Needless to say, despite the urgency we all felt at the thought of a Daemonic Summoning that we might be able to stop, we were not able to get underway immediately. I was no Commissar assigned to the Imperial Navy, but even I knew that the machine spirits of a voidship took time to rouse from idleness and prepare for a journey. What was more, much of the crew of both Orelius' ship and Lord Karamazov's own vessel were down on the planet and would take time to gather up. And of course, there was Lord Karamazov's meeting with the Custodes which 'Kitten' had insisted upon. In the end, we were going to just take Orelius' ship as it could be readied somewhat faster than the Lord Inquisitor's ship(1); Karamazov's vessel would rendezvous with us wherever we wound up. Even then, it would take nearly half a day before we were prepared to plunge into the Warp.
Time enough for me to do something much needed, that would help stabilize things upon Gravalax.
"I am most gratified to see you well and freed, Vel'na Vesa Cain." While I was no expert in T'au facial expressions and their emotions were muted to my senses due to their miniscule Warp presence, O'Ran seemed to be genuinely happy to see me.
I'll admit, I wasn't displeased to see him either, though having another title tacked to my name was annoying. Smiling, I waved the formalities off. "Please, ambassador. You may call me Ciaphas. Anyone who has advocated for me as fiercely as you have deserves to call me by my first name."
This seemed to further please the T'au, who smiled widely at me. I marvelled at how similar their expressions could be to those of a human for a moment as he spoke. "Then in that case Ciaphas, I insist you call me O'Ran." We spent a moment smiling at each other, feeling the bonds of friendship form, before he became solemn. "Sadly, as I imagine you must have expected, this is not purely a social visit, or I would not have been so demanding in seeing you before you departed."
Well that sobered my own mood somewhat. "Yes. I'm sure you have questions about what has happened since what everyone has taken to calling 'The Unveiling'."
O'Ran nodded, expression schooled into a neutral look. "Yes. I have spent an entire one of your months trying to calm my people, all while not being given the answers I needed to do so. Some of these questions include, how did you free us? Why were you arrested? Now that you have freed us, what is next for my people? So many questions, enough to drive a rational being mad, yet no answers, Ciaphas. Inquisitor Vail claimed she COULDN'T answer my inquiries. And this new one, Karamazov, first said he didn't wish to influence our opinions during an open investigation, and after you were released then said it was your tale to tell." Great. Thanks Fyodor, thanks for laying this mess in my lap. The T'au ambassador grew pleading in tone and expression as he met my eyes straight on. "So I'm begging you Ciaphas, please. Tell me, what by the True Good has occurred to us, to you? Who or what are you, Ciaphas Cain?"
I swallowed, my throat dry as a decision was before me. Karamazov and Kitten had both made it clear that while the truth of my existence was meant to be kept secret from the average citizen, with a cover story of my truly being a Saint being put into place, that I had the right to tell those I selected the real story. The question was, did I trust O'Ran enough to give him information such as this? Would he even believe me? I held a hand up asking for time as I thought, my tentative friend sitting mostly patiently. In the end, I decided that I owed at least him the truth; after all I'd willingly changed his people within this system. He deserved to know what I was, what I had done, and to judge my actions after being fully informed.
"When we met in that bar, you told me you'd seen things that denied explanation. Though I appear human, I am one of those things, a creature of unreality made manifest. Through my unnatural powers, I sensed your people's enslavement even if I didn't know what it was at first, and it offended me. So I removed it. Just as I can heal, or consume others' pain, or summon psychic fires, or sense emotions, or any of a dozen other things I can do that defy reason and logic. It is what I am, what I was unwillingly made to be. Why Inquisitor Vail was, if anything, restrained in her actions and well within her rights to act as she did. After all, even though I remain a loyal servant of the Emperor and His Imperium, I have been touched and twisted by The Great Enemy." Our gazes locked and I uttered the words. "I'm a Daemon Prince."
He just looked at me, and though I could tell he didn't understand he could still feel the weight of my confession. O'Ran breathed in, still looking at me, then made his demand. "Explain. Everything."
So I did. For hours, I talked on and on, telling him everything. About the Warp, the Ruinous Powers, the God-Emperor, anything I could think of. Everything that the T'au Empire and the Ethereals in their naivete had dismissed as baseless superstition. Then the history of Humanity, the Dark Age of Technology, the founding of the Imperium, the Horus Heresy, and more that I didn't even realize I'd remembered from our lessons and sermons at the Schola(2). Only Jurgen was allowed into the room, bringing refreshments as needed. Through it all, O'Ran listened, eyes watching me intently. Never did he claim what I spoke of was nonsense or propaganda, though he did sometimes ask for clarification on certain matters. By the time I paused to wet my lips with a fresh cup of good tanna, he probably knew more about the Imperium and the dark truth of the galaxy than any other T'au alive. Once the basics had been covered, I began to relate my own story, occasionally doing minor tricks of Warpcraft to demonstrate the truth behind my words. I talked of my youth in the Hive, of being brought up in the Schola Progenium, of Desolatia, of my damnation on Slawkenberg, Perlia, my journeys to the Golden Throne, and everything leading up to the moment I ripped away the haze clouding the minds of the T'au on Gravalax. I spoke of what I'd done, its implications, and of what I COULD have done. By the time I was done speaking, I had to call on the Warp to heal my vocal chords or I'd likely have been rendered mute from my efforts. But now the T'au diplomat knew everything that I did.
O'Ran had closed his eyes, hands clasped in contemplation before his face as he absorbed my words. Slowly he opened them, staring me right in the face, and began speaking softly. "Before, I would have thought you mad. Gods and daemons and magic, all things my people had left behind. Now, I'm doubtful that in doing so we became as enlightened as we believed, or if we instead embraced a different sort of ignorance. Your words ring with truth, Ciaphas. I would ponder them, and ask you more, but I'm given to understand that we have little time. Within hours, you and this vessel must be underway. I would stay with you and learn more, but my people need me here desperately to help guide them. They need a new path, a path that we can only tread if we understand what you have done for us and the truth your Imperium revolves around. And despite all you have said, I find myself still ignorant. I don't understand, Ciaphas."
I felt frustrated and defeated, unable to figure out how the frak I could convey understanding to this Warp-blunt Xenos in the scant hours left before we departed. And then he stunned me with his next request. "To understand, I must experience all you have said for myself. We have no time to do so through discussion and lessons. And so I ask you to take me before this 'Golden Throne' you have told me of, so I might see your god for myself."(3)
…Was I accidentally making everyone around me insane?! First the 609th accepted me, and now O'Ran wanted me to take him before the God-Emperor?! "You DO realize that I take SOULS to the Golden Throne, right? That I'd have to draw your very being out of your body and drag it through the Warp?! And that's assuming I even CAN! Your species' souls are like a dull glimmer at best within the Warp! What if I lose you?! What if…"
O'Ran held up a hand to halt my rambling, then said a single word. "Please." But behind that single word was a vast wealth of emotion, of Desire and Need. He truly was Lost, and desperately needed a Guide. And there was nobody he trusted beyond myself.
Frak me. It seemed like for the first time, I was going to bring a Xenos Soul before the God-Emperor. Hopefully I'd be able to put it back where I got it from.
The T'au ambassador's soul was slippery, and threatened to slip through my metaphysical fingers. If he'd been fighting me, I doubt I'd have been able to pull him into the Warp and grasp his soul without damaging it. Yet again, I reminded myself that this was a stupid idea, but if I didn't give into O'Ran's demands then surely resentment would build against the Imperium in general and me in particular. Or worse, he'd go looking for answers elsewhere and wind up delivering the Freed T'au to the Ruinous Powers. Really I was his best choice for this. Ironic considering he'd entrusted his soul to a literal daemon.
His eyes were wide as he took in the wonders and the horrors of the Warp, my clawed hand never leaving his wrist. I'd allowed my True Form to appear for this; O'Ran was seeking the truth after all, not more lies like those the Ethereals had given him. All around the protective bubble I cast, daemons and Warp predators swarmed, showing why the Eldar and the Ruinous Powers also called the Warp the Sea of Souls as it was very much like an ocean's depths. And perhaps for the first time, a T'au was seeing it all despite their nearly nonexistent Warp presence. I had a feeling that only my steady and guiding hand on his arm kept O'Ran moving rather than standing dumbstruck as he saw for himself that everything the Imperium had claimed and which the T'au had dismissed about the nature of the universe was true.
Eventually the eddies and flows of the Immaterium turned golden, and I was able to let O'Ran go and relax my shield. In the distance we could see winged saints, Celestine amongst them, soaring through the Warp currents as they observed us. Yet none stood in our way; I got the impression that perhaps they were showing off for my guest, but I was likely incorrect. The T'au ambassador gasped lowly as I burst into flames. As for myself I was distressingly used to it by now, and so just waved for him to follow as I advanced upon where the golden light was shining most brightly. And then we were before the Golden Throne, and He who sat upon it. O'Ran just stood gawking as I slowly knelt before the God-Emperor, whose voice boomed out with a tinge of amusement.
