A Meeting Between Brothers

*The air was thick with the smell of acids and opioids within the room as Lu Yueh worked on finalizing a project in the works for over fifty years. The soft whir of machinery and the bubbling of liquids were the only sounds that accompanied him as he waited for the right moment to extract a single dose. Khnum had just arrived on board the* Zi zhi Baoqi *and the tension of what was about to happen was thick in the air. He didn’t even need to enter his sons’ minds to know just how on edge they were. Especially after what has already been done. It took great effort for Lu to not let his sons’ thoughts distract him as this most crucial of moments approached.*

*As the moment drew ever closer time seemed to slow down around the primarch and when the time finally came. His servo arm struck like a viper. Quickly extracting a single dose of the perfectly translucent liquid.*

*Lu Yueh let out a breath he didn’t know he had been holding, it came out as a defeated sigh. ‘So close yet still a failure.’ He thought as he visibly deflated. ‘Yet time is up and all I can hope for is that it isn’t needed yet. And if I do need it, at least it was close enough.’*

*He then opened his mind to his sons and let their thoughts enter. ‘Tensions are high, too high. I hope my brother hasn’t noticed.’ Lu let his mind focus on a few of his sons in particular. He focussed on Qíshì first.*

*‘How much time is left before you arrive?’ He asked as he started to shut down his laboratory.*

*‘A few moments father. Is it finished?’ Came his son's voice, calmer than any of his brothers.*

*‘No, did my brother notice anything out of the ordinary?’*

*‘Not as far as I can tell. Though he most certainly noticed that I have arranged for fewer of my brothers to walk these halls.’ His voice now held some disquiet in it, though still his mind was calm.*

*His lab now shut down, Lu Yueh made his way to the meeting room he had prepared for occasions such as this. He donned the scarf he had received from Khnum’s grandparents long ago and asked his last question to Qíshì.*

*‘Did he ask any questions?’*

*‘Yes father, he asked for the purpose of the meeting. I told him it was about some troubling events that the legion had gone through and that it was something you wanted to discuss with him personally.’ A short pause. ‘I think he noticed my shock a moment ago. He didn’t ask about it but I am certain he noticed.’*

*‘You have done well, once you reach the room please tell him I will arrive shortly.’*

*‘Yes father.’*

*Lu broke the connection and went to the next of his sons. Wen was rather easy to find, that sickly sweet reek of rot sticking out as it always had.*

*‘Wen, is everything in place?’*

*‘Yes father, we are all in position. Though I question why we do not simply start with this. It is a great risk to draw the Warmaster’s ire. That and you know he will not accept the truth. We must show it to him with force or kill him no matter what you do this day.’ There was no anger or hate in the voice. It was simply the strange tranquility Wen’s thoughts have had since their first meeting. Though now it was always accompanied by whispering of Nurgleth. Just like all the others who now had that creature as their patron. It was strangely pleasant.*

*‘How likely do you think it will be that he will listen after using force? No, I will not put all my faith into that creature. Especially with the pain that its methods seem to cause.’ There was a tinge of anger in his thoughts here after all the attempts Wen had made at convincing the immediate use of force.*

*‘As you will father. Before you sever the link, I would like to report that Khnum brought his standard guard force with him. All of them stand ready in the hangar and seem ignorant of what is to come. Regardless of success at minimum we will have a few subjects to prove Nurgleth's intentions.’ This time Wen’s voice was accompanied by great happiness. Yet Lu Yueh chose to ignore it for now. After all, he had arrived at his destination. Just a few moments after Khnum should have. Severing his connection to his sons and suppressing the mental noise of their emotions. He suppressed his own doubts, put on his usual smile, opened the double doors and stepped inside.*

*The room he entered was one that screamed the wealth he had at his disposal. Fine silk carpets with elaborate symbols sewn into the fabric mimicking those upon his armour. Tapestries were carved into the red stone walls depicting various bits of Jining history and legend. The doors too were included in these works. With the door he entered through having a mimicked version of his old throne carved into it, the wall and part of the ceiling bearing the likeness of his palace. The door through which Khnum had entered was styled after the castle gates, each door being made of gold with a dragon on each door. In the middle of it all sat an ornate table of wood and gold accompanied by two cushions. But what eclipsed it all was Khnum whose fine robes and golden skin stood in stark contrast to the armour Lu Yueh still wore.*

*“It is good to see you brother.” Lu said, his smile already faltering as he spoke.  Showing just how exhausted he was.*

*Khnum rose from his seat and hugged his brother, Lu Yueh returned the gesture. “It has been too long, though I would have preferred to see you out of armour. It feels like you’re expecting an ambush on your own flagship.” Khnum joked, a smile on his face.*

*“I would have preferred that as well. Sadly an experiment took longer than expected and I didn’t want to make you wait.” Even if he couldn’t feel his brother’s touch, Khnum’s embrace still calmed Lu’s mind. Letting him relax even if just a little. For a moment he could forget all that had already happened and the storm yet to come. Lu wanted this moment to last forever. If only to stop the future from ever coming.*

*“Even when you sit behind your stoicism and logic driven nature I’ve always been able to read you clearly. Brother is something wrong?”*

*Sadly, Khnum would not allow the moment to last. He of all the primarchs would know something was affecting him. The brothers broke the embrace before Lu spoke again.*

