Warhammer: The 11th Primarch - The Black Emperor

In the palace of Paradigm City, Nareth looked down at the data slate in his hand. Arsena's report had caught his attention.

A Mechanicum transport fleet had been attacked by xenos ships, strange, pudgy, cylindrical batleships with high-frequency psyker readings detected by the augers.

Nareth quickly scanned through the Mechanicum's report. The xeno vessel was several kilometers long, with a bulbous end housing a cluster of thrusters, while the opposite end tapered, forming a blunt prow.

Its most distinctive feature was the massive petal-shaped fins extending from its rear, glowing with harsh, radiant light.

After staring at the image for a few seconds, Nareth muttered to himself:

'Cylindrical ships… psykers… Jorgall colony ships?'

He remembered the Jorgalls, a xeno race that, during the Great Crusade, had tried to settle within Imperium territory.

Shortly before the Istvaan III campaign, a large Jorgall fleet had established a presence in the Iota Horologi system.

Due to reports of psyker activity within their ranks, Malcador had dispatched the Sisters of Silence to assist the Death Guard in destroying the Jorgall colonies and their fleet.

'That xeno fleet must be destroyed.'

As Nareth contemplated, two Astartes clad in ornate crimson armor entered the palace.

He looked up. Their scarlet plate was etched with intricate geometric patterns, and on their left pauldrons was the emblem of the Thousand Sons Legion, a curved star.

Since they had not yet reunited with their Gene-Father, their armor bore no cult markings.

The Astartes on the left, wielding a crescent-shaped staff, stepped forward and bowed.

"Primarch, I am Azhek Ahriman, Captain of the First Company of the Thousand Sons. I report at your command."

The other, identical in appearance, followed suit:

"My lord, I am Ormuzd Ahriman, Captain of the Second Company of the Thousand Sons. I report at your command."

As the Thousand Sons had not yet rejoined Magnus, they still adhered to the standard command structure.

Nareth observed the twin brothers. Their faces radiated the confidence of those who wielded formidable power.

From 803.M30, when the Thousand Sons' psychic talents first began to manifest, until 823.M31, when the first of them died in Byzant due to flesh-change, the Thousand Sons had lived joyously, celebrating their unique gift from the Emperor.

They reveled in the rush of power flowing through their bodies and the ecstasy of wielding psychic might.

"My lord, forgive our delay. We spent some time enlightening the population of World 28-3."

"Enlightening?"

Nareth narrowed his eyes.

'More like extracting their knowledge.'

Like their Gene-Father, the Thousand Sons craved knowledge, obsessed with unraveling mysteries.

In this regard, Azhek Ahriman's obsession rivaled even that of Magnus.

"No matter," Nareth replied neutrally. "I'd like a report on the status of the Thousand Sons."

"As you wish."

As First Captain, Azhek naturally took the lead.

"My lord, the Thousand Sons currently number 9,999 Astartes."

Nareth's black eyes narrowed slightly. The flesh-change had yet to appear, and the legion, being near 10,000 strong, was expected. But that exact number, 9,999, made him immediately think of Tzeentch.

'If the flesh-change isn't a genetic flaw, then it's a 'gift' from the Changer of Ways… Or perhaps the Weaver of Fates has already taken an interest in Magnus and is pulling the strings of fate'

He set aside the thought as Azhek continued his briefing.

"The 28th Expeditionary Fleet currently consists of 19 warships…"

After listening, Nareth focused on Azhek.

"I've heard you possess the gift of foresight."

Azhek, initially surprised, then felt a surge of pride. His reputation had reached the ears of a Primarch.

He composed himself and replied humbly:

"Yes, my lord. It is a gift from the Emperor."

"I have a task for you."

Nareth had decided to delegate the xeno fleet issue to the future Chief Librarian of the Thousand Sons. He turned to Arsena.

"Send the Mechanicum report on the xeno encounter to Azhek."

"As you command, my lord."

Arsena stepped forward. For the first time, the Thousand Sons shifted their gaze from Nareth and focused on Arsena.

They immediately sensed that this mortal wielded significant psychic strength, his aura flickering with Warp energy.

'He is powerful, on par with some Thousand Sons. But not enough to match our elite.'

Azhek scanned the data slate and then looked up confidently.

"My lord, I can trace the xeno fleet's trajectory, but I will need time."

"Granted. Go."

After the Ahriman brothers departed, Nareth pondered a moment, then summoned Maria.

Three standard hours later, a woman in tight black armor with a hood, dual glass daggers at her belt, and a pair of curved blades on her back arrived beneath the spire.

She initially intended to sneak past the guards and appear in the palace from the shadows, just like she used to.

But the moment she approached and raised her grapple gun, she felt two sharp, predatory gazes lock onto her.

Maria turned her head. Two towering Astartes stood at the spire's entrance.

'So… these are the Sire's sons. Things aren't like they used to be.'

Maria wisely abandoned her usual stealth approach and used her communicator to send a message to her monarch.

When Nareth was notified that the "Assassin" had arrived, he turned to Arsena.

"You'll continue speaking with the chosen candidates. Anyone who can chart a complete void route will earn a Warrant of Trade in my name."

Nareth had no reason not to fully leverage his Primarch status for gain, yet securing loyalty still required effort.

Soon after, Maria entered the palace. It was the first time she had seen her lord since the Primarch's return to the Imperium.

"My lord, you summoned me. What are your orders?"

Nareth tossed her a datachip. The Assassin caught it smoothly with her left hand.

"Send your agents to infiltrate the target ships."

"Ten agents for von Valancius, five for the others."

"As you wish."

Maria bowed and departed quickly. Assassins did not enjoy being exposed, especially under the watchful eyes of eleven Primarch guards.

Nine work cycles later, Nareth received word from Azhek Ahriman:

He had successfully used divination to track the xenos fleet.

Nareth immediately gave the order to launch, determined to destroy the Jorgall colony ship.

He boarded the Void Hunter and commanded the fleet to set off.

.....

If you enjoy the story, my p@treon is 30 chapters ahead.

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