(Chapter 7: Matriarchs, Aliens, and Daemons)
The month of June would continue for Ben and the Matriarchs, wherein progress on the Megaships was continuing as planned although the building and ensuring that both would be able to their proper armaments for their ship and battle modes was a process to say the least. It would also be that during this time as he got to know the respective Matriarchs, that he had also decided to help with their communication problem by aiding in building a communications tower so that they could better reach out to anyone in Imperium space.
(June 20th, 950. M30, Matriarch Base, 1:00 Pm)
It would be 1 in the afternoon as Ben and Perturabo were hard at work in building the communications tower; that should in potential allow them to begin contacting Imperial vessels to meet them halfway to be guided back to Terra or one of their planets.
"...Hey, Perturabo. How well do you think this intergalactic radio tower is gonna work? I know that you're a super engineer and I'm pretty good with tech in general. But I'm not all sure how this is gonna go with your Imperium, if we do make contact." Ben spoke to the Iron Warriors matriarch
"Better yet, who is the best person out there that we should even contact; once we get this up and running? Since I have little if any clue on who is gonna be the greatest person to make 1st contact with." Ben added wondering who would be the best
"While I would say any of my sisters' legions, I will not do so. Detracting them to come save us, when their energy and efforts are better spent on the tasks at hand; to further the Great Crusade. To much is riding on our efforts to complete it, to let those not trapped on this planet waste their time coming here." Perturabo spoke in both logically seeing it as a waste of time and her pride refusing her to let her sisters see her in such a state
"That's fair…With how much you guys have hyped this Crusade business up, getting one of them here to save our bacon; seems like a time waster…So why not make the transmission to one of your guys's legions? I'm pretty sure that any one of them would be more than happy to make the trip." Ben said before making the point in question
"Perhaps, but that also opens up to whom do we make first contact with?" Perturabo asked back pondering who is should be
"What about Sekhmet, Furiosa's or even Fulgrim's legions? I would've suggested Konstance's as a pick, but she really does not seem to like hers' everytime I ask about it." Ben answered back in having gotten 'I don't want to fucking talk about it' vibes from Konstance in regards to the Night Lords
"Konstance's Legion is more understandable, given that she actively hates her Legion…Even Furiosa, does not despise her legion as much as Konstance does her own." Perturabo informed him in regards to the severity of Konstance's intense dislike for her Legion
"Wait, why does she hate her legion? Did they do something to piss her off?" Ben questioned
"It is less what they have done, and more who is put into it despite her reservations…Much like her planet, the Night Lords Legion are one of the most cruel and unforgiving of the 18 Legions, if not more so. Those bastards are a different level of horrific, how she manages to keep them in line is beyond me." Perturabo answered back
"Yeesh! If it's that bad that Konstance hates them, then that has to be on a whole new level of fucked up." Ben spoke wondering out of morbid curiosity just how messed up they were to earn Konstance's ire
"It is very much a 'see it to believe it' ordeal for her and her Legion. If anything, she should take my advice and go to other worlds for legion recruitment. If she would simply do as I instructed, then she would without fail not only be able to more efficiently lead her legion. She would also not want to impale them on her weapons…not that I could blame her with the sordid lot her planet gives to her." Perturabo replied in seeing it from an efficiency standpoint that if she did as advised Konstance would have less problems with her Legion
"Maybe, I can talk to her about it. Plus, your idea doesn't seem so bad." Ben said as he continued to work on assembling the console for the communication tower in question
"Try it if you desire, Tennyson…Perhaps, with your ability to make her docile and not a nightmare of a woman; you can pull it off." Perturabo spoke back as she continued to work on the tower itself
"But beyond Konstance's hate toward her Legion, there is still the matter of who to make our first transmission toward?" Perturabo questioned
"Well, that depends on two factors. Who has the fastest ships and who can navigate their way through deep space the quickest? Those are the most important ones we need to consider first and foremost." Ben answered back
"The Legion who has the fastest ships would be the Kahns', her Legion is known for their obsession with speed to the point of obscenity. In regards to the ones who are best suited for navigation into the far reaches, it would be the Dark Angels, The Emperor's Children, or the World Eaters." Perturabo spoke in regards to their options
"In that case, our best bets to make our calls would be Fulgrim, Furiosa, the Kahn, and…Leona." Ben replied as he listed off although the Matriarch of the 1st Legion was one he was non-plussed about
"Out of those options, I suggest that we talk to the Kahn first. If we are to have help to both guide us back to and aid as additional support against enemy encounters. Then having someone as expedient as the White Scars, will do us well in our voyage back to the Imperium." Perturabo spoke in seeing the Kahn as the best starting point
"Alright, I'll put down Jaghatai once we get this fully set up…" Ben said as he continued to work
"Is there something…wrong, Tennyson?" Perturabo asked with a moments' pause
"Not really, I'm…I'm just not really sure about how things are going to go once we get to Earth, or Terra. I know its' still my home, but I don't know how things are going to be with it being my planet 30,000 years into the future. So I do have some nerves about going back to a version of my planet that is just massively different than what I grew up on, or even remember…I just hope that it isn't too messed up, or better yet what I'm gonna do when I have to meet this Emperor guy, if he's half as crazy from what Furiosa, Mortarion and Konstance have told me." Ben answered back in concerns to when they eventually went to Terra
Since the Ultimatrix wielder wouldn't be lying if he didn't have some reservations about seeing this version of his home planet, given that from what he'd ask so far, from the Matriarchs he'd talked with; he was given mixed reviews about what it had become. From Lorna, Sekhmet, and Fulgrim presenting it as something wondrous and nigh-utopic, while Furiosa, Konstance and Mortarion had told him of how it had become bloated, cramped and dystopic from what he had once know it as, and as such Ben couldn't help but feel conflicted about the imminent return to Terra.