*“Yes, Khnum. Many things are even. One of those wrongs is even why I called you here. But before I start with more unpleasant topics. Let’s enjoy some tea and simply talk. The servants should bring some in a moment. We spend too little time together as it is.”*

*As though waiting for being mentioned 4 servants came through the door behind Khnum; two holding large teapots, one had large cups on a tray along with a large assortment of teas and one held a tray stacked to the brim with cookies and cake. They quickly placed everything on the table, bowed respectfully and left as quickly as they came.*

*“They were off quickly. Usually they at least greet us verbally or make idle chatter.”*

*“I had asked them to give us some privacy. With events lately they must have interpreted it a bit more strongly than that.” Lu responded with a sigh as the brothers sat down.*

*“I see.” Khnum said while selecting some tea leaves for himself. “Regardless I saw you did some redecorating here since my last visit.” Khnum said nodding at the door with a throne upon it.*

*“Ah yes, Vinicius and Euphrano’s idea. When they last visited they said that, ‘As a former Emperor it would be fitting if I replaced the door with something to show my former position.’” Lu said, playing out the twin’s quirk of finishing the other’s sentences. “They noted it would add some flair to any entrance I made. I wonder, did it work?”*

*“Given that the Twins border on gauche when it comes to dramatic entrances and the only people I’ve ever seen in here are you and me, I’d argue It doesn’t fit the room at all!”*

   *“A job well done then.” Lu laughed. “What have you been doing as of late?” He asked while adding some tea leaves to his pot.*

   *“I and my sons have undertaken a few dozen campaigns of little significance in the southern fringes. Barely any human or xenos Empires that held onto more than a couple planets” Khnum says simply as he picks some tea for his own pot. “Nothing particularly exciting or noteworthy. How goes the crusade for you, brother?”*

*Lu’s smile disappears as he immediately recalls the events of the past months. The necessary deaths and long deserved executions. After that change there was no hiding it all. Lu poured his tea to distract himself as he thought of what to say. After a moment of silence he began with the conversation he had been dreading for years.*

   *“The 111th and 180th expeditionary fleets are no more. 16 thousand Astartes lives have been lost claiming a world in the eastern fringe. I had hoped to never see such losses again in a single campaign. Yet here we are.”*

*Khnum had a clear shock on his face.*

   *“How?”*

   *“The Xenos detonated an exterminatus grade bomb. The surface of the world is no more than ash and rock. And even before then they were able to keep two full expeditionary fleets at bay on their own.”*

*A brief silence fell.*

   *“Was that the reason you called me here?”*

*Lu shook his head. “I am sad to say it is not. It is but one of the things that have gone horribly wrong in the past few years.”*

   *“What could possibly have happened that could be worse than a disastrous campaign that claimed the lives of so many of your sons?” Khnum asked in disbelief.*

   *“A storm is coming.” Lu said after a moment of silence.*

   *“What do you mean brother? Is there some xenos empire you have encountered that could threaten the Imperium? Have the Rangdan began to rise again or was there some Ork force that we did not banish at Ullanor?”*

*Lu remained silent for a moment, taking a sip of his tea. Khnum sat silently, his fingers drumming ever so slightly as he waited for Lu Yueh to respond to his question.*

   *“A xenos Empire, it is not. Yet it certainly is a threat to the Imperium.” Khnum was about to ask more questions but Lu stopped him by raising a hand. “Please brother, give me a moment. I simply don't know where to start. You know I am not as good with words as you or Bartosz.” Lu took another sip of his tea to calm himself.*

   *“Then start at the beginning, and tell me everything.” Khnum commented as he leaned back in his seat. Pouring his own tea and taking one of the cakes and nibbling on it slightly out of respect for the host rather than out of hunger.*

   *“If only it were always so easy, brother. You should know that by now.” Lu retorted taking another sip of his tea. “It is probably best to start at Nikea.”*

   *“Nikea, what has that to do with this supposed coming storm?”*

   *“Everything, of that I am certain. At least it is when I started to see the first clouds on the horizon.”*

   *“To see what? You aren’t usually so cryptic.” Khnum added as his green eyes began to flicker with worry and concern filling them. Yet, another emotion shaded itself in the corner of his eyes, doubt.*

*Lu laughed a little. “Be a little more patient. I was getting to that. Though maybe a question is better. Wasn’t there anything odd about the event as a whole?”*

   *“You know that even if I favored restrictions to the Librarius the verdict was unfavorable at best and a travesty at worst. Hori-Re still weeps when he thinks I am not looking at the ban of psykers. Either way, as odd as it was those edicts were still our father’s order so I have upheld his choices as they were.”*

   *“Really Khnum? A being like the Emperor wanted to see his own creations, whose opinions were widely known beforehand, debate. So he could decide upon the issue of psykers. That is already odd to me.”*

   *“What do you think the reason for this is then?”*

   *“Firstly, it was not the issue of psykers. That was irrelevant for the Emperor already knew what outcome he desired.”*

   *“How do you know this brother? What evidence or reason do you base this on?”*

   *“Public opinion mostly. For all would obey the Emperor regardless of what he decreed. But most of the public, most of the mortal members of the government of the Imperium and half the Primarchs were against the use of psykers. Thus if he desired psykers to remain in use among the legions he would have not done it somewhere where he would clearly show that most of the Imperium was against. Further regardless of the result both parties would be angered to some degree by the result. As we already saw in reality. Tensions during the council alone are enough to prove that much at least.”*

