The Lawman: Prologue [A Warhammer 30k XIth Primarch SI]

The Last Lonely Light

It is the 30th Millenium and the Old Night has finally ended. The Imperium of Man, inheritors to the lost glory of humanity, is about to launch a grand crusade to unite the vast desperate realms of mankind. With the Emperor of Mankind at its helm and the inexhaustible legions behind him, humanities future amongst the stars is all but secured. Still, the Emperor is but one man.

With his mastery of biology and arcane technologies that long been lost, he made twenty son's; The Primarchs. Made in his image, these superhuman demigods would be his generals, his statement, his advisors. They will lead his legions and together, they will lead humanity to it's right place; that as the masters of this Galaxy.

Tragedy would soon strike however as those jealous of humanities success would rip the primarchs from their cradle and scatter them amongst the stars. It would take years and countless battles to bring them back to the fold yet even after a hundred years, only eighteen of twenty would be found. That was until this year, the 860th of the common era, that news would start to spread, of whispers of another primarch amongst the newly explored territory of the Imperium.

Amongst the news brought by the great exploratory fleets that set out to map the Veiled Regions of the Segmentum Tempestus, of tales of a small federation of stars composed of worlds inhabited by mutants, xenos and humans alike, of vast armadas and worlds so fabulously wealthy and advance that they could only be described as paradise, would come tales of a man who led these stars, a great hero described as the Son of the Stars.

At a glance, such rumors would spark great intrigue but many were cautious. After all, this wasn't the first time such news would spread. The Emperor turning his attention to a far off corner of the galaxy could prove disastrous as well as the Great Crusade needs its master. \

However, as contact was reestablished between this isolated bastion, the last fleeting embers of a long gone empire from Dark Ages, and the greater imperium, it became increasingly clear that there was a hint of truth to these rumors. The man who ruled this federation may truly be the son of the Emperor. It was then that news of the Emperor leaving the front lines that the news has all been confirmed. The rumors were true, the Eleventh Primarch had been found.

Horus could barely believed the rumors himself. The fact that it was under his watch, under his orders to explore the edge the Tempestus to pursue rogue Ork Empires that such a discovery would be made. All he could wish now as he accompanied his father was that these rumors were true, that they could bring his brother back and be one final step closer to uniting them all.

With his fortuitous presence here in this sector, he had the rare chance of escorting his farther and meeting one of his long lost brother. Taking a short break from the crusade, he and parts of his legion traveled with the Emperor the the edge of known Civilization.

Standing there in the bridge of the Bucephalus, the flagship of his father, Horus couldn't help but feel excitement as the great blinds were lifted and revealed the beating heart of his brother's kingdom. "So, this is Carcan Prime," he whispered as the planet came into view.

With it's large defensive iron ring bristling with point defenses and the vast fleet of interstellar ships, some of which rivaled those made in the shipyards of the home system, He couldn't help but compare it to Mars. It was however, not a dead world choked by the toxic fumes and runoffs of industry but of vast fields of grass dotted by a few large cities; very much like Chogoris but far more tamed.

Walking up beside him, Horus turned to see his father standing beside him sporting a faint smile across his lips. "Back before the Old Night came to past, when the Stellar Empire was at its peak, worlds such as these would be a common sight," His father told him with a tone that sounded almost nostalgic.

Pointing towards the large artificial rings around the planet, his father started to explain, "Those rings you see around it? Great ports to accommodate the large freighters that would come and go to ferry the livestocks grown below," And indeed they were.

Taking a good look at the architecture, he could see that parts of it was repurposed for habitation while the defence's were merely tacked on. The scale at which this operated must have been enormous to warrant such a mega structure.

"They also serve another purpose as part of these rings are responsible for controlling the weather," He added making Horus's eyes widen. He was familiar with weather manipulation as it's one of the tools by the mechanicus to shape entire worlds but something like this, something which seemed designed for sustained control?

