A Universe of Possibilities
Holy Terra
He could see the spires of a great terran City close to a place he’d once called home, so many ages ago. The name it once held no longer being relevant in this new world, one without oceans for cities to sit beside like when he was young.
He took his gaze off the horizon and focused instead on the place where he had grown up. Nothing of that life should’ve remained and yet as he walked, Sandal clad feet tracing out old patterns of travel, he found deliberate homages to what had once been. A house by what was once a coast, a donut shop manned by a servitor that was nothing like the pair of people he most clearly remembered running the place, and the stage area that was upon what once would’ve been called a beach.
All these things the man took in silently, letting the echos of a past life wash over his mind.
A sick wind whipped by him, carrying the scent of a dying world, and the industry that was consuming it, inch by inch day by day. His pink letterman jacket catching the breeze, opening to show off a dark shirt with a single gold star worn over a solid, barrel chested frame, and navy blue jeans. The face and the body were that of a man in his prime and yet those eyes, so old and tired, indicating far more years than his youthful face would suggest.
The man allowed a small smile to touch the corners of his lips, as he felt a new presence impinging on his awareness. “You kept this place clear….” He turned, regarding the gold clade figure and his retinue of golden warriors. “…thanks.”
+You are welcome, Steven+
The master of mankind stood for a moment, studying the man before him. To outside observers the jacketed man was underdressed and dwarfed by the Emperor and his body guards and yet, he stood tall and unbowed, seemingly unaffected by the majesty of the being before him.
+You protected humanity’s home when we were vulnerable, it seemed right to keep something of your birthplace untouched+
Steven Universe’s eyes drifted around, as the smile faded from his face, a slow drain that left his gaze almost pained. “At least something of the past remains.” Steven sighed and turned his gaze upon The Emperor “So many people and Gems fought for this world that was once so filled with life and now….this. Not due to anyone event just…neglect and indifference over the march of years.”
+It will be a world of life again, once Humanity’s place and future are secure+
Now Steven frowned, his eyes looking behind the Emperor for a moment to his bodyguards “Those are not your Thunder Warriors.” The words hung between the two as that sick wind whipped at Steven’s hair and at the cloak the Emperor wore over the shoulder of his golden armor. The Emperor of mankind strode forward, eventually standing a still respectful distance from the Gem human Hybrid
+The Thunder Warriors did their job, but they were not suitable for the task ahead+
“Conquering the Stars for Humanity.” Steven’s eyes narrowed just a bit
+Reuniting humanity, after they were lost and isolated in the long night+
Silence followed by a sigh and a shake of the head. “I may not be quite as old as you….but I’m not blind or ignorant.” Steven pushed his hands into the pockets of his jacket. The Custodes gripping their weapons taking a step forward until they were halted by the Emperor’s mental command. “You intend to wage war.”
+Sic vis pacem para bellum. I intend that humanity will be ready to fight one on any front…but the real fight is against the primordial enemy…you know this+
Steven stared into the eyes of the man before him “Fighting them with martial strength is doomed to failure. They feed on conflict, and blood shed, on all the negative things we give into during a war. You can defend yourself for a time, stalemate them but you can’t overcome them that way.” As he spoke heat, passion spilled into his words, his gaze focused on the man before him.
The Emperor’s stance shifted just a bit and the a miasma breeze caught his dark hair +Then help us. Give me and my legions access to the warp pads. Give us Gem FTL. They crossed the divide between galaxies with it back when our people were still hunter gatherers. With that we could avoid traveling through the warp altogether+
Steven shook his head, “And bring more worlds and people into your influence…into your ‘Imperial Truth.’?” He almost spat those final words. “How did they put it in that old program we used to watch before humanity made it to the Stars?” Steven furrowed his brow as he hunted down the memory “Rule of….acquisition…239”
For a moment, a small span of time the Emperor’s gaze softened just a bit at the memory. +Never be afraid to mislabel a product+ a touch of wistfulness entering the Emperors eyes. +I always did like Captain Sisko+
Despite himself Steven actually smiled at the shared memory. “Sisko was good, but I preferred Commander Worf.”
The Emperor arched an Eyebrow +A person caught between two worlds, working to reconcile his relationship to both…and willing to oppose his own people if it was the right thing to do…yes that would make sense+ the moment of shared levity passed, his face hardened and he was once again, the Master of mankind. +Will you help?+
Steven took another look around, speaking as he stared at the corpse of his ancient home “Garnet told me the exact number of futures where humanity prospers.” Steven turned back, face deadly serious “Would you like to hear the odds?” Then Steven blinked as something passed over the Emperors face, a brief nanosecond of something Steven hadn’t expected to see, a light that simply hadn’t existed in those features in so long. As realization dawned on the man, his old boyish grin returned to his face in full force “Go on…say it….no one has likely given you such an opening in thousands of years and you’ll probably never get this chance again.”
