The Primarch of Liberty

Chapter 82: 10,000 Years of Progress



The vast chamber aboard the Sweet Liberty stirred to life as golden light filtered through crystalline viewports, simulating a dawn cycle. Franklin Valorian's eyes opened slowly, his massive frame sprawled across a bed built to accommodate his superhuman proportions.

"Good morning, Lord Valorian," Sovereign's voice emanated from hidden vox-casters, carrying its usual mix of respect and subtle humor. "You've been asleep for approximately 4.8 days. Quite the power nap, even by Primarch standards."

Franklin sat up with a rumbling chuckle, running a hand through his brown hair. "Best sleep I've had in centuries, Sovereign. What's our current date stamp?"

"830.30M, my lord," the AI responded promptly.

The Primarch nodded thoughtfully, swinging his legs over the bed's edge. "Five Years later, yet it felt like centuries in the Warp. Though I suppose temporal displacement is the least of our concerns when dealing with that realm."

Indeed, Primarch, Khaine's voice resonated within Franklin's mind, carrying the weight of eons. Time flows differently in the immaterium, as you well know. But we have more pressing matters to address.

Franklin stood, approaching a wall of tactical displays. "The data Henry brought from the future. About the Necron tech."

"If you wish to stay ahead of the Ruinous Powers, you would do well to convene your greatest minds. Your gene-son from the future spoke of reverse-engineered Necron technology - such advantages should not be squandered."

Franklin sensed a mix of respect and wariness in Khaine's tone as the god continued: "During the War in Heaven, we came to know their capabilities all too well. Even after our victory, the Aeldari spent millions of years hunting down remaining tomb worlds, only ceasing when our empire reached its zenith."

A touch of pride colored the war god's next words, though tempered with pragmatism: "Even at my peak, when I could cleave entire tomb worlds in twain, I never underestimated the Necrons or their C'tan masters. Some opponents command respect, even from a god of war."

Running a hand through his hair, Franklin addressed the ship's AI once more. "Sovereign, what's our current position?"

"We are approximately thirty minutes from entering Independence Sector space, my lord."

"Perfect timing." Franklin swung his legs over the side of the bed, his movement purposeful despite the lingering effects of what had clearly been an epic celebration. "I suppose five days of partying is enough. Time to get back to work."

As he made his way to the chamber's food preparation area, he reflected on the tasks ahead. The future Henry had described was grim, but not inevitable.

"Sovereign, get the Continental High Command together, and make sure Captain Cavill is present," Franklin ordered as he headed for his private washroom. "I'll be there after I freshen up."

"Of course, my lord. I've already sent the notifications. They're assembling in the primary conference chamber."

The hot water cascaded over Franklin's massive frame as he contemplated the coming meeting. The future knowledge Henry had brought back weighed heavily on his mind, but also offered unprecedented opportunities. "Your warriors await, Primarch," Khaine's voice echoed in his thoughts. "Even the mightiest armies can falter without proper direction."

Meanwhile, in the Sweet Liberty's primary conference chamber, the Continental High Command had already gathered. The room was impressive even by Primarch Legion standards - a vast circular space with a hololithic table dominating the center, currently displaying a real-time strategic map of the Entire Milky Way Galaxy.

First Captain Denzel Washington stood near the viewport. His eyes occasionally drifted to Captain Henry Cavill, who was reading through a data slate. Second Captain Steven Armstrong was pacing, his massive frame practically flickering with Nano-Machines.

John Ezra, Head of the Secret Service, remained in his customary position near the room's main entrance, his vigilant eyes constantly scanning for threats despite being in one of the most secure locations in the fleet. Chief Librarian and Director of the FBI Vladimir Mendelev sat quietly, his Augur Staff occasionally flickering with binary.

General Marcus Graves of the Army leaned over the hololithic display, his weathered face illuminated by the tactical readouts. Air Force Chief of Staff Yamato Nakajima studied atmospheric and void deployment patterns, his mind already working through potential scenarios.

Fleet Admiral Elena Koshka stood with her arms crossed, her decorated void warfare career evident in the numerous campaign medals on her dress uniform.

"So," Armstrong broke the contemplative silence, "anyone want to bet this has something to do with our time-traveling brother here?" He gestured toward Henry, who is currently reading through the slate.

