Crossing Paths

This story is made by Primarch11, Suphabadmarine and Cal_XD. The characters involved are Grim Doris (Primarch11), Ezekiel Cornatus (Suphabadmarine), Lorenzo Drasus (Cal_XD), Syrath the Immortal (Cal_XD) and Bevid the Skull (Primarch11). It is about a Stone of the Gods that is discovered by Zeke. This initiates a hunt for it by those who seek it as well.

Chapter 1
A ship drifted through space, lazily idling on the edge of an asteroid field. Anyone could see that this was not a friendly vessel. The outside of the hull was painted with large red stripes, almost as if they were fresh wounds left by the claws of some giant beast. The ship had weaponry pointing out at every possible angle. This ship was meant for fighting, or more importantly for plundering, a true pirate ship.

Aboard the vessel, in the bridge was the Captain. He was staring wistfully out at the stars. Nowadays they said that everything was coming to an end. That the Imperium was in it's waning years, destined to be swallowed by constant rebellion, countless Xenos threats and more insidious enemies. The Captain chuckled to himself. It may have been true that the Imperium was collapsing, but it had only proven to be good for business. With the Imperial Navy constantly dealing with Emperor knows what, pirates such as himself went largely unnoticed. Business had been good, as could be seen by his very full cargo hold.

He was reminiscing on his good fortune when his First Mate ran in.

"Sir, three ships have shown up on our Port side," the First Mate yelled.

The Captain immediately snapped out of his reverie, and took stock of the situation. Indeed three ships had come popped out. "Why didn't we notice them sooner," he bellowed at the rest of the crew on the bridge.

One of the men piped up, "They came out of the asteroid field. It must have messed with our sensors."

The Captain cursed. It was too late to make a quick escape, and if he tried to start a ship to ship battle then he would be decimated. The only option was to try and stop the boarding parties when they came.

Minutes later a man sauntered out of an airlock door. He was tall, and handsome with light brown hair, and an eye patch over his left eye, and wearing the most ridiculously feathery and poofy hat anybody had ever seen. He had a bold air about him, and anyone could see from his face that he was enjoying himself. Behind him lumbered an extremely large man. The man had hard armoured carapaces covering his Forearms, and a thick forehead. Aside from this the mutant was a relatively normal man. He was more serious than the other man, standing at the ready while holding an Autocannon.

"Think we'll get a descent haul from this one Zeke?" he said to the man with the eye patch.

"Sure. Nowadays it's more profitable to steal from our fellow outlaws than from merchants," The man commented.

Ezekiel Cornatus had been a career criminal for a long while now. For most criminals jobs like this were very serious business. For Ezekiel this kind of thing was actually quite fun. He enjoyed being an Outlaw. He enjoyed living by his own rules, travelling wherever he wanted, meeting new people, shooting new people and everything else that came with the lifestyle. His dour companion Rowlorn was a different story. For him this was just another dangerous job that he had to get his friend out of alive. Luckily the ship had already been captured for the most part.

The two of them entered the bridge unmolested. It appeared that Ezekiel's faithful Ork friend Snikrom had already taken care of things. The crew had their hands up, showing no resistance at all. Ezekiel mused that this was because it was perfectly obvious that the Ork was looking for any excuse to shoot someone.

"Ay boss! Can I fill em full O holes? Dese guys ben givin me shifty looks," said Snikrom.

Ezekiel chuckled and then retorted "Sorry Snikkers. Were their guests, and that wouldn't be very polite". The disappointment on the Kommando's face was obvious.

Ezekiel went up to the Captain, "So, do you have any gifts for you're guests, my good man?" Ezekiel asked. The Captain was not in a good mood. He had heard about Ezekiel, and knew he was about to be robbed blind.

"What have things come to when pirates attack each other," he growled. Ezekiel gave him a big grin and then said.

"Oh! I'm sorry. I didn't realise that there was a rule about pirates stealing from other pirates. Be assured I will never do it again... after this time..."

With that he left to inspect the cargo hold. As Ezekiel expected it was full of loot. He began to rifle through the various crates. "Well lets see here. Some good sturdy Lasguns, Drugs, jewels, Tanith cigars! We will have to keep those for ourselves. A crate full of Servo Skulls, and what are pirates supposed to do with fine China?" At that point something caught Ezekiel's eye. It was an oval shaped stone attached to a neckless. The design made it look like a large precious coin. He handled it in his hands, inspecting the unusual treasure. On one side there was a picture of a sun with blooming flowers. On the other side was a picture of a moon with wilting weeds. Ezekiel took a shine to it, and shoved it in his pocket. A little while later he would regret that he ever saw it.

The next day life is normal aboard the ships. Currently Ezekiel's crew haven't found anyone worth robbing and are taking it easy. Many were dividing the recently obtained loot while their captain was in his room. He had called Alereina, the Eldar Ranger, to see him about something.

While waiting, Ezekiel took his time examining the odd object he had found, curious of its appearance. Technically, it looked like a simple bauble, but it felt more then that.

* "Akaruv nekran veru daxan."

"Revnadu klaxus herad merdan!"

"With the nine disciples of Tzeentch we call him."

"With the binding Star of Chaos we summon him."

"The Saint shall cometh once more to walk among the living."

The dimly lighted room went eerily quiet. A frightened cultist lay chained to the centre of a large eight pointed star, whimpering in a pathetic manner. Suddenly the heretical devotee burst into an emerald flame and the silence was replaced with horrific screams of unearthly origin. The flames formed themselves into a sphere of warpfire from which a colossal feather winged beast, with the head of an asp, emerged.

The group of sorcerers and their cultist followers looked on in a mixture of awe and fear. The daemon stepped out from the flames before muttering an inaudible incantation which subsequently caused the warp rift to close. It then turned it's attention towards the cowering cultists and smiled broadly before speaking.

"Mortal subjects..." the ungodly beast sneered, "As a reward for summoning me to this forsaken world, I will inform you that you shall be the first of my victims to have their souls ripped from their mortal bodies"

The cultists looked on in terror as the beast approached them. Their sorcerer masters attempted to use their powers against the daemon but to no avail.

"Fools... your feeble magic is useless against me"

The daemon raised his taloned hand at the coven of sorcerers and a ball of fire erupted from the air surrounding his claws. The flames hurtled towards the Psykers before engulfing them completely. The daemon laughed as they writhed in agony before disintegrating into ash.

The Greater Daemon hunted down and slaughtered the rest of the cultists one by one until he found their leader. Aktarun, the Chief Sage, begged for mercy but the daemon gave her none. The mighty beast disembowelled the devotee of Chaos in order to remove her heart. It then feasted on the cultist's flesh as she screamed in unbearable pain, before devouring the heart of his victim.

The room fell silent once more. Blood dripped from the celling and the remains of the cultists lay strewn on the floor. The daemon relished the carnage it had just caused and it began to laugh like a maniac at the bodies of his cultists as he thought about how foolish they all were. He crouched down to observe one of their mutilated bodies, finding a familiar mark on the cultists head.

A door opened and a voice emerged from the darkness.

"You always like to make an entrance. Don't you?"

"Of course..." the daemon spoke malignantly, "I take it you brought me here for a reason? Bevid."

*

An Inquisitorial Acolyte stood in the centre of a large room which was surrounded by windows on all sides. The man was reading intently, oblivious to the starlight which illuminated the ship deck he was occupying. He looked up briefly as he heard footsteps. A familiar woman emerged at the top of the deck's stairwell.

"Interesting book, ma'am."

"Indeed it is, my dear Lorenzo."

"...''and then I saw it. The fabled Heart of Zeka, one of the legendary Stones of the Gods. Or was it, for it seemed unreal, almost like an illusion. I went to grab it but my hand passed straight through it, confirming my fears. I fell to the floor and cursed the Gods for my failings. After all my efforts to find the Heart, it wasn't here. I looked up at the celling cursing myself for being so gullible. Then I heard it, a beating sound. I looked at my hand, and in it was the Heart of Zeka. I must have been holding it all along..." ''Lorenzo read from the journal.

"Unfortunately, that artefact has fallen into the hands of the enemy, so it must be destroyed." Inquisitor Alica spoke softly to her acolyte, stroking his fair cheek.