   *“Yet wouldn't simply banning it have caused the same tensions?”*

   *“Unlikely, at least not in the long run. Remember all **were** loyal to the Emperor. Only a few might have held a grudge. But now. There are still tensions between many legions as a result of what happened that day. In particular the Bears lost many allies after Kodiak’s outburst.”*

   *“Wait, are you saying that the Emperor only held the council of Nikea to cause tensions between the legions?”*

   *“Yes, that is exactly what I am saying.”*

   *“But why would he?”*

   *“I didn’t know at the time. To be honest that question bothered me for years after that day.” Lu Yeuh admitted. “I just couldn’t think of any reason he would do what he did. Yet I cannot accept that he didn’t know exactly the tensions he would cause within and between the legions. In particular because of how much it affected mine.”*

   *“How did it affect the Blight Wardens? You barely had any librarians compared to some of our brothers’ Legions. Even mine outnumbered yours and I had restrictions on recruitment for decades.*

*Lu took a gamble and answered honestly. Though his face betrayed some of the fear he had for the response.*

   *“Because I am a psyker brother. I share a telepathic link to my sons.” A short silence fell.*

   *“While this comes to me as a surprise, did you really think that my opinion of you would be forever damaged by that knowledge alone.” Khnum responded with hurt in his voice.*

   *“Shaaa was the first of our brothers I ever met. His… teachings have left a lasting mark so to speak. Even now you, Almire and Camulous are the only ones I have told. Though I am fairly certain Abner knows as well.” Lu responded, his shame clearly audible.*

   *“Shaaa has always been very vocal about his mistrust of Psykers. It is an area we have debated hotly even after the decree and I count him as one of my dearest brothers. However, I still do not see how the Edict would affect your legion more than any of the others.”*

   *“There are two reasons. Firstly, over the years we have come to heavily rely on my abilities during conflicts. It is instantaneous communication over vast distances without any risk of messages being intercepted. Over the decades this has saved thousands of Astartes lives and millions of mortal men. Secondly, the Blight Wardens weren’t always as unified as they are now. During the decades leading up to Nikea I have had to make extensive use of my abilities to maintain order within the ranks. Schisms formed within the legion during the xenocides, suppressed only with constant oversight. Nikea reinvigorated every last one of the dissenters. The only solution was to separate them from the rest of the legion.” Lu Yueh finished with a frustrated sigh before calming himself again.*

   *“You mean to say that the Emperor intentionally destabilized the Blight Wardens with the decree? Are you implying that was his reason for the ruling he made?” Khnum asked sceptically as he eased back in his seat.*

*Lu laughed in response. “Oh heavens no. I am not as self centred as to say that he held the council just for the Blight wardens. That would be ridiculous. But the pieces were in place for it to hit my legion rather hard. The events leading up to me being found are of particular note.” Lu finished in a more serious tone.*

   *“Yes I heard. The Third Xenocide wasn't kind to your sons. Though you were always silent about the details of that war, but I think you are finally about to divulge to me the horrors of that war.” Khnum interjected, before taking a sip of his tea.*

   *“You certainly aren’t wrong. For the second legion almost ended up in an all out civil war.” This caused Khnum to choke on his tea and start coughing.*

   *“I didn’t realize tensions between your and another legion had boiled quite that high,” Khnum replied as he took another sip of tea enjoying the earthy flavors that balanced out the light bitterness.*

   *“To say the third xenocide wasn’t kind to the legion was an understatement, brother. Most of the command structure was gone. Only a handful of veterans remained. None could agree on who should lead. And the legion was left without aid as internal tensions rose year after year. Even as Imperial casualties rose with every compliance. Even with every world they fought on, they were more devastated than the last. None interfered with the legion. Even as verbal conflicts turned to fist fights. Even when, in the final year before I was found, Julian had been forced to order the beating of any of his brothers who stepped out of line. A desperate final attempt to stop further escalation. All the while apothecaries died left and right to insane experiments now banned for good. Their bodies, adding fuel to the fire as the legion was ready to split in three. If I had not been found when I was, the second legion would have been no more.” Lu finished with Khnum staring at him in silent shock.*

   *“I had no idea that your Legion came so close to extinction.” Khnum eventually muttered.*

   *“I don’t blame you. The Venom Stalkers were not the most well beloved of the legions at the best of times.” Lu responded sadly. “It doesn’t help that Imperial records never told the whole story of the Third Xenocide.”*

   *“I know there was a breakdown in communications during the war that led to the horrific losses on both sides. With only Charon’s leadership being able to actually put up a united front against the xenos.” Khnum responded, after regaining his composure. “I always assumed that the second had simply suffered the worst of it.”*

   *“Then you know more than most already. Official records as they are now are a lot more heroic. With the xenos being portrayed much more powerful than they were. At least according to Julian. Charon’s arrival did little to bring order to the lines though. Quite the opposite. He was apparently tired of the conflict and just rushed the xenos with all forces at hand. Overwhelming them completely, but at great cost. This is where the second lost its veterans. And then there is Osmandiel.” Lu ended with some anger in his voice.*

