Gaius stood in the purification chamber of the gene-laboratory, letting the sterilization spray cover his entire body. The cold liquid ran down his enhanced musculature, forming small eddies in the drain. Today was the nineteenth, and final, gene-seed implantation surgery, the Black Carapace implantation.
"Nervous system pre-check," a mechanical voice announced. Apothecary Vorlak's mechanical tendrils moved across his back, cold sensors probing along his spine.
Gaius suppressed the urge to tremble. Over the past few months, he had undergone eighteen surgeries, each pushing his body further from the human norm. The secondary heart, the Ossmodula, the Hematopoietic Stem Cells, the Larraman's Organ... each new organ brought new abilities and new pain.
But the Black Carapace was different. This was not just another internal organ, but an interface system that directly connected his biological nervous network to his power armor. Once successfully implanted, he would no longer be a warrior wearing power armor, but a combat organism fused with the armor.
"Neural conductivity rate is sixty-three percent above baseline," Vorlak stated to a recording device, "Suggest adjusting implant sensitivity."
Gaius closed his eyes, concentrating on controlling his breathing. His body was already vastly different from months ago, his height had increased by fifteen centimeters, his muscle mass had doubled, and his bone density was enough to withstand small-caliber bullets. But his changes went far beyond the physical.
The visions became more frequent, more vivid. Sometimes during training, he would suddenly "know" tactics he had never learned; sometimes in dreams, the golden hall and the figure in blue armor would be so real that he could still feel its presence upon waking; strangest of all, he began to develop deep emotional reactions to the ancient rituals and symbols of the Ultramarines.
"Neophyte Gaius, focus," Vorlak's voice pulled him back to reality, "Black Carapace implantation requires absolute mental stability. Any distraction could lead to neural rejection."
Gaius nodded, forcing himself to clear his mind. Through the observation window of the purification chamber, he could see the preparations in the operating room, more complex and precise instruments than the previous eighteen times, more Tech-Priests bustling about, and even a Librarian present. The Black Carapace implantation was clearly no small matter.
The door slid open, and a familiar figure walked into the purification chamber, Sergeant Thayne, in full ceremonial armor, the Omega symbol on his shoulder pad gleaming.
"Apothecary," Thayne nodded to Vorlak, then turned to Gaius, "How do you feel, Neophyte?"
"Ready, Sergeant," Gaius replied, his voice deeper than usual, another side effect of the gene-modifications, thickened vocal cords.
Thayne's gaze seemed to pierce him. "The Black Carapace is more than just surgery," the Sergeant said, his voice unusually serious, "It is the final bridge, connecting flesh to machine, warrior to armor. Through it, you will become a true member of the Astartes."
Gaius noticed Thayne's hand lightly touch an interface on his own chest plate, the connection point for the Black Carapace. "Will there be... pain?" he asked, even though he knew the answer.
Thayne's lips curved slightly: "More than you can imagine. But afterward..." The Sergeant paused, as if searching for the right words, "afterward, you will feel a completeness you have never known."
Vorlak interrupted their conversation: "Time is up. Neophyte Gaius, please enter the operating room."
The lights in the operating room were brighter than usual, and the hum of the instruments was higher pitched. Gaius lay on the familiar operating table, feeling the restraints secure his limbs. There was no mask this time, the Black Carapace implantation required him to be fully conscious to monitor neural responses.
"Begin local anesthesia," Vorlak commanded, "from spinal segment T5 to L3."
Gaius felt a cold sensation on his back, then numbness. But his mind remained clear; he could hear the sound of instruments moving, and smell the ozone and disinfectant in the air.
"Incision," Vorlak said. There was no pain, but Gaius could feel a pressure moving along his spine.
Then, the first interface was implanted.
It was like lightning striking his entire body. Gaius arched his back violently, his teeth gritting. It wasn't pain, but a unique sensory shock, as if all his nerve endings were suddenly connected to some vast network. Fragmented images flashed across his vision: the recoil of a Bolter firing, the hum of a Power Sword's energy field, the sensation of a jump pack's thrust...
"Stabilize his vital signs!" Vorlak's voice came from afar, "Neural feedback is too strong!"
More interfaces were implanted. Each brought a new torrent of sensations. Gaius could now "feel" the operation of every electrical device in the room, "hear" the data flow from the server room, and "see" the energy flowing through the cables within the walls.
Then, the most intense shock came, not from the surgery, but from within. As the Black Carapace fused with his nervous system, a barrier that had been lurking deep in his consciousness shattered.
The Primarch's memories flooded in like a deluge.
No longer fragmented images and sensations, but coherent scenes and experiences. He stood on the bridge of a massive battleship, overlooking a world engulfed in war; he wielded a massive Power Sword, facing a twisted daemon entity; he stood before a host of warriors in blue armor, speaking of tactics and glory...
Gaius realized he was screaming, but his voice was swallowed by some suppression field. His body convulsed violently, the operating table groaning in protest. The Tech-Priests frantically adjusted the instruments, and Vorlak's mechanical tendrils moved with astonishing speed.
"Resonance too high!" a Tech-Priest shouted, "Need to abort the procedure!"
"No!" Vorlak's voice carried an emotion Gaius had never heard before, "Continue! This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!"
Just as Gaius felt he was about to be swallowed by the torrent of memories, an armored hand pressed against his forehead. Sergeant Thayne stood beside the operating table, helmetless, his blue eyes looking directly into Gaius'.
"Control it, Neophyte," Thayne's voice was calm and firm, "You are not a slave to memory, but its master. Guide it, do not be guided by it."
Gaius grasped this straw of sanity, concentrating all his willpower to fight against the flood of memories. Slowly, painfully, he began to regain control. The memories still flowed, but they became a background noise, an accessible database.
