NationStates Jolt Archive

It had been quite some time since the Dark Empire and the Imperium had last met face-to-face in any kind of situation. The last encounter with the Chronosians had been made by Lord Cedric and Wuya at a diplomatic gathering the Imperium had hosted. Judging from the reports brought back and recordings made of memories of the event, the Chronosians came across as egotistical, spoiled, self-centered, selfish, rude, vulgar, brash, stuck in a rut, xenophobic, and clearly deserving of their monicer of 'Oath Breaker'. Thus, when word filtered through to Prince Phobos that the Imperium wished to attempt again at diplomatic relations with the Dark Empire, he was mildly surprised at this 'out-of-character' move by the Imperium.

Deciding to put a fresh face to represent the Dark Empire at the meeting with the Imperium, the Dark Prince sent out orders that diverted the ship carrying the individual in question to a meeting place that had no strategic or tactical value for either the Imperium or the Dark Empire, a dead Class D binary world system in orbit around a red giant sun. Co-ordinates for the meeting place were sent back to the Chronosians through a couple of ways, though none direct. If the Imperium allowed their desire to retry at relations to be filtered through to the Dark Empire's higher ups the way it had instead of a transmission requesting a meeting, the Dark Empire would employ the same means to respond to the Chronosians. In a manner of speaking, one could almost view it as being made out of spite in response to the Imperium's methods of communications in this matter.

There were fires of betrayal upon the horizon even as the Ascendant Daemons descended like comets upon the tribes of the Faithful. For too long had they warred with the heretical deviants in their vast walled cities. The Warlocks of the outcast tribes had screamed their rage to the skies, that the warriors of the True Gods would deliver them, that they would come on wings of fire and bear the word of Chaos upon their very flesh.

Thus had the Ascendant Daemons, who had been Angels in the days long forgotten that lay before the Fall, now turned their dark attentions and rapt fury upon those citadels that protected the Faithless of this world, the faithless and accursed who accepted not the ways of the True Gods nor their servants. From amongst the thronging warriors of the Legion, and the welcoming arms of their debased plain-dwelling worshippers, came a figure quite unlike any other, an intimidating presence that was surely one of the Champions of Chaos.

His armour was the colour of faded blood upon the sea of night. Black, ridged and dotted with marks in scarlet. Words had etched themselves upon the plate, as though burnt into the fabric of the thing. These were the devotions of Chaos, marks and runes, sigils in nameless languages. He went without helmet, for his bare scalp was yet another mark of devotion, yet more words carved and etched into the stuff of his flesh, tattooed into his being. His eyes were cold blue, like glacial ice, harsh and unforgiving, set into his pale face, marked only by devotional piercings. They lined his eyebrows, rings and studs and spikes, his ears similarly adorned. Each was marked with a sigil of the ruinous powers, offering him yet more ferocity in strength and zeal. Upon his shoulders, braziers burned herbs and spices, smoke rising in slow tongues from the gently burning woods and oils. Parchment lined his armour, filled with the records of his deeds, of worlds brought to compliance, of rites of battle, meditations of war and rituals of the Gods, each adorned him and added to the might which he surrounded himself with. And rightly so.

For he was First Chaplain Ecanus, of the Ascendant Daemons. Bearer of the Word, and servant of the Voice of Chaos, The Master of the Faith, his esteemed Primarchial Majesty, Gabriel De Drakan. At the side of his beloved Father and Primarch, he had brought countless worlds beneath the Heel of the Imperium, educated them as to the nature and nuances of Chaos and set others who had no hope of submission to an abhorrent flame. Now, he came before the walls of the Enemy; for any heretic who dares to decry the true path is nothing but an Enemy or a Convert; and let his voice rise, as the wind rises before the storm.

“You cower before us in your cities! And rightly so! We are the chosen of Chaos, come to unite the stars under the eyes of the ever-present Gods! Every facet of Chaos walks with us in this sacred task, aiding us as rightly we should be! Perfecting us as no other being ever could! We have seen things that would lay low the minds of lesser men, we have commited acts that others would decry as atrocity! But our Gods vindicate us! They congratulate us on our devotion, and those acts that scream devotion!

I come here before you as Bearer of the Word of the most honoured Primarch. Throw down your weapons, open your hearts and your minds to the wonders of the warp and none amongst your number need die needlessly! None need suffer the predations of death again, for the Gods protect those who worship them, who fall before them and proclaim their allegiance in the name of the Unnameable! If you fall before me now, swear allegiance to Chaos and open yourselves to the word of the divine, then you need not suffer…”

He stood, watching the troops upon the high walls. Some seemed curious, shifting nervously as though their kinsmen’s eyes burned as fire. Others stood resolute in the defence of their honour and their souls.

Ecanus let a sigh slip from his pale lips, his tongue flickering over them in displeasure. “So, you have chosen the path of dissent and the marks of heresy that such defiance brings, have you?” A gesture brought his vox links online, his voice echoing to the ships high above. “I call a cleansing flame-“

“-A flame born of betrayal and nurtured by madness-“ A voice replied

”-A flame to sweep aside the unrighteous-“

“-And usher in the age of Chaos-“

”-So it is written-“

“-So the Primarch shall have it be-“

“-In the name of the Emperor, beloved above all, favored by the Gods-“

“-To strike in his name as rapturous thunder.”

And with that the signal went dead, all that remained was the low echo of the orbital bombardment as it readied to strike.

The walls vanished in a single motion of unknowable fire, a gleaming projectile hurtling through the carnage, the drop-pod slamming into the flaming ground, falling apart to reveal a figure of unknowably radiant unholy purity. The inscriptions upon his armour were glowing, blazing with the light of the warp. His long blonde hair fell about his head like woven gold, and he raised one hand. In it he grasped the long blade of a Pike, utterly ornamental to the extent that it resembled the Crozius which Ecanus himself bore. Here was his Master, here was the magnificent Gabriel. His Primarch.

The heretics upon the high walls no longer existed, smote to ashes by the magnificence of the Primarch and the might of the orbital volley, and so as one the tide of the faithful surged forth, towards the walls. Bolter fire roared forth, the prayers of Chaos upon the lips of every man. Each desired only death for their foe, and glorious victory as offering to their Chaotic masters.

Ecanus fought like a dervish, deserving of the title of a Daemon, slaying countless of their foes. He felt their armour fade in a flash as it touched the Crozius, a staff topped with a mace-like array of blades and fashioned as an Eight Pointed Star, symbol of Chaos undivided. He fed it well upon the blood of his foes as he fought towards the side of his Primarch, bowing his head in reverence even as he let the blood of his foe anoint and baptise him.

“My Lord”

”My favoured son!” His voice was as honey to the ears of his supplicant, even as it was menacing to his foes “You fight a fine war, Ecanus. I can think of none better that I have tutored in the arts of war”

“You flatter me Lord, with respect that is not mine” He ducked a blow, smashing the Crozius into his foes guts, twisting it, feeling the corrupt runes burn themselves onto exposed, gored flesh.

”And that is why I have come, to flatter you further.”

“My Lord?”

Gabriel seemed to pause, chuckling as he spun his pike into the throng, cleaving countless in half, he watched their blood spill in a crimson tide, forcing his own warriors through the throng. All resistance would soon crumble, and in the place of these false idols and pretentious achievements would arise new temples to Chaos, new devotionals to the Gods, to the Crusade. Each battle-brother who fell here would be remembered for all time, their names and visages carved into solid stone. That would be the fate of this world. It’s glorious fate.

“We have received beseechments from the wretched remnants of the Seaquestrian Dark Empire, requesting the presence of the Imperium. It would appear they wish to parley. Though they do not even address us directly, such is their impotence, such is their fear. They let rumors and malcontents spread word of their desires.” Gabriel bestrode the battle like a living god, claiming lives left and right. “I wish to send you.”

“Me? My Lord, I-“

”Will accept. I have no doubt. You are the one for this job, Ecanus. Neither myself, my brother Primarchs, nor the Emperor himself can spare the time to deal with them. So I shall send you.”

“You have my deepest thanks, my Lord. I shall not fail you.”

“I have only trust in you, my friend. You could never fail me. You will leave at once; as soon as the purging of this world is complete.”

A grin split Ecanus’ features as he grasped a heretic by the throat, squeezing the life from him, tossing aside the shattered, broken body

“I would have it no other way….”

Onwards they fought, slick with blood beneath the screaming skies, till all lay dead, till all who had opposed them had been smote in the name of the dark and terrible Gods. Each body was cleansed of its flesh. They would make banners of it, to adorn the monuments of the Gods, they would integrate the bones into the very fabric of thing. Gabriel had instructed that Ecanus be his instrument, and so he had departed by Thunderhawk at first opportunity. He revelled in the feeling, so high above the cold earth, rising like a phoenix. He would make his Master proud.

On board the Repulsive Class Grand Cruiser, Deliverance. Ecanus settled himself into his command chair, gesturing for the countless slaves and servitors to attend to the ships systems. A flare of warp energy crackled in the atmosphere of the world, and he smiled to see it. Vengeance and Deliverance had come on wings of fire, so was the will of the Primarch. “And now, let us go. Let us see what it is that these wretches wish. Let us see what awaits us. You have your coordinates, Navigator. Lets pay them a visit.” He smiled, revealing his teeth, sharp like needles.

