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===Part Two: The Shield===
====Burden of Duty====
; See also [[Burden of Duty (Audio Book)]]
Months since Garro first recruited Rubio, Terra was busy preparing for war, and its orbital platforms were busy with work under the Order of Fortification. Beyond Luna's orbit, armored platforms were set up to form the Ardent Reef and the Hecate Shoal among many as they awaited Horus's attack under Rogal Dorn's watchful eye. The ''Phalanx'' was watchful over everything, a golden star fortress with ramparts, halls, and domes across it. Garro slipped aboard it from a tiny, cloaked shuttle-pod designed only for one. Armed only with his power sword and the Falsehood (advanced camouflage technology), he made his way to the Seclusium, a sealed chamber deep within the star fort near the engine cores where the Librarians of the Imperial Fists Legion have been kept ever since the Edict of Nikaea.{{fn|2g}}
He made his way through the fortress, from the Great Hall of Victories, to the Statue Garden and the Gallery of Heroes, and so on through the massive ship to his target. Once there, he found himself before a huge gate with the emblem of the Imperial Fist etched into it. Garro disabled the guard-servitors with ''Libertas'' and then used a seemingly alien device given to him by Malcador to open the chamber, removing the force-fields, psychic protections, and other measures that contained the group of former Librarians, who have had no contact with their battle-brothers or their primarch in years. The former Librarians were there willingly, obeying their Primarch.{{fn|2g}}
Within, Brother Massak was dreaming, lost in meditative thought, as he saw a vision filled with fighting and daemons. They were kept there for years, believing that the Primarch would return, but he was afraid of Dorn not coming. He was roused by Garro's actions, and he called out to his brothers as he moved to the gate thinking that they were under attack. He demanded answers from Garro and for him to surrender, and Garro responded that Massak's weapons were worthless without his psychic powers. Then Garro told him that he does not wish to fight and the Librarians moved on him, and they were not enough to outmatch him. Before Massak could use his powers to find out why Garro was there, he was interrupted by Dorn's arrival with his Huscarls, and the fight stopped. The Librarians knelt in obedience before him, as Garro stood before Dorn's questioning.{{fn|2g}}
Dorn knew that Garro must be there on behalf of Malcador, and he ordered him taken to his chambers to discuss the matter. To the Librarians, he stated that they shouldn't have been disturbed and the gate would be restored. Massak inquired about the Great Crusade, and Dorn admitted that it was now a war. Massak then pledged his willingness to serve, and Dorn admitted that he knew. In his chamber at the top of the star fort, Dorn confronted Garro, reminding what happened the last time they met there. Then he admitted that he knew what Malcador was doing and that Garro was recruiting many psykers for unknown reason. However, it would not be allowed on the ''Phalanx'', and he demanded answers. Garro said that he could not answer due to his duty, and Dorn questioned him further, and then said that he would be kept a prisoner until he received answers.{{fn|2g}}
Massak interrupted them before it could continue, stating that he needed to tell Dorn what he saw. His appearance bristled Dorn, but Massak then stated that he knew why Garro was there. Dorn became conflicted, unwilling to defy the Nikaean Edict, but Massak said he would ask through questioning alone. Dorn was unconvinced, and Garro stated that he would willingly talk to Massak because he was here for the Librarian. Dorn allowed them to speak in an interrogation chamber in the dungeon, and Garro asked about the dreams Massak had. This surprised Massak, and Garro told him that the Sigillite knew of the dreams. Massak admitted that he dreamed of the War of Terra and the daemons flooding the planet. Garro explained that the daemons were real and what happened with the Horus Heresy. He then told the Librarian that Malcador was looking for men to defend the Imperium for the future, but Massak refused because his duty lay with Dorn. Garro said that Massak would be returning to the prison, but Massak said that they were obedient and embrace any command, especially when the world goes to war with itself. Garro hoped that they would fight again, and Massak told him that they will soon.{{fn|2g}}
After Garro returned to Dorn, Dorn tells him that a ship with Malcador's colours had come, but that he had the right to kill Garro if he so chose. He then warned Garro that his loyalty might be misplaced or misused, and that he did not agree with Malcador's methods. Dorn then explained that though the Sigillite might serve the Imperium, he doesn't necessarily serve the Emperor, and that Garro should question him. After this, Dorn told Garro of the Seventy who came with him, and that not all of them are there according to a report he handed Garro. Finally, Dorn said that neither Malcador nor Garro can test him again, and that he must leave. Garro questioned why Dorn left the Librarians on the side to languish, and Dorn corrected him, telling him that they are being protected for when they are most needed.{{fn|2g}}
====Legion of One====
; See also [[Garro: Legion of One (Audio Book)]]
**{{Endn|2e}} Ch. 5
**{{Endn|2f}} Ch. 6
**PPEndn|2g}} Ch. 7
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[[Category:Anthologies]]
