"Excellent, the primarchs have returned!"
Guilliman's astropathic message arrived first, transmitted back to the Macragge system. At that moment, the defensive systems throughout the entire star system were being unlocked in preparation for the primarchs' return.
Auguston, who had been left behind on Macragge to oversee command, excitedly slapped the desk before him. The tremendous impact sent the countless documents and reports scattered across the floor.
The scribal Servitor beside him immediately began cleaning up the mess Auguston had left behind, following its programmed directives.
Auguston loathed this endless paperwork. He was one of the few Ultramarines who was unsuited to internal administration, and his impatient temperament would ignite under such monotonous work.
Ever since the Magos Biologis of the Mechanicus had gone to great lengths to save him from the mortal wound inflicted by the Night Haunter, Auguston had been deliberately kept at Guilliman's side to temper his violent temper. He had not even been taken along for something as important as the expedition to Davin.
"I need to speak with Father. I can't stay on Macragge for another second. How could the glorious moment of returning to aid Terra possibly be without me?"
"I, Flatus Auguston, will surely shine brilliantly in war!"
The commander donned his helmet and, escorted by the Victrix Guard, hurried toward the Orbital Platform. He needed to welcome the victorious returning primarchs—and have a good word in Guilliman's ear.
At that moment, immense Warp-energy readings began appearing at the Mandeville Point of the Macragge system.
The tides of the Sea of Souls battered the veil of reality as an incomparably massive Warp gate opened within it. The colossal prow of the New Caliban, far surpassing even a Gloriana-class Battleship, emerged from the portal.
"Alert lifted! Alert lifted!"
"Weapon Array, power down!"
A fleet composed