Hissing Iron​

"Whatever your thoughts of Guilliman or this Codex, we still face the reality that these changes are more than likely destiny rather than a chance. We stand to change with the times and carry on our duties in the light of Mankind's advancement, or to be swept aside and left in the darkness between worlds with the same wraiths we spent the Great Crusade ignoring and denying ever existed." Alexander steps a bit closer to the projection of the Codex Astartes. Touch interface allows him to flip it open to its appendix.

"Then let us go into the abyss and drag it kicking and screaming into that light. Let all others scorn us, we fought as such before our very galaxy was twisted on its own head, we shall do so until it is righted once more. We will be the True Iron Warriors, and we---"

"Will be starved of supplies and denied valuable resources because we let our own stubborn streak become a liability." Akar coolly cuts off the Soul Smith. "Tell me who the Iron Warriors are Castor, tell us all in your bluntest matter."

"We are slayers and siege smiths, we are the Emperor's destroyers. The loyal and the brave."

"Incredibly romantic, but that has never been an Iron Warrior. Let me tell you how the Imperium will remember us, whenever we dare utter the name of the IVth: We are the Corpse Grinders, we are the ones that ravaged entire worlds and populations like the World Eaters, only difference being we were far slower and methodical about it. This was not done out of spite, but by perceived necessity. Our legion, both before and after Perturabo's return to the fold, always served as work horse forces; always the dirty, ugly jobs that no one else wanted, things too inglorious or trivial."

"As we were loyal and they as traitors, that is how man shall remember us. Not hundreds that stood anonymous in defense of Terra, but the hundred thousands that have dug trenches from one side of existence to another. Odiaus feared this, both before and after the betrayal: that there would never be any cleansing our name, especially while Perturabo was in charge." Gloran looks to the floor a moment, face kept plain as thoughts were trapped by reflection.

"Fears reasonably founded. Even if we fought for ten thousand years there may never be a hope of purging our names of the sins borne by the traitor."

"That is why Brothers Kremnar and Nathiel are correct, our brotherhood must come first and we would be best suited accepting this offer, this sponsorship. Our duty ultimately remains to the Emperor and Mankind, not Guilliman, Dorn, or any other legion patriarch. Denying this deal simply slaps away a hand laden with gifts that would greatly boost our power and functional capabilities. After all, what do we have now? A single ship in dire need of repair, barely three and half companies of men, and a plethora of wrecks that will not be battle ready for quite some time. Am I correct in this estimation Iron Master?" Witch looks to Techmarine, mouth pulling into a thin frown.

The fighting upon Terra had worn down upon Marcus' chassis, battle-damage being plentiful but fortunately, mostly superficial - the only thing he was worried of was getting gore stuck within the servo's at this point, by the end of the war. He was even surprised there was an end that had them in one piece, let alone one that could in some way be considered a 'victory' ((even if he knew that was stretching the term dangerously thin)) on their part.

Much mourning had been done in the name of all those they had lost, but the true destruction of Olympia had hurt him tremendously - even as he knew the fates of the people upon it was less than ideal, to see a world he had valued so much, to have looked to for motivation be... Obliterated.

He could only hope that wherever they set as their home next, it would not receive the same fate.


The meeting with Brumdar and the others was one that at least had taken his mind elsewhere, the Contemptor standing alongside everyone; it was the first time he remembered in many years where they could simply be.... Standing. To speak civilly, to debate perhaps as this 'Codex Astartes' was brought up, along with the Primarch's offer.

The mention of splitting into 'Chapters' instead of remaining as whole legions, the Imperium's fear, the dissolution into the Ultramarines... It was all something that hadn't surprised Marcus; he knew that none would have accepted those from a Traitor Legion as truly loyal; after all, if an entire legion had fallen, what's to stop these lucky few?

He stood there in silence for the time being and listened to everyone else's views on the matter, the only signs of him paying attention being in the movement from the chassis to face each speaker,

Kremnar's cynicism and frustration, Nathiel's counters and the argument from the others. It was all something that was... Refreshing. There was no threats, no fear of war, no stress - at least, none by gunshot.

"Perhaps, we should reach a compromise, then." Marcus said after them all, bringing the large fist and pointing to the Codex. "We shall follow this; there is little reason we should not. What news have we heard of the others? I am willing to bet that there are none else who do not follow this as well; to deviate ourselves would be suspicious, or downright scorned."

"However... I do not believe this to be a set of strict rules; but guidelines. Yes, I see we should follow it. But we should not adhere so strictly so as to become little more than copies. Let us take the time to... Read this, to see it for ourselves, and take from it what we will. But 'true'... Iron Warriors."

The Contemptor turned to look to the Soul Smith, as well as Akar. "There is no reason we cannot be both. Yes; the Imperium as a whole shall take this harshly, to know we are former traitors. However we have little reason to wipe it away from ourselves, to keep this knowledge within this... Chapter of ours. I do not believe in wiping away our history; from the public, yes, but I believe all those beneath us deserve to know our rightful heritage, however grim it is - perhaps especially so, so that they too do not repeat history."

"What concerns I have, are of whom shall lead us; a Dreadnought such as I or Brumdar, would be.... Not quite needing of an honour guard, and He most certainly would have experience in such a role. However I am not certain on whether having one of us as a leader would be enjoyed by the others."


