The Governess moves close to Ulasht when he speaks. (she seems to like being close when addressing others).
"We are not repairing the ship. It's not worth salvaging. It's scrap metal will be re-used as payment for your brothers restoration."
She then turns to Deathraven and moves to him with grace that should not be possible with her form.
"Do you believe so? For what reason would I add my forces to either side? I owe nothing to the Sons of Horus, and bear the Emperor’s Children no tormented grudge. The Empire of the Eye will still thrive even if you foolish post-humans can’t put down your bolters and cease murdering each other. Thousands of worlds exist in this realm untouched by the Nine Legions. The Great Crusade is over. The galaxy no longer belongs to the Legiones Astartes, and the Eye never did. If only you could all learn that lesson... But, no. Instead, you fight and bleed and die and drag us all down with you. So wasteful. So very, very wasteful."
Lheor says "They plan to clone the warmaster."
Khayon cuts in "We have to attack the Canticle City, Governess. Do I need to detail the ways in which a primarch reborn could tip the balance of the Legion Wars? When all our fathers are lost and ascended into the Great Game of the Pantheon... Ceraxia, it does not matter whether the Sons of Horus are alive or dead, or whether the Vengeful Spirit is a madman’s dream or lying in wait to be reclaimed. The Emperor’s Children cannot be allowed to win the Legion Wars."
"Conjecture," she said with an imperious air.
"Not conjecture. Possibility." Khayon said.
"There is more to this than idealism, Khayon. Do not play the proud hero in my presence." she said.
"I want the ship. I want the Vengeful Spirit." Khayon replied.
"Lest you all forget, the Warmaster Horus Lupercal and his descendants are the rightful heirs of the Vengeful Spirit. What is important here is that Falkus Kibre have a say in these matters. If he lives which Akkad claims he does."
Ulasht nods to Akkad, "The ship whether a pile of scrap or not belongs to the Sons of Horus and Falkus Kibre, it he who shall decide whether its remains or some other form of payment will be sufficient to meet your needs Governess".
Ceraxia turns to Ulasht again "Hush!" she rested her metal hand on Ulasht head. "Hush, Ulasht of the Sons of Horus, I do not possess the kind of heart or mind that will bend to any convictions you are capable of making. But you are with Falkus, whom I admire, and Khayon, whom I cherish. So I will not punish you for your lack of respectful manners."
Lheor makes a gun shot laugh and look from Ulasht to Khayon. "I’ve heard warbands speak your name in whatever passes for fear, and I’ve heard it cursed by men and daemons alike. It never occurred to me that someone would actually like you, Khayon."
Ceraxia turns her gaze to Khayon removing her hand from Ulasht.
"It’s the respect he shows, World Eater, and the vision he brings to his work." Her voice was gentler now, her focus drifting back to Lheor and Ulasht. "Khayon is an example of what the Legions could become, if they allowed themselves the luxury of evolution. I like the way he carries himself with no pretension, and respects the autonomy of the Mechanicum’s colony worlds. I like the way his name echoes across the Eye – the mage who sought to stop Ahriman’s madness. The sorcerer who stands with the alien angel. The warrior who sells his axe and sorcery to the highest bidder."
She looked back to Khayon, then. "And they do bid high, do they not? All that heavy iron and armoured steel, forever adding to your Syntagma."
"How is the Anamnesis?" the Governess asked.
"She is well." Khayon replied
"Good. Good." Ceraxia was still staring at Khayon. "Give her my kindest regards."
"I shall, Governess." Khayon replied
"I am glad that we share admiration for those who deserve it Governess. My intention is not to offend you. That being said, I do believe that the Chieftan should be here, his opinion matters. It is his vision that brought us all here and it is his opinion which we should seek before discussing, 'what to do next', any further. I simply seek to retain any rights that belong to him and through extension to the Sons of Horus. Like Khayon and Leor, he believes that the Emperor's Children must be stopped in their mad plots. So I ask you, with all due respect, to produce him", Ulasht gives a slight nod to her showing deference as best as he can muster.
"What of the Iron Warriors, Valicar? Have they no voice in the face of the Emperor's Children's betrayal?"
By now Menstras has wandered as far as allowed.
Valicar turns his gaze to Menstras "The Iron Warriors are with the Governess. There is nothing to gain for us interfering with your wars."
