Chapter 14

Colossus Bridger- I understand. I'll try to focus as much as possible on the Tau after Mass Effect 2. I'll also try to avoid Shepard's role in this story as much as possible as well.

Ahriman had to take a moment before he could fully recover from the news that Neroth had given them all. Kelbor-Hal was alive. Not only that, but he was here. In this galaxy and the Eldar were trying to prevent them from discovering him and bringing him back to their home galaxy, where his dark genius would be put to use for a variety of infernal purposes. Ahriman then thought about Kelbor-Hal and his history.

It was well known, even to the most ignorant of the Imperium's people, that Horus started the Horus Heresy and plunged the galaxy into what it was today. But what most people neglected or cared about was that he held help in doing so. As powerful as the traitor legions were at the start of the heresy, they couldn't have been able to wage war effectively without the aid of their mortal servants of the Imperial Army and the Dark Mechanicum, led then by Kelbor-Hal, the founder of the Dark Mechanicum, a dark and twisted, Chaos-aligned version of the Adeptus Mechanicum.

Kelbor-Hal was ancient by the standards of mortals. Keeping himself alive through advanced technology now lost to both the Chaos forces and the Imperium, Kelbor-Hal was there when the Emperor of Man made an alliance with the Mechanicus, who were relegated to only Mars at the time, with the then fledging Imperium. In exchange for keeping their independence and religion, which was about worshipping technology, the Mechanicus will become the primary producers of all war machines and advanced technologies for the Imperium as well as being the keepers of knowledge for anything relating to technology, whether it be heretical tech or not. As a result, no warship. No space station. Not even basic computer technology was able to be produced without the Mechanicums' say-so. At least legal technology anyway. Kelbor-Hal didn't like the deal at all.

From what Ahriman gathered, he knew little of what caused Kelbor-Hal to turn traitor in the first place. What he did know was the Kelbor-Hal never trusted the Emperor of Mankind. Where most of his fellow Mechanicum sisters and brothers believed the Emperor to be the Omnissiah, a physical manifestation of their Machine God, Kelbor-Hal saw him as a false prophet that wished to have the Mechanicum as tools for his empire and strip them of the freedom they had prior to his arrival. Despite this dislike, he became the Fabricator-General of Mars, becoming the head of the entire Adeptus Mechanicum. This enabled Horus to convince him to not only join his Heresy, but also acquire a large portion of the Mechanicum to join him as well. Ahriman didn't know what Horus offered, but it didn't matter. Kelbor-Hal joined Horus in his heresy and a sizable portion of the Mechanicum joined with him as well, becoming the first members of the Dark Mechanicum in the process.

Since the defeat of the traitors in the Horus Heresy, much like the traitor legions, the surviving members of the Dark Mechanicum fled to the Eye of Terror, where the Chaos Realm was at its strongest in the physical realm. Since then, they've become much like their loyalist counterparts, producing arms for their fellow traitors while also searching for all manners of advanced technology for their own infernal uses. But unlike their loyalist brethren, the Dark Mechanicum actively developed new technology or modified existing tech designs, whereas the Adeptus Mechanicum would see such things as heresy. Unlike the Adeptus Mechanicum, however, the Dark Mechanicum had the same problem as the traitor legions. They were divided between various warlords and tech-priests.

The reason for this was that no one knew what happened to Kelbor-Hal after the Heresy. After attending one final meeting with Horus during the siege of Terra, which was the deciding battle for the entire heresy, no one had seen Kelbor-Hal since. It was known that he was amongst those that escaped the battle after Horus' death, but any news of him even being alive is unknown to even the most experienced psykers in the Thousand Sons. Not even Magnus had news of his continued existence. So, for the most part, everyone assumed he was dead, faded into obscurity like a great many things since the heresy. But today, that all changed. Kelbor-Hal was not only alive, but he was here. In this galaxy. Such a turn of events was something that Ahriman was not prepared for, but was willing to take advantage of it. Turning to his fellow warlords, Ahriman saw that they had the same ideas as him.

