video 01;

[autocratic]

--And here we are. What an intricate device it is, and its design is solidly made!

[ On the screen stands a young looking woman in regal red, bright garments. The device is placed at a distance so that the feed can transmit her entire body, and she looks vaguely amused. She gestures with her hand at the surrounding areas, and the slight smile on her face nearly drops entirely. ]

Yet this land I stand upon... Truly, how times have made this land that I once knew as Britannia to fall so low. It is a tragic sight, to think that it was once a part of my Empire, but I get the feeling that the world beyond the Moon Cell is exactly as how this place appears to be. Why, it does not feel as though I have left my own realm at all.

[ And at that, her eyes narrow and glisten with a sharp look. ]

But I know this is not the case. This... Initiative has torn me apart from my Master, and that is a sin I cannot forgive, despite how courteous they were to my presence and readily answering my queries. Hah! Then again, perhaps my situation is punishment for the sin of defeating a misguided Savior to leave the world as is. Yet I do not regret my actions one bit.

So tell me, those who came before, how goes this war that we are all unceremoniously made to participate in?

Comments

[priad]

The tenets of the Codex Astartes, the holy tome penned by our progenitor, Roboute Guilliman 10,000 years ago. It is a book of tactics, martial philosophy, and military organization. Or rather, I should say, books. The entire tome takes up a large library on Macragge, or so I am told.

And the needs, well, we fight for all humanity, and the Emperor of humanity. We don't hold allegiance to any particular governor of a planetary system. We go where we will, and kill who we must, to paraphrase a comment from my pale brothers in the Raven Guard's first company.

My phratry, the Iron Snakes, protects the star cluster known as the Reef Stars from the incursion of Chaos, Orks, and the Primuls.

[autocratic]

[ She has to smirk at his description of how his order moves about. ]

You sound more like an organized, religious band of mercenaries than ones tied to any kingdom. At the very least, you are not completely lawless, due to your codes.

[priad]

In a way, that isn't an inaccurate way of describing us, though I should clarify we don't do what we do for money, but rather out of honor. Many years ago we chose to protect the Reef Stars, and the kingdoms and empires that have sprung up within it simply call us for aid as our clients. We receive nothing in return but gratitude.

Our weapons and armor are provided by the Mechanicum, and the brothers and serfs of the chapter come from our home on Ithaka.

[autocratic]

Then I suppose the Initiative should be called lucky to summon one as yourself with such a repertoire.

[ Really, she's interested in his world, but the disappointment that sprang up from the misconception on Odysseus and Ithaka is still weighing down. That said-- ]

That will be enough for the day. You have given me a piece of what I sought for my question. You have done a great service.

[priad]

As you wish. I will say one thing further, however. My name is Priad of Ithaka. Would you tell me your name in return?

[autocratic]

You may receive that much, then. I am a Heroic Spirit of the Saber Servant class. It has been enlightening to talk with you, monk of Ithaka.

[priad]

I'm glad of it, though that sounds like more of a description than a name.

[ He slides his helm back on. ]

I shall see you again, I hope. Perhaps on the field of battle?

[autocratic]

You seek a challenge, then? Mmm, perhaps we will. I will have to sort things out, however, but I shall answer your call in due time.

[priad]

A challenge? No, I don't challenge those who appear willing to stand with us. Comradeship, absolutely.

[autocratic]

Hah! A test of skills? Very well. You will get your answer soon enough. That said, fare you well.

[ With a wave, Saber will turn off the feed. ]