RWBY 40k – Salem, Mistress of Inquisition.
[Theme: Shingeki No Kyojin Opening 1].
A symbol of a Salem's father kingdom flag could be seen on a wall.
"They're the prey and we're the hunters!"
The symbol is destroyed by an explosion, revealing the title "Salem, Mistress of the Inquisition" with under it written in gold "The Great Crusade", behind the title was the flag of the Imperium with the two eagles.
"And we're the hunters!"
The camera goes away a little of the title before turning to the stars.
"Gods ignorant of the trampled flower's name, the bird that fell from the stars takes her by the wind."
The next scene shows Salem marching on the land after leaving a grave. Her clothes changing from Remnant clothes to the Imperium's clothes. Her sons join her march, appearing one after another with their own family. All of their faces are serious.
"Even if you pray, nothing will be changed."
The next scene shows a horde of Orks marching inside a ruined human city. Followed by another scene of a Chaos Daemon incursion coming from a gigantic eye in the sky.
"But that which can alter the present is the resolution to fight."
An army of Luna Wolves is present inside of a courtyard with the flags of the Imperium. A cut shows them making the salute. The third cut shows them drawing their swords. The fourth cut shows them launching themselves at the Orks.
"Tramping over corpses, swine who mock the will to advance."
The next scene shows rapid images of the Imperium Propaganda against Xenos like Orks, Eldars, Rangda, Psybrids and other Xenos.
"Peace of the cattle and the prosperity."
Scene showing walls of human cities by explosion of the enemy artillery, with the middle showing the symbol of the Imperium.
"The freedom of the dead, hungry eagle."
The next scene shows Salem blasted away by the explosions shocked but composing herself in the next second.
"Our caged humiliation signals the start of our retaliation. Beyond the worlds, we're hunters that slaughter our prey."
Horus, Fulgrim and Magnus runs at the Orks and destroys them with the help of their Astartes while using their powers against them. Horus especially kills a Warboss.
"As these surging surges burn away our bodies, we ignite the dusk with a crimson bolter and bullet!"
The next scene shows the ramparts of a Hive City defended by both Rogal Dorn and Perturabo. Perturabo activates a cannon that he controls to destroy the Orks in his way. The next cut shows Sanguinius and Horus defending themselves against Xenos who towered at their same height, with heads resembling lumps atop their round torsos. Possessing long and thick arms with in the end three stubby fingers. The next scene shows Salem with her silver armour running and charges with her blood katana against a Bloodletter followed by a fading of the Imperium flag floating.
"And we're the hunters!"
The scene shows an Astartes running in slow-motion on an Ork. The next scene shows the Primarchs exiting their barges along with their Legion. In front the silhouette of the Emperor also running.
"And we're the hunters!"
In front of the coming army, a gigantic horde of Orks. And the overlapping army of Astartes coming to them. Before chaining with images of fight of Guardsmens against Xenos, Astartes against Xenos and the four silhouettes deep inside the warp accompanied by their daemons.
"And we're the hunters!"
Inside the overlapping images, the Brothers Gods are present, looking with contempt the guardsmens facing them. The next cut shows the map of the Galaxy covered by the blood along with the apparitions of uncountable names of different human planets.
The last three cuts show Salem, the Primarchs and the Emperor in their armour.
As the music reaches its final part, Salem, the 20 Primarchs along their whole family could be seen on a mountain gazing to the stars with their back turned from the camera.
[End of the theme and the generic].
Ep 56: The Altyes Campaign.
943.M30. Somewhere in the Galaxy.
While Salem was taking her vacations with her granddaughters. Lion El'Jonson was in the East of the Galaxy, a bit far from the Eye of Terror.
He was on the way on his ship, the Invincible Reason along with his huge fleet. A reunion was inside of bridge, with a hologram displaying a planet.
Lion El'Jonson: "So, we are going to the Altyes system. A thriving civilisation who has unfortunately fallen to the dominion of Orks who have enslaved them. So, the Rogue Traders Militant say to me that these Greenskins are very numerous and are building up since a century a big fleet and weapons. All signs shows that they are planning a huge WAAAGH. Destroying them immediately will prevent that the Orks from adjacent worlds to have the idea to do join the upcoming attack."
Dark Angel Chapter-Master: "It would be difficult…"
Lion El'Jonson: "So, we will focus our forces in one or several points. We will take over the facilities and other fortresses to deprive the Orks any materials. Here, here and here."
The hologram displayed three red points on the planet.
Lion El'Jonson: "A precise strike along with bombardment open our way on the surface."
Dark Angel Chapter-Master 2: "So what we do?"
Dark Angel Chapter-Master 3: "I think this is the new Chapter-Master of the Dark Angel will be leading one of our attacks."
Dark Angel Chapter-Master 4: "The one named Merir Astelan?"
Dark Angel Chapter-Master 3: "Exactly. He is a very brave and charismatic Astartes who has led several battles on our behalf and won every single one of them. His baptism of fire as a Chapter-Master from Caliban will lead us for victory."
Lion El'Jonson: "…"
Dark Angel Chapter-Master 2: "Something is happening, father?"
Lion El'Jonson: "Hm… I hope that he won't be influenced by Luther."
All of the Chapter-Master goes silent at this mention. A really heavy atmosphere has fallen inside of the room.
A knock is heard on the door.
Dark Angel Chapter-Master 3: "Enter."
A Dark Angel enter the room, with a scroll on his hand. He goes to Lion. The Primarchs takes it and opens it before reading.
Lion El'Jonson: "Good news, we have received a message from a Knightmare Relief force has arrived in orbit around the planet. Like I planned."
Dark Angel Chapter-Master 2: "What plan?"
Lion El'Jonson: "These Mobile Suit army will be used as a diversion. They will draw the attention of the Orks and leave their factories vastly undefended. Here, we can take over the factories and the fortresses."
Dark Angel Chapter-Master 3: "My guess is to send Astelan to one of the three major factories. Along with a force of Mobile Suits of the Knightmares. While the rest of the relief force could be used as a diversion."
Lion El'Jonson: "Are you really sure?"
Dark Angel Chapter-Master 3: "Absolutely. Astelan is someone that I frequented and this young Astartes one of the most courageous that I ever see. Give him a chance."
Lion El'Jonson look at the Chapter-Master for a moment then nodded.
Lion El'Jonson: "Very well. We will see if he is up for reputation."
Dark Angel Chapter-Master 3: "Thanks father."
A few days later…
The young Chapter-Master Astelan is entering inside of a Drop-pod, along with the captains.
Astelan: "We will go, now. Let's be brave Astartes! We will be dropped to the South Factory planet! The biggest and most productive factory of the planet. The Knightmares are helping us in our fight, let them do a barrage fire when they arrived!"
All chapter-captains: "Yes, Chapter Master Astelan!"
The drop pod closed while the Space Marines attached themselves on the armour of the drop pod.
Speaker: "Dropping in 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. Beginning operation!"
The drop pod is dropped and the Chapter Master feels his gut going up, he knows that he is falling on the sky.
He sees on the screen of the drop pod: 80 km. – 7 degrees Celsius.
The numbers are quickly descending in a matter of minutes. The drop pods are quickly falling inside of increasingly hot sky with the huge speed. Their shells becoming red of heat while the drop pods were trembling because of the air.
73 km, 900 degrees.
The sky on the small window was becoming more and more flat while the ground was approaching. The heat is becoming
43 km, 250 degrees.
The temperature on the shell was dropping rapidly but the shacking was becoming more and more prominent with the atmosphere becoming thicker.
21 km, 74 degrees.
The ground was so close now, Astelan could see the missiles falling from the sky from afar, going to the factory he couldn't see from the small window.
9 km, 21 degrees.
The drop pod traversed the highest clouds.
Radio: "The area is cleaned for the first engagement. A great part of the Orks horde has been driven from the Factory to the 32th and 45th Knighmares Regiment. Beware of the Runtherd and the Bad Moons."
Astelan: "Received!"
1,2 km, 25 degrees.
On the small window, the gigantic industrial city is seen going to the horizon.
Astelan: "Remind yourself for your duty, Astartes! Purge the Xenos and free the humans!"
The captains don't respond but Astelan feels their approbation.
700 m, 26 degrees. 500 m, 26 degrees. 300 m, 26 degrees. 100 m, 26 degrees.
BLAAAMMM!
The impact has an effect to strain the flesh and bones of the young Chapter-Master, under his helmet, he gritted his teeth. He was not quite used of this shock but with his upgraded mind and body, he quickly recomposed himself as the doors of the pod opened, revealing outside the metal ruins of the huge factory city.
