Chapter 6 - War Eternal - IC

The War Room of the Soulsmear was darkened. IN the center stood the ever active holo-display of castobel, and the salient itself.

Having arrived just hours ago from Castobel, Avincus had given the order to clear the system and onward towards whatever awaited.
In the room was Avincus himself, the stern Ultramarine tyrannic war veteran, standing resolute as you stride in. He had more scratches and knicks in his armor then you remember, and purple stains splattered across his amor here and there. YOu would have to ask him about that.
Dario also waited there. Unlike Avincus, Dario was wearing his helmet. His auspex was on his hip scanning the area on passive mode. It chimes and dings occasionally, but nothing Dario took notice of. His battle plate also showed new scars and stains.
Next to him was Captain Farosh. A Bandage covered his head, leaving his left eye and his lower face exposed. He manages to bow to you each in turn as you walk in.
Dario greets you all individually, in his casual manner and strange accent.
"Bruthah, how wa' it dirt-syde? See los'sa fightin'? How you fare down deah?"
Avincus gives you a silent nod and waits for everyone else to arrive.

Next was the Inquisitor, Ghraile.

Last was Micah Curas himself. No longer in the fatigues and flak armor he had word dirt-side, now he wore the better armor of the scions tempestus, the imperial stormtroopers.
His shoulder also marked him out with various bars and insignias,

"We're all here." Avincus begins. "Captain Farosh tells me we are headed out of the systems full steam and should be able to make warp within six hours."
"He nods, "Yes. Six hours at a conservative estimate."
"Good, Avincus replies. And to you, Ironbound-"
"Micah Curas, Micah is fine."
Marius musehs his thin lips in contemplation, but remains silent on hios thoughts.
"Micah then. Well met. I am a Watch Captain of the Ordos Xenos, Marius Avincus. This is Brother Dario of the same and captain Farosh. Welcome to the Soulsmear."

He nods to each, "Well met. Now maybe I can get answers on what the warmaster needs with me?"
Marius holds out a palm, "Forgive me Micah. i do not have those answers. But we will have plenty of time to figure it out while we are on transit."
"To Karlack then?" Ezu asks with anticipation.

"No," Avincus replies, daring a puzzled look from all of you, save Dario and the captain.
"Why not!?" asks Ezu, suddenly confused by the change.
He holds up his hand again, "Ill explain in due time." he says to keep her questioning at bay.
"But first," he says, looking directly at Cassiel, "What happened down there, dont leave out any of the details."

Lucius had spent the small amount of downtown from planetside to the Soulsmear in contemplation. He was a tactician first and foremost and his brain was playing over their most recent battles, overlaying them with the mission as a whole. He went over what had worked, what had failed.

Most importantly, he went over team cohesion. Overall it had been good, but there were a few standout moments that would absolutely need to be addressed. He watched Castobel melt away in the viewport, content that Draco had severely weakened the horde.

+++

The Novamarine entered the War Room tall and proud. Draco's back banner and his jump pack had been removed; already the banner was being prepared to have more of Draco's deeds etched onto its fabric for all to see.

His armor had been immediately tended to. He had four serfs see to it while it was still attached to his black carapace. It would need to be removed and fully inspected later, but the War Room meeting was priority. The majority of the gore had been removed, and most immediate damage repaired. The beast of Thule's preserved, armored skull loomed large on his Deathwatch pauldron, but he made sure his Novamarine emblem was bright and easily seen.

His helmet was on his belt, as per usual, and he regarded Dario with a smile as he entered.

"It is good to see you again, Brother Dario." He clasped the Iron Fist's forearm.

"Tides are turning on Castobel. We took the heads of many of the Devourer's toughest bioforms, and even now the Guard is making huge strides in counter offenses. The fight isn't over yet, but we hit the 'Nids hard."

He looked Dario up and down and nodded toward Watch Captain Avincus. He knew immediately from the purple ichor they had recently seen action against the Tyranids.

"But it looks as though we weren't alone in taking Tyranid heads. What happened while we were away?"

Bleda didn't leave Ironbound until they were back on the Soulsmear. It had a been his first mission with Draco and he wasn't all that content with his performance. His own addition to its success had been on best average, and the debacle with a Warp Phenomena during battle was a bit of a embarassing, and that was something that he would need to rectify for the future.

But there was not much time to think about these things before they were off to the War Room for a debriefing with the captain.

Hydrako kept silent as they left the planet, keeping to himself as they approached the Soulsmear. He kept a watchful eye on the boy because he did not want to miss an opportunity to send him to the Fleet.

At the debriefing, Hydrako noted with approval the marks on Dario and Captain Avincus' armour. They had repelled boarders at some point during their deployment, perhaps more than once. That kind of fighting would have been interesting to be part of. His interest was piqued when they were told they were not going to Karlack, but somewhere else. The Inquisitor's outburst made it all the more interesting, and gratifying, as she had clearly had other plans. Having no need to speak, he remained silent in order to let Cassiel debrief the Watch Captain on their mission

To Lucius:

"Welll...." Dario began.
"De bugs didn' like us bein heah. Sevral times dey sent boardin parties. Borders repelled effectiv'ly. If I do sey so myself."

Avincus intercedes, "There are still one or two genestealers aboard. We have them confined to small areas. Automated defenses, kataphracti servitors and chapter serf head hunter kill teams are dealing with them now. Once we debrief you may join them if you like."

Seraphan remained silent on the return to the planet - contemplating his actions. It was clear he was relying on the Thirst more than he should. He needed to remember it was a flaw and not a crutch and to only embrace it under the direst of circumstances - madness was the only other option and he could not sully the legacy of the Great Angel that way.

