(Chapter 26: A Detour turned into a Dark Elf Campaign)
It would be nearly a week after Ben's departure from Zenthon and his current course to Nostramo to assist Konstance and Furiosa to course correct the wicked ways of the Night Haunter's planet. Thus far the voyage to said crime-ridden homeworld was one where Ben was after coming off the back of a months long campaign against the Orks feeling better than ever in the face of what was to come.
(March 15th, 951. M30, 2:10 Pm, Ultima Segmentum)
It would be 10 after 2 in the afternoon as Ben was on a set course to the Nostromo Sector within the confines of the Astro Megaship that was flanked by Bahamut in the Delta Megaship.
"Hey Bahamut, how far out are we from reaching the Nostromo sector?" Ben asked of his A.I companion
"At the very least another 8 to 10 hours before we arrive in the sector. At our current rate of travel, we should soon rendezvous with Konstance and Furiosa; within the next 24-30 hours." Bahamut answered back on their current time estimate
"Awesome, and is there anything we need to watch out for in our line of sight? The last thing I need is to get blindsided by pirates while we're out here..That's not counting whatever else they have up there sleeves." Ben inquired not wanting to deal with any other hidden surprises a fleet of pirates could have
"At our current set course, there is nothing that we should have to worry about. That being said, I have intercepted Imperium transmissions for help against Aeldari Pirates as it were. Whom are being backed by a fleet of Aeldari battle cruisers no less...Even in the 31st millennium, piracy is still able to rear its ugly head." Bahamut answered back to a now concerned Ben
"And how far out are they from our immediate location? It shouldn't be too far of a trip to make, at least I hope not?" Ben questioned as he began turning the Astro Megaship around to assist his allies
"They are far enough that our course to Nostramo will be delayed by a further 10 days. At least before our hyperdrives can recharge for such a jump. However, if we engage the hyperdrives we should be able to arrive in time to assist them before they sustain too much damage." Bahamut answered back
"Then what are we waiting for, Bahamut? I am activating the drives now, and also engage the Megaships for battle mode. We are putting a stop to piracy right the hell now!" Ben said as he activated his Megaships hyperdrives
"Understood, Benjamin...Adjusting course now and preparing battle mode sequence now." Was the A.I's response as he began to readjust their course to aid their allies
With the jump across hyperspace to reach the system of Olympia Majoris, where Iron Warrior ships were currently battling against a small fleet of Drukhari raiders, the former of which were in pitched battle with one another. Due to the fact that the former had to intercept them from attacking and capturing a small squad of trade ships delivering supplies to the Salamander homeworld, and the former in seeing a new supply of potential slaves, gladiatiors to be, and playthings for their debauched ways. That a fearsome void battle between the sons of Perturabo and the Drukhari erupted into what was essentially a fearsome stalemate, given that on one hand the more heavily armored Iron Warrior ships were able to withstand far more punishment.
Conversely, the Drukhari ships were able to take far more effective evasive actions and guide themselves into more favorable attack position, as such a war of attrition was made against both sides of the battle…At least until something was spotted that surprised both parties, one was the fact that two starships both smaller than any Imperium or Drukhari battleship had punched their way into the naval battle. Then the second and more surprising event was seeing both ships transform into giant humanoid mechanized warriors, with the Astro Megazord now wielding a shield and massive power sword in hand, and the Delta Megazord raising its gattling blaster hands.
The two without any further warning given proceeded to blast off towards the Drukhari battleships, with both racing towards the light cruisers, with surprising speed as their far smaller forms allowed them to intercept the combination of Raptor Fighters, Razorwing Jetfighters, and Voidwing Bombers harassing the Iron Warrior Battle Barges.
