The Wayward Son

M42

Segmentum Tempestus. Emperor Class Battleship Avenger of Terra, Shrine World Ophelia VII

A stalwart Inquisitor walked across the bridge of the Emperor Class Battleship Avenger of Terra. Officers saluted as she passed and made her way to the command deck. Following behind her were four grey knights, each standing around in a box like formation.

While they were typically not seen by military personnel, the Inquisition had little concern in hiding their existence from the current fleet. Behind this escort of grey knights, was also a group of black clad Deathwatch Astartes each bearing the symbol of the Inquisition and of their own chapters. Many officers on the bridge gawked in amazement at the sight of Grey Knights and of the Deathwatch space marines. Seeing a normal space marine was a rare and exciting thing for regular military personnel...but to see Inquisition Astartes was something else entirely.

The Admiral on the command deck turned around to greet the Inquisitor promptly, "Ah, Inquisitor Atia Castilla, I am pleased to see you made it here safely my lady. It is a great honour to aid the Inquisition. "

"Indeed it is...for you have been called upon to fulfill the Emperor's will and join with my Ordo Malleus Fleet. Do you know why I'm here, Admiral Hightower and why we're meeting at this planet?" Atia asked sternly.

The admiral frowned, "Unfortunately, I do not."

To the admiral's side, a very prestigious looking fleet commissar was eyeing the arrivals up and down somewhat uncertainly. It was clear he did not like the Inquisition based on his intense glaring. Although given the fact that he was a commissar, that might have been his happy face for all they knew.

The Commissar shook his head disapprovingly, "I know why you're here, Inquisitor. You are here for the same reason all Inquisitors come to Admiral Hightower...for missions with high exposure to heretical and daemonic forces. Am I correct, ma'am?"

"Indeed you are Lord Commissar. Allow me to brief you on our mission and give you the information you need to help us see it through. Keep in mind, everything is on a need to know basis for the majority of your fleet as I am sure you are no doubt aware. I do not want a reason to have to execute your men and women for negligient gossipping. Ensure they keep their mouths shut about this both before and after or there will be interrogations and executions," Atia said strongly.

"You have my word, Inquisitor. I swear by the golden throne and the Emperor himself that the nature of this mission will remain a secret," Admiral Hightower replied without hesitation.

The Inquisitor smiled, "Good...I understand your fleet has dealt with Chaos before, yes? You encountered a warband of Emperor's Children Chaos Space Marines nearly eight years ago. It was all brushed under the rug and you had to undergo a mind wipe purification purge for a number of your men correct?"

The admiral's eyes widened as a frown plastered over his face, "Yes..."

The Commissar on the other hand gave her a hard stare, "You already know that we did...get to the point, Inquisitor."

"We tracked down that warband. They're invading Imperial territory and spreading heresy among Imperial worlds. If I had to guess what it was, I would call it recruiting. From what I have gathered, they already took full control of the shrine world Hestia Secundus and the entire surrounding Sub-Sector. It has been condemned to Death by Exterminatus," the Inquisitor said callously.

One of the admiral's bridge officers gasped aloud and interrupted their conversation, "Hestia Secundus? Hestia Primaris is my home planet...has the entire system been declared for exterminatus?!"

"As you were, Commander!" The commissar spoke authoritatively.

The Commander fearfully looked at Atia, "Madame Inquisitor...why? A liberation fleet can't save it?"

The Commissar gave a death glare to the officer for interrupting again, but said nothing as the Inquisitor turned towards the worried officer.

"Heresy is impossible to uproot once it is engrained into a planet's hierarchy. Daemonic heresy even more so. This Chaos Warband is spreading the worship of Daemons all throughout the system...specifically the Cult of Slaanesh is what we're dealing with. It has infected the nobility as well as the commoners. Your world is doomed, Commander...as is the entire sub-sector Hestia," the Inquisitor explained solemnly with a bit of anger.

