《Warhammer 40K: Defenders of Eden》


 Conversation on the ship

    It is the 41st Millennium. For more than a hundred centuries the Emperor has sat immobile on the Golden Throne of Earth. He is the Master of mankind by the will of the gods, and master of a million worlds by the might of his inexhaustible armies. He is a rotting carcass writhing invisibly with power from the Dark Age of Technology. He is the Carrion Lord of the Imperium for whom a thousand souls are sacrificed every day, so that he may never truly die.


    Yet even in his deathless state, the Emperor continues his eternal vigilance. Mighty battlefleets cross the daemon-infested miasma of the warp, the only route between distant stars, their way lit by the Astronomican, the psychic manifestation of the Emperor''s will. Vast armies give battle in his name on uncounted worlds. Greatest amongst his soldiers are the Adeptus Astartes, the Space Marines, bio-engineered super-warriors. Their comrades in arms are legion: the Imperial Guard and countless planetary defence forces, the ever vigilant Inquisition and the tech-priests of the Adeptus Mechanicus to name only a few. But for all their multitudes, they are barely enough to hold off the ever-present threat from aliens, heretics, mutants - and worse.


    To be a man in such times is to be one amongst untold billions. It is to live in the cruelest and most bloody regime imaginable. These are the tales of those times. Forget the power of technology and science, for so much has been forgotten, never to be re-learned. Forget the promise of progress and understanding, for in the grim dark future there is only war. There is no peace amongst the stars, only an eternity of carnage and slaughter, and the laughter of thirsting gods.


    ''Are we sure that these are the right coordinates?'' asked the inquisitor, carefully analyzing the hololite of the star system.


    They just translated out of the Warp; these parts of the galaxy were uncharted territory. If one could call it still a part of the galaxy, it was so far on the edge of it that one could say that it was a separate entity altogether. However, its layout was familiar, for it was like the Holy Sol system. Two ice giants, two gas ones, and four terrestrial planets. They arrived close to one of the gas giants, which was closer to the star of this system. The scans for life forms were yet to begin.


    ''Are you suggesting that my crew is unable to read the coordinates you got from the Angels of the Devoured, Lord Lucian? Do you think we are that incompetent, my lord?'' asked Marya Relt, rogue trader and young captain of the Spirit of Unknown. Her vessel was taken off from its regular tasks by the inquisitor so it could be used to follow this intel. She was not happy about this fact, even though it held the promise of a much greater benefit to the imperium''s citizens who lived on this side of the Great Rift. Most could only hope that this was only the worst side of the Imperium and not all that was left. For this fact (and for the fact that this area was unexplored, so it could hold great profit for the rogue trader), she put up with a great amount of undesired things. Insulting her and her crew was not one of them.


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    The Inquisitor stared at the woman; the light of the hololith danced on his black skin. He was about to answer when another passenger cut in, trying to calm down the two prideful parties, just like always.


    ''No one would dare to insult you or your crew, Lady Relt. Lord Lucian just wanted to make sure that we are at the right place. After all, we traveled far from the nearest imperial system on unconfirmed information. Information, which could be wrong, but one that holds great promise.'' Sir Ghallian, not Fortan. A knight of the high court of planet Fortan. His wisdom and calm demeanor often proved just as valuable to the crew of the ship as the imperial knight suit he piloted. He walked beside the captain''s throne and made a small bow toward the inquisitor. He was old, but no one from the crew would have dared to challenge him to a duel even outside the Spear of Wisdom.


    The two arguing parties quickly stopped their feud. For now.


    ''Open the shields and scan the system for any signs of life! And just to be sure, disrupt any signals and radars. If there are any hostiles, I do not want them to notice us too soon.''


    The grand cruiser''s crew quickly sprung to action on the orders of their captain. Auspex sprung to life, and scanners started to map out the entire system down to the most minute details. The shields started to open up, letting in the light of the distant star to the command deck. The new readings appeared on the hololith, which Lucian watched carefully, especially the third planet from the fiery stellar ball. The scans revealed that its size and its moon''s size are really close to that of Holy Luna and Terra. In fact...


    The Lord Inquisitor started to operate the device. Bringing up data to compare. The knight walked over to the hololithic projector as well. Even the captain left her throne to watch.


    ''What are you doing, Lord?'' she asked.


    By the end, there was a double of every stellar object. One in green and one in blue.


    ''By the Emperor,'' said the inquisitor. He could not believe it. ''If this data is right... What do you see on this map?''


