The Primarch of Liberty

Chapter 86: The Phoenician and the Eagle

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The strategium aboard the Etna, Franklin's Forge Ship and temporary flagship while Sweet Liberty underwent its overhaul, buzzed softly with the hum of hololithic displays. Azure light from the projections bathed the room, flickering across the faces of the two Primarchs. Star charts and tactical overlays floated in the air, mapping out the intricacies of the coming campaign against the Ork empire. Fulgrim sat with impeccable grace, his posture flawless despite the veil of boredom clearly shadowing his expression. His fingers tapped a delicate, rhythmic pattern on the obsidian table - not out of impatience, but from an innate compulsion to find harmony in all things.

Franklin continued his lecture, gesturing to various tactical displays. "The key to winning wars isn't just about the biggest guns, brother. It's about responsibility to your men, extensive logistics and duty to-" He noticed Fulgrim's eyes glazing over at the mention of duty, though the Phoenician's attention snapped back whenever specific battle plans were mentioned.

It was like watching a gifted student who believed himself already beyond his teacher's wisdom.

The Emperor's Children's Primarch affected polite interest, his voice smooth as Chemodian silk. "Yes, of course. The responsibility to achieve the perfect victory, the duty to execute flawless strategy." He gestured to a particular tactical display. "If we adjust the assault pattern here, we could achieve a more elegant solution..."

"The Orks have fortified these key systems," Franklin pointed out, manipulating the holographic display. "Their empire may be crude, but never underestimate-"

"Their capacity for violence, yes, brother," Fulgrim interrupted, his voice carrying that musical quality that made even interruption seem graceful. "The strategic elements are clear enough. But surely you don't mean to suggest we approach this without style? The Emperor's Children will transform this campaign into an artwork of warfare."

Franklin paused, studying his brother. The knowledge of potential futures weighed heavy on his shoulders - futures where this beautiful, proud being before him would fall so far. He shut down the tactical displays with a gesture, leaving only the void visible through the strategium's viewing ports. The sudden darkness drew Fulgrim's full attention.

"Tell me, Fulgrim," he said, his voice carrying none of its usual mirth, "what would happen if your pursuit of perfection led to the ruin of your legion?"

The question landed like a physical blow. Fulgrim's carefully constructed expression slipped for just a moment, revealing something raw and uncertain beneath. He recovered quickly, but his response came slower than his usual swift repartee.

"Impossible," he said at last, but there was a new tension in his perfect posture. "Perfection is the path to elevation. How could striving for the highest ideals possibly lead to ruin?"

"Because perfection," Franklin replied, letting each word fall like a hammer strike, "is a destination that doesn't exist. It's a horizon that keeps receding no matter how fast you run toward it."

Fulgrim's face flushed slightly, the first crack in his composure. "You sound like the dull bureaucrats of Chemos, content with mere adequacy. Would you have us aim for mediocrity then, brother?"

"I would have you aim for excellence while remembering that your sons are warriors, not art pieces." Franklin gestured to the battle display. "Each dot here represents real lives - both those we'll save and those we'll take. This isn't a canvas for your aesthetic ambitions, Fulgrim. It's a battlefield where your decisions will echo in the blood and bone of your legion."

Standing abruptly, Fulgrim began to pace the strategium, his controlled movements now tinged with a frustration that his composed voice could barely mask. "We are the Emperor's Children - one of only two Legions granted the honor of wearing the Imperial Aquila. How can we be anything less than perfect?"

Franklin watched him closely, his gaze steady. "There's a difference," he replied softly, "between striving for excellence and being consumed by the pursuit of perfection. One pushes you forward; the other consumes you."

"We are the Emperor's Children, named by the Master of Mankind himself. Our pursuit of perfection honors that name - honors Him."

Franklin's voice was calm but laced with a quiet intensity. "And if that pursuit becomes a chain rather than a ladder? If it binds you instead of lifting you?"

