The Sword of Terra Legion has been discovered by multiple Matriarchs and their Legions as they fought side by side against different enemies of the Imperium. Completing their given directives they now return to the stars to continue their never ending battle to protect the Imperium. However with these encounters leads to a historical shift in the 31st Millennium that will shape many a future event.

Space
Floating through the dark void of space was an incredibly large spacefaring vessel. It was primarily a dark gray color with polished bronze accents. The vessel itself bore the crest of the Bronze Mastodons on its side.

This vessel was the Bastion of the Tusk, a Battle Barge and Flagship of the Bronze Mastodons Chapter of the Sword of Terra Legion. Within the colossal vessel stood Luthane at the bridge a stoic expression on his face.

Luthane: a Week has elapsed since our encounter with the Death Guard and Matriarch Morticia. We have received no Vox messages from our superiors on Terra. Perhaps the Death Guard have yet to return and confront the Empress.

A grimace spread across the Chapter Master's face as if there was one thing he despised was unknown variables. Especially when said variables could be spawned from the very Imperium he served. As Luthane ruminated one of his Battle Brothers approached him.

BM Astartes 1: Chapter Master, the War Room has been fully prepared for today's council.

Luthane turned to look at his Battle Brother, nodding his head in approval.

Luthane: Very good, any Vox communications from our Sibling Chapters?

BM Astartes 1: We have received no such communications Chapter Master. Are our Sibling Chapters running behind schedule?

Luthane let out a defeated sigh but his stoic expression remained unshaken.

Luthane: No, there is still time before our scheduled meeting time. However that time is creeping ever closer.

The Bronze Mastodon Space Marine slammed his right fist against the chest plate of his armor before walking away from Luthane. The Chapter Master then turned his attention back towards the map display in front of him.

Luthane's Thoughts: Even with the Crusade reaching its conclusion there are still so many worlds adjusting to their new position within the Imperium. Resources and military personnel can only be distributed so quickly.

Luthane studied the map of the current sector his Chapter was in, most of the planets were safe for the time being. However this was part of what troubled the Chapter Master so much. Due to their Legion's nature as reinforcements for the Imperium's primary fighting force within the Astral Militarum, it meant they could be pulled halfway across the galaxy. Potentially leaving the regimes and planets they just assisted open to attack again.

Luthane's Thoughts: Even when all of the planets that humanity call home are unified under the Imperium of Man, the Xenos will still be a threat. The Drukhari will still seek out slaves or simply wish to cause misery to the human population, the rest of the Eldar seemingly go to war with no discernible motive. The Orks are unpredictable, simply attacking because they find the notion entertaining.

Luthane let out another tired sigh, they were fighting a war where not only did they have to subjugate the armies of worlds that refused to comply, but multiple Xenos species are also joining the fray when the opportunity suits them.

Luthane: The struggles when the entire galaxy is seemingly against your entire species.

Luthane let out another defeated sigh, he couldn't let his mind be consumed by thoughts of what struggles the Imperium faced during its crusade. All he could do was focus on how he could improve the current state, make their part of the war effort as efficient as possible.

????: Once again in a state of pondering Chapter Master?

Luthane was dragged from his thoughts by a rather jovial male voice. The Chapter Master turned to see a normal human man who stood at a rather average height of five feet and nine inches. He was bald but had a bushy brown mustache that connected with his sideburns. His sapphire eyes held a twinkle in them, yet also displayed undeniable maturity. The man was dressed in the uniform of a high ranking member of the Imperial Navy. A Plasma pistol was holstered on his right hip and he held a cane in his left hand.

This gentleman was Gregor Kjargen, a Captain of the Imperial Navy and the current Captain of the Bastion of the Tusk. He was also the closest thing to a best friend Luthane had in the last thirty years or so.

Luthane: Captain Kjargen, my apologies for my absentmindedness. I am simply contemplating the current state of affairs.

Gregor: When are you not contemplating the current state of affairs old friend? I dare say you spend more time contemplating said affairs more than you spend time devising strategies for upcoming battles!

