POV: Planetary Governor Lord Cornelius Aarark Cornelius chugged another mug of recaf. The battle in the void above had finally concluded, and—thankfully—their side had emerged victorious. Yet the aftermath was troubling. From the main spire of his manor in Halo Alphos, he could see a graveyard of drifting wreckage littering the sky. One of the smaller Raider-class vessels had already succumbed to Ur-Haven's gravity, crashing into the desert plains to the south. The casualty counts were still rising, but the toll was already staggering. Millions had perished, critical assets and infrastructure had been damaged and lost. But now, a different kind of war loomed, one for which he was far better prepared. As dictated by Imperial law, all factions would soon gather to negotiate the division of spoils. It was Cornelius's duty to represent Ur-Haven's interests and act as mediator. The Lord Inquisitor and the Drakios Dynasty had contributed significantly, of that there was no doubt. Ur-Haven's defense fleet and the Halo had also played a crucial role, though they had suffered grievous losses. Early scans of the battlefield revealed the Hulk as a major point of contention. It represented a massive trove of raw materials, twisted wrecks, and half-ruined vessels ripe for mining, salvaging, recycling, or outright plunder. The Mechanicus, both the local conclave and the delegation accompanying the Drakios forces would no doubt lay claim to a significant portion of the bounty. The young Princeps would be in attendance, as would the Star Dragons and Deathwatch Astartes. Being around so many significant figures of higher status was still quite stressful for Cornelius. The void battle was over, but Cornelius's war was just beginning. The conference table would be his battlefield. His weapons: his noble bearing, his sharp logic, his knowledge of Imperial laws, and his planet's entire bank of statistical data. He would prepare accordingly, light but tasteful refreshments, and ambient lighting bright enough to maintain alertness, but soft enough to avoid fatigue. Flipping open the third Imperial law tome on his desk, he adjusted his gilded reading monocle and turned to page eight hundred and two, his eyes scanning the dense legal text. He cross-referenced the statutes on battlefield salvage with another thick volume, this one focused on looting and the formal laws governing the division of spoils. Victory today would not be claimed with voidships or lasfire, but with words, precedent, and well-cited legislation. His only goal was to do his utmost for the future of Ur-Haven without unduly snubbing the honored guests. Having had time to prepare in advance, he had drafted a secondary plan he believed would please all parties. Unlike the previous meeting, which had been relatively private for the highly classified discussions, Cornelius reached up and rubbed the gilded plate in his skull; he had prepared a larger table, anticipating more participants and observers attending the negotiations. He had all his secretaries working overtime to organize all the requisite data. His beloved wife was handling his planetary duties in the meantime. A quick message to Zeta-9 Kane to inform his fellow of his intentions and the initial outline of his plan was met with an encouraging affirmation less than a minute later. —------------------------------------------------------------- Cornelius sat in his high-backed chair, his ornate data slates arrayed in front of him like a defensive wall. One by one, the other parties arrived. Lord Drakios arrived looking pleased, his lovely granddaughter hovered at his side, and his various advisors followed just behind him. They had their section of seats to Cornelius's left. The Lord Rogue Trader gave Cornelius a polite nod, but his wry smile promised that he would not be going easy on the governor. Cornelius assumed him to be using this event as an example to teach his grandchild how to navigate friendly, if precarious, negotiations. The Mechanicus contingent from the Argent Drake arrived with the Archmagos at their head. They sat adjacent to the Drakios party, and on their other side would sit the local Mechanicus faction of Magos Zeta-9 Kane and his Tech Priests. The Star Dragons Astartes had been placed on the opposite side of the table. Captain Bolaar arrived in his Saturnine suit, though bereft of his helmet alongside chief Librarian Astrovas and Techmarine Cogmane. The Princeps came in by herself. She had been offered a seat amongst the Mechanicus but declined in favor of representing herself and her nascent noble house. As such she been given her own seat. Her cadre of guardians had grown more diverse and intimidating since she had been gone. The Dreadnought was present again, though he seemed content to loiter in the background and speak with the other Astartes. The High Inquisitor