Shapeshifting

 "Hey, boys, can I ask you two something after this meeting?" Coraea asked quietly as she settled in between the Emperor and Andross. She looked about nervously, as if hoping no one else had overheard. 

"Of course," Andross said, sharing a quick glance with the Emperor. "Private, I take it?"

"Yes," Coraea said. 

They gathered after the meeting, moving to the side to be away from the teachers, and a few straggling parents. Coraea definitely seemed nervous now that she actually had to talk to the two men. Master Kirraen glanced over, but the Emperor waved him away.

"We won't be long, Stenthys," the Emperor called. Master Kirraen nodded, he always felt odd addressing the Emperor as anything other than "my lord", but it never felt right when he was there as Charles. 

"Coraea?" Andross prompted.

"Before I begin, I want to make something very clear," Coraea said. "My husband is a staunch supporter of the Imperium, he's just... sometimes easily manipulated, and an idiot."

"What are you saying?" Andross asked. "Are you sure it's us you want to talk to?"

"Who else was I going to go to?" Coraea said. "You're an investigator for the Arbites, and Charles works at the Palace, we know he's come across some weird stuff before."

"What happened?" the Emperor asked, working to get Coraea back on topic. He was still quite happy that she was willing to participate in his deceit, and called him Charles without hesitation.

"Kylvaer brought home some xenos doodad he got convinced to buy on Necromunda," Coraea said. "And it turned him into... a.... Oh, what's the word? It's some kind of fish people used to keep as pets I think? It's got long, flowy fins... and I think it's aggressive towards other fish?"

"A betta fish?" the Emperor asked. 

"Yes!" Coraea said. "That's it! Kyl was always going on about them, he's really into deep history, especially about things like fish."

"What are you telling your kids?" Andross asked.

"It happened right in front of all of us," Coraea said. Her normal calm and collected demeanor was slipping, making her sound panicked. "Marthya is having nightmares about it, this was three days ago."

Andross seemed to think about it for a minute. He then turned, and bowed low to the Emperor. "My lord, do you have any ideas what this device might be?"

"How long have you known?" the Emperor asked. "Never mind, we should focus on Coraea's situation. I'm not sure what this device would be, but I will have Malcador send someone to retrieve it."

"Can they take Kyl with them?" Coraea asked. "In case you can bring him back?"

"I'll do what I can," the Emperor said. He thought briefly of Two and Eleven. It had taken him weeks, and being interrogated by Malcador, to even check if his sons' minds were intact in their fish forms. They were, which made the Emperor's guilt worse. Through the understanding only psychic communion could bring them, Two and Eleven had both forgiven the Emperor for what happened, and chosen to stay as fish. It wasn't something that he discussed with anyone, only Malcador knew anything about that conversation. 

"Thank you, my lord," Coraea said. 

*************************

Khalid Hassan, a young trooper in the Fourth Clandestine Orta, hit the door chime and stepped back in the narrow hallway of the hab block. It was actually a relatively nice hab in a good spire, not horribly far from the Imperial Palace.

The door opened, and Hassan found himself looking at a woman of middle height, with deep brown eyes, and long, straight black hair. She looked hassled, but also relieved to see him. He straightened and made the sign of the aquila.

"Are you Mamzel Know The Gun?" Hassan asked. 

"Yes," the woman said. "You're the man from the Palace I'm expecting?"

"Khalid Hassan, Mamzel," Hassan agreed. "May I come in?"

"Yes, yes," she said and stepped aside. "Come in, please."

"Thank you," Hassan said. "Where is the device?"

"On the table," Know The Gun said. "I've already set it up as per the instructions I was given. I'm going to grab Kyl, if that's alright?"

"Yes," Hassan said. He had been instructed to retrieve a xenos device and a fish and bring them back to the Palace. While waiting for the fish, he went to secure his stasis unit to the device. Mamzel Know The Gun had been thorough, carefully wrapping the device so it couldn't be accidentally triggered in transit.

"Orks," Hassan grumbled. "They always mess things up." He almost felt bad for the small bit of aeldari technology he could see under the brutal additions the orks had made to it. Almost, it was xenos through and through, so there was only so much sympathy he could muster.

"Here he is," Know The Gun said, returning with a small water-tight container with a beautiful looking fish that was a vibrant blue and iridescent black. "You guys will take care of him?"

"It's been arranged," Hassan answered. He wasn't sure of the exact details, but he knew where he was supposed to take the fish and that he was to assure Mamzel Know The Gun that the fish would be taken care of. 

"Thank you," Coraea Know The Gun said as she handed her husband-turned-fish to Hassan. 

*************************

A man entered, carrying another fish. Eleven swam over to check it out. Two noted that the man made a low bow to the security vidcorder. He then turned to Eleven, and waited for his brother's report on the new fish. 

It's blue like I am, but that's where the similarities end, Eleven said. It had taken a bit of time, but they had developed a language that worked for them. Two was of the opinion that their father was aware of the language, and possibly had learned some of it. There were times, very late at night, when the Emperor would speak to Two and Eleven about just about anything. 

Is it something Magnus did? Two asked. 

How am I supposed to know that? Eleven retorted. We gave up any psychic potential when we chose to stay this way. 

Fair, Two said. I was speculating.

That makes sense, Eleven said, backing down from his angry posture. Possibly it's something Magnus did. Or it could be one of the others.

Father promised us that there wouldn't be any others, Two objected. We know it's only ever a joke threat. Like the boogey man Malcador was always telling us about to mess with Konrad.

That's not what Father said, and you know it, Eleven said. He said he would only do it again if he had to. Not that it would never happen again, just never by accident like with us.

You're right, Two admitted. We'll have to count the others when they get home.

*************************

The Primarchs flowed in after Nova, and immediately spotted the third fish in the separate container. They looked at each other quite confused. Alpharius looked nervous, and slipped away as soon as he could. 

Securing the door to the room he shared with Omegon, he went over to what looked like a rug on the floor. It wasn't actually a rug, but a trap door that opened onto a tube chute that went into the secret lair. He found Omegon at the bottom, who turned towards him.

"Good, you're alright," the twins said together. Alpharius chuckled a bit.

"What do you know about the fish?" Alpharius asked.

"Not much," Omegon said. "A trooper from one of the Clandestine Orta regiments brought it in. Eleven seemed interested in it for a bit, but that's all. Everyone else is alright?"

"Yeah," Alpharius said. "I was worried it was you."

"And I that it was you," Omegon said with a small chuckle himself.

"Do we want to switch who's out?" Alpharius asked.

"No," Omegon said. "I can wait for you to come back with more information. I'm sure Father will tell us more tonight."

*************************

The Emperor returned just after Alpharius came back out of his room, and found the Primarchs checking out the new fish.

"I see you have met our visitor," the Emperor said. 

"Visitor?" Horus asked. 

"That's Timotas's father," the Emperor explained. "He was on Necromunda, and purchased a device that changed him into a fish."

"Why would he do something like that?" Magnus asked.

"I'm not sure," the Emperor said. "However, he's going to have a hard time answering that just now."

"Do you have the device?" Perturabo asked.

"Yes, in my personal lab," the Emperor said. "You all are to leave it alone."

"Alright, Father," Perturabo said with a sigh of resignation. Rogal shot him a stern look, thinking to himself that he'd keep an eye on Perturabo. Fulgrim and Corvus were thinking similar things about Ferrus and Vulkan. It was well known that those three were the worst when it came to new devices. 

"It could be dangerous," the Emperor said. He could see any of his sons causing issues and wanted to make sure they would listen. 

"We'll stay out of the lab," Horus promised for everyone. The Emperor nodded, satisfied for now.

*************************

"What did you want help with?" Malcador asked as he slipped in. "Who's the new fish?"

"Coraea's husband," the Emperor said.

"The lady from PTA who figured you out?" Malcador asked.

"Indeed," the Emperor said. "Though it seems Andross has pegged me as well."

"He certainly earned his investigator badge," Malcador chuckled.

"When this is over I'll find out how long he's known," the Emperor said. "But this is more important."

"Indeed," Malcador said, sobering instantly. It was a quality that scared new functionaries. "How am I helping?"

"I'm going to see if Kylvaer's mind is in the fish," the Emperor said.

"Ah, so I'm the tether," Malcador said. The Emperor simply nodded. 

"I may also ask you to bring Two and Eleven in on what's happening," the Emperor added.

"Keep him company?" Malcador asked. "Or to try and keep him more intact?"

"Both, if they'll cooperate."

"Eleven at least is curious," Malcador said, indicating the blue goldfish that was intently looking at the blue and black betta.

"That's not surprising," the Emperor said. "It's rare that there's something new in the living room, and this is the only other fish they've ever seen in the flesh."

"Alive fish you mean," Malcador corrected him. "Leman had that trophy fish in here for a bit before taking it to his room."

"That had completely slipped my mind," the Emperor said. It was a very large fish that Leman had caught on Fenris. It now lived in Leman's room, next to the window. Leman liked having the window, and would occasionally open it for Freki and Geri to smell outside.

"Are you sure about bringing in Two and Eleven?" Malcador asked. "Not even Valdor knows what happened."

"If he's intact he'll need interaction on a more human cognitive level," the Emperor said. "Did you know they have created their own language?"

"I was aware that they could communicate with each other," Malcador said. "But not that it was a proper language."

"I noticed it only recently," the Emperor said. He was still working on learning it himself.

"Interesting," Malcador said. "This means they can talk to him, and keep him engaged if possible, without requiring a psychic bridge."

"Indeed," the Emperor said. "Ready?"

"If you are," Malcador answered.

*************************

Kylvaer was very confused. He had been aware of the device going off, and could remember Marthya's scream, echoed by Coraea's. Then not being able to breathe, and being thrown in some water. It wasn't quite the right water for him, but he couldn't tell Coraea that, he couldn't tell her anything. Then he was put in a container, and given to a strange man, and brought here.

He saw the two men, and the two fish looking at him. The old man was sitting on a couch, the other man crouched down, facing him. 

+Kylvaer?+ the voice was in his mind. It startled him, and he didn't know how to respond.

+Thinking is all you have to do,+ the voice came again.

+Is it a stupid question to ask who you are?+

+No,+ the voice came again. +But you know who I am.+

+...Oh!+ Kylvaer said, if that was even the right word. +My... my lord!+

+Indeed,+ the Emperor said. +It is good to know your mind is intact.+

+But how did you know about my... situation?+

+Your wife,+ the Emperor said. +We sit together at PTA.+

+Then... that would be the lord Malcador?+ Kylvaer asked.

+Indeed,+ the Emperor said, his mental voice tinted with amusement. +How much do you remember of what happened?+

+Some,+ Kylvaer said. +Where is the device?+

+In my private lab," the Emperor answered.

+Is it secure?+

+Naturally,+ the Emperor said. +Why?+

+I just remembered that it was marked with a gang marking,+ Kylvaer said. +The GoCI.+

+Ah,+ the Emperor said. Despite what the Necromundans thought, he knew about their underhive gangs and wars. +Somehow I doubt that's who brought it to Necromunda though.+

+It was layered over a mark of one of the noble houses,+ Kylvaer said, forcing himself to focus on what he had seen. +It's likely they'll send the House of Shadow to retrieve it... Coraea! The kids! They're in danger because of this stupid gizmo.+

+We will protect your family, Kylvaer,+ the Emperor said calmly. Kylvaer was swimming in tight circles in the container he was in.

+Thank you, lord,+ Kylvaer said, trying to calm himself. +If I may ask, what about myself? It's possible they got a pict of me taking the gizmo, and as I am.... All they'd have to do is tip the container over.+

+You are a guest in my house,+ the Emperor said. +And you are not staying in the container. You are not the only one here as a fish.+

+I noticed them earlier,+ Kylvaer said. +But, lord, the orange one at least is a goldfish. They have completely different water needs to bettas.+

+That was the case with true goldfish,+ the Emperor said. +However, these...+ The Emperor trailed off, turning his face to look at the tank. +I had twenty sons all told. There was... an incident, and two of them became the fish you see. They aren't properly goldfish, and actually live in water closer to what a betta wants than a goldfish.+

+I.... see,+ Kylvaer said. +I think.+

+I'm going to put you into the tank, and then introduce everyone.+

How are we going to do that? Kylvaer wondered as the Emperor's mind withdrew slightly. He stopped himself from actually addressing that thought to the Emperor, realizing it was an incredibly stupid question.

A small net, clearly the one used to transfer the other two fish... Primarchs? Whichever, transfer them to a different container when the tank was deep cleaned and the water changed out. He got in without a fuss, and was pulled up. It was a rather weird sensation all around, and he tried to tell himself it was just like being in the lifter to get to his hab unit. 

"There you are," the Emperor said aloud as he lowered the net into the tank, watching Kylvaer swim out. Malcador watched intently, it was the first time they'd added anyone to the tank, Perturabo's surprise visit not withstanding.

+Two? Eleven?+ the Emperor sent, reaching out and touching the minds of the three fish. 

+Father!+ Eleven said happily. +Who's the new blue fish?+

+This is Kylvaer Know The Gun,+ the Emperor said. +He'll be visiting a while.+

+What happened?+ Two asked. He was always more guarded than Eleven. 

+I ended up with a xenos device,+ Kylvaer said. +I was inspecting it, and then I became a fish.+

+Do you know what kind of fish you are?+ Eleven asked.

+A betta fish,+ Kylvaer said. +They were popular among people who kept fish as pets back in M2 and M3.+

+They are relatively easy to care for,+ the Emperor said. +And inexpensive.+

+Interesting,+ Eleven said. 

+Would you two mind teaching Kylvaer your language?+ the Emperor asked. +That way you can keep him mentally engaged while he stays with you.+

+I can teach him!+ Eleven said. Two gave an indication of agreement. Kylvaer found Eleven to be more engaging than Two, but hoped they could all work together. The tank was large with lots of hiding spots, plants, and other things to interact with. He almost missed the withdrawing of the other minds as he went to check out his current surroundings.

*************************

"Well?" Malcador asked.

"He's there," the Emperor said. "Two and Eleven will keep him company. Eleven seems to be the more excited of the two."

"That doesn't surprise me," Malcador said. "He was always the more curious of them."

"Almost the most curious of all of them," the Emperor said. "However, I need to arrange to meet Coraea and update her. She and her family are also in danger. The Necromundan gangs are involved."

"That's bad," Malcador said. "Who are you thinking of involving?"

"Andross is already involved," the Emperor mused. "Or at least aware. It would be nice to have the Arbites involvement as there are multiple locations to monitor."

"No one from the Palace?" Malcador asked, raising an eyebrow. The Emperor gave him a look, then activated his voxbead.

"Amon, Cavlor," he called. Cavlor had been prepairing for a blood game, and Amon was assisting him. "Go check out low-profile gear from Jyloq."

"As you command, my king," Amon Tauromachian replied. "Cavlor's with me."

"Very good," the Emperor said, and closed the channel.

"Good choices," Malcador said. 

*************************

Jyloq, sometimes called Wolf-bat among the Custodians, was in charge of the stealth operations and blood games gear. Wolf-bat wasn't an official name given by the Emperor, but a joking nickname given to him after he ran afoul of the Primarchs during a blood game. He had saved images of the drawings Lord Curze had made and added them to the designs on his helmet, matching where they had been drawn.

"Amon, Cavlor, I have your gear being grabbed right now," Jyloq said as the other two Custodians arrived. "Should only be a few more minutes."

"You anticipate us as always, Wolf-bat," Amon said with a grin. 

"Our lord signaled to me as well," Jyloq said. "Gave me some details to relay to you about the assignment."

"Oh?" Cavlor asked.

"It's a hab unit," Jyloq said. "One adult and two children, the older child is a schoolmate of the Lord Primarchs."

"Interesting," Amon said. "Are they to know we're there?"

"Not right away," Jyloq said. "Apparently our lord is going to meet with the mother tomorrow and discuss. We will also be working with the Arbites."

"So there's other possible targets involved?" Cavlor asked.

"It would seem so," Jyloq said. "But our lord wants to keep things as low profile as possible."

"Very well," Amon said. "We have coordinates?"

"Already inputted."

"See? You do anticipate us," Amon said. a pair of servitors arrived with the gear, and Amon and Cavlor left to check out the hab, and the best places to observe it from.

