Warhammer [458-460] (Patreon)

Chapter 458: Loyal Space Marines of the Traitor Legions

The Necron Lord Trazyn's face was contorted with anger. He couldn't fathom how, in the end, his greatest enemy turned out to be himself!

It was just his data backup, merely a program—how could it betray its true master? He had a soul; he was the original!

"Are you really Trazyn? No, no! The real Trazyn is dead, all of the Necrons died sixty million years ago! We're just resurrected undead, the ghosts of the Necron race, their lingering wraiths." The bound Necron Overlord Trazyn seemed to hear the deepest sarcasm of his foe and retorted mockingly.

After careful calculation, he concluded: the moment the Necrons were transformed sixty million years ago, their souls perished.

They were already dead. This so-called Trazyn was merely a new soul inheriting Trazyn's memories.

"That was before, but now I've come back to life! And there's the female Necron, and that human, Rhodes, whose technology can revive our race. We will rise again in the galaxy, greater than ever," declared the Necron Trazyn.

"I bet every Necron just wants to kill you and dissect your body," the Necron Overlord sneered.

Surely you understand something so simple! All the Necrons, even the great Silent King, are just a bunch of cold, ruthless metal skeletons now—madmen!

Besides, not every Necron wants their old bodies back; some see the metallic form as the perfect evolution.

"We'll see!" snorted Trazyn, wiping all data from the Overlord's chassis and implanting a new program, making it his bodyguard.

Every Necron Overlord's body is incredibly valuable, a potent force—perfect as a bodyguard after a data wipe.

But the conversation left Trazyn deep in thought. Was he really just a new life with Trazyn's memories? No! Absolutely not! 

He refused to believe he was just a puppet. He was Trazyn, Trazyn the Infinite, the true original! The rest were traitorous programs he would erase and reclaim control from.

The current problem was dire: he had gained full control of this planetary fortress, but to do the same for the others he'd have to enter the tomb's core and rewrite the programs. That traitorous program would never let him succeed.

If his virtual image spread to other Necron dynasties, he'd become their target.

This traitor would stop at nothing to destroy him—even hiding in a pocket universe wouldn't help. He needed new allies!

Could that guy Rhodes have foreseen all this? Was his resurrection arranged this way on purpose, knowing the program would betray him, so he'd have to fight himself?

No, that made no sense. Rhodes's real aim must be some kind of alliance—both would benefit most from cooperation, since both would become targets of the Necrons.

No one knew himself better than he did; the Necron Overlord Trazyn would certainly upload every detail about Rhodes to the other dynasties, that was obvious. The conclusion was clear: he had no choice.

With a helpless sigh, Trazyn piloted his fortress out of the pocket universe and set a course for Rhodes's fleet.

…

Meanwhile, all the Apothecaries aboard Rhodes's ship were extremely busy. The Imperial troops confined in the stasis cubes were being released one by one.

The loyalist Space Marines were easy—Rhodes unsealed them, explained the current situation, and arranged for them to return to their legions after reaching Holy Terra.

The challenge was the traitor Space Marines.

Even though their Primarchs had betrayed the Emperor, it didn't mean all Space Marines did—hence the tragedy of Isstvan V.

Under Rhodes's orders, the Chaplains and Apothecaries, though reluctant, unsealed the traitor Marines and gathered them together.

Among them were former Luna Wolves, Emperor's Children, Iron Warriors, Death Guard, World Eaters, and Word Bearers—all from the traitor legions.

But these Marines had no idea their Primarchs and legions had turned traitor. Their memories were frozen in the Great Crusade era; some didn't even know the Emperor had recovered all the Primarchs.

Rhodes appeared before them, shifting his form to resemble a four-meter-tall Primarch.

The newly awakened Astartes bowed to Rhodes, unsure of the situation but assuming this unfamiliar Primarch had saved them.

"Greetings, unknown Primarch," a Luna Wolf said.

His memory was still in the Great Crusade. He didn't know Horus was later named Warmaster, or that the legion had become Sons of Horus, then the Black Legion, and now Sons of Horus again.

"Welcome to the world ten thousand years later. You may call me Rhodes, the new Primarch—Primarch of this era," Rhodes said.

"Praise the Emperor, Lord Rhodes!" Even the traitor Astartes saluted.

"I have good news and bad news. First: you've been asleep for ten thousand years," Rhodes said.

"Ten thousand years? So we were imprisoned by that damned Xenos for ten millennia?" an Emperor's Children Marine asked.

"Correct. It's been exactly ten thousand years since your capture," Rhodes nodded.