"This is Kyodmor Forrix of the Iron Warriors' 2nd Great company. Who are you and what are you doing in the middle of a void battle against our enemy? Identify yourself now, or you will be blasted into oblivion where you fly." Asked the member of the illustrious member of the 4th Legion
"This is Forrix, this is Ben Tennyson coming in to help you guys out. Mind telling me what's going on here?" Ben responded to the Iron Warrior as he was slicing through Drukhari Jetfighters and Bombers left, right and center
"Tennyson, by the Emperor it is good to see you. I was sent here to reinforce the Olympia sector, while Lady Perturabo was assisting Lady Mortarion and the Death Guard on a recent campaign." Forrix said back as he commanded his men to continue firing on the Drukhari Light Cruisers
"As you can see in Lady Perturabo's absence, the Drukhari have become emboldened to attack her home. So we are fending these knife-earred bastards, from gaining another inch." Forrix further spoke in a condensed elaboration of recent events
"Well lucky for you, I am here to help out…sorry I'm to party…Anyways, I'll soften these idiots up for you, and then you and your people can hit 'em where it hurts. Sound like a plan?" Ben told the Warsmith
"It does, Tennyson. Good luck to you, these Xenos are nothing if not skilled in void warfare. Even as much as I despise to admit it." Forrix spoke as he witnessed the Delta and Astro Megazords work in tandem to eliminate the Aeldari fighters
"Trust me, I won't even need it…Now let's stand on business, and get it done, Forrix!" Ben said as he directed his megaship turned Megazord to continue
From there on with Ben and Bahamut's assistance from within their respective Megazords, were able to turn the tide in swiftly eliminating the Drukhari invaders who were not prepared to face two mechanized robots to aid the Iron Warriors. Especially when on one hand they were being hacked and battered by the sword and shield of the Astro Megazord, who Ben piloted to act with the combat prowess of a crusader of old, that utilized a stalwart defense and battering ram like hack'n'slash with its blade to eliminate their fighters one by one. All the while, Bahamut directed the Delta Megazord to use its surprisingly deft form that was pulling off acrobatics that were baffling to behold, whilst using Drukhari ships as platforms to gun down the bombers and fighters with pinpoint accuracy.
With a combination of its new Bolter ammunition, plasma bursts, and the launching of Melta. Graviton, and Microwave bombs, did Bahamut's Delta Megazord in tandem with the Astro Megazord's surprisingly proficient sword and shield play make for a fearsome combination. A combination that within a matter of minutes had destroyed the great majority of the fighters and bombers sent out to harass the Iron Warrior's Battle Barges and Strike Cruisers. Which allowed for those of the 4th Legion to better concentrate and focus fire onto their opposition, who were now having to backtrack as Ben and Bahamut's megazords went to work in dismantling the 'modest' assortment of Drukhari Light Cruisers and Battleships.
The Light Cruisers and Battleships of the Dark Eldar attempted to retaliate against the Megazords, yet the problem came in the form of now fighting a battle on two fronts, one being that the Iron Warriors' ships were now able to fully concentrate their firepower against them. Then the second were the twin Megazords delivering on their promise to weaken their opposition so that their allies from the 4th could follow up for devastating finishers. Wherein Ben used the Astro Megazord's Power Sword to slice through their void shields in a short flurry of swipes or a full-force overhand swing, allowing for Bahamut to either punch holes into their hulls with a volley of blaster fire or destroy their engines outright with rapid-fire volleys.
The one-two punch from both Megazords of subsequent destruction of their engines or blasting/slashing holes into their ships, left them either immobilized from their engines having been blown to bits from Melta and Microwave Bombs blasted into them, their hulls being ripped into by the Astro Megazord's blade, or said Megazord's shield prying their underside open. Only for the Delta Megazord piloted by Bahamut to pump it so full of Plasma blast fire that its lower decks were turned into a fiery hellscape from within, before quickly moving onto the next target in lightning-swift succession. Their weapons arrays being targeted by not only the Megazords as well, but Forrix who commanded his men to open fire on their Aeldari opposition with vicious aggression.
From the firing of Melta Torpedos, guided Torpedoes aimed at their Warp drives, the firing of MacroCannons and Plasma Cannons, all were unleashed with the explicit purpose of shredding their adversaries into a melted heap of wraithbone and metal scrap. Which in tandem with the damage being dealt by the Astro and Delta Megazords who went on a rampage against the Drukhari Light Cruisers and Battleships, had soon turned what was once a nigh-stalemate war of attrition to a violent tear against the Drukhari forces.
So much so as the combination of the Ultimatrix wielders' Megaships turned mechanized warriors and the Iron Warriors' own fleet that outnumbered the rapidly failing ships of the Drukhari, had their opposition see it best that they retreat, lest their losses become immeasurably heavy. Hence why those that were still able to flee as their forces were being picked off one after another hightailed it into the Webway to retreat knowing that it was better to do so, than risk being torn to shreds by the forces of the 4th Legion. With it being as the remainders of their knife-earred opposition fled would the battle end as both Megazords would dismantle one final Drukhari Light Cruiser for the Iron Warriors' Strike Cruisers to maul with overwhelming force.
