"My lord..." Gareth's voice was low and hoarse. "According to the Auspex analysis, the enemy has deployed an unknown anti-psychic field generator. Its energy level is absurdly high. Not only has it completely suppressed our psychic support, it is also invisibly distorting the probability field. They are using this advantage to amplify every ambush, every concentrated volley, to its theoretical maximum lethality. Our brothers... are using flesh and blood and the purest courage to fight rules that amount to cheating."
"I understand."
Saul's voice cut Gareth off.
His voice was quiet and calm, but beneath that calm surged an endless fury capable of burning an entire star system and boiling its stars.
He slowly rose. As he moved, his exquisite golden Power Armour, a work of art engraved with sacred runes, gave a low, majestic hum. The flickering emergency lights in the command center seemed to dim before the golden radiance flowing over him, as though he were the only sun in that darkened room.
"Klaest." Saul did not turn. His gaze remained fixed on the recruit's tear-streaked face.
"Yes, my lord!"
The other adjutant, Klaest, strode forward, already unable to contain his fury, the Thunder God's Hammer clenched in his hand. A fierce hunger for battle burned in his eyes. He was waiting for an order, the order that would let him charge to the front and smash the enemy into pulp.
"Command is yours for now." Saul's order, however, caught him by surprise. "Stabilize the line. Pull our forces back immediately and establish a circular defensive perimeter. Until I return, hold our positions at any cost."
"What?" Klaest froze. Gareth also jerked his head up and asked urgently, "Saul, where are you going? The front is a giant meat grinder right now! The density of enemy fire has