"So Father-Emperor had decided to use Psychic Power to open a passage that would let the fleet get directly close to the Iron Ring? Guilliman and I had been worrying over that."
"Excellent, Lion. Excellent!"
After returning to the flagship's bridge, Qin Mo told Lion and Guilliman everything the Emperor had said.
On the way back, Qin Mo had proposed that all the clone Primarchs, including Horus, remain inside the Iron Ring and wait for an opportunity. Horus had agreed.
The clone Primarchs were now staying with the Skinless Ones' tribe. If the "true trial" the Emperor had mentioned came in the future, perhaps those Skinless Ones could become warriors who fought alongside them.
"Father-Emperor seemed more willing than usual to lend a hand. I had thought he came to the fleet only to watch how we fought."
"Don't say that, Guilliman. At least he was willing to help. He saved us quite a lot of trouble."
"..."
While Guilliman and Lion were feeling fortunate, Qin Mo sat beside the tactical table with his head lowered, silent.
His thoughts were not on the Iron Ring the traitors had built. He was still thinking about what he had discussed with the Emperor just now.
The Emperor's attitude had been quite resolute, but after saying those things, he had added that there was nothing to worry about. He merely wanted Qin Mo to understand that he was willing to pay a price for humanity, and hoped Qin Mo would convey that thought to the real Guilliman and Lion, so the two Primarch commanders would not habitually exclude him when making decisions.
Qin Mo understood that as well, but he could not help thinking about it.
It was not until Guilliman's question pulled Qin Mo back to the affairs of the crusade. "We