Such archeo tech were rare and powerful, mostly constrained to a few planets but they could affect entire worlds, "They're far less advance than the Climatrope of some worlds but they serve their purpose well enough," the man said before his smile grew as sections of the rings froze before great comets streaked down, creating rain clouds as they exploded over the atmosphere, "And after all these millennium, it's still working"

He stood for a good long while observing the workings of the great machine. Great freighters from the direction of the gas giant would come dock and disgorge their contents into the ring while container vessels zipped up and down the planet and the rings loading livestock for the great freighters to then take. It was all carefully curated, a dance of various industries working together but there was one thing that bothered Horus in the display before him.

"Isn't this a bit inefficient?" He asked as he gestured to the vast continents and huge swathes of clear blue oceans that this beautiful planet possessed, "There's still far more room for farms yet I see large forest, huge swathes of mountains which could be flatten, and entire oceans that seemed to far too clear to be tapped. Why waste that much space?"

While he appreciated its natural beauty, he simply couldn't see it as a proper agri-world. The bread baskets of the Emperium might just be filled with life but they were as polluted as any factory world. Vast quantities of pesticide, herbicide and fertilizers were consumed in such planets. Every last inch of land converted to use for farming. Not even the skies is spared as towering building farms often dominate the land.

As horrific as it looked, they were essential for keeping the various hive worlds and factory worlds fed. What he sees before him is the idealized version of what's an agri-world. How could the old world waste so much efficiency?

"Indeed, it seemed wasteful. In fact, the output of this world wouldn't surpass that of a post industrial world," His father admitted before he turned away and looked at the stars, towards the core which dominated the backdrop of the planet, "Yet the people of old had different values and had enough wealth that they could farm without harming the world they lived in. They farmed not to maximize output for maximum sustainability."

Horus paused, mulling over his fathers words. He could certainly see the appeal to such practices. Even he employed such practices to a lesser extent on recovering worlds. To promote the growth of life so that they could be rewarded with the excess but it couldn't feed those population, merely supplement it.

"Now don't get it wrong, there are factory farms in the old Empire but they're few and far in between with how truly efficient and vast they are. Would you believe they made vast dyson structures to serve such purpose?," His father then said as he turned back to him.

"The output must have been enormous," Horus whispered. Without the constraints of a planet, growth was practically infinite. The only limiting factor is the energy and the material to feed such factories. It was shame that no such structures were left, no doubt targeted by the Men of Iron to starve the population.

"They do have us beat in terms of volume," His farther nodded, "However, they could never quite replicate the quality of meat produced by the cattles raised in these worlds and how these worlds prided themselves with making such rare delicacies."

Horus nodded back as he whispered with barely contained awe, "Living during the height of the Stellar Empire must have been wonderful," To have such luxury, "To have the wealth that they can live such lives," It truly was the golden age of humanity. A golden age that is however long gone, all that is left are embers such as this.

"This world is but a glimpse of that paradise we once had, of the glory and heights that those long gone had achieved." His father replied as a sense of duty and pride filled Horus's chest. They had once reach such heights, perhaps… no, they can reach such heights again!
His fathers hand reached out to him before settling upon his shoulder, "This is why we must continue with our mission, to reconquer the galaxy and bring our species back to its rightful place, as master of not only the galaxy but our own destiny," His father reminded him and Horus nodded solemnly.

Turning his attention to the planet ahead, Horus dreamed of a million such worlds once again dotting the galaxy. For the future of mankind, all worlds must return to the fold of the Imperium and with such a remnant, one so close to the old Stellar Empire, the Imperium would prosper greatly. If not for the tech that could be shared, then the man power and industry they could bring to bear.

As escorts provided to them by the Federation, fine vessels that were just as impressive as any of the great shipyard of the imperium if only a bit lacking in size, guided them closer to the iron halo, the captain of the ship would called to their attention, "My Lord, the space ports of Carcan Prime has answered our hail," Huge pylons started to move as a berth big enough for their vessel extended out for them, "We shall be docking shortly."

