Based on the diplomatic report submitted by Phosis, Nareth had already inferred who he had clashed with.
A Grimnyr.
They are the only Kindred who can come close to the Votann and communicate with them, responsible for seeking guidance from the ancestors or interpreting the output.
Most Squats have low sensitivity to the Warp, but Grimnyr are different. During their clone forging, the Votann Core grants them greater psychic sensitivity.
Each Squat's innate talent and future profession are determined when the Votann selects from its genetic codex.
Based on its programming, the Votann produces various type, Heartkyn the wariors, Brôkhyr the engineers, craftsmen and artificers, Einhyr the shock troops.
Grimnyr are the same. They are not merely lucky individuals but the result of programming.
Although the talent direction is set, Squats are not fixed programs. Due to different life experiences, they develop their talents to different degrees and in different directions, becoming completely different individuals.
After death, most return to the Votann.
Each Squat's death brings minute changes. The uploaded memories subtly influence the genetic templates.
Over countless generations, these micro-adjustments accumulated, newly born Squats can be completely different from before. This is also why different Leagues and Kindreds, all from Votann, exhibit different characteristics.
A light flashed in Nareth's eyes. He thought to himself.
'It can be confirmed that they have Grimnyr and the Ancestor Core'
'But it's not just Ancestral Faness; there's more.'
"The Squat star system has more than 1,140 void warships. Its defense grid is packed with fortifications, far stronger than any other system."
"This proves the Squat star system is vital to them."
'The Votann is vital. Its location will always have far stronger defenses.'
The League we're facing likely keeps their Votann somewhere in the Squat system.'
Nareth knew that each League placed their Votann, sometimes multiple, somewhere different.
It could be hidden deep within a fortified underground vault, sealed inside an unbreakable fortress behind layers of shields, or placed aboard the League's mightiest flagship.
"Your judgment is correct. Phosis discovered the Squats seem to be guarding something."
"It might be an object or a secret. Though we don't know what it is, it must be of critical importance ."
Magnus didn't mention psychic powers, but Nareth knew Phosis must have engaged in a psychic battle with at least one Grimnyr and made some discovery.
'From the looks of it, Magnus doesn't yet know the exact existence of the Votann.'
'Could be him putting on an act, moving in secret.'
'But Phosis might not necessarily breach the Squats' psychic defenses under Grimnyr interference. We'll see how Magnus proceeds.'
Thinking this, Nareth said: "My plan is based on this. I have ordered the newly constructed Ramilies-class Starfort from Cypra Mundi to proceed to the Kalium Gate for deployment to Squat."
"My main force will rely on the Starfort to engage the Squats in a decisive battle."
"If the Squats truly have a secret they must defend, forces from other systems will come to support. Defenses in those systems will weaken, creating oppenings."
"Your plan is feasible," Magnus said. Seeing Perturabo still showed no intention of speaking, he continued: "And our Legions?"
"Based on current intelligence, System D-1519 is, apart from Squat, the location of the largest shipbuilding facilities."
As Nareth spoke, Arsena a control staff. The star map expanded.
The thirty-five explored star systems in the galactic core were highlighted. Arsena then focused on one system in the east, zooming in on it individually.
"Psychic strikes are the best way for rapid capture."
"The Thousand Sons will seize D-1519, curbing their shipbuilding speed."
Nareth then looked at the Perturabo. "System D-1504 is a world composed entirely of mountains."
"The Hold is heavily fortificatified but I believe the Iron Warriors' hammer can break even such a fortress."
Nareth didn't mention this Hold's scale and defenses surpassed D-1504's.
He wanted Perturabo to feel valued and would offer praise after the Iron Warriors made sacrifices.
'To get Perturabo's designs, I really have to work hard… even provide emotional support.
'Consider it a "bribe."'
It's for the designs, for saving architectural art!'
"Leave it to me."
Nareth saw Perturabo, who practically seemed autistic at times, finally open his mouth and accept the mission.
"Then, let us begin discussing the detailed operational plan."
In the following time, the three Primarchs enriched and refined the plan
Nareth noticed noticed Perturabo speaking much more than usual, obsessing over every detail:
From establishing every key node to scheduling every company.
He wanted to ensure fleets arrived on time, ammunition was sufficient, rations were adequate, support was proper, everything in orderly fashion.
'Perturabo, like Roboute Guilliman, is an organizational genius, meticulous in planning and execution.'
'But while Guilliman cares for his sons' lives, Perturabo only knows how to ram head-first.
'Magnus is more flexible, using psychic suggestion, diplomacy, or foresight to predict enemy action.'
Thinking this, Nareth glanced at Magnus and Perturabo, musing.
'One fluid, one rigid but precise.'
'The Thousand Sons and Iron Warriors acting together in the Great Crusade makes perfect sense.'
'Moreover, Perturabo only had Magnus as a friend'
The comprehensive plan was finalized within a day.
After taking a sip of Symphony of the Sea black tea, Magnus said:
"Nareth, Perturabo, I have an idea and hope for your support."
"Magnus, speak freely." Nareth looked at Magnus, guessing 'Temporary assignments for learning?'
"Magnus, go ahead."
"Every Legion has somethings worth learning. I hope each of my Captains, before leading their Fellowship, can accompany another Legion, and learn combat methods while deepening the Thousand Sons' understanding of the galaxy."
"Agreed. The 'Iron Warriors' welcome your Captain candidates." Perturabo said with a smile.
"YourCaptain candidates are welcome." To prevent raising Magnus's suspicion by requesting a change after he named his candidates, Nareth spoke first:
"Let it be Hathor Maat. I saw him aboard the ship to Prospero."
"My judgment shouldn't be wrong, he must be one of your chosen captains, no?" He added the perfect amount of humor.
Magnus was momentarily stunned. He had intended to send the most perfect-looking Maat to the Emperor's Children and dispatch Phosis to the Shadows of Order.
"Of course, Maat is one of my finest sons."
Subsequently, the future Magister Templi of the Pyrae and Captain of the 6th Fellowship, Khalophis, was, as in his memory, assigned to the Iron Warriors.
.....
If you enjoy the story, my p@treon is 30 chapters ahead.
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