In the Jungle the Lion sleeps tonight

So for 8th edition and what I am calling "MEGA-MARINES" I have chosen to build up a reasonable sized force of Celestial Lions. I have always loved how this chapter stood up for what was right and how the =][= tried to do them in, and almost did.

Given the fluff of the Primaris Marines being used to rebuild lost Chapters I thought the Proud Pride of the Celestial Lions would grace the universe once again.

....NEVER FORGET

My entry to Fan Fiction

Grand Master Balthasar stood upon the highest vantage point of the Chamber Polaris fortress-crypt, observing the activity before him.  The skies above were alive with activity. Troop carriers, Titan transporters, and various supply vessels showing the marks of every major Forge World: Mars, Metallica, Ryaza, and many more. On the massive plane before the fortress, war machines and God-engines of all types were being prepped and then filtered into the Fortress, accompanied by legions of support troops and combat ready forces; all in the black-green of Ordo Sinister.

How quickly things were changing. It was only several days ago that Grand Master Balthasar was summoned to the war room of the newly appointed Lord Commander of the Imperium; Roboute Guilliman. The room was a center of activity with holo-screens covering the walls showing the troop disposition of humanity’s forces and estimated enemy forces for all known human space. Commanders of all types came and went; members of the Inquisition, the Navigator Houses, Priest of Mars. Every Imperial aspect was represented there, and everyone gave Balthasar a wide berth.

From the center of the room a booming voice called his name.  The Lord Commander beckoned Balthasar forward.  Just as Grand master Balthasar was about to announce himself Guilliman interrupted him.

"Grand Master Balthasar, welcome, and thank you for answering my request so quickly."

Balthasar found himself impressed with Roboute right away, while a giant in stature, he spoke with a statesman’s tone.

 "Grand Master Balthasar, you are the Grand Master of the Ordeo Sinister chamber Polaris."

It was more of a statement and less of a question.

Balthasar nodded to affirm.

Roboute continued without missing a beat.

"I am well aware of the creation and purpose of your Order. I am also aware of the "Oblation" set forth by the Emperor. It is not my intention to undo that Oblation, for even I have limits, but hard times require creative interpretation.  I see your Order is most often called upon when dealing with Xenos and has caused your chamber a higher than typical loss and damage to your sacred Nightmare Titans,” Guilliman stated. 

The Lord Commander continued, “I propose a solution. The Oblation says your chamber will maintain five Nightmare Titans, and no more. Nothing was ever stated about your force levels of non-enhanced God-machines.  It is for this reason that I have ordered all Titan producing Forge Worlds to produce for you a full complement of non-modified battle Titans of all classes, as well as supporting units and combat units. These Titans will be in Ordo Sinister colors and fly Ordo Sinister banners."

The Grand Master was about to protest but Roboute didn't give him a chance.

"Humanity is being assaulted on all sides and all loyal forces of the Emperor will be needed. Your Nightmare Titans are critical to the success of what is coming. You must both use them and protect them.  Humanity is going to take the war to our enemies."

And with that Roboute turned and walked away, leaving no room for questions or conversations.

------------

Grand Master Balthasar stood on the vantage point until the very last God-machine strolled into the Crypt.  He had overnight gone from commanding five Titans to dozens, and thousands of troops. As the heavy blast door shut, a small smile cracked on Balthasar's face.

"War has definitely come." Balthasar whispered to himself.

 *** Thanks to Shadow Wolf for doing some editing, thank you sir. ***