A magnificent holographic star chart slowly revolved within the strategium of the flagship Vengeful Spirit, its glittering stars interwoven with cold tactical markers into a tableau that would decide the fate of billions.
Horus Lupercal stood before the chart, as immovable as the mountains of Olympia. Only the fierce light burning in his deep-set eyes betrayed his roiling thoughts and matchless resolve.
The Ullanor campaign would be his first test as supreme commander. He had to win cleanly, decisively, and in a way that would convince every brother and soldier under his command.
"Gentlemen." Horus spoke quietly, yet his voice reached every Primarch and senior commander present with unmistakable authority and an iron will.
His long fingers swept across the ugly planet on the star chart, buried beneath layers of Ork symbols—Ullanor.
"The enemy's main strength is concentrated here. Their Warboss, Urlakk Uruk, is the heart and soul of these Ork bastards. Cut off his head, and his army will collapse."
His fingertip traced several clear arrows through the void surrounding Ullanor, each representing a force of devastating power.
"For this campaign, my Luna Wolves will form the central fighting force and the spearhead of the assault." His voice was resolute, filled with absolute faith in his Legion and unabashed pride.
"We will employ the lightning decapitation strike we do best—concentrate our finest assault forces, break through the Orks' orbital defense network, which appears chaotic but is anything but easy to overcome, and force a landing on Ullanor's surface to strike straight at the heart of their lair. There is only one objective: find Urlakk, then crush him."
"Fulgrim, my brother. Your Emperor's Children will be the cutting edge of our spearhead, advancing shoulder to shoulder with my wolves. With your flawless skill and pursuit of perfection, tear open the