals…. At any rate? We need to plan for the Covenant's arrival, they will arrive soon and I do not know if we can hold the city." Halius said.
"Would if there was anything like penance class batteries." They heard.
"You know the only planets that have more firepower are forge worlds. This is not one of our planets…." Halius stated before he looked over at Forge. "The rest of us will be here soon, what we should do is set up defenses, map out where the enemy will strike, and then assume positions to cover each other," Halius stated.
"The Codex supports waiting…." They heard.
"We are, Captain Titus is the commander of the second chapter, I shall amend myself to his rules when he gets here… I merely am following the rules." Halius stated. "The full weight of reinforcements will not all be here. Captain Titus will be leading most of the group." Halius stated before he looked to the side.
He watched as several strike cruisers and a battle barge arrived over Arcadia, dominating the skies easily as people paused.
"This world will not die…. So long as I live, you have my word, Sergeant." Halius said before he turned and walked in the direction of most soldiers.
Author Notes
Phew. Another chapter is done! Ok, a few things.
Halius is a tactical marine and Igaros is a raptor or such. I do not know how well space marine roles work.
To the person saying it is risky to use soldiers? My point is not every Ultramarine will drool over the codex. Halius is loyal to his brothers and honors humanity but is aware of how foolish it is to be rigid and unwilling to make exceptions, like Titus.
I know Warhammer is grimdark. Halius is not a Tech Marine or tech priest or such. He is an Astartes, he has some of the principles of his chapter… But he is meant to be a character with flaws and growth.
The next chapter will be in 2-10 months and will show more of the Ultramarines and UNSC working together and the battle of Arcadia. Until then, Lighting Wolf is out! There will also be some time skips after Halo Wars ends. Until the 900–6500-word chapter, Lighting Wolf out!