Volmas was pondering on how to best use this information to the benefit of the Iron Warriors. While the Iron Warriors produce most of their own weapons and armor, they still deal with the Dark Mechanicum from time to time, usually for the production of weapons even they can't produce. No doubt Volmas is likely planning on bringing Kelbor-Hal back home so the ancient Tech priest can produce weapons, both forgotten and new, for the Iron Warriors. Such value would bring him much praise and grudging respect from his legion. Perhaps even allow him to become a daemon prince of Chaos, the most sought-after prize for all Chaos Marines. To attain immortality like the daemon Primarchs as a daemon of Chaos.

Xyphas was silent as he pondered about this information. Ahriman wasn't sure if the Alpha Legion had a plan when they've discovered Kelbor-Hal was alive or not. And he wasn't sure if he should leave Kelbor-Hal alone with any Alpha Legionary. The Alpha Legion was a wild card that he disliked. Neroth, meanwhile, was likely planning on bringing him back to the Eye of Terror for Abaddon. The Warmaster would no doubt be pleased to have Kelbor-Hal back into the folds of Chaos. With his legendary reputation and ancient knowledge, there was no doubt that Kelbor-Hal can produce weapons of mass destruction that will benefit the Chaos Marines immensely. He can even produce them ancient Imperium designs now lost to all, even the weakening Imperium, that are not prized relics for any Warband. Just like what Volmas wanted as well.

As for Ahriman himself, he wondered if this was part of his master's plan all along. For him to find Kelbor-Hal and bring him back to their galaxy. Such was Tzeentch's way that his plans were so multi-layered and so random that no one was able to figure out what the true intent of his plan was until it was too late. Thinking about it, Ahriman could only imagine that there was more to this than his other Chaos Lords think. There must be more to this. He was sure of it. Tzeentch must gain more from this operation than just more Chaos Marines dedicated to the Changer of ways. Or was that what the Chaos God wanted him to think?

Whatever the reason or goal of Tzeentch, he knew what he must do. He must acquire Kelbor-Hal for the Forces of Chaos. The power and potential he can bring to the Forces of Chaos are beyond imagining. As a result, he spoke to his fellow Chaos lords.

"Then it's clear that we must find Kelbor-Hal and bring him into our fold." Said Ahriman. "He is far too valuable to all of us and Chaos as a whole to be left behind in this galaxy."

"Agreed." Said Volmas before looking at Neroth. "Have you uncovered the location of Kelbor-Hal from the Eldar prisoner?"

"Sadly no." Said Neroth. "It appears even that Eldar does not know the location of Kelbor-Hal."

"I see." Said Xyphas, gathering this information for future references. "Then I will have my brothers search for Kelbor-Hal's location themselves as well as try to locate more Eldar for us to interrogate. Preferably one of their leaders."

"Do so." Said Ahriman. "In the meantime, we must continue on with our original objective. Raiding and gathering more suitable subjects to transform into Astartes. However, should we find where the Eldar make base, or more importantly, the location of Kelbor-Hal, we shall deal with either one immediately." Everyone agreed to that. One for the potential damage they can do to their operations and the other for the potential rewards that bringing the ancient tech priest to Abaddon can give them. With that, the meeting was adjourned, and everyone left for their own devices.

Meanwhile

Fehl Prime

Terminus Systems

Deep within the Terminus Systems, the human colony world of Fehl Prime was receiving another shipment of supplies from the Systems Alliance. Normally such things would not be commonplace for a human colony in the Terminus Systems, but a program had been recently instituted by the Systems Alliance to improve relations with the human colonies in the Terminus Systems. As a way to show those colonies, who typically comprised of humans that disliked the Systems Alliance for a variety of reasons, that they have their interests in mind.

Many colonists, however, saw this as simply an attempt by the Alliance to acquire the resources the colonists inhabited for both themselves and the bureaucrats back at Earth and the inner human colonies. Still, many colonies accepted the program as the resources they acquired from the Alliance, usually in the form of hard to acquire supplies, were too good to pass up. The Systems Alliance, however, didn't need the program in order to have good relations with the colonists of Fehl Prime. In fact, they already had good relations with them since the colony was founded.

The reason for this was because Fehl Prime was a goldmine in essential pharmaceuticals for both the Systems Alliance military and those within council space. Thus, it was a world of strategic importance for the Systems Alliance.

