The Wayward Son

The return to Upper Commorragh was surprisingly uneventful. Nobody really spoke much, but there was a thick tension in all of the Drukhari warriors as they returned to the Palace spire of the Kabal. Keldorian and Karyphea had both brought their entire gangs with them more or less and were dropped off in the Foundry along with the others.

Seiras had noticed the scourges almost starting a conflict over the arrival, but matters were eventually settled by Nelfaera and the other wyches. He paid these events little mind as he was returned to Melisara's lab by Mairan and Tullarias.

Both hadn't spoken a single word the entire ride back or the walk thereafter. Seiras honestly didn't mind though as he had grown annoyed by the overly conversational wyches. As the trio passed over the bridge and returned to Melisara's lab, Mairan and Tullarias escorted him all the way inside. Neither one of them bothered announcing their arrival to Melisara as the small group came to a halt in the middle of the massive and empty lab. Nearly a minute of awkward silence passed as Seiras glanced between the two incubi. Part of him wondered if they were now doubting his 'loyalty' after the encounter with the Ultramarines and White Scars.

His suspicions were confirmed a moment later as Tullarias finally spoke, "Your movements seem faster than I remember, Seiras."

"What do you mean?" the librarian cocked his head at the incubus.

Much to his shock, Tullarias then removed his helmet. Mairan quickly did the same. Seiras followed suit shortly after when it became clear that this was some type of warrior thing to the Incubi.

Tullarias looked nothing like he imagined. He had long blonde-white hair and dark orange eyes. They almost reminded him of fire in a way. Blonde hair didn't seem very common for Dark Eldar, and Seiras found it strange to look at. The incubus only had a few scars compared to Mairan, but the librarian assumed he was probably good looking by alien standards. Unlike most eldar males, Tullarias seemed to have a more squarish jaw. His ears were also longer than average for an Eldar's. Like Mairan, he also had the rune of Khaine on his forehead.

Tullarias' eyes were serious as he stared down the librarian, "We pay the most attention to your actions here, space marine. I have watched you battle in and out of power armour against a multitude of foes. I have seen the amplification that adrenal combat stimulants added to your reflexes…and yet you move faster now than before and in your armour as well. Mairan and I have spoken at great length about how you seemed to be faster than you were initially during the purge of the Khestri Family. Your movements actually quickened the further we progressed."

"What can I say…space marines are adaptable," Seiras shrugged.

"At first we thought you had been purposely holding back this entire time…to make us underestimate you like you did to the succubus Mokaela in your duel. Yet you had no way of knowing that Melisara would resurrect you. We know you're a fast learner, but we've seen fundamental increases in the slightest of movements. Your melee skirmish with that other space marine was quite a revealing sight," Mairan added.

"I see…" Seiras said simply as he looked between the two of them.

"We are not politicians, and we do not believe in petty deceit or scheming. That is why I am going to ask you face to face…warrior to warrior. Where did your sudden improvement come from?" Tullarias followed up with a dangerous stare.

"I have no idea what you're talking about," the librarian replied. In truth he actually didn't know what was going on. The only thing that came to mind was the unusually fast reaction time he seemed to have when fighting against the White Scar.

"His expression and tone convey an obliviousness to what we're asking. It's likely he noticed only recently and doesn't know what caused it. We should ask the haemonculus what she did to him. It was either her or one of those harlequins," Tullarias spoke to Mairan with obvious doubt in his voice.

Mairan narrowed her gaze at Seiras before glancing at Tullarias, "It's possible he's lying, but this doesn't make any sense. If Melisara did do something to him, then we would have noticed immediate changes during the purge. His change was progressive. He also moved faster than he did on combat drugs when he fought that other space marine. Though, I didn't really get a chance to watch them duel for long."

The sound of a vault door opening was one of relief to the librarian as Melisara quickly arrived to greet her lab's arrivals.

She quickly realized there was some tension there as she noticed the unhelmeted incubi staring her down. The haemonculus quit levitating as she landed in front of them and looked down at the two warriors. Her voice was one of maliciousness, "Is there something wrong, incubi?"

"You did something to him…didn't you?" Tullarias accused her.

Melisara smirked at his angered face as she responded, "I resurrected him from death."

"You must think we're blind and stupid. He's clearly faster than before…" Mairan added.

"Of course he is…I improved his power armour," Melisara laughed at them.

The two incubi traded confused looks with one another before Tullarias spoke, "How exactly? And why?"

"Seiras is valuable…and I don't think I have the current resources to resurrect him if he dies again. It would take a farseer's soul at the very least…or the souls of the remaining exarchs here. I improved his weapons and armour. Does that satisfy your curiosity? By all means you're welcome to inform Faelan if you wish. I'm certain he would have approved regardless of whether or not I asked," Melisara responded.

"Is that all you did?" Mairan asked dangerously.

Melisara leered at her, "The collar he wears is also plugged into his black carapace. It can power his nervous system with additional synapses as well. In simpler terms, it would increase his reaction time as well. That is why he appears to be faster. Now if you're done interrogating me, begone."

"Remove his wargear and we will be on our way," Tullarias responded darkly.

"You may be on your way now…I will personally escort Seiras back to his slave chamber. I suggest you think very carefully about how you choose to speak to me in the future!" Melisara threatened them darkly.

This seemed to infuriate the incubi as they both gripped their weapons. A moment later, Melisara moved faster than Seiras believed possible as she flung both warriors a dozen meters away. Seiras could barely believe his eyes as he saw that she was now wielding Tullarias' Klaive and Mairan's two Demiklaives in three of her four arms. The two incubi seemed even more shocked by her actions as they traded disbelieving looks with one another.

"You think just because you're warriors of Khaine that you can come in here and intimidate me?! Don't make me laugh. If I wanted to, I could kill everyone and everything in this entire spire and walk away unscathed. The power difference between an ancient like me and children like you is as vast as a star to a planet! I only work for Faelan…I'm not one of his lackeys or servants in case you've forgotten! Perhaps it slipped your minds, but I am friends with Vect, and I lived back when your God walked among the Aeldari!" Melisara hissed.

Mairan and Tullarias both got back up and slowly approached Melisara. Despite their disciplined toughness, they were clearly concerned about how easily she disarmed them.

"We're only doing our jobs, haemonculus…and you are not our master either." Tullarias responded calmly.

"This is the last time I will ever tolerate your disrespect. I guarantee that my priceless services are worth a lot more to Faelan than the lives of his bodyguards! Take your weapons and get out of my sight!" Melisara shouted at them with an audibly evil and echoic voice as she threw the klaives onto the ground.

The incubi both obeyed her command as they retrieved their weapons and left without another word. Seiras himself was still frozen in sheer disbelief at the sight he had just witnessed.

After calming herself for a moment, Melisara turned towards him and lightened up into a friendly mood, "Sorry about that, Seiras. Those overzealous fools were out of line. I told them to leave and that I would personally escort you back into your slave chamber."

"You're a lot faster than I expected you to be," Seiras remarked with disbelief as Melisara levitated over towards him.

"Of course I am, I have an Immortis Gland. They did bring up an interesting topic though," Melisara responded as she looked him over, "they accused me of altering you. If it's that obvious to them, then I am overjoyed to know that my work was a success. Tell me, Seiras…what kinds of side effects have you been experiencing lately?"

"Side effects? I don't know exactly, but I felt like my reaction time was much faster than I remember when I battled against another space marine earlier. We encountered a few and I had to fight them to maintain my status of loyalty to the Kabal. The incubi believe that I'm faster now," Seiras explained.

"Hmm…other space marines? Interesting development…did you kill them?" she wondered.

Seiras shook his head, "I didn't have to because they fled. Regardless of that, I want answers. What did you do to me, Melisara?" Seiras asked.

"I gave you an Immortis Gland. Same as I have. To be honest I expected it to make you grow a bit larger, but I am pleased to see the other expected outcomes are working. I believe the delay in its effects were likely due to the gland having to replace your body's cells and distribute the new hormones into your organs, nervous system, and muscles," she replied nonchalantly.

"You…what?! How?!" the librarian's eyes were wide with shock.

"I had cloned a few during my earlier experiments. I just surgically implanted one of them into you. As you know, the Immortis Gland is a primarch organ. It will significantly improve your fighting capabilities, your regeneration, and much more. I do look forward to seeing how much it improves your other capabilities," Melisara said proudly.

"So what does that make me? Am I like a demi-primarch now then?" He said disbelievingly.