"It seems that we have arrived," His father spoke up before turning and walking towards the docking bay. Gesturing for him to follow, the Emperor commanded, "Let's go meet your brother."

-x-x-x-
Guided by small tug boats, the Bucephalus was guided to its berth. With the warship's size, he feared that the berth would get crushed under its immense mass but he felt only the lightest of shake as the ship settled smoothly into place. The boarding bridge soon connected the vessel to the great space port where they would be greeted by the delegation from the Lonely Stars.

Marching out and barking orders at his men as they assembled to formation, Horus could feel the tenseness in the air. On one side were his legions, a thousand strong and armed with their full regalia, along with the various dignitaries from the imperial court; clerks and other such functionaries to record this meeting. His father stood there beside them, unflinching and unmoving as he gazed towards the distance.

On the other side meanwhile were the various mutant and humans that called these stars their home. From more beast like to those closer to humans, they were quite the colorful bunch. It was not however their presence that truly rankled him, no they were of little note to him. What truly had him edge was the lone being standing just to the edge of the group; An ethereal looking being with knife like ears and a smile that had his skin crawling. There standing just a few meters away from them was a lone Dhrukari.

Why was one here? Was he allied to them? No, the mere presence of the woman also sets her own allies on edge. A lone presence then. Perhaps, someone who served his brother? He glanced at his father but the man would remain quite, ignoring the womans presence as he spoke, "He's here."

The sound of ancient mechanism whirred to life a lift descended down from above revealing the man believed to be his brother. Stepping forward with a beautiful woman by his side, he found himself staring back at a giant of a man, towering above the others; much like how he and his brothers stood out amongst their subject. Still as he gave them a once over, he couldn't help but find them rather… plain.

He certainly had the physique with his towering stature and well built form similar to himself, if a bit shorter than himself if accounting for the wide brimmed hat had the man wore, but it was just lacking. By the warp, even the mortal woman who escorted him drew more attention with her immaculately style dress, liberal use of gold and advance cybernetics. In fact, he looked more like a rancher with his leather duster and well worn working clothes than anything else. He simply looked out of place.

Was he mistaken? No, perhaps deceived would be the better term as their eyes met; golden orbs meeting his own blue ones. Underneath that rough and rugged exterior, under the cover of tanned man with dusty blonde hair and the most jovial of smile, was someone who seen it all, someone who walked with an air of authority, one which his subject reciprocated with respectful bows and nods.

The man appeared, plain, disarming but it was a choice. An image of someone who even the most humble of beings can look up. He carried himself as if he was one of them rather than one above them. A strange choice but one he could respect. Nodding back in respect, the man let out a small smile that speaks of happiness and a hint of sadness? He shook his head, he might be overthinking things.

Breaking from the crowd, the Dhrukari walked up to the couple before bowing low, one made to show subservience or perhaps mocking as she stood back up with a mischievous smile. A gesture which the giant would reply with a smirk as they exchanged some few words. They were friends? The man was proving to be quite the enigma.

With the Xenos in tow, flanking the man with the dark haired beauty he brought with him, he approached before stopping a respectable distance away. There, they stood, observing them in turn as the Emperor finally turned his attention and brought it before the man.

As they faced off, Horus could almost the palpable pressure descending upon the meeting. It was an almost oppressive feeling, one that Horus had often felt in those rare instance that his father seemed deep in his thoughts. He could almost taste it, this palpable feeling and those with weaker constitutions. In face of this however, the man before him merely smiled as a look of recognition flashed across his eyes.

It was only then the his father smiled, finally lifting the weight that Horus hadn't notice he bore upon his shoulder. Walking up to the blonde, his father spoke up as he reached out to them,"My Son."

"Father," The man replied with a grin as he reached out and clasped the Emperor's hands in greeting, something which greatly amused his normally stoic father, "I see you're in good health," they then said as he shook their hands.