*“This explains the tension between your legions afterwards and that fight between you and Charon at the feast that was only broken up to save face. Yet, the loss of such a good leader must have hurt the legion. I heard he died fighting, though. What truly happened?” Khnum asked, certain that there was more to this than he knew. His eyes began to glance about the room as his brain began to form a picture of the scenario.*

   *“Charon killed him. I do not know why. Only that when Charon arrived he requested a meeting with Osmandiel and that he arrived back as a charred corpse with the warning that all who disobeyed his command would follow.” Lu said sombrely.*

   *“How can that be? Charon should have been punished for a clear transgression against your sons. It should have been known and proper censure should have followed.” Khnum was outraged.*

   *“When asked Malcador said the Emperor had chastised Charon. He refused to comment further. I knew I was asking questions he wouldn’t answer.” Lu said anger in his voice. “The Emperor knew everything that had happened. Yet did nothing to aid my legion as it tore itself apart. All that had to be done was send any aid from any legion. Yet he did not.”*

   *“I understand your anger, and why you have been slow to trust our father. Yet, based on what you have told me, I still do not understand why the Emperor would do this.”*

   *“Nor do I brother. I didn’t then, nor do I truly understand his actions now. All I have is a past full of actions that only make sense if the Emperor wanted this. The only other option is that the Emperor didn’t see any of this coming. And I cannot accept that.” A silence fell in the room. One that felt like it lasted an eternity.*

   *“Was this all you wanted to tell me brother?” Khnum asked, breaking the silence.*

   *“I am sad to say that it is not. For after Nikea many more events occurred that I cannot accept weren’t planned in some way. Things that caused more hurt and anger between legions or between legion and Imperium” Lu said with a sad smile on his face.*

   *“I was afraid you would say that.” Khnum said, returning the smile before finishing and refilling his cup with tea.*

   *“There are just three more things.” Lu said, refilling his own cup.*

   *“With everything that has come up today I am not sure if I will make it to the end.” Khnum commented as he tried to ease the tension in the room.*

*Lu laughed in response. “At Least you still have enough in you for some jokes.”*

   *“Not sure how long that will last.”*

   *“Then, to soften the blow, I will do it in chronological order this time. Like you wanted from the start.” Lu responded with a small smirk. Managing to get a smile back from khnum.*

   *“Thank the heavens for small mercies.” Khnum responded. “Though I think I will wait with my tea until you have started this time.”*

   *“That might be best, yes.” Lu responded with a smile. A smile that quickly left him as he started. “Though I have little proof. I suspect that the Emperor planned Lorgar’s death.”*

   *“Explain,” Khnum said with notes of anger accenting his normally cheery voice.*

   *“We were both very close to Lorgar so we both know just how… true he was to his beliefs. It was something I found odd since the day I met him. Why did the Emperor who hated such faith so much allow for Lorgar to practice and spread his beliefs? Why was Lorgar never confronted? Then after Monarchia the questions changed. Why is it a problem now? Why is it suddenly such a large problem that it had to be addressed as it was? Why the destruction of Lorgar’s perfect city? It simply was another one of the Emperor's actions that made no logical sense.” Lu said.*

   *“Yet, why do you think he did it intentionally?” Khnum responded as he leaned forward. His eyes piercing through to break down Lu Yueh further.*

   *“Simply because the results by the end were too predictable. That and what Malcador did to you.”*

   *“What do you mean predictable? How could you have predicted that Lorgar would become even more zealous and kill the Custodies sent as his guards? If you did, why didn’t you say anything? We might still have twenty brothers instead of nineteen.” Khnum responded, some anger seeping through as his hand gripped the arm rest tightly. His hand left an imprint as the chair cracked softly.*

   *“I didn’t say anything because when I heard of it all and was able to act in any way, Lorgar was already too far gone. I knew how it would end and I was afraid of it. In part because of the doubts I harboured. I am ashamed to say it but after I had spoken to him one last time I simply left. Knowing I could do nothing to sway him anymore and certain of the end that awaited. I believe Charon had attempted the same thing and too turned away.” Lu stated, shame once more on his face. “Another failure to add to the list”*

   *“I am not convinced, I worry about where this conversation is headed.” Khnum said in a low rumble as his eyes darkened.*

   *“That is understandable. To be honest I have worried for the end of this conversation for very long. Rubbed off on all my sons as well. Qíshì mentioned you noticed on the way here.”*

   *“When, did he… you were talking telepathically when we were walking here weren’t you? Explains Qíshì’s sudden shifts in posture.”*

   *“Yes, he asked about one of my latest projects. One I have been working on for a few decades now. And our next topic.”*

   *“Really the twins have rubbed off on you. You start every part off every topic like a showman.” Khnum said his anger still not subsided.*

   *“And yet it is so fitting, isn’t it?” Lu said with a slight smile in the hopes of cheering up his brother even a little.*

   *“Not really.” Khnum responded bitterly. Causing Lu to sigh.*

   *“Abner is dying. He has been for decades.” Lu said simply.*

*Khnum simply stared in silence. As though waiting for his brother to say that it was a miserably bad joke.*

