NationStates Jolt Archive

The Thunderhawk had left the Constantine Station and now moved through the treacherous and unwelcoming void, eventually touching down within the primary docking facilities of the Sword of Arioch, its dark interior lighting at their presence through the ignition of glow-orbs.

Remiel strode forth, his guards and the Count at his back, glancing around. "Home sweet home." He whispered, chuckling, before letting his voice rise, echoing about them.

"This vessel is old. A mighty ship forged in the fires of Chronosia Secundus, once favored amongst Forgeworlds, created to the mark the Fall and the emergence of the greatest single Human power." He chuckled. "My father played often to vanity, but once he was removed, it was only a matter of time before I took it, made it glorious again.

This ship has lead Crusades, crushed worlds. It is a blight in the eyes of the Corpse-Worshippers and all like them, like the fools back in that conference...Fools who would deny the universal truth of Chaos. You have surely heard the Imperial Truth, the Emperor above all things, even above his petty Sith-Jedi rivalries...

But what are these things to the Gods?"

Count Alfred Mann strode out of the thunderhawk transport followed by his accompanying Imperial Knight and Shinigami guards. He was, to say the least, suitably impressed with the ship. If half of what he had heard of it was true, then it was indeed a ship of imperial worth. Fit for a king, was the phrase that came to mind.

"That a mere mortal like myself cannot answer," Mann said, turning to Remiel, "Though I believe it is for each man to decide himself, since after-all, it is only by the willing submission of men that we can truly rule them."

Remiel smiled at Mann's words and continued on walking. Mann followed him and kept soaking in his surroundings. It was indeed impressive. Vespasian who walked behind him kept looking up at the ceiling and at the walls with interest, and whenever they passed a Space Marine or other form of soldier he took great notice. 4th Company Captain Ziminar however took little interest at all in his surroundings. He just stared at the backs of both Mann and Remiel.

Remiel smirked as they emerged through the almost labyrinthian corridors of the ship onto the vast bridge, ringed by cogitator engines. He moved to a vast black throne that dominated the room, sprawling before the command consoles, before thumbing a button. He watched as the shutters slid open and the void yawned before them, black and unmerciful.

He gestured outwards. "Space, the stars, the Materium and all it has to offer." He turned to a Tech Priest. "Engage the Warp Engines, bring us into the Immaterium."

"As you wish, baleful Lord." It hissed, bowing low. The ship shuddered, turning lightly before reality rent itself apart before the vast screen, a howling maelstrom of energy rushing forwards to meet them as they plunged into the Warp, the sea of Souls.

"Behold...The realm of Chaos. The realm of my Gods."

The lights and colors were unique in a way that Mann had never really before considered. Painters would often take trips of the mind into locals where they believed the life spring of creation lay. They must have meant this, for the Immaterium seemed just that. It was so unlike hyperspace transit that Mann was for a moment speechless.

"I must say that I would not mind seeing such beauty more often," Mann said at length. "And your Chaos Gods dwell there? Interesting, very interesting." He coughed and then took a standing position next to Remiel's throne-like seat. Vespasian and Ziminar stood back by the far wall.

"Might I inquire as to how long it will take us to reach Terra?" Mann asked.

"Terra?" Remiel chuckled. "Oh my boy, it has been long since my kind last walked Terra. We hold our own clutch of worlds, the Chronosian Homeworlds. More perfect and more holy than a thousand Terras." He laughed, slapping his hand against the arm of his great throne. "The transit will not seem long here...But outside, time may be different. We are, after all in another dimension.

A realm where the Gods and their countless servants dwell, Daemons who hunger for worship and the touch of flesh. Here the legions of Khorne howl for blood, here the decadant soldiers of Slaanesh sate their lusts. Here is the wellspring from which all pestilance springs in the name of Grandfather Nurgle, and here is the source of every magick blessed by the touch of Tzeentch.

Here is found the beauty and the wonder of absolute and unknowable Chaos."

Mann thought on that as they continued to watch the Immaterium wash past them, like water making its coarse around and over a stone sitting in the center of a stream. Count Mann had traveled through a worm hole before but this was altogether a new experience, and one to be enjoyed. In the mean time, he had business to discuss.

"Thus far the Galactic Empire has seen a steady enough send off since we almagated together. Though we are beset by new problems now," Mann stated. "While the Emperor Palpatine has expended a large amount of resources in fighting a renewed Core Worlds, we, Thrashia and Chronosia, have essayed with what forces we've deemed necessary in conquering the Charybdis Cluster...however I have heard recent news of a renewal of the civil conflict within the Huntaerian Empire. What news have you heard?"

"The Huntaerians are an interesting brood, forever locked in almost lethal combat. One could counter them to the Empire and the Rebellion, even to the two sides of the Masaki coin. Daniel and Nightshade. We must aid the side which serves our interests. If we do not, we not only abandon our allies, but we weaken the resolve of the Empire.

There has been much glory since Unification, but much whimpering and mewling from those who do not understand our vision. Those who would sully and dilute it." Remiel sighed, rising from his throne, gazing out at the color that gleamed beyond existence, colors beyond the perception of mortal beings.

"Quite the apt analogy," Mann offered, "And I believe that while the Masaki may be hard to uproot, this rebellion by the corrupt half of Huntaer is less so. I believe, as does Emperor Treize, that we should stamp out its existence for all time. Not only for the betterment of Huntaer but also for the Galactic Empire as a whole.

