The Old Captain

[Saint_Bepis]

Chapter 1: Captain Nemo

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Situated in the northern portion of the Ultima Segmentum, in what was formally known as the Imperium Nihilus before the closure of the Cicatrix Maladictum sits the Watch Fortress of Mortguard. It is held under the command of Watch Master Agathon and serves as a strike force against the Tau invasions, Necron Lords, Genestealer Cults, and the occasional Ork WAAGH. While the battles that the Deathwatch fight are against some of the most dangerous foes the Imperium face; There is one soul on that station who stands apart from all his brothers on the station and yet he commands immense respect from all those who live on it. His name is Nemo for he gave up his name in when he joined. He stands alone in his room with his armor still on save his helm revealing a wizened face that would be more proper on an old mortal than a member of the Emperor's Angels. His eyes scanned over a pile of reports, committing the details to memory. One might be forgiven for thinking that such an old man was not up to the task, but Nemo finished his reading with ease and promptly began to draft new orders for the soldiers under his command. This was just a day like any other except a ship had just landed and a letter was being delivered.

There was a knock on the door to Watch Captain Nemo's room. The old marine simply looked at his door and with a small grunt stood up from his chair. He grabbed his helmet from off the table and placed it atop his head, sealing his face within the ceramite plates. After a moment of darkness the HUD lit up and began loading the software. Nemo grabbed a large wooden cane from beside his desk and slowly made his way over to the door. As he approached, the heavy metal slid up and opened. Standing at the doorway was a mortal serf who stood nervously at attention only breaking posture after Nemo returned the salute. The white mask muffled his voice, but the young man was clear enough to understand even with Nemo's slowly degrading hearing.

"Watch Commander Agathon had summoned you my Lord Captain. He says its urgent." The mortal's voice was quiet and slightly shaky, but still loud enough to be heard.

"I am not your Lord, mortal. If it is urgent, then I may be required to return to combat. Grab my pistol from its plinth and bring it to me." With the proclamation given, the two walked into the room on the far side, just past the bed was a small almost ceremonial stand upon which sat a plasma pistol it was a simple black gun, with only the muzzle and cooling vents holding a silvery sheen. The top of the weapon glowed a dazzling blue almost like looking into a pool of water. The weapon was freshly loaded as the glowing gases held in the ammo reservoir pulsed energetically like a small sun. In the hands of the serf, it was almost the size of a rifle. He brought it over to Captain Nemo who was busy sheathing an elegant looking sword on his hip. He grabbed the pistol from the mortal and its magnetically locked onto his leg right next to the sword. When Nemo was ready he spoke to the serf: "Thank you mortal, now take me to the Watch Commander."

The walk to the Commander was far longer than it would normally take for your average marine. The slow gait of the Watch Captain combined with him wearing his wargear made for a sight that caused even the most unflappable members of the Deathguard to begin whispering. Some even stopped him to ask what was happening only to receive a dismissal. Watch Commander Agathon stood in front of a large circular map of the Ultima Segmentum. On the map several spots were marked with various icons and in different colors. Surrounding the map were various cogitators each one manned by a member of the Martian Priesthood wearing their distinct red robes and some even being followed by a servo skull or a wielding a mechadendrite. The Commander looked up from his map as the Captain entered. By his side was a rare sight that commanded the presence of almost all in the room. A soldier stood there clad in resplendent Auramite plate from head to toe with a plume of red fur flowing from the top of his pointed helmet. Upon seeing the arriving Captain the Custodian stepped forward and before the Watch Commander could say anything, addressed Nemo.

"Watch Captain Nemo. Registration Number 3." The golden one's voice boomed over the din of those in the command center stopping everyone in their actions and silencing all noise. The question was spoken almost as if it was a demand. Yet Nemo responded almost sounding even older if that were possible. "I am he."

