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Nova (Johnny Storm) - Marvel Character Profile: Real Name: Johnny Storm Aliases: Human Torch, Nova (while in the Nova Force) First Appearance: Fantastic Four #1 (1961) Height: 5'10" (178 cm) Weight: 165 lbs (75 kg) Eye Color: Brown Hair Color: Blonde Occupation: Superhero, Former member of the Fantastic Four, Nova Corps Member Affiliation: Fantastic Four, Nova Corps, Former member of the Invaders Base of Operations: New York City (Fantastic Four headquarters), Space (Nova Corps) Species: Human, Mutant (formerly), Nova Corps member (later in the Marvel universe) Powers: Pyrokinesis, flight, enhanced durability, Nova Force (via Nova Corps) Nova (Johnny Storm) Form - Overview: While Johnny Storm, also known as the Human Torch, is widely known for his pyrotechnic abilities, his transformation into Nova marks a significant shift in his powers and role within the Marvel Universe. The Nova persona comes when Johnny Storm becomes a member of the Nova Corps, a galactic police force that utilizes the Nova Force – a vast source of cosmic energy. While Human Torch primarily utilizes fire-based powers, Johnny Storm as Nova gains the ability to harness cosmic power on an entirely new level. This transformation amplifies his abilities and changes his role as a hero from a terrestrial figure to one with cosmic influence. Appearance in Nova Form: Cosmic Armor: As Nova, Johnny Storm dons a specialized Nova Corps uniform, typically consisting of a dark blue, yellow, and black suit with a star-like emblem on the chest. The armor represents the powers of the Nova Corps, giving him protection against the vacuum of space and augmenting his abilities. Nova Helmet: One of the key features in the Nova form is the helmet, which is designed to store and regulate the Nova Force. The helmet is often metallic with a sleek, futuristic design, typically featuring a stylized “N” insignia and allowing Johnny to withstand the overwhelming power he now commands. Glowing Energy Aura: Johnny's body is surrounded by a radiant cosmic aura in the Nova form, indicating his access to the Nova Force. This glow represents the overwhelming cosmic energy flowing through him, empowering him to achieve feats beyond his normal human limits. Abilities in Nova (Johnny Storm) Form: Nova Force: Upon becoming a member of the Nova Corps, Johnny Storm taps into the Nova Force, a vast and potent source of cosmic energy that grants him immense power. This force enhances every aspect of his physical and energy manipulation abilities, making him a cosmic-level hero. The Nova Force is primarily used for energy blasts, enhanced strength, and flight. Energy Projection: As Nova, Johnny gains the ability to unleash powerful energy blasts from his hands and chest. These energy blasts are far more potent than the flames he produces as the Human Torch, as they are derived from cosmic power and can obliterate entire planets or face powerful opponents like Galactus. Flight: Just like his Human Torch form, Nova can fly at incredible speeds, but now the Nova Force allows him to travel faster than light. This ability makes him capable of navigating outer space and traversing vast distances, including intergalactic travel, at speeds well beyond the speed of light. Superhuman Durability and Strength: The Nova Force boosts Johnny's physical attributes to superhuman levels. His strength, speed, and durability are significantly enhanced, making him far stronger and more resilient than when he is in his Human Torch form. He can withstand high-impact attacks, energy blasts, and even the vacuum of space without any physical harm. Energy Manipulation: Johnny can harness the Nova Force to manipulate energy in a variety of ways, from forming protective barriers to creating blasts of pure cosmic energy. The energy manipulation also extends to his ability to manipulate gravitational fields and control the temperature of objects, allowing him to create defensive shields or offensive weapons of devastating power. Cosmic Awareness: Being a bearer of the Nova Force grants Johnny an enhanced form of cosmic awareness, allowing him to sense disturbances in space, energy fluctuations, and even detect threats from vast distances, such as sensing the approach of threatening cosmic entities like Thanos or Galactus. Enhanced Healing Factor: While in the Nova form, Johnny’s body benefits from an enhanced regeneration factor. The Nova Force rapidly accelerates the healing process, allowing him to recover from injuries at an accelerated rate compared to his normal human healing abilities. Personality and Psychological Effects of the Nova Form: Confidence and Responsibility: In his Nova form, Johnny Storm takes on a much more serious and responsible demeanor. While his time as the Human Torch was often marked by youthful exuberance and a fun-loving nature, becoming a Nova Corps member forces Johnny to become more mature. The weight of cosmic responsibility and the authority that comes with wielding the Nova Force often alters Johnny’s behavior, making him more cautious and thoughtful. Handling Cosmic Power: Johnny, like many who gain access to the Nova Force, experiences the psychological burden of wielding such immense power. The Nova Force gives Johnny access to abilities that could easily rival or even exceed those of powerful cosmic entities. Though it enhances his confidence, it also comes with moments of doubt and self-reflection, as Johnny must regularly manage the immense responsibility of wielding such vast energy without losing control. Mentorship Role: As a member of the Nova Corps, Johnny is often placed in the position of mentor and leader for other corps members. He becomes responsible not only for guarding the universe but also for training new recruits in using their Nova powers. This leadership role adds an additional layer of complexity to his character, as he balances his responsibilities as both a superhero and a guide for the next generation. Weaknesses of the Nova Form: Nova Force Depletion: One of the most significant weaknesses of Johnny in his Nova form is that the Nova Force is a limited resource that can be depleted if overused. When Johnny pushes himself too far or uses excessive amounts of power in battle, the Nova Force can be drained, leaving him vulnerable and significantly weaker. In some versions of the character, when Johnny’s Nova Force is depleted, he loses his enhanced powers and returns to his regular Human Torch abilities, which are significantly less potent. Vulnerability to Power Drain: Because Johnny’s powers in the Nova form are derived from the Nova Force, certain opponents or environments that can drain energy or disrupt cosmic power sources can render him weak or powerless. Enemies like Blackout or other energy manipulators can exploit this vulnerability to neutralize Johnny’s abilities. Mental Strain: The vast power of the Nova Force can also put a strain on Johnny’s mental state, especially if he’s not accustomed to controlling it. The Nova Force is connected to an entire cosmic network, and Johnny must maintain mental focus to properly control it. If his concentration falters, he risks losing control of the force or even being overwhelmed by its power, leading to unintended consequences. Overexertion: The more Johnny uses the Nova Force, the greater the risk of physical exhaustion. Using the full potential of the Nova Force to its limits can leave him drained, weak, and unable to continue in battle. This is especially true when engaging in battles that require him to use excessive energy, like against powerful cosmic threats. Notable Moments in Nova (Johnny Storm) Form: Joining the Nova Corps: Johnny’s transition from the Human Torch to Nova happens when he is inducted into the Nova Corps. This shift is one of the most significant transformations in his life as he takes on a new, more global (and even cosmic) role in the Marvel Universe. Cosmic Battles: Johnny has used his Nova powers in various cosmic-scale battles, such as in his fight against Thanos and Galactus. His use of the Nova Force has been pivotal in these battles, with him tapping into the power of a universe-spanning energy source that makes him a formidable force in the Marvel Universe. The Thanos Imperative: In this storyline, Johnny Storm as Nova takes on a more central role as part of the Nova Corps, utilizing the full extent of his Nova Force to protect the universe from Thanos and other cosmic threats. Overall Significance: The Nova (Johnny Storm) form represents a massive power leap for the Human Torch, transforming him from a street-level hero to a cosmic powerhouse capable of contending with the greatest threats in the universe. The introduction of the Nova Force marks Johnny Storm's growth as a hero, shifting him into a role with both greater responsibilities and greater challenges. This form explores themes of cosmic power, leadership, and the weight of responsibility—further solidifying Johnny Storm's place as one of the most iconic Marvel characters in both his earthly and cosmic roles.

