The Ways of Fate: A Primarch Quest
- Thread starter BOTcommander
- Start date
- Sci-Fi
The idealist in me says that the best option would be to negotiate without mind control, and succeed anyways as it shows a larger commitment to peace and diplomacy.
So I would vote for []Do nothing...
But the realist in me says that reality is none to kind, and 40k is neither reality or kind.
Given that it's important to remember that since this is the into phase these choices mostly influence Aleks personality. Because of that it's important that we remember that at the end of the day we are a primarch and what we were created to do by big E was to conquer the galaxy. Given this reality I don't want to either get purged immediately or be turned into some kind of Perturabo expie who constantly lements being "forced" to fight instead of talking. Because we should remember at the end of the day given much of what his characterization is the emporeror is a tyrant, and if we don't give him what he wants he will get rid of us and get someone else to do it, after all he has spares.
So given the reality of 40k I will vote for,
[X]Militarily Intervention
But given that this is a quest and most of my fears might not even be realized I'll also vote for, [X]Do nothing
(Not even going to touch the other options as I think they are just bad and worse)
(Though to be clear I think the best option is []Do nothing but I'm not optimistic enough to think it will work)
So I would vote for []Do nothing...
But the realist in me says that reality is none to kind, and 40k is neither reality or kind.
Given that it's important to remember that since this is the into phase these choices mostly influence Aleks personality. Because of that it's important that we remember that at the end of the day we are a primarch and what we were created to do by big E was to conquer the galaxy. Given this reality I don't want to either get purged immediately or be turned into some kind of Perturabo expie who constantly lements being "forced" to fight instead of talking. Because we should remember at the end of the day given much of what his characterization is the emporeror is a tyrant, and if we don't give him what he wants he will get rid of us and get someone else to do it, after all he has spares.
So given the reality of 40k I will vote for,
[X]Militarily Intervention
But given that this is a quest and most of my fears might not even be realized I'll also vote for, [X]Do nothing
(Not even going to touch the other options as I think they are just bad and worse)
(Though to be clear I think the best option is []Do nothing but I'm not optimistic enough to think it will work)
Last edited:
To expand slightly on my thoughts, people should remember that us being a primarch does not inherently guarantee us success or even a happy ending, as if it did, then Angron would have won his impossible rebellion against the High-riders on his world and wouldn't have resulted in the emperor in having to basically pick him up from some sort of last stand situation. To put it simply, my worry is that in doing nothing, we risk Alek becoming Achilles brooding in his tent, doing nothing until we have to and then snapping at the consequences.
- Location
- barking
I mean Horus and Guiliman were very talky primarchs and I feel their is a difference between fighting cause of greed or fighting cause a bunch of fing orks are near by
[X]Militarily Intervention
Vote closed
- Pronouns
- He/Him
I think, though, it is worth remembering that there is a difference between being willing to talk and being a diplomat, as while both Guiliman and Horus did use words to their advantage, only Roboute was really a politician of any stripe. Yes, Horus was very willing to talk things out to get what he wanted, but that was always more an effect of his natural charisma rather than a diplomatic mindset. On the other note, I don't think any of the primarchs really leaned too far toward idealism versus pragmatism and of the two that were the most idealistic, Rogal and a certain manchild (at least at the start of the crusade) were both very practically minded. It's also worth remembering that by modern standards and sensibilities, basically every one of the primarchs was horrible people who regularly exterminated entire races for the simple crime of existing.
- Location
- barking
I used those two cause rogal is brick wall when it comes to talking (looking at how he handled konrad and aplharius/omegon) and perty is whole problem is men cant talk about their emotions and bottle them up till they explode. I used Horus cause if it wasn't for erebus he had a chance of talking with the interex and guillyman as you said is prob the only primarch good at polatics (also the only one that even remotaly conserders not killing all nonhumans but thats in 40k timeline)
- Pronouns
- He/Him
Might as well say a few words to my interpretation of Emps. The Emperor is a genius in almost all aspects, he is also an asshole and a sociopath who is so deep up his own ass he does not even deem to argue with anyone who disagrees with him about anything. He also loves the idea of humanity very, very deeply. Everything he does it out of this misguided sense of love. Imagine everything my Emperor will say and do being said and done by a persian version of Gigachad. He has a vision and will pursue it, no matter who or what stands in his way, be they Xenos-, AI-, humans-, gods- or his sons. That final vision will be a better place for everyone, yes even psykers and xenos included, but until he gets there he will walk over enough corpses to make Khorne blush. He has seen the Terran Colonial Federation collapse under the assault of too many enemies at once and will ensure something like that can never happen again. In his mind humanity is on the brink and carrying them away from the edge of collapse is a cause that justifies all the means.
Do I want you to agree with my interpretation of the Emperor, hell no, but 40k as a setting offers some hard questions that will require a hefty price to be paid if you choose the empatheic answer. Emps choose to ignore empathy and decided the price was not worth it.
Do I want you to agree with my interpretation of the Emperor, hell no, but 40k as a setting offers some hard questions that will require a hefty price to be paid if you choose the empatheic answer. Emps choose to ignore empathy and decided the price was not worth it.
Last edited:
- Location
- Philippines
Reminds me of the Beasts from FGO. Some inhuman being of unfathomable power that does sincerely love mankind but is just so removed from what mankind actually is, and what they want that they'll trample over the very species they profess to love in pursuit of what they love; their own vision of a perfect mankind.
Something I've wondered - do decisions have a hidden cost that contribute to just when he executes the MC? Less so once 'rescued', but more once he gets his claws in? Plus one toward the death tally threshold, if you like.
