Prologue

Good intentions

“My son… listen to me, extinguish your pride and listen to your Father,” the mighty
voice resonated, as if it was coming from everywhere, but nowhere at the same
time; the tone full of patience, yet unyielding. “You must live up to your destiny,
eliminate your selfish behavior and grow up… The time shall come, when you must
protect who you love, thereupon hear my advice: do not succumb to egoism and
sloth, for Chaos Darkness will know where to find you”.

Once again Old Man got into my dream. I knew that was a dream and reality was
unlike that where I laid. That place was quiet, peaceful, and my soul was
determined to get some rest in it; a comfortable living room, with a smooth sofa
facing a colorful garden behind a floor-to-ceiling window. I didn’t know how my
mind had come up with that setting, I mean, never had I been in such a luxury
place; hell, I don’t think any of my acquaintances back in Jhein 14, the place I grew
up, had been in a house like that.

It was not the first time I heard that voice, my father had that unusual quirk of
interrupting my dreams with strange and annoying speeches; it got worse when I
was feeling great anxiety like in that moment. Maybe he knew it and thought talking
to me would help somehow. Weird, considering I had never even seen a picture of
him, even so, I knew tons of things about him. I cognized billions of people had
faith in him and hope for his lives to be pleasant thanks to his intervention; my
young self believed it as well, but then I grew up and after years of being lonely I
understood I was alone. It was ridiculous that he still insisted that I was his son,
moreover, that I had a magnificent destiny other than not starve each day. If
surviving in a hive world where food was scarce and injustice common wasn’t
courageous I didn’t know what was.

What did he know about facing reality, if he had spent millenniums inside his
palace? Even worse, how he could speak of protecting who you love when
humans, his “adored people”, were dying daily of neglect by the Imperium he
created? Poverty, misery, that was reality; fat men and women stealing the poor
bastards enslaved in their factories, that was reality; an endless war against creepy
things just to be seeing as powerful, now that was the reality!
“Let me sleep, go away,” I replied with a tired voice “I want to keep enjoying
dreamland before going to the ugly reality, you know.” Similarly to the rest of the
universe, I respected his figure but wasn’t in the mood for hypocrite lectures. I
acknowledged I was someone special and was created for some brilliant, yet
unknown, reason, but that person overlooked the little detail of giving me a royal
house with a royal life; instead they dumped me in Prytian, a hive world, far-off
Terra, to be raised in a poor neighborhood by a working single mom who barely
had money to eat decently.

Mom was awesome, I could not deny it. Despise our poverty, she never stopped
educating me and paid great attention to making me a good person. I owned her,
and not my nosey father, what I was and how much I appreciated others. I never
knew if she was a willing acolyte of the grand plan or if she was tricked by
someone to raise the son of the most powerful man of history.

I waited a couple of seconds for that voice to respond my acrid command and
when he did not speak my subconscious self smiled since no one could say that
they told the Emperor of Mankind to shut it.
 1

Love thy Emperor

Aslan

A bump in the road woke me up. So much for sleeping peacefully. I suppose it was
my fault for believing I could sleep while being transported to the gathering point.
The Humvee full of psykers roared as the driver speeded up; wise decision
considering being exposed in this unfamiliar road could get us killed. A guy was
heavily snoring to my side however, as the adrenaline of getting near to our new
"homeland" made him fall deeper into dreamland. I thought his name was Sin or
was it Sid? Maybe it was Saul, I should have gotten myself to learn all their names,
but I was too scared to care.

Kronus 1st Regiment was supposed to liberate Kronus from xeno's invasion, and
for that, we psykers were needed. We arrived yesterday at Victory Bay and we
were supposed to get to the 4th squad trenches at noon. I was tired; even if I just
sit during the trip, the two weeks training on the Imperial Navy Transport Ship
"Candance" took a toll on me. Psykers, as Guardsmen, were trained both
physically and mentally, but our training also include hours of "Love your Emperor"
brainwashing videos and lectures. The fear of us not worshipping Him drove the
Primaris Psyker to watch over every little thing we did. We had zero privacy and
were constantly asked upon physical symptoms of chaos presence such as
headaches or fatigue. On the other hand, everything wasn’t all bad; we were given
good food and comforts and were treated as luxury slaves in comparison with your
average guardsman.

Hell, I was bitter. These kind of thoughts invaded my mind with frequency since the
depart from Prytian. I understood that these crusades were the Emperor's will and
everything was for the supremacy of the human race, but I missed my home, my
cat, and everything that made me feel like a normal guy. Sassy was probably
missing me too and that stunt, I hadn't choose to be here damn it!

I received that fateful call from the Department of Psyker Control two months ago; I
was to serve the Glorious Astra Militarum as a sanctioned psyker. Basic military
training was delivered and I was transferred to planet Kronus as soon as they
made sure I wasn't going to kill everyone around me. I told them I was a telekinetic
psyker and thank God Emperor they believed me. The ability of moving material
around you was rare and precious when on the battlefield. Truth be told I was
capable of more than moving rocks and bend tablespoons, but the hell I was going
to tell them that. Being a powerful psyker got you a ticket of never-ending servitude
to the Imperium and even, in some cases, a place on the feared Astra Telepathica,
where you devoted your life, and your sight, to the mighty Emperor. Nonetheless,
that information wasn't public, but I was well-informed by Friend, the guy who
started all this mess.

Friend was a man (or woman?) I knew only by letters. He was super intelligent and
powerful, yeah, was he powerful. He managed to get some DNA from the Emperor
and made a baby, me, with it. I didn't know how he did it and why, and I wasn't
sure if I should thank him for that, but he did. Friend is how he addressed himself in
his first letter, a letter I received when I was twelve.

"I am a friend of you, Aslan. You are an extraordinary boy, as your father is an
extraordinary man. I know you have been having trouble in school with that boy
Danny McFrange, but you need to keep your powers hidden as long as you can so
I advise you against the idea of burning his bicycle. You must remain hidden Aslan,
psykers are killed every day for their abilities as your lovely mother has taught you.
Behave, I will protect you, but I need you to help me protect you, could you do that
for a friend?"

I did not understand how he knew I was planning on burning Danny McFrange's
beloved bicycle and was shocked by it. Friend sent me a letter every year since
then, one per year, and it wasn't until my 17th spring that he told me I was the
Emperor son. My reaction? I laughed hysterically. But days passed and I realized,
by assisting Psykers Youth Counseling Group on Friday, that being capable of
getting into people's dreams, tearing walls with ease, getting things on fire when I
was upset and feel when things were going to hell weren't abilities that normals
psykers can't have at the same time. Then, well, listening to my father supreme
voice in my head during my sleep confirmed it. Thankfully as my mom instructed
me during my childhood, I always told people I was a telekinetic psyker and a
mediocre one at that.
Mediocre or not, I was recruited to serve. So I was planning on surviving this epoch
of my life and moved on. If it wasn't for my father constantly telling me I was to fulfill
my destiny I wouldn't worry about a destiny at all.

Sin stirred beside me and put his head on my shoulder. What the heck? This guy
was unbelievable. I pushed him softly to his seat, but he wasn't having any of it.
"Excuse me" I called to wake him up. He kept sleeping. I heard a chuckle from
across and a man with dark skin, brown eyes and nice teeth gave me a shit-eating
grin. "He likes you" I blushed and ignored his taunting. I was kind of shy, I couldn't
help it for I did not have many friends back in Prytian. "I'm Bruce, what's your
name?" Tried the smiling man again.

"Aslan Vykeenti," I said too low for my want. Bruce's smile became wider, as my
shyness was entertaining to him. I tried to push Saul away from me again, and this
time he woke up looking pissed. "What's your problem dude?" He slurred. Bruce
laughed and I became more embarrassed. Sin/Sid/Saul gave me an intense look
as if analyzing the man that interrupted his dream's intentions. "You're cute" he
whispered as if realizing something worth for the human race fate. I frown as Bruce
kept laughing. "Cut it up!" I snapped ay the black man raising my voice and
attracting the attention of the other passengers. Great. I gave Sin/Sid/Saul a hard
look, but he didn't care, he extended his hand for me to shook it.

"Hi, my name’s Sidonius, everybody calls me Sid, but you can call me however you
want" So it was Sid then. Ignoring the obvious flirting I shook his hand "Aslan
Vykeenti" I answered not feeling as offended as before. Sid had beautiful light blue
eyes with a boyish hint to them and seemed taller than me, maybe 5'10, he also
had messed up red hair but seemed unashamed by his sleepy look.

"Hey, driver man, how much until we get to the party?" Sid called out. "An hour or
so" was the driver cut response. I tried to relax in my seat, but I felt butterflies
ripping each other in my gut. Bruce might sense this because he tried to make
small talk.

"It's your first time serving, Aslan?" He asked.

"Yeah, back at home I was a cook, now the future of the human race is in my
hands" I tried to joke, Bruce smiled "Don't worry, just try not to get killed". I smiled
back.
"You're a pyro boy?" Sid invited himself to the conversation.

"No, I'm telekinetic, and you?" Sid seemed to be happy about being addressed by
me. Cute. And he started rambling "I’m a pyro man, dude I love
telekinetic psycho boys, once I have this hot thing that could make a vibrating
thingy with his fingers. I asked him to do that on me more than once. Loved that
dude, got himself corrupted though, he was depressed by some family shit and
started isolating himself and seein' sketchy people, cultist you know, I tried to help
him but he pushed me off, sad story I know, I was heartbroken when he was
arrested, didn't know what happened to him, maybe he went to a Program, maybe
he was killed, not sure if I wanna know frankly."

Corrupted. Yes, we were vulnerable to corruption. We were feared and even hated
because of that. Being a psyker meant you won't get invited to many birthday
parties, you had a different ID and people would cross the street when they found
you on the spacewalk.

Bruce engaged in the conversation with Sid narrating another sad story and soon,
unwanted tragic anecdotes were shared among the men in the Humvee. I frown
feeling sad and frustrated for the destiny of my peers and the discriminatory
treatment we were used to getting. A loud boom echoed in the distance and we
knew we were getting closer to the trenches. A nervous feeling invaded everyone
and even Sid remained silent.

Psykers were supporting staff to the squads and we were not in the front lines
usually, but the fear of death was palpable. My fear was different though, I feared
corruption more than death, because, after all, I could not die.
 2

An Empty Victory

Lukas

His stomach hurt. He shouldn't have eaten that fucked up soup the chef made for
lunch. He made a mental note to express his thoughts to the said chef. He was an
Imperial Governor-Militant for The Emperor's sake, what would the Mighty Emperor
think if he had to excuse from a battle because kronian orange onion soup gave
him diarrhea?

He scoffed at this own thoughts. It was impressive how he still had his good humor.
Lukas adjusted his Power Fist and walked to the camp center. Today a squad of
psykers was going to get into the regiment and he would receive them personally.
It wasn't the protocol for Governor-Militants to give his men greetings, but Lukas
tried to do it every time he could with new Guardsmen, but especially with psykers.
Those men were an important pillar to the regiment, but more importantly, Lukas
liked to know who he was dealing with.

He valued control to the extreme. More than it was healthy according to his good
friend and Confessor, Father Martel; Lukas needed to have everything in control,
and when it comes to those psykers, he couldn't be too careful. In his 28 years
serving the glorious Astra Militarum, he has seen some of the freaks to do
unexpected and dangerous things. He was once in deep shit when a psyker
supporting his squad succumbed to the chaos god Korn and started slashing his
friends for the sake of it.

Lukas couldn't help frowning at the memory. He could still hear the guys screams
in his head and was determined to not let another mad psyker hurt his comrades.
Fifteen minutes was the estimated time to the arrival of the recruits, so he used
that free time to chit chat with random men. He liked doing so, it made him closer
to his comrades and also boosted the morale of the men used to Lukas' just and
friendly personality.
Commissar Algeria spotted him, and as the loyal admirer he was, got closer to the
General. He saluted Alexander as this nodded in recognition. "It is good to see you
in good health, Governor," said Algeria with a smile. Lukas paid attention to the
puppy eyes Dimitri Algeria put when he was around and thought the young
Commissar was amusing. He came from a rich family, that was for sure; Algeria's
mannerism showed an educated background and the fact that he was Commissar
at 28 years old signaled well-connected relatives.

Lukas had come from a military family, but not his father or anyone in his bloodline
had achieved what he did. At 46 he was Governor-Militant of a planet; such a
distinction had gained the admiration of his few non-military friends. Being a
Governor secured him that his family could have riches and that his name would
be remembered for years after his death. It was a lonely existence though, Lukas
had no spouse or child, not that he was interested actually, it just got to him
sometimes that he might never had someone to share all the power and riches.

Algeria's presence reminded him of something else though. Ork's WAAAGH was
giving them more trouble than he expected. The greenskins were assembling more
camps at the southwest of Kronus and the report from the intelligence team was
grim and worrisome. Since Farseer Taldeer's fall, they have established camps in
the far north, acquiring some Aeldari's artifacts that might help them in battle.
Nevertheless, Victory was empty, Taldeer committed suicide before they could get
hands on her, his former mission of bringing Taldeer to scientists of the
Administratum was a failure.

Lukas was determined to expel the Xenos away from Kronus and he was
succeeding; Tau Empire offered their rendition and the few that remained alive
bowed to the Emperor and were granted pardon to serve the Imperial Guard. It
struck Lukas that the biggest problem for the Imperium laid on insiders, as the
Space Marines of the Blood Raven Chapter refused to leave Kronus and had been
hostile to the Imperial Guard.

