(Chapter 5: A Meeting of the Matriarchs: Part 2)
It would be a few more days into the month of May on the mystery planet of Karakinos, as after Ben's meeting with the Matriarchs assembled to do so, he had agreed to meet with the rest of them to discuss an allied partnership within a few days time. Something that while the Ultimatrix wielder was more than fine with; was still a bit nervous about given that Morganna the Red's intrusive wants to know more about him, did put him off quite a bit, but nonetheless didn't deter him all the same.
(May 30th, 950, M30, 1:45 Pm, Matriarch Base, Karakinos)
It would be a quarter till 2 in the afternoon as Fulgrim, Konstance Kurze, and Lorna Aurellian were currently awaiting Ben's arrival, the latter of whom was excited to meet the person who was able to heal one of her firends/ and fellow Matriarchs.
"He and Furiosa should be here by now. What is taking them so long?" Konstance Kurze wondered as to what was taking him so long to get here
"To be fair, Konstance. He does have to bring Furiosa along, I know I would be too if I had to drag her anywhere." Fulgrim spoke with a haughty bit of laughter
"Maybe you could refrain from making fun of our sister, Fulgrim. From what Sekhmet and Konstance have told us, she is in much better straights than what she once was. Which is why, I would like to welcome her back with welcome arms, and not with disrespectful barbs." Lorna Aurellian said in defense of her sister and closest friend
"Oh come now, Lorna, surely by now you know that I am only making light until our 'beloved' sister arrives. I figured I could do something to lighten spirits before our guest arrives." Fulgrim said back in jest of the situation
"Speaking of him, I cannot wait to meet him. I want to express my thanks to him for having healed Furiosa from the Butchers Nails! Hopefully he is willing to help me with my works." Lorna Aurellian said in excitement of their honored arrival
"I'm sure he will be more than delighted, to hear what you have to say, Lorna. In the meantime, let us make sure that his first impression of us is the greatest it will be!...Thank the Emperor that Sekhmet did not have that beast of a woman or Mortarion, the less said about her the better." Fulgrim replied
"I do not think we will have to wait for much longer, Fulgrim." Konstance Kurze replied as she spotted a fast-approaching red, green, and black streak in the sky
Meanwhile, Furiosa was holding onto Jetray who as a fully grown Aerophibian had grown significantly as he was now a 16-foot-tall humanoid manta-ray with a onyx and ruby-colored body, with the four antennae on his face taking on a more lightning-bolt appearance, with his also wearing a chestplate and shoulder-pads of emerald and black, whilst the Ultimatrix rested on his left shoulder. The transformed 30-something and Matriarch making an incredibly swift landing a few feet away from where the trio of Matriarchs were awaiting them, with the Aerophibian in questions' landing nearly blowing them back a bit as he did so.
Wherein after Furiosa leaped down from Jetray's back did Jetray turn back into his human form in a brilliant flash of green light, where he was met with the sights of Konstance Kurze in a gothic-looking black dress, Fulgrim in a royal purple blouse and matching maroon long-skirt. But what further drew his attention was the sight of a woman who was as tall as Fullgrim, who had brilliant golden eyes, platinum blonde hair down to her jaw that combined with her excitable demeanor, her state of dress that had her look like a combination of youth pastor and high-ranking priest made her the most standout yet.
Especially, when she had what looked like golden runes tattooed or even branded across her eyes that stretched from her temples down to her jaw, as she went to go and embrace her sister in Furiosa, in excitement to see her once more; before ending the embrace to give Ben her full attention.
"You must be the one who bested Furiosa and healed her of her affliction! It is so good to meet you, my name is Lorna Aurellian, Matriarch of the Word Bearers!" Lorna Aurellian introduced herself to Ben
"I'm Ben, its nice to meet you too Mrs Aurellian. Also, it was no problem at all to help Furiosa out. She seemed like a nice person underneath all the rage and stuff. So in good conscience, I decided to do the best I could to help her out." Ben replied as he went to shake her hands
"And what a miraculous thing you've done. Truly you have worked a miracle thought to be impossible! If you have time after meeting with more of our sisters, and discussing our partnership with Sekhmet. I would love to have your help with my works, and share with you in the faith of the Imperium!" Lorna Aurellian said in exictement
"Sure, I don't see why I wouldn't. Sorry if I don't know all that much about your Imperium, I'm still new to everything since I landed here on this planet. But I would love to help out in anyway I can." Ben told the Word Bearers Matriarch who lit up like a Christmas tree at hearing those words
"Ooohhh, that is all wonderful to hear, and do not worry I will make sure to help educate you on the greatness of our Imperium and our Emperor! More importantly, I would love to hear how you preformed your miracle upon my sister. Such a thing was thought to be near-impossible even with our greatest healers." Lorna Aurellian spoke her golden eyes beaming excitedly
"Honestly, it wasn't all that difficult to pull off once I figured out how to get 'em out. The hard part was repairing all that lost brain tissue she had missing, because there was a lot to get back in order. But once I did, I was able to repair all the damage done. So now she's all good as new, she just needs to not do so much heavy lifting after I did intensive brain surgery." Ben explained in the condensed version of things
"Plus, I've had to do far more risky operations on others back home. Once you reattach someone's spine back together, replace their heart and kidneys; then brain surgeries aren't really that hard…Thankfully, I had some really, really great teachers to help me out." Ben further spoke in regards to having such teachers available to him
"All of this is truly remarkable to hear. Perhaps you could share more of your stories with me in the mean time. I would love to hear more of how you have preformed such miracles. Perhaps, we could even discuss how to better the Imperium and greater galaxy as a whole in due time. I have so many ideas on how to share the great works of the Imperium and the Emperor with those that have not yet converted…That is if you are willing?" Lorna Aurellian asked excitable as could be
"I would not mind at all, and honestly you have made a great 1st impression Mrs. Lorna. No offense to your sister Morganna, but she was really, really intense." Ben answered back in appreciation for the excitable priest-like Matriarch not being as intense or inquisitively overbearing as Morganna was
