Thirsting Brethren

[MolotovKraken]

‘Meaning?’ a voice trilled. Fabius looked up at the gaudy figure, clad in silks and feathers over its heavily modified, form-fitting battle plate. He recognised the so-called Second Sensualist of the warband known as the Ripping Nails.‘ Meaning, Glorian, that any who provide sanctuary for my students may soon find themselves under attack as well. Unless we can stop them. ’‘I was under the impression that you’d already tried, Clonelord,’ Glorian countered. ‘And they nearly killed you for it. ’‘Yes.’ Fabius frowned. ‘I underestimated them. It will not happen a second time. ’‘One wonders why we ever elected you lieutenant commander,’ a harmonious voice hummed. The sound of it made Fabius’ teeth itch, even over the vox. ‘I don’t recall asking your opinion on the matter, Caradistros.’‘Lord Caradistros,’ the Noise Marine corrected. Another latecomer, and like Volupus he was nothing but a pale shadow of the originals, despite the airs he gave himself. Fabius waved the interjection aside. ‘How quickly promotion comes to the undeserving. I remember when you were nothing more than a humble line officer.’ He looked around. ‘I remember all of you. And I remember how I helped each of you ascend to your current position, though you might wish otherwise.’ He struck the floor with Torment, causing the projections to flicker. ‘I am calling in my marker, brothers. Fail to honour the bargain we made and I will see to it that you pay, in this life – or the next.’

‘The Pilgrim was right. Fulgrim himself pleaded your case,’ Vilius said, as he followed Fabius into the meeting chamber. ‘He graced us with his presence, and told us to come here, saying that we would be rewarded for our service.’ He looked at the others. ‘And so we are here. A gathering of the Third fit to make Eidolon gnaw his vitals in envy. ’‘Something most of us would dearly love to see,’ Glorian added. Along with Vilius, Caradistros and Volupus, they had been joined by Gorgus, who seemed not at all out of place among the hulking legionaries. The Emperor’s Children had come with warriors and weapons aplenty –four warbands, each the equal of the 12th Millennial. Gorgus had brought his pack – a contingent of Warhound Scout Titans, to accompany his towering Reaver Battle Titan. The god-machines were already being disembarked by the army of slaves that accompanied the princeps wherever he went. Ramos too had come, leading a sizeable contingent of Noise Marines. Fabius pulled him aside and leaned close.

‘It will take time to complete the evacuation.’Glorian laughed. Volupus and the others looked at him in confusion. He looked around. ‘Don’t you see? He called us here to die. We’re supposed to hold the line while his precious freaks escape to a hidden paradise! ’Silence followed this outburst. Volupus and the others turned to Fabius.‘Is this true, lieutenant commander?’ Vilius purred. Fabius smiled. ‘Obviously.’ Another long moment of silence. Then, Ramos chuckled. The sound caused the air to vibrate painfully. Caradistros and Volupus joined in, until the whole room reverberated with the sounds of their mirth. Savona looked around, a puzzled expression on her face.

‘You sound like Saqqara. ’He nodded. ‘Fabius’ pet diabolist. He told me a little of him. Lorgar’s sons were never the brightest stars in the heavens, but they were always among the most stubborn.’ He turned back to the distant dust cloud. ‘Reinforcements. ’‘Do you know any of them?’‘ Some. Vilius was a fine commander, once. He’s become lost to his own hedonism since. And Caradistros was always a fool. From Chemos, both of them.’ Quin eyed her. ‘Then, you’re no Terran, either. ’‘No.’‘ I thought not. There aren’t many of us left. ’‘Last I checked, there was a whole planet full of them. ’Quin laughed. ‘You weren’t at the meeting,’ she said. ‘Fabius laid out his grand strategy. They were all very appreciative. ’‘I saw no reason to be there. My part in this is done. I have no intention of bearing witness to his folly.’

Nachmund Rift