The Bizarre Adventure of the Warhammer Guard

For a moment, the entire meeting room fell silent, with only the light from the holographic projection shining on everyone's faces.

"He is the only one," Chapter Master Poshimond roared, breaking the silence. "He is the last Fist of the Empire."

"If he's the last surviving recruit, will he automatically be promoted to chapter commander?" Lord Udo asked, unmoved.

"I don't think so." Although Malfoy disliked the High Lords, what he said at this moment made some sense. "But Kurland has been recognized by us, the Chapter Masters of the Sons of Dorne, so he is the Chapter Master of the Imperial Fist."

"Therefore," Lord Udo spread his hands, neither rejecting nor agreeing, "I acknowledge Kurand's contributions. Only if he performs exceptionally well and acts in the best interests of the Empire, then Terra can allow such a choice."

"We are the Astartes, and we decide our own affairs!" Bohemond said. "We serve the Emperor, not the bureaucracy."

“You are right, Grand Marshal,” said Lord Udo. “We are all subjects of the Lord of Mankind. But we High Lords are agents of the Emperor’s will.”

Lord Guilliman raised his hand to signal, and his servants immediately stepped forward and projected another data panel onto the central projection, displaying a complex schedule.

"Company Commander Kurand," said Lord Udo, "tomorrow, a grand victory parade will be held in Holy Terra. All chapters involved in this battle, all warriors, must participate; you will be regarded as saviors."

He tapped the projector with his fingertip, bringing up various information about the parade.

"And you, Second Company Commander Kurland, will be recognized as the new Chapter Master of the Imperial Fist, and all the formalities and authorizations will be completed. Believe me, the Highlord Council will agree."

Kurland raised his head and looked at Lord Guilliman. He knew things would not be that simple. The High Lord would not give up an opportunity to put pressure on Astartes so easily.

"But there's a condition," Lord Udo said, changing the subject as expected, "In order to avoid causing panic and maintain the stability of the Empire, they must not know that the Imperial Fist Chapter was nearly wiped out in the previous battle. Therefore, the Imperial Fist contingent in the parade must appear to be well-manned."

Lord Udo turned to the chapter leaders of the other chapters, "I need you to select a portion of your warriors to temporarily don the Imperial Fist paint scheme and insignia, and form a parade formation together. This is for the sake of the overall image of the Empire."

"Make my warriors wear other people's paint schemes and pretend to be other people?" Bohemond stood up angrily, slammed his fist on the table, and the entire holographic projection trembled.

"No honor?" Kurland's expression changed. "No mention of my brothers' sacrifice?"

"This is politics, gentlemen," said Lord Udo. "Not a word about the disaster of the Imperial Fist can be made public. I sympathize with your loss, Chapter Master Kurland, but we have some practical considerations to take into account."

Lord Guilliman deliberately emphasized the words "Chaptermaster," intentionally or unintentionally reminding Kurland.

"Secondly," Lord Udo said, not giving them time to process the information, his pace quickening, "all Astartes combat units are to immediately withdraw from the area surrounding the Battle Moon and are prohibited from conducting any form of attack or destructive reconnaissance on the wreckage. Forging General Kubik will be conducting research on it."

"What about the orcs lurking up there?" Chapter Master Sein demanded, his voice tense.

"The Mechanicus's protectors and the Mind Control Legion will be responsible for security and cleanup." Lord Udo waved his hand, looking somewhat impatient. "Astartes' mission is complete. Your valuable combat power should not be wasted on clearing up ruins."

"Yes, my lord." Kurland hesitated for a moment, "When you order its destruction, we will be there to help you complete the mission."

Then, Lord Guilliman's tone turned stern. He leaned forward slightly, placed his hands on the table, and scanned each of the chapter commanders present.

"One last thing. You Space Marines from different chapters have gathered on such a large scale without the consent of the Highlords, which is a serious violation of the Codex Astartes. Any act that crosses this line will be considered a challenge to Terran authority and an act of treason."

"We saved Terra in the face of your incompetence, and you accuse us of betrayal?" Thane glanced at the Highlord with disgust.

“If the High Lords were more politically efficient and less focused on personal gain,” Kurland said calmly, “then we wouldn’t need to be here at all, and my brothers might still be alive.”

"Kurand, are you threatening me?" Udo narrowed his eyes. "Threatening an Imperial Highlord?"

"No offense intended, Lord Guilliman," Kurland said nonchalantly. "I simply want to ask, what were you thinking when you sent the Imperial Fist alone to Andamantu? Was the sacrifice of loyalists also part of your political calculations?"

Lord Udo did not answer Kurland's question. He paused for a moment, his tone becoming slightly calmer:

"I believe this was done in good faith, so the council will not punish you this time. From now on, each of your chapters will receive a different set of orders. I hope that all chapter leaders will behave themselves and manage their subordinates well."

Before the chapter leaders could react, Lord Udo stood up from his seat and raised his hands to stop any objections from the chapter leaders.

"Excuse me, everyone." Lord Udo's face returned to its standard smile, his voice flat as if nothing had happened. "I must go back now; I have many things to do."

Lord Guilliman bowed sharply, then left with his entourage, leaving the Space Marines staring at his retreating figure.

Kurland felt the gazes of the other chapter leaders. They stood side by side again because of their shared blood and oath. This honor was seen as a "heretic" act that needed to be guarded against by the high lords of Terra.

The silence lasted for a full minute, broken only by the sound of fingers tapping on the table.

"We cannot disobey his orders," Malfoy said helplessly. "At least on the surface, we must comply."

"What can they do if we refuse?" Bohemond quipped. "They'll just make up new stories, distort the facts, and package it all as yet another political achievement of theirs."

"Brothers," Kurland stood up, his voice clear, "if we are to save the Empire, then we have no other choice."