"Alright, Forrix. That takes care of it." Ben said over the comms to the Trident member
"Indeed, Tennyson. Thank you for the support given against them…If it were not for your aid it would have been far more troublesome to eliminate those bastards." Forrix thanked the Ultimatrix wielder
"Not a problem. Anyways, I'll come to you, so you can fill me in on how bad things are…I have a feeling that things are a lot crazier than what I've popped into." Ben said to the Warsmith as he signaled for Bahamut to transform their Megazords back into their ship modes
"The best that can be said at the moment is this…Our Matriarch's absence was far more noticeable than anticipated." Forrix said back knowing that there was far more to explain
"So to keep as it brief as possible, before you dock your ships. You may find yourself being involved in your first stint with the 4th Legion…Far sooner and under less pleasant circumstances than what I initially had hoped for." Forrix further spoke to the Ultimatrix wielder
"Well the good news is that I'm here and ready for action. I'll come to your ship and we can work this out better there." Ben told the Iron Warrior
"That will be more than fine. I will have my men standby for your arrival. There is much that you must be updated upon, but more than that, Tennyson, even further that you must be made aware of. It seems as though all has not been quiet on the eastern front as most would say." Forrix responded before ending his transmission
"On one hand, I stopped Perturabo's people from getting their cheeks potential clapped. Then on the other side of that, I'm gonna have to tell Konstance that I probably won't make it to her on Nostramo…I think she'll understand that it's for a good cause." Ben remarked to himself in terms of the fine mess he'd gotten himself into
"...Into the frying pan and into the hellfire. Isn't this the story of my life...At least I'm going to be able to go for back-to-back for victories..maybe I'll get an actual challenge this time around. At the rate I'm going and with my luck, I'll probably run into a 3rd battle and get a trinity going.." Ben said with a mirthful chuckle at his luck as he directed both Megaships to the Warsmith's Flagship
(2 hours later, The Stonebreaker, 6:26 Pm, Olympia Majoris System, Ultima Segmentum)
It would be a few hours later before Ben would land both his Megaships onto Forrix's Flagship, wherein after proper greetings and catching up with one another, would Ben and the Warsmith in question discuss what exactly was going on in their battle against the Drukhari forces.
"So as you can see, Tennyson. Things are substantially worse than anticipated in our own home so to speak." Forrix spoke as he finished his relaying of events
"But I thought that the Emperor and Malador made sure to cover up everyone vanishing. How in the hell did these dagger-eared fuckers find out?" Ben questioned curious as to how they could've known
"I do not know how they did so. That being said, given how they are disgusting Xenos who are not only cunning tricksters. whose battle prowess is equalled by their immense sadism. They are also posionous wretches who are skilled in any manner of dark artifice, among other factors, are a combination of the following." Forrix informed the Ultimatrix wielder
"Their use of dark technology, skillful infiltration, and subterfuge to peer into how disorganized we had become, with Lady Perturabo's sudden absence. The use of their spies, saboteurs, and so forth to infiltrate their way into the system. On top of using their blasted means of transportation to slip through our defenses, which are faster than our own methods to traveling through the Warp, while we were having to support one another during her time away. These factors are what allowed them to slip through the Iron Warriors and Olympian Defense force, and begin wreaking havoc across the system so far." Forrix further spoke
"Do you at least know how long this has been going on?" Ben questioned
"I have communicated with one of our soldiers who headed the defense of the system, during my absence heading another campaign. A rather brash and violent marine by the name of Lieutenant Kroeger. He has informed me that nearly 3 months after the disappearance of our Matriarch, did the Drukhari begin their attacks." Forrix answered back
"Alright, and what is this Kroeger guy doing now?" Ben questioned
"He is currently leading a company of Iron Warriors to attack the Drukhari, alongside Captain Auric Saxton. Our opposition as it seems; have been jamming communications to prevent further reinforcements…The only way, I even knew about this was thanks to our men launching counterattacks to destroy their stronghold and stations." Forrix answered back
"So other than that, how good are our chances at taking these guys down and out?" Ben questioned
"Now that, we have called for further reinforcements. One of which is from that of a fellow Warsmith of mine by the name of Barabas Dantioch. Someone who is a formidable member of the 4th Legion in their own right…I would even wager to say someone who you may find a kinship with alongside Kroeger." Forrix answered back in regards to their reinforcements
"Then in regards to our chances, by the time that the remainder of my Battalion arrives within a weeks time, as well as Barabas's fleet. We will be able to in tandem with your own skillset and Harkon joining us to lay waste to the Drukhari invaders…To put it simply, they will know the wrath of the 4th Legion in full." Forrix added with a smile born of spite, grim determination and petty vengeance
"Hey, just say the word and I'm ready to get to business whenever you are...I may not be all that great at siege or what have you, but if you need someone in the trenches. Then I'm your man to get down in the mix." Ben told the Warsmith who grinned at the Ultimatrix wielders' readiness to jump into the proverbial meatgrinder
"Trust me, Tennyson. We will be able to do that in due time. That said, we have more than our fair share of work to do. Given that while the Drukhari are nothing if not debaucherous and inhumane wretches. They are crafty and cunning wretches all the same." Forrix spoke as he showed a sizable handful of worlds that were being taken by the Drukhari invaders
"This is gonna be a pain in the ass to deal with, ain't it? Anytime someone says that an enemy is crafty, cunning, or anything like that, means its gonna be hell." Ben said in seeing the planets taken by the Drukhari so far marked in violet
"Undoubtedly so, they have worked surprisingly fast to ravage the worlds taken…From what we have been able to surmise, they are making a warpath to Olympia." Forrix spoke as he gestured to Perturabo's home planet