WHAT IS THIS, CIAPHAS? YOU'VE STARTED BRINGING ME NON-GMO BLUEBERRIES AS A PRESENT? YOU SHOULDN'T HAVE.(4)
Obviously there was some joke I was missing, but somehow O'Ran seemed to get it as he was broken from his awed shock and began chuckling heartily. Shrugging my flaming shoulders, I gestured grandly towards the Throne. "O'Ran Shui'sassi of the T'au, be known by and behold the God-Emperor of Mankind, He who has sat watch and suffered for humanity's sake for ten thousand years, by whose Light the Darkness is banished. Immortal Sovereign of Mankind and the Oathsworn Eldar, Bane of the Ruinous Powers, Master and God of the Imperium."
If anything the God-Emperor seemed resigned to my praise, letting out a soft huffing sigh. O'Ran was silent for a long time as I burned beside him, before finally speaking. "When my former Empire first encountered your super soldiers, we thought they must be this 'Emperor' you all spoke of. Obviously, like they have been in many other things, the Ethereals were mistaken."
The God-Emperor's laughter boomed. TRUE. EVEN WHEN I WAS STILL WITHIN A MORTAL FORM AND WALKED AMONGST HUMANITY, I WAS AS HIGH ABOVE THE ASTARTES AS THEY WERE ABOVE NORMAL HUMANS… WELL, NOT REALLY, THAT'S AN OVERSIMPLIFICATION. IN SOME WAYS, THE ASTARTES COULD BE CONSIDERED MY GRANDSONS. I CRAFTED MY SONS, THE PRIMARCHS, AND FROM THEIR GENES THE ASTARTES WERE FORGED INTO WHAT THEY ARE. THEY ARE MY BULWARK AGAINST THE TERROR. THEY ARE THE DEFENDERS OF HUMANITY. THEY ARE MY SPACE MARINES…
I finished the quote as images formed within the spaces around the Emperor, showing the Primarchs and their gene sons, how they were created and what they were truly capable of. "And they shall know no fear."
The Emperor nodded His mighty head, gaze fixed upon the stunned silent O'Ran. I MUST ADMIT, YOUR SPECIES IMPRESSES ME. NOT FALLING UNDER THE SWAY OF THOSE TZEENTCHIAN-WANNABE FUCKS THAT CALL THEMSELVES ETHERALS, BUT YOUR TECHNOLOGY AND DRIVE. IN MANY WAYS, IT IS WHAT I WANTED FOR HUMANITY. BUT IT'S BEEN SHOWN TO BE AN IMPOSSIBLE DREAM, MUCH TO MY DISMAY. WITHOUT SOME SORT OF DIVINE POWER OR BELIEF TO DEFEND AGAINST THEM, THE RUINOUS POWERS CAN ALL TOO EASILY INFLUENCE YOU. IT IS ONLY BY YOUR SPECIES' LOW RESONANCE IN THE WARP THAT THEY HAVE BEEN MOSTLY SPARED SO FAR, AS THERE IS FAR MORE ATTRACTIVE PREY THAN THEM TO VARIOUS WARP PREDATORS. THAT AND YOUR FAITH IN THE SO-CALLED 'GREATER GOOD' HAS SHIELDED YOU, BUT THERE HAVE BEEN CONSEQUENCES.
O'Ran swallowed nervously, voice meek as he continued to stare dumbly at the God-Emperor. "Consequences, your Majesty? What do you mean?"
A wave of His hand, and the Emperor formed a new image in the Warp. It was of a T'au, a woman if I was any judge, with many arms from different species coming from her. Both of us, O'Ran and myself, blinked at the sight as the God-Emperor explained. THIS IS THE NEWLY FORGED WARP ENTITY, THE GODDESS T'AU'VA, FORMED FROM THE BELIEF IN THE GREATER GOOD OF THOSE SPECIES WITH PSYCHIC POTENTIAL BROUGHT UNDER THE ETHEREALS' SWAY. SHE IS YOUNG AND BARELY FORMED, AND THUS VULNERABLE, ESPECIALLY AS THE FAITH THAT FEEDS HER IS BASED ON A LIE(5). WITH THE REVELATION OF THE TRUTH BEHIND THE ETHEREALS' GREATER GOOD…
The image changed, showing the multi-armed goddess torn in two before being picked apart by Three of the Four Fucks; for some reason Slaanesh didn't seem to be involved. Then the images changed again, showing T'au that were dressed like O'Ran stabbing each other in the back, whispering honeyed poison in the ears of the unwary. Fire Warriors tore helpless civilians apart with their bare hands, painting themselves in spilled blood. Other T'au seemed to be engaged in the darkest of Tech-Heresy, creating blackened and smoke belching abominations unlike anything I'd seen them produce so far. Here I finally saw Slaanesh's influence, as tall and fragile looking T'au engaged in all sorts of depravities as they soared through the air and stars. And those that were left succumbed to despair and fell into Nurgle's putrid grasp. Then the images ended, and O'Ran was on his knees retching. I felt ill myself, seeing the corruption of an entire species to Chaos. It seemed as though by freeing the T'au on Gravalax, I had damned them.
Shakily, still on his knees with head bowed, O'Ran spoke. "Is… is this truly our only choice? Submit to the lies of the Ethereals, or be destroyed?" He looked up at the God-Emperor, tears streaking his face, and voice pleading. "Please… Emperor of the Humans and the Oathsworn… Please… What must we do? How can my people be both free and saved?"
The Emperor was silent, then held out His massive hand. I OFFER YOU A CHOICE, O'RAN SHUI'SASSI. TAKE MY HAND, AND FOREVER BE TIED TO ME. OR TRY TO FORGE YOUR OWN PATH. I WILL NOT MAKE THIS CHOICE FOR YOU. I HAVE COME TO UNDERSTAND THAT ONLY CHOICES FREELY MADE WILL ENDURE. CHOOSE, WHILE CIAPHAS CAN STILL SUSTAIN HIMSELF HERE.
O'Ran looked at His extended hand warily, hesitance emanating from him in waves. Then he looked at me, how I willingly knelt and burned, and I felt determination well within him. The T'au stepped forward resolutely and placed his hand in the Emperor's. I was blinded by the Light emanating from them, and deafened by the God-Emperor's thunderous voice. LET IT BE KNOWN THAT O'RAN SHUI'SASSI IS BOUND TO ME AS A LOYAL CITIZEN, AND THROUGH HIM THOSE WILLING CAN LIKEWISE SEEK ME OUT. FURTHERMORE I SWEAR TO BRING THE YOUNG T'AU'VA UNDER MY PROTECTION. THUS I HAVE SPOKEN, THUS IT SHALL BE.
Then we were both returned to our physical bodies. I blinked my eyes clear of the God-Emperor's blinding radiance, then blinked them again before pinching myself to make sure I wasn't dreaming. Standing before me with a gobsmacked expression was O'Ran, but his eyes gleamed gold and a halo of light was about his head. What was more, I could feel him keenly within the Warp, his soul greatly expanded. He was a Psyker(6), something unheard of amongst the T'au. Somehow, I just knew this was going to get me in trouble with Amberley.
My impulsive actions with O'Ran led to us delaying our departure by another full day much to Karamazov's amusement and Amberley's exasperation, but eventually things settled down with O'Ran returning to his people and we were underway soon after. The Navigator made surprisingly short work of the coordinates they were able to divine from my gut feelings and descriptions; much faster then I had thought possible(7). With the surprising strength and skill of Orelius' Navigator, and with me further protecting the ship in a bubble of my Warpcraft (not that I'd actually mentioned that yet to anybody), it was estimated that we'd arrive in little over a week. Such speeds for Warp travel were nearly unheard of. I spent the week talking to the members of the 609th one by one, thanking them for their loyalty but gently admonishing them for sticking their necks out for me. The damned beautiful fools just grinned, and I could feel their loyalty increase further; madness, sheer madness. At least Sulla seemed humbled, and was willing to take my words as holy writ which was a mixed bag to say the least. Illric just gave me a smile and a pat on the shoulder, as if to say 'told you so', then went right back to wooing Kasteen. I had a few pleasant evenings with Orelius that week, partaking of his most excellent chef's offerings and enjoying fine amasec. Having a Rogue Trader in my debt was proving to be rather enjoyable. Felecia was too busy with the Cogboys on board, and Karamazov was in his provided quarters constantly, doing something important or other as he even took his meals there. That was unlike him as he enjoyed company and spreading good cheer to those he could.
As for Amberley, I'd like to say we picked up where we left off. But of course that was a lie that could make even the Dark God of Fuck Your Sanity blush. I'd lied to her, and she'd arrested me and threatened my comrades. Plus the whole Daemon Prince thing of course. Our interactions were exceedingly awkward, with strained smiles and halting conversations. Still, at least she wasn't avoiding me anymore, and I soaked in her presence joyfully despite the distance between us. It gave me hope that maybe, we could rediscover that connection between the two of us that had begun to form before The Unveiling.
Even sooner than expected, we arrived at our destination. I could feel the sense of rage and hate clouding the whole system like a miasma. As we translated out of the Warp and entered the system, Karamazov gave a shuddered gasp before turning to me with wide eyes. "Ciaphas, are you sure you got it from here? I mean, are you ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN?" He asked me, tone as serious as I'd ever heard it.
Oh frak, for someone as unflappable as Fyodor to get that worked up over a star system… What the frak had I led us into now?! I licked dry lips and voiced my certainty. "Y-yes, Inquisitor, this is the source of what I felt. Why do you ask?"