The Chieftain opinion changes every day in his current state Ulasht and if we do not take care of Kibre and your other brothers, there wouldn't be much of him left to even speak to or even make sense of, but something to put a bolter round through his skull as mercy and a favor before his condition would deteriorate."
As Aldegund stares at Ulasht "While I understand you are honor bound to see that the Sons of Horus interests are protected. It is the Governess price for their recovery or we will dispose of them before their state is worse and you can keep the floating scrap of the Baleful Eye. So the decision to save his life and your other brothers was made at the expense of a useless floating hulk that you can't even afford to repair and use any time soon Son of Horus... honor is not a currency the mechanicus takes as far as I know."
As he let's a deep breath out "In regards of the life of Kibre, he is living and if the Governess or Warsmith allow it I will take you there myself."
"Our wars? The legions waste much over these squabbles but the return of a primarch marks an end. Not just to the internecine disputes but to any chance of neutrality. If the Emperor's Children control him then they will leave no room for your alliance."
Valicar does not take to Menstras baiting and ignores him.
Ceraxia turns to everyone "I cannot take sides. I will not stop you, though nor will I aid you. Aldegund, take them to the survivors. Don’t expect too much from any of them. The Justaerin are not what they once were."
Aldegund nods towards Ceraxia "Those interested in meeting them follow me" as he escorts those that come, Aldegund takes them to the medicae chambers. There are hundreds of adepts and servants roaming the chambers, more machine than flesh. The walls are lined with vats of thick liquids and chemicals being pumped into them. This is where the Sons of Horus are placed. Some with their armour some without depending on how fused it has become with their skin.
"Normally as procedure we cut of any problems and replace them with implants, but some cases might be harder than others" as he continues walking through the gallery not knowing really who they were looking for specifically as they all look the same to him. Aldegund stops in the middle of the room "Well then who do you wish to speak to so I can have the servitors and serfs awaken him for us."
"Falkus Khibre. His voice is most germaine to this conversation."
You feel daemons as soon as you enter the room. You smell them all the time but here it's very strong. Sorta like when Khayon summoned the raged knight. Make a psynscience roll.
As soon as your group enters the medical chambers Gayr, Khayons daemon wolf, begins to growl.
Lheor looks to Khayon "Something wrong?"
Psyiscience
"I suspect he smells his own kind. Akkad said they were assaulted by the Neverborn in the warp. By the looks of these mutations, I would say some of them hitched a ride."
Deathraven turned and regarded Ulasht.
"You should prepare yourself, cousin. Falkus Khibre may no longer exist as you knew him. We have to consider the possibility that he is lost to us if the medicae staff are unable to remove the taint. We cannot allow the Vengeful Spirit to fall under the sway of daemons. That would be catastrophic beyond compare."
Menstras will be looking for a chance to slip away from the group as the presence of daemons is never welcome.
v 48
Khayon looks at the tubes and turns his gaze to Akkad and then back to the tubes.
Khayon sends you a telepathic message Nice trick Word Bearer, you are able to hide your passenger well.
"It appears they are all possessed and Deathraven may be right. Sometimes it takes them days or months to determine who would be in control."
You see Khayon make his way toward one of the tubes before Aldedgund can say which is Falkus as if knowing which one he is in.
When you make your way to the Medicae chambers and the wolf smells the daemons causing a brief distraction your able to slip away.
"Is there a way to help them gain control, Khayon? Can it be influenced in some manner?"
Deathraven wondered at the odd look that Khayon had given Akkad, but his mind was focused on the plight of the possessed.
Ulasht nods in agreement with Deathraven's statement.
Ulasht follows Khayon, annoyed at his own inability to perceive the warp as well as he normally would. This series of events must have shaken my concentration more than I believed.
Akkad smirks at the Thousand Son sorcerer beneath his helmet.
"I do not know if their neverborn can be exorcised. Our Vakrah Jal achieve a unity of two souls, Astartes and daemon acting in concert for a common purpose, but these daemons do not seem sentient and that does not seem possible. They may learn the discipline to control the beasts, or there may be some sorcery to chain the passengers to ease the burden on the Sons of Horus."
Khayon looks to the tubes.
"There is not much I can do for them. I would not exorcise them unless they ask me themselves. These things take time. Sometimes they are quick sometimes it could take months for the outcome be it the best or man who has control."
