Editing Star Krakens (legacy) (section)

====The Vote of Ten Flags====

It is established fact within the Chapter that, on the eve of their great battle against the murderous alliance of traitors, xenos and cowards that so thoroughly destroyed their homeworld, all of the Brother-Captain's voted unanimously to end Achab's life.

The truth is far murkier. 

They met aboard his Battle Barge, not yet called Huginn, in a quiet reliquary in its depths. Above them Achab raged, pacing the bridge of his vessel, insisting two score scribes be constantly at hand to note down his ramblings, for the glory of the chapter. The first vote was cast, to the tune of three holdouts. Impassioned speeches were made, arguments and counter-arguments flew, as did fists and false accusations; of cowardice, betrayal and a spot in hell reserved for he who would turn on his Chapter Master.

The vote was taken again, eight to two. Haugr, Achab's own sergeant, standing in for the company the Chapter-Master commanded, and for the Star Kraken flagship, had changed his stance. Achab stood apart, he reasoned, and Haugr would stand with his brothers - so long as their leader was given one last chance to repent. Another hour passed, until finally young Isaias conceded. He was not concerned with betrayal, but rather with honour. He would have no part of Achab's death if it were a knife in the back or a bolt to the head whilst the great man slept, but an honourable death..? Ah, that he could endorse. Achab stood apart, but he deserved that much.

The vote was taken once more, and one last holdout remained: Vastergo, master of the scouts. He would follow his lord to the death, and no argument could assuage him. After a night spent fruitlessly battering the man with words, insults, promises, blows, the nine Brother-Captain's conceded that they could gain no traction, and instead banished him from the room. As he left he made one last plea: "Do not do this brothers. Achab may stand apart, but it is our duty as his vassals to move with him, not judge him. You are weary of war, I am as well. But what we do here borders on blasphemy... We don't have the right!"

His brothers would not swayed, and so Vastergo left, bearing none of them ill, but unable to stomach remaining in the same room as any one of his craven brethren. The vote was taken again. Nine in favour. Finally unanimous.

So it was that Achab's fate was decided, Achab who stood apart, if it was that he would continue to stand apart, would die alone tomorrow: honourably, but alone.