Gregor let out a hearty laugh which got the corner of Luthane's mouth to twitch upwards ever so slightly for the briefest of moments. However his face quickly returned to his usual stoic neutrality.

Luthane: I suppose I am just concerned, concerned with how seemingly spread thin the Imperium's resources are.

Gregor gently stroked his mustache with his right hand as he walked up next to Luthane, stopping on his right side.

Gregor: Is it the Imperium's resources you are concerned are stretched to thin? Or are you concerned the Sword of Terra is stretched too thin?

Luthane remained silent at Gregor's question, casting the Captain a sideways glance. Gregor however let a knowing smile spread across his face.

Gregor: There is no shame in admitting it Luthane. I imagine hearing of the exploits of the other Legions such as the Ultramarines, Blood Angels, Empress's Children, and Word Bearers has made you rather contemplative. Wondering what the Sword of Terra's three Chapters would once again unite to wage war on the enemy. It has been roughly fifteen years since the Radiant Spear, Bronze Mastodons, and Red Feathers have fought the enemy as a unified force.

Luthane remained silent, his expression as stoic as ever. However glancing over at his friend the Chapter Master found his stoic wall cracking as he let out another defeated sigh.

Luthane: I would be lying if I stated that our current way of operating is less than ideal. If we were a unified front, any world we supply reinforcements to will be liberated from Xenos terror in a matter of days.

Gregor shot his friend a sympathetic look, while Luthane wasn't the most sociable person, he did however care about securing worlds as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Gregor: Aye, you and your fellow Chapter Masters would absolutely crush any Xenos opposition underneath your boot heels if you were formulating strategies on the battlefield together. However if I may be so bold Luthane, I believe the Empress desires to spread the Sword of Terra out to assist more planets at once.

Luthane once again cast a sideways glance towards the Captain, once again the corners of his mouth twitched ever so slightly upwards for the briefest of moments before returning to their neutrality.

Luthane: Gregor old friend, I dare say you might be one of the few humans brave enough or foolish enough to claim they can understand the Empress's thought process.

Gregor let out a booming laugh at the Chapter Master's words, his shoulders bouncing ever so slightly.

Gregor: Guilty as charged Chapter Master, I suppose part of me wishes to prove that even a mere mortal could keep even a nigh perfect being on their toes. Can't let the Empress's Angels take all the glory now can I?

Luthane finally cracked as the tiniest of smiles spread across his face. There was a reason Gregor held so much respect within the Bronze Mastodons. Despite being a normal human, he and his crew worked just as hard if not harder than Luthane and his Battle Brothers did. The duo however were interrupted by a Bronze Mastodon Space Marine approaching them.

BM Astartes: Chapter Master Prayto, Captain Kjargen, forgive my intrusion. The Radiant Spear and Red Feather Flagships have entered our air space and are requesting permission to board.

Luthane and Kjargen turned to look at the Space Marine before quickly exchanging glances with on another.

Luthane: Permission granted, contact them over Vox to bring their flagships closer. We have a council to hold.

The Bronze Mastodon Space Marine slammed his right fist against his chest plate before walking off to get communications opened on the Vox once again. Gregor then turned to face Luthane, a knowing smirk on his face.

Gregor: Shall I go greet Chapter Masters Atraeus and Tragios at the teleport pad?

Luthane: See to it that you do Captain Kjargen, I do not need my compatriots getting lost on their journey to the War Room.

Gregor once again let out a booming laugh at his friend's words before he began to take his leave from the bridge. However the Captain stopped his stride and cast a gaze over his shoulder at Luthane.

Gregor: Before I forget, I do hope our monthly chess game is still very much happening. I intend on evening the score.

Luthane: It's nice to Dream isn't it Captain Kjargen?

Gregor let out another booming laugh as he shook his head in amusement before taking his leave from the bridge.

Teleportation Room
Within the Teleportation Room of the Bastion of the Tusk stood Atraeus alongside three other Radiant Spear Space Marines and four Apothecaries of the Radiant Spear as well. The Chapter Master scanned the room, watching the Bronze Mastodon Space Marines circle about, hard at work.

