"Adam, what do you think of the Astral Claws Chapter Master we are about to meet?"
Inside an Orion gunship, the voice of Endymion, a Tribune of the Adeptus Custodes, broke the silence of the flight.
Compared to the Thunderhawk gunships widely used by the Adeptus Astartes, this specialized version for the Custodian Guard is superior in terms of mobility, armor, and firepower.
At this moment, the sleek assault transport skimmed over the defense platform known as the "Ring of Steel" in the outer space of Badab Primaris. It immediately adjusted its attitude, penetrating the thick clouds and entering the atmosphere like a fish darting into water.
Below, because the planet is situated near the Maelstrom—a warp rift second only to the Eye of Terror—military fortresses dotted the landscape as far as the eye could see. The Orion was currently heading toward the primary fortress of the Astral Claws on Badab Primaris.
For the Custodian Guard, who began acting as mobile task forces for support and reinforcement missions across the galaxy, several areas were immediately prioritized after assessing danger levels across the Imperium: the Eye of Terror and the Maelstrom.
These two locations are the tearing points between the warp and the material universe—wounds through which the forces of Chaos continue to penetrate, and festering sores that the Imperium can never truly heal.
After careful analysis and discussion within the Adeptus Custodes, a final decision was reached. Trajann Valoris, serving as the Captain-General, remained at the Palace on Terra to coordinate the overall situation. Andros, resurrected and promoted to Tribune, led a larger main force to the sectors surrounding the Eye of Terror.
Adam and Endymion led a smaller but equally elite detachment to the Maelstrom, where the situation was similarly complex and dangerous.
Before departing, they conducted a detailed intelligence review of the target area. However, the Custodes—proficient in all things and especially skilled at stripping truth from chaotic information—soon found discordant "clues" within the old archives and data streams.
Lufgt Huron, the "Tyrant of Badab" guarding the edge of the Maelstrom, seemed... not quite as law-abiding as other Astartes.
Thus, Endymion had asked the question at the beginning.
Upon hearing it, Adam remained silent for a moment.
"An extremely capable proponent of Great Astartes-ism."
His evaluation held no trace of anger.
"That's unexpected," Endymion remarked. "I thought you would use more radical terminology rather than such a neutral assessment."
Adam shook his head. "People change, Ra. If I hadn't served those long, nearly eternal years within the Legion of the Damned—if it were the version of me just after the Siege of Terra—"
He paused before continuing.
"—I might have given a much more violent evaluation."
Both fell into silence.
After the Siege of Terra ended, watching the late-arriving Roboute Guilliman take the mantle of Lord Regent, Adam—then a Tribune—had suffered a total breakdown. He had even seriously considered whether to simply launch an "extermination" right then and there.
It was no wonder he reacted so fiercely.
Imagine, as a Custodian of the Emperor, witnessing the Emperor create those deeply flawed Primarchs; watching the Imperium fall apart in the Great Heresy ignited by those same Primarchs; seeing ninety percent of your comrades sacrifice themselves silently in the War within the Webway; following your master onto the Vengeful Spirit only to be separated, and finding only His broken body when reunited.
Then, upon leaving the Vengeful Spirit, seeing the Ultramarines Legion arrive—late, but with armor so polished and pristine they looked as if they hadn't suffered a scratch.
It was enough to make anyone snap.
What? You say you had your own difficulties and reasons?
I don't believe a word of it!
Guilliman, you ambitious bastard, I'll personally—
"I only have issues with the Primarchs; my perception of the Astartes is still acceptable," Adam said, calming himself. "I just hope the fellow we meet next isn't too much like Roboute Guilliman. That would bring back unpleasant memories."
Just then, the craft felt a slight but solid vibration, accompanied by the sound of landing gear grinding against the ground. The Orion gunship landed smoothly on a designated pad inside the fortress.
"We are here," Endymion said.
The sound of mechanical transmission and the hiss of pressure equalization came from the hatch. The heavy armored door slid upward, and the scorching, sulfur-scented sunlight and dry winds of Badab Primaris instantly rushed into the cabin.
The two Tribunes stepped out first. Behind them, eighteen fully armed Custodians, silent as mountains, filed down in a perfect tactical formation.
At the other end of the landing pad stood a formation of Astartes arranged for a rigorous military review. Nearly a hundred Astral Claws stood there. In front of the ranks were several company commanders and Honor Guards wearing artificer power armor or Tactical Dreadnought armor.
"What a magnificent force—"
Such a thought did not occur to the Custodes. Especially Adam and Endymion, who ten thousand years ago had seen Legion arrays far grander than this. The display before them was merely the appropriate ceremonial posture of a Chapter.
At that moment, an Astartes of exceptional height, wearing Terminator armor adorned with fangs and sigils, strode forward from the front of the square.
Lufgt Huron's heart was profoundly shaken.
The blazing sunlight fell without reservation upon those twenty golden giants who looked as if they had stepped out of ancient legends. The flowing radiance upon them was like a mantle of light; their majesty was beyond words.
They all maintained a crisp formation that would make the Sons of Guilliman jealous. With spears like a forest, an aura of cold slaughter permeated the air. Though there were only twenty of them, the battle-hardened Lufgt Huron felt an indescribable sense of crisis.
Especially the two leading Custodians!
Just from their stance alone, one could feel they were terrifyingly strong.
"I am Lufgt Huron, Lord of Badab and Warden of the Maelstrom," Huron said, taking the initiative to step forward. "May I ask how to address the two of you?"
"Custodian Tribune, Adam."
"Custodian Tribune, Ra Endymion."
The two removed their helmets and spoke in turn.
"Welcome to Badab, My Lords Tribune."
Huron nodded slightly, his mind racing. He was quite satisfied. As the warden of the Maelstrom, Huron always had a dream—to launch an unparalleled crusade to sweep away the pirates, xenos, and Chaos remnants that had long occupied the region, bringing this dangerous area back under the effective control of the Imperium.
However, this dream had always been hampered by various practical constraints. These included insufficient supplies, reinforcements that never arrived, and obstructions from the Administratum, Departmento Munitorum, and even certain Inquisitorial factions.
But now, Terra had finally done something right. With the support of such powerful Custodians, his crusade plan was absolutely viable!
It seems the High Lords of Terra aren't all fools?
But as soon as he remembered that this wasn't the will of the High Lords, but a decision made by the Custodes themselves, he retracted the thought.
Still just a bunch of vermin.
"Might I ask the purpose of the Adeptus Custodes' presence here?" Huron steered the conversation toward business.
Endymion took a step forward and explained, "Our mission is to assist you in guarding the Maelstrom region. Today's Imperium is precarious, with threats emerging from every direction. As a key sector, this place must be secured beyond any doubt."
Upon hearing this, a flicker of disappointment flashed through Huron's eyes, though he controlled it well.
"My Lord Tribune, I fully understand and agree with the importance of a solid defense. However, passive defense alone cannot eradicate the cancer that is the Maelstrom! I have been stationed here for a century; I know this region like the back of my hand."
He took another half-step forward, his voice rising with an infectious fervor.
"I believe the Imperium should launch an active crusade! Sweep the stars with the force of a thunderbolt and resolve the threat here once and for all."
However, the only response he received was a cold silence.