+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+

After a quick stop in the arming chamber provided to him to have ghe ornate winged jump pack removed from his armour Seraphan arrived in the war room and stood with the rest of Draco he awaited the debreifing to finish

Cassiel acknowledges the request. "The short version is we lent aid everywhere we could in pursuit of the mission. It is not boasting to claim that we made unparalleled contributions. And ultimately we were successful. Makradon has been collecting extensive data files on our actions which he can make available for your perusal. I am preparing a file for special commendations for members of Draco and posthumous for certain elements of the planetary defense forces "

Avincus listens closely.

Once the assault on the cliffs was mentioned, he takes particular interest in Serephan's loss of control, eyeing him with determined inquisitiveness.
"Did they do something that you found not to your liking?"

***

Once Cassiel was finished, he nods. "Well done." He gave the everyone else a chance to speak, an opportunity to which Ezu was keen on.
"The presence of the Cardinal and the assassins is very disturbing. Ive started looking into this, but I believe there is some sort of power play going on here."
"Go on." Avincus says.
"Its just a hunch, but the eccliesiarchy has very close ties to the ordo hereticus. That, and the grand cardinal Dis Analann has publicly cast doubt on Tetrarchus and the way he runs the crusade. I know that there are several other groups that agree with the eccliesiarchy, but for their own reasons."
"Do you think the heretics suspects the warmaster of heresies?" Avincus asks.

Ezu shrugged, "Its hard to say." She looks back at Cassiel, "You said the vindicare had attacked the cardinal? he didnt fire against you?"
Once Cassiel gives his confirmation she adds, "Then there are others interested in Ironbound, others not allied with the hereticus."
Curas, who had been quiet up until this point, speaks up, "So what is so important about me? I've no real rank, no exclusive abilities, and no large command experience. If anything, I'm a pain in command's backside. I still do not understand what the warmaster would want with me."

Ezu agreed, "We still have no concrete reason. We believed that it was due to some ability, or that at the time you might have even been a secret weapon hidden from prying eyes. Until we deliver you to the Warmaster himself, we might never know, even then he may not tell us the why of his request."

Ironbound's stone face soured. "I still have no answers then."

Avincus shakes his head, "I am sorry Curas, but in this we are little more then errand boys."

He looks at each of you in turn, "Do any of you have any ideas?"

Lucius wrapped his fist against Dario's shoulder pauldron and gave him a respectful nod. It was good that they had had a chance to slay the vermin as well. His ears perked up when the Watch Captain addressed him.

He pressed a fist against his breast, just over the iron skull that adorned his chest plate. "I would view it as an honor to rid this war machine of such an infestation, Watch Captain."

He wondered who, if any, would join him in the hunt.

+++

Lucius' mouth hardened at mention of Seraphan's outburst and his pulling him from the guardsmen there. He would not intervene; it was on Seraphan to respond.

"I am not one to entertain conspiracy theories without the hard proof to back them, but Curas here represents hope. With the news of his father's demise under tight confidentiality, it would be reasonable to assume that the Warmaster seeks to install Curas in his father's place. To keep hope alive. To keep morale up. However, there are also more sinister reasons we must take into account." He looked directly at Curas.

"You also represent the last link to a bloodline some may want to see ended. We weren't only fighting tyranids down there, but Imperial agents and very nearly the Ecclesiarchy. We cannot be sure this is not all just a rouse to get you in prime position for a lethal strike. You must be ready for anything, Micah."

+++

One Inquisitor Ezu had left, he approached Avincus and Dario about the blood cult assassins. "One of the assassins Khol and I dispatched gave up some vital intelligence before she met her end. The name of her employer: Arkelius." He awaited their responses.

Cassiel tries to offer some comfort to Curas. "You can ponder what others intend to do with you but you'll never be certain and you'll never finish. Better instead to look for the opportunities you will have. Draco didn't know how we could help until we put boots on the ground. No matter what plans others have for you keep your wits about you and seek your opportunity to use their agenda to further your own."

Seraphan turn to look at Avinicius

"A misunderstanding and an overreaction on my part. I'll refrain from dealing with disciplinary matters with the Astra Millitarium in the future."

To Serephan,
"A simple misunderstanding eh?"
He continues on, but it was indicated he would pick this up later in more private setting.

With no further ideas for Ironbound,s importance coming fourth. Avincus adjourns the debreif,
"As said, without any further information, we will have to wait on answers."

"With patience as the best course of action, it is now time to discuss our next plan."
Ezu had been waiting for this, she butts in "So why aren't we taking Ironbound back to Karlack as requested? The mission isn't complete until we do."

"Because," Avincus started, "Whatever the warmaster has planned, it will take months or even years to implement. Castobel has weeks, months at beast, before the tyranid reinforcments overrun and consume here. We need help now."

Ezu remained silent, she couldn't very well argue that point.

He continued on, "We've got to get forces to Castobel now to hold off the xenos invasion."

No one seemed to disagree.

"So we will be headed to watch station Arkhas. Its a week away, two at tops. And that's if the shadow doesnt leave us stranded and lost. There is a powerful and seasoned astropath there, Varrus. He should be able to bring the imperium's hammer down on Castobel. The mission is not without its complications though."

He nodded to Dario to handle the rest.

"Weah, Arkhas lies 'long one of the only stable warp routes in de area. "is an absolute quagmire of turbulent currents 'n eddies. Wit dis in mind, Arkhas has become the staging area for battlefleet daedalus to regroup. Navy will have large presence in de area. Arkhas is a secret. We might alertin them if we make too big a splash."

