The Five Hundred Worlds.
Macragge.
It had taken Guilliman a week to return to the capital world of Ultramar.
The news of the Primarch's return had already spread across the Five Hundred Worlds, whispered in hushed tones and exchanged in disbelief over daily meals. Yet, the truth had remained shrouded in rumor, for Guilliman had not made a public appearance after his awakening. Instead, he had departed immediately for the Talon Sector. Now, upon his return, he found no time for ceremonial celebrations. A fleet had to be assembled, and swiftly, for he must journey to Terra to declare his resurgence to the High Lords.
A thousand ships of various classes had been gathered, converging beyond Macragge, each undergoing warp engine modifications by the *Friendship*, an industrial ship of monumental scale. This fleet, vast enough to rival two full sector fleets, would not only proclaim the Primarch's authority upon reaching Terra but also ensure his safety along the perilous route.
Guilliman's stay on Macragge would be brief. While the industrial ship completed the warp engine modifications, he summoned his sons—the Ultramarines—alongside the mortal commanders and officials of the Five Hundred Worlds. They were to meet him in the sanctum of Hera's Fortress.
The grand assembly began with the Primarch's acknowledgment of their steadfast service, honoring each attendee with words of gratitude.
The Ultramarines had already known of Guilliman's return, many having conversed with him personally. For the mortal officials and generals, however, the whispers of his revival had been no more than distant tavern tales. Now, seeing him with their own eyes, they silently thanked those who had carried the rumors to their ears.
After praising their dedication, Guilliman announced his next course of action.
"As you see, the fleet has gathered beyond Macragge. I will soon depart with them for Terra."
Among those present were representatives of Navigator Houses. They were unaware of Guilliman's ventures into the Talon Sector or of the industrial ship's capability to mass-produce warp engines. Yet, they had heard whispers that the Primarch's absence was tied to the Talon Sector—a connection that hinted at the acquisition of warp engine technology.
These Navigators, adept at reading the subtext of such gatherings, were quick to understand the implications.
"Honored Lord of Ultramar!" An elderly Navigator stood, bowing deeply. "For ten millennia, the House of Aylen has faithfully guided the fleets of the Ultramarines..."
After extolling his house's service, the Navigator respectfully requested, "We humbly seek the honor of guiding your fleet on this sacred journey."
Guilliman regarded the Navigator with a measured gaze.
Like all Navigators, the man bore a third eye beneath the sigil-covered blindfold on his forehead. His bulbous cranium, a mark of genetic enhancement, attested to his sole purpose: guiding vessels through the Immaterium.
Guilliman understood immediately that the request was a ruse—a probe to ascertain whether the fleet required Navigators, and thus, whether warp engines had rendered their services obsolete.
"Your family's dedication to the Five Hundred Worlds and the Imperium is deeply appreciated," Guilliman said evenly. "Ten thousand years ago, it was your ancestor who guided my fleets. Upon awakening from stasis, one of my first inquiries was about your house. To learn of your steadfast loyalty brought me great joy."
"Praise to Ultramar! Praise to the Lord of the Five Hundred Worlds!" The aged Navigator raised his staff high, his voice trembling with fervor.
His entourage joined the chant, their voices echoing Guilliman's glory. Yet beneath their exultation lingered the unspoken question about the warp engines.
Guilliman, perceiving their intent, offered a vague reassurance. "Remain steadfast in your duties," he said, his gaze sweeping over them. "Given the warp storms around the Five Hundred Worlds, I will journey aboard a vessel equipped with dimensional engines."
"An excellent decision!" Calgar, standing nearby, seized the moment to echo his Primarch's wisdom. "Considering the dangers of the storms, I had intended to advise this course. But as always, my lord's judgment surpasses all!"
At Calgar's words, the Navigators, poised to raise objections, fell silent. To question the use of warp engines now would imply a desire to see the Primarch imperiled—a perilous insinuation indeed.
With the Navigators pacified, Guilliman deftly shifted the topic before the Astropaths could voice their concerns. He moved on to the administration of the Five Hundred Worlds in his absence.
"Carry on as you have," he instructed. "The Five Hundred Worlds functioned well before my return. They will do so again until I return from Terra."
With that, the meeting concluded. Guilliman dismissed the attendees, bidding them leave, save for Calgar.
Alone with his chosen son, the Primarch's demeanor shifted subtly. He began by inquiring about the Four Ruinous Powers, then fell silent, as though burdened by an unspoken thought.
After a long pause, he finally asked, "Our route to Terra—does it pass near the Maelstrom?"
Caught off guard, Calgar hesitated before replying. "That would be a question better suited for Magos Cawl. But... yes, it likely does. Even if we activate the dimensional engines near its edge, we may not entirely bypass it."
"I see." Guilliman nodded, lapsing into silence once more.
As Calgar prepared to take his leave, Guilliman spoke again, almost as an afterthought. "One more thing—what is the current status of the Great Library?"
The Great Library of Macragge, a monumental repository of the Five Hundred Worlds' history, housed records dating back to its founding.
Hearing the seemingly casual query, Calgar paused, choosing his words carefully.
"Shut it down," Guilliman instructed. "I will personally oversee its restoration. Once the work is complete, it will reopen."
"As you command." Calgar bowed and departed.
The exchange confirmed what Guilliman suspected: certain records, fiercely guarded even during his stasis, had remained intact.
Among them, perhaps, lay the controversial chronicles of the Second Empire—a history he could not yet allow to resurface.