A Matter of Honour

by Phil Bradley

"Bakka control request entry and orbital slot , flight plan 1958225-4344 clearance Gamma 9".

"Confirmed?. Cruiser 'Brothers of Baal' cleared for orbital insertion 2000 skms polar route kappa. Welcome to Bakka."

For several hours the strike cruiser and its escort vessels moved gracefully through the inner Bakka system. A mighty Naval battle group passed them by gun ports open in salute as the Adeptus Astartes vessels as they headed for the fifth planet in the system. A myriad of merchant vessel buzzed in and out of the many orbital stations and dockyards as the mighty Blood Angel cruiser moved into orbit above the northern pole.

Already moving above the equatorial oribtal pattern was a similar strike cruiser a might winged sword adorned its command tower. Within it, Dark Angel master Talfaar answered the hail.

"Master Talfaar, my compliments and the compliments of Lord Dante for your assistance in this mission."

The blue hooded figure on the bridge viewscreen identified himself. "I am Van Steinguard Librarian Epistolary of the Blood Angels. My unit has been dispatched to a hunt the Eldar raiders in the Denayous system. Several merchant guild ships have been looted and their crews captured, my orders are to find and eradicate the raiders."

Talfaar spoke "My compliments to you and your chapter brother Van Steinguard. Ours is a similar mission we were en-route to Ralmass II to bring the rebel governorship back under Imperial rule. We have come across several adrift ships near the Denayous sector that have shown evidence of battle damage . Our augury logs are at your disposal. Have you received an invitation from Admiral Rummul to attend the training maneuvres of his troops on the second moon of Bakka major as part of the celebration of the Emporers Ascension?"

"Yes Talfaar, I too have received the communiqu=E9, I have no wish to watch the 'flexing of muscles' from the military of this sector. My brothers have been in warp space for several weeks en route we require to deploy and make battle practise at the earliest opportunity; not watch farmers and hive scum prance around in flak armour for the amusement of their superiors!" The disdain in Van Steinguards' voice was barely masked.

"I agree, brother Librarian, it has been sometime since my brother marines have done battle practise outside the confines of the ships' training deck. What about a little demonstration of how the Adeptes Astartes wage war, after all it is the feast of the raising to godhood of Him on Earth. What more fitting way of celebration than battle drill?"

"These farmers will provide little sport for us Talfaar!" Retorted Van Steinguard.

"Not them, but a worthy adversay! I'm sure there are those loyal within the Imperium Command in this sector who have sympathies with the misguided Governor of Ralmass. I'm sure a show of our combined strength would send a clear signal to him before we depart for Ralmass II."

"Agreed Talfaar, the Brothers of the Dark Angel Chapter will make most worthy opponents. We commence in training zone 4954 at 06:15 EST."

"I look forward to it". Talfaar turned from the screen as it dimmed. Sgt Tylose stood before him.

"Brother Tylose select your battle squads, programme all armour and weapons for training mode. We must uphold the honour of the chapter."

"Aye Master, we stand ready. Squads will be ready for departure at 04:00 hangar bay 3."

Aboard the 'Brothers of Baal" Chaplain Hegart blessed the armour and weapons laid out before him. The assembled marines knelt before him clad only in the ceremonial robes. He read from the mighty tome before him;

"T'was on this day that our Lord Sanguinius did choose to meet that vilest of humanities foes, Horus! Knowing the Emporer battled the hordes of darkness at the very gates of the heart of humanity did Sanguinius meet that foe, certain of his own death, his sacrifice was to help his master meet the evil one. Although mighty amongst men, Horus did slay the winged angel of Baal. Such were the powers granted to him by the Dark Gods. Only the Emporer of Mankind could battle and defeat this armoured daemon, and this he did but was mortally wounded. As the rebels withdrew the Lord of Mankinds' body was returned to battle scarred Terra. Here the Adeptes of the Cult Mechanicus did build that mighty machine that did allow the Emporer to live, set free of the bonds of his mortal body. On this day did he ascend to watch mankind. He is the will, we are his might!"

As the Marines donned their power armour the blue robed figure of Van Steinguard strode in to the hangar bay flanked by the iron jawed Sgt Ulrik and the bionic eyed M'dina, both veterans of many battles their honour already revered amongst the chapter. Van Steinguard turned to Techmarine Melvaar. "Are our ships ready?"

"Aye!"

Van Steinguard turned to Hegart.

"Are the brothers prepared?"

"Yes, brother Librarian we stand ready to defend the honour of our chapter."

"Good, prepare for departure!"