"Right" Avincus added, "This will be a mission where Dario's skills are needed, No offense captain."
Captain Tomoi took the perceived insult in stride, simply bowing his bandaged head in deference.

"But," he continued, there is an imperial world along the route. Its been cut off since the shadow fell. Its a heavy jungle world, but has roughly a billion souls on it spread throughout a few hivesprawls. We are stopping there to access the damage from dagon. Such a snack would reinforce the xenos besieging castobel considerably. Make no mistake Draco, the planet is already gone as its in Dagon's direct path. But the administrtum needs confirmation before they can assess the hive fleet's ability to reinforce the fleet at Castobel. Its a survey situation, the soulsmear's augar array will be more than capable for this. Its just a pit stop we need to make before heading to Arkhas."

He awaited your input.

"If the jungle planet is not our mission, and If the goal is to survey from afar, with the decision already made on high that the planet is already counted as a casualty, what input could we offer?"

It was clear that leaving the planet to simply be added to the biomass of the Hive Fleet did not sit well with Lucius. He did not direct his displeasure at Avincus, but he had to wonder what input the Watch Captain could possibly expect given the circumstances.

He set his jaw firmly as a realization, ironically, dawned on him...

"It would be better that each hive go nuclear than a single Imperial soul be turned into biomass. Aside from directly intervening, would it be possible to transmit such orders to lead mechanicus and astra militarum authorities in the hives when we arrive in system?"

He corrected his statement.
"We consider this a loss. But the Administratum are nothing but weak pencil pushers. By their words are the lives and death of the guardsmen regiments are measured. The verification that the planet is consumed will tell those bastards that the xenos are less likely to receive biomass reinforcements from there. If the xenos are less likely to receive reinforcements, the more likely they are to respond to a call for aid."

To his second point, Avincus responds with some apprehension, "Brother Lucius, such callus disregard for a billion souls? I'll remind you that we are humanities defenders, not their executioners. Kyptman used those kinds of tactics and he was declared excommunicate for it; and he was the inquisitor who sacrificed the most than any other member of the ordos. I'd rather them resist with all they have. Killing the tyranids then denying them the biomass of the prey and the dead they expended is the only way to go. That's what Castellan Lokk did. It was a brutal decision, but it let Castobel limp on and halted the xenos there. Again, this is all moot as the planet is gone anyway. The survey is nothing more the a necessary formality."

With his battleplate under repair Albrecht stood at the de-briefing in his black monk robes, he remained silent at the start, content to see how it panned out. In hind sight the diversions and the approach Cassiel took didn’t affect the mission outcome but he still wasn’t satisfied with the approach the Dark Angel had taken and if challenged over his slight insubordination he would stand by it. Perhaps he shouldn’t have done it over squad vox was his only regret.

Ezu & Avincus wrote:

Once Cassiel was finished, he nods. "Well done." He gave the everyone else a chance to speak, an opportunity to which Ezu was keen on.
"The presence of the Cardinal and the assassins is very disturbing. Ive started looking into this, but I believe there is some sort of power play going on here."
"Go on." Avincus says.
"Its just a hunch, but the eccliesiarchy has very close ties to the ordo hereticus. That, and the grand cardinal Dis Analann has publicly cast doubt on Tetrarchus and the way he runs the crusade. I know that there are several other groups that agree with the eccliesiarchy, but for their own reasons."
"Do you think the heretics suspects the warmaster of heresies?" Avincus asks.

Ezu shrugged, "Its hard to say."

“The presence of Imperial assassins targeting Astartes & Eccliesarchy is certainly disturbing. I am not naive to think that everyone should work in concert together, some things are not possible but for assassins to be sent is troubling.” Albrecht wondered if Ezu had a hand in the assassin sent against the cardinal. “Personally I found the cardinal to be a pious and entirely reasonable. Strong in his faith. I would hope he is not an enemy, for his sake.”

Albrecht pauses for any replies before listening to the exchange between Lucius and Avincus

Avincus wrote:

"Brother Lucius, such callus disregard for a billion souls? I'll remind you that we are humanities defenders, not their executioners. Kyptman used those kinds of tactics and he was declared excommunicate for it; and he was the inquisitor who sacrificed the most than any other member of the ordos. I'd rather them resist with all they have.”

“Yes, arm them so they can resist and delay the hive-fleet. Ultimately though exterminates should be the final option if victory is not possible. Even if the planet only has a ‘mere’ billion souls, the fact that it is a jungle world means its biomass is significant.”

Lucius fired back. "'Callous disregard?' Watch Captain, I have held the line against endless hordes of Tyranids on Macragge so that a single company of Polar Fortress PDF could regroup. I disregard no human life, nor do I need to be reminded of the duty bestowed upon me by the Emperor and our primarch Guilliman. I highly doubt you could find any brother among us here and now who doubts my contributions and dedication to humanity."

He felt as though his honor had been called into question with Avincus' easy disregard for his record.

"But it was the initial report that called this planet 'already lost'; the same report which reminded us that the reinforcements of this planet alone would be enough to tip the scales in favor of the Devourer at Castobel. Perhaps I misunderstood, but if the mission is to instead aid a planet which is not in fact lost, then of course my first strategic option isn't to destroy the hives. We would need to assess their situation and provide logistical and, more to our skill set, tactical support where we could."

He would not let poor reporting, poorer use of High Gothic, and an accusation of genocidal tendencies stand. Watch Captain or not. Fellow Veteran of Macragge or not.

