Chapter 25: Danat Lysander

One standard Terra week after the mourning period concluded, Soshian awaited the second group of mourners—the Imperial Fists, the progenitor Chapter of the Astral Knights.

As the massive Stormbird descended onto the platform, a figure appeared not far from Soshian: the renowned Company Captain of the Imperial Fists, a warrior steeped in legend, Danat Lysande.

Soshian did not know an immense amount about this distant progenitor. The Imperial Fists were one of the eighteen original Legions, ranked seventh, with Rogal Dorn as their Primarch.

Since the era of the Great Crusade, the Legion had been regarded as one of the most loyal to the Emperor. They had spearheaded the construction of the Imperial Palace, and following the outbreak of the Horus Heresy, the Imperial Fists maintained their loyalty, helping to preserve the unity of the Imperium with their indomitable resilience during its darkest hours.

Due to the monumental achievements of the Imperial Fists, particularly their active role in leading the defense of Terra during the final stages of the Horus Heresy, they were granted the honor of "Guardians of Terra," becoming the only Legion permitted to be permanently stationed on Terra and to recruit directly from its population.

During the Second Founding, the Imperial Fists were split and reorganized according to the Codex Astartes, forming several new Chapters, which in turn spawned numerous successor Chapters over the following ten thousand years.

In terms of the number of successor Chapters, the Imperial Fists were second only to the Ultramarines. However, Soshian was unsure exactly when their specific Chapter had been founded; that piece of history had been strangely lost.

Regardless, seeing members of the progenitor Chapter at a time like this brought Soshian a small sense of solace.

At least their sacrifice had not been forgotten.

As a massive physique stepped out from the Stormbird's hatch, a striking splash of bright yellow appeared on the grey space platform. The towering Terminator led an honor guard, marching directly toward Soshian.

Every step they took was perfectly synchronized, even in weight and rhythm, as if they were conducting a military parade.

When they reached a distance of five meters from Soshian, the Terminator halted, and the guard behind him stopped instantly, as if they were a single entity.

Amidst the hiss of pneumatic valves, the Terminator removed his helmet, revealing a face etched with scars and the wear of countless years, yet remaining firm and resolute. The service studs on his forehead and his silver hair gleamed with a distinct metallic luster under the lights.

Danat Lysande was a Space Marine who had endured countless bloody trials, fighting steadfastly for the Imperium since his service began, never once retreating.

During the Battle of the Colonial Bridge in 567.M40, Lysande had held the defense with distinction, ultimately successfully suppressing the Chaos traitors.

After becoming the Captain of the Second Company of the Imperial Fists, he had led a charge against the Aeldari starship *Blood of Cain*. It was during this battle that the former Captain of the First Company, Cleitus, handed the relic "Dorn's Fist" to Lysande before his death.

In the nearly two centuries that followed, Lysande led the Imperial Fists' First Company across various theaters, bringing supreme glory to the entire Chapter.

However, misfortune struck suddenly. The Strike Cruiser *Shield of Courage*, where the First Company was stationed, vanished within the Webway. Despite the entire Imperial Fists Chapter praying day and night, no positive clues regarding the *Shield of Courage* were ever found.

In their despair, the Imperial Fists pessimistically assumed Lysande had fallen. They added him to the rolls of the dead and erected a memorial statue for him in the Hall of Heroes.

It was nearly a thousand years before the *Shield of Courage* reappeared in real space. But by a cruel twist of fate, they emerged near an Iron Warriors defensive position established on the edge of the Eye of Terror.

The Strike Cruiser was torn apart under the concentrated fire of three enemy orbital fortresses. Lysande was one of the few survivors, but he was taken prisoner.

For the following weeks, he was subjected to brutal torture by the Iron Warriors, yet the Captain did not yield. True to the historically arrogant yet fearless nature of the Imperial Fists, Lysande never accepted his defeat.

The Iron Warriors used a month of torture to leave Lysande bloodied and broken, but he eventually seized an opportunity to break his bonds. Without weapons or armor, relying solely on his fists and his flesh, he fought his way out, stole a shuttle, and escaped.

Upon hearing the news that Lysande was alive, the entire Imperial Fists Chapter was moved to extreme excitement, warmly welcoming their hero's return.

In the months that followed, the Chapter's Chief Apothecary, Librarians, and Chaplains utilized every available technology to examine Lysande, scrutinizing him down to his every part. Yet, whether in body, mind, or soul, they found not a single trace of corruption.

Thereafter, Danat Lysande was once again appointed as the Captain of the First Company of Terminators for the Imperial Fists, and was also the oldest member of the Chapter—at that time, no member of the Imperial Fists had been born before the disappearance of the *Shield of Courage*.

Seeing such an immortal legend standing before him, Soshian could not help but feel a surge of excitement and nervousness, but as Chapter Master, he had to maintain his composure.

Thus, he chose to take a deep breath and spoke in a low, steady voice

"Soshian Alexey, 69th Chapter Master of the Astral Knights. Welcome, Captain Lysande of the First Company."

Lysande tucked his helmet under his arm, snapped his legs together, and rendered a standard military salute. The guard behind him remained motionless.

"Danat Lysande, on behalf of all warriors of the Imperial Fists, offers the highest honors to the fallen!"

After the salute, Soshian and Lysande walked side by side to the monument.

Gazing up at the towering black monolith and the massive number 【771】 inscribed upon it, Lysande's expression was solemn, as if he were visiting the Hall of Heroes on the *Mountain Array*. Nearby, loudspeakers were looping the names of the fallen.

After a long, silent vigil, Lysande spoke loudly

"You are worthy of the blood of Rogal Dorn! You are worthy of the glory of the Legion! Your sacrifice is the eternal testament to the loyalty of the Seventh Legion! We are proud of you, and the Hall of Heroes on the *Mountain Array* shall forever chant your names!!"

As he spoke, Lysande thrust his fist upward, and his honor guard followed suit.

"By the Primarch! For Him and for the glory of the Master of Mankind!"

"By the Primarch! For Him and for the glory of the Master of Mankind!"

This earth-shaking roar did not belong only to the warriors of the Imperial Fists; Soshian and the warriors of the Invader Chapter joined in—this was the inseparable bond between a progenitor and its successor.

After the mourning concluded, Lysande invited Soshian to visit his flagship, the *Shield of Courage*.

Though it was an invitation to visit, there was little ceremony; the two simply conversed amidst the heavy atmosphere.

"Was it your predecessor Chapter Master who requested the assault?"

"Yes."

Upon receiving Soshian's answer, Lysande's brow furrowed.

"If I may be blunt, that seems rather irrational."

Soshian had no rebuttal. There were many things he could not say, so he could only briefly state the sequence of events.

Lysande sighed, rose from his massive chair, walked to Soshian's side, and placed a hand gently on his shoulder.

"Regardless, what is done is done. We can only face it."

"Yes." Soshian nodded. "As Chapter Master, no matter how dire the situation, I must find a way to rebuild the Chapter. That is my responsibility."

Looking into Soshian's hopeful eyes, Lysande knew what the younger man was implying. He shook his head and said helplessly

"Because of the rebellions in the Maelstrom region, Mars has recently tightened the administration of the Tithe. We currently have no surplus gene-seed to support your reconstruction."

Lysande suddenly leaned down, whispering in a voice only the two of them could hear

"And... the situation may be far worse than you imagine."

Hearing this, Soshian's heart tightened.

The Imperial Fists were stationed on Terra year-round; they were the Chapter most sensitive to the political winds of Terra. Words coming from them were bound to be the truth.

"How bad?"

"A new Chapter has already been formed. Upon receiving news of this place, the High Lords of Terra have already issued the commission."

At this point, no further words were needed.

Lysande straightened his back, looked at Soshian's somewhat darkened face, and offered encouragement

"The sons of Dorn do not falter because of a temporary failure. Have you given up, young man?"

Soshian raised his head and spoke, his voice almost strained through gritted teeth

"Never."

"Very well. Then I suggest you hurry back to the Chapter Monastery on Obostia to settle everything. If necessary, the *Shield of Courage* will personally escort you back to your Chapter's homeworld."