The Lawman: Chapter 1

Family Matters

As the Emperor's companion, Malcador had seen him take on countless roles throughout the ages. He had been a philosopher who inspired countless visionaries, a general to vast armies, a scientist who discovered wonders beyond comprehension, a ruler to long forgotten civilizations, and even a father as he was right now to his sons. Yet, as he watched his friend sitting there all petrified and confused, he realized that his friend had one role that he had yet to take; That of a grandfather.

After the debacle that was the party up in the Iron Ring, he and the rest of the Imperial family retreated down to the Eleventh Primarch's personal ranch down in Carcan Prime. It was a lovely wooden house that reminded him of the Merican style built in the Old West, just like the paintings he had back in Terra, but built to scale for a Primarch; Something he found out as he sank into the plush seat of the chair he occupied.

While retreating to the homeworld would have been the far more preferable option, it was weeks away, weeks that he could not afford to waste as he patched things up and ensured that not a whisper of what happened could leak out to the masses. They had to stay here, down where it was safest for them, while he ensured the safety of the Emperor's grandchildren. It also helped that he gets to see them pester their grandfather.

"Recaf?" Hanako, the woman who Morrison took as his wife and the one who negotiated on the finer details the treaty between the Imperium and the Lonely Stars, offered. It was almost jarring how domestic the woman was with her apron and overalls, a far cry from the sharply dressed statesman he saw in the station.

Nodding, he quickly found himself with a cup of rich, dark gold; one that was finally in a size fit for him, "Thank you," He thanked her just as she retreated back into the kitchen. Already, he could hear the sound of something bubbling coming from the kitchen as the delicious scent of stew filled the air. He was looking forward to the meal later on.

Taking a sip from his cup, he hid the smile grazing his lip as Revelation did his best to entertain his grandchildren. With one in each lap, the two would prove to be an overwhelming force as they talked the man's ears off. Horus was certainly enjoying it as the young man could barely keep that grin off their face.

"So you're our grandpa from papa's side right? Wow you're big! Bigger than even papa! Does that mean we'll grow as big as you are?" The young blonde, Hikaru, asked. With their golden locks of curly hair, freckled cheeks, sun kissed skin and a smile that shone with the radiance of the sun, she was every bit the daughter of the once lost primarch.

If he was to announce her presence to the greater Imperium, she would be well received. She was as cute as a button and every bit charming. With that boundless energy of theirs, the masses would adore her. However, it was not her that he was worried about.

No, explaining her as someone that the primarch adopted to obfuscate her true origins and give them time would be all too easy. It was her sister that he was worried about and glancing at her, he wasn't all too sure himself what to think.

"Of course, he's our grandpa! Just look at him, he's shining like papa!" Thalia told her half sister as she crossed her arm, "But now that you mention it, would we grow as big as you are?" the young girl then asked as she looked up to his friend inquisitively.

Thalia was the moon to Hikaru's sun. While almost similar in appearance, with only Thalia's straighter hair, pointed ears and sharper features to differentiate them, their temperament couldn't be any further apart. While one was energetic, the other was more reserved. She was far more mature, more controlled, a perfectly mannered child and yet she was the one that worried him.

Her sharper features and pointed ears can be explained away. What he could not explain away was the girl's true parentage. Sooner or later, people would start asking questions. After all, with how public the eleventh was with his wife, why did one of their children have such ears and such features? The answer was simple really and one he wished he didn't have to deal with. Her mother was a Dhrukari.

Glancing over to the Eleventh just sitting just beside the Emperor, he frowned as his eyes landed on the woman on his lap. He could have easily accepted that the man took two wives. Polgamy isn't that big of a taboo. Even the children weren't so bad. For all he cared, he could have hundreds. The only thing that rankled him now was the man's wife. Did he really have to pick a Dhrukari?

Looking back at Malcador and the Emperor with an amused grin across her, the woman pulled herself up and kissed her man, flaunting their relationship to both of them, "This is going to be a mess," He whispered to himself as he tried to figure out how he could spin this around. The Xenos had been the bane of the imperium and now that of the children of the emperor was married to one? There will be problems.

Thankfully, his friend didn't seem too phased about this. He often envied how calm the man can appear but he feared what was brewing beneath the surface. For now, he sat back, observing things as they played along. Was he worrying too much?

Turning his attention back to the children, he watched as young Hikaru grinned ear to ear, "Well since you're our grandpa then that means you owe us presents!" The girl cheered as her sister let out a long, suffering groan, "Lots and lots and lots of presents~!"

"Oh boy," Morrison chuckled as Horus kept himself scarce. Smart man, maybe the two wouldn't remember that they have an uncle that they could ask presents from as well.

"I want a doll, new dresses, a swimming pool, another pony," the young blonde quickly listed off ever more absurd demands to their grandfather, "And maybe my own castle, preferably made of chocolate ice cream but mint would be fine."

"Hikaru, just because grandpa missed out on our birthdays doesn't mean you can ask for gifts for those birthdays with interest," Thalia wisely corrected, "Plus you know a castle made of ice cream would just melt. It definitely needs to be made of solid chocolate instead!" Or perhaps he spoke too soon.

"But it's the rules!" Hikaru whined as she pouted back at her sister, "You gotta make up for the gifts you missed, isn't that right papaw?" she then asked as she looked up to Revelation with those big doe eyes of hers. Opening his mouth, for once, the man had no answer to that.

Glancing over to him, his friend's eyes begged him to step in. Staring back, he refused to yield the comfort that was his current seat. "This is your mess, you handle this," He silently told the man. Yes, he handled the finance and the budget of the Imperium, that does not mean he can divert funds for a chocolate castle.

Still, he found himself smiling even as the two started poking at their grandfather. As callous and almost inhuman the man was, it was quite comforting to see in such a state. Perhaps, things weren't so bad as he had first suspected.

Thankfully, their Dhrukari mother finally stepped in and saved the day, "Now now kids, let's not pester…" The woman paused as she held back a laugh, "Papaw too much. He had a long trip so give him some time to rest his old bones."

"Awww, but he hasn't even told us his stories yet," Hikaru whined back, "Didn't he come from beyond the veil just like Papa? He must have hundreds of stories!" The young girl added and he couldn't fault the girl. The Lonely Stars were as peaceful as one could get in the galaxy.

Pulling away from her husband, the silvered haired Dhrukari sat up before walking over to the two. Picking Hikaru up and holding her close to her chest, she then gently stroked the small of the girl's back as she replied, "I'm sure he does but that also means he hasn't eaten our family's apple pie!" before pausing as the two girls perked up, "So why don't you two help me and Mama Hanako prepare some for your grandpa?"

"I'll slice the apples!" Thalia shouted as she all but bolted off Revelations lap.

Not one to be outdone, Hikaru squirmed herself out of the Dhrukari's hold as she ran after her sister, "No, I will!" The girl shouted as she chased after the other blonde.
Jostling over the honor of who got to slice up the apples, the two butted heads as they made their way to the kitchen, "Nuh uh! I get to slice the apples and have first dibs on the pie!" Already, he could hear some metal dishes crashing which was quickly followed by some scolding words from the other matriarch of the household.

He shook his head as he let out a soft chuckle. Oh to be young, free of burden and responsibility. Despite appearing wild and unruly, their parents seem to have a handle on them and thankfully so! He dared not think how things would have gone if the eleventh and his wives were horrible parents.

While they didn't seem to be like the primarch's when they were young, growing at a more muted and normal pace, they were still of their blood. A dangerous combination for any parent to have, primarch or not.

Leaning up to his wife, Morrison gave her a quick peck on the checks, "Thanks for getting them out of our hair dear," He whispered as the woman returned the gesture with a kiss of her own.

