The Lawman: Chapter 2

To Face One's Fear

The last few months have been a wild ride for Morisson. From making contact with the Imperium of Mankind and finally meeting his "father" and brother, to hashing out the details to his daughters education, safety and their very future, he had barely time to breathe. He knew that this day would come the very moment he woke up in this world and saw its alien sky but it simply was an entirely matter living through it.

Gazing up to the clear night sky as the Iron Ring came to view, he could see new stars joining in the constellations above. While he had been preoccupied with domestic matters, the galaxy kept turning and now his legion was on his proverbial doorsteps. A couple thousand men, marines, he quickly reminded himself, his loyal soldiers and his children as well.

"We're really doing this, aren't we?" He whispered as he leaned back against his seat before grabbing his drink from the table beside him. Nursing the warm cup of milk between his calloused hands, he then brought it up to his lips before taking small sips, savoring the creamy drink as the cold evening breeze blew across the empty plains.

Sitting there by his lonesome on his home porch, he found solace in his solitude. Hearing the soft rustling of grass along with the howls of the Carcan jackals in the distance, he pondered on what was to come. With his father's arrival, the call to service finally came.

He was finally taking a step from the stars that became his home in this hostile Galaxy; Joining the Great Crusade as one of its greatest champions while leaving his family behind. His wives, his daughter, all that he cared for would stay here while he served a "great cause". War was coming and now it would be on his shoulders if it ever comes to his home.

He frowned as he felt the heavy weight settling upon his stomach while his twin hearts thrum inside his chest, "It never gets easier," He muttered, dreading the fight ahead. Feeling the iron strapped to his hips, he now hoped that he still got what it takes.

The silence would soon be disturbed as he heard the door open and the screen door squeak. Turning, he found his brother glancing towards him. Despite wearing the wife beater and denim he lent, the man looked just as regal as he was in his armor. Warp fuckery, he swore.|

Holding up his drink, he then asked, "Care to join me Horus?" before gesturing at the bottle of milk he brought with him. He had a feeling that he was going to talk to someone tonight so he was glad he brought some extra along.

The man smiled back as he shook his head, "I'm just having a bit of fresh air to clear my mind brother," before he replied. Stepping out and closing the door behind him, he leaned against the wall as he looked out towards the paddocks.

Morrison snorted as he let out a wry grin before he leaned forward, resting his elbows against his thighs, "Heh, seems like we're in the same wagon," he commented. Misery does love company.

Quirking a brow at him, his brother then asked, "Is there something troubling you brother?," concern coloring his tone.

"You can say that," He answered guardedly before taking another sip from his drink, "I just have a lot of things in my mind right now, that's all," he waved off his brother's concern. He liked Horus. He wasn't as half bad as he thought he'd be, far more down to earth than their maker.

He felt more like an old friend than a stranger but he didn't want to grow too close. It was almost too easy for Morrisson to forget that this man could bring ruin to it all… but that had yet to come to pass, yes? Things were already changing and maybe, just maybe the worse would not come to pass. Perhaps he was being too biased but best to keep distance for now.

His brother however would prove to be quite insistent as he prodded him, "Anxious about meeting your legion perhaps?" asking him with a soft, teasing smile on his face.

Morrison stayed silent for a bit before he sighed. He really can't hate this man no matter what he does. He'll just deal with it when it comes. This man was still his brother after all and maybe he could actually make a difference here.

Shaking his head, he replied "Nah, though I do have to say…" Pausing briefly as he stroked his stubbles before he grinned, "I've always thought I'd have a big family but never a legion's worth of children," What was a Space Marine to his Primarch if not a son?

Horus chuckled as he assured him, "It's not that bad brother," gesturing up stairs, he pointed out, "You do have experience and unlike us, you have your wives to help you raise them."

Both of them shared a laugh at that. Now that Horus put it that way, it really wasn't that bad. "At least I wouldn't have to chase off any would be suitors," He then said, "And trust me, they can be quite annoying. Just ask Eve about hers. I had to chase them off and we were already married at that point!" he shared as he remembered his own misadventures before he settled down.

"Perhaps when I finally have my chance to continue teaching my niece," His brother would then reply as he pushed off against the wall and stretched.

