"This is Anna. State your intentions, Sons of Horus, or I won't hesitate to sink you."
Anna's voice rang out over the Communications Channel, cold and wary, carrying an undisguised threat.
Under the current circumstances, any unidentified Fleet approaching Millennium World would be considered a potential threat.
Especially warships from other Legions.
At present, Anna could not be certain of any Legion's loyalty except the War Hounds and the Night Lords.
The Star Fortress's batteries had already locked onto the Metis, its Void Shield energy readings were climbing, and its Torpedo tubes were ready to fire.
At Anna's command, the lone warship would be torn to pieces within seconds.
Hearing Anna's voice, Aakton quickly replied, "Greetings, Lady Anna. I am Aakton, Commander of the Sons of Horus Legion's Third Company. I come in good faith, bearing the valuable intelligence we have obtained."
His voice was steady and composed, without a trace of panic.
He stood before the communications console on the Bridge, staring straight at the communicator's indicator light. He knew what a shock his next words would cause, but he had no choice...
The truth had to be spoken, however unbelievable it might be.
"Horus has betrayed the Emperor." Aakton's voice carried clearly over the Communications Channel, each word striking the listener's heart like a heavy hammer.
"Warmaster Horus Lupercal, together with several Primarchs, attacked us. He carried out the Scouring aboard the Vengeful Spirit, slaughtering every loyalist officer and soldier who refused to take part in the rebellion."
"We survivors, loyalists from within the Legion, have gathered here in the hope of receiving support from Lorgar and the Emperor to put down Horus's rebellion."
Silence fell over the Communications Channel.
There was no response from Anna. Aakton could imagine the Man of Iron digesting this astonishing news, assessing