Landing Port

Gao Yi, attended by servants, donned the opulent robes befitting a Rogue Trader.

Surrounded by a retinue of guards, he once again ascended to the Bridge.

Though the death of the Rogue Trader had shocked and grieved the entire ship's crew, the opposition to Gao Yi inheriting the position was far less than anticipated. Even where dissent lingered, Veil's covert cudgel ensured nothing but cries of loyalty.

Gao Yi's performance had won everyone over.

The exploration was fraught with peril, and Warp travel was a gamble with life and death; no one would refuse a leader who could keep them alive.

Not to mention that Gao Yi already held the right of inheritance.

Under the gaze of all, Gao Yi seated himself on the captain's throne, while Veil, standing beside him, addressed the crowd.

"As the Steward of this dynasty, I regret to inform you all that Lord Ludwig Mongert, our Rogue Trader, has met an unfortunate end. He fell in battle on the path of defending humanity's dignity and loyalty to the God-Emperor. May his glorious deeds never fade from the annals of this dynasty.

In accordance with Lord Ludwig's final words, and given that no Blood Kin aboard this vessel has the right to challenge this decision, by the law of blood inheritance, I solemnly declare Gao Yi Mongert the lawful heir of this dynasty, the sacred holder of the Trade Warrant, and the inheritor of the title of Rogue Trader.

It was through his struggle that we survive to this day! Cheer, everyone, and welcome your new captain!"

At Veil's words, the crowd erupted in cheers.

Gao Yi's ears were filled with praises.

He placed his hand on the Thinker before him, which pricked him with a needle to collect and record his biological sample.

Bloodline verification: passed.

Authority transfer: Gao Yi Mongert.

From this moment, Gao Yi was the master of this vessel, holding the highest authority.

"Congratulations, my captain. The Golden Ram is nearing the Landing Port. The Astropath has sent a psychic message ahead. Tantos Moros, the King of the Landing Port, has prepared to welcome your arrival."

"Dock the ship. The crew needs rest. Distribute some Throne Cents to all soldiers and let them rotate shore leave at the Landing Port. Their brave efforts deserve rewards. Shipworkers get an extra five days of rations and fuel cells."

"All will remember your mercy!"

As the ship slowly approached the Landing Port, Gao Yi saw the famed port through the Bridge's viewports.

The entire Landing Port was larger than he had imagined. At a glance, he could see many fleets docked at the Starport—Imperial Navy vessels, Adeptus Mechanicus expedition fleets, and mostly ships from Rogue Trader dynasties or massive commercial companies within the Expansion Zone.

The Imperial Navy protected this place from xenos and other enemies of humanity.

The most magnificent area was the Court of the Monarch and the Imperial Effigy. Within the Court, a massive throne bore engravings of the God-Emperor's great victories, serving as a venue for receiving important figures. The Imperial Effigy was a colossal statue of the God-Emperor, where countless faithful came to pray and pay homage.

The Ecclesiarchy, the Adeptus Mechanicus, and the Imperial Navy all had offices here. The Inquisition also maintained numerous overt and covert spies hidden within the Landing Port.

They hunted for unforgivable heretical acts. Even a Rogue Trader, if caught in their sights, would find no easy escape. Not a few Rogue Trader families had been branded heretics and annihilated.

Yet they also followed the unwritten rules of the Expansion Zone. Compared to the Inquisition within the Imperium, the standards here were more lenient—as long as you didn't cross the red line of Chaos.

This kind of trade, not openly sanctioned, was called the Cold Trade.

The vast distance also gave the Ecclesiarchy, the Adeptus Mechanicus, and the Inquisition here their own unique characteristics, but they all shared a unified faith in the God-Emperor and obedience to the Imperium's leadership.

There was a saying in the Landing Port: everything has a price, but if you ask, you might not be able to pay it. This showed just how exorbitant the trade profits were. Almost any fleet returning from the Expansion Zone to the Imperium would stop here for repairs.

The massive Golden Ram was guided toward the Starport. Many recognized the vessel—there were only a few Lunar-class ships among the Rogue Traders.

Seeing the battered ship, they wondered what the Mongert Family's flagship had endured.

Gao Yi arrived at the airlock, flanked by soldiers in Combat Suits, with Veil the Steward at his side.

Gao Yi had no intention of hiding equipment like the Combat Suits. Sometimes, showing your teeth saved you a lot of trouble.

When the hatch opened, Tantos, the King of the Landing Port, stood outside with his guards, waiting for Gao Yi's arrival.

Seeing the soldiers in Combat Suits emerge first, he looked curious but remained calm. After all, lucky finds of lost technology from undeveloped worlds weren't unheard of.

But when he saw Gao Yi walk out with Veil, his pupils contracted sharply.

To hold the position of Landing Port King, one had to be shrewd. Gao Yi's attire and Veil's humble demeanor suggested only one possibility: the Mongert Dynasty had suffered a major upheaval. Veil was someone he knew, and he knew his role. He had also received the previous Rogue Trader, Ludwig, many times.

Gao Yi met the man's gaze without a hint of fear. The title "King of the Landing Port" might sound grand, but the true rulers of the Landing Port were the Rogue Traders. When a Rogue Trader was present, they governed the port. If multiple Rogue Traders were there, the most powerful among them ruled.

The Landing Port King was a pleasant title, but at best, he was a tool for distributing goods on behalf of the Rogue Traders.

Any major power entrenched in the Landing Port could control him.

Gao Yi had no doubt that if he killed Tantos outright, it would cause some trouble, but nothing insurmountable. He could simply install a new Landing Port King.

Some Landing Port Kings lasted only days or months before being eliminated. No one knew how many had come and gone—at least a few hundred. Tantos had already held the position longer than most.

That was why, upon hearing a Rogue Trader was arriving, Tantos dropped everything to stand here and await Gao Yi.

"Noble Rogue Trader, Tantos welcomes your arrival!"

As Gao Yi approached, Tantos bowed in greeting.

"Tantos, this is the current Rogue Trader of the Mongert Family, Gao Yi Mongert. Remember his noble visage and fulfill all his requests," Veil introduced.

"Steward Veil, forgive my impertinence. What happened to Lord Ludwig?"

"Lord Ludwig has returned to the Golden Throne. You need not ask further." Veil replied with displeasure, his expression souring at any inquiry about Ludwig.

"Tantos, this is our first meeting, isn't it?"

"I believe so. Tantos congratulates you on inheriting the position of Rogue Trader. I will do everything in my power to carry out your orders."

"Good, Tantos. I have no interest in replacing the King of Landing Port. As long as you fulfill your duties, you may keep your position. I need experienced crew members and various supplies. I also need someone to repair my warship. And contact the local Ecclesiarchy bishop for me—my ship was attacked in the Warp, and many areas require purification."

"I'll have it done immediately. But there is an important matter I wish to report to you."

"What is it?"

"It seems your family is facing some trouble. There are rumors that chaos is brewing within your Dynasty's capital, Agathos—something to do with the position of Rogue Trader?"