The Emperor had given them a sacred mission... How interesting.
Tyberos was somewhat surprised. He listened to Bashar's report and learned the position of their ships.
"Working with the Aeldari... The times really are getting stranger and stranger..."
As he strode toward the door, Tyberos saw Te Kahurangi, the Chief Librarian of the Carcharodons Chapter, beyond the opening gate.
Te Kahurangi wore a grave expression as he said to Tyberos, "I received Bashar's..."
"I already know." Tyberos pointed at the console.
Te Kahurangi closed his mouth. His face looked as uncomfortable as though he were severely constipated. He stepped aside to clear Tyberos's path, then shook his head and turned away.
That was simply how things were here. Psychic communications either arrived too early or too late. Tyberos did not bother saying much more to Te Kahurangi. Having served the Chapter for so long, he had long grown accustomed to such things.
Boarding a shuttle, Tyberos headed alone for the flagship of the neighboring fleet. In the past, he would have needed to bring his Terminator guard with him, but there was no need for that now.
Mortal soldiers and Space Marines waited to receive him at the docking bay. Yet the Space Marines bore no Imperial Aquila on their breastplates, nor any other marking proving their allegiance to the Imperium.
There were no signs of Chaos corruption on their armor either. No horn-like growths or bizarre flesh bloomed from their plating.
"Oh? What wind blew you over here?"
A Space Marine clad in Mark II Crusade-pattern power armor teased Tyberos. He showed none of the respect or fear the Carcharodons Chapter ordinarily inspired.
Tyberos knew why they could afford such confidence. He answered their meaningless words with silence. When facing people as good as corpses, saying even one extra