While Perturabo fretted over his sons' excessive admiration for Horus, Horus Lupercal was busy formulating his own hidden agenda.
Thus, although these two genetic brothers were meeting for the first time, both sides had already begun a subtle tug-of-war, each intending to gain the upper hand over the other.
Bridge of the Vengeful Spirit, Sixteenth Legion Flagship.
"My Lord, has Lord Perturabo confirmed that he will launch an offensive to draw the Orks away and relieve the pressure on us?"
Hastur Sejanus, the head of the Luna Wolves' Mournival and the man recognized as most qualified to give direct counsel to the Primarch, asked his gene-father with a serious expression.
As an officer, his priority was ensuring victory. In this situation, he set aside his personal affection and respect for Horus to focus entirely on winning the battle.
"Perturabo assured me that he will soon lead his fleet in an assault against these Orks. It will draw their attention and ease the strain on our lines. After all, isn't that why he came?"
Horus smiled at his most beloved son and answered smoothly. He appreciated Sejanus's current state—one of absolute focus and total immersion in the command of the battle.
"Excellent, My Lord."
"In that case, the moment Perturabo strikes, we must rapidly shift from defense to offense. We will break free from this unfavorable position and give those damned greenskins a little surprise!" Sejanus nodded, a flicker of satisfaction crossing his face.
As a commander and a warrior, being suppressed by the Orks due to inferior numbers had left him with a simmering frustration. Now that reinforcements had arrived, he was eager to strike back.
"However, Sejanus, my son..."
"I have a small suggestion regarding your plan," Horus said, his eyes narrowing slightly.
"I am listening, My Lord. I trust your wisdom will guide us to a better counter-attack and secure our victory," Sejanus replied without a hint of doubt. As the Master of the Sixteenth Legion and the First Found, Horus possessed a tactical brilliance that the entire Legion worshipped. Sejanus had no reason to question his father.
"Sejanus, I was thinking... why shouldn't we wait until Perturabo and his Fourth Legion have fought these Orks to a standstill? We could launch our counter-attack then and secure a much greater victory."
"By doing so, we win the battle while minimizing our own casualties. Is that not 'killing two birds with one stone'? We turn today's stroke of ill luck into a glorious triumph."
"After all, the Luna Wolves are the finest Astartes Legion in the Imperium. It would be an honor for Perturabo and his Fourth Legion to serve as our vanguard—to absorb the brunt of the casualties—so that we may deliver the decisive blow."
"Tell me, what do you think of this plan?"
Horus furrowed his brow slightly, seeking the opinion of his Mournival leader after presenting his thoughts.
Although the Master of Mankind had found Horus Lupercal long ago, his early years as a gang leader in the tunnels of Cthonia had left a permanent mark on his military philosophy and personal conduct.
The most significant trait was his attitude toward allies. In the gangs of Cthonia, where life was cheap and survival was a daily struggle, one would betray any teammate if the betrayal yielded a greater profit. After being found by the Emperor, Horus brought this mindset to the Luna Wolves—a Legion already populated by many Cthonian recruits.
His preferred command style often involved using Imperial Army Auxilia or brother Legions to draw enemy fire. Once the two sides were locked in a grueling attrition, he would commit his elite Luna Wolves to perform a decapitation strike. To the First Found, expendable allies were simply another resource to be managed; if sacrificing a comrade led to a grander victory, he would make that choice without hesitation.
"You mean... let Lord Perturabo and his Legion act as the anvil for us, while we pluck the fruits of victory and claim all the glory?" Sejanus asked slowly, his brow furrowing as he processed the suggestion.
As a Luna Wolf, Sejanus didn't fundamentally oppose Horus's tactical ruthlessness. However, he felt that employing such a scheme now was ill-advised.
"Sejanus, you seem to disagree with my thought. State your reasons," Horus said, noticing his son's hesitation.
"My Lord, I do not oppose the plan itself. But I believe the timing is inappropriate. You and Lord Perturabo are meeting for the first time; such behavior is unbecoming."
"As the eldest brother recognized by the Primarchs, you should provide him with a good impression. At the very least, let him believe you are a trustworthy elder brother he can rely on—not a devious schemer who sells him out for profit the moment you meet," Sejanus advised sternly.
"You speak truly, Sejanus. Now that you mention it, I agree that we should not impulsively use that plan," Horus nodded, Sejanus's words striking a chord within him.
"I suggest that this time, we cooperate with him wholeheartedly. We must make him believe we are teammates worthy of his trust and reliance," Sejanus continued. "That way, if we wish to follow your strategy in the future, he may even be willing to cooperate."
Horus smiled, showing his approval. "You are right. That is the way."
"Then, for now, we shall fully support Perturabo's actions. Let him see me as the trustworthy and respectable elder brother he deserves!"
Horus spoke with a sudden, passionate fervor, his voice filled with an inspiring energy.
"By your command, Father," Sejanus replied.