As a result, a patrol was dedicated to protecting Fehl Prime and its entire system from coming under attack by pirates or other criminal elements in the Terminus Systems. In addition, kinetic barriers had been provided to the colony from the Systems Alliance to keep the barrier safe from attack until the patrol can arrive to relieve them from any harm. Such relief would come in the form of several special forces' squads dedicated to the protection of Fehl Prime. All of this made Fehl Prime the most protected human colony in the Terminus Systems, something that made other human colonies envious of them as well as utilizing them as proof that the Alliance cared only for what the colonies provided instead of the people. Despite this, the people of Fehl Prime were grateful for the Alliance and their aid, especially what happened two years ago during an attack by the Blood Pack.

Two years ago, a sizable group from the Krogan Blood Pack mercenary band attacked Fehl Prime in order to plunder its resources for themselves. The group was rather underequipped to deal with a dedicated military unit, but against the untrained and inexperienced colonial militia, what they had was more than sufficient to deal with Fehl Prime's colonial defenses, minus the kinetic barriers provided by the Systems Alliance, which gave the colony enough time to send out distress to the Alliance patrol nearby, who sent out their complement of Special Forces to relieve the colony just before the Blood Pack managed to enter the colony after breaching its barriers. Despite the near-total loss of the entire Special Forces complement due to poor planning and lack of intel regarding the Blood Pack's anti-air capabilities, the colony was saved with minimal civilian fatalities and casualties, earning the Alliance the gratitude of the colonists of Fehl Prime, which they used to quickly establish better defenses and a better colonial garrison for the citizens of Fehl Prime, supplemented by the surviving Special Forces soldiers. One of these, special forces troops were surveying the final installments of the new Kinetic barrier emitters provided to the colony by the Alliance.

This soldier was James Vega, a Special Forces soldier that was instrumental in defeating the Blood Pack two years ago. When his commanding officer, Captain Toni, was forced out of action due to the botched landing attempt against the Blood Pack, Vega took command of the surviving Alliance soldiers and wiped out the attacking Blood Pack, leaving one survivor. As a result of this along with his leadership skills, Vega was given a medal along with personal praise from Admiral Hackett and councilor David Anderson himself. He also earned the respect and generosity of the humans of Fehl Prime for saving their colony and their loved ones, something that James always took in stride. He was just doing his duty, he didn't need more praise or be considered a hero. Commander Shepard, after all, took all the praise he got in stride and humility, saying he was merely doing his duty.

"Copy that, Kamille." Said Vega after he finished installing the new barrier emitters. Once that was done, he overheard one of his squadmates, Nicky, calling him sir. "*Chuckles* Nicky, I keep telling you this, you don't have to keep calling me sir." After wiping his hands, Vega overheard the conversation between his squad concerning the installment of the new barriers as well as the recent installment of the colony's new Mass Accelerator cannon. After hearing about the rumors regarding the missing colonies, Vega put in his two cents in the conversation.

"Yeah, I heard about those rumors." Said Vega. "I tried asking division as well as high command, but no one wants to talk. Officially, the response from command was, "no comment." That earned a scoff from his sniper and resident-wise guy, Milque.

"Why act so surprised Vega?" Asked Milque as he crossed his arms. "Command doesn't bother talking with grunts like us. We got to read between the lines." He then spoke up regarding everything. "Here have some military barriers and a big gun. Now shut up. That's what they're saying. Probably some conspiracy with Cerberus they're trying to keep under wraps." Though James Vega knew about Cerberus and their reputation, he didn't feel like this concerned them at all.

"Nah, this doesn't smell or feel like Cerberus, Milque." Said Vega through the comms as he looked at the security station above him, where his entire squad was. "Doesn't fit their typical style." Vega would have continued this conversation when a few colonists yelled out over to him, tossing him a drink with a smile. As the man went on to converse with the colonists, the rest of his squad continued the conversation.

"Even if isn't Cerberus behind everything, you have to admit, it's a bit concerning." Said Nicky as he looked at his squadmates. "I mean entire colonies going missing without a trace. That's something that's going to scare anybody." Milque just shrugged as he observed Vega talking with the colonists.

"Like I said, Cerberus conspiracy." Said Milque. "Pirates can't take out entire colonies. Not without raising alarms. And there's no way the Shadow Broker is into human trafficking. And let's not talk about those four-eyed bastards. It's Cerberus. No doubt about it. They got the know-how to pull it off as well as the resources if the rumors about them are even remotely true." It was then that Kamille, the only female member on the squad, spoke up.