For a moment, the Emperor’s magnificence’s blazed brightly, completely obscuring him from the sight of his Custodes, from his attendants and anyone else watching, except the man known as Steven Universe. And in that moment Steven saw Amusement in those ancient eyes, saw a roguish grin on that normally hard face and even the man’s imperious stance changed as he spoke aloud words that never reached anyone else ears but Steven’s
‘Never tell me the odds.’
Then the moment was gone, and they were once against two powerful and ancient beings in the forms of men, standing on the surface of a world that was dying in a universe that wouldn’t weep if they and all they cared about ceased to exist.
“You can use the Warp pads in this galaxy in an emergency…but I can not grant you the right to cross to other galaxies and…you can have the knowledge about Gem FTL.” Steven pulled his hands out of his pocket, handing over a Gem data slate which the Emperor reached for and took. Steven held onto the pad “But I need two favors in return to be called in at a time of my choosing. It won’t be anything that compromises or interferes with your goals.”
The two beings locked gazes the Data slate between them finally the Emperor spoke aloud once again ‘Why?’
Steven sighed “Because the only futures Garnet saw where humanity thrived required I give you this, and that you give me those two favors in return.”
The two being stared at one another over a pregnant pause until the Emperor finally responded +Done+
****
Years later
Former Human Zoo
In Orbit around Nuceria
Angron sat amidst grass, trees and life the likes of which his eyes had never seen before and stared at the world of Nuceria that was, even now falling away as the ship broke orbit and prepared for FTL. Staring at the world, thinking of the injustices done to him and his brethren on that world, thinking of the way the Emperor had refused them aid, seeking only to take him and leave the rest to die gave the nails something to bite into, something to drive.
Then the nails were muted as someone padded across the grass towards him. The pain and rage they drove receding like waves from a shore at low tide. His mind cleared and he turned his gaze from the world above, to his brothers and sisters around him. The one time slaves turned free people marveling at the massive ship around them, and the…gems that were currently providing them with a hot meal, and almost as fulfilling, a new friendly face.
The muting presence stood beside him, so much smaller than he and yet, the power was clear, the peace was clear, even if there was clearly some…discomfort beneath the placid surface. ‘How did you change his mind?’ the child of the red Sands asked his companion.
Steven shoved his hands into the pockets of his jacket and watched the receding world until the ship moving to FTL caused it to fade into the night. “The Emperor owed me a favor.” He turned and smiled at the much larger Primarch “I’ll admit he’s not happy about this.”
Angron scoffed “At the moment I care little how he feels. I see too much of the tyrant in him, in his callous disregard for my brothers and sisters..” The nails tried to bite but that muting presence kept them at bay, and Angron enjoyed an anger that was fully his own.
Laughter caught the pairs attention and they watched as some of the former slaves dove into the clear waters of this ships lakes. For a moment they simply watched as the Humans and the Amythyst enjoyed one another’s company. A smile touching Angron’s face.
“So what happens next?” the Primarch eventually asked, drawing one knee up, placing his fingers atop it as he watched his comrades.
“We get your people settled on their new world, make sure they are off to a good start…then we get those.” Steven gestured to the Nails “Out of your head or find away to nullify their bite if nothing else. After that I’m sure the Emperor will want you to lead the legion he created for you.”
Angron turned his head, those eyes staring at the man called Steven. “And what do YOU want?”
Steven rocked back and forth on his heels for a moment as he considered his words. “I’d like you to help people…but ultimately…” he turned looking up into those eyes, unflinching “…the choice is yours…this is your life and your decisions should guide it.”
Angron nodded and reached down, picking up the Gladius that’d been laying in the grass at his side, as he stretched his legs out before him. “You are a peacemaker a defender….I….am a fighter a survivor.” The lord of the red sands turned the now pristine blade in his hands, staring at his own reflection and began to nod “I would wish to continue to fight….fight against the kind of cruel tyrants that bound me and my brethren.”
Steven took a seat in the grass, his hands sliding into it, as the artificial sun overhead warmed them both. “Taking control of the Warhound Legion could give you the tools to do what you want.” He then laced his fingers behind his head and fell back into the grass, staring up as the Primarch watched him. “The Emperor will send you to fight, but HOW you prosecute the fight is up to you. So long as worlds are ‘compliant’ and become so on a reasonable timetable he won’t look too closely…he can’t there are simply too many worlds for him to do so…unless a consistent problem arises.”
Angron drove the point of his blade into the soft grass between his legs and folded his hands over the hilt, his chin resting atop that, and stared down at Steven. “And the Legion themselves?”
Steven’s eyes flicked to the Lord of the Red sands “They all carry something of you inside them, they WANT to know you, to know whose strength it is that fuels them.” Steven’s legs rose as he lay there, the right crossing over then resting atop the left as he thought, a sandal dangling from his toes, bouncing a bit before he continued. “Teach them, and learn from them…if you like.” He smiled “It’s YOUR choice afterall.”
