The betrayal on Proxima may have failed, but it still exacted its bloody price.
Three-quarters of the Third Legion forces that participated in the parade died during the breakout and the subsequent holding action to buy time for the Emperor's retreat. Now, only tattered remnants remained; they had become a pale, translucent shadow of their former selves. The combat-effective strength numbered less than fifty marines. The rest were warriors no more.
My Grand Battalion had also paid a high price. Half of the battalion's veterans were either dead or gravely wounded, and now their fate lay in the hands of the Apothecaries. [1] The luckier ones could return to duty after treatment and augmentation; the less fortunate would become Dreadnoughts. [2] And for those whose thread of life had reached its end, they would receive the Emperor's Mercy. [3]
After such losses, fatigue weighed heavily upon me, and sorrow took root in my soul. But I did not leave the planet until I saw it burn in fire, leaving behind only ash and cinders. An empty. Dead planet.
And now I had returned home. To Terra.
There were many reasons for this. From the need to receive reinforcements to the opportunity to bring my boys home, at least those who remained to be buried.
But the most important reason was an order from the Emperor Himself.
The self-sacrifice of the Third and Fifth Legions was worthy of reward. The awarding and honoring would be held on Terra, and for this, we were recalled home.
For many, receiving an award from the Emperor is a great honor and joy. But looking at the long rows of coffins draped with the flags of the Fifth, I felt only pain. Even though I had managed to become calloused and understood that war is not without losses, I still hated them.
Yes, we had done our duty and saved the Emperor, and with Him, the Imperium of Mankind. Our sacrifice was not empty and useless. But if intelligence and other special services hadn't screwed up, none of this would have happened. There would have been no threat to the Emperor, no bloody breakout, no these long rows of coffins.
For myself, I learned a new lesson. One should not overly trust intelligence reports that claim everything is calm and peaceful like some gullible fool. A valuable lesson. But the price... To hell with such a price.
– Buri. – Rork emerged from the shadow of the corridor.
He didn't look well. At the very end of the battle, a piece of shrapnel from the last walker we blew up with demo charges and grenades had hit him. The metal shard struck his helmet, piercing it and costing him an eye. Then came a wave of suicide troops who managed to detonate themselves, adding to his injuries.
– Did Apothecary Belen finally release you? Or did you simply escape? You look frankly terrible, – I said, glancing at his new augmetic eye and the pallor of his skin.
– I've had enough of lying in a hospital cot. All necessary treatment I can now receive without constantly being in the Apothecarion. – He answered with a slight smirk. – But you look no better. Even if no new scars have been added to your insolent mug, the traces of fatigue and bitterness in your eyes cannot be hidden.
– Rork. It just hurts. I knew them all by name and nickname. Knew their strengths and weaknesses. Goals, hopes, aspirations. And now… I don't know, Rork. Emptiness and cold. Their song of life ended too early and abruptly. – The words came with difficulty.
He walked up to one of the coffins and placed a hand on it.
– While I was lying in the Apothecarion, watching our brothers depart, it wasn't easy for me either. Some left quietly, simply closing their eyes and ceasing to breathe. Some screamed and shuddered, then just fell like a doll whose strings had been cut. – Rork adjusted a displaced flag and walked to the next coffin.
– It was unpleasant. It was painful. My heart clenched into a tight knot, and my insides grew cold as if someone had driven a piece of ice into them. With many of them, I began my journey as an aspirant. [4] We went through unimaginable trials. Did what seemed impossible. Saw what many considered fairy tales and myths. And now it's all over, as if that unknown chain that bound us all had snapped. We lost our own before, but this time, not just a couple of links were torn out, but half the chain at once. – Rork spoke and continued to inspect the coffins, and I walked silently beside him, ready to support him in case of weakness, for no matter how he tried to show he was fine, I still understood he hadn't recovered yet.
– Belen saw my empty gaze on the stretcher covered with a sheet, from under which a fallen hand with our Legion's tattoo was visible. That same evening, he approached me, and we talked. We talked about many things and for a long time. – Rork turned sharply to me.
