Half an hour later.
With plasma flames tracing a bright trail through the vast void, the delegation from the Imperium of Man left the enormous Tomb battleship.
Behind their shuttle, the black warship built of Living Metal slowly receded, until it vanished amid the light of the stars.
Its dark silhouette merged with the void like a silent witness to the close of a meeting that could change the Galaxy's fate.
There was no doubt that the negotiations, which would have an immense impact on the entire Galaxy, were over.
And their repercussions would touch every living being in the Galaxy.
Inside the shuttle, Roboute Guilliman stood before an observation window, gazing at the distant, shimmering stars.
With a Primarch's knowledge far beyond mortal comprehension, he could readily determine his position among them.
At last, his gaze settled on one direction. There lay Terra, humanity's birthplace, and the Solar System.
After a long while, Guilliman looked away and turned slowly toward the figure sitting at ease inside the shuttle.
"Is this your final plan?"
Guilliman asked.
"Yes. This is my final plan."
Rowan admitted it without hesitation.
Yet the Reality Warper's bearing was somewhat grave. Clearly, he was not as relaxed as he sounded.
Even with all the cards he held, this plan was far from a sure thing.
Guilliman fell silent for a moment, then asked, "Will the Xenos leader agree to your proposal?
How certain are you?"
"I'm not certain at all."
Rowan raised a hand, his tone candid, almost casual. "I'm simply hoping things turn out for the best. But my luck has been pretty good so far—or rather, luck has always been on my side. I'd guess he'll agree in the end."
Guilliman frowned slightly.
He ran through every account and legend concerning the Silent King