Warhammer 40K in a box

Chapter 608 Audience with Feralas

Ferrus Manus nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping over the two delegations.

"I am delighted by your arrival."

The resilience of the Imperial Fist and the courage of the Holy Blood Angels are both precious assets of the Empire.

In these dark times, the loyalty of every warrior is of paramount importance.

Her response was calm and concise, carefully worded, expressing both recognition of the two warbands while maintaining the dignity befitting the Primarch.

The ensuing talks proceeded in a delicate balance.

Company Commander Galadon used tactical discussions as a starting point, cleverly drawing on the historical experience of the Steel Hand and the Imperial Fist during the Great Crusade.

“My lord,” Galadon asked, his voice remaining steady and focused on the matter at hand, “during the Great Expedition, our legions often fought together, overcoming many seemingly insurmountable defensive fortifications.”

Looking back at those battles, do you think that model of coordinated operations is still applicable in today's battlefield environment?

Meanwhile, the power armor sensors of the Imperial Fist delegation members were operating at full power, silently collecting various physiological data of the Primarch: voice patterns, body posture, basic readings of energy characteristics, and the unique fluctuations emanating from that alien arm.

All data was transmitted back to the fleet in orbit in real time and compared one by one with the incomplete historical records about Ferrus Manus sealed in the deepest archives of the Imperial Fist Chapter.

Mephisto, on the other hand, participated in the dialogue from a different perspective.

As the chief think tank member, he has a deeper understanding of paranormal phenomena.

“My lord,” he interrupted during a break in the tactical discussion, his voice carrying the unique resonance of a psionicist, “you have traversed a realm beyond the comprehension of ordinary beings. Has this altered your understanding of the warp?”
Are the prophecies of return recorded in those ancient texts related to your experiences?

His questions not only reflect the professionalism of the think tank, but also imply an exploration of returning to the essence.

The representatives of the Holy Blood Angels listened attentively, their posture showing their particular interest in the matter.

Ferrus responded calmly, her answers precise and consistent with her usual style.

She provided a detailed analysis of the experience of fighting alongside the Imperial Fist during the Great Crusade, discussed the differences and complementarities between Dorne's defensive philosophy and her own emphasis on assault and self-sufficiency, and also commented on the tactical legacy left by Sanguis and its influence on Imperial air force tactics.

In each answer, she demonstrated Primarch-level strategic vision and a deep understanding of the characteristics of each Chapter.

“Dorn’s defensive strategy has its wisdom,” she commented, her liquid metal arm shifting slightly, “but sometimes, the strongest defense is a precise and powerful strike.”

The air assault tactics left by Sanguis compensated for the shortcomings of our respective tactical systems in many ways.

However, as the talks progressed, tensions gradually built up.

The Imperial Fist's cautious skepticism contrasts sharply with the Blood Angels' eager desire.

Field Marshal Weir occasionally exchanged subtle hand signals with Company Commander Galaton, indicating that they were continuously assessing the situation.

On the side of the Holy Blood Angels, the warriors frequently showed expressions of anticipation, their eyes always fixed on Felus.

As the talks progressed, Mephisto could hardly contain himself regarding the core issue that had driven him there.

After briefly reporting on the recent fierce battles in the Balss sector and the ongoing pressure faced by the Blood Angels and their subgroups, he changed the subject, took a step forward, and his posture was full of the urgency characteristic of a psionicist.

“My lord,” his tone became unusually urgent, even pleading, “your return compels us to ask… since the Emperor’s power could bring you back from your slumber, is it also possible for our father, Saint Gilles, to return?”

Will the angel's treasures eventually be rekindled?

His eyes were fixed on Feralus, searching for any sign of certainty from the supernatural realm.

"You have traversed territories beyond the comprehension of ordinary people. Did you... did you ever sense his presence?"
Is there any indication that he, too, is waiting for his way back?

This issue caused a subtle reaction in the hall.

The Imperial Fist representatives remained silent, but their posture suggested that this was precisely the question they also needed an answer to. Marshal Ver nodded slightly, implying that this was also a concern for the Black Templars.

Dorne's sons also longed to understand the significance of this extraordinary event, although their expressions were more rational and restrained.

Company Commander Galadon continued the conversation, his tone more pragmatic: "Lord Feralus, your return contradicts all known prophecies."

Our archives are meticulously documented, and all credible records assert that you perished in the Istvaan Massacre V, ten thousand years ago.

His voice was as firm and resolute as refined gold: "We need to understand the significance of this event for the future of the Empire, and its impact on the established trajectory of destiny."

Authenticity must be thoroughly established, not merely through comparisons of genetic imprints or sealed memories, but through verification of the essence of its existence, and whether its will is absolutely aligned with the pure goals of the Empire.

The air in the hall seemed to freeze.

All the delegates focused their attention on Felix Manus, awaiting her response.

The Imperial Fist needs logical and evidentiary confirmation, the Blood Angels crave affirmation of hope and faith, while the Iron Hand seeks to uphold the Primarch's authority and dignity.

This complex dynamic relationship creates a perceptible tension within the reception hall.

Ferrus Manus's gaze swept across the entire room. Her posture remained steady, but a complex look flashed in her eyes.

She was acutely aware that the answer she was about to give would simultaneously face the rational scrutiny of the Sons of Dorne and the emotional expectations of the Sons of Saint Gilles.

In this cold reception hall, representatives from the three First Founding Chapters awaited a response that could change the fate of the Empire.

She first looked at Company Commander Galadon and Marshal Weir, her voice steady and firm: "Children of Dorne, your prudence is wise."

In this age of deception, skepticism is one of our most reliable weapons.

My return has indeed exceeded all prophetic predictions, but this is precisely where the Emperor's will is unfathomable.

His plan is far beyond our full comprehension.

Her gaze then turned to Mephisto and the delegation of the Holy Blood Angels, her tone now carrying a deeper understanding: "Children of Saint Gilles, I deeply understand your yearning for the Father of Genes."

But I must be frank, the mysteries of the realm of death are not something that ordinary people—not even Primarchs—can fully comprehend.

My experience in that field... was fragmented and incomplete.

Ferrus paused, allowing the weight of his words to settle.

"What I do know is that the Emperor's will operates in ways we cannot predict."

My return may be a signal that change is taking place, but its specific form and timing remain shrouded in the mists of fate.

Her liquid metal arm was slightly raised, as if to emphasize this point.

"What we should be focusing on now is not what may have happened in the past, but what we can achieve together in the future."

The Empire needs the loyalty and courage of every warrior, and the unique strength and tradition of every chapter.

This answer neither fully satisfied the Imperial Fist's thirst for concrete evidence nor gave the Blood Angels the clear hope they desired, but it offered a pragmatic direction forward.

The tense atmosphere in the reception room eased slightly, replaced by a thoughtful silence.

Representatives from both chapters were processing Feralus's words, weighing their implications and implications.

Although this historic meeting did not answer all the questions, it laid the foundation for future cooperation among the three founding factions.

In a dark time when the empire faces unprecedented threats, such cooperation may be the ray of hope that humanity needs most.

(End of this chapter)