55. The Emperor's Sword (6)

Spider-Man did not walk toward them, though he did glance at them—Kordos was certain of that. With a sweep of his cloak, he vanished into the darkness.

Then a warrior without a helmet came over, while two Techmarines worked feverishly behind him to repair the ruptured breach.

He gave the Aquila Salute. Kordos wanted to return it, only to realize then that he was still clutching the new recruit and One-Eye, looking utterly ridiculous.

The warrior coughed, tactfully easing the awkwardness and giving him time to compose himself.

The two crimson tearstains on the warrior's face made him look exceptionally imposing. "Greetings, brother. I am the captain of the Third Company of the Crimson Blades Chapter, Ezekiel Zanglin."

"Greetings, brother." Kordos finally had time to return the salute. From the corner of his eye, he noticed that the two recruits had actually gone red in the face, clearly having no idea how to deal with a veteran from outside their own Chapter.

He sighed silently in his heart, then immediately gathered his emotions. "I am Sergeant Kordos Harris of the Kronos Tactical Squad, First Company, Sword of the Emperor Chapter. We were ordered to come and support you."

At this point, he paused, a bitter smile appearing on his face. Several Bolter shots rang out; the warriors of the Crimson Blades were putting extra rounds into the traitors lying on the ground.

"...I'm very sorry that you ended up having to support us instead." Kordos pressed his lips together and slid his combat knife into the war belt at his waist. "This is truly... sigh."

Everything was reduced to a single sigh.

"No need for that, Brother Kordos." The warrior with the Crimson Tearstains looked at him comfortingly. "That is simply how it is when fighting traitors. Tactics and plans