Pulling away, he then apologized, "I'm sorry it took me a bit," before rubbing the back of his head sheepishly, "Just had to settle somethings before I meet you and my brother over there. I wouldn't know what I'd do if I fucked this up!" He laughed much to the exasperation of the women beside him.

His father thankfully didn't took offense as he nodded back, "I see," before any hint of humor left their face. Looking down upon his brother, his father then said, "Then you know why I'm here?"

The man's grin fell to a more subdued and wry smile as he turned his attention to the woman beside him. With eyes locked, the two exchanged unspoken words before the woman nodded, The air of reluctant acceptance and submission soon settled amongst the delegation of the Lonely Stars as the man finally knelt before the Emperor along with the rest of them, xenos and mutant as well.
"The Federation of the Lonely Stars submits to Imperium of Mankind and accepts its terms," The man replied as another human enclave returns to the fold, "However," The man then said as looked up to their father, "There are policies and terms which we want to negotiate on if we are to be part of the Imperium," He brought up before looking over to his subjects.

"Ahh, yes, xenos question," Horus thought as he turned to them. The Federation not only harbored mutants but xenos as well, a normally capital offense… but this is his brothers realm, one that he is asking for exception for.

Glancing back to his father, Horus couldn't help but fear what the answer would be. Would his father accept this one tiny request, allowing a minor strip of territory to host such beings, or would he reject it. For his brother to stand up to their father, he must truly feel strongly for them; One he respect but this could be disastrous.

His father however would simply nodded as he answered, "Such is your right as you are one of my sons," waving off the concern as if it was some simple matter to be discussed, he added, "So long as you are the master of your realm, such arrangements can be made."

Tilting his head to the side, his brother then asked, "Think you can keep yours from messing with what's mine?" Horus almost choked at the sheer gal of this man.

Thankfully, his father was far more understanding that he could give them credit as they replied, "My words are absolute," and such matters was sealed. There was no if's or but's as the assurance of a rare xenos enclave within the imperium was formed.

This satisfied the man as that same jovial energy he sport returned in full force. Standing up and pounding his fist against his chest, he greeted them, "Then welcome to the Lonely Stars,"

Walking over to the lift, he gestured for them to follow as he invited them,"While I'd love to chat and catch up, I know you folks had quite the long journey. Why don't we talk this over some barbecue. My pops tending to the grill and I could smell all the way from here!" Horus even found himself smiling at the infectious energy the man exuded, "You'll love the prime ribeyes we have cookin!"

His father laughed as he followed and he walked by him in stride, "Lead the way," his father replied as negotiations finally moved on to bargaining.

-x-x-x-

Music and the sound of merriment filled the air as the negotiations was moved to a far more civilized and relaxed setting; that of a banquet hall. With colorful streams and food aplenty, they were welcomed to much fanfare and celebration. It was a rougher, less formal event with the lack of servitors as guest were encouraged to serve themselves with the vast selection of meats, many of which were delectable enough to be eaten with one's own hands.

Even Horus's very own sons joined in as a mechanical bull was set up to the side, one which their host was told to be made specifically for the Primarch. Seeing his men tossed around with the contraption had him chuckling. Livestock rearing must be quite the important aspect of their lives that they have a sport which test their skills on wrangling such an animal.

Turning his attention over to his father, he found him in a corner eating his stake all while that strange Xenos seemed intent on disturbing his meal. She's eventually going to find out, he thought to himself as he took a bite out of the delicious cut of meat served to him. It was a simple fare, a marinate cut but the smoky flavors imparted by the wood used made it all the more appealing.

He would need a whole lot more to fill his stomach but this was meant to be enjoyed, thus he savored every bite. A meal was to nourish but a feast was to celebrate. With the good food and merry atmosphere, it made him wish every Imperial Compliance was like this but most of time than not… his men had to fight, people had to suffer either from the foul tyrants the subjugated them or by their misbegotten fears.

His thoughts however would be derailed as a voice called out to him, "You know, the parties just right over there. There's a whole lot of girls looking to get to know you," the man of the hour, his brother, greeted him as he once more brought with him that same woman from earlier. She must be the head of the civilian government, he muses, "Why sulk here in your lonesome?"

Looking up, giving the man a once over, he then smile as he replied, "The same as you brother," pausing briefly as he poured himself a shot from the bottle given to him before pushing it over to the other side of the table, "I'm not really one to party."

From the way he stood, the uncomfortable look had on his face and the ragged appearance he sported with his well worn leather duster, and mud caked boots, it spoke of a man far too used to the outdoors but was forced against his will to attend a function. He could already see the man who simply wanted an excuse to get away from the snobby politicians.

"Touche," the man laughed as he pulled over a chair for the woman before sitting himself.

Serving himself a drink, Horus took a sip from the fiery drink before musing out loud, "It's a shame really, that one time that we have a rowdy feast like this," In fact, he could already hear Leman fuming across the galaxy for leaving him out, "Is the time we didn't bring over the one that'd enjoy this the most," He the then laughed.

"They sound like a riot," The man replied as he took a sip from the his own drink. Slinging an arm around the woman, he then said, "Maybe I'll throw another dance once we get all together, family in all."

He took a glance at the two before smiling, "I'd love that," It was quite the entertaining idea. Given how rarely they all meet, having a meal after one of them returned was a good enough excuse to have them all over.

"So, you're Horus or so I heard from father," The man then said as he gave him a look, "I expected someone a bit… taller," he then teased him.

"And I expected someone more heroic," to which he fired back in equal measure.

The two shared a look before both of them burst out laughing. Giving the man a pat in the back, he then said, "It's good to finally meet you brother," He appreciated just how happy the man seemed. He almost reminded him of Sanguinius if only a bit rougher.

"Same goes to you," the man replied, "The names Morrisson," he then introduced himself. A fine enough name, he thought but what his brother soon said almost had him doubled over, "While the pretty little woman over here's my wife!"

Horus choked, coughing as the drink slid down his third lung, as he glanced over to the amused woman who introduced himself, "My name is Hanako, it's a pleasure to meet you Horus or should I say, brother-in-law?"

"You took a wife?" he asked as he apologized. Wiping his lips, he looked over at them and only realized now why they were so close to each other. WIth the way they held each others hands and how she leaned into him, it was almost glaringly obvious but it didn't register to him.

"You didn't?" The blonde asked, bemused at his reaction, "Is it really that odd because I honestly couldn't see how I'd live without her. Without her, I'd be lost half the time," He told him as the mans wife snorted.

"And the other half is you getting into trouble," The woman teased back as the man chuckled.

Gathering his wits, Horus replied, "I'd be a liar if I didn't say I'm shocked but this a pleasant surprise," His overreaction needed correction, he needed to apologize to them so that his relationship with his brother would remain cordial, "I suppose congratulations are in order. I'll send some gifts over once the treaty signing is on order."

"Oh you do-!" The man waved it off only to pause as the woman elbowed him and gave him a look. A look of realization soon washed over them as he turned back to him and thanked him, "I mean, thank you brother. I appreciate the gesture."

It was now Horus turn to be amuse, "Certainly lost without you sister in law," He replied. It was unprecedented yes but strangely, he didn't mind. Maybe someone to temper their excess could do his brother some good. He know of a few brothers that could use some good influence.

"More than you could ever imagine," The women then said as she poured herself a glass from the bottle he and Morrison were enjoying.

Quickly changing the subject, his brother then asked, "So, how's the stake?" Smiling, his brother claimed, "I raised these cattle myself. They were certainly handful cause of their size and just how much they eat and drink but they're well worth it!"

Taking a bit, Horus hummed appreciateibely as the meat all but melted in his mouth,"I can see why the human's of old raised these animals," He admitted, letting his brother off the hook for now, "How much can your farm provide in a year?" He then asked.

That had the man grinning as he replied, "Well…"

Horus smiled as they spoke in length of cattle rearing and ranching along with embarrassing tales brought about by his sister in law much to Morrisson's chagrin as well as romantic gestures that would make Fulgrim wax poetics about.

