Chapter 27

(Leman Russ POV)

"We need to talk about something important," I said struggling to find the right words.

"What's bothering you, I'm listening," my father replied, looking me in the eye with concern.

He knew the moment had come to confess his deepest concerns and his most dangerous secret to his father, the Emperor. His two hearts wanted to jump out of his chest as they stared into each other's eyes for several minutes.

He rubbed nervously, aware that he was putting his life on the line. He was brave, fearless, but deep inside he carried the fear that he and his legion would be forgotten or even removed after their usefulness had expired.

His father stood opposite him, his gaze filled with interest and attention. He was his father not only by blood, but also by soul, a strong leader and a source of wisdom. Leman admired his father's courage and wisdom, but now it took his own courage to express his fear.

Looking at his father, whose shiny armor reflected around the cave, he swallowed the lump in his throat and broke the long silence "Father, I have to be honest with you. I orchestrated everything about your arrival on Fenris and the kraken hunt that brought us here. But most importantly, my spaceships are the cause of this sudden storm. It was my doing, and I bear the responsibility for it."

His father looked at him with a surprised look and his eyes were wide open in shock "My son, why did you organize all this? Why did you bring us here? We could have talked in your private quarters."

"I wanted it to be in the silence of nature," he said quietly as he moved closer to his father a few feet away, "I need to talk to you about something that's been bothering me. I'm afraid my legion will be purged after the war is over. I need to know where we stand after the unification is over. Do we have a future in the Empire?  I fear that we will be forgotten, that we will be purged, erased from history, and replaced. I thought that if I brought you here, to this quiet place, then we would have a safe place to talk . I just want to know that we are important, that our legion and our role survive".

"Leman, my son, I understand your fears. But you must believe in me. The Imperium is built on a foundation of courage, loyalty, and devotion," his father said after a few moments, completely calm.

He looked at his father with wide eyes, his gaze filled with a combination of fear and determination. "But father, are we merely a means to your vision of galactic unification? Will we be forgotten or cast aside after you have achieved your goal?"

His father looked deep into his eyes and put a hand on his shoulders. "Leman, your legion is key to our success. Your warriors are among the best, brave and steadfast, and your leadership is invaluable. You are and always will be an important part of my vision and the future of the Imperium."

Fear still didn't pass him and he didn't know if he could trust his father "How do I know you're telling the truth?".

"Leman, your fear is understandable, but you must understand: you are my son, the commander of one of the most powerful legions. You and your soldiers have always held an important place in my heart and in our Empire. Your legion has always been known for courage, loyalty and abilities. Our future depends on those values. When the war is over, the legions should serve as protectors of our territory and escort in future wars. Your place is part of our history and together we will build the future." His father said with warmth in his voice.

He tried to suppress his doubts, but the fear still remained deep in his heart. "But we are only soldiers. How can we find our place in the Empire that will be formed after unification? Can anyone need us as much as they do now?"

A warm smile spread across his father's face "Leman, the Legions are not just super soldiers. They are the epitome of courage, strength and loyalty. Your skills and abilities will always be in demand in the Imperium, whether it's to keep the peace, expand territory, or fight against internal threats. They are the heart and soul of all humanity."

He felt the warmth of his father's words and their truth and said sincerely "I believe you".

He looked down at his hands, worried about what he was going to say next. He felt somewhat relieved, but there was still a hint of fear in him.

The ambient sounds of the wind and the endless sound of ice cracking outside the cave created a tension that matched that of his thoughts. Him eyes were clouded with fear and worry.

He felt relieved at his father's words, but he also felt like he was walking on glass as he was about to reveal his secret. "Father, my fear is not just about the fate of me and my legion. I have something else to tell you. I have fallen in love.

His father's eyebrows rose slightly in surprise, but he remained silent, waiting for him to finish.

"Her name is Brenda, and every time I'm in her company, I feel truly alive," he continued, trying to find the right words to convey the depth of his feelings to his father. "She inspires me to be more, to be better. I would like to share my life with her. I need your approval and blessing, father."

His father remained silent for a while, digesting his words. He finally spoke with pride in his voice. "Leman, love is what makes us human. If you have found true love in this woman, I can give you nothing more than my support. Your happiness is the most important thing. But, you must be ready for all the challenges that may lie ahead" .

He straightened up and replied "I worry about our future, father. The thought that my relationship with Brenda could threaten our Legion and Imperium strikes fear into me. Yet at the same time, love for her seems to envelop an important part of my soul."

His gaze focused entirely on him, as if trying to penetrate his soul. "Leman, those are big words you said," his father said slowly. "I'm going to ask you something - are you sure about your feelings for this woman? And if you are, are you ready to face the responsibilities that will bring?"

He threw his head back, took a deep breath, then answered firmly, "Yes, father. I am sure of my feelings for her and I am ready to face whatever consequences that may bring."

His father smiled, his eyes filled with pride as he reached out his arms and pulled him into a warm embrace and answered with love in his voice "You have my blessing"

He felt relief as the pressure of fear and guilt eased. His father's words were filled with understanding and happiness, much more than he expected from him.

As they embraced, the ice storm slowly subsided, leaving room for peace and quiet.