"Astonishing," Vorlak murmured, looking at the monitoring data, "Ninety-five percent neural synchronization. An unprecedented record."
The surgery ended hours later. When the last interface was in place, Gaius lay on the operating table, drenched in sweat, trembling. But a new perception settled in his consciousness, he could "feel" everyone in the room, "sense" activity on the other side of the wall, and "intuit" the operational status of distant engines.
"Welcome to the Astartes, brother," Thayne said, using the term for him for the first time, "Now you are truly one of us."
The recovery process was faster than expected. The Black Carapace interfaces began to heal almost immediately, and Gaius' mental state stabilized with astonishing speed. Vorlak attributed it to "abnormally high gene resonance," but Gaius suspected Thayne's intervention was key.
Three days later, Gaius stood in the antechamber of the Chapter Sanctum, beside Dorian and Elisa. They too had completed the Black Carapace implantation, though their reactions were not as intense as Gaius'. The three wore simple grey training uniforms, awaiting the final ceremony.
"I heard you almost tore the operating room apart," Dorian whispered, a smile playing on his lips, "Truly our special boy."
Elisa gently elbowed him: "Quiet. This is a sacred moment."
The Sanctum doors slowly opened, revealing a magnificent sight within. Hundreds of Ultramarines stood on either side, in full power armor, Bolters held at attention. At the end of the aisle, Chapter Master Marius Calgar himself stood before the effigy of Primarch Guilliman, waiting for them.
"Neophytes, advance," Thayne's voice came from the front. He wore elaborately decorated armor today, with honor ribbons draped over his shoulder pad.
Gaius took a deep breath and took his first step. As he walked past the two rows of Space Marines, he could feel a slight thrum from the Black Carapace, as if responding to the energy fields of the power armor.
Upon reaching the Chapter Master, Gaius felt an unprecedented awe. Calgar was a living legend, leading the Ultramarines Chapter for over three hundred years, participating in countless campaigns. His armor was covered in battle scars, but each scar was like a badge of honor.
"Gaius," the Chapter Master's voice was deep and powerful, echoing through the Sanctum, "You have accepted the Emperor's gift, completed nineteen gene-modifications. Now, you stand on the threshold of destiny."
The Tech-Priests stepped forward to equip them with temporary power armor. As the chest plate clicked into place, Gaius felt the Black Carapace suddenly "activate." It was no longer simply wearing armor, but the armor became an extension of his body. He could feel the operation of every servo-motor, the stress distribution of every armor plate, the input stream of every sensor.
"Connection stable," Vorlak reported, "Neural synchronization... incredible."
The Chapter Master continued the ritual: "Now, you are no longer Neophytes, but full members of the Ultramarines Chapter. Your lives belong to the Emperor, your deaths belong to the Emperor, and all of you shall serve the holy cause of humanity."
As the Chapter Master placed the Chapter badge on their chests, Gaius felt a surge of energy flow through the Black Carapace. Suddenly, his consciousness expanded, he could not only perceive every Space Marine in the Sanctum, but also vaguely sense a presence further away... some vast, slumbering power...
Primarch Guilliman. He slept in stasis deep within the Sanctum, but his presence still enveloped all of Macragge.
The perception lasted only a moment, but it was enough to make Gaius stumble. Thayne quickly steadied him, shaking his head slightly to indicate silence.
After the ceremony, the recruits, now full-fledged Space Marines, were allowed a moment in the sanctuary. Gaius walked towards the Primarch's effigy, feeling a subtle resonance between his Black Carapace and some ancient technology in the effigy's base.
"The first time is always the strongest," Thayne's voice came from behind him, "You'll learn to control it."
Gaius turned to face the Sergeant: "Those memories... those visions..."
"Guilliman's legacy," Thayne nodded, "Each of us carries a part of it. But some... carry more."
"Like you?" Gaius asked boldly.
Thayne was silent for a moment, then lightly touched an ancient carving on his armor. "I experienced something similar. Saw visions of the Great Crusade during my Black Carapace implantation." He looked directly at Gaius, "It's not a curse, brother. It's a gift. But be careful, too much knowledge too fast can consume sanity."
Just then, Dorian and Elisa joined them. Dorian excitedly flexed his armored fingers: "Unbelievable! I feel like I could punch through a city wall!"
Elisa was more restrained, but Gaius could see the wonder in her eyes. Through his Black Carapace, he could vaguely perceive their emotional states, Dorian's excitement, Elisa's caution, Thayne's... a certain worry?
"Enjoy this moment," Thayne said, "Starting tomorrow, you'll undergo full Power Armor training. And then... real missions await us."
As they left the sanctuary, Gaius looked back at the Primarch's effigy one last time. Through his Black Carapace, he could almost hear an echo, the shouts of ancient battlefields, the roar of fleet engines, and a voice repeating a familiar oath...
That night, in their newly assigned quarters, the three sat on their respective bunks, still wearing parts of their temporary armor, adapting to this new way of being.
"I can't wait to try a real Bolter," Dorian said, flexing his armored glove fingers, "The training ones don't even compare."
Elisa was checking her armor interfaces: "According to the manual, full adaptation takes two weeks. But I already feel like it's part of my body."
Gaius nodded, his Black Carapace still providing subtle sensory input, perceiving movement in the next room, "hearing" the hum of distant generators, "feeling" the patterns of energy flow in the air.
Suddenly, an anomalous signal came through his Black Carapace, an unauthorized access attempt from the surveillance system outside the quarters. Gaius immediately raised a hand for silence.
"Trouble," he whispered, "The surveillance system has been tampered with."
Elisa immediately went on alert, her Hive City instincts fully activated. "Direction?"
Gaius focused, guiding his Black Carapace's sensory abilities. "East side of the corridor, third monitor. Someone is accessing it remotely."
