XXXIV

216.M36

San Leor - Segmentum Ultima

Multiple transport shuttles landed, followed by an ornate Aquila Lander touching down at the front. As the ramp lowered, a man dressed in religious robes stepped out, flanked by several heavily armored guards. More priests and guards emerged from the other transport shuttles, moving in an orderly formation.

As the group move the crowd of civilians towards a temple, a pair of Astarte move around the forest near the temple with their camo-cloaks. Both of them are clad in Mark VI power armors and arm with Sternguard bolters.

"Multiple shuttles confirmed." One of them said as he look through his bolter scope.

"Confirming the presence of high-ranking clergy." The second Astarte murmured over the vox-link. "Escorts are heavily armored. Arbites-grade carapace, possibly higher. Some carry hellguns."

The first Astartes adjusted his grip on his bolter, his voice calm. "Orders?"

A brief pause followed before a response crackled over the vox. "Observe and report. Do not engage unless necessary."

The two Space Marines remained still, blending into the shadows of the forest. From their vantage point, they watched as the priests and guards approach the temple. As the high-ranking clergy trying to enter the temple, he is stop by multiple nuns on his approach. After a few minutes of them conversing, the clergy enter the temple with a small escort of guards.

As both of them can't see what's happening inside the temple, they stay at their post and overlook the temple and the personals that stay outside it. After 5 minutes, the clergy exited the temple with his guards unharmed, but the nuns also followed him closely, with both of them noting that some of the nuns are carrying weapons and wearing armors so near to the clergy.

Both Astartes zoomed in with their scopes, their auspex scanners running at full power to gather as much information as possible without moving from their position. They carefully observed the group, noting every detail. But, both of them have one same question in their mind, why does those nuns can stay that close to that high-ranking clergy while being fully armed.

"Something must have happen in the temple." The first Astarte said as he zoom on one of the nuns, Alicia Dominica, the leader of the Daughters of the Emperor sect.

"Yes." The second Astarte said as he looking at the results from his auspex scanner. "But we don't have time to find out what happen." He said as he activate the vox. "GV-A-001, I repeat, GV-A-001."

After this, both of them leave their spot, moving deeper into the forest. Before long, a Thunderhawk raise silently from the forest and vanished into the sky, its engines muffled by advanced stealth systems. 

===============================

Anvilus Nine

North Pole Fotress-Temple

Inside one of the chamber in the huge Fotress-Temple, Atharion is working in integrading the Helfrost system into the Warlord Titan. Hoping that it can not only help in reducing the heat the generator produce, but also lowering the heat the weapons create, making the Titan can shoot more often.

Currently, he's in the final stage of perfecting the system so that it can run properly and produce enough cool air for the generators. As he adjusted the final calibration on the Helfrost system. The chamber hummed with energy as coolant lines pulsed with freezing vapor, gradually stabilizing the Titan's internal temperature.

Nearby, Nine observed through his red optics, his mechadendrites shifting as he analyzed the data. "The results are promising." Nine stated. "The Helfrost system is reducing heat buildup by approximately 18%. With further refinement, we may reach 25%."

Atharion nodded. "This is the best we can achieved for now." He said as he reading through the data flowing in the cogitator. "Until we can find materials that won't freeze from exposure to Helfrost crystals, this is our limit."

Since the day Atharion learned about the Titans and Nine's plan for them, he had spent all his time moving between the North Pole Fortress-Temple and the Vault. At the Fortress-Temple, he tested and built the Helfrost cooling system. At the Vault, he assisted Nine in repairing the Emperor Titan.

The work was exhausting, but progress had been steady. The Warlord Titan and other Titans can now operate with improved cooling, and the Emperor Titan, though still unable to move, was being restored quicker than before.

Atharion turned away from the cogitator and looked at Nine. "What's next?"

Nine's optics flickered. "We begin field testing. We need to see how the Helfrost system performs under real battle conditions."