Fulgrim spun to face his brother, a retort poised on his lips, but he faltered, halted by the expression on Franklin's face - free of judgment or reproach, only genuine concern. He hesitated, an unusual uncertainty crossing his features. "The pursuit of perfection is who we are. Who I am. Without it..."

"Without it," Franklin interjected softly, "you would still be my brother. Still the hero of Chemos. Still the Phoenician who raised his world from ashes."

Silence draped over them, and outside, the void stretched, infinite and unmoving. Fulgrim finally spoke, his voice barely above a whisper. "A Legion in ruins... No. I would never let that happen. My pursuit of perfection is meant to prevent such a fate, not cause it."

Franklin nodded thoughtfully. "Then remember this moment, brother. Perfection without purpose is just pride. And pride..." He let the words hang, heavy with unspoken meaning, and joined Fulgrim at the viewport, their reflections standing side by side in the dark expanse.

After a long pause, Franklin's voice broke the stillness. "I say this as someone who cares for his brother - and for his nephews. Excellence is built on dedication, discipline, and duty. Perfection... it's a siren song that lures ships to wreckage."

Fulgrim remained silent, his expression unreadable. When he finally spoke, a faint note of uncertainty touched his voice, one he'd never let anyone else hear. "And if one cannot distinguish between the two?"

"Then trust in those who care for you enough to tell you when you're veering toward those rocks," Franklin replied, resting a hand on his brother's shoulder.

Franklin didn't bet on these words to change Fulgrim overnight, but he hoped they would provide a lifeline when the tides turned. He understood that once Fulgrim was no longer under his wing, his brother's actions would no longer be dictated by their shared ideals or guidance. Knowing that, Franklin resolved to take measures to prevent his brother's fall, recognizing that he could not rely on words alone.

The war room aboard the Etna thrummed with tension as hololithic displays cast an eerie green glow across the assembled faces of war leaders. Space Marine captains from both the Liberty Eagles and Emperor's Children sat interspersed around the circular tactical table, their armor reflecting the light of countless star charts and battlefield projections. Franklin Valorian stood at the center, his massive frame dominating the space as he manipulated the holographic display with practiced ease. The image zoomed in on a star system, revealing a massive Ork fleet that hung in the void like a metal cloud of destruction.

"Welcome to Bloodskrag system," Franklin announced, his casual tone belying the gravity of the situation. "Or as the greenskins call it, 'Bludskrag.' Our quarry is an empire led by one Gorblasta the Mightee." He emphasized the misspelling with a slight smirk, though his eyes remained serious.

The gathered captains studied the tactical display intently. The Emperor's Children officers sat with perfect posture, their movements economical and precise, while the Liberty Eagles maintained their characteristic alert readiness.

"The only reason we're having this conversation without dodging Ork fire," Franklin continued, gesturing at the massive fleet before them, "is thanks to cloaking technology that's about ten thousand years ahead of anything these Orks could dream up. Maybe more, but who's counting?"

He expanded the display, revealing five planets orbiting a dying star. At the center, a jungle world rotated slowly, its surface a maze of crude Orkish construction and sprawling

wilderness.

"Their capital world - and yes, they actually named it 'Gorblasta Da Great.' I know, I know, the Orks won't be winning any literary prizes." A few chuckles rippled through the Liberty Eagles' ranks, while the Emperor's Children maintained their stoic demeanor.

The hologram shifted, displaying a massive debris field that encircled the jungle world like a belt of shrapnel and death. "This wreckzone is their first line of defense. Ork traps, gun platforms, and whatever else their demented minds could cobble together. Under normal circumstances, this would be a significant obstacle, but with our technology, we can punch

right through."

Franklin's expression grew more serious as he highlighted a shimmering field surrounding the planet. "Here's the real problem, brothers. This shield generator isn't Orkish tech. It's sophisticated, possibly human in origin. Our analysts believe there's an STC fragment down there - maybe even a complete STC. This is why we can't simply turn the planet into a debris field like we usually would with Ork infestations."