*************************

The next day the Emperor took the Primarchs out to a park area near Coraea's habspire. Andross would also be joining them, and everyone had agreed that it was the most central location, and better to meet in public. Valdor insisted someone go with them, especially since he had also been made aware of possible threats. Jyloq had volunteered to go with.

"There's Timotas and Marthya!" Sanguinius called. They hadn't been to the area before, so he was doing some aerial exploration. Timotas was running ahead of Marthya and Coraea. Coraea looked tired, and worried, she was holding on to Marthya's hand and trying to call Timotas back to her.

"Coraea!" the Emperor called and waved his hand to get her attention. She saw him, and directed Timotas towards the Primarchs. Marthya wriggled her hand free of her mother's and ran off to join her brother. 

"How are you holding up?" the Emperor asked as Coraea joined him on a bench.

"About as well as can be expected," Coraea said. "Everything's just a mess right now. I don't know what to say to anyone."

"You'll make it through," Andross said as he came up behind the bench. A figure darting out towards the Primarchs turned into Andross's son, Dyrwin.

"What news do you have?" Coraea asked the Emperor, turning her attention to him.

"I have both good and bad news, which would you like first?" the Emperor asked.

"Bad," Coraea said quickly. "That way it can only get better."

"That's the spirit," Andross said.

"The device was likely a black market acquisition by one of the noble houses on Necromunda," the Emperor said. "Then one of the underhive gangs stole it from them."

"That is bad news," Andross said. "The noble houses of Necromunda can be just as ruthless as the gangs."

"Worse from what Kylvaer's told me in the past," Coraea said quietly. "What's the good news?"

"Kylvaer's mind is intact," the Emperor said. "He's the one who told me about the markings on the device."

"Can you change him back?" Coraea asked.

"Not yet," the Emperor said. "I haven't begun my investigation of the device. I wanted to tell you about the possibility of gangers coming after you and the children regarding the device. That's also why I've asked Andross here."

"But..." Andross paused, looking to see who might be listening. "If you wanted Arbites assistance in running security, you could just ask the Lord Provost Marshal."

"I could," the Emperor agreed. "But, Coraea came to both of us, and you have just as much of a right to involvement. Besides, it'd be better for everyone involved to keep this as low-profile as possible. Getting orders from on high wouldn't necessarily do that."

"Fair," Andross said. Realizing that the Emperor was finding a way to keep him involved and in the loop. "I'll see what I can do. Coraea, I'll need your address, work address, and where Marthya goes to daycare. I can get extra patrols around Nova as well."

"Right," Coraea said, pulling out a data slate from the bag she had brought with her. "Here you go."

"Thanks," Andross said. "I should be clear, I only have pull with dayshift."

"I have night shift covered already," the Emperor said. "I assigned a pair of Custodians last night. They'll have the night shift when everyone's together."

"You don't have to," Coraea said. "I'm sure there's others who would be happy to watch my place."

"True," the Emperor said. "But none can do it better."

"I appreciate it, my lord," Coraea said. "Are we likely to see them?"

"Not unless something happens," the Emperor said. "With any luck you'll only know they're there because I've told you."

"I think that's probably for the best," Coraea said. "Though I would like to thank at least one when this is all over."

"That can certainly be arranged," the Emperor said with a bit of a smile. 

"We should go shortly," Coraea said. "I want to let them have some time to play."

"Dyrwin was very excited," Andross agreed. "We haven't been over here before."

"Neither have we," the Emperor said. "It's always good to find new things, and sometimes even more fun when they're close to you. Like a surprise."

"Surprises are fun," Andross said.

"Unless they're surprise bruises," Coraea said. "Those just hurt."

"That's the truth!" Andross said with another chuckle. He paused, face turning serious. "We'll help you through this, Coraea. You're not alone."

"Thanks, Andross," Coraea said. "I know it's silly, but I do sometimes feel alone in this."

"No man is an island," the Emperor said. "And no woman either. I'll be in touch when I have more information."

*************************

"Will Timotas and his family be alright, Father?" Lorgar asked. He'd worked with Timotas several times in group projects, and actually kind of liked the other boy.

"Yes, they'll be alright," the Emperor said. He had already told the Primarchs about the dangers the other family was in. "Amon and Cavlor are watching them along with the Arbites. There's nothing to worry about."

"They could stay with us if they had to," Fulgrim offered. "In one of the other residences, they could see Master Know The Gun as well."

"It may come to that, but only if their hab unit is compromised," the Emperor said. "It would be better to keep things as close to normal as possible, especially for Marthya as she's so young."

"That makes sense," Roboute said. "Should we tell Timotas that they have some place to go if there's issues?"

"No," the Emperor said. "If something happens either Amon or Cavlor will bring them to the Palace and get them set up."

*************************

Things were quiet for three days. There were some "growing pains" in the tank. Part of the issue was that Two and Eleven weren't used to addressing, or really specifying at all, who they were speaking to. They also had to come up with something that worked for Kylvaer's name.

The Emperor's progress with the device was slow, he was only able to get in for brief periods of time, and trying to pick apart looted ork tech was never easy. He was being very careful about how he tested it, and still wasn't sure how it worked.

The Primarchs checked on Timotas every day to make sure everything was alright. Timotas's biggest fear was that someone would sneak into the hab at night. Konrad suggested that he set out some small toys that blended in with the floor. That way an intruder would step on them and react to the pain. Timotas wasn't sure of this plan until he mentioned it to Roboute, who he felt was a bit more level-headed than Konrad. To his surprise, Roboute recommended it as well.

"It's kind of like how we were talking in health class about small injuries, like paper cuts, hang nails, or getting pricked by a thorn, can be more painful because it's more focused on a single area. Minimal injury, and it if you scatter them out like you were playing in the area it's easy to miss."

*************************

Filleabran flew his "borrowed" lifter as close to the spires as he dared. He knew the one he was looking for, and what floor. That was the more important part, getting to a landing pad that put him at the right floor. He would get the device back for the glory of the House of Shadow, and its wealthy patron. 

"Are they really this obvious on Necromunda?" A large shadow muttered to itself. It folded the magnoculars it had been using to track the flier, having already predicted it's target, and started moving.

Filleabran carefully made his way out onto the spire, finding the window that corresponded to the target's living room. He pulled out his glass cutter, and quickly cut a circle out of the window to use as an entry point, grabbing it swiftly so it wouldn't fall in and shatter.

Coraea shifted, and Marthya snuggled in closer to her mother before both fell into better sleep. Marthya had refused to sleep in her own bed since watching her father get turned into a fish. Coraea knew she'd have to get her daughter back to sleeping in her own bed at some point, but this was better for now.

Filleabran moved across the room, and stopped when he found the tracking device that had brought him here. It must have been knocked off at some point. It seemed that the device was gone, which made his job all the harder. He moved towards the bedrooms, intending to wake the man who'd taken the device, and then messed with it.

He completely missed the small, hard plastek building block that Timotas had specifically set out, just as the Primarchs had suggested. Filleabran barely stifled his curse as pain shot up through is foot. This did cause him to stumble into more of the building blocks, then shoulder-check the wall. 

The residents of the hab woke with a start, Filleabran heard the shriek of a little girl. Then the door next to him opened, and a young boy tried to run out of it. He grabbed the kid, sliding his knife up against his throat. A woman came out of another bed room, she was holding a snub-nosed autopistol in her shaking hands.

"You won't hid the broadside of this hab, shaking like that," Filleabran sneered. "Put the gun down, and we'll talk this over."

"You think I believe you're capable of 'talking this over' like a civilized person?" Coraea asked. "Because that's a load of lies and you know it. Otherwise you wouldn't be holding my son hostage."

"All civilized conversation has leverage involved," Filleabran said. "You have something I want, and I have something you want. We're on an even playing field."

"Let my son go," Coraea said. She was still scared, and her hands were still shaking, it embarrassed her a bit. She was trying to spark her anger, her "mama bear" as her grandmother had called it. Coraea had never been sure what a bear was, but had always understood that term to mean doing whatever it took to keep her child safe.

"Not until you give me the device," Filleabran said. 

"What device?" Coraea asked loudly. She was hoping at the very least to wake one of the neighbors to call the Arbites, but was aware that it could also bring the Custodians the Emperor had told her were watching the place. She saw the door open, not forced open, but slide open as if someone had unlocked the door, and wasn't sure if she should feel relief or fear.

