Chapter 7.4 A Light In The Dark
Roboute walked around the base of the strange alien device. The Pharos Beacon, they called it.
Whilst he had a good understanding of science, as did every Primarch, the construction was definitely beyond his abilities to work with without some considerable time investment. Fortunately, Guilliman was not the required to make the device work. That honour fell to Ferrus Manus.
Ferrus, much like Vulkan, was a master craftsman. When Ferrus first met Vulkan, the Emperor had asked the Lord of the Iron Tenth to evaluate his new brother's skills. Ferrus had not found him wanting, but the sign that the Emperor had trusted Ferrus to examine the abilities of the Salamander's Primarch spoke to the talents of the Gorgon.
The discovery on Sotha of the device had been a god send, expression not withstanding.
Elements of the Iron Tenth had uncovered the Xenos technology during the inspections of the worlds of Ultramar and after much examination by Ferrus and his Iron Fathers the true value of the discovery was established.
"We can use this to create beacon much like the Astronomican," Ferrus had told Roboute, "But not limited by the warp. This is might be vile Xenos technology… But I can make it serve a purpose. The power source reminds me of the Great Silver Wyrm of Medusa. The core of the device is, for want of another word, alive. I have little doubt the Necrontyr had their hand in its construction. It isn't as powerful, but it should reach throughout the Five Hundred worlds and beyond, though I would not want to rely solely on a Xenos Machine."
"This is excellent," Roboute had replied, "We at the very least can establish a stable region of space to which our loyal brothers can seek sanctuary."
"I have a functional understanding of this device," Ferrus had continued, "I shall be able to use its principles to make smaller beacons we could place at various points cross Ultramar and beyond. If this device is lost, we shall not be wanting for ways to travel safely through the warp."
This had become even more important with the disappearance of the guiding light of Terra several days later.
Ultramar was alone in the dark.
Roboute's concerns for his Father and his favoured brothers had escalated, even as he tried to manage the stability of his realm. The loss of the Astronomican was a clear sign something had caused at least parts of Terra's infrastructure to fail. More than likely the enemy was already besieging the Imperium's Capitol.
The Cult Mechanicus had been very angry at the Iron Tenth's tinkering with Xenos-tech-heresy, but Roboute had been swift to shut them down. There was no STC for such a device, and Ultramar needed it. Regardless as to the absurd beliefs of the Cult Mechanicus the Gorgon would not be interrupted with his work. None the less, Ferrus' plans were no secret, and the Cult was unhappy with the idea of 'inventing' such new devices from Xenos technology.
There had been a minor rebellion amongst some of the more zealous Magos and Tech Priests, but the Thirteenth Legion had swiftly put them down. Roboute was certain such feelings had not been completely suppressed, however. The ability to travel between systems was a necessity, so the Cult Mechanicus at large would tolerate this minor heresy, but with the creation of more portable versions of the device the threat of rebellion would rise again.
The subject Roboute wished to bring up with Ferrus was the idea of Imperium Secundus.
He had been extremely hesitant, as the Gorgon wasn't one for politics. Naming himself Regent, Emperor Guilliman in all but name, would probably not sit well with Iron Tenth given the circumstances. But Roboute knew there was no certainty the Emperor was alive on Terra. If Terra had fallen which was a distinct possibility, there was little chance the Emperor survived the conflict. An enemy capable of defeating the Master of Mankind in his own Palace was not someone that would likely let the defeated Emperor live.
Imperium Secundus was the most rational theoretical.
With the Cult Mechanicus elements disgruntled Roboute was eager to undercut them by establishing a new order that answered to the Regent and Ferrus, undercutting the exclusive control of the Cult in matters of technology. A minor offshoot known as the Hand of the Omnisiah had quietly been receiving support by Roboute through back channels to increase their viability as a replacement to the Cult if the opportunity arose. Innovation was a necessity in war, and Guilliman refused to be held back by the scriptures of Mars.
However, he could not name himself Regent, despite his wishes to codify the order of things with Ferrus. He needed another brother, someone respectable that Ferrus and Roboute could both respect and follow.
Sanguinius, the Warmaster would have been perfect. Rogal too would have been acceptable, but if Terra had fallen and the Emperor as well then Rogal Dorn would have fallen with them. Fulgrim, for all his preening and posturing would have been an adequate figurehead.