"Even if Cerberus is responsible, why the hell would they kidnap human colonies?" Asked Kamille as she embraced her boyfriend, Mason, their pilot. "Isn't their motives to protect human colonies?"

"That's right." Said Nicky. "Though if the rumors concerning admiral Kahoku are true, then their definition of protecting humanity isn't exactly in line with the Alliance's definition." It was then that their biotic, Essex, spoke up.

"Well whoever is out there kidnapping entire colonies, they better not come here, otherwise they'll have to face me and my guns." Said Essex cockily with a smile. Kamille rolled her eyes at that and was about to respond when they heard on the radio their C.O.

"Marines, control has detected an anomaly arriving in the system." Said Toni as he spoke to them in the administrative building for the colony. "The energy spike is massive and doesn't match any known frequencies. Have the cannon on standby and await further orders." With that, Toni ended the call, leaving everyone bewildered.

"Well, fuck." Said Milque with a shrug while Nicky began charging up the Mass Accelerator cannon. "Guess we're going to find out who's responsible for those missing colonists."

"I don't like our chances if that's the case." Said Kamille as Nicky readied everything. "We got like, what, two dozen trained marines and a handful of colonial militiamen? Not exactly good odds against an unknown thing that's taking entire colonies."

"Yeah, but what can we do?" Asked Milque. "Follow procedure and go into hiding? Fuck that. There's barely anything actually edible on this planet for humans. Plus there are few places we can actually hide out there. If an invasion force comes, we're hosed."

"Call me pessimistic, but I gotta agree with Milque on this." Said Mason. "So we better hope that it's not what taking entire colonies out here." Kamille had to agree with that. So did Nicky, although somewhat reluctantly.

Meanwhile

Arra'kon

"Human colony of Fehl Prime, respond now." Said an air caste communications officer as he tried, again and again, to contact the Fehl Prime colony to no avail. Arra'kon, who was on the bridge of the battleship Tears of Mu'Gulath, stayed silent for a moment before speaking up.

"Cease attempts, comms officers." Said Arra'kon, gathering everyone's attention. "There must be something jamming their communications. Scan the planet for any anomalies as well as scanning for sentient life." The bridge crew did as instructed. Arra'kon waited until the information was relayed to his battlesuit, of which he was inside already in the off-set chance that the Batarians arrived before they did. When it was relayed, Arra'kon narrowed his eyes.

While the planet did indeed have a sizable human presence in one location, there was one anomaly within the entire planet. One that was interfering with known Alliance communications frequencies.

"Commander, we detected one anomaly on the planet." Said one air caste pilot. "Its energy signature matches that of known Collector signatures."

"So the Collectors have found a new target for conquest." Said Arra'kon, stunned somewhat with this revelation. They must have recovered swiftly from their failed trap if they're already sending out ships to capture human colonists. While Arra'kon had a sizable force behind his one battleship and its escort of two cruisers and six escort ships, he knew it was best to relay this information back to the Enclaves as the Collectors are their first and foremost enemy at the moment. After ordering the captain of the Tear of Mu'Gulath to relay this information to Commander Farsight as quickly as possible, he also gave orders to prepare the grounds forces for rapid landing operations on the planet.

"We're launching an invasion, sir?" Asked the Air caste captain in alarm. Arra'kon shook his head at that.

"No." Said Arra'kon before explaining himself. "Soon, both the Batarians and the Collectors will arrive on this planet to either take the human population for their masters or to kill them. If they are to stand a chance, we must help them. However, to calm them, I will go in only one transport. From there, I will try to convince them to allow us to deploy our forces around their colony. It's the only way to save them."

"But sir, there's a chance that the humans may." Arra'kon interrupted the captain.

"I know." Said Arra'kon. "But that is a risk I'm willing to take." With that, Arra'kon left the bridge to assemble a proper security force for one of the Eight as well as a proper transport as well.

Fifteen minutes later

"Captain Toni! We got an unknown signature coming from orbit!? Yelled a marine as he checked the colony's long-range scanners. Captain Toni cursed upon hearing that. They had just figured out what was interfering with their long-range communications equipment and now this. They just can't get a break today, can they?