"Is there something special about this place? Again, getting used to what's important all that is still an adjustment." Ben questioned the Warsmith
"It is not only our Matriarch's home planet. It is also where we mainly recruit our soldiers from, Tennyson…If the Drukhari were to ever reach Lady Perturabo's home planet, the results would be utterly disastrous to say the least." Forrix answered back as Ben's eyes widened at the thought of Perturabo's home being ravaged by the debauched followers of Slaanesh
"Then we'd better not let them get within shitting distance of it then." Ben said his voice turning stone-cold and calculating in comparison to its more laid-back tone
"The fall of Olympia is not an option by any means. Which is why, a war council to coordinate attacks on the Drukhari going forward. As well as stamping out their opposition thus far, and making sure their presence is fully eliminated; will be held shortly." Forrix replied in seeing such a thing as an absolute must
"Am I included in this? I want in; on being able to pitch in." Ben asked the Trident member
"Considering what you have not only done in returning our Matriarch to us. Then on top of that going out of your way to assist us against those fiends…I say that you are more than welcome to join the war council. If anything, having someone such as yourself will be an important asset to aid us." Forrix answered back in regards to Ben's presence going forward
"Good, and that's also going to give me time to help beef up your guys's firepower. If we're going to really take these guys down a peg or 10. Then I want to make sure that we wipe these guys out and make it look easy." Ben told the Warsmith who grinned wider at Ben's words
"Trust me, Tennyson. With your assistance, our enemy won't know what has stricken them. That much I am sure of." Forrix spoke
"Also, if we're going to do this and do it right. Then I have one or rather a few suggestions for amping up your attacks. Since sieges are well and good don't get me wrong, but being able to snap a man in half in their own home court…Now that is a whole other thing. Especially, when you do it from within." Ben replied as a few ideas came to mind on how really make things a problem for the Drukhari
"What do you have in mind exactly?" Forrix questioned the shorter man
"Let's take one part Urban Warfare, one part Deep Strike tactics, a heavy dash of subterranean warfare, and some good ol' fashion Infiltration. We mix that together with what yo guys do and make it so they really don't have a leg to stand on..." Ben answered back as the Warsmith smiled
"After all, if they're gonna be bastards and not fight fair. Then why should we do the same for them?...Nah, nah, if they wanna make mudsling crap at you guys, then let's shove their face in mud and drag them into deep waters." Ben further spoke as the flash of devious menace from his time in the Chimera Wars made itself known if only for a moment
"You have my attention, by all means go on. I am keen to hear what tactics you have in mind to bring our enemy low." Forrix spoke as the two began to discuss further on potential tactics going forward to mix in with the 4th Legions' bread and butter
(4 hours later, 10:38 Pm, Stonebreaker)
It would be the middle of the night, as Ben was soon contating Konstance over holo-communications to let her know that it would be awhile before he saw her again.
"That's about the condensed version of it. Soooo, as much as I would love to be there helping you and Furiosa out. I gotta help Perturabo's people first, Konstance. My conscience would have a field day if I just up and left them against these guys." Ben told the Night Haunter
"I understand, darling. I know that it is in your nature to help others where you are needed most. It is one of the many things I admire about you the most." Konstance Kurze said back with an understanding smile to her beloved
"Thanks, I appreciate it…I promise I'll try and make it to you as soon as I can." Ben said to her with a small yawn
"Anyways, how're things going for you and Furiosa on Nostramo? I'm pretty sure that with you two there, you guys are making light work out of it." Ben asked the Night Lords Matriarch
"It seems as though things are far more complicated than I originally thought. Much, much more complicated than I originally thought." Konstance Kurze told him
"How much more complicated can it get? It can't be anything that two Matriarchs and their elite squads can't handle, can it?" Ben asked once more in seeing her expression turn dour and wrathful
"While it is nothing that both our sons cannot handle. The one that I left to exact justice on the corrupt and wicked in my stead…He has informed me that the ruling elite of my home, a sizable portion of the planets crime lords, and their followers did not take to his doing so. As such they turned to dark and insidious methods to cling to their power, as the people rallied around him." Konstane Kurze answered back with a grim and furious look about her
"So much so did they desire to cling to their ways of excess and perverse debauchery. Their desperation to escape justice and retribution for their crimes against the people, the people I strove to protect. The wickedness in their hearts drove them to make dark dealings with the forces of Chaos. Namely that of the one known as Slaanesh." The Night Haunter added in disgust of how far they were willing to fall in order to cling to their paltry seats of power
"That…That is a lot worse than what I thought it would be…How bad of a hold is it over there? Are we talking planetside corruption, or managable corruption?" Ben questioned the Night Haunter
"I have been assured that it has not fully overtaken my home. However, rumors of possessed, the nobles turned towards debaucherous sorcery, and their high-towers now nearly rampant with Daemons. That my home is now wrapped in civil war, that rages within…A civil war that Furiosa and I, can and will end no matter what it takes. I will not allow Nostromo to be made a plaything for daemons and craven whores." Konstance Kurze answered with dark determination shining in her violet eyes
Wherein for the first time since she had unified her home planet as its one true ruler, had Konstance felt a sense of duty to her people to guide them on the path of order and stability through her own brand of justice. Only this time around she would not only have the strength of one of her sisters with her, but the will to make sure that this time…that this time that justice and a brighter tomorrow for both Nostromo and her Legion would reign supreme.