"Let the boy go," a deep, commanding voice spoke. A giant shadow had entered the room, an ornate dagger was in one hand. 

The shadow's free hand reached up, and pulled back the hood concealing it's face. A warrior's face emerged, his skin tone and eyes, with slight epicanthal folds, hinted to a bloodline from the Arctic Circle. Coraea found herself thinking that his face would have been almost handsome if it weren't for the extensive scarring on the lower left side of the face stretching from the corner of his mouth down towards his neck.

"Stay where you are... Or I'll kill the boy!" Filleabran said, pressing his knife harder against Timotas's throat. "I have the lever- AAAAH!"

The giant warrior's-Coraea's mind was just catching up with the fact that it was one of the Custodians- ornate dagger had just sprouted from the other man's shoulder. Filleabran dropped his knife, and Timotas was able to squirm his way free, stomping on the man's foot for good measure.

"Mamzel, gather some belongings," Cavlor said. Coraea nodded, dragging her children into her room. She quickly put together a bag for herself, then turned to Timotas.

"Stay with Marthya, and don't leave the room until I come back," Coraea said. "I'm going to get stuff for both of you."

"Yes, Mom," Timotas said in a small voice.

Coraea quickly ran to Marthya's room, grabbing mostly clothes, and a few toys, then did the same in Timotas's room. She noticed on the way into Timotas's room that the Custodian and the intruder weren't there, but didn't want to look too far into it. 

"My lord?" Coraea called as she finished in Timotas's room and came out. She opened the door to her room and motioned for her children to come out. Timotas took the bag that was held out to him, and Marthya carried the stuffed animal she took with her to bed.

"You are ready?" Cavlor asked, appearing around the corner. He had dropped Filleabran's body out through the hole the other man had cut in the window. It had been a careful process, as Cavlor didn't want to track blood through the hab. The Emperor had informed him and Amon that this was a good associate's hab and they were to treat it respectfully.

"Yes, lord" Coraea said. "May I ask where we are heading?"

"We will be going to my flyer, then I will take you to the Palace," Cavlor said. 

"What's your name, lord?" Timotas asked suddenly. He was still scared, but some of his awe and excitement were getting through.

"You may call me Cavlor," Cavlor said. "Come along."

*************************

They arrived at the Palace several minutes later. The Emperor was there to meet them.

"I appreciate all of this, lord," Coraea said as she approached and bowed.

"How do you know the Emperor, Mom?" Timotas asked. 

"Well, you do go to school with the Lord Primarchs," Coraea said, too frazzled to remember she had promised Malcador not to tell Timotas.

"I...What?" Timotas asked. "The Palace kids?"

"Those would be them," Coraea said, then remembered. "Do not tell anyone else at school."

"No one would believe me," Timotas grumbled. "They won't even believe I met a Custodian, or that Dad turned into a fish."

"They probably won't," the Emperor said. "But that doesn't make it any less true."

"But it's not fun if no one believes me," Timotas said. 

"What about the Primarchs?" the Emperor asked. "They'll believe you because they know what's going on."

"I guess," Timotas said. "But it's still like a secret."

"That's just how life is sometimes," Coraea said. "At least there isn't tutorium tomorrow."

"Indeed," the Emperor said. "Cavlor can show you the way to the rooms you'll be using."

"Follow me," Cavlor said gently. He could see that Marthya was nearly asleep on her feet, and took Coraea's bag so she could carry her daughter.

*************************

"Will we be able to see Dad?" Timotas asked Cavlor. He was jittery from being overtired, and the adrenalin rush of what had happened back at the hab. 

"That is for our lord to decide," Cavlor said gently. "I've not been informed where your father is being kept."

"We can ask in the morning," Coraea said. "I'm sure the Emperor will find a way to check in on us."

"Alright, Mom," Timotas said, then let out a huge yawn.

"Here you are," Cavlor said. "I'll be around if you need anything. Amon was the other Custodian watching your hab, and we'll trade off."

"Thank you, Lord Cavlor," Coraea said.

"Just Cavlor is fine," Cavlor said. "I'm not that high a rank. Good night, Mamzel Know The Gun."

"If I get to drop titles with you, you can call me Coraea," Coraea said, finally finding some composure.

"Very well, Coraea," Cavlor said with a slight grin. It pulled the scars on his face making it look closer to a grimace. "Until the morning."

*************************

The Emperor waited for the Primarchs to get up on their own, as was the weekend tradition. Finally, they all trouped into the kitchen to get breakfast.

"Timotas and the rest of his family are also now visiting," the Emperor said.

"What happened, Father?" Roboute asked. 

"Someone broke into their hab last night," the Emperor answered. "Cavlor was able to retrieve them and bring them here."

"Have you told Master Know The Gun?" Magnus asked. 

"Not yet," the Emperor said. All three of the fish had been sleeping when he'd gotten back to the residence after greeting Coraea and her children. "I will after breakfast. Would you all be willing to entertain Timotas and Marthya today?"

"Of course, Father," Horus said. "Where are they?"

"Same residence the turtles used," the Emperor said.

"Alright," Horus said. "Do we know if they're up yet? Or should we call on the vox first?"

"I would vox first," the Emperor said. "It is likely they are still sleeping, they came in late last night."

The Primarchs nodded and finished breakfast before doing other morning things, trying to delay as long as possible to avoid waking their guests up. The Emperor stepped out into the living room and approached the fish tank.

Kylvaer, Two said, seeing the Emperor approach. Father's coming over. He looks like he has something to tell you.

Thanks, Kylvaer said. He was still getting used to the language the other two fish-that-weren't-fish used, but he had insisted on learning how to be polite before anything else.

+Kylvaer,+ the Emperor sent.

+Yes, my lord?+

+I wanted to inform you that your family is now here in the Palace,+ the Emperor said. +They were brought here last night after a member of the House of Shadow entered your hab unit.+

+Are they alright?+ Kylvaer asked, swimming in a tight circle.

+They're fine,+ the Emperor said +One of my Custodians was watching the hab and they were able to take care of the situation.+

+I appreciate it, my lord,+ Kylvaer said. +Will they be able to see me?+

+If you'd like,+ the Emperor said. 

+It would be nice,+ Kylvaer said. +Even if I can't speak to them.+

+Magnus can assist you with that if you'd like,+ the Emperor said. +My sons will be spending time with your family today.+

+Should I feel bad for Coraea?+ Kylvaer asked.

+I should hope not,+ the Emperor said with amusement. +They are well behaved at school, and have handled guests before.+

+That's good,+ Kylvaer said. 

"You guys can bring Timotas and his family here to see Kylvaer if they want to come," the Emperor told the Primarchs. "Magnus, could you help if they want to talk to him?"

"Of course!" Magnus said. "If he's alright with it."

"He wants to see them, but wasn't happy he couldn't speak to them," the Emperor said. "So he'll be happy to be able to communicate."

*************************

The door chime sounded. Coraea looked up from straightening Marthya's bodyglove. Timotas ran out to the front room of the guest residence they were staying in. 

"Come in!" Coraea called.

"Hello, Mamzel Know The Gun," Horus called as the Primarchs streamed into the room. 

"Hello, Lord Primarchs," Coraea said. 

"Should I call you guys 'lord' now too?" Timotas asked.

"You don't have to," Roboute said. "And we'd prefer it if you didn't at Nova."

"Right," Timotas said. "Just like at tutorium, so it won't be weird when everything's over."

"Makes sense," Roboute said.

"Can we see Da?" Marthya asked.

"Of you course you can," Horus said. "We'd be happy to take the three of you to where he is."

"Where are you keeping him?" Coraea asked as they headed out.

"We have a pair of fish at home," Jaghatai said. "Your husband is staying with them temporarily."

"What's 'temorily' mean, Ma?" Marthya asked.

"For a short time," Coraea explained. 

"Oh," Marthya said. "That means Da will come home?"

"Yes, sweetie, Dad will come home," Coraea said.

"When?"

"I don't know yet," Coraea said. "But he'll come home with us when we leave here. We're just visiting for a bit."

"Why?"

"Because of the bad man from last night," Coraea said. She was quietly hoping that Marthya wouldn't ask too many more questions. She didn't really have answers, and Marthya hated that.

"When?"