"I worry more of what shall happen to us; as Akar has said, we are the... Corpse grinders; the cannon fodder, the men who destroy the strongest of fortifications and annihilate their foes. I admit that I am too used to the notion of sending masses to construct siege weapons and lay waste to a foe. We shall need to change our very ideals, what we see as our calling. A chapter has only so many men it can allow; such tactics will be impossible to keep with this limitation, unless we seek to 'ignore' that, if we ever find ourselves able to get near this number in the first place."​

Outpacing​

"Our status makes us a liability in the long run. Neither of us can stay awake forever, not without side-effects that would hamper our... mental capabilities, one may say. I had intended to bring this forward after we reached a verdict on the Primarch's offer, however since the thought is free let us address it. Yes, Marcus is correct that in this new fast approaching era we will need new leadership; and it should be a man who is still whole in body and mind. Our time, while abundant, will not be wasted by waxing poetic or purple prose on what makes a leader, instead, let us dig into the meat of the matter and discuss who might take my place. Place the Codex to the back of our minds for a moment."

"By all rights then it should be Akar. With him being our oldest surviving officer by a fair margin." Alexander begins, then hesitates. Castor speaks up before he may resume.

"Venerable as our Brother-Lieutenant is, not lacking in good sense or courage, he lacks... charisma."

"Kindest report I have received in a long time Soul Smith. I am touched." Akar places a hand over his heart, deadpan softening a smidge momentarily when he looks at the Chaplain. Looking back to full assembly he continues. "If it is required of me by duty, I will take the mantle. As an absolute must, I believe there are warriors, some among us, better qualified for the job. The front lines have never been my place, as my weapons specialty reflects, nor would it suit for me to take charge of a...chapter; one I know or otherwise."

"In light of questionable charisma, perhaps Kremnar might lead us? Though not apart of our battalion so long as others he has proven himself capable on Terra and the name travels fondly in certain circles." Castor picks up again, looking at the veteran opposite of himself in the gathering.

"You know he is not the only one here to of personally trained with Seth, correct?" Alexander tilts head toward the Soul Smith, expression exasperated as if already having engaged a long argument; not entirely impossible considering his gifts.

"That is true, however Kremnar is the only one unimpeded by other duties to step forward in defense of our history thus far. It speaks of pride and confidence, things a good leader will need. Needless to speak of his service record, especially after surviving both Mortarion and Terra."

"Castor, is that perfume I smell? Were you hoping to meet him here? Need we leave you and our brother here alone?" Alexander lofted a brow. Castor's form straightens aggressively.

"None of that, we are here to debate an issue that determines our very future and opportunity to protect our Imperium." A short snerk punctuates this, every eye in the room shooting to the source: Akar. Lieutenant straightens himself out some, pretending as if nothing happens. Librarian starts to snicker, Gloran soon follows and after several seconds Castor lets out a brief chortle of his own, relaxing and opening his hands. Brumdar sighs deeply.

"Forgive me, perhaps I am being a bit too aggressive with this matter. My argument still stands either way." Soul Smith leaves it there.

"Counter of that proposition, what of Dyzek? Akar has been grooming him for quite some time to take command." Gloran finally weighs in once more.

"I have been grooming him to replace me in the likely event of death."

"You'll not die while I am here. Dyzek has been around as long as most of the linemen will remember. You know our history, your time outside the chapter demonstrated a notable impact upon your style, yet did not rob you of the core IVth teachings. Such ability would be invaluable in redefining this battalion, without washing out the entirety of what we are." Chief Apothecary steps forward closer to the group, having been standing a few paces back from the rough circle they had all formed. He looks directly across the way at the relatively fresh Captain.

Kremnar Eranite said nothing as he watched the discussion of who should be this new 'Chapter Master' position. In truth, he had no desire to take the mantle, given the orientation of how many in the room seemed prone to the path of least resistance over one where they might fight the entire Imperium to keep their name. Logical but disappointing. Had the alternative appeared, the sternguard veteran might have stepped in and taken the Soul Smith's position and support.

Speaking up once everyone's initial discussion died down, Kremnar looked around the room, giving Castor a nod, before saying, "Let Dyzek be the chapter master. No doubt if I take the post, we would spend most of our time dealing with an army of Ultramarines at our door demanding honor duels, especially with the words I'll have for their primarch and his codex." The words could've been taken as humorous, had he actually injected any less somberly or seriousness in them, or, in other words, if the pre-Battle of Terra Kremnar had said them. Yet now they just sounded bitter and a bit resentful.

"Additionally Dyzek already has experience commanding troops in the most hellish of battles: Terra, having attained the rank of Captaincy. I am not yet even a Sergeant on a campaign. With respect and thanks to the Soul Smith for his recognition of my combat record, logic and practicalities only dictate that the Captain should assume command as he is best suited to do so, as much as Nathiel should be sent to kill the most treacherous of our enemies." Kremnar concluded what he had to say and fell silent again. What role he had in this new 'chapter' remained to be seen, though it didn't appear that chapter master would make for the best role for him at the moment. Nevertheless, regardless of what the sternguard veteran seemed to end up doing, he would likely have to fight a bunch of astartes from the other chapters, at least all those that would doubt their loyalty to the Imperium.