    ''Uhm, that you made a copy of everything?'' shrugged the rogue trader.


    ''In green you see the planets of this system,'' explained the agent of the Ordo Xenos. ''In blue, you see the map of the Holy Sol system. It''s almost a 100% match in composition.''


    ''Interesting,'' joined in the knight. ''What are the chances of that?''


    ''Almost none,'' said the inquisitor. ''There should not be this close of a match anywhere in the galaxy. In fact, if this data is right, all of the differences between the two maps appear to be man-made constructs. Even the estimated rotation type is a match to that of the Blessed Cradle of Humanity.''


    The shocking news left all of them speechless.


    ''Can it be the work of heretics or xenos?'' asked Sir Ghallian, breaking the silence.


    ''Possible,'' answered Lucian. ''But there are no artificial or obscured objects according to the scans. If this is some type of manipulation, the ship''s systems would have to show something. Data that makes no sense, objects obscured from the radar''s vision. Some anomaly. But I can see nothing. Unless, of course, one of the crewmen manipulates this machine.''


    Marya opened her mouth to argue, but one of the helmsmen was faster.


    ''My lord, we are picking up signs of life. It''s short-ranged radio signals. They are... primitive, but steady. Nothing like I''ve ever seen. We can only detect that they are there but can''t read them.''


    ''Where are they coming from?'' Asked the captain.


    ''From the third planet from the star, my lady.''


    ''Can you get me a visual?''


    ''Projecting it now.''


    A magnified picture of the planet appeared on the deck. It was mostly seas and oceans, with noticeably big continents. Some kinds of ice regions were clearly showing themselves on the top and the bottom.


    ''It... it cannot be,'' said Sir Ghallian in awe.


    ''Have you seen anything like this, Sir Ghallian?''


    ''It... it is almost identical to the pictures depicted in our main cathedral on Fortan. If this image is true, this planet looks identical to....''


    He stopped for a moment, considering if he should continue. Even the suggestion could be heresy by the standards of the Inquisition. Finally, he decided to speak regardless.


    ''To ancient Terra.''

 The Garden-Part 1

    Michael opened his eyes. It was around six in the morning. It was time to get up. He sat up in his bed, trying to get the tiredness out of his eyes. He switched his table lamp on. It was not much, but it was the only light in the apartment; after last month, the lamp got a defect. It was the wiring, not an easy fix. Still he was confident he could do it, should he have the materials. However, they were neither cheap, nor did he have permission to do so, and his landlord refused to fix it, despite him paying the rent every month on time. Such is the fate of the poor, he thought. Living in a small, one-room apartment, which only had space for one bed and one wardrobe. Both were bought used from the kind old woman from across the hall, who wanted to throw them out, in exchange for new ones. The same could be said about the induction hob, which he got from his workplace when someone brought it in to trade it in for a newer model. Not much, but at least he had something to make food with.


    Workplace... the electrical shop... he''s going to be late!


    This train of thoughts made him spring out of bed immediately. He gathered his clothes and looked into the mirror of his wardrobe. He saw his long, dark hair and his face, which could use a shave, he thought. At least his body was muscular. He had no idea how, for he did not go to a gym, nor did he have a healthy diet. He usually had eaten fast food or sandwiches, for it was at least affordable and took no time at all. He liked to cook sometimes, though, coming up with new cheap recipes.


    Oh, well, it must be genetics, like his height. He quickly got dressed in his usual clothes, a pair of light blue jeans, a white t-shirt and a black hoodie over it. All of it paired with a very old, many times repaired shoe. On his way, he grabbed his bag and quickly put a dossier and a box full of dice in it.


    I can''t wait to finally use these, he thought.


    ''By guys, coming home late, so don''t wait awake!'' He said this to the plastic models on his shelf. There were numerous ones, but on top he put the bigger ones. They were walkers, two little and one big, with a skull-like mask as a face and a big "thermal cannon" and a chainsaw as weapons. Of course, they could not talk back, but they were his only company and most prized possessions. He took a big smile at them and left his home.


    Kurtgross was not a big city. It had a university, yes, but other than that, there was not much else. A few shops, a mall, and some bars. Otherwise, it was just like any stereotypical city in the country. Except for the fact that it was poorer than average. Everyone thought that having a big education facility would bring in the investors. They were wrong. No big factories or company headquarters were here. The nearest really big city was about a two hours car-ride away.