arrived with her Deathwatch team and her retinue of advisors. She gave Cornelius a nod when he bowed and was seated to his immediate right. A few other chairs had been reserved for other minor individuals. The Eldar Farseer had shown up again, much to Cornelius's discomfort. He spotted the tall, rune-draped figure standing silently near the rear of the chamber, shrouded in a faint shimmer of psychic displacement. No formal entrance. No warning. Just there, like a ghost that refused exorcism. Cornelius suppressed a grimace and pinched the bridge of his nose as if the very sight induced a migraine. Of course, the Farseer was well within his rights, technically. That damnable decree, some fossilized piece of galactic diplomacy buried in the annals of the High Lords' archives, resurfaced like a bad cogitator loop: Imperial Edict 4412-Zeta, the "Accords of Allied Contingency," which granted sanctioned Xenos auxiliaries a seat, however symbolic at post-conflict tribunals concerning joint operations. Originally drafted in the Age of Apostasy to placate the reluctant cooperation of alien contingents during the Siege of the Nemesis Gate, it had been invoked barely a dozen times in millennia. But today, it breathed again. Cornelius muttered under his breath, "By the Throne, of all the decrees to survive compliance reviews, it had to be that one." He adjusted the ceremonial sash across his chest and glanced toward the Inquisitor, hoping she might object or at least scowl but no, she remained composed, barely sparing the Farseer a glance, her expression unreadable. The lights dimmed a fraction, every optic, augmetic, organic, and mechanical alike turned toward him, the room now caught in the hush of bureaucratic solemnity. A cogitator bank blinked to life in the corner, beginning its data log of proceedings, each syllable cross-referenced against Imperial procedural lexicons. Even the Inquisitor, sitting impassive with her rosette on display, leaned forward a fraction. Cornelius stood and cleared his throat. "Let the record show," he began, voice calm but firm, "that this Assembly of Post-Conflict Division and Recognition is now in formal session, pursuant to Imperial Statutes 803.9 through 810.2-C. The conflict of Ur-Haven, dated year 0000 M42 local time, has concluded. We shall henceforth commence as decreed by Imperial law the division of spoils and bestowal of recognition!" He sat down as the ritual weight of his words settled over the chamber. Along the fringes of the room, hunched scribes in red-trimmed robes dipped their quills into inkpots of sacred oil and began scratching fervently across parchment sheets, their eyes glassy with concentration. A floating servoskull, its bronze casing etched with the sigils of the Adeptus Administratum, hovered into position above the central lectern. Its autoquill clicked once, then began to transcribe his words in looping High Gothic script upon a roll of blessed vellum. "First, we shall discuss the scans taken and data acquired of the Space Hulk designated 'The Sundered Horror', which collided with the Ur-Haven Halo station. Asteroid M-type base, seventy percent iron, nine percent nickel, five percent cobalt, four percent sulfur, one percent gold, the remainder was a mix of stone and minor trace elements. These results were confirmed by separate scans taken from multiple parties. Does anyone wish to dispute this data?" He paused and glanced around before nodding and continuing. "The hulk contains the following wrecked vessels. The Universe Class Mass Conveyor and the Forge Vessel are partially fused. A Long Serpent Battlecruiser mostly buried, a Conquest Class Star Galleon, half buried. Two separate thirds of a Carnage Class Cruiser, a Rak'Gol Mangler, and one unknown Xenos vessel, along with various smaller parts of ships and void stations. Is any of this in dispute?" Cornelius asked. He flinched when the Farseer stood and smiled, "Ah, yes, a minor correction! The 'unknown Xenos vessel', as you called it. It is of Aeldari origin. We would like to petition that we be allowed to recover the remains as our reward for aiding in the conflict." Cronelius hummed thoughtfully mentally considering the legal justifications. "In light of the Eldar's aid, and in accordance with Imperial Decree CXLII-7, Subsection Primaris, regarding Xenos collaboration under sanctioned expeditionary circumstances, their request is permissible. By Imperial law and by the good will of the people of Ur-Haven, they shall be granted full custody of the Eldar wreck within the hulk. Retrieval and excavation will rest solely upon them, and in return, they forfeit any claim to a percentage-based division of spoils." He swept his gaze across the chamber. "Does anyone object?" None spoke. The Inquisitor met his eyes, then gave a short, deliberate nod. She approved. "Additional items up for consideration