Leadership Clash
Jubal adhered to a steadfast principle when collaborating with fellow officers: never assume that their worst attributes define their everyday actions. The notion that any individual lacked virtues altogether, no matter how flawed, was absurd to him. Even the most seemingly atrocious commanders possessed something valuable that could contribute to the broader war effort. However, Jubal recognized a recurring pattern – those with exceptional skills often carried significant faults.
His time spent in the Great Crusade had seen him serve and fight alongside every major hero of the Legions. From Sigismund and Oriacarius Gielux to Marius Gage, Ahzek Ahriman, and Gabriel Santar, each had left their mark on history. Yet, none were exempt from faults. Sigismund had grown bitter, Oriacarius often seemed lost in contemplation, Marius had become disillusioned, and Ahzek grappled with the persistent feeling of inadequacy in the face of true wisdom.
But these were flaws that, in Jubal's view, could and would be addressed. Most of these leaders were self-aware, taking precautions to mitigate their shortcomings. A man aware of his inability to ride a horse would opt for the weakest mount, reserving the strongest for his comrades. But arrogance, especially when coupled with capability, posed a different, more perilous threat to attempts at comradery and cooperation.
This was precisely why Jubal harbored a deep-seated aversion to Arkhas Fal. The Shade Lord's arrogance grated on him, and now he respected Lord Corvus Corax all the more for casting out such a brilliant Astartes just on the grounds of Arkhas's conceited nature. Even figures like Kaesoron or Eidolon from the 3rd Legion would have advised Arkhas to "tone it down" if they ever met the man.
Regrettably, Jubal couldn't deny that, despite Arkhas Fal's insufferable arrogance, the Astartes stood out as an exceptional field commander and strategist. The Shade Lords' plans for bringing the Stratios Expanse to compliance were, beyond a doubt, a rather brilliant display of tactical and strategic skills. Worse yet, Arkhas had ensured that the White Scars would be used effectively and that many brotherhoods would receive numerous glories for successful offenses.
The fact that Jubal's own Khagan expressed personal approval for the campaign, now dubbed the Redwing Offensive, did, however, sting at Jubal's pride, and he found solace in the shared sentiments of others. Thankfully, he wasn't alone in feeling this.
Yesugei and the Stormseers found little comfort in Arkhas Fal's outright dismissal of their spiritual practices. While the Shade Lord begrudgingly employed their divinations extensively, it became evident that he valued only the cold certainty of facts and confirmations. Arkhas demonstrated a marked disinterest in entertaining what he disdainfully referred to as "long-winded musings." He didn't care for insights and mystical perspectives offered by the Stormseers, demanding information for more practicality and leaving an uncomfortable rift between the spiritual advisers and their formidable commander.
Fellow noyan-khan also began voicing criticisms, questioning Arkhas' commitment to the Khan and the brotherhood, suggesting that the Shade Lord followed orders out of obligation rather than camaraderie.
The final blow came in repeated rebuffs when Jubal sought private moments with Arkhas, aiming to mend or at least build rapport. Arkhas consistently cited pressing matters, dismissing the need for personal connections in the face of what he considered more "vital" work. This rejection stung deeply, especially during the calm before the looming storm of total war in the Stratios Expanse—a time traditionally reserved for reflection, bonding, and the singing of praises for future victories.
White Scars, masters of these ceremonies, reveled in the camaraderie that came with sharing dreams of triumph. Even stoic legions like the Iron Warriors found reasons to express their excitement for impending battles. However, the Terran Raptors, led by Arkhas Fal, remained aloof and indifferent to tradition. The Khan's advice to leave them grated against Jubal's instincts. "These men haven't witnessed our valor or skill in battle yet," the Khan had said. "Let deeds bring them to our tables. Be patient and hone your skills."
For the first time in decades, Jubal disagreed with the Khan. Despite a Primarch's ability to perceive beyond the surface, he sensed a disconnection, a lack of understanding in his genesire's assessment. In this predicament, Jubal was in an unenviable position with limited options.
Arkhas hadn't directly insulted the legion or the Primarch. While an argument could be crafted to justify a duel of honor due to his disrespect toward the stormseers and noyan-khans, initiating such a confrontation on the eve of a significant campaign risked inflicting unnecessary damage to the legion's morale.
Opting for a more measured and calculated approach, Jubal decided to make one final entreaty to Arkhas. Leveraging the pretext of Yesugei providing a crucial divination — a circumstance that held some truth, given a recent vision that warranted the Shade Lord's review — Jubal aimed to create an opportunity for all three of them to, at the very least, clear the air. Was it a bit underhanded of him? Of course, but it was the right call to make.
Jubal could only hope that Arkhas would be so dismissive of a genuine attempt at cooperation and friendship. But that was all he could do. Merely hope for the best.
