Chapter 2.3 Arraignment on Nikaea

"Russ, why did you go this far? I had hoped we had settled this during our conversation before. I realise your concerns about Magnus but involving the Regent was far from the most diplomatic of solutions."

The Great Wolf sighed as he looked away from Sanguinius' accusing glare. Behind him Mortarion and Magnus were engaged in a heated argument. For a while it looked like one of the other brothers would have to intervene but the pair seemed content to keep their dispute on a low simmer, saving their strongest outrages for the trial itself.

"Look, Baal-son," said Leman Russ in a low tone, "Magnus has gone too far. We have seen and heard the things he and his legion do. It is not with the natural order of things. They stare deep into places they should not, and cavort with creatures that would make even Kurze look ordinary."

"If Magnus and his legion ever go beyond what is acceptable I shall reign them in," countered Sanguinius, "That is my role as Warmaster, to ensure the Great Crusade is prosecuted to the best of our abilities. Magnus' abilities are that of the ethereal. Yours are of the wild. They are not incompatible. Furthermore it does disappoint me that you do not respect my position enough to trust my judgement in this matter."

Russ looked back at Sanguinius with sad eyes, as one pitying a poor fellow who does not have the intelligence or wit to understand the basic truth and common sense that is well known.

"Baal-son. I do respect you, brother. I agreed with the decision that you should become our Warmaster whole heartedly. But this is a thing beyond the sword, this is a thing of the spirit. The Allfather has had many concerns about Magnus for many years. It has come to a point where it cannot be ignored any longer. We are here to get to the root of the matter and ensure prevention is done before further damage can be made."

"Father has never spoken to me of these concerns of Magnus, even as my role as Warmaster," defied Sanguinius, "And my legion, along with many others have been involved in the Librarius project. Do you accuse my sons too of cavorting with monsters?"

"No Baal-son. I accuse your sons of nothing. They are as brave and stout of heart as you, my Warmaster. But with what they touch there is a danger. Maybe it will strike today, maybe tomorrow, but as sure as the ice winds will come as the season turns, so will they fail."

"That remains to be seen," said Sanguinius, observing Malcador entering the through the archways of the great arena. The Regent of Terra carried all of his majesty like a fine ensemble, despite his simple robes of green, and with him came many others participating in the events on Nikaea. A representative of the Fabricator General on Mars, major figures from the Astra Telepathica, individuals clearly associated with the Navis Nobilite of the Navigator Houses. All individuals who had a stake in the matter at hand.

"Excuse me, brother. There are others I must attend to," said Sanguinius, parting from the Great Wolf who simply shook his head.

Sanguinius walked boldly up to the Regent of Terra, a fierce look in his eyes. The Regent simply smiled as he saw the approaching Angel without any surprise or confrontation.

"This is not quite the formal event I had envisioned," said Malcador calmly, "Seems more like a party at this moment. You have brought quite the levity to the event, Sanguinius."

"Malcador, why is this Council even taking place?" asked Sanguinius, ignoring the subtle jab, "You yourself make great use of abilities the Librarius wish to make use of. For what purpose do we sit in judgement on this? Do you and Father wish also to ban Navigators and render the Imperium a sub-light Empire? How can this borderline persecution of Magnus be permitted to go forward?"

Malcador chuckled at the words.

"My boy, you have your father's heart. I understand your concern for Magnus. But fear not, we are not taking him to the gallows just yet. The warp is dangerous. You yourself know how dangerous it is to put faith in visions. These glimpses of the future can be deceiving. By seeing the future and seeking to avoid it you may inadvertently stumble into the very pit you sought to walk around. They also give a lack of context. A vision, even one as clear as day can be understood to mean a certain sequence of events, where they may actually reveal to be something completely different."

Sanguinius sighed. Debating with Malcador was like trying to convince the tide to remain afar. The only man in the galaxy almost as cryptic and indecipherable as his Father. But where there was mystery there was also wisdom. Sanguinius could not deny that the Sigilite had a greater understanding of the universe than any of the Primarks.

