"But that is my brother’s weakness – he prides himself as an expert tactician, but how much of that is based on the tools with which he works? A legionary is amongst the finest warriors in the galaxy–’‘Amongst?’ the first questioner interjects.
‘Amongst,’ the primarch says, and there is the hint of a smile in his voice, although his face cannot be seen. ‘My father’s Custodes are, individually, the equal of almost any legionary and the superior of most.’
‘The Legio Custodes do not fight as one,’ the third questioner states. ‘They lack the mindset for it.’
‘Mindsets can change,’ the primarch points out. ‘The processes that give these warriors their abilities cannot. Or so we have been told,’ he adds, with a glance at the first questioner. ‘My point is that it is easy for Roboute to proclaim himself a mighty general when his troops obey his orders quickly, without question, and are singularly capable in all aspects of open warfare. He thinks that off the back of this fact, he can forge a legacy that will endure – that he can set down a method which any commander can follow and achieve the same results as he has. But he has not been tested against a superior adversary.’
The primarch sighs, as if regretful.
‘One day, Roboute may face an enemy that will not engage him in the manner of warfare that he knows. His Ultramarines, the pale imitations of him that they are, may find themselves without his guidance, or find that what guidance he has left them is insufficient for the task. What will they do then, when the dogma they clasp so close to their hearts has failed them? When the commands do not come, or, perhaps more worryingly, their commander cannot be trusted? Will their spirit break? Perhaps, and perhaps not, but will they adapt? Of that, I am more doubtful. They will need to learn new warfare from first principles, and while they attempt that, they will be cut to ribbons.’
