The Iron Blood, flagship of the Fourth Legion "Iron Warriors."
This gargantuan vessel served as the personal seat of the Iron Tsar and the primary flagship for both the Fourth Legion and the 8th Expeditionary Fleet. It had only recently been completed in the orbital shipyards of Kislev, a facility built with direct assistance from Mars. To finish this titan of the void, Kislev's nascent shipbuilding industry had poured nearly all its capacity into its hull, gaining invaluable experience in the process.
As soon as it was spaceworthy, Perturabo moved his throne and command headquarters onto the great ship.
Indeed, Perturabo was so eager to deploy that the interior decoration of the ship remained unfinished. Currently, aside from the "essential" command consoles, the entire headquarters was in a state of architectural nakedness—a "shell" of a palace.
However, Perturabo felt not the slightest annoyance at this raw state. He was a man who prioritized efficiency above all; as long as the ship was operational, aesthetic flourishes could wait.
In the Iron Tsar's vision, the Iron Blood was to be his mobile royal court, a symbol of his supreme authority as the High Tsar of Kislev. For now, however, the opulent, Kislevite-styled interiors were a luxury they could forgo.
In accordance with the Iron Tsar's personal tastes, the design of this Gloriana-class battleship had been heavily modified. Like other Primarchs, Perturabo refused to accept the standard Martian templates; he infused his flagship with his own military philosophy.
For instance, the firepower configuration of the Iron Blood far exceeded that of her sister ships. The vessel was a physical manifestation of Perturabo's simple yet devastating doctrine: overwhelming superiority through fire. Under the Tsar's personal modifications, the Iron Blood possessed the strength to duel an entire fully-armed enemy fleet single-handedly—with firepower to spare.
The Primarch's personal example influenced the construction philosophy of the entire Fourth Legion fleet. Whether to please their gene-father or instinctively following the Legion's tactical system, all Fourth Legion warships followed the lead of the Iron Blood. They were built to be "thick-armored and heavy-gunned"—using resilient plating to weather enemy fire before obliterating the opposition with an almost excessive arsenal. This became the guiding principle of the Fourth Legion's naval warfare.
Because this pragmatic tactical thought perfectly aligned with both Perturabo and the veterans of the old Fourth Legion, the doctrine was embraced without resistance.
Now, led by the Iron Blood, the Fourth Legion fleet translated out of the Warp, appearing near the Luna Wolves to support their brother Legion.
Bridge of the Iron Blood.
"So, that is the legendary 63rd Expeditionary Fleet? The fleet of the fabled Luna Wolves?"
"It appears they are indeed in a bitter struggle, just as their distress signal indicated. They need our aid."
Perturabo looked at the tactical displays showing the battlefield data, then glanced through the reinforced viewports at the intense space battle. He turned to his staff and spoke.
"Yes, My Lord. This Ork fleet is exceptionally cunning and warlike, enough to keep even Lord Horus occupied. That is why he signaled for help."
"We are on station. When shall we launch the attack to relieve Lord Horus? We await your command, Father," Forrix reported, his voice filled with anticipation.
The other commanders of the Fourth Legion turned their gaze toward their gene-father, waiting for the word that would send them back to their stations to relay the orders for war.
"Hmm..."
"Connect me to Horus. I must coordinate with my brother," Perturabo said, resting his chin on his hand in thought before speaking with a grave tone.
"By your command, My Lord. I will establish a link with the Vengeful Spirit," Forrix replied obediently. He stepped down from the command dais to direct the mortal thralls and Tech-Priests to establish the vox-link between the two flagships.
Soon, after the adjustments made by the thralls and priests, the channel opened. A holographic image of Horus Lupercal flickered into existence before Perturabo.
"Perturabo, my brother! I did not expect the one coming to my aid would be you, so soon after your return! I am truly flattered!"
Horus spoke with a certain theatrical flair in the hologram, as was his characteristic style.
"Horus, my brother. It is my honor that my first battle in the Great Crusade is to support the First Found," Perturabo replied with measured politeness.
"Haha! I shall certainly speak well of you before our Father. Your assistance is most timely," Horus laughed, offering promises of favor. The early influence of Cthonian gang culture remained deep within Horus, making him interact more like a charismatic gang leader than a formal prince.
"What is the current state of your theater? I am ready to lead the 8th Expeditionary Fleet into the fray to relieve your forces," Perturabo asked, moving past the pleasantries. To the Iron Tsar, finishing the battle was paramount; social networking could wait for the victory celebration.
"The situation is this: though the Ork fleet looks like it was cobbled together from trash, they are not to be underestimated. Their patience and fighting spirit have exceeded our expectations, unlike the Orks we have encountered before."
"They are well-trained and disciplined—at least under the leadership of their Warboss, they are formidable. Be cautious, Perturabo, my brother."
Seeing Perturabo dive straight into the tactical situation, Horus dropped the charm and grew serious, briefing his brother on the current engagement.
"Understood. I see what must be done, Horus," Perturabo nodded slightly.
"Horus, prepare yourself. When my fleet begins the assault on the Ork vessels, your 63rd Expeditionary Fleet must strike simultaneously. Only then can we ensure the immediate destruction of this greenskin fleet."
After a moment of deliberation, Perturabo spoke with stern resolve to the holographic projection of Horus.
"I understand. I will see to it," Horus promised with a nod.