"Did you say the Cult of Slaanesh?" The admiral gulped just hearing something so heretical.

"Yes...they're unknown by the Imperium at large, and for good reason...but Slaaneshi cultists are among the most vile, sadistic, and evil enemies we have faced. Unlike aliens or other Chaos Warbands, they won't just kill you. They prefer to twist and corrupt the minds of others and to torture people into submission. It's all quite sick. They are almost as bad as Dark Eldar," Atia sighed.

"Chaos heretics ARE the most vile enemies of the Imperium. They prey on the weaknesses of man and turn faithful servants of the emperor into a mockery of humanity. I have seen too many guardsmen and civilians tempted into these cults because they cannot endure the rigorous test of faith that the Emperor has given us. These corruptors and traitors should all be put down with fiery zeal," the commissar added with anger.

The Inquisitor looked at the commissar and the admiral for a brief moment before sighing, "It is unfortunate that the infection of heresy plagues even those we hold dear. It is for this reason that our mission to stop the chaos warband is that much more important. Your current fleet is faithful and tested...they will do well for my mission in eradicating them."

"As you say, madame Inquisitor," the Admiral bowed slightly.

The commissar seemed to lack the admiral's same level of respect, "Unusual for the Inquisition to seek help outside of its own ranks. What aren't you telling us, ma'am? Is the enemy a threat to even an Exterminatus fleet?"

"There are other reasons that we are bringing a larger fleet, Commissar..." Atia trailed off.

"So we are to purge the Hestia Sub-Sector with your fleet then I take it?" the Admiral asked.

Atia shook her head, "That is not our mission, admiral. The entire sub-sector Hestia already has an exterminatus fleet in route led by my fellow Inquisitor. The heretics intend to scour the Justicar Sub-Sector last we heard. It is likely their intention to take advantage of the wealthy worlds there and plant a seed of corruption among the nobility. Their movement patterns suggest that they are expanding forward bases closer to Holy Terra. The reports we managed to gather from Hestia Secundus indicate that the Sub-Sector fleet was wiped out. It's fair to assume that the enemy has a considerable armada if that is the case. We are moving to attack the enemy fleet."

"Is it a Black Crusade, Inquisitor?" the commissar asked seriously.

"It is my belief and that of many other Inquisitors that it is indeed a Black Crusade. However, I do not believe Abaddon the Despoiler is personally involved in managing this warband. It is likely an upstart chaos champion of the Emperor's Children acting on behalf of the Black Legion in order to separate our forces and possibly recruit. We cannot allow this warband of Emperor's Children to infect any more worlds than they already have. We will intercept their fleet and destroy them all. I have brought my own ships from Titan to join with your fleet to see it done. I expect multiple despoiler class battleships to be among the enemy's fleet as well as any number of cruisers and escort ships," Atia explained.

"My fleet can do this, Madame Inquisitor...but expect heavy losses. We're not equipped to deal with Chaos Space Marines or daemons boarding our ships. Is there no chance for you to get nearby Space Marine chapters to send aid as well? I'm sure some could spare a few battle barges?" the admiral asked hopefully.

"We asked the Space Wolves to send a fleet as they are one of the closest to the Armageddon Sector. I'm sure you can imagine how well that went seeing as how they do not respect the Inquisition. They're more likely to assist an Imperial Guard regiment in distress than answer to us," Atia sighed.

"I'm surprised you let them get away with that," the Admiral said shaking his head. The Commissar didn't seem to share the admiral's disapproval in the Space Wolves blowing off the Inquisition. His face was neutral and apathetic in comparison to the distressed and annoyed ones on the admiral and the Inquisitor had. It was only then that the Space Marines present could tell that the Commissar disliked the Inquisition.

"The Inquisition shows the Space Wolves autonomy for the simple fact that they are fiercely loyal to the Imperium. Not only that, but their chapter is far too large to effectively make an example of. They do enough for us by sending their champions to Deathwatch...so they are left to their own devices more or less," Atia elaborated with a voice full of disapproval.

