Vengeful Spirit, the Warmaster's inner chamber.
Regulus, representative of the Adeptus Mechanicus faction, watched Horus Lupercal. Vigorous energy radiated from him.
His augmetic eye could not identify what it was, but it was obvious enough.
A new power had emerged from the shadows, and the course of the Great Crusade had begun to shift.
As Regulus stared at the Warmaster, the Primarch's Attendant Maloghurst spoke.
"I heard that, more than two centuries ago, Photicotia brought The Emperor to the Fabricator-General's Foundry."
"He was forced to kneel then."
The mechanisms beneath Regulus's robes clicked. "The Fabricator-General was not yet the ruler of Mars at the time. Now, he is the other head of the Aquila."
Maloghurst's expression did not change. Following his father's orders, he had long been prepared.
"He promised you equal status during the great conquest. But have you received it now?"
"You provide the Imperium with weapons of war. What have you received in return?"
"Is this true equality?"
"And what would you give us?" Regulus looked at Horus.
Horus still did not speak. The Primarch's Attendant continued to speak on his behalf.
"The Warmaster promises to forge a truly equal alliance with Mars, not an alliance that exploits Mars."
"I want to hear the actual terms." Regulus pressed.
"The Warmaster will withdraw all non-Adeptus Mechanicus forces from every Forge World."
The metal numerals stamped onto Regulus's Adeptus Mechanicus emblem clicked. "Does that include the garrisons on worlds such as Nimrod's Incaladion, Lucius, Mezoa, and Varia Superior?"
"Of course. The Warmaster will help Mars bring those worlds, rife with separatism, back under control."
Satisfied by the answer, Regulus continued, "I will bring your proposal back to the Fabricator-General."
"I want to know what price Mars must pay. We have already adjusted supplies to the various Expeditionary Fleets in