@WanderingJester @BruticusTheGoreHound @DeranVendar

Nathiel sighed as he listened to the discussion going on. He broke his silence once more, "You all seem to forget what a chapter master will entail. Our new leader will be the one to go out before those of Guilliman and be a beacon that cast aside any doubt. We need someone who can know, understand, and carry himself in accordance with this new Codex. Or at the very least be able to do it in front of our new "brothers". Kremnar will make a fine Captain, but I believe Dyzek has the experience and wherewithal to carry the duties of Chapter Master." He then rested his thunder hammer over his shoulder, "However, I want to make note, there are more pressing issues to address. Like the fact that it has been days upon weeks since I have seen battle last. The sins of the traitors call out to me to be rectified..."

"As much as I respect Kremnar, he has only been known of recently; his earlier records were such that I only remember him through medical appointments, or seeing that a squadmate of his was killed in action; it was only upon Terra and near Isstvan that he gained his reputation."

The Dreadnought shrugged the massive pauldrons after a moment, thinking to himself. "I also respect Akar. And while I may love to see him suffer and think the idea of being killed in my sleep quite worth the face he may give me if he was appointed as a Chapter Master, I would think in the long run others would be far more suitable. Dyzek as is mentioned, was indeed at least given some adequate training; aside from him, I do not see who else could be deemed leader, as Brumdar said, unless we're willing to throw either of us into the role despite our state we shall be left out of it."

"If, any voting is to be happening, I shall give mine to Dyzek."

The Begining of the End-
Herchel and Squad Cerberus Began there push when a blood angel assault squad and a Squad of assault termiantors teleported in all rushing towards the enemy with reckless abandon that reminded Herchel of the world eaters.
As Herchel was about to speak he heard the orders come down the Vox from Sigismund himself. "Alright Squad Kerberos, Lets move and support those blood boys, lets not let them have all the fun and get ahead of us." Herchel said as he began moving.
Flanked on his sides was his fellow terminators brothers.

As Squad Kerberos fought there way back reclaiming territory over the day from retreating traitors they would come to form up with a squad of Imperial fists, another group fo black shield that caught Herchel off guard, Not expecting another group of Black shield that weren't from his ilk,
and lastly as the squad began leaving began leaving and fighting there way the traitors and out of the palace, A group of White scar Outriders, orderd to return and flank tratitors in there retreat and aid the forces pushing them out of the palace. As they went Herchel and the other Imperial warriors how the sons of sanguines
would never stop hounding the traitors only rarely stoping to grab more ammo, even when there brothers fell in combat they even seemed to ignore it and seemed to even throw away self preservation as they hunted the traitors, Several times the black shields stopped to marked the dead as another group of them seemed to recover the sons of sanguines equitment to be recovered by there legion at a later date.
One of the other groups black shield apothcarys began lagging behind much to many of the groups unkown as they priortized hutning traitors and keeping up with the blood angels


The Group of loyalists would only be stopped when they reached a Iron warrior defence point a fortifed street with make shift bunkers and several armored vehicles that caused the black shields, and imperial fists to take cover several burnt out buildings, ahead of the iron warriors postion as they began a entrenched fire fight.
The white scars went to circle around possibly flank the Iron warriors and help keep the armor of the loyalists hide. The blood angels charge in Jump packs soaring and terminators only stoping and vanishing in a strike of lighitng, blood angels assault infatry took extensive causilitys being picked down by heavy bolter fire, and a predators cannon only several of them making it in the building before they began letting loose.
and fighting into the interior of the building causing some of defenders firing at the fists to head inside and others to be blasted by imperial fist and black shield as they attempted to relocate and take switch to the blood angels on the inside.

Herchel and squad Cerberus held inside, The Termiantors ill equippted to fight the predators outside and with one of the predators being armed with two multimeltas and a lascannon. The termiantors held back not entering the fray to be slaughtered by the predators.
As they did Black shields from the other group began aiding the three groups a Tech marine giving out armor repairs to the terminators and some of the more battle damaged sons of Dorn. One of the Imperial fist Sergeants named Tetrax looking impatient and wanting to break through continue there purge of Traitors looked to the Black shields.
"Hey Big guy, Why don't you and your boys try to get out there and help those blood angels take out those Iron warriors tanks?" Herchel looked up to the sergeant his helmets gaze meeting his. "becuse aren't as blood crazed as those sons of Sanguines, or as reckless, Besides we all aren't equipped for breaking tanks, Especially when those tanks got anti armor on em."

Herchel said looking to the sergeant
"Wimp," Tetrax said before looking to the black shield tech marine. "Why dont you get your tech marine brother or friend or whatever you black shields call eachother to send him a Virus or isnt he as comptent to get a Virus out there." As the Tetrax spoke some form of his his impatiennces was let out Herchel looked to him with a Grimace before smiling as he heard the tech marine spoke up.
"Sergeant, I am neither with them nor there kin, I am with with Squad Phoneix, Now if your so sure that sending scrap code is so easy and infecting another predator tank with its own security systems and pilot and counter measures why dont you get on the vox and get one of your Tech marines on it. Oh wait becuse they are actually doing there job with field repair and countering the same thing you suggest from other tech marines."
The tech marine said with partial malice in his voice as he finished working on Herchels leg armor before moving to one of his brothers and examing there power spear. Sergeant Tetrax was about to move over his fist balled before a lieutenatn Grabbed the sergeant and pulled him back as several heavy bolter shells went through wall were the marine was moving. The tech marine spoke again.