are the Styx Heavy Cruiser, the Hive of Woe, one Idolator class Raider, three Apostate class Escorts, all in salvageable condition. The remains of the Silver Tower and all other vessels have been deemed unrepairable and will be recycled or destroyed." The Inquisitor spoke up. "The Silver Tower remains a slab of corrupted daemon-forged detritus and needs to be purged. I propose they be consigned to the local sun, in an act of ritual purification, attended jointly by all present parties, as a symbol of our shared victory." "I second the suggestion." Replied the Archmagos. "I would like to suggest we round up the remains of the daemon engines, the Rak'Gol Mangler, and any components too corrupt to remain be gathered together and we consign them all to the sun." Lady Cavalerio added. A curious voice from the back of the chamber, young, perhaps a junior adept, broke the rhythm. "What exactly is a Rak'Gol?" "According to the data we have. Rak'Gol are a horrific, vicious, and violent Xenos species. Large, reptilian, with eight limbs, they operate primarily in the Koronus Expanse of the Halo Stars. Their technology is crude but brutal and effective. They are extremely hostile. It is better to destroy their ship wholesale." Lady Cavalerio explained. "I approve," Captain Bolaar said. "As do I," said Lord Drakios. "Agreed." The Inquisitor nodded, looking pleased with the collective decision. Cornelius made a show of marking off the Tower and the Mangler from the list of valuable assets. "We shall arrange for the tugs to tow the remains into the sun in two weeks. As cleanup progresses, any corrupted items will be inspected by the Inquisitor or the Mechanicus, and those designated for destruction will be added to the mass. Anyone caught attempting to smuggle or steal such items will be punished to the highest extent. Death or servitorization." He declared before pausing to take a drink from his glass. "The primary participants in the conflict were the Drakios Dynasty, the Inquisitorial delegation, the Adeptus Mechanicus, the Ur-Haven Defense fleet, and the Halo station. These groups will be considered to receive percentage stakes in the total salvage. At this point, suggestions may be made for smaller groups or individuals who can receive a portion of the spoils. Such allocations require a majority approval." Cornelius explained. "As an example. The Star Dragons are credited with the destruction of the Hellbringer Class Light Cruiser: The Sky Scourer. I would propose they receive a one percent stake." Cornelus spoke as he gestured to Bolaar. The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation. Bolaar shook his head. "That strike was as much for the benefit of the battle as it was personal revenge for our chapter. We would take no more than half a percent. It was our duty." Cornelius blinked in surprise, and if it wouldn't have been improper, he could have kissed the giant man for such humility. "Half a percent for the Star Dragons? A clarification: these percentages are based on the agreed-upon total value of the salvage and can be exchanged for an equivalent monetary value, raw materials, items of value, or significant portions of the salvage itself." "All in favor?" He asked, and as everyone nodded, he smiled, "A half percentage for the Star Dragons. I believe another half should go to Captain Morgen Cook, his vessel managed to fight off two raiders and an escort. Well above and beyond what would be expected of a trading vessel." Cornelius was unsurprised that it was also agreed upon with ease. A high-pitched voice spoke up, "I would like to put myself and my Legio forward for a full percentage for my personal contributions." Lady Cavalerio spoke confidently. Cornelius frowned, but Bethany scurried over and whispered in his ear while showing him the list of said contributions. The clearing of the Hive of Woe, which was one of the items expected to raise the most contention, the destruction of the enemy Strike Cruiser and all the Astartes within, saving the Halo from scrap code. Cornelius's eyes bulged for a moment. "One percent for House Cavalerio. Does anyone dispute Lady Cavalerio and her House's contributions?" He asked, and absolutely no one made the move. Archmagos Doll even gave him an amused glance. The little Princeps nodded and sat back down. "I can confidently state that I plan to take my percentage in the form of items found amongst the wrecks or vaults inside the hulk." Cornelius was relieved by that answer and nodded, "A full percentage share to Lady Cavalerio." Chapters first released on NoveI-Fire.