The two lapsed into silence, thinking. Angron’s mind turning to all the possibilities that now lay before him and his brethren, so many options ahead so many pitfall to fall into. Yet he felt something in him that was almost excited at the prospect. This was freedom, the chance to chart his own course, to live his life as he willed…and actual hope that it could in fact be better.
“You’re smiling.” The Primarch looked down, and saw the young looking Hybrid-gem staring up at him. “I don’t mean a feral grin or a wicked smirk or some other battle sneer….you honestly look happy.”
The Primarch paused considering the smaller hybrids words, those eyes looking about the ship and the people it was currently taking to a new world and nodded with growing confidence "I think....for the first time, in a long time...I am."
****
For the first time that Konrad Cruz could ever recall, Steven wore armor. It was not the ceramic plate that his legion wore but something else, a suit designed by his unseen armor smith, that supposedly used techniques mastered then lost in the ages before the Long night. The suit was mostly dark red in color with a breast plate, Gauntlets, Pauldrons (with a Gold Star worked in the right one), and Greaves all made from a material that was a ‘Bismuth-Secret’ according to Steven.
The rest of the suit was done in Black with silver trim along pieces like the boots and it looked like a good balance between mobility and protection.
Steven held the helmet in his hands as he stood at the center of the training grounds, surrounded by giants in Night Lord’s standard war gear. He smiled at those around him then looked down at the helmet grasped in his hands, some memory saddening his features as he wiped at a rune above the helmets clear visor. He spun the helmet in his hands and pulled it down over his head. His features now hidden as the helmet locked in with the rest of the suit. The cannon mounted on his left shoulder came to life, the multi-barrel tracking for a moment, then snuggling into it’s place. “Ready!”
Cruz stared at the lone figure for a long moment then nodded, and the entire training ground was plunged into darkness. His own eyes saw the shoulder cannon perk up like an alert hound, seemingly sniffing the air for threats, and settling into a watchful scan as it searched the shadows for potential targets. Steven himself made no moves, just stood there as the Night Lords moved in.
The training area had been configured to resemble a hive street, a battleground many of his new legionnaires would be intimately familiar with. The small armored warrior tilted his helmeted head ever so slightly as Night Lords dashed through open areas or scrambled up buildings before disappearing inside. This bit of theater giving his ‘Sons’ a chance to observe HOW the enemy reacted as well as cover for their brothers silently moving into firing positions far above Steven.
Slowly, the Night haunter found himself frowning as the Astartes drew this out just a little too long and seemingly missed the very information this tactic was meant to reveal about their opponent.
That was when Steven was inundated with Heavy Bolter fire.
A pink dome sprang into life around him, catching the training rounds and making them detonate harmlessly. The Cannon on his shoulder swung around and up-like an excited puppy and began firing, just as Cruz’s sons stopped. A hole opened in the Dome and Steven’s Cannon gave three very sharp replies to the stream of anger it’s master had suffered. Two of his Marines scrambled out of the way fast enough, the third proved a little slower and caught around in his knee. His suit reading the impact and locking up that section of his armor to simulate the loss of that limb. To his Credit that only caused the Astartes to stumble a bit before catching himself, and start using his remaining Limbs to scramble into cover. Unfortunately for him that stumble was all Steven’s cannon needed, as it added a fourth retort that took the exposed Marine in the head, and completely locked up his armor, giving him time to sit in darkness and consider his mistakes.
The hole in Steven’s dome closed up as more Marines opened fire from their positions in the other buildings around him. Cruz quirked an eyebrow as his Axemaster used the full side as cover for his own movements, slipping closer and closer as Steven’s dome began showing cracks. As the dome shattered, Kreig Acerbus pounced from steven’s rear, triggering his chain axes. The Night haunter’s eyes narrowed in anger as Krieg’s chain weapons whirred to life during the wind up and NOT just before impact as Cruz had taught him. Chain weapons were very effective but the noise they made would alert a capable enemy thus if triggered too soon, it gives said enemy a chance to react.
Which Steven Did.
With a speed the Captain clearly did not expect, the Red armored warrior spun around in a flash of pink while creating a barrier that was just large enough to halt Krieg’s weapons. Krieg tried to pull back but Steven had formed another barrier around the head of his axes trapping them and putting The Axemaster off balance. Steven’s right fist swung, impacting the Astartes in the side and sending him sailing into the wall of a building, brought part of it down atop him, trapping him in rubble. Steven slammed a barrier down atop it for good measure before turning to deal with the others.
While he’d been fighting Krieg, Steven’s cannon had shown it was in fact capable of very rapid precise fire. Taking out two more Astartes in the window afforded by it’s Masters fight with Krieg. The rest of Cruz’s Night Lords scattered in good order. Taking up new positions before firing again.
This time Steven ‘caught’ the rounds in his modified dome and hurled them back by rapidly expanding his field. The Night Lords, learning from their past mistakes, adapted and had begun moving well before Steven struck out and this time none were caught in the ensuing carnage. Night Lords rushed from the sides, again triggering chain weapons during the wind up and NOT right before impact, causing the Night Haunters lips to pull into a thin line as they alerted their prey too soon, Steven’s cannon took out one while Steven himself dodged the Sword of the other before repeatedly slamming fists into the Astartes mid section hard enough and often enough to lift the marine off his feet. Both then found themselves pinned as Steven brought barriers down to slam them into the ferrocrete.
Krak Grenades were tossed and detonated against another barrier, but this time the noise and light had been used to cover the ascent of a Marine via Jetpack. Zso Sahaal descended slamming his boots into Steven’s back and taking the armored figure to the ground in a move Cruz found himself nodding at with approval.
Steven heaved himself up, tossing the marine into the air, just as Talos Valcoran closed the distance and struck out with his power sword, the weapon tagging Steven’s shoulder cannon, taking it out of the fight. Zso used his jets to flip himself around and land lightly, as the two Marines attacked together. Claws and Sword hunting for a weakness in Steven’s defense, driving him back. Steven then hurled himself back, flipping over in the air, gauntleted hands snatching up Kreig’s lost axe before charging back in, swinging the weapon, as his opponents raised their blades to answer.
“Enough!”
Everyone froze as the Night Haunter spoke, lights rising slowly, seeming to bath the partially wrecked street and buildings in rising dawn light. “I have seen what I needed.” He continued. His Marines taking that as a Dismissal, saluting their Primarch before moving to aid their fallen. Zso’s body language showing a fair amount of…delight as Krieg pulled himself out of the rubble once Steven removed his barrier. For his part Krieg managed to glower at his fellow Captain through the helmet he wore. Cruz watched his warriors depart, considering the implications of what he’d seen.
“Well?” Cruz turned and saw Steven standing behind, looking up at him, helmet under the youthful looking man’s arms.
“I was right to be worried.” The Lord of the Night began. “The new arrivals, they want to reveal in the fear of their enemies not just use it as a means to an end.”
Steven pursed his lips, the fingers of his hand tapping something out on the helmet he held before he responded. “How do you know?”
The Night Haunter gestured and the two began striding out of the training Arena’s observation deck and into the halls of the Night Lord’s facility on Nostromo, a clean efficient and morose place that reflected the mentality of it’s master very well. “They waited too long to attack, and some of them were showing frustration at your lack of fear response despite them being aware that you know full well the methods of my legion. Then there was Krieg and his people…they WANTED to see your fear…needed it…it’s the only reason they triggered their weapons early…they wanted to drink in the moment of your terror before ending the contest.”
The two continued their journey in silence, both considering what the Night Haunter had said. Eventually they reached his room. A dark place that seemed almost carved from black rock over being built. The glow of machines and their screens being almost the only light source available.
Steven placed his helmet atop a huge black desk that the Night haunter sat in front of. A massive Screen coming to life as the Primarch settled in. Eventually Konrad began working as Steven stood beside him, watching numbers and figures scroll across the screen as it bathed the Primarch’s face in it’s cold light. The Master of Nostromo’s face souring the longer he watched.
“My people are back sliding without me….and the ones they are sending me to replenish my lost numbers are poisoning my Legion.” He sighed and leaned back, rubbing his forehead with a massive hand “As I foresaw…..as I….feared.” then closed his dark eyes
Steven placed a hand on the desk and looked on, seeing the data, then turned to Cruz. “Well…you see the problem. So that means you can take action.”
Cruz shook his head, and opened his eyes, that disturbing gaze staring at the much smaller man. “There’s no point, I’ve seen this play out time and again. My gift of foresight curses me to know the end and yet I can do nothing about it.” His gaze flicking back to the screen and the failures it showed.
Steven pursed his lips “Well…I have a….” he stopped and smiled at a memory, his face growing sad “…had a mother…who was also gifted with foresight.” Konrad turned to regard him as he continued “She admitted that her vision wasn’t perfect…but also admitted that sometimes she had to ask the right question to see futures she thought were very unlikely. To modify her thinking and accept that things can change for the better.” The Primarch dipped his head forward thinking. “I…don’t know how your gift works, but perhaps…if you ask the right question….or even just take the right step forward you can open up new possibilities.”
Konrad Cruz lifted his head and stared at the screen, shaking his head “This will most likely fail to change anything.” His voice low, sad and yet…. “But it’s….human to try anyways.” And with that his fingers began dancing over the controls, new information scrolling across the screen as the Primarch considered how to solve the problems he faced as Steven sat in silent support.