Atharion nodded, but before he can said anything, his personal vox-link went active and the voice of Selina can be hear coming from it. "Atharion, an important report have just arrive from Segmentum Ultima."

Atharion immediately reached for his vox-link. "Go ahead, Selina."

There was a brief pause before Selina continued. "A reconnaissance squad, SL-A-03 has confirmed that the event designated GV-A-001 has occurred on San Leor."

Atharion's eyes narrowed. "Is that so? Tell them to return back to Point Z-20, and proceed to the Dark Marches after they resupply and rest for 3 days."

"Understood, Atharion." Selina acknowledged. "I will relay the orders immediately."

Atharion cut the vox-link and exhaled slowly. He turned to Nine, who had been listening silently.

"Goge Vandire have go to San Leor and have gain the support of the sect there." Atharion said towards Nine as he turn back to the cogitator. "The cog is turning, the downfall of Vandire have begin."

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267.M36

Zhoros - Zhoros sytem - Segmentum Obscurus

Eternal Vigilance

"The last Frateris Templar ship has been destroyed, my lord," the shipmaster reported as Atharion gazed at the wreckage floating in the void.

"Good," Atharion said, turning his attention to Zhoros, home of the Fire Hawks Chapter. Half the planet was ablaze, burning from the Frateris Templar's assault. "Have we established vox contact with the Fire Hawks?"

"No, my lord." The shipmaster shake his head as he answer. "With their fotress-monastery have been destroy, we have not been able to find where they are currently." He activate the holo-table, which display Zhoros with the Fire Hawks fotress-monastery on the burning side of the world. "The last tranmission that we find from them come from the small fotress on the other side of the planet, but it was cut off shortly after. We suspect they are either under siege or have already fallen."

Atharion studied the display. "Then we must assume the worst. Begin scanning for any remaining Fire Hawks signals. Deploy reconnaissance teams to search for survivors." He turned to another officer. "Inform Gideon to prepare his company for quick insertion. If we find them, we move in immediately."

As the officers return to their post, Atharion continue to read the report that currently display on the holoscreen. Among the Templar vessels, Dark Knights 6th company able to board and conquer 17 warships. One Retribution Class Battleship, one Class Avenger class Grand Cruiser, two Mars class Battlecruiser, three Lunar Class Cruiser, one Defiant Class Light Cruiser, two Dauntless Class Light Cruiser, four Firestorm Class Frigate and three Cobra Class Destroyer.

Atharion turn towards the shipmaster, who still standing beside him, reading the datapad on his hand. "What's the status of the captured vessels?"

"Most only suffered minor hull damages as they are position on the their fleet back line." The shipmaster said as the holoscreen flicker with him typing into the consoles. "All ships will be battle-ready once the required crews are replenished. We also captured 20 Imperial Navy officers, though most were executed by the Templars before the Astartes of the 6th company could intervene."

Atharion let out a quiet sigh at the news. "See to their needs. Provide them with medical aid and food if requested." He ordered. The shipmaster nodded, recording the command into his datapad.

"Interrogate them for intelligence on any remaining Frateris Templar fleets operating in the Segmentum. Ensure they are not tortured or mistreated. We need cooperation, not fear."

"Yes, my lord." The shipmaster acknowledged before returning to his duties.

Atharion turned back to the window on the bridge, his gaze fixed on the burning world below. The reason he had come to Zhoros was to prevent the Frateris Templar from destroying the Fire Hawks' homeworld. He had hoped to gain the chapter's favor and secure their friendship, as well as claim the Raptorus Rex, the mighty star fort that, in the original timeline, would have been gifted to them by Sebastian Thor for their support.

But he had arrived too late. The Templars had already reduced the Fire Hawks' fortress-monastery to ruins and scorched half the planet.

As the auspex scanners continued searching for any sign of the Fire Hawks, a vox officer suddenly approached Atharion and the shipmaster. The officer saluted quickly before speaking.