Around him, the other drop pods fallen in their turn on the ground and their doors opened in turn.
Astelan quickly exited his drop pod with the captains of the Chapter, quickly a crowd of Astartes surrounded Astelan.
Astelan: "We have to take over of the city. Kill every Ork and other Grots on sight. Also, free the slaves at any given opportunity! Follow me!"
The young Chapter-Master quickly exited the crater and the Astartes began to engage the Runtherds who comes to them, along with the Gretchins and Snotlings.
BRAKAKAKAKAKAKA!
They continue inside of the streets of the city, the workers of all age's children to old men and women stared in disbelief for what is happening. They are hiding inside of the buildings, terrorized by this violence. No one is willing to help the Astartes.
Astelan: "Poor citizens."
The Dark Angels arrived on the main city square, here, there is many Ork Bad Moons who were coming from afar.
Astelan: "Align yourself. Prepare your weapons!"
The Dark Angels does the thing and form a double line.
Astelan: "Fire!"
The Bolters and other Plasma Guns are fired on the Orks, tearing in shred or vaporizing the Bad Moons coming to them. But the Runtherds and many more Gretchins are coming toward them. But also, a lot of Kill Blasta, Kill Bursta and Meka Dreads are coming from the avenues.
Bad Moon: "Boyz, slaughter these weird humies!"
Astelan: "I can't believe it! Fall back!"
The chapter slowly fall back in the avenue that they are coming from to not get in crossfire in the main square.
But then, the SK-1 Knightmares arrived and engaged the Mega Dreads and other Kill vehicles from the Orks.
One of the Knightmares, who is painted blue turned to the Chapter.
Pilot throught speaker: "We are here to assist you, lord Astelan!"
The Knightmare turned it's back and goes against the Mega Dread in front of him and fired his laser round, exploding the Mega Dread and killing the Ork inside before going after the other Kill vehicles.
Astelan: "Let's go, brothers!"
And so, for the next hours. The chapter lead by Astelan managed to push the Orks from the inner walls of the city but the rest was still outside.
He arrived on the battlements and he was about to give orders.
But then, he could see hundreds of bombs in the sky.
Astelan: "Fall back, it's gonna explode!"
Astelan jumps out of the battlement on a close house, and then, explosion blows up the exterior of the city. Cracking the walls and the house close.
When the smoke cleared, he goes on the battlements once again could see the desolation in front of him. The young Chapter-Master was shocked.
Astelan: "Wha… Why?"
Under the rumbles, humans and Orks are dead. No life could be found and the silence has fallen on the whole city.
Astelan turned his head to the sky, a big cruiser is hovering over the city. Under his helmet, he frowned for this.
A few hours later…
Astelan was assisting the inhabitants by destroying their chains but also comforting the ones who have lost their relatives in this fight. The Knightmares on their side are guarding the battlements of the city and shooting every Ork in spot.
Astelan was making a bandage to a child who has been injured, he sees in the sky a lot of barges coming. They have posed, their doors opened and a lot of Dark Angels arrived, with a lot of reinforcements.
The Chapter-Master arrived in front of him.
Dark Angel Chapter-Master: "We are here to reinforce your troops, Merir Astelan."
Astelan: "Hm… Thanks."
Dark Angel Chapter-Master: "Why are you in this mood?"
Astelan: "This destruction… it was really necessary?"
Dark Angel Chapter-Master: "It's sad but yes, it was. Don't worry, we will destroy these Orks will be destroyed and this planet will reborn."
Astelan: "… I hope it will end quickly."
Dark Angel Chapter-Master: "Okay."
In the next days, the main cities of the Altyes are captured by the Ist Legion and the Orks are slowly pushed back. But the campaign slowed down, more and more. Days becoming weeks and weeks becoming months to finally go to a whole year.
Astelan on his side always managed to try help the people and destroy the Orks who are plaguing every region and winning every battle against the Xenos.
In the middle of the year 944.M30, Astelan was on the valley in the south continent. Where the last base of Orks is located inside of mountain pass.
Lion El'Jonson leaded five companies accompanied by Astelan.
Astelan installed two bases surrounding the close city of Keltis, who was close to the valleys and canyons where the Orks are hidden.
He greatly helped of the reinforcement of the city, with the Knightmares installed on the battlements.
One day, he was waiting inside of his main base with his captains. Then, he received a call from the scouts.
