Switch Theme:

The forgotten and the purged  [RSS] Share on facebook Share on Twitter Submit to Reddit
»
Author Message
Advert


Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you:
  • No adverts like this in the forums anymore.
  • Times and dates in your local timezone.
  • Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance.
  • Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely.
  • Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net.
If you are already a member then feel free to login now.




Made in gb
Been Around the Block







"Enter", said the robed figure, seated within his chambers.
The heavy, Ferrum doors to the figure's private chambers slid open soundlessly upon well lubricated bearings. A hulking form entered the room, closing the door behind him.
"...and so, you have summoned me here, Janus" intoned the broad-shouldered giant, after a pause.
"Please. You know I have never fully accepted that name, brother." Replied the other, his face shimmering briefly, as it often did when vexed.
"It is the name by which your brothers and I know you. The name by which you have forged your identity with us."
"You know my true name, the name which was bequeathed to me by the Ra-Kesh, my people. I would have you use it when we are in private"
"The Ra-Kesh are no longer, and never were, your people, brother. They are condemned. And that was a lifetime ago, Janus. You have been known as such for far longer now than you ever were as Zimeon"
The one known as "Janus" sighed. "...do you know, "father" named me for the project which created me? Project Janus? In all the years when I was confined, among all the tomes which he left me to read in that vast library, was the dossier for that very project. He didn't even try to conceal it from me. I believe that's all I was to him; a project." Rejoined Janus.
"He loves you, brother. He loves us all, in his own way. And yes, you were, and are, a "project"; we all are. But in a very real sense, he is our Father, as well you know".
Janus sighed, his features of his face once more swimming. He was at once, present, and not present. Real, but unreal. Out of Phase.
"...You are right, of course. And yet, even among us, I am unique. A unique "project". My body may be present in this reality, as is my blank soul. But my mind; my mind is everywhere. Here. There. In this reality and all realities. Of all my brothers, you have always come closest to understanding this."
"Yes. To be Blank is to be all but alone, as well I know. You have always been both familiar and an enigma to me. And despite this, I always have, and will, consider you above all my friend"
"Darius, my brother. Your honest, humble, impartial friendship has ever been my strength." Smiled Janus, his visage stabilising for a moment. "Do you remember, all those years ago, when we were found?"
"How could I ever forget?" Laughed Darius. "My boot was across your throat when He appeared"
"I believe my blade was pressed against your Femoral Artery at the same time", laughed Janus in turn. "And how far have we come since then, when we were mortal enemies?"
"We have come a long way, brother."
"Indeed. I can still recall the look of surprise on His face when he realised that he had found not one, but two of his sons, and in deadly earnest combat, no less!" I have never seen that look again, not since then. And yet, I do believe that he was most surprised to have discovered me? I honestly do not believe that he ever thought that his "project Janus" would ever have succeeded, much less be found once more. He could, nonetheless, accept this. But as for my people, the Ra'Kesh..." Janus shook his head "He was never going to accept them."
"They are abhuman, Janus. He had no choice."
"They are Human, Darius" Rejoined Janus, hotly. "I, Janus Zimeon Y'Dreq, assert it. Minor Genetic differences aside, they are the same as other Humans"
"You always were one for dramatics, Janus. Very well, if you, closest of my brothers, assert as such, then I, Darius Greatarmour, concede the point" To underscore this, Darius bowed. "I sense that this is why you summoned me?"
"It is, brother. The Ra-Kesh are dying. They are, as we speak, being ground beneath the Imperium's boot. Fourteen worlds against hundreds of thousands...it is no contest. I...I cannot allow it. For all their warlike nature, they are innocent. They do not deserve this fate."
"Have a care, Janus!" Hissed Darius urgently. "You know as well as I that Father has a way of knowing all that passes between His sons!"
"Almost all of his sons", corrected Janus. "There have been many occasions when He has failed to see our minds, our thoughts. He cannot see them now. We would have known of it."
" - You are right. But mark me, Janus, I am uncomfortable speaking of Father and His works in this way. He is infallible."
"Father is no God, Darius. He is ancient beyond reckoning, to be sure. But mortal, in his own way, he most certainly is. He is not infallible. In his eradication of the Ra-Kesh, He is wrong."
"Then what would you have me do, my brother?"
"I would have you help me. I have my own Legion. But The Faceless cannot stand alone. I need you. I need your Steel Hearts."
"You ask much, Janus. I will not war against my brothers. I will not war against my father. I will not war against the Imperium."
"I have not asked you to do so. What I intend will not spill even a drop of Human blood. Nothing need change. Nobody need know. All will be well. Of this, you have my word. Will you help me, Darius?"

Darius was silent for a long time.

Then, he answered.

This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 2018/02/14 20:15:11


Never underestimate the predictability of stupidity 
   
Made in gb
Been Around the Block







Note; in this incarnation, I have intended that the name "Darius" be pronounced "Daar-eye-us", as in the biblical pronunciation.

Project Janus isn't a nod to the Judge Dredd project of the same name.

Janus is the two-faced Roman god of gates, doors, doorways, beginnings, and endings....


This message was edited 3 times. Last update was at 2018/02/12 21:07:29


Never underestimate the predictability of stupidity 
   
Made in gb
Been Around the Block








Constructive feedback and / or suggestions welcome, of course.

Never underestimate the predictability of stupidity 
   
 
Forum Index » Dakka Fiction
Go to: