When arrogance met arrogance

"My lord, a Thunderhawk is heading straight for us from the Resolute."

The Cruiser's Captain studied the symbol appearing on the slowly recovering Auspex display, then turned toward the massive figure who had just entered the Bridge.

His striking deep-blue Mark VIII Ranger-pattern ceramite Power Armour bore touches of white, and the spatters of blood across its surface lent him a grim air.

Although the Astartes wore many different kinds of helmets, the decorations denoting their individual honours all had distinctive features.

A helmet bearing the Victrix Laurel was one such symbol of honour. It represented a warrior's achievements and outstanding service.

What distinguished it from other helmets was the ring of sculpted golden laurel branches and leaves decorating its crown.

A deep, imposing voice emerged from beneath the laurel-crowned helmet. Clearly, this Ultramarine had earned considerable distinction. His rare Mark VIII ceramite Power Armour and Victrix Laurel lent him an air of unquestionable authority.

"Open the hangar and await their arrival."

The Ultramarine showed no impatience with this security procedure. Such necessary inspections were important, after all. In this bizarre universe, there was no such thing as being too careful.

What puzzled him, however, was who had come to conduct the security check.

"A Thunderhawk? Hmm, it seems another Chapter is nearby. At least this area should be relatively safe."

After murmuring those words, he turned toward the Captain.

"What Chapter insignia is on the Thunderhawk?"

Establishing the visitors' identity was important. Relations between Chapters were not uniformly harmonious, and different Chapters had different characteristics. Even when making contact, one had to avoid violating their taboos.

After standing on the Bridge for several seconds without receiving an answer from the Captain, the puzzled Ultramarine glanced at the enlarged display nearby.

Once he saw the Chapter insignia on it, even