"Thank you, and I apologize for my sister's behavior. Morganna does mean well, but due to her being rather prideful and her believing that she knows better than us; a majority of the time. She has a tendency to put her foot in her mouth as it were." Lorna Aurellian explained the best she could to her red-skinned Psyker of a sister
"I know what your talking about and I understand that she means well. But she really could learn a thing or two about learning how to chill, and slow it down for a change when she talks to people...I don't know what you put in her coffee but it has to be something else. Because as much as I would love to talk more with her on things, she really needs to learn about personal space." Ben spoke in having found the Thousand Sons Matriarch to be rather…intense
"But other than that, all of you guys have been actually rather nice." Ben further spoke before waving over at the Night Lords Matriarch
"This is all great news to hear. Luckily enough we still have time before the meeting begins. Come, I wish to share with you all that I have been working on since we arrived on this strange planet...Furiosa, you are more than welcome to join if you'd wish. Now that you no longer feel the pain of the Nails, we can finally have the discussions we've been unable to for ages now.." Lorna Aurellian spoke as Ben headed inside along with her
"I will do so, Lorna. I have wondered what these works of yours are like…I hope you do not mind, but my surgery has still left my head feeling…strange. So I may not be able to focus for too long, without my head pounding as though I'm being blundgeoned by a Thunder Hammer." Furiosa replied as she headed alongside her sister and the shorter man
"That is all fine, I am still happy to have yours and your new friends' company." Lorna Aurellian said back merely happy to have her sister in better health now more than ever
"Well, will you look at that, Konstance. Furiosa went an entire 5 minutes without smashing things to pieces. It must be a new record." Fulgrim spoke as she watched the trio head inside
"All that matters is that things go well this evening. I refuse to let anything get in-between my visions with Ben coming to fruition." Konstance Kurze replied
"Is poor Konstance afraid that her fairy tale ending is going to be stolen by Lorna and Furiosa? I thought the great and dreaded Night Haunter wouldn't fear a bit of competition." Fulgrim chided playfully as the glowering stare of the shorter Matriarch turned toward her
"The only thing you should fear, is if my hands will not wring your neck in the next 10 seconds; if you decide to continue speaking in that manner." Konstance Kurze threatened her black and pink eyes almost telling Fulgrim to continue and see what happened
"Fine, Fine, far be it from me to jest at my little sister having a crush. Although, seeing how he and Leona fair with one another will be interesting. Especially now that she has a face to put to the one who embarrassed her weeks ago." Fulgrim said amused to see how such a thing would go
"The moment she tries anything against him, it will be her last." Konstance Kurze said back ready to fight for the soon-to-be happiness her visions promised her
"Careful Konstance, you know as well as I do that Leona is nothing to be trifled with." Fulgrim told her sister knowing how ferocious the Dark Angels Matriarch could be in combat as well as her cold, cruel temper
"I do not care. My happiness is finally assured with him as our potential ally, and I will let nothing stand in the way of it…Leona's sensibilities be damned, I will not let the first sign that I can be led to a joyful future be torn from me, I will not have it!" Konstance Kurze spoke in a bout of dark anger that Fulgrim recognized all too well
'Well, Ben Tennyson, we have barely known you for a few short moments and already you have made things interesting. Now you have my curiosity as to what else you bring about for my sisters.' Fulgrim said to herself interested to see what else Ben would cause to take shape
(4 hours later, Matriarch Base, Karakinos, 6:00 Pm)
Yet it wouldn't be long before the meeting to be was called as Ben was alongside those that were here to further deliberate the partnership between themselves and Ben, with those in attendance being Perturabo, Sekhmet Lupercal, Leona El'Jonson, Furiosa, Konstance Kurze, Lorna Aurellian, and Branwen Corax. Whilst Rogal Dorn was busy further fortifying/improving the base overall, Fulgrim, Jaghatai Kahn and Mortarion were out on patrol should any of the creatures on Karakinos make a sudden attack, whilst Morganna the Red was busy trying to send out yet another signal through the Warp; to her children or fellow Matriarchs for help.
'Man, this feels really intense. Not fighting the Highbreed, killing Z'Skayr a 2nd time, or the Chimera Wars intense, but definitely in my top 5.' Ben noted to himself as he took in the appearance of the Matriarchs he had yet to meet
From Branwen Corax who could pass for Konstance's twin sister minus the scars on her face and a less severe but more melancholic expression on her face, as her hair dark as ravens' feathers was done in a shoulder-length undercut. Who wore a black long-skirt, mesh arm covering that went up to her elbows, a black halter top with a cowl made of raven feathers, as well as various other raven themed adornments such as a necklace holding a ravens' skull across her neck, and a belt holding other small corvid skulls around her waist.
Leona El'Jonson who after weeks of struggling to get the damnable paint out of her hair, had managed to return it to its illustrious shoulder-length mane of brilliant gold, her piercing blue eyes, stern yet noble countenance, as well as regal facial features, and a face that was locked into a perpetual frown; made her look like a noblewoman who was more than ready to stride onto the field of battle as a crusader. Something that her casual wear made all the more apparent given that it looked like something that a cross between a nun and an noblewoman from Arthurian legends would wear, which while managing to reveal a decent amount of cleavage; did not detract from the aura of meance that felt as though a barely restrained beast was waiting to strike at a moments notice
Then there was Perturabo who was like her sisters was a statuesque woman in her own right, who wore her long brown hair in a coiling fishtail braid that went to her mid-back; her teal-colored eyes studying Ben as though he were some complex automaton. Yet her stern features and perpetually annoyed countenance were almost offset by her choice of casual wear which was an iron grey Greecian style dress, that was cut to make was for a pair of slate grey leggings, as well as hefty looking metal gauntlets on her arms that were made for the work of metallurgy and engineering; made her look like a Roman war goddess.