The ship watched with a thousand sensor eyes as the fabric of reality split like over-ripened melon, sliding forth into the suppurating wound in the very stuff of existence. He gazed out at the limitless energy of the Immaterium and let his mind touch it, let himself commune with its might. He loved the periods of transit in the Warp, allowing him to commune more keenly with the Gods he worshipped. And now, sliding forth towards their destination, he yearned for it more than ever.

When the Imperium ship reverted back to Real Space, they would find a trio of Incursion class (http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b91/SeaQuest_Sim/Schematics/SeaQuestian%20Commonwealth/Ships/cruiser.jpg) destroyer cruisers escorting an Armageddon class battlecruiser. Also easily detected was the fact that a few planetary orbits out was a Class J planet with several moons, but two of note. The Class K and Class H moons each was home to a seperate sublight civilization, both apparently at war with each other for so long they never bothered to develop faster-than-light technology. How this would play into the situation, the Chronosians would only be able to guess at, for now.

Message

Transmitted to the Chronosian ship upon its arrival:

Nice to see that you were actually serious in regards to your desire to try again at diplomatic relations with us.

Our representative awaits your choosen delegate in the old mining facility on the world below. Co-ordinates to the hanger are attached.

OOC: The battlecruiser:
Pics:
Top/Dorsal View:
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b91/SeaQuest_Sim/Schematics/SeaQuestian%20Commonwealth/Ships/Btop.jpg
Side View:
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b91/SeaQuest_Sim/Schematics/SeaQuestian%20Commonwealth/Ships/Bsid.jpg
Front/Bow View:
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b91/SeaQuest_Sim/Schematics/SeaQuestian%20Commonwealth/Ships/Bfrnt.jpg
Dimensions:
Length: 420 meters
Beam: 360 meters
Draught: 78 meters
Crew:
Avg. Personnel: 40
Max. Personnel: 500

You ought to humble yourselves before us, Seaquestrians. Do not mistake our interest for beneficence, do not twist our pity into some form that serves your ends. We come by the will of the Master of the Faith, and his is not an attention that comes lightly. The whispered prattle of your desires for power were easy enough to discern, but you should offer us proper homage! We are your salvation, the saviours of the broken, fragmented darkness that even now moans and whimpers in the pestilent dark.

Are you frightened, little ones? Do you have fear of the coming tumult? How you have been laid low! We shall come before you, and you shall offer the emissaries of the Imperium the respect which they deserve. If you wish us to join you in your campaign, you must exalt us. You must learn our ways, or you shall be swept aside by the true powers of the Universe. Are we clear, little beings?

The debased Thunderhawk gunship tore from the docking bay like a child from the womb, chains clanking in the cold dark of the void. On board, Ecanus stood, his armour polished, each word upon its face gleaming in dark enlightenment. He was reminded again of the battle that he had left, so long ago it seemed…He wished for the scent of freshly spilled blood, for the hiss as the Crozius or the blade pierced flesh, the howl of bolter through armour. He remembered the beloved Primarch walking amongst the conquered, speaking of all that the Gods could offer them. All that they had lost by resistance, and all they could gain by submission. So many had fallen to their knees and begged for the Warp to cleanse them, to make them worthy of service.

It had been pleasing to watch yet another orb fall to Imperial compliance, another world culled into brutal submission.

Ecanus let his fingers drift along the rune-marked shaft of his crozius, teasing the bleeding sigils with the claws of his gauntleted hands. He dipped the head into a pool of blood, listening to the hiss of boiling fluid, before he moved the seething instrument to his back, thumbing the rune of Deactivation. He felt the shudder as the Thunderhawk touched down and stood, his bodyguards, Honour Guard of the Chapter, crowding around him.

As the hatch slid open, he strode forth, haloed by his Honour Guard, glancing around him at the world, taking in everything through the enhanced vision of his Astartes senses and the enhancements that the helmet brought him. He mentally invoked a command, his voice booming through the vox relays.

“We have come, Seaquestrians. Now is the hour of our agreement. Come forth, and supplicate.”

Phobos's representative had decided to ignore the blatent arrogance in the last message from the Chronosian vessel. For the time being, anything the Chronosians tried to do to provoke a hostile response wouldn't even be given a passing notice.

After the Thunderhawk touched down and its passengers disembarked, a trio of young women in artfully torn clothing (OOC: Meh, its actually a RL style around here) greeted them with curtsies and led the Ecanus out of the hanger and into the chamber that had originally been the main base of operations when the mine was active. Now, it had been remade into a place that had been artfully transformed with furnishings that accentuated the rough rock walls.

Hovering with his legs in the lotus position a half-meter over a raised flat mini-mesa, Chase Young (http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b91/SeaQuest_Sim/Schematics/SeaQuestian%20Commonwealth/Character%20Pics/Chase_Fire.jpg) was waiting for them.

"Welcome," he said, "You are the Chronisian Imperium delegate, I assume. Interesting that you brought guards along. Implies that you aren't secure enough with your abilities to face me on your own. As you can see, the only ones here beside me are the women, including the ones that escorted you from the hanger."

The tone Chase used was neutral. He was one obviously calling it as he saw it. As a side benefit, he would be able to more accurately get a feel for his Imperium opposite by his reaction.

"My name is Chase Young. You would be?

"Feel free to have a seat. If you would like something to eat or drink, don't hesitate to ask one of the young ladies around you."

He watched and waited to see how the Chronosian representative decided to react.

"I would watch your tongue, were I you, whelp." Ecanus narrowed his eyes behind his helmet, his voice booming through the armours vox-relays. "I have more confidence in my abilities than I do in the entirety of your wretched nation. If you knew anything of the Imperium, you would know that the servants of the Gods do not chance anything to fate. You are a notoriously deceptive and insidious people, one must always be ready. Any warriors worth his salt knows that.

I can thus assume that I speak to an ignorant fool rather far down the command chain, who knows little of those he has been sent to speak with, and likely even less about protocal." Ecanus reached up, removing his helmet, a flicker of warp energy crackling across the markings that adorned his scalp.

"You would insult the honour of the Imperium, of the Emperor and of the V Legion, simply by speaking such conceits. Look upon my visage, upon my armour, they bear the symbols of my rank and the achievements I have wrought. Even now, you draw me away from pressing matters in the Crusade. You ought to be ashamed, ought to humble yourself.

Sorry. Simply calling it as I see it." He grinned, a smile that seemed half-cut with venom.

"I am Ecanus, First Chaplain of the Ascendant Daemons, V Legion. I am Bearer of the Word, servant of the true Master of the Faith, Lord Gabriel and the true Emperor of Mankind, Remiel De Drakan. Those powers, and the magnificence of the Undivided Chaos, are the only powers worthy of my worship."

He glanced at the women, then back at Chase, smirking now, oozing a sense of mocking defiance. "Let's begin, shall we?"

Not rising to the bait, Chase smoothly slid to a standing position and stepped off the platform.

"Deception is as useful a weapon as brute force, Chaplain," replied Chase in the same tone as before, "the methods we each use by be different, but the desired results are compatible. The Imperium wishes to rule all humans in the universe, while the Dark Empire wishes simply to be able to spread the influence of the Shadow. We have no imperialistic desires for any territory in this galaxy.

"Now, as I said before, calling it as I saw it, if you had come alone, you would give off an air of confidence in yourself. Yet, you came with guards. Its not a matter of how you've handled yourself before you came, its a matter of your apparent lack of confidence in your ability to meet me one-on-one.

"However, knowing that there are probably Chronosian elements who don't want to see this parlay succeed, I can only assume that it is because of them that you are here instead of a trained diplomat.

"I may not be as high in the Dark Empire as Lord Cedric, but I am much more capable then he is at this kind of job."

With a wave of his hand, a chair moved out from the table near Ecanus and twisted.

"Do go ahead and have a seat," suggested Chase, "going by first impressions, we could be here for a while."

Ecanus let his hand slid to his wrist, tapping a series of buttons. In a flash, his Honour Guard had dissapeared, taken by the insidious warp teleporters back up to the vessel that waited high above. He scowled, then smirked wryly, eyes narrowed at Chase.

"You continue to insult my honour with your meagre words. You could call me coward? I come here with guards because it was suggested that you would attempt some ambush, some deception. Deception has its merits, but it is not my way. Leave such things to the sons of Radu or Hakar. The sons of Gabriel do not hide their hand, nor do they lessen the power of the Word by speaking it in hushed whispers.

You desire influence yet not territory, you believe your cause has a righteousness in it, a truth that surpasses all other truths-" He seats himself, watching Chaos with cold, malicious eyes. "This is a fools conceit. In the Emperor's golden vision, man will not be given the choice. Thus, I severely doubt that your philosophy would be allowed to take root. The Emperor, beloved by all, has seen the true path, and the blessed Primarch has gifted us with understanding. We have seen the Gods in our deeds and our actions, we have lain words low with their Words upon our lips.

What do you have that can compare? An arrogance that allows you to judge an Imperial Astartes, the Bearer of the Word, of being afraid to face you, simply because you style yourself as superior and surround yourself with fawning supplicants?"