"As always, Malcador, I cannot deny you words. There is danger in visions, and there may yet be dangers in the practices of the Librarius. But surely that as a reason to engage with the project, not snuff it out."

"We shall see, my boy," said the old man, "It is premature to declare what the final judgement will be. We have many points of view to be shared and many speakers to call. Many shall wish to remain anonymous and that will be granted."

"I will ask that accusations against Magnus and his legion directly be denied," said Sanguinius, "I will ensure all parties cooperate with this Council and its decisions regardless of outcome, even if that decision falls against Magnus and the Librarius project. I shall disband my own Librarius and ensure all other legions comply with the rule if it is determined to be the most just cause of action. But I do not want my brother or his legion's honour besmirched. If any wish to testify anonymously, especially if it done anonymously, they must make their points obliquely, with no direct references to Magnus or the Thousand Sons."

Malcador paused and leaned on his staff, as if giving the matter some thought. After a moment, he nodded and patted Sanguinius on the arm.

"Very well, my boy. I do not think that is an unreasonable request. As you say, this is not the trial of Magnus, we shall ensure our witnesses keep to the facts, be they supportive of your Librarius or warnings of the perils of the warp."

"Thank you, Malcador," said Sanguinius with some partial relief, "I am certain this Council can come to some understanding. Even if it involves some limits on the actions or teachings of the Librarius I do believe a rational middle ground can be found."

"I am certain the outcome will be in the best interests of the Imperium," said Malcador, "You must trust your Father and I in that any decision we make on such matters is not done rashly. We shall hear all the evidence, and come to a conclusion that best fits the risks and rewards of such actions. We cannot navigate the warp without Navigators and the Astronomican, you are correct. There cannot be an Imperium wide prohibition on psykers and their abilities in entirity. But the Astartes are the Imperium's sword, and we must establish whether psykers keep the blade sharp, or they corrode the steel from within."

Sanguinius nodded, saying, "I understand the concern. If a new weapon were handed to my sons from some unknown source, it would be prudent to ensure the risks of its use had been carefully examined. It is a shame you are sequestered on Terra, I would greatly appreciate your council at my side as Warmaster."

"You are more than capable than handling the burden alone Sanguinius," said Malcador smiling, a mischievous twinkle in his eye, "Your heart is the purist of all your brothers, otherwise you would have not taken offense on Magnus' behalf. Nor would you have tried to settle things amicably with Leman. Your Father can on occasion be rather heavy handed, but you my boy always tried to find the way to people's hearts before being reluctantly forced to wrath."

This caused Sanguinius an embarrassed smile, as he replied, "Thank you, Malcador."

"Perhaps I can provide someone to help guide you however," said Malcador, stroking his shaved chin, "Are you familiar with Kyril Sindermann?"

"Only by reputation," said Sanguinius, "He is an iterator of some skill. Rumour has it he even has your attentions, Malcador."

"It is indeed so," replied Malcador, "I do think he could be of use to you in your position as Warmaster. He has an excellent mind and could help ensure your generous nature does not keep you second guessing your own decisions, especially the difficult ones."

"If he comes highly recommended from you then I shall heed his council."

"Good," said Macaldor, smiling again, "Now you must excuse me Warmaster. I must make preparations for the Council. Try to ensure your brothers do not tear each other apart before the inquest begins, would you?"

Sanguinius chuckled and nodded.

"I will do my best, my Lord Regent of Terra."

Macaldor shuffled off in the direction the rest of the witnesses and key figures. Sanguinius turned back to see a collection of Astartes Librarians approaching. They came in a collection of different shades and hues. The white of the White Scars, the blue of the Ultramarines, the vibrant violet of the Emperor's Children, and more. A handful of his own Black-clad Sons of Sanguinius were also present in the gathering.

No Sons of Horus though, a deliberate decision by Sanguinius. Whilst many in the Sixteenth legion would have spoken on the Warmaster's behalf, Sanguinius had decided drawing more attention to the Sons of Horus would not be wise so early into their rebirth. The Sixteenth legion would remain neutral on this matter and abide by any rulings that came from the gathering.

