Sometimes, William missed the days when Evan stood behind him. Then he would think of the Strike Cruiser he owed the Bite of the Grey Scar Chapter, and a smile would spread across his face.
Unfortunately, no one understood him. Everyone around him assumed the great tyrant was planning another massacre or extermination campaign and smiling with delight.
Life aboard a warship travelling through the Warp was dreary. By the time the fleet reached its destination, roughly half a Terran month had passed, somewhat longer than William had expected.
The armada spread into formation and headed straight from Mandeville Point toward the target world.
"High Commander William, our fleet numbers are wrong."
"Never mind a few stragglers. Speed is everything in war. Attack at full speed."
"No, High Commander. We have more ships than before..."
???
William pondered for a "moment," his thoughts racing through countless possibilities in the space of a few mortal breaths.
The armada had already surged forward with unstoppable momentum. Reining it in before battle would destroy its chances. That was absolutely out of the question.
"What are you afraid of? Count them after the battle. Even if they're all enemies, what can they do to me?"
"High Commander, what if enemies from that planet have infiltrated our fleet..."
"When I fought alongside Evan, the ten of us regarded a Planetary Governor's million-strong army as so much grass beneath our feet. Now I command tens of millions, with warships blotting out the sky. What have I to fear? All forces, hear my command! Raiding formation 004! Charge!"
William's shout carried tremendous force, but his eyes remained fixed on the Auspex. As the formation changed, two warships stood out.
"Vessel 021, watch the ship twelve degrees below your port side. Vessel 081, watch the ship directly ahead."