Chapter Text
“Eh? What’s this?”
Leman Russ raised an eyebrow, holding a wrapped package. There was a note attached to the top, and he took it to read.
Greetings, fellow Primarch. I have recently adopted cooking as a hobby, and have decided to practice my skills by making packaged lunches for everyone. For the Primarchs, however, the Primechildren have decided to help. Now don’t be alarmed
And indeed, Leman’s eyes have started to widen.
I assure you, I did not let Freya loose in the kitchen without close supervision. Nor did I let her touch any of the knives. Nor did I let her and Gidius be in the same room with said knives.
Here, he sighed in relief.
but I did let her do the assembling. And by that I mean she vehemently insisted on doing everything else herself and would not let me touch a single slice of bread. Unfortunately, she did not want to write a letter, so instead I am writing in her stead to inform you that you better eat all of it as she had put great effort and done good work in the making of these sandwiches. With a lot of howling and growling omitted. Please enjoy.
- Aegis (& Freya)
Leman blinked. Then shrugged and unwrapped the package to reveal a Primarch-sized lunch box and a thermos.
He opened the lunch box, and beheld the creations within. Just a dozen layered masses of various meats pressed between two slices of bread each. There was not a single shade of green in sight.
He grinned and chowed down.
Maybe that Aegis wasn’t so bad after all, even if he was a weird creepy kid.
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“Father.”
Rogal Dorn looked up from the data slate to see Friedrich standing somewhat nervously by the door, holding a package the size of his chest in both hands.
“What is it, son?”
“As you know, the newest Primarch, Aegis, likes cooking. He told us recently of his plans of making meals for everyone in order to test his progress and as the other primechildren have decided to help, so have I. Today, we made these sandwiches, and I am here to deliver them to you.” He approached, offering the package, which his father accepted.
“Thank you, son. This is indeed a thoughtful gesture. I will be sure to enjoy it for lunch.”
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Konrad tried to focus on his desk, and only managed to get through five papers before the feeling of eyes burning a hole through his head became too much.
He growled, and the pen snapped in his clenched hand, staining it with ink. “Will you cut it out already,” he snarled, in response to which Aegis only blankly stared, adding to the Night Lord’s irritation. “Don’t you have anyone else to pester today?”
Aegis just stood there with that penetrative gaze. Just as he had been for the last three hours. Konrad could bet the brat hadn’t blinked even once for the whole time he’d been standing there, the freak. The kid’s been following him everywhere and hasn’t looked away the whole time. Allegedly, he was only here to deliver a package from Damien, though he didn’t leave when Konrad made the mistake of trying to put it away in his presence.
Finally, with a defeated groan, Curze decided to have mercy on himself. “Fine,” he grumbled, pulling closer the black and silver Primarch-sized lunch box and tumbler pair at the other side of his desk. “I accept. I’ll eat your stupid meal. Now will you leave me alone?”
Aegis stared pointedly at the unopened lunch box, then back at him with big, flashing eyes.
With great reluctance, the Primarch opened it, only to see sandwiches cut in the shape of bats. Konrad grimaced, and begrudgingly chewed on a bite. Then he sighed and took another, followed by a very deliberate sip from the thermos when Aegis still refused to blink.
Seemingly satisfied, the confounding young Primarch finally left to do whatever it was he did. Probably off to bother someone else. Hopefully Guilliman, the ass.
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Guilliman sighed, rolling his stiff shoulders. It was getting harder, trying to keep his eyes open and focused on the documents in his hands. Not to mention the hunger that was getting apparent, what with the creeping pain in his stomach and how his movements were beginning to get sluggish. This was dangerous, he knew. He needed a break, and badly, especially since it was hindering his performance. A battle could start at any moment, and at his current condition, he'd be caught in a severe disadvantage, something he cannot afford. He hadn't slept for four days now, hadn't eaten in three, if a mug of recaff counts, and had been working non-stop for the past three weeks.