Atraeus: As always Luthane runs a tight ship. Hope he at least has taken a moment to rest since I last met him.

Atraeus let out a sigh, as he looked around the room of the Battle Barge, his mind wandering to his encounter with Alakhai Khan and her Legion the White Scars.

Atraeus's Thoughts: Luthane and Tragios are going to give me hell for working with one of the other Legions and a Matriarch no less. Never gonna let me live down blowing our cover.

Atraeus let out a frustrated sigh, but ultimately knew he had no choice but to own up to his mistake.

Tragios: You're rather deep in thought, how out of character for you.

Atraeus turned around only to see Tragios approaching him, his helmet was off much like how his helmet was off. The Radiant Spear Chapter Master smirked at the Red Feathers Chapter Master before offering his right hand. Tragios immediately took Atraeus's hand, grabbing him by the wrist as the Radiant Spear Chapter Master did the same. The duo shook hands before releasing one another.

Atraeus: So how did your investigation into the Hive City on Zumoloto go? You were completely silent on us for over a month.

Tragios: A Cult was spreading diseases through unknown means. Despite my Battle Brother's and I's best efforts, we could find no source of what they used to concoct those plagues.

Atraeus contemplated Tragios's words for a moment, the whole thing sounding rather odd.

Atraeus: So we have no intel on how those zealots managed to get almost an entire level of a Hive City sick? Do you think Xenos potentially manipulated the Cultists from the shadows?

Tragios's expression was unreadable as he remained silent, mulling the question over in his mind for a few minutes.

Tragios: No signs of Xenos involvement, however we haven't ruled the possibility out. A working theory we have is that a Drukhari Warband potentially sent a group of their slaves to pose as the Cultists. Spreading plague throughout the Hive City to cause mass suffering.

Atraeus: Wouldn't put it past filth of that nature to carry out such a deplorable plan of attack.

Tragios simply nodded his head in agreement before both Chapter Masters heard footsteps approaching them. The duo turned to see Gregor walking up to them.

Gregor: Chapter Master Erriar, Chapter Master Decimand, an honor to once again have you on our humble vessel.

Gregor bowed to the two Chapter Masters as Atraeus groaned in frustration as he shot a glare at Gregor.

Atraeus: How many times do we gotta tell you Gregor, just call us by our names. We've known you since you were a new recruit for Terra's sake!

Gregor let out a good natured chuckle in response to Atraeus's frustration, clearly amused by the outburst.

Gregor: Simply respecting the chain of command Chapter Master Erriar. Now if you two would be so kind as to follow me? Chapter Master Payto is waiting in the War Room.

Atraeus groaned in frustration while Tragios gave a quick nod of his head. The two Chapter Masters followed after Gregor as they had rather pressing matters to attend to.

War Room
Within one of the rooms of the Bastion of the Tusk was a large table with a holographic display in the center of it. Three large chairs were placed at the table, the chairs themselves were closer to thrones in design. Behind each throne was a banner depicting the crest of one of the three Chapters of the Sword of Terra Legion. At one the throne bearing the crest of the Bronze Mastodons was Luthane. The Chapter Master sat patiently as the doors to the War Room opened and Atraeus and Tragios both entered the room.

Luthane: Gentlemen, how kind of you to join me. Please take a seat, we have much to discuss.

Atraeus and Tragios both nodded before they both walked over to the table and sat down on the throne that bore the crest of their respective Chapter. Luthane then cleared his throat before once again speaking up.

Luthane: Now, before we get into our individual reports I believe we should take care of any housekeeping within our Legions. I will start, do any of your Chapter's vehicles require repairs?

Atraeus: Two of our Rhinos have seen better days, had to use them as makeshift cover during our last major battle. One of our Invader ATVs took some light damage during our scouting of the planet Bawnstrom.

Luthane nodded before turning his attention towards Tragios who simply shook his head, confirming his vehicles were still in perfect working condition.

Luthane: Very well, I shall send a detachment of Techmarines and Tech Priests to perform repairs on your vehicles Atraeus.