Alexander had tried to dialogue with Brother-Captain Davian Thule, but the man
was as thick as a rock. He didn't know what space marines went through to get
these nonsense annoying men, but it had to be something. Thank God-Emperor,
the Astartes had been focusing on Necrons and had stopped attacking The
Liberators. Lukas was hoping once the marines defeated the Necrons they will
peacefully leave, for was not his intention on fighting against Emperor-loyal men.

At this point besides the Orks reproducing like flies, the Chaos cultist had several
province invaded. Lukas was having trouble sleeping just thinking that they could
lose the planet to such horde. He would have to order full planetary destruction and
that would be the end of his career if he didn't lose his life before, of course.

A laugh from soldier Richarson brought him back to the conversation on the patio.
Lukas noticed how Algeria kept looking at him intensely and he recognized the
man's crush on him. He wouldn't deny that being the object of attention of
someone so young made him feel great. He knew he wasn't a bad-looking man, in
fact, in his younger years he had had several lovers who worshipped him, but
nowadays being Governor-Militant had brought him a semi-celibate life. The idea of
having a relationship was implausible with his life dedicated to the Mighty
Emperor's will, but that didn't stop him from getting laid with some comrades in
arms often.

The sound of a Humvee arriving got his attention as the recruits had finally gotten
there. Lukas adjusted his jacket and his cape and wait until the Primaris Psyker
ensured the new recruits get on formation before him. Lukas held a stoic yet
relaxed expression and cleared his throat, focusing rapidly on each recruit there.
Eight psyker were assigned to this part of the regiment and couldn't look more
different.

It was mandatory that Guardsmen received haircuts that made them resembled
each other, but these men in front of him had all shapes and colors. One of them
particularly got his attention; his hair was shoulder-length platinum blond, a little
wavy, bright green eyes, the palest skin he had seen in a warrior and an
extraordinary beauty. He was 5'6 perhaps, shorter than the men to his side, and
his thin frame showed a civil background. This kid was new to war, that was for
sure.
He had an interesting stare too, sharp but not mean, as he was wary of everyone.
Lukas thought the kid might have come from the slums of some world, for it was
usual to grow up feeling a little paranoid in those crime environments. Lukas spent
too much time looking at the kid because the kid turned to him recognizing the
scrutiny, so he decided to start his speech.

"Good afternoon to you all, I'm your Governor-Militant, Lukas Alexander, the man
in charge of this crusade and your new family member. Yes, men, when serving
the God-Emperor we became a huge family that fights against collective threats.
Serving the Emperor means you understand you are part of something bigger than
yourself, understanding that your heroic actions save your family's future. You are
powerful men for being blessed by the God-Emperor, but understanding that you
are part of us all will make you even more powerful. Fear will become intelligence,
the rage will become determination, sadness will become affection and happiness
will get to you in the form of Honor and Glory. I welcome you to the 1st Kronus
Regiment, THE LIBERATORS" men around watching their general give his
discourse applauded and cheer while the Psykers looked at him with admiration
and surprised, Lukas bet they didn't expect to be received by the boss and their
impressed eyes made him proud.

The blond kid's reaction was kind of different; he blushed and diverted his gaze.
Lukas was amused by this reaction and he wondered what the psyker thinking
was. When he finished they introduced themselves and he learned the kid's name
was Aslan.

Gorgeous Aslan mixed with the multitude of men greeting the new additions and
Lukas couldn't help ogling the kid once again. Such a beautiful face, he thought.
The Governor focused on his lips, full and graceful, with a sexy curve on the top,
and the mental image of those lips around his dick made his pants a little tight.

Lukas chastised himself for such lewdly thoughts and excused himself, but not
before calling upon Algeria to his chambers. If the man had a crush on him, it was
time to make good use of it.
*

Algeria did not figure out what his Governor wanted of him when they arrived at the
modest but comfortable bedroom, or if he did he hid it very well. The room had all
the commodities an improvised camp could offer and was private enough. Lukas
needed to make sure the man wanted him so he sat on the bed opening his legs a
little bit.

Algeria was unsure of what to do so the Governor helped him. "Get on your knees
soldier" Lukas's tone was bossy, but not disrespectful. He got turned on by control
and this was part of the foreplay. He signaled the floor between his legs and
Algeria's expression was almost relief. He hurried up and kneeled. Good. Dimitri
wanted him.

"I want you to suck me real good, do you understand soldier?" Lukas's voice got
graver with lust. Algeria was speechless, the young man only nodded. His hands
were trembling when he removed Lukas's belt and unzipped his pants. The
Governor observed him and put a hand on his cheek caressing a little. Dimitri
sighed and proceeded to remove his pants. Lukas smirked and slapped the boy
lightly "Faster boy, is this how you serve your lord? Move those hands faster"
Lukas said with graveness and Algeria was shocked momentarily at the Governor's
attitude, but when he looked up and saw those dark grey eyes full of desire his
doubts dissipated. He removed the slacks and the boxers as fast as he could and
was greeted by a huge cock fully erected. The Governor was huge and thick, and
Dimitri immediately felt his mouth salivate at the astounding sight before him.

Alternatively he hesitated "May I put your cock inside my mouth now my Lord?"
Dimitri whispered; he was surprisingly turned on by this display of control by the
older. The cock gave a little twitch and the young knew the Governor liked his
demeanor.

"You may" was Lukas's cut response. Dimitri put his tongue on the head and tasted
it. He ran his tongue around the rod and licked it like he would do a lollipop. Lukas
liked it; this man was playing innocent and deliberately delaying engulfing him. But
he was the man in charge and he would prove it. He took Algeria's head and
directed him to take his member fully. The man gagged at the surprising action, but
relaxed and proceeded to suck him with devotion.

Lukas moaned. The Commissar was a good sucker. He closed his eyes and
pictures of Aslan's betrayed his good sense. Those full lips would take his cock
fully and that pale face would blush under the exercise. He grunted and grabbed
Algeria's hair, he had a dark tone, unlike Aslan's light blond and that brought him to
reality. He looked to the young Commissar going up and down at his cock and that
image turned him on even more.

Commissars were proud men, often full of arrogance waving their judgment on
everyone and stating their word was law, so having that man pleasuring him made
Lukas sigh and grunt. "Yes, that's it, take it all boy" Dimitri started sucking harder at
the praise. He was eager to please and Luka found this extremely sensual.

"You know how to do it, yeah, there, keep going" Lukas sighed audibly. "Suck that
cock, yeah, yeah, ah" he couldn't take back the whimper that Dimitri's moaning with
his member in his mouth brought him. The young Commissar had unzipped his
pants and was pleasuring himself while sucking on Lukas's cock like his life
depended on it.

Lukas closed his eyes and enjoyed Dimitri's mouth lapping and using his tongue all
over his shaft. He let go of it and went to lap his balls, sucking and making lewdly
noises. The Commissar was a natural; he definitely had experience serving a man
orally. "You are great, it feels good, yeah, lick it, yeah" Dimitri's tongue went back
to the head and he focused on sucking it hard. Lukas moaned. "God it feels great
boy, ah, ah, ah" his moans became louder and he grabbed Algeria's neck with
dominance. The young man responded with a loud moan as he deep throated
Lukas.

"Algeria, fuck yeah, suck me soldier, harder, fuck yeah" Lukas decided then to take
more control and grabbed the young man head and positioned to receive his
thrusts. Fucking Algeria's mouth gave him extreme pleasure and the familiar
pressure of getting close to climax started gathering. The man on his knees was
shamefully moaning at the head fucking and his hand stroked his member faster.
Algeria was getting close as precum oozed from his dick. The older was close too
and he voiced it "I'm getting close boy, ah, I want you to swallow my seed soldier,
yeah, fucking take it, ah, yeah, gonna fill your mouth, ah, and you gonna love it,
fuck yeah!" Lukas was grunting and as he speeded up he rose from the bed,
feeling Dimitri's left hand grab the back of his leg for support. The young man
whimpered as he made love to Lukas's cock; he strongly grabbed the older's leg
and jerked himself off with fury, cumming and drooling all over his Commissar
uniform.

Governor-Militant Lukas Alexander closed his eyes, bit his lips and release a cry of
pleasure when he spilled his semen in his subordinate's mouth. The orgasm hit
him hard, his mouth opened in a soundless cry, his vision full of white lights and his
mind momentarily going to Aslan Vykeenti's sweet mouth.
 3

Collective Hysteria

Barachiel

Tragedy. My life had been surrounded by tragedy. Had not our lives been tragedies
Camille? I could not relate to my memory to find a single happy moment on my
seven hundred years of breathing. No, there must be one moment at least; I just
could not remember any.

I stared at the plate full of harvested amenities, without an ounce of appetite. So

sad, I felt such soul crumbling sadness. Camille. Come back, sweet Camille. Why
did you have to go after that fool of an Aeldari? The stung of sorrow hit me and I
bashed my lunch against the wall in front of me. I wailed. Such a pitiful wail from
such a great Aeldari. Warlock Barachiel the Luminous they used to call me. When
did they stop calling me that? Yesterday? A week ago? A decade?

I was not sure, my spirit was broken and so was my mind. I was reduced to a sad
lump on a grim room in Ulthwé Craftworld. Liliadent came to me, his expression
mournful. I was his master, his mentor, I should had been mentoring into the
history and greatness of Aeldari civilization. Instead, the only great thing here was
my sorrow. Camille. My sister, my sweet sister of lovely hands was missing.

Farseer Taldeer had fallen and with her the fate of those who accompanied the
female Aeldari to the damned Kronus mission. My sister, one of the closest
Bonesinger and friend of Taldeer, ran after her leader. The plan was simple: They
would go to the planet Kronus, encased the Necrons again and establish a
settlement for our people, for previous explorations demonstrated a suitable
habitat. Damn, I should have known, nothing is simple in the life of an Aeldari.

I was one of the most promising Aeldari and at my young age, I was commanding
a modest legion of guardians. I was supposed to be gifted in divination, for I had
predicted deviation in the fate that not even my older superiors had seen, yet I did
not predict Farseer Taldeer’s fall.

Liliandent softly picked up the mess I made “I am sorry” I said and I meant it. He
did not deserve to suffer for my grief; even so, his candid smile was always
respectful. “You need to eat Master, it has been five days since your last meal”. So
it had passed only hours ago. Good Isha, I felt it like a century, therefore sorrow
can do that to an Aeldari. The boy in front of me was only 63 years old and was
graceful as none; his light brown shoulder-length hair cascaded over his face and a
pair of turquoise eyes. “Master…” He kneeled beside me and urged me to stand,
his young voice worried. I looked at him and his expression mirrored mine, as a
pitiful pout adorned his features.

“He was just a baby…” I told him, my voice empty, but he felt the heaviness of
those words and understood me. I loved my sister dearly, yes, but she was not the
only one I lost on that damned expedition. My sister gave birth to my first and only
nephew Zachiel 3 years ago. The little Aeldari was still a baby that could not even
walk or talk and Camille took him to their mission against my advice and I resented
her. Although I understood the reasoning of her action, it did not make me feel less
bitter.

“We are not still certain they have perished Master, I’m sure they are fine, Farseer
Taldeer is a great warrior” He was right, the communications had been lost days
ago, in short the last thing we knew was that the Imperial Guard of the Mon’Keigh
Emperor were squabbling for the land we had claimed. Anyway, Webway paths to
Kronus had been somehow destroyed, so it meant my people had lost yet another
battle against the Imperium of Mankind.

God, I hated them, my sorrow transformed in an extreme rage that made me grind
my teeth. Liliadent felt this change of mood and took a wise step back. “Those vile
animals” I whispered with disdain. They always got into our fate and cursed it with
their stupidity. The Mon’Keigh Emperor had treated my people as inferior beings,
that disrespectful man. He constructed his Imperium above the ashes of ours and
that stung in every Aeldari’s heart. I felt my blood boiling and a well-know rage
erupted in my soul.

I was not a conservative man; Good Isha knew I even had some arguments with
the ancient ones living in Ulthwé when they suggested wars against the Mon’Keigh
since it was a dangerous path to fulfill. Do not get me wrong, I despised them just
as much as any Aeldari, but it did not mean I was going to try to get our former
worlds back sacrificing lives of thousands! My priority had always been the survival
and uprise of our race; hence I could be an unpopular Warlock among those
whose bloodlust was unfathomable. As a result, when Farseer Taldeer consulted
the Council about her conquest of Kronus I disagreed strongly. I knew Kronus was
in the net of worlds desired by the Imperium and confronting them was often a
stupid idea.

I had been called a coward, a disgrace for the Path of Warrior I had chosen in my
youth; instead, I ignored all the spiteful comments and maintained a firm
opposition, moved by my little nephew’s sake and my experience when it comes to
humans. Now all those who look down on me were silent, no one had dared to
cross a word to me for I had been secluded in my chambers since the loss of
communications and failure of the Webway net to Kronus had been made official.

I rose and placed my shell of a body on the bed. Across it, there was a full-body
mirror and I could not help looking at my figure. My typically braided dark brown
hair was unwashed and unkempt, braids falling apart as my spirit; my skin was
paste, overmuch pale and my face was tainted with eyeliner mixed with tears. I
hadn’t take my customary daily bath in days plus my clothes were dirty and my
shoes missing, I was not sure who took them, lately the days passed in a blur; no
wonder lovely Liliadent had been staying closer to my chambers, I looked ready to
succumb to a chaos demon.