"If anyone can kill Slaanesh's goons, and put their followers on a t-shirt, I would put all of my money on you, Konstance. If no one else will say it, then I will…You and Furiosa both are gonna demolish these guys, I just know it! That and everyone is gonna see you knock it out of the park as a superhero in the making." Ben said to the Night Haunter who couldn't help but smile at her beloved faith in her to succeed
"Thank you for believing in me, I-I cannot tell you enough how much it means to hear those words from you." Konstance Kurze replied feeling her twin hearts beat joyfully from hearing it
"Hey, I believe in you all the way, isn't just me that knows that you can do great things, Furiosa does, Fulgrim does, Lorna does, and even Sevatar does too…even if he gives me the creeps. How a man that large can sneak around that quietly I will never know." Ben said back with a smile on his face
"...The bottom line of what I'm trying to say; is that you have people pulling for you. So if there is one thing I can guarantee you, it is that you are going into this loved, cared for, and most of all, as one of the most badass women I know." Ben further spoke
"I will take this with me in the encounters to come, Ben…That said, are you going to be alright against the Eldar wretches? They are nothing if not equal parts malevolent, cunningly sadistic, yet vicious in their methods…I say this to you because I care for you, do not take them lightly." Konstance Kurze said to the Ultimatrix wielder
"Don't worry, I have it under control. Plus with Forrix working with on top of this Kroeger guy and whoever Dantioch is. I have a good feeling that we have this locked down and out." Ben said back with full confidence in the strength and skill of what he and those of the 4th Legion could accomplish
"While I appreciate that you remain confident even in the face of such vile opposition. Promise to me that no matter what, that you will not show a shred of mercy to these wretches. They are monsters that sicken even me with how heinous they are…The sheer wanton malevolence of their actions is repulsive." Konstance Kurze requested as she saw the Drukhari as nothing but abominable heatless monsters to be exterminated
"I promise that I won't show 'em mercy, Konstance…Besides, I have a bad feeling in the pit of my stomach; that mercy isn't a luxury I can afford on this one." Ben replied as his instincts were flaring up with a sense of urgency he hadn't felt since the start of his final war against Vilgax
"Thank you…The Eldar, Drukhari or Craftworld are nothing to take lightly. Regardless of what they say or do, do not show anyone of them a shred of mercy. The effort is wasted on them, my beloved." Konstance Kurze said back her voice more out of concern for his safety than anything truly malicious
"From the little I have been told of them by the Emperor and now Forrix. I'll take your word for it." Ben said with an almost exhausted sigh
"...Anyways, I'll have to call it for tonight. I have a long ways ahead of me. The last thing I need is to show up to the meeting with Forrix completely out of it." Ben added knowing that he had to be up early to get things started
"Of course, and goodnight, Ben. I wish you nothing but the best." Konstance Kurze said with a hopeful smile on her face
"You too, Konstance…Remember, you've got this in the bag, I know you do." Ben replied before they ended their holo transmission to each other
'God/Emperor willing, please let that wonderful lady/my beloved be ok.' Were the thoughts of the Night Haunter and the Ultimatrix wielder
(The next day later, 12:06 Pm, March 16th, 951. M30, Southern Nostromo, Loyalist Encampment, Hive Glasya)
Meanwhile, in the day to follow under the perpetual dark of Nostromo would Konstance be beside herself, whilst Furiosa was with Kharn and a few Atramentar to help further rally the people of her home. The Night Haunter would be alone with her thoughts, her mind and heart racing with the war-torn mess that was her home.
