A Monster in Hell: A 40K Story

Chapter-14

It was a time of peace in some places and war in some other. Lord-Admiral Otto Heinz and Admiral Ferris von Vicksburg continued the Jericho Crusade, killing Daemons left and right. Two weeks previously, the Cadian War had been won. The WAAAAAAAGGGGHHH!!! had scattered to the winds. 

Despite the revelation of my powers, nothing had wavered. The combined nature of the war, fear of my wrath, and the problem that even betrayal would not help them against Imperium Sanctus (who would likely just execute them for Heresy) became clear. The power of the new Empire was becoming apparent. Not to mention the major leaders were mostly loyal to me, and I gave out actual incentives to suppress any feelings of rebellion.

What was worrying was the STC that had been found recently.

I have already levelled up to Three in the system, which meant I had the means to create Clone Troopers, Death Troopers, and several Droids. That being said, I withheld them. Upon reaching Level Four I could create Dark Troopers and several other Droid Units (which would be militarily feasible) so that would be a boon. Together, they could be passed off as an intact STC library.

So this was not an STC I would expect to find, but there was.

"Are you kidding me?!" I muttered aloud, to no one in particular.

"Not really, man," General Veers confirmed my fears. "We have, indeed, acquired a complete STC of a Castigator-Class Bipedal Weapons Platform, also alternatively called the Father of All Titans. That also  includes things on how to make the weapons on it, including ion cannons and gravitational weaponry."

"The last one was corrupted, I believe." Octavian, our favorite Inquisitor, had cut in. He had acquired great power since the time he had ascended in the ranks after the Father Lucius Religious' capture. "The Grey Knights Judicator, Alaric I believe his name was, was forced to destroy the entire thing after it was found to be possessed by a Daemon. Are we sure that this Castigator is loyal?"

"Positive," the Fabricator-General of Imperium, Elias Kar, responded, muttering something in binary. "The Castigator wishes to meet with Supreme Leader Bryant. It shows no signs of Chaos Taint, it has been tested thoroughly several times. It refuses to speak until it has met you, my Lord."

"This is concerning. Which Space Marine Chapter found it again?" Lictor al-Wazir, one of the newly-appointed High Lords of our fledging Imperium, asked.

"It was the Silver Skulls, a Marine called Silas Angelion and his comrade, Barbaras Heron, were the original finders of the Castigator STC." Kar continued, looking at al-Wazir sharply. 

"Then they must be honored. They must be given a leadership position across their own star systems. I do, in fact, have some names--- perhaps you can continue, Lady Halik?" he ended smoothly.

"There were many corrupt, Sanctus-aligned Governors left in charge of several star systems after our True Imperium was formed. Without Imperial support, all these Governors were quickly deposed. However, power vacuums are rampant, with many interim Governors barely performing acceptably. So it would be prudent to hand two of these systems over to our two heroes." High Lady Liana Halik finished for him. "It would be a boost to morale and a premier message that the True Imperium is willing to reward to reward those who require it."

Unlike Fabricator-General Kars' augmentations which deprived him of presentation, or High Lord al-Walid's polished appearance being somewhat deceptive at the very least, the High Lady was polished in all the right ways. She was not only beautiful, but cultured and striking, and her words carried refinement and passion, reminding me of Senator Padme Amidala from Star Wars. Definitely mine.