Holy Terra
He could see the spires of a great terran City close to a place he’d once called home, so many ages ago. The name it once held no longer being relevant in this new world, one without oceans for cities to sit beside like when he was young.
He took his gaze off the horizon and focused instead on the place where he had grown up. Nothing of that life should’ve remained and yet as he walked, Sandal clad feet tracing out old patterns of travel, he found deliberate homages to what had once been. A house by what was once a coast, a donut shop manned by a servitor that was nothing like the pair of people he most clearly remembered running the place, and the stage area that was upon what once would’ve been called a beach.
All these things the man took in silently, letting the echos of a past life wash over his mind.
A sick wind whipped by him, carrying the scent of a dying world, and the industry that was consuming it, inch by inch day by day. His pink letterman jacket catching the breeze, opening to show off a dark shirt with a single gold star worn over a solid, barrel chested frame, and navy blue jeans. The face and the body were that of a man in his prime and yet those eyes, so old and tired, indicating far more years than his youthful face would suggest.
The man allowed a small smile to touch the corners of his lips, as he felt a new presence impinging on his awareness. “You kept this place clear….” He turned, regarding the gold clade figure and his retinue of golden warriors. “…thanks.”
+You are welcome, Steven+
The master of mankind stood for a moment, studying the man before him. To outside observers the jacketed man was underdressed and dwarfed by the Emperor and his body guards and yet, he stood tall and unbowed, seemingly unaffected by the majesty of the being before him.
+You protected humanity’s home when we were vulnerable, it seemed right to keep something of your birthplace untouched+
Steven Universe’s eyes drifted around, as the smile faded from his face, a slow drain that left his gaze almost pained. “At least something of the past remains.” Steven sighed and turned his gaze upon The Emperor “So many people and Gems fought for this world that was once so filled with life and now….this. Not due to anyone event just…neglect and indifference over the march of years.”
+It will be a world of life again, once Humanity’s place and future are secure+
Now Steven frowned, his eyes looking behind the Emperor for a moment to his bodyguards “Those are not your Thunder Warriors.” The words hung between the two as that sick wind whipped at Steven’s hair and at the cloak the Emperor wore over the shoulder of his golden armor. The Emperor of mankind strode forward, eventually standing a still respectful distance from the Gem human Hybrid
+The Thunder Warriors did their job, but they were not suitable for the task ahead+
“Conquering the Stars for Humanity.” Steven’s eyes narrowed just a bit
+Reuniting humanity, after they were lost and isolated in the long night+
Silence followed by a sigh and a shake of the head. “I may not be quite as old as you….but I’m not blind or ignorant.” Steven pushed his hands into the pockets of his jacket. The Custodes gripping their weapons taking a step forward until they were halted by the Emperor’s mental command. “You intend to wage war.”
+Sic vis pacem para bellum. I intend that humanity will be ready to fight one on any front…but the real fight is against the primordial enemy…you know this+
Steven stared into the eyes of the man before him “Fighting them with martial strength is doomed to failure. They feed on conflict, and blood shed, on all the negative things we give into during a war. You can defend yourself for a time, stalemate them but you can’t overcome them that way.” As he spoke heat, passion spilled into his words, his gaze focused on the man before him.
The Emperor’s stance shifted just a bit and the a miasma breeze caught his dark hair +Then help us. Give me and my legions access to the warp pads. Give us Gem FTL. They crossed the divide between galaxies with it back when our people were still hunter gatherers. With that we could avoid traveling through the warp altogether+
Steven shook his head, “And bring more worlds and people into your influence…into your ‘Imperial Truth.’?” He almost spat those final words. “How did they put it in that old program we used to watch before humanity made it to the Stars?” Steven furrowed his brow as he hunted down the memory “Rule of….acquisition…239”
For a moment, a small span of time the Emperor’s gaze softened just a bit at the memory. +Never be afraid to mislabel a product+ a touch of wistfulness entering the Emperors eyes. +I always did like Captain Sisko+
Despite himself Steven actually smiled at the shared memory. “Sisko was good, but I preferred Commander Worf.”
The Emperor arched an Eyebrow +A person caught between two worlds, working to reconcile his relationship to both…and willing to oppose his own people if it was the right thing to do…yes that would make sense+ the moment of shared levity passed, his face hardened and he was once again, the Master of mankind. +Will you help?+
Steven took another look around, speaking as he stared at the corpse of his ancient home “Garnet told me the exact number of futures where humanity prospers.” Steven turned back, face deadly serious “Would you like to hear the odds?” Then Steven blinked as something passed over the Emperors face, a brief nanosecond of something Steven hadn’t expected to see, a light that simply hadn’t existed in those features in so long. As realization dawned on the man, his old boyish grin returned to his face in full force “Go on…say it….no one has likely given you such an opening in thousands of years and you’ll probably never get this chance again.”
