Interlude: Dantioch Shall Live Forever

Ultima Segmentum, Sotha.

Warsmith Barabas Dantioch opened his eyes on schedule, like a machine set to a timer.

He rolled over and sat up, ending two hours of deep sleep.

Even for an Astartes with modified neural organs, two hours of sleep each day was somewhat insufficient.

Under normal circumstances, an Astartes not in combat required four hours of deep sleep.

Of course, even while sleeping, they could keep their minds alert and respond appropriately to their surroundings.

But Dantioch was different from other Astartes.

Back when he still served Perturabo, Dantioch had led his forces on an expedition against the Hrud xenos, only for his legion to suffer grievous losses under the attacks of those mysterious aliens.

Even the Warsmith himself had been struck by an entropic weapon, instantly aging three thousand Terran years.

Although the lifespan of the Astartes remained a mystery to this day.

Ever since the Emperor had created these extraordinary gene-enhanced warriors, not a single Astartes had died of old age.

"Perhaps I'll be the first Astartes to die of old age," Dantioch mocked himself.

Dantioch's room was exceedingly spartan. Apart from a steel bed just large enough to hold his body and a bookshelf containing hundreds of physical books, there was only a small candlestick.

Dozens of sacred candles burned upon it, while a golden censer at its center released a tranquil, fragrant incense.

A portrait of the Emperor hung above the candlestick, receiving offerings.

The face of the Lord of Mankind was shrouded in an indistinct holy radiance. Only his sacred armor and the Emperor's Sword blazing in his hand could be seen clearly.

Dantioch removed his helmet, revealing a face covered in wrinkles and scars.

After being exiled and punished by his gene-father, Dantioch had branded his face with a melted iron