"There are more realities than just this one," reminded Chase, "As for your fears of an ambush, that is an insult on not on the Dark Empire's and my own honor. We recieved word that your government wished to try again at relations between us, so you were invited here. If we had any desire to try to capture you, you wouldn't have been allowed to land.

"Now, as they say, knowledge is power. There is no doubt that the Imperium deserves its nickname of 'Oath Breaker', so you should know now that the Dark Empire will never trust the Imperium with enough information so that it could turn against us and use said information.

"This universe, and all others, require a certain balance. Without that balance, everything and everyone ceases to be. The Dark Empire preserves this balance in the realities, and its come to our attention you preserve part of the Balance in this reality.

"Light and dark, Ying and Yang, good and evil, chaos and order, left and right, yes and no, up and down. Those are only a few of the examples of aspects of the Balance."

OOC: I've got to get back to class, so this will be my last post for a few hours.

"There is only the Warp. No matter the number of realities, it is from the Warp that power flows, the rewards of the True Gods to their favored servants. We care not if you find your honour insulted, for your kind, and your less than admirable kin have pissed it away time and again. Betraying friend and ally, being cast out. And that is merely the side that claims to stand for the Light. What then should we believe of those who claim to be Darkness?"

He chuckled. "If you wished to capture me, you would likely have allowed us to land. Only a fool trusts taking the fight to an enemy vessel. Before you could claim any of my kin, the rites of self-destruction would have been invoked and the Machine God would have spoken in fire and blood, so the Tech-Adepts assure me."

He smirked as he continued, "You do not trust us? I should wonder if that is any surprise. We do not give our trust freely. There are very few who have gained our trusts, fewer still who stand as equals in our estimations. You as yet, have neither. Balance is a compromise. There can be no compromise in the quest for absolute victory.

Chaos shall burn this plane to cinders, long after mankind has rotted. Long after all the eldest races have faded away, Chaos shall still exist. If you desire the might of Darkness to usurp the Light, then you too cannot settle for a compromise. The Jedi would prattle of Balance, by obliterating the Darkness in favor of the light, tell me, is this Balance? Or is it simple desire for domination?"

"We are not here to debate ways of life, Chaplain," Chase said, "We are here to work on relations between the Dark Empire and the Imperium. For starters, a live and let live type agreement should do.

"As for Chaos and the Warp, all the Dark Empire wants is copies of as much data on both as the Imperium is willing to hand over. You can keep your territories. We have no interest in this area of space.

"The Balance I speak of is not the meager aspect the Jedi prattle on about. The Balance is what keeps all realities existing. The greatest aspect of the Balance is that between the forces of Everything and Nothing.

"Do remember, the quicker we finish here, the faster you can get back to doing what you would rather be doing."

"The Cosmic Balance can easily be overturned by the glory of Chaos. It is simply a matter of being determined enough to press on, to make our own fates. Lord Tzeentch has forseen the day when the glories of the warp undo the Materium, and we invoke a paradise of unknowable indulgence." Ecanus smirked. "But you wish to learn of the Warp...I am sure we could provide you with some information pertaining to both Chaos and the Warp."

He leant forward, regarding Chase coldly as he once again began to speak, "You shall be enlightened, as all others shall be enlightened, your eyes shall be opened to the greater glory of Chaos, and the True Gods who surpass all others in their might and beneficence. Though I trust you shall approach these things with an open mind, for the Gods are not as forgiving of failed supplication as we are. And were this not a diplomatic endeavor, I would have been far more...Displeased at your lack of Faith"

"Faith can be expressed many ways," replied Chase, "The Dark Empire's works may not be immediately apparent, but they do exist. As an empire, we may not have been around as long as your Imperium, but some of us are from before the formation of the Dark Empire.

"Speaking of faith, as I understand it, the Imperium despises the Sith, yet, as past information indicates, you have allied yourselves with a nation led by Sith. Quite the paradoxical contradiction.

"As for the Cosmic Balance, unless I'm misunderstanding you on this, is the aspect of the Balance in a single reality. It matters not if a few universes fall to Order, Chaos, Darkness, or Light, as long as the overall balance of all universes is maintained. One dark for every light, one chaos for every order, and so on."

"Yet still you grasp so little of the universe. The Emperor has brought us far, further even than the first Emperor brought us, for though Marcus De Drakan brought us to the stars, it is only by the will of Remiel that we shall rightly conquer them. Without territory, the spread of faith cannot be supported. Without the glorious armies of the Imperium to bring the word forth, it would surely sputter and die."

Ecanus smiled at the second statement. "Though the Imperium has had a rather...Complex relationship with the Sith, we do not despise them. They are misguided in many ways, but share much in common with us. Only by their alliance will they one day be enlightened. On that day, our fleets shall bring forth the word, and gather up yet more of those who have accepted the Word. Our zealot armies shall swell, and we shall further the aims of the Crusade.

Lord Remiel has taught us that the Sith have much promise, and are but a step away from the undiluted glory of Chaos. It is merely a matter of opening the eyes of the faithless, that they might become faithful.

The Balance exists to attempt to ensure that no power holds full sway. Planes loyal to Chaos might nurture some infestation of Law, but ultimately, we can be victorious. The Gods do not stand idle and accept Balance as the status quo, instead they actively seek to overthrow it. The Emperor, beloved by all, is the instrument of Chaos, the Scion of its will. By his might shall all balance be undone, and Chaos eternal reign supreme. This is the way of Chaos, this is the word of Remiel inscribed within the Liber Maledictus."

"Without the Balance," Chase replied, "There can be no Chaos. I speak not of the short term balance of order and chaos you know of, but one that keeps all the realities from simply ceasing to exist. Unbalance the scale, and everything will cease to be. No Chaos, no order, no anything. It will all have to start once more with a new prime reality. Thus, if one reality slips one way, we cause another to slip the opposite way to counter-balance the scale.

"As for territory, I'll say it once more. The Dark Empire is not imperialistic in nature. We not no space in this region or anywhere else. We expand when we need to, but not because we want to. The few systems and areas of empty space we have total or shared control over are enough to suit our current needs.

"Now, I'm not proposing we start with a full blown mutual defence pact. I'm suggesting that the Imperium and the Dark Empire would currently best be suited if we started with a simple 'live and let live' arrangement. In other words, we leave you alone to do your thing and you leave us alone to do ours. We can work up from there to include things like trade arrangements, technology exchanges, and eventually work up to the aforementioned mutual defence pact in the end."

"You are a fool. Undo Balance and there can only be absolutes. If that means all realities being torn asunder, then it is a fine goal to seek. The Gods reward those who serve them, and we shall be as Gods. Kings and Overlords of a new era. You could not possibly fathom the Masters we serve, nor the goals we seek. You belittle them by attempting to comprehend them, by putting words to schemes that are known only to the Emperor." Ecanus let a cold smile gleam in the light.

"You will achieve nothing with measly spartan systems backed into a corner. Power and influence require land and resources with which to further them. Failing to embrace Imperialism, simply shows that you are too weak to pursue and hold territory. Too broken to advance yourself.

If you simply wish to be left alone, then tell me, what am I doing here? There must be more that you wish to propose, more that you wish to glean from us? You will speak, Emissary. You will not hold secrets before my gaze. You will tell us why we are here, or our business here is done."

"Like I said, the 'live and let live', or you could call it a non-agression pact, is only the beginning," Chase said, "Its better to start with something simple and work our way up to the point where the Dark Empire and the Imperium can interact together without hostilities of any sort.

"This meeting is only a potential forerunner to future interactions between us. It is by the results of this meeting that any potential for future interaction will be judged.

"Eventually, a Dark Empire station will be placed near or inside Imperium borders so you don't have to go far to contact us.

"As for your Emperor's plans, the Dark Empire could care less. We have our way to power, you have yours. As I have said, we are not here to debate the finer points of our distinct ways of life."

"We need not debate it any longer. Your heretical beliefs and inferior method of operation have been duly noted. However, you shall not be permitted within our borders. By all means set up one of your stations nearby, but I doubt the Emperor would appreciate your presence within Imperial space. There is much interaction between our space and the Immaterium, we would simply hate for some dread tragedy to befall you."

Cold laughter cuts like a knife, yet he keeps an entirely straight face.

"Simplicity belies a lack of initiative, a tentative fear. Had we our way, you would be clad in pacts of iron that you would never turn your attentions or machinations upon us, lest the might and wrath of the Imperium fall upon your havens of the unworthy.

You need but open your minds to the truth of the Word that the Warp shall bring you to succour and salvation."

"Like I said, it doesn't have to be inside Imperium space, just close enough you don't have to traverse the universe if you want to contact us," replied Chase, "and what you call fear, we call caution. Your Imperium, if I recall correctly, has a population of at least five billion. The Dark Empire doesn't have that many people. Overexpansion would be suicide.

"Now," he indicated a blank piece of parchment on the table, "do we continue to pointlessly banter, or do we get on with the business at hand?"

"Closer to eight billion now. We expand well, the Imperium casts its baleful light across the universe, assimilating those worthy of joining our ranks and spreading the word of the Gods. It is a good time to serve the Black Throne." He smirks, bowing his head at the very mention of the divine edifice of the Emperor.

"Yes, lets continue. I suppose you require some sort of assurance that we'll allow you to 'live and let live'"

"I do believe that is the point of a non-agression pact," replied Chase, "though, the name the Imperium has earned of 'Oath Breaker' does tend to cast some doubt on how long you will honor the results of these proceedings.

