A Monster in Hell: A 40K Story

Chapter-20

"Ladies and gentlemen, today we stand united once again. And after my ascension as the Imperial Regent and Supreme Leader of the Imperium, I am led to believe that there are certain voices of disagreement with the new reforms undertaken to stabilize the Imperium. I am therefore eager to dispel any concerns or disagreements that may arise. Therefore, all those with any differences in opinion, any concerns or questions may do so. Please. I invite you to voice anything you have to say."  I asked all those assembled on the screens, and on the seats in the colossus of a hall. 

There were disbelieving mutterings, murmurings and whispers across the halls as those who had not seen my methods first-hand conversed about whether or not I was bluffing. I mean, people had not been allowed to question, only obey or gather enough clout to oppose... before this. 

Then, one stood up.

"My Lord, there is a bit of concern surrounding the appointment of the Grand Moffs. The fact is that after the Age of Apostasy and the recent crisis, is it not a problem concentrating so much power into the hands of the people."

"I am quite aware of this concern. Unfortunately, there is no room for a larger decentralization of power because there is only war in this galaxy, and the need for swift, calculated decision-making is even greater than ever. Abaddon approaches again, and the Sanctus is not yet gone. Regardless, the Chosen Five will be more than faithful and capable to handle this personally. Anyone else?"

The guy actually looked surprised that I had answered his question. He sat back down.

A guy on the screen was next. 

"My Lord, what measures do you have to take against the Sanctus Rebels? Will you hunt them down?"

"Most of the Forge-Worlds and Agri-Worlds have surrendered to us. The Astartes do not march for them except the select few. After the purges on Necromunda, Phaeton, Voss, the Sol System, and Gehenna, I am pleased to admit that most of the Rebels have fled the Segementum Solar. Even planets such as Bakka, Graia and Kiavahr have undergone purification. The few that remain are mostly centered around the Ulik Sector in the Veiled Region. Tesla Prime, Necris and Galaspar include some of their strongholds. But without much supplies and technology they will fall eventually."

It was true. Post-Terra takeover, and the capture of the High Lords, Mars, Jupiter, Deimos, Diamat, Phaeton, Ryza and all the major Forge-Worlds in the Solar Segmentum were the first to turn to us. They soon realized where the tide was turning. Oud Oudia Riaskan, the conservative Fabricator-General of Mars, was turned over for trial.  Other Forge-Worlds like Graia and Kiavahr also turned quickly.

Shortly after, the Naval-controlled worlds like Bakka quickly turned, because the Navy was the one of the organizations that clashed mostly with the Imperium. Worlds like Fenris and Inwit, all full of Space Marine Chapters, were the next to turn. Governors surrendered or turned as a result of fear or self-interest, and many of the Inquisitors followed suit. The Regiments too began to turn, with Commissars, overzealous Inquisitors and Krieg Death Corps (who had remained zealous as ever) being shot and buried in droves.

Not all the worlds had turned, however: the Grey Knights declared war on the Imperium, and with the few escaped Inquisitors and Sisters of Battle who remained loyal to the Imperium, they mounted strong resistance on Titan, even without much more to supply them. They had, however, been cordoned off by a naval fleet, and Titans continued to devastate their defenses, determined to end the war quickly. I would have liked to have some Grey Knights on my team... but I guess one cannot get everything.

Krieg was another point of resistance, where the Death Corps of Krieg, the lovable but idiotic zealots who waged war in suicidal charges. While they were being supplied by whatever Navy remained loyal, they were busy self-sacrificing, and I, out of pity for them, declared that the Life Eater Virus be deployed against them for their foolish bravery. At least they would have the Empress' mercy as they had forever desired, would they not...???

Galaspar was another place where tyrants had risen and fallen so often that it would be easier to count the number of times they had a normal ruler in the 15000 years post-Iron War. The tyrants had tightened their grip, and the people there required liberation, so I recommended an easier campaign, with less casualties. Though I think the people were going to be worked to death by the time I actually liberated the planet, it was still worth attempting.

The Tech-Priests at Tesla Prime were the most significant sector of resistance, because not only had they Tech-Priests, but also it was a storehouse of extremely dangerous weapon stockpiles and was well-supplied. The Tech-Priests there had almost hijacked an Ark Mechanicus ship, the Zar-Quesitor, before another Ark Mechanicus ship, the Pattern Master, emerged with Matthias in control of it, and deployed troops from within the ship to conduct a boarding action, free the vessel, and kill the attacking Tech-Priests. Both Ark Mechanicus ships had been immediately carried to safety.

Anyway... back to the conference.

"We are in the dark about what strategic objectives the Imperium achieved when it was divided. The only thing we are truly aware of is that the Cadian War is at an end." An old guy got up. He was rough-looking and conservatively dressed.

"We have seized the Jericho Reach and two Blackstone Fortresses in the meantime." I spoke candidly, and a gasp went up among the others as they realized the importance of what I was saying, "In months. Moreover, a tendril of Hive Fleet Kronos attempted to invade and was defeated quite soundly."

"What do you plan to do about Technological restrictions?" A Tech-Priest asked me.

"I intend to allow most technology, except those explicitly prohibited by the Empress herself."

That Tech-Priest looked slightly... dissatisfied? Perhaps I would need to look into him. 

And questions continued. I was about to answer a question about tithe reforms when Sigmund Stavros, Solar Admiral, walked into the room.

"Yes?"

"Would you like to hear the good news or the bad news first, Supreme Leader?"

"Either."

"Very well, sir. Lord-Admiral Heinz has seized the Blackstone Fortress."

"Good. And the bad?"

"My Lord," he whispered, in true George Walker Bush 9/11 style, "The Cadian Gate was hit."

My eyes widened. Well... fuck.

Abaddon. That fuck ruined my little conference.

"Arrange for the abortion of the conference. Or better, adjourn it and set another date. Ask Veers whether the Castigators are ready. And make sure that the Project Blackstone is put into action. Prepare an evacuation for the ladies and gentlemen. And of course... prepare a boarding action for the Vengeful Spirit."

(A/N:

1. And so it begins. Before time, I guess... I needed to make a 9/11 reaction reference, after all.

2. The press conference seemed to have been smoother.)