"Oh of course not…a primarch or a skilled enough space marine could still easily kill you. However, you're going to be tiers above other space marines now. Since you're a psyker, that makes you even more deadly. It might even improve your psychic potential. You're what I am going to call an Immortis Marine now…hahahaha! I'd wager you're almost Custodes level physically if you'd like a comparison. I've always speculated that Custodes have full Immortis glands as well," Melisara cackled with delight.

"Immortis Marine?" Seiras repeated the term as if it was ridiculous.

"One of a kind…a true work of genetic art. Your Emperor actually could have created space marines this way, but I imagine didn't want to empower you all to the level of his Custodes. I have though…in order to ensure your survival in the future. Don't hold back your appreciation…I perfected you, Seiras. This is true apotheosis! This is why I am a scientist!" Melisara ranted proudly.

Seiras could barely believe this development as he shook his head, "This is…here-"

"Don't even say, heresy Seiras. I thought you'd like the enhancement," Melisara interrupted him.

The librarian looked down shamefully, "I've spent my entire life training as a warrior. Adapting to the gene-seed and battling in countless crusades. Despite my failures, I earned my own strength and pride. This…this is a level of strength and power that I could never achieve on my own. I feel ashamed…and unworthy."

"Don't be blind to that savage warrior code. I thought you were better than that. This is merely an improvement to what you already were. If you want to get into semantics, then tell me what I would be without genetic modification? Or what kind of warrior would you be without your standard gene-seed?" Melisara chastised his shameful reaction.

"I suppose I would have simply been a Shah for my people…" Seiras trailed off.

Melisara ran one of her hands over his hair as she came closer, "Do not let this wound your pride. I chose you because I believe you are special. A space marine willing to do things others won't. One who was capable of seeing the big picture and not blind to the dogma of the modern-day Imperium. I knew the moment that I saw you using xenos weapons that you were different. Your being a librarian made you even more perfectly suited for what I had planned for you. Initially you were my prototype experiment, but after speaking with you multiple times, I came to realize that I would never find another space marine as unique as you. I am happy that I empowered you Seiras because you will be the herald of great things. I will not allow harlequins, craftworlders, my own kin, or even yours to kill you. You will need this new power if you are going to survive. In time you will come to appreciate everything I've done for you, Seiras…and for the Emperor."

"What great things are you talking about? I take it this is something that goes far beyond simply resurrecting the primarch," Seiras asked.

The haemonculus grabbed his arm as she guided him over to the massive vault door, "I was going to wait to show you this…but I believe it is probably better you see it now."

"Show me what?" Seiras asked as the duo entered the massive vault. It closed immediately behind them as they moved over towards the Ferrus Manus clone lying atop an operating table.

Seiras stared in shock when he saw that Melisara had successfully applied Necrodermis to his arms. What was even more shocking was that his neck also had Necrodermis on it.

"You finished it already?" Seiras asked as he examined the primarch's body in disbelief.

"Yes, I even put the rest on his neck so he wouldn't get decapitated again. But that's not what I wanted you to see. This is…" she said slowly as she floated over to the screen where his head was plugged in to.

"There is a memory of Ferrus Manus that I need you to watch. I did not want to burden your mind with it this early, but I believe it is imperative that you watch this now. It will explain why I needed to empower you," Melisara began.

"What is it exactly, Melisara?" the librarian asked as he saw the nearby screen turn on.

The haemonculus didn't respond as she simply watched the screen. Seiras said nothing else as he watched the screen which began showing a memory of Ferrus Manus from the ancient past. He stared with disbelief when he realized it was a memory of the Emperor and the other primarchs.

Ferrus Manus' Memory Footage

The Gorgon walked with haste and purpose as he passed through the halls of Terra's Palace and reached a high chamber apex overlooking the ecumenopolis of Terra below. Ferrus had his Morlock Terminators escorting him as well as a few high-ranking captains.

Looking out over the horizon stood the Emperor himself as well as Malcador, dozens of nearby custodes, and some sisters of silence. Two other primarchs were also present in the room. One was adorned in Terminator armour but was still roughly the same height as the one who wasn't.

Ferrus looked over his brother primarchs immediately recognizing Perturabo and Magnus the Red. The primarchs of the 4th and 15th Legions respectively. They also had their own escorts of high ranking Astartes with them.

Both primarchs appeared to be speaking with one another already. "Magnus, I heard your legion was successful in its recent conquests. You were with the Word Bearers, correct?" Perturabo asked.

"Yes, they have been acting rather unusual lately, but obeyed my commands in the absence of Lorgar. I was rather surprised at how well they got along with my own legion. It was certainly a better matchup than when we crusaded with the Space Wolves. Hopefully Lorgar himself will come around. How did your last conquest go?" Magnus replied.

"Better than I expected. We were sent with the World Eaters during our most recent conquest. Angron was a hot-headed brute, but he did commit his legion just as strongly as ours. I was rather surprised at how tolerable I found those rabid, undisciplined barbarians. They showed great respect to my legion and Angron himself earned ours. They worked well with my Iron Warriors. I would certainly not oppose going on a future crusade with the 12th legion," Perturabo added.

Both primarchs were drawn from their conversation as the Emperor spoke up, "Ferrus has arrived…good. You're all here at last."

Ferrus looked over Magnus and Perturabo with a blank stoicism as he gave them curt nods, "Brothers…father. The 10th legion is here to answer your summons."

"Now that he's here, can you explain what the purpose of calling our legions back to Terra was for, father?" Magnus interjected calmly.

"I have things I wish to discuss with you three…send your honour guards to wait outside. This is for our ears only." The Emperor began.

The primarchs all reluctantly glanced over at their guards as they departed from the room. This only left the primarchs, Malcador, the Emperor, and the Emperor's guards.

"I take it this is a serious issue if you don't want our sons to hear about it. Is this about our legions and our progress…or something worse?" Magnus interjected with an almost knowing expression.

The Emperor didn't answer as he looked between Magnus and Perturabo for a moment, "Your legions have their own problems, but that is not the purpose of this meeting, my sons."

"Since we're already here then I see no reason why we shouldn't discuss it. I will speak freely since none of the space marines are present," Perturabo added.

Magnus glanced at the Iron Warrior primarch and frowned, "Discuss what exactly, Perturabo?"

"The disparity between us all…and our legions. I should be out conquering worlds right now and yet here I am on Terra presumably to be lectured," the Iron Lord grimaced.

The Emperor simply stared at him for a moment before nodding, "That is not why you're here, Perturabo. I will hear your concerns however…voice them and I will listen."

"It is clear that you hold some of us in higher regard than others. Any lack of progress or glory from the 4th legion is a product of our assignments and the inglorious duty we have fulfilled for the Great Crusade. Your lack of acknowledgement only shows your carelessness. So I ask you, father…what have I or the 4th legion done that is not to your liking? The Iron Warriors have laid siege endlessly on all fronts and conquered countless worlds and yet we are afforded no glory or prestige. I understand we're not your favorites, but my legion is disrespected and mocked by everyone. We suffer the most attrition fighting the worst battles that the others are too feeble to commit to, and yet they arrive as reinforcements to seize the glory of conquest and victory away from us. The ultimate insult is that we are then forced to cleanup and occupy these systems while your favored legions selfishly press onwards as they bathe in their own smug satisfaction. I would be willing to accept this if not for the fact that you don't even believe we are the greatest defenders among the legions. If the 7th legion is so great at defending, then why can't they do it instead?" Perturabo ranted with obvious contempt.

"The 7th Legion has its own places to defend. A large portion of them defend Terra itself. Are you saying your legion is not as capable as they are at defending?" The Emperor asked Perturabo.

For some reason this question seemed to infuriate the Lord of Iron as he grimaced in disapproval and looked away.

Magnus eyed his brother with empathy, "You and your legion have sacrificed a great deal, Perturabo. Though none of the others will say it, I respect the resiliency and discipline of your legion. However, If I'm being perfectly honest, I cannot say I approve of the way you disregard their lives. There is a coldness to your Iron Warriors that few other legions understand."

Perturabo shook his head, "Hmph…your respect was never in question, brother. It is the favored legions and their petulant primarchs whom I speak of."

"If you have something you wish to say to me, then do so now. Your legion isn't the only one that has made sacrifices, Perturabo," Ferrus Manus interjected as he sent a sharp glare at the Lord of Iron.

"There is nothing to say…you are not the problem, Ferrus. Unlike Fulgrim, or Lion, or Sanguinius you understand the calculus of warfare and you do not shy away from inglorious duty. I know that in all your crusades with Fulgrim that you were the true master of those conquests…and yet Fulgrim got the glory," Perturabo responded.