"First and foremost, thank you again for agreeing to meet with us, Ben Tennyson." Sekhmet Lupercal thanked the Ultimatrix wielder
"You guys were nice enough to meet me halfway, when I first me you. So the least I can do is do the same in return." Ben replied in not seeing much of an issue in doing so
"It is nonetheless appreciated…Before we start, I would like to introduce you to more of our sisters." Sekhmet told Ben
"The one giving you the evil eye is our eldest sister Leona El'Jonson; Matriarch of the 1st Legion, you have already met Lorna, to my right is Branwen Corax Matriarch of the Raven Guard and lastly is my dear sister Peturabo; Matriarch of the Iron Warriors." Sekhmet introduced her sisters as Leona continued to give Ben a disapproving glare
"You know I'm not apologizing for you getting paintbombed, right?" Ben asked back as he felt the aura of menace intensify it ever so slightly from the blonde crusader
"As long as you know that there will be consequences, the next time you pull such a trick against me. I do not care for your apologies." Leona El'Jonson curtly answered back
"Ooohhh, I'm shaking in my boots; whatever will I do against a rent-a-knight?…" Ben semi-mockingly said back unphased by the warning from said Matriarch
'He definitely has balls to back-talk Leona.' Furiosa said in respect for Ben's level of sass in the face of one of the most dangerous of the Matriarchs
"Careful of whom you speak to boy, we may need your help…But that does not make you exempt from being made clear of whom you are dealing with. You will do well to remember that in the future." Leona El'Jonson spoke her glare and demeanor piercing as a Bolter toward the Ultimatrix wielder
"I'm shaking in my boots...Unless, we're going to fight right here and now; then spare me the whole big-bad-crusader schtick. I've seen it a thousand times, and so far...not impressed with a bootleg knight with a bad perm and an even worse attitude." Ben retorted unphased by Leona's aura of menace as her glare narrowed with predatorily vicious intentions
"A duel can be arranged if you will not hold your tongue." The Dark Angels Matriarch spoke with the countenance of an apex predator ready to strike
"I believe it is best that we move on to another subject. We are here to discuss an alliance, not trade barbs between one another." Sekhmet interjected before tensions could rise
"Fair point. Anyways, Sekhmet told me that you guys are stranded here just like I am?" Ben said as most nodded in conjecture of this statement
"Well, I am nearly a quarter of the way done with a ship I've been working on…Although, now that I've agreed to helping all of you get out of here, I'm going to need help to remodel it and make room for the 12 of you plus myself. Which is why if any of you are great with machinery, then that would be wonderful." Ben further spoke
"I am by far the greatest of us all when it comes to works of machinery and engineering. Therefore, it only the most logical that I would assist you in building your ship...But with all due respect, why are you going out of your way to help us? We are strangers to you, and yet not only informing us that you are in the process of creating a ship to leave this planet. Yet in addition, are willing to aid our escape and return to the Imperium is confusing; when most would leave us behind without a second thought." Peturabo spoke up before focusing her gaze further on the young man trying to suss out what his next move would be
"That's just because I was raised to be a good man and help others…There isn't really anything other than doing the right thing, which is to help people when and if I can…I helped your sister even though she tried to kill me; when she was hopped up on that nasty bit of tech. So I don't see why I wouldn't go out of my way to help all of you, when you are who knows how many light-years away from your homes." Ben replied as though it were the simplest thing in the world
"I don't see why I wouldn't. Besides, Furiosa has been pretty alright since I fixed her up, Konstance seems like a sweetheart, and I already like Mrs Lorna so far. So I don't really see a reason why I wouldn't help all of you; when so far you have been nothing but nice to me." Ben further spoke
"Ahhh, thank you, you are too kind." The Word Bearers said happy that their new ally already liked her
"Of course, you have been great to talk to so far, and I wouldn't mind talking more with you when I get a chance." Ben replied to the Word Bearers Matriarch who looked absolutely ecstatic
"I would be delighted too, oh this is going to be absolutely wonderful!" Lorna Aurellian cheered
"My sisters' excitement aside, what do you have to gain from this? Even if you do manage to get us off-world, what is your next plan of action?" Branwen Corax queried
"It's just like I told Furiosa. I want to help out in any way I can; since she told me your doing a crusade to unify the galaxy, and protect Earth…So if I can pitch in, and help protect my home planet from aliens; then I am sold! I may not be from your Imperium or know where or when I am, but what I do know is that if the safety of my home is on the line. Then it is my job to help protect it and all her people, regardless of what it takes to do so, as I am a hero and a heroes' duty to protect is never done." Ben told the Raven Guard Matriarch and all Matriarchs present who had to give credit where it was due for his resolve
"That is incredibly noble of you, and I can respect your desire to help and protect those on Terra. But what of those across the Imperium overall, and those that span the greater galaxy? If you are to work alongside us and our legions, as Furiosa has told you about. Then you would have to aid in defending them as well." Branwen Corax further asked
"Branwen does present a good point. We are tasked with defending numerous star systems across the Imperium, and are forced to engage with threats both human, Xenos and otherwise…So you must know that,what you will face if you are serious will be nothing short of daunting. What we and our legions face regularly, can bring even a trained soldier of the Imperium to heel. Therefore, it would be a regrettable decision if I didn't bring this to your attention." Sekhmet Lupercal spoke
"Mam, what you are describing are things I have been doing since I was 10 years old. Fighting against aliens, supervillians, people with advanced tech, and so on and so forth; is nothing new to me. So whatever you're going to throw at me, I can handle just fine…There is nothing out there, that I will not be ready for." Ben told the leader of the Luna Wolves unphased by her warning
"So I'll take it once and I'll say it again. It doesn't matter what's out there, I will handle it like I had back home, one transformation, blaster, gravity hammer and so on at a time." Ben replied as the Lupercal smirked and Branwen looked on approvingly as did an inspired Lorna
"Then I will hold you to that, Tennyson. Your valor and resolve are impressive for a Terran but, when on the battlefield is a different story altogether." Sekhmet Lupercal said
"I wish to interject, and ask what he meant by when he is? What year do you think this is exactly?" Perturabo questioned her scrutinizing gaze never leaving
"The last time I checked, it was September 20th of 2025. Is that going to be a problem?" Ben wondered as the Matriarchs in question had varying looks of surprise at hearing that
"Y-You're from before the Dark Age of Technology?" Lorna Aurellian asked almost stupefied
"I don't know what that is, but yeah I'm from 2025. What year am I in, it can't be that far ahead of my own time…can it?" Ben questioned once more
