Warhammer: The Worst Start There Is (40k)

“Their speed is impressive,” Guilliman sat up straight once more.

“They were already en route to assist us. Your revival made them temporarily abandon their pursuit of Chaos and redirect their course towards Macragge,” Sicarius’s voice came through the communicator, deep and resolute.

“They’ve indicated that they can wait, but I thought it best to inform you,” he continued.

“In a planet with many urgent matters, welcoming a group of loyalists who have traveled a long way is undoubtedly a top priority. Let them come. I’ll be waiting for them in the reception hall,” Guilliman replied.

“As you wish, sir.”

The sound of electric currents filled the air briefly as the communicator was closed, and the contemplative Synthesizer returned to its silence.

Guilliman remained in his seat, pondering the future.

The new technology had been entrusted to Cawl, and the Reform Council was prepared.

The remaining task was to cleanse Ultramar of Chaos forces and gradually advance his plans.

When the opportunity was ripe, he would proceed to Terra and wrest the Imperium’s authority from the decadent and greedy Supreme Lords, continuing to push forward with his agenda.

The opening of the Great Rift not only bolstered the power of the Chaos gods but also provided the Emperor with a chance at revival.

Before the Emperor could fully awaken, Guilliman needed to amass sufficient strength to protect himself and prevent the God Emperor from turning against him. No one could guarantee that the Emperor was the same as he was ten thousand years ago, after a millennium of worship.

The revival of the God Emperor might not necessarily be a good thing.

The grand corridor of Fortress of Hera.

Over fifty representatives of various Chapters who had traveled from afar were being led by two Space Marines from the Ultramarine toward the reception hall.

The corridor was magnificent, adorned with intricate gold and silver decorations. Massive marble columns supported the soaring ceiling, with every few meters marked by a marble pillar.

The floor was composed of alternating black and white tiles.

“This whole situation seems quite unbelievable to me,” one representative held a scepter with a golden skull and bone-spiked halo embedded on top, and sparkling psychic currents that marked him as a member of the Chapter’s Librarians.

The Librarians were composed of Space Marines who possessed psychic abilities, such as precognition and elemental manipulation. They were essential for aiding the Chapter in combating Daemons and various psychic-powered creatures.

“Nothing is unbelievable; everything is the Emperor’s design,” said the Space Marine dressed in black and white armor.

His scarred head was adorned with two gold and one silver service studs, making him particularly prominent. This veteran had served for over a century, a fact evident from the golden double-headed eagle on his chest, signifying his high status.

“Let’s not discuss these matters anymore. We are currently standing on the surface of Macragge. Please refrain from casually discussing the Lord Primarch,” Verano, who was leading the group, turned to the two colleagues speaking and signaled for them to stop.

Discussing Roboute Guilliman’s awakening disrespectfully within Macragge was considered an affront to the Ultramarine. Verano didn’t want to sour relations between Chapters because of this topic.

The two fell silent, and Verano turned his gaze back to take in everything within view.

Outside the corridor, cobalt blue banners hung, adorned with the emblem of Ultramar in silver thread, forming unique patterns around the Imperial Eagle wearing a crown.

On the scarred head of the veteran, there were two golden and one silver service studs embedded, making him stand out prominently.

This was a veteran with over a century of service, as indicated by the golden double-headed eagle on his breastplate, signifying his high rank.

The first set of doors opened with a sharp pneumatic hiss, revealing more members of the Honor Guard inside.

The atmosphere felt heavy, as all these members of the Honor Guard were battle-hardened veterans who had fought against chaos, xenos, and traitors.

An Ultramarine officer wearing captain’s armor approached them.

“Welcome to Macragge.”

“Sicarius, it’s a pleasure to see you again,” Verano greeted the Ultramarine officer and extended his salutations.

“I’m pleased as well, Verano. It’s been twenty years since our last meeting. If you’d like to catch up, please wait a moment. My master is awaiting you. Please proceed to meet him as soon as possible.”

Sicarius extended his hand, gesturing for them to enter.

Verano and the others followed the corridor to the final set of doors.

The members of the Honor Guard, responsible for guarding the area, stood at attention, emitting a solemn and dignified air.

The grand hall doors, adorned with intricate patterns and featuring the golden Imperial Eagle on a marble background, opened with mechanical sounds.

Representatives from various Chapters felt a slight nervousness as they stepped inside. They removed their helmets and tried to maintain their composure.

Upon entering, their gazes froze.

Seated on a pure gold throne, surrounded by hundreds of ornate decorations, was a living miracle.

Seated atop the throne, a giant warrior adorned in blue and gold armor presented a striking figure. His wide, handsome face radiated dignity. One of his hands was equipped with a massive gauntlet, and a sheathed colossal power sword lay beside his throne.

Verano had thought he was prepared, but upon seeing that face, he realized he wasn’t. He was overcome with emotion, and tears welled up in his eyes.

He had seen the Primarch before. Macragge had once faced a threat from the Tyranid Hive Fleet, and their Chapter had been dispatched to aid in repelling the extragalactic menace.

That’s how he had the opportunity to see Guilliman within the sanctum of Hera Fortress.

He had been encased within a stasis field.

During the battle ten thousand years ago, he had been mere seconds away from death, but the unique function of the stasis field had indefinitely prolonged that moment.

And now, he had broken free from the stasis field, sitting there, alive.

Vigor pulsed within his robust form, and his gaze exuded wisdom and majesty.

Verano and the other Space Marines instinctively knelt before him.

“They were right, you have been resurrected, my lord,” Verano could feel his voice trembling. It wasn’t fear, but rather excitement and exhilaration.

At this moment, every member of the Imperium would be shaken with excitement. A living legend had reappeared on their planet.

Guilliman surveyed them and descended the steps.

“Please rise, all of you. You have defended humanity and the Imperium; you are its heroes, and there is no need for such formalities.”

Guilliman approached the nearest Space Marine, gripping his shoulders and helping him to his feet.

“What is your name?” Guilliman asked.

“My lord, my name is Verano, Captain of the Silent Company from the Raven Guard Chapter.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Captain,” Guilliman said.

“It is my honor to meet you as well, my lord,” Verano replied.

“I sure hope so. I thought you might deny me, and that would have given me quite a headache,” Guilliman humorously remarked.

“No possibility of that, my lord. We will fight for your cause,” Verano replied.

“Haha,” Guilliman patted Verano’s shoulder. “Soon, we’ll have a chance to prove that. I hope when the time comes, it won’t disappoint me too much.”

Guilliman greeted the representatives of the various Chapters one by one. These Space Marines hailed from the Raven Guard, Space Wolves, White Scars, and several newly established Chapters. They had all come to support the resurrection of the Primarch.

He asked for their names and tried to create a relaxed and humorous atmosphere, drawing them closer through laughter.

Guilliman highly praised each visitor, commending their contributions to the Imperium.

After the conversation, Guilliman was ready to get down to business.

“You have come from afar, and I should have let you rest properly, but the current state of the Imperium is dire. Both the Chaos and Xenos forces have not given us any leisure time. I urgently need to stabilize the situation in Macragge to proceed with my next plans. The fleet is gathering, and the armies are assembling at Macragge. I would like to inquire if you will fulfill your oaths and join my forces.”

Guilliman surveyed the representatives of the various Chapters and posed the question.