"Warfare is inglorious duty…it is selfish to expect praise or recognition for the roles our father has created us to fulfill. We are simply following our purpose. None of us should fall privy to the pride of our accomplishments. We are nothing without each other and without father. Do you disagree with that, Perturabo?" Ferrus asked bluntly.

"I have always respected you Ferrus…but I don't understand you. You are content to accept being a weapon and nothing else, and yet you are held in the same regard as Guilliman, Fulgrim, and Sanguinius...who dabble away with their art and politics. Why is that?" The Iron Lord explained.

Malcador spoke up as he shook his head, "Ferrus is held in that regard because he has earned the respect of his brothers, their sons, and the Mechanicus itself. Unlike you, he actually cares about the space marines under his command. Most of the legions and their primarchs can see that."

"Regardless, something is bothering me about this disparity between us all. I want to know what our futures hold once this Great Crusade is over…because I aspire to be more than a tool to be tossed aside or put down." Perturabo remarked darkly as he looked over the Custodes.

The Emperor and Malcador exchanged blank looks with one another as if they were aware of some deeper meaning behind Perturabo's statement. The obvious flexion of the Custodes made it clear that they were wary of the primarch's message.

"I think what Perturabo is trying to say," Magnus quickly interjected to calm the tension, "is that he desires a stronger purpose than being the workhorse primarch of the Great Crusade. All of us have great gifts. Ferrus and Vulkan are both unrivaled craftsmen, Guilliman is an unrivaled statesman and politician, and Perturabo like Dorn enjoys building and engineering. Is there nothing more prestigious you can offer him that compliments his skillset, father?"

The Iron Warriors primarch quickly added to Magnus' statement, "Most of my brothers look down on me for fulfilling the role you gave to me, father. I have always done everything you've asked of me…I deserve an opportunity to put my abilities to better use. Fulgrim, Sanguinius, Lion, Russ, and Guilliman disrespect the inglorious role that I fulfill for you…as does Dorn! He gets the honour of defending Terra while I get the honour of conquering and defending worlds nobody cares about. Have you anything to say on the matter, Emperor? Is there some greater purpose to my existence other than to be your battering ram?"

"I think you're overreacting, Perturabo. Sanguinius has never once spoken ill of anyone as far as I'm aware, and Dorn actually respect you as well. I won't argue that Fulgrim, Lion, and Russ are a prideful condescending lot though." Magnus interjected.

"Do not let pride blind you, Perturabo. You and your brothers have all been getting too caught up in glory and achievement. The only glory that truly matters is the reunification and dominance of mankind. The petty competitions between you all means nothing to me. The 4th Legion fulfills the role of its purpose…one that none of the others are suited for except perhaps the 10th or the 14th. You are willing to do things the others won't…though it is a thankless task, it is necessary, nonetheless. Your legion's terrible infamy is brought about by your own teachings and philosophies my son. For one who claims to desire more than being a weapon, you certainly haven't shown it. You also have no close kinship with any of your brothers except for Horus and Magnus. I hear many things about the 4th…it is strong, disciplined, and reliable. It is also stubborn to a fault and needlessly wasteful with Astartes and human lives alike. They call your Legion the Corpse Grinders because you will commit to any attrition no matter what. Not even Mortarion goes that far. I believe that is a character flaw that your brothers see within you. You see nothing but numbers and a cold logical bitterness permeates from you and your sons," the Emperor responded calmly.

Perturabo narrowed his gaze, "I suppose seeing my sons as numbers is something we have in common, father…"

"Initially, you were all just numbers to me…but you have all grown in ways I did not expect. Some have turned out better than others and they have used their gifts in the ways I intended. Had you not been separated from me as infants, I could have properly raised you all to be my perfect sons. However, there is a reason I hold some of you in higher regard than others. Your individual achievements and personal glory means less to me than your humanity," the Emperor responded.

Perturabo stared at the Emperor doubtfully, "My humanity?"

"Take Fulgrim for instance. I allow him and his legion to wear my Aquila because Fulgrim has charisma and empathy. He truly cares about his sons and the betterment of mankind. When his legion was on the brink of collapse, he inspired his sons to rise up and prove to the Imperium the worth of the 3rd legion. Sanguinius and Horus are very much the same in this regard. I want you to think about something Perturabo. Of all your brothers, why do you like Magnus and Horus the most?" the Emperor questioned the Lord of Iron.

The Iron Warrior's primarch looked away for a moment, "Horus respects the efforts my legion makes, and he always offers his appreciation and acknowledgement for what we contribute. As for Magnus…he understands me I suppose. We are both the same in that we are scholars. Though our fields of study are different, we complement each other's knowledge."

"Horus and Magnus both possess a great deal of empathy. It is why they are well-liked by most of your brothers. I would encourage you to learn from that and instill this mindset into your sons. You are more than a battering ram for my Great Crusade…I have great plans for all of you once this is all over. Remember that my sons," the Emperor trailed off as he glanced between Perturabo and Magnus.

"Well I doubt we're going to rule over anything if you intend to hand over power to these aristocrats and mortal lords," Magnus couldn't help but comment.

"In time you will understand my vision…at least I hope you can," the Emperor responded.

"So back to the matter at hand…why are the three of us and our legions here on Terra?" Ferrus spoke up a bit impatiently.

"Your legions are compatible with one another and are all required for a mission of great importance. That is why you are here. I need all three of your legions to siege a powerful ancient world called Aeon…it's on the fringes of Segmentum Oscuros. This is a very important mission that I entrust to my three most intellectually gifted sons." The Emperor explained.

"What makes this world so important if it's on the fringes? Why does it require three legions and three primarchs?" Ferrus spoke up with curiosity.

"Aeon was one of the few worlds of the Ancient Terran Federation that wasn't destroyed by the Age of Strife. It is protected by machine armies the likes of which your individual legions would never stand a chance against alone. Yet your three legions are the most suited for dealing with it. The 4th Legion has the capability to siege it, the 10th legion is the most suited for countering and understanding foreign machines, and the 15th Legion has the greatest mastery over psychic power…which is the only thing machines cannot wholly counter. I am authorizing the 15th legion to use Psychic powers to combat the machines of this world, Magnus. That will be one of the few defenses you have against them hacking your armour. Your combined efforts and intellects will be enough to combat this threat. I would entrust it to Horus, but he is busy dealing with other important tasks," the Emperor explained.

Perturabo's eyes widened somewhat surprised, "You assume there is an STC on this world then?"

"Its automated defenses are still active…I know that an A.I. is controlling it. Even if no STC exists, this threat must be put down before it can grow…or worse be discovered by someone else. Gather your legions immediately and depart with haste. The Mechanicum is sending a vast armada to accompany you. They are permitted to salvage what they want there, but do not under any circumstances let the Mechanicum get the STC if it is there…" the Emperor trailed off.

"Why? What's the point of bringing them if we don't intend on letting the Mechanicum use it?" Ferrus asked.

Before the Emperor could answer, Malcador spoke up again, "The STC's we've found up until now were all damaged and incomplete. There's a reason most are destroyed…it's because a fully intact STC is actually an A.I. Sentinel. We do not want the Mechanicum to dabble with something they won't understand or worse let them destroy the STC. Your mission is simple enough. Recover this STC and return it to Terra. Once recovered, we will inform the Mechanicum that they will be permitted to use it under the watchful observation of the Custodes. The technology an intact STC possesses would be too dangerous to entrust to anyone. And if it were brought to Mars, it could take over the entire planet with relative ease. Unplug its core from the planet and bring it back here where we can safely isolate it for study."

"The Mechanicum won't like that," Ferrus pointed out the obvious.

The Emperor shook his head, "No, but it is a fallout I am prepared to accept. If for some reason you cannot recover this STC then ensure the entire planet is destroyed." The Emperor concluded.

"I'm curious about something, father…" Perturabo interjected, "you said these machines can hack our armour? Is there no defense against that other than psychic powers?"

"Take this, Perturabo…it is a blueprint for creating a cyber defense program for your ships and armour. Only you and Ferrus likely have the technological expertise to understand it. It will protect you from being hacked by the Men of Iron and the various A.I.'s you encounter. The only thing it can't negate is the STC itself. Magnus will have to remove the core. That datapad has the blueprints for its design and location so you will know what you're looking for," The Emperor explained.

"I assume this cyber defense program is forbidden technology? It appears semi-sentient itself." Perturabo asked knowingly.

The Emperor nodded, "It will install a semi-sentient A.I. into your systems called a V.I. or virtual intelligence. This program will have the capability to defend you. Obviously, this is a secret that I entrust you three to keep to yourselves."

"We will do as you command, father," Magnus nodded.

"The 10th Legion will not fail you, father…" Ferrus bowed his head.