"Know this now, the Dark Empire is in now way in any sort of direct competition with the Imperium for territory, resources, or anything else in your sphere of influence. You can continue your expansionist policies, we'll continue our policy of consolidating what we have before we add any more.

"Though, if you still insist on giving us some form of reassurance, state your suggestions."

"Oathbreaker, Kinslayers, slaves to Daemons, war and bloodshed. What else have you heard of us, little man? That we eat babies for breakfast and shit pure evil? That we command the tides and the storms and the unclean things of the Universe? You ought to put less stock in rumors. For those who pledge themselves to the Darkness, you seem almost loathe to trust your own.

Believe it or not, beneath all your pretention, you are nothing but meat for the Gods. You spread falsehoods and assure yourself of your own power, but we know you. We see the weakness that requires you to prostrate yourselves before the great powers of Darkness, begging them, begging us not to shatter you into nothingness."

Ecanus leant forward, his voice a soft whisper of dire intents, "You fear us so much that you would cover your own vulnerabilities with words and pacts, ultimately meaning nothing once you realise the truth. You are either with us, or against us."

"Trust is a precious commodity in this day in age, Chaplain," replied Chase, "as such, it must be earned and can't just be given out without concern for the consequences."

Chase moved to the table and pulled a small vial filled with a purple powder from a previously concealed drawer.

Tossing it to Ecanus, he said, "That's enough for one strong adult Terran variety human to take and still live. I don't know if you personally into that kind of thing, but you put the unit to your nose and activate it. Careful, its a highly addictive euphoriant and quite powerful. Your muscles will lock up until the jolt's effects are over and be a bit on the weak once they are. At the optimal dosage, the length the lack of general mobility lasts varies according to will power.

"I may not know if you are or aren't personally into such things, but I know others in the Imperium are. As incentive for you to keep your end of the bargin, we are willing to provide as many jolts of that as you need. Also, if you see fit to provide us with as detailed as possible data on Chronosian physiology, we can adjust the dose for the average Imperium member."

"Slaanesh teaches us that all pleasure must be savored and enjoyed." Ecanus let a grim smile float to the surface, bubbling up through the savage exterior "I find it better to keep a clear mind in the face of the Enemy, rather than to dull my senses with trickeries and deceptions." He slid the vial into a bag made of flesh at his waist, hanging beside the gilded orb of a skull.

"Regardless, I shall have it offered for scrutiny by the Magos Biologis of the Adeptus Mechanicus, before having it offered for the indulgence of the I Legion. Our allegience is far too ponderous than to be bought with drugs, though. Surely you have more to offer us than this? Than some cheap narcotic swill. If you wish to learn from us, I am certain there are methods by which we can better fascilitate your understanding.

You pry and you scratch for information, when a far more satisfying alternative would for you to simply ask, and be enlightened."

Chase raised his left eyebrow.

"Cheap narcotic swill?" Chase said with a slight trace of amusement, probably the first sign of emotion he had shown thus far, "If you think that's what it is, then you've obviously never felt or seen the experience. I, myself, have not used it, but I have seen what it does to the human body.

"Though, if you really want to test our resolve towards a NAP out of this parley, then try that jolt yourself. You would be putting your faith in that you'll be unharmed while you are incapacitated by the effects.

"However, if you, one who was preaching about trust, don't want to get started on both sides earning that of the other, then do with it as you will."

Chase then waited to see if the Chronosian truely believed what he had been spouting about trust earlier or not.

OOC: Basically, it causes the brain's pleasure center(s) to fire so much, the subject can't interact with the external world during the 'experience'. Though, as with any drug, an OD is lethal. That one vial Ecanus has been given is enough for one jolt, but a second too soon will kill. Though, the death will be a pleasant with the subject going out with a smile on his/her face.

"Evidently in your rush to prove me a hypocrite over trust, you failed to open your ears and listen. I do not debase myself with indulgences more fitting for a Noise Marine. I accept your gift, but by no means will I partake of it. It is not in my nature, and you seem to tar us with the same brush. Ignorant of the intricacies of Faith, and the varying ways in which we worship our Gods.

You hear a rumor spoken of a Chronosian and assume it to be true of all. You would confuse me and my status and my power with the Slaaneshi who render down entire worlds to forge newer and greater drugs, more sensation in all their endeavors than you could provide me in one vial, that you offer as a tawdry gift. Hardly an offering worthy of an alliance, nor a sacred sacrifice worthy of supplication."

Ecanus scowled as he watched the Seaquestrian. "If you knew anything of the Astartes, you would also know that my biochemistry limits the effects of most drugs, toxins and poisons, not to mention the fact that we never let our guard down. To suggest I willingly incapacitate myself before you, is an insult to my honour"

"Then so be it," replied Chase, "the material is secure in that its almost one-hundred percent impossible to reproduce artificially, so our status as supplier of it to those of the Imperium who do, recall I never said if you did or didn't yourself, partake in such things is secure.

"How you could take what I said about not knowing if you personally was one into that kind of thing into something like you did, I don't know. I do know, however, that it is quite strong. Strong enough to affect modified individuals like you, I don't know.

"As for the suggestion of you trying it yourself now, well, you speak of trust, yet you neglected to mention the fact its a two-way street. One side alone can't trust the other and not recieve the same curtesy from the other and expect to last. People would take far to much advantage of that.

"If you are so eager for a fight, do recall we aren't alone in this system. There was a reason this meeting is taking place here and not elsewhere.

"Now, we've covered the Sith, but not other Chaos nations. Tell me, why, in your honest opinion, the Dark Empire should pursue relations with Chronosia and not one of them instead?"

"There are other nations who wield the power of Chaos, but none to such a degree as the Imperium. We possess the military might to enforce our claims, and hold the blessings of each of the Gods of Chaos. I myself am a servant of Chaos Undivided, a supplicant before a great many Gods, each a power within the Warp. Khorne, Slaanesh, Nurgle, Tzeentch. These are the Great Chaos Gods! The names I venerate and worship. The Emperor himself holds the ear of all, for he is the Scion of Chaos, the marked of Chaos Ascendant."

Ecanus bowed his head in solemn reverence, as though the Emperor could hear his words.

"There are no Chaos powers greater than the Imperium, none more zealous, none more faithful. We can teach you much and take you far. If you suggest that we cleanse this system, I would be happy to demonstrate for you the skill and might of Imperial Astartes."

"The natives of this system are at their equivilant of their Information Age," said Chase, "In space, destroying them would be no fun. We've been here since before they started fighting and have taken measures to draw it out. The more that die, the more souls we get.

"If you really wish some fun, I suggest some melee combat on the surface of one of those moons. Keeps things interesting and allows the fun to last longer. Don't you agree?"

Ecanus sighed and rolled his eyes "I am more than aware of the joy of melee, that is why I suggested you watch the might of the Astartes and not the hammer of the Imperial Navy. Honestly, how can you expect to win hearts and minds and bolster your support, when you don't even listen?

There is no excuse, little one, for ignorance. As to souls....Well, the Faithful are here now. We shall condemn their souls to where they belong- The Warp. Not some hell of your making."

"Then proove it," Chase said.

With a snap of his fingers, he opened a Fold to a spot on the Class H moon near where a rather nasty ground battle had started.

"Step through and lets see how things play out," he continued, "if nothing better, it will give you time to consider the starter NAP proposal."

If Ecanus choose to step through, he would find himself on the lip of a metorite crater overlooking as the humanoid natives of the desert moon battled their icy brethren from the ice moon that had managed to reach the surface. Depending if the Chronosian went through or not, Chase would either join him in the resulting melee or continue to verbally spar with him trying to figure out why the man was delaying in taking care of the NAP between the Imperium and the Dark Empire.

Ecanus stepped through the fold and found himself upon the cold earth, gazing down at the fighting primitives. He let a smile cross his face, breathing deeply of the air, before crouching, watching them in the throngs of visceral combat. He grinned, his fanged maw gleaming as he turned to Chase.

"This is it...This is what I live for." He rose, towering over the lip of the crater, before pushing forward, sliding down the edge with well practiced ease even as his bolter began to buck and hiss as he fired.

"For the Dark Gods!" He bellowed, Crozius seething in one hand, alive with energy, as he continued to fire his bolter one handed. "FOR CHAOS!"

Chase stepped through the Fold in time to see Ecanus's wild charge.

"Not exactly melee," he said aloud to no one in particular, "but he can only carry so much ammo."

With that, he closed the Fold and pulled the robe he had been wearing over his armor off and tossed it aside. Taking a flying leap, he landed next to Ecanus and used gravity to continue sliding down. With his bone blades extended for combat, he turned so air resistance was decreased and he slid down towards the fight faster. Pulling a Force Lance from its holster, he flipped and landed in the middle of the fight with the F-Lance extending to its full two meter length in mid-air and his hair flapping in the wind.

"Time to show me what you've got," he called to Ecanus over the din as he grabbed one of the desert moon's natives from behind and twisted, snapping the Vulcan's neck.