Morrison soon found his smile slipping as he nodded, "So, going back to the war?" He then asked, dreading his own deployment. He still had his Legion to train on his ways and daughters to raise. Horus… Horus had always been at war, by their father's side since the beginning. It wasn't all too hard to see why his brother would take the Emperor leaving as a betrayal because that was all he knew what to do, wage war.

"I've heard father talking about returning to the great crusade now that things finally settled down," he shared. While his daughters would want their grandfather around, the Imperium still needs its master. There is still a Crusade that they would have to finish.

His brother nodded as he told him, "I wish I could have more time to spend with your daughters, I truly do," smiling fondly, the man then shared, "Despite how rambunctious the two can get, they are endearing in their innocence and their boundless curiosity."

That sounds about right, Morrison thought. Sighing sadly, his brother then said, "I see why you're so fond of them but duty calls," before he gazed up to the new stars above the sky. The Imperial Fleet awaits, ready to ferry the Auxilia along with the rest of the Luna Wolves.

"The Imperial war machine needs its future warmaster," He then replied. This had been one of the surprises that their meeting had brought. It was still early in the war and their father had already hinted that he was going to leave. Perhaps with a clearer head, Horus would understand.

Turning to his brother, they nodded before the man replied, "And Luna Wolves need their father with them in the field of war."

Morrison grinned as he raised a toast to the other man. "Take care out there Horus," He told the man before adding, "My daughter would hate to hear about their Uncle getting hurt." Trying to avert what was already in motion was going to be a pain but he'll do what he can, Morrison promised himself.

His brother grinned at the jest as he said, "Really Morrison?" his brother's eyes lighting up in amusement before they light heartedly threatened, "Perhaps I should send you a trophy from one of the many worlds I'd conquer while you train your legion. There should be enough treasure in their vaults to fund the construction of a candy palace."

He laughed before warning the man, "Don't let my daughters hear that or you'll never hear the end of it," If there was one thing that he knew his daughter would absolutely go crazy for, it was sweets. All of them would have no piece of mind if they ever get their hands on that much sugar.

Turning his gaze to the sky, he saw the shadow looming over the ring already past the peak, "It's getting late Horus and you still have a long trip ahead of you," He reminded the man, "Why don't you go back inside and have more rest?," A weary mind would not be the best especially with the long road he'll have to take. The warp is finicky if not outright hostile.

The man paused before he nodded reluctantly, "Very well," The man told him as he walked towards the door. Just as he opened them and stepped inside, he said his goodbyes, "Good Night Morrison," before they slipped back inside.

"Put some extra protection against knives! You never know!" He whispered loudly, hearing the man's chuckle until all that was left was himself and the erstwhile guest standing over to the shadows. It wasn't too hard smelling the pure scent of golden fire mixed in with some acrid brimstone. Frowning, he reached for his bottle of milk and served them a drink of their own.

"You can come out now," He told his father as he refilled his drink. He had a feeling that this was going to be a long talk as the man stepped out towards the light, "I know my house well enough to know when somebody's eavesdropping…" and what he brought with him made him pause.

"So it would seem," His father replied before tossing the decapitated bird-like head of a daemon out towards the lawn. With a snap of a finger, the vile blue blood in the man's armored hands burnt along with the head as they were reduced to nothing but ass.

"Ah, those fuckers huh," He muttered, kicking himself for missing that one out of all things. "I thought banishing those three should have sent the rest packing," he then said as he felt for the scars in his hands, feeling the burning even after all these years.

"Perhaps for a time," His father would reply as he walked over and sat beside him. Taking his glass, he took a sip before reminding him, "But you're among your brothers should know how persistent they can be," making him shudder in fear.

He knew the go… no, man meant well but he could never look up those terrible golden eyes for too long. He felt naked, like his soul was laid bare. Then again, this was the Emperor, the being that "created" him. He had probably already seen what he was… but the fear still lingered.

"Yeah," He nodded as he stared out into the wild. For a moment, they sat together in silence, sharing their drinks as the world passed by. He was afraid, terrified even… far more than the Daemon that he had faced yet at the same time, he knew he should be afraid. The more he stayed ignorant, the more this fear would grow to control him. He needed to face it head on. The man was here, all he had to do was ask, so he did, "So, how much do you know?"