The duo stood together on the observation deck of the Deus Incendia, looking out into the empty, pitch black, darkness of space. Alica stared intently at her protege, wondering what the future would hold for them both.

"Attention! Lady Inquisitor Alica to the bridge! Repeat! Lady Inquisitor Alica to the bridge!" blared the tannoy system.

Alica quietly left the observation deck while Lorenzo continued to read the book intently. He couldn't take his eyes off of it. The astounding powers which the book detailed had entranced the acolyte since he had first started to read it.

The Inquisitor climbed up the stairs to the bridge, contemplating what was to happen to Lorenzo after his training was complete. She walked towards the captain who seemed to be rather worried.

"We have picked up an unknown contact on the scanners, ma'am." The captain said in a grave manner. "The odd thing is that it appears to have Imperial markings."

"Very unusual, the latest reports didn't detail that there would be any Imperial vessels in this sector." Inquisitor Alica mused.

She glanced at the vidscreens and saw an unmistakably Imperial vessel against the blackness of space. She recognized it as once. It was one of the fabled Black Ships, thus meaning it belonged to a fellow Inquisitor. But who, she did not know.

"It's an Inquisitorial ship captain. Try to make contact and hail them." Alica comanded.

The Captain looked up and addressed his superior officer. "We can't, ma'am, and they're not responding to our hails. What are your orders, my Lady?"

Alica stood there, pondering which course of action she should take. If it was a renegade Inquisitorial ship the Deus Incendia could dispatch it with ease. However, if she did attack, it could result in the death of a loyal Inquisitor. Before she could give an order the ship made an about turn, showing its starboard side. The ships name, Shadow of Judgement, was illuminated by the Deus Incendia's search lights. Alica's eyes widened at the name. She knew of only one being who commanded a ship with that title.

Almost immediately a loud noise began blaring from the command station.

The captain walked over and reported, "The other ship is hailing us, should I put them through?"

Alica signalled her captain with a nod and a crackled voice was heard over the tannoy.

"Greetings, this is Inquisitor Grim Doris, may I speak with the highest authority on your ship?"

Chapter 2
Rowlorn was sitting at the end of the bar as usual, keeping to himself. It was a bait that he had learned early on as a Mutant. When you are a Mutant people tend to get nasty. The less attention you draw to yourself, the better off you are in the long run. It was one of many reasons that Rowlorn got nervous around Ezekiel in public, as his best friends policy was completely different.

Ezekiel was spending their shore leave making a little scene. He was sitting at his bar stool with his guitar, doing a Bluesy little number that they had heard at a trading station not too long ago. No matter how long he had been on the run, Ezekiel still liked to entertain people, something that Rowlorn admired. The truth was that Ezekiel had never truly stopped being a musician. He had gotten a few of the crew who had known how to play instruments, and continued his career incognito. Even now Ezekiel was releasing albums under various aliases, including One-Eyed Harry, Easy Kyle, Rebel Strings, Sound Junkie and Johny Flamboyant. There were others, but the Adeptus Arbites had found them, and banned their albums, which inevitably drove sales through the roof.

Rowlorn was sitting back, and enjoying the show when he heard the distinctive click of military surplus boots. It was probably nothing but a couple of PDF troopers looking to get drunk after their shift, but Rowlorn never took any chances. He called out to Ezekiel.

"Zeke, we have company. The kind with Lasguns."

"Oh, do we? Well that's too bad. I was really starting to enjoy myself. Ladies, we were never here" Ezekiel said to the two gorgeous women that had been admiring him, and gving them a little wink at which they both giggled.

The door opened, and in came the soldiers. There were about four of them, and they were all looking quite serious. Both Rowlorn and Ezekiel could instantly tell that they were niether off duty, or looking for a good time. The one that seemed to be the leader spoke up.

"Attention everyone! The city is currently running a drill to test our invasion protocols. We ask that everyone calmly head to the nearest shelter. The drill should not take too long."

After making this proclamation the soldiers exited the bar. By the sound of their footsteps they were clearly headed for the establishment next door. Rowlorn looked to Ezekiel for an opinion, to which Ezekiel shrugged and casually gestured toward the door. After leaving the bar they could see that the streets were alive with activity. Soldiers were going door to door, and people were walking towards what Ezekiel assumed was the nearest shelter. Ezekiel and Rowlorn also could not help but notice the Leman Russ Tank rolling down the street.

"Hey Zeke, do you get the feeling that this might not actually be a drill" Rowlorn asked blandly.

"My dear Rowlorn, the illusion was shattered for me the moment those gentlemen used the word Drill. They were not very good actors, now were they?"

*

Two beings stood in the centre of a large room. A room, which while not inherently dark, was neither light nor welcoming. It was ominous to say the least, and the unnatural presence emanating from the larger of the two figures did nothing to improve the atmosphere. The smaller of the two was clearly an Astartes, although compared to the colossal beast, he could have easily been mistaken for a regular human.

Both of them stood (in the case of the Daemon, stooped) over a large obsidian table, on which several small trinkets lay. Each one was laid out with great care, showing them off in all their splendour. Many of them were stones and each was said to have been marked by the gods themselves.

"I still do not understand why you need me in particular..." the large beast commented in a supercilious manner, "you must have a plentiful number of daemons bound to your service Bevid... why do you risk trusting me above them?"

"It is quite simple. You operate out with the Great Changer's plans, out with the domain of the Gods themselves and your knowledge of the Warp is damn near unparalleled. Am I correct?" the Chaos Lord retorted.

"Correct..." the Daemon mused.

"You are Syrath the Immortal, Greatest of Daemons, Betrayer of Worlds, Sundered of Tzeencth!" Bevid bellowed.

"Indeed I am..." Syrath replied quizzically.

"That is why I need you. For you are the best I can muster... and you are still in my debt." The corrupt astartes spoke triumphantly.

"Then I shall do as you command... I shall hunt down this fabled Coin of Aruto... and my servants shall deliver it to you" the daemonic beast pronounced magnanimously.

"I will also provide you with the location of Grim Doris as he is the biggest threat to my plans... I also believe you have a score to settle with him?" Bevid sneered malignantly.

"Yes.." Syrath snarled through grated teeth, "I shall make him pay for what he hath done unto me..."

"Good, good... and your servants will report to me as soon as the Coin is found?" the Chaos Lord demanded.

"Of course..." the Greater Daemon replied in an intrigued manner, "but what shall your part be in all of this?"

"All in good time, my old friend..." Bevid said in a sly voice, "all in good time..."

*

"So you understand why I must have all of the information related to these stones?"

Inquisitor Alica just nodded mutely as Grim Doris explained more about the Stones of the Gods, with the journal in his hand. She kept all her focus on the Inquisitor, with a stare of both respect and suspicion. She had heard about Grim's numerous successes against the foul powers of the Warp and Xenos alike, as well as his strong abilities as a Psyker.

However, there was still little anyone actually knew about him, even his own teacher, Inquisitor Theo, knew almost nothing of his past. And despite having a retinue, though an odd one at that, he usually worked alone, never mentioning where he goes or how he performed his accomplishments.

There was also a strangely coincidentally high number of Inquisitors who had had close ties to Grim or worked with him that ended up either going rogue or being killed under mysterious circumstances. Still the information he was providing was extremely useful for her search for these stones as well. Although it appeared that it wouldn't be her search for much longer.

Deciding to speak her mind, "Inquisitor Grim Doris, if I'm hearing this correctly, these stones were blessed by the God-Emperor ,and thus are impervious to corruption?"

Grim looked at her and his stare followed by his small smile gave Alica the feeling something was going up her back. She subconsciously grabbed the hand of her Acolyte, who had remained silent for the entire ordeal.

"Exactly, in fact those tainted by Chaos would be destroyed if they attempted to use it, Daemons would just be destroyed. I've already located some of the stones and know the location of a few of the others. Which is why I hope you would not be upset if I took this journal."

Alica thought of this for a moment before replying. "Of course not Grim, as long as you don't mind that me and my vessel accompany you on your quest."

Grim's face showed a brief sign of annoyance, but hid it when he retorted, "Not that I'm offended, my dear, but why would you wish to accompany me?"

Alica merely smiled, "If what you say is true, then you will need all the help you can get."

That was only partially true. The other part was that she wanted to keep a close eye on Grim. If her fears were true, then things could get ugly. On top of that, she also wanted to examine these stones as well.

