Part 12 - Politics
I've lost my links it's been so long since I've written a new part, ya'll with just have to bear with me
Kadmus nodded. The Techmarine's spindly appendages whirled as he did so. “He has asked after you. We are in need of your expertise.”
Ostia shrugged, smiling “Well unless you need anything fought I’m not sure what you could need. And even then I think the big guy has me beat.”
The young Astartes opened and closed his mouth several times, trying to articulate what it was he needed. Eventually, he sighed, shrugging. “Politics.”
“Hm.” She’d have taken a fight any day. Preferred it. “Before we go, though… Have you been to see WARDEN?”
“You’re wondering if…” Again he struggled to choose his words. Yellow eyes flicking nervously about “about Lucelle.”
Ostia nodded. Of course, she was. Bean had offhandedly mentioned going to visit, but he wasn’t well acquainted with the Mechanicus to know if they had been investigating the Knight, or simply repairing it.
“They believe it is… Spirited. But nothing more.” The massive clamp arm on his back lowered, finding a place between his fidgeting hands. “WARDEN is ancient, they are simply pleased to assist in its upkeep. Lucelle has been quiet, and I have been very involved in the processes of repair in order to ensure things remain so.”
“I appreciate it, Kadmus. I really do.” Relief. “I owe you so much for this.”
“You saved R’tan those years ago, from my own actions.” The Astartes’ fidgeting continued, the short black hair gently swaying with his movements. Despite the scars, he looked young. “This is the least I can do.”
Ostia grabbed her new jacket, provided by the ship's decidedly well-stocked tailoring guild. Deep grey, adorned with all the medals she usually kept tucked in a box somewhere deep in the crevices of the Knight. The fur trim was warm against her neck. She felt out of place. But her old one was far beneath a gathering like this. “Well, I’ll do my best to be a perfect noble lady for you then.”
He smiled “I believe R’tan likes you just as you are, Lady Haldus.”
“He’s in the minority.” Laughter as the pair filed out of her room. The guards outside almost followed, but with Kadmus there they remained at their posts “I assure you on that.”
“Of course I am.” R’tan sat, watching the others got comfortable while also mentally responding to the Librarian. Zorael had taken to the ship and its comforts quite well. The only one out of the assembled speaking Astartes out of his armor. Deep red robes, their low crossing over his chest showing the deep scars. “You are not?”
The serene smile never wavered. R’tan supposed he was used to this, carrying on two conversations at once. The battle signs enough to placate any not willing to converse with him otherwise. ++I am confident in our ability to navigate this storm.++
R’tan rumbled an affirmative ‘hmm’ and let it sit. At least one of them was. It would be a start.
Shal had settled onto one of the training room crates. The small gathering of Marines had chosen the space to meet since it was large enough to fit any who might wish to be present. Their newest, Gavus Thren, sat awkwardly apart from the others. Nestled into some of the space afforded to the Librarian.
Of the small handful of R’tan and Shals own men who had followed them to rescue Haldus, all were present. Seated on the floor, crammed into the corners. The other stragglers were mostly still recovering from the horrors which had been endured before their rescue. A shame, to see more chapters represented at such a meeting, to hear their input, would have been good. As it stood, they had wasted enough time.
The Chaplain had taken time from his duties tending to them for this meeting. While the drake skull helm let no emotions through, R’tan knew him well enough to note the slumping on his shoulders. The tension in his arms.
“I do not have the patience for idle talks today, my Brothers.” Shal began “But we must speak on what has happened, and what is still to come.”
Silence, not a murmur passed between the young marines as they all waited. Shal gestured to the Librarian, and Zorael straightened up.
“Conversing with the ships Astropath, I have no choice but to confirm the rumors I’d heard before separation from my squadmates.” Zorael’s signing was slow. R’tan had seen him conversing in this way before. Usually, he was fast. This was done for clarity and weight, “Cadia has fallen.”
This news did elicit murmurs.
“You’re sure of this?” R’tan spoke up, though he knew the answer. Zorael might enjoy a bit of playful teasing, but something of this magnitude would be unwise to jest about.
He nodded. In R’tans head alone, the gentle words ++I wish it were not so++
“This news had been kept quiet from the crew.” Shal continued. His voice was weary, and the vox unit did little to make it seem comforting “I expect you all to keep it such.”
“When we reach The outpost-”
“Kai 23 B.E.E. Ex Imperial Naval base.” Zorael piped in, his hands quickly spelling out the specifics “3 days time.”
