The *Tyrone Dominator* faced the *Explorer's King*.
This massive mechanical ark was already enormous, yet the Tyrone Navy's flagship dwarfed it in comparison.
Guilliman reflected on what he'd heard about the Tyrone Sector...
The printing technology.
Before arriving, Guilliman had anticipated the sector's remarkable productivity, but he hadn't imagined it would be this astonishing.
"Communication established," said Cawl, extending a limb to tap the device before Guilliman.
Guilliman exchanged a glance with Greyfax.
She was staring at the *Tyrone Dominator*, her expression—if one had to describe it—was the resilience found in the face of despair.
"I am Primarch Roboute Guilliman," he calmly greeted Adam. "Thank you for welcoming us."
"It's only proper," Adam replied, then ordered all ships to activate their warp engines and lock onto the celestial engine beacon of the Tyrone System.
The *Explorer's King*'s engines roared to life, and a projection of the system's starmap appeared above them. A blue circle marked Tyrone's position, signifying they could jump there directly.
"Relax," Guilliman said softly, placing a reassuring hand on Greyfax's shoulder. "Judging by their demeanor, we are not in immediate danger."
The touch of his large hand seemed to wrap her mind in a protective shield, instantly calming her.
The Inquisitor glanced up at Guilliman's handsome face and murmured, "I fear for the future of the Imperial Navy."
The communication ended.
In an instant, the fleet plunged into the warp, traversing a dimension of swirling lines and chaotic energy.
The celestial engine's beacon resembled a triangular marker, and as the fleet approached, a warp fissure opened, revealing the Tyrone System.
It was a system of four planets, colossal orbital shipyards akin to satellites, and three immense starports built to house warships.
Within the Mandeville Point, an encompassing void shield ringed the entire system.
This defense formed two concentric circles, appearing as a cross when viewed head-on.
Guilliman habitually analyzed the scene from a strategic perspective, then remarked to Cawl, "Its defenses surpass those of Macragge."
"Actually, those metal rings aren't the real focus of their defenses," Cawl replied, gazing at the fourth planet of the system. "That is."
Narrowing his eyes, Guilliman observed the planet.
Larger than Tyrone One, Two, or Three, the planet rotated on its stellar orbit with two moons circling it like shields.
It was made of metal.
With his enhanced vision, Guilliman could see its surface bristling with colossal weapon arrays like mountain ranges and fortified structures resembling citadels.
Giant transport ships clung to the metallic surface like caterpillars, while shimmering soldiers boarded the vessels in perfect order. Their purpose remained unknown.
Though Guilliman had yet to meet Qin Mo, he had seen his visage.
A statue stood in the starport of Tyrone One.
The figure wielded a double-headed eagle scepter, donned unknown power armor, and raised a chainsword that pointed toward the starport entrance.
A lengthy procession of ships coiled around the immense chainsword, its glowing teeth binding them into orderly queues. These ships merely awaited the sword's energy to propel them toward the starport, where tractor beams would guide them in.
It was a magnificent spectacle.
Through appearances, Guilliman discerned the essence: the sector radiated personal reverence. Yet, considering it had been established for less than twenty years, it was understandable.
Greyfax, venturing this deep into the Tyrone Sector for the first time, hurriedly scanned her surroundings.
With every detail her gaze captured, her understanding deepened—this was a realm within the Imperium of Man.
"I suddenly feel…" she hesitated, "I'll find much in common with the governor of this sector."
Startled, Greyfax turned to Guilliman, the remark sending chills down her spine.
---
The Tyrone Navy flanked the *Explorer's King*, escorting the ark into the starport.
Qin Mo had indeed spared no effort in receiving his esteemed guest. The full naval mobilization was an honor reserved for only two historical occasions: the Battle of Cadia and the arrival of a Primarch.
As with the Ultramarines of the Five Hundred Worlds or Cadia's militaristic traditions, deploying the navy or army, rather than a diplomatic envoy, was the ultimate gesture of respect.
The warships didn't follow the *Explorer's King* into the starport but instead regrouped outside Tyrone One, waiting silently.
On the terrestrial platform of the starport, yellow-and-black crab-like engineering machines waved guiding batons, directing shuttles from the *Explorer's King* to the landing pads.
Qin Mo and his retinue of honor guards stood at the edge of the tarmac, watching the shuttle descend.
"This level of reception…" murmured Yawn, eyeing the shuttle, "even the Emperor wouldn't get much more."
Grey glanced at Yawn and retorted, "We're not welcoming a Primarch. We're receiving the sole rational mind among the Imperium's leadership, who might yet turn against us."
Hearing this, Qin Mo nodded approvingly. "Precisely."
The shuttle landed.
It bore a striking resemblance to the one used by Kline to transport Ogryns.
When its hatch opened, the cavernous cargo bay became visible to those outside.
Cawl and Guilliman's towering figures stood at the descending ramp, accompanied by Euphrani, Thousand Faces, several tech-priests, and scribes—yet Greyfax and Celestine were absent.
Celestine, ever mindful of the Blackstone obelisks Qin Mo had activated at Cadia, had chosen not to come, recalling how they had once left her vulnerable under the feet of a Necron Titan. However, this slight grudge wasn't enough to cloud her judgment. Instead, Euphrani had pointed out that star gods likely detested psykers, prompting Celestine to remain aboard.
Conveniently, she kept an eye on Greyfax, ensuring no reckless actions occurred.
"Welcome to Tyrone," Qin Mo said, stepping forward.
To his surprise, Guilliman eschewed the usual Imperial greeting and extended a hand. Qin Mo grasped it firmly.
"Thank you for all you've done for the Imperium—your aid to Cadia, to Baal…"
"For humanity," Qin Mo interjected.
Hearing those words, Guilliman was moved, though it wasn't enough to confirm Qin Mo's true intentions.
"After a week of travel, we've finally arrived… So, what's on the itinerary for the Tyrone Sector's seven-day tour?" Guilliman asked with a faint smile.
"First, a bath. I've prepared a custom tub for a four-meter-tall giant," Qin Mo replied.
Guilliman looked at him in mild astonishment and found himself increasingly convinced that he and Qin Mo would get along. Qin Mo's humor, met without hesitation, struck a chord with the Primarch.