The lead Librarian, one of the White Scars, bowed low before Sanguinius.

"My Lord Warmaster. I am Stormseer Targutai Yesugei. My Lord Jaghatai sends his greetings."

"Thank you for coming, Stormseer," said Sanguinius warmly, "And welcome to you all. Thank you for heeding my call. You may be asked to give testimony during this trial and I wished to speak with you all before doing so. It is my wish to understand your gifts, your beliefs and traditions, so that before the trial is concluded we can have a clear understanding of what the risks and dangerous of your skills are. I hope by the end to propose a Statute of Librarius Limitations which both ensure our joint passion of the Librarius continues, whilst ensuring there are established safeguards and minimum standards for all practicing Astartes psykers. I wish to also enshrine your rights to your own cultural traditions to avoid you having to conform to an ideal not suited to your backgrounds, for a Stormseer should not be asked to be the same as a Son of Sanguinius."

This was greeted with a warm reception from all present. An Ultramarine stepped forward next, bowing as had the Stormseer before him.

"My Lord Warmaster, I am Chief Librarian Promus of the Thirteenth Legion. My Father Roboute Guilliman sends his regards also. He has asked me to bring you this letter," said the Ultramarine, handing Sanguinius a role of parchment, "It is some idle concepts he drafted which he may believe be useful in establishing your proposed standards, and some arguments in favour of retaining the Librarius."

Sanguinius smiled at the scroll of parchment. This was Roboute to his core. Sanguinius had not once mentioned his idea for a Statute of Librarius Limitations and yet his brother's theoreticals had predicted such a document would be needed. He had even drafted some of his own proposals to add to the idea. Ever the politician, Roboute had to put his signature on everything. But at least this time it was welcome.

"Much thanks to you, Promus, and to your Father. Be sure to give my warmest regards to Roboute from me when you depart from this trial and return home."

"There is another matter I bring Lord Warmaster," continued Promus, "Roboute has send missives to many of his closest brothers in this matter. I am to report to you that it is understood that Lord Rogal Dorn, whilst he does not agree with the Librarius entirely, will not stand in the way of your proposals. He will remain neutral on the subject, provided your proposals ensure the safe usage of psykers within the legions. Lord Ferrus Manus will also abstain from sending any delegation either in favour or against the proposals. It is understood Lord Fulgrim was the deciding factor in his decision. Obviously Lord Russ is here now and is expected to testify against the project but given the situation he has probably lost a groundswell of support he may have counted on."

Sanguinius' eyes opened wide with surprise. This was above and beyond, even for Guilliman. He should not have been surprised, Roboute was one of the most reliable of brothers when it came to political matters such as this. But he was impressed at his diplomatic acumen. Both Rogal and Ferrus would likely have spoken against the Librarius had it not been for this intervention. With Sanguinius and Magnus both in person and in favour of the project, along with Russ and Mortarion against, the argument suddenly became a lot more balanced.

"Roboute is without a doubt the greatest son of Ultramar it has ever produced. Tell him I am forever indebted to him, Promus."

"I shall, Lord Warmaster."

Sanguinius waved a hand over towards Magnus to attract his attention. The red giant, who now appeared to be sulking in a corner after the end of his debate with Mortarion perked up and moved towards the collection of Librarians.

"It is time brother. Time to complete the Statute of Librarius Limitations," said Sanguinius as Magnus approached.

"If it must be done, it must," sighed Magnus, "Anything to prevent the dissolution of everything we have worked for."

"We do not have long, we will be working all through the night on this," said Sanguinius to the group as a whole, "Our enemy is not Russ, nor is it Mortarion. Our enemy is Fear. Fear of the unknown. Fear of the strange. Fear of the different. If we can assuage the fears of opponents, or at least those who are undecided, there is a chance we can walk away from this all with our heads held high. Remember this, as we write our Statute of Librarius Limitations, remember what it is for, and what it is to defeat. Victory over fear is the greatest victory of all."