   It was a normal morning for uber nerds Adam, Danny and Max, as they sat at their desks in homeroom at the front of the class. It was  a pretty standard morning. The nerds came to school, got made fun of, received some sort of wedgie or pantsing, then made their way to homeroom, where they talked about their nerdy interests, homework and also dealing with the torment from fellow students.    Usually when the teacher's around, bullying is minimal: spitballs, wet willies, "kick me/wedgie me" signs put on their backs, and wedgies, mainly chair wedgies.    But with the teacher not there yet, bullying was less discreet and more open. But as the nerds sat there, taking every spitball to the back of the head, every wet Willie and wedgie from students walking by, they discussed the arrival of a new student who'd be joining them today.    "I wonder what he's like?" Adam asked.    "Yeah. I wonder if he'll be a nerd, like us?" Danny wondered.    "Who's into DnD and anime and stuff?" Chimed in Max.    "And Is an academic, like us?" Adam wondered.     The idea of the new kid seemed exciting, as the nerds listed off all their favorite things, the new kid hopefully enjoys, until-     "WEDGIE!!" A jock shouted, as he yanked Max's tighty whities up his back, lifting him out of his chair and giving him a few bounces, before pulling the white waistband over his chair, suspending the nerd inches off his chair.    The jock left, laughing and high fiving his buddies as he returned to his seat in the back.    "Or maybe he's a jock who likes to pick on nerds." Said Max in a defeated and strained tone.    "A bully who only comes to school to wedgie and swirly losers like us." Danny said sadly.    "Come on, guys." Adam said, still in high spirits. "Not all the people here are horrible, he may be really cool!" He said, trying to excite his nerdy companions, when a wad of paper hit his head. Looking back, he saw the punk who threw it, jeering at him, telling him to open it.    Upon opening it, Adam saw a detailed drawing of him being given a brutal wedgie and next to that, a swirly too. With a note at the bottom, that read: "you after homeroom, nerd!!"    Adam looked back to see the same punk smirking at him, mimicking giving a wedgie, as Adam grimaced and turned around. "But most of them are." He admitted.  Almost immediately, Danny and Adam found themselves put in headlocks and rigorously noogied, as the two guys behind them laughed at them.    "Well, we heard" the guy giving Adam his noogie, said. "That this new kid just got out of juvey."    "Yeah," said Danny's tormentor. "I heard he gave a whole classroom of nerds Texas wedgies, including the teacher!"    "No, I heard it was the flagpole." Adam's tormentor corrected.     This soon started a heated debate between the two bullies. The more they argued, the harder they noogied their nerds, making them squeal in pain. The only thing that saved them, was when the teacher walked in. Both boys released their nerds and left, but not before administering double wet willies for both of them, making the nerds grimace in discomfort.    "Later nerds." They said, as they sat down behind them.    As the teacher walked in, he started his usual routine of roll call. Listing off all the names of students present: "Holly...here"    "Michael...here"    "Derek....here"     "Adam...hereAAHHH!" Adam squealed, as he felt the familiar feeling of his tighty whities rocket up his butt.     He turned to see the guy from before, leaned over his desk, holding Adam's waistband, smirking as he lets it go and it snaps against his back.    The teacher, barely looked up from his clip board, ignoring what happened, as he usual did. Since nerds being bullied was a big thing around here, he didn't care or have the time to worry about it, so he mostly ignored it and moved on with roll call.    "Henry...here"    "Julie...here"     "Max...h-here." He said, shakily in his chair wedgie.     "Danny...herEEEKKK!" He squealed, earning laughs from the class. As he too was given a wedgie from the guy behind him. But the teacher, looking annoyed, just moved on.     And instead of feeling the sting off his underwear slap his back in release, Danny felt another tug, as the bully wedgied him harder.     "Dammit, nerd." He said in a hushed tone. "You couldn't squeal louder, huh?" He released the nerd and shoved him forward in his seat.     Adam turned to see Danny's bully, slip cash to Adam's bully. Clearly it was a bet to see whose nerd could squeal louder. And it appeared he won. Although it surely didn't feel like he did.     As the teacher got to their other friend Walter, they realized he hadn't shown up yet. Which, as the nerds learned from experience, didn't mean he wasn't here, just that he may be crammed in a locker, or hanging by his underwear somewhere, or mid swirly right now or even crammed in a garbage can.    It wasn't until after roll call, that the door swung open and in walked in an all too familiar sight. A nerd in nothing but an atomic wedgie, waddling in, much to the laughter and delight of the students and the annoyance of the teacher.    "Thank you for joining us, Walter. Plz take a seat." The teacher said.     As Walter waddled painfully to the nearest seat, next to Adam, the nerd struggled to sit, as the atomic made every slight movement worse. But unfortunately for the wedgied nerd, just as he was about to sit, the seat had been yanked out from under him, sending the nerd falling on his already sore and wedgied bottom. Making the whole class laugh even more at the humiliated nerd.     "Stupid nerd." The guy who pulled out his chair said, smirking as Walter struggled to get up.    Finally sitting, the teacher carried on, as Adam leaned in towards his wedgied friend.    "Which jock got you this time?" Adam asked. Having been wedgied mercilessly on a daily basis for years, the four nerds have grown accustomed to every jock and bully's treatment of nerds in the school.    "W-wasn't a jock." The nerd silently said, through gritted teeth.    "Cheerleaders?" He asked.    "No."    "Preps? Goths? Punks?" Adam asked, knowing that in this school, if you weren't a nerd, then you definitely picked on them.     "None of them." Walter said.     "Then who?" He asked confused.     "I-it was-" suddenly the door opened again, cutting Walter off, as a big, muscular guy, with short black hair and bulging muscles, walked in.    "Can I help you?" The teacher asked.    "Yeah." The guy said, walking over and handing him a slip. "I'm new and this is my homeroom."    "Ah, yes. Mr...Connor Reed." the teacher said, inspecting the note. "Just take a seat anywhere."    As Conner walked down the isles, he first stopped by Walter. "You better keep that in, loser." He said, giving a harsh yank to the back for Walter's already wedgied briefs. Making the nerd squeal and grip his desk tight, as he was slightly lifted off his chair.    