(Chapter 2: Diplomacy and Preparations)
It would be the early summer of the year before Eldrad would finally get all 3 Primarch's to agree to meeting with him in order to tell them about Chaos but warn them of the Lupercal's future rebellion as well…During this as well both Magnus and Perturabo would be hard at work to ensure their jump to the galaxy where they would build their new empire would be a success, with their Legions having continued their conquests but beyond the bare minimum had slowed to a crawl to focus on their endeavors.
With Magnus having continued his deep dives into the Deep Warp, having found more and more tomes and texts of eldritch lore and knowledge that would aid in the rituals of warpcraft to help do what was needed in terms of building his Empire, but also permanently fixing his geneseed and furthering the psychic might of his Legion. While with Perturabo the majority of his sieges were put on halt to focus on gathering and scouring planets for STC's, hoarding them like a dragon and using all that could be gleaned from them to build not only mass teleportation arrays, but Dark Age tech weaponry, arms and more.
(June 23rd, 002. M31, Tempestus Segmentum, Craftworld Ulthwe, 3:25 Pm)
It would be a rather tense meeting between Eldrad and the trio of Primarchs he had called to discuss the matters of not only Chaos and the reality of the dangers it would yield, but also the danger of Horus and his upcoming rebellion.
"I know that this is a great deal for all 3 of you to absorb. Not only with the news of what truly lies within the Warp, but also in regards to what has befallen the Warmaster." Eldrad spoke to the trio of Primarch's present
"This is no doubt valuable information you have given us, Farseer. However, why tell us this instead of the Emperor? Would it not be more advantageous for either side to do so?" The Lion questioned wondering why the Farseer wouldn't tell the Emperor of such a grave threat
"I would have done so by now, if I knew it would make the slightest difference. However, as all 3 of you can attest since the Lupercal's tenure as Warmaster. That beyond the Sigilite and Constantine Valdor, he has the Emperor's undivided attention as one of his most trusted." Eldrad responded
"In addition, to the fact that he would be able to curtail any correspondence with the Emperor, as a secondary party on their behalf. I felt that it was necessary to call this meeting to bring the threat to your attention. Especially when this impending apocalypse spells certain doom for the entire galaxy." Eldrad further spoke
"He does make a good point all things considered. With fathers' 'retirement' from the Great Crusade, Horus is essentially the voice of the Emperor with all of his authority. Any concerns that would have been brought to the Emperor, would have gone through our esteemed brother." Sanguinius said in seeing the logic in the Farsser's point
"Precisely, my point. That said with the threats in mind, it would do well for you and your Legions, and those of your brothers to prepare for what is to come. Horus Lupercal and those who have allied with him are preparing for war, and from what I and my allies have forseen of it. If we do not act quickly to counter it, then everything that your Imperium has built thus far will crumble to ruin." Eldrad replied
"While we will prepare for the threats to come, Farseer. Especially in regards to those within the Warp, it would do myself and my brothers a disservice if I did not ask why you are telling us this information? What exactly do you have to gain from this beyond your continued survival?" The Lion inquired with raised brow
"More than that, what prevents the Eldar and your numerous craftworlds from taking advantage of the Imperium's weakened state; once we defeat the Lupercal and those that side within him? Your kind just as any other Xenos would have much to gain from the civil war that would erupt in the midst of this...Let us not pretend that you do this out of the kindness of your heart." The Dark Angels Primarch spoke his features ever scrutinizing and calculating
"My elder brother does present a fair point, Farseer. While we appreciate the forewarning of you sharing this knowledge with us. Especially now that we have ample time to prepare for the possibility of Horus rebelling against the Emperor. What assurance do we have that neither you nor your Craftworlds will take advantage of our homes' wounded state, should the worst come to pass and Horus does begin his rebellion?" Sanguinius said in agreement with the point presented by the firstborn of the Primarchs
"You are well within reason to hold such reservations. However, you have my word as a Farseer that my Craftworld nor any of our allying Craftworlds, will do your Imperium harm in the aftermath of what is to come. All that we wish out of this is to prevent the galaxy at large from tearing itself apart...We have lived through one calamity already, my people do not wish to go through a second one if it can be avoided." The Aeldari Farseer promised to the Great Angel and his brothers
"We will need something stronger than that, Farseer. Words alone are not convincing in situations as dire as this." Sanguinius spoke
"Then the signing of a non-aggression pact will be in order then. One that will state that during our aiding of your forces, and the aftermath of this impending rebellion, that we will not unduly trespass against, nor attack any Imperial worlds…I assume that will suffice?" Eldrad said to the Blood Angels Primarch
"That will be sufficient for now, Farseer. Lion, Magnus, your verdict on the matter? I would appreciate hearing both of your sides on what has been presented to us." The Great Angel replied before looking to his brothers