Avincus replied, "Do not forget that I was at the forefront on Macragge during the xenos invasion as well, doing the exact same thing. I saw everything on my own homeworld reduced.to.ashes. I will not hear any talk of decimating human populations while there is any chance they can put up a fight in the process, our primarch Guilliman would frown on such tactics."

There was a bit of an awkward silence until Ezu spoke up.
"The planet is gone already. There are no defenders left with which to blow the reactors and no oxygen with which to fuel the fires. The survey is simply a formality so that the administratum will be more inclined to acquiesce to our request. This is not the time to argue over details that do not matter. There is no initial report brother Lucius. The planet is simply in the way of the hive fleet, and we all know they do not planet hop. They simply consume whatever is in their path."

Avincus spoke up again. "You are right. This, in fact, will be the initial report, simply to tell the pencil pushers that the extra men sent to Castobel is justified and not a waste of....resources."
You can tell by his speech that he considered entire regiments more than just a resource, but his disdain with the administratum for thinking this way was evident.

Captain Tomoi then spoke out, "We are already underway. Arkhas shouldn't be moire than a fortnight. The survey will take a day at most."

Albrect wrote:

“Yes, arm them so they can resist and delay the hive-fleet. Ultimately though exterminates should be the final option if victory is not possible. Even if the planet only has a ‘mere’ billion souls, the fact that it is a jungle world means its biomass is significant.”

"Sounds like they should have sent me there instead" Curas pipes in, "Although I guess I'd be dead now if that was the case."
Guerrilla resistance was his specialty after all.

Avincus wrote:

I will not hear any talk of decimating human populations while there is any chance they can put up a fight in the process, our primarch Guilliman would frown on such tactics."

Could Avincus really be so thick?

Lucius had to wonder. He was saying the exact same thing as the Watch Captain. Could he really not see that?

He took a deep breath. Clearly he was not saying this correctly, or Avincus simply wasn't listening.

"Of course. Which is exactly as I have said. But if you are hearing it another way, perhaps I should be more clear: I do not intend to sacrifice any humans if the planet is not lost. Doing so was my suggestion only in the event of an already established Tyranid victory."

Ezu's additional information only served to confuse the situation more. Avincus was quick to agree with her even though he had just formally reprimanded Lucius for potentially sacrificing lives; if he knew they were already gone, why speak it at all?

At this point he had no idea whether or not the planet even existed, so instead decided to let the others weigh in. This was talk for talking's sake and it was a waste of time. He was itching to take out his frustration on the genestealers.

"If the planet is lost, the survey will be fast. Draco will not be needed. If you plan to return here with additional reinforcements, we should remain planet side. We have already added as much firepower as a regiment could and there is more we could do." Cassiel could not conceive of any way they could aid the jungle planet - Dagon was here and they must have rolled over the planet en route.

Avincus shook his head.
"No. With Ironbound found and extracted that mission is complete. We will return with the armory stores of watch station Arkhas and stop the invasion proper. If the most current lists of the stores are still accurate, we should have vehicle and thunderhawk assets. We can then redeploy you via drop pods to where you are most needed. Besides, the major Donovn you spoke of seems to have the Hessax hive under control. Its the castellan and Twin hives that have been reduced to stalemate. They should be able to hold until we come back with some powerful tools at our disposal."

He adds with a near smile, "Who knows, maybe the watch station will have a powerful relic that can do much more than just that."

"The Blood Drinkers were in need of resupply, though I doubt they would admit their need for reinforcement."

Their tactics and philosophies could not have been more different than the Novamarines, but Lucius found honor and respect in their steadfastness and determination. He would like to stand with such Astartes against the Devourer.

"We cant ill afford to resupply a full company, much less both of them. I'm hoping we can draw more kill teams to Castobel from out call from Arkhas. We would barely have enough for our own kill teams. However, If the call is answered then some of the kill teams can assist the Blood Drinkers in the twin hives."

Klaxons begin to blare over the siren speakers, Captain Farosh bows and informs you.
"We are out of the system and it is now safe to enter the warp. I must be on the bridge now."

He excuses himself and leaves to attend to his duties.

"It seems," Avincus begins, "That our course is set. You have a few days at the least to rest yourselves and prepare for whatever the Arkhas mission will bring. If you wish to hunt the hiding genestealers then do so. They must be cleaned soon or they will cause a great deal of problems for the ship."

He takes a last look at each of you, there was a glint of faith in his eyes for everyone there. He expected great things from all of you.

"Dismissed."

Iron and Metal wrote:

+++

One Inquisitor Ezu had left, he approached Avincus and Dario about the blood cult assassins. "One of the assassins Khol and I dispatched gave up some vital intelligence before she met her end. The name of her employer: Arkelius." He awaited their responses.

^^ This never got addressed, boss.

"Oh?" Avincus raises an eyebrow with curiosity.

When Lucius tells them the name, a spark of recognition flickers in his eyes, but it was Dario who spoke.

"Anastasia? How she be tied up in all dis?"

***

[During the voyage]

Serephan works in his temporary apothecarion, examining the various stockpiles of chemicals and medicinal aids the soulsmear was equipped with.

He finds his thoughts disturbed by the entrance of one of his brothers.

It was the watch captain.
"Seeing that he had been noticed he speaks, "Forgive my intrusion Brother Serephan. Might I have a word?'

[With Dario and Avincus]

"Arkelius - Anastasia is it? - was the name the Blood Cult assassin gave as their handler."

The report had already laid out that Lucius and Khol were targeted directly and engaged after being identified as Astartes. So, he felt he didn't need to add anything else.