OOC: Chrono, here's the deal. We each get to RP our character fighting and killing the natives. Depending on how we work things out (via TG or IM) it can either be enough until they decide to return to the original location leaving the survivors or just enough for both Chase and Ecanus to slaughter them all before leaving. Your choice on that.
Oh, and the desert moon natives are Vulcans. The ice moon natives are Andorians. I decided to use canon species with known strengths and weaknesses for this little thing (plus the fact that they hated each other in canon also helps).

Ecanus holstered his bolter now that he had their attention, spinning the crackling crozius into the midst of the enemy. He felt it strike flesh, hot and alive with blood. He felt it splash upon him in a crimson wave as it tore through him. Single-handed he reached out, twisting a lone foes neck with such force that the head nearly came off. He snarled, bellowing his black anger as he spun the bladed top of the defiled Crozius.

"I am the Emperor's hammer!" He roared "I am the judgement of the Gods against the unworthy!" The etchings upon his armour were alight, burning like fire. He offered up an aura of dark faith and unknowable power, power drawn from the foulness of the Warp, enhanced by his Faith.

"For I come before the unclean, and I smite them with the word and the fire. I purify with steel and flame, with bolter and Crozius. I am the symbol of his unknowable will and the wrath of Chronosia!"

"Wastes energy yelling that could be used in more productive venues," Chase thought as he sent an Andorian flying with a kick to the gut while he watched Ecanus.

Chase then twirled, using his bone blades to slice open the neck of a near-by Vulcan. Chase never stayed in one place for longer than was needed and was constantly moving. An exercise such as this created certain bonds, and was an effective stress reliever. Appearing as pointless to the uniformed outsider, it had many purposes. The cloaked Soul Hunter ship in orbit was only part of one of the purposes.

Ecanus thought that bone blades were pointless distractions that would in turn distract the real chase, the poor over-eager bastard, the weapons of a little bitch compared to the mad swipes of Ecanus' crozius. Like a whirling dervish, Ecanus spun about, slamming the crackling edge of his crozius into flesh, feeling the raw impact into flesh, savoring every momemt.

Ecanus chuckled at at the notion of every pathetic little amateur realising that every scene was being recorded. And every little movement was being recorded for the glory of the Legion, every movement was being recorded.x

OOC: Actually, Chase prefers hand-to-hand combat. TBH, he's one of the Dark Empire's best martial artists. After around 1,500 years of practice, he very well should be at that.

IC: Chase knew the collected souls released by Ecanuis and himself would find use where they were needed by the Dark Empire. There was no obligation to inform Ecanuis of that aspect of why they were there. Flipping to avoid a pulse from a plasma rifle, he noted the Vulcans setting up a rather large Laser and aiming it at the Chronosian. Chase decided to hold his tounge and see how Ecanuis would react.

In the meantime, he bent the Andorian that had shot at him backwards until the back of his head touched his heels, snapping the blue-skinned being's spine, killing him.

He spun about, driving the weapon into another Vulcan, letting his blood spill in a scarlet wave. A grin, feral and maddening crossed his face, as he moved again, before the blast nearly clipped him. It tore through the edge of his armor, searing his side. He grunted, snarling as Larriman cells began to seal the wound. He roared in hissed anger.

Diving to one side, he began to make his way towards the beam, cleaving a path through the enemy. They would pay with their lives for this deceit, and every foe he slew was but an offering to the Blood God. Each drop of life nourished his worship, renewed their unholy covenant. The Blood God would be fed...By Chaos, he would feast.

OOC: Actually, as Vulcan blood is supposed to be copper based, its green in color.
As for the turret, I just set it up. Feel free to RP it doing what you wish. Until the fun is over, I'll set similar stuff up for you to knock down.

IC: As he ripped the lower jaw off of a Vulcan, Chase watched the Chronosian head for the turret.

"Now this should be interesting," he thought.

Bodies were thrown in his path, shields against the beam should it fire again, he held one by the throat, before hurling him into the crowd. He ducked another blast, screaming unholy declarations through his vox, bellowing in black, corrupt worship, He snarled dropping low, bringing his crozius, its edge gleaming with green blood and alive with crackling energy, boiling away the fluid even as it drew nearer, bringing the seething weapon through the turret. The explosion ripped through the Vulcans as he reared up through the flames like a vengeful God.

"Come, whelps...I am doom come to cleanse you in the name of Chaos! I am the hand of Khorne, the fist of his black rage! You shall before me as wheat before the scythe, for I am the reaper! I am Death, little fools....And I shall claim you all"

"Relies on brute force mainly," noted Chase as he watched the Chronosian, "Lacks style, grace, and finesse. Almost like a Kludge uneducated in the art of melee."

As he watched, and thought, Chase continued to strike down several more Vulcans and Andorians. Every move he made wasted nothing. No waste of energy or wasteful motions could be noted in his actions. Graceful enough, even, to be almost mistaken for a dance by those with untrained eyes.

The Seaquestrian might dismiss his power as blind and untamed, as wasteful, but Ecanus knew that every movement he executed brought greater glory to the Gods. He could be slow and languid, taking his time to torture with precise strokes these foolish xeno scum, but right now his humors burned out of sync, and he raged in a maddening choler that owed itself entirely to Khorne.

Khorne was not the artists stroke of a slim blade, extending pain, no, it was the smashing edge of axe and hammer, the swift and bloody death, each an offering before the Skull Throne. In the end, such devotion could only be rewarded with grander and grander victory. Let the heretical filth judge him, for he stood before the eyes of the Gods alone, and they found him worthy, more worthy than they would judge, at this precise moment, the entire wretched Seaquestrian race.

For faith is rewarded far more than foolish defiance.

OOC: Lets say that there are 500 Vulcans and 486 Andorians left. Should give us time to give our characters a little combat banter before returing to the original location to either sign the NAP or part company.
I'll tally the remaining 'natives' every so often.
TBH, this is getting kind of tedious. I'm running out of ways to kill people.

IC: Chase jammed the bone blades on his left forearm into the crotch of a charging Vulcan and twisted, flipping the green blooded humanoid over his head.

Ecanus smirked, a sense of baleful amusement etched on his features as he fought back towards the rampaging Chase. He watched the technique, the grace, the almost feminine gesticulation as he castrated the Vulcan, smiling at the agony. Here was one in the grasp of the Dark Prince, another preening supplicant to Slaanesh, unknowing, unfathoming of the Master of Sensations hold over him.

He thought his graceful artistry was the superior killing technique, so convinced of his slow-burning superiority, as though his more measured craft were in some way superior to bloodlust in the name of Khorne! Such things only added to the schizm between those Gods, and infuriated Ecanus, a devoted disciple of Chaos Undivided. He paid homage to all the lords of Chaos, understanding how the fool aiding Chaos even without knowing it.

How all things were slaves to their very nature, and thus to the Gods of Chaos.

"You fight well" He hissed. "But such skill is but a facet of the greater gamut of techniques that could be utilised" He let his hand close around a skull, crushing with killing force, letting blood run from ruptured eyes down his armored palm.

"Just as you behold but one face of my own art."

"As do you," replied Chase as ripped an Andorian's scalp off by the antenae, "we each have our own style that suits us best. There is much we can learn from each other. The furocity(sp?) of a Chronisan suits you quite effectively."

OOC: Really, I am truely running out of ways to deal death that haven't been already used by either of us in this thread.

"The ferocity of Khorne surges within me. To him, I am a fraction of his will, his fury. Each skull I take." He punctuated his speech brutally by impaling an Andorian with the hissing head of his Crozius, before tearing it free, ripping off the xenos head as it fell.

"Each drop of blood I shed, it all feeds his glory." He sighed in almost erotic contemplation. "And each time I pause in the killing, each time I take a life in languid pleasure...I offer it to the Dark Prince, to Slaanesh." He watched the enemy, many were in flight, others still vainly thought to challenge them

"Eventually, these corpses will rot and fester, consecrating this place to the unclean one, to Nurgle...Great Father Nurgle." He prodded a body with his crozius. "In the end, they each fulfill their fate, the fates set down long ago by Tzeentch, each random occurance bringing about these moments, bringing about the eventuality of demise."

Each name brought a seething madness across his inscribed armour, each word of sensual devotion brought a ripple of power through the masterfully crafted instruments of his devotion and war.

"You have much to learn of the ways of Chaos...And there is much that it can teach you. You merely have to be willing to embrace them, to say their names, to feel their power."

"True randomness is an illusion in my experience," grunted Chase as he dislocated the right shoulder of a Vulcan and broke the being's jaw at the same time, "if the universe operated on pure randomness, then things would be far different than they are."

"You misunderstand." Ecanus hissed "There are no random occurences, merely those events which shape the destiny of the Universe, laid down by Tzeentch himself as the prelude for the inevitable end. Each pawn upon the board moves as the Lord of Fate dictates, the Master of Change, the Architect of all that is. Glorious Tzeentch guides the fate of all, the destiny of Universe."

He chuckled softly.

"As I have said, you have much, much to learn of the ways of Chaos"

"We may just yet walk the same path," replied Chase as he reversed the waist of the Vulcan he had wounded previously, "who cares if the names are different, as long as the principle behind them remains the same."

"What matters is that you know, fear and respect the power that we serve and what we stand for." Ecanus intoned each word with solemn menace. "You know so little of us; rumor and stereotypical misconception. It leaves you weak, foolish, possessed of false knowledge and flawed intents.