"It's not like you could even punish them anyway. Fenrisians have no concept of high law. Not only that, but the Wolf Fleet is massive and Fenris is one of the most defensible planets in the Imperium. You simply give them autonomy because you can't do anything to them. I heard even your Grey Knights can't deal with them," The fleet commissar called her out. The Inquisitor's face soured upon hearing his words.

The Deathwatch members all looked at their Space Wolf brother in terminator armor. It was clear to them that he wanted to say something on the matter as well, but thankfully he did not speak.

"Regardless of the Space Wolves situation, there are other chapters I have contacted. Intelligence reported a Dark Angels fleet in the Armageddon Sector. Our last communication attempts with them revealed that they were preoccupied with Eldar and other chaos forces, but would send us help if possible. I would not count on them arriving before we do if at all unfortunately. However, it is reassuring that they are at least close if we need reinforcements. I also sent word to warn most of the chapters in Segmentum Solar. I got responses from the Star Dragons, the Storm Wings, White Templars, and the Imperial Fists. The first two sent ships to meet up with our other Exterminatus fleet. The Imperial Fists and the White Templars sent their marines to aid mine. They have both generously supplied us with several battle barges that are due to arrive before we embark. Rest assured that we will be able to counter Chaos Marines. If all goes well we should arrive before the heretics do any major damage in Sub-sector Justicar." the Inquisitor elaborated in more detail.

"How many of these grey knights are coming with us Inquisitor?" the admiral asked as he looked at the four grey knight terminators surrounding the Inquisitor.

"We could only spare a handful for this mission as the Grey Knights are spread thin as of late. Four specifically will be coming for this mission. These four Grey Knight Terminators are my personal guard and are renowned daemon slayers. This is their ranking leader here. Allow me to introduce Grey Knights' Brother-Captain Arius Sentius and his Terminator Squad." Atia gestured.

There was a brief silence before the man nodded. He looked up at the grey knights and Deathwatch space marines standing around the Inquisitor and spoke a sigh of relief, "At least the Emperor's angels of death will be at our side...may he watch over us all in this dark battle to come."

"I find it odd that you would also employ Deathwatch for this mission. The Ordo Xenos does not typically deal with chaos forces as far as I'm aware. Who are these Deathwatch Marines ma'am? I assume they have some special purpose for this battle?" the Commissar questioned.

"Yes, commissar...This is Kill Team Calamity. They will be assaulting the enemy flagship with my grey knights during the battle. I have also been given command of Adepta Sororitas by the Ecclesiarchy. The sisters from the Order of the Valorous Heart will also be going with them. The Ecclesiarchy wanted failsafes and vigilance over our forces due to the nature of fighting chaos. I'm sure you understand," Atia explained.

"I see...so that is why the high command ordered us to come to await your arrival at this world." the man said understandingly.

"They sent a Cannoness Commander and her Commandery to this ship. They are likely due to arrive any time soon now that my fleet is here," the woman responded.

The admiral stared at the towering superhumans before glancing back at the Inquisitor, "This is quite a strange assortment of forces, but I understand the Inquisition is spread thin as of late. I imagine this mission is of the utmost priority if the Inquisition and the Ecclesiarchy are both involved."

"Indeed it is, Admiral Hightower. I'm sending as many Tempestus Scions, Adepta Sororitas, and Adeptus Astartes as we can afford in this mission. My stormtroopers and the Imperial Fist Astartes will make up the bulk of our assault force, but the Sisters of Battle and all of my Astartes here are highly experienced in killing daemons and traitor space marines. They will ensure our success against these Emperor's Children Space Marines," the Inquisitor explained.

"Do you know who the leader is? It seems unusual to devote so many forces to killing him on his ship," the admiral wondered.

