Infinite Metaverse

Chapter 33: Ceremonial Occasions

Fu Qinghai returned to his personal quarters to pack up a few belongings. He didn't have much in the way of personal items, so it didn't take long. Afterward, he made his way to the lower decks to visit Master Kurnos' laboratory, where he collected a few of his DIY creations and bid the tech-priest farewell. During their conversation, Fu Qinghai asked if he could take some of the Dark Age books from the laboratory, but Master Kurnos flatly refused.

'Fine, keep them. I've already memorized everything anyway,' Fu Qinghai thought to himself.

Thanks to the semi-computational nature of his "Tony Stark Electronic Backup," Fu Qinghai had near-perfect recall when he chose to commit something to memory. His ability to absorb information was akin to scanning a document. While the 17% electronic soul of Tony Stark might lack the original's creativity and genius, it granted Fu Qinghai capabilities that even the real Tony Stark didn't possess—such as instantaneous memory storage and retrieval.

Fu Qinghai's main reason for visiting the lab was to clean, maintain, and repair his beloved Mark IV power armour. While most Astartes could handle routine maintenance, Fu Qinghai, as a Techmarine, completed the task with swift efficiency. After a fresh coat of paint, his armour gleamed anew, its bone-white base accented with red trim. His helmet, now fully repaired, sat securely on his head as he strode confidently toward the Stormbird's boarding ramp.

Only to be yanked back by Ogotai.

Ogotai pulled Fu Qinghai aside, crouching slightly to whisper in his ear, "Qinghai, you're not supposed to stay on the 'Sosalan' indefinitely. Come back when you're done."

Fu Qinghai was baffled. 'Wasn't this your idea?'

"Do you think I don't want you to go to Mars? That I'm dismissing you as a rookie, unworthy of this glorious battle?"

"Uh…" Fu Qinghai wanted to say that Ogotai had misunderstood him. He'd be more than happy to avoid a suicide mission.

"Of course not. You're the most talented Techmarine I've ever seen. Granted, I haven't met many in the White Scars, but you've truly impressed me. We won't leave you behind."

'You're too kind. Maybe you should leave me behind after all…' Fu Qinghai sighed inwardly. 'I really should've remembered to keep a low profile.'

"There's another task I didn't mention earlier," Ogotai continued.

"What task?"

"The 'Shortsword' is running low on ammunition and supplies. We only replenished some damage control materials on Moradigan. We're short on heavy weapons, plasma guns, meltas, krak grenades, frag grenades… and the Ultramarines are famously well-equipped."

Fu Qinghai's expression said it all: 'You can't be serious…'

Meeting Fu Qinghai's incredulous gaze, Ogotai said bluntly, "Exactly. Find a way to get us some. No stealing, though. That's beneath the honor of a Chogorian warrior."

"How am I supposed to do that?"

"Figure it out. I believe in you. You've never let me down."

With a mix of exasperation and resignation, Fu Qinghai boarded the Stormbird.

***

The Stormbird soon arrived at the Sosalan's landing bay. As the ramp lowered, Fu Qinghai was greeted by an honor guard of Ultramarines, their armour polished to a mirror shine, banners held high. The sight was both imposing and ceremonial.

The Ultramarines had clearly spared no effort in showing respect to the White Scars, despite their small numbers.

Standing at the center of the honor guard was a Space Marine in ornate artificer armour. His helmet bore a golden winged crest, and his pauldrons were adorned with eagle motifs. A long, pale cape flowed from his shoulders.

"The Victrix Guard," Taral whispered to Fu Qinghai.

"What's that?" Fu Qinghai asked quietly.

"Roboute Guilliman's personal honor guard. Think of them as the Ultramarines' equivalent of our Keshig, but with a focus on leadership and governance as much as combat. The fact that he's wearing Victrix armour means he's served as a bodyguard to Guilliman or one of the Tetrarchs."

Fu Qinghai understood. The Victrix Guard were essentially the Ultramarines' elite management trainees.

As they disembarked, Fu Qinghai removed his helmet and held it at his side. The Ultramarines' commander did the same, revealing a stern-faced man with short, golden hair and piercing blue eyes.

"Welcome to the 'Sosalan', warriors of the Khan," the commander said, spreading his arms in a gesture of greeting.

Fu Qinghai bowed slightly, fist over his heart. "Greetings, honored commander."

