Chapter 9.8 The Second Throne
"Phalanx approaching Macragge air space."
"Transports launching, begin Welcome Protocol Bravo."
"Group Seven, prepare ordinance for salute. Engage in three… two… one… fire."
The guns of Ultramar opened fire, blasted coloured flames into the mid-day sky. They would continue for the hour, then quiet until night time when a second barrage would begin again when the garden parties would be in full swing.
Magna Macragge Civitas had been decked out in gold and blue to celebrate the arrival of the survivors of Terra. A day of public festivity had been declared, and even the most menial of jobs had been allowed to stop work for the day. The Ultramarines, along with some Vlka Fenryka, had taken over the duties of any critical roles to ensure safety and stability throughout Ultramar.
The most wealthy and influential amongst the Ultramar High Elite would enjoy a dinner at Roboute's personal estate following the festivities. Guilliman hoped that some of his other brothers would join them, perhaps Rogal or Vulkan if they had made it. As much as he admired his Dauntless Few, the past few months had proved that Ferrus and Russ were not ideal dinner guests.
Roboute also hoped, as improbable and unrealistic it might be, that Sanguinius would be amongst them. The Lord of Ultramar still couldn't process the idea of Sanguinius falling in battle that way.
A large landing platform had been specially decorated for the descending craft. Ornamental statues covered in gold leaf adorned the space. At the steps of the platform stood the brothers three. Roboute Guilliman, Leman Russ and Ferrus Manus.
Leman had the energy of a canine who knew his master was at the door, although such a description might have been an exaggeration on Guilliman's part.
Ferrus retained his usual scowl, but even the Gorgon seemed somewhat relieved to see the Phalanx's arrival.
Ferrus had finally stepped his Legion down from high alert for the first time since he reached Ultramar. He had originally wanted to go to the Phalanx directly, but Roboute had insisted on the ceremony, stating that 'Its what Father would want'. Ferrus disagreed, but he humoured the Lord of Ultramar in this instance since he didn't have the patience to debate something so petty.
In Roboute's hands were clasped a tome, its cover hidden by the massive hands of the Ultramarine Primarch. This would be the greatest impact he would ever have in history if his Father accepted his gift. He could but hope.
The transport touched down to wild applause, which only grew as the exit ramp descended onto the platform. Everyone knew what was about to transpire.
Roboute held his breath, his eyes glued to the transport and its ramp, until at last he saw him.
Descending from the transport came a figure clad in gold, flanked by a quartet of Custodes. He was here. It was true. The Emperor of Mankind walked on Macragge once more. The crowds roared with delight.
Behind him came 3 more figures. One was a Tech Priest of the Cult Mechanicus, an individual that Roboute did not recognize. The new Fabricator General perhaps? It was a sound Theoretical that if Terra fell, so would Mars. Ferrus grunted at the sight, one of disapproval Guilliman was sure.
Along with the Tech Priest came Alpharius, the Primarch of the Alpha Legion, and Mortarion of the Death Guard. Roboute raised an eyebrow and looked over at Ferrus who gave him a slight nod of acknowledgment. The Nikaean connection theoretical seemed to be playing out in the practical.
Roboute waited for another figure to emerge. He waited. And waited.
"Where is Rogal?" muttered Guilliman to Russ and Ferrus, his concern growing.
"I don't think its good news…" said the Wolf King with a somber tone, "There is no chance Mortarion would be part of the landing party and Rogal not if he were still alive…"
"I agree," murmured Ferrus, "Rogal would never surrender Terra willingly. He would stand his ground to let all others evacuate."
Roboute forced down the knot of sadness that was building in his chest. The loss of Rogal Dorn was a heavy blow. However, there was much to celebrate. The losses could be mourned later. He would definitely have a large statue of the Praetorian commissioned for the city in his memory.
The Emperor stood at the top of the steps as Roboute, Ferrus and Russ approached. His implacable gaze watched them as they advanced, as if analyzing each one of them. Alpharius and Mortarion wandered over to the railing beside the steps so they could look out upon the sea of people waiting and watch the arrival of the Master of Mankind.
As Roboute reached the top of the steps, he offered the clutched tome to his Father as tribute. The Emperor accepted the gift, reaching forward with his left hand to examine the book. The letters emblazoned across its cover were 'Imperium Secundus. Founding Charter and Constitution'.
The Emperor glanced at Roboute, as if considering it a moment, before giving him a slight nod. Roboute took this as a positive sign.
The Primarch joined his Father and brothers at the top of the steps. He gave Mortarion and Alpharius each a head nod of acknowledgement, with only Alpharius returning the greeting. Guilliman wasn't surprised.