   *“I’ll just start from the beginning then. A few decades ago Abner came to me with the request that I look him over. He was quite adamant his visit be kept a secret. It was clear to me this was no simple matter. As such I prepared my inner labs and a surgery table for him.” Lu stopped to drink some tea, his hands slightly shaking when he remembered how Abner looked. “The moment he entered my labs and the door sealed he collapsed. I had to help him every step when removing his armour and getting him on the table and when I fillanny looked at him.” Lu took another sip. “It was like I was a mortal doctor standing above another normal human. Purple tumours covered him and much of his body was covered in inflamed spots. After I started the operation I removed over a dozen crystals like tumours and kilos of infected tissue. If he had come over a month later it would have been too late to save him. Some of the crystals the tumours had nearly pierced the internal organs. And they were so intertwined with normal tissue that if it was anyone but me or the Emperor doing the surgery he would have died anyway. Be it through pulling open arteries or leaving the cancers to grow into the cuts made into organs. All the while he refused any form of anesthetic. Just lying as still as he could and in so much pain even he couldn’t keep himself quiet. After the surgery was done and his wounds healed he walked again and was like his old self in all ways.” Khnum wanted to interject but Lu simply continued. Almost ranting now. “But then 10 years later he was back. Not in nearly as bad a state but still. Now he was aware it could happen and what to look for he quickly found them growing back. He came back to me over a dozen times after that, every time sooner than the last, with cancers that grew back faster than before. And I was unable to find a cure. All I could do was study and perform the needed surgery. Even the first time I knew it wasn’t some normal cancer but after all these surgeries after flushing his body completely clean over and over and after going through his genetic code, one gene at a time. I found nothing that should cause this. Yet every time the tumours returned and always in roughly the same place.”*

   *“Lu...” Khnum tried, but lu was lost to his rant.*

   *“Cancers don’t do that brother. They never grow in the same places every time you remove them. And if they are this persistent they never leave the brain untouched but when I looked with scanners. His head was always clean. Not a hint of any abnormality. As though it was purposefully made to be easy to hide.” Lu’s rant came to an end.”You probably see where I am going with this.”*

   *“I do, but brother. Please tell me you have proof.”*

   *“More than I would like to, in all honesty. I have recordings and samples from every visit. Do you want to see them?”*

   *“Lead the way.” Khnum said simply.*

*Lu sighed before finishing his tea and standing. “Let’s go then.”*

*The walk there was quiet. Neither primarch saying a word as they travelled through the bowels of the ship. The words already spoked weighing too heavily on both of them for idle conversation. But as they neared their destination, Khnum once more broke the silence.*

   *“Are you intentionally sending your sons away from our path? Though I have never walked these halls of the ship it is too quiet. It is unnerving.”*

   *“These halls are never busy. Only the highest ranked of the yishi and apothecaries take these routes and there have never been many of both.” Lu responded. “Either way we have arrived. These are the most advanced laboratories and medical stations known to the imperium.” Lu said, some pride still seeping through his tense voice.*

   *“Not much to look at. Just walls and doors as far as I can see. And a lot of red lights.”*

   *“That is because every laboratory is completely isolated from the rest of the ship. As long as the doors are closed no air flows between the room and the rest of the ship. A precaution for when some virus or toxin accidentally enters the air.”*

   *“And the lights?”*

   *“Just a sign to tell the lab is in use. Nothing more. Though it also shows that the rooms are locked for all but the cleaning crew and the Astarte using the room.”*

   *“Cleaning crew?” Khnum asked.*

   *“Yes, the only Astartes in the legion armed with heavy flamers. They can force open the door and purge the insides of the room when something particularly nasty is released.” Lu stated matter of factly.*

   *“Is that really necessary?”*

   *“Sometimes, yes. Only thing that will truly purge such airborne toxins in a short time is fire. Breaks down the chemicals.”*

   *“I see.”*

*After a few moments they reached Lu’s personal laboratories. And Lu moved to the door to the storage.*

   *“Give me a moment and I will grab the largest sample.” Lu said finally as the door started to creek and hiss as it slowly opened. Along with another door next to it. “Please wait in this room. The recordings are somewhere on the terminal.” Lu motioned to the other room as he went into the storage and quickly grabbed one of the containers for Abner’s tumours. When he entered his terminal room Khnum was already looking through the files.*

   *“It is the file marked with the X of their legion number. Look for the file in the year M31.024. I’ll prepare the organ in the meantime.” Seconds after Lu spoke a dozen screens lit up. 8 displaying the operation from different points of view, including from the surgery knife and Lu’s own point of view, and 2 showing information about Abner’s physical condition at the time. His heart rates immediately stood out as being abnormally low. And Abner himself looked exactly as bad as Lu had described earlier. Yet now it was on screen it truly seemed like one was just about to witness the death of a primarch.*

*Then when suddenly Lu’s recorded voice could be heard. “Brother, perhaps it would be best if you were sedated for this? I will need to remove the affected area, before it poisons the surrounding flesh further.”*

*Abner shrugged in response. “Pain is nothing new to me, Lu Yueh. I can remain still for this.” The Lu in the recording simply nodded. Sounds of knives gutting into flesh followed.*

   *“It is best to skip ahead. It is not a short surgery.” Lu noted as Khnum looked on.*

   *“I want to watch it in full.” Khnum said, horror in his voice.*

   *“As you will.”*

*More than an hour passed as the surgery continued. Khnum’s face twisting with hurt at every pained grunt from Abner. Eventually ending with over a dozen small and one large purple tumours on a tray. Along with large bits of infected flesh next to them. And the recording ended.*

   *“How could I have missed such a thing.” Khnum eventually said. Shock still on his face.*