- Pronouns
- He/Him
I don't have hard rules for that. I go mainly by vibes. The Eldar teacher one might have been the one to have the biggest effect on how Emps sees Alekandros so far. It wont result in an instant game over, Mortarion was after all raised by xenos sorcerer-things too, but it will cause him to watch Alek and his actions towards the Aeldari a little bit closer.
- Location
- colombia
that honestly helps a lot,by clarifying your interpretation of emps from the get to go,it avoids a lot of discussions on interpretations of emps
he is in love with mankind (as in the civilization and species),but doesnt give a fuck about man
so if out of a group of 10k he has to sacrifice 7k to keep at least 3k of them alive (big enough settlement to count as a sample of "mankind") he will do it
is going to be lovely dealing with his stubborn ass
Shame plan 'totally not two farseers on each others shoulders' failed, then. That'd be fun.
- Pronouns
- He/Him
What were the details of that plan?
Nonexistent from a shitpost I deleted when we were first picking traits. But, summarised: focus on manipulation and soft control, choose eldar like personality traits, powers, etc, disdain for normal humans to a degree that might make the marines malevolent take a step back and ask him not to get too carried away.
- Location
- Utrecht
The emperor is "missing the trees, for the forest" on an galactic scale.
If I'm reading right it seems less like a situation where the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few, and more one where no one is as important as the dream itself. I imagine less a situation where he kills 7k out of 10k to keep the remaining alive, and more that he would kill 950 million people out of a billion because he believes those last fifty million will be a better fit for his "better world". He is in a word a fanatic who is the twisted mirror Leto II Atreides from dune, with precognition included %50 off for half the reliability, and twice as many casualties.
Intervention
- Pronouns
- He/Him
VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED: The last part of this update contains some suggestive, although not explicit writing.
Intervention
Alekandors looked down into his mug with a sense of exhaustion. The bar they were in was full at this time of day and the amount of people enjoying a few hours after work created a pleasant psychic aura, countless voices and thoughts of people turning into an incomprehensible buzz when his concentration slipped for a moment. The ceramic vessel appeared comically small in his large hand as he raises it for a toast, the people sitting around the chair mirroring him. He took a moment to read their faces and their auras, before beginning to speak. "Before we begin, let me say something." He nudged their minds to turn their attention to him, waiting before he had everyone's attention before he continued. "Each and everyone of you has performed above my and Linds' expectations. You should be proud of yourselves. Thanks to your hard work we have saved the Reform Bill."
His short speech produced some hidden irritation amongst his team, one of which decided to voice it openly. Lievell was already slightly buzzed, her thoughts feeling sluggish. "You mean we spent a week for nothing Boss." She slurred, the bags under her eyes a little less bad than they had been the week before.
"Our mission was to figure out our options, not to prevent military intervention." Alek elaborated. "If we could have solved the situation without firing a single shot we should have done so, but your research laid clear there was no solution. In a better world we would not have to convince the Council to send in troops, but we live in a world where Solimin constantly seeks to undermine the Coalition. We need to look out for our interests too." He ended solemnly, taking a deep breath.
"If you say so, Bourgh." She mumbled, taking another sip. Alek had been so close to just doing nothing. What he was about to do would cost lives and cause destruction all over the former lordships' realms, but he could not exactly lock himself in his workshop every time a decision got tough. She however was not convinced, so Alek reached over with a hand to covertly imbue her with some positive psychic energy, her spirits lifting immediately. They were not here to brood over work anyway. "Come on Lievell. Relax a little."
"Maybe I will." She took a sip from her beer mug. "It is going to be a feast to see you sway the heavens-be-damned Council to go to War tomorrow."
Alek shrugged, gently smiling seeing her aura change towards a better mood. "Sway is such a strong word. I prefer 'convince'."
"Spoken like a true politician." She raised her ceramic mug, smirking, meaning it as a compliment. "On the boss and Linds."
"On the boss and Linds." The convened members of Linds team mirrored the toast, the conversation finally changing towards more casual topics.
"Sooo", Ters nudged Aleks massive side. "Wanna tell us about the mystery woman you have been seeing?"
"There is nothing mysterious about her." Alek defended himself, amused at the thoughts running over the surface of the young fathers mind. "We have been seeing each other for a few weeks."
"Will we get to meet her?" Lievell joined in.
"When I can be sure you all behave yourself." He joked, winking at her while he took a big gulp from his cup. The beer was bitter with a slight, alcoholic burn. Whether or not it was because he was a psyker or another quirk of his superhuman physiology, he had found he could not get drunk, no matter how hard he tried. It was a useful ability to have in the game of politics. Alcohol was served at almost any negotiation or council and tended to make others more sluggish, more open to suggestion while Alek remained steadfast as ever. "Did Ters ever bring Gena here?"
"She was always busy." He lamented and peeled some rock nuts, throwing them in an arc into his mouth. "And someone needs to take care of the little one."
"I for one am content to let Bourgh reveal her at his own pace." Harman grumbled, fiddling with his glass of cider. The older aides scratched his short beard and glowered at Ters. "You Ersliners are all too damn nosy, let the young man enjoy himself."
"I am sure he is enj-Ow." Ters was stopped by Lievell hitting him on the head.
It was the evening of the final council session, but Alek was still working. There was still a final piece of his plan into position, the most important one, one last councillor was to be convinced. Linds was following behind him, nervously throwing glances at the security officers accompanying them. The officers however were more concerned with Alek's solid and muscular form, who towered over the tallest of them by a foot and did not show the slightest bit of weariness in his stride, confidently marching forward in a well tailored and immaculate suit. They reached an ancient ironwood door, the officer's sergeant stepping forward to poke his head in. "Mistress, Linds and Bourgh have arrived."
