The life signs scanned through the Auger Matrix locked onto an Ogryn camp with a similar number of life signals.
Both First Company Captains were brimming with confidence. To show fair competition, Saisak asked Abaddon how many warriors were in his company, then sent his adjutant to lead the others in attacking another Ogryn settlement.
After stepping down from the landing craft, Saisak assembled his force. Everyone he had chosen was a Ravager equipped with a Bolt Pistol and Chainsword.
Over the squad channel, he delivered a pre-battle speech to the warriors clad in Mark II Crusade-pattern Power Armor.
The first generation of power armor had accompanied the Astartes in unifying the entire Sol System, and it had continued to be used in the campaigns that followed, gradually leaving the battlefield as it was damaged.
Before the end of the Unification Wars, The Emperor had already begun designing a new generation of power armor.
The stronger, more complex battle plate was successfully developed before the legions marched out of the Sol System, and its protective capabilities surpassed the first generation in every respect.
"Brothers, the primarch did not choose us to join him in his first campaign. This is a disgrace to the First Company."
"In this war of conquest, we must declare with the enemy's blood and death that the First Company is worthy of that honor."
"That way, when the next campaign comes, he will choose us."
Standing side by side at the front of the formation on the right, the Shadow of Order had no red scythe painted on his right pauldron; only a red falcon marking his status as adjutant was painted on his left pauldron.
He frowned tightly and said to Saisak, "Captain, I think Father's words were telling us to keep our reason, not