Denzel shot him a measured look. "Whatever intel the Captain brought back must be significant. The Primarch doesn't call full Continental High Command meetings without good reason."

"The warp currents are... unusual," Vladimir noted, his visor pulsing softly. "I sense echoes of temporal distortion around our brother. His journey has left its mark."

The conference room doors slid open as Franklin strode in, his imposing presence immediately lightened by his characteristic grin. The Continental High Command snapped to attention, but Franklin would have none of the formality, moving around the room to embrace each of his commanders in turn.

"At ease, everyone. We've got some heavy things to discuss, but let's not forget we're family here," Franklin said, settling into his oversized command chair. He turned to Henry Cavill. "Captain, brief them on your primary mission. They need to understand what we're up against."

Henry stepped forward, his expression grave. "My mission was the elimination of an individual named Erebus, who will become First Chaplain of the Word Bearers Legion." He activated a holo-projection showing a face that none of them yet recognized. "In the future, I came from, this man orchestrated the greatest betrayal in human history."

The room temperature seemed to drop as Henry detailed Erebus's future crimes - the corruption of multiple Legions, the manipulation of Primarchs, and ultimately, the fracturing of the unified Imperium into civil war.

Armstrong's augmented fists clenched audibly. "Just point me in his direction. I'll tear that snake limb from limb."

Franklin chuckled, raising a hand. "Easy there, Steven. Killing him would be too simple. Besides, I suspect our Father will have his own plans once I report this to Terra."

A predatory grin spread across Armstrong's face. "Doesn't mean we can't make his life difficult in the meantime."

Armstrong's resulting grin was positively predatory. Around the table, several commanders suddenly found reason to study their data-slates, hiding their own approving smirks. "What about our own preparations?" General Graves asked. "If we're potentially preventing a civil war, we should adjust our military development accordingly."

"Agreed," Franklin said. "That's why I've called you all here. The data Henry brought back doesn't just warn us of threats - it gives us opportunities. We know what worked and what failed in that timeline. We can build on that knowledge."

"Now," Franklin continued, "Everyone will be joining me in Area 51 once we make planetfall. But there's another urgent matter we need to address." He turned to John Ezra. "John, I'm transmitting data to your slate now. Priority Alpha."

The Secret Service chief's eyes widened slightly as he processed the incoming information. "Nuceria," he read aloud. "And... Primarch Angron?"

"Correct." Franklin's expression hardened. "We need eyes on that situation immediately. Priority is determining if they've already..." he paused, genuine pain crossing his features, "if

they've already implanted the Butcher's Nails."

The command staff shifted uncomfortably. They'd all had seen the barbaric neural implants,

in the British Museum.

"If extraction is viable, you're authorized to mobilize whatever assets you need," Franklin continued. "The target package includes Angron and his fellow gladiators – his family. We're not leaving them behind."

John was already typing commands into his slate, coordination lights blinking as orders went out to his network of operatives. "And if we're not early enough to prevent the

implantation?"

Franklin's smile vanished entirely, replaced by something that made even his veteran commanders straighten in their seats. "Then I personally will ensure Nuceria burns for what they would have done to my brother. We'll salt the earth with the ashes of their high-riders."

"My lord," Vladimir interjected, his visor pulsing with psychic activity, "the temporal implications-"

"Are precisely why we must act decisively," Franklin cut him off. "Henry's information gives us a chance to prevent atrocities before they occur. We're not just fighting a war across space anymore, but across time itself."

Franklin turned to Denzel, shifting the meeting's focus. "Speaking of organization, what's our current command structure looking like? Last I checked, we had some gaps to fill."

Denzel activated a hololithic display showing the Legion's organizational chart. "Several vacancies in the upper echelons, my lord. Particularly in the 11th through 30th Battle Companies. We've had rapid expansion recently."

"Total strength?" Franklin asked, studying the display.

"One million Astartes, my lord," Denzel reported, causing several eyebrows to raise around the table. "The Independence Sector's production capabilities have never ceased. We're creating roughly 60,000 new Astartes annually, not counting the Liberty Guard, which now

numbers in the tens of millions."

