The Lost Primarch Quest

GM Note: I'd like to give a special thanks to @Ruirk who wrote this social himself.

Karcer Urial was an enigma. Even before the secession or the Coup, Kesar had tried to uncover more about her origins, but Terra remained silent. Oriacarius had also attempted to pry something from her, but Karcer was a master of keeping others at arm's length.

Kesar suspected that Karcer harbored deep-seated resentments toward the Wardens and the legions. The Epsilon incident certainly hadn't helped matters.

When Kesar questioned Roboute about his history with her, the Lord of Ultramar expressed regret. He hadn't intended to make her a scapegoat, but the political storm that followed was beyond his control.

Perhaps Malcador had seen potential in her for the Wardens, but the irony was that Karcer ultimately championed secession. Whether this was a sign that the Sigillite was losing his touch or if he had anticipated her demise—which nearly happened during countless assassination attempts and the Epsilon Compliance—was anyone's guess.

But Karcer proved resilient. She was intelligent and determined and garnered significant respect among the Imperial Army. Her defiance during the Epsilon disaster made her one of the few humans who dared stand against the Primarchs.

When the secession talks began, her voice was indispensable in a room full of Astartes. Her reputation among those who had fought at Epsilon and her presence in the metaphorical trenches earned her a following within the Maelstrom, including elements of the Imperial Army and a faction of the Wardens.

Kesar had grown weary of keeping her at a distance. He requested a private meeting to discuss certain "protocols" and the "sensitive issues" surrounding the true mission of the Eternal Wardens, hoping to clear the air.

When she arrived at his office, Karcer looked utterly exhausted, as if she hadn't slept in days or fought an intense battle. She explained, "Your First Captain and I just finished an eight-hour presentation on the nature of your true enemy."

"Ah, that'll do it." Kesar nodded, gesturing for her to sit as he prepared a cup of recaff. "Oriacarius can be relentless."

"That's a generous way to describe him," Karcer replied with a faint smile, her tension easing as she accepted the recaff. For once, she didn't seem on edge in his presence. "It was enlightening, though. I'll give him that."

Kesar offered a noncommittal "Hmm" before settling into his chair, savoring his chocolate-flavored recaff. "But I imagine it still left you with some questions."

"That's an understatement," Karcer said, watching him intently. "While I grasped the details, I'm still trying to wrap my head around the extent of this particular enemy—and why the Emperor saw fit to censor it so thoroughly."

Kesar nodded, his expression thoughtful. "That's a question I've pondered for years. But there's a reason for my Father's secrecy. Chaos is insidious. Simply knowing of its existence can draw its gaze."

Karcer, however, was unconvinced. "So what happens if someone learns about it through other means? What if they avoid corruption or death? What then?"

Kesar's response was blunt. "Mindscrubbing or a bullet to the head. Unless you're part of our legion."

"And your brothers? Did they get the same treatment?"

Kesar shifted uncomfortably, memories of past events surfacing. "No. Those cases were handled... delicately."

Karcer took a slow sip of her recaff. "Keeping information like this from humanity only deepens the divide between us and the Astartes. But I suppose that's irrelevant as long as no Space Marine has ever fallen to Chaos..."

"That's not entirely true," Kesar admitted, feeling she deserved honesty. "One of my brothers succumbed to it."

"Who?" she asked, her eyes narrowing.

"Lorgar Aurelian," Kesar said, his voice heavy with regret. "And his entire legion followed him."

Karcer seemed to appreciate the gravity of the situation. "That certainly justifies the Emperor's caution. If even one of his sons could fall, what hope does the average human have?"

But then her gaze hardened. "Yet it also underscores why this level of secrecy is dangerous. If your legion were destroyed, who would take up the fight? Would they not question what happened to the XIth and why this threat was kept from them?"

"This isn't a threat you can document," Kesar countered. "Even the mere knowledge of a daemon's name can be a vector for corruption. Ignorance, for those untrained, is their strongest defense."

Karcer, however, remained skeptical. "And no one on Terra considered developing protocols or programs to handle memetic threats or psychic intrusions? Ignorance might protect some, but if that's our only defense, we are doomed in the long term because we're breeding zealots and fools."

"It's a necessary evil," Kesar admitted.

"I'm not disputing that," Karcer replied, her tone sharp but measured. "Operational security is vital, sure. But when withholding crucial information from those on the front lines, you risk crippling their ability to fight effectively. It's one thing to be cautious but another to leave your people blind to the enemy's true nature. 'Know thy enemy,' right?"

Kesar nodded. "In time, protocols were established for the Astartes to handle these threats. But I don't believe the average commander—or any random trooper—can be trusted with such knowledge. The Maelstrom War showed how quickly loyalty can falter, how traitors and heretics emerge when faced with Chaos."

Karcer leaned forward, her expression grim. "But what if those Astartes become corrupted? Who watches the Watchmen, Kesar? Clearly, we can't broadcast this information to everyone, but relying solely on a select few isn't a sustainable solution either."

She paused, setting her cup down with a hint of frustration. "Look, we can revisit this later. I need more time to process all this insanity. For now, maybe the better question is—how do we win?"

Kesar seized the opportunity to shift the conversation. "A good question. The Wardens are already working on it. We're developing new technologies, crafting runes, and performing rituals that should help us push back against the Warp, just as we did during the Maelstrom. And we focus on eliminating daemons—the more powerful, the better."

"And what about these Chaos Gods?" Karcer asked, her eyes narrowing in anticipation. "How do we kill or curb their influence?"

Kesar hesitated, knowing the complexity of the answer. "That's the challenge. The Archdaemons dwell deep within the Warp, in realms where they control everything. They're guarded by vast armies of daemonic entities. However, they can't directly exert influence in the Materium."

"Except through their daemons and cultists," Karcer interjected. "It's a proxy war."

"Exactly," Kesar agreed. "Chaos spreads its influence subtly, another reason my Father kept it hidden. This is an ancient conflict, far older than humanity itself. Other civilizations have fought Chaos and failed."

Karcer scoffed. "So, we're supposed to succeed where older, more powerful civilizations have failed? That's encouraging," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "This war will outlast us all, isn't it?"

"Likely," Kesar conceded, resigned to the reality. "But we aren't without allies. Once our declaration is made, I expect support from various quarters—at least for a time. Perturabo, Guilliman, and Khan are ready to aid us. Even the Aeldari have offered their assistance."

Karcer's reaction was immediate and furious. "The Eldar? Are you serious? Mention that to anyone else, and you'll lose humanity's support overnight."

Kesar was taken aback by her vehemence. "You don't approve?"

"Hell no," Karcer snapped. "I've seen what those bastards do. During a clean-up operation on Hangarvast, a resource world, I saw what they left behind. Pits full of civilians—babies, the elderly, the sick—slaughtered because they were deemed 'undesirable' by the Eldar."

Kesar winced internally. "Your record didn't mention Hangarvast."

"I was just a major then, shuffled around by lord commanders looking for a spot to place me. The survivors wanted someone higher up to see what happens when the PDF is underfunded and outmatched. So yes, the memory stuck with me."

Karcer's opposition to working with the Eldar—and aliens in general—was clear. "An unfortunate first impression," Kesar admitted, "but the Eldar have proven to be a useful and respectful ally in our struggle. Besides, I've learned there are distinctions within their species."

Karcer's eyes narrowed. "So we're not working with the slaver caste of the Eldar, then?"

Kesar hesitated, uncomfortable. "Not exactly. The leader of the Dark Eldar has offered assistance to the Wardens. I'm considering it." He met her gaze directly. "Is that going to be a problem?"

"Of course, it's a problem." Karcer's voice hardened. "Beyond the moral implications, you're risking our reputation. You know how many people have suffered at the hands of xeno slavers, and the Imperium's hatred of aliens runs deep." She sighed, visibly frustrated. "At least you're telling me now. I might have walked away from this entire endeavor if I'd found out later."

Kesar nodded, appreciating her candor. "Good to know."

After a moment, Karcer steadied herself. "What do we stand to gain from this alliance?"

"Resources, expertise, technology, weapons, access to the Webway, and specialist forces—like those we deployed during the Epsilon Compliance."

Karcer's expression darkened. "Eldar assets were involved in that compliance?" Her voice grew tense. "I wondered why the AI flagged war criminals. So, when exactly were you planning to tell me we had alien allies in our fleet?"

"It was just the one," Kesar replied calmly. "An operative, quite skilled in stealth and reconnaissance. He was working on rescuing Solarus."

Karcer frowned. "Wasn't that the Assassins' task?"

Kesar nodded. "It was."

Her expression didn't soften. The Primarch sensed she was weighing the implications of his dealings with aliens. "I don't want to work with xenos unless it's absolutely necessary."

"I understand your hesitation," Kesar said, then added, curious, "But you seem particularly agitated by the idea."