"But worry not Sergeant, I did do something more usefull then attempting to waste my time programing scrap code and infecting someone.
I was able to call in someone who who may help us with our little tank problem." The Tech marine said a bit of chuckle with it. Coming through the door way a black shield apothcary draped in the skins of some long slain Xeno reptile came in. Ducking toward the imperial fist a Havoc sent several bolt shells flying cliping the Apothcarys back pack. Approaching the imperial fist sergeant he pulled out a large container looking stuffed with some type of meat. "Sergeant, Make sure this gets back to the blood angels legion."
The Apothcary spoke as he handed Tetrax the container. It only took Herchel and most of the astarte in the room a few sections to relize what it was. Tetrax nodded a part of his impatiences gone and now as he shoved it into his back pack. "Any of your men need assistance?" The apothecary asked before Tetrax turned to him a bit of a arrogant smile. "We are a hardy lot Salamander most of us may have some cuts but are find, I would say the pack of giant children over there need a few courage stims though" Tetrax was interrupted as a rumbling caught them all off guard.
Expect for the Apothecary and the black shields of Phoenix squad. "Supports nearly hear it seems, shes a bit banged up but I dont think that will stop her from tearing throug them. Though when she gets hear be ready to open fire and break the iron warriors little seige" The Tech marine spoke, "I am no Salammander." The Apothecary spoke as the imperial fists took cover for whatever was coming next. The apothecary rolled past the hole in the wall as the sergeant let out several shots from his potion covering the apothecary as he approached Herchel.
"And your men Sergeant?" The apothcary asked looking to the termiantor.

Herchel looked down to the apothecary. "A few of us got banged up including my leg but a few shrapnel wounds and daemon bu-" Herchel wasn't able to finish as the apothecary went to work going to where the tech marine worked on herchels leg before he began to stare at it for a moment before jabbing him near his leg joint with his Narthicanum.

"This should suppress infection and increase regenerative tissue behavior within your system, I suggest when or if you get the chance get a flesh graft or flesh regrown on your leg from my diagnosters scans its been burnt to the bone one one side and the regenerative can only do so much." The apothcary said to Herchel.
The apothcary then began moving around Herchel picking out shrapnel and applying Gel to various sharpnel wounds. Then stopping at his head infront of him again.
"Your helmet take it off, you have Cranial damage." The apothecary. "Wait how do you know all this, Got my read outs or something or that Cranial damage I havent taken any head helmet or head damage since the battle at the wall."

Herchel said wondering for a momment if that tech marine accessed his armor or something. "Diagnoster, Its scanned your readouts and has done a bio scan and had found some interior damage. I am a Vetern and expert apothcary."
The apothcary spoke a air of assuradness and confidence about his skill along with a tinge of pride. Herchel taking off his helmet as he did hearing the sound of rumbling getting nearer the sound now sounding rhyrmic as if steps of a giant.
The apothcary went up to Herchel looking to his head before carefully taking our a few tools and then began to look at Herchels head for a moment braining up a syringe filled with a white cushion like liquid. "Be still this shall hurt." He said placing the first syringe and injecting Herchel with a type of special bone regenerative, before a bring another syringe.


As Herchel gritted his teeth and felt it he felt as if a his bones burning. "This should help your cranium heal for now," Herchel Shook his head as he put his helmet back on. The apothcary then moved on and would begin working on the next terminator working quickly and doing all he could to bring the warriors back to full health.
Another stomp was heard causing the terminators and imperial fists to look out hearing a series of missles be launched, Through a whole in the building they see a Imperial knight, no Iconography was on the knight its hull damaged and much of its painting looked to have been blasted of durring combat. The Knight a Acastus pattern Knight had only one weapon arm the other looking to have been blown off, Its missle rack looking quite low on its missle amunition,
Several missles came down hitting one of the predators and building catching the iron warriors off guard as the knight turned the corner.

"Face our wrath Traitor scum." A semi broken but electronic female voice came out of the knights vox unit as it fired its sole magna melta cannon and its autocannon began a barrgage on the Iron warrior filled building, The magna cannon struck on melting half the predatorand only leaving the rear half behind.
Two Rhinos seeing the knight began deploying smoke as several iron warriors realized this would be a breaking tie breaker. "Alright Thats our Que boys lets move!" Tetrax said his Iron warriors began moving out the Black shields of Phoenix squad began down stairs as they suddenly got a vox call from captain.
Stopping Before moving Herchel would hear of his orders after giving his status update. He would to be finish cleaning up here and report back to there sector and regroup before pushing on Hive America, As Brumndar began finish issuing his orders he would tell Herchel and squad Herchel of the loss of there Soul smith.
It caught Herchel off guard and caused him to begin seeing red as he looked over to the other iron warriors, But it would catch him more off guard as he heard who got the kill on seth. "Brumndar. Are you telling me they somehow cloned Seth and the clone kil-" Herchel would be cut off by a blast that blew through the building.
"I got to go, But after this I am gonna need to hear what in the hell happened up there and see a Vox recording of what killed Seth." Herchel said ending his Vox transmission as he lifted his Combi volkite now intent on unleashing his rage for his dead former squad mate on his wayward kin. First Xerxes and now Seth.




