Of Blood and Gold

[SlangWhanger]

I'm thinking of adding an allied force to my Flesh Tearers, so decided to write up the initial exchange between the commanders of these two forces, Gabriel Seth and the shadowy Obedarion. Just a couple of short pieces for fun, let me know what you think! I'll add more situations to these as the story progresses.

 

1. Obedarion Arrives

 

 

Almost the entirety of the Flesh Tearers chapter was arrayed in the landing hangar on board the Victus, a feat that would have been hugely impressive had Seth had more than 250 Astartes under his command. As it were, the broken yet defiant remains of the once noble Chapter stood in serried ranks as the brilliant golden Sokar Pattern Stormbird entered from the cold void of space. Seth had seen but a handful of these mighty machines in operation, and he knew many of his brothers would never have seen even one. The hull bristled with automated guns, twitching back and forth as they tried to ascertain the highest level threat. Imperial livery plastered every open space of the mighty ship, from intricate paintings of bitter battles between angels and daemons, to stylised eagles and lions rampant on fields of the brightest gold. The flying homage to the Emperor of Man touched down with the precision of a pilot who had perfected his skill over centuries of training.

 

Seth knew the arrival would be something out of the ordinary. For weeks orders had been streaming into the bridge of the Victus, orders which were curt and precise, orders which were expected to be obeyed. Seth had pulled almost all his forces together, leaving only a small contingent of marines defending Cretacia, and headed for the rendez-vous point. The whole affair had irritated the Chapter Master beyond belief. He was not used to being ordered about with such little respect and certainly did not want to be used as a puppet in some High Lord’s ploy. Yet he was also intrigued. The sender had taken all efforts to keep himself anonymous, yet carried the highest level of Imperial authority. The manner and tone of the orders expected total compliance, yet there was none of the easy arrogance that came with the Inquisition. Furthermore, the mysterious figure knew the complete disposition of the Flesh Tearers, down to the last Boltgun round, and had suggested a reorganisation of the Chapter into a strike force that only one who was familiar with each and every brother would have been able to achieve. So Seth was intrigued above all else, and for once in his long duty as Chapter Master, had followed the orders presented to him. Not to the full, of course.

 

With a dull hiss and the whirring of machinery thousands of years old, the front ramp opened. Six figures descended. They towered over the space marines arrayed around them. Their armour was as brilliant gold as the hull of their ship and they cast shadows about them that made Astartes look like mortals. Their cloaks, a deep royal purple, wafted impossibly on invisible eddies. Across their brows the Imperial Aquila spread its wings, creating a noble yet formidable visage. In the presence of such warriors it was easy for even the super humans of the Adeptus Astartes to be utterly astounded, yet Seth proudly noted that not a single Flesh Tearer displayed signs of awe, each staring steadily ahead. The group, small in size yet vast in presence, strode up to Seth.

 

“Chapter Master Gabriel Seth?”, a voice boomed out.

 

“Aye?”

 

“We have matters to discuss”.

 

Seth nodded, and led the Custodes to the bridge.

 

 

 

2. Seth vs Obedarion

 

 

In a briefing room set apart from the nosey hubbub of the bridge Seth faced the leader of the Custodes across a slab marble table.

 

“And to what do I owe the honour of a contingent of Adeptus Custodes?” inquired Seth sardonically. It was not often that someone towered over the Chapter Master, and Seth relished the opportunity to test his mettle against such a warrior.

 

The Custode reached up and lifted the ornate helm from his head, placing it precisely on the table in front of him. His face was lined and somewhat haggard, yet his eyes burned with the fervour of a warrior in his prime.

 

“I am Shield-Captain Obedarion, commander of the Leones Celebrant. We are here to assist you in your fight against the forces of Chaos and aid your stretched command structure.”

 

 “We are unswerving in our duty to the Emperor, we do not need your assistance.” Seth smiled grimly. “Besides, I’ve been told I don’t work well with others.”

 

“Your reputation proceeds you, Chapter Master. That is why I was sent. Our Shield-Company is known as The Executioners amongst our brothers.” He indicated his axe, a giant two-handed blade wrought with utmost precision and artistry. “Where we walk, none remain. We deploy to where the fighting is thickest and decapitate the enemy army in the most brutal ways imaginable. We both have much to gain from fighting side by side. Indeed, I believe such a situation would be quite appealing to you and your chapter?”

 

The Flesh Tearer stared into the Custodes eyes for a moment, judging the integrity of the warrior stood before. He nodded.

 

“Very well, point us to where the enemies of the Emperor need culling and we shall do our duty.” Seth leant his fists on the table, drawing himself closer to the Custode. “But I will warn you now, we are the Flesh Tearers. We are servants of The Emperor and not the lap-dogs of the High Lords or Guilliman. We serve His will and if you try for one moment to take control or use us in some political ploy, then you shall soon learn that a Guardian Spear is no match for ten chainswords in the hands of Flesh Tearers. Everyone bleeds, Shield-Captain. You would do well to remember that.”

 

 

Thanks for reading!

Edited January 22, 2018 by SlangWhanger

[Bjorn Firewalker]

Seth is a jerk, but such behavior is in-character with how Games Workshop's writers portray him. The setup is acceptable so far. Will Primaris Marines join his forces in this story?