"Can we get a visual?" Asked Tony as he walked towards the marine, monitoring the long-range scanners.

"It's appearing right now, sir." Said the marine before showing captain Toni and high detailed picture of the target. Upon seeing the target, Toni had to take a step back to register the shock at what he has just seen. What he saw looked like one of the large Tau transports he's seen from the extranet and from pictures provided from the codex.

He knew about the Tau. Pretty much every being in the galaxy knew about them, he reckoned, beyond those who have been living under a rock of course. The only organic race that allied with the Geth and lived beyond the Perseus Veil. That and possessing some of the largest ships in the entire galaxy with enough firepower to make a Krogan envious.

He had watched the recording of the Tau meeting with the Council and their visits to the Citadel Council. He made sure every marine under his command did as they were stationed in the Terminus Systems. That meant they were the closest Systems Alliance presence to the Tau and that meant they had to be on their best behavior. It wouldn't do if his men started a galactic war because they didn't know anything about the new kids in town. That being said, Toni wondered why they were here in the first place.

"Can't be for resources." Thought Toni as the ship made its way to the planet. "There's something else and I got a feeling it's not good for us."

"Sir, the unidentified ship is trying to hail us." Said the marine, interrupting Toni's thoughts. "Should we receive?"

"Yes." Said Toni. "Respond professionally soldier. In case you forgot, that's a Tau transport. So try to avoid making an intergalactic incident, alright." Upon hearing all that, the marine gulped before nodding his head. As the marine responded to the Tau's communications attempts, Toni used his own omni-tool to contact lieutenant Vega and his squad.

"Vega, I need you and your squad to gear up." Said Toni, looking at the marine that was talking with the Tau, noting that he may need to intervene on account of the nervousness the marine was displaying. "I need you all on guard duty. We got some special guests today."

Later

After some communications between captain Toni and the Tau, it was agreed to land their transport near the colony's Mass Accelerator cannon as it held no adequate landing pads for it. That was where captain Toni was waiting along with Vega and his squad, all of whom were wearing their full equipment.

"Man, can't believe we've been relegated to guard duty." Said Essex as he hoisted his assault rifle on his back. Once it was magnetically sealed in place, Essex placed his arms over his neck.

"Yeah well, we're grunts. What do you expect?" Asked Milque as he inspected his assault rifle, wondering why he was given this when he was trained as a sniper. Better yet, why was he here with everyone else? He should be nicely hidden in a good sniping spot, away from any potential conflict.

"I would keep the wisecracking down, boys." Said James as he looked at the two in annoyance. "Now is not the time for us to make them. Not when we're about to meet with the newest arrivals to the galactic scene."

"Yeah and are also the ones with the biggest guns as well." Said Kamille as she stood at attention with Vega, rifle at the ready. "So, I advise you two to keep your mouths shut unless you like said big guns to be aimed down at all of our heads." That shut the two up as the four awaited with captain Toni, a few more marines, a dozen colonial militiamen, and the colony's head administrator for the Tau to arrive. Soon, they did and they all watched as a massive transport flew towards the colony and began landing near them.

"Hot damn." Said Essex as he looked at the large transport, amazed at its size. "You're not kidding when you said big. These guys compensating for something?"

"Stow it, marine." Said Toni, causing Essex to shut up. He, along with everyone else, was amazed at the size of the Tau vehicle, but he wasn't going to let that botch his attempts to be professional. Not when he's about to meet, for the first time, the race that got everyone talking about them for both their refusal to join the Citadel Council and for their alliance with the Geth.

The landing ramps to the massive ship opened up and soon two squad-sized worth of soldiers came out of the back ramp, wielding long-barreled guns and dark red armor, the signature color for the Farsight Enclaves, the Tau's government. After them a team of four heavy-mech-sized robots came out of the ship, wielding various weapons. These were Tau battlesuits. XV8 crisis suits if Toni recalled. Finally, another battlesuit arrived, one that was similar to the XV8 crisis suits, but larger and less bulky compared to them. Once that last suit arrived, the other Tau forces spread around the big battlesuit, marking it as the leader of the group and the one that Toni and the colony administrator had to speak to. Marching down to them, the large battlesuit stared down at them before speaking.