Goodbyes to those who were there at the fall-
After the battle, The purging of Terra and short time they spent on Terra, Herchel Attempted to contact the few allies they made during the battle of Terra,
Unable to find Sister Vera, Herchel found a sister that atleast might deliver her a message to her if she survived.
"Hey there silent sisters, Could you do me a favor and give a message to Sister Vera if you see her, Thank her for serving with us, and wish her luck in the coming years of rebuilding.
Hopefully we can meet again." Herchel said, before realzing for a moment she spoke through sign language, attempted to sign this to her. "heck Give her a hug as well." Herchel said deciding to give her a hug before leaving hopeful she got the message.
as Herchel left, he would leave a Silent sister confused, dazed and wondering for a momment what could possibly wrong with that astartes head. Before going back to her dutys with that request at the back of her mind.

After Herchel's time with the sister's he would attempt to find some old friends before the battle of Terra, He found out the fate of His white scar friend Kren seemed to have survived but seemed to need some surgery badly being a tech marine a lot of his guts would likely be replaced with machines.
His imperial fist friend he would learn of his fate from his captain, Delivering a message before Brox was taken into Emergency tending to, His legs had been torn off and only half above the torso was still flesh.
Herchel had been somewhat sad to hear of the imperial fists fate, Looks like He and Kren would never be able to have that race they joked about before the battle of Terra, but now it was to bitter sweet of a victory to even try. Not to mention most of them were in surgery and had more important things to do.



As reinforcements arrived Herchel would attempt to find the fate of his buddy salamander from the Secondment, he was sure the captain was likely alive. He hoped to thank him for the upgrade he did to his Volkite Culvan, The dragons breath he was convinced saved his life a few times on terra.
After all this Herchel left with his brothers and the rest of the black shields. Hearing of the fate of sanguine and the emporer put quite a not in Herchels stomach They haden't won the full battle and they failed to protect there main leader the emporer and now he was interred and now it would be up to his sons to either guide or change the fate of the imperium.
Staying with his brothers and hoping to help them rebuild and scour the rest of the traitors out of the holes they dug for themselves, Eventually it would lead them back, to where they began one last time on Olympia.
Where under the command of Dyzek Herchel lead his squad against traitor Iron warriors and buying time for Rescues of some of the natives.




-A time of change
Herchel was silent as he stood, Guarding and hearing in all that Brumdar said the Offer his brothers reactions and of the choice Guiliman was giving them to either be split up into the other legions and desolved or to possibly form there own fighting force within the realms of ultrmar.

For a brief moment he was reminded of captain Pollux the ultramarine and felt a at least good to see that Guiliman saw them as loyal enough that he would give them a chance to fight under his name but a different bannar, The resources were nice, but there was the fact that they would be abandoning what Odiaus and several others fought and died for.

Remembering back he remembered Seth for a moment and the conversation he had with him about how after the war they might come out changed. Though what would they become was still unknown, as He heard others suggesting for Dyzek ,Herchel almost opened his mouth looking "You know akar would make a gr-" Herchel stopped as he felt something.

Something he hadn't face since training, It was was as if in his guts he felt Akars either disappointment or loathing of the idea of becoming chapter master and making sure herchel survived to see that day, That if Herchel finished his sentence something possibly horrible would happen if he finished it the wrong way." Would make a great trainer for our fellow brother marines."

Herchel said trying to save himself, as he heard the others mention Dyzek being Chapter master a part of him reasoned that Dyzek being a chapter master likely would be better then Akar, since he did keep up there spirit of the iron warrior Unlike a bit of him and marcus, But also he was a pretty could Sergeant and as he saw through olmpympia, A good captain assigning Herchel and other squads for rescusing other natives of there home world.
"I got to agree with the rest of you guys Dyzek Does sound like a great idea for chapter master, I think he has enough command experience and the personality to do it." Herchel said unknown at the end if he was joking about personality

@DeranVendar @Vlayden @matt23 @WanderingJester @Vulpas

"A new age dawns upon the Imperium, and with it many new laws and changes."

"Picking up the pieces shattered by Horus Lupercal and his mad claim, taking the opportunity to shape the Imperium into his own vision only with words instead of bolts and swords and sorcery"

"No matter how great our deeds become from Terra to the future, if that history remains, we shall be viewed as a blight on the Imperium."

"Whatever your thoughts of Guilliman or this Codex, we still face the reality that these changes are more than likely destiny rather than a chance."

"We are the Emperor's destroyers. The loyal and the brave."

"Our duty ultimately remains to the Emperor and Mankind, not Guilliman, Dorn, or any other legion patriarch."

"We shall need to change our very ideals, what we see as our calling."

"This new fast approaching era we will need new leadership"

"What of Dyzek?"

What of Dyzek.