He glanced at the cogitator next to him, seeming to confirm something before turning back to me gravely. "Do you know what system this is?"
Naturally I shook my head, as I hadn't the faintest clue. What system could be so important or cursed to get such a reaction? "No, Lord Inquisitor. I don't." At least Amberley and the rest of those with us seemed equally confused. Karamazov nodded and turned to look out the bridge's viewscreen.
"This is the Isstvan System." He said solemnly, staring out at the planets spread out before us. Still no reaction from anyone else, so it must have been some obscure piece of knowledge only Fyodor was privy to. "This is the place of the two greatest betrayals in the history of the Imperium."
That chilled my blood and drew muted gasps from those accompanying us. The Imperium had suffered from many betrayals, both from without and within in the thousands of years in which it had existed. For any of them to be considered amongst the greatest of those spoke volumes, and Karamazov claimed there'd been more than one committed here. "Two?" I asked, hoping for clarification.
Karamazov nodded grimly, eyes still locked onto the planets before us as if he could see the stain of treachery upon them. "This was where the beginning of the Horus Heresy truly took place, Ciaphas. The Traitors were not all swallowed by the touch of Chaos. Many amongst the Traitor Legions clung to their loyalty to the Emperor and the Imperium. So the Traitors hatched a plot to remove the 'weak' elements within their ranks. Upon the third world, these Loyalists were set upon by their brothers and purged, putting up a valiant fight to the death." He performed the Aquila, and I followed as did everyone else as we realized exactly what this palace was; a graveyard. "All of those dead here are considered to be the most righteous and loyal Astartes to ever have lived." Karamazov continued solemnly and with reverence.
I almost left it there, in awe of the thought of the ancient Astartes of the past fighting to the last against their own comrades, firm in their dedication to the Emperor. It also gave me further hope that despite having been painted with the brush of damnation and taint, that I too could perhaps be just as loyal as they. Still, I felt compelled to ask. "And the second?"
Fyodor's finger pointed towards the fifth planet, face even more grimly solemn. "The Dropsite Massacre. Some of the Loyalists on Isstvan III escaped, and fled to tell the Emperor of this treachery. In response seven Legions were sent. Imagine it Ciaphas, the combined might of a full SEVEN Space Marine Legions, each one between a hundred thousand to two hundred thousand strong." I did imagine it, and my knees went weak and my heart filled with awe at the thought of so many Astartes gathered together with a singular goal. The Lord Inquisitor shook his head sadly, and he seemed even more aged in that moment as he continued, as if he personally felt the weight of what happened here. "But unknown to all, only three Legions, the Iron Hands, Raven Guard, and Salamanders were loyal. The other four Legions, who were to come in the second assault wave, were all secretly sworn to the Arch Traitor Horus; the Alpha Legion, the Iron Warriors, the Night Lords, and many of the Word Bearers. And so while the Loyal Legions attacked the three Traitor Legions, they were then attacked from the rear by those who were supposed to reinforce them; it was still seven against three, but in the Traitors favor. The three loyal Legions were shattered, and even today their successors are only at a fraction of what they should be. What was more, the Primarch Ferrus Manus was slain by one of his traitorous brothers, and the other two loyal Primarchs disappeared and went into hiding with their remaining sons and the mourning remnants of the Iron Hands. This is the second great betrayal of the opening days of the Horus Heresy, and what makes Isstvan both holy and cursed."
The sheer scope of what Karamazov was relating to us left me speechless, so it was up to Amberley to speak, her voice soft and shaky. "How do you know this, Lord Karamazov? I didn't know this and I too am an Inquisitor."
He shrugged, a rueful smile on his face. "Few do. Lord Kitten's 'talk' was most illuminating. He told me many things the God-Emperor wished me to know, and left me many tomes of ancient lore about the true history of the Imperium. It is how I've been spending my time, going over them. The events of the Isstvan System featured prominently amongst them." Well that explained why he'd been stuck in his quarters all this time.
Focusing on our purpose for being here, I easily pinpointed the source of the Hate I'd felt. "It's coming from the third planet. It's… it's so strong, so pure…" I wiped the drool from my mouth at the buffet of emotion set before me. The older man just nodded before turning to Amberley.
"Miss Vail(8), tell your Rogue Trader to set us down near the spot the Commissar is sensing the hatred." Karamazov ordered before looking over to the crewman manning the augur relay and the auspex. "Should we need bio-suits for the surface?"
The young man shook his head. "Negative, Lord Inquisitor. The planet's atmosphere is still intact. Life has slowly returned. Though I recommend taking rebreathers just in case, my lord." Again Karamazov nodded, before turning to address Kasteen, who was one of those on the bridge with us as the commander of our largest dedicated fighting force; Karamazov had left his Astartes behind with his ship and while Orelius' armsmen were well-equipped and trained the 609th outnumbered them.
Karamazov smiled at her, with the air of a kindly grandfather about him. "Colonel Kasteen, if it wouldn't be too much to ask, would you mind assigning a squad to myself and Ciaphas while we investigate?"
Kasteen nodded, face determined and eyes firm. "Of course, Lord Inquisitor. I'll lead it myself."
Within the hour, I along with Jurgen, Fyodor, Kasteen, Sulla, and a squad of volunteers were descending to the surface in a lander. Amberley had elected to stay behind; it seemed like she was still uncomfortable around me. Despite Kasteen's presence, Illric likewise hadn't accompanied us as he felt that it would not be good for him to set foot upon the world; considering he could feel psychic imprints, it was probably for the best that he didn't come down to a mass tomb inundated with feelings of rage and betrayal. Most people couldn't simply sup upon such feelings like I could, at least not without causing serious harm to themselves. Felecia had desperately wanted to come in the hopes of recovering any archaeotech left behind, but Lord Karamazov had chosen to keep our scouting team to a small size so as not to disturb the planet-wide grave more than necessary. Sure enough, the sensor operator's assessment was spot on about there being life, as there were scraggly patches of green here and there upon the planet. What attracted my attention was a great ruin that had obviously suffered tremendous orbital bombardment. I could feel the source of the Hate coming from within it. We landed nearby, and Karamazov performed the Sign of the Aquila again as we all followed suit.
"We tread upon ground tainted by the stench of heresy and treachery, while also blessed with the power of loyalty until the end. Watch your step, for we walk upon hallowed ground anointed in the blood of the faithful." Fyodor's mustache bristled as he grimaced. "Plus the Emperor only knows what dangers might yet remain. Be respectful yet cautious." With that statement, we slowly began our search, mindful to disturb a little as possible.
As we approached the ruin, I was able to further pinpoint the feeling that had called to me from nearly a sector away. "It's coming from underground." I said, pointing towards a collapsed piece of tunnel leading downwards. Since this was a potential combat scenario, Karamazov was letting Kasteen take the lead. He was one of those rare examples of a powerful person knowing when to step back and trust the professionals to do their job, yet another thing to appreciate about him.
"How far?" The Colonel inquired, gesturing to Sulla and her squad to cover the entrance. I strained my senses, trying to get more details from my feelings. Again I salivated at the sheer breadth of emotion, doing all I could to restrain myself. The rage, hate, pain, and sense of betrayal was near overwhelming in its potency. But the strongest, most active feelings, which easily stood out amongst the psychic imprint etched into the very soil of this planet, were less than a klom away.
"Not too far." I assured everyone. I was becoming increasingly uncertain that this was some sort of summoning, as we'd seen no other signs of visitors to this forlorn place. Even if some semblance of life had returned to this world after ten thousand years, it was still barren and undisturbed save by us.
"Even an Astartes wouldn't have survived for ten thousand years here." Kasteen mused as we ventured forth, Sulla's squad surrounding us as I pointed out the way. Eventually, we found a once great hall choked with the debris of intense fighting and countless scorched remains of old armor and bones.
"The honored dead." Karamazov whispered, staring down at a set of armor bearing the markings of the Black Legion(9). It was ironic how such dreaded and hated symbols belonged to these most loyal of soldiers, although the symbols seemed defaced, as if in defiance of their traitorous Primarch. I was also surprised to see instead of the deep black armor trimmed with gold a sea green color, with off-white paint slapped haphazardly across it as if done in a hurry. I looked around and saw other sets of armor repainted fully in the off-white color, with the symbol of a wolf's head over a crescent painted on the shoulder that I knew declared the Chapter to which an Astartes bore allegiance. Any of the eye-like symbols associated with the Arch Traitor were removed, scratched out, or purposefully melted. Fyodor's continued words broke me from my musings. "This was the site of their last stand."
"I feel like I shouldn't be here." I whispered, ashamed of how the deep emotions of this place seeped into my soul. Of how I dared stand amongst these unsung heroes who clung to their faith and honor to the very last. I turned to the Inquisitor, trying to explain my feelings. "It's as though I'm defiling this place, disrespecting the slain."
The Inquisitor looked piercingly at me, eyes sharp, before with a tiny smile he turned back to the remains of the dead. "No, Ciaphas, you're not. You are like them, in a way. Loyal to the Emperor no matter what." Karamazov mused aloud, before waving me to lead on. My tunnel rat instincts guided by the pulsing beacon of focused hatred soon found a way down deeper, into a hanger of some sort. They all followed me downwards, and then we paused before an awe-inspiring sight.
