The interrogation room was hardly impressive, four simple walls painted grey and a window overlooking a vast, green countryside and a relatively small village. The village was no doubt the one where Ajax had done battle with the daemons; a place he hoped would forget him. These creatures obviously knew nothing, quite literally nothing, about war and he knew the longer he walked on this world the more likely war would find it. Not just daemons, but orcs, dracta and many other monsters that would devour this planet in a tide of blood. Even those species that the Imperium trusted, those it protected, were but mortals and the hearts of mortals ever hungered for power.

Ajax had to admit he was quite comfortable, he had expected this to be an easily overcome ordeal, but not one he would feel so at peace with. It was a beautiful world after all, its populace innocent and free, a life humanity dreamed for the entire galaxy. The air smelt of cleaned stone and new plaster, on his way through some kind of underground drainage system that ran underneath the small city he could hear dozens of people above him, cheerfully going about their comfy lives. He had smelt freshly baked bread, flowers, herbal beverages and the ever present smell of ground sugar that the creatures omitted hung in the air.

Understandably, Ajax had travelled through the underworld of the city to avoid attracting attention until they had taken a flight of stairs into, what was assumed to be, the cities guard barracks. It seemed most of the staff were on duty aside from the one bored looking secretary that watched over the interrogation rooms. She had quickly, and clumsily, searched for the rooms’ key upon seeing Ajax march through the hallway with his head bowed to avoid the ceiling. And so he found himself here, and had waited exactly 1 hour, 2 minutes and 33 seconds. He sat on a steel chair facing a steel table, and unlike other interrogation rooms he had seen nothing was nailed down. He was growing tired of waiting, and the slight musky scent of the nervous guards outside was starting to bother him.

What would Captain Proteus say if he could see him now? Get of your arse boy and investigate the source of the demonic threat! He would have Ajax on his toes quicker than these natives could think. But then he thought to the teachings of the much older and wiser Captain Titus. Appease their demands for now; don’t want to make bad first impressions. He was right, Titus was always right, and that was just one reason Ajax looked to him for guidance even though he wasn’t his company captain. In a way Ajax was glad he had landed on this planet, best the Space marines get a foothold so no other wandering empires can come and start sapping of its economy or start a mining operation. But perhaps there was more to all this, there were questions that needed answering, like how these creatures could influence warp energies. Even the prospect of a civilization being so carefree and friendly was alien to Ajax, alien to the Imperium, there was always some kind of corruption or turmoil bubbling beneath the surface.

Ajaxs’ pondering came to a sharp end as the door opened with a whine. Through it stepped the two matriarchs he recognised as the ones that had taken him into custody. One was a very light pink, almost white, with multicoloured hair that seemed to flow and blow about even with the outdoor wind absent while her eyes were a bright pink. She bore a set of large wings and a spiral horn at the centre of her forehead and a long tail that mirrored her hairs’ colour and behaviour. Like the rest of her race she seemed equine in structure but still stood perfectly upright and had hands just like a human while her feet seemed to be fleshy hooves. She must have been 7ft tall, had a very curvaceous figure and her build was quite impressive for a female yet Ajax doubted this was a result of exorcise or activity. She wore fairly revealing attire, no more than a skirt and a vest that was composed of artistically woven strips of material.

The second was bore the same overall features as the first aside from being a dark blue in colour, wearing a more loose and silky clothing, being slightly less athletic and looking at Ajax like he expected any native to look at him. The second closed the door behind her, eyes ever fixed on Ajax, and moved into the far corner of the room behind her companion, leaning against the window. The first seemed to glide as she walked to the table, pulled out the adjacent chair and gracefully took a seat. Her wings folded back, hands slid out onto the table meeting together about a quarter of the way to Ajax. Ajax held his composure which was a stony one, he didn’t know the nature of these people and until he did he wasn’t giving away anything.

“So, do you want to explain what happened in Ponyville yesterday?” The pink female spoke with a serene voice, very sweet and clearly pronounced.

“You say it like you are giving me a choice.” Ajax wasn’t going to be lead along like an infant, he answered solid questions, not little riddles.