"We do not, but he undoubtedly commands a lot of power and authority if he was able to assemble such a large warband under his command. As you may or may not be aware, the Emperor's Children is one of the most divided traitor legions. Seeing them gather in great numbers like this is troubling...especially when a Black Crusade is going on," Atia replied sternly.

Admiral Hightower placed a hand on his chin, "I see, this is definitely a point of concern. The last warband we fought had a Despoiler battleship commanding it as well as multiple cruisers. Do we have any actual indication on how large this fleet will be?"

The Inquisitor shook her head, "Not entirely, but if they are able to move through the Armageddon Sector unopposed, it would undoubtedly include a much larger force than the one you've faced previously. The Chaos Fleet will more than likely try to flee or regroup when we start to win the battle. Therefore I want to make sure that their leader is slain before this can occur. With the head cut off early, this warband will descend into anarchy and more than likely retreat back to the Eye of Terror in pieces. If we sow discord among their leadership then they will have a much harder time recovering and we can wipe out the rest of their fleet as they flee."

"Valid strategy and point. It will definitely save many of my ships and the lives of the men and women aboard them. Very well...I shall have my fleet prepared as soon as possible to intercept this chaos fleet. I will mobilize our departure for the warp once the Imperial Fists and White Templars arrive to join us," the man bowed his head as he turned to issue orders to his officers.

The Inquisitor turned to face the Grey Knights and the Deathwatch Kill Team, "Kill Team Calamity...you know your mission. Report to your designated quarters in the unused hanger five. Grey Knights...you stay with me. Inquisitorial Accomodations will be made for you all shortly. Remain on the flagship unless I say otherwise."

"Understood," they all said in unison with booming voices.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Avenger of Terra, Kill Team Calamity XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Kill Team Calamity was quite the unusual assortment of Astartes to say the least. They were all specialists in multiple different fields, but the one thing they all shared in common was their infamy and experience in killing other Space Marines.

It was for that reason alone that they were taken from their traditional alien slaying missions in the Ordo Xenos.

Their seven man team had unique members from seven different chapters. Among them included a Blood Raven Librarian, a Blood Angel Veteran Sergeant, a Salamander Techmarine, a Minotaur Terminator, a Space Wolf Terminator, a Black Templar, and most unusual of all a Blackshield veteran.

After leaving the bridge, the seven Deathwatch marines made their way to the assigned special quarters Atia had given them. The unused hanger 5 looked like it had seen better days judging by the lack of maintenance and cleanliness one would expect. The space marines all had varying opinions of their accomodations upon making a quick tour of it.

The official leader of the group was the Blood Angel Watch Sergeant. He sighed heavily as he looked over the others, "It's not the best, but this will do for now. Besides, none of us should be getting too comfortable while we're here."

"Still...you would think the Inquisition would be good at accomodating space marines properly by this point. Those Grey Knights get their own little special quarters with the Inquisitor...it's probably better than what we have. Why would she stick us in some unused hanger? We could be traveling for weeks in the warp," The Blood Raven Librarian complained. he was the team's second in command.

The Blood Angel sighed, "Well the Ordo Malleus doesn't usually accomodate Deathwatch. We will just have to make due."

"Damn Inquisition only takes care of the Grey Knights. Forget the rest of us right? I mean there's literally nothing here to resupply us. No nutrient paste dispensers, no armour rig platforms, or anything else of the sort. Why are we being forced to stay on the flagship?" the librarian said disapprovingly.

"I didn't even bring extra nutrient paste to consume...I thought we'd be going with the Imperial Fists. Do you suppose Inquisitor Atia is just waiting to stick us on another ship once they arrive?" the Blood Angel Sergeant asked.

The Blood Raven Librarian shrugged, "I couldn't say. We were ordered to deploy on short notice and we were taken here by that cruiser. Atia said accomodations would be made. Maybe the servitors are transferring our supplies from there to here? At any rate, I'm hungry, and I don't want to consume the rest of our nutrient paste before we figure out what's going on."

