"Lorgar..."
Just as Lorgar finished his heavy reflections on the future and prepared to deal with the matters at hand, the holographic terminal before him, reserved for the highest-level, heavily encrypted communications between Primarchs, suddenly vibrated faintly and emitted a low hum.
A stark, cold avatar quietly lit up in the online status list. It was Mortarion.
Seeing the icon, Lorgar barely hesitated before opening the communication request and establishing a connection.
The holographic image stabilized, revealing the pale, gaunt face of the Lord of the Death Guard, shrouded in his customary gloom. Behind him appeared to be his flagship's command deck, dimly lit by little more than the eerie green glow of a few instruments.
"Mortarion." Lorgar's voice was steady, carrying the directness that required little concealment between brothers.
"I'm sorry I couldn't attend Company Captain Kallus's funeral in person. The follow-up clearance operations and defensive reorganization in my theatre of war are still incomplete. I can't leave just yet."
He paused briefly, meeting Mortarion's unfathomable gaze through the image.
"Calas Typhon died supporting our Word Bearers and fighting for the Imperium's campaign in this sector. My warriors and I witnessed his courage and dedication firsthand. Everyone in the Word Bearers will forever remember Company Captain Kallus's selfless aid in this battle, and the price he paid. His name and deeds will be recorded in the Legion's military archives."
Lorgar had chosen the safest account, and the one most appropriate to the present circumstances.
He did not, and never would, openly mention his recollection that Kallus might have been a sleeper agent planted by Nurgle.
In the reality of this moment, in everyone's eyes, Calas Typhon was an Imperial hero who had fought to the death while supporting his allies against xenos invaders. He was the pride of the