"Obviously," Karcer replied, her voice carrying a bitter edge. "Humanity can never truly cooperate with aliens—not without conditions that inevitably lead to conflict. We can barely stop fighting among ourselves. How can we hope to maintain peace with creatures whose perceptions are so alien to ours? Orks are a blight, Eldar are slavers, and every other xeno species either fear, resents, or preys on humanity. I've seen enough of their atrocities to know better."

Kesar's eyes narrowed in empathy. "The 97th Quiridian... they were massacred by Orks. That must leave a lasting mark."

For a moment, Karcer seemed far away, her gaze distant as if she were reliving that memory. Her eyes, however, burned with a mix of fury and guilt, emotions that seemed to tear at her from within.

"I wasn't there when it happened," she finally said, her voice tight. "There was an... incident with a superior officer. I was pulled back into command. If I'd stayed with the 97th, I'd probably have died with them."

Kesar nodded, respecting her privacy. "Your record didn't mention the incident."

"It was personal," Karcer replied, her tone firm. "And it's not something I'll be discussing."

Kesar wasn't about to push further. He could sense that Karcer harbored a lot of anger and resentment, likely directed at various figures—including, perhaps, himself. The last thing he wanted was to reopen old wounds.

Still, he needed clarity. "Karcer... are we going to have problems after you leave this room?"

She met his gaze, considering his question carefully. "What do I think about this, and will I act on it?" she replied, framing her response with her own question. "No. I won't act on it. Our goals are aligned, and you had the decency to tell me now rather than let this blow up later. I'd rather not be made a fool or put in a position where I'd have to denounce these dealings."

"But you strongly disagree with this alliance with xenos."

"Because it will haunt us," she said, her voice measured, "though maybe not for the reasons I suspect. What happened at Prospero was a catastrophic mistake—not just because a Primarch's homeworld was attacked, but because it sent a message that no one was truly safe. And yet, it was declared a popular decision. Do you know how many officers I've spoken to who privately said the Imperium didn't go far enough? A sizeable portion. And the rank and file? They despise psykers and aliens just as much."

Kesar had anticipated that, but he wanted to focus on her perspective. "I'm not asking about their opinions. What about yours? Do you think what happened wasn't enough?"

"I don't think deploying an entire division of the Black Brigades was a smart move," she admitted. "Summoning Magnus the Red to explain himself would have been the smarter, more public approach. But then again, I doubt either side was interested in a meeting."

"So you believe Magnus should've been punished?"

"If you'd asked me that a decade ago, I'd have said yes. But now?" Karcer's voice grew weary, as if tired of the entire conversation. "It doesn't matter. Consorting with xenos pales in comparison to treason."

"Can't argue with that," Kesar remarked, ending the topic. Clearly, Karcer had to either stay in the loop of everything or not at all. But considering how entangled she was now and how near disastrous it was otherwise, the Primarch didn't have much choice. "Then you'll be the first to know when a decision has been made regarding any alliance or dealings with alien entities."

Karcer shrugged, "I appreciate the gesture. So don't take this the wrong way. I hope that whatever you do doesn't come back to haunt us."

Kesar nodded, "You and me both."

For context, we are shifting Maticus away from the Port and reassigning Aengus in his place.

---

Replacement

Orion wasn't particularly surprised when he received Oriacarius' letter informing him of Maticus' reassignment. The Black Prince's abilities had become a strategic asset to the Eternal Wardens, and they intended to put them to better use elsewhere. Primarch Corax, however, was less than pleased by this decision—losing such a valuable asset could hinder the invasion of the Aeldari megastructure. Still, the Knight-Warden remained available, offering a sliver of hope.

To that end, the First Captain sent a replacement for Maticus: Sergeant Aengus. Orion had heard of Aengus and the Triquetra's survival during a brutal compliance, where the four were the only survivors among thousands of Wardens and billions of soldiers. Some whispered of it being an ill omen, but Orion dismissed such superstitions. The White Scars had taught him to recognize true portents, and surviving when so many perished wasn't one of them.

Still, given the unpredictable environment, Orion felt unsure of how to interact with his fellow Warden. He knew little of the man beyond his reputation—Sergeant Aengus was regarded as something of a prodigy within the Legion.

Oriacarius' letter expressed confidence in Orion's ability to help Aengus reach his potential, though the Knight-Warden doubted he could do much for a brother already well on his way. By all measures, Aengus seemed to need only the opportunity to ascend to the next level of mastery.

Perhaps this was the First Captain's way of testing whether Orion could still apply the skills he'd developed among the White Scars—a way to ensure his time away from the Legion hadn't weakened his connection to his brothers. It was a sensible concern, especially since Orion had voiced his desire to mentor other promising champions among the Legiones Astartes. Even with the looming secession, the Knight-Warden still believed this path was the right one.

In any case, Orion was more than willing to meet with Aengus privately. Estrith had even suggested inviting him to dinner to observe how his brother would handle a more relaxed, social setting. Lately, there has been far too much socializing within the Black Library, especially with the Aeldari seemingly intent on placing the Astartes in deliberately awkward situations.

---

Orion went to see Maticus off. Both remained somewhat wary of using the Aeldari Webway, though they couldn't deny its remarkable speed. Maticus wished him luck and gave a final piece of advice: stay alert and be prepared for anything at the Port.

When the replacement Wardens arrived, Orion spotted Aengus among them. Maticus exchanged a few words with their brother, then gave him a friendly punch on the right shoulder before heading off into the Webway.

As the new arrivals assembled, Orion—now the highest-ranking Warden present—prepared to address them. He would need to brief his brothers on the situation, explain the purpose behind their cooperation with the Aeldari, and outline the Black Library rules and the expectations they were all required to follow.

"I am Captain Orion Jesk," he announced loudly. "Some of you might already know of me, but for those that do not, I greet and welcome you all to the Black Library. Your superiors have already briefed you before coming here, but I will reiterate: we are here to hunt and kill Daemons at the behest of the XIXth Legion and their Primarch. Chaos will be present in this campaign. You will be working alongside xenos, mercenaries, unaligned humans, and others brought here under the Primarch's authority. When the time comes, you will fight alongside them. And you will not disgrace the Primarch or the Legion with dishonorable conduct. We are here to win—and more importantly—to kill Daemons, as Eternal Wardens do. Purging the taint of Chaos from the galaxy is our mission."

The assembled Wardens responded by pounding their right fists against their armored breastplates three times before shouting in unison, "For the Primarch!" Orion sensed their eagerness, which was a promising sign.

He briefly explained the rules and expectations regarding the Black Library, though he knew better than to keep them waiting long. Their sergeants could handle the finer details better than he could.

Concluding the gathering, Orion gestured to the sergeants and lieutenants beside him. He explained that each squad would be integrated into their command structure and assured them that he would meet with each squad individually in due time.

As the officers began calling out names and organizing their squads, the Knight-Warden approached Aengus. A few of the other Astartes greeted him in passing, and Orion responded with nods or brief acknowledgments before reaching the sergeant.

"Brother," Orion greeted him, his tone firm but welcoming. "Walk with me. We have a few things to discuss."

Aengus gave a simple nod, showing no surprise at being singled out. "Of course, Captain."

"We'll head back to my quarters," Orion said casually, catching Aengus off guard.

"We will?" Aengus replied, a hint of confusion in his voice.

Orion nodded. "Yes. We'll have dinner and discuss the situation. My wife has everything prepared."

If Aengus had any thoughts on that, he kept them to himself, slowly nodding instead. "As you say, Captain."

---

There was always a rumor or tale circulating about one of the heroes of the Eternal Wardens.

Even the Astartes, for all their discipline, weren't above engaging in gossip—though it was always through back channels, never in front of an officer. The Serfs didn't help matters either; they always seemed to overhear a story or two they couldn't resist sharing.

However, the Wardens were careful about what they believed and spread. It was one thing to indulge in exaggerated tales or to inject themselves into a story for amusement, even if they hadn't been there. However, spreading mischaracterization or outright slander, especially about one of the Legion's heroes, was entirely different.

Aengus had heard plenty of these rumors but usually dismissed them as baseless. He knew that most of them were. Only when the stories veered into slander did he confront a Serf or fellow Astartes, questioning why they were spreading such harmful talk. Such things could lead to a breakdown of discipline.

While there were countless fanciful stories about Maticus, the Slayer, or the First Captain, there were just as many about Orion Jesk, the Angel of Humility. His reputation was complicated, and Aengus had heard them all—though he hadn't initially believed any of them.

One rumor claimed that Orion was actually a spy sent by the 1st Legion to monitor the Eternal Wardens. Another suggested he was a Son of Caliban, exiled for some dishonor among his brothers. Aengus dismissed these as pure nonsense; plenty of Astartes remembered serving alongside Orion in the same company decades ago.

