The Space Marines of the Ultimate Marine instantly drew weapons, aiming at the traitors below.
They would have executed these traitors—after all, their gene-father was being merciful, offering them a chance at redemption, but some didn't appreciate it.
Rhodes gestured to his sons to stand down. The Primaris Astartes were far more powerful than the originals—a single mistake would slaughter the lot.
"Great gene-father, they dared insult you," a chapter master said.
"Don't act rashly! Not all from the traitor legions are traitors. They did nothing wrong; their inability to accept this news is understandable, and I forgive them," Rhodes comforted his sons.
"Your Primarchs betrayed, not you. You can trust me. When we reach Terra, you'll see I spoke the truth," Rhodes said.
The traitor Marines were left confused and anxious about their fate.
"Lord Rhodes, what will you do with us? Will you execute us all?" an Emperor's Children Marine asked.
They believed they would be purged like the lost Second and Eleventh Legions.
"No, I have no such intention. If I wanted you dead, I'd have left you in stasis. Waking you has a reason," Rhodes said.
"If not death, then what?" a Death Guard asked.
"I'm giving you a choice. Besides the Luna Wolves and Thousand Sons, the other traitor legions will be given special treatment. I'll replace your gene-seed—you can join my legion, or any other willing to accept you," Rhodes said.
Not long ago, Guilliman had told Rhodes a secret: during the Randan Campaign, the First Legion lost its numbers, while the Ultramarines became the largest. The lost Eleventh Legion was not destroyed, but integrated into the Ultramarines—100,000 members, memories wiped, became part of the Ultramarines. Even Guilliman erased parts of his own memory to help them blend in.
So Rhodes could secretly take in these traitors. If they didn't want to join him, Guilliman or even Horus would accept them—though not the others.
"Lord Rhodes, you mean you'd accept us into your legion?" an Emperor's Children Marine asked.
"Yes, but your gene-seed will be replaced with mine, and you'll undergo new Primaris upgrades. My warriors are taller, stronger, and faster—they are the new generation," Rhodes said.
The Marines discussed among themselves—some wanted to join Rhodes, others wished to return to Terra, some feared secret execution upon return.
"You can think it over. My legion, Guilliman's Ultramarines, and Horus's Luna Wolves are your options. Others are not suitable," Rhodes said.
"Lord Rhodes, thank you for taking us in. We are willing to join your legion and fight for the Emperor, even if our Primarchs have turned," said a Death Guard Marine.
"Lord Rhodes, we World Eaters will join you, but we have Butcher's Nails implants, making us berserk in battle," said a World Eater.
"Don't worry. That was a problem ten thousand years ago—even the Emperor couldn't remove them then. Now it's easy. I'll arrange surgery—gene-seed replacement, nail removal, and Primaris upgrade," Rhodes smiled.
"Praise the Emperor!"
The World Eaters knelt and pledged loyalty to Rhodes. Unlike others, they didn't like their Primarch—Angron killed many and forced them to get the Nails. Now free from his curse and able to serve the Emperor anew, joining Rhodes was a joy.
The Iron Warriors, Word Bearers, Death Guard, and World Eaters all chose to join Rhodes and fight for the Emperor and Imperium.
But Emperor's Children hesitated, unable to accept their Primarch's fall. Rhodes did not pressure them, letting them rest and think.
After handling the traitor Marines, Rhodes had other matters—like a regiment of Astra Militarum troops, 100,000 strong, including Death Korps of Krieg, Catachan Jungle Fighters, and some Great Crusade-era Imperials.
Rhodes left them to Titus: retire, or become Astartes in Rhodes's legion.
Most chose Astartes—life as a Guardsman meant endless war, but as Astartes, they could live centuries.
Battle Sisters were left to Elena to handle. Among them were old friends from Rhodes's early days, such as Sister Anna and Captain Dres of the Polar Warriors.
After a warm reunion, the Polar Warriors rejoined the Ultramarines—Rhodes would send them to Guilliman.
Abbess Anna marveled that her former Hospitaller had become a female Primarch, now the gene-mother of all Sisters.
"Rest well, both of you. If you need anything, ask my sons," Rhodes said.
"Thank you, Lord Rhodes. We're just a little emotional," Captain Dres said.
"Lord Rhodes, may I see Elena?" Anna asked.
"Of course." Rhodes chatted a bit more, then had them sent to rest.
He still had important matters—Rogal Dorn should have awoken by now.
After rescuing Dorn, Rhodes had him placed in a high-end med bay for repairs.
Rhodes went to the medbay to see him.