Thinking with an innocent face on Grim replied, "I can't say no to that. Very well, you and your crew can accompany me. And to show you a sign of trust I'll leave the journal here with you and let your vessel follow mine."

And with that Grim Doris headed back towards his ship, followed by the soldier from the Krieg Death Korps, the Kasrkin, the Black Templar and Leximechanic.

<p style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-top: 1em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">After the Inquisitor had left the room Lorenzo spoke to Alica, "Something doesn't seem right about him, I could neither read his thoughts nor his motives."

<p style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-top: 1em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">"I fear you are right, dearest Lorenzo, his mind is clouded from my vision..." Inquisitor Trallan replied to her acolyte in a soft voice, "and I do not know if I can trust him..."

Chapter 3
"It's a pleasure to see you in the flesh, master" were the first words which Syrath heard on the forsaken world of Ralun II.

"Oh no, the pleasure is all mine Coraks, I see your forces have made it to the Hive Cities", the Great Daemon announced.

"Your directions were unclear, but we think we have pinpointed the location of the artefact ", a second Daemon Prince interjected.

"Good, good, Arrius..." Syrath spoke in a whimsical manner.

Syrath the Immortal and his trusted captains began to stride across the battlefield, as if they were gargantuan titans, demolishing everything that got in their way. Occasionally a foolhardy guardsman would take a pot shot at one of the trio before being promptly brushed aside by a hulking claw. The three Daemons definitely lead from the front, bulldozing their way across the enemy positions, allowing the First War Legion to advance forwards at a steady pace.

The Saint of Chaos could sense that the Coin was near, and he was literally beating a path straight to it's location. Lord Coraks had taken up a position at the head of the trio, slashing any Leman Russ', or other tanks which got in his way, with his mighty talons. Arrius the Great had taken to protecting the rear of his master, while firing arcane bolts of fire at any enemy which got too close. All this, while the Immortal Trickster carved a straight path directly towards the location of Ezekiel Cornatus.

"The Coin of Aruto is near... send a messenger to Bevid the Skull... tell him it is time..." Syrath spoke mysteriously to Arrius, after pausing in the middle of a raging battle between the Imperial forces and his own.

"Right away sir, your will shall be done..." Arrius replied before taking off from where he stood, and then flying towards the advancing Chaos forces.

With his trusted ally gone, Coraks redoubled his efforts to smash directly through the enemy. The Imperial Guard had heavily fortified their primary Hive City and the First War Legion had not even made it to the wall of the Outer City. The Daemon Prince's blade had become lost on the battlefield, and he had resorted to using the remains of one of his commanders as an offensive weapon.

"We shall take the city!!! For Chaos!!! FOR KHORNE!!! FOR SYRATH!!!" Coraks roared, "BLOOD FOR THE BLOOD GOD!!! SKULLS FOR THE SKULL THRONE!!!"

The now berserk, and blood crazed, Lord Coraks charged towards the entrenched enemy, leading a large squad of Terminator clad Chaotic Astartes. The insane daemon completely butchered the guardsmen, tearing the troops to ribbons and disembowelling the Sergeants. An unholy blood bath ensued, which the Daemon Prince relished.

Not long afterwards, Syrath joined the fray, using his unmatched martial prowess to simultaneously dodge lasgun shots while slicing enemy troops with his claws. He moved forwards with horrific grace and eloquence, killing, maiming and burning as he went.

"Everything is falling into place... Just as I predicted..." the monstrous beast mused to himself.

<p style="text-align: center;">*

The Inquisitorial duo wandered back to the observation deck of the Deus Incendia, with the Inquisitor's hand clasped firmly around her Acolyte's. Trallan was still visibly shaken since her encounter with Grim. After entering the room, Lorenzo began to stare into the darkness of space, looking aimlessly before his eye caught the glimpse of the Shadow of Judgement. He scanned the vessel thoroughly, turning his body around the domed room until his gaze caught Alicia's. She looked at him with doting eyes, but he was oblivious to any emotion she felt for him.

"Our destiny is not in our hands... Lorenzo..." the Inquisitor mused, on the brink of tears, "we are not the masters of our fates..."

"I do not understand, Ma'am," the Acolyte replied solemnly.

"Us... we... are not meant to be..." Alicia replied, holding back her true feelings.

"I see. But anything we could still have would be considered both heresy and treason, Ma'am," Lorenzo stated plainly.

"Of course... and you're nearing the end of your training... a fine student... destined for greater duties... an astartes... noblest of honours..." High Inquisitor Trallan wistfully spoke.

"What of the child?" Drasus inquired

"She will be taken care of... The Inquisition looks after it's own... but..."Alicia choked on her words, "if she has inherited any talents... her future is uncertain..."

"Attention! Lady Inquisitor Alica to the bridge! Repeat! Lady Inquisitor Alica to the bridge!" roared the alarm system. "Incoming distress calls! Repeat! Incoming distress calls!"

The Inquisitor and her student quickly left the observation deck, sprinting to the command bridge. When they entered they could see that the Captain was clearly worried.

"Ma'am, Chaos forces have made landfall on Ralun II, their have been heavy casualties," Captain Alanas bellowed, with worry prevalent in his speech.

"Can you play me the distress call, Captain?" Alicia asked furiously.

"Of... of... course, m' lady." Alanas meekly replied.

The sound system crackled and fizzed into life, "All Imperial Navy ships, this is a Priority One Hail. This is General Jacobus Axaran of the 17th Ralun Aux...ary Corps. ...un II is currently under h... vy attack from Astartes of unknown origin. All Ralun Regiments have suffered heavy....osses. We are in desperate need of med... l supplies and reinforcements. The capital city is under severe attack, the unknown assailants have breached the outer wal..."

"Is that the entire message?" The Inquisitor asked.

"Yes, ma'am, it cuts off right there. The message is on endless repeat. There are more like that one, from the other Ralun Generals," the Captain replied downheartedly.

"It must be Chaos, although I have no idea why they would attack Ralun II, it has close to no strategic value and has little in the way of resources..." Alicia paused, "it's almost as if they are after something... Regardless, we shall bring aid. I think they could do with all the reinforcements they can receive."

"Shall I alert Inquisitor Doris of our change of course?" Alanas inquired.

"Of course, Ralun needs all the ships it can muster."

<p style="text-align: center;">*

Ezekiel was running doggedly along the empty streets with Rowlorn right behind him. At the moment he almost wished that he had gone to the bunkers with the rest of the civilians. After Ezekiel learned about what was really going on he made the decision that it was time to leave. He was going to get the rest of his crew that was on shore-leave, leg it to the nearest space port and get the hell out of dodge. However, he was having extremely poor luck in these endeavors.

His crew had been in various areas, and he could not get a hold on any of them. He would have to search for them, and then find a solution to his second, and more pressing problem. He could not find a way off-world. The first to ports that he decided to go to were wrecked. Apparently the Chaos forces had seen fit to destroy them with bombers so that it would be harder to evacuate. The port that he went to after that was heavily guarded by either PDF forces, or elements of the Imperial Guard, he could not tell which.

"Hey Rowlorn! Do we have any idea about where the others are", Ezekiel asked.

"Well, as far as I can figure Barael was doing some bounty hunting on his free time, Connery went to some bar on the other side of the city with his men and I have no clue where the Eldar, or Shifty could be", Rowlron shouted over the distant sounds of artillary fire.

"Ah, I see. So they all decided to make things difficult for me, ay? Well it doesn't matter. Right now we have to focus on finding a viable way off of this rock. I have never been a fan of Chaos followers, and that is not going to start now. Anyway, I think that the next port shouldbe over this way", Ezekiel shouted, still running as fast as he could.

"One thing though. Why the hell are they attacking this backwater planet? It doesn't make sense", Ezekiel said.

He was genuinely worried about this fact. While he would not say that the planet was worthless, it was hardly a very high priority target. He could understand if this was just the latest victim of a series of Chaos attacks, but there had been no reports of rampaging Chaos Marines in the area. The planet was not in a position where it could be used as a staging ground for more raids. Nor was it an Imperial military stronghold. It was not even that rich in resources. What possible reason could there be for this seemingly random attack? While Ezekiel was pondering Rowlorn spotted their goal.