The man turned and gazed towards him. He could feel the weight of the world on him as the man's presence loomed nearby. He didn't need to tap into his gifts to know that they were more than any he'd ever known, even far beyond the capabilities of his Dhrukari wife.

As soon as it came however, it passed as they replied, "I know, but that doesn't change that you are still my son," Morrison froze as he felt the man's hands on his shoulder, patting him before they pulled away, "You might not have wanted this mantle but you've taken it quite admirably," His father praised him before adding, "While many would have broken, you succeeded and now you stand before me as my Primarch."

At his father's praise, Morrison found himself letting out the breath that he had been holding as he chuckled, "That's certainly a roundabout way of saying you're proud of me," Of all the things he could have feared, it had to be the silliest things. The man had already seen the federation he had made with loyal xenos under its banner, his lovers, and even his children. Why did he fear his own true nature if the man hadn't even flinched at the sight of those three.

Looking down on his drink he then asked, "But kidding aside, have you taken a peek inside here?" The man might have accepted his strange origins… but had the man seen it already? Or perhaps he simply knew; That his senses were that much greater than his own?

"I have not," The man casually replied before he lectured him, "Why ruin the trust you have right now for simple short term gains? Trust is a valuable resource and I have barely enough to burn the bridge we have so far," Now that his father put it that way, his fear does sound more like paranoia but could he be faulted for thinking such in this galaxy? "I know that you'll eventually tell me eventually and all I have to do is wait."

Taking another sip, he then said, "If I would have peeked, you would have known," before he asked him, "I am but a man, my son. I am not flawless as to leave without a trace against a mind that has been hardened against the influence of the warp."

Morrison snorted he replied, "You're not as bad as they make you out to be," He had always imagined the man as a monolithic being, one so terrible and perfect yet here he was, surprisingly considerate to him. Perhaps he treated him differently because of what he is, or perhaps it was just deception. Still, it was a gesture he appreciated.

"They're stories my son," His father lightly scolded him as he gave him a soft smile, "Nothing is written in stone just yet," He then replied, reminding him of the future ahead. Yes… they were not yet truly written yet, weren't they? Only a fool would truly believe in fate.

"But a possible future is still worth a look," He then said. It might just be a possible future but it was still a future that could be learned from. Things can change but the intentions could remain the same. There were actors he could take action against, scenes and stories he could cut before they even happen, and most importantly of all, spit upon the face of the self proclaimed master of fate, "So pops, where should we start?"

The man set aside his drink before leaning forward, giving him his entire attention as he commanded, "From the very beginning."

"Then I'll start when it all starts falling apart, during the Triumph of Ullanor…" There would be no more questions between them, no more hesitations as Morrison told him a tale of what would come to be and what would not, of a future that had now been lost in his wake. He told the Emperor of glory, of triumph of a dream that was almost achieved and of bitter betrayal as everything fell apart.

Of how the cruel laughter of daemon claiming to be gods filled the air and how a heresy whose consequence would echo down the ages would set the galaxy ablaze. It was a terrible story, a story he wished would never come to pass; Not when he was still around to do something about it.

-x-x-x-

It would take much of the night but eventually he shared all that he knew. There were still holes to his story, gaps borne from the finer details being missed, but it was a complete enough story for him to finish. "And that's how the story ends," He concluded, "You're soul shattered, your body broken, and only your will to hold yourself together as you sat upon the Golden Throne."

"With the Warmaster killed, the traitor legions scattered leaving a husk of the great Imperium. A sad tale compared to what could have been," He whispered, feeling sorrow just from the thought alone. Of how great men could be reduced to such all because of the terrible desires of the beings that preyed on their souls.

"There's still the 40th millennium to talk about but that might be a story for another time," He added. The Necrons and Tyrannids would have to wait, not when they still have the likes of the Four lurking just beyond the senses; their terrible plans already in action, ready to rip the galaxy apart in twine.

Turning to his father, he then asked, "So, what do you think?" but he would be met with an almost oppressive silence. He couldn't fault the man however. He had long suspected that the man knew how things would go but not how it would come to be. Now that he had heard his tale, how his dreams would get undone by his greatest creation, it was no wonder.

