Chapter 8: Old Friends Reunited
After activating the mysterious cube, Varian and Aurelia prepared to make their way to the recruitment center. Knowing the importance of the day, Aurelia chose her attire carefully, opting for a crisp, dark blue uniform that displayed her formal role and authority.
The uniform was adorned with subtle insignia that indicated her rank and affiliation with the research and development division of the Astra Militarum.
Varian, in contrast, wore a more subdued outfit which consisted on a tailored grey military tunic and sturdy boots designed to be functional yet presentable on a prospective recruit.
They arrived at the recruitment center in the lower spire early in the morning, while the crowd was still sparse with a few thousand people milling about, in a mix of hopeful youths and their anxious families. But within half an hour, the area swelled dramatically.
Tens of thousands gathered, the atmosphere thickened with anticipation and the murmur of countless conversations.
The recruitment center itself was a vast, sprawling far out, designed to process large numbers of recruits efficiently.
High above, banners bearing the insignias of the Imperium fluttered, casting moving shadows over the scene. Imperial officials moved through the crowd, their roles varied and distinct. Some answered questions of those wanting to know more.
Inquisitors in drab, omen-like robes surveyed the potential recruits with keen, assessing eyes, always on the lookout for signs of corruption or exceptional ability.
Adeptus Arbites, the Imperium's steely police force, maintained order, their presence both reassuring and intimidating, especially to those few shackled prisoners from the underhive who were offered a chance at redemption through service.
'This is all real. I'm actually seeing the fictional characters in real life. This is so… AWESOME' Varian thought to himself.
Among the throng, the disparity in social strata was quite obvious. Nobles from the higher spires, easily distinguished by their ornate, finely crafted garments and aloof expressions, mixed reluctantly with the rougher, more rugged individuals from the lower levels of the city. However, those noble people were at the forefront of the recruitment center.
Then, there were the underhive denizens, marked by their practical, worn clothing, and hardened demeanors, stood out in contrast to the polished nobility.
"Remember, Varian, wherever you go, whatever you face, maintaining communication can mean the difference between victory and defeat," Aurelia advised, her gaze intense with the seriousness of her words.
Aurelia began discussing last-minute strategies and adjustments, Varian listened intently, making sure he absorbs her every word, every nuance of her advice.
While they were absorbed in strategic discourse, a voice, rich and melodious, broke their concentration with the grace of a veteran seasoned courtier.
"Lady Aurelia! Decades have not dulled your imposing demeanor in the slightest!" The source was none other than Madam Margravine Solaris, a matriarch whose silver hair framed her visage with the dignity of her noble lineage.
Her gown, opulent with embroidery, shows her status, yet she approached with an air devoid of pretense and filled instead with warmth.
"Madam Margravine, what an unexpected pleasure," Aurelia replied, her typically stern expression softening into a genuine smile as she embraced the elder noble. "To what do we owe the honor of your presence at this crowded assembly?"
Hearing her entire vernacular change to that of a Spire Noble, Varian was in awe of her ability to code switch on the spot. Her knowledge and skills had no end apparently.
She's scientist, weapons expert, combat instructor, linguist, battle strategist, and probably more. 'What can't she do?' Varian asks himself.
"I find myself drawn here by the same currents that guide all present," Madam Margravine responded with a spark of curiosity as she turned and looked down at Varian. "Pray tell, who is this distinguished young gentleman at your side?"
"This is Varian, whom I gave birth to," Aurelia introduced him, adopting the playful pretense of kinship.
Madam Margravine let out a surprised laugh, a sound both rich and embracing. "You, with a child? Indeed, time crafts the most exquisite surprises!"
After saying that, she gestured to a young girl standing slightly behind her. "Allow me to introduce my granddaughter, Lady Valeria Solaris. We hold great hopes that she will grace the ranks of the Adeptus Sororitas, endowed as she is with gifts akin to those of her lamented mother."
Valeria stepped forward, her demeanor composed, her emerald eyes shining with the intelligence and poise befitting her noble heritage.
Her attire was a masterful blend of elegance and simplicity, reflecting her stature and the somber occasion.
"A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Sir Varian," Valeria said, extending a hand, which Varian shook with a respectful firmness.
"The honor is mine, Valeria," Varian replied, impressed by her assured presence.
As the young heirs exchanged pleasantries, Aurelia and Madam Margravine resumed their dialogue with the ease of long-standing allies. "Your granddaughter bears a striking resemblance to your daughter, Madam Margravine. She was indeed a woman of remarkable grace," Aurelia remarked, her tone respectful, touched with a hint of melancholy.