"That is sufficient, that said I will personally see too it that this pact will be upheld. I take the safety and security of our Imperium very seriously, Eldar…Make sure that your allies understand that, otherwise the consequences will be severe. That much I guarantee." The Lion spoke his gaze boring into the Farseer with the intensity of a Warlord Titan's Inferno Cannon ready to annhilate an enemy line
"Fair enough, Primarch…What of you, Lord Magnus? You have been oddly quiet for the duration of this meeting." Eldrad replied as the attention of the room shifted to the Crimson King
"While I find no reason not to agree to the validity of this. I want an additional provision to this alliance of ours. One that I feel is necessary given the threat of Chaos at hand." Magnus spoke
"What would this provision of yours entail exactly?" Eldrad questioned
"That you and a portion of your forces, aid us in developing measures to counter the forces of Chaos. I know that you have seen the future as well Farseer, and when Horus's rebellion comes to fruition, he will no doubt utilize the powers of these entities to combat the Emperor…In fact, with the newfound knowledge of what Chaos truly is, this makes not only Horus's changes in behavior, but the oddities with Lorgar since Monarchia make all the more sense." Magnus requested in regards to his provision from the Farseer
"What are you getting at, Magnus?" Sanguinius inquired as Magnus schooled his features into a more serious one
"Think about it, Sanguinius and you as well, Lion. When Horus was injured on the feral world of Davin years ago, he was injured against something that required immediate attention. Afterwards, he began acting differently, at first I presumed it was nothing; simply the aftermath of a harsh battle and his duties as Warmaster getting to him. However, now that we are aware of what truly lurks within the Warp regarding the powers of Chaos, as well as Lorgar and his Legion having grown suspiciously close to Horus since then. Would it not be outside the realm of possibility that Horus has been tainted by Chaos for all this time?" Magnus answered back causing thoughtful and pensieve looks on both his brothers' faces
"That is why we cannot rule this out…Especially with the fact that he has been consorting with Chaos alongside Lorgar, for how long I cannot wager. With said brother; who behind closed doors if I am to make an educated guess, has found something new to laud his praises too. The Emperor did little to prevent Lorgar's shifting of faiths to something more...positive." Magnus further spoke knowing that in the Emperor's infinite wisdom he did not make sure that Lorgar would not be swayed by outside powers
"If that is the case, then I will prepare my Legion to counter Horus's Legions. I have had my suspicions of his ambitions potentially leading to rebellion. However, with these factors in mind, I feel as though I am given more than enough reason to prepare the Dark Angels for war." The Primarch of the 1st Legion said back
"It would also do your Legion well to be wary of Lorgar as well…With how close their Legions are as well, and he and Word Bearers no doubt consorting with Chaos from what my own visions have led me to conclude. Then it would do all of us well to investigate the planets Lorgar has taken between now and his proclaimed enlightenment nearly 20 years ago. I have no doubt that the spread of Chaos may infest further than what we can imagine." Magnus told the Dark Angels Primarch
"You present a fair point, Magnus. I will be certain to have squads of my Marines look into this matter…If what you are saying holds true, then Lorgar will find himself the 1st of many that will face judgment for his treachery alongside Horus." The Lion responded making note to send some of his marines to look into what was becoming of the Urizen's conquered worlds
"I will send some of my own as well, Lion. I have a feeling that we will need to act in unison if we are to route out this infection." Sanguinius said back
"Understood, Sanguinius…What of you, Magnus, will you be contributing towards these investigations?" The Lion asked his one-eyed brother
"I am afraid not, brother. Not only would I be of ill use; due to the Edict preventing my Legion from acting in full capacity. I am already working with both Jaghatai and Perturabo on our own ventures to counter the incoming threat…I hope that you two understand my reasoning lest I have Horus or the Emperor sick their favored attack dog upon my Legion." Magnus answered back knowing that at this stage it would be too much of a gamble to join in these investigations
"Fair enough, Magnus. For what it is worth, know that while I was impartial to what happened on Nikaea, that I found the verdict to be unreasonable. After all, why handicap our forces when their are an abundance of enemies we have yet to encounter…Not only that but Russ's hypocrisy for allowing it is nothing if not infuriating." The Lion told the Crimson King
"I appreciate the sentiment…Nonetheless, there is much work to be done if we are to prevent Horus's rebellion from consuming the Imperium. Much less the galaxy in complete and total bedlam, isn't that right Farseer?" Magnus spoke
"Correct…there is much to be discussed for what is to come. Therein I would suggest further meetings to plan accordingly how we will act against the forces of Chaos; that have no doubt infested your brother." Eldrad replied as a unified consensus was made on the subject
As such after a further hour of discussions on the subject of the newly made alliance between the Primarchs and the Craftworld Aeldari against the future rebellion of the Lupercal and his own allies, would it be set to convene at a latter date. Wherein The Lion would take off to not only prepare his own forces for further engagements, but prepare for the worst of what was to come, conversely would Sanguinius and Magnus meet upon the latters' flagship.