However, after the Primarchs finished implementing the exchange program, Orion had spent more time away from the Legion than with it after joining. His long tenure with the Dark Angels meant most had forgotten about him until the Ritual War, after which he left to serve with the White Scars for nearly twenty years.

The Ritual War truly muddied the waters, even for Aengus, regarding rumors surrounding the captain. Orion had played a pivotal role in taming Aquisgranum for the Imperium, personally slaying the Daemons Vonmol of the Fated Doom and Karin-Mora and then, with the Archtraitor, helped establish an Imperial colony there.

In truth, most believed that Orion had no knowledge of General Vilmo's coup attempt, especially since he was away with the White Scars when it happened. Yet some speculated that the Knight-Warden might have known something. How else, they argued, could Kesar have known to be on Terra at just the right time unless one of his own had been aware of the plot?

Aengus found this hard to believe, but the rumors persisted. After all, before departing to join the White Scars on their expedition, Orion had successfully established one of the few forward bases in the Maelstrom—a remarkable achievement.

That expedition with the White Scars gave rise to even more rumors. Some said Orion had led a team to victory in a grand tournament set by the Khan himself on a Deathworld so perilous it rivaled some Daemon worlds. Others whispered that he had uncovered a hidden daemonic plot on a ruined world and delivered a priceless relic to the Primarch. There were even tales that he had defeated an Eldar warband, slain its leader, and claimed its throne as his own.

Orion's feats earned him a place of honor within the White Scars' inner circle—a rare achievement, considering the Sons of the Khan were notoriously insular and distrustful of outsiders. Whatever Orion had done, it had left a deep impression on them, solidifying his reputation as a hero even among the Scars.

It was hard to ignore the last rumor, especially after Orion had already introduced his wife and mistress to the Primarch and First Captain. His son was even sent to that distant empire with the White Scar delegation. Aengus hadn't given it much thought beyond how bizarre it was to hear of an Astartes having a family at all.

Which made the current situation even stranger. Sitting at the dining table in the captain's personal quarters inside the Black Library, Aengus awkwardly searched for something to occupy his thoughts while his commanding officer prepared dinner alongside his wife.

To call it a surreal experience would have been an understatement. Aengus hadn't attended a formal dinner in decades, and it had never been anything quite like this—a quaint, domestic affair involving a fellow Astartes.

Stealing a few glances toward the captain's wife, Aengus was surprised Estrith Jesk didn't exude the usual mundanity associated with normal humans. Her presence was more like that of a deadly Temple Assassin—silent, composed, and intense, yet somehow perfectly at ease in this domestic setting.

It was almost like she was happy to be here, even if it was an alien environment. She just wanted to be near her husband. Strange to imagine any woman being comfortable living with an Astartes, especially an Eternal Warden. It wasn't that his kin were dangerous or uncomfortable to be around, but if one understood what sort of foes they faced, they'd have been a bit more wary about getting involved in a relationship.

Orion approached the table, casually setting down two bottles of Amasec. "This is probably a bit strange for you, Aengus."

"It's... different," Aengus replied diplomatically, trying to tread carefully. "I can't say I've ever been invited by a fellow Astartes to dine with him and his... wife." He wasn't ungrateful, just uncertain of how to respond.

Orion chuckled lightly as he uncorked the bottles. "I assure you, it's new for me as well. You're the first of our brothers to join Estrith and me for dinner."

That revelation genuinely surprised Aengus. "Truly? Not even anyone from your old company or the First Captain?"

"It's... complicated with my previous squads," Orion said, sitting down across from him. "And we both know Oriacarius is neck-deep in a thousand matters right now."

Aengus nodded thoughtfully. "Can't argue with that." He hesitated for a moment, then asked, "But why invite me?"

"Why not?" Orion poured a glass for both of them. "You and I haven't really had the chance to interact, and soon we'll be facing corrupted Aeldari on a megastructure that even the golden age couldn't have built, alongside xenos, renegades, and who knows what else."

As Orion handed the glass of amasec over, Aengus hesitated before accepting. "Wanted to know who's watching your back?"

"In a way," Orion said, leaning back slightly. "I already know who you are, Aengus. You're well-known throughout the Legion, and the First Captain personally vouched for you to replace Maticus. I just thought it might help you know who'll be watching your back."

Aengus studied him for a moment. "Are we still talking about the aliens or you?"

Orion smirked, raising his glass. "Does it matter?"

"No, probably not." Aengus still wasn't sure what to make of Orion, but he decided to take the plunge and address the unspoken. "There are a lot of rumors about you."

Orion nodded knowingly. "I'm aware. It comes with everything I've done."

Aengus leaned in slightly, choosing his words carefully. "If I may be blunt, Captain, some of those rumors suggest... unpredictability. There are whispers that question your judgment, even your loyalty."

To Aengus' surprise, Orion didn't bristle. Instead, he seemed contemplative. "There's some truth in that," he admitted. "But I've never faced a situation where my loyalty to the Primarch or the Legion clashed with my personal loyalties. The truth is, I'm bound to both by blood and oath... but if it ever came to sacrificing Estrith, my son, or even Makima, I won't pretend it would be easy."

Orion leaned back, his gaze momentarily distant. "Which might seem unfair, considering how many have sacrificed their lives for the Imperium or our Legion. How many sons and daughters, husbands and wives, have we sent to die in the Emperor's name? I don't expect special treatment from anyone, but I'll fight anything if it means protecting them."

Aengus considered his words, replying with measured diplomacy. "That's an honest sentiment, Captain, but I'm not sure it works in your favor. With respect, would that not compromise your ability to command?"

Orion's eyes met his squarely. "I don't know," he confessed. "That's why I wanted you to know who's commanding you now rather than wonder in the middle of a battle where we're facing things we can barely comprehend."

Silence hung between them for a moment before Aengus spoke again. "If you're worried that I don't trust you—"

Orion cut him off gently but firmly. "I never said that. But even a Space Marine can have doubts. Let me be clear, Sergeant—we're about to enter a war neither of us is fully prepared for. Our allies are unpredictable, and those orchestrating this conflict... we don't know their true motives. Sure, the Primarch and his legion are nominally in charge, but the unknowns here? They'll put us both in situations where we must rely on each other."

He fixed Aengus with a discerning look. "Whatever you need to do in the field, whether instinct or necessity, I won't second-guess you—if you believe it's absolutely vital."

Aengus understood now. "And you expect the same courtesy from me. You give the orders, Captain, and I'll follow—unless, of course, you intend to wield daemonic weapons or artifacts."

Orion half-smiled at that. "Bury the thought. But I'll need to command carefully. We won't be getting reinforcements anytime soon, and this war... it won't be easy."

Aengus wasn't unfamiliar with such concerns. "After what happened at the Cemetery, I'm hoping we won't face anything quite that dire again."

"I hope you're right—for all our sakes," Orion replied, taking another sip of his amasec. "Regardless, you'll be reinstated as Force Commander. More importantly, anyone not aligned with the Legion will be more likely to heed your warnings and advice."

Aengus considered arguing but couldn't deny the logic. "Do you expect there to be problems with command?"

"The Terran Raptors won't listen to anyone, but the Primarch and his Dark Eldar... companion," Orion said, his tone carrying a touch of irony. "The xenos won't be inclined to take orders from us, which leaves the humans and Imperials. But even as an Astartes, many won't see your experience or veterancy without an official rank to back it up."

Aengus grimaced. "Sounds like leadership cohesion's going to be a bit... ad hoc."

"You have no idea," Orion muttered, sharing Aengus's unease. "I'll brief you on the specifics after dinner, but my earlier point still stands—once this war begins, we'll be in the thick of it. Keep what I said in mind."

Before Aengus could respond, Estrith appeared, carrying a large, steaming pot. Her timing seemed impeccable, cutting through the conversation with a smile that was somehow both warm and knowing. "Perhaps you two could save your debrief for later, and we can enjoy dinner in peace?" she suggested, calm but with a hint of authority that neither marine could easily dismiss.

The aroma from the pot was enticing yet unfamiliar to Aengus. He tilted his head, curiosity getting the better of him. "What exactly is this dish, if you don't mind me asking?"

Estrith smiled again, this time more playfully. "Something Aeldari," she replied. "The ingredients aren't exactly what I'd normally work with, but the best I could manage with what the Black Library provided." She pulled off the lid, revealing a thick, bloodred broth that seemed to shimmer unnervingly under the dim lights. Inside, purple root vegetables and chunks of an unidentified meat floated lazily, the concoction looking almost like it had been plucked from some alien dream. Despite its unsettling appearance, the aroma was undeniably rich and savory, sending a confusing signal to his senses.

Aengus studied it with the suspicion any Astartes might reserve for something so...strange. "This is Aeldari food?" he asked, still unconvinced.