"All you do is complain, Brother Seiras. For a librarian you sure are impatient. Aren't you all supposed to be wise or something?" the Black Templar of the group said in annoyance. Like most Black Templars, he had a strong dislike for psykers. He was not fond of the group's librarian.

"Who are you calling impatient, Gregorius? I'm not the one that nearly died on our last mission for outrunning the rest of us and trying to be a one man army. We're a team you know," Seiras replied to the Black Templar assault marine.

The Templar shrugged, "Fair enough...but strong assaults are my specialty. It's why I was assigned to Deathwatch. I'm not used to your defensive melee tactics yet...or having to take orders from a psyker."

"This again? I thought I told you to rein in that attitude, Gregorius," the Blood Angel Sergeant interrupted.

Gregorius the Black Templar grunted in displeasure, "Anyways...regardless of that, I don't care what we eat or where we sleep. It won't be long before we're killing Chaos traitors."

"I am glad that the Imperial Fists and White Templars are helping us in this assault...with only us seven and the handful of grey knights, it would be difficult to take down a chaos warband," the Salamander techmarine noted.

"Well we have Stormtroopers and Sisters of Battle coming with us too," the Blood Angel sergeant reminded him.

The Salamander techmarine nodded his head, "It's good to see that the Inquisitors are devoting a lot of forces to this mission. We can never be too prepared...especially if it's a Black Crusade."

"Who is even supposed to be in charge for the assault on the enemy flagship? Some Imperial Guard Officer? A commissar? Us? A space marine captain? One of the sisters? Any ideas Sergeant Kallius? I've never seen this many different forces work together. Have you?" Seiras questioned.

The Blood Angel Sergeant looked at the librarian and shrugged, "I was not sure about that myself. We have different rank structures and authority doctrines. I don't know of any joint command leader for this mission besides the Inquisitor herself. It likely won't matter as we all have our own missions to do. If nothing else I would assume that the Grey Knight Captain would be in charge."

"It would be a lot easier if the Inquisitor would just lead the assault herself..." Seiras sighed, "but I'm guessing she's just going to oversee the fleet battle with the Admiral."

"That's a waste if you ask me...she should be coming with us. Inquisitor Atia is an extremely powerful psyker from what I've heard," the Salamander techmarine interjected.

"She's better off managing the fleet. We shouldn't need her help with those grey knights coming with us. Between them and the Sororitas, we will have more than enough power to take down whoever is running this Chaos warband," Kallius replied.

"On the bridge earlier was the first I've heard about the Adepta Sororitas going with us. Don't you find it strange that they have the same mission as we do and that we only find out about it last minute?" the Librarian asked.

"Well they were sent by the Ecclesiarchy. It's more than likely a failsafe protocol as Atia said. You know how the Imperium likes to run things with its checks and balances. I also wouldn't doubt it if their presence is meant to keep the chance of heresy and mutiny low during the mission. It serves to represent the Ordo Hereticus' close watch on the fleet as well. When it comes to fighting chaos, they like to have a bit of oversight. Considering even Inquisitors aren't immune to chaos corruption I can understand why," Sergeant Kallius elaborated.

"The Sisters are very loyal and highly trusted by the Inquisition...more than even most Space Marine Chapters. Considering our mission's importance, it is likely that we will be watched closely for any signs of corruption both during and after the battle. I've worked with Sororitas before and it's almost always like that. If I had to guess, we'll probably be under the command of that Canoness Commander. If not, then the Grey Knight Captain will be in charge," the Black Templar Gregorius explained as he looked at the Blood Angel.

Sergeant Kallius nodded, "That makes the most sense...although Inquisitor Atia is known for keeping a tight leash on space marines. We'll likely be under someone else's command just for the simple fact that we're out of our element here."

