Imperial Frontier: The Emperor's Champion

Vito stood on the airport's landing platform. The broad, immense airfield extended out from the Hive City's buildings, its foundation meticulously sculpted into a golden eagle. The Imperial Aquila spread its wings above the colossal structures of the Hive City, its wingspan stretching for a full three kilometers across the sky. The sun's golden light glinted brilliantly off its feathers.

The eagle's talons gripped the airport as if to carry it into space. The platform hung high above the ground, with hazy clouds swirling beneath the bright white expanse of the landing field.

Powerful winds beat against everyone's faces. Olivia had to keep tucking her hair behind her ears as loose strands whipped and fluttered in the gusts. Above them, the banners held by the honor guard snapped violently in the wind, their gold and red colors complementing each other.

Only the four giants seemed unbothered. They stood behind Vito and Olivia in their Power Armour, the strong wind striking their armor without so much as a reaction. None of them wore helmets, yet they showed no sign of discomfort.

Vito stood with his hands behind his back, his dark red Inquisitor's cloak rippling behind him. He seemed to pay no mind to the discomfort, instead keeping all his attention on the Thunderhawk descending slowly toward them.

The blue Thunderhawk touched down on a landing pad nearby. Its hydraulic landing gear met the ground, and its shock-absorbing structure allowed the great bird of prey to settle smoothly on the platform. As it came to rest, the landing hatch beneath its fuselage, marked with a U, lowered.

The ground crew around the landing pad knelt in reverence. They bowed before the blue iron feet that descended onto the platform, while Olivia, the members of Victoria's honor guard, and the officials stared wide-eyed at the giants approaching from the Thunderhawk.

There were eight giants in all, with a huge banner hanging among them. The ancient Roman numeral III on it marked the company to which they belonged.

At the head of the eight blue-armored giants strode a mighty, imposing figure who inspired awe. He wore a distinctive Centurion Helmet, crowned with a horizontal crest of deep red and white feathers. A scarlet cloak draped down from his right shoulder plate, but the most striking feature was the Power Sword at his waist.

The sword was long and sturdy, its scabbard almost a work of art. Gold and thread traced its edges, while a brilliant blue gem set into the hilt formed the letter U.

The giants strode forward, their heavy steps making the whole platform tremble. The honor guard and airport workers along their path instinctively knelt in reverence, paying tribute to the Emperor's Angels of Death.

The giants came to a halt before Vito and Olivia. The mighty Astartes at their head removed his helmet, revealing a handsome face. His stern features turned toward Vito, then Olivia. She almost instinctively took a step back, but quickly regained her composure when Vito placed a hand on her arm.

The Angel of Death bowed to Vito, and the Ultramarines accompanying him followed suit. Olivia and the local officials were so astonished that their eyes nearly popped out, but Vito returned the greeting with complete composure.

"Thank you for coming, Captain Mikael. On behalf of the Victoria System and the Imperium, I thank you and your battle-brothers."

Captain Mikael lifted his head and gave a firm nod. "Chapter Master Calgar sends you his greetings and respects, Inquisitor. He dispatched us to provide support, as our glorious vows demand."

"Please thank Chapter Master Calgar for me. It's an honor to fight alongside the Ultramarines and their kindred once again." Vito glanced at the four giants behind him. They all nodded to Captain Mikael, who returned each greeting in turn.

Mikael smiled at Bell and placed a hand on his shoulder plate. "It's good to see you again, brother. Chapter Master Calgar sends his regards."

"Likewise, Captain. It's an honor to stand shoulder to shoulder with our Chapter brothers again."

Vito smiled and leaned toward Olivia. Her astonishment still hadn't faded. "Captain Mikael is one of the finest swordsmen in the Ultramarines Chapter, an Emperor's Champion of great renown. The only one in the entire Chapter who can go toe-to-toe with him is Cato Sicarius, Captain of the Second Company."

Olivia stared at the giant in disbelief, then leaned toward Vito in surprise. "How did you call on the Angels of Death for help? They've never been part of the Inquisition or the Imperium."

"They have some history with us. You could say we're simply returning the favor and helping each other out."