Franklin nodded thoughtfully. "It's still the same but this is as efficient as it gets. The Emperor's gene-tech combined with our sector's production capabilities is proving quite effective." He turned to Henry. "Captain Cavill, what was your rank in the future?"

Henry stood straighter, if possible. "I served as First Captain of the Liberty Eagles in the 41st Millennium, my lord." He paused, then added, "Before that, I spent a century as a

Minuteman."

Denzel's eyes showed newfound respect at this revelation. The position of First Captain was one of tremendous responsibility, and the Minutemen were legendary even within their own Legion for their high-risk operations.

"The Minutemen," Franklin mused, turning back to Denzel. "Do we have a current Captain for

that division?"

A shadow passed over Denzel's features. "No, my lord. 3rd Captain Marquez fell three weeks ago during the Gharex Campaign. Died holding a breach against the Slaught, buying time for civilian evacuation." He paused, respect evident in his voice. "The Minutemen's casualty rate is... significant. Being first into every battle takes its toll, even on the best of us."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Franklin studied Henry thoughtfully. "A century as a Minuteman, then First Captain... surviving long enough in the 41st Millennium to make it back here." A smile spread across his face. "I think we've found our new Minuteman Captain."

Henry's expression remained stoic, but his eyes betrayed his emotion. "My lord, I would be

honored."

Armstrong grinned. "Well, if anyone knows what's coming at us, it's the man who's already

fought it once."

"The Minutemen could benefit from future tactical knowledge," General Graves added. "Especially given their role as first responders."

"Then it's settled," Franklin declared. "Captain Henry Cavill, you are hereby appointed Captain of the Minutemen. Denzel, see to the formal procedures after the meeting."

"Of course, my lord," Denzel nodded. "The Minutemen are currently at 70% strength after

recent operations. They'll need rebuilding."

"Give him priority on recruitment," Franklin ordered. "And access to our advanced warfare simulators. I want the Minutemen ready for whatever's coming."

"Thank you, my lord," Henry said. "I won't let you down"

Franklin's expression softened slightly. "You won't son. That's why you're here." He turned back to the broader command staff. "The Minutemen will be crucial in the coming years.

They'll need support from all departments."

The vast chamber housing SMARTASS (Systematic Matrix for Advanced Real-Time Computational and Analytical Systems) hummed with power. The quantum computer's processing cores cast a soft blue glow across the assembled faces of the Independence Sector's leadership. Franklin Valorian stood at the center, his towering frame dwarfing even his transhuman sons as he inserted the precious dataslate from the future. The room's occupants arranged themselves in natural groupings. The Inner Circle - Denzel Washington, Steven Armstrong, John Ezra, Vladimir Mendeley, and the newly appointed Minuteman Captain Henry Cavill - formed a protective arc behind their Primarch. Their

presence spoke of both protection and counsel, each warrior bearing the weight of countless campaigns.

The Research Division's leadership, colloquially known as "The Eggheads," clustered near their various monitoring stations. Dr. Elara Chen's eyes flickered rapidly, already processing

potential bio-engineering applications. Dr. Marcus Hawthorne's weathered hands twitched occasionally, the veteran void-ship engineer clearly eager to access new technological insights. Dr. Hiromi Suzuki's cybernetic interfaces gleamed subtly, while Chief Engineer Amelia Cortez maintained a careful watch over SMARTASS's core systems. Dr. Elena Vasquez, her uniform bearing subtle marks of xenotech protection, stood ready to analyze any alien

technological data.

The Military Command - Fleet Admiral Elena Koshka, General Marcus Graves, and Air Force

Chief Yamato Nakajima - maintained their professional bearing, though their eyes betrayed intense interest in the future military capabilities about to be revealed.

As the dataslate connected with SMARTASS's primary interface, the chamber's lighting dimmed. A holographic display materialized, filling the vast space with intricate patterns of light.

"Processing timeline variances," SMARTASS announced, its voice carrying the peculiar resonance of artificial intelligence touched by Golden Age technology. "Query: Priority for

data presentation?"

Franklin's response was characteristically direct: "Start with the basics. Show us who we

become."

The chamber filled with the stirring notes of the Independence Sector's anthem, a powerful melody that spoke of liberty and human potential. As the music faded, SMARTASS began its

presentation.

