As the tall, magnificent doors swung open, a lofty chamber rarely found aboard conventional ships appeared before Iax.
The surrounding bulkheads bore elaborate decorations, with numerous human figures carved into them.
Although he did not understand their precise significance, the towering, crowned figure was most likely the Emperor he had heard so much about.
After all, the figure bowing before him as though receiving instruction had exactly the same face as the man standing a short distance away.
The Primarchs were the Emperor's sons, and the Emperor was probably the only person before whom a Primarch would bow in reverence.
"Glorious Gene-Father, I have obeyed your will and brought back the Ancient Construct."
Once the doors opened, Calando slowly stepped forward, then lowered his head before the towering figure.
"Thank you for your efforts, my son."
The voice that answered his gesture was stern, but carried a hint of approval and encouragement.
Calando raised his head slightly, then stepped aside.
In the shadows nearby, two figures a size larger than ordinary Astartes silently focused their attention on Iax and the mechanical Bodyguard beside him.
Even in the shadows, the faint golden glow of their Power Armour proclaimed their identity.
They were the Imperium's Adeptus Custodes, the Emperor's mouthpieces and extensions of his will.
The moment Iax entered the great conference hall, he detected every living being present.
His environmental monitoring sensors clearly revealed everyone in the hall.
Apart from the towering Primarch standing beside the enormous conference table before him, there were two life signs of moderate strength in the shadows, along with four slightly weaker ones.
Roboute Guilliman wore a suit of blue Power Armour and stood majestically beside the conference table, his face radiating righteousness.
There was something about him that inspired instinctive trust.
Unlike Calando, Iax did