Russ slapped Mortarion on the back, which was not well received but the Wolf King didn't care.
The Emperor raised a hand, the sunlight reflecting off his golden gauntlet like a mirror, and the entire crowd fell into silence.
"Citizens of Ultramar," boomed the Emperor, "I thank you for this most glorious welcome."
A roar of cheers arose, with the Master of Mankind allowing it to settle before continuing.
"It is my sad duty to inform you all that Terra, beloved cradle of our species, has fallen to terrible forces of monstrous intent. Sacred Mars too has fallen, a tragedy which cannot be understated. However, do not despair. For despair is the enemy of us all. Where there is loss, there is room for a new future to bloom."
The Emperor glanced down at the book in his hands for a moment, before speaking once more.
"The Imperium has ended its first age. We are no longer the Imperium of Terra. But we shall continue. We shall rebuild what has been lost. This is a new Imperium. An Imperium where Ultramar is at its core. An Imperium free of the mistakes and horrors of the past. An Imperium reborn! Imperium Secundus!"
A new cheer raised up from the crowd. Roboute raised his arms in the air to try and further boost the triumphant noise. It worked. Ferrus rolled his eyes and Russ joined in the roar of the crowd.
Once again the Emperor had to raise a hand to lower the clamoring of the masses. With the wave of his hand he could control the hearts of every being present.
"To this end," continued the Emperor, "The seat of Imperium Secundus shall be established here on Macragge. The new seat of the Martian Parliament shall be established on Barbarus when the opportunity avails us to build sufficient resource to restore order to Segmentum Tempestus. The Warp Storms that plague the travel of us all are not likely to lessen at any point in the near future, and so we must use the resources of Ultramar to build Imperium Secundus outwards to the rest of the galaxy. The first order of business is to reclaim Segmentum Ultima and Tempestus. From there, we share restore order to Segmentum Obscurus and Segmentum Pacificus."
None dared question about the fate of Segmentum Solar. Roboute didn't know for certain but given the Emperor had ceded Terra and Mars to the enemy it was likely they were functionally annihilated. Whatever could do that would probably have no issue holding the majority of Segmentum Solar.
"The most loyal of my sons stand with me today," proclaimed the Emperor, "And in time we shall be joined by another equally as loyal. Fulgrim soon shall join us here in Ultramar. Even now he works tirelessly to produce the weapons we shall use to defend Imperium Secundus from our enemies. The burden of rebuilding does not fall on Ultramar alone. It is the burden of our entire species. But we must carry this burden with grace, humility and the belief that it WILL bring us a better tomorrow."
Roboute glanced over at the Emperor. Humility was not a word he would ever have associated with his Father. By 'we' perhaps the Master of Mankind meant 'you'.
"All must remember," said the Emperor with a softer tone, "That fear, despair and hopelessness are now the greatest enemy we now fight. We must combat this enemy as fiercely as we combat those that threaten our beloved Imperium Secundus. If you find your families, your friends and associates in a time of difficulty, it behooves you as loyal citizens to aid those in a time of need or crisis. Cruelty and malice are as abominable to me as the very worst of crimes. Charity and Kindness are the most important virtues of Imperium Secundus. To hold faith with me is to hold these virtues sacred. To deny them is to invite the wrath of those I command."
Guilliman frowned. That seemed a little… extreme. A lack of kindness wasn't a crime in any civilized society. There was likely a reason for the words but Roboute would need to discuss them with the Emperor when the time was right.
"So go forth now, children of Imperium Secundus. Be joyous and merry in this time of celebration. Remember what has been, but do not let the past become weight for the future to carry. Reflect, but do not let it imprison. Take pride in the present, and be hopeful of the future. For hope is our greatest weapon against the enemy! Long Live Imperium Secundus!"
A chant of 'Long Live Imperium Secundus' echoed throughout the city. On Five Hundred Worlds and more, the chant of 'Long Live Imperium Secundus' would echo for days after. A new age dawned, and its name was now written in the stars.
Roboute leaned in to the Emperor and whispered, "The construction of the Imperial Palace is complete. You may redesign it as you see fit, but for today if you desire to retire in private the facilities are available."
"We shall," commanded the Emperor, "And instruct the rest to join me there. There is much to discuss."
The Emperor descended the steps to the unending cheers of the crowd. The Custodes folded in behind their Master as the thousands of Ultramarines lined the way to the new Imperial Palace, bolters clasped to their chests.
Guilliman gathered his brothers into an ad hoc collective and headed out after the Emperor. Despite the losses, today was one to go down in history.
Today was the first day of Imperium Secundus.