"Independence Sector, Suzerain State of the Imperium of Man, circa 41,000," the AI declared. "Territory: 100,000 worlds under direct control. Primary directive: Uplifting human civilizations to interstellar capability while maintaining technological and cultural advancement despite galactic regression."

The holographic display shifted, showing the sector's expansion over millennia. "Despite the

catastrophic War of Fracturing, known commonly as the Horus Heresy, the Independence Sector maintained its technological base and cultural identity. Under the guidance of the Imperial Regent and Chancellor, the sector became the beacon of the Imperial Truth and

liberty." Dr. Hawthorne leaned forward as SMARTASS began detailing technological achievements. "Zero-Point Energy harnessing achieved. Dark Matter manipulation protocols established. These advancements formed the cornerstone of our resistance against multiple extinction- level threats."

The display shifted to show massive fleet engagements. Admiral Koshka's eyes narrowed as she studied future void warfare tactics. "Black Crusades, Tyranid Hive Fleets, Ork WAAAGHS!," SMARTASS continued, "required significant tactical and technological adaptation. However, the greatest challenge emerged from the awakening Necron Empire."

The room darkened as SMARTASS projected images of Necron technology, focusing particularly on one device that drew gasps from even the veteran researchers. "The Celestial Orrery," the AI explained, "represents one of the pinnacle if not the pinnacle of Necron scientific achievement. Located within the Oruscar Dynasty's crownworld of Thanatos, this device maintains a real-time connection to every star in the galaxy. Modifications to the

Orrery directly affect realspace."

Dr. Vasquez stepped closer to a particular projection. "The implications of quantum-reality manipulation on this scale..."

"Indeed," SMARTASS confirmed. "The War for the Orrery marked the beginning of sustained

conflict with the Scattered Necron Dynasties. The Main Opponent of the Imperial Forces and the one who united Necron Dynasties against the Imperium is the Necron Phaeron Imhotekh The Stormlord, everytime it will be the Imperial Chancellor Roboute Guilliman and Imhotekh Personally Commanding the War. The Record is 4,031 to 4,030.

"The War for the Orrery," Franklin mused, watching the massive battles play out in the

holographic space. "Humanity's greatest gambit."

"And our greatest innovation," SMARTASS added proudly. "While we couldn't capture the Orrery, we developed something perhaps more valuable - the Anti-Quantum Network. A system that could block the Orrery's influence over reality itself."

Dr. Suzuki's cybernetic implants whirred as he processed the implications. "We... we found a

way to counter technology millions of years beyond our understanding?" "Better," SMARTASS displayed the network's success rates. "We created dead zones in their perfect system. Areas where even their godlike technology couldn't reach. The Necrons, for all their advancement, never expected a 'primitive' species to achieve such a feat." Armstrong grinned broadly. "Humanity, flipping the bird to impossibility since M1."

"The future data shows countless such achievements," SMARTASS continued. "Humanity doesn't just survive - we innovate, adapt, and overcome challenges that should, by all rights, destroy us. We reverse-engineered Necron technology, created our own versions of their most powerful weapons, and even improved upon some of their designs."

"Human innovation proved capable of countering even technologies millions of years more advanced. However, preventing the Heresy remains crucial to achieving optimal outcomes. Current timeline projections indicate the data contained here could accelerate our technological development by approximately 5,000 years."

"The question becomes," Franklin stated, his voice cutting through the murmurs of discussion, "how do we best implement this knowledge without drawing unwanted attention? The Mechanicum already views our technological independence with suspicion." SMARTASS's display shifted to show implementation scenarios. "Recommended approach: Gradual integration of future technologies through existing research programs. Priority should be given to defensive systems and void ship improvements, followed by energy generation and weapons development. Or we could just charge in with everything at once- your call."

The chamber fell silent as SMARTASS continued its presentation, the quantum computer's voice modulating to convey the gravity of the information.

"Analysis of intergalactic probes from circa 41M reveals existential threats beyond current strategic modeling capabilities," SMARTASS stated. The holographic display expanded, showing vast swathes of neighboring galaxies. "While the Independence Sector successfully achieved technological parity with Golden Age humanity, this advancement proves insufficient against the scale of incoming threats."