   *“He kept it very well hidden.” Lu responded. “Though you should know that this was inside his tumours.” Lu held a crystal shard clear as glass, the size of a mortal man’s finger, up for Khnum to see. Lu wondered if Khnum too could hear whispers coming off of the crystal like he could.*

   *“That was inside of him?” He asked in disbelief.*

   *“Yes. It was also in the other tumours. These grew within him. I probably don’t have to tell you. But these are not truly organic in nature.”*

   *“What do you mean with ‘not truly organic’? Is there even anything organic about them?”*

   *“Well yes, they are made of carbon and hydrogen bonds as far as I can tell. In theory they could be made to grow inside an organic creature. I have even been able to vaguely copy it in some genetically engineered xeno blanks. They did not live long lives.”*

   *“Does father know?” Khnum eventually asked.*

   *“Unless Abner suddenly decided to tell him after all these years. He doesn’t. Abner was convinced he would be disposed of. Though he didn’t say it directly. His speech leaves little open for interpretation even when he speaks around something.” Lu said. Another silence.*

   *“I am afraid to even ask you what the last thing was. After all this.” Khnum said eventually, his voice betrayed his mental exhaustion.*

   *“It can wait. At least a moment. We can go back to the usual room and drink some tea. In silence if needed.”*

   *“I would like that.”*

*And so they walked back in silence. Though along the way a few Blight Wardens attempted to contact their father telepathically. He simply told them it was almost done, that some new tea needed to be made and shut them out. Eventually they returned to the meeting room. New pots of warm water awaiting them. For a good few minutes they simply sat and enjoyed the tea and other refreshments. Recovering from everything that had happened that day.*

   *“I think I am ready to hear that last thing brother.” Khnum eventually said.*

   *“Okay.” Lu said, tired and weary. Though his tone was dead serious. “I will not sugar coat it. I told you all this today because I feel a storm coming.”*

   *“Could you be more precise?”*

   *“The Imperium is going to be betrayed from within. It could be in a year. It could be in a decade. It could be in a century. But legions are going to rebel.”*

   *“You cannot be serious.” Khnum responded in disbelief.*

   *“I am sad to say that I am. Though I have to ask, haven’t you felt it? The rising tensions in the air between the legions. The hatred brewing in some Astartes as they see the Empire they bled for to build seems to only bring wealth and power to mortal men.”*

   *“Of course I know.” Khnum responded. “Many of our brothers have come to me over the years and told of what troubled them. I know that things may be getting worse.”*

   *“Then you must see that eventually such things will reach a boiling point.”*

   *“I don’t think it is too late to stop that.” Khnum said, determination in his voice. “We can stop something like this from happening...”*

   *“Can we? In our own legions maybe. But even I with the ability to feel my sons’ emotions and the ability to listen to their thoughts have failed already.”*

   *“What do you mean?”*

   *“Blood has already been shed within the legion. It is partly the reason for the silence here.” Lu couldn’t hide both the regret and hatred he felt.*

   *“What caused it? How could this have come to be? What crucial details did we overlook?”*

   *“The chaplains.”*

   *“What?”*

   *“They executed a former librarian who had saved a handful of his brothers with his powers when a structure collapsed on top of them. It was one execution too many. The ones who had been saved called the chaplains traitors and opened fire. They were new recruits you see. Both blinded by anger and uncaring of the edict. All of them were killed. The chaplains were killed afterwards. My sons couldn’t accept what had transpired there.”*

*Again Khnum found himself speechless. Simply looking at his brother in silence.*

   *“That is how far it has already gotten. And that in a legion like mine. Where I had put great efforts in keeping it as unified as I could. Just think of how far things have come in some of the other legions. The Star Guardians are probably the only ones spared of it.”*

   *“We can still stop this brother. Together.” Khnum said both determined and like he wanted to convince himself it was true. “You’ve been able to place your trust in me before. Please, do so once again.”*

   *“I fear it is already too late. All we can do is pick a side when the storm hits.”*

   *“What are you suggesting?”*

   *“With everything I have said today. You should know what I think on the matter. What side I will choose.”*

   *“You are going to betray the Imperium and you want me to pick the same side.” Khnum said coldly as he stood up.*

   *“No Khnum, what I want for you is to stay out of it. I want to ensure at least you will not need to fight in the coming war. Neutrality is always an option.” Lu said, now too with determination in his voice. A silence fell again, yet it didn’t last long.*

   *“No.” Khnum's voice silently came as it rumbled with anger. Causing Lu’s face to turn to shock, and even a twinge of fear. “I refuse to stay neutral as you threaten to burn everything around me and betray our family over paranoia.”*

   *“Brother, after everything I have seen after everything I have learned I can be certain of but one thing following the Emperor will be our end.”*

   *“You cannot be certain.”*

   *“After what Malcador did to you, after he nearly killed you. After taking care of Abner for all these years. After Lorgar. After all the little actions he has taken that have created festering wounds in all the legions. No brother. I am completely certain. The Emperor sees us as no more than tools to use and discard when our use is up. He will be the death of us and our sons.” Lu said, determined yet filled with desperation. It was almost a plea.*

   *“No, brother that won’t happen. It can’t happen, our story does not end with our service to our father.” Khnum spoke, his voice filled with naught but unwavering determination.*