"I never thought that I would step foot on this blasted rock ever again." Were the words of the Prince of Crows as he strode up to his genesire
"Then again, I would not have imagined to see myself battling against Daemons and witches. Especially on Nostramo of all places, my Matriarch...Murderers, thieves, and arsonists, but not these wretched things." Sevatar further spoke as he looked up at the wistful yet pensieve expression
"Neither would I, Jago. I had hopes that should I return to my 'home', that it would be under something…not brighter. But at the very least better than what I had left in my wake. Instead, I find it not only caught in the midst of a civil war for its very soul...I find those who stand against me, willingly enslaving themselves to dark powers, all for the fact that they chose to cling to their wicked ways." Konstance Kurze responded as she continued to look up at the sunless sky of midnight above her
"To be quite honest with you, Madame. It is both pitiful and endearing to see your people persevere through it all, if you think about it." Sevatar spoke to the Night Haunter who cocked her head towards him at those words
"How so, Jago? Enlighten me." The Night Haunter questioned
"On one hand it is pitiful to see that our home has fallen so low, since your departure. I knew in the depths of my cold black heart as it were, that eventually Nostrmo would fall back into its old ways. The darkness that pervades it simply being too strong to overcome any good within." The 1st Captain of the Night Lords answered back
"...Even with your protege at the helm, doing far more than what many in his station would be able to. Even managing to bring forth a legitimate court and law enforcement system to this wretched hive of corruption. That despite that, despite his efforts to rally the people to bring forth order and a stable Nostromo. That the deck was stacked against him, so long as the nobility and those with power, from the leaders of gangers, to the upper class who have sold their souls to Devils. That it would always be an uphill battle and a severe one at that." Sevatar further elaborated as he did not even bother to sugarcoat or mince words especially regarding the thousands if not millions of lives sacrificed thus far to ensure the future of Nostromo was kept alive against the Slaaneshi empowered threat of the traitors
"Yet he succeeded where I failed, and honestly he prevented this rotten world from further falling to depravity. Despite being a man, not a Matriarch, nor Astartes, he not only managed to keep the dream of a lawful Nostromo alive. He united gangers, thieves, and even hired killers alike to stand for justice, where I could only instill fear into the hearts of many…Even now he still fights against Daemons and witches that wield dark and blasphemous powers." Konstance Kurze admitted in seeing that even in its war-torn state that her successor had done more to unite the people of Nostromo than she ever had in her mind
"Indeed, Vandrin was the one you entrusted this planet's fate to, was he not? His will to keep going and to rally others to fight for justice, and persevere in the face of mountainous odds. Is more than admirable, and even now as he rallies militiamen, thugs, guns for hire, and even the lawmen of this world." The Prince of Crows spoke in respect of the Night Haunter's protege
"Indeed, and while it took a few years to warm up to him. He showed to me that he was worthy of not only continuing my work. Yet despite the opposition faced in not only cleaning out what corruption he could within…He endured to unite both sides as two halves of one whole." The Night Haunter spoke in partial envy of how Vandrin was able to do so
"In addition, to bringing order within the streets of Nostromo, not through fear and brutality, as I had once had. Instead, by organizing them and building community within the lawless murderers and wretches. He even managed to bring a fledgling unity with the law enforcement and gang leaders." Konstane Kurze added in having wondered how Vandrin was able to pull it off
Wherein the Matriarch of the 8th Legion having found it mind-boggling, that while Vandrin did use intimidation to strike terror into the hearts of his enemies in the wretch and the murderous, the vile, and the reprehensible criminal maggots infesting Nostromo. That he balanced this out by not only bringing hope to the masses by uniting his rivals under one banner, as he rallied the people to his cause for the ideals of a much more stable Nostromo, and the promise of crime being cleaned up.
It was further enhanced by his willingness to see that the lawfulness of what the law enforcement, he had worked day and night to reform and purge of its vile corruption, but also the cutthroat yet oddly sensible code of ethics that the gangs, cartels and etc of it's underbelly ran by as one whole. Hence his ability to not so much completely wipe away crime, so much as bring it all to a stability wherein regardless of either side of the coin that a Nostraman citizen would ensure justice both by the law and on the streets.
