The silver-gray Hilling Imperial cruiser Serenity slipped free of the vast formation of the Forerunner Fleet like an elegant silver fish gliding over black velvet. It adjusted its course, preparing to enter a Hyperspace Jump corridor, its destination set directly for Holy Terra.
Inside the ship, Sanguinius and Horus were touring the cruiser, a representation of Hilling Imperial advanced technology, accompanied by Luke.
Much like Guilliman during his first visit aboard a Hilling Imperial vessel, even Primarchs who had seen all manner of ships across the galaxy could not help but be awed by the sleek, efficient, and futuristic design within.
Energy flowed silently through transparent conduits. Holographic star maps updated intricate stellar data in real time, while automated maintenance units scurried through every corner like worker bees.
When they learned that this warship could perform precise Hyperspace Jumps unaffected by the Warp, even Sanguinius's calm golden eyes flashed with unconcealed shock and... eagerness.
The dullness in Horus's eyes instantly vanished, replaced by a sharp gleam. If she could obtain this technology and offer it to the Emperor, could she complete her redemption?
"Saint Luke," Sanguinius said probingly, "your nation's spatial transit technology... is astounding. I wonder..." She left the sentence unfinished, but her meaning was obvious—the Imperium of Man needed it and was willing to pay a price for it.
Horus also looked toward Luke instinctively. She hoped he would share the technology with them, but she also hoped he would not hand it over to Sanguinius. Ideally, she wanted to acquire it for herself.
Luke smiled gently, as if he had already seen through their thoughts. "Your Excellencies, hyperspace engine technology is one of the Hilling Empire's core technologies. It involves complex spatial laws and energy matrices. It is not merely a technological creation, but more like... an