Atraeus: You have my thanks Luthane. Do any of your men require medical attention? I brought four Apothecaries with me to perform health checks.

Tragios: A few of my Battle Brothers contracted the plague that was placed upon the people of the Hive City. We distributed our entire cache of vaccines given supplied to us for the investigation to the civilians. Their conditions are far from dire, but the sooner they are back to full health, the better.

Atraeus nodded his head before turning his attention towards Luthane, who simply waved his hand in denial of the service.

Atraeus: Very well, I will send the Apothecaries to your flagship to perform health checks once our council has concluded Tragios.

Tragios nodded his head in appreciation before letting out a sigh.

Tragios: I request that both of you make lists of any and all supplies your Chapters require. Next time my Chapter and I do business with the Rogue Traders.

Atraeus: You are a stronger man than I to even attempt some form of business with those pompous merchants.

Tragios simply taps the side of his head with his right index finger, indicating it takes smarts and wits. Atraeus rolled his eyes at the action but let a smirk spread across his face once again. Luthane clears his throat, gaining the attention of his fellow Chapter Masters.

Luthane: Now then with the housekeeping out of the way, let us commence the meeting proper. We must first and foremost discuss our recent campaigns and how successful they were.

Atraeus stiffened when Luthane said that, he had been dreading this moment, but he wouldn't run and hide from it.

Atraeus: I'll begin Luthane. I must apologize for I have made a grave error on my last campaign.

Atraeus hung his head as Luthane and Tragios looked at their fellow Chapter Master, surprised that he made an error he felt was so earth shattering it needed to be discussed.

Luthane: Speak Atraeus, I am confident we can find a solution to whatever error you have made.

Atraeus shot Luthane a sideways glance, trying to gauge his emotions. However his ever present stoic expression made it difficult to read him. Atraeus then turned to look at Tragios who was completely silent, a contemplative look on his face. Atraeus swallowed a frustrated groan, he could never get a read on his fellow Chapter Masters when it came to their emotions.

Atraeus: While defending the Planet of Bawnstrom from Drukhari slavers, the White Scars Legion, led by their Matriarch arrived. Contact was unavoidable, she and her sons are aware of our existence. I apologize for revealing ourselves to the wider Space Marine fighting force.

Atraeus once again hung his head in shame, while he wasn't one to dwell on his own failures, preferring to simply move on with his life. He did however deeply regret any failures he made that affected his fellow Chapter Masters and their respective Chapters as well. Tragios however let out a gentle sigh before turning to look at Luthane.

Tragios: If a punishment must be ordered to Atraeus then it must be bestowed upon me as well. My Battle Brothers and I were discovered by the Alpha Legion and their Matriarchs Alpharia and O'Megan.

Atraeus's eyes widened in shock not only due to Tragios and the Red Feathers falling into the same predicament as he did, but the stealth chapter of their Legion had been found out.

Atraeus: Never thought I'd live long enough for someone to discover you during an operation.

Tragios simply grimaced, he wasn't exactly proud of his failure either. Luthane looked between his two fellow Chapter Masters before he let out a frustrated sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose. The situation they currently find themselves in is far worse than he initially thought.

Luthane: I would be a hypocrite if I were to pass judgement on either of you for these errors. My Battle Brothers and I unknowingly supported the Death Guard and Matriarch Morticia in combat on the Armory World we were sent to defend.

Atraeus and Tragios's eyes widened in disbelief as all three of their Chapters had been discovered by other Legions and their Matriarchs.

Atraeus: Three Matriarchs are aware of the Sword of Terra's existence.

Tragios: Furthermore, due to our oath to the Empress to keep the inner workings of our Legion a secret from any who question us.

Luthane let out a frustrated groan, the realization now donning on his fellow Chapter Masters.

Luthane: We have potentially set off a chain reaction that could lead to future discourse. Discourse that the Empress herself will have to attend to.

Atraeus: We are potentially the focal point of the nastiest familial drama the galaxy will ever see. What are our chances of not being executed for sparking such a tragedy?

Tragios: You do not want to know the percentage of us keeping our lives in that regard......

