Calas Typhon was steadily breaking through Mortarion's psychological defenses.
Through gradual probing, he slowly made his gene-father accept one fact—that the XIV Legion now had to rely on his abilities if it wished to continue carrying out the Warmaster's orders.
"My lord, I need to use the equipment aboard my flagship, the Terminus Est, for better navigation." Typhon watched Mortarion's eyes beneath his hood and breathing mask as he spoke.
"You may go there to watch me, lest I do anything you fear I might."
"You may doubt me, doubt your comrades, doubt your brothers."
Typhon's words immediately made Mortarion feel even more uncomfortable.
He had indeed grown wary of his First Captain, but for Typhon to state it so openly before him left him somewhat embarrassed.
Yet he did not reject the proposal. The Lord of Death decided to board the Terminus Est and inspect the condition of the splinter fleet.
During the previous campaigns, the First Captain had always led a detached fleet on independent missions. This was also meant to maximize the Legion's strength; there were too many star systems they had to cover, forcing them to divide their forces.
For no apparent reason, Mortarion sensed a trace of danger from the arrogant Typhon. He was somewhat concerned about the loyalty of the detached fleet.
The Primarch, accompanied by his Deathshroud bodyguards and Typhon, boarded a battle barge called the Greenheart and headed for the Terminus Est, which waited nearby.
The Terminus Est was an exceptionally massive warship. Even compared to the Legion flagship, the Endurance, it was not greatly inferior.
Its magnificent forked prow and complex, tiered macro-battery structures made it resemble a gigantic venomous serpent opening its bloody maw to swallow the Greenheart whole.
"Welcome aboard the Terminus Est, my lord." Typhon smiled brilliantly. His