As he made his way to the back, the class watched as he shoved a dorky looking boy out of his seat and claimed it for his own. The dorky boy, wanting to stick up for himself, immediately cowered down, as Conner glared at him, and quickly ran to the farthest desk from him.     As class went on, the three nerds just looked at their wedgied friend in horror. Realizing this new student wasn't just a typical bully, but a sadistic and scary one too.    As the bell rang and the class left homeroom, the four nerds waddled out, picking their wedgies, all except Walter, who was too scared to anger the new bully and suffer an even worse fate. They had barely made it ten feet from the door, when-    "WEDGIE TIME!" The punk from earlier shouted, as he grabbed two handfuls of Adam's tighty whities and yanked them all the way up his back, exposing his leg holes and sending him to his tip toes, squealing, as the punk delivered the painful wedgie.     The hallway erupted in laughter, at the familiar sight: a punk, with his camo shorts, blank tank top and beanie, giving a brutal wedgie to one of the biggest nerds in school.    The others could only watch In fear and embarrassment, as their nerdy friend was dragged away by his underwear to the bathroom, for the swirlies, he was no doubt gonna receive.    The nerds carried on, knowing their friend would catch up, eventually. They walked slowly to their lockers, only to accommodate their wedgied friend, who could only waddle painfully. Groaning and grimacing at every step. Much to the laughter and delight of the students in the halls.    "You guys mind helping me find my clothes?" Walter asked.    "Sure." Max said. "You know where they are?"    "Yeah. The garbage can, by the entrance doors." He told them.    As the three nerds went, they were met with mocking and ridicule, mainly because of the atomic wedgie their nerdy friend was forced to keep.    "Mind telling us how this happened?" Danny asked.    "Uh, yeah" Walter grunted in pain. "I, uh, bumped into the new guy, Conner, coming into school and he gave me the scariest look I've ever seen on a bully. And before I knew it, he stripped me of my clothes and gave me the most brutal squeaky clean I ever received." He explained.    "Worse than when the baseball team gave us all squeaky cleans, individually?" Max interjected.    "Worse." He said, shooting a worried glance to his friends, who gulped in response.    "Then," he continued. "He gave me this atomic wedgie and told me if I didn't watch where I was going, he wouldn't be so nice about it next time."    "Sounds terrifying." Danny said.    "It was." Walter admitted, struggling with every step.    Reaching the garbage can, the nerds peered inside and lucky enough, found Walter's clothes at the bottom, with only minimal trash on top.    "Ok," max said. "They're still here. You can get them." He told Walter.    "Me?" He asked. "You want me to bend in the trash like this?" He gestured to his atomic too quickly and immediately regretted his actions, as it caused more discomfort.    "Well I'm not doing it."max said. "That's just asking for trouble."    Given that, out of all the nerds, Max was by far the shortest of the bunch. Making dangling wedgies and stuffing him in trash cans, a go-to for his bullies, he didn't want to chance it.    "Well I don't wanna do it, either." Danny said.    Given that all three nerds were against the idea of willingly going inside a trash can to retrieve the clothes, they resolved the issue the only way they could: Rock, paper, scissors.    By the end of the game, max was the loser and he had to fish out the clothes.    As max bent over the bin, he managed to scrape off the top layer of trash, before grabbing Walter's shoes, pants and shirt. Finally done collecting the clothes, Max called out: "alright, got em, pull me ou-AAAHHH!" He screamed, as the all too familiar feeling of his tighty whities being wedgied up his bottom, sent him completely in the garbage can.    Max could feel the tightness of the wedgie becoming stronger, as the bullies tied his waistband to the handle bar, effectively trapping the small nerd in the can. But through the laughter of the bullies and the people around them, max could still hear the squealing and crying of Danny and Walter, who he knew were probably getting wedgied, just as bad.    Danny and Walter had been pinned to the lockers, as the jocks bounced them by their undies, with Walter crying the loudest, as his wedgie was made one hundred times worse. It only made the jocks laugh harder, prompting them to wedgie even harder.    It didn't end, until the jocks had given Danny an atomic wedgie and pantsed him, before shoving him to the ground. And as for Walter, he received an all around bouncing wedgie and a firm kick to his balls, sending the nerd doubling over, worsening his atomic.    "Later,nerds." The jocks said, laughing as they left their nerdy victims on the floor in pain.    It took a few minutes before Danny was able to remove his atomic, no thanks to the people mocking him in the hall, who insisted on giving his atomic a firm yank, every time he tried to remove it. By the time he was free and got his pants pulled up, he assisted Walter in untying max's underwear from the garbage handle and pulling him free, having retrieved the clothes, but leaving his black framed glasses in the trash.     After a quick struggle to put on his clothes, Walter could finally cover up his atomic, all except for his head, which displayed a white cap of underwear fabric pulled up to his forehead.    "Come on," Walter said. "Let's get to our lockers and go to first period, before we get anymore mega wedgies." The nerds agreed and walked on. Oh shoot. Max thought, realizing his glasses had fallen off in the garbage, he ran back to retrieve them, when, bent over again, he felt hands grab his waistband and lift his nerdy butt in the air and straight down into the trash again.    The guy responsible just smirked. "Nerd." He mocked, as he went on his way, as Max kicked and squirmed, back in his smelly prison again, calling for help.    After freeing their friend again, all three nerds had made it to their lockers, which coincidentally, were right next to each other. They rushed to grab their books, when they heard a familiar voice.    "Hey guys."    They turned to find Adam, walking awkwardly towards them, his head and shirt soaking wet, a massive beaver tail of white cotton sticking out of his pants, and speaking of pants, it looked like he was adjusting them, as if after a pantsing.    "I see you found his clothes." Adam said, finally joining his friends.    "Yeah." Danny said. "It was definitely painful though."    "Tell me about it." Adam said, rubbing his bottom. "Drew decided I needed a mega wedgie and swirly session today, since he hadn't beat me up since Friday, when he gave me a suitcase wedgie across the school and ran me up the flagpole." He said, still remembering the phantom pain of those wedgies.    As the four nerds grabbed their books from their lockers, they were unaware of the bullies behind them. And without warning, all four nerds had their tighty whities grabbed and wedgied off the ground, making all four nerds squeal in pain.    The bullies laughed, as they bounced their nerds.    "Haha losers." Danny's bully laughed.     "How's your undies taste, nerds?" Max's bully asked.        "I would ask if you were thirsty for toilet water, loser." Adam's wedgie giver said. "But looks like someone beat me to it." He said, giving an extra hard bounce, making Adam squirm and cry out.    "Man," Walter's bully said. "This one ain't as fun." He admitted. "I mean giving nerds wedgies is awesome and all, but I hate wedgie-ing a pre-wedgied nerd." He said, giving multiple frustrated bounces, making the nerd cry in pain.    As the bell rang, warning students of their first class, the bullies dropped their nerds, earning signs of relief from the nerds, but boos from the people watching the latest nerd humiliation.    "Maybe we'll pick this up later, losers." The one bully said, before shoving Walter against the lockers, and another giving Danny a wet Willie before they left.    "Come on guys," max said. "Let's just hurry up before something else bad happens.    "You really think something worse could happen right now?" Danny asked, trying to pick his mega wedgie.    "Oh yeah." Walter squeaked, as he faced Conner, the one responsible for his current atomic issue.     The other three turned to face the intimidating bully, as he stared down on Walter.    "Who told you, you could get your clothes loser?" He asked, glaring at the frightened nerd.    "Uh, I, uh, d-didn't kn-know-"     Immediately Walter was pulled off the ground by the front of his whities, making Walter squeal as he came face to face with the bully.    "If I wanted you to have clothes, I'd have left them on you. Got it?!" He said, giving a harsh yank up, making Walter cry out.    "Y-yes sir." He said in a strained voice.     Conner just looked to his side, to see the other scared nerds, then looked back to Walter. "These your friends, loser?"    "Y-yes sir." He squeaked out.    Conner just snorted. "Funny, first day here and already I got four nerds I own."    Did he say own? The three nerds asked themselves.    Before they knew it, Walter had been crammed in his locker. And soon enough, Conner rounded on the other nerds.    "Names." He growled out.    The nerds all nervously gave their names, as he approached and stood over them, menacingly.    "I'm Conner." He told them. "And from this day on, I own your nerdy asses." He said, making the nerds gulp, confirming what they heard earlier. "And the next time you nerds wanna help your friend, you're gonna join him." He said, as he shoved max and Danny against the wall and pinned them there with his back, as he grabbed Adam and began giving him a squeaky clean. Forcing a loud girly scream to come from his mouth as he was violently flossed and immediately pantsed, before being crammed in the same locker as Walter, which was already a tight fit, but now even more so, with two people in it.    Conner then released max and Danny, only to grab their briefs and yank them sky high, lifting both nerds off their feet, as they squirmed and kicked patheticly. Only to drop them and steal their pants.    "In you go, shrimpy." Conner said, grabbing max's legs and dangling him upside down, before shoving him into the same locker, upside down, so his face was shoved against Adam's bare butt. Then came Danny, who was also shoved in the locker, facing max's exposed and wedgied butt, so his face too was crammed deep in his butt.    The locker was way past nerd capacity, but Conner wasn't gonna let that stop him, as he shoved, pounded and kicked the nerds in, making them cry and moan, until the locker door finally slammed shut and locked.    "Have fun in there, nerds." Conner said, through the door. "I'll be sure to beat your asses later, that's if someone lets you out." He laughed as he walked away. Leaving the four nerds cramped and sore from their new bully.    "This is gonna be bad." Adam said, defeatedly.

The room was quiet as (y/n) finished reattching the metal shoulders to his power armor, rites and incantations already spoken as he retooled it to handle the harsh environment he expected to fight in. It was nice to have something to do physically again, to work with his metal hands into crafting something worth while. He needed the distraction, to pull himself of thoughts about Yang and their last meeting. With the time that passed he wondered if he should of told her why defeating Perturabo meant so much to him, why it was important for him to leave people out of it. He failed them, his mother, the countless families torn apart by Perturabo, the men and women who died fighting Atlas. Every single one of them was a failure, his failure. His Astartes praised him but how couldn't they? He took a bunch of children who wished they could fight and showed them how to, to pull them from the blissful naivete of youth and show them that they too could have an impact against their enemy. He did what he had to, nothing more nothing less. But still that didn't mean a thing to the dead, they were the only one's who finally found an ending to the fighting. He shook his head in quiet disgust with himself. He praised strength above all else for nothing, not the countless laws in Vale, the romance of huntsmen, not even the history of the world mattered more than strength. With it they were able to build Medusa as it is today, not some long lost region that people in Vale would click their tongs over and only think "what a shame" but a region where they crafted their own future. Hell strength could be argued to be what ended the conflict with Atlas, it wasn't strong words that got Ironwood directly involved which brought Ozpin's attention. If only he realized that truth earlier maybe he would of been bold to go back home when he realized something was wrong, maybe he wouldn't be some sad excuse of a leader to people desperate to reclaim what was already theirs. As if waiting for him to finish his thoughts the door to his room slid open, the bright light of the hallway poured into the dimly lit shell of metal with only the light by his power armor offering any resistance. Turning his head (y/n) found Martellius standing in the doorway, clad in his armor standing stifly as usual. (y/n):"Any word yet?" Martellius:"Not yet. I thought you'd like to know the final Valkyrie run is underway, in three hours the last of Deliverance's refugees will be here." He sighed at that news, it had been three days since he brought Corvus here and from the moment the ghostly man left there had been nothing but silence. There is the chance that Corvus just took what (y/n) gave him and ran off but he judged it as a 20% possibility, the man spent 6 years in a city he condemned to the Grimm looking after the people who followed him, it was very unlikely he'd leave them to an unknown person. Still though maybe he should of gone personally, a full force would be detected easily but one more person would of been unnoticed... or at least he should but it seemed every one of his attempts at stealth failed. Martellius:"Also with the addition to our population food consumption has increased dramatically, the shipments Ozpin has gifted us won't hold for long." (y/n):"I know." Martellius:"Also we are having difficulty housing them, they brought tents but with winter coming they won't have anywhere warm besides the base." (y/n):"I know." Martellius:"Also-" (y/n):"Yes I know that our fuel reserves have been drained from the mass extraction. Do you have any good news?" Martellius:"They don't stink as bad anymore." (y/n) mentally kicked himself realizing the whole slew of problems he dragged home with him, he had a few solutions in the works but until Perturabo was dealt with he couldn't afford to waste the manpower pursuing them. One final fight was all it'd take and then as long as the cease fire Ozpin forced on them held they could go from this collection of forces to a proper habitat again. (y/n):"How are the agricultural projects?" Martellius:"Promising but they won't meet the required numbers, greenhouses are effective but they're too small for the out put we need." (y/n):"How long until we run out of food?" Martellius:"A month at the current rations, maybe two if we cut them in half." (y/n):"Unacceptable, I won't have people only receiving one meal a day." Martellius:"Understood." A silence fell on the room as (y/n) examined his armor, making sure everything was in place. Martellius is one of the most compliant of the Iron hands, always willing to do the duty of the left hand man. It struck (y/n) a bit odd since Martellius seemed infatuated with Barlis' teachings on technology, maybe he sensed