Tians Prime
Former Federal Capital Square
When Lorgar Aurelian stepped out of the landing craft, his towering figure surrounded by his honour guard, and set foot on this war-ravaged land, what greeted him was not merely the cheers of victory, but a far more complex, weightier tide of emotion.
Survivors had gathered of their own accord in the shattered square. Their clothes were ragged, and many bore bloodstains and bandages, their faces streaked with the soot of war and trails of tears.
Yet when they saw the giant clad in magnificent dark grey Power Armour, radiating a presence that inspired both reassurance and awe, their eyes blazed with gratitude and hope bordering on religious fervour.
The applause was scattered and hesitant at first, then spread like wildfire, swelling into a surging roar mingled with long-suppressed sobs, sighs of relief, and hoarse cries of gratitude.
Supported by his aide, the elderly Council Speaker Oakes stumbled through the crowd to stand before Lorgar.
He looked up at this saviour who seemed to have stepped out of myth, trembling all over with emotion.
Then he forcefully pushed aside the supporting hands and, summoning every ounce of strength, devoutly dropped to one knee before Lorgar, bowing his head low.
"My lord! You... you must be the angel of the ancient legends!" The old man's voice choked with emotion, filled with the exhilaration of survival and boundless reverence.
"Thank you! Thank you for saving our Federation, for saving these countless millions of lives!"
Lorgar bent slightly and extended his enormous, armoured hand. Rather than lifting the old man up, he solemnly placed a carefully folded golden Aquila flag, symbolising the supreme authority of the Imperium of Man, into Oakes's calloused, dust-covered hands.
The gesture represented a transfer of sovereignty, as well as the Imperium's acceptance