The Blood Raven sighed, "This mission is too suspicious if you ask me. The Ordo Malleus, the Ordo Xenos, and the Ordo Hereticus are all involved. How often does that happen? I have no doubts that we're in for some serious opposition. That's the only explanation for this unusual congregation of forces."

"Well it is in the Armageddon Sector," the Salamander noted.

"Regardless of our own forces, I am concerned about the warband we will be facing. Their recent organized subterfuge is not what the Emperor's Children would typically do. They are one of the most fractured Chaos Legions. The Inquisitor is most likely correct in believing that there is an upstart champion from the Emperor's Children uniting warbands and recruiting numbers. This kind of thing would make more sense if it was the Alpha Legion or Black Legion we were dealing with. It suggests that whoever is leading this warband of Emperor's Children is definitely a competant champion and is in league with Abaddon," the Blood Angel Sergeant changed the subject.

"All the more glory for us to kill him then!" the space wolf terminator added causing the others to nod.

Seiras looked at the Space Wolf curiously, "So...what do you think about the wolves and the Inquisition, Viggo? I'm amazed you didn't say anything back on the bridge. Don't Space Wolves hate the Ordo Malleus?"

"I'm a wolf, but I'm not stupid, Seiras. Even I know when to keep my mouth shut. Hah...but rest assured that the wolves will show up if things get serious. We're proud, but not petty," Viggo said proudly.

"If the Dark Angels' fleet shows up, then we won't even need the wolves. Honestly I doubt we need this much help as it is. It's at least good to know they're around," the Salamander techmarine interjected.

"Oi, we don't need the bloody Dark Angels here, Nemias! They better not come near any wolf fleet if they know what's good for them," Viggo said strongly.

Seiras shook his head, "Whatever is in the enemy fleet should not be taken lightly. Any help we get is invaluable."

"On another note, Atia better be sending our servitors to make this place accomodating. It could be days before we get reassigned. Didn't the Inquisitor think to have a proper set up since we're being forced to remain on this flagship? Where are we supposed to take off our armour or sleep in here?" Kallius asked as he looked around confused.

"I guess we'll have to go get some new servitors if nothing is done about it. At the very least I want to inquire about whether or not the ones from the cruiser are coming here." Seiras replied.

"I imagine they are coming. If not, it's an easy fix," Viggo added.

"I'm sure they will come by and address it. I can send word for them to give us a better set up if we don't get any word about it soon. No need to stress over it Seiras," the Salamander, Nemias, suggested.

Seiras grunted in displeasure, "Those Imperial Fists can't get here soon enough if you ask me. I want to go with them. If Inquisitor Atia is forcing us to stay on this ship with these kinds of accomodations then we should at least go get an actual meal while we're waiting on servitors."

"And where are we going to find that?" Gregorius, the Black Templar asked impatiently.

"We could just eat in the mess hall with the regular crew if you're really in favor of an actual meal, brothers," the salamander techmarine, Nemias, suggested.

"When was the last time you ate, Seiras?" Kallius asked curiously.

The Blood Raven shrugged, "My nutrient resevoir ran out a few days ago. I didn't get around to filling it since I thought we could do it here. I mean I could go another week or so if I really had to, but why bother when we're not on a mission yet. Besides we could be in the warp for weeks. We need to eat something."

"So you're in favor of the mess hall then?" the Salamander asked.

The Blood Raven shook his head at the Salamander, "Preferably not the mess hall. I don't want to deal with that, Nemias. You remember what happened the last time we decided to interract with normal people right?"

"You can't really blame them for that, I mean we were probably the only Space Marines that some of them are ever going to see. You should be more empathetic to regular people, Seiras. It means a lot to guardsmen when they get to interract with us and fight by our side. I imagine it's the same feeling we would get fighting beside a primarch...to know that someone more powerful than you is there in case you need help," the Salamander Nemias said to the librarian Blood Raven.