Estrith gave a wry smile. "Apparently, it's what they serve their prisoners, or so a Harlequin claimed. I'm unsure if that was meant to be a joke or a warning." She glanced between them, eyes gleaming mischievously. "Now, one of you brave warriors will have to test it to see if we aren't about to be poisoned."

Orion accepted the challenge with a small chuckle and poured a couple of bowls, sliding one over to Aengus. Both Astartes took their first bites without hesitation. Poison wasn't exactly a concern for transhuman physiology, but Aeldari cuisine? That was another matter.

To Aengus's surprise, the flavor was magnificent—rich and earthy, with spices he couldn't quite place, but they complemented the meat and root vegetables in ways that defied his expectations. "They feed this to their prisoners?" he asked, incredulously taking another bite. His Preomnor organ, designed to detect and neutralize toxins, hadn't reacted negatively.

"So I've been told," Estrith said, amused by his reaction. "Perhaps that Harlequin had a twisted sense of humor…what am I saying? Of course, they did. Still, I suppose it's a compliment to becoming a prisoner of them."

She leaned forward and, with a grin, scooped a spoonful from Orion's bowl to taste it herself. "By the stars!" she exclaimed, her eyes wide with surprise. "It's delicious, but I can already tell it's... hearty."

"Truly?" Orion asked, taking another bite of the stew. "Feels a bit light to me."

"Agreed." Aengus nodded. He knew he could devour the entire pot without feeling overly full. Astartes, after all, were designed to endure long periods without food, subsisting on basic nutrient rations or nothing at all, but their bodies were adept at storing calories and nutrients when needed. Still, the stew was surprisingly satisfying despite its alien origin.

Estrith sighed a hint of amusement, clearly used to dealing with her husband's appetite. "Well, don't eat it all just yet. I need to save some for Makima and myself."

Ah, the mistress. Aengus was careful to sound only mildly curious. "Where exactly is this... Makima, if you don't mind me asking?"

To his surprise, Estrith pointed toward one of the rooms adjacent to the dining area. "She's meditating right now."

"Staying within the Black Library tends to disorient her," Orion added. "She'll be happy to leave this place, even if it means heading straight into a battlefield."

Estrith nodded, then smiled slightly, "Makima's also quite shy."

Orion frowned slightly at that. "Shy isn't the right word," he muttered. "She's more... distrustful of strangers."

Estrith raised an eyebrow and shot him a teasing look. "Shy is a much more respectful descriptor, don't you think?"

Sensing a losing battle, Orion wisely refrained from pressing the matter further. Aengus watched the exchange, mildly amused by how comfortably Estrith challenged the Knight-Warden, even in front of a guest. It spoke to the ease of their relationship—something rare for an Astartes.

Estrith turned her attention back to Aengus with an inviting smile. "So, Sergeant Aengus, I'm sure you have a few questions of your own."

Aengus, ever the soldier, hesitated. "I don't wish to pry into private matters."

"Believe me," Estrith replied with a playful glint in her eye, "if you don't ask, I'll be forced to ask you questions to keep the conversation interesting."

Aengus was a man of few words, not one for small talk, but he couldn't deny being curious. "Very well. How did you two meet?" He assumed it was some battlefield rescue, maybe an operation that had brought them together.

Estrith's smile grew wider, clearly enjoying the memory. "We met on my homeworld. I was actually trying to kill him before he captured me. Broke my leg in the process after he swung me into some debris."
Sipping his wine, Orion nodded as if this were the most normal of courtship stories. "That was after she nearly drove a blade through my throat."

Aengus blinked, unsure how to respond to such an unconventional tale. "Uh... is that normal on your world?"

Estrith chuckled softly, "Can't say it is."

"Well, alright then," Aengus nodded slowly, digesting the unusual story. "And how did you meet Makima?"

Orion gave a small shrug. "She also tried to kill me on our first encounter."

Aengus blinked, staring at his commanding officer with disbelief and dry amusement. "Captain, do you have a death wish I should know about?"

That remark set Estrith off, laughter bubbling up as she leaned back in her chair. "I've been wondering the same thing for years," she managed between laughs.

The three shared a brief moment of levity, a rare thing in the tension leading to the approaching war. Aengus relaxed slightly despite the odd situation—dining on alien food in an alien place, yet feeling oddly at ease in the presence of Orion and his wife. Being the replacement for Maticus suddenly didn't look so grim. If nothing else, Captain Orion made a gesture of trust to Aengus, hoping there wouldn't be issues between the two.

Aengus wasn't sure what to make of everything just yet, but at least for now, there shouldn't be as much awkwardness.

---

@Daemon Hunter Alright, time to get this ball rolling.

Fun fact, thanks to the level of materials provided by Orion, along with some good roles by Solomon and the Triquetra, Aengus now has a storm shield that is halfway to becoming a new Legion relic. Yet to actually become one requires it being put to the test, which thankfully might be coming up soon.

---

Sentinel

Relics. The concept was far from foreign to the Imperium of Man. Their vast empire, after all, was built on the bones of the Dark Age of Technology—a time when countless priceless and equally dangerous artifacts still lay scattered across the galaxy, waiting to be unearthed by daring explorers or clever scavengers.

In that sense, a relic was a blessing—an irreplaceable artifact, often imbued with power or abilities beyond what current technology could replicate. For an Astartes, such an item could turn the tide of battle, shifting the scales in favor of the Legion. Naturally, relics were hard to come by, let alone create anew.

But the question arose if one could be forged—who deserved to wield it? Such a tool of war required a champion, someone with the skill and determination to wield it effectively, for relics were not granted lightly. They were serious investments meant for those with the strength to make the most of them.

Aengus had never considered himself worthy of one. It simply never occurred to him. Relics were for heroes of legend, not regular Astartes like him. Or so he had thought.

What was put in motion started innocently enough. Aengus was preparing for another training bout with his brothers, sword and storm shield in hand as usual, when Captain Jesk approached him.

"Might I trouble you with an offer, Aengus? Your storm shield—I'd like to see about getting it upgraded."

"Upgraded?" Aengus paused, uncertain. He had grown attached to the shield; it had accompanied him through some of the worst compliances. Still, who was he to turn down an opportunity like this? "I suppose if you're offering." His tone carried more curiosity than doubt. "Will I have it back in time for our mission?"

Orion nodded with certainty. "Of course. I'd hate for you to go into battle without it—especially if I'm holding it up." He took the shield, his eyes tracing its familiar lines with an examining gaze. "One of the benefits of this alliance with the Eldar is their Webway. What would normally take months, they can accomplish in a week. It gives some context as to why they were so powerful at their height."

"Can't argue with that," Aengus agreed. He had witnessed the Eldar flaunt technological feats that baffled even the most senior archmagos. The sergeant had long since stopped asking how things worked around the Black Library if only to preserve his sanity.

"In any case, I'm sure you'll like what I bring back." Orion gave him a small smile and nod before taking off. Aengus didn't really think much of the offer. He figured the upgrades would be a better power capacitor or a replacement of the ceramite plating. Nothing too outrageous.

---

Aengus hadn't given much thought to the replacement Storm Shield he used instead of his original. At the moment, he was preoccupied with preparing several squads for the inevitable confrontation and trying to coordinate efforts with the Raven Guard, Imperial forces, and even a few non-aligned groups. It was a tedious and drawn-out affair that dragged on for three weeks—far from the glorious battlefield engagements he was used to.

As the days passed, Aengus began to wonder what was taking so long to upgrade his original shield. He brought it up with Captain Jesk, who was just as curious but had been assured that everything was proceeding as planned. The only explanation offered was that new upgrade options were being explored.

"New upgrades?" Aengus thought. What he had expected to be a routine enhancement was turning into something far more involved. The extended delay left him pondering the nature of these supposed "upgrades."

Eventually, he sought out Orion for answers. His captain, however, seemed almost amused by the inquiry.

"I made a few requests," Orion explained with a knowing smile. "Turns out they were more fruitful than I expected."

That cryptic response only deepened Aengus's curiosity. What exactly had Orion arranged? The thought nagged at him, but with the pressure of impending battle and coordinating various forces, he had little time to dwell on it further. Whatever was being prepared, it seemed to be far beyond the minor adjustments Aengus had originally believed.

As the eve of battle drew near, Aengus couldn't help but grow anxious. Call it superstition, but the idea of heading into such a monumental fight without his trusty storm shield weighed on him. It wasn't just any tool—it had been with him through countless trials. Surely, any warrior would feel the same. Orion certainly would, considering the bond he had with his sword, Humility.

Aengus had caught wind of odd rumors over the past few weeks—whispers about Captain Jesk meeting with the Pirate Queen, the Primarch Corvus, and even the elusive Shade Lord of the Terran Raptors. But none seemed connected to his shield, and he didn't care enough to pry further.