"Send them in please."
The two of them stepped inside, Linds taking the lead, Alek following as his massive shadow. The room was massive, cavernous with a high ceiling. The lumen light fixtures were switched off, only a promethium gas fire at one end of the room providing light, casting everything in hard shadows. The woman at the other end was strong willed and excluded an aura of confidence as she turned around in her chair. She was old, her eyes were glazed, an infection having robbed her of her sight decades ago.
"Guild Mistress Catah." Linds and Alek bowed ever so slightly before they sat down on ornate chairs next to the current master of the Free Guilds of Sargell.
"Ambassador Linds, Alekandros Bourgh…" She bowed her head slightly. "...I have heard of you. You have many of the guild master's singing to the heavens at your skills as a craftsman."
"I think this is indeed me." Alek answered with a smile, making sure to pressure the familiar connection with his powers. Her aura shifted ever so slightly under the pressure, but he could not feel if it made a difference. Linds raised an eyebrow, but said nothing, seeing as Alek had made an in with the reclusive guild mistress.
"A shame you decided to not pursue a career in the guilds, you could have made Master of Masters in no time." Her face turned into a sneer. "It most certainly would have left me with a better successor than the current one."
"I appreciate the sentiment, Mistress, but-."
"Oh please", she waved it off. "Heavens, you make me feel old. Call me Catah."
"Catah, but", he continued. "I assume you know why we are here?"
"Of course"; she remarked, shifting a little in her seat. "You need my approval for the so-called military intervention in Yunion."
"Actually, we have more in mind." Linds interjected, leaning forward to hand her a manuscript typed in braille. He still felt nervous about this course of action, even if Alek was confident it would work. "We want you to give the opening address for the intervention at tomorrow's Council meeting."
"Have you lost your mind or do you think I'm a fool?" She huffed in anger. "I campaigned against this so-called military intervention since that idiot Renalt proposed it. When I was a child, the powers of Sangrell formed the Coalition to protect themselves against Solimin, not to become then."
"We are most aware." Alek replied politely, pressuring her with psychic waves of trust. "But I think I can convince you."
"You have a minute, mister Bourgh." She sneered, but less angry than a few moments ago.
"When you were a child and the Coalition was formed, the world was a different one. Solimin was the dominant power on Tenus, her old cities unyielding and her industry unmatched. Then the Great War happened and the Empire was defeated. The Imperator took his own life out of shame, leaving a child on the throne."
"I have lived through these events, mister Bourgh, don't give me a history lesson."
"I apologise, I was just setting the scene. Today, we live in a doupolar world. Tenus is dividing itself among two lines, those allied to Solimin and those allied to the Coalition. The day will come when the lines will be drawn fully, but it is not this day." He paused to stand up and continue his speech standing. "I would like to just spend my days making stuff. I want to draw and paint and smith and craft, but today I have a choice to make. Today we have a choice to make. We could decide to be better than Solimin and reject mirroring what you deem to be imperial ambitions, but this would just change the lines to be drawn less in our favour. If the world was not divided this way, maybe we would not need to act this way. Maybe one day, when everyone on Tenus is part of a whole, be it the Coalition, the Empire or something else entirely, can we cease this useless infighting for resources, land and people. But today-" He made a dramatic turn. "Today we have a choice to make. Would you want to draw the lines in our favour, in the Coalition's favour, the Coalition in whose Council you wield influence or in hers. She has decided to make use of witches and sorcery to defeat us."
Alek grew quiet for a second, taking a deep breath in. "I served at the battle of the overhand pass, Catah. I have faced the sorcerers in battle and have witnessed their unholy machinations. The heavens were full of foul lightning and the air heavy with their magic. I don't think you want to balance the weights in favour of the woman who puts us at risk of damnation."
Alek smiled, reinforcing his words with subtle psychic pressure, satisfied that his words seemed to fall on fertile ground within her mind. "I must think about this, but take your stupid drafts speech with you."
"Of course mistress". Linds replied neutrally, throwing Alek a confident smile. They did not speak until they were back in the high security tram, where Linds clapped his briefcase victoriously. "I think we got her."
"I will require some time, but I think yes, we were successful."
"Genius idea with the remark about the witches, Bourgh, didn't figure you would go against your own people."
Alekandros stared at him with a raised eyebrow, his glare intense enough to make the ambassador flinch. "Linds, would you believe me that I had never spoken to another Witch casually in my life?"
"I am sorry." Alek can feel he is. "I…I did not think."
"Yes you didn't. You don't even know why you are afraid of psykers. And I know what you think, no, it's not mind control. If I could or would just psychically dominate every person I came across this job would be so much simpler. What I said is true, Linds, Solimin is playing with forces they don't understand." The memory of the blood spell and the smell of electric air run through Aleks mind.
"But…you do?" The Ambassador's face is a shade paler.
Alek sighed. "There is much I don't know, but I know enough to know to keep my hands off a few things."
Alek sits in the council session, the large bowl shaped room filled to the brim with council officials, their aides, spectators and reporters as Mistress Catah holds her speech. It is a good one, full of heart and spirit that carries forth wide. The rest of the important Councilmen and -women were able to be convinced via favour trading and a reminder of dirt Alek had on one of their sons. He was hoping Coalition internal politics would become less of a knife fight once the Reform was passed. Nat had complained about corruption and here he was contributing to it to complete his own goals. Making her work more difficult seemed like something he did not want to do. "...and this is why fellow Councilmen that we have to assert ourselves against the aggressor who desires nothing but total domination of Tenus. We have given the neutral parties in this standoff between power long enough to pick a side. It shall be us, not the Empress and her corrupt court, who will carry the light of civilization forward into the future for all those that come after us."