The display zoomed in further, showing massive gatherings of Orks across the system. Green dots representing Ork vessels were steadily streaming in from all directions, like iron filings

drawn to a magnet.

"Now for the time-sensitive part of our mission. Our friend Gorblasta is on the verge of becoming a Prime-Ork. For those unfamiliar with Ork biology, this means he's reaching a critical mass of both size and influence. His mere existence is acting as a beacon, drawing

more Orks to his banner."

The hologram projected a timeline, showing the exponential growth of the Ork forces. "By our calculations, we have approximately three Terran months before this becomes a full- fledged Waaagh!! When that happens, this localized problem becomes a sector-wide

catastrophe."

Franklin paused, letting the implications sink in. The gathered officers studied the projections with increasing gravity. Even the most composed Emperor's Children captain shifted uncomfortably at the numbers displayed.

"Our mission is threefold," Franklin continued, highlighting key tactical positions. "First, we punch through their outer defenses using our technological advantage. Second, we locate and secure the STC before it can be damaged in the fighting. Third, and most importantly, we eliminate Gorblasta before he can complete his transformation and launch his Waaagh!!" He swept his gaze across the assembled warriors, meeting each pair of eyes in turn. "Make no mistake, brothers. This isn't just another Ork cleanup operation. If we fail here, we'll be dealing with a Waaagh!! that could destabilize multiple sectors. The Emperor's Children will demonstrate their perfection in warfare, while the Liberty Eagles will show why we're the masters of overwhelming firepower."

The hologram shifted one final time, showing their fleet positions relative to the Ork armada. "We strike in six hours. Study your assignments, prepare your men, and remember - We're preventing a plague from spreading across the stars."

The briefing concluded with a flurry of activity as captains rose to prepare their forces. The war room emptied quickly, leaving Franklin studying the rotating image of Gorblasta Da Great, its crude Orkish construction methods barely concealing the sophisticated technology that lay hidden beneath its surface.

The strategium had emptied after the briefing, leaving only two demigod figures standing before the rotating hologram of Gorblasta's empire. Fulgrim's perfect features were arranged in what he believed to be an expression of casual confidence, but Franklin could see the

hungry gleam in his brother's eyes.

"Brother," Fulgrim began, his voice carrying that musical quality that made even simple requests sound like poetry, "I would lead the spearhead assault against the Warboss myself."

Franklin's eyebrow rose, studying his brother's face. There was no trace of doubt there, no hint of proper caution - only the absolute certainty of one who had never truly faced the horror of a Prime-Ork in its full fury. The raw destructive potential of an entity approaching

the ancient Krorks of old.

"A Prime-Ork isn't like the enemies you've faced before, Fulgrim," Franklin said carefully.

"They're not like the sword-dancers of Sulpha or the factory-lords of Chemos. They're living

engines of war."

Fulgrim's lip curled slightly. "Surely you don't suggest that one of these crude xenos could stand against a Primarch? Against the Emperor's Children?" Pride dripped from every word, sweet as honey and just as likely to attract flies.

Franklin felt Khaine's presence stir in his mind, like heat shimmer over a forge. "This one," the god's voice resonated in his thoughts, "would have fit right in among the proud ones of old. Give him knife-ears and he could pass for one of the Aeldari at their most insufferable." Outwardly, Franklin maintained his composed expression. "Very well, brother. But you must wait for reinforcements. This isn't about glory - it's about survival. If we fail here, the consequences will echo across sectors."

"Of course, of course," Fulgrim replied with a casual wave of his hand. "We shall wait for the

proper moment." But his eyes had already drifted to the tactical display showing Gorblasta's

position, and his fingers twitched ever so slightly - a warrior imagining his hand around a weapon's grip.

"I mean it, Fulgrim," Franklin pressed. "I've moved beyond the need for personal glory. This

is about protecting Imperial space from a genuine threat."

