The Beast Arises

‘Yours is a simple breed,’ said Udo. ‘Bred for war. You think on nothing but matters of combat and honour. I have seen contempt for the common man too many times in the face of a Space Marine. You think yourselves intelligent, and you are, but you forget too often you are made for conflict, and conflict invariably follows in your wake. Leave the subtleties of government to those better suited, as the Emperor intended.’

‘My lord Malfons died to preserve your office,’ said Verpall. ‘Do not insult us again.’

‘There, you see. A veiled threat. Another statement that forges my opinion the harder. You must listen to me. Do as I say and we shall have no difficulty between us. Tomorrow, we will proceed to the surface where you will be feted as the saviours that you are. Then, in the Senatorum Imperialis, you will renew your oaths of fealty to the Imperium. Then you shall be acknowledged as the Chapter Master of the Imperial Fists, Second Captain Koorland, with the full will of the Senatorum. After which, we shall formulate plans — with the backing of myself, the Lord Commander Militant, Lord High Admiral Lansung and the others — to end this crisis.’

The Chapter Masters looked to one another. Quesadra drummed three crimson fingers on the table, click click click.

‘What of the moon?’ asked Koorland.

‘Kubik desires it to be left intact.’

‘So Terra dances to Mars’ tune now?’ said Bohemond.

Udo gave him a hard stare. Bohemond returned it. ‘We have convened a meeting of the High Twelve,’ said Udo. ‘There its fate will be decided.’

‘I urge you, my lord, it must be destroyed,’ said Koorland.

‘Whether or not it will be is a matter for the Lords of Terra. You will maintain your blockade until the Navy gathers in sufficient force to take your place. If you perform this task, none shall set foot upon the moon. The Fabricator General has agreed to withdraw his armies for the time being. The moon is under your custodianship. Beyond that it is no longer your concern,’ said Udo evenly. ‘You have pulled the orks’ teeth. Bravo. It is time to let the organs of government decide the best course of action. Know this, lord Chapter Masters, this fleet of yours cannot be allowed to remain whole. Your Chapters shall each receive individual orders. With your might properly directed, we shall end the threat of this Beast once and for all. There shall be no more need for such,’ he lifted a hand, ‘charming displays of confraternity.’

The Space Marines shifted uneasily.

‘Yes, my lord,’ said Koorland hesitantly. ‘When you order its destruction, we shall be on hand to aid you in your task.’

‘There is one last item I must inform you of,’ continued Udo. ‘We cannot allow the news of the destruction of the Imperial Fists to be made public. Your return, Koorland, will be the proof of the indomitability of the Adeptus Astartes of Dorn’s line. You shall return from the dead to great fanfare, the orks cannot defeat you and so forth. I shall have a suitable story provided. You are only one, and that presents a problem. To circumvent this, each of you will provide from among your number Wall Guardians to man the Palace as the Imperial Fists always have.’

‘They are not Imperial Fists,’ said Quesadra.

‘They shall be dressed in the livery of the Imperial Fists,’ said Udo. ‘The populace shall know no different.’

‘Our men will never give up their colours!’ exclaimed Issachar.

‘There will be no honour? No mention of my brothers’ sacrifice?’ Koorland’s face went pale. ‘This is an outrage!’

‘This is politics, captain,’ said Udo. ‘In the aftermath of the moon’s arrival, to inform the people that the Imperial Fists are nigh-on extinct will send a wave of terror throughout the Imperium. Worse would be rumours, for they are pernicious and far harder to deal with than the shock of an announcement. Not a single word of this disaster must become public. You have my sympathy for your loss, captain, but there are practicalities to consider.’ Udo stood, holding up his hands to forestall disagreement. ‘You must forgive me. I return to the surface now. I have much to arrange.’

The Lord Commander bowed sharply, leaving the Space Marines to stare after him as his aides and constructs filed out in his wake.

‘We will not break the fleet,’ said Bohemond.

‘We cannot defy him,’ said Quesadra.

‘We can,’ said Verpall. ‘How can Udo possibly enforce the order? If we did refuse he could do nothing. He would be forced to back down and concoct some story that cast him in a favourable light.’

‘More politics,’ spat Bohemond.

‘I cannot condone that course of action,’ said Koorland. ‘It is close to heresy.’

‘We have no choice,’ said Issachar, ‘if we are to save the Imperium.’

‘A sentiment that has been voiced before,’ said Koorland. ‘Be careful of your thoughts, brother.’

Sixteen

The welcoming of heroes