The two once in the midst of privacy with another, would they breach the tentative subject that the Crimson King and brought to Sanguinius's attention, something that had troubled the Blood Angels Primarch to here regarding Magnus's choice to carve out a niche all his own.
"You know that I cannot stay, Sanguinius. My future has been made abundantly clear that it is not with the Imperium of Man. Our father and many of our brothers have seen to that." Magnus told the angelic Primarch
"Are you certain there is nothing I can say to convince you otherwise? There is much that will need to be done regarding what we will face in Horus's rebellion. Much less the aftermath of what shall be left in the wake of his dark ambitions." Sanguinius questioned
"I am certain of it, moreso than anything that I have been in recent memory…What happened on Nikaea showed me that I am no longer welcome in our fathers' vision of the Imperium. That myself, my very Legion, and those that are like me are not welcome within it." Magnus answered back with a resolute resolve set in his features
"I cannot fight for an Imperium that will censor my very existence, handicap what I and my sons were born and trained to do as warriors made to wield and understand the Warp, and be threatened with potential extermination if we utilize our talents. The thought of fighting for something that would see us burned at the stake as witches; all for the sin of existing as who and what we are. That I cannot abide by, especially when it is at the hands of barbaric cretins and superstitious maggots that would see all that I am burned to the wayside." Magnus further spoke in staunch refusal to fight for the Imperium
"I see…and to be fully transparent with you, I cannot fault you for your feelings on the matter. The censorship of the Librarius and the blatant excuse to hamstring and suppress your Legion is abhorrent to say the least." Sanguinius replied still disgusted by the kangaroo court of a trial that was the Edict of Nikaea
"Do not forget about the likes of Corax and Mortarion. The only saving grace about Mortarion is that his hypocrisy is not as outright blatant as Russ's, that much I can respect. Corax on the other hand…ooohhhhh how I have grown to detest that cowardly raven." Magnus spoke in having had slightly more respect for Mortarion than Russ if only for the fact that the Pale King was honest in his dislike of Psykers and the Librarius vs the Wolf King
"Need I ask why you despise Corax so heavily?" Sanguinius questioned
"The fact that he voted in favor of the Edict to not only punish me, but see me 'humbled' for my arrogance is enough to earn my ire. Especially when his desire to do so has unfairly punished many loyal Librarians, all for what exactly, so that he could prove a point?...Where is the justice in punishing those who have only loyally served you, all to humble and punish someone to soothe your ego?" Magnus responded in disdain of the Raven Guard Primarch's reasoning
"Fair enough in that regard…While I admire his convictions towards the pursuit of justice, even I must admit that his decision is unjust in its reasoning." Sanguinius said back
"The fool speaks of justice and yet does things so short sighted as that. Then that is not withstanding the fact that he has failed to deliver justice and freedom to his own home planet. At least not fully that is." Magnus spoke gaining the Great Angels' attention at that last part
"What do you mean by that exactly?" Sanguinius queried
"For all of his talk as a freedom-fighter and liberator of the people, he has certainly failed to uphold his promises of doing so to his home…When you have the time, I would suggest taking a look at what his home is truly like." Magnus answered back
"I will be certain to do so when the time allows it." Sanguinius spoke in making a mental note to do so
"Good…that said and out of the way. There will be much work to do in the years to come. I may not be around to see what comes of the aftermath of Horus's dark ambitions for future rebellion. However, I can ensure that the hemorrhaging of innocent lives, psyker or no will be staunched as greatly as possible. I owe that much to my brothers and those who are now seen as accursed witches, because of Russ's barbarism and Mortarion's prejudice. " Magnus replied in wanting to ensure that as many lives as possible would be spared the bloodshed to come when he did leave
"Very well then, let us further discuss these matters. Time is of the essence and we cannot fail the trillions upon trillions of lives that deserve a chance to become something greater. It will be through both our efforts that the Imperium will endure and live to see another day." Sanguinius spoke in turn as Magnus smiled back at him
"Indeed, my brother." Magnus replied as the two began to discuss said plans in motion
'I will certainly miss you, Sanguinius. However, I can ensure that you will not fall in what is to come. No matter what happens, I will make sure that all my beloved brothers will live to see our home through.' Were the Crimson King's thoughts over the peril of Horus's impending rebellion
(3 months later, Mars, Solar Segmentum, September 30th, 002. M31, 2:48 Pm)
It would be the end of September soon enough as Perturabo with an honor guard of his Marines present would meet with Kelbor-Hal to discuss their allying with him and Magnus in their empire. With him having 'sweetened' the deal by providing double if not triple the amount of STC's Horus had given the Fabricator general alongside the promise of free-reign to build and craft whatever his forces desired.