"I don't know," Coraea said. "We have to wait for the Emperor to find out how the device Dad brought home works."

"Oh," Marthya said with a frown.

"Here we are," Leman said, trying to distract Marthya. They were approaching the Imperial Residence. "Home sweet home."

"Who's the 'mperor?" Marthya asked as they went inside the residence.

"The man who met us last night," Coraea said.

"Nuh, uh," Marthya objected. "He said his name was Cav'or."

"That's the Custodian who saved us," Timotas said. "The other man, the one Mom called "lord" and spoke to me was the Emperor."

"Oh," Marhtya said, then looked around. "Where's Da?"

"Over here," Magnus said. He was standing near the fish tank. 

"Da?" Marthya asked, looking at Eleven. 

"Almost," Magnus said. "That's Eleven, he's named after one of our lost brothers. Your father is the other blue fish."

"Oh!" Marthya said as Kylvaer swam over, and Eleven moved away. Kylvaer swam in a little loop and tried to waggle one of his fins faster than the other to look like he was waving. It didn't quite work as planned and he spun himself around.

"Hehehehe," Marthya giggled. "Hi Da!"

"I don't think he can hear you, honey," Coraea said. "Can fish hear?"

"In a manner of speaking," Magnus said. "They don't have external ears like humans do, but sound travels differently through water. Though he may not have fully heard her because fish tend to hear lower frequencies, and your daughter's voice is high."

"Oh," Marthya and Coraea said together.

"If you guys want to speak with him I can help," Magnus said. "I can act as a bridge to let you guys speak psychically."

"That would be very nice of you, Lord Magnus," Coraea said.

"Do you want to do it together, or individually?" Magnus asked. "I can do either, just want to know."

"Can you do it so I go first, and we add the children?" Coraea asked.

"Of course," Mangus said. "Just clear your mind, and I'll reach out to touch yours."

"Alright," Coraea said, then a though seemed to come to her. "Will you be able to hear what we say?"

"Yes," Magnus admitted. "Even as a bridge I'm still sort of a participant."

"Alright," Coraea said, she sat on the couch closest to the tank, and tried to relax.

+Everything will be alright,+ Magnus's voice sounded in her head. +Just think what you want to say.+

+This is very strange,+ Coraea said. 

+Understandable,+ Magnus said. +This isn't how most people communicate. Even Father and Uncle Malcador usually only use this when they're keeping things from us, or talking over long distances.+

+I've never heard him called that before, Lord Malcador, I mean,+ Coraea said with amusement.

+I'm the only one who usually calls him that,+ Magnus said. +Master Know The Gun?+

+I'm here, Lord Magnus,+ Kylvaer said. +Coraea.+

+Kylvaer,+ Coraea said, a world of loving support, and a little exasperation, was also communicated. +You kind of looked like an idiot spinning around like that.+

+Ha, but Marthya seemed to like it,+ Kylvaer said. +I appreciate you doing this, Lord Magnus.+

+Wait, how'd you know he was going to do this?+ Coraea asked.

+The Emperor spoke with me this morning,+ Kylvaer said. +I lamented that I wouldn't be able to speak with you if you came by.+

+Ah,+ Coraea said. +It is good to hear you. If 'hear' is the right word.+

+Close enough+ Kylvaer said. +And it is wonderful to hear you too.+

+Our lord also told me a bit about last night,+ Kylvaer added after a moment. +Everyone's alright?+

+Yes,+ Coraea said. +Marthya was peppering me with questions on the way over here, so I think she'll be alright in the long run.+

+Can I speak with them as well?+

+Of course,+ Magnus said. +I think it will be best if I bring them in one at a time. Marthya may be more difficult than Timotas as she might not understand what's going on.+

+Am I able to help with her?+ Coraea asked. +We can bring her in first, and Timotas second.+

+That was going to be my suggestion,+ Magnus said. +It'll be easier if someone she knows helps her calm her mind.+

+I'm ready when you are, Lord Magnus,+ Coraea said. Kylvaer was getting excited again, and bobbing up and down in the water.

"Marthya?" Coraea called aloud. It felt a little weird as she was still connected telepathically to Magnus and Kylvaer.

"Ma?" Marthya asked as she came over. Timotas and the Primarchs had tried to at least sort of explain what Magnus was doing with Coraea, but none of them were sure she actually understood.

Coraea hesitated, not quite sure how to get Marthya to do what needed doing. Then a thought came to her.

"You want to say hi to Dad?" she asked.

"Uh huh!" Marthya said. "Can I?"

"You can, but first you have to think about Dad, really hard," Coraea said. Magnus nodded at this, and reached out.

"I can do that!" Marthya said excitedly. She then screwed her face up in concentration. Coraea tried not to laugh, but did chuckle a little.

+Marthya?+ Kylvaer asked, sensing the additional mind join.

+DAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!+ Marthya screamed with delight. Coraea saw Magnus flinch at that, and sent mental apologies.

+It's alright,+ Magnus sent. +I just wasn't as prepared as I thought I was.+

+Marthya, my little eaglet!+ Kylvaer cut across, focusing it towards Marthya.

+But you're the little one, Da,+ Marthya objected.

+For now,+ Kylvaer said. +The Emperor will put me right as rain. He's told me so himself.+

+When?+ Marthya asked.

+I don't know yet,+ Kylvaer said. +The Emperor has to look at the device I brought back from Necromunda.+

+Why?+

+It's what turned me into a fish,+ Kylvaer said. patiently. 

+Oh,+ Marthya said. +That's what Ma said too.+

+Dad?+ Timotas asked hesitantly. Magnus had brought him in without any difficulty while Marthya was interrogating her father.

+Timotas!+ Kylvaer said excitedly. +Now everyone's here, at least for a moment.+

+Why only a moment?+ Marthya asked.

+Because we're being helped by Lord Magnus,+ Coraea said. +We can't stay long because it'll tire him out.+

+Oh,+ Marthya said. 

+It's good to know everyone's alright,+ Kylvaer said. +Now you guys know where I am, but you should only come over if you're allowed to by the Emperor, this is his home after all.+

+Of course,+ Coraea said. +I'll see if we can arrange a time to see you every day while this is going on.+

+That's a great idea,+ Kylvaer said. +Though my days aren't terribly exciting right now.+

+But we can tell you about all the cool things we'll see in the Palace,+ Timotas said. +If that's alright, Magnus?+

+That's fine,+ Magnus said. +Though you probably won't see anything too terribly exciting either.+

+Oh, you're down playing that because you live here,+ Timotas said. 

+That's.... probably fair,+ Magnus said, realizing that Timotas was likely right.

+It's not anything against you, Lord Magnus,+ Coraea said quickly. +But you get familiar with the things you see every day, and they become just that. Everyday objects that aren't exciting. For guests however, it's interesting because it's something they don't see every day.+

+Thanks, Mamzel Know The Gun," Magnus said. 

+Marthya, say bye to Da,+ Coraea said. 

+BYE DA!!!+ Marthya called loudly again. Timotas sniggered a little bit at Magnus's flinch.

"Two for flinching!" Leman called once he was sure Magnus wasn't in mental contact with anyone, smacking his brother in the arm twice.

"Hey!" Magnus said, rubbing his arm, then chased after Leman who had run away from him. 

"Um?" Coraea asked. 

"Leman's just being silly, Mamzel," the Lion said. "He likes to pick on Magnus sometimes. He knows he can't do it to me."

"Not true!" Leman called over, and ran over to the Lion. However, the Lion had already taken off, and they ran off chasing each other.

"Are they always this chaotic?" Coraea asked Timotas.

"Sort of?" Timotas said. "At least at recess this is how they are."

"Guys," Horus said. "We should rein it in a bit."

"No, no," Coraea said. "It's alright. Doesn't someone usually watch you?"

"Not really on weekends," Horus said. "Father, Malcador, and Valdor all check in throughout the day."

"That makes sense," Coraea said. She had days off on the same days that Nova did, so she was always with her kids. "Do you not have a mother figure?"

"Not really," Horus said. "Father does what he can though."

"Ma? I'm tired," Marthya said suddenly. Timotas looked a bit disappointed, he was sure he'd have to go back to their guest residence, and be quiet while Marthya napped.

"I bet if you ask nicely, the Lord Primarchs will let you play with them," Coraea said, catching Timotas's expression. He perked up at that, and looked about at the Primarchs.

"Of course you can play," Horus said. "Rogal can show you the tree house in the backyard."

"You guys have a backyard?" Timotas asked, eyes lighting up with excitement.

"Oh! Oh! You can also meet Freki and Geri!" Leman said. 

"Freki and Geri?" Coraea asked.

"They're my wolf brothers," Leman said proudly. "They're Fenrisian wolves, so they're large, and I put them in my room before we brought you guys over. They can be a bit excited about new people and Marthya's a bit too small for it to be safe."

"I appreciate it," Coraea said. She had seen stills of Fenrisian wolves. "They're trained?"

"Oh yes, and usually well behaved," Leman said. "The biggest issue is that they aren't really aware of how big they are, especially when they're excited."

"And begging for attention," Roboute said.

"True," Leman admitted. "They do like attention."

"As long as you can control them," Coraea said. Timotas really wanted a puppy, but Coraea was still hesitant about it. Marthya was getting antsy, and possibly heading towards a tantrum, so she needed to go. "I'll be back to get Timotas later."

"Bye, Mom!" Timotas called as he headed outside with the Priamrchs.

*************************

They played outside for awhile, until Valdor came to check on them. Timotas was startled, but relaxed when the Primarchs just waved. Ferrus explained why Timotas was with them and Coraea and Marthya were elsewhere.

"Hey, where does the Emperor have the device my dad brought back from Necromunda?" Timotas asked.

"It's in his private lab," Roboute said. "But he told us to leave it alone."

"So we can't even go see it?" Timotas asked. "I just wanted to look at it again."

"Well," Horus said, thinking it over. "As long as we don't touch it, or anything else in there we should be fine."

"Cool!" Timotas said. Truthfully, he was terrified of the device, but didn't want to show his fear, or let it control him. That was why he wanted to see it, look it as much in the eye as was possible, and tell it it didn't scare him. That's how his dad had taught him to deal with his fears. "When should we go?"

"We should go shortly," Sanguinius said. "It'll probably be better if we show up when Father is there."

"Sanguinius makes a good point," Rogal said. "We can even ask for a demonstration of the device, a safe demonstration." He kept quiet about the fact that this would also likely keep Perturabo in check from trying to mess with the device himself.

"But we haven't eaten," Angron muttered.

"We can grab some food and eat on the way," Jaghatai suggested. "That way we eat and head to Father's lab at the same time."

"Hey, efficiency is my thing," Fulgrim joked.

"But speed is mine," Jaghatai said. "It's part of efficiency."

"Guys," Horus said, trying assert control. "Are we going or not?"

"I like Jaghatai's plan of getting food and eating on the way," Perturabo said. 

"We go," Ferrus said, a bright spark in his silvery eyes.

"Alright," Horus said. "Who wants to set up food?" 

"I can!" Fulgrim called excitedly. "Oh, Timotas, you don't have any food aversions? Allergies?"

"Uh, no tomatoes, please," Timotas said. "They're slimy and gross."

"I can agree to that," the Lion said.

"No problem!" Fulgrim said and headed off into the kitchen to do sandwiches. They were fast, easy, customizable, and most importantly, as long as he didn't stuff them too full, they were easy to eat while walking.

"Thanks, Fulgrim," Timotas said as they headed towards the lab, everyone with sandwiches. Angron and Vulkan both had two sandwiches.

"No problem!" Fulgrim said. "This doesn't really qualify as cooking, but it is fun."

"Your father lets you cook?" Timotas asked.

"Sometimes," Fulgrim said. "I have to be supervised though, unless it's something I've made before."

"The servitor doesn't count?" Timotas asked. They had enough money to have a nice hab, but Coraea was the one who cooked most nights. Sometimes Kylvaer would cook, which always made Timtoas excited. 

"No," Fulgrim and Ferrus chimed together. Ferrus had offered to try and modify the servitor to make it better for watching Fulgrim while he cooked, but the Emperor refused to approve it.

"Uh, guys?" Jaghatai called from the front of the group. "Father's not here."

"Something must have come up," Roboute said. "Do we want to wait here a bit? Give Timotas a 'behind-the-curtain' tour of this area?"

"That's a great idea," Horus said. "There's plenty to show him that keeps us close by. And there's the chance he has this device set up like he had the Necrontyr device."

"True," Alpharius said. "If we keep out of that area we should be fine."

"Cool!" Timotas said. "Thanks, everyone."

The group headed into the Emperor's lab, it was secure, but Perturabo and Ferrus had tag-team hacked it years ago so it would open for the Primarchs.

"What's that?" Timotas asked, pointing to one of the laser guns. Angron glanced over and looked away sheepishly.

"It's a laser gun, for laser tag," Mortarion said. 

"What's laser tag?" Timotas asked.

"It's... kind of like tag mixed with hide and seek," Mortarion said. "It's pretty high intensity, and lots of fun."

"Can we play that later?" Timotas asked.

"No," Corvus said. "That's here because it got broken in our last game. We'll be short on guns if we play now."

"Maybe some other time though," Leman said. 

"That would be awesome," Timotas said excitedly.

"Look!" Lorgar called out. "Father's been working on stuff for Two and Eleven." He was pointing to some devices that were clearly meant to go in a fish tank, they looked kind of like toys.

"What are they for?" Fulgrim wondered. 

"Not sure," Magnus said. "They don't look complete though."

"They also kind of look like they've been abandoned," Ferrus said quietly. "Maybe it was an idea that wasn't quite working out."

"Possibly," Fulgrim agreed.

Timotas had wandered off a bit, the Primarchs could still see him, but no one was directly with him. He came around an experiment, and found the testing room where the device was. He stared at it, the brutal, blocky, yet surprisingly cunning, modifications the orks had made, and the hints of elegant aeldari tech under it all. It fascinated him, and he slipped into the room. 

"Hey!" Vulkan called out. "We shouldn't get too close, it might not be safe."

"I'm not going to touch it," Timotas said. "I just want to look at it."

The other Primarchs entered the room, Corvus moved closer to Vulkan, hoping he wouldn't need to try and stop his brother from messing with it. Fulgrim and Rogal took up similar positions for Ferrus and Perturabo respectively.

Then, several things happened at once.

Konrad reached out, looking like he was going to hit the large button on the side of the device, in the heart of the orkish modifications. Angron leapt over to stop him, they had promised the Emperor that they wouldn't mess with the device. Horus started to chastise them both, and Magnus realized that he recognized the aeldari bits peaking out at him.

"Guys!" Horus started.

"Wait, isn't that-" Magnus started at the same time. However, it was too late for both of them, in his attempt to prevent Konrad from touching the button, Angron had unbalanced him, and he ended up hitting it anyway.

There was a flash, and it quickly became a zoo.

Why am I on all fours? the Lion wondered, his tail flicked in agitation. Wait... Tail? When did that happen? It then struck him, he was a lion cub. Surlaz would love to see this. 

Fulgrim also found himself closer to the floor than before, but there was something wrong with his hands. His own tail dragged on the ground behind him, and he heard claws clicking on the floor when he moved. Wait, I'm a peacock!

Perturabo and Jaghatai were realizing they had hooves, cloven hooves of a bison for Perturabo, and the fully separated toes of a pronghorn antelope for Jaghatai. Leman sat on his haunches and howled, he was somewhat was surprised to be joined by Horus.

Rogal found himself on his back, and unable to roll over, he hoped someone would be able to help him get off his shell. Konrad wasn't really in a position to help, his vision was messed up, everything was way too loud, and bright, and he was somehow up in the air. It took him a moment to realize that he was a bat. Sanguinius tried to call out, and was surprised by the hawk cry that issued from his beak.

Ferrus skittered around, and realized that he was an otter, which made him quite happy. Angron was a baboon, and quite angry about it. Roboute found himself to be a squirrel, and wasn't sure what he thought of it. Mortarion was a moth of some form, but even he wasn't sure what type of moth. Magnus was happy he wasn't a psychneuein, but he was an owl. 

Lorgar found himself to be a ferret, and ran around for a bit with Ferrus. Vulkan was still the largest of them, being some form of Nocturnian drake. Corvus was his namesake, a raven, and Alpharius was a snake. Timotas was a puppy, and didn't seem sure if he should join the howling of the two wolves that were Leman and Horus.

