The Primarch of Liberty

Chapter 155: Warcouncil



From the command deck of his immense flagship, Glorblasta observed the swirling chaos of the galactic map before him. The stars and their myriad paths lit up like a tapestry of opportunity and peril. Yet, as he analyzed the unfolding events with the sharpened clarity of his evolved mind, it was not opportunity he saw-it was warning. His plans to assault Nova Libertas had been deftly countered by the Imperium's unexpectedly swift and coordinated response. The sheer efficiency with which they had contained and eradicated the burgeoning WAAAGH! of the Beast left little doubt in his mind: this was no fractured empire stumbling through the stars. The Imperium's forces operated like a well-oiled machine, employing synchronized strikes to isolate key Ork warbands, and neutralize command structures. Their capacity to encircle and annihilate entire fleets with precision demonstrated a mastery of warfare that spoke of relentless discipline and strategic foresight. This was a colossus, organized and purposeful, capable of responding to threats with terrifying precision. Seated within the heart of his flagship, the void surrounding him at the galactic rim, Glorblasta pondered the precarious balance between the evolving strength of the Imperium and the faltering momentum of his own designs. He questioned whether his release of the Beast had merely revealed the depths of humanity's resilience, and whether the subtle web of his machinations could withstand their unstoppable march. The thought struck him: what if his calculated chaos had only sharpened their blade, rather than blunting it? He had released the Beast to incite chaos, to stoke the fires of WAAAGH! and draw attention away from his own machinations. Yet the Imperium's rapid suppression of the Beast's forces across Segmentum Ultima painted a sobering picture. Like a dam against a tidal wave, their forces had confined the Orks, preventing them from spreading further and systematically breaking their momentum.

"It's as though they anticipated the tide," he mused, his voice devoid of the guttural crudeness of his lesser kin. Each word was deliberate, reflective of a mind far removed from the brutish simplicity of an Ork Warlord. He rose from his seat, pacing the expanse of his command deck, his eyes fixated on the projection of the galaxy before him.

Ullanor, the heart of the Ork empire, was under siege. From the edge of the galactic rim, Glorblasta monitored the war with a mixture of fascination and frustration. He had sent the Beast to gauge the Imperium's strength, to test their resolve and measure their tactics. The results were both enlightening and troubling.Among the forces besieging Ullanor, one in particular stood out. The star-studded legion-their armor gleaming with disintegration weapons-was unmistakable. It was the Dakka Bringer's Legion, a force so famous among the Orks that even the most battle-hardened warriors spoke of them and would fight over which ones who will krump the Dakkabringer. Franklin Valorian, the Dakka Bringer, was a name that carried weight even among his lesser kin. Elsewhere, another force had drawn Glorblasta's attention. Across the stars, Astartes clad in blue and gold fought with weapons of unmistakable origin. Reverse-engineered Necron flayers cut through their foes with an efficiency that spoke of both mastery and audacity.

"Even the Necrons, ancient foes of the Krork, have had their secrets unraveled," Glorblasta observed, his thoughts lingering on humanity's audacity to repurpose technology far beyond their understanding. For example, their repurposing of Necron quantum shielding to fortify planetary defenses was a testament to their bold ingenuity and willingness to wield tools from an age older than their species. Glorblasta noted, his tone contemplative. This revelation was both a warning and a challenge. Humanity had not only endured the ravages of time and war but had turned those very struggles into the crucible of their ascendancy. They had dared to tamper with Necron technology, a feat that spoke volumes about their resourcefulness and recklessness.

As Ullanor burned and the Beast's WAAAGH! crumbled, Glorblasta came to a singular conclusion: patience. The Imperium was far stronger than he had initially anticipated, and its reach extended further than he had calculated. A head-on confrontation would be folly, no matter how advanced the Krork's technology or how potent his forces. No, Glorblasta's path lay not in direct conflict but in cunning observation and strategic maneuvering. "Any Ork can start a WAAAGH!," Glorblasta reflected, his voice resonating with a quiet determination. "But only a Krork can guide it towards ascension."