"Hold on....." Avincus says, "They targeted you directly? Im curious. How long had they been on the planet before and what were they doing there? Besides the fact that we are speaking of a lord admiral doing something rather crooked, maybe it was not you they were after?"
He looks at Dario for some sort of confirmation.

"Anastasia 's lord admiral of all battlefleets in the salient. Second only to Curas 'imself be-foe he die."

"Do not forget the situation in the salient." Avincus tells Dario, urging him to consider the bigger picture.

"Wat'ju mean?"

"Her Brother Derian Arkelius is a general of Imperial guard forces in the salient as well. He, Anastasia and Commisar Theren are running the show incognito since General Curas and battlefleet Argo were lost. Since the lord General's death is not common knowledge yet, they have been issuing orders acros the canis salient in his name. Only the warmaster has been informed directly of the situation. It's not ideal, but it has allowed the Canis to make some sort of stand against the xenos."

"I did no know that...."

"Brother Lucius, its possible, unlikely but possible, we may come across Anastasia at the mustering grounds in the Arkhas system. Do you think we should confront her directly? Or should we leave ths knowledge to the inquisitors who specialize in getting that kind of information first?"

"They laid in wait along the path we traveled. They had time to recognize us as Astartes prior to their assault, but it did not dissuade them at all; either they targeted us directly, or mistook us for their intended target and did not want to leave any witnesses."

He took in all the relevant intel. "It stands to reason then that Micah presents a problem to the authority and power dynamic the Arkelius siblings hold in the sector. Could be they were trying to take him out - could also be they were trying to take out the Cardinal to prevent him from getting his hands on Ironbound. Fact is, there is no way currently to tell."

"If you think Inquisitor Ezu trustworthy, then I wouldn't mind the assist. This level of intrigue is above my paygrade."

[Apothecarion]

Seraphan, in white apothecary robes with the winged blood drop picked out in crimson studied the samples before him - he knew certain compounds mixed might deal effectively with the creatures of Dagon, it would need to be adapted as quickly as the beasts did but having the base was a start.

He was absorbed in his work when the Watch Captain enters and stands offering the symbol of the Aquilla, fighting off the frown on his face

"Yes Watch Captain? How can I assist you?"

To Serephan:

"I wish to speak to you of the report. I ldo not like loose ends. Why exactly did you attack the guardsmen?"

To Lucius:
Avincus ponders on your words, Dario stands motionless behind his helmet.

Dario puts in his on spin, I don getit. If dey send assassins after Ironbound. Why didn dey kill im before you got there?"

"Brother Lucius, Intrigues are the poison that infects those in command. I have not worked very long alongside inquisitor Ezu Ghraile. We could perhaps request the aid of another that I am more familiar with, though Ezu may take it as an insult. I'll try to send her in the direction discreetly, as if it was her own idea."

"Brother Dario, you have a point. It seems unlikely they were there to outright kill him."

“If I had to wager a guess, it would be because they needed us to find him.”

He nodded.

“We have some time. I will speak with the Inquisitor, see if I can get a reading on her.”

Sent from Topic'it App

"Let me know what you find out." Avincus says as the impromptu discussion departs.

Lucius finds the INquisitor in her chambers aboard the Soulsmear. The doors open and he is given the invitation to enter.

He finds her lounging in a plush bag filled with feathers or something similar, in a robe instead of her golden power armor. She appeared to have been sleeping before you arrived.
The room was austere, the bed was a standard size and some ancient paintings hung from the wall. A single skin rug was on the floor. A display of a faux fire was placed on the far wall and turned on, providing the room with a warm light.

Ezu turns her head towards you, and says with a sleepy voice, "Brother Lucius. Forgive me, I have hardly slept in the past few days and was trying to rest as much as able before our next outing. I dont understand how you astartes can go so long without sleep."

Makradon had observed the interactions between the watch captain and the others with interest. He would have to take some time and investigate more of what happened on Macragge and learn about these warriors storied pasts even further. Not to say his own wasn't storied, but he always enjoyed finding out more about those around him. Helped to build up a better image of them. And of course for his extensive memoirs on various subjects.

When Cassiel mentions him by name, Makradon speaks up.

"I have extensive high quality footage of the events down planetside. Should you wish for them, I am able to provide them to you."

At the mention of this Anastasia, Mak begins to search all his normal databases for information pertaining to her.

"I will investigate this Anastasia more through my own channels. Perhaps I can shed some light on her potential for our suspicions."

Hydrako moved like a shadow through the halls and causeways of the Soulsmear looking for his quarry. After the debriefing, he had been intent on finding the candidate and bringing it before Aristarchus. They would evaluate it before sending it to the Fleet. It would either live or die there. His head swept back and forth slightly as he walked filtering air particles through his nostrils. He was hunting once again

Avincus nods, "I would very much like to do that when I have the time Brother Makradon. Please have the footage transferred to a data wafer for me. I am curious on what channels you have?" He eyes the techmarine with a raised eyebrow. (Questioningly and not accusatory)

***

Hydrako finds the quarry in one of the cafeterium's (not cordoned off by the genestelaer threat).

The room was full of crew an chapter serfs enjoying a fine gruel meal. Del and Mag sat with the quarry, likely discussing recent events. As you have not entered the room yet, no one has noticed you, but once you enter you will draw their attention. (Are you armored?)