"I will not sugarcoat to you that when and if you meet the Emperor. That he is nothing if not a complex but difficult man to understand. Neither can I assure you that when we reach Terra, that you will feel any feelings of recognition or positivity toward what it has become in the centuries since your time. The only thing I can tell you is that it will be far, far vastly different in what you will expect or know. The only thing that I can promise you, is that it will be an experience once you meet him and meet the rest of our sisters. For it will be nothing if not harrowing or enlightening depending on how you choose to perceive it." Perturabo told him with the bluntness of a Thunder Hammer to the liver
"...Thanks for being real with me, Perturabo. It's nice that you're honest with me about these kinds of things, I do appreciate it." Ben spoke glad for Perturabo's honesty whenever he talked with her
"Even Rogal will agree with me; that giving you a version of Terra that is some utopic dream or a bleak nightmare, is of no use to you. If you are to be a long-term ally to us, then you are to make your own decisions on what Terra has become as it stands. Not the versions that our sisters tell you it has become. Something that applies to the Emperor as well, regarding the nature of who and what he is. I will not sway your opinion of the Imperium or the Emperor one way or the other, that is your choice to make regardless of how we feel about it." Perturabo replied in seeing Ben's choices to be made as he saw fit without their bias infecting things
"And I appreciate that a lot more than you think…If anything, out of everyone here. I think I like hanging out with you the most, Perturabo. Other than Furiosa, Lorna, Fulgrim and Konstance." Ben said back in seeing that if he had to put a ranking on it thus far that the Iron Warriors matriarch was one of his favorites to be around
"While it is flattering that you think that of me, Tennyson. We still have work to do, that being said it is appreciated nonetheless." Perturabo said albeit with a smile cracking across her face at the compliment
"Gotcha…Hopefully, once we leave this planet we can hang out sometime…That is if you aren't to busy with your Matriarch stuff." Ben replied as a thoughtful look came across her face
"We shall see, Tennyson. If time permits it, then I will not mind spending more time with you." Perturabo said as the thought of spending more time around the man from another time did appeal to her
(6 hours later, 7:25 Pm, Matriarch Base, Karakinos)
It would be later in the day as Ben was currently with Lorna Aurellian who was telling him more about the Imperium, as well as Ben telling her of how his time was a whole different beast and his views on things overall; that fascinated the Word Bearers Matriarch in how he viewed the world around him.
"Your time truly did not have gods, despite their worship of them?" Lorgar Aurellian asked
"Its complicated to answer, as there were things and even aliens that were so strong that they could be considered gods…Trust me, it wasn't as though we didn't try once things settled down after stopping the Incursean, and before that when Aggregor nearly absorbed the Celestialsapien." Ben told the World Bearers Matriarch with disappointment of his own
"My cousin and I, we tried looking across the known galaxies to find the existence of any. Heck, we even went into other planes of existence using Ledgerdomain to find them…Turns out that instead of true gods, they were just beings so powerful; that my ancestors mistaked them for such. One of them, I have recorded in the Ultimatrix...So much to yours and my continued disappointment; there are no Gods in the galaxy at least none that I've found so far in my time." Ben further spoke as a studious Lorna was recording this information
"This is all interesting to know. Even though it is disheartening to hear that the deities of ancient Terra, are naught more than ancient Xenos. It is also exciting to know that you ventured into the galaxy and beyond to find such hidden truths! The possibility that a greater truth is somewhere out there, is all the more encouraging." Lorna Aurellian spoke while disappointed to hear that deities did not truly exist that the possibility of a truth greater was something amazing nonetheless
"It isn't all bad. It helped me to see that there was something more than just faith to believe in…That in our adventures in using Ledgerdomain to find all this out. That it reinforced something that I was hoping to put into work before the Chimera Wars started." Ben replied catching Lorna's attention
"What is that, if you do not mind my further inquiry?" Lorna Aurellian asked
"It is that, despite the existence of all these aliens that were gods,demons, and all other kinds of stuff to my ancestors a long ways back. That we still managed to survive and keep going into the era I last left it in. That the true strength of humanity is in both the individual and the collective whole overall. That it is in our ability to grow, change and overcome as a whole, and building on the potential of everyone around you; that made us stronger together. Not some deity, tyrant or anything else, but everyone from the man in the engine room of a spaceship, to the commander of a fleet of battleships; that that is where the greatest strength of humans lay." Ben answered back as to what he saw was humanity's greatest strength
"That is truly inspiring to hear from someone from the dark ages of humanity. Especially, from your time when Terra was being made more common to the Xenos beyond the Sol System." Lorna Aurellian said
"Well, we didn't really have an Emperor of Mankind around, and honestly it would've made things complicated if we did." Ben said back causing a curious tilt of Lorna's head
"Really? How so, I know that you are now well informed of the Emperor, but despite everything I know that he has done great things in unifying the Imperium." Lorna Aurellian questioned
"And I understand and respect that immensely. Since getting everyone to act on the same page is incredible. However, it is something that from my time couldn't happen. Given that from asking around, it seems as though the spirit of mankind has been lost. Because, my time was something where were able to work alongside the aliens around me and not only were we able to overcome threats that would've seen Earth exterminated entirely, but also enslaved to otherworldly or even other dimensional threats. And it was because the spirit of mankind was there in being willing to fight alongside any and everyone to do the right thing." Ben explained to a Lorna Aurellian who was paying close attention