"Zeke! There's the port" Rowlorn announced.

Ezekiel looked up. The port was indeed there, and it had soldiers rushing around the front doors. Soldiers that were now pointing their weapons at them. Normally Ezekiel would have said that the port was not worth it, but the next viable port was behind enemy lines. Ezekiel decided that he would just have to talk his way through this. At that moment one of the soldiers called out to them.

"You there! Put your hands where we can see them, identify yourselves, or we will fire!"

Ezekiel stood up straight as an arrow. he wiped the usually relaxed look from his face, and adopted a deep scowl. He then spoke out with an authoritative voice.

"You will lower your weapons or be declared heretics! My name is Calis Remone. I am the Acolyte of Inquisitor Montra, here on a mission on his behalf. let me pass!"

Ezekiel strode directly for the soldiers without hesitating for an instant. The soldiers were immediately on edge. many of them had no doubt heard of Inquisitors, and the consequences of meddling with one. Though they were still unsure of his story. They sat their not knowing whether they should fire, or let ezekiel through. It was at this point that their commanding officer strode forth.

"Halt! How are we supposed to know if you are telling the truth? I recieved no notice of their being an Inquisitor's Acolyte in the area" the officer demanded.

Ezekiel adopted a sneer to his face, and looked down his nose at the officer. He spoke slowly, and with contempt, as if he were speaking to an idiot. This was an important part of the act, as inquisitors and those representing them often viewed other officials as incompetent, or inferior. Not surpirzing given that they had near unlimited authority.

"You were not given notice, you bafoon, because I am on a secret mission, and it is well beyond your paygrade. Now let me through, or would you rather I contact my master about this incompetence?"

Ezekiel act seemed to have payed off. The officer and his men were clearly intimidated. Still, the officer seemed determined to be difficult.

"B-But you have a mutant with you. Why would an Acolyte be with a mutant" the officer asked nervously.

"This mutant is an informant! He has been spying on the Underhives for me, and my master in exchange for his pitiful life! He has information that could be vital to stopping this invasion, and I need to get him Off-world to my master for interrogation. A task whcih you have seen fit to impede, you moron" Ezekiel yelled at the officer while he elbowed his way into the port through a crowd of soldiers.

When he got into the port he saw some of the devastation that had already been wrought there. The soldiers had piled several of their dead comrades in a corner. Lying a good distance away was a heap of dead Ogryns. Even with the distance Ezekiel could smell the stench, though he did not know whether it came from their lack of hygiene, or because they were rotting. He imagined that it was a little bit of both.

He went over to the officer that he had been speaking to before. The officer saluted and identified himself.

"Lieutenent Lemrick of the Mertosis 214th, 5th platoon, at your service sir. We were given orders to defend this port no matter what in order to keep it out of enemy hands" the officer announced.

"And how has your mission been going soldier" Ezekiel inquired.

He already had an idea. Based upon the pile of dead bodies the Imperial Guardsmen had taken heavy casualties. Furthermore he could tell that the moral of the remaining soldiers was quite low. Any one of them could turn tail, curl up in some corner or in the worst case scenorio betray their comrades. Surely there would have to be a Commissar for such a group. Of course it was then that Ezekiel noticed the body of a great coated figure with a rather distinct hat on the pile of bodies. These men were not going to last much longer.

"It has gone well. We have had to deal with some heavy aggression, but we would never allow these heretics to beat us" Lemrick said a little too confidently.

He was obviously scared that if Ezekiel understood how bad things looked, he would start executing people, starting with him. Ezekiel felt bad for the soldiers, but he did not have time to help them. he had to secure a vessel capable of extra-atmospheric flight, and get his men. More importantly if the enemy's attacks on this position were as bad is it looked, he did not have time to dawdle.

"I need a shuttle so that I can get off of this disgusting rock as soon as possible" Ezekiel declared.

"yes sir! Come right this way. there are still a few functioning schuttles in the hanger. We will just take a loo-" at that moment Lemrick was cut off by a deafening bang.

Ezekiel's worst fears had come true. the Chaos forces were assualting the position once again. This was almost certainly going to turn ugly. He called out to Lieutenent Lemrick.

"Lieutent! I need you to hold the heretics back until I can get the shuttle prepared for launch" he yelled.

"Yer sir! We will show these heretics what what servants of the Emperor can do" Lemrick hollered back.

Guardsmen, and the curses of the Chaos followers. Ezekiel was have way done with the enigne check when he decided to check on the porgress of the battle. His jaw dropped. Already most of the Guardsmen were running for cover, or cowering in some corner. Meanwhile the ones that had the sense to keep fighting were being pressed hard. At this rate the position was going to be overrun before he could get the shuttle out. He had no choice but to intervene.

"Rowlorn! It looks like we are going to have to do a little scrapping before we bid this place adieu", Ezekiel yelled at Rowlorn, who promptly walked over to the heap of dead Ogryns, and picked up a Ripper Gun.

"I got your back Zeke" Rowlorn replied.

Ezekiel needed to rally these men, and push back the attackers. He walked over to the barracade that the Imperial Guardsmen were barely holding. He surveyed the situation. The Attacking force were mainly compirsed of a large group of armed Cultists. They were being spurred on by a small group of Chaos Marines. It was not looking good, but ezekiel had seen worse. This was wherethe experience that he had gained posing as a Commissar would come in handy. He straighttened up, drew his beloved Power Saber and Bolt Pistol and lit a fire in his eyes. He walked toward the barricade with his eye closed, whispering litanies of hatred, and devotion to the Emperor with his words get louder until he was shouting. He jumped on top of the barricade. Caution would do more harm than boldness at this point.

"The Emperor will separate the reighteous and the wicked! He will punish the wicked with holy fire, burning away their unclean souls! Here my all of you! Your oppnent is fearsome, but we have the strenght of the Emperor, and what is right upon our side! these filthy heretics look at you as nothing but their playthings! They will kill you, burn your homes, enslave your children until you have nothing left! Will you sit by as they make sport of you and everything that you love? No! Brothers, we will fight them here. We will let them know that there is a price for their arrogance! Even if we die, we will make them bleed for their victory, and suffer as they have never done before. Rise my brothers! Rise with me a cry defiance before your tormentors!"

As he said this he stood upon the barricade, with slugs and lasers speeding past him, shooting his pistol all the while. His actions had their effect. Those that had ceased to fight picked up their weapons and rejoined the fight. The Guardsmen now fought with hatred burning in their eyes. This fight was no longer about survial. it was about punishing the enemy for daring to try and defile their home. Ezekiel now began to supervise the Guardsmen personally. They were doing well until the Chaos marines decided to deal with this porblem personally. They charged forward, making light of the pathetic attempts of the defenders. It was then that Ezekiel saw a sight thatmade his heart sing.

From a nearby building a Space Marine with heavily modified black armour leapt into the midst of the Chaos Marines. Ezekiel would recognize the figure anywhere. It was none other than Barael, the former Astartes turned bounty hunter. Out of All Ezekiel's men Barael was easily the most deadly in combat, coming as close to the term One-Man-Army as Ezekiel had ever seen, and he was fearless. Barael took the first foe down with a few well placed shotas of his Bolter, then nearly insantly killing the next with a slash from his bayonette. One of the Chaos Marines came from behind, attempting to stab Barael with a Combat Knife. Barael spun out of the way, aiming a puch at the center of his enemies extended arm. the force of the blow snapped the foe's forearm off at the elbow. He continued to fight in the middle of his foes. With him here ezekiel became confident, and so did the men. They charged over the barricade to take the fight to the enemy.

Rowlorn was in the middle of the fray, Tearing the enemy Cultists apart with his Ripper Gun, and using it as a deadly club if they were dumb enough to get close. The Guardmen were engaged in a deadly close range firefight. Where the cultists lacked discipline, they made up for in fanaticism. Ezekiel noticed a particular squad of Cultists charging forward. They were all muscular, wearing no armour whatsoever. They carried viscious looking axes. they were being lead by a cultist with a very Catachan physique, wearing a skull mask.

"Khorne followers", Ezekiel thought.

If they managed to get into the fray then the cost would be high. Rowlorn was busy with a swarm of Cultists, and Barael was having a chainblade duel with an Aspiring Champion, the last of the Chaos Marines. Sparks flew every time their blades met. With no one else to turn to, ezekiel decided to handle this problem himself. He holstered his gun, and charged into the group of Cultists.