In full battle plate, Hydrako entered and the cafeteria fell to silence. His eyes swept the room as his senses homed in. Every face his gaze fell upon either looked away quickly or froze in place. Though he was not looking for them, every one felt they had just had a close encounter they would never wish to come closer. He strode over to the boy, sitting with his brother, and loomed above him, saying nothing. When the boy turned to look up at him, Hydrako spoke. Have you recovered from your ordeal on the planet? We have other matters to attend to that require your presence. Your journey is just beginning, but it will see you ply the stars in a great fleet. You will learn to fight like a true warrior, and destroy those that oppose the Void Father and His Imperium. He reached out a gauntlet this time, instead of grabbing the boy as he did on the surface. Come with me. His voice was hard as iron, yet still only a whisper.

The scene was deathly quiet. The chapter serfs knew from experience what was already being offered, as they themselves had once before accepted the same offer.

Had not the implants failed them they would also be full battle brothers.

Del wanted to stop his brother, but his gaze could only fall upon the sharpened teeth......those teeth.....
Mag finished chewing her mouthful of gruel, but she had the same panicked and confused look in her eyes.
Not to mention the fear......

Carus could do little but take the massive hand offered to him.

As the boy reached out to take Hydrako's hand, Hydrako reached forward and grabbed him under the armpit, lifting him fully off his bench and over so he was in a standing position. Wise choice. Say your goodbyes. He watched silently as the boy went through the mortal ritual of emotional farewells. Once that was completed, he marched out of the cafeteria with the candidate in tow.

They took a circuitous route through the ship as Hydrako found the area he was looking for, the brig. He opened the cell door and pushed the boy inside. These will be your quarters until your training progresses. Your training starts now. He slammed the door shut, cut the lights out and headed the way they had come. There was prey to hunt.

*****

24 hours later Hydrako opened the cell door to find the aspirant cowering in the corner. What have you learnt? he asked. Why am I being kept in a cell? the aspirant wailed in reply. Suddenly, the door was slamming shut and it was left alone again. An hour later, a slot in the door slid open and a tray carrying a bowl of carbohydrate gruel and protein paste loaf scuttled along the floor. Dinner was served.

He came back every day at the same time to give the aspirant its ration and gauge its state of mind. This process was used to break its will. It would act as a mental separator from the time when it was a simple human to the beginning of the Cull. If it got used to the fact that life was now going to be much more challenging, mentally and physically, then it would be that much easier for it to assimilate and absorb the training it would undergo.

210 hours since the beginning of training, Hydrako went back again. What have you learnt? he asked again through . I hate you, you big arsehole! Let me out or I swear I'll kill you and your family! Good, Hydrako thought we are almost ready. He slid the ration into the cell and left again, leaving the lights on this time. He came back later in the cycle with new fatigues from the quartermaster. Twisting open the locking mechanism, his nerves tightened at the last second as the door swung open, and his hand flew up just in time to bat away the serving tray as it boomeranged at his face. Veeeery gooooood

Spoiler:

Hydrako hissed as the aspirant tried to bull rush him and break out. His other hand snaked out and collared it, lifting it off the ground to eye level. Accept your lot aspirant. His black eyes bored into him and it quit thrashing. You are mine now, and you will belong to the Fleet when I am finished with you. What have you learnt? he asked again. The aspirant remained silent and defiant for a few moments before Hydrako shook it like a rag. Speak... he threatened. I don't care what happens to me anymore. I'll do whatever you want. It's eyes were ablaze with anger. I'm still going to kill your family. Hydrako pulled the aspirant in close then, until their noses almost touched. His mouth split into a horrific leer with shining metal teeth and leathery skin. You aren't strong enough. Yet. With that, he threw the aspirant back into the cell along with the combat fatigues. I will be back tomorrow. Physical training starts then. He turned away then and locked the cell behind him, curses and shouting followed him all the way out of the brig section.

Three days after Hydrako had taken the boy, Hydrako was summoned to the bridge. He arrives to find the typical bridge staff, captain Tomoi, Watch captain Avincus and an angry looking Micah Curas.

"Brother Hydrako, I am glad you could make it. Statements have been taken and it seems you have taken one of Ironbound's ground staff. Why?"

Curas' face was red with barely supressed anger, but he knew enough to hold his tongue until given word to speak.

You see the Captain Tomoi try to glance at the situation from his unbandaged eye. As a lowly indentured servant, he had no real stake in this, but it was the operations of the Deathwatch that gave his life any meaning.

Hydrako let the questions hang in the air as he looked directly at Ironbound. His rage was somewhat amusing given the fact he was wrong. The Aspirant willingly came with me. You may ask its brother and comrades. You may even ask every other mortal that was in the cafeteria at the time if you like. The Aspirant has come with me to train and learn how to fight the enemies of the Emperor. It's in my service now. He kept his gaze fixed on Ironbound. Do not worry Ironbound. The Aspirant is in good hands and will learn how to better serve the Imperium. You should be pleased. He has a chance to be elevated to a position of service higher than any he could have imagined before now. You would rob him of that chance? Hydrako looked at Avincus then. I understand Ironbound's desire to protect those that were once in his care, but now he has more pressing matters that should occupy his attention. Matters of subterfuge and winning a war in this salient to put it broadly. The band that he was rescued with are going to be rolled into general population within this war machine before too long, yes? It is the way of things. This is merely the first step in that process, yet the Aspirant will be more than a regular trooper when I am finished with it. he looked back at Curas then. Put on your commander's cap and think through the process, Ironbound. What would happen to a boy of his age? He is too young to make any sort of rank to keep close or out of danger. And given his experience, you would be robbing him of his desire to make a difference and take revenge if you made him your adjutant. You would win nothing but resentment from him in time, and with your fatherly tendencies I would imagine that it would sting your devotion to him. Let him go. He is better off this way. Watch Captain, you know how important Aspirants are to the success of our Chapters. This one has come willingly to mine. There is my counter evidence for your judgement.