"Lord Rhodes, that's bad news. What's the good news? Are we rescued, able to fight for the Emperor again?" a Death Guard Marine asked.

"You guessed the good news. But the bad news is different—do you know why you were specially selected?" Rhodes looked at the 2,000+ original Astartes.

"Lord Rhodes, has something happened to the Imperium? Is the Great Crusade over?" a Word Bearer asked.

"Yes. Prepare yourselves: your Primarchs have all betrayed the Imperium, embraced Chaos. Your legions have turned traitor," Rhodes said.

The hall fell silent. Every Marine stared in disbelief at Rhodes.

What had they just heard? It couldn't be! 

Their gene-fathers—their Primarchs—betrayed the Emperor, fell to Chaos, and took their legions with them!

"Please, my lord, don't joke! Lord Horus was the first recovered Primarch, the Son of Return, the Emperor's most loyal warrior. He could never betray us," a Luna Wolf protested.

What was going on? 

He'd just been fighting in the Crusade, captured, then rescued and told his Primarch had turned traitor.

"Well, Horus did betray us, but he's returned to the Imperium and serves the Emperor again. He was once controlled by the four Chaos Gods, who destroyed half his soul and forced him to rebel," Rhodes explained.

According to the Emperor, Horus basically died the moment he was corrupted.

"So… Lord Horus is loyal again?" the Luna Wolf sighed in relief.

"Yes. Your Primarch betrayed the Emperor but has reformed. He's back, though it's a tightly kept secret. Once you reach Terra and learn everything, I'll send you back to Horus," Rhodes said.

The Luna Wolves were easy—since their Primarch was back, they'd just return to him. Over 300 Luna Wolves nodded in agreement.

"My lord, what about our Primarch?" asked an Emperor's Children Marine.

"Your Primarch also betrayed the Emperor, killed Ferrus Manus, sided with Slaanesh, and became a Daemon Prince—a villain. But I have a loyalist clone," Rhodes said.

"No! Lord Fulgrim was the Emperor's most loyal son. We're the Emperor's Children. We could never betray…" The Emperor's Children Marines were in denial.

Their Primarch had once given a passionate speech upon meeting the Emperor, moving him to name the legion "Emperor's Children" and granting them that honor. None could accept this reality.

"Lord Rhodes, did Lord Mortarion betray, too?" a Death Guard Marine asked.

Rhodes nodded.

"What about Lord Lorgar? He worshipped the Emperor as a god and built the Monarchia," a Word Bearer asked.

"His case is complicated—he was the first to betray. The Monarchia was destroyed by the Emperor himself," Rhodes replied.

"This can't be! The Emperor is our faith. Why destroy his own city and faithful?" More Marines fell into despair, not knowing the city was long gone.

"Lord Rhodes, what about our legion? Did Magnus betray too?" a Thousand Sons Marine asked.

"No—Magnus took the Emperor's secret mission to infiltrate Chaos. He only betrayed on the Emperor's orders, and now he's back. Your legion is now the Grey Knights," Rhodes said.

The Thousand Sons relaxed.

The Luna Wolves patted their shoulders in sympathy—betrayed, but returned, so it's almost like it never happened.

"Lord Rhodes, did our Primarch betray?" an Iron Warrior asked.

Rhodes nodded.

"Lord Rhodes, what about Lord Angron?" a World Eater asked.

Rhodes nodded again. Angron's rebellion was long expected.

Now all the traitor legionaries learned their Primarchs' fates. The Luna Wolves and Thousand Sons were happiest—their Primarchs were back and loyal, all was as it used to be.

Others couldn't accept it, some lashing out at Rhodes, even raising weapons at him.

This angered Rhodes's loyal Astartes—no one could insult their gene-father.

Chapter 459: Disposition of Traitor Legion Members—The Eleventh Legion's Integration

The Space Marines of the Ultimate Marine instantly drew weapons, aiming at the traitors below.

They would have executed these traitors—after all, their gene-father was being merciful, offering them a chance at redemption, but some didn't appreciate it.

Rhodes gestured to his sons to stand down. The Primaris Astartes were far more powerful than the originals—a single mistake would slaughter the lot.

"Great gene-father, they dared insult you," a chapter master said.

"Don't act rashly! Not all from the traitor legions are traitors. They did nothing wrong; their inability to accept this news is understandable, and I forgive them," Rhodes comforted his sons.

"Your Primarchs betrayed, not you. You can trust me. When we reach Terra, you'll see I spoke the truth," Rhodes said.

The traitor Marines were left confused and anxious about their fate.

"Lord Rhodes, what will you do with us? Will you execute us all?" an Emperor's Children Marine asked.

They believed they would be purged like the lost Second and Eleventh Legions.

"No, I have no such intention. If I wanted you dead, I'd have left you in stasis. Waking you has a reason," Rhodes said.

"If not death, then what?" a Death Guard asked.

"I'm giving you a choice. Besides the Luna Wolves and Thousand Sons, the other traitor legions will be given special treatment. I'll replace your gene-seed—you can join my legion, or any other willing to accept you," Rhodes said.

Not long ago, Guilliman had told Rhodes a secret: during the Randan Campaign, the First Legion lost its numbers, while the Ultramarines became the largest. The lost Eleventh Legion was not destroyed, but integrated into the Ultramarines—100,000 members, memories wiped, became part of the Ultramarines. Even Guilliman erased parts of his own memory to help them blend in. 

So Rhodes could secretly take in these traitors. If they didn't want to join him, Guilliman or even Horus would accept them—though not the others.

"Lord Rhodes, you mean you'd accept us into your legion?" an Emperor's Children Marine asked.

"Yes, but your gene-seed will be replaced with mine, and you'll undergo new Primaris upgrades. My warriors are taller, stronger, and faster—they are the new generation," Rhodes said.

The Marines discussed among themselves—some wanted to join Rhodes, others wished to return to Terra, some feared secret execution upon return.

"You can think it over. My legion, Guilliman's Ultramarines, and Horus's Luna Wolves are your options. Others are not suitable," Rhodes said.

"Lord Rhodes, thank you for taking us in. We are willing to join your legion and fight for the Emperor, even if our Primarchs have turned," said a Death Guard Marine.

"Lord Rhodes, we World Eaters will join you, but we have Butcher's Nails implants, making us berserk in battle," said a World Eater.

"Don't worry. That was a problem ten thousand years ago—even the Emperor couldn't remove them then. Now it's easy. I'll arrange surgery—gene-seed replacement, nail removal, and Primaris upgrade," Rhodes smiled.

"Praise the Emperor!"

The World Eaters knelt and pledged loyalty to Rhodes. Unlike others, they didn't like their Primarch—Angron killed many and forced them to get the Nails. Now free from his curse and able to serve the Emperor anew, joining Rhodes was a joy.

The Iron Warriors, Word Bearers, Death Guard, and World Eaters all chose to join Rhodes and fight for the Emperor and Imperium.

But Emperor's Children hesitated, unable to accept their Primarch's fall. Rhodes did not pressure them, letting them rest and think.

After handling the traitor Marines, Rhodes had other matters—like a regiment of Astra Militarum troops, 100,000 strong, including Death Korps of Krieg, Catachan Jungle Fighters, and some Great Crusade-era Imperials.

Rhodes left them to Titus: retire, or become Astartes in Rhodes's legion.

Most chose Astartes—life as a Guardsman meant endless war, but as Astartes, they could live centuries.

Battle Sisters were left to Elena to handle. Among them were old friends from Rhodes's early days, such as Sister Anna and Captain Dres of the Polar Warriors.

After a warm reunion, the Polar Warriors rejoined the Ultramarines—Rhodes would send them to Guilliman.

Abbess Anna marveled that her former Hospitaller had become a female Primarch, now the gene-mother of all Sisters.

"Rest well, both of you. If you need anything, ask my sons," Rhodes said.

"Thank you, Lord Rhodes. We're just a little emotional," Captain Dres said.

"Lord Rhodes, may I see Elena?" Anna asked.

"Of course." Rhodes chatted a bit more, then had them sent to rest.

He still had important matters—Rogal Dorn should have awoken by now.

After rescuing Dorn, Rhodes had him placed in a high-end med bay for repairs.

Rhodes went to the medbay to see him.

Chapter 460: Rogal Dorn—Welcome to Ten Thousand Years Later

Rogal Dorn had already awakened, his severed arm in the process of regeneration, the bones regrown.

"Please don't move, Lord Dorn. Your arm is regenerating and needs several hours to fully heal," an Apothecary said.

"You're a Space Marine? Which chapter? I think I was captured," Dorn said, rubbing his head.

After the Heresy, Dorn led Imperial Fists to board a Chaos ship—a simple battle where he alone could have slaughtered all Chaos Marines.

Though not the most powerful Primarch, he ranked high. Space Marines were to him what mortals were to Primarchs—helpless.

But after killing the traitors, he was ambushed by a Necron who severed his arm and captured him with a device.

Dorn recognized the Necron at once. Upon waking, he found himself here. He felt deep shame at being captured—perhaps the first Primarch ever taken by Xenos.

His arm was soaking in nutrients, blood vessels regrowing. Such advanced regeneration! The Imperium didn't have this technology. He must have been captured for a long time.

"Lord Dorn, Lord Rhodes will see you soon and explain everything. You are safe now," the Apothecary said.

"Rhodes is your commander? What's his rank? Can I speak to him?" Dorn asked.

He needed to know how long he'd been missing—such news must be kept secret, as a captured Primarch would devastate Imperial morale. He needed to see the leader; perhaps all witnesses would need memory erasure.

The Space Marine before him was huge—almost as big as a Custodian! Astartes tech must have advanced greatly; he must have been gone a long time.

"Lord Rhodes, like you, is a Primarch—of the new era, ten thousand years later. We are his sons. You've been gone for ten thousand years, Lord Dorn," the Apothecary said.

"Ten thousand years? It's been that long?" Dorn sat up sharply, nearly pulling out his healing arm.

He had guessed he'd been gone a long time—maybe a thousand years, tops. But ten thousand? And the Imperium had new Primarchs? Had the Emperor left the Golden Throne and made new sons?

Dorn didn't know that, without Rhodes, humanity's tech and power ten thousand years later was even less than in the Great Crusade.

"Don't move. You were a Necron captive for ten thousand years. I can tell you about the new era," Rhodes said, entering the medbay at four meters tall in Primarch form.

"You're the new Primarch? Can you tell me what happened while I was gone? How did you find me?" Dorn asked.

He had many questions, but secrecy was the priority.

"Yes. Elena and I are new Primarchs. You've been gone ten thousand years. You're not the first to return. There are now at least a dozen Primarchs in the Imperium. The first I rescued was Horus—"

Rhodes was interrupted.

"Primarchs can't have children. And how can there be female Primarchs? If so, you're siblings—how could that be? And you rescued Horus first—are you a traitor?" Dorn asked.

"I'll explain. Elena and I weren't made by the Emperor—we merged with a cosmic beast, a xenos lifeform that elevates ordinary beings beyond Primarchs. The Emperor chose us as new Primarchs. Elena is the gene-mother of all Battle Sisters.

Oh, you may not know Battle Sisters. After the Emperor took the Throne, people used Lorgar's holy texts to form the Ecclesiarchy, worshipping the Emperor as a god for ten millennia. The Sisters first called themselves the Emperor's wives, then daughters—the most devout in the Imperium," Rhodes explained.

"Impossible! My father hated being worshipped as a god, especially by Lorgar's heresy," Dorn protested.

His father, worshipped as a god for ten thousand years, with an Ecclesiarchy and Battle Sisters—this was Lorgar's doing! And a cosmic beast? So this new Primarch wasn't his sibling. And there were female Primarchs with children! All this was mind-boggling. Then what about Horus? The ship, the Astartes, this new Primarch—none seemed corrupted, so why was Horus the first rescued?

"Calm down and let me finish?" Rhodes said patiently.

"Fine, tell me everything about this new era. I can handle it," Dorn said, taking a deep breath.

Rhodes then told Dorn about everything since his disappearance: Russ's departure, Vulkan's disappearance, the War of the Beast, the Twin Emperors era, the Age of Apostasy, Abaddon's Black Crusades, the fall of Cadia, Rhodes and Guilliman's rise, the Baal campaign, Magnus and Horus's returns, Vulkan's return, humanity's alliance with the Eldar, the new Astartes, legions' return, Lion El'Jonson's return, Sanguinius's return, Primarchs fusing with cosmic beasts and gaining the power of giants, the slaying of the Void Dragon, the new Imperial Titans, and more.

"So, all of this is your doing? You discovered the cosmic beast? Created the new Astartes? Brought back the Primarchs? Are you claiming to be the savior—the second Emperor? Everything you say credits you alone," Dorn said, suspicious.

Rhodes smiled. "I'm humble, but facts are facts."

Originally only two Primarchs would have returned, but because of his appearance, the number of returned Primarchs was now nearly as high as in the Great Crusade—and much more powerful.

Any Primarch fused with a cosmic beast could now defeat ten or more old Primarchs.

"I need to return to Terra," Dorn said.

He didn't fully trust Rhodes—this guy painted himself as a savior. Still, all Imperial advances—new weapons, FTL engines, Primaris upgrades, Primarch returns—were linked to him.

"Alright. We'll be heading back to Terra soon."