Ezekiel drew blood with his first swing. the Cultists raged around him, trying to hack him into bloody chunks with their axes. Ezekiel dodged, parried and countered with great skill. Ezekiel was a ntaural duelist. Where his oppnents had strength and numbers on their side, Ezekiel had experience and grace on his. He was nearly dancing by comparisen to his savage adversaries. One particular Cultist got behind Ezekiel, and tried to decapitate him. Ezekiel knew he was there by the unsubtle sounds of his charging footsteps. He ducked, and spun at the same time, slashing at the Cultist's torso. His foe's innards spilled upon the floor. Soon all that was left was the leader.

the Barbarian charged Ezekiel. Ezekiel dodged out of the way, and stabbeed the arm that was holding the axe. He was then caught by surprize as his oppnent grabbed his arm, pulling him in close. The maniac then gave ezekiel a head butt that set his head ringing. Dazed, Ezekiel was grabbed by the neck, and pinned against a wall whilehis foe ruthlessly punched him. Ezekiel then broke free by kicking his oppnent in the groin. Ezekiel was not one to risk his neck by fighting fair, that wss for sportsmen not warriors.

Ezekiel then kicked his oppenent in the ribs, and pulled his maks off, hoping to nial his oppnent in the face. He stopped when he saw the particularly grotesque face of his oppnent. He then through the maks back to him.

"Terribly sorry about that pal. Turns out you really need that, huh?"

Hius oppent charged. Ezekiel rolled away and grabbed the axe that his enemy had dropped. He raised the axe as the berzerker attempted to punch him, with the fist meeting the blade of the axe. Ezekiel then kicked the Cultist's legs unto their knees, and brought the axe down on his enemy's head, cleaving the skull.

Ezekiel looked back to survey how the battle was going. The enemy forces were beaten. the soldiers were just mopping up the survivors. Barael walked up to Ezekiel.

"Ah! Good to see that you finally decided to join the party Barael", Ezekiel said.

"I knew that wherever you were was the place where I could kill the most heretics. Trouble seems to follow you". Barael replied blandly.

"Yes well I am glad that you came. I would be simply lost without my personal killing machine", Ezekiel exclaimed half jokingly.

Now that the battle was finished Ezekiel decided to check on who they were fighting. He went to examine one of the dead Astartes, and then blanched when he saw the iconography. These Chaos Marines were from the dreaded Warrior of Syrath. Ezekiel had never met the infamous Daemon or his minions, but any criminal worth his salt knew the name Syrath, and the implications behind it.

"Well, it seems my determination to leave has beend redoubled. Gentlemen, shall we take our leave", Ezekiel said to Barael and Rowlorn.

"Sir! We have further heretic forces moving on our position", a soldier cried.

Ezekiel could see the forces on their way. At their head was a dreaded Chaos Defiler. Following just behind it was a generous helping of Chaos Marines, and he could just make out a squad of Havocs. There was no way they were going to hold this position any longer, even with barael's help.

"Lieutenent! Do we have any Krack Grenades". ezekiel asked.

"Yes sir! Why do you ask", said the Lieutent.

"Because we are leaving soldiers", Ezekiel responded.

"What?! But if they take this port then they will have a landing zone to transport their troops into the City", the Lieutenent exclaimed.

"I am telling you that they can have it! Though I did not say we were going to let them keep it",Ezekiel said slyly.

As Ezekiel, and the troops retreated he watched the port as the chaos forces stormed into it. When he felt that enough had entered the building he tripped an improvesed detonator, and watched asthe building collapsed on the enemies. He noticed that the Lieutenent was listening to the Vox-castor.

"Any new", Ezekiel asked.

"It seems that an Inquisitor has joined the battle. Your master perhaps?"

Ezekiel suddenly had an idea. An Inquisitor would have a personal transport craft like an Aquila Lander.

"Yes! Quite so. Where is the position again?"

Chapter 4
"Are you sure it's here Aiur?" asked the Eldar Banshee Halica. She and her lover, a Striking Scorpion Exarch (Aiur), along with several other comrades, had been sent by Grim to locate one of the Stones of the Gods. They had been tracking it's location for months, before it vanished, hours before they were going to seize it. Their new lead had taken them to the Ralun System. They had only just arrived, before securing a hidden location for their vessel as the Chaos forces attacked. An Eldar Ranger, named Verz, reported it was the forces of Lord Coraks, a follower of the Daemon Syrath, which were leading the invasion.

"I am sure of it Halica, Grim had theorised that Syrath was also after the stones, and if his minions are here then a stone must be on this planet." Aiur replied.

"But why would he want a stone? All it would do to him would destroy him, as it does with all daemons who try to use its power." Said the Warp Spider Elifor.

"No one knows what a Daemon desires, old friend, especially one like Syrath." Replied Aiur. "Verz have you located the stone."

There was an eerie silence for a few seconds, until a monotonous voice replied, "Yes, it is in the hands of a Mon-keigh which appears to be affiliated with the Imperial Inquisition. He is heading towards a shuttle platform as we speak."

Aiur nodded and stood up. "Elifor come with me, we'll try to intercept the Acolyte and capture him, we can't let the Mon-keigh have this Stone. Halica prepare the ship, Verz cover us as we move in, and contact Ularis as well, we may need that Eldar Pirate's help."

<p style="text-align: center;">*

" Well, we're coming in hot guys," the Aquila Lander Pilot shouted over the comms, "I hope the Emperor is smiling on us today!"

"Will we make it to the landing site?" a clearly panicked Alicia yelled at her pilot.

"We should, as long as we aren't blown out of the sky first!" the pilot cheekily replied, "other than that it is clear skies ahead."

The shuttle craft streaked across the crisp blue sky, like a comet hurtling downwards from the heavens. A certain criminal looked up, seeing an Aquila Lander in the distance. He smiled to himself, thinking, that just maybe, reinforcements would arrive to save the forsaken planet. The Imperial Pilot brought the shuttle down to a fortified landing pad, which lay at the heart of the Imperial defensive line.

A small group of people exited the Lander, Inquisitor Alicia Trallan and Acolyte Lorenzo Drasus among them. They carefully walked from the craft to a reinforced bunker, before a strong shielding system was activated to protect their only means of leaving the planet. The entourage were lead to a battle damaged room by a squad of heavily armed Inquisitorial Storm Troopers. An extravagantly dressed, but exceptionally haggard, man entered soon after the Inquisitorial party.

"Well..." the gentleman spluttered, "...you are not the kind of reinforcements I was expecting."

"We have a full requisitioned Imperial Navy Battlefleet at our command, soldier," Alicia retorted, "we can at least cut off the enemy's reinforcements and provide arial support."

"Huh... a high and mighty Inquisitor like yourself can provide us with little more than air support. It's not the skies I'm worried about..." the Lord General scoffed, "it's the throne damned ground assaults which we keep losing, ma'am."

"Yes... bu... but... it is the best I could muster at such short notice, sir," Alicia retorted, with a strong tone of aggravation creeping into her voice, "If it's not good enough for you then I suppose we should just leave. Your deaths would not be too hard for the Inquisition to cover up."

Lord General Jacobus looked on at the Inquisitor, completely dumbfounded, as he realised the mistake he had just made by challenging her authority. Lorenzo stared directly at him, scanning his thoughts before realising the true sense of fear which the Lord General felt. The Acolyte decided it would be best to defuse the situation some what given the heightened emotional states of everyone in the room.

"So, have we heard any more from Grim Doris yet?" Drasus inquired, "he is definitely going to make planetfall at some point?"

Alicia, slightly caught off guard turned to her communications specialist who replied plainly. "Yes, sir, we have received word that his shuttle has left the Shadow of Judgement. He will meet us at the rendezvous point as agree..."

It was at that moment that a tremendously loud explosion was heard, only moments before one of the walls of the bunker collapsed, crushing the specialist. The earth shattering explosion had caused a large amount of dust to become airborne. And, it was from this thick dust cloud that a colossal figure emerged.

"Mortal fools... " the monstrous abomination pronounced triumphantly, "you shall die by my twisted hand!"