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    ''A backwater town on a backwater planet,'' thought Michael. That''s what people from his favorite sci-fi universe, BattleAxe 15000, would say. He really liked this universe; whenever he had the time, he listened to lore videos, read about it, or built models from it. He had no idea why he liked it so much, but this was the only hobby he could really enjoy. It was dark, gritty, and sometimes downright disgusting; still, it captivated him. Especially the tales of the mysterious Knights of Steel, the ones on the top of his shelf. Big mechsuits, who are defenders of humanity and protectors of their civilization, but never interacting with them. But most important to him: giant robots with big weapons. Who wouldn''t find that cool?


    On his way to work, he passed an arcade where he noticed a strange situation playing out. A group of boys was trying to get some chocolate out of a vending machine. The chocolate was stuck and would not fall down. The group tried to shake the machine, kick it so it would make the wanted nash finally theirs.


    ''Come on, you piece of junk! Give me my snack!'' He said.


    Please, don''t hurt me, masters. I am sorry.


    That''s what he thought the machine would say if it could talk. Sometimes he had these kinds of thoughts. Sometimes they even sounded real.


    Dropping another chocolate would help, he was thinking, while he passed the arcade. Suddenly, behind him, he heard one of the boys shout.


    ''Hell yeah! It gave us an extra one!''


    He always had an affinity for machines. That was why the shop employed him. He was in charge of fixing any broken products the customers brought in. He liked that job; he always found it calming. And for him, the joy when a machine could work as intended again was one of the greatest things he could experience. In fact, that is why he was studying to be an engineer. He wanted not just to fix devices, but to help improve and invent them! He always dreamt of traveling the world, finding new problems, and making devices to solve them. To help humanity progress beyond what they think is possible. To save those who need a savior. As he thought that, he passed the campus itself. He stopped for a moment and looked at its walls, which were slowly coming apart, its decaying trees, and the broken window on the third floor. It was broken well before he came here, and he suspected it would be broken well after he left. All they did to "fix" it was to put duct tape a paper on it to somewhat stop the wind from flowing through this ancient building.


    One day. One day I will leave this place and find a job where I can really help people. He thought.


    It wasn''t like this was the only broken-down building in the town; the roads themselves were full of cracks and patchings. That is, where they even attempted to fix them. Many parts of Kurtgross were not even tended to as the city''s corrupt leaders would rather have the money in their pockets than fix the problems that could help everyone. Still, he hoped that one day it would change and a new leadership would be established, for the good of all.


    These thoughts were in the back of his mind while he rushed into the shop.

 The Garden-Part 2

    ''Sorry for being late! I overslept a little,'' he said instead of greetings.


    Robert was an old man, but a good one. He was the closest thing Michael could call a friend.


    ''Good morning to you too, youngster!'' said the owner of the shop. ''You are just in time! Did you get enough sleep for this exciting day?''


    The shop was still empty beside the two of them and, of course, the products. Old vacuum cleaners were neatly stocked up beside the blenders and other kitchen machines. Smartphones were on display and in the window. Cases for them were ready to be used behind the counter. Laptops (all three of them) were waiting for someone to buy them out of pity. They were also old models, nowhere near the capability of their modern counterparts; no wonder why they were still here. Still, Robert would have them in stock to "lure some people in." So far it never worked to Michael''s knowledge, but he admired the positive attitude of his boss. And it did not matter anyway, as the main appeal of the shop was that they would fix any machines, no matter how old. Most other places in town refused and would only try to shove the newer versions on people, but for many (mostly the older generation), they had an intimate connection to these items and would be far happier to have them fixed than to have them thrown out.


    ''Exciting day? What, you''re expecting a big crowd today?'' the young engineer asked.


    ''No, but you may never know!'' said the old shop owner. ''I''m talking about the fact that you finally go out with people of your age!''


    ''Oh, that? It''s not that big of a deal. Just a little roleplaying with some guys from the university.''


    He said it with a big smile on his face. It was rare for him to find not just time but also people who shared his interests. So when such people invited him to join a roleplay night set in his favorite universe, he couldn''t say yes fast enough.


    In truth, he hoped that this night could help him overcome his loneliness. Back in high school he did have good friends, but they all drifted away from him, living on the other side of the country. Leaving him with no one to talk to. He never was a social person; he spent most of his free time in his apartment, alone, always wishing that he could go to a bar, but by himself? He would be the weird guy at the back! That was the case on the few occasions when he did try that. Of course, when push came to shove, he could make a great discussion on certain topics, but those were rare instances. He hoped that maybe this night could help him get some true friends. Maybe he would not need to be alone anymore, like he was all in his life.