Then, just as the war was about to break out, Orion summoned him. His shield had returned, and according to the captain, it had not only met but exceeded expectations—whatever that was supposed to mean.

---

Their meeting took place inside one of the vast hangars of an Imperial battleship, currently navigating through the disorienting passages of the Webway. They were "close" to the Black Library—whatever that meant in these warped, non-Euclidean realms. For his part, Aengus was relieved to be back aboard a voidship where everything made sense. Space worked normally here; the corridors followed logical paths, and the technology was familiar. He didn't have to puzzle over the maddening laws of this strange dimension.

When Orion met up with him, the captain wasted no time, escorting Aengus through the labyrinthine passages of the ship until they arrived at one of the secured armories. Inside a private chamber, the sergeant's eyes were drawn immediately to a piece of gear resting on a pedestal—his storm shield, but vastly altered and nearly unrecognizable. Its once familiar contours were now adorned with intricate, almost otherworldly details, making it appear as much a work of art as a tool of war.

This had to be his shield, yet it looked entirely foreign now. Something about it caught his eye right away. "Is that a rune?"

Orion nodded with a faint grin. "Straight from Ogma." He gestured toward the Grandmaster Rune of Will, a large, glowing sigil now etched into the shield's surface. "A personal favor to you from the Triquetra." It was a welcome reassurance—his friends were still helping him, even from a distance.

"And Solomon worked his tech-sorcery as usual," Orion continued.

The captain explained the first series of modifications, and Aengus was impressed with each new detail. His shield now gleamed with a faint, almost ethereal sheen, a shifting interplay of gold and blue against a backdrop of endless black. Orion pointed out that the shield's armor plating had been enhanced with Titanite from Aquisgranum, layered seamlessly with Adamantium. The Titanite gave the shield its self-repairing properties, allowing it to regenerate over time even after sustaining heavy damage.

"The Titanite can absorb warp energy, either redirecting or dispersing it harmlessly. The shield could protect you from psychic attacks or warp-related backlash." Orion explained, "At least, in theory."

Aengus continued to inspect the shield, his gaze drawn to the unsettling skull embedded at its center, its mouth clutching a gemstone. The design was striking, but he suspected it wasn't just for show. "I'm assuming this isn't just decorative," he remarked, looking at Orion.

"Not in the slightest," Orion replied. "That's a Corpse-Crown, another artifact from Aquisgranum. It's the new power source for the shield. Unlike standard generators, this can't be undone by any daemonic sorcery or tech corruption. And that gemstone—" Orion pointed to the jewel clenched within the skull's teeth "—is a Vagyr Reflection Gem. Which comes from a xenos species the Khan's expedition encountered in the galactic badlands. It generates a thin warp membrane around you, sort of like a weakened Gellar field. It won't block everything but will give you added protection against warp-born threats, both for you and the shield itself."

Orion then gestured to the micro conduits from the gem and Corpse-Crown, woven intricately into the shield's frame. "The power stabilizers are installed if the shield absorbs too much energy simultaneously, and should things get critical, they'll either expel the excess energy harmlessly or release it in a controlled burst. Again, this is all in theory."

Aengus nodded, absorbing the intricate details of the shield's upgrades. This was far beyond the standard issue; it felt like holding a piece of art as much as a weapon of war. "How did you manage to get all these enhancements?"

Orion shrugged, though the casualness of the gesture didn't hide the weight behind it. "Called in a few favors, took on a few debts of my own, and traded some spoils. I bartered an Archon's throne with the Pirate Queen for the power stabilizers, and I owe the Shade Lord a favor now. The rest was just a matter of time. Getting the materials to Solomon and letting him do his work in the lab was what took the longest."

Aengus raised an eyebrow, realizing just how much effort had gone into this. Orion had clearly gone to great lengths for him. "I appreciate this, captain. More than I can say."

Orion waved off the thanks with a nod, then gestured toward the shield. "The pleasure's mine. Now, try it out. Solomon gave it a name, by the way—he's calling it Sentinel."

Aengus hefted the shield—Sentinel—and immediately noticed the difference. It was heavier, yes, but the added weight felt reassuring like it was grounding him in place. The shield buzzed faintly in his hand, a subtle thrum of energy running up his arm, even through his power armor. "It's definitely heavier, but it feels... alive. Almost like electricity is flowing through it." He paused, looking at Orion. "Did Solomon or anyone else like Raz or Savinath have any other advice?"

"Just one thing," Orion warned. "Take it easy with Sentinel at first. There's a lot of different materials and technologies meshed together in there, and some of them might not play well with each other if you're not careful."

Aengus nodded. "So, don't push my luck. Ease into using it."

"That'd be wise," Orion agreed. "But we may not get the luxury of playing it safe in the coming war. Fight however you need to—survival and victory come first."

The sergeant tightened his grip on Sentinel. "Understood." Though untested, the shield's potential felt immense in his hands, a potent mix of power and craftsmanship. "You have friends in a lot of places, Captain."

Orion chuckled lightly. "Perks of being out there on my own. You learn to cultivate relationships and trade favors when needed."

"Gifts like this make it hard to forget you," Aengus said with a smile, his confidence in the upcoming battle bolstered. He could feel the weight of the war ahead, but now it seemed a little less daunting. "I'm certainly feeling more prepared for what's to come."

Orion nodded approvingly. "Good. Whatever glory we earn in this war will be shared between us, sergeant." He clapped Aengus on the shoulder with a firm hand. "Now, if you're up for it, we could test Sentinel and see what it's capable of."

Aengus grinned. "I'd like that. A lot."

---

@Daemon Hunter Alright, another omake for Aengus.

Practice Run

The time for war was drawing near. Primarch Corax had announced that all forces needed to be ready for deployment within the next week. Most of the warriors were already prepared, their weapons primed, and their armor battle-ready. But despite the calm facade, an anxious tension hung in the air. Some Astartes were eager for the fight, their desire for glory simmering beneath their discipline.

However, Aengus's thoughts weren't on the coming battle just yet. His focus was on Sentinel. The newly enhanced storm shield was still unfamiliar to him, and he wanted to ensure he could wield it with the confidence it deserved. That's when Orion approached him with a suggestion.

"How about running through an endurance gauntlet in the Hypnomat? Might be a good way for us to see how we operate together," Orion proposed.

Aengus realized that despite their brotherhood, neither of them truly knew how the other fought in the thick of battle. Reports and combat recordings could only say so much. Fighting side-by-side, under pressure, was entirely different.

Orion shared that he had gone through a similar gauntlet with Doomslayer and Durante. He chuckled slightly as he recalled, "The Slayer's the type to hog all the kills for himself. That surprised me a bit." Aengus made a mental note. It was interesting to see how even the great heroes of the legion differed in their battlefield approaches. Not all Astartes, even the most legendary, were on the same page regarding combat.

Aengus couldn't help but voice his curiosity. "If you don't mind me saying, do you think your time away might have caused some alienation among our brothers?"

Orion didn't flinch at the question. "Probably," he admitted without hesitation. "You've heard the strange rumors about me. I don't doubt for a second that plenty of our brothers question my judgment or loyalty. After all, I've been absent from some of the hardest battles since the Ritual War. That's a lot of resentment to harbor."

The sergeant was surprised by his captain's candidness. "Do you think some of our brothers hold those negative thoughts against you?" he asked.

Orion gave a thoughtful nod. "I don't think it's always meant with malice. But one thing I've come to realize is that beneath the armor and gene-forging, Astartes are still men. Strip away all the layers, and we still carry the virtues and faults of humanity. So yes, I imagine some just don't like me anymore."

Aengus took that in, appreciating the captain's honesty. In a way, it made Orion more relatable and grounded, reminding him that even the most powerful among them were not immune to doubt or isolation.

Yet despite admitting to these things, Orion seemed remarkably unbothered by it all, as if he had long made peace with whatever distance existed between him and some of their brothers.

This, however, sparked a curiosity in Aengus. He couldn't help but wonder about the inner workings and dynamics of the legion's most revered warriors. Was this kind of alienation common? He doubted it. Orion's reputation had always been far from typical, but when he thought about it, who among their most honored heroes did have a normal reputation?

Each had their own mythos, shaped as much by their actions as by the legends spun around it. Aengus wondered if he, too, might one day become a figure of such scrutiny and controversy. The thought didn't sit well with him.

Fame among the Astartes often came with burdens he wasn't sure he wanted to carry. It seemed less a reward and more a curse, with glory always shadowed by judgment. Something to be said about doing your job for the sake of it.

"You don't care much for this, Captain?" Aengus asked, watching Orion closely.

Orion met his gaze and gave a small, knowing smile. "Would you?"