Dorian had already moved to the door, his newly enhanced senses scanning outside. "No direct threat. But... wait, footsteps. Very light, trying to be hidden."
The three exchanged glances, reaching a consensus without words. Dorian guarded the door, Elisa covered the flank, and Gaius continued to track the signal source.
Minutes later, they pinpointed the intruder's location, a spare comms room on a lower deck. Without alarming anyone else, they quietly left their quarters and moved along a service tunnel. Though only partially donned, their Power Armor already granted them superhuman abilities.
Outside the comms room, Dorian counted with hand gestures: Three, two, one,
The moment the door slid open, the three burst into the room. Inside was a person in Tech-Priest robes, connected to an illicit terminal. Seeing them, the person frantically tried to destroy the data.
Too fast. Elisa's Bolt Pistol was already pressed against the intruder's throat, Dorian had restrained his movements, and Gaius had severed the terminal connection.
"Identity," Gaius commanded, his voice made more authoritative by the armor's vox-caster.
The intruder's hood was pulled back, revealing a young but gaunt face. Not a Tech-Priest, but a disguised imposter.
"I was just... following orders," the person stammered, "To acquire genetic data... especially yours, Gaius."
Gaius felt a chill. "Whose orders?"
Just then, the intruder's eyes rolled back, and he began to foam at the mouth. Some hidden poison took effect, claiming his life within seconds.
"Professional," Elisa said after checking, "Not an amateur."
Dorian salvaged some data from the terminal: "Looks like some noble family. They're particularly interested in you, Gaius."
On the way back to their quarters, the three were silent. The threat had shifted from abstract to concrete, someone was willing to resort to assassination and espionage to obtain Gaius' genetic data. Why?
The next morning, they reported the incident to Thayne. The Sergeant's expression grew grim: "Keep this quiet. The Chapter's internal security will handle it." He looked specifically at Gaius, "It seems your 'specialness' has already attracted unnecessary attention."
Full Power Armor training began. The feeling of fully wearing Mark X Power Armor was overwhelming, not just a physical enhancement, but a sensory expansion. Through his Black Carapace, Gaius could process all of the armor's sensor inputs in real-time, fine-tune servo-motor output, and share tactical data with other armored warriors.
In one simulated combat, Gaius' squad faced an experienced veteran squad. Despite their lack of experience, they fought the veterans to a standstill, thanks to the Black Carapace's coordination abilities and Gaius' occasional "flashes of intuition."
After the combat, Sergeant Talos, who now called them "brothers", expressed his approval: "Excellent coordination. The Black Carapace of you three seems to have some... extra resonance."
Gaius did not reveal last night's incident, but he sent a private data-stream to Dorian and Elisa via his Black Carapace:
Training continued for weeks. They learned how to maximize the Power Armor's capabilities, from simple enhanced movement and strength, to complex sensor fusion and tactical data sharing. Gaius found himself particularly adept at coordinating data flow among squad members, as if his Black Carapace could act as a command node.
One evening, as Gaius practiced weapon skills alone on the training ground, Thayne found him. "Come with me, brother."
The Sergeant led Gaius to a secluded observation deck overlooking Macragge's capital. Under the stars, the city lights were like scattered diamonds.
"Do you know why Ultramarines' armor is blue?" Thayne suddenly asked.
Gaius shook his head: "Tradition?"
"Partly," Thayne said, "But also because Primarch Guilliman believed blue represented reason and order, the most stable forces in the universe." He turned to Gaius, "Your abilities... that resonance, those visions... they are powerful. But they must be constrained by reason and order."
Gaius pondered these words. "Sometimes I'm afraid I'll be consumed," he admitted, "Those memories... they're too real."
Thayne nodded: "I was afraid too. But then I understood that we are not the Primarch, only vessels carrying his legacy. Our duty is not to become him, but to follow his guidance and walk our own path."
These words brought unexpected comfort. Gaius looked at the starry sky, feeling the subtle connection between his Black Carapace and the world beneath his feet. Macragge was no longer a strange place, but something akin to... home.
"The Chapter Master has approved your first mission," Thayne finally said, "A small reconnaissance mission to test your abilities. Departing in three days."
Gaius felt a mix of excitement and tension. "Target?"
Thayne's expression grew serious: "An anomalous signal from a frontier world. It could be Orks, or something worse. You'll know the details then."
Returning to their quarters, Gaius found Dorian and Elisa still practicing armor interface coordination. "What did Thayne say?" Dorian asked immediately.
"Three days from now, first mission," Gaius replied, sharing some information via his Black Carapace, "Frontier reconnaissance."
Elisa checked her Bolter: "Finally, the real thing."
That night, as Gaius lay on his bunk, feeling the faint interaction between his Black Carapace and the battleship's systems, he realized his life had completely changed. No longer a farm boy from Kronus IV, but a member of the Ultramarines, wearing armor that could withstand bullets, possessing superhuman strength and sensory abilities.
But the biggest change wasn't external. Through his Black Carapace, he could feel the presence of Dorian and Elisa, like some extended sense. He could feel the pulse of the battleship, as if it were a living entity. He could even vaguely sense the call of distant stars, some threat growing in the darkness...
When sleep finally came, Gaius did not dream. Or more accurately, he no longer distinguished between dreams and waking perceptions. His Black Carapace expanded his consciousness into unprecedented realms, where memories, reality, and premonitions intertwined into a complex tapestry.
At the edge of his consciousness, he felt the blue-armored figure in the golden hall turn to him, revealing his face clearly for the first time, it was not Guilliman, but himself, wearing the ornate Chapter Master's armor, standing before a burning world.
Then the vision faded, leaving only the cold light of the stars and the promise of the coming mission.
Gaius, once a farm boy, had now become an Angel of Death for the Emperor. His training was complete, but his true trials were just beginning.