it could help their forming legion back in the early days when they were nothing more than angry children who wanted nothing more than to make the men who ruined their lives suffer; if so Martellius had an amazing intuition since it did pay off so well. That was a lesson from Corvus, how things could of been if Barlis and Castor evaded them after their first true battle. Corvus is above the regular Astartes, maybe on the same level as Perturabo and (y/n) though his strength wasn't in a straight up battle but from fighting through the shadows. Perturabo preferred to fight on the defensive, fortifying locations and laying traps, (y/n) himself tended to rely on frontal assaults, amassing firepower and rage to overrun the positions Perturabo set though they had the huge advantage of Barlis supplying them with high tech gear; there was no possible way Perturabo could of predicted just how much the tech priest offered. With those facts in mind it made some sense that there'd be Astartes with an inclination for other brands of warfare. Once this was over he'd have to inquire more about this, see if there was anything new to learn or at least confirm some of the theories they all had. (y/n):"Has there been any sign from Vale?" Martellius:"Not yet." (y/n):"Hm, I thought for sure Ozpin would demand some answers by now." Martellius:"The Vytal festival is in Vale this year, maybe that has him occupied." (y/n):"The Vytal festival? I almost forgot that was a thing, I don't think I've even thought of it since..." Martellius:"We went to Shadrak's home to watch it." A tired hint of a smile crossed (y/n)'s face at that reminder, how him and his two best friends sat on the floor watching huntsmen in training battle through the tournament. The adults took up the couch, good home cooked meals, his friends all being amazed by what a huntsmen could do. It was a bit disappointing to compare those childish thoughts to what he thought of them now, no heroic huntsmen came to save them from Perturabo or even check on them... at least none that was friendly to them. They were built up as heros, legends that walked the world and (y/n) believed that framework with every fiber of his being. Now all he could see is their failings, how they didn't help him in his hours of need, that they'd rather find a small town to call home and soak up lien just for living there. It was a hard truth, one of many, but when he learned it when he went to Vale he wasn't surprised. Martellius:"My lord a message came through from Shadow talon." "Shadow talon" the call sign of the thunderhawk that brought Corvus to Vacuo. Immediately (y/n) linked with the base's network and traveled through the stream of data to the communication system where found a simple message reading: 'target located, land at attached coordinates for valuable information.' (y/n):"Martellius get the task force together." Martellius:"At once my lord." Martellius raced out the door giving (y/n) time to equip his armor, a simple process engrained into his muscle memory by this point. After pulling it on and equipping the bracers he used to protect his wrists (though his arms are made of metal wrists are the structural weak point in the arm and he had no desire to what see a broken metal bone would be like). With that done he checked his servo harness, the dependable flamer on the left arm, the ever useful three digit hand in the middle, and on the right rested the carnage thirsty melta gun. He spent a long time weighing his options and decided on this configuration, they were going to be in close quarters after all where he dominated with his warhammer but this wasn't about domination; no this was a time of devistation. Claiming his warhammer from a weapon stand and his helmet from a tool case he made his way out of the room into the gray metal hallway that acted as veins for his base. He could hear the thuds of his Astartes marching through the hallway even though none were to be seen. Everyone was eager for this, to strike against their hated foe with a fury that burned for a decade. It was just as he promised them all that time ago when it was just him and his Morlocks, they would fight, they would kill, and now they will win. It was about time. Entering the flight deck (y/n) found his task force boarding their Thunderhawks, 13 aircraft took on the finest warriors his inner circle had personally selected from the clan companies under his command, all Astartes, most from his legion but a few of Corvus' men who were quick to adapt to their equipment were permitted to come along. In the center where (y/n)'s personal Thunderhawk waited his inner circle stood collected, Castor stood upright like he was having a statue carved of himself, Barlis hunched forward holding the half gear headed staff he often carried, Martellius stood ready with a bolter, Shadrak remaind the imposing living tank, and there was one who wasn't in his command staff: his little sister who stood beside Shadrak's towering figure. She looked upset which wasn't surprising, at Beacon she finally had a taste of a normal life and (y/n) had her torn away from it; the logic was sound it made no sense to leave her exposed there without proper protection... he did however feel a ping of regret that she was forced into the situation. Stuffing the feeling down he focused on his inner circle as he reached them, awaiting the reports he expected of them. Barlis:"The machine spirits have been appeased for a lengthy journey, every weapon you may need has been loaded." Martellius:"The task force has been informed they'll receive a briefing on site." Castor:"We've increased patrols in the region, we won't get smacked with a counter attack while you're gone." (y/n):"Well done, all of you have continued to meet the demands asked of you." Shadrak:"Perturabo has no where to run this time, we will be ready for him. I look forward to retribution." He replied in that slow booming hollow voice from his walking tomb. (y/n):"Shadrak... my old friend, you cannot come with us." If Shadrak had a reaction his shell didn't show it but (y/n) knew his friend well, he'd expect an explanation why he couldn't come along on this final effort. (y/n):"We'll be fighting in close quarters, you won't be able to fit in half of the places. And..." (y/n) let his eye wash over the faces that he became accustomed to throughout this long fight, everyone of them proved essential and irreplaceable to him. Perhaps it was the emotional dam cracking a bit more but these are the closest people to him, even when he became the Gorgan they remained as true as the stars themselves. (y/n):"...and you all have played a key part in our work here. Martellius you've been the life blood, working tirelessly on jobs most consider beneath them but never passed it onto someone else because you knew it had to be done right. Castor you organized everyone who isn't an Astartes into a fighting force capable of holding the region despite everything Perturabo and Atlas threw at us. And Shadrak you carry the spirit of our legion, wrath and strength but you also give a sense of brotherhood. You are all indispensable. I don't know how this fight will go so I must weigh failure as an outcome, if I fall you three will be able to carry on our work." Martellius:"Are you certain of this? If you're worried about failure you can remain here while the others fight." (y/n):"I am. I started this fight, so many people have been lost in this war that I began. I have a responsibility to see it through to its end." Shadrak:"Wait, you forgot Barlis." All eyes turned on the tech priest who silently watched from his glowing blue eyes hidden beneath his hood. Barlis:"My Disciples can continue my work, I will be of greater benefit to our lord in the field." Shadrak:"You knew before hand." Barlis:"We discussed it, correct." (y/n):"This is all just a precaution, we will return victorious." Castor and Martellius slammed their fists into their chests saluting (y/n) while Shadrak remained still as to not damage the precious life beneath him. Martellius:"We will comply, become the weapon of the soul (y/n)." Castor:"I'll have to dig up some brandy our victory toast. It's been an honor to serve you." (y/n) nodded before stepping closer to Shadrak and got down on one knee, meeting Marie's gaze with his real eye. She pulled back a bit, afraid of what words he had to say. He placed his warhammer down, casting aside his role of the Iron handed Warlord that he carried for just this one moment. A sad smile crossed his face, they were the only family they had since this mess began and while she wasn't a key player in the fighting he was glad she is here. (y/n):"We have never been particularly close, have we Marie?" Marie gave a slow nod in response, confirming his failure as an older brother. (y/n):"I'm sorry for that, I really am. If it helps I'm glad you're here with me, to know some part of our family remains pure. I kept you fed and clean but that doesn't make up for the fact I was never a shoulder you could cry on, I tried but all of this has taken so much from me that I couldn't be the brother you deserved. I hope you can forgive me for that one day." Marie remained still processing what he said, her eyes wet with tears. He wanted to tell her that he hoped she'd never understand anything going here, that it will remain a confusing mess to her because that meant she wasn't tainted by the horrible things that happened for most of her life. But he wouldn't say that, he wouldn't invite her mind to wander down the bloody path he walked. As she remained frozen like a statue (y/n) shook his head, wondering just how much she understood of the situation, about him. He reached for his warhammer when she shot out from beneath Shadrak, jumping right into his chest with her small arms wrapping around the back of his neck locking herself in a hug. She clung to him so tightly even the ceremite armor felt like it was relenting. She cried, loud and sadly she cried into his shoulder. Marie:"Don't go! Just stay here with us, we can have movie night with Ruby and Yang and things will get better!" (y/n) slowly wrapped his arm around Marie, carefully as to not damage the precious being in his arm. For the first time in a very long time he wished he could rip the metal from his arms so Marie could feel warm and soft embracing him instead of cold hard metal. There were so many things he wished he could of said to his mother but she's dead, any attempt to talk to her was answered by cold air and nothing more. He didn't want Marie to live with that should the worst come to pass, he wanted her to have at least one good memory whenever she thought of family. (y/n):"There there Marie, it's all going to be fine. Remember you're a (l/n), like our parents before us. No matter what we move forward, one foot in front of the other." Marie pulled back, tears washing down her face as she made eye contact with him. Marie:"I-I got it." Unable to endure what she felt anymore Marie broke away, quickly retreating behind Shadrak's leg where she quietly cried. (y/n) didn't know what to say but he knew she felt safe with Shadrak, a fitting guardian should the worst happen. He watched for a moment, taking in one final moment with his sister. Grabbing his Warhammer (y/n) stood up and embarked up the boarding ramp, taking one last look behind him after he reached the hold. Martellius, Castor, Shadrak, and little Marie. He knew the region would be in good hands, perhaps they wouldn't take it into the direction he would but he trusted them to ensure the territory they fought so hard for would prosper again one day. With one final nod to them he entered the Thunderhawk, walking past the 7 Morlocks who'd accompany him personally lead by the ever loyal Thos. Reaching a jump seat in the rear of the hold he sat down, Barlis already claiming the seat next to it as the door raised itself shut. The engines whirled to life with the slight bump as it ascended. Barlis:"So do I get a heartwarming speech as well?" (y/n):"Why would you? You're going to be right next to me." Barlis gave a small mechanical cackle in response. While the man who taught (y/n) the ways of the machine was odd at times even after all the time they worked together (y/n) knew he could be as blunt as he wanted to be with Barlis, the fabricator-general didn't mind at all and at times seemed to even enjoy it. Their relationship wasn't one of sentimentality but of religious fervor and necessity, a very powerful pairing. Readying himself for the long flight (y/n) placed his helmet on his lap, his warhammer at his side and closed his organic eye. Ozpin and Yang could preach about the importance of emotions but one thing about his stunned status he appreciated was how easy he could get some sleep without them. ---Beacon--- Yang sat in Port's class absolutely bored out of her mind. The booming monotone professor went on and on about... crap what was he on about now? It started off with Beowulves but he went on about their evolution, how they went from being the bread and butter bulk of a Grimm horde to the alphas who were deadly enough that no one managed to capture one alive, then he went on about some myth about a beowulf he tried tracking down in his "glory days as a huntsmen". It was funny in a way, typically right now she'd be watching (y/n) furiously taking notes. It wasn't until a week after she discovered his cybernetics that she questioned why a cyborg would write anything down when he was probably recording it but the realization why made her laugh so hard it hurt: Port's ramblings were so pointless (y/n) didn't want to waste memory recording it and instead wrote it down to cherry pick anything useful. Even now she gave a soft giggle remembering it. Soon enough the bell rung which she mentally cheered at, she wanted out and bad. Grabbing her notebook she got up and walked to the hallway yet her eyes couldn't help but fall on the empty seat where (y/n) usually sat. He was always quiet, never added anything to any of their classes, it was hard for her to believe someone who remained so reserved made it feel like half the class was missing with his absence. She began to wonder what she could of done differently, was there something she could of said to change his mind? Something that could of make him forget Perturabo and come back here with her? She couldn't imagine it, again in the painful irony she knew where he was coming from; tracking someone down for somekind of resolution though their motives are vastly different. But still she couldn't help but wonder if there was something she could of said. Instead of having a casual conversation in the hallway as she often did after class she found herself going to her room, not even the post school workout she often enjoyed held any interest for her now since it was only a reminder of the first time she laid eyes on (y/n). Entering her room she casually tossed her notebook aside before going to her bed, jumping up onto it where she pulled out the little device that called to her three days before. Whoever it was must of put it there when she was unconscious so it'd stand to reason it was that tech priest Barlis who contacted her. But then she wasn't sure why he'd contact her, her intuition told her that the "flesh is weak" mentality (y/n) expressed most likely came from Barlis so wouldn't he also share (y/n)'s views on emotions? That just reminded her of another problem, (y/n) was apparently showing emotions again; or at least the person who contacted her believed that to be the case. Did he have anyone that would nurture his returning feelings? Castor seemed loyal but was it to (y/n) or the cause? Martellius clearly had a very compliant personality so he'd probably go with whatever (y/n) said. That walking war machine Shadrak... she really didn't know, she saw the relief on (y/n)'s face when Shadrak came charging into that factory but she couldn't