– He said that for an Astartes, death is not the end. And he didn't mean Dreadnoughts. He spoke of the gene-seed. [5] – We looked each other straight in the eyes, and unlike mine, his eyes held a light.
The Light of Hope.
– Gene-seed is not just an organ that makes us Astartes. It is also memory. If it can be preserved, it will carry the imprint of the past bearer. You sometimes mentioned the song of life. Well, thanks to this, the song of many will continue, and it will sound from the lips of those who come to replace those who have left. – Rork fell silent, and his gaze fixed on another coffin.
– But what about those who lost their gene-seed, I asked Belen. And to get an answer, Belen sent me for you; he said the answer to this question was needed not only by me but by you as well. Let's go, Buri. – Rork beckoned me with a wave.
Taking one last look at the coffins and sighing, I followed him.
Near the Apothecarion, Belen was waiting for me.
– You are just in time, Captain. We have little time. Follow me. – Belen greeted me with a nod and went inside.
Many days had passed, but the smell of blood and medicine was still strong.
– Hamn is bad. Very bad. I don't think he'll last another day. But you need to talk. Especially since it was his request. – He led me to the room where Hamn lay.
A shot from an energy weapon had hit him in the torso and vaporized most of it. From the neck to the groin, it was just one massive wound. Only thanks to the efforts of the Apothecaries, the machines, and his own willpower was he still alive. But not for long. I saw how with every moment, drop by drop, life was leaving him.
– Cccaptain. – Hamn rasped and tried to smile but was overcome by a cough.
– Don't strain yourself, Hamn. Not now. – The words came hard, and worst of all, I didn't know what to say.
– Now is the time. I don't have long, Captain. And I want to ask you for one last favor. – He looked straight into my eyes.
– I'm listening, Hamn.
– The enemies deprived me of the ability to fight. The enemies deprived me of the ability to live. They even deprived me of the chance to pass on my gene-seed. And now I face oblivion. I will remain only a line in the casualty list and a date when it happened. But I don't want to just fade away.
He began to rasp even more strongly and coughed up blood.
– I want to leave something greater behind. I cannot do it. But you can. Will you help me? Grant a dying man his last request?
– Yes. Tell me what you desire.
– Inscribe the name of our Legion in History with golden letters. Make it so that we become more than just a legion in the history of the Imperium. Perform great deeds so that our Legion and the names of its legionaries never fall into obscurity. Then, even without the ability to pass on my gene-seed, my name and my deeds will not be forgotten. – Tears streamed from Hamn's eyes.
– Don't let them forget. That Hamn of Ursh was a worthy son of Terra. Don't let them forget that I and other brothers gave everything we had for the Emperor, the Imperium, Terra, and Ursh. – He coughed, and now a trickle of blood flowed from his lips.
– I was there when you dealt with that overconfident Third Legion. My heart was filled with pride then. But then came bitterness. Many still consider us weaklings who can only fight weak or outnumbered enemies. They don't know how we stopped the Orks, how we captured dangerous Old Night [6] relics, or how we made a planet kneel at our feet. It pained me to know this. Even more painful to hear when those whom Ursh considered its slaves and tributaries are praised and honored. Remind them all that the people of Ursh are strong and that in the service of the Imperium and the Emperor, we will surpass them all! Swear to me, Captain! On my blood and wounds! Swear! – Using his last strength, Hamn reached out his hand to me.
– I, Buri. Son of Iskander and Oxa. I swear before Hamn that his will shall be fulfilled by me. – I grabbed his hand and squeezed with all my might.
– Thank you, Captain. And now it is time for me to go. I feel the long-forgotten wind of my native mountains and fields. – Hamn smiled and closed his eyes.
That was the last thing he managed to do. He went limp sharply and fell back onto his medical cot. The machines began to signal a critical situation. But none of it mattered anymore.
Belen turned off the machines so their noise would not disturb us as we said goodbye to Hamn, who had departed into eternity.