"Ben, you are in the 31st Millienium." Answered Konstance Kurze to a now greatly surprised Ultiamtrix wielder
"I'm how far into the future…D-Did I just hear it right that I'm 30,000 years in the future?" Ben asked legitimately dumbfounded at being so far flung into an alternate future
"That would explain why he does not know of the Imperium, or our father. He is from a time where the concept of what we are, the Emperor or the Imperium; wasn't conceived." Furiosa spoke as Ben was now currently processing this fact in its entirety
"This both complicates things and makes them that much more of a unique circumstance entirely." Sekhmet Lupercal replied as she looked at the Ultimatrix wielder
"I hope that this doesn't change anything in our arrangement. I know that this is…difficult for you to take in that you are so far-flung into the future. But rest assured we will do what we can to help you adjust to your new set of circumstances one we return to the Imperium." Sekhmet spoke in sympathy for the young man in question
"No its' fine…Honestly, this is not the first time I've time traveled…it is the first time I've been slingshot this far across space-time though…Especially, when I'm who knows where from my family and comrades back home." Ben informed the Matriarchs
"You have traveled through time before?" Lorna Aurellian asked with almost childlike wonder
"Mhmmm, I've met my future self before who knows how many times. I've traveled to timelines where I've had to stop aliens from making horrible versions of my present come true, and travel to alternate futures where…Things went horribly for mankind overall…some that I'd rather not talk about for my own personal sake." Ben replied in remembering 'those' certain chronal adventures all too well
"Would you be willing to share these stories with me? If you were capable of doing something so miraculous, then it would do wonders for the advancement of mankind…Finally we could learn more about our long since buried past!" Lorna Aurellian requested in now fascinated with what Ben had witnessed in said misadventures that would help her in furthering her works
"I don't really mind doing that at all, in fact, I never thought I would be able to share those kinds of stories with anyone…I just ask that you respect that there are somethings I want to keep close to my chest for personal reasons." Ben said
"Of course, I completely understand. Nothing that I record or talk with you, will be done without your consent…I am just so excited that I can interview and learn from someone, when Terra was still new to the galaxy at large." Lorna Aurellian said back nearly bouncing in joy
"Your being out of time aside, boy. What do you want from us in our partnership together? I doubt that you are doing this without some manner of concessions involved." Leona El'Jonson inquired
"I have talked with Sekhmet here about the majority of them. But the others that I want met, are what I came here to discuss today. All I need is your collective word, that your fine with it, and we are good from there." Ben answered back
"And what are your concessions?" Branwen Corax questioned
From there Ben told them of the concessions he had in desiring to build whatever weaponry, machines, and the like needed to help against whatever threats may come, in building the ships needed for defenses, as well as building any new weaponry for them as needed. Alongside with Sekhmet's, Furiosa's and Konstance's vouching of his transformations and his use of them to protect himself as needed from various threats and to aid himself and the Matriarchs in the future, and lastly that he be allowed the use of his abilities and gear to assist them, their legions, and the creation of weaponry to defend himself as needed down the line.
With the concessions being agreed upon due to the fact that; for the chance to no longer be stranded on this planet; that Ben's requests and the retaining of his autonomy to do so; was relatively small when he was offering to improve their weaponry and defenses; in exchange for something that was by all means altruistic. As such the meeting would conclude with Ben's solidified alliance with the Matriarchs, wherein the young Ultimatrix wielder was about to return to his safehouse with Furiosa in tow, but not before he was stopped by the Matriarch of the Raven Guard before he would turn into Jetray once more
"What can I do for you, Mrs. Corax?" Ben asked the pale-faced woman
"I wanted to ask, what drives you to go out of your way to be a hero? You mentioned that you had been fighting against Xenos and those wielding advanced technology since you were 10 years of age…I want to know why you continue to do so, in the face of odds that would overwhelm any other?" Branwen Corax questioned her eyes of solid shadow staring into Ben's bright green ones
"That's easy, I was taught by my grandfather that the only reason you need to do good in the world. Is because it is the right thing to do, and that to stand by when I have the power to change things for the better would be to waste all that I'm capable of…Besides, I'm pretty much obligated as a superhero to fight for the middle-man out there that doesn't have superpowers." Ben told said Matriarch
"Someone has to stand up to make a difference out there. What better than the person who can turn into over a hundred different aliens that can take on just about anyone…That and the guy who can build plasma cannons, that can blow right through a bunker no problem." Ben further spoke
"That is rather interesting to hear…It is not often that I hear many humans wanting to fight against evil for reasons as selfless as yours." Branwen Corax replied in admiring Ben's reasons for doing so
"What about you, Miss. Corax? Don't you have a reason other than this Crusade to fight for people?" Ben asked as said Matriarch had a wistful look in her eye
"Yes…I fight for the people of the Imperium, so that they will never be in bondage as my people suffered. The people of the Imperium deserve someone who even from the shadows themselves; will fight for their right to peace, prosperity and freedom. That is my reasoning for why I fight alongside my Legion…the people in the greater galaxy deserve such freedom, and I wish to deliver it to them no matter the cost." Branwen Corax answered back with a level of idealistic hope that had Ben crack a smile
"If that's the case, then I've got a good feeling that we're going to get along just great. I just know it." Ben said as he turned into Jetray and allowed Furiosa to climb onto his back
"But until we meet up for more visits, then Furiosa and I will see you later." Jetray told the Raven Guard Matriarch before flying away with such speed that her hair was blown back
"...I know you are there, Konstance. You may be able to hide from everyone else, but not from me." Branwen Corax spoke as Konstance slunk from out of the shadows
"What are your intentions with him, Branwen?" Konstance Kurze questioned
"If you were concerned that I was going to harm him. If anything, I wanted to ask him a question. A question that let's me know that for now…he is a good man at heart. One that will do the Imperium well to have in our ranks, if he is true to his word." Branwen Corax answered back with interest in the Ultimatrix wielders' character
"And what do you think of him?" Konstance Kurze questioned once more her eyes almost seeming to glow in the night