<p style="text-align: center;">*

<p style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-top: 1em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Grim stared from his ship's lookout point as the smaller landing craft descended down towards the planet's surface. With Edward leading the party, along with Frad and David, they should be able to meet up with the Eldar and hopefully bring the Stone to him. The Black Templar knew the importance of speed and discretion was key to the mission's success.

<p style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-top: 1em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Behind him Klankz gave a sigh and asked, "Hey Boss, if yar zo worried dat dey won't getz it don, why not zend me?"

<p style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-top: 1em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Grim gave the ork a smile, "I have no doubt that you would do your best my friend, but there may come when I need you here. That, and I'm not sure that subtlety is your forte."

<p style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-top: 1em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">His words were true. If this Inquisitor somehow caught on then he would need all the hands he could get in a close range/boarding attack in space. And the Mekboys skills would be useful. He knew that allowing the journal to remain on her vessel was a minor set back, but any other action would have been suspicious. If she hadn't been tagging along with him, he would have probably received the Stone by now. However, he also realised that, had he not stumbled across Alicia's fleet, he may have never made it to Ralun.

<p style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-top: 1em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The worst part however, was that Grim could sense the presence of Syrath on that world. The pain of the loss of two of his brothers, by that Daemon's hand came back to him. He had a sudden desire not to be so discreet anymore, wishing to enact a horrendous revenge on the abomination. The fact that Syrath was after the stone only enraged him more. It was bad enough he had people like the Shadow One and Bevid were after the stones, as well as organizations like the Cabal, Illuminati and the Brotherhood of the Faithful, but one more on the list was not something he needed. He only hoped that Syrath was unaware of the stones true effects on Daemons, quickly eliminating him.

<p style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-top: 1em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">"Lord Grim, Edward has reported that his team has landed on the surface successfully. But they have been greeted by Imperial forces and wants to know what he should do?" Said Cel-ik.

<p style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-top: 1em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Grim frowned but used his quick thinking, "Tell him to follow them to the Inquisitor. Tell her that I've remained here to watch over from above. Also tell Edward to try and find a way to get out of there without drawing attention. I'm going to contact Aiur's team."

<p style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-top: 1em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; text-align: center;">*

<p style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-top: 1em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The dust had now settled. The Warp spawned monstrosity turned it's attentions towards the cowering Inquisitorial representatives. At the forefront of the group an incredibly valiant Acolyte stood, keeping his allies at a reasonable distance from the beast.

<p style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-top: 1em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">"Ahhh... The Brotherhood of the Watchful Eye... It's been a while my path last crossed with your organisation..." The colossal creature spoke, bemused at the thought of encountering one of his greatest adversaries.

<p style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-top: 1em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">"Stand back! That Daemon has a quick tongue. Listen not to what he says!" Alicia commanded to the surviving members of her group.

<p style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-top: 1em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">"My, my... such formality Inquisitor... why do you not wish to name me... " The beast sneered.

<p style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-top: 1em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Despite the apparent casual nature of the creature's diction, the daemon had not once let it's guard down. A fact which Lorenzo was quick to notice, as he prepared his stance so that he could strike the unholy creation at the first window of opportunity.

<p style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-top: 1em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">"Because words are power. And you rely too heavily on the fear which is created by the mere mention of your name, Daemon." Alicia replied, hoping to stall the daemon.

<p style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-top: 1em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">"Really... does my name hold such weight..." the creature replied quizzically

<p style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-top: 1em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Alicia struggled to find a reply, knowing that if she could not stall the daemon further her death would be instantaneous.

<p style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-top: 1em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">"Yes... yes... of... of course... many shudder at the mere implication of your presence... do you know of Grim Dor-" Alicia stammered before being cut short as the unsettlingly carefree mood of the conversation suddenly changed.

<p style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-top: 1em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">"WHAT! That cur is already here! I knew I could sense an abnormality in the Warp! If that is the case, I do not have time to waste!" The Greater Daemon exclaimed " so... enough of this inane chatter, I'm most delighted that I shall now kill you. For I am Syrath the Immortal, Sundered of Tzeentch!"

<p style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-top: 1em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The monstrous creature bared it's talons and pointed straight at Inquisitor Trallan. Shocked by the sudden change in Syrath's temperament, Lorenzo charged straight at the Daemon, Force Blade at the ready. However, the Saint of Chaos dodged the attack with relative ease, before throwing the Acolyte across the room with one fell swoop of his taloned claw.

<p style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-top: 1em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">"Alicia... You send a mere child to assault me... My, my how the Brotherhood's standards have slip-" the Gambler of Fate was suddenly rendered speechless while he was preparing to attack the Inquisitor.

<p style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-top: 1em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The majestic daemon turned to find the source of the attack. To his surprise, he realised that it was the Acolyte he had cast aside, who had struck him with a bolt of pure Warp energy.

<p style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-top: 1em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">"Fool! How dare you strike me!" the Warp spawned creature roared.

<p style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-top: 1em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Syrath changed his priorities in an instant. He immediately leapt through the air towards his new target, Lorenzo Drasus, with his taloned claws fully extended in preparation for the strike. However, instead of reaching the Acolyte, his attack was cut short as a sharp object hit him in his left side.

<p style="border-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; text-align: center;">*

<p style="border-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Ezekiel had been running for quite a while now. He was heading toward the bunker that the Inquisitor had been said to be landing at. He had seen the Inquisitor's personal transport as it came down. He would have to come up with some way in which he could take the vehicle without notice, or at least artfully convince the Inquisitor to give it to him. Either way the story about being an Acolyte would not hold up against an actual Inquisitor. He would have to use a different cover, but he could not do that until he solved his current problem. That problem being a group of Imperial Guardsmen that he had convinced that he was an Acolyte, and were now following him around as if he was their salvation.

<p style="border-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">"How much further till we get to our destination sir?" Lieutenent Lemrick asked.

<p style="border-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">"Not far Lieutenent, but you should really get in contact with your superiors. They probably have need of you, and your men", Ezekiel said, hoping that the Lieutenent would take the bait.

<p style="border-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">"Nonsense! If not for you, sir, we would have both failed our task and died. For that much we will make sure that you complete your assignment. We owe you that much at least sir."

<p style="border-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Ezekiel thanked him for his support. Of course on the inside he was cursing up a storm, particularly at hiumself. it seemed that the whole "Champion of the Emperor" routine that he had used to ignitre their fighting spirit had been a little too convincing. The men of their Regiment would likely tell stories about his heroics for years to come.

<p style="border-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">"As usual your attempts to blend in cause you to stand out all the more Zeke", Rowlorn whispered in his ear.

<p style="border-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">"It is not my fualt that I am overflowing with charisma! This would not happen if you played the hero once in a while. Sheesh!" Ezekiel whispered back.

<p style="border-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">"Right, because I just scream hero of the Imperium don't I?" Rowlorn rebuted, grinning and showing the armoured plates that were part of his arm.

<p style="border-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">"Well maybe if you did play the hero every so often then perhaps people would stop looking at Mutants as just a bunch of freaks" Ezekiel said, exasperated.

<p style="border-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Rowlorn luaghed, "that will happen on the day that I believe that you are completely sane."

<p style="border-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Ezekiel rolled his eyes at this response, but smiled all the same. Then he stiffened up and yelled at Rowlorn for back-talk. He had forgotten about the soldiers trotting behind him. Being seen bickering with a mutant in a friendly matter was not going to help his cover as the Acolyte of an Inquisitor. It was then that ezekiel noticed the smoke that was rising up from the area they were headed towards. He instantly got a bad feeling.

<p style="border-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">"Lieutenent! It seems that our comrades are under attack by the enemy. We must move to assist! The Mutant, the Astartes and I will head there directly. I want you, and your men to take the long way around in order to perform a surprize flanking maneuver", Ezekiel barked.

<p style="border-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">"But sir, won't that be dangerous ofr you to take the fight to the enemy with such small numbers?", Lemrick asked, clearly concerned.

<p style="border-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">"Do not underestimate my abilities!" Ezekiel yelled, "Your surprize attack may be the difference between victory and death. Now go!"

<p style="border-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">With several reluctant looks Lieutenent Lemrick and his men marched off.

<p style="border-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">"Nice one", Rowlorn remarked.