Aengus chuckled, shaking his head. "No, I'd be content just knowing that my accomplishments are recognized, nothing more." He paused, then added with a hint of amusement, "I'm starting to see that you being called the Angel of Humility is more than just a fancy title."

"Perhaps," Orion conceded, his smile fading slightly. "Though I'll say it's more frustrating than anything. Titles come with expectations, and not all are welcomed or earned. I don't think Aurelian appreciates his title of Butcher. He accepts it. Understands it. But he did not seek it out willing."

"A price for victory," Aengus mused, though he couldn't shake the thought of how such a title might weigh on someone's soul. He imagined being called the "Survivor" after the Cemetery, a constant reminder of those who had sacrificed themselves for his survival. It wasn't a legacy he would want.

"Indeed," Orion replied a trace of pity in his voice. "I do not envy Aurelian for having to bear that label."

Aengus nodded in silent agreement. He noticed how Captain Jesk seemed to take issue with titles and labels for himself and others. The sergeant made a mental note to avoid using such terms, not just with Orion but with any of their legion's heroes. The weight of an unwanted name was a burden.

---

Orion often felt as though the Hypnomat simulations were cursed—at least for him. Each time he entered one of these artificial battlefields, a dull ache pulsed in his head, and his hearts fluttered slightly when the machine spirit reached into his memories. Yet, despite the discomfort, he allowed the process to unfold. This was necessary.

He needed to know if he and Sergeant Aengus could function as a cohesive unit in battle. Their bond had been forged recently but remained untested. In this coming war, Aengus would be the tip of Orion's spear, and they had to ensure their coordination was sharp. A warm-up would suffice—a simple test to uncover potential issues before the real fight.

It was supposed to be easy. As the humans would say, a breeze. But as the simulation began, Orion quickly found himself in an awkward position—entirely of his own making. He had planned to hold back slightly, wanting to gauge the flow of the battle and how Aengus moved. Instead, he restrained himself too much.

Suddenly, a wave of simulated daemons swarmed his position far quicker and more aggressive than anticipated. His usual precision and calculated restraint nearly became his undoing as the flood of enemies threatened to overwhelm him. Aengus, engaged with his own group of daemons, was too far to assist, leaving them isolated.

Realizing his mistake, Orion reacted quickly. He had no desire to repeat the frustrating trial run he'd endured alongside Slayer. Humility blazed with energy as its conversion beams cut through the encroaching horde. It took longer than he would have liked, each strike demanding more effort to regain control of the battlefield. But after several decisive, cleaving blows, he fought back into position beside Aengus.

As expected, the two Astartes made short work of the remaining daemons once they were aligned. The warm-up ended in a swift, decisive victory. However, despite the dominant display of power, Orion couldn't help but feel a twinge of embarrassment. This was meant to be a team effort, yet he had essentially soloed the fight, leaving Aengus with little chance to test Sentinel.

"Perhaps we should enhance the difficulty," Orion suggested, his earlier mistake still on his mind.

For the second round, Orion cranked up the challenge. This time, he was determined to stay attuned to Aengus, aiming for a more synchronized approach. At first, the adjustment seemed to work. Their teamwork felt more fluid as they advanced together, slicing through waves of lesser enemies. But soon, the cracks started to show.

When they encountered more coordinated and dangerous foes, their differences in combat style became glaringly apparent. Aengus took a bold, aggressive stance, charging into combat recklessly, eager to break their enemies with sheer force. Orion, in contrast, focused on precision and calculated destruction, using Humility for measured strikes and wide-area attacks to control the flow of battle.

This divergence in approach led to moments of miscommunication. In one instance, Aengus charged ahead, thinking he could break the enemy's line, while Orion prepared to strike from a different angle. The resulting confusion left both Astartes exposed to enemy fire, a critical lapse nearly turning the tide against them.

Another close call, but this time, they learned. Orion quickly adjusted his timing, shifting his strategy to match Aengus' aggressive rhythm. Meanwhile, Aengus adapted to Orion's more deliberate pacing, following the captain's lead when executing coordinated strikes. Though the second round remained rocky, they claimed victory by the end, even if they both felt slightly frustrated with their earlier missteps.

Then came the final round—a test of their true capabilities. This time, they chose to face a greater daemon of Nurgle and its warband. It was a brutal fight against an overwhelming number of foes, tougher and more powerful than before, on a battlefield that favored the daemons. The corrosive environment oozed with decay as if the very ground itself fought against them.

Orion unleashed Humility with lethal precision, cutting down daemon after daemon while trying to keep their numbers off Aengus. His movements were swift, but even his blade's deadly arcs couldn't hold back the relentless tide for long. Aengus, wielding Sentinel, absorbed the brunt of the daemonic assaults, using the shield's immense strength to deflect blows and create openings. He bravely focused the greater daemon's wrath on himself, keeping its attention on him and away from Orion.

But as the battle dragged on, the strain began to show. Both were taking hits, their armor cracking under the pressure. Aengus was nearly brought down by a vicious blow from the greater daemon, and though Sentinel held firm, the sheer force of the attack ruptured his armor. He was bleeding heavily, and it became harder to keep up his defense. Had this been a real battle, the damage would have been fatal.

Despite his injuries, Aengus didn't waver. Even as his strength faltered, he forced himself into one last desperate push, creating an opening in the daemon's defense. With a final burst of effort, he distracted the monster just long enough for Orion to seize the opportunity. Humility flared with power, and in one decisive blow, Orion obliterated the greater daemon, ending the simulation.

Both Astartes were battered and exhausted, their bodies aching from the relentless combat, but the simulated battlefield was theirs. Victory, though narrow, was still theirs to claim.

Far be it for Orion to dismiss their hard-fought victory, but it was obvious there were deeper issues in how he and Aengus coordinated in battle. The sergeant would likely have bled out by now in a real engagement, even with the Astartes' enhanced physiology. The simulation had exposed the gaps in their fighting styles—gaps that could be deadly on the battlefield.

So, where did that leave him? There wasn't much time left for more practice. Soon, they would be thrust into the real thing. Orion knew that whatever happened now, he needed to trust that he and Aengus would rise to the occasion when the stakes were at their highest.

'Hope for the best,' Orion thought, though the old warning of the Dark Angels echoed in his mind: "Hope is the first step on the road to disappointment." He refused to give in to that kind of cynicism, but there was wisdom in tempering his expectations.

War was an unpredictable beast, and no amount of confidence could shield them from the chaos they were about to face. This would be a conflict unlike any of them had fought before, and deluding himself into thinking otherwise could only lead to failure.

---

Aengus felt a quiet surge of satisfaction after the simulation. Sentinel had proven its worth, feeling solid and reliable in his hands, as if it could withstand the might of even the most fearsome daemons. While he hadn't mastered it yet, he was confident it wouldn't take long before he could say he knew it as an extension of himself.

In contrast, Captain Jesk seemed more introspective. Aengus wondered if Orion was disappointed in their performance. The captain admitted that while they had both fought well, there was still plenty of work to be done before they could claim to be a fully coordinated unit. Despite that, Orion expressed confidence that, when the time came, they would unlock their true potential together.

Something was reassuring about that. Even if neither of them felt perfectly in sync, the foundation was there, and they trusted each other enough to do whatever was necessary to secure victory in the battles ahead. That mutual respect would have to be enough.

As they exited the Hypnomat thrones, the two Astartes exchanged a glance.

"We've got a ways to go," Aengus admitted.

"Indeed," Orion nodded, placing a firm hand on Aengus' shoulder. "But this is a strong start. Sentinel suits you. If everything goes well, you'll have a weapon of true power."

Aengus chuckled. "You say that, but after seeing Humility in action, I think you've got the stronger tool."

Orion smiled faintly. "Perhaps. But then again, who says that the man with the unmovable object isn't better off than the man with the unstoppable force?"

"That's a generous perspective, captain." Still, he had a point. Any daemon that could be stopped from harming or killing another because of Sentinel might as well be a force multiplier in the right situation. Aengus felt optimistic about everything.

"Today was a good practice run, all things considered."

---

@Daemon Hunter Alright, three of three for Aengus here.

Chaos Empire Early Scouting Report



At the First Captain's direction and the Lord General Militant's approval, the 4th​ squad of 8th​ Company has assisted with the Imperial Army led early scouting measures into suspected Chaos entities within sector Omicron-5E4.

Deep-Void scouting measures were utlized due to extreme distance from Imperium supply hubs.

Information was gathered primarily through the use of ultra long-range detection equipment. Scans were carried out at least one solar system away from target systems to lower chance of enemy detection and interception.

Distant observation confirms at least 20 worlds under the control of corrupted human cultists. This number is a mere estimate and could be as high as 80, but we suspect it is closer to around half that number after calculations were performed by the tech-priests on hand.

The overall tech level of these worlds is difficult to determine but we are cautiously estimating their capabilities to be near-par with Imperial equivalents. This estimation was made from measuring ambient pollution levels which closely resemble patterns found on Imperial civilized worlds.

Additionally, large factories exist on the majority of these worlds which suggest the presence of armored vehicles at least the same size of the Olympia battle tank but their combat-effectiveness cannot be determined without further study.

Besides land assets, orbital assets have been confirmed to exist around the majority of these cultist worlds. These facilities are too small to be shipyards and are more likely logistical hubs for visiting fleets out of system.

Several of these orbital facilities additionally feature multiple smaller surrounding orbital stations that are baring anti-fleet weaponry. The effectiveness of these orbital defense stations is unknown.

These orbital defenses will likely be overwhelmed fairly quickly under dedicated assault; however, they are assisted by a notably powerful fleet of Xenos design.

The Xenos fleet is a collection of vessels ranging in number from 100-300 vessels at any given time. These Xenos vessels are confirmed to be at least Imperial level in power and effectiveness.

The majority of these vessels are around standard Imperial Cruiser and Escort-class in size but several Grand Cruiser sized vessels have been spotted in addition to at least 3 Emperor-class sized vessels.

The Xenos fleets appear to rove in small hunter packs and patrol both around the borders of the space the cultist worlds occupy as well as various Warp lanes in between the worlds.

The nature of these Xenos is, as of yet, undetermined, but our minimally effective divination efforts have confirmed that the inhabitants of these ships are indeed of non-human origin.

Scouting efforts have not revealed any central shipyard complex from which these ships are based as a potential point of assault.

It is currently calculated to be within a 43% chance that our scouting efforts have simply missed the central complex servicing and sustaining the majority of these vessels. It is additionally possible that the shipyards for the Xenos vessels are dispersed among multiple hidden orbital complexes, but this idea is mostly unsubstantiated beyond vague estimates.

Our librarians attempted to test divination measures of information gathering but results from these tests are largely inconclusive as a result of unexpected interference.

Anti-divination measures around target systems highly suspected as a result of abnormal Chaotic interference.

Our librarians have analyzed the Warp patterns clouding their divination efforts and have come to a conclusion regarding the alignment of Chaotic forces within the Chaos Empire.

Their current estimation is that the Empire is a force consisting of factions aligned to Tzeentch, Slaanesh, and is highly suspected to have Nurgle forces present, but not confirmation has been made at this time due to overwhelming Tzeentchian interference covering up patterns from other factions.

Due to this mix of confirmed patterns and their cooperation, the librarians have unofficially declared the Chaos Empire to be Undivided in nature in accordance with protocol.

Unfortunately, divination efforts have ceased as a result of a surge in Warp interference and so no further analysis could be carried out at this time.

Discussion by Warden elements within the scout force has come to an overall conclusion of the enemies we expect to face within the Chaos Empire. The Chaos Empire is led by intelligent and defense-minded individuals that have prepared extensively for enemy action even at their furthest borders.

These human cultist run worlds and their corresponding defense fleets appear to be primarily acting as a forward defense measure that delays and harasses the enemy while the main fighting force prepares a more effective response.

A Xenos naval QRF is highly suspected due to certain detected Warp lanes deeper within the Empire's territory that have a notably high volume of traffic and noise but is currently unconfirmed.

Further data is needed to determine the defensiveness of enemy worlds deeper within the Chaos Empire's core territory as well as to confirm the capabilities of enemy defenses within these garrisoned worlds.





Scout Report Summary

Chaos corrupted humans present on isolated worlds as garrison forces.
Chaos corrupted Xenos present as roving defense force.
20-80 Chaos cult-controlled colonies with light-medium garrisons of human populations in the 10s to 100s of millions. World count suspected to be closer to 40.
Military tech level of colonies and forward defense fleets comparable to standard Imperial Army equivalents.
Minor orbital defenses installed on each planet inhabited by garrisons.
Minor dockyards established in orbit of garrison worlds to act as supply hubs and very minor ship construction yards.
100-300 roving Xenos defense ships confirmed present as active defense force.
Emperor class battleship equivalents confirmed among Xenos fleet.
Grand-Cruiser class, Cruiser class, and Escort class equivalents confirmed among Xenos active defense force.
Chaos Xenos QRF fleets suspected with size and response time unconfirmed.
Tzeentchian presence confirmed.
Slaaneshi presence confirmed.
Nurglite presence heavily suspected.
Khornate presence notably absent.
Undivided presence heavily suspected.


Preliminary Invasion Force Projection Recommendations

At least 5 garrison worlds must be claimed to establish an adequate number of invasion vectors into the main Xenos Empire.
At least 10 garrison worlds must be claimed to stabilize and adequately protect invasion vectors.
Total extermination of local populace recommended due to Chaos corruption.
Imperial Army deployment of 100 billion soldiers requested to achieve 3-1 and 4-1 invasion ratios on at least 15 worlds requested.
Imperial Navy deployment of 1600 vessels requested.
At least 800 transport vessels.
At least 600 vessels to destroy active defense fleets and defend invasion forces from reactive strikes from deeper within the Xenos Empire.
At least 200 vessels to escort transport ships and assist with deployments on up to 20 invasion attempts at a time.
An additional 20 billion Imperial Army soldiers and 100 Imperial Navy vessels requested to act as reserve forces.
5-10 thousand Wardens requested as QRF for challenging ground invasion attempts and unexpected counterattacks from Xenos forces.


This concludes our scouting report. One more wave of scouting efforts is recommended before our main course of action is decided.



AN: A quick early omake on that Chaos empire led by an Exalted Daemon Prince. Keep in mind that this is only the outskirts of the Empire.

Here is my first omake in a while

Kesar was morbidly amused by the overall reaction to the suite of changes to the Imperial Army he had announced. Some of it was unfortunate but expected, such as veterans within the army ramping up hazing following the implementation of proficiency requirements. Others were irritating but acceptable such as the letters from officers explaining why they thought the officer corps should be difficult for soldiers to join. There were some missteps as expected with the implementation of the Consul-General rank. Short-term chaos emerged from the need to readjust chains of command, change training standards, and build up an experienced personnel base to determine optimal doctrine at that rank.

But by far the most problematic reaction came from a truly unexpected angle. Somehow, Kesar's most controversial change was the requirement that the Imperial Army experience a degree of downtime on a regular basis.

When he heard the lengths a general was going to oppose the new requirement, the Second Anathema had sent a letter to Perturabo asking if he had to deal with similar issues as well as how he approached said problems. The response was short and to the point.

"Kesar," the letter began. "Barring the possibility that they're an agent of Chaos or a saboteur working for another party, this General is an idiot warranting execution."

Underneath that was a small amendment delivered shortly after.

"Apologies for any trouble caused."

Kesar wasn't sure he would take such a drastic step, mainly as the general in question had thus far limited himself to very vocal complaints and letters. Only moderating themselves after Karcer sent a direct order to limit himself to well-reasoned arguments rather than attacking a strawman. This did reduce the vitriol in his rhetoric, but they were still proactive in their crusade against allowing soldiers to be well-rested.

At least Kesar wouldn't have to deal with the problem directly. Mainly thanks to Karcer who requested that the Primarch let her take point on the matter. Kesar was hesitant at first, but after conducting a mental cost-benefit analysis, he realized that the general was a thorn in their side rather than a true problem. Removing it quicker may be nice, but he had to be careful not to drown himself in minor projects when there were so many critical projects that could only advance with his direct support.

*Kesar's Imperial Army gains a -2 to combat. This will improve with time*

---

Kesar wasn't so rushed on time that he couldn't spare a moment for his strongest sons. Despite the amount of travel and meetings he had on his schedule, there were several matters he did make time for. And currently, he had a decision to make related to the Emperor's plans. While he had already told Oriacarius about what the Eldar had informed him, his other sons were currently in the dark. While he already understood the mindsets and personalities at play, Kesar nonetheless went around and spent time with them individually before beginning to discuss the need to read them in with Oriacarius.

Going around the Legion, Kesar first assisted Maticus with some mundane paperwork before joining him for a spar. While it was rather one-sided, the Primarch did get some use out of it by attempting to use his psyker powers during duels where he found that Maticus was quite adept at facing psykers. At times, it was more dangerous to use his psyker powers during a duel than it was to fight without them, especially when Maticus managed to get into close range.

Following his duel with Maticus, Kesar then fought a series of spars with Doom Slayer. The juxtaposition of how Maticus and the Slayer fought was interesting from an academic perspective, albeit not something the Primarch was focused on at the moment. Instead, the Primarch and Astartes went from the one-sided duels to a joint practice session against a guardsmen regiment who wanted experience with facing high-end daemons. Lacking a non-corruptive method, Kesar and Doom Slayer made for a close approximation of a set of Honored Daemons with the two of them winning the war game quite quickly.