imagine he was very stable; he showed a devastating fury during that fight so there was no reason to believe he wouldn't be preaching that to (y/n). (Or at least how she figured it, keep in mind she doesn't have a full grasp on who Shadrak is.) So out of all of them who cared for (y/n) not as a leader but as a person? She was so distracted with these thoughts she didn't even notice the door open with the rest of her team walking in, all looking directly at Yang's bed knowing she'd be there. It hit Ruby the hardest, Yang was always the one who shook off whatever life threw at her and to see her big sister who laughed at most problems act like this... she had to do something. Ruby:"Hey Yang, you feeling any better?" Yang snapped from her thoughts caught completely off guard by Ruby, she remained stunned for a moment weighing whether to tell Ruby the truth or not. She trusted her as a leader but at the same time there were a few things she kept from her little sister, namely her problems. She didn't want to burden Ruby with her troubles, she made it a point that Ruby wouldn't have to go through what she did when their father shut down on them years ago. It was hard, going from a wonderful family to being Ruby's primary caretaker while she dealt with a loss in the family but she never let that fall on Ruby. Instead her old instincts kicked in, a quick exhale like she was laughing at a meme with a false smile plastered on her face. Yang:"When am I not feeling better? I got my teammates, bumblebee, and tonight I think I'm gonna take my scroll to the bathroom and-" Ruby:"YANG SERIOUSLY WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU!? YOU CAN'T JUST SAY STUFF LIKE THAT!!!" Yang couldn't help but break out laughing, it brought her no end of joy to see Ruby react like this when she got... "descriptive". It was just a normal thing, she didn't see any reason to get upset about it. But her laugh didn't last as long as it usually would, soon enough it died down which Ruby took notice of. Ruby:"Yang come on, usually you'd laugh longer than that. I know something is wrong." Yang:"I'm fine Rubes, I've just been thinking." Weiss:"No wonder why you've been so quiet." She added in a disgruntled tone. Yang:"Oh look Weiss is being mean again, it must be a day that ends with a 'y'." She jabbed back. Weiss snapped her head back to Yang, her eyes narrowed in fury. Weiss:"Go on make all the jokes you want, at least I'm not hung up on a boy." Yang:"What was that?" Ruby:"Weiss please don't!" She shouted hoping it would derail the ensuing argument, it did not. Weiss:"I'm just saying you spent what? Three weeks hanging around the same guy? And when he has to do something you throw a pity party over it, you're such a baby." Yang:"What would you know? Every guy who went after you just wanted your lien." Weiss:"Yes, men are a penny a dozen, thank you for agreeing with me." Yang casually ran a hand over the wooden frame of her bed, specifically the line next to the mattress in a smooth plank. Yang:"This bed is so flat but still not as flat as Weiss!" Weiss:"EXCUSE ME!?" Ruby:"Aw crap here we go." She quietly muttered while backing out of the space between them. Yang:"Yeah, it's kinda funny since you call everyone else immature but uh... You're the one falling behind." She replied with a mischievous grin crossing her face as she motioned to Weiss' reserved figure. Weiss:"IS THAT ALL THAT MATTERS TO YOU!? YOU, YOU... KNUCKLE DRAGGING BARBARIAN!" Yang:"Easy Weiss you don't want this getting out of hand, because just like ice I'll shatter you." Weiss:"Well its no wonder (y/n) kept acting annoyed after you Irritated him, I'm tempted to congratulate him!" Ruby:"Really Weiss!? You gotta go for the sore spot?" Weiss:"She started it." Yang had to bite her lip to stop herself from turning this even nastier, that was a hit in a nerve she did not need and if Weiss said anything else more than the halls were going to be decked. (There ya go, this year's Christmas special is that line.) Yang:"...I'm gonna head to the bathroom." Jumping down from her bed Yang grabbed her regular clothes and went to the bathroom to get changed, making sure to put the communicator on the sink where she could easily grab it. After taking off the jacket she was relieved to unbutton the shirt, it was so stuffy and restraining for her... ample chest. After pulling on her tank top she traded the skirt for her spandex shorts, then... she heard beeping. She couldn't snatch the device off the sink fast enough, seeing the button flash green as she anticipated the last three days and pressed it as fast as she could. Yang:"Hello!?" She asked eagerly with the distorted voice answering her. (???):"He's heading to Perturabo right now, you must go to Vacuo." Yang:"Alright I'll talk to Ozpin right now and-" (???):"There is no time for that, I have already arranged for transport. A Valkyrie gunship will be setting down by the dorms any minute now, it will take you to him." Yang:"Crap why is it always when I'm changing!?" Keeping the device in her hand Yang scrambled to finish getting dressed, the pulling her boots on and fastening the half skirt she wore she grabbed the rest of her clothes and hopped out of the bathroom to find Ruby and Weiss arguing but she paid them no mind as she grabbed her gauntlets from the desk and scrambled out the door. Ruby:"Yang?" Weiss:"Hey we're still talking!" Ruby being Ruby ran after Yang, chasing her sister through the hallway outside of the student dorms. She was surprised to see an aircraft set down in a nearby field, a different type from the ever reliable bullhead but when she spotted Yang running up its rear boarding ramp she knew she had to get on it. As the aircraft floated up its hatch began to close but that wasn't a problem for Ruby who exploded into a cloud of petals that flew into the bay of the aircraft just before the door sealed itself shut. Yang:"Ruby?" Ruby:"What did you think I'd let you go alone?" Yang:"I... hold on Rubes. OK I'm on." She said into the device. (???):"The pilots have been instructed to take you directly to (y/n), most likely it'll be a battle zone since you will be a few hours behind him." Yang:"Alright, thank you whoever you are." (???):"I am counting on you, he must not be lost to madness." The light on the device went dark which she figured meant it was done transmitting. Lowering it she looked back to Ruby who nervously chuckled at her sister. Yang:"Ruby why did you come here?" Ruby:"What you needed help, tell me you wouldn't do any different!" Yang:"I'm heading into what's probably gonna be a war zone and you don't even have your weapon." Ruby:"Shoot... please don't tell me this means-" Yang:"Oh yeah, we're doing hand to hand training." Ruby groaned in response, loathe at the idea of hand to hand fighting. ---6 hours later--- Pilot:"My lord we are closing in on the coordinates but there is a situation." (y/n)'s eye flew open, his mind a little hazy from sleep but that quickly dissipated. He was greeted by the feed from his bionic eye displaying data from the Thunderhawk, a high tempature outside took his notice telling him they are in "the badlands". (y/n):"What is it?" Pilot:"We've located a landing beacon, from what we can tell it's situated by a river of lava and we are picking up life signals." (y/n) turned his gaze to Barlis silently asking the tech priest if the Thunderhawk could handle that environment. Barlis nodded affirming they would be fine. (y/n):"Take us in." Pilot:"It's a small space, only one more Thunderhawk can land there." (y/n):"Understood, inform the rest of the strike force to find safe landing zones." Pilot:"At once." As the engines whined down (y/n) stood up from his seat, turning in his armor to stretch his stiff muscles before grabbing his helmet and warhammer. He was curious why Corvus would choose somewhere narrow as a landing zone but (y/n) knew it must of been for a good reason. The 7 Morlocks all stood up, readying