“The news will spread. This we can not avoid.” R’tan finished his thought. It was grim tidings. “Nor should we hide it for long.”
Zorael nodded “Presenting unity during the coming days will be key.”
++I fear for the humans.++ Again, to only him. R’tan nodded, both statements were true.
“I do not wish to keep it hidden,” Shal grumbled. The scaled drape and decorative chains rattled as the man crossed his arms. The power claw rapped against his armor in mild annoyance “But what I want is a plan. I’ll not have the crew think there is no hope.”
Zorael signed it quickly. Forcefully. The others in the room held their breath.
It was the best choice. If it would still be standing, if they could make it.
++The Chaptermaster would not let it fall.++ Zorael assured, though there was a small twinge of uncertainty in his feelings. Fear. R’tan could sense there was more to his worry, past Cadia, but the Librarian circled back his thoughts. ++Baal stands, we would find shelter there.++
“I have no doubt Dante would give everything to secure Baal.” That was true. Dante was not one to let his home fall to ruin, even in this dark new landscape. “The angels and their prowess at not at the heart of my concerns.”
He pressed back the flood of memories from his youth. Unbidden thoughts of Brothers long gone. R’tan felt the questioning tug at his mind as the Librarians desire to press him for details intensified. He allowed himself a quick moment, a thought, a hope that Dante fared well all these years later, and returned to their present.
“We don’t have the fuel.” Gavus piped up, the first words he’d spoken at the conclave. As the room turned to look at him, the regret that washed over his features was striking and immediate.
Shal grumbled “My concerns as well. Herschel has not hidden the fact this vessel was exploring the expanse before this madness. While the ship is sound…”
“There is doubt about supplies.” R’tan nodded “Our own upkeep is also no small feat, though necessary.”
“The… event” Zorael fumbled the signing for gala, having to smush ‘ceremony’ and ‘marshalling’ together to try and get his point across “It is taking place on the station?”
R’tan nodded. “On this ship, but once we are docked.”
“Three days then, to plan.”
Silence. Each Astartes lost in their own thoughts.
It took R’tan a few moments before he turned to Kadmus. The young Marine had been watching the proceedings intently and perked up as R’tan turned to face him. “Would you go and bring Ostia here?”
The techmarine blinked, before nodding and heading out the door. The loud and purposeful striding of his boots on the flooring echoed.
Shal tilted his head “Bringing your pilot into this?”
The Chaplain had been quizzical about their dealings together, mercifully treating it with lest jesting and more seriousness than Zorael had.
“She is far better at these things than we are.” R’tan sighed. If he could keep her out of this, it would have been better. “And the Rogue Trader already wishes to speak with her at the gala.”
“She will have his ear.” The drake skull helm nodded along as Shal seemed to acquiesce “You trust her to take these matters up?”
“She is just as frustrated as we are at these ceremonial delays. I have no doubt Haldus will be open to hearing this news.” R’tan was very sure of it.
As the room descended into quiet chatter while the assembled Astartes waited for the Scions arrival, R’tan caught the eye of the smiling Librarian. ++Finally, I am able to meet your charge.++
“Haldus is more than my charge. And nothing had stopped you from meeting her.”
++You think of her often.++
Shal asked R’tan a question directly, pulling his thoughts from the Librarian. Zorael as well turned to chat with the assembled Marines, and the conversation was lost in small details, logistics, and planning.
It wasn’t long before there was a knocking at the door, and Kadmus entered the assembly, trailed by Ostia.
The tumbling of her hair, the warmth of her eyes. R’tan knew through their link that Zorael could likely sense his focus shift solely to her, but the warmth that bloomed in his chest, the beating of his hearts, was his alone.
The Scion seems surprised at the gathering. She bowed deeply as Kadmus retook his place. “Lord Astartes.” R’tan was relieved to her she no longer limped while walking. Her posture had returned to its usual towering height, no longer bent under injury.
“Ostia Haldus.” Shal gently tilted his helm forward. “You are familiar with my men, but Zorael of the Blood Angels and Gavus Thren of the Iron Hands also join us here.”
She nodded, turning to each and extending a bow. R’tan was keenly aware at how Zoraels mental link tried to prod him as Ostia did so. “You honor me.”
Gavus nodded awkwardly. Zorael smiled widely.
“We have asked you here for your help,” R’tan spoke up, taking over from Shal. “Much will happen in the coming days, and we need to ensure all aboard this vessel can weather the storm.”