The Beast had served its purpose. Its failure was not a setback but a lesson. Through its defeat, Glorblasta had gleaned invaluable insights into the Imperium's strategies, capabilities, and limitations. More importantly, he had identified the Dakka Bringer's legion as a pivotal force within the Imperium's hierarchy. Their presence was a clear indication of Valorian's influence and power. If Glorblasta were to challenge the Imperium, he would need to account for this titan of humanity.

Glorblasta turned his attention back to the galactic map, his thoughts coalescing into a coherent strategy. The time for brash assaults and overwhelming force had passed. Now was the time for subtlety and calculation.

First, he would continue to observe. Every battle, every engagement, every campaign would be scrutinized. The Imperium's strengths and weaknesses would be cataloged, their patterns analyzed. He would identify the cracks in their armor, the flaws in their strategies, and the vulnerabilities in their technology.

Second, he would sow discord. The galaxy was a vast and chaotic place, teeming with factions vying for dominance. Glorblasta would exploit these divisions, redirecting the Imperium's attention away from his own activities. Whether through subterfuge, sabotage, or the manipulation of lesser WAAAGH!s, he would ensure that the Imperium remained too distracted to notice the growing threat at its periphery.

The strategium aboard the Imperator Somnium was a chamber of controlled brilliance. Gold light from the hololithic display carved restless shadows across the faces of ten demigods gathered around its edges. They stood apart, yet unified, each carrying the air of authority that came with their station.

The Primarchs stood arrayed around the hololithic table, Around him, the other Primarchs had naturally gravitated into a loose semicircle. Whether by coincidence or something deeper, it was clear Franklin's words would guide this meeting, On his left stood Roboute Guilliman and Rogal Dorn to his right, and Magnus the Red and Sanguinius to his left. They formed a natural vanguard of stability and insight, their presences a quiet testament to the bonds they shared with their brother. Dorn's stoic strength, Guilliman's strategic brilliance, Magnus's piercing intellect, and Sanguinius's serene charisma created a dynamic synergy that Franklin leaned upon, though never overtly.

Further to Franklin's right stood Ferrus Manus and Fulgrim. The contrast between them was stark: Ferrus, with his iron resolve and no-nonsense demeanor, was the foundation to Fulgrim's florid grace and calculated artistry. To Franklin's left stood Vulkan, the Lord of Drakes, and Angron, the Lord of the Red Sands. Their titles evoked ferocity and destruction, but in truth, they were the gentlest among their brothers, their compassion burning brighter than the fires they wielded.

In the center, the Primarch of the Luna Wolves stood alone, his arms crossed as he observed the council with his piercing gaze. Horus's isolation was unintentional, a product of circumstance rather than design, but Franklin noticed. With a slight gesture, he beckoned

Horus closer.

Horus hesitated, his eyes narrowing briefly as if weighing the invitation, before stepping forward. He came to stand at Franklin's right shoulder, just behind Guilliman and Dorn. The gesture was small, almost imperceptible, yet it spoke volumes. Whatever tensions or barriers might exist between brothers, Franklin would not allow isolation to fester.

As the gathering settled, Franklin turned his gaze to the hololithic projection of Ullanor, its vast continents crawling with green-lit symbols representing the greenskin horde. He placed a hand lightly on the table's edge, his posture relaxed but his presence commanding. The soft hum of the hololith filled the air as all eyes turned toward him, the quiet of the chamber amplified by the weight of expectation.

"The campaign is ours to finish," Franklin began, his voice calm yet carrying the subtle authority that made even the most fractious of his brothers listen. "The greenskin tide is breaking, but we must ensure no escape. The plan remains as follows."

He gestured toward the southern expanse of the projection, where the greenskin forces churned in disarray. "Vulkan, Angron-you will anchor the south. Strike fast, strike decisively. Leave them no room to recover."

Vulkan gave a slow nod, his deep voice resonating with measured assurance. "We will hold the line and press them hard."

Angron's gaze flickered briefly toward the projection before meeting Franklin's eyes. "It will be done." His tone was calm, but there was the Fierceness of a Gladiator King.