At some point, the acolyte came back with a new plate and put it on my lap. His
hopeful expression brightened when I took the first bit yet deplorably never a
potato was so tasteless. It terrified me that I would not be able to get over this state
of depression and I would become a burden for my people. No, that shall not
happen, I was in debt with my race, with my family and with their confidence in me.

"Master Fenyl has been asking for you, he is worried that you haven't been present
in the battlefield my Lord". Liliadent said timidly. I knew my second in command
would start questioning my absence; we were in the middle of an endless war
against Chaos after all. Being close to the Eye of Terror, Ulthwé Craftworld was a
victim of diabolical attacks commonly. I was in charge of the 32nd Ulthwé legion
and my place had always been defending our home. Camille was adventurous, an
Aeldari with so much energy inside her that she needed to go to the confines of the
world to satisfy her spirit, and such she did, towing up in Farseer Taldeer vision of
glory.

"Tell him I will be joining them soon" I whispered. I did not feel an ounce of battle
will, just a void full of despair inside my soul, but I had no choice, I made a vow of
protecting this Craftworld and I will not let down myself, even if I let down Camille
when on the fateful day of their departure I refused to wave her goodbye. Pride
took the best of me and I gave my sweet sister the cold shoulder; and to add salt to
these wounds of mine, I could not hold my nephew for the last time.

Thinking of Zachiel lovely smile was too much though, and I burst into tears one
more time. Liliadent remained silent and with a last worried look to me, he left. I
curled on my bed and within my despair, I decided to hold onto that hope of my
sister and my nephew being alive somewhere in Kronus.
Alive. Yes. They are alive and I need to save them. A jolt of adrenaline shook my
body and I obliged my sorry self to get into the washroom fast. I would be dressing
in my best robe and go to the Department of Council Affairs of my sector; then I
would introduced a request for a retrieve mission to Kronus and I would rescue my
family with the help of my warriors.

Two days had passed since the Council Attendant girl took note of my petition.
Their response had to be received soon; the Council worked every single day and
they review hundreds of postulations and inquiries from all over the Craftworld. I
needed to put my anxiety down though; I had started eating and exercising hours
ago and I was hoping my mind and body would find the calmness I lacked for this
journey.

A beeping brought me to reality and I hurried up to check my communication

device. The resolution had arrived at the department and I was to collect it as soon
as possible. I called out to Liliadent and requested the keys to my vehicle, he
insisted on accompanying so I let the kid towed in and we hurried to the public
office.

The girl looked at me with wonder and retrieved my correspondence; I ripped up

the enveloped and proceeded to fast read what it said. Denied. My request was
denied. A tornado formed in my gut. Denied? They would not let me rescue my
family!? The excuse was some urgent affair on a different location and the need of
my team to be vigilant of new chaos incursion within our perimeter.

I started trembling with rage and I crushed the letter “What the hell does this
mean!?” I yelled at the surprised girl.

“I… I beg your pardon?” she hesitated, wariness showing is her expression since a
Warlock being so upset could easily scare civilians. I stormed to the girl and kept
accusing her. “Is not my family urgent enough for you damn people!? All I have
sacrificed for these Craftworld, all I have fought for you and you dared to fucking
reject my request, Gods be damned!” the girl retreated and tried to leave her desk.
I grabbed her arm with force and spit “Don’t you dare to ignore me bitch!”

I was seeing red, my blood was boiling and my mind once again giving in to
despair. I felt someone pulling my robe and I heard screams as I turned around to
back slap whoever dared attacking me. It was Liliadent. The boy went flying to a
near desk and remained still, unconscious. A cry escaped my lips. No, oh Isha not
him. I ran to him but felt several hands restraining me. No. No one was going to
separate me from my family again. I fought back, hitting, biting and cursing the
Aeldari public office guards. I took some down only with my physical force, others
with psychic powers, but I could not see their face, I only saw my precious sister of
beautiful hands lying dead beside my nephew and Liliadent.

Tears fogged my vision. More screaming, who was screaming that loud?
Everything was a blur, movement and pain disturbing me even more. I was tackled
down, I was lying on the floor and the screams became louder. More hands
grabbing. A gut-wrenching fear took me then, they were going to kill me, they were
going to give my soul to Slaneesh for eternal torture. Just then I realized I was the
one screaming so I kicked and hit desperately. “Hold him down! He is going to
destroy the whole building with that energy!” I felt someone get inside my mind to
try to cloud my consciousness but I was a potent warrior and pushed them out of
my brain.

“Warlock please calm down!” someone begged me. I could not listen though. My
mind had decided to finally snap and was drawing every poor soul that crossed my
path. Panic set and I was struggling for air, it was difficult to breathe; it got worse
when I realized I could not move for they were restraining my limbs. I screamed
more, not sure of what I was saying, I just needed to get out of there, I could not let
them kill me, I did not want to suffer more. “PLEASE, PLEASE ISHA HELP ME,
PLEASE, GET OFF ME, NO, LET ME GO, ISHA HELP ME, I DON’T WANT TO
DIE!” I heard myself yell, my mind detaching from my body out of distress.

I felt a little puncture on my neck and panic made me beg for dear life. What did
they inject in me!? I was going to die, no, Camille, Zachiel, Liliadent, please help
me, I love you, don’t leave me, don’t leave me please.

I felt my limbs go numb and, as my vision turned black, I pictured the smile of my
sister and her precious hands caressing my cheeks.
 4

Sincere Invitation

Aslan

Well, that was unexpected. Governor-Militant Alexander welcoming us was an

unanticipated but pleasant plot turn. He changed my impression of the Imperial
Guard, who I anticipated to be a bunch of discriminatory fanatical suicidal
assholes; well they might be still that, but at least this Governor seemed
approachable and sincere. Friend would say I should not trust anyone, but it was a
paradox right? An unknown man telling you that trusting people is dangerous while
at the same time asking you to confide in him.

At first, when I sensed Alexander’s stare on me my mind went into autopilot and I
blushed. That stupid body reaction of mine had gotten me in really ignominious
situations in the past when I had met random men in my life. It was absurd how I
could easily verbally tear someone apart when I was arguing, but could not hold
the gaze to someone staring at me with wonder or amusement.

After introductions were made, we were directed to the barracks were each were
assigned a bunk. I wasn’t impressed at Sid getting the bed bellow me and I already
anticipated long dumb conversations with the man. I liked him though, he seemed
friendly and optimistic enough and I didn’t get that kind of people much in my life.
We would not have much time for chit chat since we are to be assigned to the
battlefield soon. A bulky mean-looking man called Commisar Guevara according to
his nametag called upon on us “Ok psycho ladies, get your ass here; each is going
to be assigned to a squad, you will respond to sergeants and those sergeants will
obey me directly, got it?”,

“Sir, yes, sir” was the collective response. “You inform your sergeant in case some
chaos bullshit happening to you because if you hide it and I get a line, I’ll blow your
crazy brains at once” Guevara said with a stern and menacing tone. “Rubio go to
squad Rat, Baker you’re in Hedgehog, Killian… Crab, Goyle go to Octopus,
Gallahan you’re in Koala, Vikeenty go to Raccoon, McVille you in Squirrel, Jules
you’re in Deer and Loky you in Hare” I listened carefully when the Commissar
announced our teams. It was rare for more than one psyker to be held in a single
squad, so I would be working alone. “Meet your squad on the Cadre at 16:00”
Guevara finished curtly and left us.

“Dude I’m in team Koala, fucking Koala, can you find something cuter!?” Sid
giggled with amusement, “who the fuck picked this team names? I’m stunned by
the overpopulation of rodents” Sid continued and I laughed lightly. It was indeed
interesting squad names; I was expecting something more in the line of destroyers,
ruiners or defilers or some other morale boosting nickname. “At least you’re not in
Team Rat dude” Bruce pointed out with faked somberness. We laughed more; I
shrugged, I guess the cool names were given only to Space Marines Chapters; so
Team Raccoon would do. With some luck, if they stayed alive after the first battle, I
could get the sergeant to change it to The Undead Raccoons Reapers.

I smirked at my own joke and hurried up to get into my bunk to get a nap since we
only had four hours of rest until the meeting at the Cadre. Sleeping was crucial to a
psyker, actually it was mandatory that we got a good rest before going into battle
since our mind was our weapon and a tired mind was an easty-to-corrupt one.
Hopefully my father wouldn’t interrupt my repose this time.
 Interlude

Inquiry

“Who are you?” I could feel rough hands traveling all over my chest, everything
was dark and besides the hands exploring I could not feel anything. My limbs were
not working, the deep voice sounded as if hadn’t been used in years, raspy and
hurt. “Who are you?” it kept asking with wonder, but I could not out a word. The
hands started touring my arms upward until they posed on my neck “Who are
you?” repeated losing its patience, I was terrified, I wanted to move, to scream, to
tell whoever owned that ugly voice to get the hell away from me. I tried to focus, to
open my eyes wider but I still could not see anything; the entity then started to
apply pressure on my neck and I felt my throat constricted, no, this couldn’t be
happening, I was going to die if I didn’t fight back. The cold hands were strong,
and I felt myself choke, still trying to make a move. “You monster… why are you
still breathing?” The voice inquired with displeasure, applying more and more force.
Tears now flowed down my cheeks as I felt my life being extinguish. A figure
appeared in front of me at last and while I was being murdered I could not stop
thinking what a deep hatred that sole eye carried.
 5

There is only war

Aslan

Sid was in front of me, my rapid breath wheezing and inundating the room with
sound. His expression was concerned and I was momentarily stunned. Why was
he this close to me? Where was I? I blinked and looked around. I was in the
barracks "You ok dude?" He asked; "What happened?" I replied.

"You were sleeping and started whimpering, thought you were just havin' a
nightmare, but you screamed and I freaked out and shook you up real good, and
then, well, you woke up" that explained his hand on my shoulder, which were still
there even though I was already up.

I frown and rose, massaged my eyes and exhaled. Wow, that was an intense
dream; I'd never had such a nightmare; those hands felt so real I thought I was
literally dying. Goosebumps invaded my body at the memory "Thank you, I'm fine,
it was just a terrible nightmare" or wasn't it?

"What was it about?" The barracks were empty but for us two. I didn't trust Sid
enough to tell him personal stuff, but considering he took care of me and that
nightmare was not something I'd, thankfully, experienced I answered honestly. "I
don't really know what it meant, I was in this dark place and I couldn't move, and
there was this man I could not see, his hands... He was touching me, everywhere,
asking who I was. He then strangled me and I still could not move. It was fucked
up" I finished staring at the floor.

"Wow... Fucking wow dude, had you dreamt something like that before?" I shook
my head. "Well... I think you're being harassed by chaos demons" he replied non-
chalantly and my heart beat increased "What..?" I gasped. "Yeah, I mean, it's not
that unusual for us, those fuckers know when we are vulnerable."

"I am not vulnerable!" I snapped. I did not like this conversation anymore, but Sid
seemed unfazed by my awkwardness. He smirked "You are vulnerable little Aslan,
you have been sulking the entire trip and you look innocent and frankly adorable,
you don't belong to an Imperial Guard Regiment, you don't belong to war.”

"And you do? You act like this is fucking school camp!" I raised my voice; I was
definitely not liking this conversation. Sid's brutal honesty hit my pride. I might not
look menacing, but I was sure there wasn't a more powerful psyker than me in the
whole planet. I crossed my arms and was expecting a counterattack from the red
haired man.

Sid burst out laughing. He fucking laughed. That mocking laugh of him pissed me
off and I pushed him. I knew I shouldn't be attacking a comrade, at least not for a
stupid reason as bullying, but I couldn't help it, I felt my face boiling with
indignation. He continued laughing though, "You have no idea how cute you look
when you get mad dude, your face is all red and you pout like a kid".

"Fuck you!" I turned around to leave the joker man, when I felt him grabbing my
wrist. Suddenly I was thrown to someone's bunk and Sid was on top of me, his full
body pining me to the mattress. His expression serious and lethal. My heart rate
speeding up; I knew I was in trouble when I saw his eyes giving me an intimidating
stare I would've never attach to the man.

"Never underestimate a possible threat, do not give your back to someone who's
you just attacked because you will be dead before you know it" he whispered near
my face; fuck he was too close, I was breathing fast undoubtedly scared of him.
However, a jolt of anger woke my will and I tried to push him, with no result.

He smirked at my poor attempt to get freedom and press his lips to mine. I froze. I
couldn't believe what was happening, what this all he wanted from the beginning?
His lips were soft, but he kissed me with force, as if looking for a reaction. I pushed
him for a second time and he rose, his expression unreadable. He gave me a hand
and I slapped it; then I stormed out of the tent, I didn't know where to go, I just
wanted to be away from Sid.
*

My feet took me to the Cadre, a large tent full of soldiers going in and out. I
decided to wait for our meeting to start inside, better to be there early than later
right? I had no idea how I would recognize Team Raccoon in the mass of people
hanging out around the place, but that was future Aslan's problem. I was still
anxious by the dream; Sid's explanation had added more anxiousness since I had
never experienced chaos tormenting before. I found an empty seat on one of the
bends scattered around the open space, next to me was a bald man that
immediately tensed at my presence. Psykers uniforms were different than the
average Guardsman's; we used light grey robes with black pants and combat
boots, so we were easily recognized, which I thought was the intention of the
Commissars who watched over us. The man didn't say anything, and we continued
to sit in silent.