Within the dimly lit chambers that the surviving loyal sons of a fallen demi-god had gathered to discuss their future, one among their number was silent in contemplation. The words spoken around him would be weighed and considered, each possibility leading to another path, another future, each with their own risks and rewards. Yet, to Dyzek, final captain of the loyalist Iron Warriors, this discussion bore more then simple ramifications for this brotherhood, it held the very soul of their union at hand, a soul that had been dying a long, slow death.

Dyzek recalled Terra, as he often did in such times that bore a weight of destiny to them. With a clearing of his mind he'd be brought back to the killing fields of Mankind's greatest battle, in the war over humanity and the path it would walk itself, and the horrors and heroics he'd seen within it. He'd recall the charge they'd made during the planetfall of the traitor legions, he'd recall the battle upon the ramparts innumerable, facing down corrupted warriors he'd once taken pride in calling comrade. He'd recall the triumph he'd felt in banishing a beast into the abyss once and for all, the sorrow he'd known only moments after with the news of his brother's murder, and the relief he'd feel in seeing the traitors at last turn tail and flee before vengeful guns.

But most of all, he recalled where he'd been when he heard of The Emperor.

Stepping forth towards his assembled brothers, the warrior of this band of Blackshields would survey all those before him, crystalline blue eyes, unblinking, unfeeling, passing over each as he once more weighed their words. In this council of comrades, he'd come outfitted for war, fully engulfed in his battle plate, cleaned and repaired of the trials in bringing down the last bastion of their traitorous kin. In an almost subconscious action, his one hand would clench and relax, flexing mechanical fingers, a small note of humor at the exercising of his machine limb easing his tensions. It would be as this, that he would speak, his voice belying the growl of his vox with it's apparent calm sense of purpose.

"I am honoured beyond my worthiness, brothers, that much is plain to me..."

It is not hard to hear the smile upon his lips, even hidden away beneath his helm, yet their is a twinge of some thoughtfulness in each syllable, as he continues.

"Yet I wonder if all would be so eager to place me at our head, if they knew what thoughts dwelt within my own...."

The words were plain enough, for the man these days, for all carried their scars of The Siege in different ways. For Dyzek, it was commonly known that in the days and months after hearing news of The Emperor's interment upon The Golden Throne, he'd become more withdrawn from even his oldest friends and brethren. A being once known for his more quiet and thoughtful discourse had indeed become altogether silent and introverted, to the point where some might have thought him one who had taken an oath of silence. However, as time went by, Dyzek would suddenly resume his socializing among the Blackshields, yet not among his old allies.

_____

"I know many here speak of me for my experience, for my seeming ability to lead, and for that I am thankful, yet, have you considered to which path I will choose to take us?"

_____

With his promotion to captain of his own company, Dyzek had been placed in the charge of soldiers and men, many of whom had face similar inner struggles in the aftermaths of this horrific war. Indeed, it was the very sorrow and fraying sense of purpose he saw reflected in each of these warriors in his charge, that had spurred him back into action, to rekindle the fires of their spirits. In this way, did Dyzek begin to spread The Imperial Creed among his brothers, using those who he'd already brought into the fold during The Heresy itself, to spread this fire back into the eyes of his men. It was not a difficult task, for in their darkest moments, all men sought something to believe in, and with this, Dyzek brought a faith to do just as such. The Emperor had fallen, indeed, but, by the words written, and the power of his might, in time, he would rise again, reborn as each of his warriors had been by their own personal struggles. Over the years of The Scouring, Dyzek would slowly convert the men of his charge to his creed, to the point where despite not all attending his own sermons, many still would come to discuss their own inspiration in this field. In the matter of the mortals, it had been even easier, for men craved enlightenment, and the warmth of The Emperor's divinity would bring light to banish away the shadows of fear and sorrow for those men and women in service still to their war, and with this, their numbers would grow.

_____

"We sit at the end of our time as we know it brothers, the end of The Great Crusade, The End of The Legions and The Time of The Emperor, as the night that was The Horus Heresy has taken it from us. Instead, it is a new epoch for our Imperium, that which we have struggled so hard to build and defend, and I can only ask, what will our new place in this bright future be?"

_____

It had been a change so welcomed for the challenges ahead, for even with Horus, cursed be his name, dead, his armies still needed to be driven back into the darkness. In the many battles of The Scouring, Dyzek would see the fruits of his labour, the soldiers under his command fighting with a new purpose, a new spirit blazing brightly in their eyes, as they brought divine retribution to the lost and the damned. It was hard, by The Golden Throne, it was hard, yet, with the reforged warriors at his back, their spirits united and empowered by that of The Master of Mankind himself, there was no challenge they could not conquer. Men would die yes, be it through the process of renaming he'd taken to, an expansion on the concept he'd first offered to the penitents so long ago, or on the field for a final time itself, yet, there was a sense not of ending, but of a new start. All of this would come to it's apex upon Olympia, when the Blackshields accompanying the Imperial Forces would be given the small boon to lay siege to their lost home one last time. Dyzek gave thanks, whether to Roboute, or The Emperor himself, for this chance, for it would be a crucible from which he'd lead his company into their new day, of this new era.

_____

"I see some scold now The Prodigal Son, and his Codex..."