"Because, the spirit of humanity is something that works to its fullest capacity; when we were ready to fight not only against whatever came our way. But it worked incredibly, because were ready regardless of who or whatever was there, to improve and make things better than ever, no matter who or what was tehre. All because the power of what we were regardless of if we're human, half-alien, alien or what have you refused to be limited by anyone or anything." Ben said as for a brief moment his mind went back to when he would talk to his squadron in order to spur them onto greater heights
"I can tell that from how you speak on the greatness of mankind, that the spirit of it must have been truly inspiring. Given that you were able to accomplish to travel through time, peer into other dimensions, and build machines and constructs not seen since the Dark Age of Technology." Lorna Aurellian spoke seeing how impassioned he was when speaking on it
"It really was, my grandfather was actualy what inspired me to do what I did when I first started to be a hero. Since he gave me a reason time and time again to keep believing that being a hero; was the right thing to do. Even when everything else was telling me to stop." Ben replied in memory of the man he looked up to most of all
"He sounds much like one of my mentors. He must be a great man to have inspired you to become a hero across many known worlds?" Lorna Aurellian asked
"Yeah, he was a great leader, mentor and an even greater man; who I still hope I can live up too…And it's for that reason and many more; why my time having an Emperor like yours or an Emperor of Mankind in general complicates things. Because, from my understanding; your Imperium doesn't have many if any real heroes for the people to look up to does it?" Ben replied
"Other than the Custodes who are regarded as living legends. There are not many who are known as superheroes; either to the caliber of what you have told us, through those that are in the movies and comics you have shown, and so much more." Lorna Aurellian said back in having thought about
"Well, it is from what I believe that humanity or mankind in any way you slice it. Has the capacity to be great heroes to their people. That the best way that we were able to unify and grow throughout our history, is by becoming or creating heroes to fight for the common people…Because in being a hero, it allowed me to find the truth of what I was meant for, and it helped me to do a lot of good in the world and in the greater galaxy of my time." Ben spoke knowing that having become a superhero allowed him to find hhis calling as something greater
"Which is why, having an Emperor or anything like your father would have made things a lot more complicated. Since having someone like that from what I have been able to gather, wouldn't have allowed me to do half of what I needed to do to become a hero…No offense of course, since I don't know the guy yet, but that is how I see it so far." Ben further spoke in making sure to mean no disrespect by any means
"None taken, as I can see from your point of view where you are coming from…In fact, I can even sympathize with the ideals of what you are trying to bring across." Lorna Aurellian said to the Ultimatrix wielder
"You do?" Ben questioned
"Yes, as to not only unify the Imperium but also realize the greater truth to what we are. We must begin to bring about an age of heroes. Heroes that will inspire others to rise up and, seek out not only greatness. But become protectors who will not only keep the spirit of humanity alive to thrive and endure, but seek further enlightenment that will take the Imperium to a pathway higher…You have just given me a wonderful idea on how to improve the Imperial faith!" Lorna Aurellian spoke as her mind raced with a new idea on how to inspire not only greater faith in the strength of the Imperium but also her gateway toward finally understanding her greater purpose in the order of things
"I have? If I did then that's awesome." Ben replied with slight confusion
"Yes, you have as how could I have been so blind to not realize this; when it was staring me in the face the entire time! That to truly find a greater truth and inspire more to do the same, was so clearly in front of me that I did not even see it!" Lorna Aurellian exclaimed in excitement of her latest revelation brought to her as she turned to Ben with wide golden eyes
"Ben, when we return to Terra and reunite with my Legion. I want to request your help, to create and inspire future heroes of the Imperium!" Lorna Aurellian requested
Wherein the Urizen thanks to this revelation, seeing this as a way to not only further the faith of the Imperial Truth, but transform it into something that would further endure and inspire greatness across the Imperium to strengthen it for centuries if not millenia to come…Not only that, but with this revelation in mind; it would allow Lorna to find meaning beyond being a conqueror and warlord on behalf of the Emperor, as with this it would allow her to see what the true meaning was within herself beyond planetary conquest after conquest.
"Sure, but if we're gonna do this, we need to do this right…Heroes take someone who want to be one to help protect, assist, and help the people around them. So we have to make sure that, Legionaire, random guy off the street or what have you. That they are ready and that they genuinely want to be a hero for the right reasons, for this to work. Otherwise, we risk creating Terra's greatest supervillains without even knowing it." Ben told her knowing from experience across both his time as a superhero and commander in the Plumbers to his trips across the Omniverse and time that a hero could break bad and become a horrific menace
"I am aware of that risk incredibly, but with your help, the support of any others we can bring to our side for this to work, and even our sisters. We can make heroes as great as the ones you have shown us in your movies, that can bring an even better golden age to Terra…Just the thought of bringing the Imperium even further under the faith of the Imperial truth, as me ecstatic!"