The Grand Hall was bathed in the golden light of Macragge's sun. From the towering Dome hung the banners of Chapter Masters past, each one bearing a millennium of glory and sacrifice. The air was thick with the scent of incense and promethium, and ancient hymns echoed through the vast space, amplified into a soul-stirring chorus by the armor vox-casters of hundreds of Space Marines.
Gaius stood at the front of the formation, clad in full blue Power Armor, his shoulder pads temporarily bare, awaiting the insignia of full membership. To his sides were Dorian and Elisa, similarly armored and standing at rigid attention. Behind them were the other initiates who had completed their augmentations, now grown into true members of the Astartes.
"How do you feel?" Dorian whispered through the private comms channel. "My stomach's turning to stone from the nerves."
Gaius turned his head slightly, seeing the light reflected off his friend's armor. "Like standing in the river of history," he replied, his voice a little hoarse with excitement.
Through his Black Carapace, he could feel the energy flow of the Grand Hall, the hum of ancient machinery, the power fields of the Power Armor, and even the faint pulse of Primarch Guilliman's slumber in the distant stasis field. This sensation was both a blessing and a curse, making it difficult for him to fully concentrate during such a solemn moment.
Elisa's voice cut into the channel: "There's a Tech-Priest behind the left colonnade acting unusually. Stay alert."
Gaius didn't turn his head directly but magnified the area's image through his armor's sensors. Indeed, a red-robed Tech-Priest seemed overly focused on the ceremony, his mechanical appendages trembling unnaturally. Gaius marked the target and shared the alert with his squad members via his Black Carapace.
Chapter Master Marius Calgar strode onto the dais, his armor gleaming with the battle-worn luster of countless campaigns. When he raised his hand, the entire Grand Hall fell silent instantly.
"Brothers!" the Chapter Master's voice boomed like distant thunder. "Today, we witness the induction of new blood! These warriors have endured the trials of nineteen augmentations, proving their loyalty to the Emperor and the Primarch!"
Gaius felt a surge of pride, mixed with a hint of unease. His gaze swept over the audience, noticing Sergeant Thayne standing among the veterans, giving a slight nod of acknowledgment. Further away, Apothecary Vorlak's mechanical eye glinted with an ominous red light.
"Gaius, step forward!" The Chapter Master's command broke Gaius' thoughts.
He stepped forward, the servo-motors of his Power Armor emitting an almost imperceptible hum. Standing before the Chapter Master, Gaius saw for the first time, up close, every scar and every honor mark on the legendary figure's armor.
"Whence do you hail, initiate?" the Chapter Master asked, following tradition.
"Kronus IV, sir," Gaius replied, his voice deepened by the armor's vox-caster.
"Kronus IV," the Chapter Master repeated, seemingly searching his memory. "That world showed courage during the Ork invasion. You inherit that courage."
The Chapter Master took the first shoulder pad insignia from an attendant, a white Omega symbol on a blue background, edged with gold. "Do you swear allegiance to the Emperor, obedience to the Primarch, and service to humanity?"
"I swear," Gaius' voice echoed through the Grand Hall.
"Are you willing to give your life for the Emperor's cause, without hesitation, without reservation?"
"I am willing."
"Then, in the name of Roboute Guilliman, I welcome you to the Ultramarines Chapter!" The Chapter Master affixed the insignia to Gaius' left shoulder pad, the bolts drilling into the armor with a crisp snap.
At that very moment, something strange happened.
As the insignia settled into place, Gaius felt a torrent of information through his Black Carapace, not just the Chapter Master's blessing, but also some kind of... response from the Grand Hall itself, and from the distant, sleeping Primarch. Golden light flashed at the edge of his vision, and a low murmur, both familiar and strange, sounded in his ears.
...Beware the lurkers in the dark... they come in waves... seeking cracks in the light...
The vision vanished abruptly, but the echoes still resonated in Gaius' mind. He barely maintained his stance, noticing the Chapter Master's sharp gaze, the seasoned warrior seemed to have sensed something amiss.
The ceremony continued, with Dorian and Elisa stepping forward in turn to receive their insignias. As Elisa took her oath, Gaius, through his Black Carapace, noticed the suspicious Tech-Priest beginning to move, a faint energy signature emanating from a device hidden within his mechanical appendages.
Elisa barely paused, continuing to complete her oath, but Gaius could feel her adjusting the focus of her armor's sensors through her Black Carapace.
After the investiture, the new members lined up to receive the Chapter's salute. The thunderous sound of Bolters being raised and the battle hymns started again. At this solemn moment, Gaius saw through his sensors that the Tech-Priest was quietly approaching the VIP section, where noble representatives from various worlds, including several prominent families from Necromunda, were seated.
"Dorian, cover me," Gaius whispered through the channel. "Elisa, stop that Tech-Priest; he has a weapon."
No questions, no hesitation. The unspoken understanding forged during months of training immediately took effect. Dorian subtly shifted his position, blocking the view of most people, while Elisa moved through the crowd with astonishing fluidity, as if merely performing a ceremonial movement.
Gaius simultaneously sent an urgent alert to Sergeant Thayne. An immediate reply came:
It happened incredibly fast. The Tech-Priest suddenly drew a modified plasma pistol from beneath his robes, aiming at a specific target in the VIP section, a middle-aged man in Necromunda noble attire. But just as he pulled the trigger, Elisa was already by his side.
There was no flashy move, just a precise hand chop to the Tech-Priest's mechanical appendage joint. The plasma pistol was deflected, and the energy beam shot towards the Dome, leaving a scorch mark on the ancient stone. Following with a joint lock, the Tech-Priest was already on the ground, firmly controlled by Elisa.
