Day 39, Year 988, 41st Millennium
(Writer's note: From now on, I will refer to the "Korvax House Private Military Force" as the "House Guard" for brevity and simplicity.)
"Prepare yourselves. We will reach the target in five minutes," Omega announced to his five subordinates aboard the transport shuttle. His master had granted him permission to investigate the crash site of an unidentified object, and he had wasted no time. The civilian transport shuttle, though modified, shuddered and swayed slightly as it cut through the sandstorm, but Omega paid it no mind.
"Acknowledged, sir," his subordinates responded in unison. Most of them were individuals he had personally selected—veteran soldiers with extensive experience, equipped with standard-issue House Korvax gear. Each wore full-body armor capable of withstanding small arms fire and light melee weapons. Their standard armament was the hot-shot lasgun, a weapon of considerable cost and power.
Time passed quickly, almost deceptively so. Finally, the shuttle touched down on the sandy terrain. His subordinates rose immediately, weapons at the ready.
"We have arrived at the coordinates, sir. Landing site is fifty meters from the target for safety," the pilot's voice came through from the cockpit. Omega said nothing further, simply signaling for everyone to be ready.
When the shuttle ramp lowered, they were greeted by a sandstorm whipping yellow dust and grit into the air. Atmospheric toxicity sensors on their suits gave a unanimous reading: the air outside was highly toxic. Gas masks or rebreathers were mandatory at all times.
Omega was the first to descend the ramp, followed closely by his subordinates. They moved with practiced fluidity, forming a defensive perimeter as they had been trained to do.
Omega activated the thermal vision on his goggles and scanned the surroundings. Detecting no immediate threats, he ordered his team to advance toward the crash site immediately.
As they approached, Omega stared at the wreckage with sudden curiosity and bewilderment. His subordinates, while maintaining discipline, harbored similar questions.
The unidentified object was a massive black transport ship, battered and broken in two. Its design suggested a vessel built specifically for military application. Even from a distance, Omega could analyze that it was heavily armored and possessed significant weaponry. Two large wings jutted from its back, along with four massive engines that lay ruined.
Most intriguing of all was the insignia emblazoned on the hull—a symbol that looked identical to that of the Dark Angels Space Marine Chapter.
"Sir... the pilot reports that our sensors have picked up an approaching aircraft. It's identified as a PDF transport, sir... and they are hailing us. They state their intent is to investigate the unidentified object as well," the comms officer reported.
Omega listened and made a quick decision. He ordered his subordinates to show no hostility toward the PDF forces and to allow them to proceed with their mission. He wanted to avoid any future complications.
He knew well how the general populace and the PDF viewed the soldiers of House Korvax. It was a friction that could easily ignite if not managed carefully.
"Understood, trooper. When you encounter the PDF soldiers, show absolutely no hostility. Do not retaliate, even if they use derogatory language, unless they initiate violence," Omega ordered firmly. Although he knew the House Guard possessed high discipline and patience, he didn't want to waste time cleaning up avoidable messes.
"Acknowledged, sir/ma'am."
Before long, an old transport ship flew through the sandstorm and touched down nearby. Omega and his subordinates had to brace themselves against the powerful winds generated by the storm and the landing thrusters to keep from being knocked over.
Once they regained their footing, the ramp of the PDF transport opened, revealing four high-ranking PDF officers. They wore good-quality flak armor protecting their heads, chests, forearms, shoulders, and shins. Their weapons were standard-issue autoguns and lasguns available on the general market.
Just by observing their gait and how they held their weapons, Omega could tell they were relatively undisciplined. However, he did not underestimate them. Undisciplined soldiers often had a way of surprising both friend and foe.
The PDF soldier leading the group wore a uniform with insignia identifying him as a Sergeant. He walked toward Omega without a hint of fear. Omega was certain that if not for the gas mask covering the Sergeant's face, he would have seen a sneer and eyes filled with contempt for him and his subordinates.
"Greetings, sir. I am Sergeant Kaminski. I have orders from Lord Valen to investigate the unidentified object that crashed in this area to determine if it poses a threat or danger," Sergeant Kaminski greeted, offering a salute. Omega relaxed slightly, dropping his stiff and intimidating posture before returning the greeting. At least the man had manners.
"Greetings, Sergeant Kaminski. I am Commander Omega, the Left Hand of Lord Valen and Commander of the House Guard. I share your objective. I have also received orders to investigate this crash site for potential threats," Omega replied in a cold, emotionless tone. He then explained that the object was the wreckage of some type of transport ship, far larger than any standard transport they knew.
