The last Terran month of 853.
Terra, the Golden Palace.
Nareth's psychic projection traversed the void. He glanced around and noticed a change in the seating arrangement among the Primarchs.
Roboute Guilliman, having completed the first phase of his expedition and secured the route to Terra, had risen to the third position, sitting to the right of Horus.
To his right sat Rogal Dorn, Leman Russ, Sanguinius, Vulkan, and Magnus.
With the return of Lion El'Jonson, the First Legion had rapidly expanded. He and Nareth were now separated only by Ferrus Manus.
To the Lion's left sat Hannibal, Perturabo, and Fulgrim.
Fulgrim saw Nareth and graced him with a perfect smile.
"Nareth, thank you for the gift."
"It is simply a work of art, as beautiful as the aquila on my Legion's chest plate."
"The Aquila Lander has indeed crafted a new image for us, providing a more suitable aircraft for many occasions," Sanguinius said, a similarly perfect smile on his face.
"The Stormbird is too rigid," Horus said, looking at his friend. "The Aquila Lander allows us to present another facet, making diplomatic affairs proceed more smoothly."
Malcador smiled, gently stroking the golden aquila atop his staff.
"Not just the Legions, the Imperial Administration has also benefited, finding diplomatic affairs proceed more smoothly."
After accepting everyone's thanks, Nareth's gaze fell upon Perturabo, who had remained silent.
"We must also thank Perturabo. He made the Aquila Lander more perfect."
Perturabo's eyes glimmered. He spoke casually.
"It was merely a trivial effort. Perfecting it was not difficult for me."
"Perturabo, how did the evacuation operation on Morningstar proceed with Magnus?"
"We successfully evacuated one million and thirty thousand people, relocating them to neighboring Imperial worlds," Perturabo said calmly.
Perturabo did not wish to elaborate. Although, in the end, apart from the civilians who perished in the disasters caused by the electromagnetic storm, everyone else was evacuated flawlessly according to his plan, learning the truth about Shai-tan from the captured Sons of Shai-tan, the 'liberated' Planetary Governor Conad Varga, and the Red Dragon planetary defense forces had made it clear he was not the true decision-maker.
Had the truth not been discovered, and his evacuation plan been executed, Shai-Tan's faith would have spread to other worlds.
The worst outcome could have seen numerous worlds destroyed by a rising death cult.
Perturabo resolved to consider the Warp and its denizens more heavily as factors in the future, to formulate more perfect plans.
Magnus, knowing Perturabo's reluctance to speak, added: "On Morning Star, there was a zealous death cult called the Sons of Shai-Tan..."
After listening to Magnus and Perturabo's account, based on his memories, Nareth knew the two had omitted many details.
Clearly, considering the Imperial Truth did not acknowledge the existence of life in the Warp, Magnus did not mention the Warp entity Shai-Tan.
He certainly did not mention the phrase "All is dust," the prophecy for the future fate of the Thousand Sons, first uttered when Shai-Tan possessed Ahsava.
Despite Magnus's omissions, Nareth, combining them with his memories, gleaned some information.
'Magnus's iconic scene: holding up the falling colonization ship.'
'Magnus mentioned only five hundred and forty Thousand Sons perished in the entire operation, fewer than in my memories.'
'Was it because I had Hathor Maat provide intelligence, allowing Magnus to be prepared in advance?'
In Nareth's memories, Magnus faced Shai-Tan and was almost consistently at a disadvantage.
He, along with many Thousand Sons, would hold up the falling colonization ship.
Most of the Thousand Sons psychically linked to him turned to dust.
Finally, Magnus relied on his Book of Magnus to seal Shai-Tan within it, winning the victory.
'Hmm, the detailed process can only be learned from Hathor Maat the next time I see him.'
'Hathor successfully completed his mission. Originally, he too would have been controlled by Shai-Tan, only to be saved by Magnus in the end.'
'Now, with my bestowal, his abilities are far greater than they were. Not only did he ensure the survival of over a million from the refugees, where originally none survived, but he also successfully became Chief Librarian.'
After Nareth discussed the Morningstar campaign with Magnus and Perturabo, the Emperor and Constantin Valdor appeared in the chamber.
After everyone paid their respects, the Emperor surveyed the assembly. He casually inquired about the Morningstar evacuation from Magnus and Perturabo.
Magnus gave a more detailed report but still did not mention the existence of the Warp entity Shai-Tan
After the briefing concluded, Malcador spoke:
"Imperial Administration scribes have recorded and publicized the 'Morningstar Evacuation' operation. Many worlds rejoice at the Imperium's actions in the face of disaster."
"Support for the Imperium has increased to varying degrees across numerous worlds, and work efficiency has improved."
"Members of the Council," the voice of the Fabricator-General of Mars, synthesized from vocalizers, sounded from beneath his mask, drawing everyone's attention.
"In the war against the Squats, the Mark II Power Armor has exhibited numerous shortcomings."
"To facilitate combat in confined spaces such as spacecraft corridors, boarding actions, sealed mines, and underground tunnel networks, environments with little cover, we have developed specialized armor adapted for such conditions."
"Compared to the Expedition-pattern, the new pattern, designated 'Iron' pattern, provides greater frontal protection. Correspondingly, the rear armor's weight is reduced, making it unsuitable for conventional combat."
As the Fabricator-General spoke, his mechadendrites tapped his chest, projecting new images.
"It employs a new design called 'Iron-rim.' The sloping plate of this heavy helmet is designed to allow firing to the left and right."
Nareth nodded slightly. He knew the helmet design of Mark III inspired the future Mark IV helmet, and its wedge shape formed the basis for the distinctive beak-helm of Mark VI.
The hologram disappeared. The Fabricator-General continued.
"The Mechanicum will supply the new pattern armor to all Legions to meet the demands of future frontal assaults."
The Emperor nodded with satisfaction. "That is another piece of good news I've heard today."
He surveyed the Council members and continued:
"I have another piece of good news."
He spoke slowly: "I have received intelligence that in the southern reaches of the galaxy, on the feral world of Barbarus, there is an extraordinary individual."
"He leads the local populace in attacks against the xenos overlords who enslave humanity."
Upon hearing this, Nareth knew the Emperor was speaking of Mortarion.
"I wish to select one from among you to accompany me to Barbarus, to retrieve your brother."
The Emperor's gaze swept over them all, finally settling on Nareth.
"Nareth, you can reach Barbarus swiftly through the Kalium Gate."
"You shall accompany me."
Nareth had no interest in accompanying the Emperor to retrieve Mortarion, a staunch opponent of psykers.
But then he considered that perhaps the xenos, the Overlords, could be ingredients for potions.
Nareth also reflected that he did not plan to launch a new campaign in the short term. The next Dice of Prophecy would only cool down in 855, after which he would divine regarding Gardinaal.
Thinking this, he gave his replied:
"As you wish."
.....
If you enjoy the story, my p@treon is 30 chapters ahead.
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