"Glad I could help with your big revelation, Lorna…if that's the case, then we have a lot of work to do. Because this...this is going to lead to a lot of great things if we nail this right." Ben told a much incredibly excited Lorna Aurellian
"Indeed, and any suggestions you have to make great heroes to help the Imperium. I am more than happy to hear, anything that can spread the good word and faith of the Imperial Truth into something greater. That…That will have my full unyielding support!" Lorna Aurellian replied as from that point onwards the two began discussing the Imperium at large and what it would take to create superheroes for the still expanding Imperium of Man
'I can't explain it, but I have a good feeling about this…If I'm lucky, then maybe with Lorna's help this Imperium could get its own version of the Plumbers started up. That is, if they don't already have one.' Ben said to himself with hope as they continued to dive into the matter at hand
(The following day, June 21st, 950. M30, 2:10 Pm)
Meanwhile, as days would quickly pass onward would Ben find himself with Konstance Kurze who in showing her what superheroes were like in the form of the Batman Beyond animated series, had also made her her first smoothie; which was created from using Swampfire and Wildvine's powers of plant manipulation to grow his own garden of sorts.
"I do not understand, why does he not destroy this Willie Watts. He is clearly a danger to not only his peers, but the civilians as well." Konstance Kurze wondred as she saw said individual be arrested on the projector before her
"As you've seen in the last few episodes. Just like the man that came before him, this verison of Batman isn't a killer. He is someone that chooses to be a hero, because he sees it as the right thing to do, and to atone for what he did growing up…To him he doesn't want to kill, because he knows that he can still save a life without taking one. And still holds himself accountable for everything that happens under his watch, all while still trying to become a better person and hero to his home." Ben spoke as the episode soon began to end
"I may not completely agree with the methods in which he deals with these wretches. But at the very least, I can respect his commitment to justice, the punishment of criminal maggots in this Neo-Gotham, and his pursuit of retribution for his fathers' killer." Konstance Kurze said back in respect of Terry McGuinnus as a fledgling Batman
"Plus this is still him, during the start of his career. Trust me, he gets better over the next two seasons." Ben told the Night Lords Matriarch
"I would assume so, while he is proficient so far as the protector of his home. His skills and tactics leave much to be desired from my personal standpoint. Even if he employs non-lethal methods." Konstance Kurze spoke with an ever-scrutinizing gaze as she drank her smoothie
"Take it from someone who was in the same boat. It is one rocky start to try and be a legitimate hero…But once you find your footing, things eventually lock in before you know it." Ben responded
"I can understand that all too well." Was the Night Lords Matriarchs' response
"Really?" Ben questioned
"Yes, I was a protector of my home planet Nostramo…While I did not have a mentor like you or this Batman, I did save the people to the best of my ability. The difference being that my home, required a much 'different' approach to things." Konstance Kurze answered back semi-grimly in regards to what she had to do as The Night Haunter
"Huh, well I bet that with you being a Matriarch; that it took a lot of time away from your home planet." Ben surmised as he took a drink out of his blueberry and lime smoothie
"It did, however I managed to leave an insurance policy before I left. One that would ensure that Nostramo would have a chance if however slim of bettering itself." Konstance Kurze told the Ultimatrix wielder
"What was it?" Ben questioned once more
"It was a young man that I spared during my time as The Night Haunter. He attempted to pull a knife on me, during one of my nights of patrol…While I would have disposed him, as I had with the other trash that permeated Nostramo. It was in part to one of my visions, where I saw the potential to ensure that if ever in my absence; that it would have the chance to better itself." Konstance Kurze answered back
"...It has been nearly 60 years since then, and while things have improved. The deep-seated corruption of my homeworld still remains, as even with my successor there in my stead to curb the tide of insidious rot. That the nobles to spite me for bringing order to what is my home, and leaving my successor to continue my work to bring stability to it; still infect my legions with murderers, madmen, rapists, violators, and so much more that it brings me to fury…Even though my Legion has shifted through the decades to bring more who align with my views for justice, the fact that they are arrogant enough to send filth to corrupt my Legion angers me so." Konstance Kurze told Ben with a rage so potent that it had her crush the glass she drank her smoothie from
'I guess that would explain why she hates her Legion.' Ben said to himself as he ordered a drone to clean the mess made
"If it is that bad, then maybe there's something I can do to help." Ben offered to the Night Lords Matriarch
"What could you do to help aid in fixing that rot that has been continuously sent to my Legion? As much as I appreciate your offer, I am wary of such hopes; when they can lead to ruin at a moments notice…All that I want is to completely sever the flowing tide of corruption and rot that infects my Legions, since I became Matriarch years ago. To do so, would mean that I can no longer hold hatred for foul maggots corrupting the justice I am to spread throughout the Imperium." Konstance Kurze spoke her stern gaze turning toward the emerald-eyed young man