"I think that he has a good heart, one that intends to be the hero he claims to be…While he may be from a time before the Imperium and our father was the master of mankind. He may be what is needed to help better the Imperium overall." Branwen Corax answered back as she turned to face her fellow Matriarch
"You and I both know that for all the good that we and our legions have done during the Crusade. That we are lacking in a true hero to help rally the people of the Imperium behind…Sekhmet for all her charisma and force of personality can only do so much, as well as Sanguinius as the Imperium's beloved daughter. What is needed is someone that even the common man can rally behind and see as a true hero, to fight beside, someone that still has the humanity that our father has long since cast aside." Branwen Corax further spoke
"Which is why, we must keep him out of our fathers' schemes as much as possible. He may be a powerful man, who wishes to unify and better humanity as a whole toward a greater future. But as you said, he lacks humanity, compassion, and the ability to care for others as you would for your sons, and those in the Imperium care for their fellow man. Yet in Ben, I have seen it in my visions that he epitomizes what humanity is or rather was during his time…and that…that needs to be protected no matter what." Konstance Kurze replied in seeing all of what Ben could become needing to be defended against the heartlessness and callous cruelty of their father
"For once, Konstance. That is something we can both agree upon." Branwen Corax said back
"At least we are of the same accord, 'sister'. However, we must tell him the truth soon enough. We cannot deny him that forever of what the Imperium and more importantly Terra has become in the centuries passed from his time." Konstance Kurze told Branwen
"I agree, yet as it stands that is Sekhmet's duty to inform him us. Which is why I will stay my hand until we ready ourselves to leave this planet. If she has not told him the truth by then, then I will do so myself…He has agreed to help us of his own volition, while requesting so little out of us in turn…The truth is the least he is owed." The Raven Guard Matriarch replied to The Night Haunter
"In the meantime, we should retire for the night. There is much we need to prepare for; should any hidden dangers arise." Branwen Corax spoke
"Very well." The Night Lords Matriarch replied as she followed suit
'Mark my words, Ben Tennyson. We will see how true to your word you hold once you see what battles lay ahead in the Great Crusade.' Were Branwen Corax's thoughts regarding the Ultimatrix wielder
(Ultramar, 2 days later, June 2nd, M30, 950, 1:45 Pm)
It would be early in the afternoon as the Matriarch of the Ultramarines was currently in a holocall with her fellow Matriarchs from the Blood Angels and Space Wolves respectively regarding on if they had made any progress in finding their fellow sisters.
"I am sorry Minerva, but so far our search has unfortunately yielded no results regarding where our sisters have disappeared too." Sanguinius informed the Ultramarines Matriarch on her search
"We haven't found anything worth shit either. Wherever they are out there is either in deep space, has the Warp fucking with our navigation, or there's Xenos bullshit happening. Either way, its fucked and I hate it." Freya Russ spoke
"At this point, I don't know what else we're supposed to look for? How in the Emperor can over half of our sisters just disappear out of nowhere! It doesn't even make any fucking sense, that this happens without the Warp being involved, or those knife-eared bastards using some weird magic." Freya Russ further said in irritation of being unable to track down something that should be easy
"I understand your frustration too, Freya…Even Malcador and his own team of Psykers; is having difficulties using his powers to track them." Minerva Guilliman informed the two Matriarchs
"Even Malcador cannot track them? This is incredibly concerning if even he cannot find them in the Warp." Sanguinius spoke in seeing that in and of itself as very concerning
"Speaking of the Warp, my Librarians have noticed strange storms in the Warp as well." Minerva Guilliman informed her sister
"Mine as well, I don't know what's going on. But whatever the fuck it is, it has caused some weird things to start happening." Freya Russ said
"Weird how exactly?" Minerva Guilliman querried
"How about suns turning bright green, and pumping out solar flares so strong that we have to double the strength of our shields. Then anytime a damn Daemon shows up, one minute its there and then the next it starts burning before it pops like an ulcer, and then there's Warp storms that are making dead planets come back to life, among other things we are still dealing with…I don't know what is going on, but it is beyond strange." Freya Russ answered back
"My Librarians have noticed it as well, since the disappearance of our sisters. On one hand the solar flares are one thing. But the fact that it is causing Daemons to die, and dead planets to start regrowing life…That feels like an omen, that could go either way in our favor." Sanguinius said
"Where are you going with this Sanguinius?" Freya Russ questioned
"What I am saying is that, the disappearance of our sisters, the Warp causing these strange events to happen; this all feels as though it is one massive omen. An omen that is leading to something massive." Sanguinius replied
"And what do you think that this is leading too? Do you think it will effect the Great Crusade?" Minerva Guilliman asked the angelic Matriarch
"It is too early to tell, Minerva. But one thing is for certain, is that we must remain vigilant for whatever else it to come. I have a feeling in the pit of my soul, that we are witnessing a shift that will change everything for the Imperium." Sanguinius spoke their expression a serious yet thoughtful one
"Is it really that, serious? How can you be sure that whatever is happening is going to change the entire Imperium? That is a bold claim to make, especially when our father leads us to victory against our enemies...Will this change bring the Emperor any harm?" Freya Russ questioned her sister
"I cannot say for certain, although in one of my recent visions. I saw something or rather someone, during one of the more dangerous Warp storms…The strangest part of it, was that it all felt so real…as though I were there in the vision fighting against what was to come." Sanguinius answered back
"What did you see? Come on out with it?!" Freya Russ asked semi-impatiently
"What I saw was a human with a strange metal gauntlet with green eyes; that could change into forms with strength unbound. That human in my visions was helping our legions to grow stronger, helping us to lead the charge against the Daemons of the Warp, and even in one of them helped to slay one of their creators in combat." Sanguinus told her sisters
"In those visions were fighting alongside him, others we ventured forth to fell even the Drukhari into extinction, and others…others still feel blurred even now. But one thing that was omnipresent in all of them was this human that could transform into legion, with power that could challenge any one of us." Sanguinius further informed her sisters who were surprised to hear this
Given that the fact that they were hearing that a human that was supposedly powerful enough; that not only could he wield power to challenge one of them on even footing form what Sanguinius was implying. But it was also to the effect that, he was in her life-like visions helping them slay not only the Drukhari into oblivion, but also to fell the forces of Chaos to such an extent that one of the major players within it would be slain or sundered.