Deep in his thoughts, the man would stay silent. Only the frown marring his regal features betrayed the feeling brewing underneath it all. There will be no outburst however as his father would let out a sigh of mild disappointment and frustration, "It's far from what I wish it'd go," yet their eyes remained hard, their will unbroken, "But now, the water's are not so murky as they once were."

Erebus, Typhus, and so many more. People closest to the primarchs, those that they trusted would end up betraying the Imperium. The Imperium was not by any means perfect and the Emperor had flaws but compared to what Chaos offered, it would have been far better.

"They're going to ruin everything," He whispered, feeling hate burning in his chest. The effects of the heresy still ripples through the 40th millenia and who's to say that such would not come to pass here if he allowed the heresy to happen. His little corner of the galaxy would not come out of this unharmed, "But we can turn things around," Things had to change and chance would have it that he had the tools in hand.

He was no mere mortal, he was a Primarch. Resting his hands on his iron, he had a few people on his crosshairs. As if reading his mind however, his father would advise against it, "As much as I'd wish it was that simple, a few deaths wouldn't change it," reaching out to him, his father then said, "Patience. The time for reckoning would come but it's not yet time. Those who might fall might change."

"That is certainly true," He relented reluctantly, They still had time but he couldn't find himself standing idly just yet, "But we can work on the things we do know that we can change," there were things that can be addressed now rather than allowed to fester and he had already something in mind, "The mutations and flaws amongst the most vulnerable of the legions for starters," He told his father.

The Flesh Change of the Thousand Sons, the Wulfen of the Space Wolves, and the instability lurking within the Blood Angels. A whole host of problems that could turn them against the very empire. As a father, he knows all too well the length that he'd do to save his children and he wouldn't expect anything less from his brother.

His fathers frown deepened as the man rested his chin against his fist, "It would take time to deal with such matters," He replied, time away from the Crusades being left unsaid.

Morrison found himself frowning as well at his fathers reluctance but he could see his cold calculating logic. The Crusades were in full swing and having multiple legions taken from the fighting could take wind from the fight. However, the long term consequence was far too much.

"But they need it father," He insisted, pushing for the issue, "It might not be immediate but having their fears alleviated could take some wind from what the powers would cook up for the future," He then suggested, "Just talk to my brothers, let them know that they have nothing to fear," A talk could go a long way for any of his brothers, especially those most vulnerable.

Thankfully, his father would see reason as he nodded, "Alright, I will talk to them," It was not a promise of fixing the issue now but it was something. He knew the man could be busy but he needed to see that his tools were human, a fact that the Ruinous powers took glee in exploiting in another time.

"Then there is the matter of the ruinous powers themselves," He then shifted to a far more sensitive matter. Mustering his courage, he looked the man straight in the eye as he asked, "When will you let the others know?"

His father would meet his gaze as he replied evenly, "There is nothing to know," yet Morisson felt it getting harder to breathe as the man continued, "All you'd ever find are lies of misbegotten beings that would twist your very words and turn everyone you love against you," and despite their even tone, their rage was palpable, their hate absolute. Staring deep into his eyes, he saw just a glimpse of his fathers true self as he spoke, "They are nothing and they will become nothing."

He couldn't look away, his heart pounding against his chest as he saw the inhumanity lurking underneath, the terrible will that would shake this very galaxy, but also saw the love he held and the fear he had not for himself, but for those this man held dear.

Powering through, he gritted out, "How would we know their lies if we don't even know what we're dealing with father," Yes, they were lies but none of them truly know the four much like the Emperor, "You know well enough how poisonous their words are," He reminded them. His father knew their every lie, their every twisted machination. He knew them but they, his children, were ignorant. Pleading to him, he then asked, "Would you risk having Magnus listen to the Calamari once more?"

As soon as it came, the oppressive feeling went away as the Emperor retreated to himself. Snorting, the man then said, "That's a colorful way to describe them," before looking away, "But there's far too much of a danger in letting anyone know. Even the very fact that you know them is risky enough," he admitted.

"But we're already at risk the moment you made us," He told his father. The moment that they were taken away from his lab, the game was already set. There was danger in just knowing but the alternative was worse, "Just give us the knowledge we need, father. Don't blind us with ignorance," He pleaded.