For a moment, the Emperor’s magnificence’s blazed brightly, completely obscuring him from the sight of his Custodes, from his attendants and anyone else watching, except the man known as Steven Universe. And in that moment Steven saw Amusement in those ancient eyes, saw a roguish grin on that normally hard face and even the man’s imperious stance changed as he spoke aloud words that never reached anyone else ears but Steven’s
‘Never tell me the odds.’
Then the moment was gone, and they were once against two powerful and ancient beings in the forms of men, standing on the surface of a world that was dying in a universe that wouldn’t weep if they and all they cared about ceased to exist.
“You can use the Warp pads in this galaxy in an emergency…but I can not grant you the right to cross to other galaxies and…you can have the knowledge about Gem FTL.” Steven pulled his hands out of his pocket, handing over a Gem data slate which the Emperor reached for and took. Steven held onto the pad “But I need two favors in return to be called in at a time of my choosing. It won’t be anything that compromises or interferes with your goals.”
The two beings locked gazes the Data slate between them finally the Emperor spoke aloud once again ‘Why?’
Steven sighed “Because the only futures Garnet saw where humanity thrived required I give you this, and that you give me those two favors in return.”
The two being stared at one another over a pregnant pause until the Emperor finally responded +Done+
****
Years later
Former Human Zoo
In Orbit around Nuceria
Angron sat amidst grass, trees and life the likes of which his eyes had never seen before and stared at the world of Nuceria that was, even now falling away as the ship broke orbit and prepared for FTL. Staring at the world, thinking of the injustices done to him and his brethren on that world, thinking of the way the Emperor had refused them aid, seeking only to take him and leave the rest to die gave the nails something to bite into, something to drive.
Then the nails were muted as someone padded across the grass towards him. The pain and rage they drove receding like waves from a shore at low tide. His mind cleared and he turned his gaze from the world above, to his brothers and sisters around him. The one time slaves turned free people marveling at the massive ship around them, and the…gems that were currently providing them with a hot meal, and almost as fulfilling, a new friendly face.
The muting presence stood beside him, so much smaller than he and yet, the power was clear, the peace was clear, even if there was clearly some…discomfort beneath the placid surface. ‘How did you change his mind?’ the child of the red Sands asked his companion.
Steven shoved his hands into the pockets of his jacket and watched the receding world until the ship moving to FTL caused it to fade into the night. “The Emperor owed me a favor.” He turned and smiled at the much larger Primarch “I’ll admit he’s not happy about this.”
Angron scoffed “At the moment I care little how he feels. I see too much of the tyrant in him, in his callous disregard for my brothers and sisters..” The nails tried to bite but that muting presence kept them at bay, and Angron enjoyed an anger that was fully his own.
Laughter caught the pairs attention and they watched as some of the former slaves dove into the clear waters of this ships lakes. For a moment they simply watched as the Humans and the Amythyst enjoyed one another’s company. A smile touching Angron’s face.
“So what happens next?” the Primarch eventually asked, drawing one knee up, placing his fingers atop it as he watched his comrades.
“We get your people settled on their new world, make sure they are off to a good start…then we get those.” Steven gestured to the Nails “Out of your head or find away to nullify their bite if nothing else. After that I’m sure the Emperor will want you to lead the legion he created for you.”
Angron turned his head, those eyes staring at the man called Steven. “And what do YOU want?”
Steven rocked back and forth on his heels for a moment as he considered his words. “I’d like you to help people…but ultimately…” he turned looking up into those eyes, unflinching “…the choice is yours…this is your life and your decisions should guide it.”
Angron nodded and reached down, picking up the Gladius that’d been laying in the grass at his side, as he stretched his legs out before him. “You are a peacemaker a defender….I….am a fighter a survivor.” The lord of the red sands turned the now pristine blade in his hands, staring at his own reflection and began to nod “I would wish to continue to fight….fight against the kind of cruel tyrants that bound me and my brethren.”
Steven took a seat in the grass, his hands sliding into it, as the artificial sun overhead warmed them both. “Taking control of the Warhound Legion could give you the tools to do what you want.” He then laced his fingers behind his head and fell back into the grass, staring up as the Primarch watched him. “The Emperor will send you to fight, but HOW you prosecute the fight is up to you. So long as worlds are ‘compliant’ and become so on a reasonable timetable he won’t look too closely…he can’t there are simply too many worlds for him to do so…unless a consistent problem arises.”
Angron drove the point of his blade into the soft grass between his legs and folded his hands over the hilt, his chin resting atop that, and stared down at Steven. “And the Legion themselves?”
Steven’s eyes flicked to the Lord of the Red sands “They all carry something of you inside them, they WANT to know you, to know whose strength it is that fuels them.” Steven’s legs rose as he lay there, the right crossing over then resting atop the left as he thought, a sandal dangling from his toes, bouncing a bit before he continued. “Teach them, and learn from them…if you like.” He smiled “It’s YOUR choice afterall.”