After a brief discussion, both sides agreed to cooperate in the investigation to determine if there were any dangers in the area.
The PDF soldiers volunteered to take point and inspect the wreckage first. It was a clear attempt to show that despite their lack of expensive equipment, they possessed the bravery to be on the front lines.
Omega did not object. He allowed Sergeant Kaminski and his men to proceed. If anything happened, he wouldn't have to risk his own subordinates.
"Commander Omega... I have never seen green mutants like this before!" Sergeant Kaminski shouted uncertainly.
Omega raised an eyebrow and quickly walked to the Sergeant's position. When he arrived, he was immediately shocked.
Near the wreckage lay a pile of green-skinned corpses. Many had been cleaved in two by large bladed weapons—implying an attacker with immense strength—while others were riddled with small-arms fire. His subordinates and the PDF soldiers were confused, wondering if these were a new type of mutant. They had never encountered anything like this.
But for Omega, this was serious—deadly serious. He didn't recall this planet having an Ork infestation!
He had fled from Cadia to the eastern fringes of Segmentum Ultima, ending up on this world. He had seen many things: armies of daemons, the forces of an angry Inquisitor, Grey Knights hunting him, even the Aeldari. And among them were xenos like Orks. He knew exactly how dangerous they were and what they were capable of.
He had to warn everyone to be ready.
"Commander, why are you silent? It could just be another form of mutant... maybe one we haven't seen before," the Sergeant tried to rationalize, clearly unsettled by Omega's silence.
"This is bad... We must warn everyone... Everyone needs to prepare for what is coming!!!" Omega began to issue orders in a panic, shedding his persona of the cold-blooded commander. His subordinates ceased their worry and looked on in shock; they had never seen their leader panic like this, not even when facing Chaos cultists or daemonhosts.
"What is it, Commander? Tell me! Stop speaking in riddles!" Sergeant Kaminski snapped. He threw his gun to the ground, grabbed Omega by the collar, and shook him violently, ignoring the difference in rank.
Omega, shaken back to his senses, punched the Sergeant in the face, sending him sprawling to the ground.
"Enough! What you are seeing are Orks... filthy green xenos obsessed with destruction and war. They reproduce via spores, and if we do not contain this now, it will lead to a catastrophe called a Waaagh! We must warn everyone... There is nothing more to investigate here. Get back to the transport and return to Hive Kathion immediately!!!"
Suddenly, the smell of ozone became sharp. The surrounding temperature dropped until frost began to form on their equipment and clothing. The PDF soldiers, including the Sergeant, turned their weapons on Omega, ready to fire. The House Guard immediately aimed their weapons in return.
Omega clutched his head. Losing control of his emotions had triggered a headache. Whispers began to echo in his mind. He almost collapsed but used his gun to prop himself up.
"What are you waiting for... Go! Every second counts!"
______________________________________
"Wake up."
A resonant voice echoed in his ears. Eric frowned slightly, shifting uncomfortably. It felt as though he had fallen asleep sitting up with his face pressed against a cold wall. He slowly opened his eyes and found himself sitting on Arcas's right arm, just as before. He was leaning against the space between the massive shoulder pauldron and Arcas's chest plate.
Worst of all, upon waking, he felt dizzy. His body felt heavy, drained of almost all strength. He could feel the heat radiating from under his clothes and gas mask—his fever had likely worsened.
"Not only do you not have to walk, but you have the nerve to fall asleep while I'm carrying you?" Arcas said jokingly, unaware that Eric was too out of it to hear or care.
Eric yawned before pushing himself into an upright sitting position on Arcas's arm, using one hand to grip the armor to keep from falling. He looked around... and his eyes went wide with joy.
Less than 100 meters ahead stood the wall of Hive Kathion. Seeing a Hive City from this close range was like staring at Mount Everest from its base. It was a metal mountain piercing the sky. The ancient metal wall was covered in rust and corrosion, marks of time and the harsh environment.
He was nothing more than a grain of sand before a mountain.
Arcas must have kept walking while he slept until they reached Hive Kathion. He was saved... All that remained was finding a way inside, and he could return to his comfortable life... no more struggling to survive out here.
And I'm going to teach the person who gave that order a lesson, Eric thought, imagining Vann on his knees begging him. Even if it was virtually impossible, the fantasy brought him happiness.
Eric didn't realize his eyes were shining with hope, or that he was smiling happily under his mask.
But Arcas glanced up at Eric for a moment before looking up at the Hive City. "Alright... it's time to part ways," he said in a cold, flat tone, not looking back at Eric.
Eric's bright smile vanished instantly. A flood of emotions welled up inside him.