"I must admit, you have made an even greater impression upon us than your brother. Especially with a even greater promise for the advancement of our knowledge base." The Archmagos said to the Lord of Iron
"I have taken my efforts into exploring the Koronus Expanse, that is how I gained these 'gifts' for you, and much more." Perturabo spoke to the Fabricator-General
"If there is one thing that I understand that we both can agree upon. There is no doubt that while Horus is no doubt charming and incredibly persuasive. He fails to understand the true importance of technological advancement, and the opportunities abound to innovate and create." Perturabo further spoke with a grin spreading across the Archmagos's features that was distorted by their facial augments
"You are now wrong, my Lord. However, I do have to ask how will you accomplish to gain the secrets from the Emperor's Vaults as well? Do not get me wrong, what you have brought to me is far more than what I expected…That alongside the promise of further innovation and a fresh start and new horizons to explore…it is much more than what I imagined." Kelbor-Hal queried
"Luckily enough, the pandemonium that will ensue from Horus's rebellion will leave the vaults at their weakest. As such I will have some 'assistance' from one of my brothers. I am sure you know of Alpharius?" Perturabo responded
"I have, and while he is one of the most eccentric of your brothers. The efficacy of his Legion is nothing that cannot be questioned, although his methods are needlessly complex." Kelbor-Hal spoke in finding the 20th Legion's Primarch as 'peculiar' to say the least
"I agree with that statement, but his results are undeniable. It is why I trust in him to deliver on what is needed…While I do not trust him as far as morals or his tactics, I know that he is nonetheless capable when it comes to matters of infiltration and sabotage. Two things that I require of him for this endeavor." Perturabo replied knowing that while he did not care for him personally that Alpharius and the 20th Legion were perfect for what was needed
"Even still you play a dangerous gambit, one that has both exceedingly high rewards and equally high consequences." The Archmagos said to the Primarch of the 4th
"I know this fully, Archmagos. However, the pros of what will be gained from this, outweigh the losses of what we will not. Besides, what the Emperor does not know will not hurt him as far as I am concerned...As for Horus, he is to embroiled in his own ambitions to care for little else. He may masquerade his desires behind his charisma and charm, but he is just like our father at the end of it all. A conniving, decietful snake that hordes all for himself." Perturabo responded uncaring of the consequences so long as they got the desired results
"I will not argue there. However, I would be a fool if I did ask not only what you stand to gain from this Empire of yours. I must also inquire what you hope to achieve by doing this?" Kelbor-Hal questioned the Lord of Iron
"To answer both your questions, I will make it as concise as possible." Perturabo began
"What I hope to achieve and more importantly what I stand to gain from this. It is simply the opportunity to have what I have been robbed of since joining this damnable Crusade. The freedom to build and create as I please, the respect and accolades I have long since been denied, and more importantly no longer will I be made the thankless lapdog of another. This is what I hope to achieve, Archmagos, the chance to no longer be further grounded into the dust by a thankless overlord; who will discard me at his earliest convenience." Perturabo explained to the Fabricator-General
"I do not want to see a future where I or my Legion are not left in the annals of history, as thankless grunts who have done the Imperium's most grueling and mundane tasks. All the while my brothers are sent to reap the wards of glorious conquests and be received as heroes of the Imperium…For too long have I and the 4th Legion been treated this way by an Emperor who promised us so much more. No longer will I suffer this indignity, or any further indignities by him any longer. I will see to this no matter the cost, even if it kills me..I would rather die than live as another tool to be discarded and replaced." Perturabo further spoke in refusal to see the 4th Legion further ground into thankless meatgrinding sieges
"Fair enough Lord of Iron, all more than fair reasons to strike out on your own." The Fabricator-General spoke in seeing where Perturabo was coming from
"Do we have a deal then, Fabricator-General? What I and my brother are offering to you and your followers, is certainly a greater deal than what Horus has given to you, and your current arrangement with the Emperor. Especially when it means the opportunity to do what has long since been denied to you." Perturabo said back
"You make a compelling point, in addition to what you have already gifted me and my subordinates. I will accept your offer once the time comes…I will simply need to make a few adjustments to the Mechanicum in the interim." Kelbor-Hal told the Primarch of the 4th
"I hope that you understand that there will still be great work to be done. The undertaking of supporting your future Empire will require many moving parts, resources, and much, much more to make feasible." Kelbor-Hal added
"I am more than understanding of what will be needed to be done on your end, Fabricator. The only thing I will ask in turn, is that once our Empire finds itself in its new domain. That you and your faction of tech-priests will operate at the same capacity they have always done." Perturabo responded
"Do not worry, the Tech Priests of Mars are nothing if not efficient in our mission statement. Especially when the promise of exalting the Omnissiah in a new domain entirely is a wholly enticing promise." Kelbor-Hal said back
"I may not be well-versed in the matters of your deity. However, I will not deny that new opportunities await us all. Opportunities mind you, that will give you far more freedom to do as you and your followers please, than what the Emperor has ever allowed you do to...I know more than anyone how much he has stifled and smothered your desires to create and innovate." Perturabo said with a rare smile at all of what would soon be guaranteed to him and Magnus
"Indeed, Lord of Iron. In that matter, let us shake hands to solidify our new alliance. One I am sure will herald a new era for not only us, but for your budding empire as well." The Fabricator-General replied outstretching a mechanized hand to the Primarch of the Iron Warriors
"To our new alliance, Fabricator." The Lord of Iron said back as he shook the smaller Tech-Priests' hand
(3 weeks later, Segmentum Tempestus, Prospero ,October 23rd, 002. M31, 4:20 Pm)
Meanwhile, in the weeks to follow, would Magnus was meeting with none other than the enigmatic Primarch of the 20th Legion to discuss further matters on their role in helping to ensure the former's Empire came to fruition.