Perturabo was actually smiling for once, "This will finally earn the 4th legion the respect it deserves."

"You three will never speak of this to anyone. Consider this mission as classified as the 2nd and 11th legions. There will be no glory to claim from this other than my personal appreciation and the betterment of mankind," The Emperor added.

"No wonder you chose us then…" Ferrus shook his head, "our legions don't talk much."

"That and we're the most suited for dealing with Men of Iron," Magnus agreed.

Perturabo sighed, "So be it…the 4th has never failed to conquer a world and it never will. Who is to command this mission, father?"

"Initially I was going to put Ferrus in charge, but I will allow you to lead this expedition, Perturabo. You desire a greater purpose…this will be one of the greatest…the recovery of an STC. Nevertheless, don't disregard the input of your brothers. They are very much like you in their mindsets. Trust in them to help you. Perhaps the experience will benefit the 4th legion's rehabilitation and your own," The Emperor replied.

"Me?" Perturabo seemed surprised by this turn of events as he looked over at the other two primarchs.

He glanced at Magnus first, "You would obey my commands, Magnus?"

The red giant nodded, "Within reason, but yes…you are the smartest of all the primarchs intellectually, but you lack wisdom brother. If you heed my input, then I will have no issues with your command. Though my legion is only a third of the size of yours. I can't afford to waste their lives unnecessarily."

"And what of you, Ferrus?" Perturabo turned to ask his fellow Iron brother.

The Gorgon shrugged, "I have no issues with you leading this expedition, but I will take issue if you make me waste my legion's lives unnecessarily. The 10th legion will not commit to the same style of attrition that the 4th does. If we're not making progress, then I expect an alteration in tactics…pride be damned. Also, as Magnus stated, do not try to assert yourself to us or disregard our input. We need to work together to ensure this mission is a success. An intact STC is beyond priceless."

"I have no problem with your conditions, brothers," Perturabo nodded.

"Let's not waste any time then," Ferrus added as he turned to leave.

The Emperor simply nodded as he turned around to look out the window again. Ferrus, Magnus, and Perturabo all turned to leave as they exited together and departed down the corridor.

It wasn't long before the three primarchs crossed paths with the golden armoured praetorian of Terra, Rogal Dorn. The 7th legion primarch gave nods of acknowledgement to them, "Well met, brothers. I haven't seen you all in years."

"Hmph," Perturabo gave a sharp glare as he huffed in disapproval.

"We saw your fortifications to the Palace and Terra. They are quite remarkable," Magnus commented.

Dorn nodded, "I have done everything I can to ensure it is impenetrable, though I would certainly not object to your input brothers. If there is any flaw in my fortifications, I would like to fix them. Ferrus, Perturabo…would you two be willing to look over the archictectural blueprints and offer criticisms?"

Ferrus nodded as Dorn handed him a datapad computer. The Gorgon looked over the design for about a minute. He tilted his head as he stared at one part, "There is a flaw to your design, Rogal…the outer gates of this section are technically exploitable if it were sieged by an enemy force in power armour."

Dorn eyed him curiously, "That is a rather absurd suggestion, Ferrus…why would that be an issue?"

"You asked for my input…there it is," the Gorgon replied stoically.

Rogal Dorn nodded his head as he then took the datapad and handed it to Perturabo, "What do you think, Perturabo?"

The Lord of Iron scoffed as he snatched the datapad out of Dorn's hand and examined the details on it. He almost seemed angry as he quickly scrolled through it for over a minute trying to find some flaw in Dorn's impenetrable fortifications.

Finally, he did as he held up the datapad showing a holographic overview, "My legion could technically break through these fortifications in quadrant echo three six and Gulf nine five three. As Ferrus stated, your plans don't take power armour into consideration. Also a fleet could break through quadrant omega if it moved behind Luna and landed in the Navigator District. Fifty land raiders could easily break the outer gate of the palace here, and there is a blind spot over Quandrant Delta four nine six that a foe like Corax could probably sneak in through. Your fortifications are flawed, Dorn…"

Rogal looked over the points mentioned and shook his head, "I suppose I did overlook the possibility of an enemy comparable to space marines in power armour. I will correct these errors in those locations. Although that last location is actually not a blind spot, I have a shield generator there protected by an Imperator Titan and Solar Auxilia. It also has turrets up in Quadrant Delta four nine five…I am surprised to see you missed those."

"It is a blind spot! I wouldn't have made a structural weakness like that!" Perturabo growled as he rudely tossed the datapad back at Dorn.

The praetorian of Terra sighed, "Thank you for your input, brothers…I will correct my mistakes. Do you know if father is still in the Observatorium?"

Ferrus nodded, "He's still there…"

"Farewell brothers…I wish I could join you back out in the Crusade, but father wants me to remain here," Dorn nodded as he walked away.

Dorn's honour guards had lingering gazes on Perturabo as he scowled at their primarch. Once he was gone, Magnus shook his head, "That was uncalled for, Perturabo…he asked for your opinion because he respects your expertise on siege warfare."

"He showed that in order to mock me," Perturabo spat.

Ferrus glanced over at Perturabo, "He wouldn't have asked at all if he disregarded your opinion. Dorn is the last of our brothers that I would ever call braggadocios or petty. Your problem with him seems entirely one-sided."

"I actually agree with that as well. Russ, Lion, and Corax are the only primarchs that actually dislike you as far as I know, Perturabo. Guilliman might not like you either, but he's never spoken ill of you as far as I know," Magnus added.

Before the primarchs could continue their conversation, they were soon met by their honour guards and high captains who came walking up together.

"The 4th, 10th, and 15th legions have been tasked with a special mission by the Emperor. Resupply and mobilize the legions…we are leaving within a fortnight," Perturabo commanded.

The astartes seemed curious about what was going on, and one of the Thousand Sons was quick to ask a question, "We're not returning to the Crusade?"

"No…the Emperor has tasked our legions with a secret mission. We have been permitted to use our psychic abilities for it. Perturabo has been appointed as the commander of this secret crusade. Ensure the ranks are kept quiet about it. We will explain the mission in detail once we're in the warp," Magnus responded.

Memory Footage paused

Before the video could continue, Melisara paused the screen right over the Thousand Sons librarians that were standing next to Scarab Terminators.

Melisara pointed at the librarians, "Notice anything about that librarian on the right…Seiras?"

Seiras stared at the screen and felt both of his hearts skip a beat as he stared at the librarian with disbelief. He was wearing Achean Pattern Mark IV Power Armour. Seiras glanced down at his helmet and lifted it up as he compared the sight to the screen.

"That's…impossible," Seiras gawked in pure shock as he looked at the screen and his helmet back and forth.

Melisara shook her head, "I don't much about your chapter, Seiras…but your helmet is a Thousand Son helmet. I was curious to see if you were aware of that."

"NO! I am not a Son of Magnus!" Seiras shouted as punched a nearby wall denting it heavily. Before he could freak out or go on a rampage, Melisara activated the stun setting on his collar forcing him into a paralysis.

She spoke slowly, "Explain your logic to me, Seiras. Where did you acquire that armour?"

"I…We…this armour was ancient Blood Raven Armour we found on a vault at Kronus. It was the main reason our chapter seized the planet. It's not Thousand Son Armour! It had our heraldry on it!" Seiras exclaimed.

"It's quite possible that your chapter was a loyalist fragment of the 15th legion…" she trailed off.

"NO! I am not the son of a traitor!" Seiras shouted angrily.

Melisara shrugged, "I don't have enough facts to confirm whether it's true or not, but it would explain quite a few things. Your chapter doesn't know who it's primarch is, correct?"

'Davian knew…he knew…and he destroyed the data. He knew this would be the end of the chapter! I…I feel sick!' Seiras thought with hysteria.

"This can't be…I can't accept this!" Seiras tried to writhe in hysterical denial despite his paralyzed state.

"There are loyalist chapters that come from Traitor gene-stock. Fabius proved it to me during our last meeting. If you're truly Thousand Sons, then it's quite remarkable that they were unaffected by the Rubric of Ahriman. That is the only lapse in logic that could dismiss this evidence," Melisara noted.

"Rubric of Ahriman?" Seiras asked confused.

"According to Fabius, the most powerful Thousand Sons psyker beneath Magnus himself was Ahzek Ahriman…he cast a spell called the Rubric of Ahriman that turned the overwhelming majority of Thousand Sons into Rubric Marines. This was apparently done to stop the Flesh Change, but it ended up turning all of them except the strongest psykers into dust within their own power armour." Melisara elaborated.

'Aenaria said I could control rubrics. Did she mean Rubric Marines?! Then…then it's true?! We're Sons of Magnus?!' Seiras shook his head at the disturbing revelation.

