Guilliman smiled at the holithic display which depicted a glittering world of metal spinning in the air before him. He held out his gauntlet gently and cupped the world in his hand, his armoured fingers causing the hologram to flicker slightly. His Techo-Worlds, rich with knowledge and the sparkling prizes he had given to the mechanicus for research. It had gone to plan mostly and Guilliman's confidence was bolstered.
Rouboute paced the Emperor's study, glancing at a data slate and sending messages of congratulations and thanks to his brothers who had fought with his Legion to secure the Techo-Worlds. While he was pleased to be proving himself to his Father, at the back of his skull there was an itch, an itch that could only be scratched by the battle and the glory he was created for. Of course he was brilliant and masterful in his organisation and the tactics he relayed to the crusade were genius with feints, mixes of fighting styles and methods and schemes that were beyond what most mortal men could orchestrate.
At least he had plenty of time to think here. He was full of plans and ideas, but he didnt have the men to conduct them all. There was his problem. And the solution he had devised was simple - there were actually lots of men, only not enough space marines. Space marines did not have to hold the entire imperium together like a small amount of groxbutter spread over toast. They were overkill in most situations anyway, and became restless holding positions for long durations or fortifying worlds.
Rouboute strode to the window and glanced out over the shipyards at the workers, like he had done with the Emperor what seemed like decades before, when in reality it had only been months. The people of the Empire could be made into soldiers too, with the correct training which he would devise, to bring out their full potential in all aspects, and the correct motivation - fighting alongside the Astartes in glorious battle! They would flock to join his Armies in the millions!
Of course there was already the newly formed Imperial Guard, slow, disorganised, and ill supplied - a new venture where PDF armies had become mobile in space. They were lacking is so many respects. Guilliman's army would surpass them in every way, he would recruit from Maccragge and surrounding systems, train them under his marine's watchful gaze, and equip them to fight and work with his legion as the Anvil with his marines as the Hammer.
The 9th and 10th Companies were already starting training and recruitment, and he had diverted away a portion of supplies and weapons to equip them.
The 1st and 2nd were returning to Terra, where the 3rd to the 5th companies remain to conquer the surrounding systems around the new Techno-Worlds. He had ordered the 7th and 8th to stay with Horus and his legion and accept his command. Rouboute knew Horus was a stable commander who valued similar ideals as his Legion, his troops would fit in well working for Horus.
The 6th company, namely the silver tongued Captain Selus, was to talk with the Masters of the Navy Fleet, to ply them for navy warships to join the ultramrine's forces. The fleetmasters were mostly retired ship captains, decorated with honour and drinking too much amsec - Guilliman was sure Selus could pull their strings and form an alliance for the next stage of the crusade.
Rouboute slouched into the Emperor's chair, his hand gripping the pommel of his sword. So many plans ... and so far from the battles...
It was then that the Emperor returned.
Guilliman stood and smiled at his Father, who was golden and splendid in his armour, yet somehow deminished - like he carried a heavy weight in his mind.
"Father!" he beamed, but the Emperor gave a nod, handed him a data slate as he placed a hand on Rouboute's shoulder, and left for his Sanctum.
Rouboute stared down at the slate. Things were becoming curious latey...
He sat back down on the Emperor's chair; Emperor's Children, Alpha legion. He had a few mysteries to unravel before he left.