    ''Don''t be so shy. I think it is great that you finally do something with other people. It is important for young men like you to have parties on a Saturday night! Honestly, if I were as young as you, I would barely do anything else,'' said Robert with a grin.


    ''Yeah, yeah. I heard your stories from "your time" a thousand times. I still don''t believe half of it!''


    ''That''s your loss, lad. I never lied. Maybe sweetened them a little bit, but never lied,'' he went on to turn the sign on the door to "open."


    ''You mean, your old brain can''t recall your memories correctly?'' said Michael while bringing forward the boxes containing the repaired items, waiting to be collected.


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    His boss laughed.


    ''Where is the respect for your elders? But seriously. I am glad that you are finding your people, Mike.''


    ''Thanks, Robert. I am happy too,'' they heard the bell on the door ring.


    ''Good morning, Miss Emmerich. Here for the vacuum cleaner, are you? Quick, lad, bring it here.''


    ''Of course,'' said Michael and went to grab it.


    ''Good morning,'' greeted them the old lady. ''Have you seen the news today?''


    ''I''m usually not reading any news sites whatsoever. A bunch of politics and silly debates because some old men can''t work together,'' Mike replied.


    ''Oh, it''s not about that, my darling,'' she said. ''It''s about that pillar they found a year ago or so. Apparently, they finally got a reaction from that awful thing. In the news, they even said it glowed, for some reason!''


    Michael somehow froze at that sentence. While he never cared for the news and (frankly) usually thought that Ms. Emmerich was an unreliable source to get them from, this news filled him with dread. He knew that archaeologists found a pillar in Egypt. What was strange about it, was the fact that it appeared to be mechanical in nature. Like some ancient machine. Many theories and conspiracies were thrown around as to where it came from and what purpose it could serve, but so far they have made little progress. They could not get any response or reaction from this "device" so far. Yet, if this news were to be true, that has changed. And something told him that...


    ''I tell you, tampering with that thing is a bad idea! It will be the doom of us all!'' Said Ms. Emmerich, as if she read Michael''s mind.


    Robert noticed the strange expression on his worker''s face.


    ''Is everything okay?'' He asked.


    Michael shook his head, perishing the bad thoughts from his mind.


    ''Yes, everything is fine,'' he replied as he handed the repaired vacuum cleaner to the customer.


    Why would he care about some weird finding thousands of miles away from him? What if it glows? It''s not going to bring the end of the world! Besides, he had something much more important to think about. Such as how to best utilize his character in this night''s game!


    The shift was barely started, but he couldn''t wait for the night. It will be unlike anything he has experienced.


    ''Alright, this should be it,'' said Michael to himself.


    Finding the house was not difficult; it was just a little further away from the center. A big house with a nice garden in the front. It was built up by dark bricks, and from its windows, some light got out. It was almost as if it were coming from candles.


    He was excited and scared at the same time. Will he fit in? Or will he be the odd one, standing out? Part of him wanted to go home. Part of him wanted to avoid the possible humility. Still, he walked up to the door. And with an exhale, he knocked. The door opened almost instantly.


    ''Hey there,'' greeted his host, the late visitor. ''I am Michael Zion. Adrien invited me to play some Uncharted Territories with you guys. Hope I am not too late; I stopped to grab some snacks from the store. Didn''t want to show up empty-handed.''


    The man in the door looked in silence for a while. Measuring him up. In the meantime, the newcomer noticed the unconventional clothes he wore. Black robe, which was long enough to cover his entire body.


    Wow, they are really into roleplaying, Mike thought to himself.


    Finally, the man spoke.


    ''Oh, don''t worry, you are just in time. My name is Todd. Please, come in.''


    The first thing he noticed when he walked through the door was that no lights were on in the whole house. Only some candles¡ªfor there were indeed candles¡ªin the living room, so naturally, he walked that way. Inside there stood seven other hooded figures, making their total number eight.


    ''Man, you guys really know how to make an atmosphere! All the candles, the robes. It''s so cool!'' he noticed the item hanging from the ceiling. It was an X-shaped rune, with a bar at the bottom and a skull in the center. He instantly recognized it.


    ''You have a symbol of Khorne?! How great is that!''


    ''Thank you,'' said one of the hooded figures.


    The atmosphere got cold in an instant. The indescribable dread came back to Mike, and a feeling of uneasiness caught him by the throat. Something shouted at him in from the back of his mind. Something strange, yet something familiar.


    DANGER!


    That was when a dagger struck at Michael.