"That is a very important foretelling…Did this human look like anyone from the Imperium? Perhaps, we can begin a search for them, if they are, and bring them into the fold if that is the case." Minerva Guilliman questioned the Matriarch
"Unfortunately, he did not. But what I do know is that whoever they are, they have an important role to play in the future of the Imperium. These visions concerning this human, have had the same constant result. Our sisters fighting alongside him, to help destroy the enemies of the Imperium and fell the forces of Chaos with power that outstrips many Psykers…perhaps even putting him on par with the likes of Morganna." Sanguinius answered back to the surprise
"Now I have to meet them! If they're this damn strong, then they have to be a great warrior if they could be a match for Morganna." Freya Russ spoke keen on meeting this mystery human
"Let us not get ahead ourselves, Freya. While having someone this supposedly powerful, would make for a great asset in our ranks. We must not be distracted from what is important…The return of our sisters to the fold. Which given the appearance of these new Warp storms, may be even more difficult to manage." Minerva Guilliman said to bring the attention back to the main matter at hand
"...Of course, and apologies, Minerva." Sanguinius apologized for derailing the conversation
"No, you are quite fine. Any good news in the face of our sisters having gone missing for nearly 2 months, is welcome." Minerva Guillman spoke waving off the apology in knowing she was only trying to bring some form of levity to the situation
"Nonetheless, we must continue the search for our sisters and keep their legions in good spirits. The very last thing we need, is for any of them to fall into disarray. While their captains are capable of maintaining order in their absence, that does not mean we cannot lend a helping hand when and where it is needed. We must support each other not only as we continue the Crusade in the name of our father and those within the Imperium. But also for the fact that we must support our sister legions, to help them remain strong in the face of all future threats." Minerva Guilliman further spoke in regards to those without their Matriarchs to lead them
"I will do the best that I can, Minerva. But the needs of my Legion come first, their needs are something that must be met; if they are to succeed in our endeavors." Sanguinius said knowing that her Blood Angels were a special case amongst the 18 Legions
"The same goes for myself and the Space Wolves. We are more than fine to lend a hand to our fellow legions, but if anything goes to shit. Then my men will return as fast as possible to aid our soldiers. My Legions' problems are my responsibility, and I will not have it should anything happen to them when my strength is needed to see it through." Freya Russ said in response
"I understand completely, if anything your help in maintaining order is all that I ask…As such I thank you two for your compliance." Minerva Guilliman spoke simply thankful that her sisters were willing to work with her
"Of course, we all want the return of our sisters to the safety of the Imperium…Anything that we can do to help, is more than fair." Sanguinus replied
"I may not like some of my sisters, especially the cyclops and Konstance who makes my skin crawl. But if it means that we can fight at full strength again, then I will do whatever it takes to return them home." Freya Russ swore
"Thank you…all of you…I will not take any more of your time, from the matters you both must attend too. Therefore, this meeting is called to a close." Minerva Guilliman spoke
"Before we go, get some fucking rest already, Minerva. We don't need the avenging bookworm to be a walking zombie." Freya Russ told her sister before hanging up the holocall
'I can rest easily; when my sisters are with their legions once more, and the Crusade is no longer thrown into disarray.' Minerva Guilliman said to herself knowing that her work wasn't done by a longshot
(Several hours later, Karakinos, 8:08 Pm)
Meanwhile, it would be well into the night as Ben was working alongside the Iron Warriors Matriarch on that of the Astro Megaship; in making sure that it would house and be ready for that of 12 new passengers to ride it.