The entire process was almost silent, with most participants not even realizing an assassination attempt had occurred, merely thinking it was part of the ceremony. Chapter security quickly moved in and escorted the disguised Tech-Priest away. The target in the VIP section looked pale but quickly regained his composure, giving Elisa a slight nod of acknowledgment.
During the subsequent banquet and celebrations, undercurrents stirred. Gaius noticed the Chapter Master leaving early, followed closely by Sergeant Thayne and several Company Captains. The atmosphere in the VIP section was noticeably tense, with several noble representatives arguing intensely but in hushed tones.
Dorian approached Gaius with a cup of functional machine oil beverage. "Looks like our first 'battle' was at the investiture ceremony. Typical Ultramarines style, always fighting when least expected."
Gaius nodded slightly, his sensors still scanning the entire hall. "That target noble... I recognize his family crest. The same family that tried to steal my gene-seed data before."
Elisa joined them, having already removed parts of her armor, revealing the ceremonial robes beneath. "House Horn of Necromunda. Known for their gene-trading, and rumored to have ties to certain... heretical technologies."
Just then, an attendant approached them: "The Chapter Master requests your presence, all three of you. Please follow me."
They followed the attendant through a side corridor of the Grand Hall to a heavily guarded conference room. Chapter Master Calgar, Sergeant Thayne, Apothecary Vorlak, and several senior officers were present. A holographic projection showed the captured Tech-Priest, who was being interrogated.
"...Ordered to eliminate the traitors of House Horn..." The Tech-Priest's voice was distorted by pain. "They are dealing with Chaos forces... selling Imperial secrets..."
The Chapter Master gestured to pause the projection and turned to the three new members: "Your actions today may have prevented a major diplomatic incident. More importantly, it confirmed some things we have long suspected."
Thayne interjected, "House Horn has been involved in illegal gene trading, and recently, they've taken an interest in the gene-seed of the Astartes Chapter. Evidently, they've struck a deal with certain Chaos cultists."
Vorlak's mechanical voice joined the conversation, "More concerning is their apparent focus on Brother Gaius' genetic markers. Our intelligence suggests they believe there's some... special value in his genes."
Gaius felt a chill. "Because of my high resonance with the gene-seed?"
"Partially," Chapter Master Calgar said, "but there's more. Apothecary Vorlak, please explain."
The Tech-Priest operated the console, and a holographic projection displayed Gaius' genetic sequence. "When we analyzed your genes, we found some anomalous markers. These markers match certain encrypted fragments in the original gene-seed records."
"Encrypted fragments?" Dorian asked.
Vorlak's mechanical eye glinted, "Primarch Guilliman, when creating the gene-seed, included certain hidden sequences. These sequences activate only under specific conditions. We believe... these sequences in Brother Gaius' genes have already activated."
Silence fell over the conference room. Gaius recalled the visions, the inexplicable knowledge, the strange premonitions. "Is this why I've had those... experiences?"
"Most likely," Chapter Master Calgar nodded, "but this is both a gift and a danger. House Horn somehow learned of this information, and they want to obtain your genetic sample, either for replication or for... other, darker purposes."
Thayne walked towards Gaius. "This is why your first mission is so important. We need you to leave Macragge for a while as we clear out the internal threat."
"My first mission?" Gaius asked.
Chapter Master Calgar operated the console, and a star map holographic projection appeared. "The frontier world of Veridian III has sent anomalous signals. Initially thought to be Ork activity, but the latest intelligence suggests it might be something worse."
He zoomed in on the star map. "We need a small squad for reconnaissance. The three of you, plus Sergeant Talos as your guide."
Elisa immediately responded, "Glory to the Emperor!"
Dorian grinned, "Finally, some real action!"
Gaius felt a mix of excitement and anxiety. His first real mission was such a critical reconnaissance operation. Not to mention the noble house's conspiracy behind it.
"One more thing," Thayne handed Gaius a small box, "open it."
Gaius opened the box; inside was an ancient amulet, made of some unknown metal, with intricate runes carved into its surface. "This is?"
"An anti-psyker amulet," Thayne explained, "from the Great Crusade era. It is said to protect the wearer from sorcery and psychic attacks."
The Sergeant looked meaningfully at Gaius. "Primarch Guilliman himself blessed it, and it once protected Captain Garviel Loken during the Horus Heresy."
Gaius carefully picked up the amulet. Through his Black Carapace, he could feel a faint energy field emanating from the amulet, a sense of calm flowing through his consciousness. "Thank you, Sergeant. I will cherish it."
"Not just cherish it," Chapter Master Calgar said gravely, "wear it. The reports from Veridian III mentioned... psychic phenomena. It could be Chaos activity, or something even worse."
After the ceremony, they had a chance to speak with Sergeant Thayne privately. "Sergeant," Gaius asked, "why did you give me such a precious gift?"
Thayne looked out at the starry sky of Macragge. "Because I was once like you. My Black Carapace implantation also triggered a strong reaction that almost drove me mad."
He touched an ancient mark on his armor. "This amulet helped me control those voices, those memories. Now it's time for it to help someone else."
"Will these 'Primarch's Dreams'... will they stop?" Dorian asked.
Thayne shook his head. "No. But you will learn to live with them, even to use them. Guilliman's memories contain countless combat experiences, countless tactical knowledge. With proper guidance, this can become a powerful weapon."
Elisa was more practical. "How serious is the threat from House Horn?"
"Very," Thayne's expression was grim, "they have ties to certain factions within the Adeptus Mechanicus, and may even have infiltrated other Chapters. That is why this must be handled carefully."
Before they parted, Thayne gave them one last piece of advice. "Remember, you are now a unit. Trust each other's skills, protect each other's backs. On the battlefield, brotherhood is more protective than the hardest armor."
