Chapter 70: Talks

Amidst the vast expanse of space, the steadfast vessel "Endurance" floated gracefully among the stars.

It resembled a dagger in the hands of the Grim Reaper, silently awaiting its next kill.

Countless individuals moved about its hull, scurrying like ants.

In a concealed, inconspicuous corner of the ship, a conversation of paramount importance to the fate of the entire legion was taking place.

Hades faced the assembly, letting out a deep sigh.

"I will speak with Mortarion," he declared. "I'll do my best, I swear."

Grateful eyes turned to him. Barasin spoke, "We thank you for this."

It seemed the conversation would end there, but Barasin continued, "Hades, what are your plans for the future? I've heard you have a keen interest in the Forge Division."

Joining the Forge Division would drastically change a Space Marine's career trajectory and standing within the legion. Unlike the Iron Hands or Iron Warriors, Techmarines and Master Artificers held significant prestige, often ascending to leadership roles. The Death Guard's Techmarines, however, had always been marginalized.

Yet, from previous observations, Hades had shown a profound passion for the Forge Division.

Barasin had initially wanted Hades to join the leadership ranks, which would mean Hades would have to abandon the path of the Techmarine. But now, if Hades didn't wish to join the leadership, aiding his entry into the Forge Division would be doing him a favor.

More importantly, as a Techmarine, even if Hades gained significant prestige within the Terra forces, he could only assist the legion in a technical capacity and wouldn't be directly involved in legion management. This was another form of constraint, or perhaps, insurance.

Hades, upon hearing Barasin's words, appeared contemplative.

For Hades, he had always leaned towards being a reclusive tech enthusiast, solving problems with his technical prowess. His experiences on Barbarus taught him that without proper equipment, they couldn't have defeated the xenos lord, Necare.

Even in this world, where psychic powers were rampant and the Warp was a reality, Hades yearned for the power of technology. Although here, the widespread use of advanced equipment wasn't just about research; it involved material supply, forging, allocation, and approval.

Yet, Hades felt that if he could develop new technologies, it would be a wonderful achievement.

If he remained a Space Marine, his pinnacle would be just below the Primarch, serving as a legion's second-in-command, influencing its future campaigns. But as a Techmarine, in a sense, a grease monkey, his potential could rival that of – Belisarius Cawl!

Jokingly, without any traitors, and with a touch of Warhammer humor, one could always produce more Primaris Space Marines to solve any problem.

But in all seriousness, as a Techmarine, if Hades developed new technologies and chose to share them, the wars he could "participate" in would extend beyond his own legion's experiences. Every bullet fired from a weapon he designed would carry a piece of his soul.

Even if one were to fight day in and day out, the impact would be limited. But with a single lance of light...

Hades realized that as a Techmarine, he could maximize his abilities in a much grander sense. This wasn't just about tangible benefits but a pursuit of personal ideals.

So, he declared, "Yes, based on my abilities and desires, I truly wish to become a Techmarine."

Barasin smiled, "Very well, I'll convey your wishes to the Forge Division. However," he added with a change in tone, "to become a Techmarine, you'll need to study on Mars for at least thirty Terran years. There's a transport fleet from Mars arriving soon. You can leave with them in two months. This might mean you'll miss part of the Death Guard's integration period. But if you wish to stay, you can wait for the next Martian envoy."

But Hades's thoughts were elsewhere.

Mars. That meant he could catch a glimpse of Terra, or rather, Earth. A pang of longing hit Hades. As someone inexplicably thrown into this strange and brutal world, every time he felt overwhelmed, the image of that blue planet, his dreamy homeland, would echo in his heart.

He had to go. He had to see Earth.

Even now, Hades wasn't sure if he had traveled across worlds or time. Perhaps a glimpse of Terra would provide clarity? This was one of his few remaining personal desires.

However, a sudden realization struck Hades.

"Studying on Mars requires at least thirty Terran years?" he inquired.

"Yes," Barasin replied, looking puzzled.

Would Mortarion even allow him to go?

It seemed he needed to have a serious talk with Mortarion. As for whether to go to Mars now, Hades was inclined to leave immediately. Missing training didn't matter much, but he didn't want to miss the Death Guard's first campaign – the Battle of Galaspar. This battle was a turning point for both the Death Guard and Mortarion. Hades

didn't want to miss it.

"I wish to leave soon, without delay," Hades stated.

"Very well," Barasin nodded, "Also," his expression turned serious again, "Between Calas and Vox, who would you recommend?"

Hades was taken aback. Were they already seeking his counsel?

Without hesitation, knowing that every second of delay was a failure on his part, Hades responded, "Vox."

Even though Calas Typhon had not yet betrayed them and remained loyal, with his own views and character, to Hades, he was a ticking time bomb.

Hades had to set up safeguards in advance to minimize potential damage.

Barasin looked at Hades, pondering. Vox, the First Company's backup captain, seemed to be the choice. Barasin had initially favored Calas, but after the psychic incident in the dueling cage, he had become uncertain. While Calas had a good relationship with the Primarch, his character and actions didn't instill confidence in Barasin to entrust him with such a position.

Vox, on the other hand, while not as close to the Primarch, might be a better fit in terms of ability, strategy, and control.

In truth, deep down, Barasin sighed. The position should have been Hades's. But since they had reached an agreement, there was no need for further discussion.

At the end of the meeting, Barasin mentioned, "Chief Librarian Fernando has recently requested a meeting with you. It might be a good idea to see him. He might want to apologize."

Hades pondered. An apology?