...
Half an hour later.
A warship suddenly appeared in orbit over the second world of Star System 4. After exiting dimensional transit, numerous transport ships deployed from beneath it, carrying troops toward the planet below.
Froes and his ten Astartes were aboard the fastest transport ship.
If Qin Mo were present and had asked Froes for his assessment of Talon System's military forces, he would have replied with just two words: highly efficient.
Only thirty minutes ago, upon exiting the fortress, Froes had already seen an entire regiment assembled before the stronghold. They were promptly teleported to the orbital docks, boarding the cruisers stationed there.
Twenty minutes later, the cruisers, using some unknown method, were already in System 4. Now, all forces were descending to the planet's surface.
This was merely a small-scale mission. For a full-scale war, Talon System's military could arrive at the battlefield in an astonishingly short time—truly efficient.
"Chapter Master Froes, how do you find this journey so far?" asked Grey, seated directly across from him.
For this mission, a single Custodian was present—only Grey himself had come along.
"From the moment I entered your system, I've been on a journey full of surprises," Froes replied.
Grey nodded, unsurprised, and fell silent.
Froes pondered for a moment before asking, "Was it really necessary for us to be part of this mission?"
"To be honest, no," Grey shook his head. "This mission is, at its core, an experiment. Gathering the plague samples is just one of the many benefits it may yield."
Froes nodded in understanding, sighing softly, "Your Governor is a rare man of good character, leaders like him are few."
"Unique, actually," Grey corrected. "You won't find another Governor like him—one who not only provides you with supplies but goes as far as to give you a task just to ease your conscience."
Froes remained silent, nodding in agreement.
...
The transport fleet flew toward the planet's far side, eventually descending into a rugged canyon. That was the reason teleportation wasn't used for ground deployment; the terrain was too complex.
The transports hovered three meters above the ground, and their passengers jumped out, one after the other.
Once Froes had landed, he surveyed his surroundings, noticing that the entire regiment wore powered armor, just like the soldiers he'd seen elsewhere in Talon System. Among them were several massive individuals and a few much smaller ones.
Despite the armor, Froes could easily tell they were Ogryns and Ratlings.
Both of these abhuman strains were not uncommon in the Imperial Guard, having evolved under extreme conditions but still retaining their right to exist within the Imperium, where they were required to fight. However, seeing Ogryns in power armor was exceedingly rare.
"These Ogryns are practically walking dreadnoughts," Froes remarked suddenly.
"Dreadnoughts? What are those?" Grey asked, puzzled, having never heard the term before.
"War machines, piloted by our Chapter's bravest and most resilient warriors," Froes explained.
Grey was intrigued by Astartes life and their weaponry, but now was not the time to indulge his curiosity. Climbing onto a nearby boulder, he scanned the area.
Ahead was a vast settlement, consisting of crude structures built from metal sheets and other salvaged materials, all leaning against the landscape. To the left, a murky green river was filled with corpses.
"It's obvious the local forces didn't help them. They massacred them," Froes growled, furious at the sight.
Clearly, the planetary governor had issued some horrific orders to contain the plague.
But Grey disagreed, explaining, "The governor only recently learned of the plague; otherwise, he wouldn't have called for aid three days ago."
Froes initially found it hard to believe, but after recalling the ineptitude of some governors he had encountered, it made sense.
"It's not just this system that's afflicted. Other systems have it too, though this one is worse," Grey continued.
"What caused it? Some vile heretical cult? Or something else?" Froes, having been out of touch for a long time, had no idea what was happening in the neighboring systems.
Grey didn't know either, which is why they had come in the first place.
"You mentioned this is an experiment—what do you mean by that?" Froes asked.
"According to the governor's report, all the scouts he sent were killed, so there may be combat. We're testing the Ogryns' and Ratlings' new equipment," Grey said, gesturing to the regiment leader.
The officer nodded and led his aide toward a group of five Ogryns, instructing them to take point as the vanguard.
"When do we get to fight?"
"Loot wants to bash skulls for the Emperor and the Governor!"
"Then move up! Get going!"
The five Ogryns charged ahead toward the settlement.
Compared to the dim-witted Ogryns, the Ratlings were more adept at following orders. Though timid, they were emboldened by their power armor and the presence of Astartes and Custodians.
The five Ogryns and ten Ratlings advanced, with Froes and Grey flanking them, while the other Astartes spread out among the rest of the regiment.
"You have command over all of us," Grey told Froes. "The Governor's orders. Besides, you've fought longer than I've lived."
Froes nodded, accepting the command.
The squad advanced toward the settlement, their bio-scanners actively probing the surroundings.
As they neared the settlement, Grey's visor picked up a red marker—an individual standing by a window, weapon aimed at the streets.
"Enemy up ahead," Grey reported, removing his helmet and showing the display to Froes, who glanced at it and ordered, "Let's move in and assess the situation."
"Alright. Wait, why?" Grey asked, confused. "Why not have the Ogryns just bombard the settlement?"
Froes stared sternly at Grey and responded immediately, "There may be civilians inside—we can't just bomb it."