"Thanks again, for the help, Perturabo. With you helping out, this should be done before the summer is over." Ben thanked said Matriarch for her help as they worked on the engines together
"It is nothing. What matters is that we work together to get off this blasted rock for good." Perturabo spoke as they continued working on the engines
"I know, but still it is nice to have someone to help me with this. Especially, since I can work on making sure the power source for the engines will hold up." Ben replied simply happy to have the assistance
"What exactly are you going to use to power these engines? To the lengths that I am aware of, this planet does not have anything of note that can power these ships of yours." Perturabo questioned curious as to what would power it
"Oh that's easy, I can make the power source to keep the Megaship go for about a round trip or two across the Andromeda galaxy itself. I just need to reinforce the containment unit to hold it is all. Since what I'm going to put in there, is really powerful." Ben informed the matriarch who looked at him expectantly to continue
"...Alright, well I can use one of my transformations ot make different type of radiation. One of the strongest types are gamma and microwave radiation. So all I have to do is make enough of it as fuel, and then before you know it, we have our power source. But on the other side of that coin, using the most powerful forms of radiation is also a double-edged sword. Since if something ruptures what I'm using to contain it; then…Well, I'm sure you can figure it out." Ben further spoke as to what his plan was
"While that is an ingenious way of doing so and one that I will commend you for. However, I must also ask what the need for an additional ship is for? One would be enough to act as sufficient travel for our voyage back to the Imperium." Perturabo inquired as to why they were making a second pair of engines
"The Delta Megaship is actually a companion piece to the Astro Megaship. Because, let's say we get into a dogfight against enemy ships…The Astro and Delta Megaships are so that should that happen, they can turn into their combat modes and fight against the enemy." Ben told the now curious Perturabo
"Combat modes?...What exactly are these ships capable of more than traversing the stars?" Perturabo asked as Ben's face took on a measure of excitement
"I am so glad you asked…The Astro and Delta Megaships, from what I have planned are not only meant to function as starships. But are also meant to transform into giant robots that can and will destroy enemy ships with ease, or at least cause heavy damage to them…It's really simple when you have all the mechanisms to make it happen down. All I need to do, is get their weapons up and running for it all to come together." Ben answered back with a level of excitement that was hard to contain from being able to make some of his favorite megazords a reality
"...This has to be one of the most outlandish ideas I have heard in my years as a Matriarch." Perturabo spoke almost stunned by the idea
"Really? I figured that you guys in the 31st millennium would be able to do this stuff by now. This isn't even that big of a deal to make Megazords in my time." Ben replied as he continued to work on the Astro Megazords' engine
"What is a Megazord?" Perturabo questioned confused by the concept
"A megazord, it's something from Power Rangers that lets vehicles, ships and stuff like that turn into a giant robot to fight monsters…Have…Have you never heard of Power Rangers before?" Ben replied as Perturabo shook her head no
"Alright, well what about Beetleborgs, or Kamen Rider, or Gundam, or Zoids? Heck even Star Wars…do you at least know what Star Wars is?" Ben further asked the Iron Warriors Matriarch who looked at him confused
"I cannot tell if what you are asking is real or if it is completely made up." Perturabo answered back having not even the slightest idea as to what he was going on about
"Ok, after we get done with working on the engines. We are going to watch Star Wars, because you are missing out on something incredible…and one of the things that I base my work off of. How do you think I came up with my patrol drones?" Ben told the towering woman beside him
"If that is the case, then I will not mind seeing what this Star Wars is. Perhaps, I can take ideas from it to apply to my siege engines." Perturabo said
"I'm pretty sure you'd get a kick out of anyways. Heck, I'm pretty sure if we get to the movies. Then you'd have a field day with the Death Star…Honestly, with how good you are at building things, I'm pretty sure you could make an even better Death Star than what they made in the movies." Ben replied
"What is a Death Star, it sounds as though it would be something a Necron would make?" Perturabo asked as to what the device or weapon could be
"That's something that I think would be better left as a surprise…But the best I can say is that it was something else during my time…Matter of fact, I helped to work on a few small-scale ones to deal with one of my enemies." Ben told the Iron Warriors Matriarch
"What was this enemy of yours, that required you to build something equivalent to this Death Star?" Perturabo asked
"That enemy was an alien ghost named Z'Skayr…Don't let the name fool you, he was one of my toughest enemies to date. We had to nearly wipe out a quarter of a star system in order to finally get rid of him for good…Having someone who can possess others left, right and center, and masquerade as even one of your lieutenants was a nightmare to deal with." Ben answered back regarding the Scourge of the Anur System that had plagued him for most of his life
"It sounds like you were dealing with a Daemon more than a Xenos bastard." Perturabo spoke finding the Ecotnurite in question to be more akin to a Chaos Daemon than anything Xenos
"I'm pretty sure fighting one of your Warp monsters would've been easier than fighting him…Especially when he can not only possess almost anyone around. He also could use magic, revive the dead to be his undead soldiers, move entire castles with his mind, go intangible, and so many other powers that it nearly drove me crazy trying to kill him." Ben replied having hated fighting against the High Lord over those dreaded years
"Then how were you able to beat him? You mentioned, using those weapons to wipe out multiple planets to do so. Yet your enemy sounds as though they were a disgustingly craft threat to to deal with." Perturabo asked once more
"
Well, after we destroyed so many planets to prevent him from leaving the system we had found him in. I had to use one of my transformations in their Ultimate form, and use it to fly him into a sun. Where I slammed him into it's surface and blasted him with enough fire, as an added safety measure that it could scorch a continent several times over…The last thing I needed was for him to come back a 3rd time in a row." Ben answered back
The Ultimatrix wielder remembered it vividly, given that it was how he spent his 21st birthday in using Ultimate Heatblast to blast Z'Skayr into outer space; and pummel him with attacks that could boil oceans in mere minutes; before he piledrove him into the nearest sun and pummeled him with so much fire and superheated plasma that you could see it from light years away.
