Just as Sigismund led the Imperial Fists to intercept the Sons of Horus rebels descending onto Pluto's surface, a highest-priority transmission from Terra sounded within the Stormbird gunship's cabin.
It was an order from Rogal Dorn.
The Black Knight swiftly played the message sent by his gene-father. Dorn's half-projection appeared before them.
"This is Rogal Dorn, my sons."
"My lord." Sigismund tapped his right fist against his breastplate and bowed slightly.
Dorn's image merely nodded, offering no further response.
"I know you are defending Pluto's line. According to the Stormbird's flight log, you are heading toward the battlefield."
"Terra has already made its strategic arrangements. Record what I am about to say."
"I need you to fiercely resist the rebels' offensive on the surface, creating the impression that you are fighting to the death without yielding, while orderly withdrawing the defensive forces stationed at the Gates of Hades in planetary orbit."
Before Dorn had even finished giving his orders, Sigismund had already understood his father's intentions.
The Imperium intended to abandon those two ancient warp gates and turn them into a lethal trap.
"Sage Lox will dispatch forces to help you detonate the warp gates in the orbits of Pluto and Uranus. This will deal the enemy a heavy blow. Afterward, I order you to abandon the defenses of those two planets and continue withdrawing your line toward the rear."
"You are free to adapt according to the circumstances. I trust in your abilities." Dorn's projection swept its gaze around before finally returning to Sigismund.
Dorn said nothing, but his eyes had already conveyed everything.
"I will not disappoint you again, Father," the Black Knight solemnly promised.
Dorn's projection vanished. What came next would be left to their own discretion.
Above Pluto's orbit, the wolf pack of the Sons