Atraeus locked eyes with Tragios, sure enough the Red Feathers Chapter Master was not even joking in the slightest with his words. Atraeus let out a frustrated groan of his own as he rubbed his left palm over his face.

Atraeus: Okay, so how do we correct our error? Or at the very least, perform substantial damage control?

Luthane: I do not believe there is any way to soften the blow in this regard Atraeus. We may simply have to face our impending doom with dignity.

Atraeus slumped on his throne, it was worth asking at the very least. The Radiant Spear Chapter Master let out a defeated sigh before looking over at Luthane and Tragios.

Atraeus: It has been an honor serving alongside both of you. If I could have one wish granted, it would be we all fell together on the field of battle, fighting side by side.

Tragios: Your sentiment is shared, all we can do now is hope our Legion is allowed to survive after our judgement.

Luthane: And pray that talented members of our Legion are nominated to take our place as the Chapter Masters.

The Three Chapter Masters of the Sword of Terra Legion sat in somber silence as they let the reality of their situation sink in. However as they sat in this silence, they all felt a presence within their minds. Then a voice called out to all of them.

????: Luthane, Atraeus, Tragios. Can you three hear my voice?

The Three Chapter Masters all sat bolt upright at the voice that spoke in their minds. It was one they were all to familiar with.

Luthane's Thoughts: Imperial Regent Malcador? How may we be of service to the Sigillite?

Malcador's Voice: The Empress received a message from Alpharia and O'Megan. They stated that they made contact with the Red Feathers Chapter.

All three Chapter Masters tensed up, news of one of their errors had already reached Terra. Atraeus and Luthane turned to look at Tragios, who hung his head in resignation.

Atraeus's Thoughts: Sigillite, Tragios is not the only party guilty of this. Myself and the Radiant Spears were discovered by Matriarch Alakhai Khan and the White Scars.

Luthane's Thoughts: The Bronze Mastadons and I were discovered by Matriarch Morticia and the Death Guard.

Malcador's Voice: So you were all discovered by the Matriarchs?

Malcador's tone was calm and mostly devoid of emotion, which did nothing to help ease the Chapter Master's nerves. However they wouldn't let one of their Brothers face this punishment alone even if it would buy themselves more time.

Luthane's Thoughts: We except any punishment the Empress sees fit for this failure Sigillite.

Tragios's Thoughts: All we ask is that our Legion is spared.....

For a few moments there was no response from Malcador, however the Sigillite's voice once again rang out in the Chapter Masters' minds.

Malcador's Voice: This makes your new directive much easier. Less briefing is required.

When Malcador said that, all the tension left the Chapter Masters' bodies as confusion quickly set in.

Atraeus's Thoughts: Pardon my ignorance Sigillite, but what new directive are you referring to?

Malcador's Voice: The Empress has grown worried for her daughters. She believes the Crusade has taken a toll on all of them. They have been instruments of war for so long she fears they may never know how to properly be human.

The three Chapter Masters all remained silent at this, they weren't surprised the Empress was fretting over the Matriarchs. What they were struggling to comprehend was why the Sigillite was divulging this information to them.

Tragios's Thoughts: Forgive my ignorance as well Sigillite, but why tell us this? We are mere Astartes. What good is this information in our hands?

Malcador once again remained silent for a moment before speaking once again.

Malcador's Voice: The Empress wishes for the Sword of Terra to support the Matriarchs. Not only on the field of battle, but helping them embrace their humanity.

When Malcador said this Atraeus, Luthane, and Tragios's eyes all widened in shock at this. That was by no means a simple order, the Empress herself was requesting that they help her daughters embrace their humanity.

Luthane's Thoughts: Sigillite, why entrust us with such a monumental task? Surely the Empress would much rather handle this personally. The Matriarchs are her children after all.

Malcador's Voice: Your words hold truth Luthane. However the Empress is preoccupied with her own projects and duties. She spares what time she can, however she fears that by the time she can dedicate all her time to her daughters, it will already be too late.

Tragios's Thoughts: I can certainly see the logic behind that thought process. However what makes us more qualified than any other candidates?

