Hearing his gene-sire's question, Gantula, who had been brimming with joy moments before, immediately broke out in a cold sweat. His gaze became evasive and unfocused.
What could he say? Was he supposed to tell the Khan that because the White Scars had not joined the Second Imperium, they had not been allotted one of the first Leiyun-class warships to enter service?
Even the first Leiyun warship originally intended for the White Scars had been reassigned to Lion El'Jonson.
Gantula was certain that if he dared say that, Jaghatai would fly into a rage. How would the Khan view him then?
His incompetence would be nailed to the Legion's pillar of shame, mocked by generations of White Scars.
The Khan saw the subtle change in his son's expression. Sharp and perceptive as he was, he immediately guessed most of what had happened.
He snorted coldly and set his son back on the ground.
Realizing Gantula's predicament, Lox immediately stepped forward to defuse the situation.
"Khan, it is an honor to meet you."
The Khan of Chogoris shifted his gaze toward him. In that instant, Lox felt as though the other man's eyes had swept over every inch of him, sharp and cold as blades.
"I am the builder of the Leiyun-class planetary warships. You may call me Lox."
At those key words, Jaghatai Khan's eyes immediately lit up, and much of his arrogant bearing faded.
"The honor is mine."
When facing a stranger, the Primarch before him displayed the White Scars' characteristic restraint and caution. He handed the initiative in the conversation back to Lox, indicating for him to continue.
"Captain Gantula had not finished speaking. In truth, the Dark Angels' New Caliban, the Blood Angels' Angel's Tear, and the Ultramarines' Victory Laurel—
—they are all first-generation experimental vessels, and