Chapter 88: The Path to Morag

Perspective: Roboute Guilliman

The stars stretched before them as the flagship Macragge’s Resolve emerged from the warp near the Xandar system. Around it, nearly two thousand vessels of the Ultramarines formed a tight circle in space. Their ceramite hulls gleamed beneath distant starlight. Thousands of Astartes stood ready in perfect formation, weapons slung but fingers itching for battle.

Below, the planet Xandar turned in its blue-green beauty. The Nova Corps had defended this world for generations, but they had never faced an arrival like this. A sleek Nova cruiser darted forward and hailed the Macragge’s Resolve without warning.

“Identify yourselves and state your purpose in Xandarian space,” came the calm, formal voice of the Nova commander over the comm.

Guilliman stepped to the comm console and responded in a measured tone, “I am Roboute Guilliman, Primarch of the Ultramarines and Lord Commander of the Imperium. We come at the Emperor’s request to access your Grand Archives. We require data on a system called Morag.”

There was a long pause. The Nova commander’s reply crackled over the comm. “Our archives are for civilian research, not military fleets. Why should we grant you special access?”

Guilliman’s voice was calm but firm. “The Imperium seeks knowledge, not conquest. There is information in your records vital to the security of many worlds. Grant us access, and we will depart peacefully once our task is complete.”

The Nova commander exchanged a glance with her officers before replying, “Very well. A small, escorted delegation may enter the archives under Nova supervision. Any foul play and your forces will be treated as hostiles.”

“Understood,” Guilliman said. “We accept your terms.”

Moments later, drop shuttles carrying squads of Ultramarines pierced Xandar’s atmosphere in perfect formation. They touched down on the polished landing pads of the Grand Archive complex. Guilliman led his detachment through the grand entrance where glass doors slid open onto marble floors. Nova Corps troopers in white-and-gold uniforms stood at attention, eyes wary.

Commander Rhom-Varr, the Nova leader, greeted Guilliman in the central hall. “Lord Guilliman,” he said, “welcome to Xandar. Our archives are yours to search. Please, follow me.”

Guilliman inclined his head once. “Thank you, Commander. Lead on.”

They passed through corridors lined with holo-screens displaying star charts and galactic logs until they reached the Core Vault. Guilliman placed his armored hand on a biometric scanner. The doors slid open to reveal a chamber filled with floating data crystals and holomaps.

He tapped a console and the holomap expanded to show the region around Xandar. Worlds rotated in holographic space. Guilliman entered “Morag” into the search field, but nothing appeared.

A Nova technician frowned at the console. “Morag isn’t listed. It was abandoned centuries ago.”

Guilliman did not argue. He simply said, “Search deeper. There must be hidden records.”

As he waited, alarms suddenly blared and red lights flashed. A hidden panel in the floor snapped open. Smoke hissed upward. Nova librarians backed away in alarm.

“Sabotage device!” one shouted. “It’s set to purge the entire vault!”

Guilliman strode forward without drawing his sword. “Sergeant Marius, disable it.”

Sergeant Marius sprinted to the device and used his plasma cutter to slice through its casing. Sparks flew, steam hissed, and then the alarms ceased. Free

A Nova officer examined the wreckage. “It’s Kree technology,” he said. “A sleeper cell planted it here long ago. They meant to erase all records if the Search engine turn on.”

A Nova officer nodded. “Kree cells hide among us as officials and Officers. They activate when war breaks out."

Guilliman said "Remove any others you find. Restore your backups immediately.”

The Nova officer saluted. “Aye, Lord Guilliman.”

Guilliman returned to the console. He tapped a hidden directory labeled “Restricted” and entered an override code. A previously blank entry appeared: Morag system coordinates and vault access code.

He read the data aloud so the Nova officers could hear. “Morag, Vault Theta-Nine-Seven. Planet is barren, ruins only. No active defenses.”

Commander Varr’s eyes widened. “I never knew this was here. Thank you for saving our records.”

Guilliman gave a single nod. “Knowledge is priceless, Commander. Guard it well.”

Outside the vault, the Ultramarines sealed the doors. Guilliman stepped into the central chamber and addressed the Nova assembly. “I will depart at once. Xandar’s cooperation will be remembered.”

Commander Varr saluted. “Safe travels, Primarch. May your mission succeed.”

Guilliman turned away and walked back through the archive’s corridors. His Marines followed silently. They reached the landing pads just as the drop shuttles launched into the sky.

In orbit, the fleet reformed around the Macragge’s Resolve. Guilliman stood at the prow of the command deck as the ship powered up.

“Set course for the Morag system,” he ordered.

“Aye, Lord Guilliman,” came the chorus of voices.

The warp engines roared. Stars stretched into motes of light. The barren world of Morag awaited them, its secrets unlocked at last.

And Guilliman would see this mission through, for the Emperor and for the Imperium.