Sadly, none of those brothers were here. Instead all he had was Ferrus. Ferrus was a master of his craft, but he was no icon of unity. The Lord of the Iron Tenth was also busy with his work, so appointing him Regent would have been counter intuitive.
"Just one…" murmured Guilliman to himself, "Grant me just one more brother…"
"We are ready for activation," came the voice of Ferrus over the Vox. "Proceeding. Count down is Three. Two. One."
Parts of the ancient structure began to glow. Although Roboute could not see or feel the effects of the Pharos Beacon his excitement and anticipation was palpable. Far above, beyond the brilliant blue sky, the Macragge's Honour drifted awaiting to receive the signal.
Roboute switched channels to that of his command ship.
"Macragge's Honour. Beacon is live."
"Received my Lord. Awaiting Astropath confirmation."
The Lord of Ultramar tapped his fingers against his wrist as he waited for confirmation. He had no doubts in his brother's abilities, but Xenos technology was always to be considered… unreliable. Especially with the changes made by Ferrus to the central power source.
"Macragge's Honour to Lord Guilliman. Astropath confirms the beacon is visible. Reports coming in from across Ultramar. The beacon is visible my Lord."
Roboute smiled. Ultramar was safe at least. Whatever happened, named or no, his Imperium Secundus would be a beacon of safety amongst the warp storms.
"Excellent work, brother," said Guilliman over the vox to Ferrus, "You have excelled yourself in this."
"It will do for now," replied Ferrus sternly, "I trust the material I require will be delivered? I wish to begin the work on the miniaturization immediately."
"Yes, brother," sighed Guilliman disappointed about the lack of enthusiasm in the Gorgon's voice, "You shall have all you desire. I look forward to seeing the fruits of your labours."
"With them we shall chart a path to Terra," continued Ferrus, "There can be no delay in this work, Roboute."
"As I have said before brother, it will take years to chart such a path," replied Guilliman impatiently, "But I will do as you say. But you must keep your promise to light all of Ultramar first."
"Fine," growled Ferrus, "I'll provide your little Empire with the beacons it needs to be self sufficient as promised. I'll even have the production lines made operational. But you will be bringing the Thirteenth with me when the Iron Tenth finds a path to Terra."
"You doubt my loyalty to our Father?" asked Guilliman tersely.
"I think your Empire is more important to you than anything else you put value in," replied Ferrus, "It is your weakness, Guilliman. You pride yourself on Ultramar, even more so than the claims of pride leveled at Fulgrim. If our Father asked you to dismantle Ultramar, would you do it?"
"That is irrelevant," muttered Guilliman in annoyance.
"And that is why you were not chosen as Warmaster," said Ferrus, flatly.
Guilliman began to pace around the Xenos device, seething. He did not understand why his brother was so hostile. He had never treated Ferrus with anything but the highest courtesy, yet the Gorgon continued to needle and frustrate him at every turn. Had he done something to upset his brother?
Roboute couldn't even begin to comtemplate that, perhaps, Ferrus didn't get along with the Lord of Ultramar not because of any specific reason, but merely because of a conflict of personality. The Gorgon had made no secret to Fulgrim about how he bore little love for Guilliman and his senatorial ways during the Great Crusade.
Regardless, Roboute would continue to stew in his emotions for nearly an hour before Ferrus voxed him again.
"There is Legion vessels arriving at the edge of the system."
Roboute stopped his pacing, confusion writing itself across his face.
"Macragge's Honour. Are you reading ships in system?"
"No, my Lord?" came a confused reply.
Guilliman's confusion gave way to frustration. Of course.
The Iron Tenth had refused to integrate with the Ultramar command structure to which the Thirteenth Legion and its support units were vital components. As a result, the forces of the Iron Tenth frequently moved around the Five Hundred worlds without permission or warning. Often he'd only learn of changes to the position of the Iron Hands' deployment was from Ferrus AFTER the changes had taken place.
"Macragge's Honour. Contact the nearest Iron Hands vessel and ask for a report on the incoming ships if they would be so kind."
"As you command, my Lord."
"Ferrus," growled Roboute, changing the vox to his brother's frequency, "I don't suppose your sons have any idea of whether this is a threat?"