   *“I see.” Lu said, defeated. “What will you do now?”*

   *“I will continue on the Crusade as is expected of us and forget this meeting. If you abandon this foolishness then I will pretend you and I never spoke about this. I refuse to let you end up as another blank spot among our brothers.” Lu said nothing as Khnum finished his tea in a single gulp and stood up to walk away. Khnum placed his headdress on his head as he prepared to leave.*

*Lu then Whispers quietly, yet loud enough for Khnum to hear. “I am sorry brothers I have failed you, and you above all, Khnum.”*

   *‘Wen, begin the operation.’ He says to his chief librarian as he moves to get up in a swift motion. Servos groaning at the action. Khnum turned towards his brother at the sound. Yet instead of hearing his son's voice in confirmation, Lu felt eyes upon him. The sound of words just beyond his ability to understand, yet he knew the words were kind and welcoming. Like the embrace of his adoptive father. He felt his insides burn like acid coursed through his veins. A stench of rot filled the air as he cried out in pain and his body moved on its own.*

   *"Brother?" Khnum asked as he turned around to see Lu leap at him. As they collided, Lu used the last of his will to use his servo arm, his only hope of beating Khnum. The mechanical limb stabbed at Khnum like a viper. The needle pierced Khnum’s right shoulder and started injecting, but too slow. Only a few drops came out before Khnum reacted and broke the needle off of the injector.*

   *“What treachery is this?” Khnum yelled in shock as he looked at his brother’s now sickly white face. “What has gotten into you?!”*

*Lu did not answer as he tried to grapple Khnum. Yet his movements were slow, his mind somewhere else and his armour not enough to compensate. Khnum swiftly dodged.*

   *“Snap out of it brother!” Khnum tried one last time but he received no response besides a left hook. “So be it.” Khnum said as he started to fight back.*

*At first it was an even fight. The unarmoured Khnum having trouble actually striking his brother’s exposed head and Lu being unable to deliver a decisive hit to his more nimble brother. Yet as the two brothers fought Khnum started to get the upper hand quickly as Lu started to lose the ability to so much as nick his brother. That and Lu’s remaining servo arms remained strangely immobile.*

*As Khnum dodged and weaved through his brother's strikes looking for an opening he moved and kicked the table at his brother who promptly shattered it. Wood, tea and porcelain being thrown in every direction. Though it barely fazed the primarch it was more than enough of an opening for Khnum to strike his brother for the first time, knocking Lu off balance. Khnum quickly followed this up with a couple more jabs which Lu blocked clumsily before attempting a counterattack. Khnum dove below the strike and delivered an uppercut that knocked the wind out of his brother. Waiting no time Khnum ended the fight by delivering a heavy strike to Lu’s temple, knocking him out.*

*Unbeknown to Khnum, at the same time freeing his brother from the voice that had taken him over.*

*Khnum stood over his brother watching him lying there as the colour returned to his face at a disturbingly slow rate.*

   *“What could have possibly done this to you brother.” Khnum said softly, his voice a mix of betrayal, sadness and confusion. He removed the needle still stuck in his shoulder. He barely even felt it compared to the burning now in his veins. “That after only a few drops.” Khnum whispered, his voice filled with sorrow due to what it meant.*

*Khnum stood there for a moment to get his bearings and compose himself. Though whatever poison now in his veins made that difficult. ‘I have waited long enough.’ he thought as he used the transmitter in his turban to contact Iyp. “Iyp, have the ship readied. And send a message to the Wisdom of Techu that the Astropaths find a route to the second expeditionary fleet. I must speak with Almire.”*

   *“Of course father, did all go well.”*

   *“Not particularly. Regardless, how are the Blight Wardens?”*

   *“They were a bit more tense than usual, though we are having some idle chatter with them now. Why do you ask?” Khnum barely holds in a sigh of relief, having expected the worst after what just transpired.*

   *“I’ll explain later, I’ll be there in a few minutes.” Khnum deflects before ending the transmission.*

*Khnum took a final look at his brother and left the room. Upon leaving he found Two of Lu’s guards, one kneeling against the way and the other slumped on the ground. The same reek of rot coming from them as came from his brother. He kneeled next to one of them.*

   *‘Must have gone through his telepathic link.’ Khnum thought as he removed one of the helmets to find the Astarte to have a similarly pale complexion as his brother. ‘Yet it didn’t spread towards the hanger. Though it saddens me to leave them like this. I have no time to waste before Lu wakes up again.’ Khnum stood up and continued his way towards the hanger. Finding the halls to be as empty as they were before. Yet the tension seemed greatly alleviated.*

*Upon arriving in the hangar he found Qíshì chatting with Imothes. The former of whom looked surprised to see Khnum.*

*“Qíshì, you should go see to your father.” Khnum stated simply.*

*“Why, what happened?” Qíshì asked, confused. Most likely having suspected his father to send a message when the talks were over. “Where are you going?” He called after Khnum as the primarch walked past him.*

   *“To the Warmaster.” Khnum said simple as he made his way up the ramp of the thunderhawk. “Come my sons. We must make haste.” Iyp and the rest of the Amuthen guard followed after their father.*

   *“See you again cousin.”*

   *“Yes, I hope to see you again for our dual.”*

*Qíshì and Imothes said their goodbyes as Imothes followed his father and brothers.*

*When they were all seated Iyp and Imothes looked at their father questioningly. “Why were you in such a hurry, father?” Immothes asked. “And where was Lu Yueh? Usually he comes with you to send us off.”*

