Rise of Agnios
“Open the starboard docking bay they are arriving!" Lieutenant Nal'ko ordered the servitor, which set about the task with a lethargic air that was all the lobotomised creature could manage. Lieutenant Nal’ko watched as the thunderhawk approached, slipping silently into the shadows of the strike cruiser that blocked out the sun. The Fires of Nocturn dwarfed the thunderhawk, making the massive craft look minute in comparison. Nal’ko felt rather than heard the rumble of its engines as it brought itself to a halt and landed within the docking bay. The docking bay repressurised and Nal’ko waited impatiently for the airlock to open. He hurried forward, eager to greet the visitors. Landing gear wailed and groaned as the full weight of the gunship settled into the Fire of Nocturn’s artificial gravity.
The landing ramp hissed as it open, the last differences in pressure equalising as the craft prepared to discharge its precious cargo. Red eyes glowed in the dark and a figure stepped forward from the shadows of the hull, a long cloak hung from his shoulders falling over the green ceramite that identified this man as a fellow salamander. The cloak was worn and Nal’ko noted the grey feathers that edged the garment. What world had they been taken from? he wondered. He paused on the landing ramp.
‘Thump’
The power weapon held within the figure’s heavy plated gauntlets sounded like a drum and the newcomer reached up and removed his helm to reveal skin as black as the night itself.
“Lexicanium Agnios, welcome abord the Fires of Nocturn,” Nal’ko said in greeting. Agnios surveyed his surroundings and gave a nod of approval as it passed his inspection. His approval was short lived, however and was soon replaced by a stern expression.
“Take me to Captain Ishval’phor, we don’t have time for niceties,” he ordered in a weary voice. Nal’ko nodded and beckoned for Agnios to follow him as he set off into the labrinthe of gunmetal passageways until they reached the command centre. Captain Ishval’phor stood hunched over a holographic map of the world below as he studied it with narrowed eyes. His armour reflected the pale light of the map, picking out the scuffs and dents from countless battels. On another it would have appeared shabby and unkempt, but on him each was a badge of honour: a blow taken in defence on the Imperium. Lexicanium Agnios stepped passed Nal’ko and bowed to the Captain.
“Captain Ishval'phor I am Lexicanium Agnios I assume you know why I'm here?" The Captain’s eyes flicked to the newcomer but returned to the display as a servitor loaded more data onto the map. New readings and information flickered into view as the image grew within the space until a map of a hive city filled the air in front of him.
"Yes I do, Chief Librarian Vel'cona sent a transmission saying we are to aid you in investigating the issues on Novarium Prime."
The Lexicanium nodded. "Vulkan has stated that we are to search the city of Aetherus for potential artifacts, be swift, and burn those that stand in our way. When will you be ready leave?"
Ishval'phor stepped back from the display and stood to his full height. "Lieutenant ready the astartes... we head for Novarium Prime!"
The landing ramp hissed as it open, the last differences in pressure equalising as the craft prepared to discharge its precious cargo. Red eyes glowed in the dark and a figure stepped forward from the shadows of the hull, a long cloak hung from his shoulders falling over the green ceramite that identified this man as a fellow salamander. The cloak was worn and Nal’ko noted the grey feathers that edged the garment. What world had they been taken from? he wondered. He paused on the landing ramp.
‘Thump’
The power weapon held within the figure’s heavy plated gauntlets sounded like a drum and the newcomer reached up and removed his helm to reveal skin as black as the night itself.
“Lexicanium Agnios, welcome abord the Fires of Nocturn,” Nal’ko said in greeting. Agnios surveyed his surroundings and gave a nod of approval as it passed his inspection. His approval was short lived, however and was soon replaced by a stern expression.
“Take me to Captain Ishval’phor, we don’t have time for niceties,” he ordered in a weary voice. Nal’ko nodded and beckoned for Agnios to follow him as he set off into the labrinthe of gunmetal passageways until they reached the command centre. Captain Ishval’phor stood hunched over a holographic map of the world below as he studied it with narrowed eyes. His armour reflected the pale light of the map, picking out the scuffs and dents from countless battels. On another it would have appeared shabby and unkempt, but on him each was a badge of honour: a blow taken in defence on the Imperium. Lexicanium Agnios stepped passed Nal’ko and bowed to the Captain.
“Captain Ishval'phor I am Lexicanium Agnios I assume you know why I'm here?" The Captain’s eyes flicked to the newcomer but returned to the display as a servitor loaded more data onto the map. New readings and information flickered into view as the image grew within the space until a map of a hive city filled the air in front of him.
"Yes I do, Chief Librarian Vel'cona sent a transmission saying we are to aid you in investigating the issues on Novarium Prime."
The Lexicanium nodded. "Vulkan has stated that we are to search the city of Aetherus for potential artifacts, be swift, and burn those that stand in our way. When will you be ready leave?"
Ishval'phor stepped back from the display and stood to his full height. "Lieutenant ready the astartes... we head for Novarium Prime!"
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