"Inquisitor, I've taken note of your efforts to purge the traitors and Xenos infiltrators in this system. You have my respect. Your methods are as swift as Thunder and as cunning as a bird of prey." Mikael turned his attention back to Vito. The latter smiled and nodded slightly. "It was nothing, Captain. But now we need you and your brothers to deal with the enormous crisis headed our way."

"No need to say more, Inquisitor. We stood together against the Tyranid Swarm on Macragge, and we once defeated the Imperium's loathsome enemies as its glorious vanguard. We'll do the same again!" Mikael clenched his fist as he spoke, his passion and confidence beyond reproach, his resolve as unyielding as steel.

Vito smiled and looked up at the sky. Visibility was excellent, perhaps because they were so close to low orbit. High above, they could clearly see the newly arrived Space Marine fleet.

If Vito had counted correctly, two battleships and three or four Battle Barges were stationed in orbit, accompanied by dozens of Chapter vessels of various sizes. Chapter Master Calgar had certainly been generous. He had sent at least an entire company, along with several successor Chapters of the Ultramarines.

Vito lowered his head and leaned aside to look at the honor guard behind Mikael. They weren't the Chapter Master's honor guard, of course, but Vito recognized their armor and markings.

"Carl, Ustibulus, and Brutus. It's good to see you." Vito smiled. The Ultramarines he had addressed also removed their helmets and struck their fists against their chests. "It's an honor, Inquisitor. Especially to face the Tyranids alongside you again."

"Yes, Inquisitor. The Chapter Master told me to bring the veterans of the Tyranid Wars. They're all honored to see you again, too. I still remember when we faced a tidal wave of enemies together at the Arctic Bastion. The Emperor is my witness—that was a glorious battle!" Mikael spoke with his fist clenched. Vito pressed a hand to his chest and bowed to them.

Ah. Honestly, Vito really didn't want to remember what happened back then. But, well, now he had. He still remembered the Tyranids' ferocious, tide-like assault. Several times, he'd thought he was about to meet a glorious end alongside the entire Ultramarines company. But evidently, They and she hadn't decided to let him die just yet.

It was just as obvious that those bastards hadn't planned to help, either. Vito was certain at least two of them had been laughing their heads off.

"Captain, how many forces have you brought?" Vito returned to the matter at hand. Mikael's expression grew serious as he looked up at the sky, where the fleet he had brought circled overhead.

"Counting the Ultramarines companies, we have five companies—a total of five hundred battle-brothers—on standby. Chapter Master Calgar also authorized me to bring our Dreadnought brothers. They'll provide powerful support."

"Brother, are any other Chapters on their way?" the Old Wolf asked. Mikael looked at him and shook his head slightly. "We don't know yet, brother. But we must prepare to fight alone. We'll fight alongside the Imperium's soldiers once more and win a glorious victory."

"Of course, Captain. The sons of Leman Russ will always fight at the forefront against our endless foes," Ragnar said with a grin, baring a mouthful of wolf-like fangs. Mikael nodded firmly. "The Sons of Guilliman will do the same. In the Emperor's light, we will honor the blood of our Primarch."

"We'll finalize our deployment as soon as possible. The other captains and I have decided to leave three companies on the ground to assist the forces there. The remaining battle-brothers will face the Tyranid Hive Fleet alongside our ships."

"Of course, Captain Mikael. I've been informed that the Astra Militarum has completed its deployment. Now all we need to do is wait—" Vito cut himself off. His expression froze, and Mikael sensed something was wrong. He raised his head slightly and looked toward the star-filled sky.

In low orbit, every Imperial ship was urgently leaving its station and moving out of orbit. The Ultramarines fleet was turning as well.

Vito looked at Olaf, who nodded firmly. Then Vito let out a long sigh and gazed up at the sky. "The Hive Fleet is here."

"This will be a glorious battle! People of the Imperium! We have fought alongside you against countless foes across the galaxy. For thousands of years, we have held the Imperium's lines, and today will be no different!"

Mikael raised his arm and shouted. The Ultramarines behind him raised their arms and cheered, and the mortals around them joined in.

"Long live the Imperium! Long live the Emperor! March for Macragge!" "Long live the Imperium! Long live the Emperor!"

The battle cries thundered through the airport like a storm. Vito gazed up at the stars, his brow furrowing slightly before he gave a helpless smile.

"May the Emperor protect us."