"I will give you credit where it is due, Ben Tennyson. You are more determined than most to destroy your enemies." Perturabo spoke in respect for his tenacity
"When you have had to fight aliens since you were 10 years old with your cousin and grandfather. Giving up is never really an option…retreat sure so I can come up with a better plan to beat whoever was in my way. But never give up, when I know that victory can be mine." Ben replied as he took a moment to better compose himself
"The one thing I figured out, is that when it came to being put through a war of attrition. I am more than willing to dig deep and go the hard miles to make it happen…Sometimes even as a hero, that I learned the older I got, was that you have to be willing to grind your teeth to get it done. So it was after one of my other battles that I learned that if I'm going to do wars of attrition, then fine, I can do just that. However, if I'm going to play the long game, then I am going to make the person I'm fighting play it my way and punish them for playing it too…What's the point of waging war, if you aren't willing to fight the extra mile to protect what you have to." Ben further spoke in having learned it during the Highbreed Invasion, the Incurseans invading and so on that in order to win you had to get your hands utterly dirty to do so
"You and I share similar ideals when it comes to war and battle. I myself have been tasked with doing what it takes to get the results needed for victory…My sisters do not often agree with my methods, and yet they prove efficient for all of the worlds that are conquered for the Imperium." Perturabo replied glad to see that another could share in her viewpoints on how to fight in war
"Good point. But I pretty much had to do all that stuff so I could save as many lives as possible. Being a superhero isn't easy, even when you have enough power to make most militaries during my time, look like little kids with toy guns. All the same, when it comes to protecting and saving as many as I can. Then I will do just about anything to make that happen." Ben said back in remembering all the hard choices he had to make from the times of the Highbreed Invasion up until his final battle against Vilgax
"Then perhaps, you and I will find common ground to defend the people of the Imperium, yet." Perturabo said finding interest growing in the human adjacent to her
"As long as we can protect and defend people from anything that wants to do them wrong. Then I am more than happy to help in any way possible…I had to learn the hard way, that their isn't an honorable way to win a war…I got lucky a good chunk of the time, and the others…other times I had to bury a lot of good people." Ben replied in having his career as a superhero be one where he was often given reality checks when his confidence turned to bravado and arrogance
"If you are a fraction as capable as you claim to be, then you will no doubt excel on the battlefield…Defeating Furiosa in single combat, substantiates your claim to make most of believe in your abilities. Do not let such a thing be mere chance and luck that you did so." Perturabo said back
"I can't tell if you were giving me a compliment or not." Ben spoke confused as to if he was being complimented given the perpetually sternly stalwart expression on her face
"Take it as you will. What matters is that once we are off this blasted rock, and with our legions. I look forward to seeing what you are capable of in terms of machinery and engineering. Your ideas for such are rather impressive for someone from your time period." Perturabo spoke in acknowledging of Ben's skill
"Thanks, I had some pretty great mentors to help me get as far as I did...without them I don't know where I would be." Ben replied in remembering of those from his Grandpa Max to even his unlikely of friends in Albedo
"But, I think we can agree that that can be saved for another time. For now, we need to get back to work. These engines aren't going to finish building themselves." Ben further spoke
"Agreed." Was Perturabo's sole response as the two returned towards perfecting and working on the engines for the Astro and Delta Megaships
And so with a meeting of the Matriarchs further concluded and an alliance between the two parties solidified in working toward their escape; we also see that the Matriarchs in the Imperium continue their search for their lost sisters, but not without Sanguinius informing them of a vision wherein Ben has a larger role to play in the Great Crusade as a whole. How will our intrepid hero handle being a part of the Imperium's designs for greatness to this degree? Well, you'll have to stay tuned and find out in the all-new installments of, Ultimate Alien: Primarch Force!
Alright, that'll do it for this one, as I hope that you guys enjoyed this one, and all that it entailed as Ben and the Matriarchs (for the most part) are now allies as they work to find their way off of this mystery planet; while other things are also at play. And furthermore, I want to also thank everyone for supporting the story so far, as every review, favorite, and follow has been a help and a motivator to keep this story going, and as such thank you to those that have been invested in it so far.
Yet as always, this is Pravus666 signing off what with our next chapter having Ben getting to know more of the Matriarchs as well as some other things going on in the works thanks to Ben's arrival in the Warhammer universe…so stay tuned for all of that good stuff.
Part 1 Theme Song: Black out the Sun by Sevendust
Random End Song: Topless by Breaking Benjamin
Now then onto some of the reviews from the previous chapter.
Skull Flame: Ben and Konstance's relationship is gonna be a ton of fun to write if I'm to be honest about it. Also, regarding Ben's views on the Aeldari and their various factions...yeah he really isn't gonna like them when he finds out how Slaanesh was made; given that when he finds out about the Drukhari; he'll probably just make it his part of the Great Crusade if he can swing it to make all of them a past tense if you get where I'm going, especially since their Pride is only going to rub him the wrong way and just make him not like them that much further. Yeah, Fulgrim has definitely had her fair share of action; so much so that the Emperors' children have taken after their Matriarch and have had some of their Astartes become really popular with humanity if you know what I'm saying...there's a reason why some of her fellow Matriarchs call her 'The Succubus' to say the least. Yeah, as this version of Ben would either flip them off, curse them out since he's fought Dagon and actually he has actually squared up with other Eldritch Gods like Dagon alongside Gwen in his later years...so the Chaos Gods are definitely NOT his 1st roadio with eldritch horrors.
Kourtney Uzu Yato: Yeah, as with Furiosa's mind having actual clarity in it as well as her newfound peace of mind, she's gonna be working on turning the World Eaters from strictly close combat; to basically being the Astartes equivalent of a S.W.A.T team given that to her, she's fine with them being close-quarters nonetheless, but even she recognizes that they need to adapt and change their combat doctorine if they want to keep up with the other Legions should something come up. Also, it isn't my fault that the Emperor is a massive overbearing dick all the time, as look what he let happen to Furiosa, Konstance, and this version of Mortarion, and to the Inquisition (Unleashes underground cellar full of Khornite and Nurgle Hellbrutes that I've captured over the users) fuck around and find out if your about that action, because I come prepared.
The Disquieting One: I will definitely be putting some of the names you suggested into action, as due to going through and renaming each one it would be difficult to do that and keep track of who's who and not get things mixed up in the process of writing/editing. Also, giving Ben an Ork form is definitely on my to-do list for the story; given how overall funny it would be to see Ben as an Ork become so amped up that he somehow leads the Orks onto WAAAGGGHHH'S against his enemies.
Ultimos42: To be honest, I can definitely see him preventing their falls to Chaos; given that Ben is not only extremely competent overall, but is willing to reach out to the Matriarchs and be the human element that a good chunk of them either never had the chance to have in order to show them what humanity in the spirit of what it was during Ben's timeline is capable of both from an emotional, mental and so on state of mind. Because, let's be real Big E did not do a good job of preparing them or their Legions for life after the Great Crusade, which is going to be one of the goals for Ben overall in the story.