"You can thank me later~" She whispered back before she slipped away, hips swaying and drawing in her husband's gaze. It was strange seeing such viscous xenos act so loving but seeing that soul stone tied around her neck and the way those two looked at each other, the feeling must be mutual. Love truly makes a fool out of all of them.

With the kids and the wives in the kitchen, the four of them finally had time to themselves. As adorable as the kids were, he was reminded why he didn't have any. They were more than he could handle, "Well… They're certainly a handful," a sentiment that Horus shared, "Are they always like this?" They then asked as they turned to their brother.

"Not usually," The man admitted as he sunk into his chair, "They're far more behaved when meeting new people. Far more subdued as well," He muttered while he stroked the stubbles on his chin. Shrugging, he then said, "They probably just got all excited finally meeting their grandpa from our side of the family. He does have that warm aura around him."

"I'd call his aura majestic or even regal most of the times," Malcador commented as he took a sip from his cup before glancing over to his friend, "But never have I considered it warm,"He had to stop himself from chuckling as the man gave him a flat look.

"While I am in a good mood Malcador, my patience is still limited," The man sighed out as he followed his son's example and leaned against his chair. The chair here was just the right size for both father and son, maybe he could get some made for the other seventeen.

"Of course," He smiled back, glad to see that his friend wasn't as frazzled as he expected. He was taking his role as a stoic grandfather quite well if he were to say so himself.

Silence quickly followed as all four of them glanced at each other. Questions lingered between them as implications of what had occurred and what was revealed hang over their heads. It was Horus that broke first.

"Father," The Primarch of the Luna Wolves asked as he turned to his father, "Did you know we could have children?" They questioned the man, one that Malcador wished to be answered as well.

Turning, he saw his friend grow silent as he looked down on his own lap. The man was normally meticulous so seeing him like this made him nervous. How could such a detail escape the man? He wasn't as well learned in the sciences unlike his friend but he knew well enough on details on the Astartes Project.

They were sterilized, their soldiers unable to create children and replace humanity. However, it seems that the Primarchs were not… and what's more, they were somehow compatible with the fickle genetics of the Aeldari.

Such details seemed to be a surprise to his friend as he admitted, "When I created all of you, the thought certainly crossed my mind," frowning, the man paused before adding, "Your nature however should have prevented it. You are far more than just mere mortal men, you are my primarch's after all."

"Finding equals when you are far and above everyone else would have made the development of such attachment hard," He told the two as he looked back at Horus. His gaze lingered on the man before they shifted over to Morrison, "But it seems that I was mistaken," Taking in a deep breath, the man sighed, "This was… an entirely unexpected development."

It was a flawed way of thinking but he could not fault the man. The Primarchs were simply more and they grew up fast. They should have stood beyond most human reach yet here they were, one of his sons married not only to one but two. He thought these primarchs wouldn't have the emotional maturity but the eleventh proved him wrong.

Smiling back ruefully, the Primarch replied, "What can I say? Those two rocked my world and they wouldn't take no for an answer," Weak willed… or perhaps the two were simply built different. It certainly lends some credence to his old idea that a couple of daughters could shape their brothers better.

Drinking the last dreg of his recaf, Malcador then said, "Unintended or not, your son now has children and you my friend has just become a grandfather," The primarch maybe tools but they were his children after that. Even he should understand that especially now grandchildren were involved. The equation has changed; For the worst, he wasn't sure.

"The implications alone is giving me headaches but what's done is done, all we can do now is live with the consequences," he told them as he learned forward, finger interlocked while he gazed back at the trio, "The question now is, what are we going to do about it?"

An uneasy air soon followed, hanging between all three of them. Morrison looked tense and uneasy, his shoulder squared as he gripped his cup. Horus meanwhile had a look of confusion written across their face as they tried to process everything that had been said so far. His friend on the other hand… He could see the gears turning in their head, that paranoia of his rearing its ugly head once more. He needed to step in.

