Aftermath and The Recruitment
Dante and Chapter Master Yorren returned to the LZ, which was now teeming with refugees. The area was crowded with people, many of whom were injured and had fled their homes. Amidst the chaos, several other Adepta Sororitas members appeared, clad in black power armor and carrying medical supplies. They emerged from a nearby building, bringing much-needed aid to the wounded and organizing the treatment of the injured.
Dante observed the scene with a somber expression, noting the importance of providing immediate assistance to the refugees. Chapter Master Yorren began coordinating the setup of makeshift shelters and ensuring that the area was secure, while Dante worked alongside the Chapter Aphoticary to oversee the care of the refugees and ensure that all wounded were tended to.
"Ah, the Ordo Hospitaler has arrived. It's fortunate this area is far from the Monastery Temple," said Chapter Master Yorren.
"Good... um, which Ordo are they from?" asked Dante.
"They're from the Ordo of Eternal Candle," replied Chapter Master Yorren.
"Oh... right, I forgot. How about our casualties?" Dante asked.
"1st Company lost 10 men... 2nd Company lost 6... 3rd Company lost 20, and 4th Company lost 11," Chapter Master Yorren reported.
"Looks like we'll be taking a little trip later," Dante commented. Yorren nodded.
Dante walked through the area, assisting the injured. He noticed many residents of Lower Hive staring in awe at a Custodes in person. Nearby, a woman with long hair, wearing black carapace armor, bright blue eyes, and red-framed glasses, was treating a small child who was crying from numerous scratch wounds inflicted by the attacking mutants. Fortunately, the child’s injuries, while numerous, were not fatal.
Good afternoon, Sister," Dante said.
"Ah, Lord Custodes, Sister Tiffany Astrid from the Ordo of Eternal Candle," Sister Astrid said, immediately kneeling.
"Please, stand up. I dislike formalities," Dante replied.
"Very well!" Sister Astrid said, continuing her work.
"This war seems to have taken a heavy toll, not just here... not just on Holy Terra," Dante remarked.
"This is the state of the enemy front lines. Even we from the Ordo Hospitaler sometimes have to assist the Guardsmen in battle," Sister Astrid said with a long sigh.
"In these dark times... there is only war, isn't there?" Dante said.
"Fortunately, a few months ago, a Rogue Trader arrived and supplied our Order with medical supplies, so we are prepared for a long duration," Sister Astrid replied.
Dante removed his helmet, revealing his youthful face, silver hair, and blue eyes.
"Child, what's your name? And how old are you?" Dante asked.
"My name is Curtis, and I'm 10 years old," the child replied.
"Oh... and what do you want to be when you grow up?" Dante asked Curtis.
"A Space Marine!" Curtis said, now feeling calmer.
"Why do you want to become a Space Marine?" Dante asked, curious.
"I want to protect my mom and dad from the mutants," Curtis said innocently.
Dante chuckled softly, leaving Curtis looking puzzled.
"Yorren, come to my location now... I have a surprise for you," Dante said over the Vox Radio.
"Is it, Lord Custodes..." Sister Astrid began to ask.
"Yes... I will ask him to fulfill this child's dream," Dante replied. Sister Astrid smiled, and soon Chapter Master Yorren arrived.
"Lord Custodes Dante, what is it you needed?" Chapter Master Yorren asked.
"This is Curtis, the first Aspirant for your Chapter," Dante said.
"Oh... child? How old are you?" Chapter Master Yorren inquired.
"Ten years old, Space Marine sir," Curtis answered.
"Very well, you will become the first Aspirant of the Praetorian Chapter," Chapter Master Yorren said, gently patting Curtis on the head.
"Sister, could you show us the others?" Dante asked Sister Astrid.
"Certainly! This way, Lord Chapter Master and Custodes," Sister Astrid said, leading them towards a larger refugee camp.
They did not need to walk far. Dante and Yorren, accompanied by Sister Astrid, arrived at the refugee camp, which was filled with numerous casualties from the conflict. As soon as the refugees saw a Custodes and a Chapter Master Space Marine, they immediately knelt.
"Please, stand up. I am here to assess your condition and conduct recruitment for our Chapter," Chapter Master Yorren said. The refugees promptly stood.
"Apothecary Armarant and Chaplain Erenius, could you come to my location immediately?" Chapter Master Yorren asked.
Dante quickly tore his cloak and handed it to a trembling woman. Shortly thereafter, two Space Marines arrived: one in white Power Armor with blue shoulder pads bearing the Praetorian Chapter's logo, equipped with medical attachments and a large drill, and the other in blue Power Armor with a skull-shaped helm.
"Don't worry, we're not here to harm you," Chaplain Erenius reassured the refugees.
"If we were to do anything wrong, the Custodes over there would be allowed to take our heads," Apothecary Armarant added.
The refugees sighed in relief.
"We're here to select potential Aspirants. I just need to check how healthy the candidates are. If they are fit, we'll take them to our Chapter Monastery for training," Apothecary Armarant explained.
"Why does the other Space Marine look so scary?" one of the children asked.
"Oh, that's just how Chaplains look. Don't worry, they don't bite," Dante said with a small laugh. The child began to smile.
Dante watched as the Apothecary began examining the physical condition of the children among the refugees. He knew that this selection process was critical, those who were chosen would either become Space Marines, serve as Serfs, or face a grim fate if they did not meet the standards. Dante’s expression was a mix of solemnity and determination as he observed, understanding the harsh realities of their world and the significant impact of each decision made during this process.
“Sir Custodes, what do you think of their chances?” Sister Astrid asked as she continued to watch the selection process.
“To be honest, I don’t know,” Dante replied. “It depends on how they fare. Each Chapter has its own traditions and training methods. For this Chapter, I’m unfamiliar with their specifics. The Ultramarines, for example, have their own set of traditions.”
“Is it true what I’ve heard?” Sister Astrid asked, concern evident in her voice.
“Yes, it’s true. The training for Space Marines is extremely harsh, even at the Aspirant stage. I’ve heard stories of some being devoured by wild beasts,” Dante said.
“Oh my, Emperor grant them mercy,” Sister Astrid murmured.
“At least they’re not trained from infancy,” Dante added with a hint of sarcasm.
"Tell me, Sister, do you ever have doubts?" Dante asked.
"No, why?" Sister Astrid replied.
"Good that you never doubt... In my travels, I’ve seen people falter in battle. Regardless of their strength or weakness, hesitation can ruin everything," Dante said.
"What do you mean, Sir Custodes?" Sister Astrid asked.
"During the battle against the mutants, I noticed some Tactical Marines hesitated to pull the trigger. Even a moment's hesitation can destroy plans," Dante explained.
"So were there any casualties among the Emperor’s Angels of Death?" Sister Astrid inquired.
"Yes, 4 Battle Company also suffered losses, though not as severe as I anticipated," Dante said.
"May the Emperor bless those boys who were selected as Aspirants," Sister Astrid hoped.
"Sister... have you ever heard of the Imperial Truth?" Dante asked with curiosity.
"We in the Adepta Sororitas are only familiar with the Imperial Creed. Since birth, and even at the Schola Progenium, we have embraced the Creed wholeheartedly," Sister Astrid answered.
"Well then... I hope what you believe in comes to fruition," Dante said, patting Sister Astrid on the shoulder before heading to the Thunderhawk with the boys selected as Aspirants.
Special Thanks to VTuber Tiffany Astrid from TsukimiProject willingly collaborating on this chapter
Tiffany Astrid Ch.【TsukimiProject】YouTube Channel: