Ten work cycles later, the Thousand Sons Legion still had not arrived.
Nimrod realized the 28th Expeditionary Fleet must have encountered an obstruction. He decided not to wait any longer, and first issued orders to the Eleventh Legion and Second Legion to begin a new round of conquest.
He sat upon the command throne and said to Arsena Dunn, "Begin."
The Primarch's Attendant raised the control rod, making the star map emerge above the strategy table.
The Primarch began issuing orders in a measured, orderly manner. "With Vostonia as the center, divide the star map into twelve war zones. Each battalion will be responsible for one war zone."
He first looked toward Howard, whose blond hair and blue eyes had become black hair and black eyes, and spoke.
"Howard, your battalion will be responsible for the war zone directly below. Your mission is to capture the two marked systems."
"One point worth noting: intelligence provided by Altar One of the Adeptus Mechanicus shows Aeldari activity in that region. Stay alert."
"..."
After Nimrod had issued his orders one by one, Suarez took a step forward. After respectfully saluting the Primarch, he asked, "My lord, what is our mission?"
"No hurry. Before I give you your orders, I still have arrangements to make."
"To increase mutual understanding, I have decided to dispatch a squad to join the 22nd Expeditionary Fleet and operate together with the Faceless Ones."
Nimrod looked toward the adjutant of the 10th Battalion standing behind the assembled battalion commanders. He smiled as he called to his son.
"Joffre, step forward."
Clad in black battle armor, with a Bolter on his back and a Chainsword at his waist, the adjutant strode before the throne.
"Father."
Nimrod nodded slightly, then said, "Joffre is the son I have chosen."
The squad