The psyker nodded and began negotiations with the Carcharodons. Rhodes could communicate with them directly, but as the commander, he needed to maintain dignity.
"My lord! They want numbers—exactly how many sets of power armor?" the psyker asked.
She really couldn't understand why the Emperor's Chosen would hire these Space Sharks—the galaxy's worst bandits and thieves.
It's rumored they have ties with Chaos factions on the rim, and their gene-seed is all looted from other chapters, including traitors. Infamous is an understatement.
"Tell them at least 200 sets of power armor, including two suits of Terminator armor. I'll offer these as payment for their participation," Rhodes said.
These guys are so poor, that they won't commit without clear numbers.
Old-model Terminator armor? Rhodes has some—collected in the Dark Eldar city of Commorragh. There was a Terminator suit, and Salome later made a copy. The rest are old models bought in Commorragh.
After upgrades, Titus and the others' old armor was stored away, including 200+ pieces from Deathwatch and the Dark City.
These old suits have been gathering dust in storage—time to get rid of them.
Newer Mk.X suits and Salome's improved Terminator armor are scarce and reserved for core members.
"Lord Rhodes, they say if you provide those, they'll help us support Baal," the psyker reported.
"Tell them to approach and enter our shield. I want their Captain Tyberos to come aboard and discuss details," Rhodes said.
The psyker nodded and continued talking.
"Sorry, my lord! Their Chapter Master isn't here. The Carcharodons are an unusual group—this is just a company. Their Captain will be over soon," the psyker said.
"Oh, just a company? They're not as poor as rumors say," Rhodes remarked.
Most Chapters don't have a strike cruiser for every company, except new ones.
Rhodes had imagined the whole Chapter crammed on one broken ship, scrounging for food.
A few hours later, the Carcharodons' barge joined Rhodes' fleet, and a small landing craft docked with Rhodes' fortress.
A tall Space Marine, with others in silver armor, came before Rhodes.
All wore silver armor, but of various models—many from the Great Crusade era.
Some had Mk.III legs, Mk.V chestplates, and unknown helmets.
Their weapons were mostly chainswords and axes—old Great Crusade models. Only the Captain carried a power axe.
Seeing this, Rhodes nodded—this matched the image of a poor Chapter, unable to assemble a complete suit of armor.
"Welcome, Carcharodons. I am Rhodes, Emperor's Chosen and this expedition's commander," Rhodes greeted them.
"Greetings, Commander Rhodes! We've never heard of you—are you new to the galaxy?" asked the Carcharodon Captain.
This flagship is enormous, maybe even bigger than the Macragge's Honour. He'd never even heard of such a mothership. Who is this Emperor's Chosen, commanding such a huge fleet? And he thinks he sees Black Templars and Ultramarines in the mix. This guy must be a big deal—will he pay up?
"I was appointed by the recently awakened Primarch less than a year ago. It's normal you haven't heard of me," Rhodes replied.
"Primarch? Which Primarch? We had no idea," the Captain said in shock.
Have the Carcharodons fallen this out of touch? A Primarch has awakened? Were they lost in the Warp for thousands of years?
"It's the Emperor's 13th Primarch, Roboute Guilliman. He awoke just over a month ago. This news is only now spreading—many in the Imperium don't know yet," an Ultramar official explained.
"I see! So, the order to save Baal's homeworld came from the newly awakened Primarch, Roboute Guilliman, right?" the Carcharodon Captain asked.
"That's right. Any other questions?" Rhodes asked.
"No, Commander. If humanity is threatened, the Carcharodons will always do our duty. About the rewards—you have two Terminator suits?" the Captain asked.
"So, if I didn't promise those, you wouldn't fight?" Rhodes smiled.
"Of course not! Even without your promised power armor, just some bolters or supplies would be fine. You saved us—we owe you. But after, you must let us collect some tithes from certain worlds," the Captain shrugged.
Lately, Warp storms have made travel nearly impossible. If not for Rhodes, they might have been lost in the Warp forever.
Even without rewards, they'd fight out of gratitude. Afterward, they'll just settle up with the Blood Angels.
If not, they'll just start collecting tithes themselves.
At that moment, mortals brought over large containers, placing them before Rhodes and the Captain.
Seeing the containers, the Captain's eyes lit up—they were full of power armor.
Looks like Rhodes wasn't planning to have them collect tithes after all.
"Don't worry, I won't shortchange you. I do have some old suits—some from the Great Crusade, some thousands of years old, about 70 from Deathwatch, and two Terminators. In total, 212 suits, 170 chainswords, 40 power swords, power fists for the Terminators, and some bolters," Rhodes said, opening the crates.
To Rhodes, this was just space junk, but to the Carcharodons, it was a treasure.
"Haha! You are a man of your word, Commander Rhodes. We aren't picky—if it fits, we'll wear it. Many of our recruits don't even have a full suit!" the Captain laughed.
Now the recruits could finally get properly equipped, and he could upgrade his own inherited armor to a Terminator suit.
"So—can you tell me which company you command? How many troops in total?" Rhodes asked.
"I'm Andaris, Captain of the 7th Company. We have over 10,000 aboard—some mortal serfs, some tech-servitors, ship crew, and 100 Space Marines," Andaris replied.
"Oh? Can you contact your Chapter Master? I want more of your Chapter to join us—these supplies are for the whole Chapter, not just one company. If only one company joins, I won't pay such a high price," Rhodes said.
"Commander, we can reach Chapter Master Tyberos, but if the whole Chapter comes, the price goes up. Our core is 100+, but over 100 recruits, so about 200 Space Marines, all combat-ready," the Captain replied.
Counting recruits, they had over 400 aboard, but the new guys had no armor—if they got this shipment, they'd be set.
Contacting the whole Chapter wouldn't be easy—Tyberos drove a hard bargain.
Rhodes smiled—do you guys actually follow the Codex Astartes?