//------------------------------// // Part 1 Where Are We? // Story: Abaddon the Redeemer in Equestria // by CC12-06 //------------------------------// A clearing in the Everfree Forest “What happened?” was the first thought that entered the mind of Ezekyle Abaddon as he awoke. The first thing he noticed was the immense headache he felt, the first of its kind since he had battled that Daemon Prince during the Battle of Luna. Then he slowly opened his eyes and saw that he was looking up at a picturesque blue sky that would have been the equal of those seen on any Imperial paradise world. Why was he lying down on the ground? How was he alive? He was certain that he was as he could see, feel and hear the world around him as the ringing in his ears died down. The last thing he remembered was speaking with his father for what he knew to be the last time before the Ork attack planet exploded underneath him and his -HIS BROTHERS! Immediately he raised himself off the ground, such a thing would have been impossible for any regular marine in Cataphractii Terminator armor, but the events on Terra’s moon during the Solar Chaos Incursion, had turned him into a being closer to that of a Primarch than any other Space Marine within his legion. Instantly, he saw all of his fellow Justaerin, minus the youngest of their number who he had ordered to escape with their cousins from the Lightning Riders and Primarch Tengri Khagan, fully incased in their iconic black war plate, except for an apothecary. Among them were the Tech-priests from the Mechanicum detachment that were a part of the strike force sent to rig the Ork superweapon to explode, but none of their servitors. All of them were on their backs, unmoving, the helmets they wore preventing him from hearing if they still breathed. Rushing to the nearest of his brothers, he attempted to lift him from the earth back upon his feet. To Abaddon’s relief, he heard a vox distorted groan from the legionary as his brother awoke much the same way he had. With an intense headache. Ezekyle Abaddon: Brother! You are alive and that brings me great joy, but first we must aid our brethren. The Terminator nodded in response and with that they went to help their brothers. Every Lunar Templar found alive brought ease to his twin hearts, but war is never merciful. Eventually, the first casualty was found and declared killed in action, causing a shadow to fall across all those who had regained consciousness. However, with the stoicism of the Imperium’s finest warriors they continued with their task, the time to grieve would come later. In the end, four Battle-Brothers and one Marshall Sergeant were found dead. That left 96 astartes including the apothecary and himself. Three Tech-priests were also discovered to still live. Losses had been counted to be five KIA and one MIA presumed alive. The first order Abaddon gave after all personnel had been accounted for, was for attempted contact to be made to any nearby Imperial forces over the vox. No contact could be made though, in fact, no signals could be picked up at all. Concluding the obvious, that somehow they had been transported to an as of yet undiscovered planet, he gave the order for the contingency plan for any Imperial forces who found themselves stranded. The plan had been made in case any unfortunate souls encountered dangerous warp phenomena and cut off from the rest of the Imperium. The supplies were checked and the reports came back better than he had expected. The armor of all those who still walked were functioning with only superficial and minor damage the Tech-priests stated that they could restore to their previous condition by scavenging the armor of the fallen. All the ammunition and provisions that they had not spent or consumed, had apparently been brought here with them. Their weapons too, had been carried along as well and they would only require some maintenance. As Abaddon was looking over these reports, the lone apothecary, the only one of them equipped with Mark II Legio armor (basically mk 4 Maximus armor) instead of Tactical Dreadnought Armor, came up to him. Normally, an ordinary apothecary wouldn’t have the authority to speak to what was effectively the second in command of the 16th Legion, but this one was, other than himself, the oldest brother present and had volunteered to join the mission even though all knew it was most likely a one way journey. Therefore, he respected the medical practitioner and he was never one to pull rank. Apothecary: Captain, may I make a recommendation. Ezekyle Abaddon: Any insights would be welcome, Brother. Apothecary: Thank you, Brother, I have noticed that the biosphere of this world is suitable for human life, more than that, it is ideal. Furthermore, it’s environment bears an uncanny resemblance to that of Mother Terra in ancient pict-casts. Ezekyle Abaddon: I have noticed as well, your point? Apothecary: Captain, I suggest that a scouting party be formed, the world might be inhabited by humans that have not yet industrialized, which would explain the complete absence of pollution and vox signals. This would be of great help to us if we could convince them to join the Imperium and would allow us to continue our duty. “Hmm” he pondered over the apothecary’s words. They had merit and were reasonable, backed by logic and what little information of this world that they had gathered. He nodded after carefully considering his options, it was the best course of action other than staying here and awaiting whatever fate had in store for them. Ezekyle Abaddon: Agreed Apothecary: Then I shall organize a scouting party at once- Ezekyle Abaddon: No. Apothecary: Captain? Ezekyle Abaddon: I will lead the scouting party. The apothecary’s eyes widened slightly. Ezekyle Abaddon: You disapprove, Brother and I understand, but a leader must lead by example and you, as the only one amongst us who bear the secrets of our geneseed, are too invaluable to risk death or worse, capture. At this, the apothecary could only lower his head and nod. Abaddon placed a reassuring power armored hand upon the shoulder of his brother and spoke. Exekyle Abaddon: Form a defensive perimeter here for now Brother, I will send hourly reports over the vox link, if I miss a report, you may organize a search party. The apothecary looked at his First Captain with a resigned expression upon his face. Apothecary: Very well Captain, permission to extract the geneseed of our honored slain. Ezekyle Abaddon: Granted. The apothecary saluted him with a fist thrust over his heart and he returned the gesture before they parted. He informed the First Marshal Sergeant of the Justaerin of his intent, and although he seemed skeptical of the plan, he nonetheless trusted in his Captain, accepting temporary command over the Company. Then, he chose four Battle-Brothers to join him and they left the clearing and into the surrounding woodland. With that, the Emperor’s grand-genesons set out to make first contact with the inhabitants of this world that will start a journey filled with trials of friendship, love, discovery and finally, home. Comments would be appreciated