“I just want to meet you in the middle, um, Ajax? That is your name ri-“

“My name is Ajax Urien. I am a battle brother assault marine of the Halo Skulls chapter Space Marines. I serve the God-Emperor of man, lord of my kind and all living beings. I will comply to any questions you might have that I can answer and that do not threaten the interest of the Imperium.” Ajax summed it all up before she could even finish, he was already 5 questions ahead of her.

The dark blue female seemed to tense up slightly as Ajax spoke, even the pink one leaned back a little. The pink one soon regained composure and leaned forward again smiling wide.

“Well it’s very nice to meet you Ajax. Would you like some tea? A cake or two?”

He had to admit, he hadn’t seen that question coming. If this was an interrogation technique, it was new to him. Then again the food supplements she had just offered may be laced with any number of exotic chemicals designed to make him blabber all kinds of truths.

“No, thank you.”

“Oh, ok. Anyway, my name is Celestia. This here is my sister, Luna. We are the rulers of Equestria, the land you have arrived to, and we welcome you to our world. Now, please would you kindly tell me what happened in ponyville?” Celestia talked with the same calm and heavenly tone she had before, but she didn’t seem to be asking anymore.

“All that I know is this; somehow a daemon was able to arrive to this world, most likely through the same warp portal I was consumed by. It planned to open a manual portal on the surface of this world to allow more of his kind to walk freely in the mortal realm and wreck chaos and bloodshed throughout your lands. It is best you do not ask why.”

“How do you know of these creatures?” Luna piped up in a demanding tone that Ajax decided to overlook, her sister however turned and gave her a disapproving look.

“My kind travels the space between worlds in search of evil to extinguish. Daemons are among many that would see this world and a thousand like it burnt to dust. Daemons, however, have been around a very long time and seek out mortal blood with a feverish lust. If anything I would say that we Space Marines are their opposites, where they spread fear we shine hope, where they wreck chaos we bring order.”

Celestia seemed very impressed with his small speech and leaned her head on a hand. The door opened again to reveal a guard carrying a golden platter crowded with baked foods and another with a teapot accompanied by three teacups. He hurriedly place them down infront of Celestia who kindly offered a warm ‘thank you’ before scurrying out the room again.

“That’s quite fascinating. One last thing on yesterdays’ events, what did the creature mean when it said ‘it would return’?” Celestias’ eagerness to know the answer was given away as she peered intently over the rim of her teacup as she drank. The long silence was probably the last thing they all needed.

“I wish I knew. The ways of the daemon are sporadic and hard to grasp. For all I know his words held no truth, a desperate scare tactic. Then again-“Ajax paused for what seemed like a century, “-it could mean that the dark powers now hold an interest in your worlds’ existence.”

“What does that mean?” Celestia asked with an all too obvious concern, quickly putting down her beverage.

“Do not feel threat so eagerly Celestia. I cannot say what any of it means, not for sure. But this is where I get to deliver some good news; just before your arrival, while one of your subject was being healed by our medical servitors, my stations orbital antennae became fully functional. It confirmed that the seven ships that were also caught in the catastrophe that saw me here are nearby, just beyond your planets moon. I was unable to establish radio contact due to the stations limited range, but it revealed that the ships are regrouping and will most likely head to this location in 24-36 hours.”

“Wait!” Luna interjected, “Are you saying there are more of you? And you’re leading them here? This is some kind of invasion!”

Celestia turned to her sister, leaving Ajax feeling rather indifferent about the matriarchs’ worries. If this was an invasion they’d have already taken half the planet by now. Celestia whispered to Luna, apparently unaware of Ajaxs’ ability to hear her every word clear as her sister.

“Luna, the last thing we want is to ignite a conflict. I share your concern, but we must keep face infront of this creature.”

“Trust me, it would take a lot more than a few spittle filled words to ignite a war with the Adeptus Astarte. We have much more important efforts to see to,” Ajax looked to the window as he spoke, admiring the view once more.

“And what ‘efforts’ might you mean?” Celestia asked as she took a seat once more.

“That is not my information to give,” Ajax replied, urging how he could not answer such a question.

“Well, we can see by your equipment that you are very accustomed to conflict, so I will assume you have battles that are being fought elsewhere. In the stars perhaps?” Celestia pressed as she took a seat once more.