A mass of people entered the Cadre and I guessed those were the teams
appointed for that afternoon. I spotted Commissar Guevara with other of his kind
and I confirmed my suspicions. Sid and the new recruits got inside seconds later
and I left my spot to meet them. Sid looked at me and smiled as if nothing had
happened; that man was indeed unbelievable, but it was better that way, if he
started giving me flirting looks I would be pissed. I nodded back, not feeling angry
anymore and decided to forget the incident. I was attracted to men so a stolen kiss
wasn't a big of a deal in the grand scheme, and I knew his advise was sound, I
should control my temperament; it was never a good idea getting into an
unnecessary fight at least with another psyker. We tended to be paranoid people
and it could get me into a very serious situation, especially if I got killed and then
come back.

I could not be killed by normal methods and that was my biggest secret. Friend
always told me to hide that even from mom, for that aside with the fact of being the
Emperor's biological son would make everyone inside the Imperium, and outside,
scared and threaten by me. A perpetual with the Emperor's DNA could potentially
dethrone the Administratum, defeat the Primarchs and face the Chaos Demons; or
so Friend had said. I didn't think I could do any of that though, hell I had trouble
fighting a chaos intruder in my dream just a few hours ago.

"Good afternoon" I addressed the Commissars politely. Yeah, I would be behaving

like a good psyker boy from now on. Some answered with a nod or a "hey", other
completely ignored me. Fucking Commissars. Be a good boy Aslan. A good polite
boy. I smiled at my comrades and Bruce patted my back. The man was fatherly,
maybe he had kids back at home.
"Go with your Commissars psycho ladies" Guevara signaled his comrades and
added "I command team Raccoon, so you'll come with me Blondie" he pointed at
me. No. This got to be a joke, why of all of the Commissars Guevara had to be my
team leader! Guevara directed me and several guardsmen to an empty table. We
circled him and waited for instruction. He remained silent though, looking at each
other with disdain. What was this man problem? He seemed to automatically hate
every new recruit?

“I don’t think I had to explain your job, do I? You fucking kill xenos and try to
survive, and always remember you fight and die for the Emperor.” He addressed
the guardsmen, “you, on the other hand,” he pointed at me, “you protect them so
they can keep killing xenos”. His stare was intimidating, but I guess he had to be
like this in the middle of a war. “Governor Alexander doesn’t like his men dying
pointlessly so he instructed all of us to use our brain, as a result you’ll be receiving
commands from me through radio. We attack only when we are sure we can win,
outnumbering them is our strength; but do not think for a second that you can run
from the battlefield with the tail between your legs: at the very suspicion of you
cowering I’ll blown your brains up” The guardsmen tensed. We all knew
Commissars true job within the army was ensuring no one ran from it. “Always
obey my orders.” He rose, “get ready, we’re departing to the west; damn Orks are
giving us trouble there” He finished and left.

Well, that was the shittiest tactical meeting I’d seen. What kind of instruction was
that? Always obey my orders. No wonder we were losing wars all around the
universe, who trained these men as leaders? Feeling annoyed by this entire
situation I fumed as I left the Cadre. I came back to the barracks and grabbed my
designated backpack. I crossed path with Sid and the man held up his hands in
front of him “Don’t melt my brain please,” he said, “I just couldn’t control myself, I
like you, very much” he blurted out and I opened my eyes in surprise. I didn’t know
how to respond to that so I cleared my throat to gain more time, Sid smirked
“you’re shy, don’t worry you don’t have to say nothin’, just let be friends, if that’s
what you want” his expression was soft and I appreciated the gesture.

“Yes, I don’t want to get involve with anyone, sorry, I like you as a friend, we can
do that” I said feeling relieved. “I’m going to the west to fight Orks, so you should
wish me luck” I gave him a self-deprecating smile.

“You going to the west too? Smooth! My team is heading to crush greenskins too
dude” Sid face brightened, it seemed that our teams were going to work together
and I couldn’t help feeling happy, even though Sid was brutally honest and
somehow weird, he still seemed real and I valued that above everything. Also,
having another psyker to talk to was an extra pleasure; I didn’t have anything
against my guardsmen comrades, but they might not understand me as another
psyker would. When I got to the aboard point, Guevara seemed as impatient as
always, so we finally got into the squad transportation and departed.

Prays soon began. My comrades started praying to the God-Emperor for

protection, I would not pray though; my father has told me he wasn’t a god and that
he despised being called that so praying to him seemed like too much of an insult. I
understood they needed to pray though, for there was nothing more terrifying than
being left alone in a world full of monstrosities and have no one protecting you. I
had to contribute to my comrades’ well-being so I patted the guy next to me in the
knee and whispered “You’ll be fine, I’ll do my best to protect you.” The guy was
astounded, his face not hiding his surprise “T-thanks, my name’s Hans” he replied
with a little smile. “Mine is Aslan” I nodded to him. The guy has dirty blond hair and
a scared expression; he was maybe a couple years younger than me. “Do you
have experience in the battlefield?” Hans continued the conversation, I noticed
then that some guys were paying attention to our exchange; I wonder how many of
them had actually had time to interact with a Sanctioned Psyker, maybe I could
boost their morale a little. “Yeah, tons of it! I’m a fucking great psyker, you know” I
smiled with faked pride. “Those greenskins should be praying to their green smelly
gods!” Some of them laughed and I felt their spirit rising up. Guevara was watching
too, I should take advantage of that. “Besides, our Commissar here is a war lord
right sir?” Guevara seemed kind of surprise, but thankfully he picked on my
intentions and decided to boost the morale as well “Yes, we must trust to the God-
Emperor and our own potential, you’re here for a great purpose and you’ll do it
honorably” the men listened to him with admiration. I just hope that purpose wasn’t
to die for a worthless war.

The smell gave them away, so you would always know where an Orks’ horde was.
Their instincts were to fight and destroy everything on his path, for their WAAAGH
demand them to keep slaughtering.

I didn’t think they were an smart race, actually, they seemed pretty psychotic, but
underestimating the Orks was a grave mistake. In our school back in Slofhefd we
studied the different xenos mankind had had contact with. This lectures opened our
mind to an universe full of creatures that could easily eradicate humans, and made
special emphasis on how we, psykers, could prevent that. I enjoyed my time is
school, and I felt good around others like me; my mom was given a good sum of
money to cover for my needs, as it was an Imperium duty to take care of all
psykers.

We arrived at the battlefield and were welcome with screams, both from
Commanders and Orks. I couldn’t help feeling quite scared by their appearance,
they were huge and intimidating. Their screams were frenzy and soon our squad
got moving besides Commissar Guevara. I was using a helmet, specially made for
psykers, to boost up our psychic energy and to receive instruction from the
Commisar. I spotted Sid running ahead and I hoped he didn’t die, along with all the
men surrounding me, I didn’t want anyone to die, why couldn’t the Imperium has
alliance with all the races?

While I was wondering this, I saw movement on my right, so I pushed aside some
bushes and there were little Orks hiding and waiting for us. I crushed them with
some logs around, using my telekinetic abilities. I was adamant to not let none of
my comrades die, so I took the front line along the Commisar.

Guevara instructed me to throw projectiles to some Orks riding tanks, and I did so.
Their tanks explode and I was amused at how easy they were reducing. I thought
combating was going to be really hard on my mind, but the ease of what my mind
moved heavy objects around me made me thanks my genetics for the first time in
my life.

Poor xenos didn’t know who they were dealing with.

 6

Calculated madness

Barachiel

Little by little I recovered consciousness. I felt restraints against my wrist and could
not recognize at first where I was. I looked around, and suddenly it hit me. I lost
control. I lost control on the Council office, I hurt Liliadent and I was arrested.

Aeldari’s emotions could be their downfall and that it was happening to me. I let my
anxiety and fear took the best of me, hurting my little acolyte in the process. Such a
horrendous creature I am Camille. I shook my head, cleared my head and called
for someone to come in the modest furniture room; if I was to be judged and
punished I wanted to at least see if Liliadent was with health.

A female Aeldari came inside and looked at me with pity. “I am here to let you
know you are in mandatory rest, Warlock”. Mandatory rest, it meant I was too
unpredictable to be let loose on the Craftworld. “I am fine now, I demand you to get
these restraints off” my voice with calm but firm, a tone I used on my guardians
more than once. “I am afraid, I can’t do that unless given permission by the
Superior Spiritual Counselor”.

That seemed to be a place for the mental ill, and I took great offend on that. “Let
me talk to you superiors now girl”; being a Warlock has some specific benefits, and
one of them was that I always deal with people with high ranks. The nurse went
away, hopefully to retrieve this Counselor of hers.

I was right, I thought, as a robust female Aeldari with blond hair got into the room.
“You are in trouble, Warlock”, her voice devoid of any sympathy, “you hurt several
citizen in that shameful outburst of yours”. I gritted my teeth, “Where is Liliadent,
my acolyte?” I asked ignoring her heinous comment. “He is unharmed, on your
residence”. Thanks Isha, I felt so relieved, but tried to hide it. In our world, showing
too many emotions deem you weak, so I decided to advocate for my freedom.

“I am aware of my lack of prudence, and I won’t excuse my behavior. The lost of

my sister and nephew has me very vulnerable to unwanted emotions and I do feel I
could get over this resting in my residence”. I tried with an even tone. “I agree” the
robust woman told me, “that’s why Commander Fenyl is to take your place within
the battlefield while you recover your path, I was told to inform you”, my pulse got
faster, so that was it? I was demoted!? A lapse of judgment and I was broken
material for this damned Cratfworld!?
Althought my blood was boiling, my face remained neutral. “I thank you for your
duty, when could I leave?”, I told the woman with the best poker face I could
muster. “Inmediately”, she said coldly.

The cuff were removed, my clothes brought back, and I was back at the street like
an unwanted dog.

Oh Camille, our lives, indeed, have been surrounded by tragedies.

Seeing his innocent face, while polishing the living room table, brought back all the
emotions like a tornado. I crossed the living room with three steps and embrace
Liliadent in my arms, sobbing like a father who just found his lost son.

“I am so sorry,” I babbled, “I did not mean to hurt you, are you feeling well?” I
asked examining his face, and seeing a purple bruise on his left cheek. Liliadent
smiled and soothed me, “I am fine, Master” his expression somber, “did they tell
you the news?” I released him and nodded. “Fenyl got my position, I am officially
on ‘rest duty’, what a piece of garbage” I sit on the sofa while ever diligent
Liliandent brought a cup of tea.

“Yes, you need to have a low profile from now on, Master” the boy sit beside me,
“maybe we could go to vacation house?”, the servant proposed with hope.
Vacation house meant being away from the too populated district in a house with
comforts to relax and spent time with family. A family I did not have anymore.

“No, we will stay” I told him with determination. “Never had I felt such negative
feelings Liliadent, this people, who I have spilled blood for, denied me of the most
precious of gifts, my family” I told the boy with a somber expression. “Notify
Verdum, Taniel, Akash, Uliel and Somy with the upmost discretion, tell them I want
to meet them here tomorrow for dinner” I instructed my acolyte to call my most
trusted guardians so I would share my plan with them.

If the Cratfworld did not want to grant my desperate wish, I would have to be on my
own getting it. Liliadent’s expression was of concern, “What are you planning to do
Master?”, he asked. “I will retrieve my sister and nephew by myself” I answered
plainly. Liliadent paled, “Master, if you do that you could be imprisoned for years!
Or expelled, Master, it’s too dangerous”.

I looked at his sweet face and shared what every Aeldari who had chosen the Path
of Warrior would know by heart, “When I chose my path, Liliadent, I knew it was
the most dangerous, I knew I would be walking with a death sentence on my neck
and more enemies I could count. I knew I would be walking on fire, and yes my
beloved student, I am prepared to walk on this world, but no alone, I refuse to be
alone and sad; if it is my destiny to die trying to get my family back, I will accept it” I
stated. “You will be going back to your aunts, and I will leave my fortune and my
state in your hands”, the boy eyes’s bulged and started to fill. “No”, he said firmly, “I
will be going wherever you go”, the acolyte stated.

Liliadent’s family has chosen the Path of Servitude centuries ago. Now all of their
members serve Warlocks, Farseer and Aeldari with important positions.
Nevertheless, he was not bound to those masters, as he was free to chose a new
path if he wanted to, but the boy loved me. I took him as my protégée when he was
a kid and soon we became inseparable. I consider him my son, and I was not
susprised he did not want to stay. “Where I am going is a planet at war Liliadent,
choose your actions wisely, you have all the commodities and protection here, do
not reject them so easily” I advised.

“I know Master, and I am most grateful of everything I’ve achieved with you; but
rest assured I am firm in my determination”, the boy stated and changed his
posture, and it seemed he wanted to appear sure and wise. How cute, I thought.
“Ok my beloved boy, you and I are going on an adventure, maybe our last one” I
left my seat and hold him in my arms.

“I do not plan to die, Liliandent, not when I have a nephew to save and a son to
protect” I kissed his head, and I felt the boy wrapped his arms around my waist.

Wait for me Camille, you are coming home.

 7

Millenium 41

Lukas

The expeditions were going smoothly. The new recruits seemed of good quality,
and the psykers were doing their job.

So why was he feeling worried?