Solarus was experimenting with a variety of explosives that made use of numerous runes as expected. While the Mad Bomber had yet to perfect his designs, he had been making progress towards more psychoactive explosives which could prove useful against daemons or psykers. Moreover, the esoteric benefits they provide would later be translated into use cases against more mundane foes. While Kesar didn't have the time to truly contribute, the Primarch did provide his own insights into runes for Solarus to implement and took a few days to ensure they were well understood.

Auro meanwhile had resumed the testing of Oriacarius' security ciphers in addition to his variety of psychic research. The Librarian had recently completed the Rune of Nechronal, a curious mixture of the concepts of time and death interwoven in a rather complex manner. While its use cases were mainly reserved for high-end psychic artificing, there were some niche applications for it that Kesar certainly appreciated. Spending a few days with him to ensure it was rolled out properly was well worth the time and effort.

*Rune of Nechronal - +5% True Death Rate, Situational bonus to certain researches*

Baldur was slightly cagey himself, explaining that he was in the middle of a rather complicated analysis that he'd prefer to remain private. While Kesar did give him a disapproving stare, he didn't push too hard into the matter. From what the Primarch knew, he suspected that Baldur was trying to determine where Alpharius stood on the topic of the secession and wanted to avoid the Hydra managing to glean information during Kesar's meeting with him. It wasn't without reason, but Kesar felt that the cloak-and-dagger information games only contributed to the tension between Baldur and Oriacarius. Nonetheless, Kesar did spend some time with Baldur on a more mundane analysis, namely a review of the most likely Imperial Army officers to create a Gamma Camp in Svarga. Most of them were already known and on a list that Oriacarius maintained, but a few were added based on Kesar and Baldur's analysis.

Continuing to go through the finest of the Eternal Wardens, Kesar's next stop took him to Orion who was just wrapping up a series of training sessions with Aengus. Engaging the Angel of Humility in a discussion on his adventures with the Great Khan, Kesar was glad to hear that his brother was doing well and that he had enjoyed his expedition. The news about the Celestial Dominion was a tad worrying especially considering the letter they had sent him. And he knew the rediscovery of the Terran Raven Guard was certain to cause Corvus some problems in the future. However, there were also possibilities within. Not to mention it was rather enjoyable to meet his son's wife.

Being around Vergil was slightly odd to Kesar. It brought back memories of Cadia and the death of Scafrir, but the more academic part of him couldn't help but glance in her direction repeatedly trying to determine what allowed her to retain her agency without a physical body. Not to mention her 'lasgun' which was fascinating for so many reasons. However, Kesar was more focused on Durante and Vergil themselves, at least for now. Joining them on a brief scouting mission on a relatively minor planet, Kesar was quite surprised to see them outpacing him through the corrupted forests. At least until he burned down the corrupted plants through the use of pyromancy resulting in a level playing field that he was easily able to triumph thanks to his superior physical attributes.

Having spent time with all of his heroes, Kesar at last felt like he had to make a decision and decide who, if any, should be allowed to hear of what the Eldar had discovered about the Emperor. It was certainly not going to be a simple conversation, not to mention Oriacarius was quite insistent on sharing the information with as few people as possible due to its unverified nature. Nonetheless, it would be rather helpful for investigations if more of the Warden heroes knew about it.

Choose who if any you will share the Emperor's plans with

[] Maticus
[] Doom Slayer
[] Solarus
[] Auro
[] Baldur
[] Orion
[] Durante
[] None of them
[] Write-in

---

Kesar, attached to this letter is a cryptographic key that can be used to identify a message from me as well as one to confirm my identity in person. Should this key not be presented, assume this message is from a hostile third party rather than me.

It's unfortunate that this has proven necessary, but recent events have led to a schism within the Alpha Legion that threatens to escalate further. Alpharius and I have come into conflict recently regarding our stance on the Imperium and what must be done.

Due to the sensitive nature of this letter, I implore you to destroy it once you have read it. Let no one, not even Oriacarius know what the contents of this letter were.

Both Alpharius and I have come to realize that the Emperor's leadership is not what humanity needs. However, while my twin believes a coup or rebellion should be performed earlier, I believe that we cannot afford to engage in a civil war at this time. If we're given another century, or perhaps even a half-century then circumstances will have changed enough to enable a civil war to be fruitful rather than self-destructive.

I understand that due to natural consolidation, a civil war now will be easier in terms of the general clash of armies. However, unless a critical mass of Primarchs is reached, we will not have an answer to the Emperor. Quite frankly, we need time to find an answer to our creator, which Alpharius and Mortarion are denying us.

I have been in talks with Vulkan and Konrad on the matter, and I implore you to assist in my efforts. While a quick victory now would be ideal, we risk too much acting now. While it is uncharacteristic of me, in the words of your First Captain, 'Contingencies are a must.'

The Imperium cannot afford a war now. But if one does begin, I see only one possibility that ends well for humanity. The Emperor must win this war, then he must lose the next. The next war will be harder for the rebels having lost multiple Primarchs and a large portion of the sympathetic population. But based on my own estimates, as long as you, Guilliman, Sanguinius, and Magnus survive, we can triumph in later war.

As I suspect Alpharius will ask you this, I have already spent years trying to find an alternative. While the combination of you, Konrad, Horus, and supporting Astartes would be enough to slay the Emperor, that is only if he fights you alone.

The Emperor is not a fool, and he will not give us this opportunity.

I have a few leads available to me. One regarding an old fool that my twin and I slew decades ago, another regarding a long-extinct Xenos race, and a third involving the work of Majestic. None of these will deliver results for decades, and I need time for these projects to come to fruition.

If you know of a way to kill the Emperor, please inform me of it immediately so I may assist. Should you not trust my word, simply say so and I shall stand aside. I trust that you will not lie to me on a matter as grave as this.

I also must warn you about the Assassin Temples. I do not know what Grandmaster Erevan has planned, but I have been able to clarify that he is not an abject supporter of Malcador as Alpharius and I initially thought. However, he also is not an abject opponent of Malcador as I had initially hoped. If any of your sons are targeted by assassins, however, I would treat it as an attack by Malcador rather than by Erevan. While I don't believe he has any plans to do this due to the good PR you have, it would not be out of character for him to do so.

• Regards, Omegon

---

I'm sure that by now my brother has contacted you. I know you wish to avoid a civil war, and I myself will be seeking out every option possible to avoid it. When the two of us meet face to face I'll have more details to share. However, as I don't know the exact timing of the Emperor's plans, I wish to forewarn you of some demands he plans to make.

Currently, the world of Ogma supplies runes to forces across the galaxy including Mortarion. It's a gray area, but one the Emperor does plan to exploit to force you to take a stance. I ask that you keep supplying him with runes regardless of the political ramifications. However, I ask that you not do this without some form of political compensation. Fulgrim has recently created a set of regulations covering standards of escalation and what is and isn't allowed in war. I would consider it a favor if you were to begin incorporating these into your Legion. And that you demand Mortarion does so in exchange for you continuing to supply him with runes.

In case you meet with Omegon first, I will preempt him by stating that his accusations of what I have done are true and I do not regret it. Hard decisions must be made, and I have only done what I must. I do not expect him to forgive me, but I know that he understands.

Hand him this letter once you are done reading it. He will see a message I have encoded for his eyes only. I wish you both the best of luck.

• Regards, Alpharius

---

After reading the two letters, Kesar immediately destroyed the first as requested once he finished committing it to memory. He was rather glad that both heads of the Hydra had requested specific weeks for their meetings, which meant he wouldn't have to decide who to meet first.

Alpharius would be arriving within a month, and then Kesar would have some more difficult choices to make. And he had a few thoughts to get into order.

[] The Imperium is as vulnerable as it can be, but it's not yet dead. A full civil war can be avoided even if smaller-scale ones cannot. Minimizing the disruption at this moment is critical. *Kesar will advise Alpharius not to rebel*
[] The Imperium is as vulnerable as it has ever been, and the cracks continue to grow. A full civil war is on the horizon, but steps can be taken to minimize the disruption from that war. *Kesar will advise Alpharius to moderate his rebellion.*
[] The Imperium is actively splitting, and the Emperor cannot hope to conquer it all. A break up into multiple smaller states can be facilitated and avoid larger conflict. *Kesar will advise Alpharius to secede instead of rebel.*
[] The Imperium's response in the coming years will define everything about the future. Acting before that will close the possibility of a peaceful outcome. *Kesar will advise Alpharius to wait a few more years before committing to anything.*
[] The Imperium is actively beginning to crumble. If one is going to do something drastic, they should do so immediately and without hesitation. *Kesar will advise Alpharius that if he is going to rebel, he should commit to it in full.*
[] Write-in