"Ten years have passed since her untimely departure, and now it is Valeria who carries forward her legacy," Madam Margravine replied, the joviality in her voice is tinged with the shadows of past grief.
Meanwhile, Varian and Valeria found themselves quickly drawn into a conversation that belied the usual superficial exchanges of such gatherings. "Your candor is refreshing, Sir Varian. It is a rare gem in these halls," Valeria noted, her gaze insightful.
"And your perceptiveness is most commendable, Valeria. It is a pleasure to talk with someone of your discernment stature," Varian responded, his interest piqued.
At this point, Varian was bullshitting his dialect and taking on the vernacular of a royal prince of England from a movie. Varian happened to glance over at Aurelia and look into her eyes. They pretty much said, "who the f*ck are you fooling?"
'The girl has no idea she's dealing with a master con artist…'
Inwardly, Varian was quite satisfied with her play at becoming a royal or noble in such a way he hadn't expected.
Observing the natural rapport developing between their charges, Aurelia and Madam Margravine exchanged knowing glances. "It appears a fortuitous friendship is blossoming before us," Aurelia observed quietly.
"Indeed, it may well prove to be a serendipitous alliance for both," Lady Margravine mused, her eyes twinkling with the prospect of their future collaborations.
As their conversation concluded, Madam Margravine extended a invitation. "You must allow us the pleasure of your company at our estate, Lady Aurelia. It would be most fitting to continue our discourse in a setting befitting our stations."
Aurelia accepted with a graceful inclination of her head, her mind already weaving the threads of potential that this new alliance might offer.
The atmosphere at the recruitment center became increasingly charged as the crowd swelled to around 100,000 people. The noise was a constant hum of chatter and movement, a blend of hopes, fears, and anticipation.
Varian and Aurelia, thanks to their early arrival, found themselves relatively close to the front of the queue, with about 2,000 people ahead of them.
Fifteen minutes later, the clamor was abruptly silenced by the ringing of a loud bell, commanding attention. Heads turned as two imposing figures made their way through the crowd, which parted instinctively, a sea of humanity yielding to the awe-inspiring presence of the Imperium's finest.
The first figure was an Adeptus Astartes, standing nearly eight feet tall, his physique a testament to the superhuman enhancements of a Space Marine. His head was shaved, revealing the harsh lines of his battle-scarred scalp, and his jaw was set in a stern line, eyes like cold steel, scanning the crowd with a measured, tactical gaze.
The features on his face bore the stoic, hardened expression typical of his kind, marked by a life dedicated to the rigorous demands of warfare. He walked with a purposeful stride, each step resonant with authority and power.
Beside him, the Adeptus Sororita, though shorter at six feet, was no less formidable. Her hair was cropped short in a practical cut, her features sharp and resolute. Her gaze was fierce, yet there was a solemn grace in her movements, reflecting both the devotion and the ferocity of her order.
Her armor was absent, replaced by a high-collared, dark uniform that did little to conceal her muscular build, a body honed by years of rigorous training and combat.
The reverence and respect for these warriors were palpable. Even the roughest denizens of the underhive looked on with a mix of fear and admiration.
Children's voices rose in spontaneous cheers, praising the heroes of the Imperium, while adults clapped and shouted words of encouragement and awe.
"They look... incredible," Varian whispered to Aurelia as they watched the Space Marine and Sororita approach the front, where they were greeted by the recruitment committee—a group of high-ranking officers and clerics who oversaw the process.
"Like they've walked out of the legends Grandmother told me," Valeria responded, her eyes wide with fascination. "To see them in person—they're like giants from an ancient tale."
Varian nodded, his own eyes not leaving the Astartes. "They're not just soldiers; they're what every one of us aspires to be. The epitome of the Emperor's will."
As the recruitment officially began, people were directed inside a massive space designed to accommodate up to 200,000 individuals.
Hundreds of servitors, their movements precise and unyielding, began taking names and registering new recruits.
When it was finally their turn, Varian and Valeria stepped up to the servitor together. Valeria glanced at Varian, a mix of excitement and nervousness in her expression. "Here goes nothing," she said, managing a smile.
"Think of it as the first step to writing our own story," Varian replied, his tone encouraging. He turned to the servitor, stating his name and details clearly.
As he did, he couldn't help but feel the weight of the decision he was making; not just for himself but perhaps for Aurelia as well.
"Do you think we'll ever be like them?" Valeria asked quietly as they finished registering, her still gaze lingering on the retreating figures of the Astartes and Sororita.
"With enough determination? Absolutely," Varian said, his voice firm with conviction. "We'll be our own legend, Valeria. Just believe it."
Together, they watched the towering figures of the Space Marine and Sororita disappear into the crowd.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone