In the Primarch's office aboard the Shadow of the Throne, a Primarch's Attendant frowned deeply as he reported to the Black Emperor.
"My lord, the orbital strikes launched earlier by Horus's fleet have caused severe ionization in the atmosphere. We cannot contact the surface."
As Arsena Dunn spoke, he raised his Control Staff and projected a holographic image of the planet.
Nimrod looked out over Diamond Star, its surface covered in mottled rust, ochre, and scorched iron.
The flame Runes continuously flickered and updated, while gray Runes filled the surrounding space.
"The Auger Matrix Master has submitted a report. Thirty-eight battlefields of varying scale have been identified, all engaged in fierce fighting."
"Since we cannot establish contact, we cannot distinguish the rebels from the loyalists."
Nimrod nodded. His gaze swept across the holographic image as every relevant memory of Diamond Star flashed through his mind. Then he issued his orders.
"The Fourth and Seventh Legions will land at the Governor's Palace. Determine the rebels' situation and purge them completely."
Unlike most Forge Worlds, after Horus won Diamond Star over, the Imperium appointed a Planetary Governor to manage everything beyond the Foundry.
"The 11th Chapter will land at the main Foundry and establish contact with the local Adeptus Mechanicus."
"Do not trust Great Sage Arjoy. He betrayed Fabricator-General Vetulus and secretly sided with the Warmaster."
"Monitor his movements, but do not touch him yet. Wait until the Titan Foundry falls under our control."
Before securing the key assets, it was not yet time to expose Arjoy.
The Dagger Titan Legion fought alongside the 27th Expeditionary Fleet and fell under Horus's command.
Moreover, Arjoy had not yet been exposed. The Dagger Titan Legion would very likely be deceived by him and become a weapon in his hands.
Nimrod's gaze finally settled on