“I mentioned to Kadmus, if it’s not fighting I am hardly your best choice.” She shifted, the metal claws rapping against the floor in a single nervous clatter “But I will do what I can.”
Zorael began explaining, and R’tan helped to fill in the details. He had taught some Ostia basics, and being able to signal to the Knight had been useful for their engagements. But on this second time Zoraels own anxieties bled through his hands. His gestures were sharp, and worried. Whenever the Scion gently scrunched her face, or flitted her eyes to him, R’tan gently continued.
Cadia had fallen. There was doubt the Ardent Monarch could get to Baal, but the assembled marines were untied in believing that to be their best option.
Ostia had paled at the mention of Cadia, but to her credit had remained steady. Eyes hard. Shoulders tense. Her hands clasped behind her back. But steady.
“If this event is being held once we dock” She mused, thinking “Then no doubt any administration the station has will be present. If things are as dire as Gavus claims with supplies then the Trader is already aware of that.”
“A calculated location, then?” Zorael nodded even as he gestured it.
Ostias hum of agreement was quick. “It is easier to trade for things when you bring a feast to their door. The ship might be low on fuel, but food I do not think is the issue. Or spirits.” She rubbed her eyes “If… if what you say is true, it is possible some of the leadership might also be willing to barter passage off station to a… more secure living situation, in exchange for what we need.”
“They would abandon their duty.” The grumbling Chaplain cut in.
Haldus nodded “Their lives will mean more to them than the station, especially with such grim news. It will be advantageous for us.”
++You were right to call for her++ Zoraels musing drifted across. R’tan smiled to himself.
“You’d strip the station?”
“If we need it to continue, yes.” Ostia shrugged “It would be within the Traders right. And it might be the only way. More men for him, more gelt, more supplies… and he’d been seen as a hero for doing it. I’d honestly be surprised if it was not the plan to begin with.”
“Perhaps our fears were unfounded.” R’tan interjected before Shal could continue grumbling. Undoubtedly such a plan would not go as smoothly as presented, but given their current circumstance, it was the best they might get.
“To Baal, then.” Zoreal smiled “It will be good to be home again.”
“To Baal.” Shal agreed. Standing, he nodded to R’tan and Zorael. “I will return to my duties. We will reconvene after the ceremony to discuss our plans further.”
All the Marines stood to see Shal off, and Ostia stepped aside to bow as he passed. Heavy footsteps marked his passage out of the hall, soon followed by many other Salamanders who began to trickle out of the gathering.
“Thank you, Haldus.” Despite himself, R’tan was up and at her side as soon as enough Marines had cleared out for there to be room.
She laughed “I didn’t do much, but I will try to turn the Rogue Trader's eyes to Baal when we meet.”
R’tan hadn’t realized how much tension had been caught in him these past weeks. The retreat, losing her, finding her again. Watching the painful recovery. Yet here she was, back to solving their day-to-day problems.
He let out a sigh, like a great bellows, and the stresses left him. “I am grateful to you, Haldus.” The ‘for you’ went unsaid. He hope the gentle placing of his hand on her shoulder would be enough to convey it anyway.
She smiled. “Same to you, Big guy.”
There were only Gavus and Zorael left, both watching the pair. R’tan turned to introduce Ostia, gesturing first to the nervous scout “Haldus, this is Gavus Thren. Gavus, Ostia Haldus, King of Haldia.”
Gavus seemed nervous, caught between an arm extension and a bow. Ostia saved him, extending his hand and grasping at his forearm once he managed to reach out. “Well met, Gavus.”
The Iron Hand nodded, but Ostia did not linger long. Likely sensing his discomfort.
“And this is Codicer Zorael. He has suffered injury and cannot greet you with his voice.”
The Blood angel smiled. Bright, icy eyes glittered in amusement as he did so. “I have heard much of you, Ostia Haldus.”
“Good things, I hope.” Ostia was unphased, extending much the same arm as she had with Gavus. Zorael did not hesitate to match her grasp. The two were fairly close in stature, with the Librarian being slight in comparison to most Marines.
“ Only good. I wish we had met under better circumstances. The coming days will be dark.”
R’tan had to translate a bit of his reply. Some of the more complex combinations were lost on the Scion.
She furrowed her brow, then with slight hesitation gestured back “New trench, same order” and shrugged.
The Librarians breathy, hissed laugh was soft in the room. The echoing laugh he let R’tan hear through their link was fullboddied. Light. Like ringing bells. ++I like her, Estar.++