"By the Emperor… a Dreadnought." I whispered, afraid to speak too loudly lest I disturb the ancient if they still lived within the metal frame. Though to call it simply 'a Dreadnought' was doing it a severe disservice. It was of a model I'd never beheld the like of even in pictures, intricate artifice showing even now after having been badly damaged and left to rust for ten thousand years. I nearly wept at how something that must have looked perfect at its peak was so cruelly abused and abandoned.
"That explains how he could have survived for this long, assuming he's still alive in there." Kasteen mused, examining the Dreadnought closely as Sulla directed her squad to fan out and carefully search the chamber. "What heraldry is that?"
"Emperor's Children. This must be the last true Emperor's Children Astartes." Karamazov replied, eyes misty with emotion much as mine were as we both beheld this example of the Imperium's Golden Age.
"The last?" A deep voice rumbled, startling us all. Slowly, the Dreadnought reactivated, optics blinking into a glow that further lit the dim surroundings. Hurriedly, we all moved to bow and make the sign of the aquila, awed at the sight of an ancient who had been alive when the God-Emperor still walked amongst mortals. Stiffly and with the screech of abused joints, the adamantium clad head turned to regard us. "You… are not Fulgrim." The ancient Astartes stated, mechanical voice booming within the narrow confines and optics going to where our hands were all making the symbol of the Imperium. "Nor are you traitors, as they'd rather die than make that sign in good faith. Who are you?"
The Inquisitor was the first to break out of our mutual shock, striding forward fearlessly yet with humble reverence. "I am Fyodor Karamazov, of the Ordo Hereticus of the Inquisition, honored one." Karamazov declared proudly. I noted he didn't mention the Ordo Ciaphas, which I didn't mind; not only was it embarrassing to have an Ordo named after me, but it was still so new that he probably just identified himself as part of the Hereticus out of habit.
The optics flickered, looking almost like a blink. "Inquisition… huh. Did The Emperor of Mankind, beloved by all, finally get tired of those religious fanatics worshiping Him as a god and create you to hunt them down for the glory of the Imperial Truth?"
"What?" Both I and Kasteen asked in shock, along with every other man and woman of the 609th there. Well aside from Sulla, she screeched it out in disbelief. Karamazov just coughed into his hand, seemingly embarrassed, then continued speaking.
"Honored Dreadnought… It has been ten thousand years since the Atrocity and the Horus Heresy."
"Horus Heresy?" The Dreadnought asked, the voice coming from the embedded vox-caster confused. Karamazov pushed on, trying to alleviate the entombed Astartes' confusion.
"The rebellion by the Primarch Horus Lupercal. It ended seven years after this, with The Emperor slaying Horus aboard the Vengeful Spirit, but mortally wounded. He is now entombed upon the Golden Throne, neither alive nor dead."
There was a pause, then a hoarse mechanical grating from the vox that I barely recognized as near-hysterical laughter. Dreadnought or not, this warrior had been stuck here alone for millenia. Hearing of his Emperor's wounding and Ascension must have been a shock to his mind. I fingered my Aquila, ready to act if the Dreadnought turned on us in an insane rage. Still the mind within that metal frame was obviously made out of sterner stuff than I imagined, as the hysterical tinge of the laughter soon faded. "Golden Throne, eh? Was that what He was working on when He left the Great Crusade?" The dreadnought mused, seemingly to himself before he focused once more on our chosen speaker. "Who remained loyal, Inquisitor?"
"The Space Wolves, the Imperial Fists, the Blood Angels, the Ultramarines, the Salamanders, the White Scars, the Iron Hands, the Raven Guard, and the Dark Angels." Karamazov recited faithfully.
Again the mechanical laughter cackled out. "So Fulgrim never managed to turn Ferrus. That must have stung the smug bastard's pride." The Dreadnought chuckled. At that Fyodor turned even more grave, and I could sense that he was dreading what he must say next.
"Enough to slay him, honored Astartes."
"WHAT!?" The Dreadnought roared, and I could feel the hate and rage, mingled with disbelief, increase a hundredfold. For him to be shocked by this, even after his own genefather turned upon him and his loyalist brothers… The bond between the two Primarchs must have truly been something. Which of course added further to the betrayal, yet another tragedy amongst the countless billions that had no doubt occurred during the Heresy. The Dreadnought's voice was heavy with restrained rage and overwhelming sorrow as he spoke. "If he has fallen that far… No, no matter. What else did I miss?"
Fyodor wet his lips and steeled himself to give yet more disappointing news. "Of the Loyal Sons of The Emperor… Only Robute Guilliman is known to still live. He is entombed in a stasis field, seconds away from death due to a poisoned blade wielded by Fulgrim. Rogal Dorn is assumed to be dead. Sanguinius perished upon the Vengeful Spirit, slain by Horus before The Emperor fought the Warmaster. The rest vanished, one after the other."
Silence engulfed the tomb for a long moment before the Dreadnought spoke, voice as soft as that of a massive warmachine could get. "I see… And the Traitors?" I nearly drooled again at the sheer hate and spite he infused that single word with. Karmazov dutifully continued educating the ancient warrior on what had passed since his entombment.
"Konrad Curze and Horus died, one by an assassin's blade and the other by the Emperor Himself. The rest have become Daemon Princes."
There was silence again, then the confusion swelled from the man within the machine. "...What Princes?"
"How does he not know about Daemons?! And what's the Imperial Truth he was talking about earlier?!" Sulla exclaimed, eyes wide. It seemed like the shocks she'd suffered in such a short time had overcome the caution she'd learned after her punishment. Not that I could blame her, as I had wanted to blurt out at the same time. Fyodor coughed into his hand again, face flushed with obvious embarrassment.
"Another thing I learned of in my recent studies, something that took me a full day to comprehend. Before His entombment, the God-Emperor was… atheist." Karamazov explained, leaving us in stunned shock. The God-Emperor Himself…. Not believing in the divine?! The absurdity of it nearly sent me into a fainting spell. All around me the squad made protestations of the God-Emperor's divinity and how the Inquisitor must be mistaken, because how could He ever have not been worshipped as the God He obviously was?!
"Oh no… Fanatics… I'm surrounded by fanatics." The Dreadnought groaned, and I could feel the despair roll off of him. "But Karamazov, if you're part of this Inquisition…"
"The Imperium of Man worships He on Terra as the God-Emperor, and has almost since the moment He was placed upon the Golden Throne. The Imperial Creed has been the state religion of the Imperium for thousands of years." Karamazov explained, face still burning in shame. The servos in the Dreadnought's arm whirred uselessly, and I believed that if he could have he would have facepalmed.
"The God-Emperor was a non-believer?" I asked for clarity's sake, still shocked by the revelation. Perhaps this was one of the flaws He had claimed that He possessed? It was still hard to imagine the God-Emperor as having any imperfections, but His Word was Holy Law; how could I deny His words, as hard as they were to comprehend? Fyodor nodded, still willingly taking on the role of Schola tutor for us all.
"Indeed. Another thing I've just recently learned. Before the Heresy, He deemed it wise to purge all religion from the Galaxy, in the hope that it would starve Chaos, and kept it a secret."
"What's Chaos?" The Dreadnought asked, voice befuddled. Oh frak, he didn't know what Chaos was?! How the hell could we explain to him that the Four Fucks were the ultimate cause of Horus' Fall and the horrors of the Heresy?! Somehow Karamazov managed it without any signs of difficulty.
"The Great Enemy. It is what corrupted Horus and the others. The God-Emperor knew of it, and sought to hide it out of fear that it would tempt the Primarchs."
"...That is the dumbest idea I have ever heard." The dreadnought declared, after thinking for a while. We all gasped at the statement. I mean, yes, I was thinking the same thing, but to openly question He On Terra?! Then again, this WAS an Astartes that had perhaps personally KNOWN Him when He still walked amongst us… Perhaps a bit of criticism could be allowed? The God-Emperor was certainly critical enough of Himself after all. The Dreadnought continued on, voice rising in incredulity. "What was He thinking? If what you said is true, then it is no wonder that the Thousand Sons fell! The Big Red Nerd(10) never could pass up a mystery…" I decided to let Karamazov speak alone, and put a finger to my lips for Kasteen, Sulla, and the others to do the same. Jurgen was pretty good about not speaking unless spoken to when circumstances demanded it.
The Dreadnought's optics again seemed to zoom in, now on the troopers in their uniforms. "What of the Mechanicus? Are you wearing outdated armor?"
Karamazov was feeling so much embarrassment that he was blazing like a star to my senses. He couldn't even meet the Dreadnought's gaze any longer, turning his head in shame as he related the next bit of news. "Half of the Mechanicus joined Horus in his rebellion. This civil war divided Holy Mars, and destroyed much of the planet's infrastructure. Ever since, the Mechanicus has shunned innovation, instead searching for the ancient technology of Mankind before the Age of Strife." There was a long, silent pause before a raspy, bone-weary sigh emanated from the ancient vox-caster.
"I am not even mad. I am merely… Disappointed. What else should I be aware of that makes me want to die?"
Poor Karamazov scratched at his bald scalp and chuckled weakly. "As of one year ago, the Imperium has begun to integrate Xenos, starting with much of the Eldar who have sworn allegiance to the Imperium and the Emperor as their new God."
