"We would sooner not lend any of our warriors to this cause.’ Warleader Bannus boomed, 'but we are bound by ancient oaths made by our forefathers millennia ago, and we, as a Chapter, owe a great deal to the servants of the Cult Mechanicus. There are already two of our clan companies committed to countering the enemy's crusade attack plans elsewhere. The pressing need to defend our own world means that we can only spare a relatively small force, but I am sure that it will be more than enough to break the siege.'

'You have been chosen to lead a hand-picked force to forge world Fornax.’ Pelles, Gdolkin's direct superior, stated matter-of-factly. 'Once there you are to rendezvous with Tech-Priest Magos Omega Thule and put yourself and your men under his command.'

'I am sure that you, Iron-Father Gdolkin, and those you choose to take with you, will be more than up to the job.’ Iron-Father Orban Lomax said coolly.

'My lords, I feel that I should remain on Medusa, defending my homeworld from the predations of Chaos.’

‘This mission could halt the Despoiler's advance and help drive his armies back into the Eye of Terror.’ Avidan said.

'This is not a request!' the dreadnought Talumech suddenly roared, speaking for the first time. 'You have been chosen, Iron-Father, and it is your place to obey and see that the Emperor's will is done.’

'Yes, my lord Talumech.’ Gdolkin said bluntly. Rage began to boil within him but he kept it contained. If the situation was as severe as the council claimed his place was here on Medusa.

‘To refuse could only be taken as a sign of weakness.’ Imanol declared.

'And I did not take you to be that kind of man.’ Bannus's voice, still loud and booming but the tone calming.

Weakness, Gdolkin riled. That was not a trait he would allow himself to be accused of and neither would he give in to that potentially fatal flaw.

'I did not believe you would let your clan down.’ Pelles said coldly.

Gdolkin breathed deeply and felt his servo-arm flex as if with barely contained rage.

He was a Chaplain-Techmarine of the noble Iron Hands' Chapter. He would not have anyone accuse him of weakness. He would prove to them all that he could be counted as one of the strongest amongst them. He would go to this Emperor-forsaken forge world and complete this mission, and return to Medusa a hero, ready to save his homeworld from destruction.

'I accept this mission, with grace, my lords.’ Gdolkin said, biting the words he really wanted to say, particularly to Iron-Commander Pelles.

'Then so be it.’ Warleader Bannus pronounced. 'Iron-Father Gdolkin, you will lead a contingent of Iron Hands to aid the Adeptus Mechanicus on Fornax Orbis Majoris in their defence of that world, to rendezvous with Magos Omega Thule and serve him as he so demands. I declare that this is the decision of this great clan council and it is our judgement of iron. Let none break it. For Ferrus Manus and Medusa!'