The Serrated, bridge, strategium.
Aside from Thomas, the other eleven Company Captains had all gathered here, while the Vox Master transmitted the signal to every ship in the 33rd Expeditionary Fleet.
"Shadows of Order, soldiers of the Auxilia—the dull heads of the Ogryn brutes cannot feel the radiance of the Imperium shining upon them."
"Today, we will bring them the light of enlightenment."
Nimrod looked at the assembled Company Captains. He paused for a moment, his tone shifting from rousing to majestic as he laid out his demand.
"Shadows of Order, you are no longer Reapers. Slaughter is not what you seek."
"I require that, in battle, you not be driven by the desire to kill or by rage."
"Remain calm. Use your gifts. See through the enemy's weaknesses, and kill with a single strike!"
As Nimrod spoke, he perceived the reactions of the eleven Company Captains. The most resistant were Saisak, Samir, and Robin.
Sanchez, who had previously been just as resistant as they were, seemed lost in thought.
Everyone looked at Nimrod expectantly. They all hoped to become the first company to fight alongside their gene-father; to every warrior, that was an honor.
Saisak held his head high. As First Company Captain, he believed that honor ought to belong to him.
Facing their expectant gazes, Nimrod slowly spoke.
"Adams, your Fourth Company will fight with me."
At those words, rage surged up in Saisak. He turned his head toward Adams, whose expression was the calmest among them all; only the longing revealed in his eyes showed that he, too, yearned for this honor.
Yet he had become the final victor. The First Company Captain subconsciously gripped the Chainsword at his waist, his eyes full of fury.
He had been slighted. He had not received the honor that matched