Story consists of two intermingling parts - first showing Vulkan's actions in bringing the renegade human world to compliance and second showing meeting between Emperor and Vulkan and their discussion where Vulkan is to make his mind whether or not to join and follow Emperor in his Great Crusade.

Vulkan and Salamanders are not your standard Space Marines - they feel greatly about the human life and try to save as much as possible from unnecessary death and destruction. This part of Vulkan's personality, his protectiveness of all human life, is what Emperor sees as the most vital difference between Vulkan and his brothers. This is what makes Vulkan invaluable to the Great Crusade.

Excellent short story that sheds light on relations between Emperor and his Primarchs. It is obvious Emperor is not telling them everything and it is also obvious that they are aware of it. But unlike some Vulkan joins the Emperor because he sees there is no other option for humanity if it is to survive among the stars.

Recommended to all fans of Horus Heresy series. ( )