True to his character, Arkhas agreed to a meeting once it was revealed that Yesugei had discerned a crucial piece of information. According to the Stormseer, a convoy of Lost Tribe vessels laden with goods and weapons was set to depart for a forward outpost. It presented a straightforward yet monumental opportunity to sow chaos, induce panic, and acquire resources that could be strategically used as planted evidence to heighten tensions across the Stratios Expanse.
To ensure the security of their interaction, a meeting was arranged within one of the most fortified vault rooms in the entire fleet. In light of the revealed capabilities of O.D. and their potential to bypass security measures, caution was paramount. The secured environment also allowed the trio to converse openly, shielded from external interruptions due to the communication blackout within these vaults.
The meeting transpired swiftly, lasting only an hour. Arkhas, having gleaned the necessary information, was ready to return to his duties. However, Jubal interjected, requesting the Shade Lord stay longer. Though Arkhas acquiesced begrudgingly, Jubal and Yesugei were relieved by his compliance.
As Jubal produced a bottle of kara kumis, fermented mare's milk, Arkhas displayed a displeased expression. "When you asked me to stay longer, I figured it was for something important."
"This is important," Yesugei gently admonished the Shade Lord. "On the eve of a great war, it is best to acknowledge your commitment to leading our brothers to victory."
"Besides, a drink never killed anyone," Jubal remarked, pouring three silver bowls with the mare's milk. After handing one to Yesugei and another to a visibly displeased Arkhas, he raised his bowl in a cheer, declaring in Chogorian, "Uukh bolokh gesen!" meaning "Cheers."
Despite his reluctance, Jubal and Yesugei lifted their bowls for a toast, and Arkhas held his bowl in response. The White Scars enthusiastically enjoyed the kara kumis while the Shade Lord took a single sip before setting the bowl down.
Observing the tradition, Arkhas inquired, "I take it this is a tradition among your legion?"
Yesugei affirmed, "Of a sort." Choosing not to remark on the Shade Lord's untouched bowl, he continued, "It's often used as a means to celebrate before a great battle or in appreciation toward another." With a grateful expression, the Stormseer added, "Even though you and your kin have not fought alongside us, you've already proven yourself to be an extraordinarily capable commander, Arkhas Fal."
Arkhas, showing no signs of flattery or pride, responded, "Your compliment is unnecessary and, I dare say, unwarranted. Everything that I have done so far has yet to be tested. There is an old saying on Terra, 'No plan survives contact with the enemy.' It is far too early for us to congratulate ourselves or praise one another."
Jubal emitted a dark chuckle before Yesugei could interject, "Even after all this time, you still don't mince words, do you, Arkhas?"
Arkhas glowered at Jubal, retorting, "These attempts at pleasantries are a waste of our time. I only indulge in them because you force my hand."
"And this is us extending a hand of friendship," Jubal remarked, forcefully setting his bowl on the table. "Which you are intentionally scorning."
"It's only scorn because you both annoy me with these insipid tries," the Shade Lord admitted tensely. "But if you want to toss upon an accusation of me being rude, go right ahead. I have no qualms with being considered an enemy by my allies."
Yesugei raised his hands, attempting to calm both Jubal and Arkhas. The Laughing Storm scoffed, leaning back into his chair, while the Shade Lord shook his head.
"Arkhas, I apologize if these attempts have offended you somehow," Yesugei said, steering the conversation back in a positive direction. "It seems we have misunderstood your prerogatives, but I assure you, our intentions have only been made with honor and goodwill in mind. However, if we, or perhaps someone within our brotherhoods, had either offended you or slighted your honor, you are more than welcome to air your grievances."
"There is nothing to air," Arkhas remarked bluntly. "You and yours have not offended me, stained my honor, or caused me to feel unwelcomed among your kind. But I say this again: nothing you or I have done warrants any meaningful ties between each other."
Yesugei nodded, inquiring, "You would only care after suitable actions have been conducted?"
"Perhaps," Arkhas answered cryptically. "Perhaps not. Deeds certainly have more merit behind them and the honor of those who carried them out, but that doesn't mean I am still obligated to accept your hand and kiss your cheek."
Jubal, still unhappy, pressed further, "So when our Khan brought your fleet into the fold, did that also not merit friendship and honor, or does he, too, need to prove his worth?" Yesugei glared at his friend, yet the Shade Lord merely barked a bit of laughter.
"I have nothing but respect for the Khan. He doesn't act like a hypocrite like my own," Arkhas answered smugly. "But he only gets it because the Warhawk has never been anything besides what he wants to be. That is why he is so successful and capable. He is truly free. There are no chains that bind him. Just as my brothers and I are free, unlike most of the Astartes in this fleet."
Yesugei's eyes narrowed at the Shade Lord, feeling his honor slighted. "So, neither Jubal nor I am free? And what does freedom mean to you?"