“It is best I say no more on the matter.”

Ajax had been as stern as his duties had taught him, and restrained himself from further talk. This wasn’t difficult, as no torture or even skilful interrogation followed. The matriarchs were not used to this, not used to engaging with others in such a manner. Ajax thought it be best if they carried on with their simple lives, better to forget these events. He could hear chatter coming from several rooms away, but couldn’t quite make it out. Tone suggested that it was quite heated from at least one participant, and Ajax had little difficulty figuring out who it was. That dark blue female would prove problematic in leaving this place.

But then again, what was really stopping him? He had trained in stealth and covert operations as a scout, all he had to do was knock some heads together, slip under a couple of poorly guarded defences and head back to the outpost. Besides, this was not his duty to uphold, and was probably making things worse by partaking in this game of 20 questions. This is the job for a captain, or chaplain, someone who has wisdom to back them up and who knows the rules of verbal engagement better than he. He wished captain Titus were here once more, he would have this sorted before the door closed behind him. Ajax had made up his mind, time to go home.

“Sister please, this creature is very valuable. It saved the lives of so many yesterday, and has cooperated better than I had ever wished,” Celestia pleaded.

“Tia, I know, really I do. But that........that....thing looks like it was bred to kill and nothing else. I trust your judgement, but we wouldn’t be surprised in the slightest if it started causing trouble for all of us. And the threat of more? I can foresee many sleepless nights ahead,” Luna replied, her tone heavy and taught.

“I understand. Just try to be a little more hospitable, ok?” Celestia asked gently as she lifted Lunas’ chin to look her in the eye, both giving a grin of understanding before turning back to the door.

Without warning the giant alien pulled the door open and speedily marched through and straight towards the sisters, making them both jump a little in fright.

“W-w-what do you...uh, where are you going?!” Celestia managed to stutter out.

The alien was not given an opportunity to answer as a bolt f lightning flew past Celestia and hit him square in the chest. Ajax was slowed by only a second to looked up in confusion and frustration, yet soon picked up speed once again.

“LUNA! NO!” Celestia shot in shock at her sister, who was busy readying another bolt spell, determination carved into her face.

Ajax was not a couple of step away when the second bolt hit, but the creature seemed to anticipate the offense with a reflex as quick as the lightning that hit him. The bolt struck his palm that he had swung out, scorching the flesh on his hand slightly and causing it to twitch a little after. This however did little to stop him reaching out with the other hand and grabbing the moon princess by the throat. His grip tightened across half of her neck and restricted her airway ever so slightly, make her reach for her neck for half a second before her eyes rolled into the back of her head, her body falling limp from the aliens grasp. By the time she had fallen Celestia had just finished her gasp of shock and knelt down to aid her sister, Ajax slipping past as if weightless.

“LUNA?! LUNA SAY SOMETHING!”

Celestias’ face creased in anger, a rare occasion to say the least, as she stood up while gesturing her hand to summon a beam spell. Se stretched her hand out and flung the line of technicoloured light at Ajaxs’ back, still simmering with fury. The shot hit Ajaxs’ shoulder blade, violently pushing his arm forward, and leaving a palm sized crater of charred flesh. Ajax didn’t hang around to give the intimidating stare he would have liked, instead punching a fist through a nearby door. He hooked his arm inside and wrenched the door off its hinges, using it as a temporary shield. Another bolt hit the door, then another, and not a second after Ajax had kicked down the front door to the security station.

Celestia was breathing heavily, partly out of anger, partly out of fear. This creature wasn’t only tough, quick and strong, but also skilful and seemed to ignore pain. Celestia rushed to Lunas’ side to find her sister stirring.

“No Luna, don’t move. I’ll get a doctor right away, I promise.”

“It’s ok, really. I-I think he just meant to knock me out,” Luna assured as she lifted herself up with a grunt. Both the alicorns turned to look at the splintered and bent main door.

“We’re going to have a lot of scared ponies,” Celestia sighed.