For once, he truly found himself enjoying the party as he tasted the wispy flavor of fire and gunpowder of the whisky and savored the rich and meaty flavors of his steak, the fruits of his brothers efforts.

It was quite the refreshing change in topic compared to the interest of the others. It was nothing compared to vast knowledge of the arcane spoken by Magnus, to the martial techniques he discussed in detail with the Lion, of the matters of statecraft with Guilliman, or even the intricacies of the physics involved in the works of Perturabo but it had a certain charm to it that made it just as great. The man truly loved his wife, his drinks and the cattle that he raised.

He had to admit, the man was might appear simple but he was anything but. There every bit of steel in those eyes as there is gentleness in his smile. He talked softly but held himself like any warrior, one he come to respect. He was every much a fighter as he is a farmer, one that would defend what's his even if it means facing forces beyond him.

Then there's that air around him. While subtle, he had the same energy which his brothers and himself possess, of a certain aura that draw people into him. His people didn't looked up at him as a conquer but a true leader, one that rose up to the occasion to grab the reigns of power. A rare trait even amongst the Primarchs. Truly, he was one of them.

Just as the party was winding down and it seemed like there wouldn't be anymore surprises, he felt it. He could feel the hair on his neck rising as a feeling that was akin to whenever Magnus performed one of his spells rippled through the venue. Before he could let out a warning, a bolt of lightning suddenly struck the center of the hall.

People screamed as smoke drifted over the spot. He and his brother stood up at once, the man pulling out a black pistol that glowed a baleful green while he pulled out his maul. With them were his sons sprung as they quickly into action, pulling out their bolter and donning on their helmet in one swift movement.

Even his father had his burning sword drawn while the Xenos had their whip which undulated and moved on their own. Just as they were all ready to fight, the smoke cleared revealing the form of two young children, clearly siblings despite one of them being an Aeldari. It was not however the fact that they looked so closely which shocked him but it was their features which eerily matched that of his brother; the same dusky blonde locks and golden eyes.

Laughing maniacally, the smaller one celebrated, ignoring the commotion she had caused, "It worked!" Pumping her fist, she then turned to her sister before raising their hand, "Hah! Those blast doors can't stop us now sis!"

The older one on the other hand, the one who sported ears so similar to the paling Xenos that stood beside the emperor, wasn't too keen as she looked around in fear, "It might have worked a bit too well…"

Turning over to Morrison, he found the look of horror and fury over his face as they shouted,
"Hikaru! Thalia! What the hell did I told you two!"

If the absurdity of having a wife wasn't enough, the tiny girl threw a whole new spanner onto the image he was building up of his brother, "Papa!" The tiny one shouted as she let out a toothy grin, "You didn't tell me Grandpa's coming to meet us!"

Silenced reigned in the hall as the girl looked around questioningly. That was before his father asked softly, "Grandpa?" And for once, the man seemed genuinely surprised.

"Papa?" Horus asked as he turned to his brother, "They're your daughters?"

Morrison hissed as all eyes fell on him. Hesitating briefly, he then sighed as he admitted, "My own flesh and blood."

At that moment, all hell broke lose as shouts of confusion filled the room. Morrison, Hanako and the Xenos all rushed to get the two under control while his father actually looked lost for once. It was utter pandemonium as even one of the dignitaries fainted.

While the rest ran around in confusion, one question dominated Horus's mind, "Wait, I'm an Uncle now?" His life just got a whole lot more complicated so it seems.

A/N: 

Oh god this took so long, I'm sorry. I did not expect this chapter to balloon to this size but seeing what I made... I think it's worth it? I really should try to cut down on the size but I kinda liked writing things in Horus's POV of meeting his Cowboy of a brother. For those that voted for this idea, I hope you like it.

Next Sunday Snippet would have to be delayed cause Profiteering over Magical Girls needs a bit of attention.