"Does that mean I can control Rubric Marines?" Seiras asked the haemonculus after a brief silence.

Melisara smirked, "Possibly…you are a powerful psyker after all. Normally only Thousand Sons Sorcerers can control them. You might be able to if you ever encounter any…assuming you're a stronger psyker than the sorcerer they're with."

"The Imperium would have my chapter purged if they ever found out about this…" Seiras trailed off horrified.

"Probably best that you don't tell them then. Though I am quite amazed at this news. A stable Thousand Sons gene-seed line is quite extraordinary if I do say so myself. I am curious though…have you ever had any mutations within your chapter that mutated your brethren? That would imply you have the flesh change gene-seed flaw." Melisara said with excitement.

Seiras looked away, "It happens on occasion…but never to a detrimental extent."

"In that case, your chapter could have been made from the gene-stock on Terra during an unknown founding," Melisara mused.

"Why…why would the Emperor help me if I'm a Thousand Son? I'm the son of a daemon primarch…" Seiras said in a self-pitying way.

"Perhaps you are…but so was Nathaniel Garro. Have you heard the tale of the last loyal Death Guard space marine? He was quite the hero in your Horus Heresy," Melisara noted.

Seiras looked down, "Kyras must have known…he probably forced it out of Davian. Yet Davian didn't tell us. He knew we wouldn't understand. Did the others in the Corvidae Ordo Psykana find out too? Is that what drove them to chaos?"

"Forgive me for putting these distractions in your head and casting doubt on your mission, but I believed it was worth addressing this before you resurrected Ferrus Manus. He will likely believe you're a son of Magnus when he sees you. I would prefer you not to be emotional after performing such a psychic feat lest you draw attention in the warp," Melisara explained.

"I feel…dirty. Ashamed…all those years and all the pride we took in fighting for the Emperor. It was all a lie…" Seiras said sadly.

"You are not bound to your primarch. Fabius Bile and I had a long conversation about this once. He is opposed to Fulgrim and to the Chaos Gods themselves. So too was Nathaniel Garro opposed to Mortarion. Remember the most important thing we've spoken about Seiras…we shape our own destinies. Do we not? You are a Blood Raven, not a Thousand Son." the haemonculus stated as she landed in front of him and forced his chin to look up.

"I suppose we do…Davian never turned his back on what our chapter stood for even after learning the truth. I will do the same. I owe it to Davian…and to the rest of my brothers," Seiras said with newfound resolve.

"Good, I would be extremely disappointed if you fell to Chaos," Melisara nodded as she released his stasis.

Seiras stood up and glanced back at the screen nearby, "What happened on that planet? Did the primarchs find that STC?"

"No…they wiped out most of the Men of Iron there, but the STC was taken before they could reach it," Melisara explained.

"Taken? By whom?" he demanded.

"The Eldar…specifically harlequins. They knew that Magnus and Perturabo would fall in the Horus Heresy and made it their top priority to steal the STC. It's most likely locked away in the Black Library if I had to guess," Melisara answered.

"Damn it!" Seiras growled, "humanity could really use an STC! We need to recover it!"

"Don't bother wasting your time trying to break into the Black Library. Ahzek Ahriman has been obsessing over that for thousands of years. It is protected by Laughing God, Cegorach…he didn't die in the Fall and now stands as the Guardian to the Black Library. You would not succeed in stealing it even if you could get inside. However, I have good news. After going through the footage of this mission, I discovered that the planet Aeon had been communicating with another world. Ferrus Manus discovered this fact during the siege. There is another world heavily fortified with Men of Iron and a fully functional STC. The planet is called Karin. Ferrus Manus never told anyone about it and I believe he intended on recovering it before Horus betrayed the Emperor. I'd wager my entire collection and even my life that it's still there…" Melisara continued.

"Why haven't you ever ventured to this planet? Surely your kind would have tried to recover the STC there," Seiras questioned.

"I never told the Commorrites or my kin because I want humanity to rediscover Karin. The planet is in an unmapped Sector called the Nether Sector. Its location is between the Ghost Drift of Segmentum Pacificus and the Cauxis Sector of Segmentum Oscurus. Fortunately it is on Terra's side of the Great Rift." Melisara stated.

"So the real reason you want Ferrus Manus back alive is because you know he has the power and desire to amass a large enough force to go recover this STC? How can I be sure you truly want humanity to acquire it though? It seems conveniently Eldar like to try and steal it after the Imperium does all the hard work. This happened the last time did it not?" Seiras noted.

Melisara smiled at his question, "You are correct…I have no doubt that several craftworlds and even the harlequins are aware of this STC's existence. However, they would never dare to attempt invading that planet. Some probably want it to be left undiscovered…and would go through a great deal of effort to kill the catalyst…you in stopping the Imperium's recovery of it."

"This is disturbing…so that means that Saim-Hann and some of those other craftworlds wanted me dead because they believed I would bring this STC back into the fold? Plus that also explains why you told me not to trust the harlequins since they would obviously try to take it for themselves, right? Your role in helping me here doesn't seem justified though. You could very well be setting all this in motion so I can just get this STC for you." Seiras gawked.

"Very astute observations, Seiras. I won't lie…I originally wanted to take this STC for myself. But after giving it a great deal of thought I realized something very important. The Imperium needs to become stronger in order to combat the Necrons, the Tyrannids, and Chaos. I am in fact ensuring my own race's survival by empowering yours. Of course this might put the Craftworlds in jeopardy if your Imperium is empowered…so you can imagine they don't like the idea very much. They would sooner watch this galaxy burn than allow you to reclaim lost power. I see the big picture though and I know you will as well. Plus a return to science and a culling of religion would be a most welcome development in this galaxy," the haemonculus concluded.

"All of this makes so much sense to me now…" Seiras said as he reflected on the information.

"A word of caution…I believe Perturabo also knows of this world's existence as well. He may very well have tried to attack it once before and is likely amassing a large enough force to challenge it. Expect a great deal of fighting in your future. Though that's what your made for isn't it? Hahaha!" Melisara chuckled.

Seiras shook his head, "This is all a bit overwhelming…even if it goes exactly as you plan, the Inquisition would never approve of something like this. They and the Adeptus Mechanicus would see this STC destroyed considering it's an actual A.I."

"The Inquisition can go to hell. Sometimes it takes a radical and wayward individual to force a much-needed change into the universe. Use this knowledge to fuel your purpose. Do not let this galaxy atrophy into a place of religious ignorance. I promise you that Ferrus Manus will devote himself to recovering this STC once he's seen the current state of your Imperium," Melisara added.

The librarian stared at Melisara and nodded, "I…I will keep that in mind. For now just resurrecting the primarch is the only priority I have."

Melisara tilted her head at his distraught face and sighed, "You're still hung up over being a Thousand Sons successor, aren't you?"

"That isn't something I can easily accept…" Seiras nodded.

"Allow me to educate you on a very harsh and inconvenient truth. Some chapters are descendants from the gene stock of traitors. Some are even combinations of multiple gene-seeds," Melisara continued.

Seiras' eyes shot open even wider than before, "How? Combinations of gene-seeds? That shouldn't be possible."

"It is entirely possible to combine gene-seeds. I was fascinated when I found out about it. I learned from the Mechanicus about several chapters of Astartes that have two primarchs. The most noteworthy one is called the Minotaurs. They're one of a few pure chimeric chapters with no mutations! They are also purely from the stock of traitor legions." Melisara said excitedly to the librarian.

Seiras rose a brow at her disbelievingly, "You're saying the Minotaurs are chimeric and they're actually are from traitor stock? They recruit from Terra itself. You expect me to believe that? It's literally impossible."

"Not necessarily. Supposedly, all of the Cursed 21st founding chapters were chimeric in nature. That is undoubtedly why many of them mutated so much. Combining geneseed is highly unstable and volatile when the wrong combinations are made. But when the right combinations are made, a chapter is perfect hybrid of its parent legions." Melisara noted.

"That's the most absurd thing I've ever heard," Seiras shook his head in denial.

"It's quite possible that your chapter could be chimeric as well. It would explain why you don't suffer the Flesh Change or the Rubric of Ahriman. Granted that could also be due to your chapter being created from the Thousand Sons gene-stock from Terra's vaults after the Rubric was cast. There's a few possibilities here." Melisara speculated.

"What about the Minotaurs then? What gene-stock created them?" Seiras asked anxiously. Despite the absurdity of Melisara's claim, he couldn't help but find it believable in a way since both she and Fulgrim confirmed it.