Even though he was in front of Hive Kathion and about to be saved, Arcas's words filled him with dread. The fear grew as Arcas slowly knelt and helped him stand.
Eric struggled to keep his balance, using his rifle as a cane. His legs trembled from exhaustion and fever, but his emotions were shaking him far more than his legs were. He stared at Arcas in his black, blood-stained Terminator armor with feelings too complex to describe.
It was complicated... Yes, he had only known Arcas for a little over a day. At first, when Arcas appeared and slaughtered the Orks, he had been distrustful and paranoid. But as they traveled together, trust had grown.
Arcas wasn't like the Space Marines he had met before. He was reasonable, honorable, skilled—even if he liked to act the knight. He was also a man of many mysteries; Eric wasn't sure if the history Arcas spoke of was true.
But his words and actions made Eric feel that Arcas was a friend, perhaps even more... He didn't want Arcas to leave.
"Don't look at me like that..." Arcas said, seeing the sadness in Eric's eyes.
"I will tell you this... My status right now is that of one who must be eliminated... I am being hunted by the Dark Angels of the present. It would be better if we parted ways here. Otherwise, your life and the lives of everyone in this Hive City will be in danger," Arcas said seriously, then paused. Eric understood Arcas's reasoning... but he still didn't want him to go. It felt safe and good to talk to someone reasonable, not a religious fanatic or a lunatic he couldn't trust.
"In that case, I wish you luck. Ave Imperator. By the honor of the Knights of Caliban... if we meet again and are not enemies, I hope we can get to know each other better," Arcas said, then turned and walked into the sandstorm.
Eric tried to run after him. But due to his aches and illness, he managed only a few dozen meters before collapsing onto the sand.
"Wait!!! Arcas!!! Don't go yet, listen to me!!" Eric tried to get up and shouted for him, ignoring titles or rank. But the other was already gone from his sight completely. His shouts would surely never reach him. Tears began to pool in his eyes. What could he do now? He could barely defend himself and was a massive burden.
Now he was alone... in the middle of this sandstorm... next to the Hive City, just a speck of dust beside a mountain.
He realized he had no one to protect him anymore. He was like a child lost in a big city or a department store. If anything showed up now, he was dead.
Eric tried to walk carefully toward the Hive City wall. He observed it and thought with despair, How do I get in?... Where is the door on this damn wall!!!!
"Vann, you bastard!!! Why did you do this.... Kidnapping someone and dumping them out here is bad enough, but not telling them where the entrance or a safe point is... You piece of shit!!!!" Eric shouted aloud, releasing his frustration and resentment. He wondered why he hadn't tried to escape that day when he heard everything was a lie. ...Maybe if he had risked running then, he wouldn't be facing this now.
Eric took a deep breath to calm down before trying to find another entrance as fast as he could.
But after minutes of searching, he found no trace of a door or entrance... not even a ladder. To make matters worse, strange noises began to make him fearful and paranoid again... unlike when he traveled with Arcas, when he had had very little to worry about.
"Why did you leave me like this... Couldn't you have gone into the Hive City first?" Eric murmured hopelessly. His voice was filled with fear and hurt. It didn't make sense for Arcas to do this. Weren't they supposed to travel into the Hive City together before parting ways? ...Not separate like this.
It seemed he had pushed himself too far.
As he took another step, his trembling legs gave way. Eric fell to his knees before collapsing onto his side in defeat. The cold from the environment and the chill from his fever washed over him, making him shiver uncontrollably. It felt like he was lying in snow rather than a sandstorm. The pain in his body intensified, not counting the blisters from his boots.
"This sucks," Eric gritted his teeth, trying to crawl closer to the Hive City wall, looking for a niche to shelter from the wind. He used his remaining strength to drag himself along the ground pitifully. Reaching a spot that offered some cover, Eric used the last of his energy to prop himself up against the cold metal wall.
He gasped for breath, his chest heaving. With trembling hands, he reached into his backpack and pulled out the little remaining liquid food and water.
Eric didn't hesitate. He consumed the food and water quickly, almost gluttonously, not caring about the terrible taste.
All gone? Eric thought as he tried to squeeze the last of the liquid food from the plastic pouch before throwing it away and drinking the water.
With his last rations gone, Eric leaned his head back against the wall, closed his eyes, and tried to rest while thinking about how to get inside.
Just rest for a moment...
But suddenly, he heard a sound. Eric struggled to open his eyes and peered forward.
The sound could be a mutant or anything. He had no strength to resist or defend himself. But the source of the sound seemed to be something beyond imagination.
