Guilliman looked at Rhodes and laughed.
"You want me to persuade the Space Wolves? Why not you?" Rhodes rolled his eyes.
Rhodes really didn't want to deal with those Space Wolves. In the original timeline, it was Roboute Guilliman who had to humble himself to beg them, and only then did they accept the Primaris Marines.
Even after joining, the Primaris Marines in the Wolves were bullied until they proved themselves as true sons of Leman Russ—this wasn't resolved even during the psychic awakening arc!
Now, the Space Wolves are hung up on one thing. They can accept the Emperor's awakening, are happy to return to the legion structure since they have no successor chapters, but there's one thing they can't accept: among the four returning primarchs is Magnus. The Wolves absolutely cannot stand this.
The Space Wolves and Magnus have a deadly feud. Leman Russ once led the Wolves in a bloody purge of Magnus's homeworld, and after Magnus became a daemon prince, he and the Thousand Sons struck back hard at the Space Wolves.
"How about we switch? You know how busy I am—every minute counts for me, but you just train and meet visiting dignitaries.
I have a lot to do: reclaiming Imperial territory, preparing the expedition, and I need at least a year to get everything ready. You, on the other hand, have time to handle the Wolves," Guilliman said.
He couldn't leave, nor could Magnus. So only Rhodes could go.
"How about I go to the Dark Angels or Iron Hands? Their attitudes are also ambiguous," Rhodes said.
"No need. I'll have Calgar persuade the Iron Father, and as for the Dark Angels, Lion El'Jonson will be awakening soon, so they're not an issue. The real problem is the Space Wolves," said Guilliman.
The only issue is the Wolves.
"Didn't I already suggest you just ignore them? They have no successor chapters, so it won't affect the military," Rhodes said dismissively.
"At least give Leman Russ some face! He's missing, not dead!" Guilliman rolled his eyes.
If it were just the two of them, and without Magnus or the Emperor's awakening, they could ignore the Wolves.
But now, if the Wolves disobey, and Rhodes doesn't go, the Custodes will be sent.
And if the Custodes go, Guilliman can only imagine the result—Fenris would be slaughtered.
The Custodes have had a prejudice against Space Marines and primarchs for ten thousand years. Now, with the Emperor's direct orders to restore the legions, accept aid, Primaris Marines, and Magnus's return, anyone who dares disobey will be forced to comply by the Custodes.
The Custodes have been waiting ten thousand years for the Emperor's orders—they're eager for a bloodbath. If the Wolves resist, Guilliman doesn't want to think about the consequences.
To the Custodes, as long as Leman Russ' gene-seed remains, they can just wipe out the current Wolves and make new ones.
"Have the Space Wolves send a representative to Holy Terra to see the situation," Rhodes said.
"I know how stubborn the Wolves are. They think I'm trying to be the next Emperor and take over the Imperium, so I'd be useless. This is your job, Rhodes," Guilliman said.
"Fine, I get it. Since you put it that way, I'll go!" Rhodes said, resigned.
After all, he really didn't have much else to do.
His own territory was developing well, and Huron had found a new habitable star system. Rhodes' domain now spanned four systems, and Huron was cooperating with Mefilas to expand, so Rhodes was basically just a caretaker.
As for Terra, his gene-sons, the vice-legion commanders, newly promoted chapter masters, and brigade commanders were already recruiting new troops.
According to Guilliman, Rhodes' legion could expand to about 700,000, after which they must wait for other legions to catch up before more growth, and focus on supplying other legions first.
Now, Rhodes' daily routine was training and quality time with Elena, meeting the heads of Imperial worlds along with Magnus and Guilliman.
"It's decided. I'll provide a ship. It'll take three months each way in the warp from Terra to the Space Wolves' world—half a year total.
When you return, spend another half year getting familiar with army affairs, then you can launch the expedition," said Guilliman.
All legions are reorganizing, and it'll take over a year to complete. Rhodes can use this time to handle some things. Guilliman's plan is for Rhodes to go to the Space Wolves.
Magnus definitely can't go; if he did, there'd be a fight. Guilliman himself could only beg them, but Rhodes could use force if needed.
Rhodes always said: if reason doesn't work, use physics. Against the Wolves, you have to use physics.
"What about Elena? Is she coming with me?" Rhodes asked.
"She needs to stay on Terra to organize the Sisters of Battle. The Ice Queen Legion is in the formation stage, and the Ecclesiarchy is fully supporting it.
As the gene-mother, she needs to get close to her gene-daughters.
Building a legion isn't easy, and when you're gone, Elena will handle legion affairs," Guilliman explained.
Politically, Elena was actually more talented than Rhodes. She'd take care of legion business, picking chapter masters, captains, brigade commanders, and building a think tank—she was the best choice.
"Alright, I'll take a medium mothership and 10,000 troops. My two space fortresses will stay on Terra!" Rhodes said.
He was definitely going to use force with the Wolves, but not wipe them out. One medium Padan-class mothership would suffice.
He planned to leave his two space fortresses near Mars for Cawl, to upgrade with void shields, warp engines, Gellar fields, and Imperial weapons.
According to Cawl's plan, the two ships would be further expanded to use all available space.
Rhodes planned to visit Cawl before leaving.
"No problem. When will you depart?" Guilliman asked.
"After meeting the Ecclesiarchy with Elena. I'll leave in three days," Rhodes said.
Guilliman nodded and left.
After Guilliman left, Rhodes sighed and told Elena about the trip.
"Don't worry, I'll handle things here," Elena said.
There was no other choice. Only Rhodes had the rank to persuade the Wolves.
"With you here, I'm relieved," Rhodes said, patting her head.
After chatting, Rhodes took a small ship to Mars.