Dyzek had been flipping through the Codex Astartes, taking in what was written within, yet, as he spoke, he'd address the others once more. His eyes turning towards the others, before resting it's gaze upon Kremnar alone. There would be silence for a time, before he'd continue.

"Who are you to judge this work, who are you to scorn this work that you have never even sampled? You seek to spit upon a gift without even attempting to know if it will be of service, and indeed, a gift from one of The Emperor's Loyal Sons should not be so swiftly disregarded."

Dyzek would emphasis the world loyal, letting it's meaning hang in the air for them all to consider. It was all to easy to fall back into the old habits of legion rivalry, even now it seemed, despite all that had occurred.

_____

The Second Razing of Olympia was a campaign that would have put nearly all other The Iron Warriors fought to shame, and even so, it would not be recorded in any book. At the time, Dyzek had found this all to amusing, that the sons of his damned father would again be denied any glory of battle by simply being ignored by their foes. Indeed, he'd be thankful this small insult would be sent to those he was about to slay, for he knew it would rankle the hardest amongst those bitter bastards who demanded the attention they believed they were due. When the time came however, they still fought as hard as Dyzek had remembered, much to his approval. It wouldn't be worth it if the foe had degenerated so quickly already. He didn't realize at the time just how much of a fight he'd be facing before him.

_____

Dyzek would let out a sigh, as he'd reach up towards his helm, a hissing being heard from disengaging seals. With a single armoured gauntlet, his other hand now permanently fixated for battle, the Blackshield would remove the helmet from his brow, placing it to be mag locked at his hip. Beneath it, where once there had been a somewhat handsome face, now remained a scarred and burned mess. Tissue red and scorched as if doused in promethium ablaze, would be on display for all to see, lips cracked and chapped into a permanent grimace seemingly attempting to form a soft smile, made all the more chilling by the lack of a nose and ears upon his head. At the center of it all, a small boon, would be the gleaming azure lights of his new eye pieces, a glow upon this horrific visage that only aided in contrasting it for all to see. Circling the room with his gaze, so that all might see, Dyzek would take in a rasping breath, resting his eyes solely on The Soul Smith, before he'd continue to speak.

"The Iron, my brothers, is dead."

He'd let the statement stand for a moment, letting Castor absorb it's full meaning, perhaps even waiting to see him make an act of this, before he'd continue.

"You all believe me to have been a being that would honour the doctrine and history of our legion if in place of this Chapter Master. I will banish any of these thoughts here and now, for while some of you might think me a place to conserve the spirit of Iron, know that I rejected it long ago."

Once more, he'd circle the room with his eyes, looking for reactions and thoughts, as he'd continue to speak.

"I reject the Iron, I reject the bitterness, I reject the senseless grinding of attrition, I reject the mentality that brought our brothers to their knees, I reject the punishment, the decimation, the razings of innocent worlds. I spit upon it all as quickly as some might spit upon this future for us. The Iron is dead...."

Dyzek would pause, a tongue passing briefly upon dried lips, before he'd continue.

"However, even so, it can be remade, it can be reborn, repurposed, for a new task, a nobler mission."

_____

They'd found him in the ruins of what had once been a barracks, his men dragging him from the rubble of the dying pyres of Olympia. Once back in orbit, he'd be on bed rest for a few days, as the final segments of Olympia's destruction would be enacted. Of course The Imperium would not allow this world, the cradle of one of it's greatest foes, to survive, and in this Dyzek found a peace in it's destruction. However, as he rested, as he endured the pain of his new scarring, he'd be visited late in the night. Mortals, survivors of Olympia's last cities, those who had been liberated from the chains of Perturabo at last, they had come to him with questions in their hearts. In the darkness he saw in their eyes, it soon became clear what they required, and once more, Dyzek spoke of The Emperor's Light, and saw it's warmth run through them. By the time the night cycle had finished, they had left, yet, for the next week, each night, more would return, more would listen, and Dyzek would find some solace and pride in comforting those who needed the divine truth.

_____

"If you choose to follow me my brothers, this is what I offer."

Dyzek would stand straighter, his stature proud and assured of his purpose, as his rasping voice grew louder.

"I offer a new beginning for us all, a new place in this Imperium we have sacrificed so much for. With the sponsorship of The Ultramarines, we might cast off the shackles of our past, free ourselves from the grips of Perturabo and the damned kin we call brother, and devise a place for ourselves in these stars."

Dyzek would reach up, placing his helm upon his head, his voice amplified by it's vox, his spirit only matching in every word.

"Let them wallow away in the darkness brothers, for a New Dawn is coming, and I will seek out it's light!"


_____

On the final night of his time in the med bay, only a few mortals had come to visit Dyzek, which he did not find too surprising. What did shock him, was the fact they had been accompanied by an astartes, Menelaus, the last of his first reforged, perhaps one of his closest companions at this point. He'd speak for the men and women here, as they approached, explaining that they'd brought together what meager things they'd been able to salvage from Olympia to repay him for his enlightenment. At first, he'd been reluctant, a small part of him looking to despise the things from this accursed world, even if he knew just how petty and disrespectful such a thought could be. Yet, as they unveiled their gift, Dyzek could only stare in wonder.