He must be hallucinating from fever and hunger. A cloud of black smoke appeared before him, coalescing into a humanoid shape with two red eyes.
"What the hell are you?" Eric asked the thing, not caring what it would do next. He couldn't defend himself anyway; if it wanted to do something, he was dead.
"฿#@&+)&฿##&" It spoke in a language he couldn't understand, causing Eric to frown... He could confirm he was definitely hallucinating because its shape began to shift and flow constantly.
But that didn't stop him from being annoyed by the incomprehensible gibberish.
"Speak clearly!!!" he shouted with his remaining strength. His voice was clearly filled with irritation. The black smoke stopped moving and stayed still for a moment before speaking in a voice that was barely intelligible.
"Use your ability, human... If you do not want to die... There are many entities from the Warp that wish to consume your soul. If you use your ability, it will attract those entities. But while you use your ability, I can offer you protection. You need only agree to my condition." It spoke in a human language, but the voice was not human. It sounded like multiple tones and voices overlapping at once. Eric frowned immediately at its words.
What ability?... Entities from the Warp? What is this nonsense... I am definitely hallucinating hard, Eric tried to process its words. It made no sense; it was too fantastical. The most logical explanation was that he was suffering from severe hallucinations.
"Do not think this is a hallucination. You are not hallucinating... You are simply a psyker... You can use power from the Warp to bend reality... Even if your power is weak, fit only to be a battery for the Golden Throne of the withered corpse sitting upon it... But right now, you cannot die... You have the ability to use psychic power to heal yourself and others... Use it now." The thing explained. Eric frowned. This guy talked just like the House Guard soldier who had punched him in the stomach. Or maybe he was a wizard.
"What are you talking about? Me, use magic?" Eric replied. This had to be crazy. Everything was crazy. And now he was talking to a hallucination that was telling him it wasn't a hallucination.
Why do headaches always happen in bad situations like this? Eric complained internally, holding his head in his hands.
"I forgot completely... No matter. I will help you first, and you must repay me later. Is that understood?" It offered help, extending a hand in invitation.
Eric looked at the form composed of black smoke with distrust and paranoia. He had no reason to believe a strange creature of black smoke and red eyes that appeared out of nowhere, offering him life in exchange for something mysterious. He still thought it was a hallucination.
"Are you afraid?" it asked.
"Yes... You expect me to trust a mysterious creature that just popped out of nowhere in a crisis like this?" Eric retorted.
"If the repayment is simply that you must continue to live? Is that an acceptable offer?" It changed the offer to something more ambiguous.
Eric considered the offer carefully and anxiously. It was vague and seemed dangerous, as if there were a hidden catch. But he was dying of fever and starvation. Eric closed his eyes and took a deep breath to calm himself before doing something risky out of necessity and the desire to survive.
"Agreed," Eric said, accepting the offer. His voice was calm, as if ready to accept whatever consequences followed.
"That is very wise," it replied, its voice now tinged with pleasure.
Before long, the freezing cold of the fever, the aching pain, and the hunger slowly faded. Drowsiness took their place. Then, everything went dark.
"And I completely forgot to introduce myself... My alias is Kyzzen. It is a pleasure to meet you and to have established this contract with you," it introduced itself, not noticing—or caring—that Eric had already lost consciousness.
"Oh... what a pity. It seems you passed out before I could finish my introduction... No matter," it muttered to itself while using its power to restore the body and cure the illness of the young woman who had just bound herself to it.
It considered itself extremely fortunate to have secured the contract, protecting and claiming this interesting soul for itself before other daemons or Warp entities could taint her or twist her into something he did not desire.
Though her psychic potential was not particularly potent, that mattered little. It was far more interested in the peculiar nature of her soul. It had been watching this soul for some time; from the moment the girl's psychic signature first manifested, it was the first to see it clearly reflected in the Warp and had been shielding it from the gaze of other entities.
And now, everything was perfectly in place for its plans. The contract was sealed.
"It seems someone has arrived... What a pity," Kyzzen murmured, fading into the air as a transport shuttle touched down nearby. It sensed a powerful psyker—one strong enough to banish it back to the Warp without much effort. It would certainly not risk a confrontation.
"How in the world did she get here?" Omega muttered in surprise, spotting the young woman he had met a month ago slumped against the wall of the Hive City.
On the way back, he had sensed the signature of an active psyker and diverted to investigate. Even though the situation was urgent, this matter was no less critical. He hadn't expected to find her here. Omega turned to his subordinates and issued an order.
"Get her on the transport... She might be able to provide us with useful information."