Zeraf Antonius, Captain of the 4th Company
Aesthetically based on my cousin Anthony, Zeraf Antonius is currently the Captain of the 4th Company of the Azure Flames, Master of the Marches. Antonius is the youngest Marine promoted to captain, at a mere 23 years old since his actual birth, and 6 years since the implantation of the Black Carapace.
Antonius grew up on an agri-world. It was invaded by Orks, and rescued by the Azure Flames. Antonius was one of several youths to volunteer for service with the Chapter. He underwent the various implantation procedures to become a Scout. Unbeknownst to him, the gene-seed of the Chapter Master, Atrus, was extracted when he was interred in the sarcophagus of a Dreadnought. Only one of his two gene-seeds survived. Atrus instructed that his gene-seed be used to make Antonius a Space Marine.
Antonius’ career as a scout was full of valorous deeds. He was one of two survivors of his Scout squad against an attack by Eldar. He led a scout squad to victory on Morvan Prime, and discovered documents that prevented Tenkath Hive from being infiltrated by Chaos agents. The people of Tenkath dubbed him “The Hero of Tenkath Hive.”
Antonius participated in the rite of Ascension at age 17 and was implanted with the Black Carapace. He served in the 9th and 8th reserves, before being transferred to the 6th Tactical reserves. He participated in the planetary assault on Arkh, and several other major battles.
Antonius was transferred into the 4th company by the direct order of Atrus during the Chasma Spica conflict. He was part of the tactical squad that infiltrated Iperin, and took over as their sergeant when Sergeant Joseph was killed in action. He led the 5th squad and enraged the jealousy of the Traitor Gehn, then sergeant of the 6th squad.
Antonius was part of the interdiction force on Julius when Gehn was captured and turned to the service of the dark gods. When Captain Ganendra was killed during a bombing run in the final battle for Julius, Antonius took command of the Flames’ detachment and led them during the final victory that drove both greenskin and Chaos forces from the planet. Though reluctant to take up the axe of his former commander, Antonius was unanimously awarded command of the Fourth Company by those who remained after the war. With Atrus having met his end during the terrible battle over the city of Daskros, Antonius’ genetic heritage was finally revealed to him.
Antonius continues to lead the 4th company to victory, either from the bridge of the Strike Cruiser Honor, or on the battlefield. He struggles with the knowledge of his origin, and the destiny that the apothecaries speak of. They say that one day he will lead the Azure Flames, but until the “Old Man” Chapter Master Perseus dies, Antonius will remain in the office, and will continue to faithfully serve.
Antonius is a stand-in for Cato Sicarius in 40K, and commands the Strike Cruiser Honor in Battlefleet Gothic.
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