Titan Fractured

Chapter 1 arrival

The "Reverence" had left it's accelerator platform in orbit and descended through a fresh atmosphere to see a mildly green naturally rocky tundra covered in scrub. Caesar looked eagerly out the cockpit at untouched and wild nature. Brutus paid no attention, guiding the ship down to a valley surrounded by dense mountains that made it inaccessible other than through a narrow gorge. The Praetorians would not like this.

The ship settled down and the engines shut down. Caesar unbuckled and rose from the co-pilot's seat and made for the door. Brutus moved more slowly and but grabbed Caesar's wrist.

"Do not drop your guard, they are letting us think we are the only one's who can pilot this ship. As soon as they no longer need us they will try to kill us so keep your wits about you. If they get within arm's length cut them down." Caesar knodded his understanding. Brutus looked down under the consol to a small box.

"This is a block Crypto unit, it will keep the fuel cell inert unless deactivated using a two qubit device like those in our hilts, they can still brute force it but I don't think they have the tech to do this quick enough, we have about 3 weeks, after that we have few guarantees of getting home."

"Why are they really here? This isn't really a Parlee is it?"

"I am not sure yet, keep an ear out and your dialogue with the corporal, this might tell us something.. let's go, the cleric is very excited and needs our help lest he become prey before we do".

Brutus put on his cloak and took pride in for once not having to hide his face he stood tall and took several deep breaths as he put on his gauntlets and checked his Armour Control Unit (ACU) on his left forearm. Caesar unlocked the cockpit door and waited. Brutus took a look out the window before turning to lead them out. Brutus strode towards the hold, his left hand resting on his belt holding his sword and his right matching his driven cadence.

In the hold were 3 squads totalling 30 soldiers waiting for them. They had finished their briefing and stood in a tight semi-circle looking up at the gangway which Brutus and Caesar descended from. The soldiers were uniform all carrying similar heavy carbines, light pistols and light packs with rations for their escort mission. Their uniforms were more casual than they were used to on earth and had armour sewn in to the torso and legs, kneepads and combat boots showed they were ready for anything but not threatening enough to send the wrong impression. Brutus noted that these were all seasoned veterans who have handed numerous insurrections, this was a bit more than a simple protection detail and should not be underestimated. Two equipment specialists stood against the wall on the far side of the hold as well.

Captain Azrael turned away from his men to lock eyes with Brutus as he descended the gangway to the hold.

"Captain" acknowledged Brutus

"Heretic" replied Azrael, insulting Brutus in retort for threatening to jettison his men so many times during their journey. Brutus noted it and continued on his path towards the main airlock. He flicked the safety pulled the lever to open the hold.

The main loading bay at the rear of the craft opened and the cool nutrient rich air filled the hold. It was near noon of the 27 hour day but the light was like dawn on earth, warm, clear but not harsh.

Brutus and Caesar breathed in the air and were quickly joined by the young cleric who had broken through the soldiers to join them. He was flustered after having to rush his blessings, prayers and adorning his heavy ceremonial robes minor Mitre. His attendant, Michael, appeared soon similarly dressed with less fanfare solely focussed on the cleric's sash which was not straight but it was too late.

The Cleric pushed him away as he adjusted himself to look out to meet their welcoming party.

The Cleric adjusted his eyes to the light and held his hand up to adjust for the contrast. Once adjusted he put his hand down and saw no-one.