Maybe it had worked a little too well, he thought to himself, as the council began to applaud the call for war by its most peaceful member. Linds stared neutrally into the room and clapped out of politeness, Alek mirroring his mentor as good as he could. The leader of the guilds finished and seated herself, Renalt followed the speech up with one of his own.
"There are many things to be said, but as the one who began to lobby for this course of action I commend the Council for coming to this decision." He declared, voice clear and filled with purpose. "And given this decision I have decided to retract my veto on the Reform Bill, given this institution appears ready to take the next step towards our every interest…"
Alek could feel Renalts gaze upon himself as he let the man rant on, applauded and cheered for. He had another data later with Natalie and this current task did not require much of his attention. He zoned out, shaking hands and smiling just to get the evening over himself, when a familiar figure approached.
One of Handler's agents.
He was led into a side room in the Coalition headquarters, nothing more than a storage closet, but with a vox receiver placed inside it. After squeezing himself inside, he picked up with a sigh and held it to his ear. "Hello Handler."
"Hello Alek, I take it you have been well."
"I have, how have you been? We did not speak for several months."
"Not everyone of us can have your constitution. I have spent the time observing how you would fare without instructions."
Alek stared against the blank wall for a moment. "Was that really necessary?"
"It was but you have performed as expected. I…" There was a pause in the connection, a slight default static in the connection before it opened up again. "...I have nothing to complain about."
"And what now?"
Handler chuckled. "Now, I think you have a date with a certain Natalie Dellon. I wish you a good evening, Bourgh."
The evening had indeed been good. The motion pict Natalie had chosen had been a tense, action filled tale of a man on a mission between the stars. She had mostly followed the movie for the story being told, while Alek had racked his brain trying to figure out how they had filmed the void battles between the hero Starjaunter and the enemy xenos, ugly things with big, ugly heads and green skin. It was a unique challenge, as there was no one's mind to scour for information. He was pretty sure the void vessels were models, but for figuring out how they had been placed into the darkness of space and the other environments he had to admit he did not know enough about cameras and film making to come to a conclusion, leaving him a little frustrated and on edge. He thought about using scyring to figure out the secret, but it would have been a little noticeable of he actually drifted off in his seat in the middle of the motion pict hall.
He still had fun. The way back was filled with excited discussion about it. Nat glad he appeared intrigued by it as well and promises were made to see other classic motion picts. For him the evening could have ended there, in front of her door as always, wishing each other good night or a nice day, but he could sense his data had other thoughts. It had been at the back of her mind ever since he had picked her up and the little flare became a small fire as she asked if he would like to stay the night.
First he explained that there would be a problem with that, as her bed would probably not fit him, so he suggested she stay the night at his place instead, which proved enough to make her blush in a very cute way, but she agreed. He did not need to read minds to know what was to follow and had prepared accordingly for this scenario, figuring it would occur sooner or later. Their height difference proved to be a renewed source of awkwardness between them, but there was no need to rush anything. They went slowly, trying to find a rythm that was comfortable to them both.
The experience itself he thought was nice enough, something he could see himself doing again in the future. Even if he discovered that he seemed to draw more satisfaction from Natalie's experiences than his own. Satisfying one's partner proved easy when one could read minds and had superhuman stamina, making it easy figure out what to do and what not do to and to keep doing it, but he could not help but feel a certain detachment when comparing his feelings with the one she had, less sensual, more muted, as if something was different about him. The train of thought continued until after they were done some time later, an ordeal that had left her sweaty, breathless and thoroughly exhausted and him yet barely out of breath content with stroking her long, dark brown hair.
"What is going on in your big head?" She asked him, still a little exhausted in the cover of darkness, putting her chin on his chest as she traced the outline of his defined muscles his her fingers.
"My head is not big."
"Everything about you is big." She joked and Alek could not help but pinch her a little in retaliation for the dig. Natalie giggled in response, wiggling against him, before leaning down on him again. "So what are you thinking about?"
"Spring tolerances", he lied. He did not dare to actually inform her of his thoughts. He had gone into this willing to try and make it work, but at this point he had fully realised there would be a disconnect to how she could feel about him and how he could feel about her. He liked Natalie, he cared about her. He appreciated her closeness and the conversations he could have with her, but could it be more? He did not know.
Then there was also the fact that she may become a target. Handler knew of her and if this relationship became official, she might just become the target of his ordinary political rivals. Ma was powerful enough that he did not need to worry, but Natalie was not, she would require his protection, even if she may not think she would need it. He could of course try to tell her some of the truth, but he could not predict how she would react perfectly.
"You are such a big dork you know that"; she hummed against his chest. "I think I now need to introduce you to my mother?"
What should he do?
[]Keep things as they were
Some knowledge is dangerous had his mother told him often and maybe it was true. They had a good-ish thing going, she did not need to be involved.
[]Break it off
Associating with her was no longer worth it for whatever reason. He would break off the relationship for his and her good.
[]Tell her some of the truth
She deserved a little of the truth, enough so she would know what was in store for her.
[](Write-In) (In case one of you has a novel idea, needs to convince me)
How does the military intervention come to haunt Alekandros? Vote for one.