"And that is what also makes all of this admirable when you think about it. The fact that; in spite of the cruelties and horrors of Nostromo crushing anyone else. That it inspired in someone the courage to bring order in a way neither would think…Even you had to admit, that to do so takes bravery, cunning, and skill to pull off. Especially in a way that for a decade going on 15 years, made Nostramo almost bearable." Sevatar replied with a smirk of respect in the shrewdness and balls to do what Vandrin did
"It certainly shows, given that those of my Legion not of Terra. That they represent ideals closer to my version of justice. They represent that fear is meant to be used as a tool to bring justice and retribution swiftly and as bloodlessly as possible. Not as a crutch and a sickening blight unto both the innocent and the wretch." The Night Haunter said back with a smile at the more noble of the 8th Legion
"Indeed, it is why I do not hold as many of the Night Lords; in contempt of being cowards, gutless wretches, and depraved maggots. The majority of whom deserve to be slaughtered for all I care." Sevatar spoke in almost casual disdain of the majority his battle-brothers
"I see that many of them are making the honest attempt to be better. To set an example that it is to be taken with pride to be part of our Legion. That to be a Night Lord is to be an arbiter of order through fear, not a rotten, deprived, spinless thing, made into a cowardice-filled demigod." Sevatar further spoke in recognition of those that were making the effort to be better than their wretched brothers
"That is something that I must call more attention to within the 8th legion. Too often do I punish the failures who carry my blood within them, and in doing so overlook the good within it. Something that after much thought, I know I must bring better recognition too." Konstance Kurze spoke in reaffirming that bringing more recognition to her more noble and valor-filled sons was far overdue
"Even if you do that, Konstance. Even after we slay the daemons of this Warp God, the whores of the elite who have sworn themselves to debauchery, gluttunous excess and so much more. Even after all of that, I must ask you one important question." The Prince of Crows said to the Night Haunter
"Ask your question, Jago." the Night Haunter said to her 1st Captain
"What more will you do to improve the 8th Legion? Even you know; that in order to bring us to the standard of heroism you wish. That far more sweeping changes to the core of what we are must be made. That it isn't simply Nostramo that must be made better, but it is the Night Lords as well." Jago inquired to his Matriarch whose expression became more wearisome and melancholic
"I cannot give you a concrete answer in that regard. Even now I am still figuring out how to cull the rot from my Legion. However, I do know that the way is there, I just…I just need time to figure out how to do it…More than that, I must reexamine myself in order to be a better leader to all of you." Konstance Kurze answered back as the 1st Captain could've sworn he saw what were tears hidden under her dark yet somber eyes
"The path to creating a Legion of heroes begins and ends with me. Which is why, I have to find it within myself to be a good leader. Otherwise, all of my desires for bettering the Night Lords will be in vain." The Matriarch of the 8th further spoke
"Then let me further my question with this. Do you believe it is within your power to be a hero, who can lead not only us by example? But be one who can lead those around her to do good deeds as well?" Sevatar further questioned his Matriarch
"I do believe I have the power and ability to do so. However, I am not quite confident in myself to inspire others just yet. I am not yet at a level where that is feasible…Yet I know that I can reach that place in due time. I just need more time to make that a possibility that can be realized." Konstance Kurze admitted with a mix of trepidation, brutal honesty, and hopefulness in her voice
"That is an answer that I can respect, Konstance. I at least know that you are honest with your intentions to be better. If nothing else, be honest with who and what you are." Sevatar spoke
"Of course, Jago." Was Konstance's solemn response
"You are welcome. Now then, we have work to do and a meeting with Furiosa, Kharn, and Vandrin's forces to attend to…The fight for Nostramo's soul will be a visceral and brutal one. One that we must win, unless you wish for you home to fall further into endless depravity." The 1st Captain of the Night Lords spoke before leading his Matriarchs' side to meet with the others of the resistance
'I don't know how I will do it, but I will make myself a worthy champion of my home…It is the least they deserve of me.' Were Konstance's thoughts as she followed after Jago
But not before the fiery midnight blue and black smoke trailed behind her like a watchful guardian only this time as it did so, did it seem far more solid, and much more cohesive as it began to take a much more soldified shape…With it soon having formed into an armored face, torso, and pair of arms of a bat-like humanoid in dark azure bordering on sapphire colored plate armor, its eyes the color of polished brass and freshly spilled blood, as it floated behind Konstance before fading away just as fast as it was formed.
With Ben's journey from Zenthon to Nostramo, having taken a detour now turned into a assisting counter-offfensive campaign alongside the Iron Warriors to defend their home sector from the Drukhari who has invaded in the absence of Perturabo. We also see Furiosa, Konstance and their elite now have their hands full, as they must now deal with not only the corrupt of Nostromo, but also those who have sworn allegiance to the Dark Prince and their fores summoned to claim the sunless world for Slaanesh…So how will campaigns against these malevolent forces unfold on either side? Well, stay tuned and see in the all new chapters of, Ultimate Alien: Primarch Force!
Alright, that'll do it for this one as we have Ben getting slungshot from one engagement into a far more vicious one, as oh BOY is Ben gonna more than likely go through it, with what he's gonna see the Drukhari are like…and it is gonna be fun! So I hope everyone is ready, since I'm feeling real good about this, as I want to thank everyone for sticking around to support the story, since without you, the story could not have made it this far.
As such and with all things, I will express my gratitude furhter for thanking everyone who has favorited, followed, and left a review on what they have liked and want to see more of, since it is thanks to you that its even possible. But without much more to say, this is Pravus666 signing off until next time, wherein next chapter will get into things from Furiosa and Konstance's side of things as the battle for Nostramo commences. So stay tuned for all of that fun stuff to come, and I'll see you in the next one!