*“Has it to do with the reason we are heading off to meat with the Warmaster?” Iyp added. “And is it why you look so troubled?”*

*“Not both at once please.” Khnum said as he rubbed his temples. Lu’s poison still making his veins feel like they are on fire.*

*“Father.” Iyp asked as he finally noticed something, his voice filled with shock. “Is that blood on your shoulder?”*

*“Something is wrong with my brother. Has been for years it seems. Something caused him to attack me.” Silence filled the cabin as only the engine dared disturb the silence that followed those words. “We go to Almire now to see if we can solve this.” With that Khnum simply let the words sink in and the silence held as he sank into thought. ‘Maybe I imagined it but when I said I was going to see Almire the tension in the hanger evaporated completely. It seems they all knew something was wrong with Lu and I can convince Almire to save this legion. Maybe there is even something in Lu that can still be saved.’*

*Wen walked through the halls of the* Zi zhi Baoqi *towards his father’s chambers. The heavy footfalls of his armour and the soft breeze of his viral mist all that accompanied him.*

   *‘It has been nearly an hour and I still can’t believe father actually succeeded. Though it is strange he wanted to meet in his personal chambers and hasn’t used his link yet, he must not believe it himself.’ Wen thought to himself ecstatically as he neared his father’s chambers.*

   *“Good to see you Kuai, Eiten.” He greeted cheerfully only for them to just stare straight at him. Signalling that not just something was wrong but he was being blamed for it... again. ‘I wonder what nonsense I have to dispute this time.’ He sighed. ‘At least we rid ourselves of the chaplain so it can’t be that bad.’*

*Wen prepared himself and opened the door. “Good to...” He wanted to say as he walked in only to be met with an armoured fist that shattered his helmet and nose. Knocking him back outside.*

   *“Dammit Qíshì, do you want the whole ship to hear.” Wen hears Tarik mutter under his breath.*

   *“What is going on and why in our father’s name did you punch me.” Wen complained as he removed his now broken helmet. “You could have killed me with that punch.”*

   *“I told him you had your helmet on.” Kuai remarked. “Now move inside and fix your mess.”*

   *“I do not even know what is going on. Father has not...” Wen stopped speaking as he got up and saw his father lying in his bed, hooked up to a multitude of medical monitoring devices, his face sickly pale. The twins standing on either side of their father. “...informed me.”*

   *“So you are saying this is not your fault.” Qíshì stated bluntly.*

   *“I...” Wen stuttered out knowing full well what must have happened. Only Nurgleth could have done this. But why?*

   *“Only you can create this sort of marvellous pathogen, brother.” Spoke Marius. “Such marvelous mutations. If it wouldn’t kill us I would love to test it.”*

   *“Shut it brother and keep watch over the monitors.” Tarik chastised.*

   *“Come now he is stable and recovering. You worry too much.” Marius shot back. “The blunt trauma is all that keeps him out”*

*That statement gave Wen his tongue back. “Blunt trauma? So Khnum was not convinced and the toxin didn’t work.” He interjected.*

   *“Most likely incorrect. Given how the infection seems to act that proved the deciding factor even when everything was stacked against Khnum.” Tarik retorted.*

   *“How are you so certain.”*

   *“The two Fu zhi Sheng stationed at the exit were rendered unconscious as well. No blunt trauma, only a helmet removed. Camera showed Khnum doing it.”*

*‘Why would the Grandfather do this? Why not take another?’ Wen thought to himself. Were we doomed to die to the Wisdom of Techu?’*

*A groan could be heard coming from the bed. Taric immediately took a light and shined it in Lu’s eye to test a reaction.*

   *“You know you would make a good father with that overprotectiveness.” Lu looked as he was blinded.*

   *“Okay, father is fine. He can make horrible and badly timed jokes.” Taric commented blandly.*

   *“Told you.” Marius laughed, apparently uncensored by anything.*

   *“Not so loud please, my sons.” Lu groaned. “How much time has passed”*

   *“About an hour, father.” Qíshì responded.*

   *“Better than I hoped. And Khnum?” He asked, pain and sadness in his voice.*

   *“On his way to speak to Almire”*

*Lu lay back and relaxed.*

   *“Much better than I expected. Almire will not like our failure here.” He sighed. “Kuai.”*

   *“Yes father?”*

   *“Got to the bridge and tell them to set a course for our forces near the Istvan system. After this failure we need to give Almire an exemplary victory.” The heavy footfalls of terminator armour could immediately be heard and slowly grew dimmer before Lu spoke up again. “Qíshì get your brothers ready.*

   *“Yes father.” Qíshì said as he slammed his fist on his chest in salute before leaving.*

   *“Marius return to your duties.”*

   *“With pleasure, father.”*

   *“Tarik...”*

   *“No”*

   *“Tarik.” Lu spoke with a bit more force.*

   *“Fine, but I will be back in an hour.”*

   "*Fair enough." Lu laughed. “Close the door behind you.”*

*A short pause followed as Tarik left and closed the door.*

   *“Now Wen.”*

   *“Yes father.”*

   *“We are now going to have that talk about Nurgleth and that place of those who now draw from him in the legion. Including you. A **very** long talk.” Lu stated, anger in his voice.*

*“Yes father.” Wen said meekly.*