"Before the mission begins, I need to report the situation here to our Gene-Father, Primarch Lorgar, Commander Kael Valen," Dexter said.
Kael Valen's heavy Helmet gave a slight nod.
"Standard procedure. Go ahead, brother of the Word Bearers."
The connection was soon established. After encryption and routing, it reached the Word Bearers Legion's homeworld on the far side of the stars.
Dexter stepped behind a broken wall where it was relatively quiet, turned his faceplate inward, and began delivering his report in a clear whisper.
Kael Valen could not hear the details, but he could see Dexter's straight back and the occasional subtle gestures that conveyed respect or attentive listening.
The report did not take long.
A few minutes later, the communication seemed to end.
Dexter did not turn around immediately. He remained facing the ruins, standing still for a moment.
When he finally returned to Kael Valen's side, Kael Valen could sense an unusual gravity radiating from the Word Bearers Company Captain, even through that solemn gray Helmet.
Dexter removed his Helmet and tucked it into the crook of his arm. His exposed face bore a deep frown, his lips pressed into a hard, straight line. In his eyes, usually filled with certainty, there now lay a profound resolve that bordered on murderous severity.
"What are the Primarch's instructions?" Kael Valen asked directly. He was curious about what order Lorgar could have issued to leave Dexter looking like this.
Dexter drew a deep breath, then looked straight into Kael Valen's Visor and spoke in an even voice.
"The Primarch has issued orders..."
"First, all surviving natives of this planet are to be screened, gathered, and quarantined immediately under a unified procedure. They will subsequently be relocated en masse to a 'resettlement planet' designated and modified by us to meet