"You forget that I have led more than my fair share of soldiers too. From the rag-tag company to fight against the Highbreed Invasion, to the battalion I led during my time with the Plumbers. I have been a leader since I was 15, so I know how to get rid of bad apples in a regiment as needed…All I need for you to do is to help me crackdown on whoever is putting people where they shouldn't be in your Legion…I just need a chance, and I can help you make sure that the corruption in the Night Lords ends, or at least gets cut down significantly." Ben replied
"...Why would you go out of your way to do this, for me?" Was Konstance Kurze's only question
"That is because, I can see that you really care about justice and protecting people, Konstance. I can see that under the whole menace to society; that could rip someone's head off in an instant energy you have. That you want to be a hero that does right by the people of the Imperium you fight for…That by itself is more than enough reason to help you. That and I still think your a good person, you just need help to be all that you are capable of." Ben replied causing a smile of genuine happiness to crack and creep across her pale scarred face
"Your belief in me to be a better person is…heartwarming. It is incredibly rare for anyone to believe in me to the extent that you choose to. Not even the Emperor expresses such hopes for me." Konstance Kurze said in feeling a surge of warmth rush through her heart and her face
"Well, unlike him I know that you can be a wonderful woman. You just need someone to get you there, and I wanna help do that for you. All you need to do is let me, help you and I promise I will stick with you the whole way through." Ben responded with genuine care and optimism in his voice that only made the warmth in her heart surge once more all the stronger
"I will hold you to your word, Ben. It has been a very, very long time since I have had hope…I will put my trust in you, to do this. You have a good heart, and it is even rarer that I place my trust and hopes in good men." Was the response of the Night Haunter
"Lucky for you, it will be a cold day in hell before I start letting people down. You can count on me to see this through to the end, Konstance. The day I fail, is the day Leona actually tells a good joke." Ben said as Konstance couldn't help but briefly snicker
"I will give you this, you certainly have a way with words…As a matter of fact, that has to be the first time anyone has made me laugh." Konstance Kurze replied her face splitting with genuine laughter
"Glad I can put a smile on you, Konstance." Ben said back
From thereon the two continued to watch not only Batman Beyond together, but also begin watching the 1990's Spiderman animated series; of which Konstance favored more in actually liking the web-slinger in his antics. This continued onwards into the late afternoon where Konstance would eventually have to leave for her shift with Morganna the Red for patrol duty, leaving Ben to work on a project he promised he'd do as a gesture of friendship for Sekhmet.
However, as the day wore into the starting hours of the late evening, did he decide to take a break from his project, yet it was with his turning around to do so that he was met with the unexpected presence of Branwen Corax looking over at him. The sight nearly making him jump out of his skin, in the sudden appearance of the Raven Guard matriarch who held an ever curious yet melancholic expression about herself, as she looked on at the young man they were allied with
"...Jeez Branwen! Could you warn someone before you sneak up on them like that!" Ben said having felt his heart jump into his throat
"Apologies, for scaring you. I was sent by Sekhmet when you did not show to dine with us. May I inquire why that is?" Branwen Corax questioned with some concern in her voice
"...Wait a minute is it night-time already?" Ben asked as he took the time to step outside into the summer night
"Yes, you have been locked away in your workshop for most of the day…While Perturabo informed us that you were working on projects and designs of your own. One of us was designated to come and see what became of you." Branwen Corax informed him
"Sorry I didn't radio you guys, I just get caught up in making things that time literally gets away from me." Ben said as he checked the time on the Ultimatrix for it to show that it was 14 minutes after 10
"By the way, who else was gonna come and check on me if it wasnt you?" Ben questioned
"It was to be myself or Morganna. However, given that she can often be invasive and without tact. I was chosen instead of her to come and see if anything had happened to you…You are well are you not?" Branwen Corax told him
"For the most part, I am. It's just that with everything going on since I crashed here. It has been an adjustment to get through." Ben replied to the Raven Guard Matriarch
"From finding out about a whole space empire existing where my home used to be. To being not only away from my friends, family and comrades, but also slammed over 30 thousand years into the future, and surrounded by 9-foot tall warrior women…It's a lot to get used too, and that's not even with the fact that a galactic crusade is going on once I help you guys get off the planet." Ben further spoke in feeling a rush of mixed emotions constantly hitting him all at once
"For someone who is under duress, you seem to be handling it rather well." Branwen Corax said as she took a seat next to Ben
"Honestly, out of all the adventures I've had from when I first started out, up until now. This is not the strangest thing that has happened to me…Don't get me wrong it's up there in my top 20, maybe top 10 but is definitely up there." Ben replied looking up at the starry night
"What are some of the stranger adventures you have been a part of? I know that you are a hero from long since the Imperium was even conceived of. But nonetheless am I curious to what battles you have won, when Terra…or the Terra you once knew was still in its infancy." Branwen Corax questioned