But he also knew that there was still so much to do, so many things to oversee. The nobles were getting more and more displeased with the enforced rations, not to mention those of the lower castes which were already starving; the food stores were dwindling at a concerningly steady rate; a space hulk was spotted drifting worryingly close to what few Agri-Worlds they had left (he made a note to send for Leman as soon as possible); and the recent fluctuations in the tensions between humans and Aeldari, just to name a few. He was buried in mountains of responsibilities, handling several crises at once, and he was feeling more and more like drowning under it all. It was like trying to hold three dozen revved chainswords simultaneously and with only his own two hands. It was getting to be far too much, even for a Primarch. And this was coming from someone who usually loves paper pushing.
And there was only more to come, judging from the ever-increasing stacks, despite the literal shiploads of files he had already signed off from this week alone.
Not for the first time, Gulliman wished more of his brothers were there. Don’t get him wrong, the three that were already there were of invaluable help. They were willing to do most of the actual fieldwork, which gave him the opportunity to turn his focus on logistics and administration. They made it work. Working together, they were now actually fighting on more than just tears, sweat and prayers. It could have been so much worse without them, in fact he never could have kept things running for so long without them to carry at least half of the weight of holding everything together. Between Konrad, Vulkan, Rogal and Leman— and Aegis’s occasional help whenever communications were compromised— they haven’t lost a world since the introduction of the Imperium Alius.
But that doesn’t change the fact that they didn’t have enough Agri-Worlds to sustain all the worlds they have in the long term, especially as food stores are steadily declining. And they weren’t in any shape to be reclaiming planets when they’re already getting worked to the bone just defending what they do have.
They weren’t getting better. But with four Primarchs to hold the line, they weren’t getting worse either. Problem was, how long would that last? How long could they hold such a precarious situation together when everything is uncertain and every other faction out there is raring for their blood? He just knew that if things doesn’t start to get better soon, it will all start going wrong all at once, and then where would they be?
He sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose. Great, that was the third time he’s drifted off today. Trying to focus once more, he groaned when his eyes refused to register another sentence. Now it felt like even his own body was working against him, rebelling against the abuse. Finally accepting that he won't be able to go further at this state, he put down the pen and pushed down at the desk to rise to his feet. He stood there, almost swaying. He could have sworn his vision wavered for a second there.
Roboute shook his head, regretting it immediately when the world really did swim this time. He must really be out of it, if he didn't even realize it had gotten that bad. He took a minute to compose himself, then, after making sure he wouldn't stumble and make a fool of himself, made a note stating that he’s stating a break and to not disturb him until the next morning, before leaving it on his desk and marching straight to his chamber. He would have told someone instead, but he doesn’t trust his vocal coherence at the moment. Similarly, he'd have liked to make a stop at the cafeteria for at least a quick bite, but now that thoughts of rest were swimming in his head, he suspected he would never make it back to his bed if he took any more time on his feet.
He can't be gone for too long, he knew, even if he truly did need it. Left long enough, the papers would multiply like rats, eventually spawning so much that they would start to line the halls. Which, considering how spacious his office was, says a lot. But surely taking five hours of sleep wouldn't put him too far behind on paperwork?
Hearing his bedroom door shut behind him lifted some invisible force from his shoulders. And suddenly, like a puppet robbed of strings, he slumped, and everything felt heavier as the full weight of fatigue washed over him. He barely managed to stumble over to the bed before his vision danced once more, and he could almost cry when soft sheets finally greeted him home. Distantly, he was inexpressibly thankful that he was only wearing simple robes instead of full armor like usual.
He'd almost drifted off then and there, not even taking his shoes off, but something from the corner of his eye gave him pause. There, on his bedside table, was a blue box and, beside it, a silver thermos. Something he was sure wasn't there the last time he'd been here. This gave him a burst of energy, just enough to push himself upright so he could get a closer look. He'd be more suspicious if it weren't for the coloration, so instead he was curious. He had an inkling as to who it might have come from. Not knowing what to expect, he opened it with cautious hands.
Inside were a dozen large sandwiches, cut diagonally in half and neatly arranged in rows. A note was folded to the side, and with some effort, he managed to make sense of its contents.
Hey dad! Aegis said he wanted to start cooking as a new hobby, so he decided to make meals for the whole family. So when he mentioned he was making one for you and mom, I wanted to help. Damien joined in too for his mom and dad's, and so did the other primechildren. We worked so hard on these, I hope you like it! I love you, dad, and I miss you and I wish you and mom were here, but I know you're both busy saving worlds out there. Please come home soon, I have a lot to tell you!