"By Order of the Lord Sigillite, your penance has been completed. You are to be reinstated with a chapter of the Adeptus Astartes at the earliest possible convenience. You are free to keep any weapons you wish to take with you and are ordered to leave Watch Fortress Mortguard immediately upon having gathered the items that you wish to take with you." The proclamation stunned all within the room. Not only had the Lord sigillate been dead for ten thousand years, but an order had been given to reinstate old man Nemo. The thought was so inthinkable even the Watch Commander was stunned into silence a look of shock appeared on his face. The golden giant turned and left his mission obviously completed.

It wasn't until he had completely walked out of sight that the room seemed to spring back into action. Agathon turned towards Nemo with a stunned look on his face.

"Never would I have thought I would see the day that you would be recalled, I had thought that you would outlive me as well. Nemo, you may take with you your armor I'll requisition it from whatever chapter you end up rejoining. A ship will take you to wherever you wish."

"I require usage of the Astropathic Choir first, Watch Commander. I need to ascertain the location of the Vigil. I am aware that they operate primarily within and around the Tempestus Segemntum, however Kill Team Ultimus encountered them on the border of Ultima Segementum 25 years ago fighting a war against a splinter fleet of Hive Fleet Behemoth that was en route to a genestealer cult that we were in the process of purging. Kill Team Leader Diocletian, included mentioned that they expected to remain in the area for the next 50 years to "ensure the destruction of the Tyranids and their spawn." The old man's declaration only caused confusion to appear in the eyes of the Watch Commander.

"You intend to join the Red Scorpions? And here I thought that we would finally gain a hint as to the origin of your gene-seed. Speaking of which, you requested many times to have your Progenoid gland harvested and held in case of collection by Terra. Will you be taking them with you?"

"The Red Scorpions are of my blood, but they have strayed partially. I must go to correct my brothers. I will be taking the gene-seed cultures with me for usage by the Le-Chapter. I believe by my last count I had 527 cultures harvested with 19 sent to Mars for purity monitoring. Have you required the usage of any of them?"

"We have only used eight by my count. You will be given the other 500 upon your leaving. I will send word to Choirmaster Morel to prepare the choir. Will you require any help in collecting your belongings?"

"The only possessions I have are the weapons on my waist although if you could send a serf to collect and distribute the responses I have penned to the kill teams under my command, I would be grateful. They should be on my desk."

"Of course. Best be off then captain. I will have your departure prepared for when you return." He turned and summoned a mortal over to him with a gesture and as Nemo walked out of the command center, began giving orders. "Mortal retrieve the parchments on the desk from former Captain Nemo's quarters and alert a cleaning team to preserve the room as is. From this moment onwards I will declare the room off limits except for maintenance crews. Scribe, make certain that my orders are transmitted throughout the Fortress. I intend to remove the room from active use until a new Captain can be promoted. Watch Commanders Sevrion, Maxen, and Thrax will assume command of Nemo's kill teams to replace the teams they lost in combat."

"It will be done my Lord." The Serf and Scribe said in unison and moved off to perform their duties.

"Sergeant Marael, report to my quarters immediately and bring with you the package I spoke of." Agathon spoke into a vox unit built into his armor and a voice answered. "I will be there shortly Watch Commander, however the project has yet to be completed." The voice seemed apologetic but much emotion was lost due to vox interference. "Then work faster Sergeant, your deadline has been reduced to an hour." The vox shut off with a harsh static and crackling sound and a Tech-Priest moved immediately to Agathon's side.

"My Lord," He spoke in a pleading voice. "Please allow me to appease the machine spirit of your sacred armor's vox. It has been crying out for days now and I fear anymore waiting on this issue will cause more damage than can be undone."

"Very well Magom. This will be more annoying than detrimental. Can you perform the required rites here or will I need to remove my armor?" Agathon seemed resigned as he questioned the red robed priest

"Canon dictates that you need not remove your armor, but you have put off your required maintenance for far too long and Magos Vaella has ordered me to remind you that she will not allow you to continue operations if you continue to delay the required canticles and blessings to the machine spirits. She has threatened to force your armor to walk you down to the temple should you continue to prove uncooperative." There was far too much amusement in the voice of the priest for the Commander's liking even if he could admit that the visual of his armor ferrying him along was funny.

"Very well then, let us depart swiftly. Scribe. Inform Captain Seraphus that he is to continue monitoring the operations against the Tau until I return and if anything, major is to come about then he is to contact me immediately." The Captain began walking away from his post intentionally keeping a pace far faster than a mortal's walking speed. Space Marine and Tech-Priest walked quickly with the mortal running after the Captain who merely calmly walked to a nearby lift and descended into the depths of the fortress. A smile was visible to all as he watched Magom desperately try to keep up with the much larger man.

 

[Saint_Bepis]

Chapter 2: The Astropathic Choir
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Deep within the bowels of the watch fortress a large, forgotten, and empty room had been constructed during founding of the fortress itself and subsequently had been erased from all records. The one who had built the sanctuary had all long since been disposed of and its existence remained shrouded in absolute secrecy. It was in this room where a golden giant had found himself after having left the presence of the Command Center. He stood immobile in the center of the room almost as if he were guarding it. He did not wait long. Within a half an hour, a tear in reality opened; golden light wafted forth like particles of dust illuminated on a bright summer's day. A gauntleted hand reached through the tear followed closely by a second. The two pulled apart and the rift became a door; through which a much smaller giant stepped through. The Custodian's posture shifted slightly as the markings of a hydra were visible upon the pauldron. The two looked at each other for a moment before the larger of the two spoke.

"Alpharius." The tone of the Custodian was flat. Almost near monotone with only a hint of edge within. "I should have known you had something to do with this."

"Hello Constantine." Alpharius's voice was far too upbeat and cheery, and the aforementioned Constantine raised his weapon.

"Give me one good reason why I should not cut you down for your crimes,traitor." His tone had not changed, but there was now a small uncertainty in his stance.

"Well, that would be a terrible way to repay the one who pulled you out from that debacle you were involved with alongside Russ. There is also the simple fact that I have not betrayed the Imperium, but nothing I say to you can persuade you so allow me to show you my sincerity." The Primarch of the Alpha Legion removed his helmet to reveal a bald head and eyes that held bags under them the size of the eye itself. Without a word, Alpharius stowed his helm under his arm and held up a hand whereupon two blades shot out of the top of his gauntlet. "Do you recognize these weapons, Valdor?"

"Mercy and Forgiveness. The weapons of Konrad Curze. How did you come by them when they were never recovered from M'Shen's body?" The confusion and suspicion were evident in Valdor's voice was evident.

"How else? I was there on that day. Specifically on orders from the Lord Sigillite shortly before the Siege of Terra started. My mission was to assassinate my brother. I am M'Shen." With that declaration Alpharius pressed a button on his wrist mounted cogitator and a swirling sheen of blue, green and black obscured his frame for a moment. When the energy dissipated a normal sized woman wearing the uniform of the Officio Assassinorum. Valdor looked down at the woman almost in some kind of disbelief and spoke a very confused: How?

"Very simple." Came a female voice from the diminutive form which in a swirl of color soon became Alpharius again. "My armor was specially made at the request of the Lord Sigillite to better take advantage of my gifts for infiltration."

"Assuming what you say is true, then why does the Alpha Legion still attack the Imperium in addition to the enemies of mankind?" The suspicion was evident and Alpharius chose his next words carefully.

"We have been in Schism since before the Hersey even started. The Alpha Legion had two primarchs: Alpharius and Omegon. One a Traitor and one a Loyalist. Alpharius and Omegon each assumed control over portions of the Legion and have been fighting each other in a shadow war ever since." Omegon explained far too calm for the situation he had found himself in.

"Who are you then?" Valdor's question sounded more like a demand.

"I am Omegon. I am the herald of the End, and you have a very large role in playing Valdor. Your part in the Plan is fast approaching, and I need to put you into the position that will bring the greatest assistance to the Imperium." Omegon's words were cryptic nearing nonsense, but one portion stood out among the rest.

"What do you mean you are the herald of the End? And what do you mean by the Plan." Valdor's spear returned to his side slowly as he spoke and his stance relaxed somewhat but a single finger stayed within touching distance of the trigger on the haft.

I'm not referring to the Emperor's Shining Path, but rather a different plan forged by a different man. Its sole purpose is to prevent the destruction of mankind." Omegon was deathly serious. All previous levity had long since disappeared from his voice.

"Who is the person that created this plan?" The suspicion returned but Valdir's Spear remained in place.

"You wouldn't believe me if I told you." Valdor looked into Omegon's eyes as he spoke but requested once more.

"Try me." The demand was met with a small pause, but Omegon held fast in his refusal.

"I really can't say, but if you will allow me to, I will assist you in getting to your position on the board." Omegon's expression did not change at all, but his eyes held a flash a of sorrow and while Valdor saw it all it did was confuse him.

"I still don't trust you, Omegon, but let this serve as the ultimate proof. Tell me of my destination in this plan of yours and I will set out and accomplish it." Constantine relented and his hand slid down the haft of his spear holding it calmly and the tension dissipated from his posture.

The Primarch before him smiled and said. "You will be returning to Russ, but before I can send you to him, I must secure a promise from you that you will not harm my brother."

"Why do you require such a vow?" The request mystified Constantine as Leman Russ, Primarch of the Space Wolves, was unlikely to have done something that would require Valdor to attack him.

"When I plucked you from that battlefield, Russ was rescued as well and taken in by the Aeldari. They needed his assistance and so healed him. Russ offered them one boon as his honor demanded and they demanded his assistance in the rescue of their Xeno Goddess: Isha. Russ is currently traveling with them. Your promise is to ensure the safety of everyone on board, as they will be instrumental to the Plan." Omegon carefully explained and watched the Custodian in front of him closely.

"I promise then, that I will not harm Russ." Valdor ground the words out with some difficulty, but Omegon instead shook his head at the declaration.

"That is not what I asked of you. Swear on something you hold dear that you will not harm my brother." Omegon repeated again this time with a firmness that surprised Constantine.

"I swear upon my vows to the Emperor, that I will not harm your brother." The vow was ground out of Constantine's mouth with much more difficulty almost as if he knew what was to come.

"Thank you, Constantine." A portal ripped itself open as Omegon cut a glowing white feather across the air in front of them. "This is your stop Valdor. I will see you up ahead." Without another word Constantine stepped through the portal and disappeared along with the shining gateway.

With the disappearance of the leader of the Custodians, Omegon pulled a sheet of parchment from a pouch kept on his hip alongside a ballpoint pen. Removing the cap, he made a note on the page and crossed something out before stowing both back where they came from. "Why must this be so hard? Could you not have chosen another more qualified brother? What am I saying, of course not. Your plan would not have survived even half the hiccups I encountered had you chosen anyone else. Back to work I suppose." The primarch pressed some more buttons on his wrist cogitator and spoke into the voice port. "Agent Garbo, report to the prepared location immediately." Omegon did not wait for a reply and ended the connection. He reached into another pouch and withdrew two small containers. He spat a large black mass into one and closed the lid before opening the other and removing a similarly sized brown mass and placing it in his mouth. The two containers returned to their pouch and a helmet was placed back on his head just in time for the doors to open. The marine entering bore the symbol of the Khan on his pauldron and as he knelt before his Lord his true armor was revealed. Dragon scale patterns with a hydra replacing a lighting bolt. "Garbo, you will remain here for 3 hours. After that time has passed you will be collected and reassigned. I will assume your place and your previous identity will be erased. Hydra Dominatus."