<p style="border-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">"Indeed. Now there will be no distractions for the fight ahead", Barael stated firmly.

<p style="border-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">"What fight?! With any luck we will be able to sneak past both sides, and grab the craft. I sent them off because it is hard to be stealthy with a large group of soldiers at your back. It would also be awkward making a cover story with them around", Ezekiel said much to the chargin of Barael, who had been expecting an honourable fight with the enemy.

<p style="border-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">With the excess baggage gone Ezekiel and his men quickly got to the bunker, which was in terrible shape. Ezekiel had judged that they would be dealing with a substantial force of Chaos Space marine based upon the number of Imperial bodies, and lack of Chaos bodies. This most certainly did not bode well. Ezekiel had to fight his instict to turn tail and run away with all haste.

<p style="border-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">"Well, shall we go in?" Ezekiel asked his companions rather half-heartedly.

<p style="border-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">They quitely snuck into the bunker. What Ezekiel saw when they entered nearly made him swoon. An Inquisitor was standing with her retinue with their weapons at the ready. They were facing off with a massive monstrosity that Ezekiel could only imagine was Syrath himself based on it's horrifying form and aura of dread. The Inquisitor and the Daemon were exchanging words, with Syrath clearly taunting his would-be victim, clearly enjoying the act of toying with his prey. The Inquisitor was speaking back, most likely trying to buy time. After all if Syrath was anything like his fearsome reputation then they would not stand a chance.

<p style="border-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Ezekiel was not really listening to what they were saying. His attention was fixed upon his goal. Beyond them was what he had come for, the Aquila Lander. If he could just get to it without drawing the attention of either party then he could possibly get out of this ridiculous situation alive. He quietly began to sneak towards the Lander, signaling Rowlorn and Barael to follow. Barael kept his eyes and Bolter firmly set on the Daemon. Ezekiel could feel the urge to attack in him. Ezekiel found it remarkable what a few augmentations, and fearlessness born of guilt could turn a man into, but this was not the opponent to be picking a fight with. He signaled Barael to froget about the Daemon, and pick up the pace.

<p style="border-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">It was then that Ezekiel sensed an abrupt and violent change in the tone of the conversation. Suddenyl the Daemon, and one of the Inquisitor's cronies were going at it. The henchman was quickly tossed aside. Now was no longer the time for stealth. Ezekiel broke out into a run towards the vehicle, hoping that the two parties would be so preoccupied with killing, or being killed as the case might be, that they would not notice him and his men. He had almost made it to the lander when one of Syrath's gargantuan coils got into his way.

<p style="border-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Irratated at being so close to escape, and being denied, Ezekiel thoughtlessly drew his Power Saber and stabbed the beast.

<p style="border-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Syrath roared in anger. Furious at being attacked by surpirze, and because the sneak attack had just barely stopped him short of flaying the Acolyte alive. He turned and faced Ezekiel. the two locked stares for a moment, both shocked. Ezekiel being shocked that he had been stupid enough to attack a Greater Daemon, and Syrath liewise shocked about who had the audacity to attack him such.

<p style="border-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Syrath then roared and created a great ball of fire. He then hurled it at the pathetic mortal before him. ezekiel had only an instant to come to grips with his situation. He quickly dived out of the way of the attack. The fireball came so close to him that it singed his hair. Ezekiel gave a momentary sigh of relief. that was until he saw what the fireball had hit in his stead. He looked on with an undescribable emotion as the Lander that he had come to retrieve burned.

<p style="border-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Syrath rose up, presenting an imposing presence to this new annoyance. He spoke with great echoing words to this puny mortal before him.

<p style="border-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">"You dare to strike at me insect?! You shall regret your actions! For now you will feel my wra-"

<p style="border-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">"Excuse me." Ezekiel interjected while getting up and dusting himself off.

<p style="border-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Syrath looked down on the mortal in slight surprize. Ezekiel continued to go on.

<p style="border-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">"Now before I get to the point may I just say that I know exactly who you are, and have a great deal of respect for one who has managed to accomplish so much. I say this in spite of my general view that anything Warp related is bad news." Ezekiel continued on in a polite and conversational tone.

<p style="border-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">"Having said that, DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW HARD IT HAS BEEN TRYING TO GET THAT VEHICLE?! I NEARLY GET KILLED BY YOUR THRICE BLASTED HENCHMEN, AND RUN FOR MILES JUST SO THAT I COULD GET MY HANDS ON THAT CRAFT! BUT HERE YOU ARE JUST BLOWING UP MY HARD WORK! WELL @#&% YOU! YOU UGLY, OVERGROWN, RUDE, SLIME-SUCKING LIZARD!"

<p style="border-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The whole area went silent. Syrath sat there and stared, taken aback by what he just saw. This puny, insignificant little human had just scolded him. Him of all people! The clear absurdity of the situation was not lost on him, nor any of the others gathered. Apparently a sense of situational awareness had just dawned on Ezekiel as well.

<p style="border-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">"Yeeeeaaaaaahhh.... Um.. Barael if you would be so kind?" Ezekiel tentatively said to the Marine.

<p style="border-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">As if a switch had been flipped the situation once more took a lethal turn. Barael opened fire on the massive Daemon. The scene exploded, as the weapons fire of those gathered mingled with the roars of Syrath. Lorenzo once more strode forth to do battle with the Daemon, this time with a fellow marine helping. Syrath for his part was ripping the bunker apart. This had been an odd, and vaguely amusing distraction from the work at hand, but his patients for these mortals was reaching it's end and he still had a dangerous enemy to worry about.

<p style="border-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Ezekiel was now looking for a way out. this fight would not last long, and would inevitably end in the Daemon's favor. he looked around for something to escape with. He found it. In a nearby garage was a Tauros Venator. The vehicle would prove to work well for a speedy getaway. He shouted over to Rowlorn, and gestured over to the vehicle. Rowlorn instantly took the meaning, and jumped into the drivers seat.

<p style="border-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Ezekiel looked at the assembled people, the numbers of which were wuickly decreasing. He spotted the Inquisitor. While the idea of taking an Inquisitor along with him made the hair on the back of his neck stand up, he knew that the Inquisitor was probably going to be a good resource to have. Not only might the Inquisitor have assets for fighting Chaotic issues in the future, but she might be able to requisition a way off planet. With a feeling resembling nausea, Ezekiel ran over to the Inquisitor and grabbed her arm.

<p style="border-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">"Pardon me miss, but come with me if you want to live." Ezekiel said hurriedly while dragging the Inquisitor to the vehicle.

<p style="border-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">"Wait just a moment! Just who do you think you are? Explain yourself or-" Alicia yelled.

<p style="border-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Ezekiel was not in the mood for debate. he firmly grabbed Alicia by the shoulders, and looked her in the eyes.

<p style="border-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">"Listen! Under normal circumstance I would be happy to recount my life's story, but since we are short on time would you kindly GET IN THE CAR!!" Ezekiel shouted, throwing Alicia into the side seat.

<p style="border-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Lorenzo, having heard the comotion, and seeing his mistress thrown into the vehicle ran over to assist.

<p style="border-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">"You there! Stop! What in Throne's name do you think you are doing?!" Lorenzo growled.

<p style="border-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Ezekiel put a hand up to Lorenzo, who came to a stop.

<p style="border-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">"Trust me, I know what I'm doing..." Ezekiel proclaimed to Drasus, trying to make the obvious lie sound more convincing.

<p style="border-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">"Of course if you would rather have you and your master remain here and take your chances, then by all means stay. However if you would like to get out of here alive, then help out and man the Autocannon." Ezekiel told Drasus, who seeing the reason in his words promptly jumped up to operate the vehicle's Autocannon.

<p style="border-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">With no more seats available, Ezekiel grabbed on to the door and hanged off the side.

<p style="border-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">"Go, go, go, go! Step on it Rowlorn!" Ezekiel yelled, as Rowlorn gunned the ignition.

<p style="border-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">"What about that Astartes?! Are we just going to leave him here for slaughter?" Alicia asked as they sped away.

<p style="border-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">"Who? Barael? Oh, he'll be fine. He is the kind of guy that won't die even if you kill him, if you know what I mean. He'll probably catch up later." Ezekiel said casually as they took off.