[]Favours comes to haunt the trader
Convincing the Council to intervene in Yunion militarily required some behind the scenes dealings. Some of the people he traded favours with have come to collect upon them.
[]A war more brutal than thought
The military intervention was supposed to take a few months at best, but for one reason or another it turned into an attritional slog that cost countless lives on both sides.
[]Geopolitical turn
The intervention spooked several of the Coalition smaller allies into seeking protection under the Empress protective umbrella.
[]Disruption despite all efforts
Destruction of the Yunion promethium extraction infrastructure during the intervention crashes the global Tenus promethium market.
What did Alek focus on during the next three years? (Vote for two)
[]The Lines are Drawn
The first phase of the unfought war ends as all of Tenus is divided into being in the camp of one of two sides, The Sangrell Coalition and the Empire of Solimin. Alek used his diplomatic talents to make sure the lines were drawn favourably for the Coalition.
[]Arms Control Agreement
The last years have seen an exponential increase in the size of Coalition and Empireal nuclear arsenals far beyond what either power should need. Reduction in size not only saves resources and cost, but also serves as an important step towards deescalation.
[]Cooperative Space Program
Everyone on Tenus knew that humans came to this world from the heavens and returning there had been a dream of many wanting to one day reunite with their lost brothers and sisters between the stars. Instead of starting competitive programs, Solimin and Sargell could set aside their differences and bundle their resources.
[]International] Nuclear Non-Proliferation Agreement
Atomic weapons are dangerous weapons that could set a dangerous precedent if ever used. Limiting the number of third-party actors with access to them reduces the chance one gets deployed.
[]Coalition Expansion
By now the Coalition has many allies all over the world, many of which would be tremendous assets by becoming members directly, but the process of which is held back by internal disagreements only someone with supernatural powers could overcome.
[]Atomic Energy Bill
Nuclear power offers tremendous potential for civilian use, but the secrets to which are held by a small number of the most powerful member states, who are unwilling to give them up. The AEB would offer technical and monetary support to every member wanting to build reactors for civilian use themselves.
[]Reduction in Defence Expenditure
Ever since the great war all Coalition members have spent an unthinkable amount of their resources on procurement, maintenance and development of weapons, defence and security, causing many other issues in need of funding to be neglected.
[]Handler Identity
So far Alek did not feel the need to figure out the identity of his mysterious benefactor, but it was probably time to do so, carefully and covertly as not to cause any rash reactions.
[]Master of the Guilds
Alexandros spent some time perfecting all the skills the Free Guilds of Sangrell could teach him.
[]A Runic Start
Discovering the knowledge behind runic symbols and words is a time consuming and work intensive progress, to make some headway with it Alek needs to dedicate some time towards it.
[]Corruption No More
Apparently, the Coalition has certain corruption issues. While Alek has little experience in administrative matters, his status should allow for the removal of some red tape.
[]Councilman at Last
Alekandros Bourgh is a well known figure in Council circles, but those who know his true nature also fear him and fear him in any position of power. Regardless, he will try to become an official on the Coalition Council.
[]Once more into the fire
Alekandros still has the rank of a Platoon commander and he knows how to make use of it. He spent some of his time commanding units in the Intervention to bring it to a fast conclusion.
[](Write-in) (In case one of you has a novel idea, needs to convince me)
Thanks for participating. I reserve myself the right to disregard, interpret, change and add to WH40k and 30k lore as I see fit to support the narrative. Comments and feedback sustain my soul. Vote goes for two days so I can sign off on everyones write-ins.
[X]Militarily Intervention
Alekandors looked down into his mug with a sense of exhaustion. The bar they were in was full at this time of day and the amount of people enjoying a few hours after work created a pleasant psychic aura, countless voices and thoughts of people turning into an incomprehensible buzz when his concentration slipped for a moment. The ceramic vessel appeared comically small in his large hand as he raises it for a toast, the people sitting around the chair mirroring him. He took a moment to read their faces and their auras, before beginning to speak. "Before we begin, let me say something." He nudged their minds to turn their attention to him, waiting before he had everyone's attention before he continued. "Each and everyone of you has performed above my and Linds' expectations. You should be proud of yourselves. Thanks to your hard work we have saved the Reform Bill."
His short speech produced some hidden irritation amongst his team, one of which decided to voice it openly. Lievell was already slightly buzzed, her thoughts feeling sluggish. "You mean we spent a week for nothing Boss." She slurred, the bags under her eyes a little less bad than they had been the week before.
"Our mission was to figure out our options, not to prevent military intervention." Alek elaborated. "If we could have solved the situation without firing a single shot we should have done so, but your research laid clear there was no solution. In a better world we would not have to convince the Council to send in troops, but we live in a world where Solimin constantly seeks to undermine the Coalition. We need to look out for our interests too." He ended solemnly, taking a deep breath.
"If you say so, Bourgh." She mumbled, taking another sip. Alek had been so close to just doing nothing. What he was about to do would cost lives and cause destruction all over the former lordships' realms, but he could not exactly lock himself in his workshop every time a decision got tough. She however was not convinced, so Alek reached over with a hand to covertly imbue her with some positive psychic energy, her spirits lifting immediately. They were not here to brood over work anyway. "Come on Lievell. Relax a little."
"Maybe I will." She took a sip from her beer mug. "It is going to be a feast to see you sway the heavens-be-damned Council to go to War tomorrow."
Alek shrugged, gently smiling seeing her aura change towards a better mood. "Sway is such a strong word. I prefer 'convince'."