"Unshackled and unbound, but still part of something greater than the whole," Arkhas spoke almost wistfully. "You White Scars might be the only ones who have this idea within their grasp, but you constantly deny yourselves. Why? Because you are stuck living in the shadow of your Primarch. Your desires are not your own, and the thought of losing your place among his armies terrifies you."
"When my brothers and I were exiled from Sol and the XIXth after our Primarch returned, I was terrified," Arkhas admitted. "But that terror gave way to something beautiful. We were free to do as we pleased to aid the Imperium, to grow stronger on our own."
"The time spent in these miserable stars and worlds allowed us to hone our skills to a level that would have been impossible otherwise. We had to be more careful, pick and choose our battles wisely, and ration our resources carefully. In doing so, my brothers became independent and skilled—deadly, as well. Our losses meant something to us, our victories our own. We eliminated enemies near the frontier of Imperial expansion, proving that we don't need to be part of the Imperium to help it. We don't need the Primarch or even a full legion. Knowing this, I've come to realize that it is the Primarchs that hold us back."
Both Yesugei and Jubal weren't impressed, but then again, Arkhas wasn't trying to do anything to convince them. He seemed to know better. Yesugei suspected that the Shade Lord didn't even care to try. Trying to narrow this whole situation down, Yesugei continued, "So this is why you don't wish to accept our hand in friendship? You believe that Jubal and I are too...attached to our Primarch."
"Of course you are," Arkhas answered, "Because he won't ever discard you." Then he laughed, "How can a son ever hope to leave his father's court if he feels no sense of ire toward him? And why should he?"
He leaned forward to look at the two White Scars, "You have a choice. I didn't."
"You sound bitter," Jubal asked with a sneer.
"Hardly," Arkhas rebutted with a snort, "I'm actually grateful all the same to Lord Corax if you can believe it. I am the marine I am today because of him. I just believe he's a hypocrite, and I'd love to see how he's been handling things these days."
Unsure of how to proceed, Yesugei tried a different approach, "Arkhas, is there anyone among our kin you do respect?"
He thought about it, "I respect Captain Jesk." Arkhas answered with a small frown, "Not because he's a capable marine. Truth be told, I think he's rather lackluster, and his only saving grace is that weapon of his. Taking on a wife and son as well? Setting himself up for misery that one. But once I learned his story and spoke with him on certain subjects, I saw someone that could easily be molded into something...resembling my ideals for an officer."
Jubal and Yesugei frowned upon hearing this, "You are mischaracterizing him. Captain Jesk wishes to eventually return to his legion and serve his Primarch wholeheartedly."
"Which is a mistake," Arkhas remarked, "All his victories and accolades come from him serving alongside others that weren't part of the Wardens. One might even call it a pattern, no? So I think it serves his interest, as well as mine, yours, and the Primarch's if he embraces this aspect. Who knows, perhaps if he actually impresses me somehow, I can teach him."
"Tread carefully with your words. For you might be overstepping your bonds, Arkhas." Yesugei warned him, "The Primarch has taken a special interest in Captain Jesk. His being here was a personal favor from the Daemonsbane to the Warhawk. Trying to sway him away from returning to his brothers could be considered incredibly dishonorable and undermining the Primarch's will."
"Is the captain not free to make his own choices?" Arkhas remarked sardonically before shaking his mind, "What am I asking? Of course not."
After that remark, Jubal seemed to have enough: "If you want to insinuate insults to us at risk to your person, you are free to do so. But if you insult a guest and one invited by the Khagan, do you best tread carefully, Arkhas."
"I'm not insulting him." Arkhas answered back, glaring at Jubal, "Just pointing out an obvious flaw and one that I could seek to correct if he's worthy of my attention." The Shade Lord looked bored with this conversation, "Now then, we've spent at least twenty minutes arguing inside this vault. Are we done here?"
Deciding to make one last appeal, Yesugei spoke, "Are you truly unwilling to accept a hand in friendship at this time?"
"Yes." Arkhas said flatly, "We can speak plainly, professionally, and respectfully toward each other, and I shall, as always, be open to suggestions and advisement. That, however, is the extent to which I will abide."
Yesugei nodded only once, "So be it. Then I apologize for wasting your time, Shade Lord."
"No need to apologize." There was a small twitch of his lips upward, "I'm glad we were able to clear up some misconceptions." His words were laced with subtle disdain.
Jubal continued to glare at Arkhas while Yesugei maintained a thoughtful silence. Hearing no further questions, the Shade Lord stood before addressing his compatriots, "I should get back to work. As you both said, a great battle is upon us all, and I have much to prepare for."
There was a hint of amusement in Arkhas's eyes as he added, "And I'm sure you both have much to discuss."
