‘I have read many histories. I recognise and am grateful that Ultramar has continued in the role I intended since the time of my death. I am proud with all that you have done to maintain the traditions of justice this realm represents in an often cruel galaxy. I am thankful for the preservation of the freedoms enjoyed by its people. Circumscribed by the grim state of affairs we find ourselves in as these admirable characteristics may be, Ultramar still remains an example to every other system in the Imperium.’

He took a deep breath, and rested his fists upon the chart. Calgar looked past the armoured hands. The legend on the map read ‘Ultramar’, but it was not the realm as he recognised it. It looked to include all the original systems of the Five Hundred Worlds, and more besides. The territory was divided into five, distinct, coloured blocks.

‘However,’ said the primarch, and a touch of steel entered his voice, ‘I should have done better. By reducing Ultramar to a size that could be protected effectively by one Chapter while the Ultramarines fulfilled their many obligations elsewhere, I reduced Ultramar’s effectiveness as an example and as a bastion.’ He looked up, a sincere look on his face. ‘I was mistaken.’

Silence greeted these words. To most of the people in the room, he was effectively a god, and gods did not make mistakes.

‘Furthermore, my command a century ago that all treaties of independence were to be immediately rescinded and the ancient Five Hundred Worlds reincorporated into this realm has not been fully enacted. The efforts to reconstitute Greater Ultramar – that is, the ancient Five Hundred Worlds – have not proceeded as well as I would have liked. I am angry with those Imperial commanders who will not submit to Ultramar’s rule. I am disappointed with those commanders that pay lip service to my command yet continue to put their own interests above those of greater humanity. Ultramar appears to be coming back into its original form, but it is a sham.’

Several representatives of certain worlds looked very uncomfortable. Guilliman pointed an armoured finger at the star chart. ‘This is my vision for Greater Ultramar. It will be put into effect immediately. As I cannot rely on the goodwill of local government to do my bidding, I am of today reinstating the ancient offices of the tetrarchy. Four noble members of the Adeptus Astartes, whom I have chosen as much for their acumen as statesmen as for their abilities as warriors, will be installed as sector commanders to oversee the reorganisation of this realm along lines that I and I alone shall decree. They will be provided with all authority to pursue my aims as they see fit, whether diplomatically or militarily.’ He let the threat hang on the air. ‘They will furthermore be entrusted with the defence of these sectors, and when peace comes, with their rebuilding and further development.’