Both sides' leaders were roaring for an immediate ceasefire.
Both sides' frontline commanders were jumping up and down, shouting to open fire.
Within moments, rapid footsteps and the sounds of a loving father-and-son brawl rang through the highest command centers of both fleets.
"Chapter Master, they shelled us first." Evan paid his neighbor a visit and had William pinned to the floor within seconds.
The Crimson Tide called an emergency ceasefire. After firing one more barrage, Macragge's Honour also stopped its bombardment.
Only the distant planetary defense gun turrets were still firing.
The two fleets remained locked in a standoff. Guilliman needed to establish one thing: had this terrifying legion actually turned traitor?
The planet below was engulfed in war. Evan voluntarily cleared a path, allowing an Ultramarines fleet to circle around the flank and enter the Imperial Fortress World's vicinity to rendezvous with Hiber.
The communications link was established smoothly. Behind Guilliman stood two members of an Adeptus Custodes squad hitching a ride back to Terra. They had performed well against Lorgar, but suffered considerable losses against Perturabo.
Victor sat above and behind Evan's head. Beside him, a battered and bruised William silently left the command chamber.
"Honored Gene-Father of the Ultramarines, master of the Five Hundred Worlds of Ultramar, the Emperor's last son walking among us, Chosen Holy Might Emissary..."
Evan recited the long string of titles without a trace of emotion.
An unmistakably familiar style washed over Guilliman. Belisarius Cawl's stock praises seemed to consist of these very words shuffled into random arrangements.
The Primarch patiently waited for Evan to finish. What he did not know was that, while Evan read the words from his script, another thread of his multitasking mind was filling in his own corresponding titles.
*Lord of the Crimson Tide, master of the