"Now before I tell you what we should do, I'd like to ask a question," He told them as he turned towards Morisson.

The man looked back at the three of them with a frown before shrugging, "Shoot."
"Why did you hide them from your father, Morrison?" He then asked them. Oh there were several reasons he could think of now, reasons that his friend would also know. However, they didn't know the whole truth. It was all too easy to think up all sorts of scenarios borne from one's fears and biases.

His friend saw a threat to their plans and so did he but he needed to know the true reason so that both of them can move forward and not have a rebellion on their hands. A primarch with wives and children was a problem. He had ties, ties which can be manipulated, ties which had him hide his own children from the Emperor. That spoke of deceit yet… why?

Taking in a deep shuddering breath, Morrison then sighed as he reached up and ran his hands across his hair, "Do you want me to tell what you wanted to hear or do you want to hear the truth?" He asked, weariness settling upon their shoulders.

"The truth if you will," He replied, "Please," He reserved his judgment for now. Was this action borne out of malice or was this simply the primarch being human?

"To tell you the truth…" The man started as he gazed away, "I was afraid," they then admitted before they continued, "I was afraid that my father would not accept them. That he would see them as a deviation from his design. I was afraid of what he'll think about them, my sweet beautiful girls, and I am equally terrified that he'd actually accept them fully into his grand design."

Malcador's eyes grow wide at his words. He knew. Morrison knew the emperor well enough to fear him. He knew the plans they might hold. He knew too much and yet he heard no malice from him. Holding back his tongue, he listened on as the Primarch told them his unbridled truth.
"I've accepted the lot given to me long ago, that I will have to help unite humanity," The man claimed as a wry smile stretched across his face, "I knew… I always knew that and I accepted that. But my kids… they don't know of the cruel galaxy out there, of the horrors and monstrosity waiting in the night."

Gazing up at them, he then said, "I want to shield them as long as possible, to let them grow without fear, without worry, that everything was right and there will be a tomorrow to look after," Passion filling the man's voice as he spoke of his daughters.

"And what father will we be if we do not let our children live in a world that we would be proud for them to inherit," Morrison then asked, "This is why I wanted to hide them. I wanted them to live freely. I wanted them to be free to pursue whatever dream they might have and perhaps… I shall live long enough to see them achieve those dreams."

"You truly love them, don't you?" he whispered as he saw the truth. The man wasn't driven by hunger for power or by fear, he was driven by love. He wanted nothing more in this universe than to be with his children and be there for them. He simply acted as a father would. The man simply wanted what's best for those he loved.

"I do, both my wives and my children," The man nodded, "They are my sunshine and I wish to live through this crusade so I can go back home and call it a day," Smiling fondly, he then added, "Who knows, maybe I'll live long enough to see my grandchildren of my own in my farm after the crusade is over."

The man… was not a threat. In fact, he was an asset. Despite knowing the emperor far more than his brother, seeing them just as Malcador saw his friend, he still was willing to go through just for his children and the future that they could bring. The fact the man was looking forward to stepping down had him at ease and so did his friend as they raised their brow.

Horus meanwhile looked surprised, "You intend to retire brother?" they asked.

"Well, don't you?" Morrison fired back as he looked at his brother as the one who just something so crazy, "The Great Crusade will end one day and once we reach that point, humanity would be ready to inherit the galaxy," he reasoned as an easy going smile graced his lips.

"They won't need us anymore but that's fine," He told them, "And I sure as hell wouldn't want to stay at the top to manage all the headaches that having a galactic empire would bring! I already have two and they're more than enough!" he then laughed.

As if on cue, all four of them would hear the angry cries of a mother who just found the mess their children left, "Hikaru! Thalia! Why is the syrup bottle empty!?"

"She did it! I told her not to drink the syrup but she won't listen!" Thalia cried out as they all too easily threw their sister under their mother's wrath, something that Hikaru made their displeasure known.