"That's a pretty tough one. I think the one where I had to fight alternate versions of myself from different universes would be up there. " Ben informed the Raven guard Matriarch much to her bewilderment
"I cannot tell if you are being serious or that it is some strange joke?" Branwen Corax questioned
"No, it's the truth. Actually, I have the data and recordings of what happened stored in my Ultimatrix; if you want to see some of what happened when i had to fight a version of me that was a crime-lord, one that was a zombie, and one that was a warlord of my own planet…and then there was the one who was an insane cyborg.." Ben told her as her look of bewilderment only grew
"Perhaps, after you tell me what you were working on for the majority of the day; that I would witness such things…The fact that there are even alternate versions of oneself that can exist, is something strange to say the very least; on the subject." Branwen Corax said
"Really? You guys are 30,000 years ahead of where I'm from and alternate universes are strange? Man, things really are different this far into the future." Ben replied
"...But with what was taking so much of my time for today. I was working on upgrading Sekhmet's sword and Furiosa's chainsaw-axes." Ben informed the Raven Guard Matriarch
"Among your many talents, I did not expect weapons-maker to be one of them…Then again, from the many machine-guards that you have built to patrol this area. I should not be surprised." Branwen Corax spoke as Ben let a small chuckle spread across his face
"It's actually one of the hobbies I picked up during my starting days as hero, believe it or not. When you can build and make just about anything with the power of so many aliens, at your fingertips to mess with. You realize that you can make anything a reality if you work toward it hard enough…So ever since I was 12 I started messing around and building weapons, vehicles, and whatever else I could think of for the fun of it." Ben replied as a smile grew at the memory of some of his creations
"Once you start building anything you can think of, you never really stop. Eventually, I got so good at it that thanks to the help of a good friend of mine, I was able to make a lot of new weapons for my batallion, when we were out there saving lives and protecting the galaxy from your everyday intergalactic crime-lord/overlord. We were able to do a lot of good, since I could make sure our ships, armor and gear were better than most of even the elites'...Good times, good times." Ben further spoke in reminiscing at all of the good times shared from his building new gear for his soldiers and some of his lieutenants
"Then it is no small wonder as to how both Perturabo and you get along so well. The two of you share a spirit meant for the tinkering of machines, and engineering creations of metal and steel into things almost wondrous…If anything, I imagine that you would get along rather well with another of my sisters." Branwen Corax said in now seeing the connection as to why Perturabo was able to get along so well with the Ultimatrix wielder
"Really? Who would that be?" Ben questioned
"She is the leader of the Salamanders Legion, and regarded as one of the greatest blacksmiths of the 18 Legions. She too holds a love for the art of crafting and weapons making, that is only matched by another of the Matriarchs that lead the Iron Hands Legion…When we return to Terra, I think that you and her will get along rather well." Branwen Corax answered back regarding said Matriarchs
"That sounds great! If there as great as you say, then I cannot wait to see they'll help me with some of the other builds I want to do. Especially, an idea I have for Furiosa and Konstance!" Ben said excitedly
"I have no doubt, that either one of them will share in it. But beyond that, I would like to see what exactly you are doing to further improve upon the weapons of my sisters." Branwen Corax spoke back keen on seeing what it was that Ben had been working on so fervently
"No problem, Branwen. I am about 85 to 90 percent done. Since I will need another day or so before I can finish the modifications. But once everything is up and running, oh MAN is gonna be cool!" Ben replied with a level of excitement that reminded Branwen of when Vulkan had completed one of her personal builds or gifts to her sisters
'You truly are a curious one, Ben Tennyson. It is almost hard to believe that you are human.' Branwen Corax said to herself as she soon followed the Ultimatrix wielder to the forge section of his workshop
(2 days later, Karakinos, 950. M30, June 23rd, 8:40 Pm)
It would be a few days later as Ben would soon be on patrol with Mortarion and Fulgrim, the latter of whom he found pleasant company, but the former while grim in her demeanor was by Ben's account more pleasant to be around than the Lion who just gave him bad vibes overall.
"Tell me, Tennyson. What will you do once you return to Terra? I know that you have agreed to help us once we have left this planet, but the designs of what you intend to do beyond that are unknown. Even moreso with the information that you are from the ancient past of our home." Mortarion questioned the Ultimatrix wielder
"My sister does make a good point. While I am most appreciative that you have chosen to assist us here, but also going a step forward to aid our Legions, in the Great Crusade and beyond. I myself am curious as to what further plans you have once we return to Terra…So far you have proven yourself to be delightful company, and as such I wish to know or at least assist you in finding a place in the Imperium for your services present and future." Fulgrim spoke in agreement with Mortarion's sentiments on Ben's future