The Ultramarines were known for their emphasis on etiquette and decorum, a reflection of their noble upbringing in the prosperous worlds of Ultramar. This was Fu Qinghai's first impression of the XIII Legion.

'This warrior is surprisingly young,' Fu Qinghai thought, noting the commander's appearance.

The Ultramarines' symbol, an inverted omega, earned them nicknames like the "Blueberries." Their deep blue armour also led to less flattering monikers like "Smurfs."

The welcome ceremony was brief but dignified. Soon, the honor guard dispersed, and the commander introduced himself.

"I am Captain Setheus Flavorus of the 'Sosalan'. You may call me Flavorus."

"Commander, I am Qinghai."

"The situation in this sector is dire, and the 'Sosalan' is always on high alert. We cannot host a grand feast, but I hope this simple welcome suffices."

"Your hospitality is more than enough. Our Primarch, Jaghatai Khan, values simplicity and directness, traits we strive to embody."

Fu Qinghai's response was as diplomatic as Flavorus' greeting.

After some pleasantries, Flavorus got straight to the point. "I've spoken with Captain Ogotai. Until we reach the edge of the Sol System, we will travel together. During this time, I hope you and your comrades will remain aboard the 'Sosalan' and fight alongside my warriors."

Fu Qinghai, remembering Ogotai's instructions, replied, "Regrettably, Captain Flavorus, while we will follow your command in battle, my comrades must return to the 'Shortsword'. Only I will remain."

Flavorus nodded, not pressing the issue. "Very well. My equerry will show you around the 'Sosalan'. We depart shortly."

***

The equerry, a mortal undergoing Astartes augmentation, led Fu Qinghai through the ship's grand halls and vaulted chambers. The 'Sosalan''s interior was a testament to the Ultramarines' pride and heritage, adorned with frescoes, banners, and relics commemorating their greatest victories.

Fu Qinghai marveled at the opulence, a stark contrast to the utilitarian design of the 'Shortsword'. The ship's decor was a blend of classical Ultramar aesthetics and Imperial grandeur, a reminder that 30K-era vessels were as much symbols of power as they were weapons of war.

Eventually, Fu Qinghai was shown to his quarters, a spacious suite befitting an Astartes. His belongings, including the crate of DIY tools, had already been placed in the armoury.

Sitting on the bed, Fu Qinghai could feel the faint hum of the ship's engines. He knew that while he enjoyed the privileges of an Astartes, the 'Sosalan''s true strength lay in the countless serfs and servitors toiling in its depths.

Opening the crate, Fu Qinghai inspected his latest creation: a multifunctional servo-arm inspired by Master Kurnos' mechanical augmentations. Dubbed the "Qinghai 1.0 Battlefield Servo-Arm," it combined plasma cutters, power clamps, welding torches, and precision manipulators into a single, lightweight attachment for his power armour.

This was Fu Qinghai's first officially named invention, a testament to his ingenuity and resourcefulness.

***

Meanwhile, on the Sosalan's bridge, a heated debate was underway.

An hour earlier, the ship's augurs had detected three Word Bearers transports. The vessels had fled to a barren planet, disappearing into its rugged terrain.

"This is clearly a trap!" one officer argued.

"Three unescorted transports just happen to cross our path and then hide on a deserted planet? It's too convenient."

"We can't ignore them," another countered. "Have you forgotten Calth? The lives lost in Ultramar?"

Captain Flavorus listened in silence, his eyes fixed on the holographic projection of the planet. Finally, he raised a hand, silencing the room.

"We will not act out of anger. Our course was not disclosed, and we deviated to investigate a merchant ship. This is unlikely to be a trap."

He pointed to the map. "The transports disappeared here. They can't have gone far. Whether they're carrying supplies or are mere decoys, we will find and destroy them. Without their ships, the Word Bearers on that planet are stranded."

The officers nodded, their tension easing.

"We will deploy in small squads via Thunderhawks, maintaining contact with the ship. If we encounter heavy resistance, we call for orbital support. Understood?"

"Yes, sir!" the officers chorused.

As the meeting concluded, Flavorus turned to one of his lieutenants. "Gurt, take the White Scar with your squad as part of the reserve force."

"Understood, Captain."

Flavorus' expression was calm. "If this is a trap, that White Scars might be part of it. We'll find out soon enough."

*****

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