It was a helm, built to replace that which he had lost in battle. Upon it's sides were the wings of the Squat warrior he'd bested long ago, remade in the image of the actual lost items, yet more intricately designs so they the drakon wings had a radiance about them. Yet it was not this that paused Dyzek's breath, but instead what lay upon the front of the helm. It was his face, not scarred by war, nor by time, resembling a man he barely recognized. Menelaus explained they used a self portrait he'd made many years ago, before the battle with the Squats, during his artistic phases, and that the metal of it was melted down from various coins, totems, and weapons the refugees had taken with them. With a few words he knew would never express the gratitude he felt in his hearts, the warrior would accept.

_____

Spreading out his arms, Dyzek circles about, gazing into the eyes of each man, staring them face to face as he goes by, before uttering his final statement.

"Who will be with me?"

​

A New Dawn​

Silence returned Dyzek's speech. Castor had not lunged, inwardly recoiling towards contemplation instead, brief spat with Alexander and following moment of levity putting him into an easier stance. Of all those present Castor was the only one outside of Dyzek's old squad to not have heard talk of the battalion's budding spirituality, being a staunch adherent to the Imperial Truth like Seth before him, it was probably best it remained that way. Gloran met and never let go of the mangled warrior's gaze, stance spoke of a hesitation he could not put to voice; the Chief Apothecary had been one of Dyzek's later converts to the creed, and the one most wracked by doubts about it even after admitting there was some merit, some comfort, in the Emperor's divinity. Alexander remained inscrutable, Psyker could have been skimming their nominee's mind, or trying to plumb its most guarded depths, who could know? Then there was Akar who looked well and truly awake for the first time in a long time. Ultimately Brumdar would break their collective pause.

"I recall a conversation I had with our late Soul Smith. I remember it being no less than twenty odd years ago, right before the outbreak of the Heresy, days before Odiaus had branded himself and every other suspected loyalist in preparation of the traitor's foiled ambush. The Word Bearer mentoring him at the time, Sokar, had sent him along to my quarters, or perhaps Seth arrived of his own intuition...I cannot say." There was a restless shift in the usual suspects of their company, mixed responses of agitation at one of Lorgar's heretics, or numbness at Seth's mention.

"I had expressed to him a long held confusion as to our place. I understood our tactics and methodology just fine, Arkon was patient enough to see that made certain. However, our insistence to be what we were, to so rarely reach beyond our trenches, grieved me. To this Seth shared a lesson taught to him on a world none remember and only a handful more care about. Our place as Iron Warriors is to be the bastards. To do those jobs no one else wanted or would touch without countless voices standing ready to preach their deeds as worthy of legend and completely just. Our strength was in our burden, to forsake all of that and continue on with heads and weapons raised, set jaws and mean looks." Brumdar turns his entire body, helmet twisting a few degrees more to look at Akar for a moment before Contemptor chassis faces Dyzek again. Brumdar takes a step towards the center, lightly bowing a knee and getting closer to something vaguely approaching eye level with Dyzek.

"The Emperor and Mankind needs men like that, however it deserves better than the Iron Warriors. Captain Dyzek Petroski of First Company, swear to me that this new dawn shall bring new steel to the old cause, and will not lead us to shirk the ugly deeds that still need be done, and you shall have my vote. Let us be neither Iron Warriors, nor glory hounds and arrogant champions, allow us to be what we are needed and to be as such nobly." Brumdar rises once more, yet does not step away, presence looming over the warrior like weight of the moment.

"I do not take such a loss lightly: conceding our name to traitors." Castor begins, stepping closer towards circle and resting hands to pommel of power axe and opposite hip. "However my duty is to my brothers, whether we gather as legion or chapter. Whatever decision is reached by this council, I will support and nurture the spirits of our future brotherhood as required. My vote remains for Kremnar, yet I shall not raise further objection to yourself taking the role."

"You have my support Captain Petroski. Whatever light we chase, it shall bring us out the shadows and unshackle us from the sins of our Father. Let not such things trouble our minds or that of those who will follow us, we shall pursue our duties with purity of mind, and ideally, purpose." Alexander closes holographic Codex Astartes, motion gentle as if he were handling the actual tome. Chief Librarian steps over to join Brumdar. Gloran joins him without a word, stance obvious seeing as it was he who suggested Dyzek. Apothecary dips his head toward Dyzek, still never having taken either eye off of him.

"My vote goes to Dyzek." Akar bucks the trend, neglecting to join either side of voters. Witch smirks about something and the Lieutenant glowers a few seconds before sighing and shutting his eyes.

Nathiel shook his head slightly, "The application of Divinity to something is a lack of understanding towards a greater -being-. This was the mistake the traitorous paid for with their lives... There are no gods. There are only those who fear enough to search for something to cling onto and immortalize it within their minds."

With a sigh, Nathiel did not step to one side or the other, but instead merely stood in place, "Dyzek already had my vote. His willingness to embrace a new mentality and beginning shall help us greatly in the coming years. The Iron Warriors -are- traitors. Our gene father -is- a traitor. We are not Iron Warriors and the gene seed we share with the traitor is only motivation to seek him out and kill him and our traitorous kin. The was of the old have come and passed, a new Imperium calls out to us and we shall answer under a new banner..."