"Besides, there is so much in the way of the arts and the beauty as well as the culture of what Terra has become; that I know you will enjoy what can be offered to you. After all, once we are back on Terra there will be far more time to get to know each other." Fulgrim further spoke with a smile that Mortarion recognized all too well from its deviousness
"That sounds nice, Fulgrim. Is there anywhere special out on Terra or anywhere nice your Legion knows to do that?" Ben asked
"I have a few places in mind that we could go to….What was that for Mortarion, I simply answering his question?!" Fulgrim answered back before she took an elbow to the ribs from the Death Guard Matriarch
"I know where you were going with this, and the last thing that we need is for our new ally to be made a shriveled husk; because you cannot control your urges." Mortarion scolded their fellow Matriarch
"Come now, I was simply suggesting that he be shown the wonders of our time. It would be in poor taste to not further show our thanks to our allies. Not only that, but it is only fair that we exchange cultures; now that Ben has shown us what culture, music and entertainment was like during his time…Something that even still I find fascinating." Fulgrim replied
"I find some of it interesting as well. However, I will not have you acting as a wolf in sheeps clothing; toward one of our allies." Mortarion said back knowing full well of the tales of her sisters sex drive
"Is there something I should be concerned about?" Ben questioned
"Only that my sister is a perfectionist and lover of the arts in many regards. One of them being in regards to those who capture her attention, and seeing as how you have captured hers…Then I can only assume that your physicality is as equally exceptional as your talents in machinery and other pursuits. Otherwise, you will rarely find yourself able-bodied if you continue to impress Fulgrim." Mortarion answered back
"Our father did tell us to care for and embrace the glory of humanity. I am simply doing just that, and I am sure that Ben would not complain with it; upon our return." Fulgrim spoke
"Hey, all I know is that I am here for a good time; whenever we get off this planet. As long as I get to build cool stuff for you guys and your legions, and see what my home and the galaxy has become in the last 30,000 years. Then I am down for just about anything; you guys can throw at me.." Ben said alongside a smirking Fulgrim
"I will not warn you further, Ben Tennyson. However, should I find you a gasping, shuddering mess from my sisters' more 'intimate' rewards upon our return to Terra. Remember that you were warned that you are dealing with a succubus, feigning itself as a vanity driven angel." Mortarion replied before going off to further patrol the cityscape
"Mortarion's exaggerating about you being a succubus right?" Ben asked the Matriach beside him
"We are of two extremes, Mortarion and I. What she sees as my being a ravenous maneater in her mind, is simply having fun with handsome and exceptional men who catch my attention. Beyond that, I find myself insulted that she would insinuate that I would be anything of the sort. A woman of culture being so lustfully depraved, the nerve of her." Fulgrim said in mock hurt and betrayal of Mortarion's words
"I'll take your word for it Fulgrim, you haven't given me a reason not to believe you so far." Ben said back before going to catch up alongside Mortarion
'Although, Mortarion is right about one thing. I do wish to see just how talented you are in all arenas. Perhaps, you will not only do well in my Legion as a helping hand, but in other affairs as well.' Were the lascivious thoughts of the Emperor's Children matriarch
From there the trio in question continued their patrols, which thus far proved as it had been in the past few weeks non-eventful as they further scoured and ventured into the depths of the large city that even as Ben claimed it as part of his domain; still was surprised to see that it was nothing if not multi-layered and more expansive than what it should've been…The sight in question reminding him of Undertown and many of the other sprawling underground cities that the many aliens of his timeline had taken residence in, as they continued to search and be on guard for whatever may come.
Yet it was as they continued to venture forth did Fulgrim stop them in their tracks, as she saw something that surprised the Matriarch in question, with Mortarion and Ben upon the Matriarch's signal to come closer to view; soon saw something that surprised even Ben in all his years of fighting aliens, extradimensonal beings and supervillains galore. Which was the sight of Khornate daemons having occupied 5 city blocks and growing worth of territory to call their own encampment, with the Ultimatrix wielder being beholden to the sight of said demons setting up their camps among a myriad of tasks.
That ranged from separating the daemons that were there into various companies to ready for bloodshed and mayhem abound, prepping armored vehicles that looked nightmarish and less like military machines of war and more like hellish nightmares made of metal and demonic flesh, to those readying and preparing infernal artillery and weaponry. All under a crimson glow where multiple flags of bloody red reigned high and the ever present war-chant of 'Blood for the Blood God, Skulls for his Skull Throne' echoed through the night, much to the disgust of both Matriarchs and the confusion of Ben at what he was witnessing, as he had his Ultimatrix record what exactly he was witnessing.
The trio staying for what was a few minutes that felt like hours before quickly but quietly retreating from the scene, making sure to be as quiet as possible so as not to rouse any guards that were lying in wait to ambush them…For it was only once they were nearly 3 miles away from the sight at hand after hours of careful to make sure that they were not followed in any capacity, once they were; the trio took a few understandably lengthy moments to process what had happened.