ɴet They continued, and in total, about five percent of the total was divided out for personal recognition and rewards. Nicole was the only one with a full percent for herself. Then the room turned serious as Cornelius looked around. "We will now initiate the allocation of the remaining assets to the primary participants." He pressed a rune on one of his data slates. A shimmering hololithic projection of the Sundered Horror, flanked by bar graphs and resource tallies, flickered to life. "After extensive analysis, and accounting for tonnage, strategic impact, sustained losses, and resource commitment, I submit the following initial proposed division for deliberation." Cornelius knew he was taking a risk low-balling Drakios and the Inquisition, but he felt that being bold and letting them argue upwards rather than trying to talk them down was the best bet. "Ur-Haven Defense Forces 28% Halo Station Command 25% Adeptus Mechanicus 25% Inquisitorial Delegation 7%" The room did not erupt, but the tension hit like a bolt round. Lord Drakios raised a single brow, fighting a smile as he instantly recognized Cornelius's opening move, but he seemed willing to play along. "A bold proposition, Governor. I see your planetary pride remains as robust as ever. However, I must question the allocation of some of these figures." Arianwynn was looking at the figures with a confused and furrowed brow that quickly turned into a scowl. Cornelius bowed his head respectfully. "My lord, Ur-Haven bore the brunt of this conflict. Our orbital defenses suffered a staggering 41% destruction rate. Our fleets were engaged from the first moment to the last. Our manufactoriums will bear the burden of salvage logistics for decades to come." "True, Ur-Haven had the most vessels fielded, however, we fielded four warships, three of much greater tonnage. The Argent Drake is solely responsible for the destruction of the enemy Grand Cruiser and the suppression of the enemy battleship in a combined effort with the Purest Shadow. The Princeps and Lord Bolaar claimed their contributions, but the forces of our dynasty are responsible for more than thirty percent of total enemy casualties. Not to mention the number of enemy strike craft we purged." Drakios spoke as he leaned back in his chair with a smile. "Seven percent seems low considering the munitions expended and the exemplary performance of my ship. In both tonnage and kills, we only came second behind the Argent Drake. I recognize that as a single vessel compared to Drakios's fleet, we cannot fully compare. However, considering the services of my ship and myself will be required to vet a majority of the enemy assets. I would expect the value of my expertise to factor in." The Inquisitor commented with a cool and collected voice. "Well, Ur-Haven has the most losses to replace. I fully intend to cover the repairs to the Purest Shadow and the Drakios' fleet outside of the compensation package. I know that neither of you is interested in claiming any of the vessels. The Purest Shadow operates alone, and Lord Drakios just acquired a new vessel. You both are far more likely to be interested in various vaults, items, and tangible assets." Cornelius explained his reasoning. "I would be willing to raise your percentages, though, where they would come from would need to be discussed." Archmagos Doll and Magos Zeta-9 Kane had a brief exchange in binary, interrupting the negotiation for a brief moment. The Inquisitor's Magos even joined in. "The Mechanicus requests twenty-two percent, which is the minimum acceptable percentage. A portion of which will be extended to the visiting Archmagos and Magi, with the majority retained for Ur-Haven projects." Zeta-9 Kane spoke candidly. "As the administrator of Halo station, I can confirm another twenty-two percent is required there for station repairs, crew replacement, and to provide the resources required to fully process the space hulk and replace the lost voidcraft." Cornelius sighed and leaned back, his gestures exaggerated. "You do all realize these percentages are on the total? Some of the material resources on the asteroid and some of the recoverable ship hulks will take decades to fully extract and refit." He pulled one dataslate off the table and passed it to Bethany, who took it away. "Fine. The minimum amount was unsatisfactory. You have my apologies. I will present the absolute maximum Ur-Haven can offer, this is the confirmed upper limit. Any higher would be devastating for our economy. We have to consider the massive expenditures we will need to undertake to protect the Cycladon Tree once you depart." "Ur-Haven Defense Forces 27% Halo Station Command 22% Adeptus Mechanicus 22% Inquisitorial Delegation 10%" Lord Drakios turned to Arianwynn, who glanced at her dataslate for a moment before she leaned in and whispered something with a nod. "That figure is acceptable to us with some minor additional conditions." Cornelius turned to the Lord Inquisitor, who gave an assenting nod, her wide-brimmed hat tipping forward as she did so, "I agree with Lord Drakios. The aforementioned split is acceptable with the addendum of