There are 21 tubes filled with the sons of horus. That's all that survived from the wreckage with Akkad.
"Khayon?" you hear a voice from the tube that Khayon was advancing toward. The duality of his voice – a man’s sincerity and a daemon’s smiling whisper – added a malicious edge to his tones.
"We am here, Falkus." Khayon replied
Falkus was curled over, almost foetal in the bubbling suspension fluid, pinned at the heart of a web of chemical feeds and nutrition/excretion cables. Skinless muscle showed with strings of viscera still trailing away from the bare meat, muddying the surrounding liquid. Evidence of mutational lethality showed on his naked form: knives of yellowing bone pushed through joints and muscle groups in ivory spines.
"Neverborn. Thousands of them. When we tried to run, we came under fire... The warp core... The ship was breached." Falkus said.
"I understand, Falkus. What of Sargon?" Khayon said.
"Gone." replied Falkus
"Gone? You mean he vanished before the Neverborn attack?" Khayon said.
"I cannot say for certain. We escaped to the Baelful Eye, though it shattered our teleportation crucible. The ship ran. One moment Sargon was there, ready to guide us to safety. The warp core ignited. There was light and sound and burning metal. Then came the Neverborn." Falkus said.
The story seems to match up to what Akkad has told you all.
He shifts in the tube and looks to Ulasht. "My brother."
Draex enters the chamber as the wolf howls and he grabs for one of his axe. Looking around to see if there are any potential threats, he eases up at the mention of void passengers hanging to the souls of the baleful eye inhabitants.
"..." Draex will remain silent as he doesnt truly care for the reason they are there
draex examines some of the tubes with specimens in it while everyone else talks with falkus
Ulasht touches his two fingers to his chest in a salute to the Chieftan, "Based on your condition, I would hate to see what you did to the foes which you vanquished Chieftan. It seems, despite your survival, none of you are in condition to complete the mission at the current time. As the last remaining member of your warband, what is your command?"
Aldegund is puzzled at such simple decisions "Why the need to talk if he could have just exchange the ship for something and leave them to die as a much merciful way?" as Aldegund continues to ponder what he would do if he were Ulasht, but not understanding his legion need for such protocols, instead of more simpler approach.
Deathraven stood by and allowed Ulasht his moment. He wanted to know the answer, as well, though he disagreed with Ulasht's statement that he was the last. After all, he had also signed on for this compact.
Khayon looks to ULasht. "No, we are getting them out of here brother."
"The Vengeful Spirit", Falkus said. "Will you still help me find it?"
"You are fortunate to be alive at all. This quest has already cost you a fleet, hundreds of warriors, and thousands of slaves." Khayon said.
The creature crashed against the front of its tank, claws reaching for you all. The slit maw gnashed as though it sought to feed on my flesh.
"I will find Abaddon I will find Abaddon I will find the Vengeful Spirit!" Falkus yells furiously. "I will take the Vengeful Spirit it is the hope of my Legion I will–"
Khayon cuts in "Be calm, my brother. I will aid you. Of course I will aid you. I am here, am I not?"
"Free me..." Falkus says calming down.
Khayon turns Aldegund. "We will take care of the sons of hours from here out. Thank the Governess for her hospitality and you and your brothers."
you feel strange around these men. You have not seen brotherhood like this since the great crusade. Sure those of the sane legion but from diffent ones?
Ulasht salutes Khayon, "I thank you my Brother. I am sure that completion of this quest will enable Falkus to overcome his current condition. With Sargon disappeared, I believe that time is of the essence, as we cannot know his plans. We must go to ensure no one else finds the Vengeful Spirit before we do".
"What of the Iron Warriors, Triach? Right now, warriors of every true legion flock to the banner of the Emperor's Children, lured by the promise of a reborn Primarch. World Eaters seek the apocalyptic battles he would lead them to. The Night Lords seek the promise of tearing down the Imperium they built. My brothers with them seek to bring the galaxy to the service of the gods. Sons of Horus seek to bring back their father, even a shadow of him. And your brothers join them to take the honor and recognition they are due. They will win the Legion War with such a creature, and when they do, your vaunted neutrality will not be an aegis. They will come for your riches, for slaves and materiel, and you will be alone. You will grovel before them in submission or be utterly destroyed. This is the time to choose sides, before sides are chosen for you."