Ajax had little time for stealth, and besides, these creatures were reacting much better than he could have predicted. Most just fled into the nearest house, shop or public building, others hid behind piles of goods, stalls and in alleyways. Generally all was quiet aside from the whispered remarks Ajax had little trouble hearing. Words such as ‘Monster’, ‘Giant’ and ‘Alien’ were thrown from one mortal to another, words Ajax had heard a hundred times before. No matter where they went or who laid eyes upon them the astartes were always considered freaks, and who could blame them. Large, swollen bodies with biomechanical plugs and circuitry running his torso, surgical scarring and a stance about them that was utterly unnatural.

All these things did not worry Ajax in the slightest, his mission was simple, and should have been started hours ago. Find the cause of the demonic incursion. He marched through the cobblestone streets, jumping the odd fence and wall when needed. He had an idea where the city gates were and he was going to reach them as quickly as possible. Ajax couldn’t help but chuckle as he witnessed the vast variety of colours and styles the populace came in. From dark purples to vibrant orange, every colour in the spectrum could be collected with the citizens of just this city. Ajax could also make out three distinct sub species. One was a plain as day bipedal creature with many equine features, another was the same but bore a pair of feathery wings that seemed too small to carry them into flight, yet somehow they did. The third was the same as the first but had a single spiral bone horn protruding from its forehead, the horn also seemed to bear certain psychic attributes, allowing the creature to levitate objects nearby.

After taking his speed up to a quick jog Ajax soon found a set of moderately sized gates, the path behind most certainly leading down the mountain and into the fields beyond. However these particular gaits where also being guard by around fifty golden armoured mortals and two rather aggravated demi-gods. Ajaxs’ jog slowed to a halt and assessed the situation. He was not going to make it.

“Give it up Ajax. You can’t fight all of us.” Celestia called over. She too was clad in armour that seemed to be more ceremonial than practical, her sister also wearing similar protection.

Ajax wasn’t going to be able to do this alone, or without some kind of upper hand. Fifty guards was challenge enough without the two matriarchs. No armour and no weapons, no alternate route and no support, this left only one option. Ajax charged with all his force, building all his momentum. He turned his shoulder and aimed straight for the centre of the formation, the guards in his path backing up and losing moral quickly. Not fifteen feet from the frontline Ajax took a mighty leap, sailing through the air and landing behind the formation of guards, just infront of the sisters. Rolling on impact he quickly regained his footing and made a quick sidestep to dodge the two princesses. Something quickly caught him by the knee, wrapping round and binding his legs together.

Lassos, trip ropes and nets showered Ajax, taking him to his knees. From what looked like out of nowhere the dark blue princess summoned an elaborate, blunt mace into her grip. She swung it at Ajaxs’ head, hitting him hard on the temple yet only knocking his head aside slightly. A split second later a resounding boom blew Ajaxs’ head to the ground with the force of ten mortals, lightly bruising his brow. The weapon had seemed too emit an energy field similar to that of a thunder hammer, only dulled down a thousand fold.

Ajax grunted as he tried to get up, but soon found himself being lassoed around the neck and pulled to his knee once again.

“Ajax, you will stay here. You will explain why you attacked my sister. And you will cooperate with our demands as you have so eagerly thrown aside your ability to reason!” Celestia ordered, thrusting a summoned long sword at Ajaxs’ throat.

Ajax knew he had been bested, and this was not the situation for a defiant last stand. A shadow soon begun to fill his vision, making him suspect he was somehow going unconscious. The shadow grew in darkness and size, smothering the princesses, guards and Ajax. Then a low growl filled the air along with the rhythmic thrumming of engines, making all heads turn skywards. The guards faces broke into a rabble of terror and panic, most dropping their weapons and fleeing. The matriarchs both backed away from Ajax, holding expressions of shock and awe. Ajax let out a joyful laugh followed by a quick sigh of relief.

The ‘storm raven’ gunship roared as it honed in upon the group, angling to take it to the edge of the road. It turned to face Ajax and brought itself just above the roads wall that line the cliff edge, its ramp giving a synthetic whine as it lowered. Once the ramp came to a clunking stop six figures took a leap out of the gunships confines and onto the cobblestone road. Chunks of rock spat out from under the space marines boots as the cracked and split, all bringing weapons to bear almost as soon as they hit the ground. Four carried boltguns and one a power fist and plasma pistol, all of them were from Ajaxs’ squad, most notably sergeant Verulos. The final marine was one Ajax was blessed to see.