"Alright, now that we're away from whatever the fuck that was. Can someone tell me what I just saw?! Because the last time I checked, I didn't know that the literal Devil was on this planet with us." Ben questioned the Matriarchs as to what he just saw
"Those were Warp Daemons. Wretched creatures of the warp that cause only mayhem, discord and all manner of foul discord. Although, I have never seen a host that was this large or well-organized." Fulgrim told Ben who stood mystified at the new information
"Wait that's actually a thing that you guys have to deal with…Man, if I ever see Gwen again, I owe her 80 bucks." Ben said
"The true question we should be asking is; why are so many gathered here…The fact that they have organized themselves into a militarized encampment, is very concerning." Mortarion spoke very much surprised by this fact
"Yeah, that's a good point. Since even I know that it those things are getting that organized for something, that it can't be good…Especially since it means there's some big-boss daemon calling the shots." Ben spoke knowing that whatever was going on that there was a giga-daemon heading this
"That raises even more concerns, if a daemon of that level of strength is leading who knows how many. Then we must prepare for a potential battle against them. With a army of who knows how many spanning that large of an area at once, we must inform everyone at our base immediately." Mortarion replied knowing that a war-council needed to be assembled quickly
"I agree, our sisters must know that a daemonic incursion has appeared on this planet. If one that large has hidden itself under our noses this well, then I dare not think of what other surprises they may have in-store for us…Time is of the essence at this moment, and we must make haste." Fulgrim said back her usual light-hearted and almost jovial voice turning more serious
"I'll catch up with you guys, in an hour or two. Right now, I need to work on making sure my battle-drones are gonna be ready for some fuckery. Because, if we're gonna be fighting these things, then I wanna make sure that we have enough bodies on the board to even things out…I may be pretty strong, and you guys 9 foot plus tall warrior women who conquer planets for a living. But even I know that being at a numbers disadvantage is a sore spot to be in." Ben said to both Matriarchs knowing that he needed to get more of his droids up and running
"You raise a good point, as it stands despite our combined martial prowess. We are heavily disadvantaged against them both in numbers and in weaponry to fight against them with…If there is anything at your disposal that can be created to improve our chances, then do so and do it quickly." Mortarion told the Ultimatrix wielder who nodded and turned into XLR8
"Gotcha, I'll head to my workshop and get my drones working on some stuff to get us prepped for what's coming…Of all things it had to be shit from a Doom game." Were XLR8's words before speeding off
"Look at it this way, we can finally have something to liven things on this miserable rock. At least beyond Ben's rather entertaining company if I might add." Fulgrim said to her fellow Matriarch
"I would have preferred anything to having to fight hordes of Chaos scum. But we cannot fret nor worry about what should have been, when there is work to be done, plans to be made and a battle against our enemy to be won." Mortarion replied knowing that as of this moment they had an impending battle to be won and abominations to butcher
"Then what are we waiting for, let us make our way home for the night and report our findings. Sekhmet will have a field day hearing this." Fulgrim spoke as Mortarion could only nod in silent agreement as the duo headed off whilst Ben began to prepare their army of machine soldiers to fight with
And so with Ben's further getting to know the Matriarchs underway, alongside having given one of them an idea of how to further improve upon and seek a greater meaning to the Imperial Truth; that there is also now the matter of them dealing with the horde of Daemons sent by Khorne to test his potential champion in the fields of battle. How will things proceed for the Ultimatrix wielder and the Emperor's daughters against the formers' first encounter with the ruinous powers? Well, you'll have to stay tuned and see in the all new installments of, Ultimate Alien: Primarch Force!
Alright, that's going to do it for this one, as I hoped you guys enjoyed this and everything that went into it, as we get into Chaos shenanigans, and this is gonna be fun in seeing how things go for all parties involved. So as always as I gear up for what's coming, I want to thank everyone for having come around to support the story thus far, as every favorite, follow and review so far has helped in keeping the story going; also I am just excited to see more of what I can mess with in the universe of the 31st millennium and all that goes along with it.
As such and all that out of the way, this is Pravus666 signing off until next time. Wherein our next outting will have Ben and the Matriarchs both prepping for and soon engaging the forces of Khorne on Karakinos; so stay tuned for all of that good stuff. Also, at the time that I have dropped this chapter it will have been my 26th birthday and all btw.
Part 1 Theme Song: Black out the Sun by Sevendust
Random End Song: LifeWar by Demon Hunter
Now then onto some of the reviews from the previous chapter.
Ultimos42: Glad I could answer that for you regarding the Heresy, given that it can be for the most part evaded if not severely mitgated; with what I have planned to minimize the burdens of the Warmaster position overall. Honestly, given that Ben will have to take a much more pragmatic approach to making Xenos relations with the Leagues of Votaan and the T'au feasible and other less warmongering Xenos given how he's gonna have to base his approach in logisitics and practicality than hope and good will to make it work; its something that can be done but overall I can honestly see Ben's attitude having more success with the Leagues of Votaan more than anyone else to be honest with you.
Skull Flame: Oh yeah, Ben and Perturabo making the Kahn speeder bikes and the White Scars wanting them all is gonna lead to some funny shenanigans down the line, not to mention Peturabo would probably want them just for practicality sake. Also, I did write Fulgrim learning about rock/metal music with the Noise Marines in mind since it would be kind of funny if this leads to a Loyalist version of them ngl, and also Furiosa and Freya Russ would definitely go for Sabaton as their Legions' anthems if they ever hear about them from Ben. Also, Devlin being the next wielder of Omnitrix vs Ken makes more sense given how after Omniverse had Ken pull that nonsense of making Ben and Kai hook up, it soured me pretty heavily on him as a character, especially since Kai as mentioned was the most fucked of Ben's relationships given how the only reason she wanted Ben was as a literal dog and the fact that she outright admitted it was super fucked to me as a child and as a person today (I feel sorry for the poor S.O.B whose with her now because OOF if that gonna be a headache to deal with). Not to mention, Devlin being both Gwen and Kevin's kid seems like a much more fun mix to play around with tbh. Plus Ben being a Krork is something i cannot pass up if I do swing him getting Ork D.N.A at some point.
The Disquieting One: The more I get into the Leagues of Votaan the more I can see Ben opening up relations with them, given how Ben would definitely vibe with their culture the most out of the Xenos races. Also, Ben's having been slungshot into 30K is going to have some effects further reaching, one of them being that when he crashed through as Ultimate Atomix the power he was outputting may or may not have caused things to start evolving a lot faster...the T'au being one of them. Not to mention, Ben and Big E are at best gonna be standoffish to 'neutral' is all I can say in their relationship to each other. Given that this is an older Ben who has been through it, and Big E as far as he's concerned isn't in a wieght class to make him sweat.