Perhaps it was the upcoming battle with Ork’s commanders?, or was it the
increasing chaos presence in the south?, maybe it was the Administratum
notification letter where they stated that Primarch Roboute Guiliman has returned
and has become High Lord of Terra, acquiring the leadership of the whole
Imperium?

Marshal Ludwig has told him first on faithful night. Why did all the bad things
happen at night? That letter stated just a few of the big changes, and bad news,
the Bastion of Mankind was going through. On the farther Segmentum Oscura,
planet Cadia has succumbed to Chaos, taking with it the hope of recovering that
sector and protect all humanity. In less than a year Cadia has fallen, a son of the
Emperor had returned, Chaos manifestations were overwhelming everywhere and
the Imperium had a new leader.

Lukas’s skin crawled. If someone had told him that in that little period of time his
civilization would face such a destiny he would have prayed more. He wasn’t a
man of prayers; in fact, most of his thoughts about religion and politics were very
cynical, but as the good politician he was if anyone asked, he’d said he was
praying before bed every night, and not fucking Commissar Algeria like he was.

A grin came to his lips. That has become one of his favorite things to do; the young
military seemed infatuated by him. He would notice the looks Algeria gave him
while passing by, and Lukas felt invigorated. It was wonderful for his confidence,
and it made his mind stay away from the gnawing fear all the events gave him.

Suddenly Liutenant Goyle came into his tactical tent and Lukas immediately knew
that bad news would keep coming.

“Intel has detected Gorgutz has five camps all over the swamps, my Lord”, the dark
skinned commander said grimly. One camps of Orks was difficult to swipe, but
five? Almost impossible. Lukas took a deep breath, a costume to ground himself,
and told Commissar Mathias, who was sitting by the planning table, “I want full
data of how many psykers we have, also how many ogryns”. The man was in
charge of human resources, and with a nod he retired immediately. If something
could change the course of a war was the use of special units as psykers. Those
freaks were one of the aces of the Imperium and Luka planned to take advantage
of that. He then looked at Dr. Julius Gaius, the leader of the tech priest of the
Adeptus Mechanicus, and asked “Dr., is it possible to have the five Baneblades
ready for tomorrow?”

“They are in the process of healing, my Lord” the tech priest, devoid of all emotions
as always, answered. “I’m afraid just three of them shall be ready to depart by
dawn”, he added. Lukas swore; he needed those tanks. They were already low on
artillery due to their previous confrontations, and the Governor-Militant was about
to face a ridiculous amount of enemies. Baneblades were precious to them, as it
was to the tech priest, so pushing the man-robot to hurry up would do nothing. All
the Adeptus Mechanicus believed the machines were “in soul recovery” and not
being simply going through repair. To Lukas those robot-men always seemed to
creep him out, but they were invaluable to any army.

“My Lord, I humbly suggest we fall back to the Savannah until more artillery is
ready.” Commisar Algeria stated. He was invited to the private meeting to be an
advisor. Despite his young age, the man has fought in two previous campaigns in
other planets and he seemed a man of wisdom. Nevertheless, Lukas found his
suggestion absolutely farcical. “We won’t retreat Commissar, I will not accept
cowardice in my campaign,” Lukas said, “We have enough force to swipe that
horde, I trust in my men and the artillery we have.”

Algeria stared down and nodded. He was taking that as a personal scolding, the
fool. Lukas felt an urge to keep humiliating the man, and punish him for such
suggestion, but in a flash he perished the thought. It was just his sadist sexual
nature speaking, and at that moment he didn’t have the time to play with his toy.

Commissar Mathias returned and proceeded to inform his superior. “We currently
have 32 psykers, my lord. There is the Primaris psyker Freedman, and 31
sanctioned. Also, we count with 61 ogryns, including three Bone Head and a
Commander.”

Lukas considered that for a moment. The men were few so he would have to play
his card with excellence. He was known for being a great strategist, a trait that his
foe Commander Gorgutz, seemed to lack as the brute warrior he was. “We will dive
the infantry in three legions of ten squads each,” Lukas proceeded to explain his
strategy using the map in front of him and the figures posted there, “that was we
can put the tanks in the front line as a attacking force and the psykers as a
defense, seeking the men to strike from behind them, this way we could minimize
the looses considering these orks attack without pause in a vast number,” he said
moving his pieces, “also, we won’t separate this time, every legion would be beside
and behind each, they outnumber us, we got to push them back.” Lukas had
designed a split-and-attack-simultaneously scheme with the T’au, but with the Orks
was a suicide move.

After discussing the details of the strategy, Lukas went for a walk inside the camp,
for he always felt less anxiety doing so. He spotted his men cleaning their guns,
eating, drinking, speaking, and enjoying the calm before the storm. The ambient
was tense, it always was in the face of death, and Lukas prayed the Emperor his
idea would drive them to victory and not annihilation.

He stopped in his track; a sight crashing with his thoughts and making him slow his
movements. There, on an improvised bench, was Aslan the psykers, cleaning his
covered in mud boots. Lukas decided then that he would talk to the boy; the time
was perfect and with his refurbished confidence, he approached the blond with a
enticing posture. He was interested in the psyker and wanted to see if he could
take him to his bed tonight, a feast before the battle. He grinned at the thought.

Aslan was completely absorbs in the task of getting rid of the dirtiness those
swamps carry and he didn’t notice his presence until the Governor was just some
meters away.

“Good evening Aslan.” Lukas greeted. The boy looked surprised the Governor was
talking to him and stand up fast, on his socked feet. “Good evening, my Lord”, the
kid was visibly nervous, as he looked down at his feet and regretted not putting on
the boots sooner. “At your service,” Aslan stated, as it was mandatory for every
member of the Militarum to address their superior, “what do you need?” he
finished.

Lukas smiled and tried to joke, “You can sit down, before the poor socks take more
damage”, Aslan blushed and sit, Lukas taking a seat beside him. “I just wanted to
check how you were, since you are new in the Regiment”, Lukas offered with
kindness, he knew being authoritary would only make the shy man close up.
Psykers tended to be socially awkward, as they were used to be loners.

Aslan seemed impressed by that, “I am fine, thank you for your concern sir, I am
doing my duty and I feel useful”, the boy expressed. Lukas was mesmerized by his
full lips while he was talking, but he tried not to be too obvious about it.

“Tomorrow we go forward on our campaign, so tonight would be a good time to

relax and enjoy, after all, only the destiny know what awaits us”, Lukas said with a
low voice, “so I wonder, do you have plans for tonight?”, subtleness was never a
trait of him, so Lukas trusted that gesture would be enough to make the psyker
figure out what he wanted.

And figured out he did. Lukas enjoyed how the young man blushed and looked
down, and started to fidget with a button on his coat. “I-I think the guys… the guys
are making a littl- a little party, I think”, he stuttered. Lukas advanced then, “I like
my parties more private, you know,” he grinned trying to catch the stare of the
blond, who was adamant at looking at the floor.

“So… do you want to come for my exclusive party?” Lukas tried after some
seconds. This kid was indeed shy, and he found that incredible appealing. He
couldn’t be more than 20 so maybe he had zero experience with flirting.

“Yes,” the kid muttered, still looking down, “If it pleases you, my Lord”, he finished.

Lukas giggled, and patted Aslan’s back, “Ok, I wait for you in my tent in 30
minutes, we’re going to have lot of fun” the Militant-Governor raised and left, his
confidence higher than his morale, because the day after he might die at the hand
of gross smelling Orks, but that night he was going to enjoy Aslan Vykeenti and his
full lips.
 8

A communication problem

Aslan

He meant what I thought he meant? Private party? His tent?

By the throne…

I didn’t know in what mess I put myself into, but I knew something was going to
happen. Governor Alexander just came to me and offered me his company, and I
did not want to reject it.

He was an attractive man, and a figure with lot of power, but I was absolutely
shocked by the possibility of him wanting to do more than chat and drink. I had
zero experience with those kinds of things, and frankly I didn’t understand how a
man of his position would want to mess around with a psyker. A mutant.

I dismissed those thoughts and tried to wash my body as best I could. While on
camp hygiene wasn’t the best, but after a quick shower, some clean clothes and
cologne I decided I was ready.

The Governor’s tent wasn’t far, we were hidden on a little sector, entrenched using
a natural hideout to prepare for battle. I felt uneasy thinking about the upcoming
assault and, even though I couldn’t die, I still felt scared of those Orks.

Alexander was an extremely smart man; his tactics had given us victory against the
Aeldari's force, and had led us until the T'au surrendered. It seemed like the man
had known his foe for years, and it was plausible he had indeed studied xenos'
culture and manners throughoutly.

In front of the tent I fixed my coat. I was wearing the customize psyker's uniform for
special events, consisting of a light blue long coat, with golden details, black
trousers and shirt and black high knees boots; also my hair was washed and
combed, even though it was loose since I liked it that way. I didn’t own anything
fancy enough for a Governor's party, but we were in the middle of a war so who
would blame me?

I politely announced my arriving, and got inside. It seemed I arrived early because
the Governor was sitting on a dining table, that though was modest and little, was a
luxury in these mosquito infested swamps. Alexander looked up to me and smile,
he made a gesture for me to sit by him on the table and I felt, once again, how my
face burnt with embarrassment.

I wish, in that moment, that they'd taught us social abilities in the Schola Progenia.
After going with the black ships at my 15 th birthday, four months after my mom
passed away and I registered voluntarily as psyker due to Friend's advice, I got
into the Schola after being evaluated by some bureaucrats of the Astra
Telephatica. Friend told me I should tell them I was telekinetic, and that when they
prompted me to show my powers I did an average work of it. I decided to move
some empty cans and throw them up in various directions, and was soon
registered as a possible Sanctioned Psyker for the Astra Militarum.

In the school we had lot of “Love thy Emperor” classes and we were taught how to
detect chaos presence and to stop it; we learnt to use weapons, and to use our
own mind as such, but nothing was said about human interaction or social
adequacy.

They didn’t want us to be normal humans with families and friends, they just
wanted us to be weapons, and socially retarded at that. They fed us and gave us
shelter and gifts though, so I thought it could have been worse. I had heard rumors
that the mediocre psykers were sacrificed, so yes, it could have been way worse.

“Thank you,” I told the Governor and took a seat. My mouth salivated when I got
closer to the great the smelling food in front of me and I wondered if I could eat it.
Lukas sensed my hesitation and said “Eat with me”, gesturing the plates. I didn’t
need any more confirmation.

My appetite was always good. My mom used to joke that she didn’t understand
where all the food I ate went, since I was kind of short and thin. Eating was the
best, and a pleasure in this war-plagued galaxy. I took a fork and ate in silence,
savoring the taste and thanking the Governor for being such a generous man.

I noticed Alexander's gaze on me more than once, so I tried my best to look

elegant while eating. I decided to look at him and found him giving me a
penetrating stare, one that got me nervous instantly. I looked around to calm
myself and wondered why no one had arrived yet.

“Do you find the food pleasing?” The Governor asked. “Yes, my Lord, you’re very
generous” I replied. We ate the rest in silence, and Alexander asked me to join him
on some armchairs he had near his bed. He took a bottle of liquor, bourbon I
guessed, and offered me a glass, which I took right away.

“You know, since I met you I liked you. Guevara has told me you’re good in battle
so I think my impression was right” the Governor stated, “we need men like you
Aslan, good slaying enemies, but calm and grounded in peace”, he continued and
served me another drink. I felt a surge of pride, Guevara has spoken well of me?

“I feel honoured by your words, my Lord. I do find this regiment to be full of great
people, you among them are a great leader, and with you at the front I'm sure the
glory will be ours.” I told him meaning every word I said. The atmosphere was
friendlier and I didn’t feel like throwing up from anxiety so I decided to be honest
and enjoy that evening.

Lukas seemed pleased by my words and we kept talking about the regiment and
our comrades. He poured us more drinks and I started feeling tingly by it. I wasn’t
used to alcohol, since it was recommended by the Schola to all psykers to keep a
clear mind. The Governor was passionate about a tale of his early years at the
Militarum and I was absorbed in the story.

“So there we were, drenched in sweat after running for our lives in Kathlani jungle,
Commissar was missing, psyker was missing, insects were swarming the damn
place, so we thought that was it, we were dead. We tried to contact post command,
no answer. Oh boy, it was hot, there is nothing worse than a tropical jungle; we
were dehydrated to say the least. Then I started to pray, for the God-Emperor to
have mercy… Dying we were, and guess what happen?”

I listened carefully. “What?” I said.

“I heard a machine nearby and then a big fucking sentinel was in front of us, we
weren’t that far from post!” he finished while pouring more drinks, looking nostalgic
at the memory.

I giggled, and drank more. He seemed to have lot of miracles stories. He smiled
and asked me “what about you? Got any good war story?”

“Oh no, this is my first campaign sir” I offered.

“How old are you?” he seemed surprised that I was new, maybe because most
psykers were recruited at a young age.

“I’m nineteen sir,” I told him, “I registered as a psyker at fifteen and was soon
trained, but it took years.”

“You registered voluntarily?” the man looked even more intrigued by my decision. I
didn’t want to talk about my family or my home world so I changed the topic.

“Uhm, is no one coming to the party?” I asked sheepishly, then giggled nervously; I
thought alcohol was affecting me more than I assumed.
Lukas grinned and raised from his seat, he got close to me and took my hand,
making me stand up slowly. I felt dizzy, yes, alcohol was definitely affecting me.
The Governor grabbed my waist and pulled me to him, making me gasp in
surprise.