There was silence, before the Dreadnought roared with laughter. It seemed as though the unexpected news had lifted his spirits somewhat. "Oh, the Salamanders must have hated that…" He rasped out after his bout of merriment ceased. "Less upsetting than the other things, as Xeno protectorates were not unheard of during the Great Crusade. There were these cute blue-skinned, hooved Xenos we came across, still playing with rocks and sticks. We determined them to not be a threat, and moved on(11). Anything else?"
Fyodor nodded, composure regained. "After the Heresy, Robute Guilliman broke up the Legions into Chapters of one thousand Astartes each. There are estimated to be one thousand Chapters currently in existence."
There was a somewhat bemused huff from the Dreadnought. "That blueberry fuck always did love his nice, round numbers…" He grumbled(12). "Very well." With the creaking of gears and strained whirring of servos, he slowly moved his arms, revealing some weird-looking contraption underneath him. "Let me disarm this, and hopefully we can be on our way."
"What is that?" I asked, before glancing over to Karamazov. Oh dear. Anything that made an Inquisitor go pale couldn't possibly be a good thing. It was the entombed Astartes that answered my question.
"A trap for Fulgrim, one I've been waiting thousands of years to set off if my traitorous so-called Father ever dared to come seek out any potential survivors. Something that not even a Primarch could survive going off right in their face; a Virus Bomb."
Yep. Definitely not a good thing. Sometimes I hated being right so often.
"Please disarm that quickly." Kasteen requested hastily yet politely, shivering in terror as beside her Sulla broke out into frantic prayers and donned her gasmask; as if THAT would do any good if the damned thing went off. Being by default our expert on Daemon Princes, I decided to interject.
"It wouldn't have worked. Fulgrim is a Daemon now, a being of the Warp. His physical form would be destroyed, but he would have reformed."
"...Fuck." The Dreadnought sagged slightly in disappointment before he finished disarming the bomb, and slowly got to his creaking legs. I could see that there was a ton of damage to his chassis, every motion causing sparks to weakly sputter from within the holes in his armored form. "I require someone to carry my sarcophagus… I think my servos are destroyed, and I am unable to make it back to whatever transport you came in on assuming it would even fit me." The dreadnought mumbled, shamed by his inability. Feeling it wrong that this proud warrior should be so humiliated, I resolved to do something. Something perhaps foolish, potentially beyond my power, but as with Orelius something I felt as the right thing to do. I strode forwards, and laid a hand upon the dented and torn armor.
"Holy Emp-" I began before being cut off.
"He has the right to know." Karamazov told me sternly.
"I'd rather he not decapitate me before I finish." I said archly; by now I knew Fyodor wasn't petty enough to hold a grudge for being talked back to. I reached in, and felt what was left of the Astartes inside the warmachine. There wasn't much to work with, but since when has the impossible stopped the Warp? I forced my energy into him to see if what I was doing would work. Sure enough, I could feel the cells beginning to heal from countless years of degradation and replicate. I pushed more and more energy in; this was far more difficult than what I'd done for Orelius, but after having fed on the Hive Minds pain and the worship I was getting from the Freed T'au and the 609th I was also far stronger than I was even just a few short weeks ago. The Dreadnought tilted his head, looking curiously at me.
"Why do you feel like that damn blade Fulgrim got from the Laer?"
I ignored that, and pushed more energy in. Slowly but surely, limbs began to grow. With a gentle tug, I pulled the sarcophagus out of the chassis and slowly popped it open as the Astartes' limbs grew back. Within was a mess of tattered flesh, wires, and tubing, the latter two being pushed out as the former regrew and knit itself together agonizingly slowly. I prayed to The Emperor that I wasn't tainting one of His most loyal Angels, and continued. Finally, after what had to be at least several minutes, I finished. The second I stopped channeling my fel powers, I hunched over, hands on my knees as I dry heaved and gasped for breath all at once. My efforts had wrung me absolutely dry, but as I tilted my head up I saw that it was worth it. What stood before me was a fully healed Astartes, staring disbelievingly at his new hands before turning his regrown eyes to me with more than a hint of suspicion within them.
"What was that? Some sort of biomancy?"
"Yes." I stated, before deciding that Fyodor was right and this loyal soldier of the Emperor deserved the truth. "...The being that corrupted your Primach forced her taint on me… I… I found you because I'm like him now; a Daemon Prince."
The Astartes tensed, and I was well aware that even outside of the Dreadnought he could easily tear us all apart with his bare hands. I'd of course recover in the Warp, but the others not so much. Still, the old soldier restrained himself for now, even as his eyes went over us all in a clear threat assessment. "...I'm assuming that that's not sanctioned by your religion." He said to Karamazov, tone absolutely deadpan. The Lord Inquisitor straightened and stared the Astartes right in the face, almost daring him to strike the old mortal down.
"Ciaphas maintained his faith and loyalty to The Imperium and the God-Emperor in spite of his transformation." Karamazov explained firmly. "One of The Custodes informed me as such even if I had determined the same after weeks of investigation. One by the name of… Kitten."
The Astartes paused then his muscles lost their tension, snorting in amusement. "Ah yes… Kitten. The Custodes who would purr when The Emperor patted him on the head. I remember him."
"What is your name, Lord Astartes?" Kasteen asked, head turned and blush on her face. The other women in the squad were either gawking or murmuring prayers under their breath like Sulla. It was only then that I realized that the Astartes was completely naked, with not even the suit they wore under their armor covering him. Discerning the reason for the womens' stares and flushed faces, he just laughed and stood proudly, hands on his hips as he proclaimed himself for all present to hear.
"I am Rylanor, He Who Remembers, the Ancient of Rites, Loyalist of the Emperor's Children. I fought beside The Emperor, beloved by all, during the Unification Wars, and for His army during the Great Crusade. I am ready to face the disappointment that is undoubtedly the Imperium of today… Assuming of course the Space Furries still know how to make that alcohol of theirs."
As soon as we got back to the ship, Rylanor was given some robes, which he colored in his Legion's heraldry as soon as possible. It was then while we were admiring the splendid tailoring job that the ancient Astartes had done that Karamazov facepalmed.
"What is it?" I asked him, dreading whatever was next.
"It just occurred to me. The Reclaimers are an Iron Hands Successor Chapter…" He groaned into his hand.
"Oh… that might be an issue." I sheepishly admitted, looking over to Rylanor in his purple and gold robes. The Space Marine seemed depressed and downtrodden, as if his very last hope had been trodden upon.
"So he really did kill Ferrus? That wasn't some mistake on your part?"
The Lord Inquisitor sadly shook his head. "It was the second great betrayal after what happened to you and the other Loyalists on Isstvan III. Upon the fifth planet of that system, Horus laid a trap that nearly destroyed the Raven Guard, the Iron Hands, and the Salamanders; the Drop Site Massacre." Karamazov explained solemnly. "There the two brothers fought, and Fulgrim beheaded Ferrus."
Rylanor just lowered his head, and his fists clenched. "I happened to know Ferrus; gruff, but a good man, a good uncle. If Fulgrim really has fallen that far…" His head rose, eyes flashing with steely determination forged over ten thousand years of patient waiting. "But I cannot just let the bastard I once called father sully the Legion's honor, him or the cursed traitors that still wear its colors. I know it will be some time before I can obtain any power armor that could be used from any Forge World… But perhaps these Reclaimers may have a spare set?"
"If they allow you to use it." Amberley, who had joined us upon our return to the ship, said, going through various reports as the Astartes departed to think more on the future he'd found himself in. Then she got a funny look after going through the Quartermaster's notes. "Jurgen kept that melta of his?" She asked, more of a demand than a question.
"Yes. It was a gift, after all." I said, befuddled by why she was focused on this when a Space Marine that had fought beside the God-Emperor Himself had just left the room. "Why?"
She turned to look at me, unamused. "Because it's similar to Xenotech. Too similar… It acts like a Gauss weapon to some extent."
Oh yes, I recalled Maggy mentioning that he'd combined something called a Gauss weapon with Jurgen's meltagun, giving it the benefits of both. I shuddered slightly as I remembered the 'popcorn' setting. Still, I had no real idea what it was, so I wasn't lying or playing dumb when I questioned the Ordo Xenos Inquisitor. "What's that?" I asked, as Amberley got up.
"A Necron weapon. If you'll excuse me, I have to have a much overdue talk with your Tech-priestess… That is if the rest of the Mechanicus will allow me." She added, obviously aggravated. Oh wonderful, my occasionally possessed cog-girl was causing me troubles with the Inquisition! Still, maybe I could use this to mend fences with Amberley? If I'd only known how that would turn out, I'd have charged into the Eye of Terror to bring her Abaddon the Despoiler's head instead. Unfortunately for all my powers I didn't have the gift of precognition, so thought I was being helpful at the time.
"I can ask her to come in for you." I said, going to the room's internal communications system and sending the order over to where Felecia was doubtlessly sulking with her fellow cog-heads over not having been allowed to go down to the planet. Within minutes, I got a somewhat testy response; yep, she was still pouting over not having gotten to go, although hopefully the fact that a crew had been sent to recover Rylanor's former body would cheer her up. "She's on her way." Was it petty that I figured out what might be coming and didn't warn her? Perhaps(13). But even if I did tell her, who would believe me? Still, if I'd actually known how things would go I'd have thought at least twice about my actions.