+Guys!+ Magnus said, reaching out to his brothers and Timotas. +This is why we don't touch things Fathers says not to touch.+

+Agreed,+ Horus said, he and Leman had stopped howling as soon as Magnus reached out psychically. +Now we have to find a way out of this situation. Preferably before Father finds out.+

+I doubt that's possible,+ Sanguinius said. He was perched on a counter top, Konrad had found some grating on the ceiling and was hanging upside down. 

+Have I gotten you all in trouble?+ Timotas asked, this was accompanied by a whine. 

+Not all of us,+ Konrad said. +Me most likely, Angron possibly, but everyone else is collateral. Including you, I'll be in more trouble for getting you in danger than anything else.+

+Did anyone else recognize the aeldari parts of the device?+ Magnus asked.

+Wait,+ Ferrus said. He had made his way up to the table that the device was standing on. +Is that the body-swapper?+

+I think so,+ Magnus said. +Or something very similar.+

+I remember the energy frequency that was used to get us back into our original bodies last time,+ Ferrus said. +Maybe it works the same way. But I can't manipulate everything with these hands.+

+I can help with that,+ Angron said. +Or at least I should be able to.+

The two Primarchs worked together, then Angron hit the button to activate the device and jumped away. There was a blinding flash of light, just like before. 

+Did it work?+ Timotas asked. Then realized he had asked it psychically, not aloud as he had meant to. What had actually come out was a long meow that sounded a bit confused.

+No,+ Magnus answered. He had become an elephant, and wasn't quite sure what to make of it.

+Well, I don't think I can assist this time,+ Angron said. He was a grox. 

+I might be able to help,+ Alpharius said. +Raccoons have nimble hands.+

+I was going to try myself,+ Ferrus said. +But two sets of hands may be helpful, minks aren't always that dexterous.+

+Wait, did that only change some of us?+ the Lion asked. +I think I'm just a little smaller.+

+That's because you're a cougar,+ Sanguinius said. +But I think I'm just a different hawk.+

+Peregrine falcon?+ Jaghatai suggested. He was secretly hoping for that one, get the trifecta of fastest non-water animals. He was currently a cheetah, so he'd gotten two of them.

+No,+ Horus said. +Golden eagle.+

+Ohh, pretty,+  Fulgrim said. He had become a macaw. "Pretty!"

+Hey! You can talk?+ Timotas asked. 

+Sort of?+ Fulgrim said questioningly. +Macaws and other forms of parrots can make noises that at least sound like human speech, and can do them on command.+

+That's really cool,+ Timotas said.

+Ready!+ Ferrus called, then hit the button. 

+Closer?+ Horus asked. +I think I'm a chimpanzee.+

+Trifecta!+ Jaghatai said. +Though a Chogorian warhawk would be fun.+

+What am I?+ Magnus asked. +I can't really see any part of myself.+

+Crocodile,+ Lorgar called. He was a dove.

+I think I hear someone coming,+ Timotas said. He was a rabbit, and getting nervous that he was going to be in Big Trouble.

+It's Father,+ Sanguinius said. He was another eagle, Roboute swore he was what was called a bald eagle.

+Don't worry, you're not going to be in trouble,+ Angron said. +Like I said, it'll be me and Konrad.+

+Why?+ Timotas asked. +It was my idea to come in here.+

+It was my idea to mess with the button,+ Konrad said. 

+And my attempt to stop him caused us to go into the button,+ Angron said.

The door opened, and the Emperor was greeted by a cacophony of animal noises as the Primarchs announced their presence. He did a quick count, and found that there was an extra.

"Who's the extra?" the Emperor asked aloud. 

+Timotas,+ Magnus answered. 

"Where are Coraea and Marthya?"

+Marthya needed a nap, my lord,+ Timotas said. +Mom's with her. I said I would behave for the Primarchs.+

"Ah," the Emperor said. "How many times have you hit the button?"

"Three!" Fulgrim called. He was a cockatiel and enjoying being able to sort of talk.

"On the same setting?"

+No,+ Magnus said. +We've been changing the settings. Or really Ferrus and whoever else has nimble hands.+

+I was going to help this time, just needed a lift,+ Rogal said. He was a beaver to go with Ferrus' prairie dog.

"I've got it this time," the Emperor said. "I just realized the setting that's needed to get everything back to normal."

+Yay!+ the Primarchs chorused. Timotas looked around, still not sure if he was going to be in trouble or not.

"Who's the rabbit?"

+I am,+ Timotas said quietly.

"There's no reason to fear," the Emperor said gently. "You're not in trouble for getting turned into a rabbit."

+But it was my idea to come down here, and come in where the device was,+ Timotas said. 

"I doubt you were the one who hit the button though," the Emperor said. 

+No,+ Timotas said.

"So you aren't in trouble with me," the Emperor said. "Your mother might have other thoughts though."

+Do you have to tell Mom?+ Timotas asked.

"No," the Emperor said. "But I've alerted her that I know how to turn your father back, so she's bringing him here."

+But how will she find her way?+ Horus asked. He didn't have to wait for an answer, the door opened and Amon ushered Coraea in.

"My lord?" Coraea asked, looking around in confusion. 

"Our sons," the Emperor said. 

"Which one is Timotas?" Coraea asked. Timotas hopped up and down, trying to jump as high as he could. "Ah."

"If everyone could move to the side," the Emperor said. "I'll set the device to turn everyone back."

+Even though we've messed with it?+ Vulkan asked. He was a bearded dragon, and had been a Komodo dragon before that. 

"Yes," the Emperor said. 

+Can I hit the button this time?+ Corvus asked. The button was shiny, and really catchy to his magpie eyes.

"Alright, but I recommend landing afterwards," the Emperor said. Coraea shifted slightly, holding Kylvaer. It reminded her of listening to someone talking on the vox.

"Everyone, please gather over to the side," the Emperor said, indicating the corner he wanted. Amon instead backed away from the work area, but Coraea joined the zoo of Primarchs and Timotas. He hopped over next to her and pushed himself against her.

"What is this giant one?" Coraea asked, indicating Perturabo. 

"Moose," the Emperor said, barely glancing over.

"Oh," Coraea said.

+They were herbivores,+ Perturabo said, Magnus quickly roping Coraea into their telepathic link.

"So not dangerous?" Coraea asked.

+They could be dangerous when they wanted to be,+ Perturabo said. +But they didn't usually attack humans.+

"They kind of look like they could be petted," Coraea said. 

"And that was one of the reasons they would attack humans," the Emperor said. "The other was when they felt their young were threatened. It's ready."

"Where should I put Kyl?" Coraea asked.

"Take the lid off, and place him on the floor," the Emperor said. +Kylvaer, you'll want to jump out of the water when Corvus hits the button.+

+That does seem wise, my lord,+ Kylvaer said.

"What about us?" Coraea asked.

"We're going to the other side of that wall," the Emperor said. "Over by where Amon is standing. It's outside of the range of the device."

The two adults retreated, then Corvus flew in and hit the button. There was another flash of light and everyone was back to their original, human forms. 

"Well, that was an interesting adventure," Magnus said. "Crocodiles are weird."

"So are bettas," Kylvaer said. "My lord."

"I do have a question about that," Timotas said. "Why did it change us to different animals?"

"I don't know," the Emperor said. "I hadn't experimented with multiple subjects before."

"I have a different question," Magnus said. "The aeldari parts of this device are the body swapping device we encountered last year. Were there suddenly animals have our bodies?"

"No," the Emperor said. "That I was able to determine."

"That's good," the Lion said. "That would have been very weird if there was suddenly a Calibanite lion that had my body."

"If I may ask another question?" Kylvaer asked. "What about the gangs?"

"That depends," the Emperor said. "We've already dealt with the House of Shadow, but that was likely a representative of the noble houses, not the gangs themselves."

"That's what I was afraid of," Kylvaer said. "The gangs are likely to send their own people."

"Your hab is still under surveillance," the Emperor said. Neither he nor Coraea had told Andross about the events of last night. They had both agreed that they wanted everything resolved with them before Coraea and her family went home.

"What about reaching out to Necromunda directly?" Lorgar asked.

"I don't think the gangs would answer," Roboute said. "Though maybe it'll keep the noble houses from sending someone else."