"Willingly?" Curas sputtered."Willingly!? I'm told that you practically ripped his arm out under implied threat. And how do you know what plans I have for any of them? The word of a Scions Tempestus officer, who's father was a renowned general, carries weight in the schola Progenum. I plan to have them recieve the highest training. I see in Mag the makings of a future Commissar. Del and Carus would be Tempestus at least."

Avincus steps in, "Control your anger Micah. Do you not understand what brother Hydrako is saying?"

Curas ponders what he said, but came up short of an answer.

Avincus smiled knowingly, "Brother Hydrako, tell Mr Curas here what will become of his surrogate son, should you keep him in your care. Tell Mr Curas of the future that you have planned out for Carus."

I would say ripping the Aspirant's arm off is a flat lie at worst and an heinous exaggeration best. I merely picked it up off the bench much like a parent does an infant.

He showed another rictus-like grin then as Avincus called for calm. I'm sorry Watch Captain, I forget that our ways of recruitment are not known to the wider Imperium. The tone of his voice changed then from one of disconnect and indifference to that of a teacher schooling a promising cadet. Astartes Chapters require recruits of a young age to replace their losses and form new battlebrothers. Candidates must be young enough and genetically pure enough to take the hallowed geneseed of our Primarch because it itself is derived from the Emperor's own genestock. The geneseed is used to grow the organs and physical traits that make a Marine the ultimate soldier. It is not possible to simply biocheck would-be aspirants for suitability. They must be fit of body and mind. We must search for those that are the toughest and most savage, with a will of iron, to have successful Aspirants. It is the will that is key to their success. The will to fight when there is no other option. The will to die if required, without the threat of a commissar's bullet. These candidates are the future of every Chapter, and this candidate you seek to shelter has started that journey to become an Astartes, Ironbound. It will not be a simple soldier, nor a commissar. Its skills, experiences, and knack for survival, all combined with its age, have readied it for a future greater than that. I have much experience in selecting recruits, and I know this one will join our ranks in time. His tone changed to normal as he addressed Avincus once again. Every Chapter has its own rituals surrounding this process Watch Captain. I'm sure those of your Chapter are different even to those of you progenitor Chapter, but they are important all the same. I wish to reiterate to you and Ironbound that this Aspirant came willingly, and it has begun the process of becoming elite in all things war. It will become an angel of death.

Sylphilis wrote:

"Let me know what you find out." Avincus says as the impromptu discussion departs.

Lucius finds the INquisitor in her chambers aboard the Soulsmear. The doors open and he is given the invitation to enter.

He finds her lounging in a plush bag filled with feathers or something similar, in a robe instead of her golden power armor. She appeared to have been sleeping before you arrived.
The room was austere, the bed was a standard size and some ancient paintings hung from the wall. A single skin rug was on the floor. A display of a faux fire was placed on the far wall and turned on, providing the room with a warm light.

Ezu turns her head towards you, and says with a sleepy voice, "Brother Lucius. Forgive me, I have hardly slept in the past few days and was trying to rest as much as able before our next outing. I dont understand how you astartes can go so long without sleep."

"Inquisitor Ghraile. Forgive me - I hope I am not intruding." Lucius lowered his head slightly as he entered the room. He was out of his armor. Both it and his bodyglove were undergoing ritual cleaning and repair rites. As such, he wore a black toga with the Nova-skull emblem of his chapter. Even out of his armor he towered above the Inquisitor, the twin set of scars and tattoos on his face and head not nearly as intimidating as his musculature and superbly crafted bionic arms.

He smiled warmly. "It's funny you mention that; I was just thinking on how long it had been since the team had any real sleep. Some of us did pass out a bit when our Aquila lander exploded, so at least we got a bit of a nap." He hoped his bit of morbid humor would ease her clearly sleep deprived senses.

"Inquisitor, you've given us no reason to distrust you. As of now, I believe you are true to a righteous course, though I do not know what that is. I've come to talk about the assassination attempt on me and Brother Khol. I'd love to hear your take on it." He stayed

Lucius:
She nodded, accepting Lucius words and compliment without getting up.

She was exhausted, Lucius could see the human exhaustion that he could no longer feel. She must've strained herself in her own way on Castobel as well.

"Ive come to the conclusion that Curas is not important because of his own ability. I believe there is a power play going on. Listen well Lucius, The crusade command is in peril. Many factions have showed outright contempt for the warmaster. Ive seen no one keep order among the upper echelons like Achilus. He exuded authority and was the most adept commander the Imperium has seen since Manchurius. His death threw the command elements into grubbing for thier slice of his legacy. Tetrarchus' elevation to warmaster of the achilus crusade sits ill with some. High cardinal Dis Annalan has outright accused the warmaster of incompetence. Ebongrave thinks his security is too lax, but he's obsessed with his own paranoia. As for the assassin's who attacked you down there.....I think they were competitors for securing Ironbound for themselves. I dont think they were with the ecliesiarchy seeing as how he was attacked as well. The factious nature of the imperium makes pinpointing those who hired them....difficult."

***

Hydrako:
Curas' steely gaze lessened. "I had no idea....." he says concerning recruitment policies of the space marines. "Its not so different than the schola then, except more exclusive." He ponderd the implications. "And you think Carus has that kind of potential?"