"After all, one cannot use a weapon to its full potential if it continually bends back upon its wielder."

"True, in such a state of flux we are as liable to be damaged by Huntaer in inaction as by bending our wills and resolve towards ending this situation. The furthered destruction of the Empire's enemies is never a crime, nor is it ever unworthy of having resources commited towards it" Remiel smiled softly.

"One day, we shall show all who have submitted that all we have done has been for their enlightenment, that they might know the embrace of a greater power than themselves, and serve a true purpose."

"That is a day, sadly, far in the future; or rather so far that I cannot see it. Until then however we must soldier on in our duty," Mann replied easily. He shifted feet and looked around the bridge of the ship. Ship crewmen were directly implanted into several places, mechanical arms and fingers tapping keys and working without stop to fulfill their occupations and responsibilities. It was rather industrious work.

Count Mann turned his attention back to Remiel. "Perhaps however it is not as far away as I fear. In the mean time, his Excellency Treize has seen fit to begin mobilizing the 1st Imperial Fleet for the operation, as well as the transfer of several Imperial Corps and Clonetrooper armies for it. That would be, roughly, about a 16th of our full manpower capabilities. Admiral Orannis, recently given the title of Supreme Fleet Commander, will be in charge of the operation.

"Have you begun mobilizing any troops or fleets for the campaign? His Excellency is very interested in either coordinating our forces together, or coordinating their strikes. Seeing as the Huntaerians have kept up the defense for so long, we have no need to continue it and use our fresher armies to make a heavy offensive."

*polite bump*

"We have not yet contemplated such, no. But be assured that we stand ready to mobilise at a moments notice. There is much that must be seen to within our glorious Imperium, bit by bit. Moment by moment." Remiel chuckled.

"There is no easy life in the leading of men, not in peace nor battle, not even in the realms of domestic issues or mere faith. So much remains to be determined regarding each conflict, each new endeavor. What matters, ultimately, is what we learn."

"His Excellency Treize would no doubt agree with you," Mann said, "In the mean time however Thrashia's efforts have begun to shift towards war, or rather a more concentrated effort in that direction. Admiral Thrawn, as you may know, is using forces gathered from our main fleets and new built ones which he has procured from conquered territories."

Mann took a small data pad from a pouch on his waste. It was common for most politicians and military personnel to carry them to store simple amounts of data or papers on them. The one that Mann had carried valuable data.

"This," Mann said as he handed the data slate (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=11180066&postcount=3) to Remiel, "is a compilation of all data pertaining to the current combined Thashian Fleet. Emperor Treize has made it clear to the collective Thrashian Moff Council that he is planning to more than quadruple the current numbers. This, all in aide of extending the influence of the Galactic Empire."

"Of course. All things serve the Empire, be it the bases readied and waiting in Charybdis, or the aid that we deliver to our most noble allies, all these things and more serve the will of the Empire Incarnate." Remiel smirked almost dryly. "Happy are we called forth to stand with the Empire, and its noble Emperor, our brother, in all things. Happy are we to welcome you into our confidences and our friendships again.

There has been much unhappiness between us in the past, much betrayal. Some would say Thrashian history would paint me as a betrayer, others as a savior. I am intrigued as to knowing where you stand on the matter."

Count Mann paused before he answered the question. It was true that in the past the Thashians and Chronosians had been both ally and enemy, betrayed and befriended. It was, some would say, most complicated. Mann looked at Remiel.

"I would say lord, that the past relations between our nations are transient and no longer relevant. They're but past positions of opinion based upon a past confederation of loose agreement. Now however we are joined in a nation state of true power and reliability," Mann said, "And that alone is enough for Thrashia to forget any misgivings or possible thoughts of apprehension towards being shoulder to shoulder once more with the Chronosian Empire."

"I would agree. We need not dwell upon the past, not when such a glorious future beckons. The Empire Incarnate shall arise from the old ashes, my own rule and that of Nightshade were but shadows of the Empire.

For none command respect as our brother, the Emperor, beloved by all." Remiel chuckled lightly. "Palpatine is a worthy leader and a glorious ally. It was my fathers honor to serve him, and as my fathers heir, and killer, I find it only too pleasing that we continue to work together.

You and your nation do the Empire proud, and while the Emperor may not lavish such praise openly, you should know that the Warmaster, I, think much of your efforts. Tell me...What is it you Thrashians desire?"

Mann smiled ruefully. "Desire is something that all men have. It is what lets us progress towards the future. We, the Thrashian Empire, simply desire strength and stability. Of course it would be impossible and a lie to say we did not desire to have power over other nations, for an empire that is only natural.

"For now however his Excellency is more than satisfied with being a member of the Triumvirate that Palpatine, yourself, and he form that controls the Galactic Empire. The stability that comes with that...is all he and I desire."

"Of course. Trust in your brethern, in my self and the Emperor and it is doubtless that you shall continue to rise. It is our pleasure to fight alongside you for the...order of the galaxy, and the power that being part of the Empire brings." Remiel smiled lightly.

"Together, we three shall forge galaxies anew in the name of the Empire, and we alone shall continue to spread the word of Chaos. A word, which I am sure my Thrashian allies would be interested in hearing."