"Thank you again for your help, brother…I know that we do not often interact or have much to find common ground on. However, I will give my thanks for your assistance thus far." Magnus said to the Primarch of the 20th
"Of course, Magnus. While I may have my own opinions regarding your desires for independence from the Emperor. It is by that same token that I cannot fault you for doing so either." The Lord of Serpents replied to the Crimson King
"After all, what happened on Nikaea was nothing but blatant censuring of you and your Legion. The fact that it even came to pass is appalling quite honestly. Especially when enemies of the Imperium will be certain to take advantage of this as their earliest convenience…The use of a Librarius is a valuable commodity that should never be taken lightly." The Hydra further spoke
"It is good to see that you agree with how the Librarius and moreover Psykers overall should have been handled…That said, my outburst towards the Emperor did not help matters when I was making my case. In fact, in retrospect I could have done far, far more to make a much greater case in defense of my kind. Had I focused more on the legality and practicality of the Librarius, instead of the nonsensical farce I had spouted forth. Then perhaps things could have been much different and I would not resort to my current plans." Magnus said back in the musings of what could have been
"With all due respect, even if you had done so, which I am sure you would have done exceedingly well at. The trial against you would have still been heavily stacked against you. Especially the moment they had Mortarion and Russ as the prosecution, and you with little in the way of defendants to support your case…It was a kangaroo court from the very moment you set foot in those halls." Alpharius told the cyclopean Primarch whose expression turned dour upon hearing that.
"Yet it still does not mean that the outcome would have been far more favorable, than what I had wrought those years ago." Magnus said in lamentful reflection of his blunder of a defense during Nikaea
"What matters now is that you will take what has happened from Nikaea, and grow from it, learn not to make the same hubris-filled mistakes as you did then. If you are to truly succeed alongside Perturabo, then you cannot let your pride ever get in the way of what is needed to be done." The Lord of Serpents replied
"I understand Alpharius. However, I would be remiss if I did not ask why you have chosen to assist me? What do you stand to gain from assisting Perturabo and I; in our plans?" The Crimson King inquired to his fellow Primarch
"While I will not share the full brevity of what I have at stake in this. I will share with you; that I do this to give our brothers and our creators a much needed wake-up call as it were." Alpharius answered back
"How so?" Magnus wondered
"To put it simply, they take for granted what we currently have. They take for granted the unity and strength of what we have. Because of that, they have invited weakness, discord, and strife into the Imperium at large. I seek to shatter the delusions that the actions of taking for granted those who lay down their lives in thankless slogs like Perturabo. Those whose purposes are far greater than what they are given credit for, such as your Legion and the strength and utility they bring as Psykers overall. More than that the hypocrisy and contemptibly backwards way of thinking that Russ and Mortarion have brought forth into the Imperium." Alpharius spoke as he gestured to all of Tizca as though it were the greater galaxy at large
"All of this and more is poison and rot that the Emperor has allowed to fester and take root. Something that cannot be allowed any further if the Imperium is to progress any further. That is why I will not only help you in your plans to come. It is also why I plan to tear open the secrets our father has kept hidden from us and the general public. I wish to pry it all open so that no more lies, hypocrisies, and regressions can further infest and pervert the Imperium." Alpharius further spoke with a keen yet rueful look in his eye
"What secrets do you plan to rip open that our father keeps from us? I know that he has more than a dragon's hoard of dark secrets buried under the Palace. Secrets that would shatter our brothers' trust in him." Magnus further questioned as a small almost conniving smirk graced Alpharius's almost serpentine features
"That is something I will keep close to the chest, brother. Yet know this, that in your departure to create a rulership of your own. That I will force the Emperor to either better himself as a ruler, and the Imperium shall come out of the nearing calamity all the better for it. However, should he fail, then I will have exposed him as a charlatan and ill-suited master of mankind that was never fit to unify humanity." Alpharius answered back his shimmering yet almost hazy emerald colored eyes burned with dark determination at his grand goal
Wherein the final Primarch would always be loyal to the Emperor, he also knew that in order to make the Emperor a far greater ruler that he had to be forced into doing so and as such all secrets, deceptions, and hidden truths ust be forced bare for all to know. For the Lord of Serpents knew that too many dark secrets were kept from him and his brothers that could further threaten the Imperium, ones that would cause an even greater if not equal calamity than Horus to form in the future to come.