"Spoken like a true politician." She raised her ceramic mug, smirking, meaning it as a compliment. "On the boss and Linds."
"On the boss and Linds." The convened members of Linds team mirrored the toast, the conversation finally changing towards more casual topics.
"Sooo", Ters nudged Aleks massive side. "Wanna tell us about the mystery woman you have been seeing?"
"There is nothing mysterious about her." Alek defended himself, amused at the thoughts running over the surface of the young fathers mind. "We have been seeing each other for a few weeks."
"Will we get to meet her?" Lievell joined in.
"When I can be sure you all behave yourself." He joked, winking at her while he took a big gulp from his cup. The beer was bitter with a slight, alcoholic burn. Whether or not it was because he was a psyker or another quirk of his superhuman physiology, he had found he could not get drunk, no matter how hard he tried. It was a useful ability to have in the game of politics. Alcohol was served at almost any negotiation or council and tended to make others more sluggish, more open to suggestion while Alek remained steadfast as ever. "Did Ters ever bring Gena here?"
"She was always busy." He lamented and peeled some rock nuts, throwing them in an arc into his mouth. "And someone needs to take care of the little one."
"I for one am content to let Bourgh reveal her at his own pace." Harman grumbled, fiddling with his glass of cider. The older aides scratched his short beard and glowered at Ters. "You Ersliners are all too damn nosy, let the young man enjoy himself."
"I am sure he is enj-Ow." Ters was stopped by Lievell hitting him on the head.
It was the evening of the final council session, but Alek was still working. There was still a final piece of his plan into position, the most important one, one last councillor was to be convinced. Linds was following behind him, nervously throwing glances at the security officers accompanying them. The officers however were more concerned with Alek's solid and muscular form, who towered over the tallest of them by a foot and did not show the slightest bit of weariness in his stride, confidently marching forward in a well tailored and immaculate suit. They reached an ancient ironwood door, the officer's sergeant stepping forward to poke his head in. "Mistress, Linds and Bourgh have arrived."
"Send them in please."
The two of them stepped inside, Linds taking the lead, Alek following as his massive shadow. The room was massive, cavernous with a high ceiling. The lumen light fixtures were switched off, only a promethium gas fire at one end of the room providing light, casting everything in hard shadows. The woman at the other end was strong willed and excluded an aura of confidence as she turned around in her chair. She was old, her eyes were glazed, an infection having robbed her of her sight decades ago.
"Guild Mistress Catah." Linds and Alek bowed ever so slightly before they sat down on ornate chairs next to the current master of the Free Guilds of Sargell.
"Ambassador Linds, Alekandros Bourgh…" She bowed her head slightly. "...I have heard of you. You have many of the guild master's singing to the heavens at your skills as a craftsman."
"I think this is indeed me." Alek answered with a smile, making sure to pressure the familiar connection with his powers. Her aura shifted ever so slightly under the pressure, but he could not feel if it made a difference. Linds raised an eyebrow, but said nothing, seeing as Alek had made an in with the reclusive guild mistress.
"A shame you decided to not pursue a career in the guilds, you could have made Master of Masters in no time." Her face turned into a sneer. "It most certainly would have left me with a better successor than the current one."
"I appreciate the sentiment, Mistress, but-."
"Oh please", she waved it off. "Heavens, you make me feel old. Call me Catah."
"Catah, but", he continued. "I assume you know why we are here?"
"Of course"; she remarked, shifting a little in her seat. "You need my approval for the so-called military intervention in Yunion."
"Actually, we have more in mind." Linds interjected, leaning forward to hand her a manuscript typed in braille. He still felt nervous about this course of action, even if Alek was confident it would work. "We want you to give the opening address for the intervention at tomorrow's Council meeting."
"Have you lost your mind or do you think I'm a fool?" She huffed in anger. "I campaigned against this so-called military intervention since that idiot Renalt proposed it. When I was a child, the powers of Sangrell formed the Coalition to protect themselves against Solimin, not to become then."
"We are most aware." Alek replied politely, pressuring her with psychic waves of trust. "But I think I can convince you."
"You have a minute, mister Bourgh." She sneered, but less angry than a few moments ago.
"When you were a child and the Coalition was formed, the world was a different one. Solimin was the dominant power on Tenus, her old cities unyielding and her industry unmatched. Then the Great War happened and the Empire was defeated. The Imperator took his own life out of shame, leaving a child on the throne."
"I have lived through these events, mister Bourgh, don't give me a history lesson."
"I apologise, I was just setting the scene. Today, we live in a doupolar world. Tenus is dividing itself among two lines, those allied to Solimin and those allied to the Coalition. The day will come when the lines will be drawn fully, but it is not this day." He paused to stand up and continue his speech standing. "I would like to just spend my days making stuff. I want to draw and paint and smith and craft, but today I have a choice to make. Today we have a choice to make. We could decide to be better than Solimin and reject mirroring what you deem to be imperial ambitions, but this would just change the lines to be drawn less in our favour. If the world was not divided this way, maybe we would not need to act this way. Maybe one day, when everyone on Tenus is part of a whole, be it the Coalition, the Empire or something else entirely, can we cease this useless infighting for resources, land and people. But today-" He made a dramatic turn. "Today we have a choice to make. Would you want to draw the lines in our favour, in the Coalition's favour, the Coalition in whose Council you wield influence or in hers. She has decided to make use of witches and sorcery to defeat us."
Alek grew quiet for a second, taking a deep breath in. "I served at the battle of the overhand pass, Catah. I have faced the sorcerers in battle and have witnessed their unholy machinations. The heavens were full of foul lightning and the air heavy with their magic. I don't think you want to balance the weights in favour of the woman who puts us at risk of damnation."