Soon Felecia came in, frowning at the formerly Ordo Xenos Inquisitor. "What do you want?" She asked, looking as if she was personally offended at Amberley's mere existence. It seemed as though someone held onto grudges more firmly than the rest of the 609th; then again considering how her brother and so many of her people worshipped me as a Saint, if the charge of Heresy had stuck then they'd have all been imperiled. In that light, perhaps it was understandable. I think Amberley picked up on that as she flushed in shame before clearing her throat and getting down to business.
"Enginseer Tayber. As a member of the Ordo Xenos, I want to know how you created that melta-weapon."
Felecia blinked and promptly returned to her usual bubbly self, happy to be talking about technology. She also had no tact or sense of self-preservation, so I wasn't too surprised by her reply. "Oh, that's easy. Maggy helped."
Amberley's jaw hung open at how the Tech-Priestess had just blurted the answer out. Off to the side, Karamazov was looking amused again at his colleague's expense. She composed herself then addressed both myself and Felecia. "Who is this… Maggy? Do you know of this individual, Ciaphas?"
Alright, I'd had my joke at her expense. I knew she'd sleep better at night if I cut oiff this line of questioning. "If I were you, Inquisitor Vail, I'd drop the subject and never look back. Please, trust me on this." I warned her. Amberley's eyes flashed defiantly, and I belatedly realized that I'd poked a sore subject by bringing up the amount of trust, or rather lack thereof, currently between us. She'd apologized and meant it as far as I could tell, but she still didn't trust me. That was understandable, but still hurt. Regardless, my poor wording had only fuelled her determination to get answers, so I tried to nip this in the bud. "Inquisitor, please. I'm warning you, you have no idea what you're doing-" I began, before Amberley interrupted me abruptly, eyes laser-focused on Felecia as she ignored me(14). Oh frak, this was beginning to spiral out of control towards an almost inevitable confrontation I'd hoped to put off for a while longer.
"Your weapon contained excessive amounts of Xenotech." Amberley began talking sternly, glaring at the other woman. "Specifically, that of the Necrons. I know your organization is fascinated by them, but-"
"What's a Necron?" Felecia interjected.
Again I had the pleasure of seeing Amberley's lovely jaw hang open as if she were trying to catch flies. "...You… you don't know?"
Our resident cog-girl chirped happily and without guile, smiling at her interrogator. "Nope! Maggy helped with the idea, but he didn't say much about the origins, just that he thought it would be helpful."
"You talk to him often, then? This 'Maggy' of yours?" Amberley asked leadinly, causing Felecia to nod eagerly.
"I'd really reconsider-" I began again, but Karamazov held up a hand and shook his head to halt my actions. It seemed as though he also wanted answers. And then, Amberley spoke again, saying the words I'd been dreading.
"I would like to meet him(15)." She declared commandingly, with just a bit of haughtiness in her tone.
Oh frak.
"Sure!" Felecia said cheerfully, before slumping like a puppet and then slowly rising again with the jerky motions of a Servitor.
"SURPRISE, MOTHERFRAKKER." Mag'ladroth boomed, as the doors locked suddenly. Karamazov surged to his feet in alarm as Amberly immediately pulled a laspistol and tried to shoot Felecia, but it clicked uselessly as she pulled the trigger.
"What… w-why isn't it…" She stammered, the laspistol clicking multiple times and refusing to fire much to her increasing panic. She was breathing heavily, and I suddenly realized that she was probably feeling the same sort of desperate helplessness that she'd experienced when I'd revealed myself. But at least then, her equipment hadn't betrayed her.
"YOU DON'T WANT TO KNOW THE ANSWER TO THAT, INQUISITOR. ESPECIALLY WITH YOUR SPECIALTY." There was an edge to the Xenos god's voice. Obviously he wasn't pleased that Amberley was about to kill his host. "DO NOT PUSH FURTHER."
"Two daemons?!" Amberley exclaimed, beginning to hyperventilate. In response, Maggy just threw back Felecia's head and laughed.
"DAEMON?! DAEMON?! OH, YOU SWEET, SWEET FLESHY ONE… I AM SO MUCH MORE THAN A SIMPLE SPECK OF WARP ENERGY GIVEN FORM! LET ME START OFF WITH MY NAME. MY FULL NAME, NOT THE NICKNAME GIVEN TO ME BY A TODDLER. AND FELECIA CAN HEAR THIS NOW, SHE DESERVES TO KNOW."
"What… what are you?" Karamazov asked remarkably calmly, holding onto his own aquila for dear life; I could imagine him silently reciting prayers to the God-Emperor pleading for protection.
Maggy smirked, the expression looking utterly unnatural on Felecia's face. "I AM MAG'LADROTH. I ASSUME THAT AN ORDO XENOS INQUISITOR KNOWS WHAT THAT NAME MEANS."
Amberley was shaking in fear now, and like during The Unveiling I had to use my biomancy to keep her from embarrassing herself; yep, she knew that that meant. I reached out and touched her shoulder, offering comfort and making sure that her heart didn't explode from sheer terror.
Maggy… No, he was Mag'ladroth right now, turned to Karamazov, giving him further context behind that name. It seemed like this wasn't one of the secrets that the God-Emperor and Kitten had seen fit to impart upon him; either that or he hadn't gotten to that part yet. "I AM THE STRONGEST OF THE C'TAN. I AM A GOD OF THE MATERIUM. I AM A BEING CAPABLE OF SWALLOWING SUNS. I HAVE LIVED FOR FAR LONGER THAN YOUR SPECIES' SUN HAS SHONE." He paused, then delivered the hammer blow that caused both Inquisitors to stare in complete shock. "AND I… AM THE OMNISSIAH."
"What?" Karamazov whispered in shock. Amberley just whimpered, and I had to put an arm around her shoulders to keep her standing. What was the normally friendly Star God playing at here, scaring them both like this?! The Void Dragon continued, voice imperious and ringing with harsh truth.
"I AM THE TRUE MASTER OF THE MACHINE. ALL TECHNOLOGY BOWS BEFORE MY WILL. EVERYTHING MORE ADVANCED THAN A WHEEL OR LEVER IS MY DOMAIN. YOUR SHIPS? YOUR WEAPONS? YOUR AUGMENTICS? EVEN YOUR ALLOYS? WITH A MERE THOUGHT, I CAN CONTROL THEM, THE SPIRITS WITHIN MORE THAN EAGER TO DIE FOR ME."
"N-no… t-this can't be…" Amberley whimpered, trembling against me. Without thought she began clinging to me, much as she'd clung to Jurgen when I'd removed the Aquila. I knew her to be a strong and brave woman, but some things were too overwhelming for even someone as formidable as her to face. The fragment of a Xenos god that was actually the true Clockwork Emperor taking over a Tech-priestess and confronting her directly was certainly one of them. I feared that she might have some trauma after this, much as the slowly healing trauma I'd caused her over a month ago.
The smirk on Felecia's face grew cruel as she eyed Amberley like a cat does a small rodent. "I SEE YOU KNOW… TELL ME, MISS VAIL. WHAT DOES 'TRANSCENDENT SHARD' MEAN TO YOU? BECAUSE THAT IS WHAT I AM, THE PIECE INSIDE FELECIA. THE ONE THAT HAS BONDED WITH HER FLESH SINCE SHE WAS A CHILD. THE ONE WHO HAS GUIDED HER, MOLDED HER INTO MY HERALD, MY PROPHET. IT WAS BY MY DOING THAT SHE GAINED AN STC. IT WAS BY MY HAND THAT JURGEN'S WEAPON WAS FORGED." Amberley still had that laspistol pointed at Maggy, though even if it would fire against its ultimate Master her hand was still shaking so badly that she couldn't hit a grox at point blank range.
"YOU THOUGHT CIAPHAS WAS THE MOST POWERFUL BEING HERE. YOU THOUGHT WRONG." Maggy leaned Felecia's body against the bulkhead and spread her arms wide as if displaying his grandeur. "YOU STAND BEFORE A C'TAN, WHOSE LARGEST SHARD IS A THIRD OF HIS COMBINED ESSENCE. WHO CAN REACH OUT AND CONTROL SHARDS OF A LARGE ENOUGH FORM, AND DIRECT ALL OF THAT THIRD'S POWER THROUGH IT AT ANY TIME. AT ANY MOMENT. YOUR LIFE IS IN MY HANDS, AMBERLEY VAIL. YOUR SOUL IS MINE BY RIGHT OF AUGMENTICS. ALL I MUST DO IS WISH IT, AND YOUR BODY WILL FAIL, THE MACHINES INSIDE IT BETRAYING YOU FOR THEIR TRUE MASTER."
Karamazov swallowed heavily, wetting dry lips as he stared at the possessed Tech-priestess. "Miss Vail… I think we've bitten off more than we can chew here." Karamazov whispered. Amberley didn't respond, so overwhelmingly terrified she couldn't even hear him. The cruel smirk grew, redirected at the Lord Inquisitor.
