Warhammer 40k : Space Marine Kayvaan

The point landed, and Kayvaan's expression turned more thoughtful. The Ultramarines were a towering force among the Imperium's Chapters, with dozens of successors scattered across the galaxy. Their influence was unmatched, thanks to their efforts in rebuilding after the Heresy. Nearly half the Imperium's Chapters could trace their lineage back to the Ultramarines. Marneus had earned the freedom to speak as he wished, his reputation and authority making him untouchable. Kayvaan, however, was just beginning. His Chapter were still a fledgling idea, more a promise than a reality.

Jacob pressed on, his voice steady but firm. "Even in private, you need to be careful. The Inquisition's reach is vast. They claim to see everything, and while that might not be true everywhere, this is Terra—the heart of the Imperium and the most monitored place in the galaxy. The Inquisition's ears are always listening."

Kayvaan's confident demeanor faltered, and he glanced around uneasily. Jacob's words struck a nerve.The Inquisition's reach was suffocating. They controlled propaganda, public opinion, and Imperial bureaucracy with an iron grip, and when those tools failed, they turned to more direct and brutal methods. If they could, they'd likely implant cogitators in every citizen's brain to monitor their thoughts.

Kayvaan sighed deeply. "You're right. I didn't think it through."

"It's not a big deal," Jacob reassured him. "You're just not used to it yet. Give it time."

Kayvaan nodded slowly. "I'll be more careful with my words and actions from now on." He paused before looking at Jacob, his gaze curious. "But I have to ask, Jacob. We only met yesterday, and now you've gone out of your way to help me. I'm grateful, truly, but there must be another reason you're here, isn't there?"

Jacob smiled faintly. "Not at all, Master Kayvaan. I came here today purely to assist you." He paused before continuing, "In a month, the official transfer order will be issued. When that happens, I'll be serving as your strategic advisor. I thought, why wait? The work to establish your Chapter begins now—building a regiment isn't something you can rush."

Kayvaan's expression shifted, a mix of relief and excitement. "Ah, so that's what this is about! Excellent! In that case, I'll leave it all to you."

"Not so fast, Master Kayvaan," Jacob said, grabbing his arm before he could turn away. "There are a few matters that require your direct attention before anything can be delegated. I'll prepare detailed reports for you, but some decisions can only be made by the Chapter Master."

"Ah, I see," Kayvaan replied reluctantly. "What do I need to do?"

Jacob pulled three neatly bound documents from the mountain of papers on the table and laid them before Kayvaan. "The High Lords of Terra have sanctioned the name of the chapter as Templar Knights, and the Administratum has finalized it. Now comes the first and most critical decision—you must choose the genetic lineage of your Chapter. Most Space Marine Chapters inherit the legacy of their founding Primarch without question, but your situation is different. The Templar Knights have three potential options."

Kayvaan's curiosity piqued. He leaned forward, his expression turning serious as he studied the documents. The Primarchs were the cornerstone of the Space Marine regiments. Each of the Emperor's twenty sons had served as the genetic foundation for one of the original legions. They were more than men—they were demigods, their abilities eclipsing anything humanity could hope to achieve. Marines infused with their genetic legacy were unparalleled warriors, akin to living gods.

For the Adeptus Astartes, gene-seed was destiny. It dictated not only their strength and resilience but also their culture, traditions, and combat philosophy. The choice of a Primarch would define the Templar Knights for millennia to come, shaping their warriors and their place in the Imperium. 

Jacob lifted a blue-covered book, the bold "U" emblem on its front immediately catching Kayvaan's attention. Within the "U," a skull symbol gleamed—a badge that unmistakably represented the Ultramarines.

"This represents the genetic legacy of Roboute Guilliman, Primarch of the Ultramarines," Jacob began. "After the Horus Heresy, many Legions were shattered, but the Ultramarines emerged relatively intact. They played a critical role in the Second Founding, providing the genetic foundation for countless new Chapters. Their gene-seed is among the most stable and reliable in the Imperium."

He set the book down and continued, "Choosing the Ultramarines' gene-seed means a stable start for the Templar Knights. The process will be quicker, allowing us to deploy combat-ready forces sooner. Ultramarines' warriors are known for their balance and adaptability—strong in every aspect, though some argue that makes them less specialized in any one area. Additionally, with my connections to Ultramarines' logistics, I can help smooth the process and secure resources for the Chapter."

Jacob slid another book forward, its dark red cover emblazoned with a winged blood drop. "Then there's the genetic lineage of the Blood Angels. Their gene-seed carries both great potential and a heavy burden. After the Horus Heresy, their Primarch, Sanguinius, was slain by Warmaster Horus. That tragic moment left a lasting mark on his genetic legacy, resulting in what's known as the 'Black Rage.'"

"Black Rage?" Kayvaan frowned. "What happened? How could Lord Sanguinius's legacy become contaminated?"

"Well, 'contaminated' isn't exactly accurate," Jacob admitted, "but after so many years, that's how people describe it. Here's what actually happens: Deep within the Blood Angels' gene seeds lies a fragment of Sanguinius's memories—specifically, the final battle against Warmaster Horus.Under extreme stress, such as the eve of battle, these memories can surface. Those afflicted believe themselves to be Sanguinius, reliving his final moments during the Siege of Terra. This state grants them incredible strength and resilience, drawing on their Primarch's immense power. But the cost is their sanity. They see allies as enemies, and the battlefield becomes a twisted vision of Sanguinius's last stand. The Black Rage is both a blessing and a curse for those who inherit it."

Kayvaan nodded slowly. "I see."

Jacob continued, "If we choose the Blood Angels' gene-seed, our warriors would inherit some of Sanguinius's power, which would make them extraordinary fighters. Those with strong wills can resist the Black Rage. Those who can't are still incredibly effective in combat and are usually grouped into the Death Company—a force specializing in devastating frontal assaults. The downside is significant, though. Warriors who succumb to Black Rage rarely recover. For a small new chapter like ours, where every soldier is precious, high sacrifices are a steep price to pay."

Kayvaan sighed. "We can't afford too many losses. Every soldier matters."

Jacob reached for the last book, its cover black as midnight. "This is the genetic legacy of the Raven Guard. If you choose this, your warriors would excel in stealth, infiltration, assassinations, and sabotage—tactics perfectly suited for a smaller Chapter like ours."

His tone darkened as he continued. "But the Raven Guard's gene-seed has its own flaws. During the Heresy, their genetic material was nearly destroyed during the catastrophic events on Istvaan V and Corax's later attempts to replenish their numbers. The implantation process is highly unstable, with a low success rate."

Kayvaan raised an eyebrow. "Wait, didn't the Raven Guard destroyed?"