And he kissed me.

Not a quick peck, not the way you kiss a damsel on the first night, no. The kiss was
desperate and full of domination. He planted his lips on mine and they were
probing. The man was grabbing my lower back with one hand and placing the
other on the back of my neck.

The dizziness increased, and I felt my legs trembled, so I hold his blazer to keep
my balance. His eyes were closed, while mine stayed wide open due to shock. I
couldn’t believe what was happening. Governor Lukas Alexander was impossible
close to me.

I didn’t reciprocate at first, but due to being kind of drunk or the good feelings of
someone being that intimate with me, I started to kiss him back. Sensing this he
decided to go further, and I felt his tongue against my lips.

I opened my mouth to let it in, and was soon owned by that capricious tongue.
Lukas deepened the kiss and I felt lightweight, like my body was floating on water. I
moved my tongue inside of him, feeling daredevil and was soon rewarded with a
grunt from him.

My left hand was now on his lower back, pressing him to me, while my other was
still holding to his blazer. I felt warm and nice in that position and didn’t want the
kiss to end. I'd never kissed someone that way before. Back in Prytian I kissed my
friend Matteo while playing a game, but it was chaste, then it was a psyker Michael
on the Schola, who I exchanged some quick kisses with while the prefect wasn’t
around; then Sid ambushed me on the tent. But this, oh man, was way different.

I felt my face burning and my stomach tighten. Lukas urged me to take some steps
behind, until I felt his bed on the back of my knees. He pushed me gently, and after
breaking our connection for some seconds, I ended up lying with him on top of me.
I moaned as I felt his strong body against me, and it was there I noticed I had a
raging erection. Alexander was hard too, the bulge on his pants touching my tight,
and his breathing giving away how excited he was.

I whimpered against his mouth and felt an overwhelming need to cross my arms
around his neck, and did so. His hands were touching me everywhere and were
soon unbuttoning my trousers and coat. Every coherent thought left my mind as I
pushed my dick against his pelvis, and I moaned unashamed into his warm mouth.
My excitement seemed to fuel him, as he removed my coat and started kissing my
neck. I moaned louder as he did this, and soon realized he was taking off his
blazer and shirt.

So that was it? I was going to make love to the Governor-Militant?

Monster…

I froze.

Mutant.

A sense of despair absorbed me in that moment.

Why?

My mind started to go into places I didn’t want it to be.

Why?

Panic flooded my body like a tsunami, and left me petrified under the older man.

Why do you still breathe?

It wasn’t feeling good anymore and my anxiety chilled my bones and made me
push him off.

I thought I would never understand why I did that if I was having so much fun; after
spending a good time with an attractive man, feeling the most excitement while
kissing him, accepting his intentions, I felt panic and pushed him off the bed. It was
a move with force, and the Governor hit the floor with a dazzled expression.

I had hit my commanding officer, he laid there, his face soon becoming serious, so
I did was Friend always told me to do in situations where my life was threaten,
where all the odds were not on me, where the decisions I took would define my
immediate future: I ran.

I left the bed and sprung out of the tent in direction of nowhere. I ran until all I could
see was little fireflies in mud infested water. I left the camp and I only stopped
when I was by a huge rock wall, and there I sat, pulling my knees to my face.

And I cried.

I sobbed like a kid, for in that moment I realized I was broken. Damaged goods. I
couldn’t function like a human being; I was a monster, a pathetic monster. I had a
great opportunity to feel good and this damaged mind of mine sabotaged it.
I was going to be executed for attacking my commanding officer, all because I felt
scared of losing my virtue?

I was cold, my coat had been left behind, and these swamps were full of vermin. I
hugged myself and crunched; hopefully no one would find me, nor human or ork.

And as I felt the splitters of rain and I just thought Father, could you please take me
with you?
 9

Hesitation

Lukas

The swamps were drenched in rain that morning. It seemed a storm had hit them
and all the plans from the previous night were halted. Tanks didn’t function well in
that weather, and they could not afford going to battle just with infantry.

Lukas's irritation just increased as he passed around; Father Martel had advice to
take the day for meditation and pray, but he wasn’t having any of it. He was
anxious and eager to destroy the orks, the more time they took the more time
those obnoxious xenos took to prepare. He didn’t believe they hadn’t detected their
presence, and his natural paranoia was getting the best of him.

And there it was Aslan…

The psyker has rejected him in the most humiliating ways; Alexander wasn’t used
to rejection and it stung in his pride. But rejection coming from a psyker? That was
a new whole level of humiliation. After the bad event, he got dressed and went to
the Commissar's tent to retrieve Algeria, and in his bed he made Algeria paid for all
the sexual frustration the young psyker made him feel.

Lukas scolded himself for feeling such a thing out of the actions of someone as
unimportant as a psyker. He gritted his teeth and wished they were in battle to
release all the pent up aggression he felt in that moment.

As he was revising the strategy with his Confessor, Father Martel, Commissar
Guevera entered his tent; his expression was serious as usual, but the words he
uttered, not that much.

“We have a deserter psyker, sir.” The honey skinned said. Alexander felt his foul
mood worsening; those damn psykers. A deserter left always a bad taste in his
mouth, for he took pride in having an army with high morale; but a deserter psyker
meant they had a new enemy waiting. Psykers were prompt to corruption and
leaving their post would only mean their soul was already corrupted with heresy.

“Name?” Lukas asked without looking at the commander.

“Aslan Vykeenti” Guevara answered.

Lukas turned to the man as shock rocketed his mind. Father Martel immediately
noticed the change of mood and decided to ask his old friend what was going on.
“Is there something with this psyker in particular, Alexander?” the man in his sixties
implied.

Lukas shook his head. He had been the last to talk to the boy the night before and
he didn’t notice any signs of corruption… but what if he indeed was at the end of
his rope and pushed him off following his instinct. The Governor felt a shiver and
wondered if he was in true danger the night before being near a maddening
psyker.

Although, the boy seemed pleased and just a little nervous. So Lukas thought that
maybe the deserter wasn’t one.

What if he got lost, or was attacked?

Lukas felt uneasiness, and he decided to participate directly on the search. “Gather
two psykers and ten men” he took his rain coat, bolt pistol and re-arranged his
carapace claws. “I’m going with you”. He left the tent with Guevara, to the surprise
of Father Martel.

Alexander knew it was a rare occurrence for an Imperial Commander to look for a
deserter himself, but Lukas couldn’t shake the bad feeling pooling in his gut. Aslan
was running from him or was corrupted after being with him; in whatever case he
felt at fault for the destiny of the young man.

The search party was drenched in rain as soon as they left the camp, and
Alexander knew if they didn’t find the boy soon they would get ill due to the cold
weather. The place was eerily quiet; saved for the sound of the rain there was
nothing to be heard.

After half an hour looking, the men started to feel fatigue and were dreading they
wouldn’t find the boy, but sudden movement got their hopes up. To their left there
was a figured walking to them at an injured pace. They recognized it was human
right away and Lukas started to run to the man. Commissar Guevara ran with him,
as it was his duty to terminate any traitor.

“Aslan!” Lukas yelled, and the boy raised his face. He was extremely pale,
shivering real badly, with a tired expression and still the clothes he wore the night
before. He carried nothing more, just his fatigued self. Lukas then thought the boy
must have gotten lost, for he obviously didn’t prepare for a journey and raised his
hand for Guevara to stop.

He knew the Commissar wouldn’t care of these theories of him, so he made him
wait. He wanted to make sure the kid was indeed corrupted, and the idea of
Guevara killing him disturbed him to no end. He felt a strange sense of protection
towards the blond, even though he rejected him the night before.

Lukas stopped a couple of meters away, and studied the boy's expression. “Are
you ok?” he simply asked, the men behind raising their guns, expecting the worst
from the psyker. Aslan looked at him tirely, “I got lost,” he answered, “I wanted to
be alone and then I didn’t know where camp was.” The blond seemed like he
would pass out at any moment, so Lukas got close to him and, to the tense posture
of the Commissar, took the boy under his heavy coat.

Aslan was shivering uncontrollably, his body convulsing with spams as he wrapped
his arms around his waist in a desperate attempt to get warmer. Lukas feared he
was going to die from hypothermia, so he signaled Guardsman Apollo, a man of a
big stature and strong complexion to carry the kid on his back to camp fast.

Guevara wasn’t please by this, and didn’t do anything to hide it. “He left camp, he
should be execute, Governor”, the last word was clearly said with the usual
petulance of each Commissar. By law, they had the duty to exterminate all threats
to Imperial Law and to do that, they could execute whoever they pleased, but in
Lukas regiment’s Guevara knew he wouldn’t tolerate such unreasonable behavior
and they had a silent agreement that none of them would put the regiment’s morale
in precarious situation. So the moment Guevara used that tone, Alexander tensed.

“He is not corrupted, and I won’t let one of my best men to die because you just
want it, Commissar.” Technically Guevara could kill them all there without a
scolding from the Administratum, but that would never make Lucas to hesitate
when it comes to courage. His leadership was strong, and deep inside he believed
in the capacity of that regiment and their sacred duty.

Guevara just stared, his poker face analyzing the situation for some seconds
before turning around and going his way back to camp. The feud was over, so
Alexander concentrated once again in the pale sleepy young man being carried by
his comrade.

Aslan didn’t recover consciousness while on camp, so the Medicae guardsmen

took him into their improvised hospital. After dealing with some preparations and
taking a hot shower, Lucas went to said hospital to see if the man was ok.

He didn’t understand why he did, but while on war he didn’t like to meditate why he
did most of things. He probably would die soon, so he made a promise to himself
to never doubt his actions or chastised himself for wanting to feel more. By nature
he was stoic, his mannerism cynic and his ambition well-known. Lucas had
accepted that as part of himself, but feeling protective of someone of a lesser rank,
a man, and a psyker, was a strange and kind of intriguing feeling.

He dismissed those thoughts while entering the Medicae, spotting right away
Aslan’s pale and fragile figure. There it was, again, the sense of wanting to protect
the kid. Lucas felt worry pooling in his gut when he noticed Aslan wasn’t aware yet,
maybe he was too late? The young man was dying, all by his stupid need to get
laid? He approached the bed and asked the male nurse tending other wounded
men about the psyker’s well being.

“He is sleeping, we treated the hypothermia, but now he gotta deal with fatigue, he
will probably need another day to recover, Sir.” The nurse, a pimple faced man in
his twenties explained, and Lucas felt a wave of embarrassment, chiding himself
for such pitiful thoughts. The Governor got closer to the bed and retrieve a little
bench to sit by the boy. Aslan looked angelic, to say the least. Luca couldn’t
believe such beautiful man could end in the troops of a monster-infected war-
plagued world, but he knew all human, beautiful or not, got involved in the grim
days they were having.

Aslan stirred, and Lucas heard him whispering some words unbeknown to him. He
got his face closer to the boy, hoping to decipher the words, and listened carefully,
“Father… father… ”, oh, the boy was calling for his father and Lucas felt incredibly
guilty for not protecting him. He took Aslan’s hand resting on his side, and made a
secret promise of doing whatever he could to make the blond man life decent.

Maybe he was letting his emotions took the best of him, maybe the feeling of
getting close to a possible death in the hands of xenos was making him too soft,
maybe he was just smitten with the boy; whatever the reason, he decided at that
moment not to let the psyker die.
 Interlude

Cracking

They liked light. They were attracted to it.

They have come to crave the light. In fact, that was the main reason this galaxy
was so alluring.

The stars were shiny, the worlds were shiny, and the blood was shiny.

Yes, this galaxy has lots of light.

But there was a light that shone like no other.

That was the light they were approaching to, the promise of a feast making the
engine work.

The hunger was there, it was eternal, consuming, undiluted.

The light in the middle of the galaxy directing the ships and controlling the space
traffic of a civilization seemed delicious.

And the hive was always hungry.

 10

Noise

Aslan

I couldn’t believe how good slaying enemies in battles felt. After a couple of days of
resting, the campaign against the Orks started. Those greenskins had a
ridiculously great army, but the Imperium was advancing.

These Orks had several fortresses to be siege, and they seemed to trust in
individuals clans to attack and destroy. Our team was assigned to confront east
attackers, and under Guevara’s leadership in the battlefield we were demolishing
them. My companions were amazed by my superiors skills and Guevara has
instructing me to lead the charge and break the Orks’ defense before my
teammates execute them. He said this stratagem was meant as a way of minimize
the casualties, for the greenkins were many and the battle long, but I secretly
believe he did it to get me killed too.

That man was utterly despicable, in previous skirmish he always put himself on a
safer position and refused to lead the attacks, making Guardsmen to be his shield,
just to boast about how good his team was, seeking the approbations of his fellow
Commissars. I didn’t agree with his coward tactics, so I made sure I always acted
like a shield for those poor Guardsmen. Guevara didn’t like it, of course, so he was
constantly screaming at me to move forward and to slay as many enemies I could.
Sometimes, when I was feeling daredevil, I acted like I didn’t listen to his
invariables yells, but the others I had to obey, to my dismay.

Commissars of other teams, according to my psyker friends, were different. They

were all tough and demanding, as it was their job, but they also lead the attacks
and acted like true heroes of the Imperium. You knew you were close to your
demise fighting xenos, but at least you feel invigorated by their courage and that
was the prime of a Commissar job, making the Hammer of the Imperium fight for it
with bravery. Guevara didn’t fit this; I thought he was just here to ensure everyone
feared him and to bully people around.

