Captain Haines appeared unphased in the face of Tormon's admonitive reprisal, saying nothing and doing nothing that didn't outwardly exemplify obedience. The new captain simply seemed to ignore it and move on. It seemed he would learn quickly.

The Lord Commander proceeded to reveal a great deal about the conditions of their upcoming battle. Veniktor soon realized why scouts and long-ranged weapons would likely prove futile, for there was a strong chance that the Celestial Falcons would be taking this fight underground to seek the heart of this xenos species, whatever it was, and to eliminate it. The captain's black eyes scrutinized the holodisplay as it revealed a series of interconnecting tunnels disappearing into the depths. Already, gears were turning in his head, configuring another plan as to how best his company could safely and efficiently clear the way down.

The Forgemaster seemed quite Martian in his persuasions. His suggestion to involve the Skitarii was highly unexpected, but Veniktor immediately recognized the sanity of it. The nearest forgeworld would have an interest in a new mining world, and with the enemy entrenching itself deep underground, erradicating them from the planet would undoubtedly take some time, plenty of time for the Skitarii to arrive. With the Mechanicus forces reinforcing the defense of Imperial establishments above ground, more Celestial Falcons would be available for pursuing the trogs where they lived. Still, Veniktor saw yet more reason to involve the worshippers of the machine god. As a whole, the Mechanicus were resourceful, their machines capable of feats beyond his understanding. If there was any way to peer through the rock of this planet, they could find it, and any method that could detect enemy movement underground would be invaluable in predicting Trog attacks and preserving the lives of his men in the precarious depths. 

The growing tension between Tormon and Caduceus was heavily masked, but it did not escape Veniktor's notice. Nonetheless, he didn't care. He'd second the Forgemaster's suggestion at the earliest opportunity. First, he'd need to review that tactical data he was promised. 

Keeping his intentions well hidden behind his usual dour expression, Veniktor simply saluted, "Lord Commander," and walked out. 

--- Sometime later. 

The yellow and white image of Veniktor Haines suddenly formed in the background of Avernus' vision as he was striking and dodging against his training servitor. There had been no announcement of the captain's arrival, and he had made no sounds upon entering the training room, so his sudden appearance was unsettling. There was no way to know how long he had been watching, but Veniktor's glare alone was nearly enough to break ones' concentration. 

As soon as Avernus finished his most recent round, Veniktor approached purposefully. A pair of cold lightning claws rested inactive at his sides. The captain glanced at the number lit upon the servitor's display screen, judging it silently before facing his subordinate. "Sergeant Avernus. I see you've been warming up." The comment was impossible to interpret as either an insult or a compliment, yet the captain went on dismissively. "I have orders from our new lord commander to prepare our forces for battle. We are going to war against the native xenos of Alpha-122 in three days. Do not fear for your aim, for the size of these xenos make them hard to miss. We will be focusing on close-quarters subterranean engagement until our deployment." 

Veniktor flicked on a company-wide comm-link. "This is Captain Haines. Bolter practice is cancelled until further notice. All squadrons are to report for extensive melee combat training. You will need swords, claws, spears, and I want you in full armor. You will spar against each other and scores will be tallied. That is all." 

The comm switched off, and Veniktor beheld his bare-chested fellow. "I will be joining you in the combat training, sergeant. Prepare yourself, and return to me when you are ready to begin."