Franklin's attention shifted to the northern flank. "Ferrus, Fulgrim-your task is precision. Disrupt their assault, sever their escape routes, and funnel them toward the center." Ferrus's expression was unreadable as he gave a curt nod. Fulgrim, ever the perfectionist, offered a faint, almost theatrical smile. "Consider it done," he said smoothly, though his tone carried a note of quiet resolve.

"Roboute, Rogal," Franklin continued, his gaze steady as it moved to his closest brothers. "You will hold the center, our unbreakable line. As Vulkan and Angron push and as Ferrus and Fulgrim tighten the noose, your task is simple but essential: nothing breaks through." Guilliman's nod was immediate, his confidence quiet but absolute. Dorn's eyes flicked briefly to the projection before returning to Franklin. "It will be done," he said, his voice a low rumble of granite certainty.

Finally, Franklin turned to Horus, who now stood at his side. "Horus, you and Leman will take the spearhead. Break their leadership. Shatter their will."

Horus inclined his head, his expression betraying nothing save for a faint flicker of a smile. "We'll end it," he said simply.

While the Primarchs deliberated in the main strategium, their senior officers gathered in an adjacent chamber aboard the Imperator Somnium. The vast room hummed with conversation, its gothic arches echoing with the voices of some of the Imperium's finest warriors. Crystal decanters of aged amasec caught the light from overhead lumens, casting amber reflections across polished marble floors.

First Captain Denzel Washington of the Liberty Eagles stood near one of the room's towering viewports, his dark features illuminated by the distant stars. Beside him, 1st Captain Sigismund of the Imperial Fists cut an imposing figure. The two warriors had formed an unlikely friendship over years of campaigning.

"The artillery support arrived just in time," Sigismund said, his normally stern features softening slightly. "Three days ago, we faced a fortress that seemed impregnable. Your new pattern siege guns reduced it to rubble in hours."

Denzel's laugh was warm and genuine. "The Liberty Pattern Earthshaker. We've been working

on improving the rate of fire without sacrificing accuracy. Sounds like it performed as

expected?" "Better," Sigismund admitted, taking a sip of amasec. "The targeting solutions were particularly impressive. Our tech-priests are still trying to understand how it achieves such precision at extreme ranges."

"Libertan Engineering at it's finest" Denzel explained, his hand unconsciously touching the hilts of his hyper-phase swords. "That's always been our approach. Speaking of which, how are those power sword modifications working out?"

Before Sigismund could answer, a booming voice interrupted them. Captain Steven Armstrong of the Liberty Eagles' 2nd Company approached, his massive frame drawing attention even in a room full of Astartes. Beside him walked Legion Master Gheer of the World

Eaters, his augmetic eye glowing faintly.

"Tell them about the assault on Bloodgorge Valley," Gheer urged, his scarred face animated

with unusual enthusiasm. "Three days of continuous combat, and your men never lost step

with ours."

Armstrong grinned, his cybernetic enhancements catching the light. "The World Eaters set a hell of a pace. But the 2nd Company isn't a stranger to close combat" "Your supporting fire was precise," Gheer acknowledged. "Usually, we have to worry about friendly fire when allies try to support our charges. Your men..." he shook his head in

admiration. "They knew exactly where to put each shell." "Integrated targeting systems," Armstrong explained. "Each Liberty Eagle is linked to our fire support network. We see what they see, they see what we see. Makes coordination a lot

simpler." Across the chamber, Captain Henry Cavill engaged in conversation with Solomon Demeter of the Emperor's Children. Cavill's presence always drew curious glances from other officers - something about him seemed slightly out of place, though none could quite put their finger

on why. "Your equipment modifications are remarkable," Demeter said, examining Cavill's artificer armor with an expert eye. "The integration of power field harmonics with traditional ceramite... I've never seen anything quite like it."

"You should see our workshops," Cavill replied with a knowing smile. "In fact..." He gestured to a seemingly ordinary wall panel, which suddenly shimmered with ethereal light. An Eternity Gate materialized, its surface rippling like liquid gold. "Why don't I show you? We've got some prototype modifications that might interest you." Demeter's eyes widened. "An Eternity Gate? Here? I thought only Terra..."

"The Sweet Liberty has a few surprises," Cavill said, leading the way through the portal. "Just

wait until you see our forge decks."