His father's gaze soften as the man whispered, "If I allow such knowledge however, the risk would only be amplified," Chaos truly was pervasive in its entirety especially how they prey upon those most vulnerable, "My armies are vast but I am but one man and the Sigillite has his limits," He then said, "Policing them would be all but impossible,"

He too would share his fathers fears. Even a single agent could be enough to bring entire sections of the Empire to its knees given enough time to let their rot spread and fester. They were not helpless however. If they needed eyes, he knew exactly how to keep track of such a vast population. Smiling, he replied, "Then it's a good thing you have me around father,"

His father quirked his brow at him but he kept quiet, lending him his ears. With his fathers attention, Morrison shared his plans, "Around these parts, enforcing the law can prove tricky, With the vast distances involved and the sparse population, it would prove ruinous to police it normally."

Carcan's fertile lands made it all too appealing for people to make settlements. A land of infinite frontiers some would call it and the temptation of an easy life was all common with such richness to be had, "As such, the people of these lands rely upon the Lawman for order, lone rangers to battle the evil lurking in the shadows."

"Protectors of the innocent, they who ride to guard against the wicked. With their Iron, they smite their forces and with gentle words, they guide and teach, turning those who would listen to their words," Sharing a confident grin, he then said, "Carcan already has a force all too familiar with being alone, ready to enforce order. Hunting daemons and those they corrupt can easily be part of the parcel."

His father hummed as he considered his proposal, "A single legionary divided amongst the rest," His legion would be alone, his children forced to a life of solitude but somebody had to do it so that they can have peace, "Your legion will have no glory, no world they subjugate alone, always at the shadow of the rest," he warned them.

"It's a thankless job but somebody had to do it and I'm confident that I can turn the Marines of my Legion into Lawman," He replied. What was glory compared to the good their actions can do? Let their deeds speak for themselves even if they were forgotten, "And besides, the marines would be far better suited as commando's rather than foot soldiers. Their lone nature means that having one of them fall isolates the rest to their failure."

Morrison really didn't see why the Marines should be used in such huge concentrations. A squad yes, for the harder targets, but entire battalions? That was for the Guards to do, supported by the Marines. Having his marines be alone would also serve to have entire fronts be supported without needing costly logistics to have entire Space Marine regiments all in one spot.

"You seem awfully confident in such an endeavor," His father pointed out as he looked over at him curiously, "You've been planning for this the entire time, haven't you?" He then asked as he gave him an approving look.

"You can say that," He admitted. He wasn't going to go out there in the vast galaxy without a plan, "My Lawmen have served me enough, rooting out evil before it takes root," He then told him before he asked once more, "So how about it father? Think you'll give us a shot?" His legion was already small and his expertise was not of true war. He had his brothers to rely on for such matters. While they take on vast empires, he'd guard them from the night.

For a moment, his father would consider before he smiled, "It seems that my close friend would have another student to teach," Morrison could only roll his eyes at that but he was right. Some daemon got through and it wouldn't hurt for this old dog to learn new tricks, "Just because you've hunted a few doesn't mean you can't learn a few more tricks,"

"Of course father," Morrison nodded, accepting his father's wisdom on this matter. He then grinned as he jested, "My daughters would definitely find this amusing," to which both of them would share a laugh. It seems that father and daughters were going to be in the same room for some lessons.

"Back to the topic on hand," He cleared his throat before he told his father, "I wish to bring another Primarch into this project, one I think would be a great boon to my task," This was simply too much of a task for one legion, even one that would specialize in it.

"It's great and all spotting demons but sometimes you'd need an army to hammer down a whole infestation of them,"His men were to hunt lone actors, the brother whom he trusted, that was one he would fall on when things got crazy.

"Who amongst your brothers then?" His father then asked.

"Just the first of my brothers to answer our calls in teaching your granddaughters," He replied as a red star dawned in the night sky. Even from here, he could feel the man's presence. There was only one man he could truly trust to not break when the tough gets going, "Sanguinius."

A/N:

Took way longer than I wanted too. Hopefully I could get Profiteering done. I still have some commissions and time is a bit short.