A few minutes after Arkhas finally left the vault, Jubal and Yesugei immersed themselves in a tense conversation. Jubal couldn't conceal his frustration as he began, "I assumed there would be some complications; the Raptors have been absent from the Imperium for so long that they might have developed quirks, but Captain Fal is clearly out of his mind."
Yesugei sighed, pensive, "I think it's the opposite. Arkhas clearly possesses faculties, and, more disconcerting, he has formulated answers to what he perceives as problems. The worst part is, I can easily see his ideals gaining popularity among Astartes."
Jubal turned to Yesugei, his expression hardened, "His ideals are poison." He shook his head, voicing his concern, "Why the Khan doesn't see this—"
"I think he has," Yesugei interrupted with a note of caution in his tone. "And he's trying to determine if Arkhas is right. It's a challenge, Jubal. One that is as much aimed at us as to Captain Fal or Orion."
"On the eve of a great war?!" The Laughing Storm was anything but amused. "History will remember our victory or defeat here, but what happens if it learns that it was tainted by in-fighting over doctrine and the freedom that we as Space Marines have or lack?"
Looking visibly unhappy, Yesugei admonished Jubal, "Then it will be tainted by our own failings. But we will ensure it doesn't tarnish the Khagan's legacy." The words felt bitter in his mouth, given the recent conversation. Despite Arkhas's disdain and anger toward the Primarchs, Jubal and Yesugei remained loyal to the end.
However, a lingering concern remained. "What about Orion?" Jubal asked, his worry evident.
"What about him?" Yesugei shook his head, "It's not our place to influence the Knight-Warden, but you fear Arkhas might?"
Jubal grimaced, "His loyalty isn't in question, but Orion might be convinced that he's better off staying away from the Legion entirely. Which would deprive the Wardens of one of their brothers."
The nature of the vault, dampening the warp's effects, prevented Yesugei from sending or receiving anything psychic-related. Despite this, he insisted that, at one point, he heard what sounded like snarls and flames whispering in the back of his mind.
"That'll be his choice then," Yesugei responded, "Orion has been given considerable leeway and freedom to do as he pleases, and we have benefited greatly from it. Perhaps we should have some faith in him."
Jubal scoffed, voicing his unease, "I don't like this one bit. We should go to the Khan and speak with him."
"Oh, please," Yesugei remarked, annoyed. "And what exactly has Arkhas done to warrant any retribution? Is his rhetoric questionable? Of course, but nothing treasonous or damaging from the outset. Spurning our attempts at friendship is also not worth killing a man. Any calls for supposed justice will embarrass the Legion and our Khagan."
"And what happens when he gains so much influence that he openly criticizes the Primarchs of other Legions?" Jubal challenged, expressing his concerns. "Our brothers could start to see our cousins as pawns of their lord's ambitions."
"We are pawns, Jubal," Yesugei retorted, his tone measured. "That has never been called into question, and if one of our own seeks to carve out their destinies, then so be it. The Khan made it so that we can be free. Perhaps we should consider what that means if some of our wishes to leave one day."
Finally deciding that this conversation had to end, Yesugei gently rubbed his hands together. "Unless the Shade Lord calls for rebellion or treason against us or the Khan, we can do nothing. What happens next shall be left to our choices and future outcomes. The spirits shall guide as they see fit."
Jubal pressed further, concern etched on his face. "And what about Orion? He's now in the middle of this. Do we leave him to be influenced by Arkhas?"
"No," Yesugei concluded, his voice steady. "We won't. The captain is no novice in dealing with difficult decisions. We will have faith in his abilities but won't leave him."
"So what is our next step?" Jubal asked, eager to understand the stormseer's plan.
"For now, we have a war to prepare for," Yesugei answered. "In the meanwhile, I shall seek the ancestors' guidance. You must speak with the Khan about this but do not attempt to make him do or say anything. Merely let him know that we are aware and are involved."
"Tch," Jubal expressed his discontent, "Such a passive strategy."
Yesugei nodded in agreement. "We'll have to play this by ear. If nothing else, there is a chance that Orion will decide things without any of our input. In which case, we can focus our efforts on other activities."
He looked expectantly at his friend, offering a sober assessment. "Until then, we keep silent on this matter. Arkhas will do the same. No need to make our mutual antagonism known to everyone else. If things improve, we can chalk this conversation up to tension and nerves."
"And if things don't improve?"
"Then we escalate and look to a more permanent solution to this problem."
Satisfied with that answer, Jubal simply nodded. Yesugei didn't like committing skullduggery, but his hands might soon be forced into doing something regrettable. This was why he hated legion politics. Always clashes of egos and ideologies. He had gotten lucky during the Ritual War, but it seemed like that luck had just run out.
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@Daemon Hunter Alright, one more omake before the rolls.