I approached and covered him with a sheet, leaving only his face with a frozen slight smile of joy and relief.
– Rork. – I said loudly and clearly.
– Yes, Buri.
– Get yourself in order as soon as possible. Upon landing on Terra, we must appear in the best possible form. Belen, this applies to you too. Do everything in your power. We must show everyone that the Fifth Legion is strong, no matter what. It is time for many to learn what it means to be a Legionary of the Fifth. Pride. Strength. Relentlessness.
– The Third Legion has proven themselves worthy of reward. And I, the Emperor, grant them the right to bear the Palatine Aquila! [7]
– Ave Imperator! Ave Imperator! Ave Imperator!
The surviving legionaries of the 16th Order of the Third Legion stood with their heads held high, bathing in ovations while simultaneously thanking the Emperor.
– But not only the Third Legion shed its blood on Proxima. The Fifth Legion also paid a high price, but they took an even greater toll from the enemies. – The Emperor looked at me and my men.
– And they shall receive their reward…
Flashback
Several days earlier.
The return to Terra was stirring. In the time I had spent away from it, it had changed greatly. Where there had been barren wastelands and scorched earth, now the spires of buildings rose high. Roads that once saw rare caravans now resembled arteries pulsing with life.
But the greatest change was the Emperor's Palace. When I had left Terra, it was much smaller; now it sprawled for many leagues. Moreover, it continued to expand. Marble, granite, gold, and silver gave it a truly Imperial level of grandeur and beauty. The mere sight of it filled one's chest with pride.
And only one thing made me sad. Nature.
Terra had endured too many trials. And it was still far from restoring its former beauty.
"Ah. I hope the day comes when my foot steps on a planet adorned with forests, and seas and oceans once again give it that familiar blue gleam," I whispered, and then my head turned towards the greeting party.
It consisted of Custodians with several clerks bearing the sigils of the Administratum. [8]
"Legionary Buri. We are your escort to Lord Sigillite. Follow me," a Custodian stepped forward.
"Very well," I nodded to him and followed.
The journey took some time, allowing me to see much. Statues, bas-reliefs, banners. Long columns of workers, clerks, soldiers, scientists. Machines, servitors, [9] and gliders carrying tons of cargo.
The Emperor's Palace not only resembled but was truly becoming the heart of the Imperium. Decisions and actions taken here set in motion the colossal machinery of state. With a stroke of a pen, the fates of millions, even billions, were decided. A quiet word, and thousands of Imperial warriors would bring about Compliance with fire and sword. [10] A scroll delivered, and a planet would be transformed into a new hive world or agri-world. [11]
And this was only the first impression. I even felt somewhat uneasy realizing what was truly happening here. This was not just a place for talk, like the parliaments of the old world. This was truly a place of action, the place from which a thrown pebble caused not just ripples, but hurricanes and tsunamis that swept away everything in their path.
Finally, I was led to the chambers of Malcador the Sigillite.
But what awaited me inside was a great surprise.
"The Emperor. Lord Sigillite. I greet you," I managed, overcoming my astonishment and that oppressive aura or charisma, spoke the words of greeting and knelt on one knee.
"Rise, Buri," a short command from the Emperor made me rise from my knee and look straight ahead.
The Emperor was powerful. And there was not a single trace of the wounds or injuries from the recent assassination attempt.
"I am here to decide what reward you shall receive for the selflessness shown on Proxima. What is your desire?" The Emperor approached closer.
"Gold?" A stream of golden coins flowed from the Emperor's hands.
"Blood?" The coins were replaced by a bloodied dagger.
"Power?" Lightning played across His hands.
"Life?" The lightning transformed into a green symbol of infinity.
"Authority?" A crown appeared in the Emperor's hands.
Inside my head was a kaleidoscope of thoughts. The Emperor Himself wanted to give me a reward, and the most important thing was that whatever I wished for, He could grant it. The most secret desire could become reality.
The ability to extinguish stars with a wave of a finger.
To turn a desert into a green paradise.
My own world where everything is subject to me and only me.