Captain Titus strode forth, chainsword and ‘kraken’ bolter in hand, his scarred face thick with discipline. His dark hair was messy, parted by a thick scar that ran through his hairline and into his scalp. His very presence seemed to emanate an aura that demanded respect. He came up to Ajaxs’ side and raised an eyebrow. Ajax bowed his head low.

“Sire, I-“ Ajax began.

“We will discuss this later Ajax,” Titus ordered as he cut Ajax free of his bonds with but a flick of his sword.

Ajax stood once again, bowed his head and left the captains presence to join his squad. Ajax stood before his sergeant, head still bowed low and opened his mouth to speak. Verulos struck Ajax in the face with the back of his armoured gloves, snapping his head to one side. Ajax slowly turned his gaze to the sergeants own. Verulos’ face was tight with stress and anger, his eyes burning into Ajaxs’.

“This is how you represent your squad? Your chapter? Your Imperium!?” Verulos boomed.

Ajax had no reply. He had acted the fool, not even considering the consequences of his actions ever since making planet fall. He had acted like a child, thirsting for an adventure in a new world. A strike in the face was just what he needed right now. Ajax quickly strode to the rear of the squad and laid eyes on the captain once more. Titus had walked up to the sisters, both seemed to be almost cowering at his advance.

“I am captain Titus of the Halo skulls. You both look like there is a war to be fought nearby,” Titus said gesturing to the sisters.

“W-w-well we, uh..........you see your soldier he-“ Luna attempted to say.

“Ajax will be disciplined for the actions he has taken this day. I sincerely apologize on behalf of the Imperium of man for such a lowly display of our ways. I will offer to rebuild any damage that has been caused.”

Celestia and Luna both let out a small sigh and looked at each other.

“No, please. It was I who acted out of place. We brought your companion here to ask him some questions, and as he was leaving of his own accord, I struck him. I-I didn’t really even give him time to, uh, explain his need to leave,” Luna said sheepishly, Celestia laying a hand on her sisters shoulder in appraisement.

“Thank you for your honesty matriarch. But nevertheless, Ajax will need to pay for his actions. With your cooperation I would like to take him back to the outpost that has been set up.”

“Well, that’s fine, I guess. Just, please, don’t be too harsh on him. We all did some very regrettable things today, and most of them were on our behalf.”

“Ajax will be treated with all the mercy our ways see fit, but this is no longer our concern. Farewell.” And with that Titus turned and strode back to the gunship.

Ajax and the squad followed Titus up the storm ravens’ ramp and into its dimly lit interior. The ramp whined closed once again, and with a shriek, the ship turned to fly off in the distance. The sisters could do nothing but relive themselves of their weapons and head home.

It hissed a curse that would boil the flesh of a mortal. Its touch wrapped around the eons and shaped all things dying, its breath snuffing the life out of all the millions yet to be born. It knew the name of the flesh being.
“Titus!”

The fate bound to this one was like iron, and no matter what refused the great reapers ways. He wanted Titus. He wanted the skull of the angel king to be a trophy that would let all know of his supremecy. But the angel was guarded by he that is all.

It hissed again as the thought of the creator was like acid in his mind.

In fury it caste a thousand and one curses across the star, and a million souls passed into the warp. But none of them were Titus.

The reapers gaze slipped through the world like a serpent. The angel was on a new world, a world rich with living things that needed to be dying. The reapers breathed a curse on the world, yet nothing came of it. The reaper pondered, this was something that needed a more physical approach. With his scythe he swept across the stars; another million or so dead as his touch wrapped around their souls and wrenched them from life.

The reaper spotted a link that could be made. Oh so fragile. Oh so fine and precise. With but a swift and slight breath it did nudge the swarm onward. This would take time, yes indeed, but it would prove most beneficial. Given time they would feed, then grow, then move on until they reached the angel king and his host.

Soon he would have the skull of the angel king, and the poetry of death could play swiftly once more.

The reaper waited.