‘My lord,’ said Herodian, the son of the Hierarch of Callimachus. ‘The galaxy has changed since your time. The worlds of Space Marine Chapters are often of low worth to the Adeptus Terra. Their tithe grades are set to null. Death worlds and the like, they are recruiting grounds only. Callimachus is a well-developed planet. Howsbridge, though lesser in importance and population, is no backwater either.’

Guilliman was not swayed by the young man’s practised tone. ‘I am changing things,’ he said, and his eyes became cold and hard as cometary ice. ‘The Chapters stationed throughout Ultramar will be tasked primarily with the realm’s defence. Callimachus and Howsbridge will be governed by their Chapter Masters, as will all other worlds where Chapters will be stationed. Do not mistake me. There will be a need for civilian governors just as there is here on Macragge. The existing planetary governors will be given the opportunity to retire after a period of ten years. During the handover period, they will be commanded to work with their successors to handle the transition. Once completed, their heirs shall be offered the opportunity to serve Ultramar as the administrators of those worlds. They will rule still.’

‘They will not be commanders!’ said Herodian. ‘We have served the Imperium faithfully for three thousand years. Is this to be our reward? My father’s title was bestowed by the Emperor himself.’

‘The title,’ said Guilliman, ‘was bestowed by the High Lords of Terra, who were speaking on behalf of the Emperor. I am not speaking on behalf of the Emperor – I am speaking with His full and absolute authority. Unlike the High Lords, I have recently conversed with Him. This is an offer I advise you not to refuse, Herodian.’

Many representatives began shouting then, their questions flying at the primarch. Their own power threatened, they seemed to lose a little of their fear of him.

Power is corrosive, thought Calgar. It erodes respect. It erodes common sense.

The delegates’ reaction strengthened his conviction that what Guilliman was doing was right.

‘My people!’ the primarch said. He stood upright. ‘My captains, my sons, my loyal citizens, you do not understand. These changes will benefit us all, and in time will aid the Imperium. I intend to make Ultramar a model of what the Imperium can be. Look beyond your own borders – you will see our empire is crumbling! I will shore up the walls and make it great again. With the Five Hundred Worlds secure, we shall become a beacon of reason and hope. From here, the reconquest of the galaxy can begin.’

‘You do not intend to remain then?’ said Alvaro, Chapter Master of the Howling Griffins.