<p style="border-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">"Now then Miss Fire-And-Brimstone, we should probably get down to busi- Wh-wh Whaaaaaaa?" Ezekiel stoped halfway as he suddenly noticed that Alicia was an absolute knock-out.

<p style="border-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">He slicked back his hair, checked his breath and lowered his voice. Clearly his reprehensible need to be a casanova had temporarily overrided his situational awarenes, and his compelte mistrust of Inquisitors.

<p style="border-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">"So! What is a sweet young thing like yourself doing on a burning trash-ball like this?" Said ezekiel with his voice dripping with charm.

<p style="border-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">"Seriously?! You have to do that right now boss?!" Rowlorn said irratibly as he swerved around a group of cultists.

<p style="border-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">"Kindly keep your thoughts to yourself. saying that I am not interested goes without saying, you clod." Alicia spat back angrily, before slapping Ezekiel in a very aggressive manner.

<p style="border-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Back at the bunker Syrath was having his own set of problems. Everyone that had been left in the bunker was dead, except for that Space Marine. The warrior stayed just outside the reach of his claws, and dodged his Psychic attacks by mere inches. This was proving frustrating, as the Marine was the one thing keeping him from going after the Inquisitor. Barael rolled, and then took out the pin on a frag grenade. He held it for a short time, and then threw it at the Daemon's face. The perfectly timed explosion occured right in Syrath's face. He had managed to bring up his defences just before, so the actual damage was negligible, but his patients was now gone. He telekinetically picked up a large rock, and hurled it at the Marine, knocking him through a wall. He then turned to go after his quarry.

<p style="border-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Meanwhile Ezekiel was in the middle of a fresh bout of bickering with Alicia. Rowlorn was trying to focus on driving, while Drasus manned the gun. His services were becoming rather apparent, as they were now passing through areas of heavy fighting.

<p style="border-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">"Your plan is of the quality I would expect from a child! It lacks contigencies, and appropriate intel. Furthermore it relies mostly on luck!" Alicia yelled at Ezekiel.

<p style="border-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Well, excuse me. I am making this up as I go along. Besides, what intel do we have at our disposal, huh?" Ezekiel retorted, slashing a Chaos Marine that got too close to the Tauros.

<p style="border-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">"Yes, well we shall need to acquire some. Anyway, who are you exactly?" Alicia demanded.

<p style="border-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">"Mourton Mc'leod at your service. I am a merchant that came to this planet to sell my goods, but got involved in this madness. I hope we can help each other out Inquisitor." Ezekiel said.

<p style="border-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Alicia smiled to herself. While it was not part of her jurisdiction, she knew who she was dealing with. She was a well informed Inquisitor, and instantly recognized the alias of the criminal. It had only recently been uncovered by her associates in the Inquisition.

<p style="border-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">"Perhaps. Or perhaps I should just shoot you now Mr. Cornatus." Alicia said with a smile, her Infernus Pistol aimed directly at her saviour's head.

<p style="border-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Ezekiel blanched. He had not expected to be figured out so soon. Of course all of them forgot about this when Syrath's large frame appeared around the corner behind them, and Alicia subsequently lowered her weapon. Drasus immediately opened up on the Saint of Chaos, who contemptuously deflected the projectiles with a Psychic shield.

<p style="border-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">"Just to let you know, if you kill me, then my companion here, who is driving, will bail out and leave you to crash." Ezekiel stated.

<p style="border-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">"Zeke, we have a massive killer Daemon behind us. If they kill you then I am going to keep driving just as fast as I can. I'll mourn you buddy" Rowlorn yelled over the din, while just barely swerving out of the way of a chaos Dreadnought's claws.

<p style="border-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">"Oh, come on! A little support when I make a bluff, is that so much to ask?" Ezekiel stated while shooting his Bolt pistol back at Syrath, who was rapidly gaining.

<p style="border-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">"I will deal with you later, scum! For now would you please close that noise hole, and focus on the unholy monstrosity upon us?!" Alicia yelled.

<p style="border-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">"Right then! Shall we take the expressway, or the tunnels?" Ezekiel inquired.

<p style="border-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">"How should I know? It is not like I have actually been to this Throne forsaken planet before!" Alicia barked back.

<p style="border-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">"Fine. Then we will let luck decide! Heads we go for the tunnels, tails we go for the highway!" Ezekiel shouted while taking out a coin.

<p style="border-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">He then tossed it up, and caught it. The Coin had landed with the sun side up. Syrath was not close enough to see the Coin, but he did feel the change in atmosphere as it's powers took effect. Surprized, Syrath opened up his senses, and sure enough he found his target on the escaping vehicle. He had become so focused on the kill that he had not bothered to sense for it. He chuckled to himself. Not only would he get to kill an Inquisitor, but he would be able to complete his objective at the same time. He lunged forward.

<p style="border-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">It was at that moment that a section of a heavily damaged building dislodged itself right over his head. He roared, and blasted the structure into rubble, which then struck him repeatedly. Recovering from the shock, Syrath tried to resume his chase, but was cut off by a line of Imperial Tanks that had just arived. He growled in frustration. He then remembered what it was that this partiucular artifact did. Whoever had it must have activated it's ability to bestow good luck. He then relaxed. There was no point in going after them now, as their good luck would make it impossible to catch them. It would be best to simply wait for the effect to wear off. Still, he sent the images of those in the car to his commanders with order to capture or kill them all. He then telepathically contacted Coraks, as he could not ignore the unsettling presence that he felt nearby.

<p style="border-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">"Lord Coraks. This is your master. I have some good news, some not so good news, and some incredible news." Syrath projected to his trusted Captain.

<p style="border-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">"What is it, great Saint of Chaos?" Coraks responded.

<p style="border-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">"First of all I have located our objective, though they have managed to temporarily elude me. Second, the troublesome Sensei scum, Grim Doris is here. Best of all, I have decided that you will be the one to take his head while I hunt. Gather the entire First War Legion!" Syrath ordered.

<p style="border-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">"It would be my pleasure, master!" Coraks responded in turn.

<p style="border-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Meanwhile Ezekiel was breathing a sigh of relief.

<p style="border-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">"Looks like we have lost him for now. Man does that Daemon have it out for you."

<p style="border-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">"That is hardly surpirzing considering the role my Brotherhood plays in his affairs. Now pull over. We have some things to discuss."Alicia said authortively.

<p style="border-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">"Not a chance! We are not stopping until we find a good place to bunker down. Night has almost fallen. Do you really want to take the chance of running into that thing in the dark?" Ezekiel responded.

<p style="border-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">"Very well. We will find shelter first," Alicia retorted.

<p style="border-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Just as she finished her sentence, a large group of soldiers with a Leman Russ Tank appeared in front of them, blocking their path. Not wanting to get himself killed, Rowlorn decided to stop the vehicle. As he fell off, due to the sudden stop, Ezekiel felt a something touch the side of his face. He turned to find himself facing a bolt gun pointed right at him. Holding it was an armored Space Marine whose markings he recognized as the Black Templars. Behind him were a Veteran from the planet of Krieg and a Kasrkin, along with several other Inquisitorial Stormtroopers.

<p style="border-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">"Actually, I'm afraid you'll have to change those plans." Said the Astartes.

Chapter 5
Somewhere else in the Galaxy, a small fleet of ships, marking the symbol of Chaos and that of the warband's, floated towards a planet that reeked of madness and death. Between the ships and the planet was another fleet of ships, though larger, floating in space. Soon one ship from each side advance towards each other. Their large size clearly showed that they were important.

On the ship that came from the blockade, a light, but did not help to brighten the already dark and terrifying darkness in the room, appeared for a brief second before disappearing. In its place were several Chaos Space Marine, their armor colored in dark and corrupted blue and green. They were all armed with the usually weaponry except one at the front.

That one did not have a helmet on like the others had, thus showing his bald skin face with a snake tattoo on it. In his right hand was an axe that radiated daemonic energy and attached to his waist was a bolt gun. He looked only forward at the darkness

Opposite of him, shown only by the silhouette, was a large man sitting on what appeared to be a throne. The being got up and walked towards the armored man, showing his pale green armor and his skull helmet.

"Greetings Aloran, I'm glad you could make it." Bevid said to his old ally.

The son of Alpharius bowed his head. "You always do have something interesting for me to do. Now what do you need of the Omega Legion?"