"My lords, a report from the Iron Eclipse." He said, handing a datapad to the shipmaster. "They have detected an energy surge."

The shipmaster scanned the report, his expression shifting. "It's from a fleet exiting the Warp." He said, his voice calmer than before. He turned to Atharion. "It's the Fire Hawks."

Atharion exhaled, a mix of relief and caution settling over him. He was relieved that the Fire Hawks had survived, but he also feared he might have changed their fate.

Segmentum Obscurus was home to the Eye of Terror and many other important worlds. To strengthen the Imperium's hold on the region, Atharion had sent multiple Castellans to establish fortresses on dead worlds and unimportant moons. These strongholds had helped keep Chaos at bay, preventing its influence from spreading further.

While this was a victory for the Imperium, Atharion worried about its consequences. He didn't know exactly how many Fire Hawks had survived beyond the destruction of their homeworld, but he believed a large part of the chapter had been away on missions when Zhoros was attacked in the original timeline. However, if those missions had been completed by his Castellans instead, it could mean the Fire Hawks might stay on Zhoros during the attacks, resulting more of them died that original.

His thoughts were interrupted when the shipmaster spoke. "The Fire Hawks fleet is moving toward us, my lord. Their battle-barge, three strike cruisers, and six frigates have formed a defensive pattern."

"They are being cautious." Atharion said in a helpless tone. "After all, they don't know if we are friend or foe."

"Their flagship is hailing us," the vox officer reported.

"Put them through."

A moment later, a deep, static-filled voice came over the vox. "This is Grandmaster Garron of the Fire Hawks. Identify yourself."

Atharion stepped closer to the vox. "I'm Supreme Grand Master Atharion of Dark Knights. We arrived too late to stop the Frateris Templar's attack, but we have purged their fleet and secured Zhoros' orbit."

A brief silence followed before Garron responded, his tone wary. "Your assistance is noted. But tell me, Dark Knight, why are you here?"

"I came to aid my brothers." Atharion said. "The Fire Hawks are warriors of the Emperor, and I will not stand by while loyal Astartes are slaughtered by the zealots of Goge Vandire." He paused before adding, "But I also bring an offer."

Another silence. Then Garron's voice returned, sharp and direct. "An offer?"

Atharion glanced at the burning world below. "Meet with me aboard my flagship. There is much to discuss."

Garron did not reply immediately. When he finally spoke, his voice carried suspicion. "Very well. But know this, Dark Knight, if this is a trap, we will not fall easily."

Atharion allowed himself a small smile. "I would expect nothing less."

As the vox-link cut off, he turned to his officers. "Prepare the meeting chamber. Ensure we are ready to receive our guests."

When Garron arrived, he come with a sizeable entourages. The captains of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 6th and 8th companies enter with three squads of terminator from 1st company. Seeing this, Atharion, who is sitting at the head of the table and only with his 10 honor guards, raise one of his eyebrow at this scene.

Atharion stayed seated, his expression calm as he observed the Fire Hawks take their places. Garron and his captains sat down, but the Terminators remained standing, positioning themselves strategically, some near the door to secure an escape route, others close to their Chapter Master and captains, ready to act at a moment's notice.

Raising an eyebrow, Atharion let the silence stretch for a moment before speaking. "Quite the escort, Grandmaster Garron. Do you expect a battle?"

Garron met his gaze evenly. "The Fire Hawks won't suffered another betrayals. I will not take chances."

Atharion nodded slightly, acknowledging the reasoning behind such caution. "Understandable. But you are not here as prisoners, nor as enemies." His voice was firm but measured.

Garron remained wary but gestured for him to continue.

Atharion leaned forward slightly. "Your home burns, and your chapter has suffered greatly. I will not waste time with pleasantries, your future is uncertain, but I can offer you a path forward."

"What do you proposed then?" Garron said with a wary tone.

Atharion met his gaze steadily. "An alliance."