"True," the Emperor said. He had already sent a message to the nobles, seeking the house that had originally purchased the device. "If the gangs have sent anyone, I intend to use them to send a message back."

"That means they will have to be captured alive," Coraea said. "The guy from last night died. Or at least I hope he died."

"He did," Amon said quietly. Kylvaer had been distracted and got startled by the Custodian's voice.

"If the gangs sent anyone they would be close behind the House of Shadow agent," Kylvaer said with a shaky voice.

"So our place is going to get invaded again," Coraea said. "This device is certainly causing a lot of upheaval."

"I'm sorry, love," Kylvaer said. "Honestly, I don't even think I actually paid for it. It was kind of thrown at me and the guy said it needed to get off the planet."

Coraea stared at him for a moment. "That was not as good of an argument as you think it was."

Kylvaer ducked his head and gave Coraea a sheepish look. There was a pause and Coraea's stern face cracked, turning into a smile. 

"Is it alright if we stay another night?" Coraea asked the Emperor.

"Naturally," the Emperor said. He was already formulating a plan to trap anyone coming to the Know The Gun hab that night.

"Wait, where's Marthya?' Kylvaer asked, suddenly realizing his daughter was missing.

"She's..." Coraea trailed off. Marthya had been right behind her as they headed to the lab. Amon had been walking fast and she'd had to run to keep up. "She must have fallen behind."

"Mommy?" a voice came from the outer lab. Coraea sighed with relief.

"I'm here, honey!" Coraea called out. "Daddy's back too!"

"Daddy?"

"Eaglet!"

"DAAADYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!" Marthya called, rushing through the clutter of the lab with surprising feline grace. She ran into Kylvaer's legs. Then she pulled back, and turned towards the Emperor.

"I have a message I was supp'sed to give you," Marthya said. "The nice old man who told me how to get here asked me."

"Oh?" the Emperor asked. 

"He says the Arbites caught a bad man," she said.

"I see," the Emperor said. "Thank you, Marthya. Amon, please escort our guests back to their residence. Primarchs, go with them."

"Yes, Father," Horus said.

*************************

Andross sat rigid in a chair. The Arbites detective had shown up just after the Emperor had run away from their lunch. In fact, the Emperor had still been visible when Andross approached.

"I hope he's not running away from me," Andross had said.

"No," Malcador had chuckled. "He's having a 'eureka' moment. At least not a full proper one."

"A full proper 'eureka' moment?" Andross had asked. "Do I even want to know?"

"Possibly not," Malcador had answered. "It involves a public bath."

"He's on his way," Malcador said, pulling Andross out of his reverie.

"Thank you," Andross said. They were waiting in a small receiving room. "How will he know which room to come to?" 

"We are talking about the Emperor," Malcador said. "He knew who the message was from."

"Fair," Andross said. The door opened, and the Emperor entered, Andross jumping to his feet.

"Sit down, Andross," the Emperor said. "I assume that this is related to Coraea's situation?"

"Yes, my lord," Andross said. "We captured a ganger trying to get into the Know The Gun hab in broad daylight. Says he's part of the GoCI."

"I can believe it, they are involved," the Emperor said. He then turned to Malcador. "Any response yet?"

"Not yet," Malcador said. "Though we can perhaps use this ganger to spread the message as well. The nobles of Necromunda don't usually like communications from Terra. Reminds them too much of the fact they are only in power there."

"Isn't that the truth, lord?" Andross said, almost forgetting who he was talking to, and quickly adding the "lord" on the end. "They don't seem fond of messages from the Arbites either. It'll be a bit before we can arrange to have the guy we have sent back to Necromunda."

"Which is really too bad," Malcador said. "It's really not that far from Terra, in galactic terms of course."

"You mentioned using the ganger I have in custody as a messenger," Andross said. "To the noble house that purchased the device in the first place? How would a member of the GoCI have that kind of privilege?"

"Not a direct contact," Malcador explained. "The ganger of course will talk to just about anyone who'll stand to listen to him-"

"Her," Andross dared to correct.

"Her," Malcador continued with a nod. "This would include any agents of the House of Shadow, who report to the noble houses."

"And the House of Shadow was involved in this situation?" Andross asked. "We've only caught the GoCI member."

"The agent for the House of Shadow was dealt with last night," the Emperor said.

"Unfortunately for us, that involved trying to use a child as a human shield against a Custodian," Malcador said. "The agent didn't survive the encounter."

"Ah," Andross said. "But if you have the device, surely you know which of the noble houses brought it to Necromunda?"

"No," the Emperor said. "The GoCI mark defaced the noble house mark too much."

"I see," Andross said. "And you're hoping that my ganger to flush them out by getting word back through the House of Shadow."

"Indeed," the Emperor said. "And I think Coraea will be happy to know that this is wrapped up. At least on her end."

"You were able to reverse it?" Andross asked.

"I believe that was the 'eureka' moment you witnessed," Malcador said.

"That's excellent news," Andross said. "I'm sure Coraea's happy with this."

"And nothing beats sleeping in your own bed," the Emperor said.

*************************

"So, what did you think of your experiences today?" the Emperor asked the Primarchs that evening. They had said farewell to the Know The Guns after dinner. 

"It was very interesting," Magnus said. "Being a crocodile was kind of weird. It was starting to get really cold to me when you arrived."

"So you admit to being cold-blooded?" Leman asked.

"I was only a reptile for a few minutes," Magnus said.

"Don't worry Leman, Magnus will be back to his usual cheery self in a bit," Angron said.

"Hey," Magnus said, drawing the word out in a whine. "I'm not really that bad. Am I?"

"I'm just kidding around," Leman said, punching Magnus very lightly in the arm. "Can't you tell?"

"Not always," Magnus grumbled. 

"Leman," the Emperor prompted. 

"Sorry," Leman said. "I know you aren't actually cold-blooded, just see things differently from me. It can make you seem that way sometimes."

"I'm also sorry," Angron said, surprising everyone by not needing a prompt. "I shouldn't encourage Leman when he teases you that way."

"I know we're brothers," Magnus said. "And the ribbing is part of that. We see it with Perturabo and Rogal, not to mention Roboute and Lorgar, but it sometimes goes a bit too far."

"That's fair," Leman said. "I won't say it won't happen again, because it probably will. Just let me know and I'll back off."

"But you should know when you're taking it too far," the Emperor said. "Magnus is right in that banter is normal among brothers, and some of it will be teasing or ribbing. However, everyone should know when they're taking it too far without needing to be told."

Leman ducked his head, but didn't respond. 

"It's alright," Magnus said. "We all have to learn somehow, and reminders aren't always a bad thing."

"Does anyone else want to share their experiences?" Horus asked, trying to turn the conversation. "Lion, weren't you a Calibanite lion at the end?"

"It was interesting," the Lion said. "But not too much different from being a Terran lion all told. It was actually more fun being the mountain lion, they can purr."

"That is pretty cool," Jaghatai said. "I was a little sad that I didn't get to try running around, or diving when I was a peregrine."

"It's probably not the exact same experience, but you could try speed diving with my flight pack," Corvus offered. "It gets you going pretty quickly."

"Or I could take you," Sanguinius said. "But I think Corvus's idea with the flight pack is a better one."

"Probably the flight pack," Jaghatai agreed. "Nothing against you carrying me, Sanguinius, but it really wouldn't be the same at all."

"We'll see if we can make that happen some other time," the Emperor said. "For now, it's bedtime."

*************************

"What are you going to do with it?" Malcador asked after the Primarchs were asleep. The Emperor had slipped out, and the two of them were standing in the lab, looking at the shapeshifting device. 

"I don't know," the Emperor said. "The aeldari won't want it back now that the orks have had it."

"True," Malcador said. "Perhaps Kane? The Mechanicum would be happy to investigate it."

"That's the dilema," the Emperor said. "Kane would be a good choice, or I could keep it. But if I keep it, do I keep it myself, or give it over to the Black Cells?" 

"That is a good question," Malcador mused. "I don't know if that's something I can help you with."

"Possibly," the Emperor said. He sounded distracted. "I think it'll be best kept with me."

"See," Malcador yawned. "You didn't need me at all."

"Go to bed, old man," the Emperor chuckled.

"Who're you calling old?" Malcador called, while heading towards the door. "Good night."