"Why you!" The other girl shouted before shrieks echoed out from the kitchen. Thankfully, the mothers of the two were there but the two were quite riled up. He didn't envy the mess that they must deal with every day.

"They certainly are," the man chuckled despite the pain in their eyes. The poor man had his hands full most of the time.

Chuckling, Horus gave his brother a pat on the back for his troubles. "I envy you brother," the primarch claimed as a wistful smile stretched across their lips, "While I struggle to think of a life after the Crusade, here you are living it out. You have somewhere to return, somewhere to call your own..."

Grinning, their brother then said, "You know, it's not too late to find your own," glancing over at the fireplace where a picture of a young Morrison and lovely young woman not his wife sat along with the pictures of the family; a childhood friend? "Maybe I could introduce you to some friends of mine. I know a few ladies that would be more than happy to entertain you and they are flexible~"

Seeing the scandalous but intrigued look on Horus' face, Malcador stepped in, "Now let's not get to hasty," he scolded the two as he feared for the imperium, "Two natural born descendants to the Emperor is more than enough for the Imperium for the coming century," and maybe the centuries after since it was he who had to deal with them. He was already dealing with their fathers!

He shuddered at the mere thought. He feared how the likes of Angron or Perturabo would treat their own children but he wouldn't mind having to deal with a few feathery ones, "Now what do you think old friend?" Malcador asked as he turned towards Revelation, "Do you think it's best to keep them out of the crusade?" And the greater plan remained unsaid.

Now that he knew how the Eleventh Primarch ticked, they could now make their decision and it was all too easy. So long as they do not bring them harm and separate them, working with the eleventh shouldn't be too hard. He even suspected that they'll work harder.

Stroking his chin, the Emperor then spoke, "Of all my children…" The man paused as he gazed at both his primarch's, "You are the first to express such sentiment, to give up power and live a normal life," He then told them as a smile slowly stretched across his face, "A sentiment which I cannot fault you for."
"I just want the best for my children," The man told them as a determined look graced their face, "I hope you can understand that, father," There was a pause as the two shared unspoken words before finally, his friend nodded.

"Very well then," the Emperor of Mankind with all his majesty and power said, "After the crusade, I shall release you from your obligations. You shall return to your home and rule it while my grandchildren…" he paused briefly as he gazed towards the kitchen, "My grandchildren will be free to pursue whatever it is that they wish."

Morrison nodded as the worries melted away from their features, "Thank you," He whispered back as he looked at their father not out of apprehension but that of gratitude. It seems that the tension between the two has been resolved.

"However, that does not excuse you for hiding them from me," The Emperor scolded their son and Malcador nodded with them, "Do you think so little of me that you fear that I will use them as tools?" He then asked as he continued, "Yes, I have plans for them but what grandfather wouldn't have?"

The man's hardened gaze slowly softened as he talked about his grandchildren, "When I saw them, I realized what I had. I was reminded of the future I wanted to see for humanity and I want them to become the shining example of that future," Looking his son in the eyes, the man then said, "I want them to become the best in whatever they wish to pursue,"

Morrison chuckled as he shook his head, "If you're gonna do something, be the best at it huh?" He replied as the father and son duo shared a smile.

"Indeed," The Emperor nodded before turning to him, "Malcador, I assume that you've already taken the necessary precautions to keep them safe?" his friend then asked.

He smiled back as he steepled his fingers together, "Of course," It was simply a matter of utmost importance that he did so. They have many enemies and the children were all too tempting targets, "I've already called in a few Sisters of Silence along with some of my agents to be their bodyguard," He told them. Even now, assassins were slipping through the cracks of the Lonely Stars to lay in wait and spring when the time comes.

"Take some of my Custodians as well," His friend commanded, his intentions clear. He was taking no chances, not this time.