Seiras gave the Salamander techmarine a careless shrug, "Your chapter tries too hard to be heroes of the people, Nemias...we're not like them. Our job is to kill the enemies of man, not protect the lowest common denominator. We're the Angels of Death, not mercy. I am not going to go in there and play hero to a bunch of people that don't matter."

"But they do matter...those people are the Imperium. How many space marines are in the Imperium of Man? A few million? There are hundreds of billions of guardsmen and quadrillions of regular people...maybe more. Their lives matter just as much as ours. Just because we're greater warriors than them does not mean that they are any less significant as people," Nemias lectured.

"Pfft...bleeding heart Salamanders," Gregorius said shaking his head.

"I'm not saying your logic is wrong, Nemias, but it is irrelevant to the matter at hand. I don't feel like entertaining regular people that have no significance to us or our mission right now. We can't ever walk into a crowded area without them all making a huge production out of it." Seiras sighed.

"For once I agree with our wise librarian..." Gregorius made sure to over emphasize the word which left no doubt that he thought the opposite.

"I agree with Seiras as well. It rings even truer for us in Deathwatch. Unless they have something relevant to say to us or do for us, there is no point in talking to them," the Minotaur Terminator spoke for the first time as he nodded in approval.

"Decimus, you always agree with Seiras even when he's wrong, so that's hardly relevant input," Nemias said shaking his head at the Minotaur.

"Your idealistic fantasy of playing hero to the common folk of the Imperium is what I would call hardly relevant...we're warriors through and through. Our purpose is only to destroy the enemies of the Emperor. Anything else is a delusion. Do not question us for not sharing your chapter's fragile beliefs," Decimus said strongly.

"I'm glad at least you understand my position here, Brother Decimus," Seiras said to the Minotaur Terminator by his side. Decimus gave him an acknowledging nod.

"No wonder you two hate-filled, cynical bastards get along so well. I thought your chapter got along well with normal people, Seiras. Most normal people I've seen you talk to seem to like you. What's wrong with that?" Nemias questioned. His voice rang with a metallic echo that was common among techmarines.

The Blood Raven shrugged, "We help them, but we're not the paragons that your chapter pretends to be."

"You should all be more understanding of each other's beliefs. Nemias is right in the big picture. As space marines, we represent a great many things to the people of the Imperium. I do not think the Emperor intended for us to look down on regular citizens. Our primary purpose is to be humanity's greatest warriors, but we also stand for more than that. We stand for hope, faith, and justice. We are living embodiments of the Emperor's will...and constant reminders to the Imperium that the Emperor protects," the Blackshield marine spoke for the first time.

"Aye, for the Allfather," Viggo, the Space Wolf terminator, nodded.

"So long as Xenos and traitors die, then we're doing our job. Nothing else matters...period. Leave saving to the Imperial Guard," Gregorius said callouslly.

"That's such a Black Templar thing to say," Nemias shook his head with disappointment.

"I've heard enough arguing about this for one day...let it be done," Kallius interrupted with a stern voice.

"Regardless...I am not opposed to eating in the mess hall. That is assuming Brother Seiras and Brother Gregorius can both unlodge the bolters up their asses," the Blackshield replied.

"I'm amazed that you of all people would be in favor of interracting with normal humans again, Nogemo...they stare at you almost as much as me," Seiras said as he looked over at the Blackshield disbelievingly.

The Blackshield marine shrugged, "It does not bother me all that much. They are just curious for the most part."

"So you're all in favor of eating in the Mess Hall then? Fine..." Seiras said callously.

The Space Wolf of the group chuckled joyously, "Even if we can go another week without food, why should we? It's in the mess hall, so let's go get some while we can! Besides, it was your idea, Seiras."

"Not like we can really do much else until our quarters are set up..." Seiras sighed shaking his head, "but I guess it can't be helped. Enough arguing for now, let's go eat."

The Librarian unhooked his helmet from his armour and his psychic hood. He took his helmet off first and chained it to the waist of his armour. The others all followed suit and did the same before they departed from the hanger.