Scout Hologram: "After what we saw. The Orks are launching a big WAAAGH toward Keltis. They are all exiting their hidings."
Astelan: "Hm… Good. I talk to our Primarch and we will intercept this attack. I hope that we will destroy great part of them and then focuses our efforts to attack in their core."
Scout Hologram: "We are waiting your orders."
The hologram close. Astelan opened the Hologram to contact Lion and the Primarch appear on it.
Astelan: "The Orks are launching a gigantic WAAAGH. They will reach Keltis in a few hours."
Lion: "I know. Astelan, don't move from your place."
Astelan: "What do you mean?"
Lion: "I have a plan to exterminate them: let them take over Keltis."
Astelan widened in shock, he couldn't believe what he has heard.
Astelan: "Wh… What?"
Lion: "You heard. Let them go the city."
Astelan: "But what about the citizens? You, my two companies are here to intercept their advance."
Lion: "No Astelan. Your purpose is to wait. When the Orks destroys the gates of the city and goes inside. You will trap them and exterminate them."
Astelan: "What?! You use the city as a bait?! But I believed we will weaken them by preventing to go outside and make an assault inside of their base!"
Lion: "It will take months to purge this area. I refuse to let you sacrifice the lives of hundreds of Astartes for nothing."
Astelan: "For nothing? There are five hundred thousand inhabitants inside of this city. Keltis is still trying to recover from the slavery of the Orks. And you want to me to let these monsters attack our citizens?!"
Lion: "A sacrifice worth for saving this world! I order you to stand down and wait order!"
Astelan: "I won't sacrifice the lives and I will not obey this kind of madness!"
He abruptly closed the hologram, furious for this kind of order he has received.
Astelan turned to his captains, who were shocked by this kind of orders.
Astelan: "So, someone who want to save this city?"
Everyone raised their hands.
Astelan: "Good. You are still my brothers. Let's go!"
The Chapter Master and his captains exited their office and goes to the radio room.
Employee: "Yes my lord?"
Astelan: "Ignite the Red Alert. A big WAAAGH is coming to Keltis and they will try to destroy the city if we do nothing."
Employee: "Yes, my lord!"
The Employee turned and activated the red alert.
Employee (through the speaker): "To the whole base and the other base! An imminent attack is coming toward Keltis! Everyone gears up! This is an urgency!"
Astelan: "Good."
The Chapter-Master exited the room.
Astelan: "No citizen will die today."
A few hours later…
The two assembled companies with a whole division of Knightmares are aligned in front of the coming Ork WAAAGH, who could be seen by a great smoke. Behind them from afar was the city of Kaeltis.
Astelan is in the front, extremely serious and eager to protect the people.
Astelan: "Prepare yourself…"
The Astartes pointed their weapons to the coming WAAAGH. Filled with thousands of Orks.
Astelan: "Aim…"
The Knightmares aimed their weapons toward of the Orks closing in.
Where they are only a few dozens of meters away.
Astelan: "FIRE!"
The Knightmares and the Astartes fired to the coming horde. Turning into shreds the first line but then, the second line arrived right to the first line of Dark Angels, who draws their swords and preparing to receive the blow.
And then, they clashed…
The Orks are fierce but the resistance from the Dark Angels was so strong that the offensive was halted and the battle becomes a fight of attrition.
Hours passed; the Dark Angels takes heroic loses before reinforcement from the next three other companies arrived on the sides.
But some of the Orks managed to run away before the reinforcements engaged with them. The rest are massacred to the last.
He turned to a dying Astartes who was on the ground.
Dark Angel: "We… have… won…"
Astelan: "The city is saved. You fought heroically."
Dark Angel: "Thank you…"
He collapsed his head, the Astartes takes his body away.
Astelan approached the other Chapter-Masters but these raised their hands and so, their Astartes pointed their weapons to their brothers of the companies.
Astelan: "I can't believe it… You cannot do that!"
Chapter-Master 1: "You have disobeyed the orders of our father. We cannot accept your insubordination. Our father is furious against you."
Astelan: "For actually caring about the human race we have supposed to protect? This is messed up…"
Chapter-Master 2: "No matter, our Primarch have already decided of your punishment."
Astelan: "What punishment?"
Chapter-Master 3: "You and your whole Chapter will go back to Caliban to teach new recruits. For the Knightmares, they have already served their purpose on the planet."
Astelan: "If our Primarch continues to do that to his own sons… Something bad will happen to all of us."