Garron narrowed his eyes and mumurs ran through the Fire Hawks captains. "An alliance?" One of the Fire Hawks captains scoffed. "Or do you simply wish to took control over us?"

Atharion shook his head. "No, I have no interest to took over your chapter." He said while the holo-table activated. "I offer a pact, one that will ensure your survival and strengthen us both."

Garron's expression remained wary. "And what does this alliance entail?"

"You have lose your homeworld, while only half of it destroy." Atharion said as the holo-display flicker, showing the information of Zhoros. "The world is forever changed and the world can't return to their previous state, I can provide you all a new homeworld in the near future." The holo-display flicker again. "For now, I can provide you supplies for your chapter to rebuild."

One of the Fire Hawks captains spoke up, his tone sharp. "And in return, you expect us to swear fealty?"

"No," Atharion replied firmly. "I only expect cooperation and friendship. We will fight together and grow stronger together."

He gestured toward the holo-display, which showed the newly captured ships. "As a gesture of good faith, I will give you these ships taken from the Frateris Templar. I can also provide enough crews to get them operational, and you can assign the captains and officers for the ships."

Garron and his captains studied the display in silence. The captured ships would help rebuild their strength, but they needed time before they could be fully repaired and crewed.

Atharion leaned forward. "I ask for nothing in return except that you stand with me. The Imperium is on the verge of change. A chosen one will rise to overthrow Goge Vandire, and I am going to Dimmamar to ensure it happens. I would have the Fire Hawks on my side."

The Fire Hawks captains exchanged uncertain glances. One of them spoke up, his voice skeptical. "You ask much, yet we know little of you."

Atharion nodded. "Then judge me by my actions. I saved your brothers on Zhoros. I destroyed the Templar fleet. I offer you ships, resources, and a path forward. In return, I only ask that you consider my words."

Garron exhaled slowly. He then looks towards the captains, trying to get their opinion on this matter. The captains also look at each others, before long, the 1st captain look at Garron and nodded.

Seeing the silent agreement from his captains, Garron turned back to Atharion. "We will stand with you...for now. But know this, Dark Knight, our oath is not given lightly. If you prove false, we will not hesitate to correct our mistake."

Atharion gave a small, knowing smile. "I would expect nothing less from the Fire Hawks."

With the foundation of their alliance set, Atharion shifted the discussion to preparations for their next move. "Our destination is Dimmamar." He continued, bringing up a new holo-display of the galaxy. "It is there that the turning point of this war will take place. The chosen leader of the Imperium's salvation will rise, and we must ensure Vandire's grip is shattered before he can crush this rebellion."

Garron studied the display before glancing back at Atharion. "Do you have a plan?"

Atharion nodded as he bring up a person picture and his information. "Sebastian Thor." He said as he pointed at the picture. "He is the leader of the Confederation of Light on Dimmamar, he already expanded his influence to the nearby systems and rallying peoples to his banner to battle against Vandire's reign." He stop and look towards the Fire Hawks. "He's the person that can bring stability back to Imperium, also the Ecclesiarchy."

"So," The Fire Hawks' 6th captain said. "You wish that all of us support him in his endeavor."

Atharion nodded. "Yes, Vandire have become a tumor that sucking the Imperium of it's resources and men." He continue. "Even when all said that us, Astarte should leave mortal matter to the mortal, but we have a saying on it too." He gestured towards all within the chamber. "Are we all not human? We may be stronger and live longer than them, we are still human no matter how much we or they deny it. We bleed and we died just the same."

The chamber fell silent as Atharion's words hung in the air. The Fire Hawks captains exchanged glances, their expressions unreadable.

Garron leaned forward, his gaze locked onto Atharion. "You speak of duty beyond battle. That is not something many of us would agree with."

Atharion met his gaze evenly. "Then let them disagree. But I ask you this, if we, the Angels of Death, do nothing while the Imperium rots from within, are we truly fulfilling the duty the Emperor and our Primach gave us?"