You posture and you offer poor affectations of powers you cannot comprehend. You underestimate us, and consider yourselves superior..." He sneered. "And the Emperor, beloved by all, simply will not stand for such."

"It is obvious you respect ones with authority," Chase replied as he introduced two Andorians together the hard way with enough force to fuse their skulls together, "still, abdicating from the position of absolute power over the alliance known as the Galactic Empire is a baffling move. Conflicts with things you have said here today and all data previously collected on the Imperium. Nothing jives, as they say, with a Chronosian stepping down from such a position. A position now currently held by a Sith, a group you have told me aren't as powerful as Chronosians. Any idea why this is so?"

"Because the Empire is nothing. When we left, it was a nest of gibbering children, unwilling to grasp true power. Thus we took what we needed and left them to rot. That was when Palpatine returned from the great dark beyond, to once again cling to power.

Distant power in an entire other galaxy is not something we require. We have all the power we need in the Milky Way, continually growing and renewing our territory, far from the influence of the Sith. You now look upon the supreme military commanders of the Empire. Is that better than being forced to cowtow to the political whims of the countless fawning fools that comprised the old Empire? I think so."

Ecanus smirked coldly.

"What you must realise is that our actions do not have to make sense to an inferior culture such as your own. What matters is that the goals of the Imperium are met, and the will of the Emperor followed. We abide by his word, and he brings to us supreme triumph. Under him, the Second Age of the Imperium has proved most productive..."

"Ahh," replied Chase, letting the slight insult roll right off, as he pulled an Andorian's arm off and began beating him to death with it, "still, you do have to admit the position of control over the Galactic Empire provided the Imperium with the resources to do pretty much whatever."

"Hardly" Ecanus took his visceral rage out upon a Vulcan, tearing the flesh from the aliens face, splattering his armor with green blood, forcing his gauntlet into the violated flesh, twisting, letting clawed fingertips rend eyes and flesh.

"The Empire provided some power, but ultimately a futile power. Our efforts have always resided in the Milky Way, and being forced to deal with the squabbles of another galaxy was a taxing premise. We could accomplish more alone, or in our current position as Warmaster, divorced from all notions of paltry political power.

Leave that to the Sith and their gesturing, we shall instead stand as a bastion of solid might. What we gained from leaving was far more than we would ever have gained from remaining. And what of the Dark Empire? What do you accomplish besides trying to forge an alliance in the name of such a jaded conceit as 'darkness', seeking out those leaders with both power and experience beyond you.

What do you accomplish at all? For while you can roll off our past like common knowledge, I can say that I've heard nothing of your accomplishments.

Ever."

"That is how we operate," replied Chase as he rammed the bloody stump of the removed limb up its owners 'back-door', "we don't brag about what we accomplish. We operate on the long term.

"By now, I'm sure you heard of the Civil War in the nation known as Bekhaera. We didn't take an active role either with or against the Sith in that conflict, but we were there. Its probably not common knowledge and would require a little digging, but they never did find the leader of that Sith rebellion. Our plans may not have immediately apparent results, but they suit us just fine.

"Still, that doesn't mean you should take us as a group that can't operate on the spur of the moment. It all depends on the situation.

"We are of 'darkness' not in the sense we propagate that which is evil, but in the more elemental sense."

"And you would assume that we stand for vain notions of conjectural evil?" Ecanus chuckled. "You operate as snakes and vipers. We act as warriors and manipulators. Often our actions are overt to hide our more veiled intents, but each serves a purpose. To label and lambast us as evil is to misunderstand utterly what we stand for

Then again, I would not expect true understanding from a race such as yourselves, so unaware of the Universe yawning about you, of all that which is known, unknown and intangible. To taste the raw power of the Gods, and the blessings they lay upon us. Chaos may, in time, have plans for you...Yet it is not by being neither here nor there in the midst of a civil war of fools, that one draws the attention of the Ruinous Powers.

One must embrace utterly their hidden face, their secret soul, and pledge themselves utterly to the Cause. We can open your eyes, little one, or we can make it so that you cannot ever close them. Threre is, of course, a subtle difference" A cold grin, hissing with malice.

"What matters is what you desire, at this very moment? The Non-aggression pact you claim not yet to want? An alliance you say you wish to mull over? Indecision is weakness, and weakness is death. If the galaxy teaches you nothing, it will teach you this and the lesson shall be hard and bloody."

"It is not what we do that causes others to define us as good or evil," responded Chase, "the true measure of that is why we do what we do."

OOC: Short, sweet, but to the point.

"But the mere mortal cattle are far too eager to identify things in terms they can understand. Right, wrong. Good, evil. They are ignorant of the greater truths behind existance, the greater meaning. Chaos is without evil, without good. For to damn Chaos, is to damn everything that makes them what they are, to destroy it as futile a quest as to destroy ones shadow.

Chaos shall endure long after those who slung such epitaphs as good and evil have long turned to dust...They shall not know the final game, long ago laid down. What we do causes others to judge us by our actions, regardless of the actions behind them...Only the illuminated can truly appreciate actions without bias, only those who can truly see can view the world without context, without mere semantics and opinions so easily cast aside."

The hulking form of the Chaplain seemed to quake for a moment in terrible laughter, rearing up to his full height.

"So you are wrong. We are most certainly judged on our actions. Were you not just judging us on our handling of power within the accursed Old Empire?"

"But the mere mortal cattle are far too eager to identify things in terms they can understand. Right, wrong. Good, evil. They are ignorant of the greater truths behind existance, the greater meaning. Chaos is without evil, without good. For to damn Chaos, is to damn everything that makes them what they are, to destroy it as futile a quest as to destroy ones shadow.

Chaos shall endure long after those who slung such epitaphs as good and evil have long turned to dust...They shall not know the final game, long ago laid down. What we do causes others to judge us by our actions, regardless of the actions behind them...Only the illuminated can trukly appreciate actions without bias, only those who can truly see can view the world without context, without mere semantics and opinions so easily cast aside."

The hulking form of the Chaplain seemed to quake for a moment in terrible laughter, rearing up to his full height.

"So you are wrong. We are most certainly judged on our actions. Were you not just judging us on our handling of power within the accursed Old Empire?"

OOC: 'Trukly'? Lol, I know what you meant, but that's the first time I can recall ever seeing you make a typo.

IC: "Who truely cares what others think of us," said Chase as he began clubbing a Vulcan with the Andorian he had ripped the arm off of and shoved where the sun don't shine, "as long as we know the truth, does what the uniformed think really matter at all in the long run?

"As for my question about the past relations between the Imperium and the Galactic Empire alliance was just that, a question. I wasn't judging you or the Imperium. Only extrapolating on what you had already said in conjunction with what was, Chaplain."

"Then perhaps you should better word your inquiries. I would hate to see your over-eager tongue sour relations between us." A crackle of warpflame seemed to seethe within his eyes. "What matters now, is what you truly want, a question you have consistantly avoided thus far. I ask you again; what is it now that you want? You haven't just brought me to watch you sodomise xeno filth with their own extremities, have you?

What can we gain from each other? What are you willing to learn? What are you willing to give? What do you wish from this meeting? Will you prostitute the ideals of Phobos to us once again, and beg us to ally with you, lest your brighter half come to cleanse you from this plane? What do you hope to gain? I'd much rather you plainly displayed your terms, rather than prattle on about what you don't want, and then insult us with your ignorance."

"You have heard of the Black Library, I assume," Chase said, "A place where one race collected its biased knowledge of the time. One, I'm sure, in which the world of Chaos is not viewed favorably.

"All the Dark Empire wants is information on Chaos, the Warp, and anything else you are willing to provide. It is obvious you have no desire for our technology, so we won't even bother offering it. We seek neither subserviance nor power over the Imperium.

"What would a true archive be without words on Chaos written by those you know it best, Chronosians.

"You've already mentioned that you don't view it as safe for the Dark Empire to establish what amounts to a representative base inside Imperium space. Still, there needs to be a way for both our respective governments to have an easier time contacting each other.

"We want no part in your wars, but we will fight if it is unavoidable. Your Sith friends currently leading the Galactic Empire alliance are more likely than you to do such a thing. As they say, never turn your back on a Sith unless you want a blade in it. I know that's untrue about the Imperium. You wouldn't care if I turned my back or not.

"Mercy, compassion, those are for the weak at heart. Unlike the Imperial Commonwealth, the Dark Empire doesn't go out of its way to try to spare enemy non-combatants, be they civilian or otherwise. An enemy is an enemy.

"However, like the Imperial Commonwealth, the Dark Empire knows the value of honor and the code of the warrior. Only our version is more realistic than theirs."

"As I have said, one must embrace Chaos if he is to learn of it, one must open his heart to the Immaterium, for this knowledge is not simply knowledge. One cannot tame Chaos and remain in blissfully ignorant heresy, one must submit to it, allow its power to fuel and fill you. You must submit to your most basic instincts and lusts, and allow Chaos to guide your hand.

Without devotion, all we could teach you would be for naught, all you might learn would amount to nothing, merely our illuminating knowledge, eating away at unprepared and unworthy minds, and while that would certainly be amusing, I doubt you would wish it to be so."

He chuckled lightly.