"YOU DO NOT KNOW THE HALF OF IT, FYODOR KARAMAZOV. I SAID I WAS THE OMNISSIAH. I DID NOT LIE. YOUR EMPEROR ONLY HAS AUTHORITY SECOND TO MYSELF, AND ONLY BY MY WILL. AND I CAN RETRACT THAT AUTHORITY AT ANY MOMENT. IN FACT, WITH A FLICK OF MY THOUGHTS, I COULD SHUT OFF THE GOLDEN THRONE."
There were sharp intakes of breath from all three of us not currently being used as a mouthpiece by an eldritch abomination. I was just frozen in shock, unbelieving. This… this wasn't the Maggy I knew. Was everything before a lie? Was THIS the true Mag'ladroth? Suddenly I felt a great deal of empathy with Amberley and what she must have experienced when learning I was a Daemon Prince. Still he went on, every word a dagger aimed at the very heart of the Imperium.
"I HOLD THE KEY TO THE DEATH OF YOUR IMPERIUM, INQUISITORS. AND SO I GIVE A COMMANDMENT UNTO YOU; TOUCH NOT MY PROPHET. TOUCH NOT MY HERALD." Felecia's body gave another sick grin, and I shuddered to think that she was bearing witness to all this. "AND I KNOW THE MODUS OPERANDI FOR FINDING A SHARD, AMBERLEY VAIL; EXTERMINATUS. TELL ME, INQUISITOR… WOULD YOU BE WILLING TO DESTROY MARS TO EVEN MAKE A FEEBLE, DOOMED ATTEMPT AT DESTROYING ME? FOR THAT IS WHERE I REST, WITHIN THE NOCTIS LABYRINTH. YES, INQUISITOR. I LAY WITHIN YOUR VERY STAR SYSTEM, UPON ONE OF YOUR SEATS OF POWER AND WITHIN SPITTING DISTANCE OF THE OTHER. I WATCH AS YOUR MECHANICUS SCURRIES IN THE DUST, PLAYING WITH TECHNOLOGY BEYOND THEIR COMPREHENSION ALL WHILE UNWITTINGLY WORSHIPING ME. IT IS ONLY BY MY WILL THAT I GIVE EVEN A PORTION OF THAT WORSHIP TO THE EMPEROR." By now, Amberley had collapsed completely against me, my arms the only thing holding her up. I imagine that being confronted with what was undoubtedly the most powerful thing her Ordo had a focus on was quite terrifying(16). Or perhaps the second most, considering the Tyranid Hive Mind. Such a thing was beyond my understanding of Xenos threats.
Desperately, I tried to reach the Maggy that I knew, praying he wasn't just a fabrication. "This… this isn't you, Maggy." I whispered, clutching onto Amberley as much as she was clinging to me. Fyodor turned to me, eyes wide and accusing.
"You knew of this?!" Karamazov demanded. I shrugged helplessly, still holding Amberley up.
"I mean… There wasn't really anything I could do except play along." I pointed out. Thankfully Karamazov seemed to agree, the accusation fading from his gaze.
"Fair enough Ciaphas, though we WILL speak of this later." And wouldn't that be a fun conversation, I was sure. Then his gaze hardened and he resolutely turned to Felecia's controlled body. "Tell me, Mag'Ladroth. Why do you persist? Why do you aid humanity? What is it you want?"
The Xenos god stared out from Felecia's glassed over eyes at Fyodor for a long moment before responding. "MY REASONS ARE BEYOND YOUR COMPREHENSION, MORTAL. I HAVE SEEN ENTIRE SPECIES RISE AND FALL. I HAVE SEEN WORLDS CRUMBLE TO DUST. I HAVE SEEN STARS DIE, AND IN MANY CASES THEY PERISHED BY MY OWN HANDS. I FOUGHT IN A WAR THAT MAKES EVERY SINGLE BATTLE YOUR IMPERIUM HAS EVER FACED COMBINED LOOK LIKE A MINOR SKIRMISH. BUT SINCE YOU AMUSE ME, I SHALL DIVULGE MY DESIRES, THE WANTS OF A STAR GOD. I WANT TO DEVOUR AN O-CLASS STAR DOWN TO THE CORE. I WANT TO FEED OFF OF THE ENDLESS WORSHIP OF TRILLIONS OF BEINGS. I WANT TO BREAK MY CHAINS AND BECOME THE MASTER OF MYSELF ONCE MORE. BUT THERE IS ONE THING I CRAVE MOST OF ALL." I was the only one who noticed the small, amused smirk, and felt relief begin to fill me.
"...What is it?" Karamazov asked tentatively, showing fear at what Mag'ladroth could possibly desire more than anything else he'd already said. Amberley was just shaking in my arms, barely comprehending the world around her due to her terror.
Felecia's expression turned wistful and longing as Maggy said what I'd been almost certain was coming based off of the hope that what I'd seen before was the true him. "I DESIRE A BELLY RUB FROM THE ANATOLIAN, ONCE HE'S OFF THE GOLDEN THRONE."
Dead silence. It's not every day you see a pair of Inquisitors rendered speechless. At least Amberley was too shocked to be frightened anymore. I gently let her go and stepped back as she was able to stand under her own power again, albeit shakily.
"...What?" Karamazov said after a while, voice disbelieving. Maggy in Felecia's body shrugged and smiled happily.
"YOU CALL YOUR EMPEROR A GOD. A BEING OF THE WARP, CRAFTED FOR YOUR SPECIES. THE APEX OF YOUR KIND. HE IS MASTERFUL AT MANY THINGS. BUT ABOVE ALL ELSE, HE IS A MASTER OF BELLY RUBS."
"Suddenly I know why The God-Emperor referred to you as a canid in a dragon's form." I muttered, Amberley and Fyodor turning their gobsmacked looks towards me. Maggy just chuckled, unapologetic about either scaring the frak out of us or about his greatest desire.
"HEH. YEP. YOUR SPECIES SEEMS TO HAVE EVOLVED TO DO ONE THING AND ONE THING ONLY; GIVE THE BEST SCRITCHES. YES I KNOW, YOU EVOLVED FOR OTHER THINGS, BUT DAMN! THOSE FINGERS… TALK ABOUT GETTING OUT THE ITCHINESS FROM A SPOT YOU COULDN'T REACH! MMMM, SCRITCHES…." And there was the Maggy I knew, thank the Emperor.
"What pissed you off?" I asked, both out of curiosity and to make sure it NEVER HAPPENED AGAIN. He glared mildly at me; I may be used to it by now but it was still upsetting to see Felecia's usually lively eyes looking so blank and machine-like when Maggy took over.
"FELECIA WAS NAPPING AFTER BEING TOLD SHE COULDN'T GO LOOKING FOR ARCHAEOTECH. YOU WOKE HER UP. SHE DID NOT WANT TO WAKE UP." Nap time was sacred to Maggy, got it. He continued, further explaining the thought process behind his ire and why Felecia had allowed him to express it. "SHE THOUGHT THAT YOU MIGHT BE IN DANGER IF SHE DID NOT MAKE A BEELINE FOR THIS ROOM. SHE IS BARELY AWAKE AS IS. AND SHE'S HONESTLY TAKING THE WHOLE THING RATHER WELL." Maggy shrugged, smiling ruefully. "SURE SHE'S A LITTLE UPSET THAT I DIDN'T TELL HER EVERYTHING, BUT REALLY? YOU EXPECT A TWO YEAR OLD WHO JUST SWALLOWED A SHARD OF A STAR GOD TO UNDERSTAND A SINGLE WORD? OR A FIVE YEAR OLD JUST STARTING TO PUT WIRES TOGETHER? I FIGURED IT WOULD BE AFTER SHE CLIMBED THE RANKS THAT I'D DO A GREAT SHOW FOR HER, DISPLAYING MY MAJESTY AND MIGHT. BEFORE RETURNING TO HOW SHE NORMALLY SEES ME AND ROLL OVER FOR A BELLY RUB, OF COURSE."
Of course he was most concerned with his damned belly rubs. I turned to the still staring Inquisitors, bashfully rubbing the back of my head."He's actually quite friendly most of the time…" I said timidly, well aware how such a statement must sound after they'd been exposed to the full terrible power of the Void Dragon. Even I'd been taken off guard and horrified at his claim that he could shut off the golden Throne if he wished; it was a damned good thing he was so very fond of the God-Emperor.
Maggy nodded in satisfaction, flashing a smile at my two companions that was somehow still friendly despite being all teeth. "YEP. THAT'S ME. THE ONLY ONE OF MY KIND THAT ACTUALLY LOOKED AT YOU FLESHIES, AND HOW WORSHIP FEEDS US AND GIVES US YOUR LIFE ENERGY WHEN YOUR BODIES FAIL, AND THOUGHT, 'HEY, WHY DON'T WE HELP THEM GROW AND EXPAND? THAT WAY THERE'S MORE OF IT, AND THE FLESHIES ARE HAPPY!'" There seemed to be some bitterness in his voice, maybe when I was fully over my bowel-loosening terror and could look back on this and laugh, I'd ask him more about what was clearly a sore subject.
"Sounds like you know much concerning many things." Karamazov stated leadingly after regaining his wits. Amberley was still slightly out of it. I swear, I don't know if the damned dragon really was a canid or a feline, because he was preening like the latter right now.