their weapons with Thos standing at the head of the group checking his firearm, a double barreled belt fed bolter: the storm bolter, the halfway between the basic bolter and the devastating heavy bolter, it's accuracy is atrocious but being able to send a wall of exploding lead while maintaining maneuverability proved a potent weapon in close quarters. A small bump shook the hold with the front ramp slowly lowering allowing the Astartes to disembark. What (y/n) saw walking out of the hold legitimately surprised him, a vast canyon between two volcanos slowly bleeding hot lava from their peaks but that wasn't what surprised him; it was the natives that surprised him. Their skin a charred black like a stick pulled from a fire, burning ruby red eyes, their features surprised (y/n). Such an evolution couldn't occur naturally but the scan of his bionic eye showed they had the anatomy of humans. They stood in a large circle, small domes made of blackened stone just large enough to be a house behind them. This is their home. (y/n) followed his honor guard as they marched forward in two lines, Barlis walking beside him. Barlis:"It shouldn't be possible for a single person to live here, let alone an entire village." (y/n):"Is it possible for people to evolve for an environment like this?" Barlis:"Not unless they're a branch of the earliest ancestors of humanity in which case they shouldn't be so similar to us." Scanning the locals he noticed a number of them stood a head taller than most men, their build unusually bulky; more Astartes. Corvus managed to find another group of Astartes... or given his and (y/n)'s history with Perturabo it wouldn't be too much to assume they were also attacked. His honor guard spread out into a straight line allowing (y/n) to reach the man who stood ahead of the crowd, tall, dark as the others with eyes just as red, a gold circlut on his brow wearing a chest plate of green scales, two armlets over his biceps, and a large smile on his face warmer than the lava that flowed past the village. The man walked forward, arms open as if expecting a hug. (???):"Greetings my friends! You must be (y/n) (l/n)! I am Vulkan, lord of drakes!" (y/n) stopped three feet away from Vulkan staying well out of arms reach. Another "Astartes" leading a group of people, feeding a theory discussed between him and Barlis long ago but that is a matter for later. Instead (y/n) took note of Vulkan's armor, scale pattern reducing the weight but ensuring the integrity is still durable, an excellent smith forged that armor. (y/n):"I wasn't aware anyone inhabited this area." Vulkan:"Corvus said you'd enjoy the surprise!" Barlis:"Corvus doesn't know him that well then." He added just loud enough for (y/n) alone to hear. (y/n):"Where is Corvus? He was supposed to disclose what he learned." Vulkan:"He couldn't be here, come with me I will explain my new friend!" Vulkan turned around causing the crowd of his charred brethren to part opening the way for (y/n), Barlis, and the fragment of Morlocks to follow him into the town. (y/n) took a moment to examine the area as they walked, noting how they had homes up in the rocky hills telling this wasn't a village as he assumed but akin to a city. He couldn't imagine how they could have enough water and food in such a desolate region to support a population that size but clearly they managed to thrive here, maybe because they could survive here. Not even the Grimm could survive in an area with numbers great enough to threaten them, like the entire area was made for them and them alone. Soon enough they entered one of the homes, first Vulkan, then Barlis, and lastly (y/n) who waved Thos off telling him to stand guard here. Entering they found a home arranged in a circle, no rooms or windows but a fireplace in the back (because even living between two volcanos wasn't hot enough for some people), its furniture made from stone and some pieces coated in scaliy hides to offer some comfort. In the center where a round table sat a small device laid on top of it, small and metal; a mobile holographic display. Barlis didn't wait a moment to activate the device causing green lines to seep out, forming into a fortress on treads. Barlis:"The land behemoth!?" (y/n):"You know it?" Barlis:"Know it!? I CRAFTED THE DESIGN!!! HOW DID PERTURABO GET HIS HANDS ON IT!? BY THE OMNISSIAH I WILL TURN SOMEONE INTO A SERVATOR FOR THIS!!! OH BLESSED MACHINE I WILL..." Barlis trailed off into a series of beeps and whistles causing Vulkan's smile to faulter with a quizzical expression crossing his face. Vulkan:"Your friend... is he alright?" (y/n):"He's just mad enough to forget language, he's speaking binary." Vulkan:"So... he will be fine?" (y/n):"Yes. Is he correct in this being Perturabo's strong hold?" Vulkan:"It is indeed. He also says sorry for not being here but he had a chance to stowaway on it that he couldn't pass up." Setting his helmet down on the table (y/n) rubbed his chin in thought. Corvus had a tech-priest with him that (y/n) now assumed was smuggled onto the land behemoth which was curious, the tech-priest should of been able to overload the power core a mobile fortress would undoubtedly need. The armaments weren't something to sneeze at, enough turrets to make even a trio of Atlas airships back off arranged on its sides and on its metal back stood three massive cannons, each one double barreled making up for six cannons promising absolute devistation. (y/n):"Is it still active?" Vulkan:"Yes, it travels the south of us ensuring no one leaves Nocturne." (y/n):"Curious, if I was Corvus I'd just set it to self-destruct and be done with it.... unless... let me guess: when Perturabo first came here he was abducting children who grew into Astartes?" Vulkan:"Yes, he wasn't able to get many of us thanks to the volcanos however." (y/n):"And Iron warriors have a tendency to die in numbers. So that means he must be low on man power and needed our Astartes to make up for his loses." Vulkan:"And that's why Corvus didn't just set it to blow up." Ordinarily (y/n) would of disliked refusing a clean quick victory but this time he was a little happy over it, not so much for the kidnapped Astartes but because he could handle Perturabo personally. He didn't fail to notice Corvus is forcing his hand but that was fine, (y/n) could always hit him later. (y/n):"So if Corvus is aboard he's probably worked out how to disrupt its systems... or more likely the tech-priest with him has. So we'll have board it directly and take control. Barlis." (y/n) looked to the fabricator-general who was still spouting the beeps and whistles saying all sorts of profanity in the machine language but stopped as (y/n) called to him. (y/n):"If we get you in there can you take control?" Barlis:"I can interact with the machine spirit from the bridge, I will bring it into compliance. It's weapons however will have to be manually captured." (y/n):"That'll take us awhile with the forces we have." Vulkan:"If you need numbers I have them. Perturabo keeps it at least a mile away bombarding us anytime we poke our heads out but if you took it to the cliffs we can board it aswell." (y/n):"You sure about that? Your equipment is fairly primitive and we didn't bring any spare gear with us." Vulkan simply chuckled as he crossed his arms as if he was waiting for that comment. Vulkan:"We have waited for this moment for years. But what of our brothers? The ones Perturabo took?" (y/n):"Either they remember who they are and fight with us or they're just another enemy." Vulkan:"You'd kill your own kin?" (y/n):"What would you have me do? Hug them?" Vulkan:"Yes!" (y/n) sighed in response as his focus fell back to the hologram, it'd take a few hours of planning since he had to guess Corvus was waiting for the mobile fortress to go on alert to enact whatever plans he had. Ten long years all boiled down to one final effort against a hated foe, so much turmoil would be answered soon. There will be vengeance.