More approving laughter. Loken smiled. Maloghurst really was making the best use of his new status amongst them. He was almost... likable.

To review.’ Maloghurst said, taking out a control wand and gesturing with it briefly. Three key areas are of interest to us at this juncture.’ His gestures activated the underdeck hololithic projectors, and shapes of solid light came into being above the strategium, projected so that all in the galleries could see them. The first was a rotating image of the world they orbited, surrounded by graphic indicators of elliptical alignment and precession. The spinning world shrank rapidly until it became part of a system arrangement, similarly draped in schematic overlays, a turning, three-dimensional orrery suspended in the air. Then that too shrank and became a small, highlighted component in a mosaic of stars.

'First.’ Maloghurst said, 'this area here, itemised eight fifty-eight one-seven, the cluster adjacent to our current locale.’ A particular stellar neighbourhood on the light map glowed. 'Our most obvious and accessible next port of call. Scout ships report eighteen systems of interest, twelve of which promise fundamental worth in terms of elemental resource, but no signs of life or habitation. The searches are not yet conclusive, but at this early juncture might I be so bold as to suggest that this region need not concern the expedition. Subject to certification, these systems should be added to the manifest of the colonial pioneers who follow in our footsteps.’

He waved the wand again, and a different group of stars lit up. This second region, estimated as... Master?'

Boas Comnenus cleared his throat and obligingly said, 'Nine weeks, standard travel time to spinward of us, equerry.’

'Nine weeks to spinward, thank you.’ Maloghurst replied. 'We have barely begun to scout this district, but

there are early indications that some significant culture or cultures, of interstellar capability, exist within its bounds.'

'Currently functioning?' Abaddon asked. Too often, Imperial expeditions came upon the dry traces of long perished societies in the desert of stars.

Too early to tell, first captain.’ Maloghurst said. Though the scouts report some discovered relics bear similarities to those we found on seven ninety-three one-five half a decade ago.'

'So, not human?' Adept Regulus asked.

Too early to tell, sir.’ Maloghurst repeated. The region has an itemisation code, but I believe you'll all be interested to hear that it bears an Old Terran name. Sagittarius.’

The Dreadful Sagittary.’ Horus whispered, with a delighted grin.

'Quite so, my lord. The region certainly requires further examination.’ The crippled equerry moved the wand again, and brought up a third coil of suns. 'Our third option, further to spinward.’

'Eighteen weeks, standard.’ Boas Comnenus supplied before he had to be asked.

Thank you, Master. Our scouts have yet to examine it, but we have received word from the 140th Expedition, commanded by Khitas Frame of the Blood Angels, that opposition to Imperial advance has been encountered there. Reports are patchy, but war has broken out.’

'Human resistance?' Varvaras asked. Are we talking about lost colonies?'

'Xenos, sir.’ Maloghurst said, succincdy. Alien foes, of some capacity. I have sent a missive to the One Hundred and Fortieth asking if they require our support at this time. It is signifkandy smaller than ours. No reply has yet been received. We may consider it a priority to venture forward to this region to reinforce the Imperial presence there.’

For the first time since the briefing began, the smile had left the Warmaster's face. 'I will speak with my brother Sanguinius on this matter.’ he said. 'I would not see his men perish, unsupported.’ He looked at Maloghurst. Thank you for this, equerry. We appreciate your efforts, and the brevity of your summation.’

There was a ripple of applause.

'One last thing, my lord.’ Maloghurst said. A personal matter I wish to clear up. I have become known, so I understand, as Maloghurst the Twisted, for reasons of... character mat I know are not lost on any present. I have always rejoiced in the title, though some of you might think that odd. I relish the arts politic, and make no effort to hide that. Some of my aides, as I have learned, have made efforts to have the soubriquet quashed, believing it offends my altered state. They worry that I might find it cruel. A slur. I want all here assembled to know that I do not. My body is broken, but my mind is not. I would take offence if the name was to be dropped out of politeness. I don't value sympathy much, and I don't want pity. I am twisted in body now, but I am still complex in mind. Don't think you are somehow sparing my feelings. I wish to be known as I always was.’

Well said.’ Abaddon cried, and smacked his palms together. The assembly rose in a tumult as brisk as the one that had ushered Maloghurst on to the stage.

The equerry picked up his staff from the dais and, leaning upon it, turned to the Warmaster. Horus raised both hands to restore quiet.

'Our thanks to Maloghurst for presenting these options to us. There is much to consider. I dissolve this briefing now, but I request policy suggestions and remarks to my attention in the next day, ship-time. I urge you to study all possibilities and present your assessments. We will reconvene the day after tomorrow at this time. That is all.’

The meeting broke up. As the upper galleries emptied, buzzing with chatter, the parties on the strategium deck gathered in informal conference. The Warmaster stood in quiet conversation with Maloghurst and the Mechan-icum Adept.

'Nicely done.’ Torgaddon whispered to Loken.

Loken breathed out. He hadn't realised what a weight of tension had built up in him since his summons to the briefing had arrived.

Yes, finely put.’ said Aximand. 'I approve your commentary, Garviel.’

'I just said what I felt. I made it up as I went along,' Loken admitted.

Aximand frowned at him as if not sure whether he was joking or not.

'Are you not cowed by these circumstances, Horns?' Loken asked.

At first, I suppose I must have been.’ Aximand replied in an off-hand way. "You get used to it, once you've been through one or two. I found it was helpful to look at his feet.’

'His feet?'

The Warmaster's feet. Catch his eye and you'll quite forget what you were going to say.’ Aximand smiled slightly. It was the first hint of any softening towards Loken that Little Horns had shown.

Thanks. I'll remember that.’

Abaddon joined them under the shadow of the overhang. 'I knew we'd picked right.’ he said, clasping Loken's hand in his own. 'Cut to the quick, that's what the Warmaster wants of us. A clean appraisal. Good job, Garviel. Now just make sure it's a good job.’

'I will.’

'Need any help? I can lend you the Justaerin if you need them.’

Thank you, but Tenth can do this.’

Abaddon nodded. 'I'll tell Falkus his widowmakers are superfluous to requirements.’

'Please don't do that.’ Loken snapped, alarmed at the prospect of insulting Falkus Kibre, Captain of First Company's Terminator elite. The other three quarters of the Mournival laughed out loud. Your face.’ said Torgaddon. 'Ezekyle goads you so easily.’ chuckled Aximand. 'Ezekyle knows he will develop a tough skin, soon enough.’ Abaddon remarked.

'Captain Loken?' Lord Governor Elect Rakris was approaching them. Abaddon, Aximand and Torgaddon stood aside to let him through. 'Captain Loken.’ Rakris said, 'I just wanted to say, sir, I just wanted to say how grateful I was. To take this matter upon yourself and your company. To speak out so very directly. Lord Var-varas's soldiers are trying their best, but they are just men. The regime here is doomed unless firm action is taken.’