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. ***