"As for the Black Library, it is simply ancient whisperings of powers that the hated Eldar would fear rather than utterly embrace. Fools who would not grasp the glory of Chaos, and were instead destroyed by it. An abject lesson in underestimating the power of the Empyrean, that I'm sure your heretical selves shall not be fool enough to repeat."

"The Dark Empire understands the dangers posed by the Warp," Chase replied giving a Vulcan a wedgie and then using him as a club, "as for the Imperium instructing members of the Dark Empire in the ways of Chaos, we shall see. If the Fates demand the loss of life in the process, then so be it. Though, if the ways of Chaos require one runs head-long into a fight without proper preperation, like I hear Chaos Acolytes do, then you will probably find few converts.

"Thus, if you do not wish to participate in the greatest gathering of knowledge in recorded history, then so be it.

"Total fanaticisim to a cause has its pros, but it also has its cons. The Imperium is feared by many out there, that is true. However, there are still those that pose a threat to the Imperium. A threat which would be quite lower if you weren't so fanatical against non-Chronosian technologies."

OOC: Lol, yep, I've pretty much reached the bottom of the barrel for ways to cause the 'locals' bodily harm.

"There are threats to any power in the Universe. We are not invulnerable, though if our enemies chose to think of us as such this only aids our cause. There have been many individuals who have waged glorious war and earned a grudging respect in the eyes of the Imperium. Names such as Masaki and Kellerman, names that speak of days long past, of glories long diluted."

Ecanus smiled, the carnage had grown soft and soon it would be silent. He had no more need to impress the whelp with violence when he could enrapt him with words.

"You hear many conflicting tales. Not all servants of the True Gods blindly charge into danger screaming for an end to their lives. Our plots envelop galaxies, they suffocate systems beneath their weight. We have put in motion many plots that rely not upon brute force, but rather utilise it to a killing blow, a focussed speartip. You would do well to put less stock in impotent rumors, lest you continue to appear foolish before the glory of the Imperium.

The Emperor has no patience for fools. The powers that we serve are manifold and terrible, they have a great many faces, and many ways to grace. What matters is that you learn them, embrace them, and see the true path. Our abhorrence of the impure keeps us strong, keeps us from sliding into the weakness and the petty dishonor of prostituting multiple technologies to act as one. Where is the honor in riding anothers coattails to victory? Where is the glory in wielding a xeno weapon, when the bolter and chainsword are far more direct.

We do not consort with the technology of the abhorred, but this does not make us weak, no more than your reliance upon it makes you strong."

OOC: Chrono, check your TGs. My next IC post is dependent on your response.

OOC: Well, you have your reply. I await.

OOC: Lol, sorry about the delay. I had completely forgotten about this thread. My bad.

IC: Chase replied, "Chaplain, the Dark Empire has a simple philosophy. The strong survive and the weak perish. If civilians get caught in the cross-fire during a battle, then so be it. If the Fates decide we will have to face the Shivans again, then who are we to say no? If it comes to pass the old Imperium must fall to make way for a newer, better one, who are we to stand in the way?

"We are content to lie in the shadows and watch as our efforts topple governments, cause civil wars, destroy worlds, corrupt people, and spread darkness.

"'No Gods, no Masters. Knowledge is Power, Power is Freedom.' One of many philosphies you'll find not only in the Dark Empire but also in the Imperial Commonwealth."

"The Old Imperium has already fallen. We are the future, the way and the light for all mankind who shall no longer be blinded in ignorance. Knowledge is power, and we wield it as easily as any weapon. We gather it and focus it, for our words have toppled nations and set the fires of war to blaze. We have done as much damage through the use of knowledge alone as any battlefleet or army.

There are, however, always Gods. We do not deny what we have witnessed, for the blessings of the Gods might be seen in all who serve them. Servitude has its rewards, and all serve but the Emperor, he exalted by Chaos, he who has bent them to his will and forged his own dark pacts. He is the Scion. The son of Chaos Ascendant, and it is he who shall blaze the trail that shall unify all humankind, and crush the impure beneath our heels, slaves and vassals shall be all the Xenos who reject our glorious faith, and the truth of the Word. The Word I bear even upon my flesh"

He let a feral grin snake across his features.

"The strong shall survive and the weak shall perish, and there shall always be a multitude of forces weaker than the Imperium, yourselves included. If you did not languish in weakness, you would not crave our aid, our attention..."

Chase replied, "'The universe is a puzzle to be solved… and the ends justify the means.' Another philosphy many in the Dark Empire subscribe to.

"Another, 'All secrets will be understood, and mastered, in time,' suits this situation.

"Now, the ascended beings you call the Chaos Gods are just that, ascended beings. Why you insist on calling them gods when they don't fit the classic definition, I don't know. Nor do I care.

"From what I understand of the current Imperium, the philosophy of 'Might makes Right' would suit you quite well.

"As for the Dark Empire, we may not have the numbers you do, but we have made up for our lack of numbers in advanced technology and magick. For instance, your Bolter fires an explosive projectile. Its lethal, true, but its quick and relatively painless. Death caused by one of our Valeron-T disrupters is slow and very painful. Then there is the whole realm of genetically targetted assassin viruses.

"What we seek from the Imperium is not attention or aid. Only knowledge on the Imperium, Chaos, and the Warp. Some would say you should feel honored we came to you instead of trying our luck with say, the Khornate Tribes, for instance. Also, don't forget, we didn't initate this meeting. We recieved word your government was interested in re-opening diplomatic relations with the Dark Empire."

"Some would say that you are not as useless and stupid as some would have us believe, in that you came to us, those who know more of the Immaterium than many others who would proscribe to our creed. You contacted us based upon whispers on the wind, and like chinese whispers you heard wrong. If anything, the Emperor, beloved by all, was amused by the arrogant and pointless defiance of your kind, and sought to know more of you, that you could be better enlightened as to your place" He smiled balefully.

"However, I will not tolerate such heresy from your lips. To be ascended, one must begin as flesh, and the Chaos Gods have never been subject to the weakness of the Materium. They are the writhing heart of the Warp, they are Gods just as surely as you are ignorant and we are their mortal servants. You insult every fibre of our order, every oath we have taken in your ignorant assumptions" A flash of gleaming white teeth in a feral sneer.

"We have killed many for less. We have many methods by which you might die, slowly and in agony. I kill swiftly this day because I pledge myself to Khorne and to linger in bringing impotent agony feeds his rival, the Great Slaanesh. We have viruses forged by Lord Lucian in the name of Nurgle, that make your mightiest poxes seem as a summer flu. For we are the Chosen of the Gods, and in their name we gain power and blessings. You claim to have mastered magic and yet you know nothign of its grandest patron, the eternal and unknowable Tzeentch. You presume so much about the universe, and ultimately know but slivers compared to the Imperium's long existence. It is your ignorance that allows you to tar us with a single philosophy, when we are more ponderous, wise and manifold than you can determine from rumor and chance meeting.

You are children, and if you continue to assume you are our betters, and insult the Gods themselves, then you shall continue to be treated as such.

Inferior"

OOC: Goody! Time to bring on the magickal death dealing methods.

"Then," replied Chase, "your defintion of what qualifies a being as ascended is different from ours. It matters not if the origin was flesh and blood or pure energy. Its the power and capabilities of the entity in question that qualifies it

"Know now, while the term 'god' is in our vocabulary, we do not use it in reference to other beings due to the mere fact it implies that one is not master of his or her own fate.

"And you think us weak? You've seen nothing yet!"

Chase castrated another Vulcan. However, this time instead of finishing the being off, he used the green blood to quickly mark runes from a dark language older than history on the Vulcan's armor. Embuing them with a bit of mana, Chase smiled as they pulsed with blackish-green light and etched themselves into the armor. Next, he flung the copiously bleeding Vulcan into the midst of a large group of 'locals' where the runes activated on impact, creating a total sphere of devistation five meters in radius, even on the vertical axis.

"Now, if you would care to stop trying to convert me, Chaplain, we can cease this round-about debate. The way of the warrior suits me just fine and the way of Chaos suits you. Lets leave it at that and move on to why we are really here, the diplomatic relations. Though, if you think your only purpose here is to convert the Dark Empire, I see no reason why we have to progress beyond the basic NAP."

OOC: Body Count:
56 Vulcans (84% remaining)
86 Andorians (65% remaining)

"We see no point in trying to convert wretched beings as heretical as you. You who casually blaspheme the Gods themselves. You cannot learn from us when you so readily deny the true nature of the Gods. You speak of the way of the warrior, but ultimately you are nothing but a tool to your 'Lord' Phobos. One who understands so precious little. Just as you decry our gods, perhaps I ought to speak out against your Lord, so mighty that he has to come before foreign thrones and beg for their aid and their knowledge, beg them to turn their malign sight from him.

What wretched worm is that who crawls and whimpers? Sending glorified soldiers to do his bidding? Excrement to be wiped from a boot, a pointless leader of a pointless people who recognise little and understand less. You will apologise for your transgressions. Or we are done talking." He snarled, spitting to one side in disgusted anger. The runes upon his armour blazed in unholy purity, alive with his hate, fuelled by his zealotry.

"If you wish progress, you will respect our ways, the ways of your betters, or I am afraid that the Emperor shall have to educate you personally."

