The Silver Hammer's vehicle deck echoed with the hum of machinery.
The Silver Skulls squads selected for the ground assault jogged into their assigned positions for their final equipment checks.
The heavily armored Thunderhawk Gunships had already activated their engines, waiting to carry them down to the surface.
Logistics Servitors with hollowed-out rib cages fitted with servo-mechanisms moved slowly between the vehicles, using their jagged mechanical arms, with exposed hydraulic lines, to place shells, power packs, and fuel pumps in their designated positions.
Chapter serfs hurried back and forth, bringing equipment, medals, weapons, and ammunition to the Primaris Space Marines preparing to deploy.
The Chapter Chaplain walked along the ranks of warriors ready for battle, leading them in the Chapter's combat rites and affixing Purity Seals to their battle armor.
Cherubs and silver-plated servo-skulls circled above the warriors' heads, carrying censers that poured out thick smoke and shrouded the entire vehicle deck in haze.
Chapter Master Argentius and the Librarian stood before the observation platform, watching the final preparations.
A serf clad in the Chapter Master's robes approached and spoke respectfully.
"Captain Yser reports that the Imperial fleet has successfully secured control of low orbit. We can begin the drop at any time."
"It seems you'll get the war you crave, Chapter Master," said the Librarian.
"The way you put that makes me sound like some battle-hungry Space Wolf." Argentius looked at the Chapter Librarian, a smile appearing on his resolute face. Clearly, he was joking.
"I follow the will of the Primarch and fight for humanity and the Emperor. War is merely a means we employ, not a tool for our own pleasure."
"Ten thousand years of war have long caused us to lose sight of our original purpose. The Emperor created us for peace, yet so many brothers