***

Serephan:
He gives the watch captain permission to enter his domain. He stood over the healing body of Bleda. The wounds he had taken while hunting the last genestealer holdouts was healing nicely.

"Can he hear us?" The watch captain asks.

"Not currently," Serephan responds. "I have awakened his Sus-an, he is resting well."

"I see." There was an awkward pause, as Serephan already had an idea of what was coming.

"A misunderstanding is a poor excuse for attacking comrades. What happened down there?"
"I thought I saw subterfuge in their ranks." Serephan lied.
"Do not deign to mislead me." Avincus warned, seeing through the facade.

Serephan was being backed into a corner, but he would never reveal the gene-flaw to an outsider.
"I was hit by a stray shot, and reacted on instinct."
-It wasnt exactly a lie, but nor was it the truth.

Avincus knew there was more to it than that, but could see his questioning was causing Serephan some kind of mental anguish, probably guilt?
"You will deal with that anger of yours better. I cannot have those that cannot be controlled running in my ranks. We are a paragon of humanity, we will be an example or I will send you back to Baal in disgrace. I ask that you retrain you mind, steel your soul. Those who give in so easily to anger are those most easily tempted by the dark gods."

Serephan nods his agreement silently.

"Farosh says we are making good time, all things considered, to our survey mission. After that It will be on to Arkhas. Will he be ready?"

"Yes, Brother-captain." Serephan answers.

"Good. Ill leave you to your work."
He turns and leaves the Apothecarion, leaving the Blood Angel in silence.....

Yes, I believe it will. It has shown tenacity and force of will that should serve it well in the coming trials. They will be harder than anything it has encountered thus far, but I am confident it will pass them all. Once we are back at Erioch, I will send it away to join my Predator Fleet where it will continue to train and, later, make the transition. Looking at Avincus he said, If there is nothing else Watch Captain, I will take my leave and continue with preparations.

Inquisitor Ghraile wrote:

Lucius:
She nodded, accepting Lucius words and compliment without getting up.

She was exhausted, Lucius could see the human exhaustion that he could no longer feel. She must've strained herself in her own way on Castobel as well.

"Ive come to the conclusion that Curas is not important because of his own ability. I believe there is a power play going on. Listen well Lucius, The crusade command is in peril. Many factions have showed outright contempt for the warmaster. Ive seen no one keep order among the upper echelons like Achilus. He exuded authority and was the most adept commander the Imperium has seen since Manchurius. His death threw the command elements into grubbing for thier slice of his legacy. Tetrarchus' elevation to warmaster of the achilus crusade sits ill with some. High cardinal Dis Annalan has outright accused the warmaster of incompetence. Ebongrave thinks his security is too lax, but he's obsessed with his own paranoia. As for the assassin's who attacked you down there.....I think they were competitors for securing Ironbound for themselves. I dont think they were with the ecliesiarchy seeing as how he was attacked as well. The factious nature of the imperium makes pinpointing those who hired them....difficult."

"You're right, of course. His command of guerilla tactics on a small scale, and even battle strategy concerning something as large as a hive are impressive, but he's never had to deal with the realpolitik of such a command as a warmaster must. I too have come to the conclusion that he is an icon - a symbol. Naturally, some would see that symbol destroyed."

He contemplated for only a moment about whether or not to drop the next bit of information, but decided that the Inquisitor's response would be more telling than attempting to figure her out from afar.

"I was able to obtain valuable intel from one of the assassins before she died. She gave up a single name. Arkelius."

The mention of a name grabs her attention, and she jerks her head towards Lucius.
"Arkhelius? Which Arkelius? There's two operating in the Reach. Why wasn't this mentioned at the debrief?"

"You seem surprised that critical information was with held." He raised an eyebrow and looked around, really selling the bit. "You are an Inquisitor, right?"

He smiled warmly and chuckled. It was a silly question for an Inquisitor to ask after all.

"I conferred with my chain of command before I brought this to you, Inquisitor Ghraile. But I am bringing it to you now."

He shook his head. "I don't know. It could be both of them - do they often act out of step with one another? It is my understanding that they work in tandem. Regardless, I would hear your theories on why one or both of the Arkelius siblings in particular would send assassins to take out Ironbound."

Makradon looks over at the Watch Captain, almost letting the human emotion of a smirk play out on his face.

"In the search for truth Captain, we must have our eyes wide open. We must be able to see and hear all that is given. My channels provide me with this ability. I will have the recordings sent to you so that you may peruse them further."

With that Makradon left the main area, unless otherwise needed or asked to stay. He does what needs to be done in order for Avincus to receive his files and then he heads for the infirmary. His wounds hadn't been serious, but he'd need to make sure they were at least looked at.

She thinks on his offerings for a moment, "The Arkelius siblings, along with Commisar Theren sends out orders in Cuaras' name. It holds the battered Salient together, but only just. To complicate matters, both Derian and Anastasia accuse the other of incompetence. I wonder if they are trying to actually kill Ironbound, or capture him for themselves? Maybe levy a position with the warmaster, or perhaps his enemies?"

"This Lord Commissar, does his loyalty lie more with one of the siblings over the other?"

If there was a weak point in this trifecta, perhaps it was the Commissar - especially if he saw weakness of corruption in one or both of his superiors.

"I was hoping you would have the intel to come to some sort of conclusion on that. Otherwise your guess is as good as mine. I should be very clear: I am not presenting you with this information to be left in the dark with how it develops. I understand your organizations' tendancy to work clandestinely. But I want to work together on this; if Curas is so important that people would be willing to kill Ecclesiarchy and Astartes for him, then I would see him protected."