The bridge lighting aboard the Raven Guard flagship, the Gloriana-class Battleship Shadow of the Emperor, was always kept at half-light.
Corvas Corax preferred this state of shadow.
His coal-black hair fell naturally around him, while the light reflected in his pitch-black, irisless eyes.
"Canius, do you think things have reached the point of no return?"
After several seconds of thought, the Archon replied, "Father, regrettably, I believe they have."
Canius glanced at Chief Librarian Balthasar Quturi. "Irogebunan questions every order I give. He believes I am carrying out your plan to purge the Terran-born."
"I cannot even deploy them directly now. They consult Gillin before deciding whether to obey."
"Gillin is more like an Archon than I am."
Corax's snow-pale skin grew even paler.
"You mean, exile them?"
Balthasar's dark eyes dimmed further. He knew the Archon's words had already decided the fate of most of the Legion's Terran-born, including Neratt.
The Primarch's way of governing was much like his command philosophy: he placed complete trust in his commanders.
That had been determined by the circumstances of the Deliverance uprising. During a planetwide rebellion, no one—not even a Primarch—could be present on every battlefield. They had to trust the commanders they appointed.
Since the Primarch had entrusted the Terran-born to Canius, he would place absolute faith in his judgment.
This is for the best. Neratt can leave alongside Alkahas and devote himself wholly to my lord.
While Balthasar considered this, Corax had already made his decision.
"Then it is decided. Order them to assemble and form an Expeditionary Fleet."
His gaze swept across the galactic west, where Horus's expedition was advancing, and the galactic south, where the Legion was stationed.
"The expedition will head for the northeastern sector of the galaxy."
"And among the Deliverance-born, those who are cruel and