Off battle he didn’t have many friends either, for his rude attitude was unsettling
and commonly despise. Although no one would ever dare say how much they
dislike him, I didn’t do anything to hide the fact I did not like him. Sid had advised
me to always keep close to the Commissar and to be his lapdog, but I couldn’t
make myself be that person, not to him, and certainly no to anyone.
So when Milles, a fellow friend of mine got shot in his leg during the assault, I
abandoned my position at the front and got on my knees to apply pressure on his
wounds. Medicae personnel were running around retrieving injured soldiers,
patching their wounds as best as they could in the middle of the mayhem, but
Milles was alone, sobbing on the floor in agony, so I momentarily stopped to help
him while the medics took him. I got a handkerchief I always kept on my belt and I
put it on the wound, to Milles screaming.

“Easy, buddy, I got you, easy.” I told him, trying to calm down the frantic soldier. He
grabbed my arms and I saw the despair in his eyes, that surely got me and I felt
pity and empathy for the normal easy-going guy. I soon heard Guevara’s yelling for
me to keep fighting, but I refused to leave Milles until some medics got him, and I
ignored him. The Commissar wasn’t having any of it, and suddenly I felt the man
grabbing violently my shoulder.

“Get your position again, fucking mutant!” He spited on my face, his figure
intimidating me while I heard screams, vicious grunts and mayhem around us. He
had steely gray eyes, and his usual clean shaven face was covered in dust and
mud. “Milles needs help, sir, get some Medicae here” I told him, trying to keep my
rage at base; politeness was always expected of psykers, since that mean a clear
and stable mind.

Guevara just glanced me down and said with greeted teeth “Get back to your
position, now” his tone menacing. I knew he wanted an excuse to shoot me, but
the hate for this man got the best of me, “get some help for Milles and I will fight
your war, sir”. The Commissar opened his eyes, finding my challenge surprising,
and raised his hand, bolting pistol directing at me. I knew he was going to shoot; if I
had known back then what that single challenge would provoke I would have done
as he said, and resume killing Orks. But I was feeling a brave hero.

The bolt pistol went flying before Guevara could fire it, his face showing surprise
and contempt, making the creases in his face carving a mean mask of hatred. He
unshielded his sword and proceeded to attack me, I was expecting it so I put on a
protective barrier around me, looking into his face with piercing eyes. If he wanted
to kill me he would definitely try hard to do it.

A shadow run past us and kneeled in front of the almost unconscious Milles. The
Medicae guy wasn’t aware of our fight and I realized no one was truly paying
attention to us. The Orks had broken squad with weird looking vehicles, shouting
like the beasts they were, so I decided to leave a very mad looking Guevara to run
for the front line.
I didn’t look back, hoping the Commissar would leave me alone, for this battle was
being lost. Other teams were joining us now, I saw several commanders issuing
orders, and I focused on dismantling all the vehicles.

Sidonius

What the ever-loving fuck!?

I couldn’t stop repeating those words in my mind while fighting Orks.

What was wrong with those fucking Orks? Seriously, when we killed two, a dozen
arrived. The battlefield was insanity and I was starting to get real tired. Commissar
Lyndell was shouting orders, sounding her whistle, and I kept frying greenskins to
survive.

I wasn’t rare to battle, actually Kronus was my second campaign, but it was my first
time battling Orks. The xenos were outnumbering us, which, considering that we
were lots, was something. Was it weird that I wasn’t feeling scared, but more like
frustrated?

I knew I wasn’t a normal person, well, a normal psyker, but these battles have
proven that I was indeed weird. Maybe when you got used to be a machine, or a
mean to an end, you didn’t really consider what there was after death.

I stopped feeling fear of death back when I was a kid, in Necromunda while a 6’3’
man was pounding my ass so hard I thought he would split me in two. Actually, I
wished I was dead in that moment, yes, I needed to be dead there. The ones
ending up dead were the gang that kidnapped me though, for my psykers powers
arise during the assaults, burning the whole building they were keeping me in. I
barely survived the incident and escaped, living in the streets for a while. Until a
sweet looking lady told me I belonged to the Emperor, asked me my name, gave
me a sandwich and put me on a Black Ship.

Ugh, bitter memories were flooding me. I had to focus or else I would end up being
Orks’ shit. Lyndell told our commander we had to assist Team Raccoon on the east
side, which immediately made me think of beautiful Aslan. I hoped he wasn’t dead,
for I did want to get into his pants someday.

The dude was special though. He seemed timid, but at the same time he was
feisty. He had been having some issues with his Commissar, and I was worried
that he was executed before warming my bed. I approached a firing ugly Ork and
burned his face off. I could get flames out of my hands like a flamethrower so I was
pretty badass in battle. My pal Bruce could make people explode so I wasn’t the
most badass of the regiment, but I was a force to be reckoned with.

I ran through several guardsmen and I spotted a bigger Ork, firing like a mad…
Ork. “Not on my watch buddy” I whispered to myself and I got into a blind point and
started frying his ass. The Ork didn’t like it, and swung his massive arms to me,
making me lose my feet and crawl for my life, I saw some lass guns shooting the
big Ork, but I knew they weren’t enough for the beast, so I got to my feet and
started once again attacking him.

The heavy creature started chasing me, which was kind of scary. These enemies
didn’t seem capable of fear, they just fight and fight, like they didn’t know the
meaning of self-preservation. It was admirable though, but I would never say it
aloud, we shouldn’t feel anything but contempt for xenos, or so they say.

I eluded the attacks, listening to some piteous Orks screaming something about a
Squiggot. What was that I didn’t know, so I focused on keeping my attack on the
big Ork. After more soldiers joined the assault, the Ork commander finally fell. I
sighed and looked around seeing where else I could get my body to. Adrenaline
made me run fast to the front, and even though my mind was tired, I was
determined to take lot of motherfuckers down.

A scream pierced my mind, making me cover my ears. The land started to quake,
“What the hell..?” I whispered. What we needed the least was an earthquake, so it
seems destiny once again tried to fuck humanity. I kept burning xenos when I
listened men around me scream, not the ‘charge, we are invincible’ scream, but the
‘we are going to die’ one. I looked around, but was tackle by running soldiers.

Guardsmen were fleeing? That couldn’t be a good sign. I tried to get my

composure back, but was dazzled by all the movement around me and the hit from
before. Then I heard it, I didn’t see it, for there were just smoke and fear on the air,
but I heard it.

A big mammoth-like Ork was approaching, fast and lethal. On his back there was a
structure and some little Orks were riding it, his height of a Baneblade, which was
freaking big. It had four legs, and a vicious face with horns and teeth as big as
toddlers. People were running from it, and in that moment I realized that must be
the Squiggot, the Orks super pet-weapon.

I stared at it more than it was necessary, for my body didn’t want to move. No, I
couldn’t move. I was frozen in the spot. The Squiggot was shooting lighting from
his face, and his massive form was tackling everything in his way. I was scared to
death, and I was begging my body to do something. The monster was running my
way, when finally my body decided to make itself useful. I ran to my left, out of the
beast front line, the plan was to flank it, a creature with that mass couldn’t be fast
right?

How wrong I was…

The Squiggot saw me, getting apart from the mass of running soldiers, and he
started chasing me. I saw with horror as the beast ran to me, his face vicious as
none other. I ran faster, the adrenaline making me running for my life with all my
weak body got. The Squiggot started shooting the lighting stuff, and my legs
faulted.

I fell to the hard floor violently, my world spinning around. I gasped and uttered a
cursed.

The Squiggot was getting closer… so that was it?

That is how Sid’s story ends?

I looked up, crawling, not giving up, not even in the last second… I was stubborn
that way.

My life… my life wasn’t a big deal. I didn’t have a father, my mother was a
prostitute, I was born a mutant, kidnapped by an Underhive gang, raped, beaten,
lived on the streets, I was kidnapped again by the mighty Imperium, I was scolded
and exploited on the Schola Progenia, mistreated by everyone around me; I was
commanded to fight wars I didn’t understand, to put myself on the front line as
meat shield. Yes, certainly my life wasn’t good… but I didn’t want to lose it.

I closed my eyes, and thought of her… the little girl I swore to protect but couldn’t.

Samira… will I be able to hold you again in the afterlife?

The earth around me trembled with force, and the Squiggot screamed. An
agonizing scream that shattered the air around me. Several seconds passed and…
I was not dead yet.

Why?

There was quiet around me, maybe I was dead but couldn’t realize?

I took a deep breath, damp smell filling my lungs. I dared open my eyes, and
looked around.

And I saw a miracle.

 Aslan

The creature was immense, and ugly. Its screams resonated in the whole valley.
When I heard it I knew their destructive power was unmatchable, so I went to it to
confront it.

If someone could stop it, that would be me, at least until the tanks crossed the
intricate ways and face it. Nevertheless, when I saw Sid running from it, all
coherent thought left me. I had to stop it, no matter how, but I had to protect my
friend.

Sidonius was a clown, a very inappropriate one, but he was among the people who
always treated me with respect. So I concentrated my energy on my hands, and
pushed it with all my strength to the moving beast. There was a striking light that
cut the air, when it hit the Squiggot something incredible happened.

The beast screamed as the light knife cut it in half. Cut the mammoth Ork in half!

I was quite impressed by the whole show, so I smiled, running once again to a
fallen Sid. I got to him, laying on a pool of blood that was oozing from the dead
creature, and I helped him got to his feet. Around us there was still violence and we
couldn’t let our guard down.

Sid was dazzled, obviously in shock after getting close to death, and I hurried him
back to the formation. There weren’t any Orks around, for they had made way for
the mammoth beast. I was grabbing Sid’s hand, as we run along, he without
uttering a word or a sound, poor friend.

We got back to formation, and the Guardsmen around me suddenly started to

cheer. I was on alert so their sounds made me jump; I looked around and lot of
them were cheering me, saying stuff like “Good job,” “wow dude”, “fucking
awesome,” some patting my back, and I smiled genuinely. I felt so relieved that my
friend was safe, but moreover, people around me were recognizing me and,
though it was embarrassing and my face was hot, felt good.

The Imperial Guard advanced and that day we defeated three clans of Orks. We
made camp on a high location within the swamps, hoping to rest before continuing
advancing on the campaign.

After settling, and making arrangements for security, I could finally put my sore and
fatigue body on a bunk bed, anticipating dreaming with Father, for I had to tell him
about my first great victory.
 11

Beat

Barachiel

The plan was set. It was grandiose, cunning and utterly insane.

They had to steal the HongShu space ship, get into the nearest Webway path and
direct for Kronus. The trip would not be easy, for that planet was hundreds of light
years away, so they were expecting a few weeks into the HongShu.

My team was composed by 14 guardians, and six servants, so the crew was
smaller than one would think of a rescue team, but they had to rely on stealth and
pragmatism.

The only two issues so far, was that, one, the HongShu was in the middle of the
ships garrison among the munitions sector, guarded and attended by dozens of
Aeldari each day; and two, of course, after they set sail, they would probably be
considered traitors.

I spoke to my most trusted men, and they all agreed to get into this endeavor, and
for that I was the most grateful. They had known my sister personally and most of
them considered her a great Aeldari, and just the sole idea of my nephew being
dead, after all the efforts our ancestors put into getting the soul stones from the
Eye of Terror centuries ago for all us descendants, was heart breaking. Some of
them were loyal to me and were doing this just to obey my command, but others
also felt that Farseer Taldeer’s crew had to be rescued, no matter what the dullard
council said.

Liliadent was worried, the poor boy pacing around while we prepared to strike. I ran
a hand through his hair and whispered “It is going to be okay”, his eyes glossy at
my words. Alain, a noble guardian, was preparing the weapons, while Nigel was
organizing the supplies we were going to put into the HongShu. We were
supposed to arrive at the munitions sector in three hours, departing from my house
and using a vehicle to get there. We were going to be dressed as non-on-combat
Aeldari, disguising our supplies, weapons and armors for the curious eyes. I
wanted this to be without violence and silent, for I wish not to harm my people.

The HongShu was a fast and little ship, often used for exploration trips. It needed
four Aldari to pilot, and some others to ensure all the machines were functioning so
all of us were going to be working inside it to make it work. If the intel information
we got from an informant inside the council Department of War, Farseer Taldeer
departed with 400 Aeldari and if half of them were alive, which was we were
desperately hoping for, all of them could easily be carried inside the HongShu

The time was due, we silently moved to the sector without being inquired, and after
some minutes examining the vast area of ships, we spotted the HongShu. Its
massive form was ornate, displaying hard shapes and an intricate design. I did not
know many about the technology we used for war, but I was sometimes delighted
by it.

Our civilization deserved so much more. Aeldari were dying, a fact that not many
could accept and some more avoided speaking of, but I knew better. Our path
made us serene around that kind of bad news, for our duty involved fighting the
ugliest and deadly creatures in existence. Nevertheless, a lance of sorrow
perturbed my mind every time I realized how dark our destiny seemed.

The guards were patrolling several meters away, their sights distracted by the
vastness of the sector. The perfect moment for the little crew to aboard. I directed
my team, using the best of my stealthiness, knowing that in any moment any guard
could hear us, or sense us, since I was positive their psychic abilities were
proficient.

I spotted the entrance and ran inside, clicking and activating the door; I made a
signal to my teammates and they proceeded to run as fast as they could. We got
inside and silently occupied the designated areas to start the engine. The
HongShu, as each ship, was located in an open zone so it can be pilot fast and
efficiently. Our Craftworld was dangerously close to the biggest Warp Rift of the
Galaxy and every Aeldari should be ready for combat, or fleeing, at any moment.
The ships were usually took care for, and with little actions the HongShu was
roaring to life.

The guards immediately noticed something was wrong for they had not being
informed of the HongShu being sailed that day, but their reaction were slow due to
confusedness, and it was that hesitation that allowed us to get to the departing
doors. Some minutes more and we would be in open space, my heart was racing;
the radar not detecting resistance, Nigel was ensuing orders to Juli in the engine
room-

And then it happened.

Alarms started, red lights were surrounding us, the guards had told control center
they were a ship stolen and they have started the protocol, so the gates were
closing,
“Full Speed Nigel!” I snapped, I knew we had several seconds before the gates
were closed completely, so I prayed to Isha for being able to trespass them before
they close.

The HongShu roared as the full speed mode activated, the people in the
commanding center grabbing to their seats for dear life. Aeldari ships were fast and
if they somehow crashed against the gates, they would be dead before realizing
that had happened.

Just some more meters… the gates were dangerously and I had to make a
maneuver that had us slipping out of the gates seconds before they clamped shut.
If they were on space, I was positive no one would try to stop us, for their
technology and our lives were valuable, even if we were considered traitors.

We did it!

A relieved sigh left me; cheers erupted among my friends, and in that moment I
realized I had done the unthinkable: I betrayed my Craftworld.
 12

Change

Aslan

I was a hero. A freaking hero!

The men received me with cheers after I woke up and had enough energy to leave
my tent and assist the gathering of men eating and celebrating the victory against
the Orks’ clans. We still had three camps more and we were far from over, but at
least this zone of the swamp was cleared.

It seemed people have heard of me defeating the Squiggot and they were patting
my back and saying “great job” “thanks dude” or “that was awesome”, and that had
me blushing like an idiot, enjoying for the first time of my life being the center of
attention. I spotted Bruce and Sid sitting eating porridge, and the older man made
a sign for me to approach.

Bruce seemed like his usual self, calm and collected, even in the middle of a war.
But Sid had a pale and somber expression I didn’t like.

“How are you guys?, Sid, you ok?” I asked my ginger haired colleague, he looked
at me, seemed like he just realized I was there, and gave a weak smile. “I am
thanks to you baby Aslan” he winked, “just a bit shattered by all this shit”, he
sighed.

I felt sympathy, so I tried to cheer him up, “It will be over soon, the xenos are
doomed, we will be victorious you’ll see” I gave my best reassuring smile. Bruce
giggled, “You are indeed adorable Aslan, no wonder you got fans now”, the black
man said.

“F-fans?” I blushed again. God, why couldn’t stop blushing. “Nah, they are just
happy they’re alive, it’s nothin’” I waved my hand dismissively. Bruce didn’t seem
too convinced, but he politely changed the topic to my choice of breakfast for that
morning: fungus and tea, I was tired of the porridge so I asked the cook to let me
try the other “menu”, which they allowed, because they liked me.

I liked Bruce, he was always nice. Even when people were rude, he tried to have
the best manners and often listen to people problems, so he was rarely seen
alone. His calm demeanor was appreciated in a hectic environment and his kind
words reminded of the one of a lovely father. He must be in his late thirties, but his
personality was nurturing. I had never seen him using his powers, but I knew they
were related to biological alterations. Sid once stated he could make “people
explode” so I was pretty sure Bruce was powerful. That explained guardsman
Holyfield.

Holyfield was always with Bruce, even in psykers tent, the man was his shadow. I
even confused him with one psyker when I arrived here, but then I learnt he was
Bruce’s Keeper. The Keepers were specially trained guardsmen that made sure
psykers didn’t got corrupted and were instructed to report any rarity or even killthe
psykers if they saw demonic possession.

Though the Commissars usually liked to be in charge of psykers directly, the

keepers were viewed of the last safeguard against a crazed psyker, even among
normal guardsmen, if any of them saw Bruce without his keeper around they were
allowed to execute him.

I wasn’t sure why I hadn’t received a Keeper, or Sid for that matter, but I thought it
was because officially my powers weren’t supreme. Maybe after my battle with the
Squiggot they would consider assign me a Keeper, though I didn’t like the idea of
being followed all the time. Sidonius was often with Bruce so Holyfield could be
seen as the guardsman for both. The man had dark haired and big blue eyes, he
was polite and quiet, not the dangerous menacing quiet, but more of a I-am-shy
quiet.

Holyfield moved to his side to allow me a place in their bend, so I thought he liked
me, or at least trusted me enough to be close. The chat was pleasant until I saw
Guevara approaching.

I remembered our discussion in the battlefield and apprehension got me. The
Commissar was getting close with a menacing look and I knew he was going to
blow my brains out, so I got to my feet fast and ready for defense, or in any case to
fucking flee the camp. A figure got in his way though; Lukas Alexander was
marching in his elegant and imposing gait towards me.

“Aslan,” he smiled as he approached, “I was looking for you.” Guevara slowed his
pace and stared at us, “I need you to come with me,” I gave the Commissar a last
glare, and I followed the Governor-Militant. Whatever Alexander wanted maybe just
saved me from a quick death in the hands of a bolter.

Not that would mean I would be gone.

Alexander directed us to his commanding tent, and as I entered I noticed this time
we weren’t alone. Father Martel, a well-known priest, a Commissar which name I
remembered to be Algeria, and another psyker I didn’t know were sitting around a
strategy table. They all rose when Alexander got inside, and they all salute the
Governor.

“I’ll get to the point Aslan, I want you in my honor guard. I want you to be my side in
combat,” Lukas looked at me, his words surprising me, “your prowess has reached
my ears, and I need someone who can protect me like you do your team”.

“I… yes, my lord, whatever you need it’s my duty to comply” I bowed to him. But
when I glared up to his face and lock eyes with him, a mischief glimpse were on his
eyes.

Whatever you need…

By the throne, that could be interpreted with lot of meaning.

For the tenth time on that day I blushed and look down out of embarrassment.

“Ok, it’s settled, this here is my Confessor Father Martel” he said waving at the
oldest man, “he is a fierce combatant and a loyal server of the Emperor, you
should ask for his guide, he will explain what needed to be explained, and also will
keep an eye on your… purity,” Lukas trailed on the last word, as enjoying the
moment for reasons that shouldn’t be. “This is Jorgan, my Primaris Psyker, he can
teach you how to improve your abilities, and this is Commissar Algeria, my most
trusted man”.

Algeria was one of the most handsome men I’d ever met. He could only be
described by worthy of the Power of the Emperor’s law. He always carried himself
with elegancy and discipline, he commanded the Snake team, and I had heard
they were one of the best in this regiment. His skin was fair; he looked to be in his
early thirties, his uniform always kept pristine, his body athletic and his stare ever
vigilant. I knew many men and women within the ranks were smitten with him, for
he was a sigh to be admired. Even Sidonius was usually commenting how much
he wanted to Algeria to discipline him.

Lukas took a seat on the table and we all proceeded to do the same. The
Governor-Militant explained his scheme for the upcoming battle and my admiration
for him only increased. This man was absolutely brilliant; his scenarios were
detailed with several plans to cover all the possible outcomes, and as I sat in
silence I listened to a man that could be the greatest of the Segmentum.

My heart fluttered. It was not secret I liked the man, and I was grateful that he
rescued me after my terrible decision of leaving camp. Maybe this promotion could
get me closer to him?
While fantasizing about romantic stories, Lukas rose and I realized I missed the
last part of the meeting. How great Aslan, your first day of being important and you
can get yourself killed for thinking of Fairy Godmothers and Blue Princes.

Lukas

Aslan was adapting well to working with the rest of the honor guard. The Liberators
were unstoppable, the regiment smashing the Orks on a dreamed speed, and part
of that victory streak was due to the immense defensive power the psyker
possessed. Not a single bullet penetrated his barrier and the men and tanks were
working with the precision of an analog wrist-watch.

The principal Camp of the Orks were ahead, and the day after they would arrived
to it. Hopefully the Liberators were going to wipe the greenskin soon, and if that
was the case, only the monstrous Chaos Worshippers would face them. There was
also the Space Marine, but Lukas was hopeful his ambassadors were achieving
the goal of mediating between the two factions of the Imperium.

Alexander didn’t want to battle Emperor’s loyal men, but if they insisted of fighting
them he would not hold back. His men were precious to him, and with the time
shared they have become his huge family, so he wouldn’t cower in front of any
threats. But moreover, what was more alluring for the Militant-Governor was the
power of being the regent of a Planet, and a strong candidate to rule the Sector.

The high morale was palpable, men were preparing for the final battle with the
Orks, and Lukas used his alone time to seek the boy he was obsessed with. And in
the psyker tent he found him.

Aslan saw him approaching and saluted him, “May I speak with you?” Lukas
decided to be less pushy and more polite with the young man, since he didn’t want
him to panic and flee again. The green eyes of the psyker shined with curiosity and
admiration for his commander. They left the tent, and found an empty spot near
some supplies catches. Aslan was silent, which was not unexpected, since he had
a shy nature, so Alexander took the first step.

“The last time we were alone… things didn’t go as I wanted, so I think I should
apologize for being needy and scare you off… I know you meant no harm, and I
liked your presence there, so I hope we can do that more often” Lukas was
unexpectedly fidgety, his pulse racing and his hands sweating. God Emperor, why
did that kid have that effect on him?
He could command legions against the most terrible creatures, yet he felt
intimidated in the presence of the blond boy with beautiful lips. Aslan looked up at
him, and tried to utter some words, failing and looking down again. The man
seemed to struggle with something; maybe he didn’t know what to say to someone
like him apologizing? Or maybe he was too socially awkward to answer something
appropriate?

Whatever was holding the man back, seemed to stop existing when Aslan took a
front step and connected his lips with Lukas’. Shock rocked the Governor-Militant’s
body, but it left him as he needed nothing more in that moment than to reciprocate
that kiss. He placed his hands on Aslan’s lower back and pulled him closer, as they
went deeper in their passion. The psyker posed a hand on his neck, while the other
embraced his taller figure. Lukas felt warm in that position, and was immersed in
the sensation of having the boy near him. He forgot about the world in that
moment, there was no war, no enemies, no tired and sore men around them, it was
just him and that precious man he was so fond of.

He didn’t know how many minutes they kissed for, but after it ended, Lukas felt
empty without those lips. He was drowning in lust for the boy, and it seemed like
Aslan was feeling the same since his eyes were close and his breath rapid.

There was a ruckus near the cache spot and they separated from each other,
Alexander inner cursing for the lack of privacy they endure during these
campaigns.

“I like what we have too”, Aslan whispered, his posture of a shy mouse. Lukas
smiled and stole another kiss from the boy before declaring with determination
“and you will like it more from now on”.
 13

His Angels

Aslan

The noise could drive any man into sanity. The battlefield was a terrifying
experience by whoever was doomed enough to be there.

But that was definitely not my case.

Over the past few days I have been battling xenos with a boisterous attitude, and I
was feeling the more alive. Being to the side of Governor-Millitant had me trying my
best to both kept us alive and impress Alexander. The Ork Head Camp was not
only infested with smelly vicious aliens, but they had somehow developed
explosives that were increasing our casualties. It was stranger to me how these
creatures could construct any weapon with trash, and ‘the power of their minds’ as
Father Martel has explained to them.

The Confessor was a great teacher. He was versed in many topics and had took
as a personal goal to teach me everything he could about the enemy. Orks were a
savage, warlike, green-skinned species of humanoids who possessed
physiological features of both animals and fungi who were spread all across the
Milky Way Galaxy.

I missed Team Raccon, for being into the Honor Guard I hadn’t being able to be
close to my former comrades. I heard they were fighting in the rear this time so I
had high hopes they would come alive after this mess.

And quite the mess it was.

13: Meeting con los Blood Raven, batalla final con los Orks, pelea entre los dos
imperios

14: Barachiel (llegada y busqueda en Kronos, Encuentra a su hermana, el bebe

esta perdido)

15: Aslan (celebracion de aftermath, first time with Alex)

Interlude: (roboute aburrido y preocupado)

16: Lukas (avance de la campaña hacia los Tau, alianza con los Space Marines,
more feelings)

17: Sid (Aslan being too powerful, pelea final con los TAU, Davian Thule,
commander of the 1st, 2nd, and 4th Blood Ravens companies on Kronus)

18: Aslan (more feelings, rape, and death)

Interlude ( Barachiel buscan al bebé)

19: Lukas and Aslan (fiesta en citadela de los TAU, revelación de identidad)

20: Sid (encuentran al bebé, aftermath de la fiesta)

Aslan (que hacer con el bebé)

21: Barachiel, encuentro con imperio, primera impresión de Aslan, rechazo de

Ulthwe, están perdidos y abandonados.

22: Gran batalla con Chaos en Kronus, relación tormentosa Barachiel y Aslan.

23: Aslan (visión de la muerte del emperador y destrucción de Terra, se forma la

alianza del destino)

24: Lukas (van hacia los Blood Angels, para saber linaje de Sanguinius)

Interlude: Magnus está enojado, quiere que su papá muera