"Understood," He nodded before adding, "I've also plugged the breach involving the identity of the girls," Too many people simply knew and he could hold back the flow of information for so long without taking drastic action. It had to be done. Looking over to Morrison, he told him, "I do have to visit a few of yours to make sure no spills the secret"

A look of distaste flashed across Morrison's face but logic quickly won over what feeling he might had for what he had done, "So long as you didn't mess with their heads too much," He told them, "I still need them to keep things running smoothly," Curious, was Morrison psychically gifted as well? He certainly hasn't made any overt shows but it could explain his knowledge. It was something he had to look further into later.

"If there's someone you can trust, it's the Sigillite, my son," His friend said to his son, "With their security covered, let's move on with their education," He then said, shifting the topic. As a frown settled upon their face, they then told him, "I've checked what the Lonely Stars can offer and I find it… lacking."

"Indeed," Malcador nodded, "It follows the old Stellar Standards yes but it would be best to have their education tailored for them," he then added.

The Lonely Stars had preserved much of the infrastructure of the old Empire, fighting off decay but there were knowledge lost. It was good but it could use some finer touches. The extensive library of the Imperial palace would be needed to patch the holes in their education while they could pick the educators suited for the children, with their parents' permission.

Glancing over to the man, he could already see his annoyance at their meddling. It didn't help that his friend added some fuel to the fire simmering underneath. "Every subject would be covered," His friend told them as he glanced over to Horus, "Including martial matters," He then added, making his plans to involve the other primarch's known.

"My wife and I are already handling that matter," Morrison argued, digging his heels slightly at the topic, "Those two can shoot off the wings of a fly from a kilometer away and they're good enough to wrangle the aurochs," Now that they mentioned it, they didn't have the characteristic softness of upper hive nobility.

"But what of close quarters combat? What of the battle of the mind and matters concerning war?" Horus countered, "I do not mean to offend brother but we all have our talents," the other primarch smiled, "And it would be remiss of me not to spend time with my nieces."

"You know you can always drop by," Morrison smiled back, "But I still hold reservations."
"It might clash with your principle but the reality of the situation, the galaxy is full of nightmares," The Emperor reminded his son, using his words against him, "It will be remiss of me to let my grandchildren grow up without the means to defend themselves."

Morrison grumbled before finally relenting, "Fine, I get your point," He muttered before "But I'm also not letting them off world!" Malcador could argue that the Imperial palace was far better protected. It did lack the remoteness of the Lonely Stars however. Perhaps there was merit to the primarch's insistence.

"We can work with that," He nodded, "Considering the sensitive nature of their lineage, it may even be in their best interest as well," He then mused. After all, who would believe rumors of a daughter of a primarch out on the edge of Imperial space when they should be in the Throne world? It'll give them valuable time.

"Now that matter is settled," The Emperor then spoke up, "There is the matter of who will instruct them," feeling his friends gaze on him, Malcador considered it. He did have his hands full with Alpharius.

"Perhaps their uncles could serve as their teachers?" He offered, needing more time to think on the matter. He could certainly spare time but not before the other Primarch was ready. There was also their mother to consider.

Loathe as he might admit it but they have their ways to dealing with the ruinous powers. Others can fill in for him until the children were mature enough to handle what he teaches. Horus seemed eager enough as he called for his father's attention.

"Father, I'd like to offer myself as an instructor," the other primarch offered. He'd certainly be a fine instructor. They had their flaws but they certainly weren't the most terrible of choice. The classroom was as much as a battlefield so the man could fit in. He was also charismatic enough so the children should at the very least listen to him.

"No, not yet," the Emperor however had other plans, "In the coming years, I'll be needing you more in the battlefield. I have plans that I wish to pursue… and while I was holding on to this announcement, I need you to cover for my future absence."

Malcador's eyebrow shot up. He knew the man wanted to focus on his pet project but to choose Horus so hastily? Maybe it was a bit too hasty but Horus took it in stride as he nodded, "... I'll do my best father."

