The bridge of the 10th Battalion's flagship, the Relic-class warship Sting Rose.
Battalion Commander Ramsey stared at the holographic display. His fleet had already formed an encirclement around Alpha and held the advantage.
His gaze shifted toward the gas giant Weston.
The Brown-Robed Prince still had not moved, like a feline predator lurking in the darkness.
Tattooed-Face Earl—Adams's plan on Husto had failed.
Action must be taken immediately.
Ramsey opened the Sonic Array channel. "Traveler."
"Target the Brown-Robed Prince. Prepare for Teleport."
"Yes, my lord."
After the Star Lord revolutionized Imperial Teleport technology, the Teleport decks aboard the flagships of every battalion lord and some company captains had been modified, each overseen by a "Traveler."
"Sasebo Tezuka, assemble the Honor Guard. Come with me."
Sasebo gazed at his lord's face. Compared to before, that marble-statue-like visage now bore obvious flaws.
His nose had been pulled into a hooked shape, while his lips were bright red.
As the acknowledged foremost authority in biochemical science beneath the Primarchs, such changes should never have appeared on his lord's face.
Sasebo knew that his lord had deliberately altered his features to avoid the Black Emperor.
This conspicuous change had come after faith in the Black Emperor began spreading openly through the legion.
Sasebo Tezuka bowed. "As you command."
He and the Honor Guard followed Lord Ramsey all the way to the Teleport deck.
Sasebo looked around. The Adamantium Pillars had been replaced by Psyker Crystals, and the Adeptus Mechanicus maintenance staff had been replaced by Royal Court Friars.
"My lord, preparations are complete."
Ramsey nodded. "Begin immediately."
Sasebo Tezuka stepped into the center of the platform, and a blinding radiance suddenly erupted.
In Gatekeeper Sasebo's field of vision, everything became increasingly vivid.
Streaks of flame flashed past, as though a slimy pink tongue were