Alek smiled, reinforcing his words with subtle psychic pressure, satisfied that his words seemed to fall on fertile ground within her mind. "I must think about this, but take your stupid drafts speech with you."
"Of course mistress". Linds replied neutrally, throwing Alek a confident smile. They did not speak until they were back in the high security tram, where Linds clapped his briefcase victoriously. "I think we got her."
"I will require some time, but I think yes, we were successful."
"Genius idea with the remark about the witches, Bourgh, didn't figure you would go against your own people."
Alekandros stared at him with a raised eyebrow, his glare intense enough to make the ambassador flinch. "Linds, would you believe me that I had never spoken to another Witch casually in my life?"
"I am sorry." Alek can feel he is. "I…I did not think."
"Yes you didn't. You don't even know why you are afraid of psykers. And I know what you think, no, it's not mind control. If I could or would just psychically dominate every person I came across this job would be so much simpler. What I said is true, Linds, Solimin is playing with forces they don't understand." The memory of the blood spell and the smell of electric air run through Aleks mind.
"But…you do?" The Ambassador's face is a shade paler.
Alek sighed. "There is much I don't know, but I know enough to know to keep my hands off a few things."
Alek sits in the council session, the large bowl shaped room filled to the brim with council officials, their aides, spectators and reporters as Mistress Catah holds her speech. It is a good one, full of heart and spirit that carries forth wide. The rest of the important Councilmen and -women were able to be convinced via favour trading and a reminder of dirt Alek had on one of their sons. He was hoping Coalition internal politics would become less of a knife fight once the Reform was passed. Nat had complained about corruption and here he was contributing to it to complete his own goals. Making her work more difficult seemed like something he did not want to do. "...and this is why fellow Councilmen that we have to assert ourselves against the aggressor who desires nothing but total domination of Tenus. We have given the neutral parties in this standoff between power long enough to pick a side. It shall be us, not the Empress and her corrupt court, who will carry the light of civilization forward into the future for all those that come after us."
Maybe it had worked a little too well, he thought to himself, as the council began to applaud the call for war by its most peaceful member. Linds stared neutrally into the room and clapped out of politeness, Alek mirroring his mentor as good as he could. The leader of the guilds finished and seated herself, Renalt followed the speech up with one of his own.
"There are many things to be said, but as the one who began to lobby for this course of action I commend the Council for coming to this decision." He declared, voice clear and filled with purpose. "And given this decision I have decided to retract my veto on the Reform Bill, given this institution appears ready to take the next step towards our every interest…"
Alek could feel Renalts gaze upon himself as he let the man rant on, applauded and cheered for. He had another data later with Natalie and this current task did not require much of his attention. He zoned out, shaking hands and smiling just to get the evening over himself, when a familiar figure approached.
One of Handler's agents.
He was led into a side room in the Coalition headquarters, nothing more than a storage closet, but with a vox receiver placed inside it. After squeezing himself inside, he picked up with a sigh and held it to his ear. "Hello Handler."
"Hello Alek, I take it you have been well."
"I have, how have you been? We did not speak for several months."
"Not everyone of us can have your constitution. I have spent the time observing how you would fare without instructions."
Alek stared against the blank wall for a moment. "Was that really necessary?"
"It was but you have performed as expected. I…" There was a pause in the connection, a slight default static in the connection before it opened up again. "...I have nothing to complain about."
"And what now?"
Handler chuckled. "Now, I think you have a date with a certain Natalie Dellon. I wish you a good evening, Bourgh."
The evening had indeed been good. The motion pict Natalie had chosen had been a tense, action filled tale of a man on a mission between the stars. She had mostly followed the movie for the story being told, while Alek had racked his brain trying to figure out how they had filmed the void battles between the hero Starjaunter and the enemy xenos, ugly things with big, ugly heads and green skin. It was a unique challenge, as there was no one's mind to scour for information. He was pretty sure the void vessels were models, but for figuring out how they had been placed into the darkness of space and the other environments he had to admit he did not know enough about cameras and film making to come to a conclusion, leaving him a little frustrated and on edge. He thought about using scyring to figure out the secret, but it would have been a little noticeable of he actually drifted off in his seat in the middle of the motion pict hall.
He still had fun. The way back was filled with excited discussion about it. Nat glad he appeared intrigued by it as well and promises were made to see other classic motion picts. For him the evening could have ended there, in front of her door as always, wishing each other good night or a nice day, but he could sense his data had other thoughts. It had been at the back of her mind ever since he had picked her up and the little flare became a small fire as she asked if he would like to stay the night.
First he explained that there would be a problem with that, as her bed would probably not fit him, so he suggested she stay the night at his place instead, which proved enough to make her blush in a very cute way, but she agreed. He did not need to read minds to know what was to follow and had prepared accordingly for this scenario, figuring it would occur sooner or later. Their height difference proved to be a renewed source of awkwardness between them, but there was no need to rush anything. They went slowly, trying to find a rythm that was comfortable to them both.
The experience itself he thought was nice enough, something he could see himself doing again in the future. Even if he discovered that he seemed to draw more satisfaction from Natalie's experiences than his own. Satisfying one's partner proved easy when one could read minds and had superhuman stamina, making it easy figure out what to do and what not do to and to keep doing it, but he could not help but feel a certain detachment when comparing his feelings with the one she had, less sensual, more muted, as if something was different about him. The train of thought continued until after they were done some time later, an ordeal that had left her sweaty, breathless and thoroughly exhausted and him yet barely out of breath content with stroking her long, dark brown hair.
