Jade and Gold

Theoderaf studied the corridors he walked in this new Gloriana class battleship, admiring the simplicity of the design, thinking that some of his other brothers could learn a thing or two from it. He and his escort arrived at the bridge, a fantastic blend of functionality and the unique culture Theoderaf had witnessed on the General’s homeworld of Han. At the centre of the room stood several Astartes that Theoderaf recognised as high-ranking Imperial Light members, their armour recently changed to the lacquered black that the General had decided upon, the bone white undercoat showing through on some of the joints of the armour. The single new figure in the room was slightly smaller than Theoderaf, but still towered about the Astartes around him. Theoderaf studied his armour, judging that it would allow the Primarch a significant amount of mobility over protection, mentally logging the information for the future. Theoderaf stood to meet the figure, his honour guard forming a line behind him, nodding at several of the Astartes they knew beside the General. Theoderaf and the Red Eyes bowed respectfully, and the General and the now-named Warriors of Peace bowed back. Theoderaf studied the General’s face, but it was like a mask that gave nothing any. *Very astute, this one is not as naive as some of the others.* The General had not even reacted to Theoderaf’s entrance, his aura of fear seemingly having no effect on him.

“Greetings, brother. How should I address you?” started Theoderaf with his strong, resonant voice.

“I have heard others call me “The Jade General”. That will suffice.” The General replied in a curt fashion. His tone was carefully measured, but in a way that felt natural to Theoderaf, making him think that this was how he had been speaking his whole life. “My officers have informed me of you, Theoderaf of the IVth legion. You have a fearsome reputation that precedes you.” If this had been Alexandros, that would have been followed by a smile. The General’s stoic face gave Theoderaf no hint of his intention behind the statement.

*At least with Alexandros I know where I stand.*

“Your compliances since rejoining your legion have been stellar, your discovery is a great boon to the Imperium. I hope we can soon work together in a compliance.” The General gave a single nod.

“I hope to serve alongside all Primarchs in good time.” *Was this brother as devoid of emotion as he really put on? Or was this an elaboration ruse?*

“I have heard tales of your exploits on your homeworld, I am most impressed by your campaign against the psyker hordes. Having served alongside some of your sons, I have seen firsthand the effect they have on psychic beings, it is most intriguing.”

The General bristled ever so slightly. Not enough to be perceptible to most mortals or even Astartes, but having known his other brothers Theoderaf had learned about the humanity of Primarchs. “The unnatural abominations must be put down to protect the whole world. I am glad that my gene-progenies have exhibited this across the galaxy. I plan to continue this in joining the Great Crusade.” Theoderaf could see a spark of emotion run across the General’s face, the first sign of emotion he had seen from him. He smiled to himself. *Finally.*

“I’m glad to meet you, General. I will try and arrange a campaign soon, I am looking forward to getting to know you more.” He extended his arm to grasp the General’s arm. The General paused, stared at Theoderaf and after a second or two took his arm.