Love, Gidius
Ps. Do not worry, I did not let him handle the knife unassisted. However, you can rest assured that Gidius did provide the greater contribution in the making of these sandwiches to ensure that they were indeed "made with love". As you can see, I have also provided a beverage for your enjoyment. Please expect more of such deliveries in the future.
Aegis
Roboute's smile couldn't have been wider if he tried. He felt so full just by reading the letter, like he had already eaten a whole meal. Though underneath it all, he couldn't ignore the pang of pain and guilt. He felt like time was slipping between his very fingers, and it filled him with equal parts sorrow and dread. Goodness, how long has it been since he'd last seen his boy? Months? A year? He frowned, thoughts taking a troubled direction. He could barely even make it for his birthdays and the holidays, let alone any other time.
Gulliman's brows furrowed when a familiar fear gripped him like sharp, icy talons. He had already missed so much of his son's childhood. And whenever he does get to be there, Gidius looked taller each time. All that precious time that can never be taken back, gone, just like that. He'd sometimes wake up at night dreading the thought of just... blinking one day, and his boy wouldn't be there anymore, replaced instead by a man fully grown. A man not recognizing his father, and unrecognized in return because he grew up without a father. To lose those bright wondering eyes and instead have dull indifferent ones in their place. To have that wide, cheerful smile supplanted by a stern frown. To have the son he loved grow up to be a man he didn't know. It's a thought that plagued his very nightmares like a particularly persistent fly.
Aegis's arrival had helped of course, especially since his own Empire of Man, Imperium Alius, had started sending over much needed supplies and reinforcements. But there was only so much they could do, considering they had problems of their own. For one, it appears the Emperor's crusade was still ongoing despite Him not being there anymore. Their progress was apparently much slower since aside from Aegis, who was yet too young, they had no Primarch to lead them, and Malcador himself was too busy running everything else to have anything to do with it. The Crusade was led by the Custodes as per one of the late Emperor's final orders, and under them, Aegis's version of Astartes. Because they only have one Primarch, the Imperium Alius' Space Marines-- who have taken to naming themselves Winter Warriors, sometimes called 'Snow Angels' by others— were understandably limited in number, though they made up for it with a flawless geneseed, a perfected project fully developed by the late Emperor Himself. Like their gene-father, the Winter Warriors have a penchant for psykic powers and a resistance to cold. Completely loyal to the Imperium Alius, they answer only to Aegis himself, though seeing as he was not yet ready to lead, the Emperor-to-be bid them to obey Malcador and the Custodes until the time comes that he may finally stand before them as a proper leader.
But that was neither here nor there. The real issue is distance. The two Imperiums of Men, being in separate galaxies altogether, simply had too much separating them for there to be any timely exchanges. Simply getting from Terra Alius to Macragge takes ten years of travel time through the Warp. Only Aegis can cut it short, since according to him, his particular flavor of psykery sometimes touches on time, and that gives him a particular advantage when traveling through the Warp. So while the last shipment was indeed very helpful— so much so that it pulled them right out of an imminent crisis, in fact— he shouldn't count on getting any more anytime soon.
Roboute shook his head, slowly blinking bleary eyes. Drifted off again. He'd been so lost in thought that, in his condition, he had almostfallen asleep sitting up. Better finish up then, so he could finally rest.
He reached out to take the thermos in hand and identify what's inside. A chocolate beverage, Aegis' specialty. It was room temperature now since it had probably been sitting here for a good part of the day.
Picking up one of the sandwiches, he took a bite. Lettuce, tomato, mayonnaise, cheese and ham. Simple ingredients, almost bland, something that can be found in any kitchen, something that can be made by anyone with two hands and a knife.
It was the most delicious thing he'd tasted in months. He took a mouthful, then another, savoring the taste, before washing it down with the not-so-hot chocolate. Before he knew it, the box was emptied of everything but crumbs and the last dredges were sipped from the bottle.
He set them back on the table, before actually taking the time to tug his footwear off and remembering to set an alarm this time.
He was out the moment his head touched the pillow. And despite the worries circling his mind like ever-hungry vultures, Roboute Guilliman slept with a full stomach, warmth in his chest and a smile on his face.