Hence why Alpharius Omegon, Lord of the 20th knew that he would have to pry open all secrets that were being kept from them, and force the Emperor to face the truth of his ill-kept secrets so that he would grow and advance into the Master of Mankind that he was truly meant to be.
"Then I wish you the best in that regard. What you endeavor to do is something that will reforge the Imperium into something far greater. Then on the opposite side of that equation at its worst, shatter it on such a profound level that it may never heal from the scars inflicted." Magnus said to the Last Primarch
"Whatever the outcome, I know the Imperium will persevere nonetheless. The strength of what it yields within, is far greater, far more resilient, and far more adaptive than what any will think it to be. It will not only survive but evolve into something greater in the aftermath of what will come. This much I am sure of, the weight of the calamity ahead will not crush it." Alpharius replied with utmost certainty in his voice at what would become of the Imperium of Man in the aftermath of Horus's rebellion
"You place a great deal of trust in the Imperium to rebound from what is to come." Were the Crimson King's words to the Lord of Serpents
"It is because I have to, Magnus of Prospero. If I do not hold hope that the Imperium can better itself in the coming days of what it will be put through. Then how can I expect it to grow and evolve into something greater…something more than a bloated abomination of lies and hypocrisy." Alpharius said back knowing that hope and so much more was going to be needed in the days yet to come
"Fair enough, Alpharius. However, I will warrant caution in your actions during Horus's rebellion? While you will no doubt play both sides in order to ensure the best outcome for the Imperium and its people. Do be aware of the fact that sooner or later, you will have your loyalties tested." Magnus replied as his one remaining eye focused down onto the commander of the 20th Legion
"Which is why I will ask you this now more than ever, Alpharius Omegon; Primarch of the Alpha Legion. Are you prepared to give up everything; from life, limb, and even Legion to make this possible?" The Red Cyclops further asked of his shaven-headed brother
"I am a loyal son of the Imperium; first, last, and forever. Whatever the cost may be to ensure the best outcome for humanity; I will take that path no matter what deceptions or trickeries I must employ." Was the Final Primarch's resolute answer
"Then I will wish you the best, Alpharius. The future ahead for both of us, will be a long, arduous and most challenging one." Magnus said to the commander of the 20th Legion
"Likewise, Magnus…I do not know if I will ever see you again, but for what it is worth. I have enjoyed our time together working alongside you. It is the closest I have been to any of our brothers since joining the Great Crusade." Alpharius admitted to the immeasurably powerful Psyker with a genuine but small smile on his face
"I have as well and just as I have left the door open for Sanguinius and the Kahn. I will leave it open for you; should you decide to join Perturabo and I in what is to come…We could alway use a spymaster within our new empire." Magnus offered to the Lord of Serpents whose smile widened if only slightly at the idea
"Perhaps at another time, but for now there is still work to be had. We still have much to cover in the leading up of our shared deadlines. If we are to ensure the best possible futures for humanity, then we must continue without fail." Alpharius said back knowing that while the idea was appealing that the good of the Imperium had to come first
"Indeed, Alpharius." Magnus said as the two continued to work on and discuss contingencies and plans for the rebellion to come
(2 days later, October 25th, 002. M31, 2:12 Pm, Segmentum Solar, Holy Terra)
All the while on Terra would the Sigillite and the Anathema finish yet another game of Regicide with each other, yet unlike many other games between them this one felt more ominous than before.