Malcador was silent once again, the three Chapter Masters all waiting for any kind of answer to Tragios's question.

Malcador's Voice: The Empress has entrusted this task to you due to the nature of your Legion. More so than any other Legion, the Astartes of the Sword of Terra have clung to their humanity since their creation centuries ago. You all far surpass mere humans, yet all of you still value human life far more than any other Astartes. The Empress is confident that if anyone can teach her daughters what it means to be human, it's the Sword of Terra.

Atraeus, Luthane, and Tragios were stunned by the Sigillite's words. For the Empress to have that much faith in them was honestly both an honor and a rather humbling experience.

Atraeus: If the Empress orders this directly, who are we to refuse her desires?

Malcador's Voice: Well said Atraeus. The Empress has already decided each of your next courses. Atraeus, you and the Radiant Spears shall travel to the Mountain World of Clorich. Ferra Manus and the Iron Hands are currently fighting off an Ork Warband attempting to destroy the various villages scattered across the mountainous landscape.

Atraeus's Thoughts: You can count on us to turn the tide Siggillite.

Atraeus then began contemplating how his Legion would approach combat on a world mostly comprised of mountains.

Malcador's Voice: Luthane you and the Bronze Mastodons shall travel to the Forest World of Bosigarten. Magna the Red and the Thousand Sons are combating another Ork Warband as well. One that seems to stalk the forests, hunting the planet's inhabitants.

Luthane's Thoughts: Hiding within a forest will not protect those Xenos from the quake we bring.

Luthane began to contemplate, a forest was a less than ideal terrain for his Legion's tanks, but it wasn't impossible.

Malcador's Voice: Tragios, you and the Red Feathers will travel to the Ocean World of Moleho. Drukhari forces are terrorizing the islands with both ground units and aircrafts. Sanguinia and the Blood Angels are currently engaging them in combat.

Tragios's Thoughts: The Xenos are fools if they believe they can dominate the skies when we set foot on a planet.

Tragios began scheming, dogfighting was another specialty of his Chapter. However dropping troops down on the islands could also prove effective in destabilizing the Drukhari.

Malcador's Voice: I leave the rest to you gentlemen. Remember you are to support the Matriarchs in more than just combat. Remember the Empress is counting on all of you.

With that said, the Three Chapter Masters felt the telepathic link sever, Malcador no longer present within their minds. Astraeus, Luthane, and Tragios all exchanged looks between each other.

Astraeus: It seems we all live to fight another day.....

Luthane: We now however have a great responsibility placed upon our shoulders.....

Tragios: Failure to fulfill said responsibility will certainly end in our deaths......

Silence once again hung between the Three Chapter Masters. One thing was incredibly clear to them, they had to start planning and preparing. Potentially the most difficult campaigns of their careers as Space Marines was ahead of them. Furthermore none of them even had the faintest idea how they would make a group of Demi-Goddesses embrace their humanity. All the Chapter Masters could hope was that they found some kind of solution and fast.

So the Three Chapter Masters of the Sword of Terra have met after their encounters with the Matriarchs. Given a mission from the Empress directly, they must now help the Matriarchs embrace their own humanity. Now while I have ideas for all three of the new campaigns I just listed, I want all of you to decide which happens first.

Atraeus/Radiant Spear & Ferra Manus/Iron Hands

Luthane/Bronze Mastodons & Magna the Red/Thousand Sons

Tragios/Red Feathers & Sanguinia/Blood Angels

I will most likely let this sit for a day or two before going with the one with the most votes. If one gets 10 votes before the other two however I will default to that one. Each of these setups will be 2 Chapters long, possibly even 3 as I want to dedicate plenty of time to both character interaction and epic battles which I hope I've delivered so far.

As always please leave your thoughts and opinions in the comments! What await the Three Chapter Masters as they set off on their next Campaigns? What dangers await them in the fires of war on these three very different planets. How will they cooperate with the Matriarchs to liberate these worlds? Find out in the next Codex of Warhammer 40k: The Three Generals of Terra!