To their ignorance, they are recorded by one of the Knightmares.
Undercover Pilot: "The Corpus Inquisivitum? Yes, I am agent Karedius Ovidas. I am in the 47th Knightmare Division. Something… controversial happened in the Ist Legion."
A few months later, back in Terra.
Salem was facing with anger Lion El'Jonson who has just come back from his prolongated campaign on Altyes. Salem was dressed back to her usual robe of High Lady.
Salem: "I cannot believe you that you have done it…"
Lion El'Jonson: "What do you mean?"
Salem: "You know very well what happened. You tried to silence this case but the Corpus Inquivisitum has reported me this:"
He takes out a scroll from her robe before opening it.
Salem: "(Reads the scroll). The Primarch Lion El'Jonson have ordered to let the city of Kaeltis being destroyed by the Orks and use it as a bait to exterminate the Xenos. Astelan rightfully disobeyed the orders of the Primarch to save the citizens. As the other companies arrived, Astelan was banished along with the rest of his chapter to Caliban. (End reading). He has also recorded the conversation between Astelan and other Chapter-Masters. Now, respond to me."
Lion El'Jonson glared to his mother and sighed.
Lion El'Jonson: "I cannot afford to lose my Astartes and continues this campaign any further, this decision was the most helpful one."
Salem: "By sacrificing the lives of hundreds of thousands?! Are you mad?!"
Lion El'Jonson: "No! It was the most pragmatic one!"
Salem: "No! This is glaringly evil! You could just lose a few months by fighting a guerilla in these valleys and canyon who are quite accessible than doing that! Even Konrad Curze and Perturabo would not do that! They would have prepared an attack to destroy the Orks inside of these lands. Even if they have to lose a bit of the Astartes."
Lion El'Jonson: "So the lives of my Astartes means nothing to our citizens?"
Salem: "Of course they value. But the way you have done it completely messed up! Just… how could you?! You are a Primarch! Also, your way of dealing with disobedience is on my eyes are completely and overly harsh."
Lion El'Jonson: "What do you mean?"
Salem: "Every time some Astartes does something suspicious. Instead to first listen to him and then decide what's next. You just banish them without demanding what makes them do what happened?"
Lion El'Jonson: "I remind you that Luther doesn't tell me that a bomb was targeting us from Sarosh! We could avoid been surprised."
Salem: "I know. But instead of banishing him, you should have just given him a warning or at least, a temporary suspension. But fine, you banished him for at time. Then, when he has come back with his company to give a hand to Horus to the Zaramund Crusade. He showed his willingness to serve you anyway. And it was the perfect moment to reconcile yourself with you. And you have banished him again and taking all of the rest of his command. And you have humiliated him in front of everyone, including you and me!"
Lion El'Jonson: "My orders where clear: I cannot forgive and will not ever forgive what he has done to me. This is the same thing for the rest of the disobedient."
Salem: "And this is why I am disappointed. You are acting like a heartless chief with doesn't bother to worry about the lesser one. Don't be surprised if you have a lot of discontent inside of your Legion. If you want to avoid a betrayal, correct your ways right now!"
Lion El'Jonson: "If I am too laxist. The Legion will fall apart. I cannot do that!"
Salem: "I can't believe it… You are worse than Zorai. And he is a tyrant! But unlike you, he knows that if he wants to stay in place as the Phoenix King, he has to show his 'good will' towards his citizens and his own legion. And this is why the XIth Legion is a proud and united Legion. You, on the other hand, by overreaching by constantly bossing your sons around and react to any citizen from your own sons, part of your legion will simply leave you and abandon you."
Lion El'Jonson: "I have been betrayed many times before. I won't be fooled once again."
Salem: "You are fooled by your stubbornness. Continue like this and you will spark the flames of a great betrayal. This is for you own sake!"
The silence falls inside of the room. The two doesn't talk each other. Then, Lion talks once again.
Lion El'Jonson: "I have grown enough to be responsible. If there is a betrayal. I will take responsibility. Good day, mother."
He received in response a sceptical glare from Salem. He exited the room in frustrated steps, Salem was alone now.
Salem: "Lion…"
To be continued… The battle of Gyros-Thravian.
Jaghatai Khan, accompanied by the Luna Wolves legion goes to a war against the Ork Stellar Empire of Gharluk. But the battle is so difficult to lead that the Emperor and Salem arrived to help them.