In a quieter corner of the chamber, two of the Imperium's most powerful psykers were deep in

discussion. Chief Librarian Vladimir Mendelev of the Liberty Eagles sat across from Ahzek Ahriman of the Thousand Sons, complex hololithic displays hovering between them. "Your approach is fascinating," Ahriman said, studying the scrolling data. "You use artificial intelligence to analyze warp patterns?"

Vladimir nodded, his augmented eyes glowing softly. "Yes, yes. Warp... it is chaotic, yes, but not completely without order. Even chaos has its own rhythm, hidden beneath surface. Our minds, even as transhuman as they are, cannot see all. But machine..." he paused, his fingers

twitching across the display, "machine sees better. AI can spot patterns, things we miss. It's not perfect, but it gives us clarity."

"But how do you maintain integrity?" Ahriman leaned forward, genuinely curious. "The risk

of corruption..."

Vladimir's expression stiffened slightly, his voice lowering as he leaned back. "Corruption?

Hah. Corruption is always risk when dealing with warp... but we mitigate. We use our Techno- Seer protocols, yes? Technology and wards combined. The AI does not touch the warp directly. It looks from afar, collects data, processes. Think of it like... looking at storm from

behind thick glass. Safe, controlled."

"And these wards..." Ahriman gestured to the complex patterns. "They're more stable than

traditional methods."

Vladimir's lips curled slightly, a faint, almost imperceptible smirk. "Da. They are better, yes. Two forces working together-technology and psychic power. If one fails, other holds. Redundancy is key, my friend. When dealing with warp, nothing is certain. But we try to make

it so." Perhaps the most intriguing conversation occurred between Director Samuel L. Jaxsen and Amadeus DuCaine. Jaxsen, his Primeborn frame relaxed in a way that belied his calculating mind, was in full sales mode, coolly charismatic as ever.

"Look here, brother," Jaxsen said, his fingers snapping with ease as he manipulated a hololithic display to show detailed schematics of Terminator armor variants. "You know the Cataphractii pattern-solid, reliable, tough. But this here," he paused, the tension in his voice building as the sleek lines of the Custodian-derived Allarus pattern appeared, "This? This is next-level. This is something else entirely."

DuCaine's augmetic eyes whirred as they analyzed the specifications, his mechanical gaze

flickering with curiosity. "Custodian-pattern armor, modified for Astartes use? Impressive. But what's the catch?"

Jaxsen leaned back, crossing his arms with a sly grin that made it clear he wasn't just offering

armor-he was offering an opportunity. "No catch, brother. Just pure, uncut business." He tapped the hololith to bring up a new window, showcasing a clean, efficient maintenance plan. "Order a hundred of the Cataphractii, and we'll throw in an Allarus prototype. I'm talkin' top-of-the-line, cutting-edge gear. Full maintenance package. Any damage? You bring that armor to the nearest Independence Sector forge world, and we handle it. Replacements? Ninety percent off. You heard me right-ninety percent."

DuCaine raised an eyebrow. "Too good to be true," he muttered, though his tone suggested

more curiosity than outright dismissal. "What does the Valorian Gigacorporation want in return?" Jaxsen's smile widened, smooth and assured, as he leaned in, his voice dropping a little lower, like he was sharing a secret. "Simple. We want the chance to expand our presence. Your Legion's been using our supply lines, our forge worlds-well, now we're looking to establish a little representation on those worlds you bring into compliance." DuCaine narrowed his eyes, his mechanical arms crossing as he assessed Jaxsen with a

calculating gaze. "Explain."

"Corporate representatives," Jaxsen said, now gesturing grandly as if unveiling a masterpiece. "We set up shop. New branches of Valorian Gigacorporation operations on every compliant world. It's good for the economy, good for the Imperium's industrial base... hell,

it's good for everybody. Everybody. And you get the best damn gear in the galaxy. How's that for a deal?" DuCaine took a long pause, his internal processors whirring as he processed the implications. "I'll need to discuss this with the Primarch."

Jaxsen gave him a nod, his expression calm but the glint in his eyes unmistakable. "Of course.