The two lapsed into silence, thinking. Angron’s mind turning to all the possibilities that now lay before him and his brethren, so many options ahead so many pitfall to fall into. Yet he felt something in him that was almost excited at the prospect. This was freedom, the chance to chart his own course, to live his life as he willed…and actual hope that it could in fact be better.
“You’re smiling.” The Primarch looked down, and saw the young looking Hybrid-gem staring up at him. “I don’t mean a feral grin or a wicked smirk or some other battle sneer….you honestly look happy.”
The Primarch paused considering the smaller hybrids words, those eyes looking about the ship and the people it was currently taking to a new world and nodded with growing confidence "I think....for the first time, in a long time...I am."
****
For the first time that Konrad Cruz could ever recall, Steven wore armor. It was not the ceramic plate that his legion wore but something else, a suit designed by his unseen armor smith, that supposedly used techniques mastered then lost in the ages before the Long night. The suit was mostly dark red in color with a breast plate, Gauntlets, Pauldrons (with a Gold Star worked in the right one), and Greaves all made from a material that was a ‘Bismuth-Secret’ according to Steven.
The rest of the suit was done in Black with silver trim along pieces like the boots and it looked like a good balance between mobility and protection.
Steven held the helmet in his hands as he stood at the center of the training grounds, surrounded by giants in Night Lord’s standard war gear. He smiled at those around him then looked down at the helmet grasped in his hands, some memory saddening his features as he wiped at a rune above the helmets clear visor. He spun the helmet in his hands and pulled it down over his head. His features now hidden as the helmet locked in with the rest of the suit. The cannon mounted on his left shoulder came to life, the multi-barrel tracking for a moment, then snuggling into it’s place. “Ready!”
Cruz stared at the lone figure for a long moment then nodded, and the entire training ground was plunged into darkness. His own eyes saw the shoulder cannon perk up like an alert hound, seemingly sniffing the air for threats, and settling into a watchful scan as it searched the shadows for potential targets. Steven himself made no moves, just stood there as the Night Lords moved in.
The training area had been configured to resemble a hive street, a battleground many of his new legionnaires would be intimately familiar with. The small armored warrior tilted his helmeted head ever so slightly as Night Lords dashed through open areas or scrambled up buildings before disappearing inside. This bit of theater giving his ‘Sons’ a chance to observe HOW the enemy reacted as well as cover for their brothers silently moving into firing positions far above Steven.
Slowly, the Night haunter found himself frowning as the Astartes drew this out just a little too long and seemingly missed the very information this tactic was meant to reveal about their opponent.
That was when Steven was inundated with Heavy Bolter fire.
A pink dome sprang into life around him, catching the training rounds and making them detonate harmlessly. The Cannon on his shoulder swung around and up-like an excited puppy and began firing, just as Cruz’s sons stopped. A hole opened in the Dome and Steven’s Cannon gave three very sharp replies to the stream of anger it’s master had suffered. Two of his Marines scrambled out of the way fast enough, the third proved a little slower and caught around in his knee. His suit reading the impact and locking up that section of his armor to simulate the loss of that limb. To his Credit that only caused the Astartes to stumble a bit before catching himself, and start using his remaining Limbs to scramble into cover. Unfortunately for him that stumble was all Steven’s cannon needed, as it added a fourth retort that took the exposed Marine in the head, and completely locked up his armor, giving him time to sit in darkness and consider his mistakes.
The hole in Steven’s dome closed up as more Marines opened fire from their positions in the other buildings around him. Cruz quirked an eyebrow as his Axemaster used the full side as cover for his own movements, slipping closer and closer as Steven’s dome began showing cracks. As the dome shattered, Kreig Acerbus pounced from steven’s rear, triggering his chain axes. The Night haunter’s eyes narrowed in anger as Krieg’s chain weapons whirred to life during the wind up and NOT just before impact as Cruz had taught him. Chain weapons were very effective but the noise they made would alert a capable enemy thus if triggered too soon, it gives said enemy a chance to react.
Which Steven Did.
With a speed the Captain clearly did not expect, the Red armored warrior spun around in a flash of pink while creating a barrier that was just large enough to halt Krieg’s weapons. Krieg tried to pull back but Steven had formed another barrier around the head of his axes trapping them and putting The Axemaster off balance. Steven’s right fist swung, impacting the Astartes in the side and sending him sailing into the wall of a building, brought part of it down atop him, trapping him in rubble. Steven slammed a barrier down atop it for good measure before turning to deal with the others.
While he’d been fighting Krieg, Steven’s cannon had shown it was in fact capable of very rapid precise fire. Taking out two more Astartes in the window afforded by it’s Masters fight with Krieg. The rest of Cruz’s Night Lords scattered in good order. Taking up new positions before firing again.