some minor conditions." Cornelius looked between the two. "What sort of conditions?" "Any items and equipment we have procured before this meeting and during the battle do not count towards the final tally." Lord Drakios said and Cornelius had no issue with that. "I would also like to make a condition. The data from the enemy cogitators aboard their various vessels. It will be combined, compiled, and then censored by the Mechanicus and the Inquisition before the sum total of the data is disseminated to all parties. I believe the data will have significant value outside the system, and it would be negligent to squander it." Lady Cavalerio said with a small smile. The entire Mechanicus contingent buzzed with excitement at the suggestion and Lord Striker seemed both surprised and pleased. "Absolutely. I approve. Additionally, the Inquisition reserves the right to make one undisputed claim from the vaults of the Hulk. Its nature will not be disclosed for reasons of classification and planetary security." "The various agents of the Mechanicus present ask for the first right of refusal regarding technological discoveries. As decreed by the Treaty of Olympus Mons STC fragments and technological relics are nonnegotiable. They will be tallied and accounted for with our shares. This applies to those from Ur-Haven, House Drakios, and the Inquisition. Items found within the Hulk that pertain to the Mechanicus and are thus claimed shall be divided fairly amongst ourselves. In exchange, we shall assist with item extraction, identification, and vault access." Archmagos Doll spoke, his steady gaze sweeping the room. "Any equipment and personnel retrieved from the Hulk before this division will not be counted towards the percentages." The Princeps added for some reason. Cornelius thought about asking, but a quick look at the Inquisitor and Archmagos dismayed him of that idea. "So it is agreed! The percentages have been recorded and finalized! Each party will receive a copy of the agreement in writing in full. These official documents will be signed by representatives of each faction along with a sworn oath to uphold the letter and spirit of the agreement!" The room filled with polite applause. Cornelius smiled and held up a hand after a minute. "Before we disperse, I would like to announce an emergency training initiative. Ur-Haven will summarily recruit and train no less than two million new voidsmen in the next eight months using an expedited training program. Anyone present is more than welcome to exchange a portion of their rewards for large allocations of trained personnel, and you will be allowed to select the number and quality of voidsmen from the training pool. The first to exchange will be given first pick from the total pool. The remaining recruits will be used to operate the Halo and work on the replacement system vessels." "Well, well, well, Cornelius, color me impressed. That is quite clever." Lord Drakios praised while he gave a respectful nod. "It encourages us to spend the leftover value of our shares on personnel rather than raw materials. While we may not need the hulls, you are well aware that we need more crew for our next destination." Drakios glanced at Nicole, who gave him a small nod. "Should the voidsmen meet my standards at muster, I will be very impressed." "Thank you, Lord Drakios, I merely saw a need for Ur-Haven and sought to do my duty to correct this deficiency in personnel." Cornelius intoned. "Now, as my first action, Ur-Haven would like to place a salvage claim on the Hive of Woe. Whose value will be tabulated once the vessel is cleansed and thoroughly inspected." Zeta-9 Kane gave Cornelius an approving nod. "I would like to request that everyone refrain from blindly delving into the Hulk. Delve teams will be organized, and proper security protocols will be maintained. A forward operating base will be erected in a central location. I think we can all wait a week before we start scouring that mess. The Hulk itself is still in the process of being stabilized and locked to the Halo." The Inquisitor said as she looked around the room. "I would like to request the aid of the Star Dragons if they are willing to do so." "Littlest one, do you plan to investigate the Hulk further?" The Dreadnought's booming voice asked. Cornelius jumped and finally noticed Baldos loitering near one of the far walls adjacent to the entrance, he had been so focused on the people around him he had forgotten about the guardian. "Yes." Lady Cavalerio replied with an exasperated expression. "Our ninth scale will aid you and your clutch teams in scouring the Hulk of any and all hostiles, Inquisitor." Bolaar agreed immediately after Nicole's admission. Baldos let loose a haunting laugh as Nicole crossed her arms and huffed before she stood up, signed the document, spun on her heel, and immediately departed.