Thus Did The Imperium of Mankind Fight There

Part 13 Choices

At the Imperial Agent's analysis, an audible sucking in of air could be heard throughout the meeting tent. Many of the mortals formed the Aquila hand sign and recited verses of protection and warding.

Author's note: Although Imperial citizens in Imperium Ascendent believe in the Imperial Truth, they are aware of the Chaos Gods and therefore there are examples in the fanfiction of humans using atheistic incantations to protect themselves when warp threats are present.

"In truth, my colleagues and I have suspected the involvement of such forces since the appearance of the Gate," the agent explained.

The name of the Imperial Agent was Orval, an experienced member of the Ordos, recruited from Barbarus out of one of the few human settlements found not to be corrupted by the Plague Lord after it was brought into Imperial compliance by the 14th Legion, Eternal Guard.

Then the Discipline Master Captain interjected.

"Could it be the ruinous powers?"

All those in the tent felt as if a bucket of ice-cold water had been poured over their heads at the implications of the Discipline Master's question. However, the Imperial Agent simply glared at the political officer, stating.

"If one or more of the four held such influence over this world, then I assure you, Discipline Master, that what would have come out of the Gate would have not been an army of primitives, but daemons and the Imperial Palace itself, assaulted."

Silence enveloped the command staff before it was broken by Arik Taranis himself.

"The Agent is correct, there are other powers at be on this planet."

He looked to Count Formal and nodded his head. At the Primarch's quiet signal, Count Formal began to speak to the rest of those in the tent.

"Indeed, there are Gods on this world who are known to intervene from time to time. Legends state that it is they who open the Gate every few centuries, letting newcomers through to inhabit this land."

After Count Formal gave what he knew, the Mechanics representative inquired, "*How much of a threat do these Local Warp Entities present?*"

At this, Count Formal shrugged before replying, "Truthfully, I do not know, the Gods rarely show themselves, normally working through their apostles."

The Solar Auxilia Tribune asked his own question next.

"What are the capabilities of these "apostles"."

Count Formal sighed and shook his head, answering, "I'm not certain, I have never seen one as there are only a dozen or so apostles in existence, but from what I've read, they possess incredible speed and strength, and they can be human or any other sentient species. What is universally accepted about them is that they are impossible to kill as they can regenerate from any amount of damage, even if they are cut to ribbons."

This information caused all present to ponder how to deal with these apostles until Arik Taranis asked a question that would have been condemned as heresy had it been raised by someone not of the Emperor's own blood.

"Can these apostles be reasoned with?"

Immediately, protests rang out, most prominently of course, from Imperial Agent Orvus.

However, the Lightning Bearer would not tolerate insubordination and smashed his fist into the meeting table as hard as he could without turning it into splinters. Quickly, the cacophony of voices died down as the command staff beheld the fury of a Primarch. 

With as level of a voice he could manage, Arik explained, "I understand your concerns about what I have suggested, but we cannot immediately assume these apostles to be hostile, at least not with our current resources."

Predictably, Imperial Agent Orvus objected. 

"Lord Taranis, the Emperor has made it clear that cooperating with false gods and their servants is heresy of the highest order." 

Author's note: In the Imperium Ascendent universe, a heretic is defined as someone whose actions are a threat to the survival of humanity and its dominance over the galaxy. 

Arik Taranis rebutted, "In ordinary circumstances, I would agree, Agent, but these are not ordinary circumstances. We do not know if these "gods" are aligned with the ruinous powers or if they're opposed. We do not know how they can form a shroud around this world. We do not even know why they have done so. If we are to defeat this force, should they prove hostile, then we must study it. Is that not the purpose of your organization, Imperial Agent Orvus?"

At this, the Imperial Agent could only relent. Then Arik assured the group.

"If any of you are still weary of the consequences my actions may bring, then know I shall take all responsibility personally. Now then, Count Formal, my question?" 

Count Formal nodded again and continued. 

"Apostles can be reasoned with; however, this often depends on their attitudes. Some apostles disdain the mortal world while others are seemingly insane, but there are those who are compassionate as well."

"Very well then, give orders to the army that apostles are to be identified should any individuals with supernatural abilities be found and avoided or negotiated with whenever possible. Force is authorized only if attacked first," Arik ordered.

Then he looked to the tech-priest. 

"Magos, we must establish communication with the rest of the Imperium from this side of the Gate if this campaign is to be successful. With all astropathic messages sent from the planet unsuccessful, how long will it take for the Mechanicum to construct the infrastructure necessary to launch an artificial satellite to construct an astropathic relay station in orbit?" 

In a static-filled grinding voice, the tech-priest replied, "*Estimates place a project of that scale in around a month to complete.*"

"Then begin construction at once," he instructed. 

Turning to the leader of the air squadrons, he said, "Have some of our VTOL-capable craft begin an aerial survey of the surroundings, the maps we have captured from the Saderans are far too unreliable."  

Looking to the rest of the military commanders, he said, "Organize reconnaissance detachments to find secure pathways out of the surrounding forest and make contact with any local civilians. Have each detachment accompanied by two Night Lords as a precaution against hostile contact with apostles." 

He grinned, if there were any who could force an unkillable enemy into defeat, it would be the legionaries of the Eighth. 

Many in the meeting evidently agreed from the smiles on their faces, some felt bad for the poor bastards who'd have to face the Lords of The Night...almost.  

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