"I know you will," The Emperor told the man as Morrison gave Horus a pat on the back, teasing his brother on his promotion. Rolling his eyes but keeping the smile on his face, the Emperor then turned back to Malcador, "Now back to the matter. Do you have anyone in mind, Malcador?"

"Honestly, anyone of the primarchs save for a few could be suitable for such a task," He told the man after giving the matter some thoughts, "Perhaps we could cycle them through, have them learn from their uncles?" With some exceptions being left unsaid but understood between Malcador and the Emperor, "Each could impart their own wisdom upon their niece and perhaps they could pick up on it."

"As for who shall first teach them," Guillimam, Dorn, and even Leman could be a positive influence if tempered by the daughter's parents but they were not his first choice. The honor belongs to the first, "I suggest the Lion."

"He's an amazing warrior, one almost without peer," He extolled of the man's virtues, "He might have been raised on a Death World," and having spent his formative years in the wild as well, "But does not mean he is a brute. His mind is as sharp as the blade he wields. He is honorable, logical and most importantly of all, dependable," one Malcador and even the Emperor could trust the life of two with.

Admittedly, having the Lion teach the children would have their teachings lean on the martial side early on but it was where they were most lacking. They were plenty bright enough in his opinion, now it was time to hone in their bodies, "He could probably help those two reign in their instincts," As well as instill some discipline.

"Yeah yeah, my children can be a bit wild," Morrison snorted in good humor before he then asked, "How about on other subjects? Who would be their teachers?" He asked.

"You won't have to worry about that," He assured the primarch as he leaned back on his seat, "I'll have team assembled, experts on their field," The primarchs were geniuses but they are still alone. There are subjects where some people were simply better at as they had more time in those fields; A matter of broad knowledge against a deeper understanding.

"I'll also be helping along as well," He quickly added, "I can spare a few years at a time. The corridor between here and the Imperium is quite stable so travel wouldn't be too long," Now that he had some time to think, visiting the girls wouldn't hurt. It could also serve as a practical way to test Alpharius on the matters of spycraft.

"I think that settles it?" Morrison asked as he nodded. Looking over to the Emperor, they waited for a bit before they nodded as well, "I'll have to talk to my wives about this but I think your offer is plenty good enough " The man then said as he stood up and stretched. Scratching his back, he then added, "Plus It'll be good for the kids to meet their uncles," before walking to the kitchen, probably to talk to their wives about the offer.

He certainly hoped that they wouldn't be stubborn as having the Primarch learn of their niece could be a positive on their being. Tools they might be but they were still human.

"My brother's would definitely love this news," Horus then said as an excited smile stretched across their face, "Sanguinius especially."

While he didn't relish the idea of the Primarchs getting it in their heads that they could find someone and marry, he still sees this as positive. Glancing over to his friend, he just hoped that they would also see that as well. Before he could dwell on the matter any longer, the tell tale sound of a stampede filled the room.

"Pie's ready!" Hikaru shouted as she lifted a great big pie up above her head. By his estimate, each pie was big enough for even the primarchs! Certainly more than enough for him.

"Papaw, you should try this!" Thalia told the Emperor as she grabbed the man's hands and pulled him up from his seat, "Grandpapi told us this recipe came all the way from the Old World and we want you to tell us if it is!" The young half breed said as curiosity filled their eyes.

For a moment, Malcador swore that one of his friend's rare and genuine smile stretched across their face. The man was an Emperor, a warrior, a philosopher, a man of science and it seems that the man was still willing to become a grandfather as well. His friend might have flaws but don't they all? They were after all… still human.

A/N:

Sorry it took a day longer than I expected. Damn Typhoon really had to knock out my power. Still, hope you guys like it. Writing things on Malcadors view was a treat all on its own. He's going to have so much fun teaching the kids later on.

Next up is a Chapter of Seoul before squeezing in a Frog Chapter then Kuina SI. I really wish I have more time.