Sweet visions clouded my mind. They screamed – ANYTHING YOU DESIRE, YOU WILL GET.
But.
I saw something else. A long line of Astartes. They had removed their helmets, and I saw the faces of all my fallen warriors. They stood proudly and looked only at me.
Then they were replaced by long rows of coffins draped with flags.
And Hamn.
Bloodied and in pain, but holding my hand and demanding an oath.
Do not let them disappear. Do not let their song of life be cut short.
I found my answer.
"I ask for eternity. I wish to grant eternal life to my men. Both the living and the dead. That is my desire." I bowed my head before the Emperor.
Complete silence fell. Even the fire in Malcador's brazier grew quiet.
"A noble request. A rarity, and thus precious. You have pleased me, Buri, and therefore you shall receive three gifts from Me." The Emperor's voice made my hearts beat faster. [12]
"The First Gift." The Emperor's hand descended on my shoulder, and I felt warmth even through the armor. "The Raptor Imperialis. [13] An old symbol with which I began the path of unifying Mankind on Terra. It was worn by many worthy warriors, and now it is your turn. The legionaries of the Fifth under your command will be granted the unique right to bear the Raptor Imperialis. You have proven yourselves worthy sons of Terra."
"The Second Gift." The Emperor gave a sign, and a Custodian stepped forward carrying a long, ornate case. "The Quiet Insignia." [14]
The Emperor opened the case and drew forth a two-handed sword. It was a beautiful sword; the dark blue blade was adorned with golden patterns resembling lightning, and the hilt was decorated with the symbol of the Raptor Imperialis.
"It is unbefitting for a worthy warrior to wield a weapon that has been in the hands of a xenos. A worthy warrior needs a worthy blade." The Emperor passed the sword to me, and I accepted it with all possible reverence.
The Emperor stepped away from me and looked out the window, which overlooked one of the wings of the Imperial Palace under construction.
"The Last Gift. For you, it will be the most precious. Within my Palace, I shall allocate a place where your fallen brothers and warriors can find their final rest. Their names will not be forgotten. Their deeds will not be forgotten. Their sacrifice will not be forgotten." When I heard these words, my breath caught.
This was truly the most valuable and greatest gift. Even when my bones and flesh turn to dust, we will be remembered. Here it was, true eternal life.
"Thank you, Emperor. This is what I wanted. Your gift will allow me to fulfill my oath."
"I know. We will meet again soon, Child of Terra." The Emperor and His Custodian left the room, leaving only me and Malcador, who had not uttered a word the entire time.
Gradually, it became easier; the feeling of pressure disappeared, and my mind began to settle, which Malcador noticed and apparently decided it was now possible to talk calmly.
"The Emperor thinks highly of you, Buri," he sat down by the fireplace and looked at me.
"The greater the risk, the greater the reward, Lord Malcador," I answered him.
"It's not just that you protected Him, but you yourself. But that is a conversation for the future. The distant future," Malcador said mysteriously. "Soon there will be a ceremony during which the legionaries of the Third will receive their reward."
"And what is it?"
"The Palatine Aquila. They did, after all, pay a very high price. Even higher than you and your comrades."
"Yes, they lost very many."
"It's not just about the losses. But that is not a conversation for your ears, youth. Ah, if only there were more people like you, perhaps it wouldn't be so difficult. Don't look at me like that, Buri. Just the grumbling of an old and tired man." Malcador sighed and became lost in his thoughts. "Go, youth. A ceremony awaits you."
End of Flashback.
The ceremony was coming to an end. And I looked at the long rows draped with flags, which were on special platforms and moving towards the crypt of the Fifth Legion.
"You will not be forgotten, boys. Never now. Rest in peace. Leave the rest to us."
On that day, the Fifth Legion firmly announced itself. And in the future, it would prove more than once that its rewards were rightfully earned by the worthy. Envy took root in the hearts of many. But they were powerless and could only swallow their envy and irritation.
For the truth was simple – the Fifth Legion had proven with its blood that they were worthy Sons of Terra.