"What is going on in your big head?" She asked him, still a little exhausted in the cover of darkness, putting her chin on his chest as she traced the outline of his defined muscles his her fingers.
"My head is not big."
"Everything about you is big." She joked and Alek could not help but pinch her a little in retaliation for the dig. Natalie giggled in response, wiggling against him, before leaning down on him again. "So what are you thinking about?"
"Spring tolerances", he lied. He did not dare to actually inform her of his thoughts. He had gone into this willing to try and make it work, but at this point he had fully realised there would be a disconnect to how she could feel about him and how he could feel about her. He liked Natalie, he cared about her. He appreciated her closeness and the conversations he could have with her, but could it be more? He did not know.
Then there was also the fact that she may become a target. Handler knew of her and if this relationship became official, she might just become the target of his ordinary political rivals. Ma was powerful enough that he did not need to worry, but Natalie was not, she would require his protection, even if she may not think she would need it. He could of course try to tell her some of the truth, but he could not predict how she would react perfectly.
"You are such a big dork you know that"; she hummed against his chest. "I think I now need to introduce you to my mother?"
What should he do?
[]Keep things as they were
Some knowledge is dangerous had his mother told him often and maybe it was true. They had a good-ish thing going, she did not need to be involved.
[]Break it off
Associating with her was no longer worth it for whatever reason. He would break off the relationship for his and her good.
[]Tell her some of the truth
She deserved a little of the truth, enough so she would know what was in store for her.
[](Write-In) (In case one of you has a novel idea, needs to convince me)
How does the military intervention come to haunt Alekandros? Vote for one.
[]Favours comes to haunt the trader
Convincing the Council to intervene in Yunion militarily required some behind the scenes dealings. Some of the people he traded favours with have come to collect upon them.
[]A war more brutal than thought
The military intervention was supposed to take a few months at best, but for one reason or another it turned into an attritional slog that cost countless lives on both sides.
[]Geopolitical turn
The intervention spooked several of the Coalition smaller allies into seeking protection under the Empress protective umbrella.
[]Disruption despite all efforts
Destruction of the Yunion promethium extraction infrastructure during the intervention crashes the global Tenus promethium market.
What did Alek focus on during the next three years? (Vote for two)
[]The Lines are Drawn
The first phase of the unfought war ends as all of Tenus is divided into being in the camp of one of two sides, The Sangrell Coalition and the Empire of Solimin. Alek used his diplomatic talents to make sure the lines were drawn favourably for the Coalition.
[]Arms Control Agreement
The last years have seen an exponential increase in the size of Coalition and Empireal nuclear arsenals far beyond what either power should need. Reduction in size not only saves resources and cost, but also serves as an important step towards deescalation.
[]Cooperative Space Program
Everyone on Tenus knew that humans came to this world from the heavens and returning there had been a dream of many wanting to one day reunite with their lost brothers and sisters between the stars. Instead of starting competitive programs, Solimin and Sargell could set aside their differences and bundle their resources.
[]International] Nuclear Non-Proliferation Agreement
Atomic weapons are dangerous weapons that could set a dangerous precedent if ever used. Limiting the number of third-party actors with access to them reduces the chance one gets deployed.
[]Coalition Expansion
By now the Coalition has many allies all over the world, many of which would be tremendous assets by becoming members directly, but the process of which is held back by internal disagreements only someone with supernatural powers could overcome.
[]Atomic Energy Bill
Nuclear power offers tremendous potential for civilian use, but the secrets to which are held by a small number of the most powerful member states, who are unwilling to give them up. The AEB would offer technical and monetary support to every member wanting to build reactors for civilian use themselves.
[]Reduction in Defence Expenditure
Ever since the great war all Coalition members have spent an unthinkable amount of their resources on procurement, maintenance and development of weapons, defence and security, causing many other issues in need of funding to be neglected.
[]Handler Identity
So far Alek did not feel the need to figure out the identity of his mysterious benefactor, but it was probably time to do so, carefully and covertly as not to cause any rash reactions.
[]Master of the Guilds
Alexandros spent some time perfecting all the skills the Free Guilds of Sangrell could teach him.
[]A Runic Start
Discovering the knowledge behind runic symbols and words is a time consuming and work intensive progress, to make some headway with it Alek needs to dedicate some time towards it.
[]Corruption No More
Apparently, the Coalition has certain corruption issues. While Alek has little experience in administrative matters, his status should allow for the removal of some red tape.
[]Councilman at Last
Alekandros Bourgh is a well known figure in Council circles, but those who know his true nature also fear him and fear him in any position of power. Regardless, he will try to become an official on the Coalition Council.
[]Once more into the fire
Alekandros still has the rank of a Platoon commander and he knows how to make use of it. He spent some of his time commanding units in the Intervention to bring it to a fast conclusion.
[](Write-in) (In case one of you has a novel idea, needs to convince me)
Thanks for participating. I reserve myself the right to disregard, interpret, change and add to WH40k and 30k lore as I see fit to support the narrative. Comments and feedback sustain my soul. Vote goes for two days so I can sign off on everyones write-ins.
Last edited:
Tabascoheath
Unkempt, Evil-eyed Charlatan, and Pseudo-Mystic
- Location
- Your Nearest Orbital Habitat
[X]Keep things as they were
[X]A war more brutal than thought
[X]The Lines are Drawn
[X]A Runic Start
[X]A war more brutal than thought
[X]The Lines are Drawn
[X]A Runic Start