This time Steven ‘caught’ the rounds in his modified dome and hurled them back by rapidly expanding his field. The Night Lords, learning from their past mistakes, adapted and had begun moving well before Steven struck out and this time none were caught in the ensuing carnage. Night Lords rushed from the sides, again triggering chain weapons during the wind up and NOT right before impact, causing the Night Haunters lips to pull into a thin line as they alerted their prey too soon, Steven’s cannon took out one while Steven himself dodged the Sword of the other before repeatedly slamming fists into the Astartes mid section hard enough and often enough to lift the marine off his feet. Both then found themselves pinned as Steven brought barriers down to slam them into the ferrocrete.
Krak Grenades were tossed and detonated against another barrier, but this time the noise and light had been used to cover the ascent of a Marine via Jetpack. Zso Sahaal descended slamming his boots into Steven’s back and taking the armored figure to the ground in a move Cruz found himself nodding at with approval.
Steven heaved himself up, tossing the marine into the air, just as Talos Valcoran closed the distance and struck out with his power sword, the weapon tagging Steven’s shoulder cannon, taking it out of the fight. Zso used his jets to flip himself around and land lightly, as the two Marines attacked together. Claws and Sword hunting for a weakness in Steven’s defense, driving him back. Steven then hurled himself back, flipping over in the air, gauntleted hands snatching up Kreig’s lost axe before charging back in, swinging the weapon, as his opponents raised their blades to answer.
“Enough!”
Everyone froze as the Night Haunter spoke, lights rising slowly, seeming to bath the partially wrecked street and buildings in rising dawn light. “I have seen what I needed.” He continued. His Marines taking that as a Dismissal, saluting their Primarch before moving to aid their fallen. Zso’s body language showing a fair amount of…delight as Krieg pulled himself out of the rubble once Steven removed his barrier. For his part Krieg managed to glower at his fellow Captain through the helmet he wore. Cruz watched his warriors depart, considering the implications of what he’d seen.
“Well?” Cruz turned and saw Steven standing behind, looking up at him, helmet under the youthful looking man’s arms.
“I was right to be worried.” The Lord of the Night began. “The new arrivals, they want to reveal in the fear of their enemies not just use it as a means to an end.”
Steven pursed his lips, the fingers of his hand tapping something out on the helmet he held before he responded. “How do you know?”
The Night Haunter gestured and the two began striding out of the training Arena’s observation deck and into the halls of the Night Lord’s facility on Nostromo, a clean efficient and morose place that reflected the mentality of it’s master very well. “They waited too long to attack, and some of them were showing frustration at your lack of fear response despite them being aware that you know full well the methods of my legion. Then there was Krieg and his people…they WANTED to see your fear…needed it…it’s the only reason they triggered their weapons early…they wanted to drink in the moment of your terror before ending the contest.”
The two continued their journey in silence, both considering what the Night Haunter had said. Eventually they reached his room. A dark place that seemed almost carved from black rock over being built. The glow of machines and their screens being almost the only light source available.
Steven placed his helmet atop a huge black desk that the Night haunter sat in front of. A massive Screen coming to life as the Primarch settled in. Eventually Konrad began working as Steven stood beside him, watching numbers and figures scroll across the screen as it bathed the Primarch’s face in it’s cold light. The Master of Nostromo’s face souring the longer he watched.
“My people are back sliding without me….and the ones they are sending me to replenish my lost numbers are poisoning my Legion.” He sighed and leaned back, rubbing his forehead with a massive hand “As I foresaw…..as I….feared.” then closed his dark eyes
Steven placed a hand on the desk and looked on, seeing the data, then turned to Cruz. “Well…you see the problem. So that means you can take action.”
Cruz shook his head, and opened his eyes, that disturbing gaze staring at the much smaller man. “There’s no point, I’ve seen this play out time and again. My gift of foresight curses me to know the end and yet I can do nothing about it.” His gaze flicking back to the screen and the failures it showed.
Steven pursed his lips “Well…I have a….” he stopped and smiled at a memory, his face growing sad “…had a mother…who was also gifted with foresight.” Konrad turned to regard him as he continued “She admitted that her vision wasn’t perfect…but also admitted that sometimes she had to ask the right question to see futures she thought were very unlikely. To modify her thinking and accept that things can change for the better.” The Primarch dipped his head forward thinking. “I…don’t know how your gift works, but perhaps…if you ask the right question….or even just take the right step forward you can open up new possibilities.”
Konrad Cruz lifted his head and stared at the screen, shaking his head “This will most likely fail to change anything.” His voice low, sad and yet…. “But it’s….human to try anyways.” And with that his fingers began dancing over the controls, new information scrolling across the screen as the Primarch considered how to solve the problems he faced as Steven sat in silent support.