"Father, we've detected the energy signatures of a massive fleet approaching at high speed! Identification code... the Sixteenth Legion, the Luna Wolves! Their flagship is the Vengeful Spirit!"
When the detection arrays on the outskirts of the Imperial Apostles fleet caught sight of that imposing armada, which had clearly strayed far from its designated expeditionary route, a brief ripple of agitation and confusion ran through the entire command network. The alert level was instinctively raised. Void shield generators aboard the warships emitted low hums, while turrets slowly turned to lock onto the distant cluster of stars growing ever clearer.
Only when the friend-or-foe systems clearly marked the conspicuous insignia of the Sixteenth Legion and the thunderous name Vengeful Spirit did the unrest gradually subside, replaced by deeper astonishment.
Horus? His expeditionary route had nothing whatsoever to do with the sector assigned to the Imperial Apostles. What was he doing here with his flagship and elite fleet? Surely he hadn't gotten lost?
The news swiftly reached Lorgar. He was in Zhou Beichen's now semi-public "common room," watching the Emperor enthusiastically direct several expressionless yet meticulous Imperial Apostles veterans as they threaded assorted marinated meats and vegetables onto skewers. A peculiar scent of blended spices hung in the air.
Upon hearing his son's report, Lorgar merely raised a hand and scratched his slightly itchy forehead. A thoughtful glint passed through his violet eyes.
"Put him through," he instructed calmly. "Let us hear what our esteemed Warmaster brother has to say."
To be fair, Lorgar did not have a particularly poor personal impression of Horus. This "First Son Returned" was renowned for his exceptional military talent and leadership charisma. More importantly, he treated both the sons of his Legion and the mortal crewmen under his command with generosity and respect. At a time