The display showed massive Tyranid bio-ships, their numbers blotting out entire star systems. "Multiple Super Swarms detected approaching from intergalactic space. Scale exceeds all previous encounters by several orders of magnitude. Even with our most advanced

weaponry, including stolen Necron technology, complete victory remains statistically improbable."

Franklin's expression hardened as he watched the projections. Beside him, the current Denzel Washington stood rigid, processing the implications of humanity's future struggles.

Dr. Elena Vasquez stepped closer to examine the probe data. "The biomass calculations for

those Tyranid concentrations..."

"Exceed all data encounters from the past and the future by several orders of magnitude," SMARTASS confirmed. "While the Independence Sector has successfully eliminated multiple Hive Fleets and devastated Ork empires through superior technology, long-term strategic projections remain unfavorable."

The display shifted to show conflicts with Necron forces. "The technological stalemate achieved with the Necron dynasties, while impressive, represents a temporary equilibrium. Intelligence indicates the Silent King's return and the construction of the Pariah Nexus."

Franklin's expression darkened. "Explain the Pariah Nexus."

"A massive anti-warp field generator network," SMARTASS elaborated. "Design purpose:

The Isolation of the Immaterium to the Materium within affected space, it will eliminatel soul-bearing life forms within said space. While the Silent King maintains certain codes of honor, his ultimate goal prioritizes Necron survival above all else. The First Necron- Imperium War erupted from this fundamental incompatibility with organic life, this war is greater than our previous skirmishes with the Sautekh and the Oruscar Dynasties for the Celestial Orrery, this war is a full blown species war Led by the Imperial Regent and the Imperial Chancellor against the Szarekhan Dynasty and the Necron Empire that is reawakening"

General Graves leaned forward. "And our chances against a united Necron Empire?" "In isolation? Calculated 50% probability of victory. However..." The AI paused, rare for its processing capacity. "The Imperium cannot focus on single threats. Current timeline fragmentation prevents effective response to multiple simultaneous existential challenges." The room fell silent as SMARTASS's display shifted again. "Warning: temporal data packet

detected. Video message from future timeline."

The room's lighting dimmed further as SMARTASS paused. "Playing message from future

Chapter Master Denzel Washington."

The holographic display cleared, replaced by the image of an aged Denzel Washington. His

face bore scars, but his eyes held the same fierce determination. The current Denzel

straightened unconsciously as he faced his future self.

"To those viewing this message," the aged Denzel began, his voice deeper but unmistakable,

"I record this in the aftermath of our latest campaign against the Pariah Nexus. We've lost

good men and women - humans, Astartes, even our Aeldari allies - fighting to preserve

humanity's future." "This dataslate contains not just technology, but hope. Hope that our past selves can prevent the catastrophe that fractured humanity when we needed unity most. The War of Fracturing -

the Heresy - it weakened us at precisely the moment we needed to be strongest." His scarred face leaned closer to the recording device. "You've seen the threats approaching. The endless Tyranid swarms. The Necron's final solution. The constant Ork empires rising and

falling. The Chaos Black Crusades. We've fought them all to a standstill, but at a cost that

hollows out our future victories." To my past self, to our Primarch, to all who view this - you have a chance we never had.

Knowledge of what's coming. The technology to fight it. But most importantly, the opportunity to prevent the fractures that divide us."

The aged Chapter Master's voice carried the weight of millennia of warfare. "Humanity First.

For Liberty. For the Imperium. For Humanity itself. Don't waste this chance. Chapter Master

Denzel Washington, signing off."

The recording faded, leaving the chamber in profound silence. The current Denzel's hand had unconsciously moved to grip Kusanagi's hilt, his knuckles white with tension. Franklin placed a massive hand on his First Captain's shoulder. "We won't waste it, old friend.

Either version of you."

SMARTASS's voice returned, softer now. "Analysis of future Chapter Master Washington's emotional state during recording suggests 98.7% certainty he believed this was his final message. Records indicate the Liberty Eagles launched a major offensive against the Pariah

Nexus shortly after this transmission."

Nearby, Captain Henry Cavill nodded grimly. He had been there, in that dark future. If he wasn't given the mission to return to the past, he would have been in that war right now. "Fuck Erebus"