"Tell me something, old friend. With how much time has passed since Nikaea. Do you think that what was done was a wise decision?" Malcador asked the Master of Mankind
"Why do you ask, Malcador? After nearly 2 years the decision has been made?" The Emperor questioned
"I ask this for the simple fact that; with the Great Crusade drawing to its conclusion. That Magnus may no longer have any further reason to remain loyal to the Imperium or you for that matter." Malcador answered back
"What happened there was and is seen as a great betrayal to him, something that has reflected in his compliance rates, and how he conducts himself nowadays." Malcador further spoke
"While I will admit that Magnus's becoming closed off and almost abrasive even to Horus, is most problematic. In addition to the slowing of his rates of compliance upon new worlds. It is nothing that cannot be handled in due time. Besides, Magnus for all that he is would not go against me or the Imperium; that much I am sure of." The Emperor responded
"Yet how are you certain that he will remain loyal? Do remember that he is not only one of the brightest minds within our realm. He is also one of the strongest Psykers within the Imperium barring you. What exactly is stopping him from deciding to simply cordon himself and his Legion away from the future you have in mind? As far as he is concerned, you all but told him to stop being what he was created for, and moreso be all the lesser for it and smile at being told to be a shadow of what he knows he is capable of." Malcador rebutted knowing that Magnus would not stay within a place where he would be forced as lesser than what he knew himself as
"What happened on Nikaea was a necessary evil, a humbling experience that had to happen. You know as well as I, that Magnus has been dabbling with things he should not. Now that the Edict is in place, he will have such things curtailed and focus on what is important." The Emperor staunchly replied
"Necessary how? How will this curb and curtail the curiosities of an insatiable mind such as his? If anything this may spur him on to dive deeper into the mysteries of the Warp out of spite…I will not deny that his lust for knowledge needed to be curtailed, Especially when we both know he is diving into things he should meddle with." Malcador said back
"However, to do what he and many others see as blatant censorship of not just him and his Legion. But of every Psyker across the Imperium proper…I fear as though we may have permanently driven Magnus off and away. Which is why you will need to prepare for a future where Magnus fully absolves himself of the Imperium at best." Malcador further spoke his wizened face one that was calculating futures grim and sinister
"What of the worst, Malcador? What of the less pleasant futures regarding him and his Legion?" The Master of Mankind asked curiously
"Then at worst there are a variety of grim futures. One of which at its most pleasant sees him shepherding many of the now disenfranchised Psykers across the Imperium away from what is to be. From there he creates his own kingdom of sorcerers, witches, mutants, and so on. All of whom harbor vengeance and hatred towards an Emperor who supported them being treated as witches and hunted for the sin of their existence." Malcador spoke
"But one of the worst to come are ones where Magnus seeks vengeance on Leman and Mortarion both. The worlds of Fenris and Barbarus reduced to husks of molten debris and ruin. Something I nor you could fault him for should he choose to act on those feelings of spite and retribution…The both of us have given him more than ample reason to do so, just as what had happened on Monarchia." The Sigillite further spoke causing a brief twinge of irritation to flash across the golden monarchs' features
"Monarchia was another necessary evil. It had to happen to correct Lorgar's constant obsessions in deifying me, even though I had made it clear he was not to do so." The Emperor responded his voice having just enough steel put behind it to show his irritation on the subject
"Yet a simple conversation on the matters of theology would have sufficed just as well…Now you may also face a renegade Lorgar in the aftermath of the Crusade." Malcador said back
"What are you trying to get at exactly?" The Master of Mankind questioned with a scrutinizing gaze
"What I am getting at, old friend, is the fact that you have been so focused on the completion of the Great Crusade. That you have failed to think of the hereafter in what your sons will become in its aftermath. Moreso how you have estranged a considerable number of them away from you, and guaranteed that they will more than likely never heed your call again." Malcador answered back as he met his companions' gaze unphased by the miniature suns gazing back at him
"They are my chosen tools and sons to carry out my will. Even those as unruly as Angron or as mad as Konrad, they will nonetheless do as needed. Besides, no matter what their wishes; they will serve in all future endeavors going forwards." The Master of Mankind spoke
"And how are you so certain that you will have enough for future endeavors? Have you ensured that enough of your sons remain loyal to you? How many of them can you safely say will continue to remain by your side? All the while others may become renegades or worse tainted by the Ruinous Powers already?...How certain are you that our enemies have not already made their move against us?" Malcador inquired with a raised brow
Wherein Magnus was already a given to potentially go renegade as far as the Sigillite was concerned, he also knew that amongst those that would potentially do so were Lorgar, Angron, Perturabo, Jaghatai, and Corax. All of whom had more than ample reasons to turn against the Emperor given not only his callousness towards them in meeting them early on, but also the fact that he had done nothing or little in the way to mend or improve the relationships of those that despised him.
"Certain enough, that should rebellion come to pass. That I will have more than enough left to carry out my future designs. Those who follow through in doing so can be replaced in a mere matter of decades to a century at worst." Was the callous response of the Emperor
"You still have not answered my question in full. How certain are you that our enemies have not made their move against us? You have left the door for such things to happen; in regards to Magnus and Lorgar…The Ruinous Powers will seize any foothold given to them, something you have all but gift-wrapped to them." The Sigillite said back with the bluntness of a Thunder Hammer to the liver
"Careful of how you speak, Malcador." The Master of Mankind warned
"You know I am right. Especially when you and I have ill-prepared them for the forces beyond...What good are the tools that you do have if you do not fortify them to withstand things they cannot whether themselves against? Even the 'tools' in Angron and Curze could have been evaded in falling to Chaos had you spent the time to upkeep them; instead of needlessly breaking them further." Malcador said before rising from his seat
"They were broken by the time we had found them. It would have done little to good than to waste the Crusade repairing broken things; that are better doing what they are meant for. The lot of them have functioned as needed regardless of their deficiencies, and I would not waste time nor resources fixing something that is useful regardless of how it feels nor acts." The Emperor dismissively responded as his mounting irration caused the game pieces to begin to warble and crack under the weight of his psychic pressure
"You mean to tell me that the Master of Mankind, the Anathema to the Ruinous Powers, Revelations himself; could not repair or make better of his wayward sons? At the very least not be so egotistical as to all but pave the way for their fall from grace, or as blind to the future consequences your actions have wrought...How sure of yourself can you truly be that even the most loyal among you in the Lion, Dorn, or even Guilliman will not turn from you; when and if the levee breaks? How confident are you that their loyalties will not shatter like glass? Malcador questioned as one of the pieces split cleanly in half as though by way of a Chainswords shredding it to pieces
"They will be fine nonetheless. Besides, the Webway project is nearing completion, and once that happens, then the bite of Chaos will be lessened to an inconsequential threat. Making the worry of such things nill in due time." The Master of Mankind replied although Malcador could spot the faintest hints of worry and uncertainty in the golden monarchs' voice that were noticeable from centuries of time spent with him
"Tell yourself that as many times as you wish. However, you know as well as I do that the toll always comes due…You took from them to create the Primarchs, sooner or later the consequences of keeping them in ignorance will come due. Once that happens and it will happen, I hope your great dream for mankind can survive it. Otherwise, doom and damnation awaits the Imperium." The Sigillite said back before leaving the room and with it the Master of Mankind alone with his thoughts
'Everything must proceed as planned, we are too close to the completion. Consequences be damned, I will not let my great work fall to the wayside.' Were the Emperor's thoughts as he sat beside himself in hopes that at long last his great work would come true
And so with the Lord of Iron managing to solidify an alliance with the Tech-Priests of Mars, we also see Magnus aid his brothers in preparation for the coming rebellion of the Lupercal in garnering an 'alliance' of sorts with the Craftworld Aeldari. The question now being as alliances are made, are if Magnus's preparations to prepare his brothers for what will be; will be enough to prevent a horrific future for the Imperium, or will it fall to the wayside? Find out in the all new chapters of, An Imperium in A Galaxy Far, Far Away!
Alright, that'll do it for this one as I hoped that you enjoyed this chapter and all that came from it, since its gonna be a bit longer before we kick things off into Perturabo and Magnus building up there empire proper, so I hope y'all are ready for what will come next. That said, I want to extend my appreciation to everyone keeping up with the story so far, as every favorite, follow, and review of what you've liked and want to see next helps out greatly, and if possible share this out so we can get this poppin'!
So with all that being said and done, this is Nomadic Chaos 888 using the power of Chaos and our sponsored Chaos God to give you guys good stories to read. The next chapter to come will have final prep and farewells before Magnus, Perturabo, and their allies take off for greener pastures, so stay tuned for all those shenanigans.
Part 1 Theme Song: Black Star Deceiver by Soilwork
Random End Song: Blue Dreams by Dance Gavin Dance
Now then onto some of the reviews from the previous chapter.
Obsidian Nova Arc: Glad you like it so far my guy, also Magnus actually has something planned in that regard once the Heresy kicks off. Because, as far as he's concerned why stop at simply Terra...no, no he wants to make everyone aware of just how much of a dirt bag in his eyes that the Emperor, as well as Russ (just out of pure petty mind) and all those who co-signed for the signing of the Edict of Nikaea really are...so if he's going to do this he wants to make sure that its as big of a gut punch as possible.
Graymar: For what it will look like down the line, that's something I am still working out because its still going to require quite a bit of manpower for the finished project to be consistently going at full tilt once we hit the Clone Wars. In terms of Location, it'll essentially get 'air dropped' in-between the Mid and Outer Rims, which should be fun, and as for Contact with the Republic...I'm keeping how that will go close to the chest for now, since I have a few things in mind for how that'll all shake up.
Tris: Glad you like it so far and I hope you'll stick around for more! I have some plans for Vulkan given how someone is gonna be needed to fix the hot mess post Heresy, as even with Magnus running around making sure that everyone can have a playbook formed on how to beat Horus...its still gonna be a lot post-cleanup to fix. Also, Sanguinius actually understanding Magnus here made the most sense this Chapter, as even he can realize that Magnus for the most part has every right to leave the Imperium when it straight up tells him 'We don't want your kind anymore other than for G.P.S duty and if we catch you doing it, then Russ is going to do what he does best to those who disobey the Emperor' Also for how their Empire is gonna shake out its gonna be something of a rival Empire to the Republic as the story goes on given that their gonna be playing for keeps, and once they get big enough its either fold over whatever planets Magnus and Perturabo want, or they are more than happy to go to war over taking things over. Lastly for the Kaminoans and their Cloning technology, well it will definitely be helpful in advancing and better perfecting Geneseed among some other things I might have in play.