Segmentum Tempestus, the orbit of Spiderweb World within the Iron Ring.
The bridge of the Second Legion's flagship, the Song of Slaughter, was a gleaming sphere hundreds of meters in diameter. On its five circular floating platforms stood only a little over a hundred Shadow of Order officers and attendants.
They were responsible for coordinating the entire fleet. Not one of them was distracted by the operation of this "Dark Mechanicum Era" vessel itself.
"My lord, the Auger Matrix scan results indicate that the Forge World has descended into civil war."
The "Scholar" adjutant swept his gaze across the broad panels hanging throughout the chamber, identifying every key scene being automatically tracked.
He recalled all the materials he had read during this period, including those from the War Council and the data files provided by the Forge World Graia, then inferred the current situation.
"Spiderweb World once demanded that the Imperium respect its sovereignty. It was subsequently 'conquered' by the Morning Star Titan Legion, while the Hunter Titan Legion lost three-quarters of its strength."
"After Spiderweb World was forced into submission, its relations with the surrounding Forge Worlds, including Mars, became extremely poor. However, because it possessed unique Laser Weapon production technology, it won the favor of the Adeptus Custodes and was granted greater rights."
"Spiderweb World's doctrine of self-service changed to some extent after joining the Great Crusade and witnessing the vastness of the galaxy. The newly emerged ideals of self-sacrifice among some hunter Titans came into conflict with the independents."
Wilshire nodded. "Horus's envoy promised the independence the separatists craved."
"The Forge Temple."
As he spoke, the screen hovering in the center of the bridge descended before him, and glowing Runes rose one after another.
"Spiderweb World's laser technology once served the Adeptus Custodes. Now it shall serve