The success of such madness teetered precariously and upon premature discovery would surely shatter. Yet preparation is necessary.
With each step the plan gains form until at last his destination solidifies: The Knave of Swords.
v 48
"Speaking of Night Lords, where is Menstras." Khayon looks between the group.
When you reach the hangar you see adepts working hard on refueling and re-arming the ship. There are no markers on the ship to indicate which legion it belongs to if any. No Adeptus Astartes can be seen here.
If you attempt to find entry into the ship you see armed Skitarii standing watch at the entrances. Most of the adepts ignore you doing thier job but you do get some strange looks from some of not so modified ones as you walk around the hanger.
Ulasht shrugs, "He was with us. I am sure we will locate him. It is best that we prepare to transport my Brothers for travel right now".
Draex watches the exchange between warriors and although he cares not for these warp dabblers he has gain a small iota of respect he has shown for his brother and commander. His loyalty to his legion. That's what we were bred for. Brother hood and war.... Draex turns slightly and looks back to find the night lord who has disappeared but doesnt waste much time on it. He is more than capable of taking care of himself.
Lheor grumbles and activates his group shared vox channel "Where the hell did you go son of Nostromos. We will be leaving here as soon as we can get Falkus and his men aboard the Taloc."
Menstras flash his status lights across the comma as he travels opposite the craft. His autosenses race the lengh of the vessel searching for a point close enough to board.
Aldegund thinks long and hard before answering "I cannot speak for Valikar or the Governess in choosing sides, that is their choice to make, but I can tell the Governess you are planning on taking over the remnants of the Sons of Horus" as he relays that information through his vox to Valicar and the Governess if he can. "If all your brothers flock to the Emperor's Children, why do you not, won't you have to bend more than the knee when the time comes or will yo die standing with others not of your own brotherhood or legion?"
Your vox cracks to life as you hear Lheor's message. Luckily your helmet is on and no one hears it.
There may be another way into the ship as you scan it for entrances but will require you to climb and not be seen.
Menstras clings to the shadows as he begins the ascent, cycling his status light once to acknowledge the message.
v 48
"The Council has not taken a stance, and their hosts have not joined the sons of Fulgrim, but some hosts have flocked to their banner. My path is to carry out the will of the gods revealed unto me: destroy their creation. It was the will of the gods that Horus fall, and it is their will he does not return. I have made my choice, while it is still a choice."
Ulasht turns to Akkad, "The will of the Gods? How did you come by such knowledge? What rationale could the Lords of Chaos have for seeing Horus slain?"
Make an athletics check as well to climb the side of the ship.
v 69 (49+20 PA)
Your able to scale the side of the ship without being noticed and push in on the hatch and it slides open. The inside of the ship is dark but your helm takes care of that issue for you.
"More like the Emperor's sword Akkad." as Aldegund looks at Akkad intently "So it's only a few warbands not entire legion or majority of them" as ALdegund looks to take advantage of the change in numbers and words of Akkad after he questions him.
"We can deal with that and remain neutral, you know not the power and tenacity of the Iron Warriors in siege warfare" as he laughs at the idea of such a war "Akkad, we would make that war so costly, and long that even if they win, this place would leave them with nothing but a loss to them in time, manpower and resources."
Yet he stops to think for a second "Now, as for the coming of Horus leading such force it might be different altogether, yet that is the Sons of Horus concern. The bastards of the Emperor's Children should have never seek to make a clone and dress him in the garbs of one of their own for their purpose of taking control over all others. Now that if I was a Son of Horus" as he looks at Ulasht "That is something I would not stand for, my fury and retribution would be swift and filled with pain and vengeance."
Khayon looks to Aldegund. "We would need to lay siege to the Cantical city, stronghold of the Emperors Children on Harmony. The Emperors Children did not steal the remains alone but were the primary force and that is their strong hold. It would be impossible to do such a thing unless we can get ahold of the Vengeful Spirit."
"That would be a siege to remember, worthy of an Iron Warrior presence" as Aldegund excitement of participating in another great war makes him remember his glory of old.
"They spoke to me. It is, difficult, to understand the reasoning of the gods. They saw he cared only for taking the throne, not for carrying out their will and steering humanity towards enlightenment. Perhaps it was their plan from the beginning. I do not know. I do know that it is their will their sacrificed king does not return, and that our species continue to walk their path."