"Greeting, humans." Said the Tau in a mechanical-sounding tone. "I am commander Arra'kon, member of the Eight and advisor to Commander Farsight himself. May I ask your name?" Toni was surprised to hear the Tau's name. If he recalled correctly, Arra'kon was one of the big names in the Tau. If he's here, Toni dreaded to know what's the reason he was here in the first place.

"Yes, you can." Said Toni, taking command. "I'm captain Toni, commander in charge of the garrison of Fehl Prime. This is administrator Armstrong. He's responsible for the safety and wellbeing of the colony." Armstrong, a slim, but well-muscled man gave a respectful bow to Arra'kon, making him do the same to their surprise.

"Greetings." Said Arra'kon. "Though I wish we were to meet in more pleasant conditions, I'm afraid I did not come here without reason." Toni frowned at that.

"I see." Said Toni, preparing himself for what Arra'kon had to say, even if it's war with the Tau. "And what's the reason that you came here?"

"The Batarians have sent a fleet of warships to this colony." Said Arra'kon, shocking both Armstrong and Toni. "Our Geth intelligence units have confirmed this multiple times. A Batarian fleet is coming to this system." Toni couldn't help but shake his body in shock. The Batarians are sending a fleet here? Why? Don't they know that Fehl Prime was a colony that was protected by the Systems Alliance? Are they trying to start a galactic war?

"That's pretty big." Said Armstrong. "Forgive me for being skeptical, but why would the Batarians do such a thing?"

"That is something that even we are wondering as well." Said Arra'kon. "But our Geth allies do not lie, administrator. A Batarian fleet is indeed coming. Our estimates believe that they'll be here in two days from now. Commander Farsight knows that this colony is protected by the Systems Alliance and is a strategically important colony for Citadel Space. Therefore, he has deployed a force to assist your colony in its protection." That was a surprise to captain Toni. He knew that the Tau were, despite refusing to join the Citadel Council, had managed to procure a defensive alliance treaty with them. If any of the Citadel races were ever attacked, the Tau were to assist them as best they can and vice versa. He didn't expect that they'll actually take that seriously.

"I'm surprised to hear that, commander Arra'kon." Said Toni. "If the Batarians really are coming here, then we appreciate any assistance you can provide, especially if they're bringing a fleet here."

"So you will accept our offer of assistance?" Asked Arra'kon, already knowing the answer, but he wanted to hear it from the humans. Toni looked at Armstrong, who simply nodded.

"Of course." Said Armstrong. "If you are allies of the Systems Alliance, then we'll be more than happy to allow your people to help us, especially if it's against anyone that threatens our colony." Arra'kon nodded at that before speaking up.

"Then let us continue speaking in a more private setting." Said Arra'kon. "It wouldn't do to speak military tactics and deployment where people can eavesdrop."

"Agreed." Said Toni before asking Arra'kon to follow him and Armstrong to the colony's administrative building. Just before they left, Toni spoke to Vega, telling him about a situation concerning a strange anomaly out in some nearby ruins that their resident Asari archaeologist, Treeya Nuwani, was studying. He ordered him to take the squad and Treeya to the ruins to figure out what it is and deal with it before getting back here. Giving his C.O. a salute, Vega ordered his squad to follow him while he went to get their archaeologist. As his men left, Toni sped up to catch up with Armstrong and Arra'kon, hoping that the Batarians weren't sending a dedicated fleet to Fehl Prime. If they did, the political shitstorm wasn't going to be pretty.

Meanwhile

"Farseer, we've eliminated the alien vessel that was en route to the system in question." Said an Eldar Warlock as he addressed the Eldar Farseer on their ship.

"Excellent." Said the Farseer as she looked at her warriors. Two full squads of Eldar Guardians, the civilian soldiers of the Eldar. "With those pawns out of the way, there won't be anything that'll stop a conflict with the Mon-keigh and Tau with those naïve Xenos. If more coercion is needed, have a frigate on standby to destroy one of the alien vessels. That should be sufficient enough to start a war."

"Yes, Farseer. Your orders will be sent." Said the Warlock as he waited patiently for their ship to land so they can conduct the rituals to find their other kin, untroubled by the fact that his people were planning on starting a war that may cost thousands their lives. Such things mattered little to the Eldar at all, not when they hold the life of a single Eldar over the lives of thousands, even millions, from another race. Such is the arrogance of the Eldar.