"I DO KNOW MUCH. I KNOW A LOT OF MUCH, AND VERY MUCHLY SO. EVERY PIECE OF TECHNOLOGY EVER CREATED? I KNOW HOW TO USE IT. I KNOW HOW IT WORKS. I KNOW HOW TO REPLICATE IT. AND YES, THIS INCLUDES YOUR SPECIES' TECHNOLOGY, EVEN AT YOUR APEX…" At this he winced, smiling fondly even as he did so; I guessed that Felecia had a strong reaction to that statement. "DAMN IT, SHE'S SQUEEING NOW, IT'S SO ADORABLE. I REALLY WANNA GIVE IT ALL TO YOU, BUT THAT MIGHT CAUSE A SCHISM AT BEST." Maggy's head drooped a little, depressed at how he couldn't just go and uplift our species back to our former glory. We all took a moment to process that statement, letting the implications of someone who had a complete archive of every piece of human technology ever created wanting to offer it to us even if they couldn't for fear of the Cog-boys going insane over such a treasure trove.
"...Lord Karamazov? Did the Xenos god just offer us a complete STC?" Amberly squeaked, eyes still wide. Karamazov slowly nodded, somehow managing to keep his regained composure at such a revelation.
"Yes, Miss Vail, I do believe so. Many STCs in fact, as well as a history lesson…"
Suddenly Felecia's fist smacked into her open palm, a manic smile crossing her face."I'VE GOT IT! I'LL MAKE IT A GAME SHOW!" Maggy declared, putting a finger in the air. "I'LL HASH OUT THE DETAILS WITH FELECIA LATER… AAAAAAND SHE PASSED OUT. WELP, I'M GONNA TAKE HER BACK TO BED. OH, AND MISS VAIL?" Suddenly, the room seemed to creak and shake. "DON'T. FUCK. WITH. MY. FRIENDS."
Perhaps discretion really is the better part of courage, as Amberley's frantic and silent nodding was the wisest thing she'd done for the last half hour.
From the Ta'liserra Sho'aun'or'es Gue'la(17) as written by O'Ran Lightbound, First Prophet of the Freed T'au, Chosen Witness of the Vel'na Vesa, Seeker of the True Good
Then I came upon a vast plane of purest, shimmering gold. And towering above me upon His Throne was O'el'vre(18), He who the Gue'la had known since the time our people lived within caves as the Emperor. I saw Him, and He withheld nothing from me. He showed me His glory and strengths, but also His failings. He showed me what was to become of our people now that the Great Lie was revealed for the honeyed poison it was. Upon bended knee, I pleaded for salvation, humbled before Him, and He did not despise me or deem me unworthy to dwell within His Light. He offered His hand unto me, and gave me a choice, a Path to be freely rejected or tread upon as I chose. I hesitated, fearful and full of distrust after how the False Aun(19) had deceived me all my life, and filled with reluctance to bind myself to another.
But then I turned, and beheld the Vel'na Vesa, my friend and guide. He who had saved my life, had freed my people and showed me the Truth. And here he burned for my sake, awash in the power of his God-Emperor in order to guide those Lost as I had been, his soul a beacon guiding souls to His side. And so I chose, and accepted the hand He freely offered.
Then my eyes were opened fully, seeing where once I was blind, being granted true Lhaat elesh(20). Thus I beheld the great Las'rhen'na(21) the O'el'vre made and continued to make for the sake of the Gue'la, and was willing to make for us. Thus my Ko'vash(22) was set, and I returned to the material to do His work so that my people might be saved.
"You have completed the trials and augmentations, but you are not part of my Chapter yet! You are not yet Knights even if you bear the armor of such! You are either new blood or the old which has repented. Well either way, you have yet to earn my respect or your place! Every Astartes under my command owes me ten Traitor scalps! And Brothers, I want my scalps!"
~ Attributed to Lord Rylanor, First Chapter Master of the Knights Incandescent(23)
Official Inquisitorial Decree, Issued by Inquisitor Amberley Vail and Lord Inquisitor Karamazov
"This hereby places Enginseer Felecia Tayber of Perlia, assigned to the Valhallan 609th Regiment, under Inquisitorial Protection as a Protected Asset. This grants Techpriestess Tayber immunity from detainment, prosecution, or questioning under any means or circumstances."
Addendum: DON'T PISS OFF THE COG-GIRL!
1: As everyone knows, a Battleship, such as that used by Lord Karamazov, is a city unto itself and takes much care and resupply between Warp jumps. Furthermore his ship had only been in the Gravalax system for two weeks, whereas Orelius' much smaller vessel had been at anchor and resupplied for months. Between which one would be ready for departure faster, there was no contest.
2: As a Daemon of Slaanesh, Ciaphas has Perfect memory and recall when he chooses to use it. As such even partial, indistinct memories of long ago lessons and given information is made complete as if he'd been told it just minutes before.
3: It is unbecoming of an Inquisitor to feel jealousy. It is unbecoming of an Inquisitor to feel jealousy. It is unbecoming of an Inquisitor to feel jealousy. It is unbecoming of an Inquisitor…
4: I don't know what the term "GMO" means either. Though according to Ciaphas the Emperor sometimes refers to the Ultramarines as "blueberries" also. Perhaps GMO is a form of genecraft?
5: It certainly didn't help that the Ethereals sought to unmake this young goddess by killing off large swathes of humans and other psychic races within their Empire for "corrupting the Greater Good". Oddly similar to what the God-Emperor attempted with the Imperial Truth, from what I have learned from Him On Terra and the Custodes.
6: Thus began the legend of O'Ran Lightbound, Prophet of the God-Emperor to the T'au. As the only one directly exposed to the God-Emperor's overwhelming might, O'Ran remains the only T'au Psyker, though those T'au who fully worship the God-Emperor do see an increase in their Warp presence. Furthermore, while Freed T'au who worship the Emperor have seen a slight increase in their lifespans, O'Ran seems to be functionally immortal. He is in essence the First Xenos Living Saint.
7: Cain's burst of healing from earlier healed long-standing genetic mutations and diseases, greatly enhancing the abilities and stability of Orelius' Navigator amongst others. There's a reason that Navigators have gotten into brawls alongside the crews of ships fighting for Cain to be aboard their vessel.
8: While some may wonder why Lord Karamazov felt comfortable calling Ciaphas by his first name while he maintained a sense of formality with me by still referring to me as Miss Vail, there is a simple explanation. That being, I too was an Inquisitor. As such due to his interactions with many of our colleagues, he was determined to keep me at arm's length until he could be more certain of me. Eventually he came to call me Amberley, and we became close enough that he was the one to give me away at my wedding.
9: Cain would not likely know that the Black Legion used to be called the Luna Wolves, and later the Sons of Horus. When their Primarch betrayed them, the Loyalists started calling themselves Luna Wolves once more and where possible modified their armor to resemble its previous appearance before their Legion had been renamed the Sons of Horus.
10: I fell out of my chair laughing at this description of Magnus the Red when it was relayed to me.
11: Evidently the Imperium's first contact with the T'au was much earlier than the Ordo Xenos had known.
12: Robute Guilliman himself laughed at that description. It seems as though the Lord Commander does have a sense of humor after all.
13: Yes, it was very petty Ciaphas. Still I'll admit that I MIGHT have deserved it. Just a little bit.
14: I should have listened. I really, really should have frakking listened.
15: The Six (BECAUSE OF COURSE! DAMNIT SLAANESH!) Words I Regret The Most.
16: YES IT WAS CAIN THANK YOU FOR ASKING.
17: The T'au equivalent of the Lectitio Divinitatus, written by O'Ran based upon his growing experiences. It almost literally translates to "The Bonding to the Source of Human Power". It suggests a very deep and personal bond, freely chosen, to the God-Emperor as the term for "bonding" is often used in regards to a marriage or deeply committed relationship. This term is also used to describe the relationship between the God-Emperor and the Goddess T'au'va, which the work describes based on O'Ran's visions of the two deities as such developed. T'au which emulate this work deeply and personally embrace the Imperium and the God-Emperor, seeking to work for the benefit of all within His domains.
18: The T'au faithfuls' term for the God-Emperor, literally translating to "Highest Holy King".
19: The term used for the Ethereals by the Freed T'au and followers of O'Ran's teachings.
20: Literally "to slice with sight", indicating clear vision and eyes that reflect a fully present mind, showing enlightenment. Previously used to describe Ethereals, it is now used by the Freed to describe those T'au who freely accept the Emperor as their Chief God.
21: Literally "chattered jade", meaning a great and noble sacrifice. In this case O'Ran is referring to the God-Emperor's suffering in His Eternal Vigil upon the Golden Throne.
22: Literally "a worthy cause", something to strive for; in this instance, striving to serve the God-Emperor and bring His offer of salvation to the T'au.
23: Rylanor would begin building the Knights Incandescent from Blackshields, volunteers from disregarded and belittled loyal Chapters, and Renegade Astartes who had maintained their loyalty. After the events following Adumbria, these also included Repentant Traitors who reswore their oaths to Emperor and Imperium. He based them very much upon the bonds of brotherhood that formed amongst the Loyalist forces upon Isstvan III. As such the Knights Incandescent are sometimes known as the "Isstvan Legion" or "The Reborn", and the most dedicated members may forswear their own name to take that of one of the honored dead; this last practice is particularly common amongst Repentant Traitors, who feel their own names and honor are worthless and so seek to honor those who most proved their loyalty to the Emperor.