Take your time. But let me tell you- this is a win-win-win, as we say in the trade. Quality armor, guaranteed supply lines, and economic growth for all your freshly compliant worlds. Hell, even the Imperium benefits. You can't pass this up."

The twin suns of Ullanor cast long shadows across the blasted landscape as two demigods

prepared for war. The Imperial forces had the system encircled, their fleets blocking every conceivable escape route for the massive Ork empire that had taken root here. At the heart of this operation stood two of the Emperor's finest sons: Sanguinius, the Angel of Baal, and

Franklin Valorian, the Liberator.

Sanguinius couldn't help but laugh as he watched his brother make final adjustments to his

war gear. Franklin's armor was a testament to the philosophy of "there's no such thing as too much firepower." Missile launchers protruded from his shoulders like the spines of some ancient dragon. Rotary cannons were mounted on each gauntlet, with additional batteries somehow fitted into his breastplate. Even his greaves housed las-cannon arrays. "And here I thought you were being utterly serious during the war council," Sanguinius

teased, his wings shifting slightly in amusement. "Isn't that right Mr. eldest." Franklin's response was to preen like an oversized, heavily-armed peacock. "Of course I'm the eldest, dear brother!" He adjusted one of his shoulder-mounted missile pods with exaggerated care. "Just because I appreciate the finer points of humor doesn't mean I can't be serious when needed." He paused, grinning. "Right, Sangy?" The Angel's perfect features creased into a frown. "Must you call me that?" "Would you prefer I stop calling Roboute 'Bobby G'?" Franklin asked with mock innocence.

"I suppose that's a lost cause," Sanguinius sighed, but there was warmth in his voice. His expression grew more serious as he watched Franklin check some readings on a data-slate. "Speaking of which, brother, I've been meaning to ask - why are you so interested in collecting and analyzing our genetic material? And what's this business about..." he hesitated, "...'Warp-God Souls'? There are no gods, Franklin. Father has made that quite clear."

Franklin's usual joviality dimmed slightly, replaced by something older and more knowing. He placed a massive hand on his brother's shoulder, the weight of centuries seeming to settle in his eyes. "When you meet your sons, brother, you'll understand. But I won't leave you wondering." He paused, choosing his words carefully. "Your Legion carries a flaw - the Red Thirst, they call it. It drives them to consume blood, like the vampires of ancient Terra's legends." A shadow passed over Sanguinius's face, but Franklin continued, his voice gentle but firm. "It's rather fitting, actually. Their gene-father looks like Adrian Fahrenheit Țepeș stepped right out of the old stories." His smile returned, warm and reassuring. "But don't worry,

brother. I'll be with you every step of the way."

The Angel was quiet for a long moment, processing this revelation. "Perhaps," he said finally, "I should meet my Legion sooner rather than later."

Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of their transport. The Stormbird hovered above the Beast's stronghold, its engines growling like some great predator. Sanguinius's melancholy vanished, replaced by the fierce joy of impending battle. "Race you to the bottom, he challenged, his wings spreading wide. "Unless you're worried about all that

brother?"

hardware weighing you down?"

Franklin laughed, the sound carrying even over the roar of the engines. "Better hurry, Sangy. Wouldn't want me stealing the Beast's head from you, would we?"

As they prepared to drop into battle, an observer might have noted how different they appeared - one a vision of celestial beauty with his white wings and golden armor, the other a walking artillery platform with enough firepower to level a small city. Yet they moved with the easy synchronization of brothers who had fought countless battles together, who trusted

each other absolutely.

The Angel of Baal and the Liberator of Nova Libertas were about to remind the Orks why the Emperor's sons were feared throughout the galaxy. But more than that, they were about to demonstrate why the brotherhood of the Primarchs, when untainted by betrayal, was one of

the most potent forces in the universe.

Their laughter echoed across the battlefield as they launched themselves into the fray, each

trying to outdo the other in their race to reach the Beast. It was a moment of pure joy amidst the grim reality of war, a reminder that even demigods could find moments of simpleNôv(el)B\\jnn

brotherhood in the midst of humanity's greatest crusade.

A/N: Apparently I've had no Internet for the past 3 days which Mind you had been quite a Pain, given that the reason for the disruption was because of Maintenance.