"Yes, yes," Fulgrim responded, already turning to leave. "We shall be careful, brother." His

tone carried the same attention one might give a particularly dull servant's warning about wet floor tiles.

As the door sealed behind Fulgrim's departing form, Khaine's presence surged in Franklin's

mind. "He will not listen", the god's voice rang with the certainty of one who had seen this play out countless times before. "His pride blinds him to the true nature of his foe. The Krorks of old

could challenge gods themselves, and even these lesser descendants retain echoes of that terrible

might." Franklin watched the tactical display, where the massive form of Gorblasta's crude empire sprawled across the hololithic projection. Memories not his own flickered through his mind visions of massive, technologically advanced Krork warriors battling against the Aeldari at the height of their power. The Orks might be a degraded shadow of their ancestors, but a Prime-Ork was a flickering ember of that ancient flame.

He will ignore your command, Khaine continued, his thoughts tinged with the weariness of one

who had watched pride destroy countless mighty warriors. He will seek out the Ork warlord alone, thinking to claim glory in single combat. Just as my children once thought themselves invincible, he believes his perfection makes him unbeatable.

"You could kill it yourself, you know," Khaine continued, a note of dark amusement in his mental

voice. "With my power flowing through you, even a true Krork would give pause. This... lesser thing would fall before your might. Only your father would have an easier time of it." "That's not the point," Franklin replied quietly. "Fulgrim needs to learn." "Learn he shall," Khaine's presence flickered with something like anticipation. "Though the

lesson may prove costly. Pride goes before a fall, as the humans say. We said something similar, once, before our own fall."

Franklin reached out, manipulating the tactical display to track potential intervention points. "We'll keep watch. The moment he makes his move..."

"You will save him from himself," Khaine concluded. "Just as your father seeks to save humanity

from itself. But remember, My Frie- Primarch, some lessons must be learned through blood and pain. It is not always kindness to prevent the consequences of one's actions." "Perhaps," Franklin agreed, already calculating deployment patterns that would allow rapid response

to wherever Fulgrim might strike. "But he's my brother. And I've seen where this path can lead." Franklin's lips curled into a faint smirk as he caught the hesitation earlier. "My friend, Khaine?" he echoed with playful emphasis. "I didn't realize I'd managed to sway the mighty God of War into such warm sentiments."

Khaine's tone narrowed, a flash of something sharp and fiery in their depths. "Do not

presume, Primarch," he retorted, voice like smoldering iron, though there was a hint of begrudging tolerance.

But Franklin's smile only widened. "Presume? Never. It's merely...refreshing to see that even

gods can slip."

Khaine acceded, ignoring the slip of the tongue earlier 'though I suspect Fulgrim will make this as difficult as possible. His kind always do.'

"Then we'll need to be ready," Franklin muttered, already adjusting contingency plans in his mind. "What would you suggest, old friend?"

Watch him, Khaine advised. The proud ones always move when they think your attention is elsewhere. They mistake caution for cowardice and wisdom for weakness. Your brother seeks to prove himself perfect and that desperate need will drive him to imperfection.

Franklin began inputting commands into the tactical array, positioning forces for what he suspected would come. "He's not just my brother," he said quietly. "He's my responsibility." As were my children once, Khaine's thoughts carried an edge of ancient sorrow. Some lessons can

only be learned through pain. Let us hope your brother's lesson does not cost as dearly as theirs did. Franklin began inputting commands into the tactical display, positioning reserve forces

where they could respond quickly to any rash advances. The image of the Ork empire rotated slowly before him, its crude construction belying the lethal threat it represented. Somewhere in those depths, a Prime-Ork waited, and Franklin's brother was almost certainly planning to

face it far sooner than ordered.

The hololithic display cast stark shadows across Franklin's features as he continued his preparations. Someone would need to be ready when Fulgrim's pride inevitably outweighed his patience. The only question was whether they could reach him before that pride extracted its terrible price.