Conversation between the Emperor and Malcador
- I have seen him.
- The Fire.
- Yes. It is good that you noticed him in the very beginning.
- Now our chances have increased.
- Only if he can pass all the trials of the future.
- Hm. We can only wait for the time to come.
- Yes. The Fire within him will either flare up or be extinguished. There is no third option.
- Time will tell. It depends only on him.
- Humanity will need ones like him. And I hope his will is strong.
- In the extreme case, even if his time is short, he will have time to light the path for others.
- Aliis inserviendo consumor. [15]
- Fortuna fortis adiuvat! [16]
- Let the future be our judge.
1 Apothecaries: The medics of the Adeptus Astartes, responsible for healing, creating new Space Marines, and most importantly, retrieving the gene-seed from fallen battle-brothers.
2 Dreadnoughts: Massive, cybernetic walkers that serve as life-support systems for warriors who have suffered catastrophic, mortal wounds but are too valuable and battle-hardened to die. Their minds are interred within the machine, allowing them to continue fighting for centuries.
3 Emperor's Mercy: A euphemism for euthanasia or execution, often delivered by a bolt round to the head. It is considered a merciful act in the grim reality of the 41st millennium, especially for Astartes who cannot be saved or interred in a Dreadnought.
4Aspirant: A candidate undergoing the brutal and often lethal selection process and initial transformations to become a Space Marine.
5 Gene-seed: The cornerstone of the Adeptus Astartes. These are specialized organs grown from the progenoid gland of a Space Marine, which carry his genetic legacy and are used to create new Marines. Its loss is a catastrophic failure for a Chapter/Legion.
6 Old Night (or "TЭT" in the text): Refers to the "Age of Strife" or "Old Night," the long, dark age of anarchy and war that gripped humanity after the collapse of the Dark Age of Technology and before the rise of the Emperor. "Dangerous Old Night relics" implies highly destructive and forbidden technologies from that era.
7 Palatine Aquila: A specific and high honor, likely a variant of the Imperial Aquila (the double-headed eagle symbol). Being granted the right to bear it signifies extreme valor and the Emperor's singular favor.
8 Administratum: The vast, labyrinthine, and incredibly bureaucratic administrative machinery of the Imperium. It handles all logistics, record-keeping, and the monumental task of running a galaxy-spanning empire.
9 Servitors: Cyborgs, often vat-grown or made from criminals, whose minds have been wiped and who are programmed for specific menial or repetitive tasks. They are a grim and ubiquitous staple of the Imperium.
10 Bring about Compliance: The standard Imperial term for conquering and subjugating a world, bringing it into the fold of the Imperium. It is a formal, bureaucratic term for a process that is invariably violent.
10 Hive world / Agri-world: Classifications of Imperial planets. Hive worlds are over-urbanized planets dominated by massive, city-like structures (hives) housing billions. Agri-worlds are dedicated solely to the mass production of food to feed other worlds in the Imperium.
11 Hearts beat faster: Astartes have two hearts, a standard part of their enhanced biology.
12 Raptor Imperialis: The Imperial Eagle/Raven symbol. The name is kept in High Gothic (Latin) for flavor. The description matches the classic Imperial Aquila. Being granted this symbol is a mark of singular honor directly from the Emperor.
13 The Quiet Insignia: The name of the sword is translated thematically. "Тихая Инсигния" implies a weapon of great significance and honor that speaks through its deeds and history, not through boastful appearance.
13 Aliis inserviendo consumor: A Latin phrase meaning "I am consumed in service to others." A fittingly grim and noble motto for those who serve the Imperium.
14 Fortuna fortis adiuvat: A Latin proverb, a variation of "Audentes fortuna iuvat" (Fortune favors the bold). Here it means "Fortune favors the brave" or "the strong."
So guys. This is MTL and i think its not too bad. Also to let you know. I got like 30+ chaps in russian on my boosty service account. You can get them and run your own MTL instead of waiting for me. If you want to know more leave a comment here.