Now it's Garviel's turn to look poleaxed. "No. I mean... well, I hadn't considered it. All such things are unknown to astartes. I mean, no well.. what I'm trying to say is we don't engage in any such bonding normally but these are special circumstances. And you are special."

He frowns. "This is far more difficult than launching a drop-assault or organizing a battle company. I am making a mess of it, aren't i?"