A strangely shaped Transport Aircraft swept past the outskirts of the Rock at speed, its hatch open. Two figures leaped out.
Their towering silver metal bodies were impossible for even Lion El'Jonson to ignore.
Guilliman, who had been about to board a Thunderhawk, stopped in his tracks.
Iax slowly emerged from the dust he had kicked up, his Bodyguard beside him. He surveyed the battered exterior of the Rock Monastery nearby, then strode forward.
Although Lion El'Jonson had warned the Dark Angels not to take any excessive action against their cousins, they remained deeply wary of the two unfamiliar metal hulks.
Iax strode up beside Guilliman, his synthesized voice conveying a demand that brooked no refusal.
"Collaborator Guilliman, I request access to the Library of the Rock Monastery before us."
Before Guilliman could speak, Chief Librarian Ezekiel, standing beside Lion El'Jonson, immediately objected.
"This is sacred ground to the Dark Angels. The Library holds our Chapter's secrets and sacred knowledge. Those outside our Chapter may not enter without permission. Even the Adeptus Mechanicus should not entertain such presumptuous notions! Which Sage do you represent, to dare make such a demand?"
Although Iax had previously marked himself with the Imperial Aquila and the insignia of the Adeptus Mechanicus, the Dark Angels gave the Adeptus Mechanicus no such consideration. Their words were thick with displeasure.
Lion El'Jonson narrowed his eyes slightly.
Even his own brother would not dare pry into the Chapter's secrets in his presence.
The Library of the Rock buried far too much darkness concerning the Dark Angels and the Imperium. These were secrets the Dark Angels had always guarded and defended, both for the peace of the Imperium and for the honor of their Chapter.
And he was standing right there. Instead of asking the master of the Library