Part 1 Theme Song: Black out the Sun by Sevendust
Random End Song: This Means War by Nickleback
Now then onto the reviews of the previous Chapter:
Skull Flame: Glad you liked that little detail I added with the Orks at the end of the Arc, since I wanted to show that the Orks are slowly but surely getting smarter. Also, with Lorna training up with Morganna for her Psyker powers, that she's really committing herself to being a badass preacher as it were. Also, with Lorna admitting to her faults in having not seen the rot within her Legion coming, I feel like it made sense given that its her having to come to the reality of how much her quest for faith and higher powers has really blinded her. And as such the fact that she has much, much more growing in her wisdom to do in order to truly complete her goals for a pathway higher beyond being a conqueror, which starts at the core within her own Legion. Also, it just made too much sense for her to have Argel Tal keep her in the loop about this, given that out of everyone he would be the FIRST to sense that something is up with Kor Phareon and Erebus, and speaking of Kor and how he's treated Lorna, that'll be coming up once the story progresses further. Lastly, I loved your warboss name for Ben's Krork form it goes way too hard for me not to include it.
Kourtney Uzu Yato: Oh yeah and if you thought that what he did to the Orks was something, then wait until we eventually shift things back to him fighting the Drukhari. As a heads up we may see some of what Ben was like during his final war against Vilgax brought out because of it. Not to mention, Ben not being all for the glory, stardom, and etc makes too much sense even as this version of himself, as he is just for all intents and purposes trying to make it through everything with as much sleep as possible, its just that now he's trying to do everything with a constant to-do list at his back as well. Furthermore, with Nurgle having to deal with the rapidly rising body count that Isha is causing due to the Warp fluxuating and causing her to go through 'second-stage puberty', that would be due to the fact that when Ben 'crash-landed' into our current setting that his doing so under the circumstances that he did...Well, its causing the remaining Eldar Gods to essentially start going Ultimate and now are turning into draconic apex-predator versions of themselves as soon-to-be Warp entities, and once they're finished cooking...I'll say this much about what Isha will do, that we may see an Isha and Khorne team up to beat the brakes off of and potentially dethrone Slaanesh.
KharaBella: I had to include Nykonna in here, the guy puts is to Goated not to let him have his chance to shine at the end of the arc. Also, yes Morganna is helping Lorna write her version of the Lectito Devinatus/Book of Lorna in this iteration, since it will with Morganna's help tell of the dangers of the Warp and of Chaos thus far. Think of it as a warning guide and study book on how to best combat and ward the forces of the Ruinous Powers overall as part of Morganna's contribution to it. With the Khan, Furiosa and even Hestia and Konstance eventually adding too it as an overarching arc of the story, given that while Morganna is adding on how to look out for and be aware of the dangers of the Warp, the other four mentioned will be apart of the books philosphies and the law of how things will go within Lorna's new version. Also, yes, yes Nurgle did just pull an 'I can fix her' and as mentioned due to Ben's method of getting slungshot into the setting, it had the side effect of causing all Aeldari Gods that're still alive to go through their equivalent of becoming an Ultimate Eldar God to contend with the Ruinous Powers, which means we get apex Predator Warp Dragons, and we may even see a Khorne/Isha team-up once she's finished evolving. Lastly, yes Ben is setting up the Deathwatch as its founder, but unlike canon in part to his experience with handling Xenos threats will also serve as a sort of SCP foundation as well to contain and monitor Xenos on a scale of danger and threat level, and adjusting accordingly to handle them. Also, unfortuantely no Ben going to Nostromo, given that as much as he wants to deal within an ongoing Drukhari invasion takes precedence first and foremost.
Chronolocked: It took me looking into World of Warcraft (since its been forever and a minute since I've played) to realize that's kind of what I had planned for a minute, with the surviving Eldar gods. Given that the reason for why everyone will be turning into super Aeldar god dragons is simple. That being when Ben got sent into the 40K timeline/universe and caused all of those Warp storms at the beginning of the story, those Warp storms weren't just messing up Daemons. Instead, it also had one other side effect that being to force the remaining Eldar Gods to basically go Ultimate, and how do you go Ultimate when everything in the Warp is trying to kill you?...Well, you start going through the evolution process and begin turning yourselves into apex Predator Dragon gods of the Warp, and as such not only is Isha going Ultimate, but Khaine (which means Avatar of Khaine shenanigans are gonna be fun) as well as Ceogorach and the Harlequinns will be fun to write as well. Not to mention this also puts Ynnead into an interesting spot, given that when and if they truly manifest, that they may do so already hyper evolved as the 'Ultimate' form of an Eldar God.