"Hydra Dominatus Lord Primarch. I will carry out your Will." With those words, the Marine stood to see a member of the White Scars in front of him. With a salute the two parted ways.

The Astropathic Choir was always unnerving to Former Captain Nemo. Thousands of souls all blinded by the psychic might of the Emperor bound to forever carry the messages of the Imperium until they died. A tireless job, but one that is necessary for the continued survival of the Imperium. Without the Astropaths there would be no way to send messages to even the nearest stars outside Segmentum Solar in a timely manner. The risk of having so many psykers together was mitigated by their sanctioning and the direction of the choirmaster. The large plasteel doors swung open as he approached and the music from inside wafted out from the interior. The wails of damaged astropaths assaulted his ears and yet still melded into the song being composed by Choirmaster Nero.

The aging choirmaster turned his head from the organ in front of him as Nemo entered, but his ministrations of the keys never ceased. Nemo felt a pressure on his forehead as though someone was physically pressing against it. It was not hard to deduce what was happening: the psyker was attempting to intrude on his mind. It was more of a polite caress than an attack, but Nemo refused to let the man in and with a short tightening of his focus the pressure faded into nothing.

"You should know by now, psyker, that you are not welcome in my mind." Nemo's voice was unusually terse and the word psyker was laced with venom.

"My apologies Captain, it was merely a force of habit." The Choirmaster's voice was rife with supplication. "How may I be of service?"

"I am no longer Watch Captain; I have been discharged by order of the Lord Sigilite. The message was apparently delayed and was delivered just now by one of the Emperor's Custodians." The previous edge did not dissipate but had softened somewhat and an unreadable mix of emotions slipped into his voice.

The Choirmaster stopped his playing of the grand organ in front of him and fully turned to stare, shock was evident upon his face. "Such a thing is unprecedented, I presume then that you are here to contact the chapter you wish to join. I will admit that I am quite curious about which Legion you are descended from. The records do indicate that you were among the first black shields inducted into the Deathwatch."

"I require the location of the Fortress Monastery known as the Vigil. I intend to join the Red Scorpions."

"Here I was hoping to finally solve the mystery of your origin. Well, I suppose you might as well keep your secrets." The Choirmaster turned back to his organ and stretched his hands over the keys before striking them gently. A strange and somber march seemed to echo from the organ and the moans of the astropaths intensified. One of which screamed loudly and the temperature began to rapidly drop in the room. Without a word one of Nemo's arms raised itself, plasma pistol in hand and shot already charged. Before any reaction could be made a Daemon burst forth from the body of the astropath as the scream continued through its mouth. A ball of superheated gas slammed into its open mouth vaporizing the top half of its body and ending the warp's encroachment into reality. The former captain returned his pistol to his leg and continued to wait. After what felt like an hour, the choir died down and the choirmaster turned to the marine with sweat dripping down his face.

"My apologies for the wait My Lord. There were numerous obstructions in the Warp, far more than usual. I appear to have misled most of them. It is a shame that the astropath was not neutralized in time to prevent the Daemon from entering this sanctum. I will have to speak with the Engineseers about getting that looked at. You have my thanks for dispatching the Daemon before it could do any further harm."

"I am not your Lord, Choirmaster. Tell me the whereabouts of my brothers." Nemo seemed more upset about being called lord than having a Daemon attacking the Astropathic Choir.

"My Apologies Nemo, The Red Scorpions are currently deployed to the Agri-World of Agrax. It seems as though they have been bogged down in a prolonged conflict with a Genestealer Cult. I took the liberty of informing them of your arrival." Again the Choirmaster apologized for his transgression, but something seemed off about him that the aged Captain could not place.

"Thank you for your work Choirmaster, Serve the Imperium well." Said the Marine as he began to face away from the Astropath.

"I will Captain, may the Emperor guide you to your destiny." The words were cryptic and Nemo swore he saw a flash of golden light within the Choirmaster's eyes as they turned from each other and parted ways.