"With the Imperium as it is now, certain enemies cannot be destroyed easily, especially the Orks. But we can do it. I'll clear them out, and you can reclaim those territories. Guilliman, we need a leader whose word is absolute throughout the Imperium. That's a prerequisite for the plan to rescue the Emperor. We need you to become that leader."
Alpharius: What a pain. I should have become the Lion instead.
"I don't trust you." After holding it in for ages, Alpharius finally came out with that.
"So what? Send Calgar to take over my job?" Evan patted his armour again. "I can guarantee that Chaos will never corrupt me. No one can do this better than I can."
"No, I mean, let's go back to your introduction. You claimed to serve Malcador. Do you have any token to prove that? I can't tell whether you're a madman or a loyal Astartes."
If Alpharius had ranked the people in his heart, Malcador would have come first, Lady Euten second, and Evan only third. Malcador had taken Alpharius in; he was closer to him than his actual father.
Then he saw Evan open his mouth and start picking at his teeth.
???
Evan wrenched out one of his back molars, blood dripping everywhere, then crushed the tooth.
A tiny, round object rolled out.
"Here, take it. Ask the Emperor. Remember to give it back afterward."
Alpharius was a little bewildered. This little thing... looked rather like a model... anti-tank mine?
Evan spread his hands. What can I do? This is what he gave me. If I'd known I was dreaming back then, I'd have picked something expensive from the old man's model shop. At least it would have looked impressive.
Guilliman solemnly accepted the miniature object, then... swallowed it too.
"Wait,