"Think what you will, Chaplain," replied Chase, "you have not met him yourself, but we are all entitled to our opinion. That is what makes us human and not a being of logic like, for example, these Vulcans, or ones of pure emotion, like say these Andorians. Humanity may come in many strains, but the core of what makes each human is the same in each. Such can't always be said of all examples of strains of other species.

"As for sending glorified warriors, well, the same could be said in your case. Prince Phobos may not have come, but neither did your Emperor Remiel de Drakken."

OOC: Sorry if I added an extra 'k' to his name.

"Ah, but this is not the first time Phobos has let down the Imperium, is it? Even the last time he sent a glorified lackey, little Cedric. One would almost think that Phobos was afraid to show his face, perhaps embarressed, perhaps a coward, hiding his wretched face from the rest of the Universe. I wonder if he even exists, a being who for all his power can't even make a simple meeting. Twice."

Ecanus sneered, savoring this moment, savoring the sensation of his dominance.

"You know nothing of what humanity stands for. You know nothing of what comprises it, just as you know nothing of the Gods. Who would know more of Man, than those who strive for its perfection? Who strive for its ultimate victory, proud and faithful, rather than pitiful serpents slinking around in the shadows"

"For your information, Phobos is currently engaged in heliping in the defeating of a being that many would call a god. This so called deity seeks to end everything. Kajeenith, who proclaims himself as the God Of Nothingness, wants to unmake everything and rule over all our ashes.

"He didn't go to your diplomatic get together as he also had a prior engagement at the time. That, and everyone suggested he send someone else as the Imperium is well known as not being trustworthy. His advisors had no reason to believe you wouldn't try to cause an international incident during his time there," Chase said, "as the saying goes, with great power comes great responsibility. Also, do you honestly know of anyone who can be in two places at the same time? No, the 'clone' techniques used by the ninja of CoreWorlds do not count, Chaplain."

OOC: TBH, I was still working on the Phobos character back then. Cedric was more complete at the time.

"I know of much that would reduce your mind to nothing. A blessing, some would say, to root out such presumption and such heresy. We acknowledge and keep those alliances that are valuable. Do you even know why we are known as Oathbreakers? Do you know the events that rendered us with such glorious titles? That set every son of Chronosia as an example of deceit? We broke oaths that mattered nothing, paltry pacts with a power that even now tests our mettle.

The sons of Kellerman are fierce warriors, but undeserving of loyalties that held the Imperium from attained grander glory! You know nothing of the blood shed by us and by many of our pawns to liberate Kosse, to gain worlds that are now rightly Imperial!" Ecanus smirked, savouring his knowledge, he was well schooled in all the Imperial histories, each adding new glories to the grander whole of the Imperium.

"How appropriate that I have but your word for your Masters labours, that he should be absent salvaging your ruin from the jaws of some god-thing. You would casually toss around words, "so called deity" while understanding nothing of the divine in many things, just as you understand so little of my own Gods, the Dark Lords of Chaos. They are the deceit that you would see us spew at every turn, they are death and the ruination of the flesh! They are temptation and reward most sensuous, they are war and bloodshed and battle, all bound together by the raw power of the Immaterium. They are mankinds salvation and the deliverance of this Universe, and one can no more defy or destroy they or their holy servants than burn out all life from this wretched plane.

Chaos cannot be destroyed, it will not be laid low by your criticisms, for you may deny the Gods, but they laugh at you! They laugh as you seek their knowledge as your own and yet profess such disbelief, such rank skepticism. You expect us to agree to some grander terms of sharing and alliance, yet all you treat us with is mistrust wrought by others and continue to proliferate most rank heresies.

I would have you...Apologise, else beg for forgiveness like a craven hound."

"If Kajeenith succeeds, Chaplain," Chase replied, "even your own Chaos Gods would be in danger as they would be standing in his way. There is nothing as dangerous as a deranged mind, especially that of a mad god.

"As for why you are known as Oathbreakers, that's easy. The two main incidents that come to mind are your actions during a war the Republic alliance was involved in some time ago and the more recent slaying of your previous Emperor by your current one, his own son.

"And I don't deny that beings in the Warp exist which are what are known as the Lords Of Chaos. What I'm skeptical on is their nature. I've seen far to much in my time to be so easily swayed into believing things. Probably why I was picked to come instead of some more gullible representative who you would have probably killed already for some slight.

"As for my word, have I given you reason not to believe it? Prince Phobos is one of the more powerful beings you will ever encounter. Thus you can be assured that this matter with Kajeenith is very important in regard to the continued existance of everything, including the Imperium and all you hold near and dear. The battle takes place not on any single world, nor in any single reality. Phobos and the others battle with Kajeenith takes them to place people like us can only dream of without outside aide.

"As for me begging," a slight smirk appeared on his face as he paused for a moment, most likely for dramatic effect, "not going to happen. We may not be the most powerful people in our respective nations, but we both are powerful enough that a fight between us would result in a stand-off which would rock the very foundations of this world. We are both practioners of our own brands of magick, we both have technological marvels to draw upon. Do you really want to go down that road, or would you rather continue with the reason you really came here, to gather information on the Dark Empire?"

"I did not ask you beg, I asked you offer your apology for so insulting and slighting the Gods. You yourself acknowledge this Kajeenth, likely a paltry material thing, as a god, and yet you would spit in the face of the Masters of the Warp. There is no material force that could challenge the Gods of Chaos within their own realm and win, that I assure you." He let a sly smirk seep into his visage.

"The Imperium will endure long after you are bones and ashes, just as it has endured since before you embraced the darkness you so prostitute yourselves before. The affairs of would-be gods and fools are of little concern to the Chosen, for we would lay low any true opposition with righteous holy fire. We do not fight alone, nor are we without friends and allies to resist, should your so-mighty Phobos fail in his appointed task.

Marcus De Drakan..." He smirked "Could only bring the Imperium so far. The Emperor's actions were endorsed by the Gods themselves, who saturated his very being with their touch as he travelled between life and death, such things are beyond your imagining or comprehension, for you come as a skeptic, unwilling to know yet desperate for us to share knowledge you would disregard and fail utterly to understand."

"We do not need to gain information on you, we didn't even wish to know you once more, whatever rumor you heard upon the wind was precisely that. I was chosen because it became nessecary after your invitation to assess you directly upon matters of faith. You are found most assuredly wanting in that respect, ignorant of your inferiority before the Chosen and the Gods themselves. If it truely came to the tumult of which you speak, the Imperium would slaughter every last vestige of your nation, rather than allow you to exist and continue to offend its honour. We do not have to use you as the Sith would to know of you, for you pollute existence itself with your taint, and claim power where you have so little.

What you wish is to know of our ways, and all we could offer you. But only curses from the Gods shall fall upon you and rot your faculties with the pain of knowing them, lest you turn from your path of heresy and show our Gods the respect that they so rightly deserve. Else, perhaps I shall spit upon your Lord Phobos further? Decry and defame his wretched name? Tell me, how would that make you feel? To have your love and faith so soiled?"

"No," replied Chase, "I said he calls himself the God Of The Nothingness. His admitted goal is to replace the Omnisource, as he calls it, and recreate every reality in his own image.

"The only one many would claim as a God is the one Kajeenith and some others have named the Omnisource. Others know this being as the Alpha And Omega, the Creator, Allah, Yahweh(sp?), and so on through the ages. This being is the one that planted the seeds that led to the creation of Everything and the Nothingness.

"Life, death, they are but trivial matters. The fact your current Emperor was able to transcend that boundary while still maintainin his original self is impressive as very few have been able to return in the cycle as their original form and self.

"As for love and faith, you obviosuly demonstrate your lack of knowledge. Survival of the fittest is a way of life. If the Fates deem Phobos be replaced, then so be it. You won't get any tears from me about it.

"Now, if you truely wish to meet one of the Bridger bloodline in charge of the Dark Empire, I could see about arranging a meeting with Prince Cain Bridger. He may not lead the Dark Empire as does Phobos, but he has more influence than any of the other big shots."

"We find most creation myths dependant upon a god to be mere trickeries. The Gods of Chaos do not claim to have created mankind nor the Universe, but they are as much a part of creation as any other deity, and far grander. For while most other gods are fictions, conjurations to explain for man some unknowable mystery, our Gods blesss us. Blessed are those who bear the sign of Mutation, blessed are the perverse and the berzerk, blessed are the diseased and the dying." He smirked "The blessings of the true gods are evident for all to see, no impotent message, no failure. There is only Chaos."

He smiled "There is no love more pure and debased than that of the Gods for those who offer their faith. The great love of Grandfather Nurgle overwhelms cities, worlds, systems, none can stand against his jovial beneficence. To believe merely in survival of the fittest is to pursue a goal that only Slaanesh can provide you; Perfection. You are far from perfect and you are far from faithful, so I can understand your retardation in such things...I merely pray that the rest of your populace are not so similarly afflicted, for you display a rare skepticism, even in the face of the might of a servant of the True Gods, and thus you cannot know of them.

For what use is a wretched and closed mind to those beings who transcend the very boundaries of thought? And what use is such a mewling, benign form to those who shape the flesh at their whims? We care not if you send more lackeys or ones who would claim to be above you, so long as they display a degree more acceptance than you, and do nto possess heretical craven tongues that out to be ripped from empty heads."