"Probably not."
"And what gives you that conclusion?" asked Roboute through gritted teeth.
"It's the Vlka Fenryka."
Guilliman paused his pacing and grinding of teeth.
"Russ? Leman is here?" he asked cautiously.
"Yes."
"How can you be sure?"
"I've recently finished speaking with him. He is bringing is fleet to orbit over Sotha shortly."
Guilliman sighed. It was futile to get angry. Ferrus would act as he would. He should be thankful that he had any brothers with him at all.
The news of Russ and his arrival was glad tidings though. Another of Roboute's Dauntless Few. Russ could very well be the sword necessary to keep Imperium Secundus safe…
When Russ arrived on Sotha's surface, Ferrus and Roboute were awaiting him at the landing platform. Guilliman greeted his brother with a smile and a hug which the Great Wolf took on with a grin of his own.
"Russ!"
"Roboute," said the Wolf King, "And Ferrus. It is good to see you both alive and well. I trust you have not suffered the assassins blade at this time?"
"Assassins blade?" asked Roboute with some confusion, "You imply that you have?"
"Lorgar," growled Russ, "His twisted sons attacked me. Claimed there were setting up the Warmaster to supplant the All-Father. Yet they also slew the sons of the Angel. These are strange and dark times, brothers. Had not Ferrus assured me of your loyalty, Roboute, our meeting might not have been so smooth. It is hard to know who to trust these days…"
"Why does everyone question my loyalty…" muttered Guilliman in annoyance, "Have I not obeyed our Father's every command?"
Russ patted the blue armoured giant on the back.
"Do not take offense, son of Ultramar. I have had to be the axe man for sons as noble before, as much as it was distasteful to me. I did not think Lorgar capable of such a thing, nor the War Hawk. Even Magnus."
"You trusted Ferrus," pointed out Roboute.
"The Gorgon is not one for honeyed words," grinned Russ, "If he were my enemy I would have known it as soon as he saw my fleet. He would not have let me get here without tearing off a few chunks."
"And Russ' loyalty is... predictable," added Ferrus, "One who has swung the axe against our own at the orders of our Father is not one who would defy him easily, there are few circumstances where the Vlka Fenryka would not remain loyal."
"So of the three of us, I am the one considered most untrustworthy?" grumbled Roboute in petulance.
"Cheer up, Roboute," chuckled Russ, "The loyal sons of the All-Father are gathered here! You have two of your Doubtless Few with you. We can accomplish anything now, is that not so?"
"Dauntless few…" muttered Guilliman.
"We do not yet have a clear path to Terra," said Ferrus, "I am working on devices we can use as a trail to blaze a path to the Throne World, but it will take time to prepare."
"I fear we may already be too late," said Roboute in a glum tone, "I am preparing Ultramar best I can for such an event. With the loss of the Astronomican I can only assume the worst of the theoreticals."
"Be that as it may," rumbled the Wolf King, "We three shall make for Terra when all possible plans are drawn. Arrive as we may to a ruin, we shall not ignore the call of the All-Father to his defence."
"My thinking as well," agreed Ferrus.
"We have already made such agreements…" confirmed Guilliman, his tone remaining low.
"Then it is settled!" exclaimed the Wolf King, "Now, son of Ultramar, where should the Vlka Fenryka make port to enjoy some rest before the coming battles?"
Guilliman would direct the Vlka Fenryka to the ports across the Five Hundred worlds.
Some hours later, in his private chambers, Roboute opened his desk and withdrew a large text and place it carefully before him.
The title of the tome read 'Imperium Secundus, Founding Charter and Constitution'.
Along with this, he also withdrew a large silver key of ornate design.
With a loud sigh, Guilliman picked up the tome and made for the closet at the opposite end of the room. With the key from his bureau, he opened the closet and a locked draw within.
Pulling open the draw that contained scrapped ideas and concepts he had long since rejected, he carefully placed the tome atop and shut the draw tightly, the silver key ensuring no one would ever see the document again.
Imperium Secundus was dead.
Russ and Ferrus would never agree to it. For now, all Roboute could do was manage the Five Hundred worlds and prepare for the inevitable march to Terra, futile as it might be.