Stormbird, a vessel used by Legions for planetary landings during the Great Crusade.
The Black Templars had once possessed them as well, but ten thousand years of crusading had exhausted their stockpile. The legends tempered in war had also entered the Relic Hall.
By now, leaving aside whether it suited the Chapter's combat doctrine, even manufacturing a Stormbird landing craft had become a problem.
"..."
Metallic hymns echoed through the cabin. This Stormbird, bearing humanity's glory, spoke of its newly begun journey through the cheerful vibrations of its engines.
Orlando's knuckles tapped against the austere metal bulkhead. His Mk.IV Maximus Terminator boots scraped across burrs on the plasteel floor that had not yet been worn smooth by tracks, throwing off tiny sparks.
The interior was simple, without the slightest unnecessary decoration. Bright light reflected from the smooth metal walls.
There was no sacred oil incense, no skull reliefs. This body of steel was as pure as the Emperor's own will.
The panels bore no records of honor yet, seeming to declare that this vehicle was fresh from the factory.
Beside him, Cawl silently tested the isotopes.
[Isotope decay rate: 0.0013%. Forge Year Rune inactive. No production code...]
Fresh from the factory.
"Compared to a Thunderhawk Transporter, this is practically a cathedral nave."
A captain of the Inquisition's guard had barely voiced his quiet admiration when the Tech-priest beside him rebuked him in a mechanical voice. "This is sacred machinery, not something you may discuss carelessly."
The captain promptly fell silent.
Aglaia, meanwhile, paid no attention to the minor interruption. A Servo-skull hummed beneath her robes, while her focused gaze recorded every detail that represented history.
Compared to the cramped Thunderhawk, the Stormbird's interior compartments were far more spacious. Even after the United Fleet's senior officers boarded the same