"According to the Magos I spoke with, they're a combination of World Eater and Iron Warrior gene-stock. Their ratio is a perfect half and half as well. Both legions were genetically stable and lacked a strong psychic potential. World Eater genestock creates highly aggressive, independent behavior and nullifies empathy by a considerable margin. Though the Astartes that inherited Angron's genes were prone to rebelliousness and a lack of discipline. The Iron Warrior gene-stock is pretty much the opposite. Like their primarch, Perturabo, they are cold, paranoid, calculating, disciplined, and stubbornly obedient. Iron Warriors would also respond to any call for assistance during the Great Crusade, no matter how mundane. The Minotaurs are very similar in doing this from what I've learned. They also rarely split apart their forces just like the Iron Warriors and are renowned as berserkers like the World Eaters. Both of the Minotaur's parent legions are mercilessly aggressive and skilled at killing other space marines too. I imagine the Minotaurs were created specifically for this reason in their founding. Though I am uncertain who authorized it, they are known and tolerated by the leaders of Terra and many high ranking Adeptus Mechanicus individuals. As you also stated, many of the Minotaurs are even recruited from Terra itself. That leads me to assume that the High Lords were responsible for creating this chapter as their own enforcers. It also makes sense considering that Terra has a vault with the gene-seed of all former legions. One can also consider that the Minotaurs are kept in check by the High Lord's holding their questionable origin as blackmail over them as well," Melisara explained in detail.

'Fulgrim wasn't lying to me…' Seiras thought disbelievingly as he began to accept the horrifying reality that came with this revelation.

"What other chapters are like them that you know of? Just the Cursed 21st Founding Chapters?" Seiras asked slowly.

"The only one I know for certain is the Carcharodons. Though they aren't a cursed founding chapter, I found trace amounts of Night Lord and Raven Guard genetics in their gene-seed. What's interesting is some had one or the other…but a majority have both. This leads me to assume that they were originally harvesting the gene-seeds of both legions and thought to later try and combine them. I have my own theories on some of the Cursed 21st Founding Chapters. The Sons of Antaeus for example have many Death Guard qualities despite claiming that they're Ultramarine descendants. It is possible they're hybrids of the 13th and 14th legions. Though I suppose they could simply just be Death Guard descendants that claim they're Ultramarines as well. I mean that's what the Red Scorpions do." Melisara continued.

The Blood Raven's eyes widened in horror, "You're saying the Red Scorpions aren't Ultramarine descendants?"

Melisara smirked at his question, "Correct, they actually are Emperor's Children descendants. I had some of their progenoids in my collection that I gave to Fabius and he told me as much. In fact it was the main reason he wanted my gene-seed collection. Red Scorpions…or Emperor's Children gene-seed I guess you could say was the purest of all progenoids."

"The Red Scorpions practically worship the Codex Astartes. Could they be hybrids?" Seiras pointed out.

"They're 100% descendant from Fulgrim. Their gene-seed is too pure to be chimeric." Melisara replied.

'Fulgrim told me the truth…and he also said Angron was Decimus' primarch. Does that mean he wasn't lying about those other things he said?' Seiras tried to cope with the reality of the situation. If those things were true, then what else was?!

"It is true then…" Seiras remarked with pure horror as he stared away in shock.

"Believe me, I was just as surprised as you are now when I first learned about chimeric chapters. Fabius told me that he created an Iron Warrior and Imperial Fist hybrid once as well by the name of Honsou. Apparently, he's some prominent Iron Warriors Warsmith. Such fascinating science. I would love to create a chapter for every possible combination! Just imagine what other chapters out there may be chimeric! I need to catalogue them all!" Melisara beamed like a crazy scientist.

"So based on what you know, you think my chapter is chimeric as well?" Seiras asked.

Melisara shrugged, "Perhaps…the most logical combinations for your chapter would be Thousand Sons and Dark Angels or Thousand Sons and Ultramarines. They are both extremely pure and could dilute the Thousand Sons gene-seed into a more stable line. I don't know enough about your chapter to really speculate beyond that. I certainly intend to study the gene-seed sample I took from you whenever I get more free time."

"It's something to ponder I suppose. My chapter is close to Ultramar…and we're on good terms with the Ultramarines more or less." Seiras trailed off as he thought about the possibility.

The haemonculus frowned, "With all that said, it is also entirely logical that your chapter is purely descendant from the Thousand Sons. I have never found pure Thousand Sons Gene-seed before, so I have no comparisons to prove any of these hypotheses. The only way I'll know for sure is if I find genetic traces from those aforementioned chapters in your genetic makeup. Fabius Bile would certainly know, but alas I haven't seen him in a quite a long time. Regardless of whether you're purely Thousand Sons descendants or not, you are still very likely related to the 15th legion."

"My chapter has always had an unusually high number of librarians. That might add credence to this as well," Seiras thought aloud.

Melisara nodded, "Despite knowing these uncomfortable truths, does your primarch's true identity really matter? You and your chapter are your own element now. Keep that in mind, Seiras. We are not defined by our origins. Take me for example…I used to lead a pleasure cult after all haha!"

"Something is bothering me about this whole thing. You said the high lords possibly use the knowledge of the Minotaurs' origins to keep them loyal…does that mean that the chapter knows it's from traitor gene-stock? " Seiras wondered.

"Possibly…if you ever encounter a Minotaur it is certainly worth asking. Though they are a rather aggressive and paranoid chapter from what I understand. They might try to kill you if you accuse them," Melisara mused.

'I suppose this might actually be worth asking Decimus about. He is a Captain after all and would certainly know…though he might not appreciate me mentioning it. I wonder what Kallius would say to all this? He's the one who actually believed there were loyalist chapters from traitor legions,' Seiras thought.

"I have another question, Melisara…what did you do to my force sword and Nemesis Force Halberd? This halberd cut off the pauldron of a White Scar like it was nothing…" Seiras asked as he held up his Nemesis Halberd.

Melisara smiled, "You know what a Paragon weapon is, right?"

Seiras' jaw dropped as he stared at the weapon, "You're saying you altered them into Paragon blades?! Those can't be made anymore…they're from the Dark Age of Technology!"

"And who just so happened to be alive back then? You don't have to believe me, but that's pretty much what I did to them. They're not quite the same, but that's the closest comparison I can make. Considering they double as force weapons too, you're well equipped to deal with almost anything the galaxy throws at you. Like I mentioned earlier…I'm not setting you up for failure. I've taken every precaution I can to ensure your future survival. I look forward to seeing you progress and hearing about your achievements once this is all over," the dark-haired alien elaborated.

Seiras didn't know what to say anymore as he simply looked over at Ferrus Manus' clone lying on the operating table. The clone was wearing a Black skintight bodysuit, but it was sleeveless revealing his new Iron Hands.

"Is he ready for me to resurrect him yet? Where and how will we do it? I can't think of how I would get away from here unsupervised." Seiras finally asked.

Melisara beamed approvingly, "I will be teleporting him and you to Khaine's Gate after the battle. We're going into the warp and you will summon his soul out of the Immaterium."

"Teleport me? How?" the librarian asked confused.

Melisara quickly answered his question as she attached an obscure device to his collar, "That is a teleportation homing beacon that I've attached to your collar's tracker. Don't worry none of my kin will know what it is or even notice it. Here's what's going to happen…after you win the battle, I will teleport you away in the confusion and we will revive Ferrus Manus. Once we're finished, I will teleport you back to the battlefield. Just make sure you don't die in the battle. Press this button on your collar once you're clear and alone and I will teleport you to Khaine's Gate, where I'll be waiting. Be very careful to not get seen…otherwise I might have to part ways with you sooner rather than later."

"Won't my tracker show me being off the battlefield though?" the librarian pointed out.

"Yes…which is why I will be hacking it and feeding false signals to the other remotes I gave out to Faelan and the wyches. We will have a window of about one or two Terran hours. Believe me, I have all the bases covered. I'm not an amateur Seiras." Melisara chuckled.

Seiras nodded, "I understand Melisara, and…thank you."

"Hmm? For what?" she smirked. It was obvious that she wanted him to praise her specifically.

"For…everything I suppose. I never thought I could like or trust an alien like you. I'm still in shock after learning all of this but knowing it will certainly help in the future. I hope this is all sincere…if it is, then even the Emperor would approve of all you've done. Regardless of the dark truths I am faced with, my mission to resurrect the primarch cannot fail," Seiras replied seriously.

"You're welcome, Seiras. Well with that all settled, let's go get you unequipped for now," Melisara smiled as she and Seiras left the vault and headed towards the machine that could unequip his armour.

After having his armour and weapons unequipped, Seiras glanced at the haemonculus for a long moment. She noticed his lingering gaze and addressed it, "Is there something else you wish to say?"

"I was wondering if…if you knew someone named Sylandri Veilwalker. The craftworlders in my slave chamber seemed to think she was the Shadowseer that came with this troupe recently," Seiras explained.

Melisara's eyes widened, "What?!"

"I have no reason to doubt their theories on the matter. If this shadowseer is that individual, then will it be a problem?" Seiras wondered.

"If she's here, then she probably knows who you are. Hmm…be careful Seiras. Her intentions might seem genuine, but she very likely does not want you or humanity to reacquire the STC on Karin," Melisara responded grimly.

"I took your advice and I spoke with the Solitaire. Her name is Aenaria. She told me not to trust anyone including her, and then she transformed into the shadowseer in front of me," the Blood Raven added.

Melisara looked away for a moment, "Hmm…so she warned you that her shadowseer could transform. Solitaires are very fickle beings, but this one might be indirectly helpful to you. It is not common for a Solitaire to tell their name to anyone. The others will certainly be wary of approaching you if they know this Aenaria is watching you as well. It is good fortune that she decided to warn you."

"She also told me that the other harlequins want me because I can control rubrics…which I assume means rubric marines. That's only further evidence that I'm a son of Magnus," Seiras added with an almost pained expression.

"I need time to think about this…for now just be mindful of what the solitaire told you and don't trust anyone wholly…especially about Ferrus Manus. If the harlequins find out I have a primarch in my lab, they would likely try to raid it. That cannot happen," Melisara stated seriously.

"Do you think it's possible that their foresight is already aware of your involvement in helping me or about Ferrus Manus returning?" Seiras couldn't help but wonder.

"They might know of his return and could have seen visions of you and him together, but I doubt they know he's here in my lab. I keep small necron pylons in my lab just to shield my experiments and myself from psychic prescience. These Aeldari must under no circumstances suspect me of helping you or things will become extremely complicated. If that's the case, then I encourage you to return to the slave chamber without me. I need to implement more security to my lab," Melisara sighed.

Seiras nodded, "I'll be on my way, Melisara."

As the librarian left, the haemonculus spoke to herself, "It's good his enhancements are working now…he will need them if they try to kill or abduct him."

Slave Chamber, Commorragh

It felt strange for Seiras to return to the slave chamber by himself and to be honest he felt a bit paranoid being alone in Commorragh like this with no weapons or armour.

Nevertheless, his mind was heavily burdened by the recent revelations he had just learned, and it caused him to sulk in an almost melancholic way as he slowly walked back to the slave chamber. There were so many things going through his mind right now, but the most prominent one was of his memory of finding the Vault on Kronus.

'If I ever see Davian again…I want to talk to him about this and ask how he kept his faith even knowing the truth,' Seiras thought depressed.

Right as he reached the entrance to the slave chamber across the bridge, Seiras saw Nelfaera approaching him.

The Syren had a shocked expression, "Why are you out wandering alone?!"

"I'm returning to the slave chamber. The incubi trust me enough to not run away. Even if I did, my collar has a tracker built into it," Seiras explained as he stopped in his tracks.

Nelfaera smirked at him, "Well, that's good to hear. You are surprisingly fitting in well with us. I'm glad you finally caught on to how things work around here."

'Something feels wrong about this. I should make sure this is actually Nelfaera…I'll try to catch her in a lie.' Seiras thought cautiously. For some reason he had a terrible suspicion that this wasn't actually her. Nelfaera had been extremely busy managing the gangs earlier and wouldn't be out wandering by herself to check on him.

"I just don't want to end up like the last space marine you captured," Seiras lied.

The syren smirked, "Very smart of you, Seiras."

'This isn't Nelfaera…the real Nelfaera clearly stated that I was the first space marine she ever captured alive. This imposter must be a harlequin…possibly the shadowseer. I need to be very careful about what I say,' Seiras thought concerned.

"Is there something you needed from me?" Seiras asked.

'Nelfaera' nodded, "Yes, Renfaeda sent me to get you."

Seiras shook his head, "I don't answer to you, Nelfaera. The incubi leaders clearly told me that I am only to obey Renfaeda and Faelan…or the two of them if they're together. You can go tell Renfaeda to come get me herself."

'Nelfaera' looked at him shocked, "Is that what they've told you?! You belong to the wych cult and the Aeshul family! I'm an Aeshul which means you have to listen to me!"

"How do you intend on forcing me?" Seiras countered as he took a step closer and glared at her.

The fake Nelfaera didn't show any fear to his glare which only further solidified the evidence in his mind, 'The real Nelfaera is still wary of me after what I did to her in the arena. This imposter must not be aware of that detail.' Seiras thought.

After realizing that Seiras wasn't going to comply, 'Nelfaera' simply sighed, "Fine! I'll go tell Renfaeda all about your rebelliousness!"

"You do that…" Seiras responded as he stayed put and refused to blink or show his back to the obvious harlequin.

She seemed to notice Seiras was waiting on her to leave and finally turned around, "Stupid monkeigh!"

After she was gone, Seiras let out a sigh of relief, 'I half expected her to try and attack me. It's probably best that I get back into the slave chamber as soon as possible. Being alone makes me a target…especially since I'm unarmed and unarmoured right now.'

Slightly spooked by the recent encounter, the librarian immediately approached the elevator lift. As he descended on the lift and went back down, Seiras half-expected it to stop again like it had done during his last meeting with Aenaria.

Thankfully, nothing happened as he uneventfully reached the bottom. Seiras wasted no time trying to find Sylea now as he returned to the little hangout of the Cadians. They all perked up when they saw his arrival, and many offered their greetings.

Seiras quickly performed the identity test as he approached, "I was looking for you."

"You found us, Seiras. How are you?" Major Medina responded.

"Ready," the librarian fnished the identity test.

Arika let out a sigh of relief, "It's good to see you back again, my lord. Nobody here has wandered off by themselves. I've ordered all my men to travel in pairs or trios so that a doppelganger can't infiltrate us. We've had some measure of success recruiting in here…though it's been slow. The gangs have noticed the PDF associating with us more, so we've slowed the recruiting for the time being. I don't want people talking too much."

"I trust your judgments on who we can enlist, Major. Your caution is appropriate, and I have no objections on that matter," Seiras nodded.

"Seiras! There you are…I was getting worried after you disappeared. What happened? I heard that the Dark Eldar took you away again," Sylea asked full of concern.

The librarian shook his head, "They're recruiting for their Kabal War and brought me along to recruit gangs in mid-commorragh."

"Gangs? Why are they bringing you along like that? Do they trust you?" Commissar Duncan Kavka asked confused.

Seiras nodded, "Due to this collar, they believe they can fully control me and they use me as a walking trophy and bodyguard. The collar also has a tracker built into it, so they doubt I would try to escape. That actually works in our favor."

The commissar nodded, "I see…do you have any idea when this Kabal War of theirs is going to happen?"

"I assume within the next day or two. They were stockpiling weapons and ships in the armoury last I saw," the librarian replied.

Major Medina stared at the librarian's somber expression and frowned, "Are you alright, Seiras? You seem a bit rattled. Considering you're an Astartes that worries me."

"I'm fine…don't concern yourselves over it," Seiras immediately deflected.

"No, something is clearly wrong. Do you want to talk about it?" Sylea asked. The woman's pure empathy and concern was almost warming to him.

Major Medina gestured for the librarian to follow her, "This is a conversation that we should have in private. Commissar, make sure then men don't try to eavesdrop."

"Yes Ma'am," Duncan nodded his head as Seiras followed Arika to a discreet walled in area.

"Please, let me come as well…" Sylea asked as she tried to follow them.

Arika glanced at Seiras, "It's up to him."

The librarian sighed, "She can come…"

After a brief walk, the three of them were now in an isolated setting. Major Medina eyed Seiras full of concern, "What's wrong, Seiras? If my men see you in this state, they're going to start having doubts."

"On my way here, I encountered a doppelganger in the form of one of the wyches. She tried to convince me to come with her, but I refused. It's clear that I am the target of these harlequins…" Seiras trailed off.

Major Medina's eyes widened, "That is…creepy."

"But you outsmarted her though, right? Why are you so distraught right now?" Sylea asked.

Seiras sighed, "I also encountered space marines when I was down in Mid-Commorragh. Ultramarines and White Scars. They tried to kill me and think I'm a traitor…"

"Space marines?! How many? Do you think they could help us? What were they here for?" Major Medina gasped.

"I don't know, but when they saw me with the dark eldar, they tried to kill me," Seiras half-lied.

Sylea had a spark of hope in her eyes, "How many were there?"

"Roughly a dozen, but I suspect they have a ship here in the webway. What I don't understand is how they got into the webway. Only Eldar can open the webway. That aside, even if we try to get their help, they'll assume we're all traitors and heretics and kill us," the librarian explained.

Sylea frowned, "I suppose you're right…did you have to kill any?"

"No, they retreated in two thunderhawks before I had to. I don't know if I could ever forgive myself if I had to kill a loyalist cousin just to survive…" Seiras trailed off deep in thought.

"Ultramarines are pretty reasonable, and they have a good reputation among most Cadian regiments. They might help us if they see us trying to escape. It's worth trying at least…our odds of survival are a lot better if we have more than one Astartes. I still don't trust these craftworlders…" Major Medina shook her head.

"Is it possible Eldar helped those other space marines get into Commorragh? Maybe the craftworld these Eldar belong to?" Sylea suggested.

Seiras could tell that Sylea was trying to be optimistic, but simply shrugged, "I don't know, but we can't rely on them to help us. That doesn't mean we still can't escape on our own. Don't mind my mood or my concerns…I swear upon the Emperor's name and the honour of my chapter that I will protect all of you and get us out of here."

"So…this Kabal War you're going to be fighting in. What happens if you die in it?" Major Medina suggested an uncomfortable possibility.

Seiras stared at the Cadian woman's purple eyes, "I won't die…"

Major Medina smiled at Seiras' pure confidence and resolve, "Well that's reassuring to hear. May the Emperor watch over you, Lord Seiras."

"If you'll excuse me, Major Medina, I would like time to meditate alone. I will be over in my dark corner," Seiras nodded as he departed from the Cadians.

Much to his surprise, Sylea followed him away from the Cadians and PDF people as he departed. He glanced at the sororita curiously, "Why are you following me?"

"I feel safest around you to be perfectly honest…nothing against those Cadians, but a few have been giving me weird looks," she explained.

The librarian said nothing as he simply continued walking. Before long he reached his dark and isolated corner. He immediately rested his back against the two connecting walls and sat down.

Seiras closed his eyes as he began to pray in silence. Sylea had been respectfully quiet for a while, but she eventually broke him from his concentration when he felt the Sororita cuddle up next to him. He opened his eyes as he looked down at her figure in the dark, "What are you doing?"

"It's really cold in here…and you're super warm. Forgive me my lord, but would it be okay if I slept like this?" she asked hopefully.

The Blood Raven nodded, "I have no objections then…get some rest, Sylea."

About another hour or so passed as Seiras slept in his half-awake state meditating and reflecting. His mind wouldn't stop racing over the newfound discovery of his chapter's origins and over the possibility of an STC still existing.

His mind was most focused on what resurrecting Ferrus Manus was going to be like. How were he and Melisara going to get into the warp itself from this Khaine's Gate and what dangers would they be faced with inside? His last experience in the warp was not a pleasant memory. Nevertheless, he would have to call out in the warp to Ferrus Manus' soul. There was no telling what else that would invite.

The sound of sobbing and the feeling of warm droplets hitting his body soon drew Seiras from his thoughts as he realized Sylea was now awake again. The woman was crying and sobbing as she clutched tightly onto him.

"Sylea?" the librarian spoke her name as he opened his eyes.

"I'm sorry…Lord Seiras," she sniffled between her sobbing as she wiped her eyes, "I didn't mean to disturb you."

"What's wrong?" he asked her as the woman could barely control her emotions.

"My faith has never waivered in the Emperor…but why can't he help the people here? I've been in this place for years. I've forsaken all my vows in this horrible city just to stay alive. I'm pathetic…and the God-God-Emperor knows it. I don't deserve to call myself a sister anymore…and yet I keep on selfishly praying that he will forgive me, and he will save us from this nightmare! You can't die, Seiras! You can't! I can't go back to Maeralya…I can't live anymore if you die. You're the only hope I've had in this hell that the Emperor hasn't forgotten us. Please…don't die Seiras." The woman ranted and sobbed emotionally as she clutched even tighter to him.

"I already told you…I won't die. This I swear by the Emperor's name," Seiras replied.

"How can you say that with such confidence, Lord Seiras? I know you're an angel but…what if it all goes wrong? I mean the Dark Eldar already beat you in the arena! You're mortal just like the rest of us!" Sylea voiced her fears.

"Belief is a powerful thing, Sylea…as a faithful sister, I would expect you to be more fervent than even I am. Pray that the Emperor will not forsake us in the eleventh hour. My mission here is something the Emperor himself wouldn't dare ignore. He will ensure my survival and our success…do not waiver in your faith and your trust in me, sister. These aliens will suffer for everything they've done to us," Seiras concluded.

It was then that the librarian felt the sister shuffling around. She quickly got on his lap and before he knew what was happening, her lips met his in a brief kiss.

Seiras let it continue for a few seconds before pushing Sylea back. He voiced his confusion immediately, "Why did you do that?"

"I…I'm sorry," she responded a bit embarrassed and emotional at his stoic reaction. It was clear that she felt rejected by this motion as tears streamed down her face even harder now.

"You don't have to be sorry…you're not the first Sororita I've kissed," Seiras immediately tried to alleviate her distress.

Sylea cocked her head at him confused, "I'm not? Then that canoness commander you were talking about last time...did you have feelings for her?" she asked surprised.

Seiras was silent for a moment, "Astartes don't have those types of feelings. Besides, that's considered heresy in the Imperium. I don't know how to explain my emotions regarding them, but I do care about their lives and their well-being."

"How did you kiss her?" Sylea asked anxiously.

The librarian looked away, "She kissed me...but it was for a plot to fool a traitor guardsman."

"What did she look like?" the sororita followed up.

The librarian remembered Jessenta with perfect clarity as he spoke, "She was tall for a woman...the only taller one I've ever seen was Meela. Her hair was long and white like snow with black tips. She had ice blue eyes and wore dark red lipstick. Her left cheek had a two claw scars on them that she said she got from a daemon. Her skin was slightly tan and she was muscular and fit. She had the face of a warrior, but it was also pure and noble."

"She sounds incredibly beautiful and amazing...I can see why you like her," Sylea trailed off with obvious jealousy and insecurity.

"She was a worthy Sister of Battle...I hope to see her again one day," Seiras said distantly as he thought about Jessenta. He didn't know why, but for some reason he had a strange longing to see the canoness now that she was in his thoughts.

Sylea sighed with insecurity, "She's lucky that you like her. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't jealous."

Seiras glanced at her in the dark, "Jealous? Why? You've never even met her."

"Because you like her...and I wish you liked me too," Sylea said with embarrassment as she wiped her tears.

"I do like you, Sylea...I allowed you to lay on me for the past few hours to warm yourself," Seiras noted.

"Then why did you push me away when I kissed you?" she couldn't help but ask.

Seiras stared at her shadowed form in the darkness with a blank expression, "You don't have to obey Maeralya's command in here. I'm not going to subject you to anything the same way Sorellia was."

Sylea looked away shyly for a moment as if she was gathering the courage to say something. Finally, she responded, "I have a confession to make…I have shameful thoughts about you. I want you to do those things to me."

The librarian shook his head, "Why? I don't understand…"

"Please…just give me one good memory of this place. In case one of us doesn't make it," she trailed off.

'Is my psychic glamour still in effect in this place? I don't see how it could be with this damnable collar on my neck. She wants to have sex with me even knowing it's heresy?' Seiras thought confused.

"You realize that's heresy, right?" Seiras asked her.

Sylea scoffed at his response, "We've both committed so much heresy in this place already…what does it matter if two of the Emperor's faithful want to find comfort in each other's embrace? If I'm truly damned, then I at least want this."

"You're emotional right now…you're not thinking clearly," Seiras responded as he pushed Sylea off his lap.

"So you can fuck aliens, but not me then? If you're rejecting me, then the Emperor surely will too" she said with a gloomy bitterness.

Seiras sighed, "If I do this, will you keep it a secret and stop crying?"

Her eyes lit up as she immediately straddled him again, "Yes, I swear."

"Very well…" Seiras replied.

He didn't wholly detest the idea of having sex with her since she was a pretty sororita, but Seiras still felt guilty about the situation with Jessenta. Nevertheless, he decided to comfort the woman in her emotional state as he embraced her.

She hungrily met his lips again as she began to peel off her clothes. Considering she was human, Seiras didn't feel nearly as terrible about this situation as he felt the woman press her naked torso against his chest.

Despite his hesitation in engaging in the act, Seiras was actually a bit relieved to have something else occupy his thoughts for a while.