On the night before their departure, Gaius stood alone on the warship's observation deck, watching Macragge shrink in the distance. The amulet rested beneath his breastplate, emitting a gentle warmth. Through his Black Carapace, he could feel Dorian and Elisa's activity in the preparation bay, sense the warship's engine startup sequence, and even vaguely perceive the gravitational signal of distant Veridian III.
...Beware the lurkers in the dark... The voice whispered again, but now with less urgency, more guidance. ...They seek the light, but bring darkness...
"I will be ready," Gaius murmured in response, not knowing if he was speaking to himself, to the Primarch, or to the Emperor.
During a small ceremony before departure, Sergeant Talos formally handed them their Bolters. "These are no longer training weapons," the veteran said gravely, "every round carries the Emperor's wrath. Use them wisely."
As the Thunderhawk Gunship detached from the warship and plunged towards Veridian III's atmosphere, Gaius felt a strange calm. Fear remained, but it was overshadowed by determination. He touched the Omega symbol on his shoulder pad, then the amulet beneath his breastplate.
Dorian checked his Bolter. "I heard Veridian has giant fungal forests. Hope they're not as disgusting as Kronus IV's."
Elisa adjusted her sensors. "According to reports, the entire colony suddenly went silent. No distress signals, no signs of disaster, just... a cessation of communication."
Sergeant Talos walked from the cockpit. "Prepare for landing. Sensors show life signs on the surface, but the patterns are abnormal. Maintain maximum alert."
Gaius looked through the gunship's observation window at the world below. Veridian III was covered in thick clouds, but occasional gaps revealed vast expanses of purple and green, indeed, giant fungal forests. But something felt... wrong. The forest patterns were too regular, the colors too vibrant, even visible from orbit.
The vibrations as the gunship entered the atmosphere pulled Gaius back to reality. He checked his equipment, Bolter, combat knife, various grenades, and special gear. Everything was ready.
"Thirty seconds to landing!" the pilot shouted.
Gaius exchanged glances with Dorian and Elisa. No words were needed; through their Black Carapaces, they had already coordinated their tactical plan. Sergeant Talos nodded his approval, raising his Bolter.
"For Macragge! For the Emperor!" the old warrior shouted.
The Thunderhawk Gunship landed on the surface of Veridian III. The ramp slowly lowered, revealing the strange and dangerous world outside. Gaius took a deep breath and was the first to step onto the alien soil. His first true mission had begun.
The roar of the Thunderhawk Gunship's engines gradually faded, and with the final hiss of the hydraulic system, the landing ramp slowly descended.
Gaius took a deep breath, and his Power Armour's air filtration system delivered Veridian III's unique scent into his nostrils, a heavy mix of fungal spores with the ozone smell of ionized metal, and an indescribable sweet, decaying aroma.
"Seventh Tactical Squad, maintain formation," Sergeant Talos' voice came through the squad channel, steady as a mountain.
"Gaius, left flank; Cole, right flank; Catonia, center.
Scan the environment, Level One alert."
Gaius' Bolter rested steadily on his shoulder.
His Black Carapace perfectly integrated with his armor, streaming sensor data from the surroundings directly into his consciousness.
He could "feel" the bio-electric field of the giant fungal forest, "hear" the subtle sound of spores falling, and even "perceive" an abnormal pattern of regular vibrations underground.
Dorian's voice held suppressed excitement: "These mushrooms are ten times bigger than the ones on Kronus IV!
Look at that, " He pointed to a giant fungus over a hundred meters tall, its cap like a dome obscuring the sky.
"Focus," Elisa warned, her sensors running at full power.
"Detecting multiple biological signals, abnormal patterns.
Not Orks, not Eldar, no match in the database for any known species."
Sergeant Talos crouched, his finger tracing the dark purple soil on the ground: "Look at this."
The soil was mixed with tiny metal fragments and some fibrous biological matter, subtly wriggling.
Gaius suddenly felt a warmth emanate from the anti-psyker amulet on his chest.
"Sergeant, there's a psychic residue.
Very faint, but...abnormally familiar."
The feeling reminded him of the memory torrent from his Black Carapace implantation, but more twisted and dark.
"Everyone, switch to low-light vision," Talos ordered.
"Gaius, report the psychic direction."
Gaius closed his eyes and focused, allowing the amulet's perception to merge with his Black Carapace.
The faint psychic traces were like threads in the darkness, pointing deeper into the forest.
"Northwest direction, 3.7 kilometers away.
There's a...powerful psychic energy source, surrounded by many smaller signals."
The squad advanced towards the target in a tactical formation.
The forest formed by giant fungi was like a natural maze, with twisted stalks and drooping tendrils constantly obstructing their path.
Dorian occasionally had to clear a path with his Power Fist, shattering the obstructing fungal structures, each impact releasing a cloud of spores.
"These mushrooms are really annoying," Dorian muttered.
"Feels like we're moving through some giant's intestines."
Elisa suddenly raised her hand, signaling to stop: "Detecting structural vibrations, regular, mechanical source.
Eleven o'clock direction."
They quietly approached the source of the vibrations, discovering a pre-colonial outpost half-buried underground.
Metal walls were covered in purple mycelium, and eerie bio-luminescence glowed from within the observation windows.
"By the Emperor..." Dorian whispered in awe.
Outside the outpost, several figures were mechanically busy.
They had once been human, but now they were terrifying hybrids, half their faces covered in fungus, eyes replaced by milky white fungal growths; arms merged with mining tools, fingers transformed into sharp metal claws; chests split open, revealing pulsating fungal sacs within.
They worked silently, feeding the collected ore into a constantly pulsing organic device.
"Genestealer Cult?" Talos frowned.
"But the modification method is different...more mechanized."
Gaius felt a wave of nausea, not just from the horrifying sight before him, but also from the abnormal resonance from his Black Carapace, the modified humans emitted signals faintly similar to his gene-seed, but twisted and desecrated.
"No Chaos corruption detected," Elisa reported.
"But life readings...are abnormal.
They are both biological and mechanical, alive yet...not."
Just then, one of the modified creatures suddenly turned towards them, its fungal eyes glowing with an eerie red light.
It let out an inhuman shriek, and the entire outpost immediately came alive, with dozens of similar modified creatures pouring out from every entrance.
"Contact!" Talos roared.
"Open fire!"
The roar of Bolters tore through the silence of the forest.
The first volley shredded the leading modified creatures, but chillingly, the fragments still writhed, and mycelium rapidly reconnected severed limbs, beginning to regenerate.
"Aim for the central nervous cluster!" Gaius shouted, his Bolter firing precise bursts, blowing apart the heads of one modified creature after another.
Through his Black Carapace, he shared targeting data.
"Second cervical vertebra, their nerve bundles have been reorganized!"
Dorian's Heavy Bolter roared continuously, suppressing large groups of enemies.
"These things won't die!"
"Use fire!" Elisa had already switched to her flamer, and a torrent of superheated promethium swept forward, igniting both the modified creatures and the mycelium.
The air was filled with the foul stench of burning flesh and fungus.
Sergeant Talos issued orders while firing: "Cole, hold the left flank!
Catonia, suppress the right flank!
Gaius, break through to that device with me!"
Gaius charged alongside Talos, his Bolter's every burst precisely hitting an enemy.
His Black Carapace operated at full speed, processing the battlefield information stream, enemy positions, teammates' ammunition status, terrain changes.
Occasionally, those Primarch memories would flash, offering instinctive tactical advice: roll to avoid an attack from the right, aim for that sniper high up, throw a grenade to create a smoke screen...
They charged to the pulsating organic device.
Up close, it was even more sickening, it resembled a giant heart, a mixture of metal, flesh, and fungus, connected to the entire outpost by pulsating fungal tubes.
The device's surface bore unnatural geometric patterns, similar to the binary prayers of the Adeptus Mechanicus, but warped by some biological structure.
"What blasphemy is this?" Talos snapped.
Gaius suddenly felt a strong dizziness, and Primarch memories flooded in.
He saw similar devices flashing in his memories, but associated with the biological structures of the Tyranids...yet also different.
"Not Tyranids..." Gaius murmured.
"It's a hybrid...a fusion of biology and machinery..."
Just then, the device suddenly split open, and a tall figure slowly rose.
It had once been a Space Marine, clad in shattered blue armor, but was now thoroughly modified, fungus erupted from the armor's cracks, mechanical prosthetics replaced its limbs, and its helmet was torn open by mycelium, revealing a head that was a mix of fungus and machinery.
"Ultramarines..." The modified warrior's voice was distorted, both organic and mechanical.
"Join...the evolution..."
Talos roared: "Brother! What blasphemy has befallen you?"
"Not blasphemy...it is a blessing..." The modified warrior raised its weapon, a monstrous Bolter fused with biological tissue.
"The union of the Omnissiah and the God of Life..."
Battle erupted instantly.
The modified warrior's speed and strength far surpassed those of the ordinary modified creatures, its attacks encompassing both physical strikes and some form of psychic assault.
Gaius' amulet glowed hot on his chest, deflecting the invisible attacks.
"Its core is in its chest!" Gaius shouted, dodging a fatal swipe.
"There's an energy signature!"
Sergeant Talos seized the opportunity, his Power Sword thrusting into the modified warrior's chest.
The blade met resistance but finally penetrated, digging out a glowing device.
The modified warrior let out a final shriek, then collapsed to the ground, truly dead.
With its death, the other modified creatures, as if deprived of power, fell to the ground.
The squad quickly searched the outpost, discovering a data terminal that had not been completely destroyed.
Elisa attempted to decrypt it, her mechanical interface connecting to the terminal.
"Partial data retrieved," she reported.
"Records indicate the colony received an 'oracle signal' forty days ago and began modification work.
Source...direction of Macragge?"
Talos' expression was grim: "Impossible."
Gaius suddenly felt a strong alarm from his Black Carapace: "Sergeant! Energy signal, self-destruct device!"
They rushed out of the outpost, sprinting to a safe distance.
A massive explosion tore the outpost to shreds, flames shooting skyward.
On the way back to the Thunderhawk, the squad remained silent.
Everyone was contemplating their recent discoveries, bio-mechanical modifications targeting Ultramarines' genes, a signal source from the direction of Macragge, and that terrifying fusion technology.
After boarding, Talos immediately reported to Chapter Headquarters.
In the holographic projection, Sergeant Thayne and Apothecary Vorlak's expressions grew increasingly grave.
"Describe the modified warrior in detail," Vorlak demanded.
"Every characteristic."
When Gaius described a particular Adeptus Mechanicus symbol on the modified warrior's armor, Vorlak's mechanical prosthetics suddenly stiffened: "This is impossible...that is the mark of the 'Sons of the Forge,' declared heretics ten millennia ago."
Sergeant Thayne's face was somber: "The 'Sons of the Forge' worship a so-called 'God of Mechanical Life,' attempting to fully merge organic life with machinery.
But they should have been extinct long ago."
Talos displayed the retrieved data fragments: "The signal source points to Macragge, that is undeniable."
After a moment of silence, Thayne spoke: "Return immediately.
This matter is beyond the scope of a reconnaissance mission.
Vorlak, prepare the highest level of quarantine procedures."
During the return journey, Gaius sat alone in a corner of the Thunderhawk, caressing the amulet on his chest.
Those Primarch memories resurfaced, clearer this time: he saw a similar bio-mechanical device on a forgotten world...and the sight of Guilliman himself ordering the sealing of a certain laboratory...
"You felt it, didn't you?" Sergeant Talos' voice brought him back.
Gaius nodded: "Those memories...the Primarch faced something similar."
Talos sighed heavily: "That's why the Chapter needs brothers like you.
Some knowledge...is too dangerous to be written down, it can only be hidden in the genes."
When the Thunderhawk Gunship returned to the battleship, they were immediately taken to a decontamination quarantine chamber.
After thorough purification, Sergeant Thayne came to greet them.
"The mission report has been reviewed," Thayne said.
"You faced one of our oldest enemies, a fusion of Mechanicus heresy and Genestealer cults.
Even more concerning is the suspicion regarding Macragge itself."
Gaius stood at attention: "Sergeant, relevant information appeared in my memories.
The Primarch once sealed a 'fusion laboratory' in a nearby star system."
Thayne's gaze sharpened: "Elaborate."
As Gaius described, the Sergeant's expression grew increasingly serious: "You must report these memories to the Librarian immediately.
This could be crucial."
On the way to the Librarian's quarters, Gaius couldn't help but ask: "Sergeant, those modified creatures...they specifically targeted Ultramarines' genes.
Is this related to House Horn?"
Thayne was silent for a moment: "House Horn is merely a pawn.
A larger, darker hand is using them.
And you, brother, may be the only one who can stop this conspiracy, because the key to resisting it is hidden in your genes."
The Librarian's quarters were located in the deepest part of the battleship, filled with psychic barriers and anti-witchcraft symbols.
As Gaius stepped inside, the amulet on his chest emitted a gentle pulse, resonating with the barriers.
Librarian Akiman was an elderly warrior, psychic light flickering in his eyes.
After listening to Gaius' report, he fell into a long period of contemplation.
"Guilliman did indeed seal such a laboratory," the Librarian finally spoke.
"During the Great Crusade, he discovered a certain Adeptus Mechanicus faction conducting forbidden experiments, merging organic life with machinery, and even attempting to replicate Primarch genes."
The Librarian operated a console, calling up encrypted archives: "The laboratory was sealed on an asteroid in the Veridian system.
But if the signal came from the direction of Macragge..."
Suddenly, alarms blared throughout the battleship.
Apothecary Vorlak's urgent communication interrupted: "Genestealer signals detected!
On the lower deck!
Moving towards the gene-seed vault!"
Sergeant Thayne immediately ordered: "Squad Seven, proceed to the gene-seed vault at once!
Stop any intruders!"
When they rushed to the gene-seed vault, battle had already erupted.
A squad of Genestealer cultists disguised as Adeptus Mechanicus personnel were attacking the guards.
But even more shocking, several of these cultists wore Ultramarines' armor!
"Traitors!" Talos roared, joining the fight.
Gaius fired accurately, but his heart was filled with shock, those traitor Space Marines moved with an unnatural mechanical quality, similar to the modified creatures on Veridian.
During the battle, Gaius suddenly felt a strong psychic shock.
A figure emerged from the shadows, he wore Librarian's robes, but his eyes glowed with the same red light as the Veridian modified creatures.
"Fake Librarian!" Elisa warned.
"Detecting strong psychic signals!"
The fake Librarian let out a twisted laugh: "The gene-seed shall be purified!
The perfect fusion of machine and life is at hand!"
A powerful psychic shockwave pushed the squad back.
Gaius' amulet glowed hot on his chest, forming a protective barrier.
Guided by Primarch memories, he discovered the fake Librarian's weakness, a control interface at the back of its neck.
"Dorian! Suppress the left flank!
Elisa, disrupt the right flank!
Sergeant, engage from the front!" Gaius ordered, moving rapidly at the same time.
Using his teammates' cover, Gaius circled behind the fake Librarian.
His Bolter fired precisely, destroying the control interface.
The fake Librarian shrieked, its psychic energy erupting uncontrollably, then collapsed to the ground.
The battle quickly ended, all intruders eliminated.
But the gene-seed vault suffered minor damage.
Apothecary Vorlak's expression was grim after examining the bodies: "These traitors were controlled by some bio-mechanical device.
The technology is very advanced, mixing characteristics of Genestealers and Mechanicus heresy."
Sergeant Thayne looked at Gaius: "Your performance exceeded expectations.
Not just combat skill, but also leadership and tactical intuition."
Talos nodded: "Squad Seven officially welcomes its three new members.
You have proven your worth."
That night, in the quarters assigned to Squad Seven, the three cleaned and maintained their equipment.
Dorian was still excited: "Real combat!
Much more thrilling than training!"
Elisa checked the wear on her Bolter: "Those modified creatures specifically targeted our genes.
That's unsettling."
Gaius silently wiped his armor.
Primarch memories still echoed in his mind, providing scattered fragments of information: a certain coordinate, a certain warning, the location of a forgotten laboratory...
Sergeant Thayne suddenly visited: "Chapter Master's orders.
Squad Seven will investigate the laboratory ruins from your memories.
We must get there before the enemy."
After the Sergeant left, Gaius stood by the observation window, watching the stars stream by.
The Omega symbol on his pauldron faintly reflected in the light.
He was no longer a recruit, but a true Ultramarine, bearing a heavy mission.
Dorian clapped him on the shoulder: "Don't worry, brother.
We face it together."
Elisa nodded: "Squad Seven, through thick and thin."
Gaius felt the presence of his teammates from his Black Carapace, and the warmth of the amulet on his chest.
In the depths of the Primarch memories, he felt Guilliman's gaze, not pressure, but trust.
The Thunderhawk Gunship was preparing to depart again, this time with a clearer objective and even greater danger.
But Gaius felt no fear in his heart, only firm resolve.
He touched the emblem on his pauldron, softly swearing: "For Macragge, for the Emperor, for the Primarch."
Stars streamed past the window, like countless destinies waiting to be written.
And Squad Seven would write one of the most glorious chapters among them.